A New World, A New Conflict

Chapters

Meeting Each Other (Day 1)
New Allies (Day 1)
Making New Plans (Day 1)
Touring Thieves (Day 1)
Letters and a Hunter's new companion (Day 1)
Hiring assistance (Day 1)
Nightly interactions (Day 1)
Morning (Day 2)
Conflict in the making (Day 2)
Conflicts resolved...maybe...not really...FIGHT! (Day 2)
The Past affects the Future (Day 2)
Arceus finally delivers his message (Day 2)
Influential Dreams (Day 3)
Practice fights can still be rough (Day 3)
Meetings come in several different forms (Day 3)
Early Morning Thoughts (Day 4)
Talking at the Table (Day 4)
Kidnapped (Day 4)
She's been WHAT?!!! (Day 4)
The Future is Now (Day 4)
YOU'VE DONE WHAT?!! (Day 5)
Let's find the roots of heresy (Day 5)
Crush the Heretics (Day 5)
We're finally getting somewhere (Day 6)
Dogs and witches (Day 6)
All aboard the Death Train (Day 7)
This Plan Might have some results (Day 7)
Worries {Day 7}
Tale of the Two Snakes
We're almost getting to the battle
FINALLY! Let's fight!
The Fight Continues
Side Chapter" Raziel
Sometimes, change will come when you least expect it (Day 0)
A Fight in the Streets and a Hunter's new prey (Day 1)
(Bonus Chapter) Celestia meets the baby prince
Side Chapter: Bed Talk

Meeting Each Other (Day 1)

“Git back ‘ere ponee!” A voice screamed out from behind her.

Lightning Dust paid it no mind. She just kept running. The course sand under her hooves felt strange. Before now, she had never been in a desert. She was used to running on fresh grass or clouds. Sand just didn’t feel the same. ‘How can anyone live with this stuff?’

As she ran for her life, with a light blue pegasus colt on her back no less and her wings tied against her body, she briefly pondered how she got into this mess in the first place. Oddly enough, those same events started playing in her head. ‘Guess the saying is true. Your life really does flash before your eyes before you die.’

She had always been a prime flier. Ever since she was a little filly, she wanted to be a Wonderbolt. She spent every living moment training and making herself better. Finally, she applied for Wonderbolt boot camp. She was so ecstatic. It took everything she had not to gush over everything in the academy.

Then, she met this awesome flier: Rainbow Dash. She couldn’t believe it. She had met a national hero and what was better, she was paired up with her. ‘I know I’m awesome, but that awesome? Spitfire must have had a lot of confidence in me.’

That’s what she thought, until the ‘accident’. Lightning, back then, hadn’t even considered anypony else worth her time. She was there to become a Wonderbolt. Nothing else mattered. That was her problem and let to her greatest mistake. She was kicked out of the academy posthaste. Utterly humiliated and heartbroken, she travelled. That’s what Lightning did for a year. Just travelling here and there, trying to pull herself back together so she could try again.

Unfortunately, in her travels, she stumbled across some slavers. Now, slavery wasn’t present at all in Equestria. It was one of the few crimes punishable by death. Nope, she stumbled upon it on a griffin cruiser when she so ‘brilliantly’ decided to go looking around. One smack to her head and she found herself in a diamond dog den. Thankfully, dogs weren’t that smart, so she planned her escape. Even took one of kids with her too.

‘Hopefully some of the others escaped too.’

So now Lightning Dust and the kid on her back were running for their lives. The dogs behind them were armed with nothing but clubs and nets. Usually, dogs had makeshift armor and crude weapons that they affection-ally called ‘choppas’, but the escape had caught them unprepared. That and they didn’t want to harm their ‘workers’. So, the nearest bunch just sped after her. The only one with any real armor, was the largest dog. He was a scruffy, hyena breed with mismatch armor. He was one third larger than the other dogs, making him the leader of the bunch. A crude axe lay within his right paw.

Given the terrain and Lightning tiring out, she knew it was only a matter of time till the dogs caught up to her.

‘If only I could fly. These chumps would never catch me then.’

The sand in front of her burst, spraying the stuff everywhere. Lightning stopped in her tracks and covered her face with a foreleg. Lowering it, she came face to face with a really ugly hyena dog. It grinned.

“We’z gotya now, ponee,” he chuckled harshly. His hands outstretched and ready to grab her.

“Wanna bet?” Lightning snarled. If she was going down, she was going to take these chumps down with her. ‘Maybe they’ll forget about the kid during the fight.’ She nudged the colt off of her. “Run.” She told him.

“But…” the little colt seemed hesitant to leave her.

“Run,” Lightning pointed to the distance. “I’ll be right behind you.”

The colt nodded and bolted.

“Grab the poneez,” the largest hyena dog shouted in rage. “The boss aint gonna like you’z boyz losin’ ‘em.”

“I’m a girl, ya git,” one of the dogs shouted.

“Shut yer yap and get ta fightin’,” the large dog said back to her.

The dog that had surprised her was the closest, so he tried to lunge. Thankfully, Lightning Dust was rather adept at fighting. She ducked, letting the dog fly over her. When the dog landed and tried to make a swipe, she bucked him right on the muzzle. The dog screamed in pain as he fell on his butt. A dogs’ nose and snout were rather sensitive.

Lightning smirked, before the largest dog swatted aside the howling dog and took a predatory stance. The rest of the others lined up, even the one she bucked. Though, he was still whimpering and holding a paw to his muzzle.

“You wanna dance?” Lightning got up on her hind legs and made a come hither motion. “Let’s dance.”

The dogs howled a battle cry as they charged.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Not far from where Lightning’s struggle took place, a certain Seviper was groggily waking up.

“Ugh,” he lifted up his head and rubbed it softly with his tail. “What was I drinking last night?” Suddenly he perked up. “Wait! I wasn’t drinking? The war room…my generals…”

He took a look around his surroundings. ‘Sand? Sand? MORE SAND?!!!’ He hissed in anger. He didn’t know how this could happen. There was no way he could be just randomly sent into the desert.

Unless....’Why didn’t I think of this in the first place.’

“Humans did this,” he scowled. Everything bad that happened was the fault of humans. That much he had reasoned long ago. “They’ve made some sort of ‘scattering’ machine to confuse us. It is the only explanation.” He grinned deviously. “But no matter. I can’t be that far from my base. Let the humans have their stupid victory. Tomorrow they shall pay.” He chuckled darkly.

“ATTENTION!” He hollered, hoping somemon to hear him. “Get your hides out of the sand or whatever you’re hearing. This is Commander Sev speaking, leader of our glorious freedom.” Nothing answered. “I said come out.”

“Big brother?” A soft spoken voice came to his earholes.

Sev’s eyes widened. “Lia?” He turned his head to gaze at his little sister. She was shaking in obvious fear. Without a second thought, he rushed over to her. “Are you alright? Did the humans do anything to you? If they did, SO HELP ME…”

Lia, the Kirlia, shook her head. “No. I’m alright…But humans didn’t do this.”

“But who then?” Sev asked. He wasn’t the type to question his sister. She was eerily always right. He had asked other gardevoirs and other psychic Pokémon. They all said she was beyond gifted and they hadn’t seen anything like her.

“I don’t know,” Lia sighed.

Before the duo could keep the chain of conversation going, a strange Ponyta smashed into Sev. He was light blue, with a white mane.

“Watch it,” he hissed.

The Ponyta screamed and scrambled back. He was only a young thing, barely out of his egg if Sev had to guess. “Please don’t hurt me.”

“Why would I…” He was stopped when Lia held up a hand.

“He can’t understand us,” she said.

“But…”

“He’s not a Pokemon.”

“Imp…”

“Is it?”

Sev hissed in agitation. “Let me at least finish my questions before you just read my mind.”

“I didn’t have to,” Lia smirked. Turning herself to face the not-Pokemon, she spoke. “Can you understand us now?”

The creature gasped. “Yeah…how’d you do that?”

“Magic,” Lia giggled, causing Sev to roll his eyes.

“Okay,” the little guy smiled.

“Wait,” Sev held up his tail and pointed it at the child. “Just a minute ago, you were screaming your head off and now you’re fine.”

“Well, you are scary,” the child pointed at Lia. “But she seems like a nice pretty lady.”

Lia blushed. “Why thank you.”

Sev opened his mouth.

“He’s a pony,” Lia answered. “A Pegasus pony to be precise.”

Sev glared at her, to which she just giggled. Any other Pokémon and he would have had their heads. ‘She’s lucky I love her.’

“What’s his name?” Sev asked.

“I’m Blue Skies,” the colt answered happily. He then gasped and sent them a pleading expression. “You have to help me. This pretty lady saved me from these big meany dogs and now they’re going to get her.”

“Hmm,” Sev scratched his bladed tail under his chin in thought. “I would, but you aren’t a Pokémon.”

“Neither is he human,” Lia folded her arms and glared at him.

“True,” Sev nodded and gave the child a reassuring grin…That kind of creeped the colt out. Ponies aren’t used to giant, threatening snakes ‘smiling’ at them. “We shall aid you.”

“YAY!” Blue Skies hugged Sev, causing him to frown.

“Err…” Sev looked at the colt awkwardly. He wasn’t used to kids hugging him. “Yay?”

Blue Skies let go and ran off. “Follow me.”

It didn’t take them long to find what they were looking for. Hearing the sounds of battle, something stirred within Commander Sev. It was no secret Pokémon loved to fight, for the most part. Hearing punches and kicks sent a quiver along his spines.

But what really got him was when he actually saw the combatants. Most of them looked like strange dog pokemon. Their fighting styles were clumsy and their uniforms were horrendous. ‘If you can call them that.’

The pony, however, had style. She was graceful, combative, and showed incredible skill. When a dog made a swipe for her, she easily dodged it. Jumping backwards, she landed squarely on one of their backs, forcing him to the ground. Another dog swung a club at her, but she just twirled over it, causing the club to hit the dog she pinned in the back. The dog screamed, but Sev didn’t hear any broken bones. So, the dog had escaped spine fracture this day.

Seeing her move was something else. Even though he had just met this race, he knew she was a ‘she’. Her body was…and her fighting…and that experience…

“Big brother,” Lia spoke up. “You’re drooling.”

“Right,” Sev wiped his drool from his chin. He wasn’t usually the type to go ‘gaga’ over some un-snake creatures, but her fighting skills were something to behold. He liked that in a female. Besides, pokemon weren’t exactly known for really caring about what species you were. ‘Unless you’re human, then you’re scum.’

With a loud hiss, he lunged into the fray. All the combatants stopped what they were doing and stared at the newcomer.

One of the dogs, a larger one with crude armor and axe, pointed at him. “Wat’z ya doin’ ‘ere, snakey thing?”

“Saving a damsel in distress,” Sev grinned.

“I’m not a damsel in distress,” the mare yelled in rage. “I’ve got this covered.”

“I can see that,” Sev rolled his eyes. Assessing the force before him, he counted five dogs. They wouldn’t be that much of hassle, even if he didn’t have the mare and his sister for back up. “But how about we just part ways? Hmm? I think that would be the best solution.”

The dogs laughed.

“Ya funny, snakey thing,” the large dog said. “But these poneez belong ta da boss. Ya can’t ‘ave ‘em.”

“I don’t think I made myself clear,” Sev sent them a fierce ‘Glare’, causing the dogs to flinch. “I want you to leave them alone.”

“Nah,” the large dog recovered quickly. “Aint gonna ‘appen, snakey thing.” He hefted his axe, ready to charge.

Without a word, the dogs were lifted into the air with an aura Sev knew. His sister had used ‘Confusion’.

Smirking, he said: “Now, are you ready to leave?”

The lead dog growled. “Ya can’t….” His arm moved on its own and the butt of his axe smacked into his head. “’Kay.”

Chuckling, Sev looked over to where his sister was focusing. “Let them go.”

With that, the dogs fell to the ground and scampered off. The lead dog glared at them. “Da boss willz ‘ear of dis, snakey thing!”

“Noted,” Sev scoffed. He did not fear this ‘boss’. He was not a Pokémon, so he held no power. Turning to the beauteous fighter, he grinned. “It seems I just save your life.”

She just snorted and rolled her eyes. “I could have taken them,” she then held out a foreleg. “Lightning Dust.”

Sev put his tail on her hoof and shook it. “Commander Sev,” he motioned Lia. “And this is my little sister, Lia.”

“Sister?” Lightning raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Not by blood, I assure you,” Sev chuckled. He’d met Pokémon, half siblings that were two different sorts. That sort of thing happened a lot when breeding Pokémon. The child would always be the mother’s race. “So, by any chance do you know any cities nearby? We’re kind of lost.”

Lightning chuckled. “Lost is an understatement. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of…whatever the hay you two are.”

“Pokemon, I’m a Seviper,” he gestured to Lia. “She is a Kirlia.”

“That’s cool, I guess,” Lightning said. “And yeah, there’s a city nearby. The diamond dogs were kind of loudly boasting about it, like they were going to raid it or something.”

“It isn’t a human city, by any chance?” Sev asked, hoping it wasn’t.

“Zebra, actually. I have no idea what a human is,” Lightning admitted, causing Sev to let out a breath he hadn’t realized he had held in. “Though, it’s more of a pony port since Celestia was the one who had it built. The zebras thought it’d be a good way to show friendly relations…Or something like that. I’m not a history nerd.”

“Then let us be off,” Sev slithered into the sand. He needed to get his bearings so he could get back to Hoenn. Yeah, he found it a little odd that ‘Lightning’ didn’t know what a human was, but it was possible that this was a lost island of some sort.

“Uh pal,” Lightning spoke up, causing Sev to turn his head. “You’re going the wrong way.”

“And how would you know?” Sev asked. Lightning held up a map. “Oh…Lead the way then.”

Lightning did so, with the others close behind. Blue Skies had climbed back on Lightning’s back, getting a free ride. Lia had done the same thing to Sev.

Sev just kept his eyes on Lightning. ‘Interesting creature,’ his gaze went lower, to her rump. ‘Very interesting.’

With a light smack to the back of his head, Sev looked back at Lia. “No staring,” she glared at him.

“Fine,” Sev grumbled.

New Allies (Day 1)

Most creatures in the world view being royalty as the easiest sort of life. You could do whatever you pleased, when you pleased. Problems would arise, yes, but some random hero would most likely come and save the day. A king could just sit back and relax.

King Trotankhamun used to live the life of luxury. He used to be able to do anything he wanted. He had the time of his life every day and every night. No one could tell him what to do and he didn’t have a care in the world.

That was when he a mere prince. A time he didn’t have to attend meetings, events, and play nice with foreign dignitaries all the time. Now he had no freedom. No time for himself. It was always something after something. His life was droll and it was killing the young king. He wanted action, excitement, something different. ANYTHING TO HAPPEN!

Of course, he finally was able to find some time away from politics. So he went to the most exotic, interesting place in Zebrica:

Bridleton

Originally nothing more than a small, military outpost, it had nothing of value. That is until Celestia and the previous king, Trotankhamun’s father, came to an agreement. You see, the two nations had always been distant. Zebrica was not exactly…welcoming of outsiders. That is, until his father. He changed everything. He hated the isolationist state Zebrica had become. So, he travelled the world and opened new avenues of trade and income.

Trotankhamun couldn’t help but smile at that thought. It was his father who helped bring the world together. During that time, Celestia expressed interest in trade with Zebrica. His father literally jumped for joy as he always wanted that. Equestria was one of the richest, if not the richest country in the world. He went one step further. He actually gave Celestia small territory to have as her kingdom. A lot of zebras were angered by this, but when the wealth started flowing in, many kept their mouths’ shut.

So Trotankhamun decided this was the best place to spend his day off. He rather loved Equestria and everything about it. In fact, he was planning a trip. That is, if he was allowed to.

Right now, he was sitting in a small café, drinking Equestrian tea.

“Ah,” Trotankhamun said, sighing in bliss. He set his cup on the table. “That hit the spot.”

The only thing keeping him from fully enjoying the evening was the zebra across from him who grunted in displeasure. High General Ahmos, leader of Zebrica’s entire armed forces. He was a crusty, old warrior. His years showed in his white and gray fur as well as the numerous battle scars that weren’t covered by his exquisite battle armor.

‘Why does he insist on wearing that at all times?’

He kept scanning the place, looking for any trouble. Trotankhamun couldn’t help but snort at that.

“Lighten up,” the young king said. “You mustn’t be so serious all the time.”

“And you mustn’t be so lax all the time,” the old general grunted.

Trotankhamun rolled his eyes. “Oh please, we’re perfectly safe.”

“Inside a town run by foreigners,” Ahmos scowled.

“Oh but you must admit they have their charms,” Trotankhamun couldn’t help but eye the light green earth pony maid who trotted by. She winked at him. Now, it wasn’t unusual for mare to flirt with the king. Beside his royal bloodline, he was a young, fit zebra that could win over even the most stubborn of females. He liked simple, such as his tunic. Of course, he still carried a sword around with himself, but it rarely left its sheath. Well, sometimes it did in order for him to impress mares.

‘I have to get that mare’s name.’

“They’re trying to lower your guard, Your Highness,” Ahmos said. “These ponies want nothing more than to wring us dry of everything we have.”

“Always a pessimist, Ahmos,” Trotankhamun scoffed. “Learn to live a little. Relax.”

“How can I relax when you’re disbanding the army?” Ahmos smashed his hoof on the table.

The king glared at him. “I am not disbanding the army. I am simply trimming the fat. We don’t need that many soldiers, Ahmos. The worst threat we have to deal with is diamond dogs and they aren’t exactly the most organized creatures. Our resources are better if directed elsewhere.”

“What about the griffins then?” Ahmos persisted. “You know how those blood thirsty fowl….”

“They aren’t blood thirsty,” the king sighed in agitation. “The Griffin Empire isn’t going to invade and they most assuredly aren’t going to eat us.”

“But Your Highness….” Ahmos tried to continue.

“Enough!” Trotankhamun said with finalty. “I came here to relax, not talk politics. The army shall be reduced and that’s final.”

Ahmos scowled, but said nothing. The old general had been persistent at keeping at keeping Zebrica’s large army. He even suggested growing it, in case of rebellion. The young king didn’t think much of that last cause. His subjects were happy and that was all that mattered. Yes, there was some unrest in the army itself, but that was no concern of his.

He just wished something of interest happened.

“MONSTER!” A random zebra stallion came chargin into the café. “MONSTER IN TOWN!”

“Monster?” Trotankhamun’s ears perked. A little tinge of happiness lit his soul. “Something exciting. How glorious.” He ran up to the stallion, who bowed. “Where?”

“Just a block away, Your Highness,” the zebra stallion answered.

“You hear that Ahmos,” the young king grinned. “Adventure awaits.” With that, the king ran towards the disturbance.

Ahmos didn’t follow immediately. He just glared at where the king used to be. “Young fool is going to get himself killed.” He let out a small smile and chuckled. He then took off after his king.

The two eventually came to a large intersection and saw something rather strange. It looked like an armored rhino. It had large armor spikes on its back.

All around it were random militia. Some of them were zebras, wearing standard white tunics and spears. Others were the golden armor of Celestia’s royal guard. All of them had their weapons trained on the creature and kept a circle around it.

This just seemed to anger the creature as it pawed the ground. It kept grunting and roaring, almost like it was trying to speak. Given its tone, it was obviously nothing good. The creature finally charged. Spears were thrown at the monster, but none of them found their mark. They either pinged off the armor, or broke in the case of the weaker zebra spears. The zebra soldier he was running at jumped out of the way, nearly missing the creature’s horn.

The creature turned around once again and roared. One of the pegasi tried bucking it in the head….All he succeeded in doing was ticking the monster off more and obviously hurting himself. He swore loudly in his native Equestrian language. The beast roared and grunted, stomping the ground hard. Nearby buildings shook and the guards fought to keep balance.

‘Sure is a heavy whatever it is,’ Unsheathing his blade, Trotankhamun grinned. “Fowl beast, take up your fight with me.”

The beast turned and glared at him. The young king ignored his glare and charged. The beast did the same. Just as the two combatants were about to collide, Trotankhamun quickly slid beside him. Now normally any sword wouldn’t do anything against armor as thick as this creatures. But the sword the young king possessed was no ordinary sword. It was his kingdom’s finest blade: Finality. With a hefty swing, he sliced across the creature’s leg. The sword….broke.

“Oh right,” the young king came to a stop. “I left Finality at home…” The creature turned to charge again. “That was pretty stupid of me.”

As the beast charged, the young king sighed. “Well, this is the end.”

Of course, the universe seemed to be on the king’s side, for before his doom came, his savior came rushing in. “METAL CLAW!” Another creature, even stranger than the one before him, came and slashed at the armored rhino across its neck and face. The rhino screamed in pain and fell on its side.

“Partner, yer in for a world of hurt,” the creature said in that Equestrian country accent. He was an odd creature. He looked like a bipedal, blue fox with a spike it its chest. It wore some sort of blue uniform befitting military and had a cowpony hat and a straw it its mouth.

It was highly unusual. ‘So exciting.’
_____________________________________________________________________________
*Rio*

Ever since he had woken up in this strange town, the country Lucario had kept to himself. He didn’t know what to make out of these new Pokémon, but they didn’t seem like fighters to him. Oh yeah, some of them had weapons, but he wanted to look around the place first before he picked a fight with them. That was a strange way of thinking for him, but he was a bit disoriented at the moment.

So when he heard screaming, he came to investigate. He nimbly jumped from rooftop to rooftop. What he found was some Rhyhorn screaming at the top of his lungs, “WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!!”

The hooved Pokémon weren’t exactly answering his question with their spears. Rio thought it was a good attempt, but it wasn’t going to get through to the thick skulled Pokémon. ‘Maybe if they had one of those fancy armor piercin’ guns. Always wanted one of those.’

“Stop fucking shoving spears at me,” the Rhyhorn hollered. “Just Arceusdamn tell me what the hell is going on.”

The other pokemon didn’t respond to him. They kept talking amongst themselves.

“That’s fucking it,” the Rhyhorn yelled. “I’m just going to have to beat the intel out of you.” He charged.

None of the spears that were thrown could pierce the armored Pokémon. Seeing one of the Zebstrika, at least that’s what he thought that one was, dodge the Rhyhorn’s charge nearly made him jump into the fray right then. These little Pokémon weren’t going to stand a chance if they didn’t buck up use their abilities.

Still, he wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. That is until another Zebstrika tried to attack the Rhyhorn with a blade. It broke, but Rio was impressed by his bravery none the less. When the Rhyhorn made to skewer him, Rio made up his mind. Jumping from the rooftop, he struck.

“METAL CLAW!”

Naturally, given both the type of his attack and his power level, the Rhyhorn was sent tumbling to the ground in pain.

Rio took a battle posture. “Partner, yer in for a world of hurt.”

The Rhyhorn grunted as it got back on its feet. “Wait a moment. You’re one of those terrorist Pokémon.”

“Ah aint no terrorist, ya rocks for brains,” Rio snarled. “How am ah one of those yellow livered cowards? Ah’m not the one attackin’ innocent Pokémon.”

“They threatened me first,” the Rhyhorn snarled. “Besides, your little Pokémon army has made my life a living hell. I mean, turning me into a Rhyhorn? Seriously?”

“What the hay are ya on about?” Rio asked.

“I was a human,” the Rhyhorn pawed the ground, readying to charge. “That is until you fuckers turned me into this.”

“Nobody can just turn into a Pokémon,” Rio was rightly confused. ‘Maybe he hit his head when he ended up here.’ Of course, he found it strange that he was using such ‘human’ language. Most Pokémon didn’t use those vulgar words. Usually only the human owned ones learned them.

“You fuckers did,” the Rhyhorn snorted. “And you’re going to pay.” With not another word, the armored Pokémon made a run for him.

Rio grinned. Now most Pokémon would know better than to meet a Rhyhorn’s charge head on. Rio saw it as a challenge. He took off. “POWER UP PUNCH!” His right fist grew with great intensity, showing off a smidge of Rio’s warrior spirit.

Rio’s attack hit the Rhyhorn dead on its snout, sending it flying into a nearby building. The Rhyhorn lay still, obviously knocked unconscious. Rio sighed. “That there was just a sad display, boy.”

Suddenly, he heard somemon clapping behind him. Looking back, it was the one who tried to attack the Rhyhorn with a sword. “Brilliant display and such power. From where do you come from, strange creature?”

“Hoenn born and raised,” Rio smiled, touching the brim of his hat in greeting. He used his telepathy to translate his speech, since for some reason the Pokémon here talked like people. “Y’all don’t mind tellin’ me where that hay ah am?”

“You’re in the fair kingdom of Zebrica,” the young Zebstrika said.

“Zebrica?” Rio rubbed a paw on his snout. “Don’t rightly know any place like that.” Turning around to look at the Rhyhorn, he grimaced. “Sorry ‘bout the damage. Couldn’t resist punchin’ his lights out. Ah get carried away sometimes.”

“Don’t think anything of it,” the zebrstrika waved a hoof to quell his thoughts. “You saved lives today.”

“Shucks,” Rio blushed and rubbed the back of his head. “Taint nothin’ really.”

“RIO!” A familiar voice raged.

Rio’s eyes widened. “Ah nuts.”
_________________________________________________________________________________
*Commander Sev*

“So let me get this straight,” Lightning said. The trio were nearly upon the town she had called ‘Bridleton. “You both are pokemon.”

“Correct,” Commander Sev snorted in agitation. He didn’t like answering questions. He was the one usually asking them and demanding the answers. The only reason he tolerated Lightning asking him was because he wanted to get to know this fiery mare. He had a thing for girls who could hold their own and she most certainly fit the bill.

“Even though you don’t look anything alike,” Lightning clarified.

“That’s right,” Sev nodded.

“And you’re a part of an organization that fights big, hairless apes,” Lightning looked at them skeptically.

“I am not a part of it,” Sev glared at her. “I AM THE COMMANDER! I rule over the PLA with an iron tail.”

“Uh-huh,” Lightning rolled her eyes. “Just try to keep from shouting. We want to make a good first impression.”

“Then get ready for a brawl,” Lia piped up. She patted Sev on his side. “My big brother isn’t the best at first impressions.”

Sev snarled. “And my little sister doesn’t know when to shut her mind.” Lia just giggled in response.

‘Keep that up and I’ll throw you in a dungeon.’

“We don’t have a dungeon,” Lia pointed out.

Sev hissed angrily. “What did I tell you about reading my mind?”

“Not to,” Lia said.

“And what did you do?”

“Read your mind.”

“Are you going to do it again?” Sev put his face in front of hers.

“Yes,” Lia poked Sev’s snout and giggled. Sev grumbled and that fueled her laughter.

Even Lightning and Blue Skies started laughing with her.

“You two really are siblings,” Lightning said.

“Much to my chagrin at times,” Sev muttered.

“Oh you know you love me,” Lia said.

Sev didn’t answer, because he didn’t need to. Lia knew the answer already as she hugged the older Seviper. He sighed.
It didn’t take them long afterwards to enter the town. Most of the citizens were ponies like Lightning. Well, except some had horns and no wings and other had neither. There were a few striped ones that Lightning had called zebras. Not many, but enough to notice. They all stared at the group with a look Commander Sev was all too familiar with.

He was a predator after all. He knew the look of fear anywhere. The townsfolk were wondering whether they could flee or not. He almost licked his lips, he enjoyed the feeling so.

“Now remember,” Lightning said. “Make a good first impression.”

Sev nodded and cleared his throat. Taking a look around, he pointed his bladed tail towards the ground. “KNEEL BEFORE COMMANDER SEV!”

In an instant, his command had been answered. Just not in the way he wanted. They all screamed at the top of their lungs and bolted.

Lia and Lightning face-palmed/hooved.

“Mister Snake,” Blue Skies piped up. “Did you mean to scare them?”

“It is Commander Sev,” Sev corrected. “And no. No I didn’t. I simply wanted them to kneel. WHY DIDN”T THEY KNEEL?!!”

“Maybe, I don’t know, you scared the living hay out of them!” Lightning shouted at the snake.

“Nonsense,” Sev waved his tail about. “All the world knows of the glory of Commander Sev. Surely, word has gotten out of my deeds and heroism.”

“Yeah,” Lightning said. “No one’s heard of you, or Pokémon before.”

Sev gaped at her. ‘Humans are one thing, but no pokemon or any knowledge of me?’

“Oopsie,” Lia said. “Forgot to tell you that.”

Sev hissed in anger, but before he could yell some more, they heard a commotion. No, this wasn’t the commotion caused by ponies frightened off by Commander Sev’s brilliant opening speech. This was something else.

“POWER UP PUNCH!”

Sev snarled. “That idiot is starting up trouble again.” Sev raced further into the town with the others on his tail. With great speed, the lot of them came across General Rio talking with some of the locals.

“RIO!” Commander Sev roared as he raced towards his subordinate.

Rio immediately turned around and stood at attention, saluting his commander. “General Rio, reportin’ for duty.”

Sev stopped in front of Lucario. He took a look at his surroundings. “Why is there an unconcrious Rhyhorn in that building?”

“Ah put him there,” Rio smirked. “Nasty varmint wouldn’t listen to reason.”

“Oh?” Sev eyed his subordinate warily. “Was it the old ‘one-two’ persuasion of yours?”

“Yes,” Rio said with pride. “Always works.”

Sev was about to say something, when someone interrupted him. ‘Why Arceus, why?’

“If I might interject,” one of the zebras spoke up. “This creature saved the lives of myself and everyone present. If you take issue with him, you take issue with me.”

“Oh?” Sev hissed. “Who do you think you are, speaking to me like that? Do you know who I am? I am Commander Sev, the mighty leader of the PLA! None dare oppose me.”

“How dare you address King Trotankhamun like that!” An older zebra in ornate armor brandished his sword.

Sev’s eyes widened. “King?” The king nodded. Sev turned to Rio. “You saved him?” Rio nodded. Sev grinned deviously. “Rio, I think your rashness has gone in my favor for once.” He gestured for the general to follow him a ways away.

“Do you know what this means?” Sev asked in a hushed tone.

“That random violence is the answer to everythin’?” Rio said, before getting conked on the head by Sev’s tail.

“No,” Sev grinned. “You saved the life of the king. A king, Rio. With someone like that on our side, there is no telling what resources we could muster. Imagine it. With an entire nation backing us, Hoenn will fall within days. Then, the rest of the world will be within my coils and far away from those retched humans.”

“So ya want us to get buddy-buddy with ‘em?” Rio asked.

“Yes,” Sev answered.

“And what about that Rhyhorn?” Rio asked. “He kept sayin’ he was a human ‘fore someone turned him into a Pokémon.”

Obviously he’s insane,” Sev answered. “Most likely a human experimented on him. Possibly forcing memories into his brain, the rotten species.”

Sev huffed and slivered back to the king. He bowed before him. “King Trotankhamun, if I had known it was you, I would never have said such inconsiderate things.”

“No need to apologize,” the young king said. “I’ve heard worse boasts in my lifetime.”

“Of course,” Sev said.

“I’m just worried about creatures like that thing,” King Trotankhamun pointed to the Rhyhorn. “I’ve never seen anything like it…Or you before today.”

“We are Pokémon, my liege,” Sev answered. “You need not worry about us civilized ones, but there are some who have been…corrupted.”

“Corrupted?” The young king asked, looking especially nervous.

Sev’s grin grew. “Oh yes. Corrupted by the vile race of humans, or are too wild for their own good.”

“Are there more?” Trotankhamun asked.

Sev could see concern in his eyes. No doubt he loved his subjects and wanted them to be safe. That was good. He could use that, but he also saw fire within him. Something he saw all too often within Rio. This king was not one to let a challenge go un-faced.

“Hundreds, thousands, millions,” Sev lazily scratched his chest scales. “Who can say how many have winded up here? The one laying motionless over their isn’t even the most powerful of us. He is but a foolish youngster.”

King Trotankhamun was silent for a moment, before he steeled himself. “Then I want you to help me deal with them.”

Sev raised an eyebrow. The king was quick to make that decision and the Commander respected that. The king was out of his element here. He wasn’t a Pokémon, so he could not face the powers that they could possess.

“Nothing would be greater than to aid the king,” Sev said. “For now on, the Pokémon Liberation Army shall serve King Trotankhamun well.”

Trotankhamun smiled. “I’ll hold you to that.”

‘Of course you will, you fool.’ Sev thought, chuckling. ‘Soon, I shall have you wrapped around my tail so tightly, you won’t have any choice but do as I command. And with your nation under my sway, my cause shall begin anew. Stronger than ever before. The humans will shiver in terror at the horrors that I shall thrust upon them. It shall be glorious, I tell you. GLORIOUS!’ Unbeknownst to himself, his laughter had broken out into full blown evil mode.

Everyone took a step back from the laughing serpent.

Lia sighed. “Brother, your evil laugh is showing.”

Instantly, Sev shut up. He blushed in embarrassment. “Err…IGNORE ME!"

Author's Note

Chapter 3 is now up and running. :D

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment.

Making New Plans (Day 1)

“Well,” Trotankhamun leaned back in his chair. “That is certainly quite the tale.”

After coming to an agreement, the group had decided to move their conversation back to the local café. At the king’s expressive interest of course. Lightning was a bit puzzled at first at why he was so insistent about coming here. That is, until she saw the looks he was giving the green earth pony server mare.

‘Whoa, what a perv…I like that in a male.’

“Yeah,” Lightning nodded, raising a fresh mug of fruit juice. “I thought it sounded insane too, but just look at these guys. I honestly can’t help but believe every word of it.”

“They are rather strange,” the old general zebra, Ahmos she had come to learned, glared at them. Oh, not just the Pokemon, but her too. Not to mention their server.

Lightning couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. She was obviously doing her best to stay calm, but given all the new, terrifying creatures, recent attacks, and imposing general, it was a bit too much for the shaking mare. Lightning was surprised she hadn’t fainted yet.

Lightning Dust had met many different types of creatures. Ahmos fit the bill of speciest to a capital S. ‘I always hate these guys. Just wait until he starts going on about how we’re inferior or some haystacks like that.’

“Strange yes,” King Trotankhamun smiled. “But exciting? Oh most definitely. I just wish your lot arrived sooner. I was dying of boredom.”

“And Rhyhorn,” Rio piped up. “Though, them critters are pretty borin’.”

“Not the brightest bunch,” Commander Sev put in. “But mere pawns are never supposed to be. They are good muscle, but nothing up here.” Sev tapped his head.

“Well that’s kind of a mean thing to say,” Lia pouted angrily, crossing her arms.

“That’s not very nice,” Sev said in a mocking tone of Lia’s. He snorted and returned to his usual arrogant, tone. “Life’s mean. Life was what nearly killed our fair king here.” He gestured to Troatankhamun.

“Ah thought it was a Rhyhorn,” Rio scratched his head in thought. “Was he named Life? Weird name to name one’s youngin’.”

“No!” Sev shouted in anger. “I was using an allegory.”

“Oooh,” Rio nodded in understanding. “Still have no idea what yer on about, but…”

“You’ll pretend to understand,” Lia finished.

“Ya darn tootin’,” Rio chuckled, taking a swig of his drink.

“The fools I surround myself with,” Sev put his tail over his eyes.

Lightning couldn’t help but chuckle at the group. They were honestly odd, species included. How they could actually function together to form an army….Lightning was still trying to figure it out.

“I wouldn’t say fools,” Trotankhamun said. “More ‘saviors’. You saved not just my life, but the lives of miss Lightning Dust and the youngster here. I am eternally in your debt.” The king lowered his head in a small bow.

The general did not look the least bit pleased by the gesture. He was silently muttering darkly to himself.

‘Yeah, yeah, we get it old timer. You don’t like us. Pull that stick out of your butt and get on with your life,’ Lightning rolled her eyes.

“Yes,” Commander Sev smiled. He pulled away his tail to reveal his gaze to be of a more ‘sinister’ smile. Something Lightning had seen in comic book villains. “You are in my debt, young king.” And again, the large snake’s small chuckles turned into full blown evil laughter.

To which Lia sighed and whispered: “Confusion.” Her eyes lit up and a magical aura appeared around Sev’s head. Instantly, his laughter stopped. His tongued curled back into his lips and his mouth was clamped shut. Lia let out a breath of relief.

So did Lightning. Not because she was scared of Sev. Far from it, she thought the guy was a riot. Even with his arrogant antics, which may get a little grating if pushed too far. No, what worried her was what the zebras were going to do.

The king seemingly found the whole thing humorous and was chuckling. He seemed like a cool stallion to Lightning, so her fears were alleviated somewhat. General Ahmos, on the other hoof, had one of his own hooves on the handle of his sword. He looked to be a moment’s breath from taking it out and plunging it into Sev’s throat.

Sev didn’t seem to be paying attention to them. He was too busy sending a death glare towards his little sister. Lia just giggled in response.

‘Makes me kind of wish I had an older brother.’

When Rio started to chuckle, Sev put his bladed tail to his throat. “Oh don’t you start.”

“Yes Commander,” Rio gulped nervously.

“How about we get back on topic?” Ahmos growled, obviously not happy with the carefree air around them.

“Of course,” Trotankhamun nodded, frowning. “I had meant to take this time for relaxation, but current events deem that impossible. We must depart to the capital at once.”

“A good idea,” Sev took his tail away from Rio, who sighed with relief. “We can plan from there. I’m glad I thought of it.”

Trotankhamun ignored the last part. He just seemed rather pleased with himself. “Oh I can’t wait to see the other royal’s faces during the next meeting. They’ll be all scampering about, wanting their own Pokemon units and I’ll be ‘FIRST’!” He struck his hoof out into the air in victory. “I did it first. HAHA! Empress Victoria is so going to get this rubbed in her face. I mean, my commanding Pokémon officer is a giant, talking snake. I doubt she can muster up something even remotely as awesome.”

“True,” Commander Sev puffed out his chest in pride. “I am indeed awesome.”

“Awesomely arrogant,” Lia commented, but Sev ignored it this time.

“Of course we’ll have to make it official,” Trotankhamun scratched his chin. “As my dad always put it ‘nothing sells a new idea like a party’. So, we’ll throw a huge party to celebrate your new standing position. No doubt the rest of the Pokémon will hear of this and stop attacking.”

“Parties won’t solve this problem,” Ahmos grunted. “We should show them the might of Zebrica. Any and all pokemon who dare oppose us will be put down immediately.”

“A dangerous idea, general,” Sev hissed with narrowed eyes. His tail swished back and forth and he looked posed to strike. “A very dangerous idea indeed.”

‘Are they going to go at it?’ Lightning asked herself. ‘Cause that’d be awesome.’

“To fight us,” Sev started. “You fight nature itself. We are in the air, the sea, and the ground. We are in your dreams, in your very soul. We can bend you to our will, destroy you, remake you. Your cities will crumble, your people will break, your world will burn. And you general, will be bleeding out on the floor before that future becomes a reality.”

A chill went down Lightning’s back as she heard him say that. The Commander was oddly serious with his claim. ‘He can’t be right about all that stuff, can he?’

“None of that will come to pass,” Trotankhamun slammed his hoof on the table. “My father strove for peace and so shall I. Pokemon shall live side by side with the denizens of Zebrica. They shall have rights, freedoms, and the will to fight by our side.”

“Of course,” Lia spoke up. “We’ll have to work on the language barrier. There aren’t enough psychic types for everybody.”

“One of many trials we shall overcome,” Trotankhamun said with determination. “But until then, let us enjoy the sights. We’ll depart for the capital tomorrow. I’ll send some messengers ahead of us so everything will be set up before we arrive.”

“Sounds good to me,” Rio spoke up. “A toast to the future.” He raised his cup.

“The future,” the rest of the group, minus Ahmos, raised their cups and drank.

Suddenly, the doors burst open. A dark blue pegasus mare with a black mane flew in, breathing heavily.

“MOMMY!” Blue Skies rushed to her.

“MY BABY!” The mare quickly scooped him up and started smothering him in smooches. He just giggled. “My poor, poor baby. I’m so happy you’re alright.”

Lightning had to admit it. The scene was adorable.

“Who saved him?” The mare asked, putting her son down by her side. “Who brought my baby back?”

“Well,” Lightning started. “I was the one who broke us out of that diamond dog joint, but both of us would have been captured if it wasn’t for these guys over here.”

“Yes,” Sev grinned. “Let it be known that your child was saved by I, COMMANDER SEV! Rejoice in the honor….WAAAAAAAAA!”

He was cut short when the mare tackled him. She kept smothering him in kisses saying ‘thank you’ over and over again.

“HELP ME!” He cried, but the mare didn’t relent. Nor did anyone do anything to help him other than laugh.

Pulling back, the mare gave everyone a big smile. “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without my little Blue Skies.”

“No need to thank us,” Lightning smiled and waved a hoof. “Just doing what needs to be done.” Before the incident at the academy, Lightning would have soaked in the praised wholeheartedly, but now…she still did, but not nearly as much. “Just keep an eye on the kid,” she went over and ruffled his mane. “He’s feisty.”

“Oh, I’ll never let him out of my sight again,” The mare led her son out the door.

Lightning went over and looked at Sev. He was dizzy and covered in red lipstick in the shape of lips, painted all over his face. She chuckled. “You’re a ladies snake if I ever saw one.”

Sev groaned, causing a new wave of laughter.
__________________________________________________________

There was a reason why Dr. Caballeron hated staying on small ships. It was nearly impossible to get away from anyone. Most of the time, it was either bumbling workers or annoying clients. His current problem was neither. She was far more dangerous and he was honestly having second thoughts about working with her.

‘Money’s money.’ He reminded himself.

Walking into his small cabin was his accomplice. She was a griffin, if you could call her that. She wore a black and blood red cloak that covered most of her body, but he knew what she looked like. She had a crow’s like head and panther body. Unlike the rest of her kind, she was deathly skinny and crooked. Old too, which was amazing given where she lived. She leaned heavily on a purple, runed cane.

She was a ‘Thirst’. That’s what her kind loved to call themselves. She hailed from a far off island filled with dangers no one could face, but they did. They hunted the stuff of nightmares for sport and fun. He was nothing to her and could possibly be her next prey item if he wasn’t careful. Most of the rest of her kind were massive, easily looking down on any other griffin. Not to mention their muscles which were ginormous. A few of her kind, bodyguards of course, were on board. They were too keep her safe for she was an important figure in their society.

She was a dark mage, practicing magic that the rest of the world condemned. Her kind reveled in it and that’s why they were banished from their original homeland of the Griffin Empire thousands of years ago. That and their need for war. Needless to say, they weren’t exactly fond of their Imperial brethren.

He had come to know her as ‘Thrist, the Bloody Claw’. He had come to know her when she first attempted to steal the throne from a young Empress Victoria. Her plan was almost foolproof. He meant almost in the regards that no plan was foolproof when Daring Do came into the picture. Still, Caballeron had been able to make off with riches beyond measure during that venture. While Thrist had come to regard Daring as her most hated enemy.

If he had to choose, Caballeron preferred working for Ahuizotl. ‘At least he wouldn’t kill me.’

“What’s wrong?” Caballeron couldn’t help but ask. She rarely ever left her room. Knowing her like he did over the years, something was troubling her.

“Something has changed,” her voice was crooked, both by age and the dark magic she loved so much. “The pieces of the world have been reset and order is gone.”

“In Equish,” Caballeron grunted. While she was dangerous, he was important to her at the moment and he knew it. She wasn’t going to kill him now.

“We must tread carefully if our plan is to succeed,” the wretched crow griffin spoke.

“I always tread carefully,” Caballeron retorted. “It’s how I’m still in business. Now, if there’s anything else…”

Thrist held out a clawed, spindly hand. It glowed with dark, unholy power. “Do not take my warning for granted. I want this victory more so than you do and I will not allow you to blunder it.”

“You will have your country and I shall have my gold,” Caballeron was sweating, staring at her magic imbued hand. “I will make sure of that, danger or no danger.” ‘Preferably no danger.’

“Good,” Thrist lowered her hands, ceasing her magic. “I shall contact our compatriots when we get to shore. The blood shall run soon, Caballeron. Oh so very soon.”
_______________________________________________________________________

Hyena Dogs respected only one thing in life: power. They were different from the rest of their more peaceful and civilized kin elsewhere in the world. Hyena Dogs were constantly squabbling among-st themselves. They had no order, no discipline, and no country to call their own. Diamond Dogs looked down their snouts at them, but Hyena Dogs didn't care. Hyena Dogs just try to be the biggest and baddest they can be. All of them wanted to be the boss.

But there was only one big boss in all of Zebrica:

Boss Zebby Skulltaka.

No dog was bigger, badder, or more menacing than Skulltaka. With but one hand, he could crush a zebra into pulp. With one swing of his axe, he could cleave a dragon’s head clean off. He was legendary in the Hyena Dog caves.

And it was now Breakstuv’s duty to tell him the bad news. He wasn’t exactly keen on it in the least bit. Zebby Skulltaka was like any other dog; angry and temperamental. Came with the species. Hynea Dogs loved krumpin’ other creatures and taking their stuff. Breakstuv had a lot of good stuff, most of it stolen from panzy zebras. A lot of dogs were envious of his little stockpile. A few broken bones had teached them good and proper to think twice.

Given that their dogs, it was a miracle they could think once.

So Breakstuv managed to find his way to the throne room. He could tell because his boss was sitting in a large throne befitting his size. He was nearly thrice his size, the biggest dog any of them had ever known. His throne had large spikes with the skulls of his greatest trophies. It was no secret that he loved collecting skulls. Skulls of zebras and every other species adorned it. He even had a hydra skull on the middle one.

He wasn’t wearing his typical thick armor. Instead, he wore a mock combination of royal dress wear that was terrible on the eyes. A golden crown several times too small sat on his head.

Lovely music filled the air. Not too far away was a blonde, red maned unicorn mare playing a black harp, like her cutie mark. She didn’t wear any chains or anything like that like the other slaves. No, she was Zebby’s special slave. She played the music he loved so much, so she had special privileges. That didn’t stop her from looking ruffled and roughed up.

“Do ya know wut I’ve lost today?” Boss Zebby Skulltaka grunted angrily. “I’ve lost many of my best slaves, ‘cause me dogz were bein’ stupid. Like dey always be. Youz betta not ‘ave any bad news, er else I’ll krump ya good.”

Breakstuv gulped. “Umm…boss? Ya see, dey got away.”

“DEY WHAT?” The hyena dog leader roared. “I tought you’z could get me my slaves back, ya git.”

“But dere was dis snakey thing and white monkey….” Breakstuv started.

Boss Zebby Skulltaka stormed off his throne and leered down at his dog. “You’z got beat by a snakey thing and white monkey?”
Breakstuv nodded nervously.

“Ya git!” Zebby growled, raising a fist on high. “I should krump ya right now…But dis is my favorite song, so I’ll let’ya go dis time.” He stole a glance at the playing mare.

“Really boss?”

“Dat and I left my axe in my other stuff room,” Boss Zebby Skulltaka sighed. “Would’ve loved ta take you’z skull, but dere no fun in it right now. Just get back me slaves and no problems’ kay?”

Breakstuv nodded furiously. “On it boss.”

“Good,” Skulltaka went back to his throne and sat down. He sighed contented and twirled his a finger with the rhythm. “Now offs withz ya. My music aint gonna be good with ya yappin’ all day long.”

“Got it boss,” Breakstuv said. “No more yappin’ outta me.”

“Oh, and anotha thing,” Skulltaka glared at the dog. “If dis snakey thing acts up again, tell me. I want ta know if he got a nice skull. I got an empty pointy stik that needs a fillin’.”

Author's Note

New chapter up and running.

I hope you lot enjoyed it and please leave a comment.

Touring Thieves (Day 1)

After the group had finished their drinks, the young king had decided to give a tour of the town. Lightning had complained a little, since she was tired, but she didn’t press it. Sev, on the other tail, loved the idea. He had no idea about anything in the area and he hated not knowing anything. He liked to be informed about everything.

The young king was useful, more so than he knew. Sev had happily accepted the offer and the others followed suit. ‘Foolish fool, little does he know that he is giving me an excellent opportunity to get a feel of this place. How else am I to conquer, in Arceus’s name of course, a land if I do not know it?’

So far, the town was small but greatly functional. A perfect outpost for his army, Sev thought to himself. He could easily focus all these goods to the fight against the humans. All he had to do was play nice with the young king and he would be a nice position to lead his army.

‘And if the king gives me trouble,’ Sev thought, as he flicked his tail in a small slice.

“Which you won’t,” Lia spoke in his mind.

“Obstacles must be cast aside, my sister.”

“And he isn’t an obstacle. Besides, would you really kill him? He hasn’t done anything but be nice to us. I think you’re just being paranoid.”

“I AM NOT PARANOID!”

“As I was saying, you’re paranoid with a capital P.”

Sev just grumbled. He told himself that he wasn’t paranoid, just overly cautious. He had a right to be. Humans were everywhere and had everything at their disposal. Right down to corrupting Pokémon and turning them into spies. Of course, he had some pokemon in his army who used to work for humans, but not many. That was for some strange reason he couldn’t comprehend. They defended humans, stuck up for them, even calling them good. Saying that pokemon and humans can work together.

‘HERETICS!’

Commander Sev didn’t want to keep thinking about such heresy for long. Instead, he wanted to focus on what really mattered. For the king was taking them to an armory. Sev couldn’t help but squeal a little. He had needed new suits of armor for his soldiers. Some of them were weak in body, so extra protection would be nice. Especially once the fighting start. ‘Armor piercing rounds are still going to be a problem.’

As Commander Sev pondered how to get around the human weapons, he noticed a small rose cart. He stole a glance at the lovely Pegasus, before grinning to himself. He wasn’t exactly the romantic type, but this mare had proven of interest. Her fighting was so filled with passion that he wondered if she exhibited that same energy…elsewhere.

Falling behind, he quickly plucked one in his mouth. The owner of the stand, a zebra stallion, glowered at him.

“Spit that out, you beast.”

Commander Sev Glare’d at him, causing the zebra to recoil. He wouldn’t put up with anyone telling him what to do. He was THE COMMANDER for a reason. He told others to do things, not the other way around. Hissing a little to add to the effect, the stallion made a break for it, running as fast as his hooves could take him.

Chuckling to himself, Commander Sev slithered back over to the group. Making his way over, he gently placed the rose behind Lightning’s ear. Lightning quickly looked up at him and then put a hoof to the rose. Taking it into her own hoof, she looked at it for a few seconds. Sev was pleased with himself.

‘No doubt she will be pleased by my astounding gift of selflessness. She will assuredly jump into my coils and….’
Lightning ate the rose. “Thanks. I needed a snack.”

Sev just stared at her. ‘My fool proof plan was turned into a snack?....Why is this not the first time that’s happened? Is there some force out there undoing my clever schemes?’
___________________________________________________________________________________
Lightning

“I’m sorry for taking a detour,” the king spoke up. “But I simply must fetch my newest gauntlets. Crusty must have finished them by now.”

Crusty, as the king had explained, was the local blacksmith. He was a diamond dog, much to Lightning’s chargrin, but Trotankhamun had assured her that he was nothing like the hyena dogs. He was an old friend who made some of the best armor in the country.

“It’s alright,” Lightning grumbled, still not pleased with the idea of a diamond dog being near her. Yes, it was prejudice, and he wasn’t even the same type, but she just escaped a dog tunnel. She wasn’t keen on making friends with one.

King Trotankhamun continued on with his tour. “I know there’s not much to Bridleton, but it is a prime jewel in my mind.” He gestured wildly to the place around him. “There are so many good memories and feelings here. It’s almost like stepping upon a little bit of Equestria.”

Lightning noticed the old general, Ahmos, glaring darkly at the back of the king’s head. The young king had gone on and on about how much he loved this town and Equestria. He seemed to want his whole country to be like her own nation. All the while the old general was muttering things about the old ways and what not.

Personally, Lightning didn’t care. She just wanted the boring tour over so she could hang out somewhere or something. Honestly, she didn’t have a game plan, but at least something exciting was sure to follow soon. ‘Hey, maybe he’ll take me to the capital. Been meaning to visit it.’

Still, the whole of Bridleton was nice. It had a calming, peaceful town like vibe. Something Lightning had been missing, but that wasn’t the only thing. Several new and strange creatures flittered about the skies and streets. Most everyone, be it zebra, pony, or whatever, kept their distance. The new creatures seemed fine with that and kept to themselves. Though, occasionally some of them mingled. Like a little lion like creature. Its front half was blue, while its back half was black. It had yellow band around its front ankles and a star shaped symbol on the end of its tail. It was currently playing with a bunch of zebra fillies and colts, with a little unicorn filly to boot.

“Why,” King Trotankhamun remarked happily. “I remember the last time I was here. I was escorting the lovely Chrysalis about.”

Ahmos face hooved. “My King, please don’t go on about that witch…again.”

Trotankhamun gasped. “General Ahmos, do not call her a witch. She’s just misunderstood.”

Lightning Dust couldn’t help but stare incredulously at the king. “Misunderstood? She invaded my homeland and beat Celestia. She was going to use us like living haybales.”

Trotankhamun scoffed. “I’m sure that is all an exaggeration. I mean, seriously. A race that feeds on love and praises its secrecy would not be so bold and foolish to try an open assault in the daylight. What fool do you take me for?”

“A large one, Your Majesty.” Ahmos growled.

“Who is this Chrysalis?” Commander Sev spoke up.

Ahmos looked at him like he just said the worst thing possible. Lightning couldn’t help but lift an eyebrow in a silent question.

‘What’s wrong with….’

Before she could finish it in her head, she spied the king. He had almost literal hearts in his eyes and a hoof over his real heart.

“Oh Chrysalis~” He actually started to sing.

Ahmos quickly pulled the king back by his tail, causing him to yelp in both pain and surprise. “No singing.”

Trotankhamun glowered at him. “You’re no fun.” He cleared his throat. “She’s a changeling monarch. The most beautiful creature you’ll ever meet.”

Ahmos rolled his eyes. “Don’t listen to him. He’s not right in the head.”

“I am too,” the young king stomped his hoof on the ground like a little child would during a tantrum. “I just like seeing the beauty in things.” He grumbled and marched further ahead. “I’ll just go get Crusty ready for some visitors. I don’t want you to…surprise him.”

“Just be careful, my king,” Ahmos called after him.The king didn't answer. Ahmos sighed when the young was out of earshot. “Chrysalis and he are childhood ‘friends’, if you can call it that. They played together and whanot. Personally, I think she was just feeding off his feelings. It’s not like she ever returned any of his affections.”

Lightning couldn’t help but feel sorry for the young king. “So, he’s bitten off more than he can chew.”

“Sounds familiar,” Lia smirked, glancing at her older brother.

Sev noticed her glance. “What? Do I have something on my face? My uniform? It should be dirt resistant. If it’s damaged, I will skin that Vaporeon alive for lying to me.”

Lia sighed and rubbed her head. “No, I….Never mind.” Rio just chuckled to himself.

Before anything else could be said, two brown blurs barreled their way into Sev. The snake cried out in surprise as he fell to the ground.
“COMMANDER SEV!”

Pulling his head up, he glare at the two furballs on his chest. “What are you two doing here?”

The two furballs kind of looked like raccoons with the mask and all, but their fur was too spiky. It was a mix of brown and really light brown stripes. That is, what wasn’t covered by little blue uniforms a small hat. All in all, Lightning suppressed a great squeal on how cute they were.

‘Awesome ponies don’t squeal.’

The two had a string of sausages around their necks. “We’re running away from the weird dog, Commander Sev!” The two pups, male by the way, answered in unison.

“Weird dog?” Sev asked.

His answer came speeding towards them. He was a large pug-like diamond dog with brown fur. He looked old, with some of his fur turning gray. He was a tall muscular being and seemed to hold a much better posture as he ran then the dogs that attacked her before. He wore your typical blacksmith clothes: thick black overalls and leather garments to protect him from the heat. He was waving a large hammer in his hand as he ran towards them.

“THIEVES!”

When the Diamond Dog got to them, Lightning stood in his way. “Hey, why’re scaring the little guys?”

“Little guys?” The diamond dog glared at her. “Those are thieves. They stole my lunch. Do you know how hard it is to get meat here? Well I’ll tell you. It’s hard.”

“We were just hungry.” The twin pups said.

The diamond dog stared at them incredulously. “Did they just talk?”

“Yes,” Lightning nodded. “Yes they did.”

“And talk is something they do far too much of,” Sev hissed, shaking the duo off of him. “Listen up, dog. I am Commander Sev,” he slithered in front of the diamond dog. “And these are my messengers, Zig and Zag.”

“Hi!” They chimed together.

“Hello,” the diamond dog inclined his head in greeting.

“And you say they stole your meat,” Sev said.

The old diamond dog glared at him. “Yes and they need to be punished for it.”

“I want to make this clear to you,” Commander Sev said with a loud hiss. “They are my soldiers. I do not care if they steal from you, or anyone else. They belong to me, so I shall deal with them.”

“Good,” the old dog said. “But first, give me back my sausages.”

“They are not your sausages,” Sev put his nose up in the air. “They belong to the PLA now.”

“The what?” The dog barked angrily.

“The PLA, partner,” Rio crossed his arms over his chest. “Ya got a problem with that?”

“Of course I do,” the dog growled. His grip on his hammer tightened. “I don’t take kindly to thieves. Snakes, dogs, or whatever they may be.”

“THIEVES!” Sev snarled. “You dare call the great and awe inspiring Sev a thief? I should have your head for this.”

“Try it,” the dog barked.

Ahmos just stood on the sidelines, content with letting the non-zebras duke it out. Lightning prepared herself to launch at the dog at the first sign of trouble. Sighing, Lia quickly snatched up the sausages and tossed them to and tossed them at the old dog.

Grabbing them with his free hand, he smiled at her. “At least one of you aren’t so thick headed. The name’s Crusty, by the way.” He pocketed his hammer and sausages in his giant pockets. “Best blacksmith in Bridleton.”

“You’re the blacksmith?” Sev seemed as though something caught in his throat.

“Yeah,” Crusty eyed him warily.

“Umm….” Sev seemed at a loss for words, which shocked Lightning. “Well, we’ve gotten off on the wrong tail here….Rio, apologize.”

Rio looked at his commander in confusion. “Why me?”

“You instigated this whole thing,” Sev snarled.

“No he didn’t,” Lia spoke up. “You and the twins did.”

“LIES!” Sev hollered. “I did nothing wrong.”

“You threatened me,” Crusty grumbled. “And you sided with those little thieves.”

“Whomever I side with automatically are without guilt,” Sev proclaimed. “For they were on my side, which is the best. Meaning, they shall not be punished.”

“But I was on your side,” Rio spoke up.

“And that is why you fail,” Sev explained. “Sides change.”

“So the twins are in trouble?” Rio asked.

“No,” Sev said. “Now apologize.”

“You’re just siding with them, because they’re cute.” Rio grumbled.

“That has nothing to do with it,” Sev rolled his eyes. “They just tried to bring me lunch, is all.”

“So wait,” Lightning spoke up. “Rio’s in trouble?”

“Yes,” Sev nodded.

“Because he’s on your side?”

“Uh-huh.”

“And the twins aren’t in trouble?”

“Of course.”

“So…” Crusty scratched his head. “Let me get this straight. Those little pups stole my food, you threatened me, and so the jackal’s in trouble.”

“That’s the logical conclusion,” Sev said.

“But shouldn’t the pups own up to their mistake?” Crusty asked.

“Yes,” Sev nodded.

“Like this,” Crusty pointed out.

“Look,” Sev held up his bladed tail to silence him. “I came to a decision and that is final. Do not question the decision of Arceus’s chosen savior. I have been blessed by the god himself to lead our kind into the future. BOW TO MY BLESSING!”

Lia sighed. “Just do it, Rio. You know how my brother can get sometimes.”

Rio sighed himself. “I’m sorry.”

“There,” Sev said. “Problem solved.”

Crusty huffed in annoyance. “At least I got my sausages back. No harm done in the end.” He turned to the young pups. “I’ll accept their apology, if they work out what they nearly stole.”

Ziga and Zag gasped in horror. “Commander Sev…” They whined.

Sev scratched his chin. “I do need armor and tools...And more workers get it done faster...Deal.”

The Zig Zag duo groaned in defeat. LIghtning felt bad for them, but they did steal. Something was going to happen to them in consequence. ‘Karma. Short and sweet.’

“You’re going to love it,” Crusty said, leading them back to his shop. “Smithing is like nothing else, I tell you.”

Author's Note

New chapter!

I hope you all enjoyed it and please leave a comment.

Letters and a Hunter's new companion (Day 1)

Commander Sev is what to many creatures would call, an opportunist. Actually, they call him a lot of things, behind his back and too his face, but that doesn’t matter to anyone right now. What matters was that General Ag was standing triumphantly over a downed Gigalith, which was currently being tied up by the guard. Sev couldn’t but rejoice at his luck.

‘Arceus be praised,’ he thought to himself. He was assuredly Arceus’s chosen warrior. Luck was with him yet again.

“What the hay is going on?” Ahmos shouted, obviously perturbed by the scene.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Sev spoke up. “I was so sure the general of our fair king would understand the scene before him. You must see the glorious victory MY army has achieved. Yes, praise the army that I created. No, just praise me. FOR NOTHING….”

“SEV!” Ag roared in anger, stomping over to him. Her footsteps shook the ground. “What is going on here?”

Sev didn’t back down when faced with her anger. He feared nothing. “We have been…relocated. Obviously this is the work of humans.”

“Humans?” Ag growled. “Are you sure? It could be one of your experiments. Remember that anti-human ray?”

“Installing a self-destruction button is a necessity,” Sev hissed in agitation. “What if it wound up in human hands?”

“A weapon that can only harm humans, if it even worked, would be useless to them,” Ag threw her arms up in exasperation.

“That again shows how little you know of the human menace,” Sev chortled. “Oh my dear general, I still have so much to teach you.”

Ag sighed and didn’t say anything more.

“Commander Sev,” King Trotankhamun called out.

Sev’s smile grew. ‘No doubt the king is coming over to congratulate my efforts. A parade in my honor will….’ Sev’s eyes widened when he saw the sight before him. His general of technology and intellect, Loom, was being pushed towards him at the end of a spear held by the king himself. A large bulging sack lay over his shoulder.

“One of your soldiers was caught stealing,” the king glared at the Commander.

“Stealing is the wrong word…” Loom sweat-dropped in nervousness.

“Oh now you can talk,” Trotankhamun growled. “Why weren’t you doing that a minute ago? Afraid to come clean? Were you playing stupid?”

“Because he couldn’t talk to you,” Lia spoke up. “I’ve been translating everything we’ve been saying. They were just out of range.”

“Translating?” The young king sighed. “Oh that’s delightful. Now we have a language barrier to worry about.”

“I’m sure your kind will learn Pokémon in no time,” Commander Sev said. ‘Yes, for it shall be soon the number one language of the area. No longer will these…non-Pokémon have to endure the human tongue upon their lips. AND I SHALL LEAD THIS MOVEMENT! Because I need to lead everything, or else someone’s going to get into their head that they’re almost as good as me. May Arceus curse the foolish fool’s soul for such foolish thoughts of foolishness. Of course, I know he will. He loves me far more than any other being on the planet. Any that dare challenge my awesomeness are sure to be considered vermin, whether I know of them or not. He is most definitely smiling down on me right now.’

“Hey,” Crusty stomped up to Loom, causing the grass Pokémon to cower. “That’s my stuff!”

“I….” Loom gulped. “I was only trying to study…”

“Steal,” Ag put in.

Loom glared at her. “’Study’ them. I mean, such fine craftsmanship. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Honeyed words aren’t going to work on me,” Crusty folded up his arms and glared at him. “Give me them back and I’ll forget about this whole thing.”

General Loom sighed. “Fine,” he handed the sack back to Crusty.

“Does that mean we don’t get a reward for helping you, General Loom?” Zig and Zag spoke up.

“Helping you?” Crusty asked.

“I DIDN’T….” Loom started.

Ag cut him off. “He used them to lure you away so he could pilfer your wares.”

“Using kids like that?” Crusty held up his hammer. “I ought to pound some sense into you.”

“I swear I did it with the best intentions,” General Loom whimpered. “I was just trying to help ‘the cause’. Surely Commander, you must see where I came from.” He looked over at Sev with a pleading expression.

“I do,” Commander Sev nodded. “You are forgiven,” Loom sighed in relief. “But you must aid this Crusty in his workshop. He will be making armor for us.”

“Like we need it,” Ag muttered, more to herself really.

Loom’s eyes sparkled. “A chance to watch a new metal working technique?” He actually squealed and started hopping about. “I would like nothing better.”

Crusty growled. “Fine, but if he so much as snatches a nut, I’m skinning his hide.”

“I think we can live with that,” Commander Sev said. “We only need his brain after all.”

Loom’s eyes widened in fear.
___________________________________________________________________________________

King Trotankhamun watched the exchange in silence. That was odd for him, since he usually loved to converse with others, but now….He had far too many things on his mind to worry about. ‘This is all happening to quickly for me to hoofle. How the hay am I going to deal with this situation?’ He sighed. ‘If only Celestia were here. She’d know what to do.’

Suddenly his ears perked up. “Of course. Why didn’t I think of that sooner?” He bolted inside a nearby tavern. It was abandoned. No doubt the original patrons and work left in all the commotion. Taking out a pen and paper from his tunic, which he kept just in case he needed to remember a mare’s address, he started to write down.

Dear mom Princess Celestia,

Trotankhamun scolded himself for making that mistake. His real mother had…died giving birth to him. He hated himself for it, but his father had just told him to keep his chin up. She wouldn’t want me upset.

So, naturally, the young king, then a prince, had latched on to another: Princess Celestia. She had always been kind to him, helping him grow up and get his bearings for ruling. She had read him bedtime stories when he came to visit and played with him in the gardens. He had it made.

But life wasn’t exactly fair, what with having his father die off while he was just a young teen. But Celestia had been there, through the pain and sorrow. The young king doubted he would ever be the kind of king his father was, but he didn’t have to. Celestia had warned him of that path. That he should make his own way.

I know it hasn’t been that long since I last wrote you and I apologize if my frequency has been annoying, but this is urgent. I have come across a problem, a great problem, that I am unsure of how to handle.

Pokémon! I hope in all your years of knowledge you’ve heard of these creatures, because they are new to me. Several different kinds have appeared in the town of Bridleton and I fear that the rest of my country has had this happen as well. For the most part, they seem calm, but there have been…incidents. No one has been hurt so far, but I can’t be one hundred percent sure of that. This is a big country and I’ve only gotten a taste of the power these creatures possess.

I have received help, however. A group of these Pokémon, calling themselves the ‘Pokémon Liberation Army’ have decided to lend me their support. It has proven beneficial, but I have my doubts. Some of their actions have been…questionable. If you perhaps have any knowledge of them as well, that would be great.

Actually, I was wondering of what I should do? I mean, a new species has just came into my country and I have no idea on how to properly handle them. I’m…scared, to be honest. Please, if you can, I would very much enjoy your advice.

Suddenly, the Rhyhorn from earlier came charging in, with General Rio’s body being shoved backwards. The duo charged through the other wall….before the Rhyhorn was sent flying back out in the streets.

“SOMEONE TIE THAT THING UP!” The young king could hear Ahmos shout in rage.

Rio came through the second whole, covered in dust. He growled in anger, his fist covered in a reddish aura. “Varmint doesn’t know when to give up. Might have to beat some sense into his skull...Again.” He stomped back out into the street.

King Trotankhamun sighed.

Please hurry.

Signed your biggest fan,

King Trotankhamun
_________________________________________________________________________________
*elsewhere in town*

Crowland Tempo had never seen any of these creatures before and that irked him. As he wandered through Bridleton, strange and fascinating creatures flew and ran about. Most of them were little interest, barely worth the effort to hunt. Still, having all these creatures just pop out of nowhere was disconcerting. He already had one predator to worry/hunt, something new could throw off everything.

Of course, that didn’t matter. He was in town for a reason, other than to replace his elephant skull. He couldn’t help but sigh in agitation over the reason. He was a hired gun in pretty much every sense of the word. Usually, it was to help on a safari or something like that. Some rich entrepreneur wishing to bag a tiger or something like that.

This time however, it was a much more unscrupulous client: Dr. Caballeron. A known pony who liked to dabble in pretty much every black act and group that he could get his hooves on, just so he could make a quick buck. He had worked with him a couple times before and he hated him. Hay, he even helped Daring Do escape once. Behind the ‘good’ Doctor’s back, of course. He still needed the money and Daring Do was a foe that deserved better than an execution. She was a free spirit, like the old bird himself.

‘She reminds me of, well, me when I was that age.’ He chuckled, stroking some of his graying feathers. ‘I just hope I wasn’t that bull headed.’

Still, money was money, so he had to wait in town for his current client to come. Which shouldn’t have been long. So, he stopped by an outside café and took out his lunch: salted pieces of pork. Meat was impossible to get from the locals, given that they were herbivores. So he either hunted his dinner or bought it on his travels through his griffin homeland.

He unfurled the brown package, revealing his lunch. Taking up a piece, he plopped it into his mouth. Savoring the taste, and making a couple passing zebras sick in the process, he started to chow down. Not like a barbarian, mind you, but one piece at a time. However, his dinner was interrupted when a small, brown bird plopped itself on the table. It had reddish wings and a pale underbelly.

“Spear-Spearow.” It squawked.

Crowland tilted his head in confusion. “Why hello there, little lady,” given his hunting prowess and bird heritage, he could definitely say it was female. “New around here, I see.”

The bird, to his amazement, nodded. “Row.” It hopped over to the meat.

Glaring, he quickly wrapped up his lunch. “Little lady, this is mine. I suggest you find your own.”

The bird glared at him and ruffled her feathers in attempt to seem intimidating. “Row Spearow.”

“That’s not going to work on me,” Crowland snorted. “I’ve face down hungry tigers with nothing but my bare claws and a broken wing. You’re going to have to try harder.” Unfurling his meal again, he started to eat.

The bird sighed and looked down sadly.

Crowled sighed himself. “Fine,” he held out a piece of pork out to it.

Squawking in gratitude, the bird snatched up the piece of meat. The two ate their lunch happily and quick as ever. Crowland realized that it had been too long since he last just sat down and ate with someone, even if it was a strange bird. He made a note to possibly track down his friend later.

“Time for me to go, little lady,” Crowland stood up, throwing his trash away in a nearby dumpster. “I have a hunt to prepare for.” The bird quickly fluttered her wings and landed on his shoulder. “You want to come with me?”

The bird nodded. “Spear.”

Crowland chuckled. “Suit yourself.” With everything ready, and a new companion, the duo set off for his lodging.

Author's Note

Look's like Crowland's starting up his own team.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment below.

Hiring assistance (Day 1)

King Trotankhamun couldn’t help but marvel at trains. They were grand examples of what Equestrian ingenuity could accomplish. Unfortunately, he only had one track of railroad, which basically just linked Bridleton and the capital city, Cairo. It was fairly new, something he had insisted upon extensively. No doubt to Celestia’s great irritation with how much he pleaded for her to send some engineers. It wasn’t as if his own were incompetent. It’s just that…Most zebras stuck to the old ways. When he had asked his own people to build the railroad, most every metal worker and engineer in his kingdom turned up their noses at the request.

The young king sighed. ‘Progress is slow…But we shall have progress yet.’ Trains were much faster and efficient than anything the kingdom had to offer. It was only logical to make them.

“Whoa,” Lightning Dust said, standing at his side. The young king was a bit taken aback, for he didn’t know she was there. “That’s your train?”

King Trotankhamun nodded. “Yes it is. The only one in Zebrica in fact.”

“Why is it so thick looking?” Lightning couldn’t help but ask. The train was indeed far larger and bulkier than its Equestrian counterpart.

Trotankhamun frowned. “Mostly due to the violent sandstorms that crop up now and again. Can’t be too careful.”

“And what’s the other reasons?”

King Trotankhamun’s eyes widened a bit. “There aren’t any other reasons.”

“Oh?” Lightning raised an eyebrow. “Well, to me at least, this train looks more militaristic than the ones back home…Unless you’re talking about the trains of the Crystal Empire. Those are just awesome! I’ve got to ride one of those one day.”

King Trotankhamun sighed. “Well…the hyena dogs have been more troublesome as of late. Some of our smaller caravans have gone missing and…I just didn’t want to take any chances.”

“You really think they would have the balls to attack the king?” Lightning said.

“Anything is possible with the new Alpha,” the young king shrugged. “My kingdom has a pact of nonaggression with the dogs that stretches back centuries. Back to nearly eight hundred years ago.”

“Is this going to be a boring history lesson?” Lightning cringed.

“Does epic fights and shows of awe inspiring power count as ‘boring’ in Equestria?” The king smirked.

“Go on,” Lightning’s interest seemed to have peeked.

Chuckling, the young king continued. “Before then, the hyena dogs were divided. There’s not a lot of food and supplies in the Zebrican deserts, so packs tend to hoard and fight over watering holes. But one day, a single dog united them. He was the first Alpha, known as Moregutz Bakbreaka.”

“Okay,” Lightning couldn’t help but interrupt. “What’s with the Hyena Dogs and naming? They sound stupid.”

“Hyena dogs hate modern education,” King Trotankhamun clarified. “Actually, they more fear it. They think we’re trying to rule over them, to take away their way of life. I’m trying to help them as much as I can and some of the packs have listened, but we’re a long way from peace.”

“Oh,” Lightning scoffed the ground. “That sucks.”

“Yeah,” the young king sighed. There had been some success with integrating the hyena dogs into society. Schools had been set up to teach and build proper understanding between the races. “But anyways, Moregutz united the dogs through sheer brute force and marched on the rest of Zebrica.” The king shivered. “Those were some of the bloodiest days of my country. Nothing we could do could stop him and his rage. He was the mightiest of dogs, easily dwarfing them all. I dare say he was a giant, able to cleave a full grown dragon’s head off its shoulders. I don’t know if the stories are true or just exaggerated, but there’s a reason why Zebrica doesn’t have a dragon problem.”

Lightning’s jaw fell nearly to the ground.

“My kind was done for…That is until she arrived,” the young king smiled.

“Who?”

“Princess Celestia of course,” King Trotankhamun chirped happily. “She confronted Moregutz himself and challenged him for the position of Alpha.”

“No way,” Lightning said in disbelief. “I knew our princess was awesome, but taking on this guy?”

“Honestly, I don’t think he was the greatest challenge she’s faced,” the king mentioned. “Tirek, Nightmare Moon, Discord…”

“Yeah,” Lightning waved a hoof to quell his list. “But they all used magic. This Moregutz guy did everything with his bare hands. I’d think he was awesome, if he wasn’t such a psychopath.”

“True,” the king nodded. “Moregutz accepted her challenge in a heartbeat. Killing an actual goddess was too tempting to pass up. The two combatants faced off against one another.”

“Celestia’s got this in the bag,” Lightning snorted in amusement. “She’ll just magic his…”

“She promised not to use any magic in the fight,” King Trotankhamun pointed out.

“What?”

“This was a fight for the position of Alpha,” the young king explained. “Hyena dogs don’t like magic, so Celestia, even if she won, wouldn’t have won over the dogs like that. The fight raged on for several hours, neither of them getting the upper hand. That is, until Celestia was able to deal the final blow and vanquish the vile beast, sending his soul to rot in Tartarus. The hyena dogs thus named Celestia their new Alpha. As such, Celestia ordered them to live in peace with the zebras, us, and stop this mindless bloodshed. The dogs listened and ever since then, we’ve been in relative peace, minus the occasional raid. Of course, that’s more to do with some of the hyena dogs were starving so they got desperate.”

“Then what about now?” Lightning asked. “Why are they acting up? They made me a slave, for Celestia’s sake. I want to know what’s up.”

“Zebby Skulltaka,” the king snarled. “An annoying thorn in my side that just wants to dig itself deeper every day. He took up arms and is trying to unite the hyena dogs once more. He’s already got enough clans under his belt to make himself a very serious threat. He hasn’t done anything to menacing yet, but…I fear he may try and be another ‘Moregutz’.”

“Well if he does try,” Lightning flared her wings. “I’ll knock some sense into his thick skull.”

King Trotankhamun chuckled. “Hopefully it won’t come to that.” He looked around himself. “Where are those PLA chaps?”

“Oh they had to do something or another,” Lightning scratched her head. “Honestly, I have no idea. They’re so strange.”

“I know,” King Trotankhamun couldn’t help but mutter. ‘Too strange…I know I should give them the benefit of the doubt, but something about them worries me…Nah, it’s probably nothing.’ “The train doesn’t leave for a while, so they have time.”
________________________________________________________________________________
*Elsewhere, in the market place*

Lia hummed to herself a happy tune. She wasn’t with her older brother at the moment, since he seemed to preoccupied with plotting another ‘rule the world’ scheme with his generals, or what generals he had. She didn’t mind though. She loved him dearly, but it was relaxing to get out on her own. Sev had a habit of…scaring away potential friends. ‘And boyfriends.’

The little Kirlia couldn’t help but look over each and every one of the stalls. Everything was so new and special. Somehow, it felt like she was on another world. ‘But that’s just silly.’

The zebras and other market goers seemed hesitant of her, but they weren’t hostile. She could feel their thoughts and emotions. She wasn’t exactly reading them, that’d be rude, but letting her mind roam kept her at ease in this new environment.

Due to her paying too much attention to the stalls, she didn’t notice the Vespiqueen until she bumped into it. Falling on her rear, she squeaked in surprise.

“Watch where you’re going,” the Vespiqueen snarled, or at least attempted to through its buzzing.

“I’m sorry,” Lia stood up and brushed the dust off her uniform. “I was just looking at the stalls and I…”

“Yeah, yeah,” the Vespiqueen rudely interrupted her, before she got a good look at Lia. “Wait a minute, you’re one of those liberation nutjobs, aren’t you?”

Lia glared at her. While most Pokémon agreed with the PLA, at least the ones where she was from, there was the occasional wild Pokémon that disagree with her big brother and cohorts. Don’t even start on the human owned Pokémon. “We’re not nutjobs.”

The Vespiqueen snorted. “Keep telling yourself. Maybe you’ll believe it one day.”

“Alice!” Another voice called out. Looking over with a glance, Lia spied a Goodra come walk over. “Stop harassing her.”

“Oh if it isn’t goody two shoes Felicia,” Alice, the Vespiqueen groaned. “Why do you waste breathe defending her…Wait, I don’t need to answer it. You’re an idiot.”

“Oh you don’t mean that,” Felicia smiled. “You’re just grumpy because we’re lost.”

“WHO WOULDN”T BE GRUMPY?!!” Alice shouted in anger, causing some of the nearby natives to take off.

“Aww,” Felicia opened up her arms. “Sounds like someone needs a hug.”

Alice squealed in fright and flew behind Lia. “Hug her. HUG HER!”

“And who are you, sweetie?” Felicia smiled at her warmly.

“Lia,” the Kirlia bowed her head in respect. She then straightened herself up. “Second in command of the entirety of the Pokémon Liberation Army, answering only to our glorious commander. We fight for the freedom of Pokémon everywhere, from now and into the future. The human menace will kneel to our might, for we are blessed by our god. Hail lord Arceus!” This was the typical greeting/motto of the organization.

What the little Kirlia wasn’t expecting was for Felicia to pick her up and give her a gooey hug. “You are so cute!”

“Oh yes,” Alicia sneered. “Such a fanaticism is so charming.”

“Alicia,” Felicia chided, not letting go of Lia. “It’s not nice to judge others for their beliefs.”

Alicia just scoffed and looked away.

“Could you let me go?” Lia asked from within the slug dragon’s hold. “I’m not exactly trying to be mean, but I don’t like being slimed.”

“Sorry,” Felicia quickly let Lia down, blushing in embarrassment. “I’m a hugger.”

“I guessed that,” Lia giggled. All Goodra were huggers. They were a nice bunch though and Lia had a few friends that were Goodra. “So who are you?”

“Well, I’m Felicia,” Felicia pointed to herself and then at the Vespiqueen. “And she’s Alice, the grumpiest bug you’ll ever meet.”

“Not grumpy,” Alice muttered.

Felicia giggled. “We’re members of Checkmate, a mercenary group.”

“Oh yes,” Alice piped up, in an aggravated sarcastic manner. “Tell her we’re mercenaries. That’s a sure fire way to make friends.”

Felicia pouted. “It’s called being honest, Alice. Lying is a good way to lose a friend…Forever!” She said the last word in a rather dramatic way.

Lia couldn’t help but find the two odd. ‘They’d fit in with us.’ She pondered. Goodra were nice pokemon and she did want another female friend to talk to. ‘Maybe I should hire them. We’re not exactly doing well in the number department as of now.’

Before she could ask, her mind felt her brother approach. Slithering out of a nearby cross-section in the street, he narrowed his eyes at the two mercs. Commander Sev never did like anyone hanging out with his sister without his permission. He was overprotective, in Lia’s mind at least.

Quickly slithering over, with General Ag in toe, Sev hissed in agitation. “Who are they?”

“I’m Felicia,” the Goodra scooped up Sev in a hug, who hissed in anger. “It’s so great to meet you…Um…” Pulling him back, she squinted. “Let me guess, your name’s Sleeve.”

“It’s COMMANDER SEV,” he hollered his name in her face. “Remember it, for it has been blessed by Arceus himself.”

“That’s nice,” Felicia set him down.

Sev stared at him with his jaw agape. “That’s nice? That’s nice?!! It is more than just ‘nice’, you being of small brain. I am his chosen warrior. You should be bowing to me.”

“Yeah,” Alice scoffed. “Sorry, I only bow to people with money.”

“Money?” Sev seemed a little confused.

“They’re mercs, big brother,” Lia said.

“Mercs?!!” Ag growled. It was no secret that most of the army didn’t take kindly to ‘soldiers for hire’. She took an aggressive step forward.

“SEE!” Alice wildly gestured to the trio of PLA. “This is what happens when you just go blabbering out stuff like that.”

“But they’re our new friends,” Felicia whined and picked up Sev. “Just look at him. He likes me already.”

“I WILL HAVE YOU CARVED INTO PIECES AND FED TO SHARPEDOS!” Sev shouted in her ear.

“See,” Felicia proudly smiled an ear to ear grin. “Friends already.”

“Delusional idiot,” Alice said softly to herself, face-palming.

Lia giggled. “Can we hire them, big brother? Can we? Can we?”

“Can you? Can you?” Felicia chirped happily.

“Commander,” Ag growled, balling up her fists. “The king is waiting for us.”

Sev was finally able to squirm his way out of the Goodra’s hold. “Yes,” he hissed. “Of course he is waiting. He knows he can’t leave without the glorious Commander Sev!”

“Wait,” Alice spoke. “King? As in a rich, wealthy king?”

“Yes, yes,” Sev nodded, before his eyes widened. Lia could tell he was already thinking of hiring them, but she didn’t stop him. He smiled. “A wealthy king indeed. He is in need of protection and I so happen to be the one providing that. No doubt he will pay me handsomely.” He inspected his blade. “I wouldn’t know what to do with all that gold, honestly. Maybe give it to charity, or…”

“We could help,” Alice interrupted. “We’re good at protecting people. Isn’t that right, Felicia?”

“Hmmm,” Felicia rubbed her chin. “The chance for excitement, new friends, and maybe finding Weiss? I’m in.” She happily chirped.

“Good,” Sev chuckled. “Then…”

His words were cut off when Felicia hugged him again. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

“UNHAND ME, WRETCHED WORM BABY!”

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment.

Characters of Checkmate were used with permission from V-Oblivion. Please go check out his own story in the 'A New World' verse.

Nightly interactions (Day 1)

*later that night, on the train*

“Oooh,” Felicia the Goodra squealed on top of her bed. Her bubbly butt bounced up and down in her excitement. “Isn’t this exciting? We’re going to the capital to guard the king!”

“Pfft,” Alice the Vespiqueen scoffed, lazily laying back in her own bunk. “You’ve seen one king, you’ve seen them all. I honestly don’t see why you’re so excited about guarding these Pokémon wannabees.”

“Stop being such a cynic, Alice,” Felicia crossed her arms and pouted. “This is a great opportunity to learn about this new place. I mean, how can you turn down the chance to befriend royalty and cute royalty too.”

Alice raised an eyebrow. “Forgetting about Weiss already? I’m surprised. You’re usually all over that human.”

Felicia giggled. “Nope. A girl can call a guy cute, even if she’s not interested in him. Besides, Weiss isn’t the jealous type. I know he loves me.” When Alice gave her a ‘really?’ like face, Felicia rolled her eyes. “Well, not in that way…Yet, but he will. Mark my words. Love conquers all.”

“Can it conquer my fist?” The two mercenaries looked over in shock at General Ag, who had quietly walked into the room. Honestly, they were rather surprised they didn’t hear the giant, walking monstrosity come through the door.

“What are you doing here?” Alice glared at the General. While Alice was still working for them, she didn’t like them one bit. Felicia could tell. She read her like an open book.

‘Actually, more like a semi-open book,’ Felicia clarified to herself. ‘Of course, I hope I’m not intruding now, you know, with reading her.’

“I just wanted to make something clear to you,” Ag growled. “I hate mercs.”

“Shocker,” Alice muttered.

“You have no allegiance,” Ag continued. “You have no honor. You don’t give a Raticate’s butt whether we’re victorious or not. You just want money.”

“And friends,” Felicia piped up.

“Shut it,” both Alice and Ag hissed, causing the Goodra to scoot back and whimper.

“Anyways,” Ag said. “I just wanted to make one thing clear. From here on out, you answer to me. You walk when I tell you to walk. Breath when I tell you to. Do whatever asinine thing that comes to my mind, ‘cause you’re in my army now. I will not tolerate insubordination.”

Alice scoffed and folded her arms behind her head. “You can’t tell me what to do. I’m a merc, remember? You pay me to guard the king, that’s what I’ll do. Not a scratch will fall on his head, or whatever part of him. Otherwise, shut the hell up and get out of my sight.”

“WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME?!!” Ag roared, quickly walking over and putting her face in front of Alice’s. Alice couldn’t help but shiver in fear, staring into the metal face of an angry Aggron. “I am your commanding officer. You will show me respect, bug.”

“I’m not one of your damned soldiers,” Alice hissed whatever brave words she could muster.

Felicia was silent, scared to get between the two. ‘Please don’t fight. Please don’t fight.’

“Then you won’t get paid then,” Ag pointed out. “I thought you were looking forward to that kingly sum.”

Alice groaned, foiled by her own greed. “Fine.”

General Ag snorted. “Good,” she straightened herself up. “But you still have to prove your worth if you want your ‘reward’.” Ag sneered. “Tomorrow, you and your little dragon friend will face me in combat.”

“Whoa!” Alice shot up into the air. “That wasn’t part of the deal.”

“No fight,” Ag stated. “No money.”

Alice let out a frustrated, muffled cry as she tried to stop herself from screaming in rage. “Fine, but don’t bawl your eyes out when I beat you.”

“We’ll see,” Ag promptly left the room.

Alice settled back into her bed, silently mumbling darkly to herself.

“You shouldn’t have been so mean to her,” Felicia piped up.

“She was being an asshole,” Alice muttered.

Felicia pouted. “And you shouldn’t use those bad words.”

“Big baby,” Alice slumped over, not looking forward to the days to come.
_____________________________________________________________
*Commander Sev*

Lightning Dust was beautiful in her sleep. The sheets hugged her form as she laid across the small bed frame of train’s sleeping compartments. They weren’t overly comfortable, since they were meant solely for troops and such and those weren’t the main concerns the ‘council’ of zebras had in mind. So, she would occasionally toss and turn, trying to get herself into a more comforting position. Occasional cute little hums or strange whispers escaped her mouth, making for an incredibly adorable sight.

A sight that Commander Sev ravished with his eyes.

The snake leader had been up most of the night, contemplating his next move. His heart had been set on a weather machine and thus give water to the Zebricans. No doubt they would praise him as the god’s chosen warrior he was, but he opted against it. It would take too long and he was an impatient Seviper. He wanted something now…Which stirred a certain female into his mind.

Sev smiled deviously. ‘She is a specimen of perfection and do I not deserve perfection? Actually, don’t answer that. It’s obvious I do. She will be mine.’ So the Commander had most brilliantly snuck past her defenses and into her room. Of course, those defenses had just constituted an unlocked door, but Sev thought to himself that it was a simple deduction for that to be so. ‘All doors are to be unlocked. How else are people supposed to gaze upon my visage behind a locked door? They would suffer without my handsome face.’

Commander Sev had at first entered with the precise idea of talking with her. What he found was the most precious thing he could think of. His desired female was so adorable when she was a sleep that he believed a crime as t stop her from doing so. So he just watched, honestly confused on what to do next. It wasn’t a secret, well maybe to himself, but Commander Sev had no experience when it came to attracting a mate.

‘I don’t need experience,’ he thought to himself. ‘I am the great and powerful Commander Sev. All females wish to incubate my eggs. But…What do I do first? What is a pokemon to do when their soon to be mate is asleep…AHAHA!”

He had often seen mates cuddle with one another. They always looked so peaceful and content, so the great Sev thought none would be more content then in his coils.

Though he still didn’t move. His brilliant deduction still could get rid of the nervousness that still plagued him, for some strange reason. It wasn’t until she started shivering, pulling her blanket closer, did he act. ‘She’s cold.’

Commander Sev found it odd that it was always cold at night in the desert, but hot in the day. ‘No doubt a filthy human trick to confuse us. No matter. We pokemon persevere.’ He himself felt cold and that wouldn’t do. So, taking both into consideration, Commander Sev quickly and carefully laid himself against Lightning. Sighing, he nuzzled her head. She was soft…so soft and cuddly. He didn’t even protest when she turned in her sleep and grasped hold of him.

He wasn’t the huggy type, except for his sister, but he would allow this. She was going to be his mate, after all.
_____________________________________________________________________________
*back in Bridleton*

Crowland scowled, as he tapped a claw on his desk. He had been able to afford a modest apartment. Nothing fancy and it was far from prying eyes. And away from prying eyes, meant that he had scared the locals into moving out some of the other tenants. It wasn’t something he liked to do, but he wasn’t going to be caught dealing with low life scum.

The little bird, that he had affection-ally title ‘Little Lady’, snoozed away on his shoulder. She spent a lot of time there, but he didn’t mind. He liked her company. He fondly scratched her head and she cooed happily. She awoke and nuzzled his cheek.

“Sorry for waking you, Little Lady.”

“Spear, Spearow,” The bird chirped happily. He took it that there weren’t any hard feelings between them.

What irked him was that his employer still hadn’t arrived. He peered down at what appeared to be a small mirror, when in fact it was a magical device. It was a clever way of communication created by the unicorns millennia ago. It suited him well. He didn’t exactly like his current clients.

The mirror rippled, signaling someone was patching through. Within seconds, Dr. Caballeron’s face shimmered into life.

“Ah,” Cabelleron smiled. “It’s good to see you, my old friend.”

Crowland raised an eyebrow at the ‘friend’ remark, but said nothing. “Are you here?”

“Just arrived not but a few moments ago,” Cabelleron explained.

“Took you long enough,” Crowland snorted. “So, when are we setting off?”

“I’ve gotten in contact with our compatriots on the other lines and….” Cabelleron cringed. “They aren’t very pleased right now.”

“The new creatures giving them the scares?” Crowland chuckled.

“In a way,” Cabelleron nodded. “We’ll have to find a way around these problems. No worries though. I’ve faced far worse in my line of business.”

‘No doubt about that,’ Crowland thought with an inner chuckle. “I’ll meet you at the docks. I don’t think our compatriots in arms will have much to worry about.” He lightly patted his crossbow, which was leaning out of site on the desk. “I think I can persuade them that there’s nothing to fear.”

“I hope you do,” Cabelleron gulped. “Or it’s my head.”

“Then maybe you should reconsider your line of work,” Crowland glared at him. “I’m not a saint, but even I know that the likes that we’re dealing with aren’t the best kind. I mean, A Thirst and a Hyena Dog Alpha? And there’s even another client that you won’t tell me about. I don’t like the smell of this job and I know you don’t either. So spill.”

“Tomorrow,” Cabelleron said. “I’ll tell you tomorrow. I know that they are dangerous clients, but it will all be worth it. I assure you, neither of us will regret this venture.”

“Will we?” Crowland wasn’t convinced. He held up his crossbow. “My gut tells me otherwise.”

“And what is it telling you?”

“That nothing’s the same anymore,” Crowland frowned. “Death has new shapes and forms and this world isn’t like the one it was yesterday.” He remembered the creatures he saw on his hunt. The power they held. The strength they showed. “We might not make it through this.”

“Are you concerned for me?” Cabelleron looked at him, rather shocked.

“I don’t like you,” Crowland growled. “But I don’t wish for your death either. Trust me, if I thought that, you’d be six feet under by now. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still with you on this. I’m just saying, we’ve got to watch ourselves. Never underestimate anything.”

Cabelleron rolled his eyes and snorted. “Oh yes, I’ve learned that the hard way.”

Crowland could hear him silently curse ‘Daring Do’ under his breath. He chuckled. “Stubborn lass. I wonder what she’s gotten herself into.”

“Hopefully death,” Cabelleron scoffed. “Or something horrible. I’d hate for her to get involved. Whatever beast or creatures we face in the coming days, I’d rather face them than that miserable Pegasus.”

Crowland didn’t say anything, but he himself new that they were lucky Daring wasn’t on their tale. He could kill any beast, new or old. No foe, whether with magic or mundane means, had bested him in the hunt, except for her.

“Tomorrow Crowland,” Cabelleron continued. “Tomorrow we shall make history and there is not a thing anyone can do to stop it.”

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment.

Morning (Day 2)

The city of North Petalburg….

IS UNDER ATTACK!

The human citizens fled for their lives. They pushed each other out of the way in a vain attempt to save themselves. It mattered not. The red beam of death rained down upon them, incarnating them into nothing but ash.

Their attack was a giant, cyborg Kingler that slowly advanced through the populated area. It punched buildings, stepped on cars, and pretty much made itself a bloody nuisance to everything…Well, except when it crushed a mime. There wasn’t really a loss there.

Amongst this carnage, the death, the utter devastation, a voice carried itself over all of it. It was laughter, one that you could call ‘insane’ if you didn’t know the owner. Well, you still could, but not to his face. It was none other than Commander Sev who piloted the giant cyborg Kingler of death. His tail push a series of levers that pretty much looked random.

“Yes,” he hissed in triumph. “Flee. Flee before your better, humans. None can stand before the awe inspiring might of Arceus’s blade!” He laughed some more as the Kingler fired lazers out from its eyes. He was loving every second of this. Finally his revenge was at hand…tail…yeah that.

‘And they doubted my giant cyborg Kingler plan. I AM A GENIUS!’

But then everything stopped as though someone had hit the pause button. Commander Sev hissed in frustration, vainly trying to get his death cyborg back online. “Work you stupid thing. I command you.”

“Pray tell,” a heavenly voice sounded beside him. “What is the meaning of all of this?”

Sev’s eyes widened in surprise. Not many could surprise him, mind you. ‘Only the stealthiest of vermin dare to surprise me.’ Turning his head, he was surprise to see what appeared to be a blue, winged Rapidash. Her mane flowed like the night sky and her power…Her power…

‘She is a legendary. Of course she is.’

He glared at her. “What do you want, legendary? I am in the middle of basking in my glory.”

Commander Sev knew he ‘should’ play nice with her. Legendaries were the children of Arceus, but so were the pokemon. Never had the legendaries risen up against the humans. Never had they helped save his brethren from being captured and put on display. To be traded and used to battle day after day with no relent. The humans got off scott free and the pokemon paid each and every minute for it.

“I merely wish to converse,” the legendary said. Her voice beautifully chimed in the air and Sev couldn’t help but find himself at ease. “Is that so wrong?”

Sev snorted. “Yes, of all times you wish to talk you choose now to do so? Where were you when the humans enslaved us? Hiding like the rest of your kind?”

“I assure you,” the legendary glared at him, but he did not back down. He was the mighty Commander after all. “I hide from no one, be it beast or sapient.”

“Lies,” Sev hissed. “All lies. That is what you legendaries say. You do not wish for our freedom. You do not wish for Arceus to be free once more. You all keep to yourselves like cowardly vermin. That’s what you are and that’s what you will always be.”

“Commander Sev, I am not a legendary,” the legendary scoffed. “I am Princess Luna, an alicorn, a native of this world.”

“This world?” Sev chuckled. “Are you going to try and trick the great and powerful Commander Sev into believing that this is an entirely different world? You may be powerful, but never shall you be so powerful as to trick me.”

“Surely you must see reason,” Luna sighed. “There are no zebras or any of the creatures you have witnessed today in your world.”

“LIES,” Sev hammered his tail against the cyborg frame. “Pathetic legendary worm lies! I am not one to be fooled. Not even in a dream…” He frowned. “A dream. That is what this is…” He sighed. “Leave me be. I have a world to conquer.”

“It does not have to be this way,” Luna settled down next to him, but he did not move a muscle. “You have great potential for good. I see that. Why can’t you?”

“I am the incarnation of goodness,” Sev boasted. “My path is always right.”

“Killing is not the answer,” Luna pointed out. “What they did was wrong, but that doesn’t put you in the right to do the same to them. That is the path of evil.”

“Evil is not a description that I, the chosen warrior of Lord Arceus, can be given,” Sev rolled his eyes. “The humans must pay and Arceus must be set free. That is my destiny.”

“Arceus is free,” Luna said.

“You lie!” Sev rounded on her. “He is trapped. Trapped by the infernal humans and only I can free him. It is my destiny for only I can pierce the voice. Are you going to try and convince me otherwise? You might as well say some random human trainer did it. I’m in need of a good laugh right now.”

“I have met him earlier,” Luna narrowed her eyes. “And I advise you to stop with this worship of him. It is unhealthy. You will destroy yourself.”

“Why do you care?”

“I care for everyone,” Luna frowned. “Many may think differently, but I do care. I wish to lend you my hoof in friendship, Commander Sev. It would be wise to take it and maybe your bleak future can be averted.”

“My future is not bleak,” Sev hissed. “I am the strongest commander that the world has ever seen. My legacy will last generations.”

“That is not the best course to take. I know. My name is known through the generations as well. I tried to conquer the world, to put right what I thought was wrong.”

Sev smiled. “It felt good, didn’t it? The power that change can bring.”

“It did and that’s what disgusts me,” Luna grimaced. “I tried to plunge the world into eternal night. If I had succeeded, this world would have died. The path you walk is the same I did so many centuries ago….Minus the giant cyborg crabs.”

“You’re just jealous you didn’t think of it first,” Sev smirked.

Luna chuckled. “Maybe a little…,” she frowned. “Think on this, Sev. Change is good, but only for the right reasons.”

“My reasons are right and just,” Sev proclaimed. ‘Why is she so persistent?’

“Maybe…” Luna sighed. “Maybe…but you could be wrong.”

“Why are you so urgent?” Sev hissed, reeling into an aggressive posture. “Why do you seek to divert me from my destiny?”

“Because you remind me of me,” Luna snapped. “I too was blinded by my so called destiny. I didn’t take anyone else into consideration. I attacked, I killed, all in the name of my destiny. And do you know what I got? A thousand years trapped inside the moon. My soul wandering around with not but daemons to keep me comfort, but I was redeemed. You do not have the luxury of immortality. You do not have the luxury of the Elements of Harmony. This path will be the death of you.”

“A legendary who cares?” Sev chuckled. “Who’d have thought? Maybe I will take heed, or maybe I won’t. My life is my own and no one will get in my way.”

Luna stood up. “Then I will take my leave, but I will be back. Maybe one day, I can change you.”

“Maybe you can join me instead,” Sev smiled. “A dreamwalker would be useful. Think of all the nightmares we could give the police. With them screaming at shadows, we can steal their jewelry. The humans will crumble without their shiny gems and only I, Commander Sev, will return them…If they leave us alone that is.”

Luna blinked. “You wish to give the police nightmares, so you can steal jewelry, hold it for ransom under the condition that the humans leave forever?”

“It is a great plan,” Sev nodded.

Luna face-hooved. “I have my work cut out for me.”

“Yes you do. I’m sure Hoenn has a lot of cops…At least, I think they would.” He tapped his chin with his tail. “Humans are pretty rowdy.”

Luna just groaned in response.

“Glad you agree with me.”

“Just…” Luna sighed. “Be careful, alright?”

“I’m always careful…..”

Sev’s dream was ended in pain.
___________________________________________________________________________

Lightning Dust couldn’t help but snuggle further into her bed. She had just woke from one of the most peaceful slumbers she had ever…slumbered. She didn’t know why, but she just felt so secure. So safe.

‘This scaly pillow is so comfy.’

She rested her muzzle against it. It was so smooth, so inviting. The scent from the scales was intoxicating and she couldn’t help but cuddle closer to them. Running her hooves over it, she felt a shiver run down her spine with the exoticness of it all.

‘Zebrica’s pillows are just made of awesome….Wait, scaly?’

She groggily opened her eyes to get a good look at her ‘pillow’. Low and behold, it was none other than Commander Sev. He was wrapped around her in a rather…Intimate embrace. She couldn’t help but blush a deep red.

“Y-y-ou…” She stammered, both angry and frightened by the development. “CREEP!” With a mighty throw, she pushed him off the bed and herself. The snake groaned on impact and she quickly smacked him hard upside the head.

“WHAT THE…” Sev roared, before Lightning punched him again. “What is the meaning of this?” He dodged another blow.

Lightning’s blush hadn’t gone away as she kept swinging wildly. “You. Me. Bed.”

Sev stopped himself and blinked. He smirked. “Well, well, well, you finally wish to have some of the Commander?”

Lighting answered him with a clean uppercut. Sev rose up into the air, before hitting the floor. “YOU IDIOT! I’d never sleep with a guy like you.”

Commander Sev groaned and Lightning kicked him again before heading out of her room.
______________________________________________________________________
*A few minutes earlier, outside the room with the king*

“Your Majesty,” Ahmos scowled. “Bringing these…beasts to the capital is a terrible idea. They will cause havoc.”

King Trotankhamun sighed. “As I’ve told you a million times, they are to work with our own forces dealing with rouge ‘Pokemon’. We need them, Ahmos. We have no idea what the rest of their race is like and I am not going to start a war over a misunderstanding.”

“A war is inevitable,” Ahmos muttered. “They are foreigners. They will seek to destroy us. We might succeed, we might, but even then, the other nations will be hounding us like piranha after a sick cow. We need to act now before they have time to group up, not to mention the other nations.”

“No one is going to war,” King Trotankhamun glowered at his commanding general. “Until my last breath, Zebrica will know only peace. That I assure you.”

Ever since he had awakened, the young king had been pestered by Ahmos to ‘deal’ with the Pokemon. His methods were…questionable to say the least. ‘Sometimes, I wonder what my father was thinking when he put this guy in charge.’

Ahmos opened his mouth to argue, when Lightning Dust opened up her door. She was angry and…blushing?

“Miss Dust,” King Trotankhamun grinned. “It is so good to see you. I hope you had a good night’s sleep.”

Her blush grew tenfold. “For the most part.”

Commander Sev groaned in pain as he slithered out of the room.

King Trotankhamun’s eyes widened. “Miss Dust, Commander Sev, I had no idea you two were a couple. If I had, I’d have made sure you received a couple’s sweet. I’m truly ashamed for breaking you apart.”

“IT”S NOT LIKE THAT!” Lightning yelled. “He snuck into my bed.

“Because I thought she was lonely,” Sev hissed. “She looked so cold… I assure you, I did not try anything so…heinous. I am not a lecherous human.”

“Not lecherous?” Lightning scoffed. “Yeah right. You just wanted a piece of my tail.”

“I’d rather have your face actually,” Sev said. “It’s far prettier and I can actually talk to it. Can’t talk to a tail.”

Lightning’s blush was so red, King Trotankhamun thought it had turned into a tomato. “Sh-shut up, idiot.” She stomped her way past everyone else.

“Should I ask?” King Trotankhamun asked the serpent.

Sev shook his head. “No, I think not.”

“By the way,” Trotankhamun said. “How come I can still understand you? Your sister surely can’t keep up the translation in her sleep.”

“She can,” Commander Sev grinned in pride. “My sister is strong, stronger than any psychic type that one can find. General Gard has taught her well, but she has even surpassed he who can tear apart an armored caravan in mere seconds. Truly, she is blessed by Arceus himself, though that is not a surprise. She is related to me, blood or not.”

“Right,” the young king said. ‘I have no idea what he’s talking about, but I’m just going to nod my head and pretend I do…Just like a real politician. ZING!’

Unbeknownst to him, his council all grew slightly more agitated than they already were.

“When shall we see your capital?” Sev asked.

“Not but mere hour from now. We’re almost out of the forest.” the young king smiled. “I’m sure you’ll love Cairo once you see it with your own eyes.”

Sev snorted. “Maybe.”

Ahmos scowled. “Maybe? Not many outsiders have seen the majesty of Cairo. You should be honored.”

“It is you who should be honored,” Commander Sev puffed himself so he looked bigger. “They will know the might I possess and they will know that they are protected by the PLA. The Zebricans will see that there safety is assured when our banner flies over their heads.”

“I know I do,” the young king smiled. While he still had his trepidations, Commander Sev seemed like a decent fellow, if not eccentric. ‘This may just work out after all.’
____________________________________________________________________________________

Lightning grumbled as she not so quietly made her way further into the train. If she were an earth pony, no doubt in anyone’s mind she would be denting the floor in her silent rage. ‘Stupid cuddly snake..Wait, he’s not cuddly...but he was...GAH!’

“The Commander giving you a hard time?” Ag stuck her head out from a room.

Lightning glared at her, not afraid to show the giant metal beast some of her anger. “He was in my bed.”

Ag sighed and walked out into the hall. Lightning was actually surprised that she didn’t have to break anything in order to fit. “Darn. I hoped he wouldn’t try it again.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The Commander wishes to have you as his mate,” Ag explained.

“WHAT?!!” Lightning jumped back in shock.

“Yeah,” Ag nodded. “Otherwise he’d have rather slept on the floor. The guy doesn’t like others touching him or anything without his permission. Only his sister and mom get a free pass. If he slithered into your bed, he sure wants you bad.”

“Well I’m not interested,” Lightning looked away with a small blush.

“Yeah, he’s not the type to take no for an answer,” Ag chuckled. “If there’s one thing I know about the Commander, he’s stubborn. He once took on a Tyranitar all by himself because it blocked his way to his favorite watering hole.”

“That doesn’t sound that stubborn,” Lightning scoffed. “I’d have kicked...whatever that thing’s butt if it was blocking my favorite place.”

“The Commander could have simply gone around,” Ag pointed out. “There were other paths and routes, but Commander Sev preferred that one. Something about it being sentimental and all. So, he fought the beast.”

“Did he win?”

“Surprisingly yes,” Ag nodded. “The Commander may not look it, but he’s a tough bastard. You could spend all day beating him into the ground, but he’ll get right back up and press on. His will is his strongest asset and it let him outlast the Tyranitar.”

“What happened to it?” Lightning asked. “The Tyranitar.”

“The Commander offered him a position as one of his personal bodyguards,” Ag smiled. “He was a great fighter, I tell you that. If I wasn’t already taken…”

Lightning frowned. Ag was fantasizing about something and the happy expression on her face wasn’t giving Lightning the best mental picture. “Okay, okay. Just stop with the fantasies.”

Ag sputtered, blushing like mad. “Sorry, just dazed off for a second...Hope Gard doesn’t see those.”

“Gard?”

“My mate,” Ag grumbled. “He’s a psychic type so...yeah, I’m going to have to deal with that later.”

“He’s the jealous type?” Lightning raised an inquiring eyebrow.

“Like you wouldn’t believe,” Ag chuckled. “I don’t know why though. It’s not like I’d cheat on him.” She frowned. “We’ve gotten off topic.”

“Yeah no,” Lightning frowned. “We haven’t because there isn’t a topic to talk about.”

“And break the Commander’s heart?” Ag shook her head. “Oh no, I remember the last time that happened.”

“The last time?” Lightning couldn’t think of anyone actually getting through Sev’s outer layer to actually break him. He seemed liked tough stuff. ‘Felt like tough stuff too...Wow, I really need a stallionfriend. I’m starting to think snake’s are hot...I do not have a fetish, he’s just being so stupid it’s effecting me.’

“She was a some prissy Delcatty,” Ag scoffed. “Couldn’t keep her nose out of the clouds, but the Commander fell for her. She used that to advantage, making him do everything for her and stuff like that.”

Lighting had heard of mares like that. Ones that would use another’s love to manipulate them. It was sick and wrong in her opinion.

“Eventually, the Commander found her with another Delcatty,” Ag sighed. “He never left his personal chamber for three weeks. You could hear his sorrow from all the way on the other side of the base.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that.”

“I know, it made sleep almost impossible.”

Lightning rolled her eyes. “I meant about Sev.”

“Oh yeah, but don’t tell him I said anything about that. He never admits that he cried like a little baby. He’s too prideful.”

“Did any of your teach that no good Delcatty a lesson?” Lightning hoped for the answer.

“His little sister,” Ag shivered. “She can be scary when it comes to messing with her family. You have to understand, she loves her big brother. She absolutely adores him and when she found out what happened….Let’s just say, the Delcatty broke the Commander’s heart, so Lia repaid the favor with the Delcatty’s mind. That little witch of a cat isn’t anymore a wild animal now.”

“Whoa,” Lightning shivered in fear. “I thought Lia was too nice for something like that.”

“She is,” Ag sighed. “But she just lost it. You should have seen the Commander. He loved her, he really did. If he is courting you, just give him a chance and if you don’t like him like that, let him down gently.” She balled her fists. “Because if you hurt him, I swear you’ll wish you’d never been born.”

“Hey,” Lightning flared her wings in answer. “He came on to me. I’m not the one at fault here.”

Ag let her shoulders go slack. “Sorry, got carried away. The Commander’s a dear friend...Just don’t want to see him get hurt again.”

“And I won’t,” Lightning said. She sighed and looked away, her mind a little fuzzled. “Look, I may not want him now, but if he does want me, I guess I’ll give him a shot. I mean, he’s an idiot but he’s not that bad.”

“Good,” Ag wandered off. “Now, where’s the dinner car. I’m star….”

The train lurched to an abrupt stop, throwing everyone about. The last thing Lightning saw as she was thrown forwards was Ag’s back and then everything went dark.
___________________________________________________________________________
*deeper into the forest, near the lake*

Two huge forms slumbered by their fresh kill. They were Tyrantrums, the fiercest predators that had ever lived. Their very snores shook the air. Not a single creature, native or otherwise, dared be anywhere near the apex hunters. They were at peace and they were going to stay that way.

“Mommy!” A little male voice shouted. “Daddy! Matilda bit my tail.”

“That’s cause you were being annoying,” a little female voiced back.

“Nu-uh,” the male said.

“Yeah-huh,” Matilda retorted.

“Stop fighting,” the adult male grumbled, waking from his slumber. “Terrance, Matilda, this is beneath you. We are apex predators, we don’t go ‘nu-uh’, nor do we annoy our parents when they’re asleep.”

“Sorry daddy,” the two Tyrunts replied.

“Dear,” the female Tyrantrum stirred. “Don’t be so harsh with them. They’re just playing.”

“Playing this early in the morning?” The male yawned, showing off his mighty jaws. “That’s not good for children.”

The female snorted. “Not good you say, Viktor? Why, I remember not a year ago that we were playing a little game at this hour. You seemed to enjoy it very much so.”

Viktor blushed. “Sue!”

Sue giggled and licked her mate.

“What are you guys talking about?” Terrance asked.

“Probably stupid grown up stuff,” Matilda answered.

“Yes,” Viktor grumbled through his blush. “Stupid grown up stuff. Why don’t you to go play somewhere else for a change. Mommy and daddy need to have a little alone time.”

“But she bit me,” Terrance replied.

“Did not,” Matilda glared at him.

“Did so,” Terrance returned the gesture.

“Stop this!” Viktor growled. “Go play in the forest. If you’re angry with each other, zip it. No doubt you can find some creature to take your frustration out on.”

“But nothing too dangerous,” Sue said.

“Okay,” the two toddlers ran into the forest, trying to be faster than the other.

Viktor sighed and laid back down against his mate. “They are going to be the death of me.”

Sue giggled. “You’re exaggerating. They’ll only be the ‘fossilization’ of you.”

“I take it back,” Viktor grumbled. “Your jokes are going to be the death of me.”

“Oh you know you love them,” Sue rested her head under his.

“Yeah,” Viktor yawned. “I do.”

Author's Note

New chapter is up and running and so is day two. Almost to Arceus's message, but our heroes have a new problem on their hands.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment.

Conflict in the making (Day 2)

“I think I got her,” Lightning heard Lia say. “She’s waking up now.”

Lightning Dust groaned as her body so aggressively came back to the realm of consciousness. She wasn’t a stranger to smacking headfirst into things. Comes with being a Pegasus with such a need for speed. She had ended up in a hospital more times than she could count, but that didn’t stop her. Of course, none of those things she had smacked into were a metal behemoth.

Lightning rubbed her sore forehead. ‘This is going to hurt for a while.’

Looking around, she saw Lia and Rio standing over her, plus a couple zebra doctors. “How’re you feeling?” Lia asked.

“Like I rammed into a wall of metal,” Lightning groaned.

Rio chuckled. “Ah know the feelin’. Little miss Ag’s thrown me about once or twice back in the days.” He shook his paw as if remembering a phantom pain. “Her skin makes for a mighty fine challenge to bruise, ah tell ya.”

Lightning chuckled a little herself. She could imagine how painful it would be to strike Ag. She was a literal monster made up of metal. No doubt she was strong enough to withstand even cannon fire. “How long was I out?”

Rio pulled her to her hooves. She nodded a ‘thanks’ to him and he just tipped his hat in response.

“Less than half an hour,” Lia answered. “I wanted to know if you were okay, so I woke you up.”

“Well thanks,” Lightning rubbed her sore head. “Where are the others?”

“Outside,” Rio answered. “Some blasted tree fell before the train. Dog garn stopped us dead, it did.”

“A tree?” Lightning raised an incredulous eyebrow. “Stopped this train?”

Rio nodded and threw his arms out wide to emphasis. “These trees are huge, miss Dust. Ah’ve never seen anythin’ like it ‘fore now.”

Lightning snorted. ‘Just my luck.’

“Don’t worry though,” Lia smiled. “My big brother will think of something. He always does.” She frowned. “Well hopefully it’s not one of his more…extreme ideas.”

Rio shivered. “Ah’d follow that snake anywhere, but sometimes ah wonder if that darn psychic did more damage than we thought.”

“Damage?” Lightning asked, not liking the sound of it.

“Commander Sev may be a slippery varmint,” Rio sighed. “But he’s still a loudmouth. Team Rocket got their grubby hands on him during a raid once. Tried to get information on us through him. He refused.”

“So they brought in an Alakazam,” Lia growled, bawling up her fists. “That…Fiend broke into my brother’s mind. My brother resisted. No matter what the Alakazam did, my brother fought him every step of the way.” Lia sniffed. “We finally freed him a few days later. He’s been a little…loopy since then.”

“Well, loopier than normal,” Rio admitted with a chuckle.

Lia giggled. “Yeah,” her laughter died quickly. “I’ve been trying to help him and he’s getting better. I’ve fixed most of what that…fiend did, so my big brother is back to normal.”

“You call that normal?” Lightning couldn’t help but ask.

“Normal is subjective,” Lia’s grin was wicked. “Normal for us is insane for everyone else. I think we like it that way.”

Rio nodded, but then frowned. “Did ya just call me insane?”

“….No,” Lia’s eyes darted this way and that.

Rio rolled his eyes and walked off. “Ah’m gonna go check up on those mercs. Can’t tell if there…” Whatever he was going to say was cut off by a big Goodra running him over.

Without a second to spare, Felicia snatched up Lightning and pulled her into a slimy hug. “Oooh, I was so worried. I thought you were never going to wake up and then I’d be sad and Weiss isn’t here to cheer me up, so I don’t know how long I’d be sad.”
Lightning struggled in vain to get out of the slimy hold of hers. ‘Geez, what is she? A slug dragon or something?’

“Felicia,” Lia asked in a sweet voice. “Could you please let her go?”

“Okay,” Felicia gently set the now drenched mare down on the ground. She offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I get carried away sometimes.”

“I noticed,” Lightning pulled a face as she looked at herself. She quickly shook herself free of most of the slime, like a dog would after a bath.

Lia used her psychic powers to keep herself clean. “Be careful where you spray it.”

Rio groaned and stood up. “And be careful where ya walk, ya darned merc. If ah wasn’t so sturdy, that coulda hurt.”

“Sorry,” Felicia said and trapped Rio in a hug.

Lightning chuckled to herself. These were definitely interesting times for her. Still, she left the others to their own devices and opened one of the train doors leading outside. Finally stepping outside, she let out a relieved breath. Pegasi were beings of the air. Having a ceiling overhead and being in small confined areas didn’t sit right with them and Lightning was no exception.

She unfurled her wings and flapped them a bit, helping her take a little ways off the ground. She was merely floating a couple of feet, but that felt just heavenly. ‘Seriously, it’s been too long since I’ve last flown.’

She quickly picked up on the sound of someone shouting.

“We can’t move the tree,” she heard someone shout. “It’s too big.”

Which Lightning did have to admit, to her somewhat shock, the trees here were massive. Well, some of them anyways. They made the forests in Equestria look tiny in comparison. ‘Let’s just hope it’s not another Everfree Forest.’

“Nothing is too big,” She heard Sev shout back. “You only think it’s too big. Expand your mind, like I do.”

Lightning sighed and shook her head at his antics. Trotting up to the front of the train, she saw what appeared to be one of the massive trees blocking said train. Commander Sev, Ag, the conductor, the king, and a couple guards were all standing around talking. Actually, it was more like Sev talking and them reacting.

“So what’s the damage?” Lightning asked as she walked up to them.

“Nothing major,” the conductor answered. “The train’s armor is too thick and sturdy for there to have been any real damage. We’re just not going anywhere while this tree is in front of us.”

“Then we shall remove it,” Sev scoffed and glanced at the tree. “Know this tree. You face the might of Commander Sev. None can stand in my way and I’ll be cursed for a thousand years before I let a tree stop me.” He turned to his Aggron general. “Ag, destroy it.”

“You may be a creature of metal,” the conductor started. “But this tree is too thick…”

Ag punched straight into the tree, going up to her elbow in the bark. It didn’t look like she put a lot of force into it, but instantly the tree splinted. A crack ran around the midsection , splitting the tree neatly in half. Ag smiled, pulling her fist back out from the bark.

“…For you to do anything.” The conductor mumbled, unable to believe what he just saw.

Sev smirked upon seeing his face. “You were saying?”

“Show off,” Lightning scoffed.

“I’d like to see you do it, pipsqueak.” Ag grinned. She turned to the king. “Now, go grab those guards of yours. We need to move these pieces out of the way.”

“Right,” King Trotankhamun nodded. The young king turned his head to address his soldiers, but went silent when a spear landed right in front of him. “Oh dear…” The king frowned, knowing full well where this spear came from.

“King Panzy!” A large booming voice called out. Everyone turned to look at a large, armored Hyena Dog stand at the edge of the forest. Dozens of smaller, more regular sized dogs stood around him. A wooden club as thick as his beefy arm was held tightly in his claws. “I’z com ta krump ya’z gud an’ propa.”

King Trotankhamun glared at the Alpha dog. “Alpha Kickstompa, what are you doing? We agreed on a non-aggression pact between our two people. Do you not have a shred of honor as to keep to it?”

Kickstompa laughed. “You’z tink I’d keep dat silly pact? Ya aren’t that bright, panzy king.” He pounded his broad chest. “Alphas are strong. I’z kill you an’ den tha others see me as strongest.”

“Can anyone honestly understand half of what he says?” Ag pointed out. “It sounds like he’s slurring his words on purpose.”

‘That’s because they’re idiots,’ Lightning thought to herself.

“Hyena Dogs aren’t the…most intelligent creatures,” King Trotankhamun said reluctantly. “I’ve been trying to set up schools and such to help but….”

“We’z don’t need help,” Kickstompa roared. “We’z gud on our own. Now shut up an’ die.”

Lightning snorted as she took a look at all the dogs with the Alpha. They wore better armor than her previous captors, who seemed to just not care what their armor looked like. It was still crude, but it covered quite a bit of their upper torso. Various weapons gave Lightning pause, since most of them could slice through her spine with ease.

‘We’re in for one heck of a fight.’ Lightning flared her wings, ready to give better than what she got.

“No,” Sev hissed as he slithered out before everyone else. “It shall be you who dies. Your small meatworm brain is probably incapable of knowing who you’re dealing with. I doubt you’d dare attack one in the company of the great and powerful Commander Sev, without his wishes if you did.”

“My brain iz bigga den yer head, snakey thing,” the hyena Alpha growled.

“I may be a lot of things,” Sev chuckled. “But a fool is not one of them. You will not pull the wool over my eyes with such a blatant lie.”

Kickstompa took an aggressive step forward. “Stop yappin’, snakey thing. Ya want me to krump you’z to?”

“No,” Sev shook his head. “I want you to shut up. I, Commander Sev, decree not a word should utter once more from your mouth. Do you understand, mutt?”

“I understand ya want me to krump ya,” Kickstompa growled.

“Then do it,” Sev scoffed. “I don’t have all day. My new base of operations is but an hour away. If you would be so kind as to actually listen to me and leave, I would be partially thankful. Know that that is a great gift from the chosen warrior of Arceus himself.”

Kickstompa just walked over to him in silence. Looking at him, he easily towered over Sev, being only a hairs breath bigger than Ag.

‘Pretty small for an Alpha.’ Lightning thought. Alpha Hyena Dogs were usually incredibly large. The larger the dog, the stronger they were.

“Ya insult me ta mah face,” Kickstompa snorted.

“Commander Sev speaks nothing but the truth,” Sev hissed, rearing to meet the dog face to face.

“Then let’s fight an’ see who’z betta,” Kickstompa grinned savagely.

Sev smirked. “Let’s, but make it a good one. I bore easily.”

“No,” King Trotankhamun nudged Commander Sev to the side so he could talk with the snake himself. “There will be no fighting. We shall resolve this peacefully and…”

“Lookie ‘ere, dogz.” Kickstompa chuckled and rested his club on his shoulder. “Da panzy king talkin’ like that white nag.”

Lightning’s eyes went wide. ‘Oh he did not just diss Celestia. You do not just diss Celestia.’

King Trotankhamun didn’t move for a couple seconds, before he turned around with a seething glare. “What did you just say?”

“White nag,” Kickstompa poked his head. “I don’t tink you’z gud leada fer listen’ to ‘er. She’z too peacey and stupid, unlike a true dog.”

“Commander Sev,” King Trotankhamun turned to the Seviper. “Please do your best in the fight and be sure to leave me the leftovers.”

Sev’s grin grew deadly. “With pleasure, young king.”
_____________________________________________________________
*elsewhere in the forest*

Being a Sentret normally wasn’t such a bad thing. They had it easy, really. The humans found them cute and usually helped them out whenever they could. The Pokémon as well, but there was one downside. They were small and small things usually got picked on by the big.

Like how this one Sentret was running for its life from two adolescent Tyrunts.

“It’s mine,” Terrance tried to seize the little Pokémon in its jaws.

“No, mine.” Matilda tried to bite down as well, but the Sentret was too swift.

Of course, it’s short, stocky body meant that it couldn’t keep this up forever. The two dinosaur Pokémon were built to keep up with prey much faster than the poor Sentret, but the little creature kept at its pace. Its pursuers would get bored quickly. It just had too…

Whatever the Sentret was thinking ended when a spear pierced its hide. The two Tyrunts stopped their chase to get a good look at the new comers. They were some strange looking biped dog pokemon they had never seen before. They were wearing armor and had a ton of weapons at the ready. The one that had speared the Sentret raised his weapon and gave the carcass a good long sniff.

“Err…” Terrance spoke up. The hyena dogs just heard ‘Ty-Tyrunt’. “Mister, could we have that? We’re really hungry.”

“You’re always hungry,” Matilda snarled. “You could go and eat that…thing dad killed earlier. There’s still some of it left.”

“But it tasted funny,” Terrance whined.

The strange dog didn’t say anything. Instead, it just took a bite out of the Sentret. The dog, obviously male, eyed the twins curiously.

“Boss,” another dog piped up. “Dey strange creatures.”

The first dog swallowed his bite, blood drippled down his chin. “Lotz uv strange creatures ‘round ‘ere. Don’t know why, but dere are.”

“You talk funny, mister.” Terrance spoke up.

The dog ignored him. “Dey look like gud eatin’.”

“Nah,” another dog spoke up. “No meat on der bones. Just flimsy muscle.”

“Hey!” Matilda growled and took a step forward. She wasn’t going to let some random creatures make fun of her. She was a Tyrunt. Something that should be feared by all who laid eyes upon her.

“Won’t hurt ta try,” the lead dog stuffed the rest of the Sentret’s remains into its mouth. Raising its now empty, but still bloody spear, he wacked Matilda to the ground. She let out a startled cry of pain as she went down.

Terrance quickly stood over his sister. “Stop it you bullies. We didn’t do anything.”

“Deyz got sum fight,” the dog grinned. “Gud. I thought today would be boring. Nuthin but zebras ta fight.”

“Fight or flee?” Terrance asked his sister.

Matilda got back to her feet, shaking her head to clear the dazed state she was in. “Fight of course. We’re Tyrunts. He should be afraid of us.”

“But we’re just….” Terrance had to jump backwards to avoid the dog’s spear.

The dog laughed. “Ya can dodge. Gud, gud. Keep dat up and I might hav’ sum fun.”
__________________________________________________________________________
*back in Bridleton harbor*

Dr. Caballeron gulped as he stood outside the door to Thrist’s room. Two large, imposing griffins stood on each side of the door. They wore thick, spiky, black armor that should have prevented them from flight, but Caballeron had seen far too many times that they could fly without trouble. Large cleavers were held ceremoniously in their hands.

‘Because let’s face it, they don’t need swords to carve anything up.’

Of course, neither of them scared him that much. He was used to imposing bodyguards and ruthless warriors. It came with the business. What did scare him lied behind the door. He could hear her dark chants, her usage of the dark arts. It was wrong, unnatural, but he needed her to get paid. He just hoped she wouldn’t use him as a blood sacrifice during this venture.

With an ounce of courage, he opened the door. “Thrist, we need to talk.”

The thirst was standing in a dimly lit room with several torture/brewing devices littered around. She was currently channeling dark magic into some sort of…collar. On closer inspection, it appeared to be one of those collars slavers used to control changelings. Changelings were tricky creatures to make slaves, given their shapeshifting and deceitful natures. So, the device was made to make them more…’compliant’. In other words, brain dead as long as they wore the collar.

“Oh yes,” Thrist turned around, cancelling her magic. Blood dripped from the tips of her claws. Her magic required a blood sacrifice, because griffins naturally didn’t have magic of their own. Blood magic gave the Thirst both their name and their powers. “We have a lot to talk about. The new arrivals have brought such…interesting things with them.”

“Interesting and troublesome,” Caballeron grumbled. “They’ve set back everything.”

Thrist cocked her head to the side in question. “Everything? My dear pony, they have set back nothing. In fact, they have brought me such…wonders to play with.” She seemed exceptionally giddy, which didn’t sit well with the pony in the room.

She walked over a small bowl, where a small blue bird with a white chest and red face lay in its own blood. “Tailow, that was its name.”

“Name?”

Thrist nodded. “They can speak. I tested out a translation spell and…” She grinned. “It was so meek and cowardly. I couldn’t help but take it and now…” She looked to her claws with glee. “Such power. Such power in so small of a body. I can see myself getting addicted to the feeling, but that isn’t important.” She turned to the collar. “I have been thinking of our compatriots in Zebrica. How much do you think they would pay for Pokémon slaves?”

“Seeing what they can do,” Caballeron rubbed his chin, before grinning. “I believe we’d make a fortune.”

Thrist gestured to the collar. “With this Tailow’s blood, I have modified this collar. It was originally used to make changelings…compliant, but now. Now it shall be able to conquer giants.”

Caballeron raised an eyebrow. “You are sure of this.”

Thrist’s shoulders slumped. “I haven’t tested it yet, but in due time it will be ready. Perhaps a day, maybe less. I just require a few…more sacrifices to make it work. I have so many ideas running around in my head that I feel like a little chick again.”

“I’ll see what my men can do,” Caballeron said. “For now, keep to the ship. We can’t have the zebras, or anyone else for that matter, finding out you’re here. I’ll be by later for the meeting.”

Thrist grinned and looked over to a cage where another bird, a light blue one with cloud like wings, sat inside, shivering in fear. “I’ll be waiting.”

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoy this chapter and please leave a comment.

Conflicts resolved...maybe...not really...FIGHT! (Day 2)

The Hyena Dogs sized up the new, two legged creatures. They had such tiny arms, but their heads were large and filled with teeth. They’d have to watch out for them. Still, they were obviously young things. Youth meant inexperience and that cost many a creature their life in this cruel world.

Well, cruel Zebrica outlands far from civilization, but that’s being too specific.

The two creatures were currently poised and at the ready to strike. The dogs would have to be swift in this kill. Thankfully, they had spears and years of killing experience. The leader of the small group lunged forth with his spear, missing one of them by hair’s breath.

The two creatures were quicker then he thought. They put themselves at a distance, keeping close to one another. The lead dog could tell they were of blood and that they would fight to death for one another. He couldn’t help but grin. He knew that they would fight that much harder because of that.

‘Gives me a challenge.’

He had killed many creatures during his lifetime. Many of them were deadly creatures and would have given most others the scare of their lives, but he was a Hyena dog. They didn’t back down. They loved to fight and to kill. This fight would go no different than any of the others.

One of the strange lizard whelps charged at him. Given his size and strength, a simple backhanded slap sent the creature mewling to the ground. He laughed. ‘Stupid thing. Dogz too tuff fer chargin’ at.’

He turned to gaze at the other and wasn’t surprised to see it angry. What surprised him was its roar. He had been roared at many times by creatures far more dangerous, yet this one sent shivers of fear down his back. His hair stood at end and he gripped his spear tighter. He kept his ground, like all good dogs would have.

The creature charged….
_________________________________________________________________

Matilda was scared and that wasn’t an easy thing to do. Yeah, she knew she could take the dogs on, she was a great fighter, but her brother was there to. He….wasn’t as great as her when it came to fighting. That made squabbles over food so much easy for her. So facing off against all these strange new creatures with just ‘him’ to help….

‘Stupid brother with his stupid fighting.’

To prove her point, he just stupidly tried to ‘Tackle’ the dog. It wasn’t surprising when he was sent to the ground with a quick back-handed slap. Nor was it surprising that Matilda’s blood started to boil as the strange dog laughed at his failure.

“NO ONE KNOCKS MY BROTHER DOWN, EXCEPT ME!” She ‘Roar’ed. The attack obviously spooked the dogs. Some of the yelped and other jumped in fright. The leader tensed and Matilda decided to try her luck with her own ‘Tackle’.

The dog raised his spear in a blocking manner, but her head was far stronger than some wood. She easily broke it and smacked into the dog’s chest, knocking him off his feet. She tried to use ‘Bite’ in an attempt to crush his neck, but the dog used his hands to keep her mouth from himself. She could see the fear in his eyes as he tried to push her large jaws away. She loved it.

Unfortunately, there were other dogs about. One of the pushed smacked her in the side, sending her crashing to the ground a short distance away. She growled. “Stupid dogs.”

“Ya ‘kay, boss?” One of the dogs asked the leader.

The leader growled as he got back to his paws. His glare matched Matilda’s own. “Fine.”

“Not for long,” Matilda rose to her feet. Terrance rushed to her side and stood at the ready. The siblings glared at their opponents, ready for anything. Matilda thought up a few of her own moves and smirked as one came to mind. ‘You stupid dogs are going to regret messing with me.’

“Stealth Rock,” Matilda said. Suddenly, several white lights appeared around her. Within seconds, they grew until they became large, jagged rocks that littered the ground around her.

The dogs gasped. “She’s got magik.”

The leader hesitated with his attack. He looked at his other dogs and pointed to one with two sickles. He was smaller than most and didn’t have any armor, but had enough scars to prove he was adept fighter. “You, attack.”

The dog barked in challenge and rushed to the Tyrunts, ready to spill their blood. Unforunately for him, the Tyrunt’s attack stopped him. The rocks littered around Matilda rose up and raced to the dog, sending him flying backwards as the jagged rocks crashed into his chest. With a resounding thud, the now dead dog laid against the tree.

Matilda was a bit surprised by that. Pokémon usually were able to withstand attacks like that. Well, most anyways. ‘Guess I’m stronger than I thought. Not surprising.’

“I call dibs,” Terrance said, eyeing the corpse.

“Nu-uh,” Matilda growled. “I killed it, so I get to eat it.”

“Not fair,” Terrance whined. “You always take my kills, why can’t I take this one.”

“Because I’m stronger,” Matilda growled. “That’s why.”

Before the two could argue some more, the dogs finally drew themselves out of their stupor. With a resounding howlish cry, they charged. The two Tyrunts yelped as they tried to weave through the bunch of dogs. Given their statures, it was proving to be difficult.

Terrance smacked one of the dogs with a ‘Tail Whip’, before another dog slashed a sword across his thigh. It wasn’t a terribly deep one, but it made him cry out in pain none the less. Matilda paid the dog in kind when she used ‘Bite’ on his tail. She quickly let go and jumped back to avoid another swing from a dog’s club.

Matilda let out another ‘Roar’, before tackling the stunned dog. She rolled out of the way of one of their blades and growled at her attacker. The dog lunged at her and instead of dodging, she jumped. Landing on top of the dog with one of her feet, she performed a perfect ‘Stomp’ move. The dog yelped in pain as the air was forced out of its lungs. Matilda smiled in victory before a fit smacked into her jaw.

She stumbled sideways, caught off guard by the attacked. Another fist smacked into her side and then she felt one of the dogs actually grab her off the ground. Before she could retaliate, she was thrown right into her brother, who wasn’t doing good either.

As the two tried to untangle themselves, the lead dog stood over them. His spear pointed dangerously in their direction and hate seemed to pour out of his eyes. “You’z gonna get it now, strange….”

His sentence was cut off when a large white ball of energy smacked into him. The dog was sent careening into the forest before ‘kaboom’. No more dog.

Everyone present looked over to the attacker. The twins gasped, smiles adorning their faces.

“DADDY!”

Their father roared in anger at the dogs. It should be known that attacking the kids of two fully grown Tyrantrums, while they’re nearby, is probably the worst idea in the history of worst ideas. (Well that and attacking Arceus with a rock.) The dogs, seeing both their leader bite the big one and this huge monstrousity glaring daggers at them did the only thing that came to mind.

They ran away, yelping in fright. Their father roared as he took chase.

Their mother on the other claw stood protectively over them. She nuzzled her little ones. “Are you okay? Did those creatures hurt you?”

Terrance nodded and showed his cut leg.

Sue gasped before licking the wound. “Don’t worry, sweetie. It’s just a flesh wound. You’ll be better in no time.”

Terrance whimpered in pain.

“Big baby,” Matilda rolled her eyes.

“Now Matilda,” Sue started. “Your brother just so happens to be a bit sensitive. It’s not everyday you get slashed across the hip. It’s not a nice feeling.”

“I could take it,” Matilda stated.

“We’ll see,” Sue said, attending her son’s wound.
_________________________________________________________________________________
*not that far away*

“Seven minutes,” Sev said as he eyed his opponent. “Seven minutes is all I have time to play with you.”

Kickstompa growled and stomped the ground in anger. “Seven minutes aint gonna ‘appen, snakey thing. You’ze be beaten in less time.”

“I am trembling in my scales,” Sev chuckled, much to the Alpha’s frustration. “But you are right. Seven minutes is far too gracious a time limit. I have places to be, humans to slay. I’m booked. If you would simply roll over like a good dog that would be great.”

Kickstompa slammed his fist into the ground and roared.

“Not yet,” Sev rolled his eyes. “I am not ready.” He turned his head. “Begin the great Commander Sev’s cheer.”

“Okay,” Felicia and Lia happily cheered. Them and Alice were wearing cheerleading outfits, pom-poms and everything. Alice was obviously angry about the whole thing and mumbled darkly to herself.

“Five, six, seven, eight,” the three of them cheered, waving their pom-poms about. Alice was rather slow and stiff with her movements, with no emotion other than reluctance in her voice. “Commander Sev is so great. One, two, three four, he’ll kick you right out the door.” Felicia and Lia jumped into the air. “YEAH!”

“Yeah,” Alice growled, lazily waving one arm. “Woo-hoo.”

“I’m not seeing your team spirit, mercenary.” Sev glared at her. “Maybe you don’t want your fortune. Maybe I should give it all to Felicia.”

“Don’t worry, Alice.” Felicia smiled. “I’ll share with you and we can do all that buddy buddy stuff I always wanted us to do. We’ll go hiking, go on picnics….”

“NOOOOOOO!!!” Alice started quickly waving her pom-poms about.

Lia squealed. “Yay, team spirit for the win.”

“Team spirit is a must,” Felicia cheered. “Only that you can trust.”

Rio walked over and whispered into Sev’s ear. “Come on, Commander. Let me take him. Ah’ve been itchin’ fer a fight all day and that Ryhorn barely put up a struggle.”

Sev scoffed at his general’s request. “I must show these…barbarians the might of the PLA. I will not just sit idly by on the sidelines while my soldiers bravely risk their lives. I will stand by you and all those who wish to cast aside the chains of humanity. These hyena dogs know not what they are trifling with.”

Rio sighed and walked off. “Whatever ya say, Commander. Ah’ll just stand over there…not fightin’…Hopefully the big lug cheats and brings in his boys.” He muttered the last part to himself.

Commander Sev chuckled and rolled his eyes. “If he does, I give you the direct order to kick their butts to the purple realm.”

“Distortion realm,” his generals corrected.

“Whatever,” Sev said. ‘Looks more like a purple realm.’

With that said, King Trotankhamun stepped in between the two combatants. Oddly enough, he was wearing a referee outfit.

Ahmos grumbled darkly as he saw his king take part in the event.

“Okay fellas, I want a clean fight, a fair fight,” Trotankhamun said in his best referee voice. “No weapons, just everything your parents gave you.”

“Any fight against the great and powerful Commander Sev is unfair,” Sev hissed. “He is lucky I have not killed him already.”

“You’z talk big,” the Alpha dog growled, poking Sev. “But you’z just a snakey thing.”

Sev just stared at the finger. “You touched me without my permission?” He looked up at him with contempt. “You are unworthy of touching these blessed scales. I will make this fight as humiliating as possible.”

Kickstompa laughed. “Just try it.”

Sev smirked. “I’ll do more than try, inferior dirtworm. I just hope you can do the same, but I doubt that.”

“Ready,” Trotankhamun raised a checkered flag and the lowered it. “Fight.”

Alpha Kickstompa lunged forward, fists swinging. Given his inherent burrower lifestyle, his fists could pack a wallop that even would send an Aggron staggering. Sev knew this, but he also counted for Kickstompa’s fight style. He was just going fists a swinging, hoping to land a mark.

‘Barbarian,’ Sev thought.

Sev was strong, oh yes he was. Yet he did not throw any strike the alpha dog’s way. Instead he weaved and dodged every single blow, keeping himself near his opponent. His slender body flowed around the dogs swings like water. It was obvious to everyone that he was toying with the dog, given his mirthful grin.

“Wow,” Lighting Dust said in awe. “That snake’s got skills.”

She herself could dodge, but this was on another level. It was actually kind of…hot seeing his coils spring around and around. ‘What the hay? I am not a xenophiliac…Am I?’ She thought with rosy cheeks. It didn’t help that Sev’s muscles were so well formed that she couldn’t help but remember their touch against her skin. ‘This is why I shouldn’t read those strange Neighpon comics. My head gets filled with ‘wat’.’

“Helps when you have some Milotic around to train with,” Ag grunted in annoyance. “Of course, if they would stop being so flirty with everyone, I might consider them good soldiers.”

“Is this the best you cretins can offer?” Sev asked as her dodged a flurry of blows from the dog. Sev was renowned for his dodging skills, amongst other things. “I now understand why you stay underground. A hatchling could dodge this.”

Kickstompa roared in anger and slammed his fists into the ground. Sev was shaken up enough to throw off his dodging tempo, only barely avoiding another swing. Sev was angered by this.

‘He knows Earthquake? A weak one, but still. Well, two can play it rough.’ Sev’s tail glowed purple as he turned on his poison tail. Said tail glowed a bright purple. Kickstompa didn’t notice in his attacks.

“His tail is glowing,” Trotankhamun looked puzzled. “How the blazes is he doing that?”

“Poison Tail,” Ag explained. “It’s a simple poison type attack. Useful in a jam.”

“Poison attack,” Ahmos quirked an eyebrow. “What, are you saying that he knows a type of magic?”

“Magic?” Ag asked.

“You know,” Lightning said. “Magic. It’s like Lia’s psychic stuff except better.”

“I HEARD THAT!” Lia shouted over at them. She was pouting up a storm, which just made her look adorable in her little outfit.

“Awww,” Felicia patted Lia’s head. “Don’t let them get you down. I think psychic powers are awesome.”

Back to the battle, Sev continued to dodge Kickstompa’s strikes. Except this time, whenever he dodged, he made sure to pull his body closer. His tail nicked the dog’s skin, drawing blood but nothing serious. His tail was glowing all the while.

“He’s poisonin’ him,” Rio stated to the observers. “The Commander is a tough one, but he likes to play dirty and no, it aint gonna kill him. The Commander would have done that already. He’s tryin’ to slow him down.”

“I would call foul,” Trotankhamun rubbed his chin. “But Kickstompa insulted Celestia…I shall allow this.” He didn’t notice Ahmos glared a hole into the back of his head.

And it was working, but Kickstompa was pushing through the poison with his rage alone.

Sev wasn’t helping matters when he kept skirting around his attack and putting his blade against the Alpha’s throat. “Dead,” he whispered.

Another twirl and his blade was at the back of the dog's head. "Dead."

Coil. "Dead."

Spring. "Oh so very dead."

Alpha Kickstompa wasn’t going to take this anymore. Pulling a large blade from his waist, he thrust it at the Seviper.

“FOUL!” Trotankhamun shouted in anger. “I call foul!”

“But there aren’t any birds anywhere,” Felicia scanned the skies. Alice facepalmed.

Sev had enough at that point and with the dog’s thrust, wrapped himself along the arm. Quickly reaching the end, Sev chuckled as he squeezed his body tight. Tight enough to pull the hand back to smack the hilt of the blade against the dog’s own skull.

“Stop hitting yourself. *smack* Stop hitting yourself. *smack*Stop hitting yourself. *smack*,” Sev laughed with all his might as he continued. “Now you face the might of Commander Sev. Fear my…”

His speech was cut off when the dog grabbed him from beneath his head and threw him to the ground. Sev barely had any time to react to the blade. With a quick ‘Night Slash’, he blocked the blade and sent it flying out of the dog’s hand.

The Hyena Dog alpha was taken aback by the attack and Sev capitalized on that. With a flurry of motion, he used ‘Wrap’ to tie himself around the dog’s body. He was long enough to do so and he was powerful enough to make the experience painful for the hyena dog.

Kickstompa grunted in pain as he tried to get loose from the coils. “Snakey thing get off.”

“Snakey thing has a name,” Sev hissed, tightening his coils. “I am the great and powerful Commander Sev, chosen warrior of Arceus himself. You are to remember that and tell your pathetic wormdogs that they are not to mess with my greatness. Do you understand?”

Kickstompa grunted and tried to break free but relented. “Yeah.”

“Good,” Sev uncoiled himself from the dog and slithered back to his forces. ‘I will most certainly be taking a long bubble bath to rid myself of this…stench.’ The Hyena Dog certainly wasn’t clean.

“Alright,” Lightning sped up to him. “That was awesome. Not as awesome as me, but still pretty awesome.”

Sev bowed. “You flatter me, madam. It brings my heart such joy to know you enjoyed the show.”

Their talk was interrupted when Kickstompa roared and leapt at Sev. The attack would have made contact, if not for a Swampert that literally burst forth from the ground, most probably from a ‘Dig’ attack’, and smacked the dog in the chest with ‘Hammer Arm’. The attack sent the dog flying to the edge of the forest.

The Swampert turned to look at them. He was wearing the uniform of the PLA and had a massive scar across his throat.

“General Pert,” Sev frowned, turning around to face his general. “You’re late.”

General Pert waved his arms about.

“Yes I know that we’re in a new land,” Sev hissed in agitation. “But that doesn’t excuse you for not finding me earlier. Why, I had to face these…barbarians that are so beneath me. Beneath us.”

Pert pointed behind himself to the dog that was standing back on his paws.

“We shall leave him in his pain,” Sev said. “He shall know the might of Commander Sev and live the rest of his days wishing he hadn’t.”

“SNAKEY THING!” Kickstompa hollered. “I’ZE NOT DONE WITH YA! I’ZE DA BIGGEST, BADDEST DOG EVA! YOU’ZE TINK YA CAN BEAT ME!” In his rage he didn’t notice a bunch of his dogs running past him. “I’ZE GONNA CUT YER SKULL AN’ USE IT FOR MY….”

With a loud roar, a fully grown male Tyrantrum burst from the forest and bit down hard on Kickstompa. Easily taking in half of the beast, the Tyrantrum shook its head back and forth until Kickstompa was dead.

“The hay?!!” Trotankhamun cried in surprise.

“Arceus above!” Nearly everyone else cried out.

“I left the stove on!” Felicia cried out in anguish. Everyone gave her a questioning gaze. “What? I just remembered.”

The Tyrantrum let the hyena dog’s body fall to the ground and started dragging its foot across the body, slashing and scrapping everything everywhere as he roared at the other dogs. All the while, it roared at the other dogs, who were too busy running for their lives at the moment.

“Why’s he doing that?” Trotankhamun asked in disgust.

“He’s a savage beast,” Ahmos grunted. “It does what it wants.”

“Nah,” Rio spoke up. “He’s just markin’ his territory. Nothin’ says ‘stay out’ like the eviscerated remains of yer enemies.”

“Sounds like something Roa would do,” Lia sighed, missing her savage friend dearly.

“Roa sounds vicious,” Felicia said.

“She’s really nice though,” Lia spoke up. “She’s my bestest friend in the whole wide world…but I’m her only friend.”

“Well that won’t do,” Felicia made an extravagant pose and pointed to the sky. “I, Felicia the Goodra, hereby declare that when we find Roa, I’ll be her best friend for life, or BFFL for short.”

Commander Sev’s eyes widened in disbelief, ignoring everything else around him. He had certainly heard of the fossil monster, but had only seen a handful of them before. This creature before him was far mightier than any of the others. ‘Best troop choice ever.’

Another Tyrantrum with two small Tyrunts skittering around her feet came into the clearing. She glared at everyone. A low growl escaped her lips. “Who are you?”

Sev smiled. “Why, the Pokemon Liberation Army…and the zebras.”

“Thanks for remembering,” Trotankhamun muttered in annoyance.

“Never heard of you,” the female Tyrantrum looked to the other. “How about you, dear?”

“No,” the male finished marking and walked over to her side. “Can’t say that I have.”

Sev scowled. “How can you not have heard of our glorious cause?”

“We kind of live out in the wilds,” the female offered. “Our creators were…hesitant about letting us roam free. Something about us eating people.”

The male rolled his eyes. “You eat one human for trying to capture your mate and they label you as dangerous. Honestly, humans are strange like that.”

“Now Viktor,” the female nuzzled him. “While I did appreciate it, I think you could have easily scared him off.”

Viktor grumbled. “I was also hungry. Decided to kill two birds with one stone.”

“Or jaws,” the female offered.

“Stop correcting me, Sue.” He glared at her, but Sue just licked his snout in response.

“Stop being so serious,” Sue smiled and glanced at everyone else. “We have guests.”

“Do we eat guests, mommy?” The male Tyrunt asked.

“No Terrance,” Sue said. “But where are my manners. I am Sue and this is my mate, Viktor,” the male Tyrantrum bowed his head. “And my lovely children, Terrance and Matilda.”

“Charmed,” Sev bowed. “I am Commander Sev, my sister Lia…and the rest.”

Everyone glared at him, except Lia and Felicia.

Felicia giggled. “I’m part of the rest.”

“Sometimes,” Alice spoke up. “I wonder how you even function.”

“Through sheer positivity,” Felicia scooped her friend into a hug, much to Alice’s discomfort.

Sue giggled. “What a lovely bunch you are? What brings you to our abode?”

“Tree,” Lightning gestured to the tree blocking the train. “Dogs, no biggee.”

“Your vocabulary is astounding,” Viktor scoffed.

“I got the point across,” Lightning glared at him.

Sev glared at Viktor too. He didn’t take kindly to anyone insulting his future mate. ‘Should be current, but mom’s always adamant that one should take their time…Which is meaningless when I am above time. Time fears me and my might.’

Elsewhere, Celebi, Dialga, and a certain brown stallion all couldn’t fathom why they couldn’t care less at that moment.

“Anyways,” Sue gave her mate a glare, before smiling at everyone else. “We’ll be glad to help.”

“Seriously?” Trotankhamun said.

“Seriously,” Sue nodded and walked over to the end of the fallen tree. With a mighty shove, she pushed to over to the other clearing in less than thirty seconds. To say Commander Sev was impressed was an understatement.

“Good work,” Sev marveled. “You would make fine additions to my cause.”

“I’m a lover,” Sue said. “Not a fighter. So sorry, but me and my family aren’t going to join an army…which I don’t know anything about.”

“You do not have to fight,” Sev explained. “The PLA has many spots open that cater to the less violent. Why, my mother is a great healer. The greatest healer that has ever lived in fact. Of course, she’s my mother. Her very existence is a gift to this world.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Sue chirped with a happy smile. “Now you all run along and be safe. There might be more dogs about.”

“We will,” Lightning called out to them as everyone boarded the train.

“The mighty Commander Sev wishes to thank you,” Sev smiled as he was about to board. “Your services will not be forgotten for I never forget anything.”

“What’s my birthday?” Ag asked.

“SILENCE!” Sev shouted and raced inside.

It didn’t take long for the train to take off.

“I do so hope we meet them again,” Sue said. “They were nice and it certainly would do our kids good to meet other mon.”

Viktor snorted. “So long as they’re not like that snake, I’ll be fine with that.”

“Dearie,” Sue chided him. “He may have been strange, but he had a good heart.”

Viktor scoffed. “Good heart, or a selfish heart. Pokemon Liberation Army, HA! He knows the humans aren’t going to let him have his way no matter what he does. He’s better off hiding.”

“Hiding from a problem does no one any good,” Sue pointed out. “Now come along. We need to get you three a bath.”

“Awww,” Terrance and Matilda whined. Viktor grumbled in agitation.

“Don’t be so grumpy,” Sue nuzzled underneath his chin. “I’ll help you get cleaned up.”

“How is that helping?” Viktor said. “We’ll just get dirty again.”

Sue blushed. “Not in front of the children.” She nicked him with her teeth.

Viktor flinched. “You did it.”

“I’m the woman of this forest,” Sue snorted. “I get to decide who makes sexual comments around my children.”

“What’s sexual?” Matilda asked.

Sue and Viktor were silent for a moment. “Let’s just go take a bath,” Sue relented.
____________________________________________________________________
*Cairo*

A lone Flareon walked the streets of the capital city. It hadn’t been easy for her these past couple of days. Everything turned topsy turvy, what with waking up in a new place inhabited by strange pokemon and even turning into one herself. The Flareon was downright flabbergasted. Not to mention that she was worried about her pokemon and grandfather.

‘I’m sure they’re fine,” the Flareon reasoned with herself.

So far the native creatures had been…distant. Many of them simply glared at her, called her out and tried to chase her away. The pokemon she did recognize simply minded their own business. Simply put, she was on her own.

She heard some screams and dozens of the local striped ponyta fled out of a store. She was both curious as to what scared them off and excited at the prospect of a battle. She may not be human, but she was still a gym leader. Dog garn, she was going to act like one.

Racing inside, she quickly caught sight of an Excadrill. He was currently raiding the pantries. Foods of all sorts were currently in one of his arms while the other stuffed his mouth with everything on the shelves. Of course, that wasn’t the only thing she noticed. His uniform was exactly like a group of pokemon she had met before.

“Hey,” the Flareon called out. “What do you think you’re doing? Stealing from these pokemon like this?”

The Excadrill squealed in surprise, dropping his food and turning to look at her. “What the…A Flareon? Hey, I am not stealing. I am taking samples for the Commander.”

“To my knowledge, taking samples doesn’t mean stuff your face like a Snorlax,” the Flareon pointed out.

“Hmph,” the Excadrill started grabbing as much food as he could. “Shows what you know about leading an army. We march on our stomach.” He used his metal head gear to open up a can and gobble the insides.

“And what a big stomach you have,” the Flareon smirked.

“If you meant offense,” the Excadrill muttered through bites. “Then you’re stupid. I pride myself on my big belly.” He patted his stomach. “Helps me hold in more food.”

“Well maybe you should go on a diet,” the Flareon chuckled at the look of horror on the Excadrill’s face. “Anyways, you’re in big trouble as it is. Just come queitely and I’ll try and get a light sentence.”

“What human would listen to a Flareon?” The Excadrill pointed an accusative finger at her. “What chance would I have with the humans? I’m a member of the PLA. They don’t take kindly to us.”

“Maybe it’s because you’re a bunch of lunatics,” the Flareon growled. “I mean, you blew up a ship for no good reason.”

“It was an aircraft carrier,” the Excadrill, that she knew to be General Drill of the PLA, defended. “The humans were gearing to strike us down with it.”

“No we weren’t,” the Flareon got into a fighting stance. “You just see threats when there isn’t any.”

“Helps keep us alive,” General Drill stated. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some ‘shopping’ to do.”

“Not on my watch,” the Flareon took a step closer, making Drill flinch and take a step back. He was weak to fire types.

“Who are you anyways?” Drill stated, stuffing his face with some popcorn.

“The name’s Flannery,” Flannery said. “Gym leader of Lavaridge Town and the one who’s going to kick your butt.”

Author's Note

Stuff's happening and Arceus's message is almost here.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment. Comments are appreciated and help me improve this story and get more chapters out sooner.

The Past affects the Future (Day 2)

“Now then, Rattata,” Thrist spoke with sadistic glee. “Are you comfortable?”

Said Rattata was held down on a metal slab with iron bars keeping its limbs in place. It tried to squirm to freedom. Anything to escape the daemonic griffin before it. All it did was bring a giggle to Thrist’s lips.

“Struggle all you want,” she tapped its snout, causing tremors of pain to shoot through the pokemon. “You’re not going anywhere. So please, make this easier on the both of us and stop struggling.” The Rattata didn’t listen, causing Thrist to sigh. “They never listen.”

She walked back over to one of the collars she was currently working on. The once smooth, black surface was now twisted and purple. To any other being, they would grow sick from even looking at it, it was so unnatural. Thrist considered it one of her finest creations ‘Needs a little more tweaking.’

Thrist conjured some more of her dark magic and thrust it into the collar. The collar was her first experiment. She had another one that had been her favorite through the centuries, but now wasn’t the time. ‘Perhaps later today.’

As she worked, she glanced over at the Rattata. It was mewling in despair. She sighed. “Consider this a learning experience. You now know how it feels to be all alone in the world…like me.” She muttered the last part to herself.

“Let me tell you a legend,” Thrist spoke as she made the final touches to her masterpiece. “Probably the oldest legend there is. For you see, long ago, before the reign of the two sisters, before Equestria was even idea, the griffins lived under the control of the Thirst.”

She sighed in bliss, remembering the good old days. “Back then, the griffins were strong, proud. We did not cower and listen to the whims of other races. They are prey, short and simple. There were many witches like me. So many….” Her magic faltered as she shook a little, but she composed herself. “Our god, Ragnoros, the god of destruction and bloodshed, led us through the ages.” Her sadistic grin returned. “I remember how the air was constantly pierced by the souls of the damned. How the rivers ran red with blood. The look on the face of a young warrior as he slaughtered his first village.”

She frowned. “But some griffins didn’t see our way. They resisted…And they won. It just took one warrior. One ‘brave’ soul to stand up to us to drive us back.” She spat on the floor in disgust. “His sword, Finality, cut through our ranks like we were nothing but tissues. The mortal even had the gall to stand up to our god…” She balled her fists. “And he struck down Ragnoros, banishing him to the realm of darkness never to return.”

She let out a tired sigh. “My kind, the Thirst, fled…We hid from the rest of the world and in time they forgot about us…But we were a doomed people. Our ways divided us, weakened us.” She chuckled. “Ironic, isn’t it? What made us strong, made us weak as well. I mean, I saw it happen.” Her magic ceased and the collar, which was the perfect size for the small Rattata, fell into her hand.

“It was just me and my nine sisters,” Thrist played with the collar in her hands, feeling it for any weaknesses. “Of course, with a few hundred warriors, but they do not matter. Me and my sisters attempted to resurrect our god.” She growled. “That is, until that Daring Do arrived. She destroyed everything that I held dear. My sisters died when Daring ruined the ceremony. I only survived because I myself had grown tired of the incompetence of our soldiers and tried to kill her myself.”

Thrist’s brow hardened. “How any mare can be so hard to kill, is beyond me? So now, I am the last Witch because of her. I only have one thousand warriors under my thumb. Hardly anything to brag about, since I have nothing to do with them….That is, until now.” She turned to the Rattata and walked forward. “You pokemon are the key to my revenge. This world will perish when Ragnoros returns once more to lay waste to everything. You are the key to that future.”

She clasped the collar around the Rattata’s neck. At first, nothing happened, but then she waved a hand over it to activate her creation. Immediately, the Rattata screamed and convulsed as dark magic lanced around its body.

“Don’t resist,” Thrist chided. “The more you resist, the harder the collar will make your life. Just let the magic flow.” She snorted once the rat pokemon stopped squirming. “Good, I’m glad you saw it my way. For a moment, I thought it wasn’t going to work.”

She snapped her fingers and the metal rods binding the Rattata fell away. The little pokemon jumped up and looked at her. Its mind was now hers. Oh yes, it was still intact. The little rat was still in there, most likely screaming bloody murder or something. She did not care. What she cared about was the final product. “You are the beginning of the future, my little servant.” She affectionally rubbed its head. The Rattata cooed in delight.

“This world will burn,” Thrist spoke with the utmost glee. “And no one, be it god or mortal, will stop it from happening.”
___________________________________________________________________________

Flannery glared at General Drill with such ferocity, that her gaze might as well been a ‘Flamethrower’. Drill was shaking in fright, but still stuffing his face full of food. She knew that she had the type advantage in this battle. She also knew that Drill wasn’t a fighter. She’d met him once before, when he accidently got his cohorts to dig underneath her gym. Needless to say, she kicked him and his soldiers into next week.

Now however, she didn’t have her beloved pokemon with her. She was by herself, in a body she was still getting used to. Yeah, she had learned Ember…at the cost of nearly burning down a building and barely any sleep. ‘Not to mention a few irate striped Ponyta.’ She reminded herself.

Even though Drill wasn’t that much of a fighter, he had always been a pokemon. Once he realized that, the advantage would be his. Of course, she also learned he was a little slow. So, she reasoned that she could trick him into giving up.

“Flannery?” General Drill stared at her like she had grown a second head. “You can’t be Flannery? You’re not human…or that annoying.”

“Thanks,” Flannery rubbed a paw against her chest, proud of herself that he thought she was annoying. “I try.”

“But…” Drill stuffed a nice juicy pickle into his mouth and quickly chewed and swallowed it. “That voice. Oh that voice. I would remember it anywhere.”

“You should,” Flannery snorted in anger. “I kicked your sorry butt all the way back to your little hole in the ground.”

Drill snarled and took a step forward. The food he was carrying fell to the ground. “You can’t be Flannery! You’re a pokemon. Humans can’t just turn into us. That’d be confusing.”

“How do you think I feel?” Flannery said. “Look, just come quietly. I’m sure the locals will forgive you, seeing as we’re foreigners. We don’t know the laws here.”

“Bah,” Drill scoffed, waving a hand dismissingly. He started to scoop back up his food. “The PLA doesn’t care about laws or anything like that. I’ll just head on my way now….” He was interrupted when Flannery used ‘Tackle’, sending him falling to the floor.

Flannery had to admit that it was kind of cool to do that and it didn’t hurt as much as she thought. ‘Guess Pokemon bodies are sturdier than I thought.’

Getting back up to his feet, Drill turned around to give her a glare. “Did you just use a normal attack? On me? If you wanted to hurt me, try something a little more effective.” He scoffed and tried to flee again, moving to an already existing hole in the floor his size.

Flannery ‘Tackle’d him again.

Drill grunted in agitation. “Okay, that’s it.” He got up and turned around. “If you really are Flannery, then you’re still getting used to that body of yours.”

“Yeah,” Flannery answered, before mentally scolding herself for saything.

Drill grinned. “Then this will be easy.” The Excadrill put his arms up to his head. “Drill Run.” His body started to spin until it was nothing but an actual drill. Jumping up into the air, the burrowing pokemon shot right for her.

Flannery yelped in fright as she dodged the attack. ‘Way to go, Flannery. Why don’t you give him a hose or a bucket of water next time?’

Drill quickly stopped his first attack and came at her with a ‘Slash’ attack. Again, Flannery dodged. While she may still be getting used to having to walk on all fours, Drill was still a rather slow fighter. Most likely that’s because he didn’t fight often. Usually, he relied on his old ‘running away’ tactic. ‘Guess I ticked him off more than I thought.’

Drill kept at it, trying his hands at some ‘Fury Swipes’. Flannery was too quick for him and ended up luring him deeper into the store.

“Really?” Flannery smirked, dodging another ‘Slash’. “Is this the best your can do, General? What about that PLA fighting spirit? I thought you guys were the top dogs in a fight.”

Drill said nothing, except to growl angrily. His attacks were getting faster as he was getting used to the fight. Flannery could see this and it worried her.

Her worry was founded. As they passed the hole, Drill dug one of his claws into the upturned dirt and used ‘Mud Slap’. The attack hit Flareon directly in the face and she fell back screaming. She briefly wondered why any creature would be weak to dirt. Of course, she didn’t have much time to think, both because of the pain and the fact that Drill tackled her to the ground. His body was much bigger and heavier than hers, so it was easy to keep her pinned.

“Now,” Drill raised up a claw hand. It glowed, signaling a ‘Metal Claw’ attack. “Any last words before I knock you out?”

“Yeah,” Flannery grunted through the pain. “Ember.” Her mouth fell out and little balls of fire impacted against the Excadrill’s face.

Drill jumped off her, screaming in agony. He was rubbing his face, trying to get some feeling back into it. Flannery tackled his stomach, making him land on his back. Standing on top of him, she growled. Little embers escaped her mouth.

“Okay bub,” Flannery said with some venom lacing her words. “You’re going to go out there and apologize to those…strange pokemon outside. Else, I’m going to burn your hide so bad that nobody will recognize you.” She wasn’t going to do that, but he didn’t know.

Drill whimpered in fright. “Okay, okay. I give. Just don’t hurt me.”

“Drill,” a soothing feminine voice stated. “She wouldn’t hurt you, especially not now.”

Flannery quirked an eyebrow at the voice and looked over at the speaker. It was an Audino. She was calmly walking towards them and stopped not but a few short feet away. “Umm….I’m sorry, but who are you?”

“Joy,” the Audino answered. “Nurse Joy, if you like. Most people do, even if I’m not technically an official nurse anymore.”

“Wait,” Flannery jumped off Drill’s big belly. “So you’re a human too?”

Joy nodded. “Oh yes…Or at least I was. Doesn’t really bother me really.” She looked over at Drill and sighed. “You had to go about stealing again, didn’t you Drill?”

Drill’s mouth fell open. “Flannery is one thing, but the Commander’s mother too?...Wait, I thought you already a Pokémon?”

“What?” Flannery asked with a quirked eyebrow.

“The PLA think Nurse Joy’s are Pokémon,” Joy rolled her eyes.

“That actually explains a lot of things,” Flannery said, which caused Joy to pout in anger. “I’m joking.”

“Well it isn’t funny,” Joy said.

“So let me guess,” Flannery chuckled. “They think the Jenny’s are Pokemon too.”

“No,” Joy shook her head. “They think they’re a clone army the humans bred to subjugate Pokemon.”

“…..” Flannery had no response to that.

“It was my son’s idea,” Joy smiled sheepishly. “It kind of caught on.”

“Who the heck is your son?” Flannery said. “And how do you know Drill? I only know the guy cause he broke into my gym once.”

“My son is Commander Sev,” Joy said.

Flannery’s jaw dropped. “WHAT?!!! But I hear he hates humans. How’d that nutball call you mother…?”

Joy glared daggers at her. “My son is not a nutball. He’s a special, sweet little angel.”

‘Key word is special,’ Flannery thought. “Sweet?”

Drill spoke up as he stood on his feet. “Yeah, I’m going to question that one to, and I work for the guy.”

“Shut up, Drill.” Flannery’s mouth burned with flickering flames, causing Drill to cower. “But still, he’s not a nice guy. He’s killed people.”

“They deserved it,” Joy growled. “You’d do it to, if you found out what they were doing.”

Flannery didn’t say anything. If a Nurse Joy wanted someone dead, they better well deserved it. Joys are the nicest people you could meet. If they didn’t like you, well, tough luck mister. You deserved it.

Elsewhere, a certain Luxray felt the urge to defend himself.

“You know what,” Flannery sighed. “I’m not going to argue or anything. I just want to know how that snake has a human mother.”

“I saved him,” Joy frowned. “If you recall, the current PLA are actually a reformed version of the last group that called themselves that.”

“Really?” Drill asked. “Never did ask if there was anyone before us, but the thought did occur.”

“They weren’t…as friendly as us, Drill.” Joy looked away, lost in her thoughts.

“Yeah, I heard about that,” Flannery said. “They were a small group of pokemon who took over one of the off shore island. We took it back a month afterwards.” She furrowed her brow. “You don’t mean to tell me you were there.”

Joy nodded. “I was…” She held herself as she shook a little bit in fright. “I…it was horrible. Worse than you could imagine. It was the third week of the battle when I was sent in. I was sent there to replace the previous Nurse Joy who had….met a rather gruesome end….”
____________________________________________________________________________
Several years ago, on an island off the shores of Hoenn

A young woman with pink hair and a regular army medic uniform, stood outside the regiment commander’s tent. She fidgeted in place, not used to her current outfit. Honestly, she wished she could have kept her old nurse outfit, but they said that’d make her an easy target.

‘I still don’t see the problem. I mean, Pokemon wouldn’t really hurt me….Right?’

“Nurse Joy,” a gruff voice called out. “You can come in now.”

Reluctantly, Joy followed the order. Brushing aside the entrance flap, Joy stepped inside. The regiment commander was an old man, somewhere in his sixties. Yet, he still had the physique of someone in their twenties. His haggard appearance was unkempt and frazzled, hardly the epitome of military protocol.

He straightened himself and brushed his uniform down. “Sorry about this, nurse. We’re…kind of hard pressed at the moment.”

“I understand,” Joy inclined her head.

The colonel raised an eyebrow. “Do you now?” He took a step forward and held out his hand. Joy took it and they shook. “Names Colonel James Ryan.”

“Nice to meet you,” Joy smiled and they ceased the handshake.

“Nice to meet you as well,” Colonel Ryan smiled. “It’s always good to see a friendly face in this hellhole.”

Joy frowned. “It can’t be that bad.”

The colonel eyed her for a moment before sighing. He headed over to the desk and pulled out some folders. “You know, I really, really don’t want to do this, but you’re going to see something like this pretty soon since you’re a field medic and all….” She could hear him mutter, “Shouldn’t be.”

Joy opened her mouth to voice contempt of that remark, when the colonel opened up the folder. Joy’s voice caught in her voice as her eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. Putting a hand over her mouth, she gasped. The photos were gruesome and sick. Humans were torn apart in the streets. Some of them were hung up like warning or trophies. There were even signs, written in blood no less, saying ‘Arceus be praised’ ‘death to the humans’ ‘Long live Commander Viper’.

“Just get rid of what notions made you volunteer for this,” the colonel said. “This is hell, pure and simple.” Putting away the photos, he looked like he was hating himself for showing them in the first place.

“W-what happened to the previous medic?”

The colonel was silent for a moment. “They ripped her to shreds in front of us. Wanted to make a message or some sadistic shit like that.” He cupped his face in his hands. He hadn’t been the original regimental commander. He was simply promoted after his predecessor…received a nasty ‘headache’, from a psychic Pokémon. He had to be put down.

Joy was shaking in fright, mentally cursing herself for volunteering. Now that she thought about it, the Hoenn government had been rather eager for volunteers lately. It was almost to point of a full blown draft if you look hard at it.

“Why didn’t you stop them?” Joy said. “Maybe you could have gotten one of your pokemon too…”

Colonel Ryan laughed. “Our superiors wouldn’t allow that. They think that bringing pokemon here would be a terrible idea. That’d they join the ‘rebels’. Stupid if you ask me. Why, I raised my Arcanine since he was a pup. Won’t find any creature more loyal.”

He walked over to her with a rifle in hand and thrust it into her arms.

“But….”

“You’re going to need it.”
_________________________________________________________________________

Sometime later, Joy found herself walking through a simple forest with dozens of soldiers walking around her. She knew she should be safe. These men were trained to fight and kill after all, but she also knew what Pokémon were capable of. She had spent her whole life around them, and while she loved them dearly, she knew they were dangerous. She shivered all the more.

“Don’t worry,” a nearby soldier smiled. “We’ll protect you from the big bad mons.”

“Private,” another soldier barked. “Stop smoozing with the nurse. She already has in enough shit to deal with by just being here. You don’t need to add to it.”

“I was just trying to make her smile, sir.” The soldier explained. “Just look at her. She’s shaking like a leaf.”

“Of course she is,” another soldier, a woman actually, called out. “She practically is one.”

Joy pouted. ‘I’m not that skinny.’

“Ease up on her lads,” the sergeant spoke up. He was a rather short man, only coming up to her shoulders. “Picking on the new meat isn’t fair. Give her a chance to earn some of that ire.”

“If she lives that long,” Joy heard one of the soldier mutter, which sent another wave of fear down her back.

“What did I….” Whatever he was about to say was cut short when a ‘Razor Leaf’ slashed across his throat. He gurgled as blood poured out of his wound and put a hand to it.

“AMBUSH!” Another soldier cried out and everything became a blur to Joy afterwards. Several types of Pokémon native to Hoenn rushed out of the wood work. Given how little space there was between the soldiers in the path and the tree line, there wasn’t much time for the soldiers to fire at their attackers before the Pokémon descended upon them.

Joy was frozen in fear, gazing at a charging Vigoroth who looked ready to tear her head off. It, like all the other Pokémon, wore a blue piece of uniform with a little flag of Arceus’s symbol stitched into it. She didn’t know why she cared to notice that. Maybe it was just savoring the time she had left…..

A gun barked and several bullets whammed into the chest of Vigoroth, killing it. The cheerful soldier from earlier pulled her along with him. “Come on. We’ve got to get out of here.”

Joy didn’t need any more prompting. She took off as fast she could, clinging to the rifle in her arms like a life preserver. Which it was in a sense. Her eyes filled with tears as she heard the unmistakable sound of death as human and pokemon fought it out. ‘We aren’t supposed to fight. We aren’t supposed to fight. We aren’t supposed to fight.’

Had she been paying attention to her right, she would have seen the flying at them. The ball smashed in between the fleeing soldiers and nurse, scattering them about.

Joy groaned as she tried to raise herself off the ground. Of course, she stopped when a rather vicious Mightyena came charging at her with its bloodied jaws ready to make a kill. She screamed…and the dog went down.

“Gotcha!” The cheerful soldier shouted, before a ‘Thunderbolt’ struck him. He convulsed as the electricity fried him completely. He was nothing but a black, burnt corpse in seconds.

Joy let loose tears of sorrow at seeing the sight. Of course, she still remembered that she needed to get out of there. It wouldn’t be long before she joined the soldier in death. She never felt so scared of her life and by pokemon no less. She always though they could live in peace and to see them kill each other so….It was just too much for her. Her vision was bleary as more and more tears ran down her face. She didn’t see the large tunnel hole before it was too late.

Screaming, she tumbled downwards. It didn’t take long for her to come to a small cave and she thanked Arceus that nothing had been broken in the fall. She looked around and realized she could stand comfortably, since the ceiling was high enough. She found it odd at first, but then she reasoned that the PLA probably dug this. She shivered in fright at the thought.

‘There could be some of them down here,’ Joy whimpered. ‘But I have to keep going. I am not climbing back out the way I came.’

So Joy walked on. She realized that she had lost her rifle sometime during her escape and that made her feel even more vulnerable. Yes, she would never shoot anything, but oddly it felt nice to have some protection. Especially after seeing what the PLA were capable of.

As she walked through the tunnels, she couldn’t help but hear something. Something that tugged at her heartstrings: the cry of a child. Hurrying forward in the hopes of finding the child safe and sound, she rounded the corner. She was stunned to find that it was not a human child, like she thought, but a little Seviper.

He was crying his little eyes out, curled up by himself. He looked roughed up and beaten, with some gashes around his upper half. A tattered uniform adorned his body.

Joy wasn’t sure what to do. He was obviously a member of the PLA, but he was hurt. ‘And he’s just a child.’

Steeling herself, she walked slowly forward. The Seviper looked up at her and squealed in fright, before smacking himself into a nearby wall. Shaking away the dizziness, the Seviper’s crying intensified tend fold. He sounded so broken, so destroyed.

Joy couldn’t stand it. “Shh,” she cooed, kneeling right next to him. Her hands slowly moved towards him, keeping within his eyesight. She didn’t want to scare him any further. “Shh, you’re going to be alright. No one’s going to hurt you.”

“Human…hurt,” the Seviper hissed angrily through his sobbing’s. “Human hurt daddy…Why?”

Joy was silent for a few seconds. “Sometimes, people get angry with each other and do stupid things. It happens, but I promise that the humans won’t hurt you.”

The Seviper stared at her through his bleary eyes. “Human understand?”

Joy smiled. “Yes, human understand. I have, what you could consider, a gift. It helps knowing what a pokemon needs when you can talk to them.”

The Seviper looked at her with a look of terror. “Human hurt Sev?”

Joy shook her head. “No, human help Sev.” She felt a little silly talking like that. She slowly reached for her backpack.

Sev yelped and tried to take off…only to nearly hit the wall this time. Joy had snatched him up before he made the same mistake again. He wriggled and struggled in her hold. She was lucky his bladed tail wasn’t hitting her through it all.

“Let Sev go…” Sev whined.

“No,” Joy said. “You’re hurt.”

“Hurt matter no,” Sev’s whines grew louder. “Want safe. Want daddy.”

“Shh…” She rubbed the back of his head. That seemed to calm him down somewhat. “You are safe…and I’ll try and find your daddy, okay?”

“Human help?”

“Of course, human help.”
__________________________________________________________________________________
Present

“And that’s how I found Sev,” Joy finished.

“Wow,” Drill seemed uncomfortable. “I mean, I don’t like humans, but killing?...Geez.” He shook his head. “Poor Commander.”

“Don’t you guys kill all the time?” Flannery pointed out.

“Only some of the time,” Joy frowned. “And again, it’s usually in self-defense…or Team Rocket.”

“Yeah,” Flannery nodded. “Those guys are asking for it, but whoa. I didn’t think the battle was that terrible?”

“That regiment I was in was, in essence, replaced two and a half times during the entire month of the battle,” Joy looked downcast. “It was hard…harder still when I had to hide Sev. I didn’t want anyone to find him and take him away…He was just the sweetest little thing. I got him off the island after the ‘war’ was over. I took him home with me out into the woods…I still remember when he first called me ‘mommy’.”
__________________________________________________________________________
Hoenn past

“One more story,” Sev said through a yawn. He was still a little Seviper, tucked inside a large bed. Joy gave it to him so as to spare herself from getting a new one when he grew up.

“No,” Joy playfully poked his snout. “It’s bedtime.”

“The great and powerful Sev never tires,” Sev yawned once more.

“How about this? If you got to bed now, I’ll read you two stories tomorrow. Deal?”

Sev’s eyes widened. “Two stories? Really?” Joy nodded. “Can I pick them?”

“Of course you can, sweetie.”

“YES!” Sev exclaimed.

Joy giggled at his enthusiasm. Sev was always a boisterous Pokémon. Sometimes, he was a handful, but he was worth it. Kissing his forehead, she whispered, “Good night, Sev.”

Sev nuzzled her and flicked his tongue on her cheek in a snakey kiss. “Night mommy.”

Joy was shocked by that. “Mommy?”

Sev nodded. “You take care of me. You love me….You’re female, I think….Are you female?”

Joy facepalmed, but still giggled. “Yes, I’m female.”

“Then you’re my mommy,” Sev grinned. “Be thankful you received this high honor.”

“Oh I am,” Joy hugged him. A few happy tears escaped her eyes.

“Mommy,” Sev frowned upon seeing her tears. “Did I do something wrong? Do you not want to be my mommy?”

“No,” Joy reeled back. “I want that Sev. I’m just happy, you see. Sometimes, people cry when they’re really happy.”

“Did I make you happy?”

Joy booped his snout. “Oh most definitely, my littlest snake.”

Sev pouted. “I am not little…The world is too big.”

Joy giggled. “Of course it is.” She kissed him once more on his brow. “Now get some shuteye. We have a long day ahead of ourselves tomorrow.”

Sev frowned. “Why do the human trainers have to bother us? Why do they make us fight?”

“Because…..” Joy paused to think of an answer. “Humanity is filled with jerks.”

“Then I will beat these jerks,” Sev proclaimed. “One day, I will make them…not jerks. Then we can play all day.”

“I’d like that. In fact, why don’t we place a little game right now.”

“What game?”

“Tickle fight!” Joy brushed along his body, hitting a ‘tickle’ spot. Sev started to laugh. Joy doubled her efforts, making the little Seviper double over with joy.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Present

“I am so going to use that when we meet him,” Flannery chuckled.

“The Commander is ticklish?” Drill asked and tapped his chin. “No wonder he doesn’t like people to touch him.”

“He’s not that ticklish,” Joy said. “He just doesn’t like anyone but loved ones to touch him…..He kind of has a stigma about that. Might have been what happened before I found my little snakey wakey.”

“Snakey wakey?” Flannery laughed.

“I’m sure your mother came up with plenty of nicknames for you when you were little,” Joy said.

Flannery’s laughter died an instant death. “I don’t really remember. My parents died when I was very little.”

Joy looked shocked. “I’m sorry. If I had known…”

Flannery waved a dismissive paw. “Don’t worry about it. I had my grandfather to look after me. It made up for it. He loved me enough for several people….Maybe a bit too much.” Flannery remembered how reluctant her grandfather was about leaving her and the gym.

Joy giggled. “Oh yes, I met him on a few occasions. A lovely man.”

“Don’t get any ideas,” Flannery joked. “I don’t want to become the Commander’s aunt.”

“Do it,” the head of the zebra guard said. He and his cohorts were sitting around the bunch. “This guy sounds like that’d get him good.” There were several murmurs of an agreement from the other zebras.

During the flashback, several of the local guards had ordered them to stop what they were doing and come with them…but then they learned that the pokemon were in the middle of a flashback. One does not interrupt a flashback, so they all sat down and listened as they waited for it to end.

“Nah,” Joy giggled. “I like being single.”

“A pretty thing like you?” The head guard chuckled. “Such a waste.”

Joy blushed, but playfully swatted his chin. “Oh hush you.”

“You know,” Drill spoke up. “I’d like to thank you guys for not arresting me.”

“Arrest you?” The head guard said in confusion, before something dawned on him. “So you’re the guy going around shops and stealing food.”

“…..” Drill was silent for a moment. “No I’m not.”

“Then why did you say that you were glad we didn’t arrest you?” The head guard raised a questioning eyebrow.

“I was testing you for…..” Drill took off for the hole, before Flannery ‘Tackle’d him.

“Not today, fatso.” Flannery smirked.

“While this is all and good,” Joy asked. “How is it that we can all talk to each normally?”

“That would be me,” a dark, foreboding voice spoke up. Walking inside, General Gard the Gardevoir glanced at everyone. The guard zebras shook in their armor. Gard’s very presence sent waves of fear down their spines. There was something…off about him.
Flannery could feel it to, but she had to save face. Of course, that didn’t help when she yelped as Drill shot back to his feet.

“Gard,” Drill said. “You’re here. Quick, wipe their memory or something.”

“No,” Gard said. “You got yourself into this. We’ll let the Commander decide what is to become of you…Actually, just Lia.”

“The Commander’s coming here?” Drill asked.

“Of course,” Gard nodded. “This is the capital of this country. Commander Sev would be drawn to this place like nothing else here. You know him well enough for that.”

Drill grumbled, while Joy looked ecstatic.

“My babies are safe?” Joy squealed. “Oh, I knew they’d make it, but I was so worried. How long? We need to prepare.”

“He’s also with the king of this country,” Gard said.

The zebra guards stiffened. “If he’s with the king, then he must be an ally. We’re sorry for bothering you all.”

“Don’t be,” Joy smiled. “Drill was stealing. He will be punished, but not now. Now we have to welcome my children and I want it to be a warm welcome.”

Author's Note

Newest chapter up and running.

I hope you all enjoyed it and please leave a comment.

Arceus finally delivers his message (Day 2)

*Bridleton*

Crowland was usually at peace when he walked through any part of the world. He needn’t really wear much armor and whatnot because he knew each and every possible danger in any given area. He knew the dangers of the Everfree Forest inside and out. He knew about the warriors of the Griffon Empire and their fighting style. He knew about every possible opponent that the world could throw at him. He knew all of that and how to kill them. That’s what gave him confidence. He hated stupid youths who thought they were all that from just one victory. Overconfidence was a weakness the world would quickly erase.

He was never overconfident, even on easy kills. Something could go wrong. Something always went wrong because the universe was fickle. You just had to go with the flow and that’s what he did. He was the best of the best for a reason and that’s what made him confident.

These Pokemon…they were unknowns. He didn’t know their strengths, weaknesses, the best ways to kill them. He would, but that would take time. Time this old bird didn’t have, given how deep he was in Caballeron’s scheme. He sighed, once more cursing his luck ‘Maybe I’ll give retirement a second thought.’

That’s why Crowland was so agitated as he strolled through the streets of the small town. His head feathers twitched and lifted slightly before going down once more. He wore his hunter’s suit. It was a light thing with enchantments of several kinds, including ones that allowed him to store all sorts of gadgets and killing devices inside rather small pockets. His trusty crossbow was slung over his shoulder. Little Lady was perched on the opposite one.

He grumbled a silent curse of misfortune to whoever made this situation and reached into his pocket for a little bottle of rum. He quirked his eyebrow when he instead brought out a toy compass. “How did you get in there?” He chuckled. “Must have forgotten you. I’m getting too old for my own good.”

Little Lady squawked something that sounded like a question.

“Oh this?” Crowland said and the Spearow nodded. “Just a gift.”
_______________________________________________________________________________
*several years ago, Equestrian wilds*

Crowland fidgeted with his pith helmet for a second, grumbling as he did so. The wilderness felt more welcoming and homely than any city or town he had lived in. He loved the danger, the excitement and all that kind of stuff. He was a young griffin male. Of course he would, but there was a problem. Something he didn’t want to admit to himself.

He had lost his prey.

That irked him to no end. Never before had he lost…anything really. And now he was just strolling through some of the few wild forests in Equestria, completely and utterly lost at what to do. He was growling, clutching his crossbow tightly in frustration. ‘Damn it. Where the Tartarus did it go?’

His prey, a Hellhound, wasn’t something most creatures would chase after. It was said to cause certain death to whoever laid eyes upon it three times. Crowland knew that it was all popeye cock. He’d killed a few Hellhounds and he’d seen them multiple times. The legend just sprang up because Hellhounds rarely let someone get away with their life.

His hunt was interrupted by a loud scream. Crowland’s eyebrow perked up. ‘That sounds like a little girl.’

Being both a curious soul and a bit of a worrywart, he went to investigate. As quickly as he could, and he could go pretty quick given his cheetah form, he raced after the sound. Within seconds, he came to a stop, having neared a few voices. Not wanting to just randomly charge into an unknown situation, he crouched behind a thing bush.

Parting a small piece of it away, he took a peek. Right there, cowering with her back to a tree, was a small yellow pegasus filly with a black and grey streaked mane. Before her was a large, flightless terror bird, or more commonly referred to as a Gastornis. Its large beaked head eyed the filly hungrily.

Crowland was a little surprised to see such a beast in this part of the woods. Usually the predators of Equestria stayed deep within forest. The Hellhound was here only because those beasts tended to roam from place to place. They weren’t natural to this realm, seeing as they were Tartarus spawn.

The Gastornis, while a fearsome creature to a pony, wasn’t exactly the most dangerous beast he had faced. He could easily kill it right here and right now with his trusty crossbow. His talons twitched across the surface, eager to claim his prize. He stopped himself. The last thing he wanted a kid to see was some creature’s brains splattered around them. He’d have to take this one out without killing it.

He sighed. ‘Kids, they can be a real pain.’

So, making up his mind, he put his crossbow onto his back. With determination, he leaped out of the bush, hitting the Gastornis in the mid-section with a clean leap kick. The killer bird squawked in pain and surprise as it hit a tree.

Smirking, Crowland turned to eye the filly. She stared at him in awe and wonder, though he could still see a glint of fear in them. Knowing he was in for a little fight, Crowland took off his pith helmet. Honestly, he didn’t know why he had the thing. He never did care for them. ‘Maybe it’s because it was a gift from a friend.’

He handed the helmet to the little filly. “Keep an eye on this, will you?” The filly nodded in response. “Good girl.”

The Gastornis squawked its version of a roar. Charging, the beast intended to clasp its oversized beak onto any part of Crowland. The thing could easily smash bone with a simple bite. The griffin hunter wasn’t going to let that happen.

The hunter side stepped the killer bird. Gastrornis was a rather cumbersome and inelegant creature. It was rather easy to outmaneuver them. That’s why they preferred to ambush their prey and attack creatures weaker then themselves. Of course, that didn’t mean they wouldn’t try their feathers at taking on dangerous foes.

With a simple kick to the killer bird’s leg, Crowland succeeded in tripping it up. The Gastornis hit the ground, giving the hunter the perfect opportunity to take it down. However, he stopped in his tracks when a familiar growl came to his ears.

He chuckled. “You finally showed yourself, huh?” He turned around to face the Hellhound.

Like any Hellhound, its body was as black as night. Its red eyes shone like little blood moons, with nothing inside but the urge to kill. Its body was massive, easily looking more akin to a bear than a dog. The Hellhound’s mouth was pulled back into a snarl. The fangs looked like they could easily rip someone like him to shreds in seconds. Crowland had to hand it to the ponies. Since they were so close to Tartarus, they had to deal with these things all the time. ‘They are just little mysteries, them ponies.’

Unfortunately, before he could take a battle stance, the Gastornis had gotten back up and lunged for the filly. She screamed. Crowland scowled and pulled on the bird’s tail feathers. The killer bird squawked in pain and turned to face him.

‘Two against one?’ Crowland smirked. ‘I like these odds.’

With a quick punch to the face, Crowland disoriented the Gastornis. The griffin didn’t linger in that spot long. He twirled on his feet and kicked the hellhound under his snout. Crowland’s sub-species of griffin wasn’t known for being strong. They were agile and quick, but Crowland still had the strength to knock the beast away.

The Gastornis lunged, but Crowland caught its beak with his talon hands. The killer bird’s jaws were powerful and it took a lot of effort to keep them open and away from his throat. Time seemed to slow down at that moment. He spied out of the corner of his eye the hellhound preparing to lunge.

Thinking quickly, Crowland let the killer bird push forward and got onto its side. With a quick flap of his wings, he was up in the air the moment the hellhound’s attack made contact with the Gastornis. Both predators went tumbling on the ground and both quickly got up. They squared up against one another. The hellhound barked, while the Gastornis squawked with ruffled feathers.

Landing, Crowland took out a single dart. With practice eased, he threw it at the Gastornis’s neck. While he could easily have let the two duke it out, he knew the hellhound would make quick work of the Gastornis, given its magical nature. Not to mention that the hellhound would steal the other creature’s energy, making it a bit harder to kill. So, a little sleeping dart would take care of it. He hadn’t brought anything really lethal this time, since it wouldn’t work on a hellhound.

The Gastornis cried out in surprise when the dart made contact. The hellhound turned to look at Crowland and growled. He was the bigger threat at the moment.

“Come on,” Crowland smirked, taking up a fighting position. “Let’s see if you’re tougher than the last hellhound.”

Taking the challenge, the daemonic dog tried to rush him. Crowland stood his ground.

At the last second, Crowland grasped the dog’s head and used it to summersault over it. The dog turned quicker than he thought it would, but no matter. Pulling out his crossbow, he smacked it upside the head with the butt of the weapon. The dog yelped in pain.

Crowland flew back a few feet and pulled out an arrow from his pouch. It was different from most of them, as it was pure white and softly glowed. It was filled with holy magic, but unlike the others, this one wasn’t meant to kill. Only to stun. Again, he wasn’t going to kill anything in front of a little filly.

With a flurry of action, he cocked the crossbow and placed the bolt inside. The hellhound was pacing him. Given how Crowland couldn’t fly that high thanks to the canopy, the hellhound could easily jump and bite him. He wasn’t going to let that happen. He sighted the dog and the dog knew what was coming.

It made to lunge, but not before Crowland’s arrow impacted its shoulder. The hellhound cried out in pain as lances of holy magic flew around it. The magic quickly formed into that of pure white chains that bound the dog. Within in seconds, the dog was out of commission.

Crowland sighed with relief….before tackling the still moving Gastornis before it could get to the filly. He pulled a sack large enough to cover the Gastronis’s head out from a pocket. Given how much magic was in it, they also could store as much as he wanted. It was nifty.

The Gastornis struggled, but Crowland kept up with the pressure. He pulled the sack over its face. The Gastornis’s struggle soon ceased. Birds and bird like creatures could be calmed down if you cover their eyes. This was no exception. Again, Crowland sighed with relief when the Gastornis fell asleep. He gently patted the beast.

“You did good.”

“THAT! WAS! AWESOME!” The little filly cried out, rushing to his side.

“Awesome?” Crowland asked, standing up. “No one’s called me that before.”

“Well they should,” the little filly said. “The way you handled those creatures was amazing. Can you teach me? Can you? Can you?”

Crowland chuckled. “Calm down. Those beasts weren’t anything to talk about. I’ve faced worse.”

“Worse than that?” The little filly looked at him incredulously.

Crowland nodded.

“Who are you?”

Crowland smiled and put away his crossbow. “Crowland Tempo. You could say I’m a bit of an adventurer.”

“Can I be an adventurer?”

Crowland shrugged. “I don’t see why not. Anyone can do it.” He crouched down and touched the filly’s heart with a talon. “But only those with true courage can be great.”

“I have true courage,” the filly smiled. “I came out here all by myself. No parents or anything.”

Crowland frowned. “Why the hay would you do that? You want to get yourself killed?”

The filly frowned. “I wanted to be a big pony.”

Crowland tapped her head. “A big pony uses their noggin. You don’t just go blundering about and whatnot. You have to think things through, plan. If you just wing it, you’ll get yourself in trouble. Like with your parents for starters.”

The filly looked downcast. “I don’t want to be in trouble.”

“Then don’t run away from your parents,” Crowland snorted. “They’re probably worried sick right now.” He stood up. “Come on. I’ll take you to them…..” He looked around.

“Are you lost?” The filly asked.

Crowland chuckled. “You could say I am. That’s how I found you.”

The filly then reached onto the ground and picked something up. She held out her hoof which held a small, toy compass. “Here, have this. My daddy said that compasses help lost ponies. Maybe it’ll help big birds too.”

“That’s very nice of you,” Crowland took the compass. It was worthless to him, seeing as he already had a real one, but he felt obligated to take it. When the filly held out his pith helmet, he pushed it back to her. “Keep it. It’s yours now. I never liked thing.”

The filly gasped. “Really?”

Crowland nodded and placed the helmet on top of her head. It sunk over most of her face, so the little filly had to move it upwards to see. “Who knows? Maybe you’ll grow into it.” He patted her helmeted head. “By the way, I never did get your name little filly.”

“I’m Daring Do,” the filly chirped happily. “I’m going to be a great adventurer someday, like you.”

Crowland laughed. “Sure you are, Daring….”
________________________________________________________________________
*present day*

“Sure you are,” Crowland chuckled as he let a talon gloss over the item. He put the compass back and went into the café. To his surprise, he saw Ahuizotl sitting at one of the tables. He was wearing a khaki shirt and wearing a small pair of reading glasses. A little book sat in his hands. “Ahuiztol?”

Ahuizotl looked up from his book. “Crowland?”

Crowland chuckled and walked over to him. The duo clasped hands good naturally and shook. “How’ve you been doing?” He took a seat opposite of the evil doer.

“Alright,” Ahuizotl grumbled. “For the most part.”

“Daring foiled another one of your schemes?” Crowland asked and got a miserable growl in return. “Honestly, I don’t know how you can stand this line of work. It never does go in your favor.”

“I know,” Ahuizotl sighed. “That’s why I decided on taking a vacation.”

Crowland just stared at him for a moment, struck dumb by what he just said. “You? Vacation?”

Ahuizotl furrowed his brow. “Yes, is that so hard to believe?”

“No,” Crowland shook his head. “Just never thought…Never mind.” Seeing a villain like Ahuizotl on vacation had to be one of the strangest things he had ever seen. And he’s seen a lot.

Crowland spied the book and smirked. “A Daring Do novel? Really?”

Ahuizotl grumbled with a slight blush of embarrassment. “I find it an interesting read. It’s not often your get to see what makes your nemesis tick…though I don’t like the liberties she takes with her novels. I am not this hammy.”

“Sure you aren’t,” Crowland chuckled at the other’s scowl. The two of them weren’t exactly what you’d call friends, but Crowland did consider the other of potential.

“What are you doing here anyways?” Ahuizotl growled. “Planning another hunt?”

Crowland frowned. “No….it’s complicated.” When Ahuizotl raised an eyebrow, Crowland sighed. “Let’s just say, Caballeron has dragged me into this mess.”

“Ah,” Ahuizotl nodded. “He can be rather frustrating.”

“Not to mention….Her.”

Ahuizotl looked at him curiously. “Her?” Crowland made a few gestures with his hands, which cause Ahuizotl to nearly jump in fright. “Her? She’s here?” Crowland nodded, to which Ahuizotl sighed. “I can never catch a break.”

Crowland just laughed.

____________________________________________________________________________
*Zebrican train*

The trip to Cairo was taken in peace and silence.

“Are we there yet?” Sev asked for what everyone thought was the millionth time.

“No,” everyone else grumpily muttered.

{Okay, I lied. I do that from time to time. Don’t judge me!}

For the last several minutes, Commander Sev had been expressing his impatience. Quite a few of the passengers had done their best to clog their ears with anything, be it pillows, or hooves/other holding limbs. Others just stared off into space, glaring at the cosmos and everything in a vain attempt at cursing whoever was the cause of Sev.

At that moment, Arceus felt a little nervous at that moment and thought to himself that he might have needed to think out his whole ‘creation’ idea a bit more carefully. You know, in the very case that hiccups could occur down the line.

Said hiccup kept at it.

“Are we there yet?” Sev lied back against a rather comfy, red fainting couch.

“No,” was the reply.

“Are we there yet?”

“No.”

“Are we there yet?”

“No.”

“ARE WE THERE YET?!!”

“For the love of Celestia,” Lightning cried out in agitation. She flew over and yelled in his face. “SHUT UP!”

“NEVER!” Sev shouted back.

“MAKE HIM STOP!” Trotankhamun hollered. “MAKE HIM STOP!”

“I shall never stop,” Sev proclaimed. “My asking is making time move faster, for it heads my commands.”

“The hay are you on about?” Lightning asked, then looked at the other pokemon. “The hay is he on about?”

“Don’t look at me,” Ag grumbled. “I barely am able to understand what half of what he says means.”

“Because you lack half of the wit to do so,” Commander Sev shot back.

Ag glared at him, but said nothing.

“Now….” Sev started.

“Oh don’t you bucking dare,” Lightning pushed her snout against his and glared at him.

Sev smirked. “Are we there yet?”

Lightning roared in frustration and tackled the snake. The two tussled for a couple seconds, with Lightning getting the upper hoof since Sev didn’t want to hurt her.

“Now arriving in Cairo,” the conductor called back.

“HA,” Sev shouted in glory, pushing Lightning away. “You see. I was right. I’m always….”

He was interrupted when Lightning tackled him again.

“Ah,” Rio sighed wistfully. “This reminds me of when ah found my own little lady. She beat me upside the head so often…still does.” He chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head softly as if feeling a phantom pain.
_________________________________________________________________________
*outside the train*

Flannery huffed as she sat in the train station. The last thing she wanted to do was meet the leader of the PLA, but Joy had been persistent. If anything, Flannery couldn’t help but catch somethings about ‘girlfriends’ and ‘grandchildren’, as Joy pushed her along. She didn’t know what she was going on about, but she didn’t want to know.

The only other thing that annoyed her, well more creeped her out, was General Gard. He was probably the first male Gardevoir she had seen. Yeah, she had heard about them, but kind of…dismissed them. ‘Come on, Gardevoir are so ladylike. How can they be guys?’

But there, a little ways off, was living proof. He just seemed…wrong, and that wasn’t because of his gender. He exuded an aura of twisted wrongness, if you could call it that. The guards and pokemon around him shivered in fear. They just wished his gaze wouldn’t fall on them.

The train had come to a complete stop.

“He is coming out,” Gard said. His very voice was both soothing and terrifying at the same time.

And no sooner had Gard finished, the leader of the PLA himself emerged. “My brethren, I am so….” He was cut off when a little Kirlia ran past him.

“MOMMY!” She cried tears of joy.

Joy cried herself, throwing her arms around her child. “I’m so glad to see you.”

Sev frowned and slithered over to her. “Mother….You’re an Audino.” He stated more as a fact than a question.

Joy nodded. “Yes, I am.”

“…..” Sev huffed. “Those humans have gone too far.”

Before he could continue, and before Flannery could burn his face off, a voice sounded inside the skull of everyone in the kingdom.

“Greetings citizens of Equus, both old and new. I am Lord Arceus, creator of the Pokémon realm. You have no reason to fear me, I come in peace.”

“HE COMES IN PEACE!” King Trotankhamun shot from out of the train. “PANIC!”

“What?” Flannery spoke up.

“Everyone knows aliens always say that before they attack,” the young king explained. “It’s reverse psychology. Celestia read me a couple books with that happening.”

“Cease your noise,” Gard harshly said. “Arceus is speaking to us.”

All the while, Sev was frozen in place.

“I have revealed myself to inform you that I am the one responsible for the Pokémon’s presence in this world, for the citizens of Equus, the Pokémon are the beings who have appeared over the past few days.”

Trotankhamun was inwardly raging. Raging about everything that had happened and was going to happen. He quickly summed it up in one word. “ARCEUS!” He raised a foreleg angrily up into the air, hoping to smack the god one day.

“I have my reasons for bringing them here, and to the leaders I will reveal them in time….’

“And I’m sure no one’s going to be wondering in all that time,” Trotankhamun muttered. “No one’s going to be beating themselves over the head with why a god would do this….Buck you, Arceus.”

but for now a warning, the Pokémon, while some may not seem it, are just as intelligent as any race who calls Equus home, and, seeing as how they are my subjects, I will not tolerate them being treated any differently than you would treat your fellow Pony, Griffin, Minotaur, Diamond Dog, Changeling, Deer, Hippocampi, Zebra, Horse, Buffalo, Cow, Donkey, or Dragon depending on whichever race you belong to.”

“Well, he could have shortened that,” Flannery spoke up. “Make it easier for everyone.”

“Yeah,” Lia yawned. “No offense, but god is kind of boring.”

“You’re lucky Char wasn’t here to hear that,” Drill shuttered. “He’d probably try to burn you.”

Lia smirked and her eyes glowed. “I’d like to see him try….But he wouldn’t anyways.”

“To my Pokémon, I say this, I brought you, all of you, here so that you could live in peace, do not seek to harm the natives of this world, for I am the one responsible for your displacement. And to the Pokémon who went through changes when I brought you here I say this. You are the ones who proved themselves worthy, those who were fair, kind and good in the old world, consider this your reward. And to all of you, as sapients the laws of Equus, and the varying countries, now apply to you, and only the laws of Equus.”

‘Worthy?!!’ Flannery screamed inside her own head. ‘I was worthy?!! Of this?!!! I ought to burn his face off…Can you burn gods face off?’

“Wait,” Trotankhamun held up a questioning hoof. “But what about laws pertaining to pokemon and how to deal with them? Are you going to explain that?....No? You’re just going to let us flounder about with no direction….Okay then…Jerk.”

“That is all for now, but just to be clear, the Pokémon are not to be harmed simply out of spite, if you have a problem with what I’ve done, feel free to contact me, I currently reside in an ancient temple deep in the Everfree Forest, or a pocket dimension outside of the space time continuum, so if any of you wish to face the sheer power of a god, feel free to come by.”

“Thank you,” Trotankhamun nodded. “That makes it so much easier to SEND MY HATE TO YOUR DOORSTEP, YOU BIG, SON OF A…..”

Gard used ‘Psychic’ to close the king’s mouth. “Do not talk about Arceus in such a manner. He did this for a reason.” Trotankhamun sent him a questioning look. “I have no idea, but I’m sure he did it with our best interests.”

“Goodbye for now, though I doubt this will be the last you hear of me, and peace to you all.”

Gard’s hold on the king fell. “Peace to us all? I haven’t had peace in the last twenty four hours. I have a dead Alpha Dog, strange new creatures running amuck, Sev…Just Sev.”

Lia opened her mouth to protect her brother, but then inclined her head to agree. At least, a little bit.

“Ugh,” Trotankhamun rubbed his forehead. “Being king is just so….I think it’s going to be the death of me.”

Flannery felt pity for the king…’Wait, king? I’m standing before royalty?’ She quickly bowed.

“Oh don’t,” Trotankhamun sighed. “I’m not in the mood for that stuff. Let’s just go and….Where did all those zebras come from?”

Everyone looked behind to see a large, disgruntled group of Zebricans glaring at them. Some of them were throwing jeers, both against the pokemon and the king.

“Sire,” an older zebra pushed his way through the crowd. He was balding and quite lean, with quite a few wrinkles upon his face. He wore a rather fancy suit, but it was tussled and worn. “Did you hear that message?”

“Everyone heard it,” Trotankhamun said. “Vizier Khaba, what’s going on?”

Viziers were the highest level officials of Zebrica. They answered to no one but the king himself.

“The people, sir.” Khaba gulped. “They’re not too happy about the current events.”

“No one’s happy,” Trotankhamun turned to Sev, who was still frozen. “Isn’t that right, Commander Sev?....Commander Sev….” He tapped the snake, who fell unconscious. “Oh dear.”

“It appears one of our new guests has fallen under,” Khaba chuckled, before a tomato smacked into the back of his head. He sighed. “I’m just glad they aren’t throwing stones this time.”

Suddenly, Rio stood before the king, catching an arrow meant for Trotankhamun’s skull. “But them varmints are throwing arrows too. Gard?”

Gard nodded and disappeared for a second, before reappearing again shortly. A zebra struggled in his psychic grasp, with a bow in his hooves. He flailed about in the air, panicking.

“Another one?” Trotankhamun grumbled. “Great. My day is just getting better and better.”
_______________________________________________________________________________
*Hyena Dog tunnels*

“Goodbye for now, though I doubt this will be the last you hear of me, and peace to you all.”

“GET OUTZ OF ME HEAD!” Zebby Skulltaka pounded his fists time and time again against his own skull. The strange new voice just wouldn’t shut up.

“Darling,” his unicorn musician spoke. “Stop hitting yourself. The voice is gone.”

Zebby stopped his temper tantrum and listened closely. He chuckled. “Yeah, dat git’s gone fer gud….but he sounded ‘retty powaful.”
His mare, known as Loving Note, nodded. “True, I believe it’s best we stay clear of him.” Loving Note flinched when the Alpha dog rounded on her.

“Nobody is clear of Zebby Skulltaka,” the alpha dog proclaimed. “I’z krump dis…Arceus gud and propa. Besides, it soundz like he ‘as a big skull. I’z wants to put it on one of me pointy sticks. ‘Aven’t killed anythin’ worth fightin’ in so long.”

“Can we go one day without fighting?”

Zebby stared at her for a few seconds, before bursting out into laughter. “You’z funny,” he licked her. “Datz why I likes ya.”

Loving sighed, trying to shake off the disgusting slobber of the alpha. “And I like you too…”

Before she could say anything more, Zebby sat down onto his throne and pulled her into her lap. She yelped in surprise, even though she should be used to this. Zebby had captured her oh so long ago, when he was a young alpha. The only reason she wasn’t down in the mines was because he loved music. No, he cherished that above all else, even fighting.

‘Though he’ll never admit that,’ she conceded.

Zebby held up a flute to her. While she preferred the harp, she had come to learn many instruments while under his….care. If you could call it that. “Play sumthin’ nice. I’z gotta come up wit a plan to krump dat Arceus god guy. His skull I’z mine.”

Loving sighed and started playing. Zebby gently ran his rough hands through her mane as she did. He made sure not to hurt her.
_______________________________________________________________________
*Bridleton Harbor*

“Goodbye for now, though I doubt this will be the last you hear of me, and peace to you all.”

Terror was not something a Thirst should experience. Yes, they should be able to inflict that emotion, but to feel it…was alien.

Thrist felt it.

It ran through her bones, her blood, her magic. Everything about the pokemon god, that Arceus, exuded power, great power. She hated him. She loathed this Arceus. Yes, he gave her the tools to complete her rituals. To make herself stronger, but did he think himself the master of this world? The master of anything?

‘You do not know the powers you are up against, Arceus. Your people will be bled dry. This world will burn and so will the next. Ragnoros will tear you to shreds, for he is the end of all. You have NO chance to stop me from my path, my revenge.’

Thrist had never felt such an odd combination of anger and fear and that irked her even more. She needed something to take her mind off it. She needed to bleed dry….She spied her Rattatta. For some reason, she had gotten a bit attached to her first ‘experiment’. It was gently rubbing itself against her leg.

She leaned downwards and petted his head. “You are the first of your kind to see the new vision. You are the first of my army…..Why are you so cute?” She scratched underneath his chin and cooed. She would never let anyone see that moment.

“Uhhhh…..” she turned to see Caballeron standing in the doorway. “Am I interrupting something?”

Thrist’s rage boiled. “Bring me more sacrifices. My power wanes and we may not have as much time as we thought.”

Caballeron nodded. “Yes, this Arceus….This changes quite a few things.”

“IT CHANGES NOTHING!” She banged her staff on the ground, scarring her pokemon and causing sparks of dark magic to sprout from it. “Arceus can be killed like everything else. Nothing is untouchable. You will see. All the world will see when his blood fills the oceans. Ragnoros will feast on his flesh, do not doubt that.”

Caballeron nodded, sweating nervously. “I’ll….I’ll go get you those sacrifices.” With that said, he rushed off.

Author's Note

Finally, day 2 is over.
On to day 3.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment below. They help me get pumped up for the next chapter.

Influential Dreams (Day 3)

The realm of dreams is said to be one of the strangest and most outlandish places one can go. Sev could agree with that, though he thought his dreams were rather simple. The world around him would disagree wholeheartedly, but that didn’t matter right now.

What mattered was…nothing. That was what Sev was seeing right now. In every direction there was literally nothing to see. It was just a white area…That’s it. He hissed in agitation.

“What is the meaning of this?” He asked no one in particular. “I am the Commander Sev, greatest of all pokemon. If this is to be my dream, it must inspire the same. Why does it not? Why does it show nothing? My head is filled to the brim with brilliant ideas.”

“Because, my son,” a low, threatening voice spoke up. “YOU FAILED!”

Sev’s irises shrunk into the size of pinpricks. ‘No…It can’t be.’ Sev gulped before turning around. His vision was blocked by a serpent’s body. He had to actually tilt his head up to view his father.

Commander Viper, his father and the commander of the original PLA, was abnormally huge. He was easily twice the size of a regular Seviper. Few knew how he achieved that size, but Viper claimed that it was Arceus’s gift. His right eye was foggy and carried a slashing scar over it.

“Father,” Sev croaked out. “I can explain. Arceus….”

“Is free,” Viper hissed in agitation. “And you had nothing to do with it.”

Sev shook his head. “Of course I did. Surely my greatness inspired one of my soldiers to free our lord. It is thanks to me that….” Sev’s speech was cut off when Viper slammed his tail into him. Sev cried out in pain as he went down.

“All that time,” Viper loomed over him. “I trained you to be the better pokemon. I trained you to be the one to free our god. It was your destiny and what do I see before me? I see a failure.”

“I am not a failure, father.” Sev hissed, standing up. “I am a great commander. The Pokemon Liberation Army has flourished.”

Viper laughed. “Flourished? Then what have you accomplished? Tell me, how much closer were we to be free of the humans with you in command?”

“Well…” Sev was silent, trying to think up an answer to please his father. He didn’t get to answer as he was slashed with a poison tail.

“I’ll answer for you,” Viper snarled. “Like I always had to. You never got close to that dream. To that destiny I paved for you. I built you into the snake I wanted you to be and this is what I get? A snake who can barely lead an army? Who struggles with even a Pegasus?”

“She is feisty,” Sev wondered why he could feel all this pain in a dream. “I’ll give her that, but no matter. Arceus is free and the humans dealt with. We have won.” ‘And I can so lead an army.’

“Won?” Viper chuckled. “Won? Who told you that? Did you not hear our lord? He brought humans with him. HUMANS WHO HAVE TAKEN OUR FORMS! Do you not see the heresy I have seen? Do you not feel disgust?”

“Yes.”

“Then why aren’t you thinking of plans? Why don’t you ever use your head?”

“I’ll find the humans, father. I’ll….I’ll….” Sev had no idea what to do once he found them. He was literally pulling a blank and that was a new thought.

“I’ll, I’ll, I’ll,” his father mocked, hitting his son with ‘Night Slash’. Sev screamed in pain, but Viper paid no attention to his son’s distress. “You kill them. That’s the answer. It’s right in front of your face and you can’t see it. My son is BLIND! My son is WORTHLESS!”

“I AM NOT WORTHLESS!” Sev screamed back at him. “I survived all these years, building an army worthy of our lord. I have succeeded.”

“Those generals of yours couldn’t fight a single tank group, let alone an army.”

“You do not know them father,” Sev snapped back. “I will deal with the humans my way, not yours. I am not a murderer.”

“MURDERER?!!” Viper slashed his son across his face with another ‘Night Slash’. Blood splattered the white grounds. “I am no murderer. I am an exterminator. I cleansed that island of human taint. The world should have followed MY example. Humans are an infestation. A blight that should never have come to pass. It is the folly of the legendaries that they survived. It is our duty to right their wrong.”

“I know….” Sev started and meant to continue. He never felt that ‘death’ should be the answer. Yes humans were evil, terrible beings, but they should be driven away not exterminated. He never got to voice his opinion as his father performed ‘Wring Out’ by coiling around his body. Sev’s body felt like it was being crushed.

“As I said before,” Viper hissed into his ear. “You don’t know. You are my greatest failure. If I had known what you would have become, I would have killed you all those years ago. I could find any female I wanted to bear another prodigy. I should have.” His grip tightened. “But I thought I could change you. I thought I could make you great.”

“I am great,” Sev wheezed out. His vision was getting blurred by both asphyxiation and the blood that clouded his vision from his head wounds. “The greatest being who ever lived.”

“I AM THE GREATEST!” Viper screamed into his face. “I AM ARCEUS’S CHOSEN WARRIOR! You merely took that title because of my death. You should have died there. You should have joined me in martyrdom.”

“I….was afraid.”

“Fear is weakness. A chosen warrior has none. You are no chosen warrior. You are a mistake.” His grip hardened. “I should have seen that all those years ago when you refused to kill that human child.”

“I WAS A CHILD TOO!” Sev cried. “You told me to kill her. Why? She was a human, yes, but she had done us no wrong. She didn’t have to die. I didn’t want her to die.”

“Humans deserve no compassion,” Viper tightened even further. Sev could hear his bones breaking. “Did I not teach you? Yes, but you did not listen. Now I….” Viper was picked up in a blue aura and cast aside.

“You will do no more to him, fiend.” Sev recognized the form of Princess Luna.

“Oh, but I will.” Viper scowled. “He is my son. I can do whatever I want to him.”

“He is no son of yours,” Luna returned his scowl. “No child deserves having a father such yourself. If anyone is a failure, it’s you.”

Viper hissed, coiling himself ready to spring at her. “You legendaries are nothing but weak cowards. I am stronger. I am mightier. I AM COMMANDER VIPER!” With that, Viper lunged. With a single bolt of magic, he dissipated into nothing.

Luna snorted. “The dreams of pokemon can be quite violent. Whatever world you hailed from must have been one worthy of Tartarus.”

Sev said nothing. He was trying to catch his breath. Astonishingly, all of his wounds and pains had faded. “I’m…alright?”

Luna smiled and walked over to him. “Yes, this is just a dream and he an apparition. You were never in any real danger.”

“But I felt it,” Commander Sev looked himself over. “It was so real.”

Luna frowned. “Phantom pains. You remembered what that….beast did to you.”

Sev shivered. “My father is no beast,” he said more to himself. “He was a great mon.”

“Was he?”

Sev snarled. “Yes, he made me what I am. He built me into the commander the pokemon needed.”

“Did he love you?” Luna laid down beside the snake.

Sev was silent. He tried to think of one instance where his father had shown him love. Commander Viper had shown, what he considered, compassion whenever Sev accomplished something. Yet, looking back, not once had his father said he loved him. Not once had he been held or read a bedtime story.

“No.”

Luna sighed. “That’s what I thought. Do you dream of him often?”

“Only when I have failed,” Sev sniffled. “That…happens more than I like and….He is always there. Always judging.” He smashed his tail against his head. “EVERY! SINGLE! TIME!”

“Commander Sev,” Luna scolded. “Stop hitting yourself. That accomplishes nothing.”

“Right,” Sev sighed, ceasing his own personal attack. “My mother told me the same thing…She always knows best.”

“Oh?” Luna asked, softly nudging the snake. “Tell me about her. Is she nice?”

Sev’s smile came back to his face when he recalled his mother. “The nicest being ever. None can match her niceness. Again, that is understandable. She is my mother. She is the greatest of all to be so. She shows kindness to all she greets and is the mightiest healer of all time.”

“She sounds like a wonderful person,” Luna smiled. “I would love to meet her.”

“And she would you,” Sev said. “She loves meeting new faces. Makes me wish I could be half the parent she is…” He stuck his snout up in the air. “But I shall! When the time comes, my daughter shall be treated like a queen.”

“Daughter?”

“Look,” Sev pointed out. “The only male in my family is my father and…Let’s just say I think I’d prefer a daughter. Not that I wouldn’t love a son if I had one.” He waved his tail to dismiss the thought. “But no matter. They will be great commanders anyways.”

“I’m sure they will,” Luna giggled. “Now Commander Sev, I wish to ask you something.”

“Fire away, legendary.”

“What do you plan to do with the humans?” Luna asked. “I mean, they are no longer ‘human’ presently. They are your kind now.”

Sev hissed in anger. “They wear our bodies in mockery. They will be dealt with. I shall….I shall…Do something mean! Like...Um….PAINT THEM PINK!” He declared happily.

“You wish to make the humans pay,” Luna thought it over. “By painting them pink?”

Sev nodded. “Yes, they will bow down to me if they do not wish to be pink…Unless they’re already pink….Then I’m at a loss….” He scratched his head. “Even I think this plan is stupid.” He sighed and laid himself down on the ground. “My father is right. I am useless.”

Luna nuzzled him. “No, you’re just misguided.”

“My guide is never missed,” Sev declared. “I know where I am going and I’m going to beat the humans. I shall throw them in camps and make then play ping-pong.”

“Ping-pong.”

“I am a master of ping-pong,” Sev smirked. “They will see my awesome talents and be ashamed of themselves. They will spend the rest of their days wallowing in their envy.”

Luna groaned and massaged her temple. “Commander Sev, you are not to throw them in camps.”

“Why not?” Sev glared at her.

“Because they have rights,” Luna declared. “Did you not listen to your god?”

“Arceus has been tricked. That is the only explanation for this….heresy.”

“What he did was stupid,” Luna said. “Incredibly stupid and poorly thought out, but I assure you, he chose those humans for a reason. They were given your forms so they would have a new chance at life.”

“Mockery,” Sev spat. “It is all a shameful mockery. They were not born pokemon, so they shall not be treated as pokemon. I am in the right in thinking this, Princess Luna. They must pay for making our lives a living hell.”

“You want to make them pay?” Luna’s tone was neautral.

Sev nodded. “Yes. They must never know peace. They must suffer.”

Luna was silent for a moment. “Very well then,” she waved one of her wings and in a dark blur formed. Quickly, it took on the form of a small of an Eevee came into place.

“Huh?” The little Eevee said. Her voice was small and petite, giving her about a few years of age. “Where am I? Where’s mommy and daddy?”

Sev looked at her and then at Luna. “What is the meaning of this?”

“She is a former human,” Luna explained. “You were so sure that the humans must pay, that I thought to treat you to one early.”

“Do you know where my mommy and daddy are, mister?” The little Eevee looked up at him with wide eyes.

Sev’s mouth hung open. “I….I don’t know….Luna stop this.”

“But you wanted to make them pay,” Luna looked at him curiously. “Make her pay for being human. Make her pay for making your life a living hell.”

“She has done nothing,” Sev hissed. “She’s a child.”

“Is it her form?” Luna’s horn lit up and the Eevee’s form shifted into a human girl of around five years old.

“What’s happening?” The little girl was obviously scared. She was shaking like a leaf. “Why are you doing this?”

“Stop this,” Sev snarled.

“Make her pay, Commander Sev.” Luna said patiently. “End this blight. Fulfill your destiny.”

“I want to go home,” the little girl cried.

“SHE’S A CHILD!” Sev shouted, glaring daggers at Luna. “She has done nothing to deserve this. Stop this madness. Do you not see her fear?”

“I see nothing but a monster,” Luna calmly said. “That is what they are, correct?”

“HUMANS ARE MONSTERS!”

“Then smite her,” Luna snarled. “Destroy this ‘monster’.”

“Please don’t hurt me,” the little girl said. She was crying her little eyes out. “I promise I won’t tell daddy. I promise. Daddy! Please daddy help me.”

“Do monster’s cry, Commander Sev?” Luna asked. “Do they cry out for their daddy’s?”

Sev’s body twitched in agitation. “Stop this. Stop this at once. Take her away from this place. Give her peace.”

“But you didn’t want them to know peace,” Luna pointed out. “You wanted them to suffer. Go ahead, make her suffer.”

“No,” Sev frantically shook his head.

“Daddy!” The little girl whimpered.

“Make her suffer, Commander Sev.” Luna ordered.

“NO!” Sev shouted, tears fought their way to his eyes.

“MOMMY!”

“KILL HER, COMMANDER SEV!”

“FATHER, NO!” Sev’s bladed tail slashed through Luna’s head like it was nothing but a projection. “She is a child. She is innocent. I will never, EVER, harm an innocent.”

Luna was smiling at him. At that instant, the little girl vanished. “Well done, Commander. It seems our training is going in the right direction.”

“What training?” Sev snarled. “Is this supposed to be a joke? You scared that child.”

“She was never here,” Luna said. “She was a figment I created to prove a point.”

“Sick,” Sev spat out. “A sick and twisted point.”

Luna frowned and nodded. “Yes, I may have gone too far, but so could you have. Do you want to become your father?”

“Arceus, no.”

“Then take heed,” Luna said. “Remember that the humans are just as innocent as pokemon. They both can do great things, but also such terrible deeds.”

Sev scoffed, but said nothing.

Luna sighed and stood up. “I still have my work cut out for me. No matter. We shall continue these meetings. Your heart is filled with good, Commander. Whether you know it or not, that is true. Do not lose that. Do not stray down the path I led and never take your family for granted.”

“I would never do that,” Sev hissed. “Family means everything to me.”

Luna smiled. “I know.”
____________________________________________________________________________
*Cairo, real world*

Lightning lounged in one of the padded chairs. She was softly drinking a fruit smoothie thinking about what was going to happen now. She really didn’t need to hang out with these guys. Honestly, no one would blame her if she just hightailed it out of there and made a beeline for Equestria. Surely they were having better luck than here.

‘I mean, dinosuars, dogs, assassins,’ Lightning thought to herself. ‘What the hay is wrong with this country?’
But she didn’t and she didn’t know why. Was it Commander Sev? She blushed a little bit. She assured herself it wasn’t him. ‘He’s an idiot. A stupid, stupid idiot.’

Yet, Lightning couldn’t remember a time when any male had shown any real interest in her. Yeah some, but it always just so they could roll in the hay. Sev had shown signs of that, but she wasn’t stupid. She didn’t think he was the ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ type. So when he fell unconscious and didn’t wake up for the rest of the day, she got a little worried. ‘Not that worried. He’s tough.’

When Lia walked into the room, Lightning sped over to her. “Is he alright?...Not that I care anyways. I’m just wondering.”

Lia smirked, but didn’t make a comment on her behavior. “He’s fine. Just a little...shocked is all. He’ll pull through.”

“Thank goodness,” Lightning sighed, but then caught herself. “Again, totally not worried about him. He’s too stupid to get hurt or anything.”

“Baka,” Lia muttered.

“What?” Lightning quirked an eyebrow.

“Oh nothing,” Lia giggled and walked over to the window. “Tsun tsun, dere, dere.”

“What the hay are you on about?” Lightning snarled. “Are you making up words?”

“Maybe~”

Before Lightning could say anything, Sev slithered into the room.

“Rejoice,” he proclaimed. “For I have graced this day with my awakening.”

“BIG BROTHER!” Lia ran over and hugged him. Sev returned the gesture.

“SEV!” Lightning said with excitement and then bit it down. “I knew you’d make it, idiot.”

“Your concern is noted,” Sev rolled his eyes. The two siblings ended their hug. “Now, what is happening with my army.”

“General Gard’s been able to gather some of our forces,” Lia explained. “Apparently, most of us were scattered over Zebrica. Maybe a few in some other parts, but he can’t sense them. He said something about getting used to the magical interference.”

“Then tell him to try harder,” Sev ordered. “We must locate all of our brethren, wherever they might be. The PLA leaves no mon behind.”

Lia nodded. “Currently, General Char is rounding up the humans in Cairo.”

Sev frowned. “What?”

“Yeah,” Lia walked over to the window. “Look.”

Sev slithered over and Lightning followed. Several pokemon in PLA uniforms were leading other pokemon in filed lines. Zebra soldiers and civilians watched the whole thing in confusion.

Genera Char was holding a microphone in one hand, speaking to them. “....And we are Arceus’s right hand, given his blessing. His glory washes over none of your as it does us for we are true pokemon. Holy is our father up on high, in the earth and all around us. He is everything and we his mere tools, but we are tools of justice. Know this, humans. We will bring justice upon you and your blasphemous heads.”

“GENERAL CHAR!” Sev shouted.

General Char lowered his microphone, turned and stood at attention, giving Sev a salute. All the while, his magnificent cape was twirled, stunning some pokemon, and zebras, with his amazing pose. “Yes, Commander?”

“Cease this at once,” Commander Sev ordered. “Let them free.”

Char frowned. “But they are blasphemers. They must be punished. Arecus’s holy will…”

“Is spoken by me,” Sev finished. “I am his chosen warrior, so every command I give is sanctioned by him. So I say again, release the humans.”

“Yes, Commander,” Char said with reluctance. “Release the humans.”

The PLA did as ordered and a cheer ran through the collected humans as they ran free.

“I’m surprised at you, big brother,” Lia said confused. “I thought you hated humans.”

“I am no tyrant,” Sev hissed. “I will prove these humans wrong. We are there betters, so we shall act like it. A better does not imprison, they teach. They may be blasphemers. They may never reach our glory, but we shall help them achieve...middle ground.”

“Honestly,” Lightning spoke up. “I’m glad you made that call. I was about to kick that Char guy’s butt in a moment.”

“General Char is enthusiastic,” Sev explained. “He only wished to help me. Noble, but wrong. I will talk to him later. For now….” He smirked. “How about a little time to ourselves? I’m sure there are some lovely spots in this city.”

Lightning blushed. “Ummmm….I got to go stretch my wings.” With a flurry of action, she took off out the window.

Author's Note

New chapter and this day isn't going to be that long. I have, what, one or two more chapters in day three planned. Yeah, I'm still trying to catch up. (But I don't want to skim over character development.)

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment.

Practice fights can still be rough (Day 3)

“Okay maggots,” Ag shouted. “Listen up, because I’m only going to say this once.”

General Ag was not a pokemon to forget. Commander Sev’s feint and Lord Aceus’s message had postponed and sent into disarray a lot of things with the PLA. They were getting past that, however. So now Ag had all the time in the world to do what she wanted.

Which was why she was currently standing in the royal courtyard, overlooking the zebra royal guards….and Alice.

“King Trotankhamun has given me permission to train you lot,” Ag explained, pacing back and forth in front of the group. Her arms were crossed behind her. The reason she could so clearly talk to the non-pokemon right now was because her mate, Gard, had placed a sort of ‘translation’ aura field around the city. Several psychic pokemon within their ranks routinely monitored and replenished the field. “At first, I was rather pleased with that, but now…” She shook her head. “Just look at you. None of you know how to fight, not a real one anyway.”

“How dare you belittle us?” One of the zebra soldiers piped up. “We were hoof picked to protect our king. We’re the best of the best.”

Ag walked over and lowered her face to his level. “The best of the best? Well, tell me this. Have you ever faced a creature made of iron? That can level cities? That could rend your mind into jelly with a mere thought?” When the soldier didn’t answer, she smirked. “I didn’t think so.”

Ag pulled herself up and continued pacing. “Whatever training you’ve been given beforehand is worthless now. Fighting pokemon is nothing like fighting one of those Hyena Dogs. Sure, they look tough, but they can’t make the ground shake or attack from the air. They can’t use magic or anything like that. I will train you to be the fiercest fighting force in the world. When people think of strength and power, I want them to point to Zebrica. I want this little nation to have the greatest army in the history of this planet. Do you think you can make that happen?”

“Yes, ma’am,” the soldiers piped up.

“That was weak,” Ag growled. “Louder.”

“YES, MA’AM,” the soldiers roared.

“Whenever you do anything,” Ag said. “I want you to do your best. I don’t want half tries or an attempt at the best, I want THE best. You are my army now and I will not tolerate failure.”

“Ehem,” Alice coughed to get Ag’s attention. “Not to be rude, actually to be very rude, but what the fuck am I doing here? I’m not part of your army.”

“Yes you are,” Ag stomped her way over to the pest. ‘I have no idea what was going through Sev’s head to hire these goons.’ “I’m your general as of right now. You will do as I say, got that?”

Alice scoffed. “As if. Just give me my money and I’ll do my job.”

Ag snorted. “If you want your money, you’re going to have to earn it.”

“If that’s true,” Alice pointed out. “Why isn’t Felicia here?”

“Because she went out shopping with Lia,” Ag rebutted. “Lia trusts Felicia, so she’s already one of us in my book. You on the hand, need to prove yourself.” She spared a glance to the zebra soldiers. “Actually, I think it would be best if you helped me perform a little…demonstration for the guards here.”

“Whatever,” Alice swiftly moved to the center of the field. “Just don’t go crying to your mommy when you lose.”

“I never knew my mother,” Ag rebucked with a slight growl. “Thanks for reminding me.” ‘I’m going to make this even harder for her.’

“Oh boo-hoo,” Alice mocked. “Cry me a river, why don’t you. You’re not the only one without a mother.”

Ag didn’t bother responding to her, besides giving her a deathly glare. “Watch us closely, soldiers. You’re about to witness a real pokemon battle…Well, almost one. My opponent isn’t exactly soldier material.”

“I’m a mercenary,” Alice shot at her. “I’m ten times the warrior you are.”

Before Ag could respond, another voice called out to them.

“Am I late?” Gard’s voice resounded. All the royal guards shivered in fear, filling the air with the sound of clanking metal. “I would hate to miss my beloved in action.”

“Gard~” Ag cooed, hurrying over to the Gardevoir. The strange duo gave each other a little kiss, before she nuzzled him. She was quite a bit taller, so she was nuzzling the top of his head. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“I know,” Gard smirked. “You showed me that well enough last night.” This caused Ag to turn crimson.

“How does that even work?” Alice piped up. “Shouldn’t she have crushed you under all that fat of hers?”

Ag growled and Gard frowned.

“My mate is not fat,” Gard glared at Alice, causing the Vespiquen to shudder in fear. “And to answer your question, psychic powers can do wonders. Why, last night….”

Ag nudged him. “Not here.”

Gard chuckled and stroked her cheek. “Of course,” he walked over to the sidelines. “I might as well not stand up. I’m sure this will be over quick.”

“I’ll make sure of that,” Alice shot at Ag, to which the Aggron simply rolled her eyes.

“I’ll be the bigger mon and let you take the first shot,” Ag said calmly. She honestly didn’t have much to fear going into this.

Alice picked up on Ag’s surefire attitude and looked ticked off. “You’ll learn to regret that,” Alice raised one of her hands into the air. A ball of air quickly formed into her hand, causing some of the guards to gasp at the display. “Air Slash.” With a wave of her hand, the large ball of air sailed towards Ag.

The Aggron held her ground. At the last second, she punched the air ball, dissipating it. “Soldiers, why did that attack fail on every level?”

“It was obvious.”

“She just threw air.”

“Weak!”

“All good answers,” Ag said, ignoring Alice’s anger. “Each and every pokemon has strengths and weaknesses. Air Slash is a flying type move. Flying moves are weak against me. If she had wanted to really hurt me with it, perhaps she should have tried to close the distance and actually put some power behind it. Even ineffective attacks can do damage if done correctly.”

“Then I’ll just have to try harder,” Alice scoffed. Instantly, several versions of herself sprung forth from her in a perfect ‘Double Team’ move. “Aerial Ace.” The Alice’s charged. Their bodies shone as white outlines showed their presence.

Ag smirked and did something that made all the zebras’ jaws drop. To avoid Alice’s attack, the large, heavy set Aggron started dancing like that of a ballerina. What was surprising was that Ag was great at it. When Alice attacked again and again, Ag simply danced around her like she was as light as a feather. She twirled, danced on her toes, the like.

“How is she doing that?” One of the zebras asked.

Gard chuckled at their reactions. “My mate’s trainer was a ballerina. She taught Ag everything she knew.”

“But she’s so heavy looking,” was the response.

Gard frowned, causing the zebras to quake in fear. “She is not heavy looking. She is just physically fit.” The zebras shut their mouths, afraid to argue with the Gardevoir. He folded his arms and smirked. “Besides, I’ll have you know that she looks exquisite in a tutu.”

The royal guard did not like that mental picture.

Meanwhile, with a clean pirouette, Ag cleared another one of Alice’s doubles. The Aggron general couldn’t help but chuckled as she heard the muttered rage that spewed from Alice’s mouth with each and every failed strike. Yet again, Ag thanked her lucky stars for her trainer’s aid.

Of course, one would think it odd that a member of the PLA would have a trainer. Well, to put it lightly, the PLA were kind of, sort of, hypocritical in some regards; one of them being that they had some humans in their ranks. Ag herself, while disliking human on the whole, loved her trainer dearly. Of course, each and every one of the humans had been approved by Commander Sev. He would call them ‘honorary Pokemon’, so not to really grate his nerves when he had to address them.

Her trainer, a woman by the name of Anastasia, was one of them.
_______________________________________________________________________
*years earlier in the human world*

Sitting against the wall was a small little Aron. She sighed looking at her young trainer do practicing her ballerina moves. They were simple, rather beginner level moves, but the Aron was a little jealous.

Her trainer was a young brunette human with fair skin. She was a rather excitable sort of person, which did conflict often with her more serious twin sister. That wasn’t important right now though. At least, not to the Aron known simply as Ag. She envied her master’s skills. She wanted to dance and be pretty just like her, but she was too shy to ask or at least attempt to.

‘Stupid language differences.’

But she was going to change all that. She was going to stop being shy and ask. Normally, she wouldn’t be able to work on her courage, but thanks to some Ralts guy her master’s twin received recently, she was ready to go. Her trainer was currently leaning against a bar, stretching her legs out. The little Aron nuzzled the foot still on the ground, getting the human’s attention.

“Huh?” Anastasia, her trainer, said in confusion. She looked down at her pokemon curiously. “Ag, what’s wrong?”

Ag knew she couldn’t speak to her trainer, so she decided to lift her legs in an attempt at a pose.

“You want to pose with me?” The little girl’s eyes lit up when Ag nodded. She quickly scooped her up and hugged her tight. “Of course you can, silly, but it’s going to be tough. Ballet is no cake walk…though you often get cake at the end anyways, so it can be a cakewalk…Now I’m hungry. Want to go get some lunch?”

Ag nodded, happy that her trainer was going to teach her….and get her cake.

“YAY~” Anastasia picked her up, holding her like a puppy. “Let’s go. I know daddy’s got some fudge stashed somewhere.”

‘Fudge? YES!’ Ag cheered with delight.
____________________________________________________________________________

Back in the present, Ag decided she had played with Alice far enough. She twirled her body around, with her tail glowing brightly ready for a perfect ‘Iron Tail’. Which came when she span it right into Alice’s side. The Vespiquen was sent flying a ways over, hitting the ground hard.

Ag settled herself and looked over at her opponent. “Are you alright? I didn’t hit you too hard, did I?” She held out a little concern. Alice did look kind of fragile.
Surprisingly, Alice quickly flew back up. She didn’t look that much worse for the ware, except for her panting from exhaustion. “No and neither will be you in a moment. Acrobatics!”

With that, Alice became nothing more than a blur. Ag only had the time to widen her eyes, before Alice smacked into her…repeatedly. While it wasn’t at all effective against her, the constant attacks was starting to get aggravating.

Finally, Ag thrust an arm down onto Alice’s form. Said form disappeared upon impact. Ag sighed.

“HYPER BEAM!” The beam struck Ag’s back hard, sending her tumbling to the ground.

Ag pushed herself off the ground. “Nice use of Substitute, but you failed to capitalize….” Ag was cut off when she saw Alice right before her.

A large, glowing orange ball of energy was held in her hands. She smirked, before thrusting the ‘Power Gem’ attack into Ag’s face. Again, Ag was thrown back upon the earthly courtyard.

Ag had to give Alice credit. She had caught her off-guard. She wouldn’t let that happen again. ‘I know your tricks, mercenary. Come and fight me like a real mon.’

Alice seemed to be growing a powerful ‘Air Slash’ in one of her hands. No doubt she wanted to make a statement with finishing her off with the first attack she used in the fight. Ag thought it a cute gesture, though Alice was already thinking of victory too soon. While Ag did look a bit scruffed up, she had taken on much stronger foes and pulled through. She still had plenty of energy and those blasts had nothing on that one time she took a tank’s shell at point blank. Of course, she had used ‘Iron Defense’ to save herself, but still that shell had stung like nothing else.

Rushing forward, Alice made to end the fight then and there. Ag did nothing. She just appeared to be weak, appeared to be nearly out of the fight. She could almost see Gard smirking, possibly chuckling now as he read her mind.

“You sneak little devil~” Gard cooed inside her mind.

“Oh you know me,” Ag replied. “I’m just full of surprises, love.”

As Alice was about to fire her attack, Ag sprung forth. A ball of energy within her mouth shone and out struck the Vespiquen a rather powerful Flash Cannon at point blank range. The power behind it could have blasted apart a tank’s armor.

Fortunately, Ag didn’t throw all that into Alice. Just enough to send the bug type flying. Alice landed in a clump amongst the trees. She didn’t stand back up, but her low groaning meant she still was conscious.

Ag snorted. “I hope you were paying attention, maggots. That was a demonstration of just a small few of our attacks. They come in different shapes and forms for every single pokemon. Never let your guard down. I did, if not for a second, and you saw what happened. That was a rookie mistake and if that attack had smacked into your heads, you’d be dead. Do you understand soldiers?”

“We understand, ma’am!” They yelled back.

“Good,” Ag snorted. “And someone go get Alice and take her to the infirmary. I don’t think she’ll be flying off anywhere anytime soon.”

“Hate you,” Alice groaned out. “Hate everyone….especially you Felicia.”

Ag ignored her and walked over to her mate.

“It seems you have your worked cut out for you,” Gard looked over the soldiers. “Go easy on them.”

“Gard,” Ag nuzzled him. “When have I ever gone easy on anyone?”

Gard tapped his chin with a knowing smile. “Oh, I can think of a certain pair of human twins who used to arm wrestle with you. If I do recall, they seemed to win most of the time.”

Ag rolled her eyes. “Anastasia and Beatrice were exceptions. Now shut up, or I’ll rough you up so hard you’ll be walking funny for a week.”

“I wouldn’t mind that,” Gard gently flicked a finger soothingly under her chin. “I best be off. Commander Sev is due in a meeting soon.”

“Really?” Ag asked, curious as to who the Commander was going to meet.

“The zebra nobles and tribe leaders want to come to a decision about us,” Gard explained. “Of course, Sev was not aware of this until I mentioned it to him.”

“And why would you do that?”

Gard smirked. “Because we both know Commander Sev. He always gets his way…somehow.”

Author's Note

Day 3, like I said, will be done in the next chapter. I just thought I'd split it up, since I'm a bit of lazy.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment.

Meetings come in several different forms (Day 3)

General Char had often told himself he was a patient pokemon. For the most part….he wasn’t, but he did take inspiration from his father in some regards. For example, his near hourly prayers. Right now, however, he had doubled that. Most would ask, why? Well, there was one thing a male did not need to sit through: women playing dress up. Oh yeah, some would think it hot or something like that, but most of the time, it wasn’t. It doesn’t help that one of the girls was the Commander’s sister. Not something someone should ogle.

So here he was, groaning out a small prayer as Lia and Felicia tried on another pair of clothes. He had been punished to babysitting duty do to taking action without Sev’s say so. That was a big no no in the army and Char should have known better. Instead, he had gone gun hoe forwards without thinking. Now he was paying for it big time. So that’s how he ended up in the women section of this equine clothe store….that surprisingly had dresses and such in sizes for both of the female pokemon. ‘Odd.’

There was nothing he could do about his mistake now. All he had to do was sit in this chair and wait for his tormentors to spring up some other asinine dress. His cheeks were cupped in his claws as he sighed.

“We’re ready~” Lia and Felicia chimed.

“I know,” Char said more to himself.

Lia came out in something he really expected of her: A cute pink, frilly dress. He could never understand the duo, Sev and Lia. They were so opposite yet at the same time, the same. Like their childish behavior. Of course, Lia was more understandable, she was still rather young and only recently looking at boys….Which had put the Commander on edge as of late. He didn’t like any male even giving his sister the look over.

Felicia, however, was in….. “SWEET ARCEUS!” Char’s eyes went wide and his cheeks crimson. He flailed in his seat, falling backwards.

Felicia, the excitable Goodra, had donned a rather alluring red belly dancer outfit. Her hips swayed back and forth as she fanned her arms about herself in an attempt to look sexy. Apparently it worked, given the state Char was in.
________________________________________________________________________
*Felicia*

Felicia couldn’t help but squeal upon seeing Char go down. Not that she wanted to see him flail about, but now she knew she was actually sexy in the outfit. She usually didn’t get a lot of time to shop in the old world, given her occupation and what not. Weiss wasn’t very…keen on shopping either, at least not in the women’s section. He always seemed to vanish whenever she tried to get him to tag along. He’d always had an excuse though to assuage her.

‘But with this,’ Felicia waggled her hips in a dance. ‘He’ll be putty in my hands…OOH~ I can’t wait to see his face. He’ll come walking in, I’ll twirl in the bed and WHAM! Happy fun bed times. I hope he turned into a Goodra. Not that I wouldn’t love him otherwise, but to be held in some big, squishy arms would be nice.’

While she was musing, Char had his hand interlocked. “Arceus, forgive this wretched soul for thinking such decrepit thoughts.”

Lia was just barely holding in her laughter, covering her mouth to muffle it.

“Ah,” a rather posh looking zebra came walking over to the group. He was Haka, the owner of the store. “It seems you like our new line, yes?”

Lia stopped her giggling and nodded.

Felicia, as well, stopped her own dancing to run over and hug Haka. “Oh, I love, love, love them! It’s so nice that you have stuff our size.”

“Seems highly suspicious to me,” Char had gotten up to eye the store owner. “How did you get all these sizes and measurements? Perhaps you’ve enlisted some…heretical help.” He talons flexed.

Haka gulped, before being set down. “I assure you, my line is one hundred percent safe. Why, my new dressmaker has been working night and day toiling over these dresses. I couldn’t really understand her at first, but she’s been great to me and my business. I am insulted that you would question her.”

Before Char could ask who he was talking about, a familiar voice spoke up.

“Par les étoiles au-dessus,” a French voice gasped. “It’s you!” The trio turned to see the PLA’s lead fashion designer, Leava the Leavanny. The insectoid pokemon was wearing a fashionable blue dress that fit her well. “This is wonderful, no? I knew that my compatriots would find me.”

“Leava!” Lia ran over and hugged the designer, who happily returned it. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

“I am too,” Leava said. “How are the others?”

“Sev’s been crankier than usual,” Lia said. “I think this whole thing is effecting him more than he’s letting on. We’re still trying to find some of the others, but most of us are here.”

“Magnifique!” Leava chimed. “Vapora, did you hear that?”
___________________________________________________________________________________
*Char*

Char’s eyes widened. “She’s here?”

“Yes,” in walked what was essentially, the most beautiful Vaporeon that currently walked the earth. At least, to Char anyways. She was Vapora, Leava’s assistant/model. She was currently wearing a purple dress that did well to bring out her more…alluring features. Her voice had a foreign lilt to it, making it even more attractive. “It’s nice to see you again, Char.”

“Yeah,” Char fidgeted with his collar, releasing some literal steam. “It’s good to see you too.”

“Oh?” Vapora titled her head as she came to stand before him. “Really? You seem rather nervous? Is something the matter?”

“Well….” Char started.

“Is it the dress?” Vapora smirked. “Because I can just take it…” She slowly reached for the hem of her dress.

“NOOO!” Char cried, blushing like mad. He promised himself to pray extra hard to Arceus later. He had actually wanted to see that….Even though she was usually naked. ‘What logic is this?’ Char thought as he wanted nothing more than to sink into the ground.

Vapora put a paw to her mouth and giggled at his actions. “I’m just messing with you, Char.” She went over and nuzzled him. “I’m just glad you’re alright. Everything’s been topsy turvy lately.”

“But in a good way,” Felicia exclaimed. “We’re in a whole new world, which mean, a whole new world of friends. Isn’t that the bestest?”

“Enough chit chat,” Leava broke up the moment, pointing a claw up into the air dramatically. “We have the fashions to make.”
_______________________________________________________________________________
Trotankhamun had rarely ever liked state meetings. Rarely as in the only times he remembered enjoying them was when Celestia would have him sit next to or between her legs when he was a kid. She’d give him cookies and tell him that he was a good boy for being so quiet. That and he knew Celestia liked having someone close to her during her oh so tiring dealings with nobles. Currently, he did not have a son or daughter to coddle here. He was alone in a large courtroom, surrounded by dozens of tribe leaders/mayors.

He sighed. “Let’s begin, shall we.”

“About time,” a portly zebra stallion spouted up. He was the mayor of Cairo, the shining star of Zebrica. Most zebricans were underfed and skinny. It was a sign of wealth when a zebra could grow fat. His name was Zifat.

“Does anyone wish to start?” Trotankhamun asked. He didn’t need to, since he knew it was his right and within his power to start any subject he so wished. Still, it didn’t hurt to let others say their concerns. He was sure that they were his own in some form or another.

“Ah yes,” Zifat started. “I would like to bring up a few complaints about the royal chefs….”

“Oh for crying out loud,” one of the tribe leaders, a middle aged zebra warrior of the northern tribes, huffed. His name was Septi. “We came here for a reason and that’s these…creatures. Let’s not beat around the bush about it.”

“They are not creatures,” Trotankhamun scolded through clenched teeth. “They are pokemon. They’re sapient beings like you and me.”

“Sapient beings that have entered out country illegally,” Madu, an old stallion and mayor of Giza. He glared at the king and pounded a hoof onto his pedestal. “Let me remind you that we struggle to feed our own people. How are we going to feed all these pokemon too? I’ll answer you, we won’t. I say we kick them out of our country and be done with it.”

“Hear, hear,” quite a few of the other council members nodded in agreement.

“We have enough food for everybody,” Trotankhamun scoffed and pointed to Zifat. “He’s proof of that.”

Zifat gasped. “Your Highness, I take offense. I only eat enough to get by. I have a condition.”

‘Yes, an ‘all you can eat’ condition.’ Trotankhamun’s anger was starting to boil and the meeting had already begun. He’d seen with his own eyes some of his own people on the streets, starving and these ‘nobles’ had the gall to gorge themselves? In his face no less? It made him sick, but he couldn’t help that right now. He didn’t want to be a tyrant by ousting the fat oaf. The other nobles wouldn’t like that and he was already in a precarious situation. It didn’t help that Zifat, beside his eating habits, was rather good at his job.

“If our king is finished insulting us,” Septi growled. “Then I think he should answer. When are we getting rid of the pokemon?”

“They are here to stay,” Trotankhamun answered. “Did you not hear their god’s voice? I doubt we could stand up to a being like that, if we were to take this action. Which we will not if I might add.”

Madu chuckled. “Do you really believe that this Arceus is as powerful as he says? Is he even a god? No doubt this is all some elaborate trick by some of the other nations to weaken us. What better way then to sick some of their new pets into our lands and make us look like floundering fools.”

“I agree,” Septi smirked. “I doubt Arceus could take an arrow to the eye, let alone transport all these ‘pokemon’ to our sacred lands. It’s probably Celestia just….”

“CELESTIA DIDN”T DO ANYTHING!” Trotankhamun slammed his hooves down onto his pedestal hard enough to crack it. The nobles flinched under his angry glare. “Don’t you dare accuse her of this, of anything.”

“Why not,” Septi shot back. “She’s been eyeing this country for eons. This is just some trick to make us ‘ask’ for help. She’ll send soldiers and next thing we all will know, Zebrica is nothing more than another Equestrian province. I will not stand for that. What of you my fellow council members? Do you want to be Equestrian or Zebrican?”

“ZEBRICAN!” Many of them answered.

Trotankhamun wanted nothing more than to behead the smirking tribal leader. There was one thing anyone should know: Never backtalk Celestia in his face. Of course, he couldn’t kill Septi. No, but he wasn’t exactly as powerful or influential as Zifat. ‘Perhaps I can undermine him, get him replaced….Maybe an accident?’ he frowned at that last thought. ‘Celestia wouldn’t like that kind of thinking. She raised me better than that.’

“Celestia has honored our independence,” Trotankhamun explained. “When she defeated Moregutz and took the role as Alpha, she sent the Hyena Dogs packing and what did she do next? Capitalize on our vulnerability? No, she let us live in peace. She gave us support, food, aid. Everything we needed, but we still remained Zebrican.”

“Ours was a devastated country,” Madu shot back. “No one in their right mind would have taken us in that state. Too much work. So, why not feed us? Fatten us up like lambs to the slaughter. She gave us the tools to survive, yes, but she has made us weak upon doing so. These pokemon are just here to pound that into our heads. To show us that we’re still vulnerable and weak. She wants us to come crawling on our knees. I will not have my grandchildren grow up in Equestrian schools. They will be brought up as good, honest Zebricans.”

Again, more agreement.

“If this isn’t the work of Celestia, then no doubt the other nations are licking their lips right now. They gaze at us with blind determination. They want to subjugate us. They want to take everything we know and cherish and break it right in our faces,” Madu continued. “Should I recount the tales of the griffins during their last invasion? They ate their captives.”

“That was just propaganda,” Trotankhamun shot back. He knew what Madu was talking about. There was a small piece of land that used to be part of Zebrica, before Moregutz slaughtered most of the citizens there. Afterwards, the Zebricans had been ordered to take it back. Unfortunately, a platoon of griffins had stumbled upon the lands and taken up camp…The next few months were a blood bath, with no one knew what was happening most of the time.

“Propaganda or not,” Madu snorted. “I’m not going to take my chances.”

“Well I…” Trotankhamun started.

Septi cut him off. “Why should we listen to you, Your Highness, about this matter? They are invaders, pure and simple. We already have trouble with the Hyena Dogs. We’re on the ropes as it is. I think you need to get off Celestia’s tit for once in your life and do something about it.”

“If you’re so surefire about getting rid of them,” Trotankhamun spat. “Than tell me. Have you talked with them? Asked them their opinions?”

“They are animals,” Septi scoffed. “No matter if they can talk or not, they are animals pure and simple and I will treat them as such as long as they threaten my home and family.”

“They haven’t threatened anyone!” Trotankhamun shouted.

“Ah, but you mistaken,” Madu smirked, looking over a few files. “I have several reports of injuries and property damage that these pokemon have inflicted upon our poor nation. They are a threat to us.”

“But did you once stop to think that maybe they were defending themselves?” Trotankhamun pleaded. “I’ve spent the last few days with some of these newcomers and I assure you…”

“How do we know they haven’t corrupted you?” Septi spoke up again. “We’ve been told some of them are psychic. What’s stopping them from controlling our minds? Controlling your mind, Your Highness?”

Trotankhamun grit his teeth. “My mind is still my own and shall be to the end of days. The Pokemon have done nothing to me and if I might wager, the injuries weren’t that severe. Were they Madu?”

Madu frowned. “No…Recovery will be simple and easy for the lot.” He seemed disappointed by this.

“If I may interrupt,” the young shaman, Masika, spoke up. She was the spiritual leader of the southern tribes. “I would like to agree with the king. The pokemon have the right to stay.”

“They are not zebricans,” Septi shouted in outrage. “They don’t have the right to stay in our country.”

“Then what of Quivering Lip?” Masika tilted her head to the shaking Pegasus stallion.

He was nearing his middle age, but still looked quite good. Well, if you like tall, lanky stallions. He was sandy blonde and had a brown mane. “I…I think we can trust them.”

“HA!” Septi scoffed. “Of course the Equestrian would say so. He’s an invader himself.”

“That’s enough,” Trotankhamun cut him off. ‘How do you like it?’ “This isn’t about Equestria. This is about us. Masika, perhaps you may enlighten us. Why do you trust the Pokemon?”

“During the first day,” Masika started. “Several of the children were playing in the rivers. As you know, our waters are…not the safest, but there had not been a crocodile in our waters for some time. We had thought it safe…until one of them showed up.”

Trotankhamun lowered his gaze. Crocodiles were extremely dangerous in their home turf.

“But something stopped it before it could eat one of the children,” Masika smiled brightly. “A pair of yellow, red haired serpents fought the crocodile off. I believe they called themselves ‘Milotic’, at least, that’s what we inferred. We did not have the luxury of talking to them for until we arrived in the capital.”

“I am pleased to hear the children’s safety,” Trotankhamun held a hoof out to her. “See, the pokemon have their uses. They saved those children without ask or want and let me remind you. They saved me several times over the last few days.” He scowled. “Including an attempt on my own life in MY CAPITAL CITY!”

Zifat gulped, sweating in fear. “Your Highness, I assure you that I had no idea….”

“That the situation was this bad?” Trotankhamun’s temper was flaring. He mentally berated himself for not keeping Khaba by his side. His aide knew how to calm him down. He held his breath, trying to calm himself. “Is there anything else to note?”

Masika sighed. “Over the past few days, we have received a number of orphan pokemon. Sadly, it seems that in this move of Arceus, many families were broken up. I myself had to assuage a small blue mouse pokemon who was naught but a baby.”

“See!” Septi struck out his hoof at her. “If Arceus did do this, and I’m not saying he did, how can we trust a god who tears apart families?”

Madu nodded. “Surely, if he acts like this, no doubt he will try and pin the blame upon us to cover his own mistake. All the while, he’d proclaim himself righteous, as he did in his own message to us. Which, may I add, has caused panic to spring forth in our loyal subjects.”

“Be it as it may,” Trotankhamun tried to steer the conversation away from that. “What of the children?”

“We have had some luck on reuniting some familiar,” Mikasi shook her head sadly. “But not all…A few of the other shamans have suggested giving them to loving zebra families, especially ones that have no children of their own.”

“You wish to replace our own children with pokemon?!!” Septi seethed in rage. “I’d rather die than let some rat into my house and give it my food. Food that I worked hard to get.”

Before the situation could deteriorate anymore, Commander Sev burst through the doors….Okay, the situation just got worse, but….I can’t think of any positives really.

“I was not informed of this meeting,” Commander Sev hissed in anger. “Why? Do you not wish to hear from Arceus’s chosen warrior? Are you deaf?”

“What is that thing doing here?” Madu glared at the snake.

“This thing is Commander Sev,” Sev’s Glare made the zebra flinch. “From now on, you are to remember that.” He turned to Trotankhamun. “Explain why I wasn’t invited.”

“This was a private meeting,” Trotankhamun sighed, rubbing his aching head. ‘And I thought it couldn’t get any worse.’

Sev snorted. “No longer shall that be so, for all meeting are not to be private from me. I am Arceus’s voice, his gift to the world.”

Septi snorted. “Gift? More like curse.”

Sev hissed in anger. “You were talking about what is to become of us, yes?” Trotankhamun nodded. “Then let’s be done with that. We’re staying and there isn’t anything you can do about it.”

The council went up in uproar. Several of the members were shouting angered words at Sev and ordering the king to take off his head and oust his brethren.

“QUIET!” Trotankhamun shouted, using the traditional Canterlot voice. Everyone took heed and silenced themselves. “Commander Sev, I am sorry for my council’s behavior.”

Sev waved his tail to signify it didn’t bother him. “I’ve dealt with worse, Your Majesty. Try speaking to an angry Nidoking. They can be quite…difficult to deter.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Trotankhamun said.

“Now,” Sev looked over the council members. “I hear you wish my people gone, correct?”

Madu nodded. “You are correct, serpent.”

Sev frowned. “Yet we have not lifted a single thought against you. We have done nothing but serve your king since we’ve arrived. He would be dead if not for the actions of my brave soldiers. Which is not surprising, given how they have such a wondrous leader as I.”

Trotankhamun rolled his eyes.

“The actions of your soldiers mean nothing in the grand scheme of things,” Madu said. “Our king would not have been in danger had your kind not appeared.”

Sev coiled in anger, spring over to a hair’s breath distance from Madu. “My soldiers’ actions always mean something.”

“Commander Sev,” Trotankhamun called out, seeing the anger in the Seviper’s eyes. “Stand down.”

“As you wish,” Sev pulled back, much to Madu’s relief. He went to the center of the council. “Listen here, the world I came from was an abomination of its former glory. We pokemon lived under the frightful reign of the humans, fearing for survival each and every day. My soldiers sacrificed their lives for freedom from this oppression. They died for the chance that we could live in peace. This world is our chance to honor their deaths. Zebrica is a shining beacon of peace for our weary souls who have lost so much. We ask for nothing, but the chance to begin anew. We want to make Zebrica our home, but we cannot do that without your aid. Will you give us this chance?”
The council members mumbled to themselves, thinking it over.

“Commander Sev has my vote of confidence,” Masika raised her hoof. “I have grown tired of hate and death. Let us grant our new brothers and sisters peace. Perhaps, in doing so, we shall become stronger for it.”

“I am already strong,” Septi scowled, but sighed. “But I will not raise my hoof against a shaman. I will hold my tongue, but I will never accept this.”

Masika smiled warmly at him. “I didn’t expect you to.”

Madu worked over his jaw. “How do we know he isn’t lying?”

Sev’s glare nearly broke him. “Lie? I, the great and powerful Commander Sev, would not lie about my soldiers. I would not lie about each and every one of their deaths and how they served me well beyond what they should have. I have watched too many…Too many deaths of close friends. Zebrica is our bastion. I will die to see this country achieve greatness. I will lay down my life to see your children safe. I will tear my own body to pieces if that meant that pokemon could live in peace. I mean every word of this, council member zebra..person…someone who probably has some importance but I’ll likely forget about you after this because I do not care.”

“Thank you,” Madu scowled. “I feel so special.”

“You should be,” Sev snarled through his hissing. “You are lucky that I am under the command of your king, else my blade would have met your throat for your insults.”

“Threatening me in an offical place of meeting?” Madu said. “I just see more proof that you pokemon are nuisances.”

“We can be,” Sev chuckled. “But we can also do so much good.”

“Oh I know,” Misaki chuckled. “One of the Milotic, a strange fellow wearing your uniform a top hat and monocle, wouldn’t stop talking about it. He so wanted to perform and he delighted the young of my village.”

“Milo!” Sev grinned. “General Milo, you cheeky devil you. I am glad to hear that he is safe.”

“As well as your old master,” another older voice spoke up.

The council members turned their head to see an elder Milotic female slither into the courtroom.

Sev bowed his head. “It is good to see you again, Master Tica.”

Tica bowed her head in return. “As I you, my littlest pupil.” She eyed the Madu. “I apologize for his rash behavior. Commander Sev prides his men above most everything, but his own family.”

“As one should,” Sev muttered.

"And as such," Tica continued. "He can be rather...unconcerned about his choice of wording."

“I think we can agree that Sev is rather rash with his word choices,” Trotankhamun chuckled at Sev’s glare. “It’s the truth.”

“It’s the truth,” Sev mocked back at him, causing the king’s chuckles to grow louder.

“Sev,” Tica chided. “This is an official meeting with the leader of this nation. You must always have tact and poise, no funny business.”

“Yes master,” Sev bowed his head in agreement, thought Trotankhamun knew he wouldn’t heed it.

“My littlest pupil,” Tica sighed, shaking her head slowly.

The way she talked and addressed him, reminded King Trotanhamun of Celestia’s letters about a certain unicorn turned alicorn.

“He is right,” Tica started. “We wish for nothing but peace with Zebrica.”

“To what end will this peace affect us?” Madu asked. “How much will change?”

“Everything,” Tica honestly answered. “Change is inevitable, current dealings or not. The world does not always turn your way, nor does it ours. You are not the only one who will find change difficult, but we cannot persevere alone. We need each other to survive the oncoming storm that is the future.”

Madu snorted in disagreement, but said nothing.

“So, all in favor of casting the pokemon out?” Trotankhamun noticed not that many raised their hooves. Among the ones that did were Madu, not surprisingly. He wondered about the others though. He knew they didn’t like it and would gladly have the pokemon kicked out, but they didn’t want to get on the king’s bad side, nor anger the pokemon. At least, not until they had an edge against them. “All opposed.” The king himself raised his foreleg and so did most everyzebra and pony did too. “Then this meeting is adjourned.”

Author's Note

And that's it for day three. So on to day four....Which still leave about thirteen days to cover....*sigh*

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment. I want to know what you liked and such. Helps me get the mojo to finish other chapters.

Early Morning Thoughts (Day 4)

Commander Sev once more found himself in the realm of dreams. This time it had taken on the form of his old headquarters. Slithering through the halls, Sev couldn’t help but be hit by wave after wave of nostalgia. One after another, which each passing room, the memories came flashing back to him.

One particular caught his eye. It was just a small simple room, nothing really special about it. There was just a plain table in the middle of it, with some random cleaning supplies standing next to the wall. He had much more awe inspiring rooms, but he liked this one just as much. He slithered into the room and slowly ran his tail over the top of the table. He chuckled as he closed his eyes.

“It’s been a long time since then, hasn’t it?”
_________________________________________________________________________
*years earlier on Earth*

“Big brother,” an excited little Ralts girl squealed. “I’m doing it. I’m really doing it.”

Sev smiled at his little sister. She was currently levitating a table. She had been having problems with even simple levitation and Sev had hated to see her so worked up about it. Luckily, he had someone to help.

“Of course you are,” Sev beamed. “You are Lia, the greatest Ralts to have ever lived. This table is lucky to be within your grasp.”

Lia just giggled and continued to move the table about.

Sev turned to Gard, who was eyeing the little Ralts carefully. “Your teachings have been greatly appreciated.”

Gard nodded. “Yes, but she has much to learn and control. Sev…I sense such power with her.” His gaze hardened and he cast it towards Sev. Commander Sev and Lia, plus Ag, were the only ones who never flinched under Gard’s gaze. “She is young, but already she has shown more potential than any Ralts I’ve ever seen.”

Sev smirked. “That is because she’s my sister. She is the greatest and will forever be known as such!”

“Sev,” Gard sighed. Gard was probably Sev’s oldest friend, going back to their time as toddlers. Honestly, Gard was one of the few who called him by his name without his title. “I’m serious. This isn’t just because ‘she’s your sister’. No, her power is like no pokemon of our type, of any type. Perhaps she may even surpass me…and that worries me.”

“Why?” Sev was growing a little anxious hearing this about his sister. He kept glancing over at his sister, who was giggling as she just her psychic powers to levitate a few chairs and such and made them dance. “Is she in danger?”

“Yes,” Gard answered. “But thankfully, there is still time.”

Sev snorted. “Do no scare me like that, General. You know how much she means to me.”

“The world,” Gard said truthfully.”
_______________________________________________________________________________

Sev chuckled. “Yes, the world. You were always so perceptive….” He frowned. “Maybe a bit too much at times, but never to a fault.” He didn’t say anything else as he watched the memory of his little sister enjoying herself. The memory was playing on the surface of the table, which seemed more like a mirror now.

While he didn’t flinch, he was rather surprised to find a dark blue wing wrap around his body. “The love of a sister is wonderful, is it not?” Luna asked.

Sev turned his head to face her. “It is rude to barge into another’s mind without permission.”

“Ah,” Luna nodded. “True, but Commander Sev, our training has only just begun. There is still a lot you need to learn.”

“I have learned all that I need know,” Sev hissed back at her. He still wasn’t sure of what to make of this Princess Luna.

“Then what of the humans?” Luna asked. “What of Zebrica? What of the pokemon under your command? Do you know what is going to happen?”

“We shall be victorious no matter the circumstances,” Sev proclaimed.

“Commander Sev,” Luna sighed. “You are in a whole new world with new rules and mindsets. You can’t hold onto the old. You must learn to adapt.”

“Stop trying to change me,” Sev snapped at her. He felt Luna’s wing stiffen for a second, before relaxing. He didn’t pay it a second thought. “I see what you are doing, legendary. I am no fool. You cannot hope to change the awesome mighty mind of Commander Sev! I am a being with a mind stronger than stone, but never will I erode with time. I am eternal. My ideas will last forever.”

“So were mine,” Luna shot back. “But I changed. I’ve adapted to the new world and I will adapt to you and your brethren.”

“We shall adapt, but we do not need to do so now. We are stronger than this world gives us credit. The human turned pokemon,” he spat out in disgust. “Are still not to be trusted. Arceus was mistaken for bringing us her, for the war will continue.”

“I know of your father’s hatred of humans, but what of your mother?” Luna asked, brushing her wings up and down Sev’s back to keep him calm. “She is human.”

Sev stiffened. ‘Human? Human? She looks human. NO!’ He lashed his tail about, but did not strike her. “Do not call her that! She loves me. She took care of me when no one else would. Humans aren’t nice. They don’t love pokemon.”

“But she does,” Luna chided. “You may have convinced yourself otherwise, but the facts remain. She is human.”

“LIES!” Sev shouted in her face, breaking contact from her. “Never will I accept that. I don’t want to accept that. She wouldn’t hurt me or my sister. She wouldn’t put us in pokeballs. If she was human, why did she save me? Why did she read me bed time stories and play with me? Why did she love me? A human wouldn’t. They couldn’t.”

“Humans are capable of love,” Luna waved her wing, showing a small scene of a human with a Gardevoir. They were slowly dancing, with a look of love deep within their gazes. “Is that fake? Is that a fraud?”

“He doesn’t love her,” Sev snarled. “He is nothing like my mother. This is a trick. You’re making this up like the human child. I won’t fall for it.” Sev shook his head. “I won’t.”

The scene faded and showed a Nurse Joy, his own mother. “She looks human to me,” Luna said. “She has even admitted to being human.”

Sev kept shaking his head, not noticing the tears trickling down his face. “She’s confused. She…There are many human like pokemon. Joy’s are like us, that’s why they care. That’s why mommy fed me soup when I got sick after playing in the mud….”

The scene changed and Luna quirked her eyebrow. “A powerful memory?”

The scene showed a little Sev in bed, looking awfully under the weather. He had icepack on his head. Joy was wearing a set of more mundane clothes, a red sweater and jeans. She was sitting on the bed with him. A steaming bowl of soup laid in her lap, with a spoonful of it in one hand.

“Now what have we learned?” She asked, putting the spoon in his mouth.

Little Sev slurped up the soup and answered. “Don’t play out in the rain….But it was fun.”

“Some fun things can hurt us,” Joy explained, feeding him more soup. “They might seem good now, but everything has consequences. Like catching a cold for starters.” Suddenly, they both heard a baby’s cry from another room. “Oh dear, it seems your little sister’s awake.”

“When can I play with her?” Little Sev asked.

“When you get over this illness,” she stood up from the bed. “Just remember to take extra care with her. She’s fragile.”

“I’d never hurt my new sister,” Little Sev coughed.

“I know,” Joy kissed his forehead. “You’re just the sweetest little guy. Don’t change.”

“Never,” Little Sev grinned back at her. “Love you mommy.”

“Love you too.” Joy walked off.

The scene faded.

“SEE!” Sev shouted, pointing wildly at its direction. “PROOF! She loved me, so she’s not human.”

Luna sighed and walked over to him. “She may have loved, but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s a human.”

“SHUT UP!” He lashed out at her, again it just phased through her like she really wasn’t there. “I KNOW THE TRUTH! I AM THE MASTER OF WHAT THE WORLD IS! My mother was never human. She can’t…She can’t….She can’t be!”

“You must accept the truth, Commander Sev.” Luna looked at him with pity. “If you do not, I fear you may inadvertently hurt the ones you love.”

“NEVER!” Commander Sev snarled, striking at her with no luck again and again. “I’D RATHER DIE THAN HURT MY FAMILY!”

“Than embrace your mother’s heritage.”

“I DON”T WANT TOO!” Sev finally cried out. Everything came crashing down on him and it hurt. ‘She’s human. She isn’t She’s human. She’s isn’t SHE”S HUMAN!’ “I don’t want to hate her. I don’t want to her to leave me…I just don’t.” He could faintly hear the pitter patter of tears hitting the ground.

As well, he could feel Luna nuzzling him. “Whether she is human or not will not tear away this love you hold. It is far too strong and powerful. Keep holding onto it and you’ll make it through this.”

“But how?” Sev whimpered. “I’m supposed to hate humans.”

“A hatred taught by your father,” Luna frowned.

Sev scowled. “Yes…..”

“And if he had attacked your mother, whether she was human or not?”

“I would have put my blade in his throat,” Sev snapped. “I don’t care! I would have defended her. She is my mother, a human. I don’t care!” He weeped. “I just want to not care. I want the hatred to stop, but my heart still holds it close. If I forget it, then I will forget my friends who’ve…died helping me fight them. What would they have thought of me if I renounce everything right now? Weak, that is what.”

“You are not weak,” Luna said with conviction. “You are strong. Much stronger than you give yourself credit for and that’s saying something.”

Commander Sev snorted. “Now you’re just trying to make me smile,” he did. “It’s working.” Luna smiled back at him and Sev sighed. “It will take time to get used to this…To all this…To my human mother who is now a pokemon, so it shouldn’t matter, but she was previously a human, but I didn’t accept it…..” He clutched his head. “Why does my head hurt in a dream?”

“You are enigma, Commander Sev.” Luna answered. “Also, phantom pain.”

Sev growled. “Of course…..Thank you, Princess Luna.”

“It’s what I’m here for, my student.”

Sev laughed. “So I’m your student now?”

“In a sense,” Luna explained. “You are like me when I was young, have I not said so? As such, it is my duty to train you. To make you better than you are now.”

“Impossible goals,” Sev boasted. “I am already so great. If I was greater, I would be a legendary….” He tapped his chin. “Okay, new plan. We’ll need a shipton of magic, enough dynamite to blow up a mountain, earplugs, a pogo stick, and all you can eat taco meals. THIS IS MY GREATEST PLAN EVER….Also, how about a moon cannon?”

Luna face-hooved. “Mother preserve me.”
_______________________________________________________________________

Sev awoke that morning to the sound of music. Sev had heard that melody before and instantly knew who it was. Sighing, he slithered out of his bed, which laid in a rather exquisite bedroom. He went over to the door and opened it.

In the hallway, close to his door, was a single Mawile soldier playing a fiddle. He looked up at the commander and smiled, stopping his playing. “Good to see you up, Commander.” His accent was different from most, showing that he wasn’t exactly native to Hoenn. {He’s Irish, by the way.}

“Of course I’m up,” Sev hissed in agitation. “You woke me up with your music.”

“Ah,” the Mawile, known as Sergeant Maw, sighed happily, stroking the fiddle like it was a good friend. “But music soothes the soul, not anyone tell you different sir.”

“They might,” Sev rolled his eyes. Maw was one of the PLA’s lead musicians and was applauded for it, even by Sev himself. “Why did you decide to play it outside my room?”

“Heard you were upset,” Maw frowned and stood up. “Could hear you crying in the next room. I thought a few tunes could help.”

Sev stiffened at that. He didn’t like to show weakness, especially to his soldiers. “I wasn’t crying….But the music was appreciated. I have just been…stressed.”

“And you know what relieves stress,” Maw smiled wildly. “A good fuck. I’m sure we could find some feek who’d love to do you, Commander.”

“I do not…” Sev started.

“I’d recommend a Mawile lass,” Maw interrupted. “The wonders they can do…Whew.” He smirked.

“I very much doubt any Mawile could catch my eye,” Sev stuck his snout up snootily. Of course, he had nothing wrong with Mawiles and they certainly had their own…charm, in a way.

Maw just chuckled. “I think you might want to reconsider, Commander. Why, I know this one Mawile who can…”

“I’ve heard enough,” Sev slithered past him with a bright red blush. He did not want the image of a sexy Mawile in his….’Now that it’s in here, it’s not so bad….GAH! Don’t give in.’

“Once you go Mawile,” Maw laughed, starting to play his fiddle again. This time it was a happier tune. “You’ll never wipe that smile.”

“That was terrible!” Sev called back, not realizing where he was going. Unfortunately, he collided with someone he really hated….Which isn’t surprising, given how many were on that last. It was General Ahmos.

Ahmos scowled. “Snake, watch where you’re going.”

“You should have been doing so,” Sev glared at him. “My path is to be clear at all times. It is your fault that you halted me.”

Ahmos’s glare didn’t frighten Sev. “How dare you….If it was up to me, I’d throw your sorry kind out of this country.”

“But it isn’t up to you,” Sev smirked. “It is up to the king.”

Ahmos snorted. “The king is foolish, but he’ll learn. He’ll see the dangers your kind present. He’ll kick you out of our blessed country and show the world that Zebrica can stand on its own. If not…..” He shook his head. “Never mind. Just keep your eyes in front of you….Lest you fall on a blade or something.” He muttered the last part, but Sev caught.

“I’m not the one who should be watching out for blades,” Sev flexed his tail, before continuing on his own path. ‘I wonder if they serve tacos for breakfast here.’

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment. (I've been noticing I haven't been getting tha many comments lately...Kind of concerned.)

Talking at the Table (Day 4)

Sev had never felt more awkward in his entire life. That was saying something, seeing as he had done many a thing that would no doubt embarrass most other life forms. He never cared though. He did what he wanted and had no regrets…for the most part. He always had some plan or scheme in mind for every possible scenario. Yet, now….

“I say, dear chap,” a british sounding male voice spoke up. “You haven’t touched your tea. Dreadful business that is. You shouldn’t let good tea go to waste, Sev.”

Sev sighed and looked up. His companion was Milo, a rather uptight, but still friendly Milotic. As always, he wore a set of monocles on over his right eye and a top hat adorned his head. The two of them were sitting around a small table on the outskirts of Trotankhamun’s castle.

“He is troubled,” Gard muttered, sipping daintily from his little cup of tea. “He has a lot on his mind, Milo. Let us not badger him now.”

“Quite right,” Milo nodded. While he was still a little unnerved by Gard, he’d grown used to it. “I’m just a bit concerned for the tea is all. Finding ingredients for it here was a tad bit tricky. I might not be able to have as much teas as I once did. At least, for some time.”

Sev chuckled. Milo and Gard were his oldest and dearest friends. Gard may have known Sev for longer, but Milo was still quite close. The Milotic was his first general, having both been trained by Master Tica. “I will make sure you have your tea, Milo. Once my presence is known to all of Zebrica, we members of the PLA shall have all that we desire. They will yield to my demands as I am Commander Sev, the Holy Blade of Arceus.”

“All the tea I could ever want,” Milo sighed blissfully. “That certainly is living the dream. Perhaps I could have some crumpets or scones as well to go along with it.”

“That would be nice,” Gard put in. “But please, let us not talk about food at a time like this. I believe Sev has something troubling him. It’s better to deal with it now.”

Sev sighed deeply. “I am…conflicted. Last night I was visited by the legendary, Luna. She told me something, something I’ve been fooling myself into believing wasn’t possible.”

“That your mother is human?” Gard asked. “Took you long enough.”

Sev’s mouth fell open. “You knew?”

Milo laughed. “We bloody well did. You may have fooled most of the PLA, but not all of us….Though that still doesn’t explain how they are so identical.”

“They are obviously part Pokémon,” Sev hissed in agitation. While Luna’s speech and show last night had swayed him, it hadn’t swayed him all the way yet. “That is the only explanation.”

Gard hummed in thought. “Perhaps, perhaps not. It’s also possible this is one of Mew’s little jokes that she shares with no one. I wouldn’t put it past her to make a Pokémon friendly human variant.” He shook his head. “But that isn’t important. What is important is what are you going to do now that you know?”

‘Good question,’ Sev thought to himself. He was at a loss…if only for a moment. “Nothing,” he said with conviction. “She is my mother. Whether she be human, pokemon, or a rock, I will always see her as such. Let nothing dissuade you from that line of thinking, my friends.”

“Good to hear, ol’ bean.” Milo smiled, sipping from his tea cup. “I honestly wouldn’t know what to do without Joy around. Why, she makes for some quite pleasant company.”

Gard nodded. “Quite.”

Sev took a sip of the tea. It had a rich, soothing flavor that put his frayed nerves to rest. He sighed in bliss. “Is there anything else you needed to know? I think it better to get them all out of the way now rather than later.”

“What are we going to do now?” Milo asked. “The humans are either gone or pokemon. We’re on a completely different planet and our forces are scattered. We’re in a mighty fine pickle.”

“We are never in a pickle,” Sev scoffed. “For I would never allow us to be within a vegetable. No, we are exactly where we need to be. We shall help the king bring order to this land and in doing so, make a home for our people. The rest of our soldiers will follow soon enough. They will be pulled towards me by my sheer greatness.”

Gard rolled his eyes. “I’m sure they will…It doesn’t hurt that I’ve been sending mental signals outwards. Any of our soldiers still within this country’s borders shall surely of heard it.”

“Don’t you think that could be a bit dangerous?” Milo asked. “What if some unscrupulous individuals catch wind of it?”

“Simple really,” Gard explained. “I just engineered the signals to only target our own soldiers and nothing more. You remember how I had regular scans done for the troops?” The others nodded. “Well, I implanted a little sort of psychic chip of sorts, to keep tabs on everyone.”

“Hmmm,” Sev sipped from his tea. “Resourceful. Why didn’t I think of that? No matter, our future is looking bright and we shall shine like the heavens above. Of course, I shall shine the brightest, for I am the ever glowing sun of our organization.”

“Of course you are,” the other two chimed, chuckling at their friend.
______________________________________________________________________________
*elsewhere*

Flannery felt awkward. Not just about being a pokemon. Okay, that was still weird and she doubted she’d ever really get used to it. No, what was awkward was sitting around a small table with three other pokemon that she, not just a week ago, would have gladly battled into submission…Well, except for Lia. She was just too adorable and sweet to hurt. It would be a crime to do so. Really, there should be a law against being so cute.

“So Flannery,” the Audino formerly known as Joy spoke up. “How’s being a pokemon treating you?”

“Fine, I guess,” Flannery said. “Being so fluffy isn’t so bad, but all this sand is just so irritating. I mean, do you know how hard it is to clean all this fur? Really hard.”
Joy giggled. “I can imagine.”

Flannery lapped up her tea from the cup. She wasn’t going to try and pick it up with paws. Her eyes shot out wide. “Wow, this is some great tea. Who made this?”

“My grandson,” the elderly Milotic, Tica, spoke up. “He’s quite good with tea. He even amazes me sometimes and I was his teacher.”

“Oh I definitely have to get this recipe,” Flannery swooned. ‘Best tea ever!’

“He won’t share them,” Tica sipped her tea. “He’s quite protective of their secrets. Perhaps you might persuade him. Perhaps not. More likely not, seeing as you’ve met before.”

“Oh?” Flannery raised an eyebrow.

“He’s General Milo,” Tica said.

Flannery frowned. She had met Milo a few times when she went out for walks and such. He was incredibly skilled and gave her such a hard time, since he had the type advantage to boot. Oh yeah, when she was a kid he would beat her easy. No doubt about that, but over the years, she had been getting better. She hadn’t been able to beat him yet, but she had gotten close a few times.

‘I so had a pokeball with his name on it.’

Yeah, she specialized in fire types, but he certainly was a pokemon that caught her eye. ‘Not in the pokephilia sense. Gross.’

“Yeah…him…” Flannery kept up her lapping. “I think I can live without the recipe, thank you very much.”

“I know you two have a bad history,” Tica started. “But that is in the past. This is a whole new world and we shall not be burdened by the old.”

“Yeah…” Flannery said.

"Dear," Joy started. "You simply must give him a chance. He is such a sweet heart....Actually, maybe you two could...."

"I know where you're going with this," Flannery glared at her the older woman, cutting her off. "And the answer is no."

“Hmph," Joy pouted, before glancing around. “Where is that Lightning Dust I’ve been hearing so much about? I thought we invited her.”

“We did mommy,” Lia started. “But she said ‘tea parties were for little fillies’ and flew off.”

Flannery chuckled. “I know the type.”

Joy sighed. “Oh poo. I so much wanted to talk with her. I mean, I love my son very much so. I don’t want someone to lead him on.”

“She’s nice, mommy.” Lia spoke up. “Miss Lightning wouldn’t hurt Sev like that….but she’s kind of reluctant to share whatever feelings she has. In other words, she’s a total tsundere.”

Joy laughed. “Oh heavens above, really? Oh this is going to be fun…but still, this is a bit soon don’t you think? I don’t want him to break his heart again.”

“Again?” Flannery found it a little hard to believe that Commander Sev ever had a girlfriend. ‘Who would go for that creep?’

Joy nodded. “You see, many years ago, my son fell for an Umbreon. Oh, he fell for her hard. It was something out of a fairy tale…” Joy sighed. “But she left one day. I never knew why, but Sev was heartbroken. Ever since, he’s thrown himself at one female or another in some vain attempt at finding love…or someone like her.”

“Wow,” Flannery frowned. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but poor guy.”

Before they could continue, a little voiced yelled, “Look out below!”

Lia squealed in fright as something landed on top of her. Joy jumped to her feet, ready to tear whatever ‘attacked’ her daughter to ribbons….But started laughing when she saw it was just a little RIolu around Lia’s own age.

“Lu,” Joy said through her giggles. “What are you doing?”

“Lookin’ fer pa,” Lu said. The little Riolu blushed when he realized he was on top of Lia. He quickly jumped off and helped her to stand. “Sorry Lia. Ah wasn’t lookin’ where ah was goin’.”

“That’s alright,” Lia smiled and brushed herself off. “Accidents happen, Lu. I’m just glad you aren’t hurt…You aren’t hurt, are you?”

Lu just shook his head. His blush getting redder. “N-no.”

‘Sweet Arceus, they are just so cute.’ Flannery had to fight the urge to cuddle with the two young pokemon.

“If you are looking for your father,” Tica spoke up, breaking the cute moment. “He is at the local tavern….I wonder why you didn’t check their first, young one.”

Lu rubbed the back of his head nervously. “Ah got a little sidetracked, ma’am.”

“Your brothers and sisters?” Tica asked and sighed when Lu nodded. “I shall deal with them. I apologize, I need to take my leave before a band of Lucarios tear this whole city down, or worse.”

“Good luck,” Joy said as Tica slithered off. “You’ll need it.”

“Luck is something one should rely on,” Tica called back. “But I appreciate the gesture.”
_________________________________________________________________________
*in a nearby tavern*

“What’s got ye down in the dumps, ol’ buddy o’ mine?” Maw asked, strumming a little on his fiddle.

He and Rio were both hanging around a small tavern, the first one they had found they might add. It had been a little too long since they’d had a drink. Maw had to say the ale was alright, but not the best thing he had ever drunk. ‘Alcohol is alcohol.’

His best friend was slouched, drinking heavily this morning. Yeah, Rio and him drank quite often, but Rio rarely got into a bad mood. Now, he looked miserable.

“My family,” Rio sniffled and guzzled down another pint. “It’s been four days, Maw. Four days! Ah haven’t hear a lick about where they are. That aint right, Maw. Ya know my kin.”

“Aye,” Maw nodded, stopping his music. “I do. Oh bury me six feet under, I do. Ye couldn’t find a bunch o’ troublemakers worse than them.” He sighed. “Don’t ye worry now. Ye’ll find ‘em.”

“RIO!” An angry, feminine voice roared as someone burst through the doors. The doors practically flew off their hinges, with one of them cutting right through the table to two drunkards were sitting at.

“Or they’ll find ye,” Maw gulped and looked over to the owner of the voice.

At the entrance of the tavern stood an incredibly irate Lucario. She was wearing a yellow bonnet and dress that one wouldn’t think would normally fit a season fighter…or someone so angry. She stomped her way over to the pair, leaving indents in the ground. “RIO, YA GOOD FER NOTHIN’, YELLOW LIVERED, SON OF A BITCH! AH’VE BEEN SEARCHIN’ ALL OVER FOR YA AND THIS IS WHERE AH FIND YA? IN A TAVERN?!!!”

“Cari!” Rio jumped up and hugged his mate. He span her around, laughing. “Ah thought Ah was so worried. Ah thought….”

“Ya thought nothin’,” Cari pushed him away and smacked him on the head with ‘Bone Rush’. The aura bone made a loud ‘crack’ as it hit Rio.

“Ow.” Rio rubbed his head. “What was that for?”

“Ya were drinkin’ instead of lookin’ for me and the rest of our kin,” Cari scolded. “No, ya just had to have yer drinks, now didn’t ya?”

“’Course ah was lookin’,” Rio shot back. “Ah just needed a break is all.”

“Ah’ll show ya a break,” Cari’s hand glowed white. “Break break!” She punched her mate in the stomach, throwing him across the tavern and over several tables and other customers.

Rio quickly rose to his feet. “Aura sphere.” With speed, he shot out three small blue balls of aura. Then he used ‘Extreme Speed’.

Cari dodged all three shots with her quick reflexes and aura senses. What she didn’t dodge was Rio smacking into her. Falling to the ground, she quickly moved her head to avoid Rio smashing his ‘Brick Break’ attack into her face. She could use really any attack right then, but only one came to her mind.

She kneed his crotch.

Rio’s eyes nearly bulged out of his sockets, before Cari threw him off. “What the hell, Cari? Ah need these.”

“Ya’ve used ‘em enough,” Cari growled. “Fifteen pups are fine with me.”

Rio growled and used ‘Extreme Speed’ again. Cari span around and blocked the first few hits, before Rio smacked a ‘Bone Rush’ into her side. The blow was strong enough to throw her into the air, but she quickly regained her stance in mid-air.

As she did, she noticed the Shadow Ball formed in Rio’s hands. It was quite big and was certain to pack a punch. Her eyes widened as she touched down. She made a move to run out of its path and she nearly did so. Unfortunately, she was barely a couple of feet from the explosion. The attack knocked her off her feet and onto the ground. Rio quickly pounced on her, this time making sure to keep her legs pinned.

Maw, throughout the fight, just watched in mild humor. Rio and Cari did really love each other. They just liked to spar every now and again…and boy did they spar. “Boy, ye got ‘er good.”

Rio laughed. “Ah did, didn’t ah?”

“Ya sure did,” Cari sent her mate a flirtatious look, batting her eyelashes. “And ah think he earned a little reward.”

Rio grinned and leaned down further. “And what could that….”

Cari head-butted Rio, causing him to lose his balance. With a flurry of motion, she rolled them over so now she was straddling him, keeping his arms and legs pinned. “This.” She threw herself into a passionate kiss with him. Pulling up, she punched him in the gut with a ‘Power Up Punch’. “And that.”

Rio growled and without a second thought, used his free arm to shoot an aura sphere right into her face. Cari was sent flying…right into Rio’s arms. He kissed her cheek. “Missed ya.”

Cari purred and nuzzled him. He returned the gesture. “Missed ya too….”

“Don’t ye start that now,” Maw called over. “Fifteen is enough fer me tastes…and I kind of like this tavern. Aint no reason to mess it up, right bartender?”

The zebra behind the bar nodded shakingly.

“Fine,” Rio and Cari both groaned in protest as they took a seat in one of the few undamaged tables. “Bartender, beer!”
________________________________________________________________________
*elsewhere…again….The author ponders whether he needs to make better segways*

Madu never liked to rush anything. He was a thinker, through and through. Never had he ever made a rash decision and he was proud of that. As such, chess was his favorite game. He loved making and breaking every single strategy that came to mind several turns before it was possible. It was a taste of one’s character. While he was a patient zebra, he was ruthless just the same.

“And I do believe that is checkmate,” Madu moved his last piece to finish the game.
Caballeron snorted. “I do wonder why I ever accept your challenges.”

“Boredom,” Madu stated.

The two of them were sitting in a small bar on the outskirts of Cairo. Caballeron had arrived via….dark portal provided by the lovely Thrist. ‘Lovely is one way of putting it.’

“If I were to inquire,” Madu asked openly. There wasn’t anybody around and the area had a few enchantments to prevent eavesdropping. “Perhaps you could inform me of our allies.”

“The Hyena Dogs are moving as planned,” Caballeron said.

“Really? I had thought they would be a thorn in our side. I am pleasantly proved wrong in this regard, but you know as well as I do that they will turn on us.”

Caballeron nodded. “But by then, you will have enough power to topple whatever attack they throw at you.”

Madu nodded. “True and what of the Thirst?”

“Thrist is performing the ceremonies. Your weapons are at the ready and,” Caballeron smiled. “She has something that could tip the zebras to your favor.”

“You have my ears.”

“She is developing collars to actually control these….what do you call them? Pokemon?”

“Pokemon slaves?” Madu tapped his chin. “Now there is an idea, but it may not go so well. The populace would resent them being with us, even as slaves. However….” An idea struck him. “Perhaps we could make use of this. Relations with the pokemon are already strained. What do you think would happen if our poor citizens were struck down by these merciless creatures?”

“They would be up in arms,” Caballeron’s smile turned wicked. “And they would be demanding action. Action I will gladly support, Madu.”

Madu smiled, but quickly turned it upside down. “That however, leaves me with another problem. The retched PLA. I can tell they will be a thorn in my side.”

“Then get rid of them, or show them you mean business.”

“Yes….I do believe I heard of the Commander having a little sister. It would be dreadful if something were to happen to her….Another game?”

Caballeron shook his head. “Another time. I have an old bird to call up, a little wretch to capture and enslave, an uprising to aid. I’m booked.”

“So am I and I took the time to see you this day,” Madu sent him a small glare. While he and Madu weren’t friends, they were at least civil enough. Caballeron did supply him with his best products. “But you may be right. We shall conclude this….but I want results. I want the pokemon dealt with now.”

“I can arrange something,” Caballeron got up to go. “We have been capturing pokemon in the last few days. Not enough for anyone to notice mind you, but there are a couple fierce candidates that could easily fulfill this goals.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

Author's Note

Looks like our villains are finally going to make a move.

Tune in next time to see what happens. I

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment. They help inspire me for more chapters to come.

Kidnapped (Day 4)

Lia loved to be around others. That was a certain fact. She loved to make new friends and have fun. However, she liked having a little privacy every now and again. Having an older brother who commanded an army and a mother who was a nurse meant that she was often swamped by others nearly all the time. She liked the attention, but a some breathing space was always appreciated.

So she had used her own brand of command and ordered a couple of Lairons to keep watch at her door. She didn’t want to be disturbed. Her passion was best let loose when she was alone:

Painting.

Lia, the littlest Kirlia, loved to paint. Nothing brought her greater joy and bliss then to let her imagination flow forth. Her harm clutched the brush delicately. Her strokes were dainty, but elegant. Every action brought the greater picture together. No movement was wasted. No touch needed was absent. Everything fit and Lia did her best.

She had a secret to her technique. She painted from the heart. The heart, her mother had said, was the most powerful thing in the world. Whole nations rose and fell to its tune. Her brush swerved to the rhythm of the beat. Lia was at peace.

For the most part.

Lia was finishing up her piece by faintly coloring her mother’s hair. Her ‘human’ mother’s hair. She had nothing against her mother now, far from it. She thought it was cool she was a pokemon, yet….

‘Arceus is a big meanie,’ Lia thought as she frowned. ‘He changed mommy ‘cause he doesn’t like humans. Well, she wasn’t like the others. Why did he change her? Why did he take us a way without asking? Why didn’t he award my big brother for his efforts? He deserved to be recognized. WHY DIDN”T HE DO ANY OF THAT?!!!’

Lia was finished, but far from done. She knew Arceus was their god. He was always right…but he messed with her mommy. He made her big brother faint. No one, be it god or mortal, messed with her family.

So she painted humans. She knew her big brother wouldn’t like it, but she would do it anyway. Someone had to remember who and what they were. She was going to remind the world what a human was. Generations would remember who they were. ‘They will remember my mommy forever and ever….and my big brother too.’

Lia smiled as she looked at her painting. She, Sev, and Joy were sitting together, just smiling and enjoying each other’s presence. It was like a photo of sorts. ‘One big happy family.’

She made sure to have this at full display, along with all her other painting. She was, however, unsure of one select painting: Herself smacking a large hammer into Arceus’s head. ‘Eh, maybe for April Fools.’

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

“Who is it?” Lia called out.

A Sableye opened the door. “Princess, it appears King Trotankhamun wishes to converse with you.”

“Me?” Lia looked shocked. No one asked her to do anything by herself. “What about big brother?”

“They say he’s also waiting,” the Sableye soldier answered.

Lia sighed in relief. “Alright, tell them I’ll be out in a moment.”

Quick as lightning, not the pony but still pretty quick, Lia put everything back to its prim and proper place. She smiled and headed out the door. Three zebra guards stood at attention. “Okay, take me to your leader.”

The two PLA guards groaned at that.

“Let me have that one,” Lia crossed her arms and pouted, before going off with the guards.
________________________________________________________________
*Lightning*

Lightning Dust was on edge. She wasn’t used to being beaten and those dogs had been…tough to say the least. She wouldn’t admit it though. She was a ‘Dust’. Her family was the toughest, swiftest fliers in all of Equestria. It was her family that started the wonderbolts, tracing their lineage back to Firefly herself.

So it was no brainer that she loved to fly. No, flying was what she was made for. She felt at peace when she soared the heavens and felt adrenaline as she broke the speed barrier with just some flaps of her wings. She needed this.

Why? Well, a guy liked her. At least, it seemed he did. She hadn’t known him long, but he seemed interested. It shouldn’t, but it did. She…never had anyone interested her like that before. Shocking, but it’s true.

‘I don’t even know the guy,’ she reminded herself. This was true. She and Sev hadn’t exactly had much time to get to know each other, but he seemed like a fun guy. She wouldn’t say that to his face, but she would admit it to herself.

She had a very major problem. She wasn’t the type to go blushing over some guy, or even a snake. ‘A snake. A BLEEDING SNAKE FO CRYING OUT LOUD!’

Of course, even that had an explanation of sorts. Her older sister was a big fan of manga and….yeah, she kept some rather ‘inappropriate for kids’ stuff under her beds. Unfortunately for her, Lightning was an inquisitive little filly. She also loved messing with her big sister, so routing through her stuff was a win-win in her books.

That is until she found her adult manga….And kind of grown an attachment of sorts to the serpent kind, be it naga or regular. It was a secret that she would tell no one. Even her older sister never found out. The only mare to do so was that blue braggart that got her sent to Zebrica in the first place.

‘It wasn’t her fault. I went too far, but why did I have to leave that manga out? WHY?!!! If we ever meet again, and I hope we don’t, I’m going to buck in her face for looking…And she’s probably already told everyone else about it. Element of Harmony my firm flank.’

She let that thought go however. Lightning didn’t want to stress herself over something she didn’t control. Instead she twirled, spun, and simply enjoyed the freedom of the sky. Of course, everything had to come to an end. For her, it would be nothing but spectacular!

Lightning Dust picked up speed, her characteristic lightning trail flowed after her. With a flourish of skill, she literally cleaned up the skies of Cairo in nine seconds flat. ‘Beat that Dash.’

Lightning landed upon the ground, satisfied with herself. “Now that was a good workout.” She wiped some sweat from her brow.

“Indeed.”

Lightning’s eyes nearly bugged out of her skull. The voice she heard was the exact one she had been avoiding. It was so slick, with a hissing noise, but carried such a charismatic tone that you couldn’t help but want to listen to more. It sounded kind of sexy….’If you like hissing…which I don’t.’ She turned around ever so slowly to see Commander Sev.

“A masterful performance,” Sev grinned. “Why, I have never seen a flying type do better than that.”

“Well,” Lightning beamed. If there was one thing she liked, it was praise. She casually rubbed her hoof against her chest. “I am Lightning Dust, Equestria’s fastest Pegasus.” ‘Screw you, Dash. I’ll make a Sonic Rainboom ten times as awesome as yours….Wait, don’t think like that. That’s what got you in trouble in the first place….but I will! I swear to you!’

“A title earned,” Sev stopped just short of her.

“Why are you here?”

“I had grown bored of the triviality of politics,” Sev scoffed. “The local lords do not comprehend my greatness. They resist me and my people.” He moved his tail about in an aggressive manner. “But they will learn the folly of that…But let us not dwell upon those who are not worthy to bask in my radiance. I wished to merely converse with you. We haven’t really done so before.”

“Well, we are now. So what do you want?”

“A chance,” Sev bowed. “That is all I ask, fair maiden. A chance to take your hoof for my own.”

Lightning sputtered, blushing. “W-what? My hoof? Who do you think you are asking for it, idiot.”

Sev frowned and straightened up. “I am Commander Sev, chosen warrior of Arceus and the leader of the PLA.”

“I didn’t mean….” Lightning face-hooved. “That’s not how this works. You have to date me first. Actually get to know me.”

“I know enough,” Sev said earnestly.

“Yeah,” Lightning raised an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“You like flying,” Sev said, before frowning. “………..Perhaps you have a point, Lightning. I do not know you that well and I am in dire need to fix that. Very well, we shall go on a date. Mind you, I am excellent on those. I had plenty of experience.”

“Oh really?” ‘I doubt he’s even kissed a girl yet.’

“Yes,” Sev nodded. “Now, what is your answer?”

Lightning was silent for a moment. She had been bloody well training up in the sky for the past two hours trying to avoid this guy. Now he wanted to actually take her on a date? Get to know her? ‘But wait. Wasn’t one of the reasons I didn’t want to go with him is because he didn’t know me. Now he wants to? A mare of an entirely different species?’ She didn’t know whether to be flattered or think Sev was even crazier than she thought. ‘Probably both.’

“Fine,” a small blush adorned her cheeks. “One date, this afternoon. Make it worth it or that’s all you’re going to get…stupid snake.”

Sev seemed to ignore the insult as a happy smile lit his face. “Great. You shall not regret this….and if you do, I’m sure it won’t be serious. My army hasn’t suffered any grievous injuries since we got here. Four days is a record!”

‘Yeah…record.’ Lightning sweat-dropped.
______________________________________________________________________
*Lia, outer rim of Cairo*

Lia couldn’t’ help but think something was off. Her guides had kept themselves rather uncomfortably close and seemed to avoid other pokemon. What’s more is that they were taking her to the outskirts of the city. ‘Maybe this is a secret meeting?’

“So…” Lia started in a desperate attempt to break the silence. “Did they tell you what the meeting was about?”

She was met with only silence.

“Did my big brother tell you guys to remember to stop by an ice-cream parlor? Because he so owes me one.”

Again, the guards didn’t say anything.

Lia frowned. “Are you guys going to talk at all?”

“No.” One of them said.

“But you just did.” Lia pointed out.

“No I didn’t.” Was the answer.

Lia giggled. “You’re funny.”

“Yeah, I’m a real comedian….Well, we’re here.”

Lia stopped to look around. ‘An abandoned dark alley? This is where the secret meeting is? This isn’t my big brother’s style at all.’ Something was definitely up and the little Kirlia didn’t like it one bit. “Are you sure? Seems more like a place for an ambush to me.”

“…..No it isn’t.”

“You just paused,” Lia looked at the soldier with a deadpanned expression.

“You only thought he paused,” another soldier answered.

“….Okay then,” Lia rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips. “Where’s my big brother and the king?”

“Not here,” the third guard said from behind her. All of a sudden, Lia found herself within the confines of a net.

“A net?” Lia’s deadpanned gaze hit them hard. “Really? How cliché can you get?”

“Shut up,” the first kidnapper said. “You’re our hostage.”

“Really?” Lia asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Really.”

“Really?”

“Really!”

“Really?!!”

“REALLY!”

“Confusion!”

“Confusewhat?”

Lia’s eyes glowed and the net unfurled itself. Within seconds, the three guards were tied up with it and their heads knocked against one another. They groaned. Lia stood before them with a proud smile on her face. “HA! OWNED! That’s right. I beat you.” She stuck out her tongue.

And just like that, she felt something prick her upper right arm and the world went black.
________________________________________________________________________

Crowland had taken many jobs he despised in the past. He did them anyway. It was his job to do them, but still. It all felt so wrong sometimes. He kept that to himself. No use complaining about past deeds and stuff. He had plenty of blood on his hands. Yet, as he walked over to the little creature he just darted, he couldn’t help but hate himself a little.

Little Lady seemed to share the sentiment.

So, he just stood over his quarry for a moment. ‘So young and innocent.’ He knew it was about to end. He knew he shouldn’t have taken this job. He knew it and did it anyway. He was a damned soul one way or the other. If he didn’t do it, someone a little rougher would.

“Spear.”

“I know,” Crowland sighed. “Dirty business this is, but it’s got to be done.” He bent down and gently picked up the strange creature. She was rather light so it didn’t affect him any to carry her bridle style. “Nothing personal.” He calmly walked off.

“HEY!” One of the other kidnappers said. “What about us?”

“Little Lady?” Crowland spared her a glance. In his short time, he’d seen her do a few rather interesting tricks. Mainly besting other small creatures like itself.

Little Lady nodded and quickly flew over to the other group. With a flurry of attack, her beak pecked clean through the net. The kidnappers grumbled.

“Alright,” one of them said. “Now hand her over.”

Crowland frowned. “No doing. I knocked her out while you lot were too busy trying out for Hearth’s Warming Eve presents.”

“Damned holiday,” the zebra growled. “We got her here, so we’ll take her in. We earned the money, chicken.”

Crowland tensed. “Chicken?” It should be noted that no griffin worth their salt appreciated that insult. It was a rather…touchy name. “Boy, I think it best you end it here before I have to clean my claws.”

“Oh yeah?” The kidnapper drew his sword. “There’s three of us and only one of you.”

“Two,” Crowland grinned. “Little Lady.”

“Spear.” Little Lady flew up a ways before turning to face him. Within in seconds, she flew at him at full speed, flipped in the air, and became covered in light.

The zebra guards were chuckling at the little bird’s display…before she smashed into one of their chests, knocking him clean off his hooves and several feet back. With a laughing caw, Little Lady perched herself back onto Crowlands’ shoulder.

He smiled at his new hunting companion. “You’re getting better.”

Little Lady simply cooed in delight and nuzzled his cheek.

Crowland turned back to the shocked, and injured, zebras. “And that was just my little friend here. Would you like me to have a go?” The killer glint in his eyes that he sent them made them gulp in fear. They said nothing. “Good, now follow me. You are not to touch or talk to our new guest at any given moment. This is going to be a quiet trip back, so if I hear so much as a peep, then I’m going to be putting zebra stew on today’s menu. Am I perfectly clear?”

They nodded.

“Good,” Crowland walked off with them in toe. ‘Sometimes,’ he glanced at his new catch, a little girl by the name of Lia. ‘I hate myself.’

Author's Note

Almost done with day four and our conflict is finally showing some fruition.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment.

She's been WHAT?!!! (Day 4)

Felicia hummed as she strolled through the corridors of the capital building. It was nice, but she had been to way better ones during her travels with Vincent. Humans loved to be so extravagant and over the top with their castles and their wealth. She wondered if that was just human nature. Vincent could be over the top sometimes. ‘Of course, when he does it, it’s so sexy~’ She started drooling a little, remembering the man in such moments.

‘Such passion. Such conviction! TAKE ME NOW, VINCENT! TAKE ME INTO THOSE STRONG ARMS AND….’

“Ahem,” a voice broke her out of her reverie. Felicia looked to see two Sableyes wearing PLA uniforms guarding the door. “Can we help you?”

“Yes you can, little guy.” Felicia smiled. “Can you get Lia? We’re going to go practice our cheer routine. I was thinking something with a little hip and swivel action, but she wants to more for the arm movements.”

Yeah, Felicia and Lia had quickly taken to each other. The good natured Goodra couldn’t resist mentoring that adorable little Kirlia. They had gone shopping, cheerleading, and even to get ice-cream. Of course sadly, they couldn’t find any ice-cream in Cairo. That was a big bummer, but they still had a lot of fun. Felicia couldn’t help but see a lot of her in the little Kirlia. ‘And she just so huggable!’

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” the Sableye soldier spoke up. “Lia left. The king wanted to speak with her.”

Felicia frowned, which wasn’t something she normally did. “The king? But I just got done talking with him. He didn’t say anything about meeting with Lia.”

“Perhaps it was quick one,” the soldier offered. “General Lia could have gone to meet some of the other staff.”

“But she promised,” Felicia said, getting a little scared. She had been on enough missions to know when something was wrong. “I even talked with her older brother. He thought she was here.”

The soldier’s eyes widened. “The Commander doesn’t know?”

“He always knows where she is,” the other piped in, fear etching its way into his voice.

“If he doesn’t then…..” the first one gulped.

“We’re so dead,” they said in unison.

‘No….no, no, NO, NO!’ Felicia shook in both fear and rage. Someone had taken her newest best friend forever and a kid no less. ‘I’ll thrash them!’ She quickly ran as fast as her stubby feet could take her.
________________________________________________________________________________
*Cairo’s capital building, kitchen*

Milo couldn’t help but hum to himself as he looked through the local supplies. ‘I say, such dreadful tastes these zebras have. Absolutely no way to make a good tea and crumpets.’ Luckily, he had found enough to last him a while in the market place.

He sighed. The zebra chefs had not taken his presence lightly. In fact, they had refused to help him do anything. They even went so far as to leave the kitchen solely because he was there. “Dreadful business this all is.”

Milo wasn’t just referring to that. He, like many of the PLA, felt a little ‘cheated’ that they weren’t able to give their ultimate plan a go. It was all pointless now, seeing as the humans were pokemon now. I still didn’t know how to take that and I feared that some of my brothers and sisters in arms would know ‘exactly’ how to take it. ‘Especially Char.’

“Pilfering goods again?” A feminine voice chuckled. “Old habits die hard, I see.”

‘That voice.’ Milo quickly turned around, keeping an ‘ice beam’ at his beck and call. There, leaning against the doorway, was a rather attractive Flareon.

“A bit slow in your reaction time,” the Flareon tittered. “I could have flamed that scaly hide of yours, Milo. I thought you were better than that.”

Milo receded his attack. “And, pray tell, who are you?” ‘I think I know who she is, but I can’t put my tail on it.’

“Gym Leader Flannery,” she bowed. “At your service.”

Milo’s eyes widened. “Flannery? I say, I am not sure whether I should be delighted or agitated you were able to make it here. Not shocked, mind you. I had no doubts you would.”

Flannery chuckled. “And I thought the same for you. So, beside tea, what is my old adversary up to?”

“Oh the usual,” Milo waved his tail across himself. “Dealing with my ol’ friend, the Commander and all his shenanigans. Honestly, I think this whole venture has tamed him somewhat. He’s not so outlandish as he normally is. Perhaps it’s the stress of it all.”

Flannery nodded. “Stress can bring focus….so any grub? Tea time with the others is nice and all, but it’s all dainty snack and they don’t exactly taste that great. I need a real meal. Maybe some meat.” She walked right up to him and checked a few of the cupboards.

“No meat, I’m afraid. Zebras seem to be herbivorous in nature.”

Flannery frowned. “Well that sucks.”

“Indeed,” Milo chuckled.

The two of them were rather a strange pair. If you looked at it, they were the best of enemies. Back on earth, they had fought so many times over and over again that they couldn’t help but pick up on the other. Of course, Flannery couldn’t understand Milo, but she got the gist of what he meant most of the time.

“This is funny actually,” Flannery spoke up while they both searched for some good food. “We used to fight all the time.”

“Yes we did,” Milo nodded. “Quite astute, your memory.”

“I almost had you a few times.”

“Oh you thought so, didn’t you.”
___________________________________________________________________________________
*flashback, earth*

“So,” Flannery stood several feet from the river, giving herself enough space to call out her pokemon and have a battle in safety. “Come back for another round, huh? I didn’t know you liked having your butt torched.”

Milo rolled his eyes. His body was half submerged in the water, but still his head towered over the surface of the river. “Oh, like you’ve ever landed a hit.” Milo had often done battle with this trainer. His soldiers often had to clean up the mess of other generals or conduct a few raids for supplies. Flannery usually got in their way.

Flannery snorted. “This time is going to be different.” With a quick flick of her wrist, she pulled off a pokeball from her belt and threw it. “Torkoal, I choose you.”

With a flash of red, a Torkoal appeared. The pokemon glared at Milo. “Oh, it’s you again.”

Milo smirked. “I take it our last battle didn’t rough you up as much as I thought. You’re still standing. Most impressive.”

Torkoal snorted just like his master, except smoke billowed from his nose when he did it. “I’m tougher than I look. Proved that a couple fights ago, didn’t I?”

Milo scowled. The cold water soothed some of the scales that still held the scorched bit of his attacks. “I hardly think you’ll have the chance. Your master is a bit slow.”

“She’s my trainer and she’s faster than you,” Torkoal snarled.

“Torkoal, use Lava Plume,” Flannery cut into the conversation, effectively starting the fight.

Large boats of fire and smoke shot out from the holes on the Torkoal’s back. Milo watched in fascination as it grew to a rather impressive size. ‘He’s really been working out.’

Without delay, Torkoal fired the attack. Milo ‘meeped’ in a bit of panic and quickly dove into the waves. The attack cut through the air and the lake beneath, pushing aside the water from the top to bottom. Milo quickly shot out from the waves, having dodged the blast, and fired an Ice Beam.

A beam of water shot from the Milotic’s mouth and struck his opponent. Instantly, the Torkoal’s body was thrown back, freezing over. However, he was a being of magma. The ice quickly melted and shattered upon contact. Torkoal shook himself and smirked.

‘Should have used a water type move,’ Milo mentally berated himself. He was just so used to ‘Ice Beam’ that it became his signature move, even when it wasn’t effective. ‘Still, I struck him first.’

“Use Flame Wheel,” Flannery shouted.

Honestly, the Torkoal was faster than he looked. In no time, he was half way to his opponent with his body covered in fire. Milo acted instinctly and shot a ‘Hydro Pump’. Unlike the trainer’s pokemon, he didn’t have to have someone else tell him what to do, nor shout out the attack.

“Rapid spin,” Flannery quickly shouted.

Before his attack struck, Torkoal retreated into his shell. The rapid moving disk, still covered in fire, shot forward. All Milo’s attack did was put out the fire. Using his grace, he just nimbly dodged the attack.

“Hyper Beam!”

‘Of course,’ Milo thought as, in midair and only a foot away from his face, Torkoal’s head shot out of his mouth. It was as time slowed to a halt as the attack charged up. Within seconds, and as if Torkoal slowed his body down, he fired point blank.

The attack sent Milo crashing along the ground, until he smacked into a thick tree. The water serpent groaned in pain. “You’ve gotten smarter….good.” He chuckled as he attempted to get his shaky vision back into focus.

“Alright,” Flannery cheered. “Way to go, Torkoal.” Torkoal beamed with pride. “Now, use Solar Beam. He’s as good as mine.” She fished out a pokeball.

Milo was still shaking, but still managed to somewhat look at her. “What? But you’re a fire type trainer.”

Flannery shrugged. “Hey, I know I’m a fire type lover, but we’ve fought so many times I might as well. Besides,” she put a hand on her hip, leaned over slightly and winked. “I think we all know the reason why you keep coming back.”

Milo sputtered. A blush evident on his face. “That’s absurd.”

“Up, up, up,” she waggled a finger. Her grip on her ball tightened. “You know I’m right…or if that’s a confession I just heard, than maybe I return it a bit.” She giggled. “Don’t you worry, I’ll take good care of your balls.”

“……….Don’t you mean ball?” Milo sweat dropped.

“Oh, and you’ve got to know what I meant,” Flannery smirked slyly.

“Duuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,” Milo’s brain seemed to go off-line at that comment.

“FIRE!” Flannery shouted at Torkoal. Not in a mean way, but just a spur of the moment kind of thing.

‘Damn it. She was distracting me.’ Unfortunately, it did a good job. The effective attack struck him in the chest. The tree bent backwards as he was pushed through it. He groaned in even deeper pain. ‘What the hell is wrong with me today, ol’ chap. You’re not in the game, as it were.’

Every part of him ached. He hated grass type moves for a reason. Now he was on the ground with barely any energy left. Oh yeah, he was a strong pokemon. He’d beaten this Torkoal multiple times before, but that attack had caught him unawares. Usually, it took Torkoal a little longer to charge Hyper Beam, but now he could do it like that ‘Unfair.’

“Alright, finish this Torkoal with Body Slam,” Flannery cheered, readying her throwing arm.

Torkoal ran forward. Milo forced his eyes open. ‘So this is it? My last few moments of freedom before I become enslaved by that rather well-proportioned human? Huh, I thought I would feel a bit more anguished about this….maybe that’s because I’m not out of the game yet.’

He smirked and just as Torkoal was about to hit him, he swerved his serpentine body around him. A stream of spiraling water burst forth around his tail and he delivered a perfect ‘Aqua Tail’ to the back of Torkoal’s head. Given its effectiveness and the area of the strike, Torkoal was knocked unconscious. The fire type’s eyes spiraled around in his sockets.

Milo huffed and looked over at Flannery with a smirk. “There, that wasn’t so hard.”

Flannery glared at him. “You’ll pay for that.” He knew she was referring to hurting Torkoal. She was rather fond of her pokemon. She threw the empty pokeball she was carrying, but he swiftly smacked it aside. She growled and released two Magicargos. “Meg, Mag, come on out.”

“I think this is my cue to leave,” Milo used his agility to quickly escape into the river, avoiding the two flamethrowers that shot his way.

Flannery raced over to the river and shook her fist in rage. “I’ll get you next time!”

Milo shot out of the river and did something she wasn’t expecting: he kissed her on the nose. “Looking forward to it, my dear.”

Flannery was still with a large blush on her face.

Milo pulled back and bowed, taking off his hat to improve the gesture in a graceful sweep. “I dare say, that was a splendid match. Do take care now and tata.” He dove into the river and swam off.
_____________________________________________________________________
*present day*

“Good times,” they both chimed and laughed.

“Though, how were you able to keep that top hat and monocle on during all that?” Flannery asked.

“Trade secret,” Milo winked at her.

“GUYS!” Felicia, the friendly Goodra came running in. “LIA’S BEEN KIDNAPPED!”

“WHAT?!!” Milo yelled in shock and rage. He adored that little Kirlia.
__________________________________________________________________________

“IS THAT ALL YOU’VE GOT?!!” Ag roared over the long line of zebrican royal guard, more specifically, Alice. They were all doing push-ups. “You aren’t ready to fight a Pidgey, let alone any real threat. I’m ashamed to be associated with every single last one of you.”

“The feeling’s mutual,” Alice grumbled out through her pants.

“What was that, Private?!!” Ag roared down at Alice. Even though she was saying all this, she saw a ton of potential in the zebras. They could fight and stand up to pokemon, but that was only after they were trained. Alice, having been made a Private since she was technically part of the army, was another story.

“Nothing, sir.” Alice growled.

“That’s more like it,” Ag growled back. She started pacing up and down the long line. “Listen up. We’re going to keep at this all day. You’re going to hurt. You’re going to ache. You’re going to wish you were never born. Well, that’s only natural for you rookies, but that’s not going to stop you. No, you’re going to endure. Some fights will rage for hours, days, even weeks. You need to be able to push through everything that stand between you and victory. You must crush your foes under your feet and smash their hopes and dreams. Don’t let them get back up, because then they’ll be tomorrow’s problem.”

“ALICE!” Felicia came racing onto the field.

“Soldier!” Ag shouted, but Felicia didn’t seem to hear her. “This is a training area for only authorized personal. I did not authorize you to be here.”

“LIA’S BEEN KIDNAPPED!” Felicia screamed.

Ag was silent for a moment. “SOLDIERS! PREPARE TO SEND THESE RETCHED COWARDS TO HELL!”

“What’s hell?” One of the zebras asked.

“I think it’s like the Underworld,” another answered.
____________________________________________________________________

Commander Sev was not a pokemon who could be easily intimidated. He had faced many dangerous and ludicrous situations. Many of which were of his own doing, but he wouldn’t admit that to anyone. He had stared down gods and smirked. Yet, now he felt fear. Not fear of death, but of rejection. It wasn’t the strongest he had ever felt. That would be for his soul mate. The one being who would always hold a place in his heart. He smiled as a beautiful Umbreon lay within his vision. She was the upmost portrait of beauty…. ‘But she is gone now. I must look to the future.’

So, he had taken interest in a ‘pegasus’ mare. Which ended with him wearing a suit, at a public restaurant, with his mother fixing up his tie.

“Stop squirming,” Joy said, trying to fix her child’s outfit. “This would already be over and done with if you just sat still.”

“But I can’t help it. I’m nervous I’ll somehow ‘not’ wow her with the greatness that is me. I mean, that is unlikely. I am a magnet for females. A very attractive magnet I might add, but there is always a margin of failure….It will probably be someone else’s fault, so I can be somewhat at ease.”

Joy rolled her eyes. “I’m sure it will be, but please don’t go overboard.” She finally finished with his tie and cupped his cheek in her hands. “I want you to be happy….and I want grandkids!”

“You will have many grandchildren,” Sev boasted. “But that is for later. Now, I must win my females….hopefully.” A little of the confidence he just had left him as he saw Lightning walk in. She wasn’t wearing anything, but her coat and mane had been done up and shined in the daylight. His mouth fell open.

Joy chuckled. “Go get her.” She walked over to a nearby booth and took a seat.

Lightning huffed and sat next to Sev. “Couldn’t find anything to wear. So, what’s for dinner?”

Sev regained his voice. “Ummmm….” He looked down at the menu. He didn’t recognize a single dish, even with Gard’s psychic powers translating the language. “I believe a random choice is in order.”

Lightning chuckled. “Random, eh? Just like the two of us?”

“I like to think that it was fate that brought us together. A most gracious fate that one such as I deserves. For who better to be my companion than the most beautiful of creatures.”

Lightning snorted. “Don’t you be getting all cheesy with me, snake. That won’t work.” Well, other than making her blush slightly through her glare.

Sev chuckled. “I thought not.”

“Ahem?” A zebrican waiter asked from their side. He didn’t seem particularly happy with his non-zebra clients, but he didn’t say anything out loud. “May I take your order.”

“I’ll have some hayfries and some water,” Lightning said. “I’m not that hungry.”

“I’ll have that too,” Sev quickly added. He thought it would be best to copy his date in some respects. He was a little rusty at this.

“Very well,” the zebra waiter said quickly and trotted off.

“Well that was rude,” Lightning glared at him. “He is so not getting a tip.”

“Shall I vanquish the offender for you?” Sev flexed his tail.

“Nah,” Lightning waved her hoof to dismiss the thought. “He’ll get used to having some non-zebras in here, else then you can kick his butt.”

Sev nodded and the duo fell into a deathly silence. He hated it. He liked to talk, to hear his own voice. However, he had no idea of what he should say. He was, figuratively speaking, tongue tied.

“So,” Lightning broke the proverbial ice. "Okay, look. Let’s not beat around the bush here. Are you going to take this seriously?”

“I take everything seriously,” Sev proclaimed. “Except my enemies. I intend to not take them seriously and mock them…and then post posters with hastily drawn moustaches around town to demoralize them.”

Lightning sighed. “Seriously Sev, if this is going to work, you are going to have to commit to this. I’m not a girl you can just have a ‘fling’ with.”

“Why would I throw you?” Sev asked. “Is this some sort of pegasi custom?”

Lightning face-hooved. “No, I mean you’ve got to be in this relationship to make it work. Idiot.”

“Why do you keep calling me an idiot? I am the opposite of idiocy, for I am me, Commander Sev! Idiocy is afraid of the intellect I possess. DO YOU HEAR THAT?!! AFRAID!!!!” A bunch of the other customers stopped to look at Sev curiously. “IGNORE ME!” He shouted at them.

“I wish I could,” Lightning grumbled.

Noticing her frown, Sev lifted her chin up to meet his eyes with the flat end of his tail. “Do not cast a frown upon the face of perfection. I rather prefer a smile to adorn it.”

Lightning blushed heavily and pushed away his tail. “N-no touching.” She crossed her forelegs. “This isn’t a joke, Sev.”

“I never joke,” Sev smiled warmly at her. “Only the truth sprouts from my lips. A truth that is approved by Arceus himself.”

“…..I’m not perfect.”

“And that is where we disagree.” Sev chuckled as Lightning grew even more red.

“I-i-idiot,” she scowled. “Don’t make me hit you.”

“I’m trembling in my scales,” Sev mockingly retorted.

Before Lightning could lunge at the impertinent snake, a PLA Swellow flew through the door and smashed into the table.

“What is the meaning of this?!!” Sev hollered in rage.

“Sir,” the Swellow righted herself and saluted. “Sergeant Swell regretting to inform you of some grave news.”

“The humans have returned to their natural state, built a rocket ship, destroyed the moon and put up a holographic likeness, all to destroy whatever supply of potato chips we have in hopes to starve us out into the open, so they can use their rocket ship to slam into the very heart of our army?” Sev asked.

Everyone stared at him for a moment.

Except his soldier, who was used to this sort of thing. “No sir. It’s your sister. She’s been kidnapped.”

Sev was paralyzed. “Ki….kidnapped? My sweet little sister?” The Swellow nodded.

“WHAT?!!!” Joy ran over and grabbed the Swellow. She shook her about. “My baby’s been what?!!!”

“Kidnapped,” the Swellow named Swell said as she was jostled about. “We can’t find her anywhere.”

“Someone took my baby,” Joy let go of Swell. “SOMEONE TOOK MY BABY!!!!” Her eyes blazed with an anger only a mother could bring forth.

Sev shook in silent rage. “Yveltal will be very busy soon.” He narrowed his eyes. “Extremely busy.”
_______________________________________________________________________

Lu softly kicked the dirt as he chewed his bottom lip. He was nervous and he hated it. His parents were some of the most outgoing pokemon you could ever meet. His big brothers and sisters would demolish whole streets for the heck of it. He was a mighty warrior.

So why couldn’t he by some roses for his crush?

‘Ugh, this crush is stupid,’ he grumbled inwardly to himself. He and Lia had always been the best of friends. They had hatched on the same day, they played the same games, and they loved the same food. They practically were inseparable. Well, except for the last few days. They unfortunately had been ‘friendless’. That and…recently he had been thinking of Lia in different ways. He got all fuzzy when he talked to her. His cheeks would warm up and he’d fidget about. He didn’t know what to do, but he tried his best to keep being her best friend even with these knew strange feelings.

He wanted to tell her. Lu knew it would be so easy to just confess and be done with it. He’d just have to give her some flowers and tell her his feelings. Of course, he was never good with talking about his feelings and he was afraid if he failed. ‘What if she doesn’t like me the same way? What if she freaks out? She’ll never want to see me anymore and we won’t be friends.’

It scared him. It scared him like no other.

“General Lia has been kidnapped,” a mental thought projected itself into his mind. All PLA members had a sort of link to one another set up for easy communication during conflicts. “All soldiers are to report to battle stations. I repeat, General Lia has been kidnapped. All soldiers are to report to battle stations.”

‘Lia’s been kidnapped?’ Lu’s eyes shot out wide. ‘But…She can’t be. I haven’t…She’s too….’ His little fists shook in rage. “They. Will. Pay.” He raced to the rest of the army. The flowers could wait. He had a best friend, possible future girlfriend, to save.

Author's Note

Well an army marches to the tune of rage. I do not envy the ones receiving it.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment.

The Future is Now (Day 4)

King Trotankhamun couldn’t possibly hate Arceus anymore than he did now. His was slumped over his desk, tired and ragged. Said desk was filled to the brim with papers and complaints. He had complaints from the citizenry about Hyena Dog raids and the Pokemon ‘invaders’. He had documents up to his eyes with orphan pokemon, or those who were looking for their lost loved ones and friends. His army was one step away from mutiny as well as a large part of the nobility. It had been bad before Arceus’s decision, but now it was worse.

It didn’t help that now the little sister of Commander Sev, a snake who he considered a good friend, was kidnapped in HIS CAPITAL CITY! ‘Oh yes. Build trust between the races and then have one of the leading members of one of said races kidnapped right under my muzzle. I’m sure this isn’t going to backfire in any way possible.’

He gripped his head in exasperation. If he did something to help in the search, the nobles would think he was squandering resources. They would cut off much needed resources and make his life a living Tartarus. If he did nothing, he suffered the rage of Commander Sev. That was a much more potent threat, but also meant that his whole country would be thrown into an avoidable war. ‘Damned if I do. Damned if I don’t.’

Honestly, he wanted to find Lia. She was a good girl and in no way deserved this fate that had been thrust upon her. He just….

“Troubled, sir?” Khaba, his most trusted advisor, quietly walked in.

“Yes,” Trot sighed. “It’s just….everything. It’s all too much: The pokemon, the nobles, this kidnapping.” He picked up a pamphlet. “I have houses filled with orphans. ORPHAN POKEMON! What am I supposed to do with them, huh? I’ve suggested giving some of our childless families one of them, but I know this won’t fly. My people don’t like the pokemon. They hate them almost as much as the ponies and the least said about griffons the better.” Not that he hated griffons, mind you. “I’m drained, Khaba. I just don’t know what to do. Celestia would know. She always knows.”

“You cannot always rely on her,” Khaba sighed. “She wouldn’t want you to. You’re our king. You are supposed to lead us through troubled times, just as your father did before you.”

“I am not my father,” King Trotankhamun answered. “I will never be my father. My people will not listen to me like they did him. I am alone in this.”

“You have me, sir.” Khaba put in. “And you have the PLA as well as a number of loyal citizens. Zebrica does not hate you.”

“Oh you are wrong,” Trot chuckled, but there was no mirth in it. “I am hated and you know what, I deserve it. Look at me. I’m wasting away during my first real crisis.”

“You are not wasting away. You are just stressed. Anyone would be under these circumstances.”

Trotankhamun slammed his hoof down onto his desk, scattering a number of files. “I SHOULDN’T BE IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES! I AM KING! I’M SUPPOSED TO STOP THINGS LIKE THIS FROM HAPPENING! WHAT RIGHT DID ARCEUS HAVE TO DO THIS WITHOUT MY SAY SO?”

“We can’t know the inner-workings of gods,” Khaba recoiled from his king’s rant. “He did what he thought was right.”

“Right?!!! Right?!!!!” Trotankhamun sat back into his desk and breathed in a deep breath to calm himself. “I want to tell you something.” His voice was leveled and emotionless. “I want to you what I saw when I walked among the pokemon. You know what I saw? Fear.”

He leaned forward. “They are afraid and confused. They are so afraid that. The others kept begging me to help find some loved one. I’m the king of this country. I should know more than anyone else, or at least have it done…..And then I found the orphans. Children are not meant to be ripped from their parents. They aren’t meant to be left alone.”

“They are not alone,” Khaba put in. “We have a number of nurses and maids looking after them. Why, I’ve heard a couple of them think of adoption.”

“You didn’t see them,” Trotankhamun cut him off. “You didn’t see how miserable they are.” His eyes began to moisten. “You didn’t have a little Ponyta filly pull on your robe….She was so beautiful, that little filly. She wanted to know where her mommy and daddy was. I didn’t know what to tell her….I didn’t know. I just said that we were looking for her. She smiled at me. An honest to Celestia smile. She said it was okay. That she trusted me.” He put his hooves over his eyes. “She trusted me to find her parents, Khaba. How can she just trust me like that? HOW?!!!”

“Perhaps we could sent word to this Arceus for….”

“TO TARTARUS WITH ARCEUS!” Trotankhamun cut him off again. His voice went calm and his ragged, blood shot eyes stared right through Khaba. “I hate him. With every fiber of my being, I hate him. He has hurt way too many for me to ever enjoy hearing his name. I don’t care what his reasoning is. I don’t care if he’s their god. I don’t care at all. He is not welcome in my country. He is not welcome to even speak to any of these pokemon! Do you hear me?!!! We will take care of our own. These pokemon are now and forever citizens of Zebrica and we will not abandon our kind. We will find that filly’s parents, just as we will find Lia. Assemble my guards! We are going to go get her back!” He had made up his mind. He was going to do this now.

“But sir,” Khaba interjected. “The nobles….”

“Be damned,” Trotankhamun walked out from behind his desk. “I’m on a rescue mission. It’s high time I actually went on an adventure.” He actually felt a little giddy at the thought.

“TROT!” Sev burst into his office. He was glaring daggers at everything. “I have need of your army. I will have it, or so help me….”

“I’m coming with you,” Trot cut him off.

Sev blinked in confusion. “Well…..that was easy.”
__________________________________________________________________________
*Bridleton*

Crusty’s hammer struck the sword at just the right angle, causing sparks to fly. The anvil that the sword was laying on was rather old, dating back to his ancestor, over six hundred years ago. He had come from a long line of black smiths and he was happy to continue the tradition.

“It’s almost done,” Crust held up the blade and examined it for a second. He frowned. “A little lopsided and it’s too thick in the middle.” He sighed. “What I wouldn’t do for some good ol’ steel from home. That stuff was much easier to work with.”

“Zigzagoon?” He heard two voices chip in questioningly.

He looked down to see the two young pokemon under his employ. Crusty was agitated that he couldn’t understand them anymore and honestly wished he had one of those magic pokemon to translate. “It’s fine. Nothing I can’t fix. Why don’t you two go fetch us some snacks?”

“Zig Zag,” they said before running off.

Crusty chuckled. ‘Nice boys.’ They had been a great help these last few days.

Something rummaged through his scrap pile.

He sighed. If only his other employee was as helping. “Loom, you best get your ass out of my things.”

He heard some grumbling, before the Breloom backed up and walked into another room. Crusty caught sight of another armful of scrap in his arms, but he didn’t feel like confronting the pokemon about it now. He had more important things to worry about, like this sword for example.
__________________________________________________________________

‘Why did the Commander leave me under the employ of such a barbarious simple minded dog?’ Loom pondered as he laid the scrap on his working table. ‘I would be much more productive at his side with the full resources he must surely possess. I will never understand his thought process.’

The Breloom began his work in no time. He was the PLA’s sharpest mind and boy oh boy did he love to tinker. This whole world was just so new, so refreshing. It gave him so many ideas and possibilities. ‘I mean, they have magic. Do you they know what one could possibly do with that power? Such possibilities.’

One of his latest findings was the unique quality of the stones here. He picked up what appeared to be a saphire. ‘Such beauty. Such perfection. Such power. To think, the locals treat these as common jewels. They even wear them. Oh, if only they knew….Maybe it’s best they didn’t.’ He slyly smiled. ‘It will give us the edge. The opponent with the best technology is always the victor.’

One of his discoveries was how the crystals here could absorb and hold energy. They were also perfect conductors. That combined with his genius had led him to a breakthrough.

Loom fidgeted with a small, square device. It looked like a cube of white plastic, except for a small, round, crystal in one of the sides. He opened a compartment on the side and checked the inner workings. ‘Everything seems fine.’ He sighed. ‘Primitive but fine. What I wouldn’t give for some electronics right now.’ Oh yeah, he could eventually build some, but that would take time. He had to make do with what he had. So, he simply had to install some rather primitive versions of motion trackers into the device at hand. Closing it, he put it on the table. Loom walked over to a small ornate pendant. It had a green gem in the center of a flowery yellow metal form. He had procured it from a wandering pony.

She had said it held magical qualities, such as giving oneself an energy boost. It was said to be used by athletes and farmers to keep working when they tired out. It was perfect in Loom’s eyes.

He took it in his claws and pointed it at the little cube. With a single thought and firm press of his claws, the gem shot a beam of energy into it. Automatically, the little cube burst into life and fire a beam of energy that fried a hole several centimeters into the wall.

Loom put down the pendant and walked over to the damage. He stuck a claw into it. “Not strong enough. Ag could easily block this.” He doubted that he would have to turn his inventions on other pokemon, but it was better safe than sorry. “Maybe I need to put a sort of stun mode on it, just in case.”

The little lasers could easily be hardwired into walls and hulls of ships. They’d make for great deterrents, but nothing major as of yet.

As he walked back to the table, he passed by the blueprints of one of his other creations. It was a much simpler beast and something he no doubt could pull off with ease. However, his time had been more focused on the cube to actually finish it. Now, he had a working laser. He could focus his efforts elsewhere. He already had some working parts strewn on the table and the materials for most of the rest.

What he had in mind would revolutionize warfare on this world. Spears and swords were about to become absolute. Honestly, he couldn’t help but laugh at the primitives. Well, he could laugh as long as they weren’t pointing those spears and swords at him.

“What the Tartarus is going on in here?” Crusty, the old buffoon, blundered into the room in rage.

“The future, my doggy comrade.” Loom chuckled ominously. He kept his gaze on the blueprints. “The future.”

On the table was the blueprints for an AK-47.

Author's Note

And that's the end of day 4. Now on to day 5 and the battles ahead.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment.

YOU'VE DONE WHAT?!! (Day 5)

Rio sighed in both anger and resignation. He felt useless now. He never felt useless. He was a general of the PLA. He was a key leading figure in their organization and he couldn’t find his commander’s little sister. He hated this. His soldiers and family had scoured every single inch of Cairo and none of them had turned up anything. Not a shred of proof of where Lia could have gone or what happened. They didn’t even have an inkling about who could have done it. Not even with the local zebra army were they able to find a lick of intel on the little Kirlia.

‘She didn’t deserve this,’ Rio remember Lia’s smile. It was so cute and innocent. She always looked out for others and wanted to help. She was practically family to the old, stubborn Lucario. ‘Family look out fer one another. Why couldn’t ah look out fer her? Why did she get snatched from out under my own muzzle? This just isn’t right!’ He punched a hole straight through the wall in his anger.

“Pa?” His youngest son, Lu, spoke up. “We’re gonna find her, right?”

“Ya darn tootin’ we will,” Rio said with much determination. He was going to pound someone’s head in for this.

The two of them continued on through the palace’s wall. Commander Sev’s room was a ways inward. Sev wanted to make sure that their headquarters was far enough inside that they could adequately defend it. Made sense, given what this country was doing. Rio wanted to make sure his friend was alright. Yeah, Sev and him could be a little antagonistic, but they were friends through and through. Friends fought every now and again.

Finally reaching the door, he noticed something. Well, several something’s. First and foremost was the fact that he could hear several voices inside yelling and/or screaming in fear. The second was, while ornate, the doors looked like someone had slashed them up.

Rio sighed. ‘It’s gonna be one of those days.’

Suddenly, the doors burst open and out went a rather frightened zebra.

“GET OUT!” Commander Sev’s voice roared, causing the zebra to rocket down the hallway. “GET OUT! WORTHLESS SCUM!”

“Sev,” Joy motherly scolded. “Throwing our aids out the door isn’t going to help us find Lia.”

“IT MAKES ME FEEL BETTER!” Sev retorted.

Rio groaned as he walked inside. He was ready for the lashing he was going to get over….something. His commander always liked to put blame onto others when he was angry. Helped him get off some stress. Looking at him now, he needed it.

His eyes were weary and had bags underneath them. He seemed haggard, flustered, and looked like he was ready to drop. Still, he was the epitome example of anger. “WHAT?!!!”

“Ah just wanted to come over and check up on ya,” Rio raised up a paw to try and ease his mind. “Ya know, to make sure yer alright.”

“Alright?” Sev looked at him like he just grew a second head. “You come into my room and ask me if I’m alright? I have lost my sister and you think that I could possibly be alright?” He flexed his body, preparing to strike. “Choose your next words carefully.”

Rio started to sweat. Even though he loved fighting and could take on anything up to even the strongest of pokemon, Commander Sev was still greater than even him. There was a reason no one picked a fight with the Seviper.

Thankfully, someone stepped in and saved him.

“SEV LOUISE JOY!” Joy stomped her foot in anger. “Stop this childish behavior. I raised you better than then this. Rio is your friend and you don’t attack friends. Now say your sorry.”

“But….” Sev wilted under her glare. She was the only who could ever get him to do anything he didn’t want to do.

“No buts,” Joy waggled her finger of righteousness. “You are going to go and apologize to everyone you yelled at, after you get some sleep.”

“I will fall into the land of slumber when my sister is back within our grasp,” Sev hissed back. “I want my sister! I want her more than anything! I want her more than all of you combined.”

“Don’t you raise your tone with me,” Joy warned. “You’re no good to anyone in your state. Just look at yourself in the mirror. You look like you’re going to pass out any minute. You’re not the only who misses her. She’s my baby! I held her in my arms when she cried, I fed her, I RAISED HER AS MY OWN JUST LIKE YOU! So, don’t give me lip.” Tears were running down her face.

Sev looked aghast. “I…mother, I didn’t mean to say…”

“No,” Joy sniffed, still glaring at her towering son. “You meant it. You always mean everything you say, even when you don’t think it through….You got that from him.” She muttered the last part more to herself.

Sev hissed in anger. “I am not him…Mother, I am not him. I will never be him….” He hung his head. “I’m just stupid…I’m just a stupid, worried fool.”
Joy hugged him. “No, you’re not…stupid that is.” She chuckled weakly. There wasn’t any mirth to it. “I shouldn’t have said that…We’re both just so stressed. We need to take a break.”

“I want Lia,” Sev whined like a little child as tears fell upon his mother’s shoulder. “I’m supposed to take care of her. I promised you. I promised her. I broke that promise. I’m a terrible brother.”

“You broke nothing,” Joy pulled back and looked him in the eyes. “You’re a great big brother. This is those vile kidnapper’s fault, not yours. Don’t beat yourself up over this, okay. Promise me.”

“I promise, mother.” Sev nuzzled her. “I promise.”

Rio felt rather awkward now. He was intruding on a personal moment and they seemed to have forgotten about him. It wasn’t the first time he’d done so. He was in an army with some rather troubled pokemon. That and he was a brawler. He had been thrown into so many houses that he’d lost track. “Errr….should ah just go?”

“No,” Sev sniffed and the mother/son duo broke their embrace. “What is our status?”

Rio sighed. “No luck in Cairo. We’ve searched a few neighborin’ town, but nothin’ yet. Ag is spear headin’ some troops to search the ones farther away. Should be done sometime today. Tomorrow if some of the local varmints get in the way.”

“If they do,” Sev scoffed. “Show them the might of pokemon. The PLA never back down when one of their own is in jeapordy.”

“Ya darn tootin’ we don’t,” Rio smirked. “Don’t ya worry a scale on yer head. We’ll find Lia faster than an ornery Tauros can smash down a china store.” He had seen it happen once. Someone had found some prepared Tauros meat in a shop….one of their soldiers was a Tauros….Yeah, not the best combination. It made Rio sick that humans would eat pokemon. ‘Yet eatin’ humans is wrong. Hypocrites.’

“I agree with that statement,” Gard strode into the room. “Though, perhaps I would word it a bit more eloquently, but beggars can’t be choosers.”
Rio snorted in anger. Him and Gard never saw eye to eye. The Gardevoir preferred standing back and using his psychic powers to deal with foes. ‘That aint a way to fight.’

“Gard,” Sev looked relieved. “Finally, you’re hear. Tell me you have the good news that I, the chosen warrior of Arceus, deserve to hear.”

“Well Commander….” Gard started.

“Tell me.” Sev cut him off.

“Well, I….”

“Tell me!”

“I found….”

“TELL ME!”

“I’M TELLING YOU!” Gard shouted back.

“Why are you shouting?” Sev blinked in confusion. “Are you deaf? You have to tell me these things Gard. I’m not psychic.”

Gard pinched the bridge of his nose and mumbled a few curses under his breath. “I’m trying to say…” he lifted his hand away from his face.

“Tell me.”

Gard was silent for a moment, simply looking at Sev in both disbelief and anger. “Oh you’ll find out,” he growled. “I’m about to show you.” With an outstretched hand and glowing eyes, the psychic type constructed a map of Zebrica. There were several highlighted areas. There were three colors: Red, Gray, Green.

“We have mapped out the country scape,” Gard explained, gesturing to his construct. His eyes had returned to normal as he just needed a single thought to keep it up. “The green areas represent places that we know for a fact to be clean or have already searched.” There weren’t a lot of green spots and most of them centered around Cairo. “Unfortunately, given how primitive the local transportation is and how scattered our own forces are, we haven’t been able to gain much so far. The Gray represents places we haven’t searched, but have doubts that they hold Lia hostage.” Most of the map held gray dots. “The Red are areas where we suspect Lia to be held, or to be locations for her kidnappers. They most likely have several bases around the country in order to organize an attempt on both the life of the king and Lia’s capture.” There were a few areas, mostly large towns, with a couple outer cities as well. Not to mention the large jungle. “Ag is already spear heading a search of the small town of Abnub.” He pointed to a small red dot on the bank of what the locals called ‘The Nile’. “Given reports and eye witness accounts provided by our gracious host of a king, we have gleamed that it is in fact a festering hive of scum and villainy. It would seem like the best hold out for our kidnappers.”

“Then purge it,” Sev snarled. “Clean away the scum and plunge the villainy down the drain that we just cleaned.”

“….What?” Rio asked.

“He wants to flush down crime,” Gard groaned, rubbing his forehead slightly. He cancelled the projection.

“YES! They will fear the mighty toilet of righteousness! We shall become the all-powerful plumbers of Arceus.” Sev shouted. “We shall have to get some crummy, high colored clothes. Perhaps a moustache…And you Gard will wear the dress of princesshood.”

“I…” Gard looked lost. “That….” He clenched his fists. Dark psychic energies swirled around his hands and his overbearing fearful aura magnified. He then walked out the door.

“You know I merely jest Gard,” Sev called after him. “Friends do that….Gard?”

A sickening ‘crack’ filled the air and something hard slammed against the outside wall. Everyone was silent for a moment.

Rio knew something bad just happened. Gard was a mon you didn’t piss off. ‘Course, ah could still take him.’ Still, Rio made it a habit not to tick him off.

“Sweetie,” Joy spoke up. “What have I said about making fun of Gard’s feminine figure?” She crossed her arms and stared at him sternly.

Sev flinched under the gaze. “Not to.”

Gard came back in, obviously relaxed. “I’m sorry. I just had to step out for a moment to…talk with our king’s would be assassins.”

“Gard…” Sev warned. “Do you know what…”

“The king will do if he finds bodies lying around?” Gard finished, holding up a hand to stop the Commander. “My old friend, I have that taken care of. His body was sent far away from here.”

“Why was he…”

“Out in the hallway?”

Sev hissed in anger. “Don’t finish…”

“Sentences,” Gard smirked.

Rio chuckled. Gard and Sev always liked to poke fun at each other. Well, all of the generals did, him included. Friendship was rather strange like that.

“Now before you go cursing us psychic types, I should have you know that we have more pressing matters to attend to.” Gard said. “As you know, there are a select number of zebras who are not pleased with our arrival.”

“Morons of the highest degree,” Sev said. “Can they not see my importance?”

“Of course they can,” Gard said civilly. “But they I have managed to gleam a little information from one of them. I could just read his mind, but…” He grinned. “I wanted to give you the honor.” He snapped his fingers and in popped a rather disgruntled zebra.

Sev towered over the zebra, but he never lost his glare. “What do you want? Are you going to kill me too?” The zebra snarled.

“No,” Sev hissed. “I am no….

Suddenly, Joy had him by the collar. She shook him about. “WHERE’S MY BABY?!!!”

“Gone,” the zebra said as the shaking stopped. “Gone and you’ll never find her.” He chuckled. “She’s just the first. Soon, we’ll rid our nation of you parasites. Zebrica for zebras!”

“WHERE IS SHE?!!” Joy’s tone was both of anger and desperation. Her eyes watered, preparing to unleash a torrent of worried tears. “I WANT MY BABY GIRL!”

“You can’t have her,” the zebra answered. “By now, she’s too far gone for you to even touch her.”

“He doesn’t know where she is,” Gard answered. “Although, he does know what became of her.”

“What?” Sev looked to him in desperation.

“Slavery,” Gard said through clenched teeth. “He sold her into slavery.”

Sev shook in rage. “I…I…I…”

Before he could say another word, Rio smacked him hard enough in the back of the head to knock him out. Sev was too tired and too far gone in his rage right now to be of any help. He needed his rest. ‘So do ah.’

“No….” Joy said in a horror. “My baby….A slave?”

The zebra laughed. “Oh the things they’ll do to her.”

“You….You….YOU SAVAGE!” Joy screamed in his face. “She’s innocent. She hasn’t done anything to anyone and you did this to her? What right do you have to force her into that? What right!”

“I did it for the rights of all zebras,” the zebra spat in her face. “Death to the invaders. Long live Zebrica.”

“WHERE IS SHE?!!” Joy screamed, tears fell down her face. “GIVE HER TO ME!!!”

“He does not know,” Gard sighed. “His mind….”

“The Hyena Dogs,” the zebra answered, surprising the Gardevoir. “They always need more slaves, the putrid creatures.”

Gard frowned. “Impossible. I should have sensed it in your….” His eyes widened. “……You’re not a dark type.” He smacked his forehead. “Argh, I forgot this world plays differently.”

“What are ya talkin’ about?” Rio asked.

“They’re using some Dark energy to cloud certain memories,” Gard stroked his chin. “Clever. Really clever. I didn’t know this world had anything that advanced.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Joy snarled. “We’re going to find Lia. That’s that.”

“I don’t think you understand,” the zebra said. “There’s nothing you can do.”

“You’re wrong,” Joy stated. “I’m her mother. I will do everything to get her back.”
____________________________________________________________________
*somewhere else in Zebrica*

Lia held her legs close to her chest. Her face was puffy and red from all the crying she had done. She normally didn’t cry. She was a big girl. Her big brother never cried and she was just as tough as him. Yet, sitting here in this small cage, she cried. She was so scared. The zebras had been so mean to her. They glared at her. They threw her around.
She rubbed her shoulders where dark bruises lay on her skin. She could have taken them, but they had placed a collar on her neck that somehow prevented her powers from taking effect. It was an ugly, grey thing. Something she had seen on some of the soldiers they had liberated from Team Rocket. ‘is there a Team Rocket in this world? Are they going to experiment on me?’

Dark images flashed in her mind and she whimpered. Lia rarely had been in immediate danger. She could count on one hand how many fights she had ever been in and she had always had her big brother to save her. Sometimes, it was her mommy and other times it was some of the soldiers they brought with them. She was always in good company.

Not now. These zebras had taken her away from her home. Lia was all alone and she hated it.

“I would put a smile on your face if I were you,” a stallion walked up to her cage. He had called himself ‘Caballeron’. “Happy merchandise sells faster and better.”

“You’re evil,” Lia glared at him.

“I’m a business stallion,” Caballeron shrugged. “We’re all evil in one way or another. I will not hide that fact. Now be a good girl and please behave. Your new owners will see you in the morning.”

“I don’t want owners,” Lia whimpered. “I want my mommy.”

“She can’t have you,” Caballeron frowned. “You’re mine now…For only a short time however. I hear you are a psychic. You’ll fetch quite a gem from the Hyena Dogs.”

Lia’s whimpering increased. She had heard a lot about the Hyena Dogs and none of it was good.

Caballeron sighed. “Please stop crying.”

Lia didn’t listen. “Fuck you.” It was a bad word and she felt bad about saying it, but she had heard the grown-ups say it when they hated someone.

Caballeron sighed again. “Very well.” He pulled out a little, elaborate piece of gray metal, with a bright green gem in the middle. He pressed the button and then all of Lia’s world was pain. Electricity arced through every single nerve fiber and her screams filled the area. “I don’t find pleasure in this.” He stopped the machine. “I just want my customers to be happy. They don’t want a broken toy, so I suggest you learn some manners. Are we clear?”
Lia just tried to grasp for air, stilling the pain.

“Good,” Caballeron smiled. “We’ll meet the clients tomorrow morning. Have a good night’s sleep.” He trotted away.

‘I want to go home…..’ Lia silently prayed as she fell unconscious.

Author's Note

I feel terrible for doing that.

I hope you all were able to enjoy this chapter and please leave a comment.

Let's find the roots of heresy (Day 5)

If there was one thing that annoyed Crowland like no other, it was a rain forest. The constant rain made tracking harder than ever. It washed away everything he needed to keep up with his game and made his life unpleasant. He was a being of the open grasslands, not confined forests. Still, it was only a small nuisance. He got over the inconvenience long ago. Now, he could tack well enough in the forests.

He was a hunter after all. Every environment had something good and bad about it. From the fierce tundra, to the busy streets of a city. The world was his hunting ground and he had killed and collected from every single corner of it. He had every sort of killer in his collection, whether they be sapient or not. Of course, with all these new creatures, he was sorely lacking.

He sighed as his camo coat held back the rain and kept his position in the trees out of focus of others. Little Lady had a smaller version of it on herself. He wasn’t going to just let his newest companion get soaked for nothing. Not the least was it just to spy on his newest prey. They were certainly bigger than most creatures, with only dragons and adult Star Ursas beating it in size. Even then, he was sure the gigantic furred lizard would give them a hard earned fight. That and the mated duo would be formidable. Dragons and Ursas never hunted together. That would be his biggest problem in his hunt. He needed to separate them. Not for long, just to take one of them down. Then, he could just kill the other whenever he pleased and take his trophy. With his newer, larger, high powered crossbow, not to mention the ‘ammunition’ he was using, he was confident he could take them.

His targets were on the move. Slowly though as if looking for something. He was sure it was a place to rest, most likely a large cave or something of the kind. The rain wouldn’t bother them, but their young might get a little chilly. Crowland wasn’t entirely sure, since they were a new species and all.
Still, he wasn’t here to hunt, more to observe. He needed time to prepare for the kill and…his mind was on other things.

“Row.”

Crowland sighed. “Yes, I know.” ‘She’s persistent, I’ll give her that.’ He didn’t like the job any more than Little Lady, but he always got the job done, no matter what. “I’m a terrible bastard. Can’t change that.” He gave a hollow chuckle.

“Spear Row Row.”

“You really think I would let those bastards take her without a contingency plan? Little Lady, don’t doubt me now. Caballeron knows I have more than enough skills to take her back whenever I want,” Crowland frowned. “He knows alright.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
*previously*

Crowland Tempo was usually a calm sort of griffin. It took a lot to make him loose his temper. That helped immensely in his business, what with frustrating prey and sucky jobs. It was best he kept a level head and didn’t do anything rash. However, even he had a breaking point.

Such as like right now.

“Caballeron,” Crowland calmly said. One of his clawed feet lay on the stallion’s chest, pinning him to the ground. Given how much larger he was than a pony, it didn’t take much effort. Even with the stallion squirming in fear underneath him. His crossbow was aimed right at Caballeron’s head. “I am a reasonable griffin. I do my job and I always deliver. You’ve been a shady client, always have been. Yet, I always thought you had standards.” His put a little more weight on his foot. “Clearly, I was wrong.”

“I’m sorry,” Caballeron begged, trying to gasp for air. “Business has been hard for me, so…” He was cut off when Little Lady, who was on the ground beside him, pecked him roughly on the noggin.

“Hard?” Crowland laughed. “Hard? Of course it’s been hard. Your little hideouts in Equestria aren’t that reliable. Maybe setting up a black market inside a country ruled by a peaceful immortal wasn’t such a good idea. I’m surprised Celestia already doesn’t have your head, but I know how much of a slippery bug you are. Always crawling through the cracks.”

“You have to understand.”

“I understand alright. You’re scared. You’re scared these pokemon are going to ruin whatever measly little business you still have. This isn’t like you Caballeron. This isn’t how you do things.”

“I have a business to run,” Caballeron wheezed. “My clients aren’t satisfied with their merchandise. They put up too much of a fight.”

“So you’re trying to stamp the fight out of her,” Crowland stole a glance to the unconscious Kirlia. His stomach churned and his temper flared. “What I want to know is why her? I gave you to her in perfect condition, carried her like a fragile doll. You should have known what I would do if I found out about this.”

“She’s just an alien,” Caballeron tried to reason. “She isn’t….”

“One of us,” Crowland put more pressure on Caballeron’s chest. “I expected to find her well off, but this…Beaten and shocked into unconsciousness? Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you and everyone in this building right now and don’t say that I can’t. You know me.”

“Because of our contract,” Caballeron smirked. “You’re still under my employment, meaning you can’t do a damn thing. Yes…I know you well enough, Tempo. You never back out of a deal, no matter what it is. You never leave anything unfinished and until she’s sold, our contract still holds up.”

Crowland’s foot came close to crushing the stallion’s chest inward. His finger twitched on the trigger. Yet, he pulled back. ‘Damn him. Damn him to Tartarus.’ “You’re right. I can’t stop you…now. Of course, you very well know you crossed a line here. A very fine line. Don’t think about looking for me when this is all over or I’ll seriously consider putting a bolt through your skull.”

Caballeron fought for air as he stood up. “Duly noted.”

Crowland sneered and turned towards the exit. “Little Lady.”

The next thing Caballeron knew, the little bird streamed towards him in a white, glowing trail. Surprisingly, when it impacted his chest, he was sent flying into a bunch of small, empty cages. He groaned in pain as he laid there.
___________________________________________________________________________
*present*

‘He better well remember that.’ Crowland thought. He wasn’t a fool. He had a means of knowing the little doll’s location. His tranquilizer had also served the purpose of a tracking device. More specifically, a magical substance that now lay dormant in the girl’s bloodstream. It was a simple concoction. Well, for him at least. All he had to do to find the girl was use his ‘compass’.

His stomach quietly rumbled. He laid his crossbow down gently on the branch and out a piece of boar meat. Naturally, he offered Little Lady a piece before himself. She took it happily. Without a second thought, he brought it up to his own beak. That’s when he heard it. As quick a snake’s strike, he caught the tongue in his other hand. Of course, that was his only movement. The rest of his body had remained perfectly still.

“Fella, you’ve got to work on your stealth. I knew you were there five minutes ago.” He pulled the tongue down, bringing the invisible creature before him. The creature revealed itself. It was a rather large green and yellow chameleon. Though, it looked like no chameleon he had ever seen before. “Give me one good reason why I should throw you to the canopy floor.”

“Kec?” It , he, shrugged. The creature’s tone was shaking from both fear and the cold.

Crowland sighed. “Damn my bleeding heart,” he whispered to himself. “Let’s get you out of this rain.” Little Lady sneezed. “And you too.” He cast a glance to his prey as they disappeared into the deep forest. It would take him a while to track them down again, since this forest was so vast and thick that even a creature their size could hide well enough. It wouldn’t be too hard, given his tracking capabilities. Besides, he had others to worry about now. He put his rifle onto his back as well as the strange chameleon and took off with a mighty flap of his wings.
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“WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE CAN’T MARCH INTO THE CITY?!!” Ag roared. She and a few others were inside a large tent that stood on the outskirts of the city Abnub.

The zebra before her was a rather plump zebra mare. She was the mayor of Abnub and getting along in her years with all her wrinkles and dull coat. She shivered underneath the gaze of the large pokemon. “I simply cannot allow a large, foreign army into my city.”

“We have permission from the king,” Ag growled. It had been like this for an hour. The mayor just wouldn’t budge. “I said that hours ago. I even showed you all the king’s troops we brought along. What more do you need?”

“The fair zebras of Abnub…” the mayor started, before the zebra guards with Ag snickered. She glowered at them. “Will not stand to have such creatures intrude upon their lively hoods.”

“Look,” Ag rubbed her forehead. ‘Racist asshole.’ “I’m not saying I’ll bring the entire Pokemon Liberation Army onto your doorstep. Hell, I only have eighty pokemon soldiers with me currently. That’s barely enough right there to cover the city. The rest are zebras. Do you hear me? Zebras! Zebras plucked from his majesty’s own royal guard.”

“I did hear you,” the mayor snorted. “And again I refuse. The king is rash. I trust his soldiers as much I would trust a Hyena Dog.” She yelped when said soldiers brandished their weapons. Her own guards pulled out their own weapons.

“We seem to be at an impasse,” Ag knew quite well they could take them. She could do it all on her own, in fact. Of course, that would get her nowhere fast. It’d just make her job harder in the long run, because of the public backlash such an act would cause. “How about this? I will send one, I repeat, one of my soldiers into the city. If they find any evidence that Lia was there or someone connected to her kidnapping, then I will send more. Is that fair?”

The mayor chewed her lip. “Well…if you can officially find the ones responsible, I don’t see any reason to say no…But you must do so under my watch. Meaning, I must be informed of everything at all times. My guards will accompany your soldiers at every turn.”

Ag nodded. It was no big deal to her, really. She was used to having someone watch over her, given how paranoid Sev was. That and she had seen the mayor’s guards. They were skittish, untrained. They were just local militia pulled from the streets. If a fight broke out, her combined forces could wipe them out in no time at all. “Sounds fair.”

“So,” the mayor spoke up. “Who do you have in mind?”

Ag smirked. “A mon who is an army unto himself. CHAR!”

“As I have been called to the holy work,” General Char versed as he walked inside. He walked in with a calm demeanor. His arms crossed behind his back. His eyes were the opposite. They were always on edge. Always looking for treachery and evil. Char was at the ready every moment in the day. His suit was as clean as ever and the two swords that now hung on his hips stood at the ready. They were taken from the local armories and Char loved them. They were enhanced magically to be fireproof, even to carry it. “So I will call others to me. The words of the lord are ever present upon my lips as are his actions upon my limbs. Speak now and his righteousness will be passed.”

“I have a job for you,” Ag said. “How would you feel about a solo mission?”

“Are you sure?” The mayor eyed Char with contempt. “He is rather scrawny. Some of the local troublemakers have twice his muscle.”

“Muscle does not matter when it comes to serving our glorious Lord Arceus,” Char sneered. “A single mon with faith can triumph over legions of the faithless.”

“Well said,” Ag nodded. She knew she had the right mon for the job. However, she also knew that the city would get a new red coating soon. Char was rather…overzealous when it came to blazing away the ‘corrupt heathens’. She just hoped he wouldn’t go overboard today.
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Being a pony in the black market wasn’t easy. It never had been with Celestia cracking down so hard on them. They rarely had any relief. The sun goddess had eyes and ears in a lot of places. Thankfully, not all. Zebrica was a big ‘blank zone’ for her and that’s where the black market thrived. There was so much open and uninhabited terrain or corrupt officials that it was almost too easy to go about business.

However, with the emergence of the new king, business had been getting a bit slim. He was cracking down on them as hard as Celestia. That made him quite unpopular to the lords of the ‘underground’. Not a good place to be.

One such ‘lord’ was a mottled brown and grayish-green unicorn mare known as Too Much. She wore a body covering black outfit with a money insignia where her cutie mark would be. Currently she paced along a metal causeway outside her the main office. It gave her a perfect view of the storage room and all her workers going about and moving precious valuables: stolen jewels, furniture, poached animals, you name it. She had the mother load, but that didn’t assuage the anger and fear she felt.

“Damn that Caballeron,” she growled. “Where the hell are you?”

“Right here,” Caballeron trotted up the stairs. He was slightly wheezing as he walked and was covered in bruises. “I’m sorry, Too Much. I just ran into…an old friend.”

“I don’t care who you ran into or ran over you,” Too Much snorted. “I just want to know if you brought my goods.”

“I have them,” Caballeron said. “There is no need to worry about that. Some of my best stuff now lays at the docks in Bridleton. Not to mention that we have procured some of the more…interesting new wildlife.”

“How interesting?”

“As interesting as a small fortune.”

Too Much could literally see bits floating around the stallion. “My, my, my, you certainly have a way with words. How soon can I get them?”

“By tomorrow,” Caballeron said. “Our clients are on the edge. They need their new toys sooner rather than later.”

“So we’ll amp the price,” Too Much smirked. “I like the way you think. A good thing too. Some of our more vocal merch have been degrading in quality. It turns out some creatures can’t get it through their skulls when to shut up. I can’t just cut out their tongues. Who wants a slave with no tongue? They can’t understand that.”

“I never was one for slave trading,” Caballeron clutched his bruised chest. “And now I see why. Still, bits are bits and these are desperate times.”

“Yeah,” Too Much looked around, hesitant to find the griffin she was looking for. “Say, where’s that Thirst?”

“She’s….studying,” Caballeron winced. “She might be looking for some new specimens shortly.”

“Oh….” Too Much wasn’t going to push that. “As long as she pays well, I don’t care what she does with them or what bloody spell she uses. She could kill that Arceus fella for all I care. Might be doing us all a favor.”

Suddenly, something smashed through the windows. Turning to look at the source, the two ponies’ jaws dropped. There, standing on a pile of large crates, was a well dress orange, earth dragon carrying swords. Fire lit the end of his tail.

“I heard there was heresy and got here as fast as I could.”

Author's Note

General Inquisitor Char is ready to rumble!

I hope you all liked this chapter and please leave a comment.

Crush the Heretics (Day 5)

Too Much had seen a lot in her life. It happens when you pursue a career in the black market. Things get pretty strange from time to time. However, a sword wielding, fancily dress earth dragon barging through her window sprouting something about heresy took the freaking cake. “Who the hell are you?” She shouted in rage. Yes, she was surprised, but she wasn’t going to let it show to her underlings. Too Much had a reputation to uphold.

“I am Char,” the earth dragon proclaimed. “Lord Inquisitor General of the Pokemon Liberation Army. Student of our glorious savior, Sev.” He smirked and held his swords together in a vicious battle stance. “I am the fist of Arceus here and I decide who dies!”

Too Much snorted. “Decides who dies? You sound like a crazed fanatic,” she shook her head. “If you want to sign your own death sentence, then fine by me. My boys and girls are more than enough to skin your sorry hide. I may even sell it to the griffins. Oh how much they prize dragon hides, off the record of course.” Which was true. Griffins loved dragon hide. It was perfect for their armor and made for comfortable everyday wear. Of course, it was illegal in that country. ‘Didn’t stop me.’

“The words of heathens scares not the faithful,” the dragon quoted. “For they stand firm against the evils of the earth. Thrust upon me your sins and I shall cleanse them in holy fire.”

‘Oh he definitely is a religious nutjob.’

“Too Much,” Caballeron spoke, his voice wavering in fear. “Perhaps we should make a break for it.”

“It’s one scrawny dragon,” Too Much sneered. “My workers can take him. I pay them more than enough to do so. I mean, just look at him. He won’t last five seconds.”

“These creatures are more than they appear,” Caballeron said.

Too Much rolled her eyes and poke him harshly in the chest. “Just shut up, coward. My workers will deal with him and then you’ll pay up like you promised.” She hated the stallion and honestly thought about using his body to distract the dragon. Of course, she still needed him. He had deep pockets. They were deep enough that his death could stir up all sorts of trouble in the underground. ‘I am not dealing with that.’

“The heathens squabble amongst themselves,” the dragon started up again. He was sneering at her! “They know not compassion and comradery for their hearts are sick. Weep and be still as Arceus’s judgment is laid upon your beings.”

Too Much grit her teeth. “I’m going to let that slide, dragon. I’m not a cruel mare. I have mercy within this soul. Leave now and I’ll show you some. Stay and…” She smirked. “Well, die.”

“My death has already been sealed,” the dragon answered. “The lord will decide the moment, not I, nor you. To think yourself master over fate is folly and heresy. My blades will taste the blood of heretics this day, lest you tell me what I want to know.”

“And what’s that?” Too Much narrowed her eyes.

“Where is my master’s sister? Where is Lia?”

“I have no idea who this Lia is,” Too Much scoffed. “And I don’t care. You barge in here looking for the wrong filly, threaten me, and you expect me to just let this go? Hay no.” She held up a hoof and several ponies, griffins, and a minotaur or two, turned their gaze to her. “Last warning, lizard.”

“A lie or a truth the words of a heathen may be,” the dragon took a couple steps closer, swords at the ready. “The faithful will know the difference, for our lord sees all. He whispers in our ears knowledge that aids us in such times. The whispers I hear? Lies.”

Too Much could feel her anger boil over. “That’s it, dragon. You had your chance. Kill him.”

As quickly as she said it, a pegasus stallion flew up from behind with a spear in hoof. As quick as an arrow, he flew straight at the dragon. Too Much expected the slow beat to be dead in no time at all, but he surprised her. The dragon sidestepped the Pegasus and cleaved his head clean off his shoulders.

“Death has come to the sinners,” the dragon chanted. “First blood is spilt. My blade is dirtied with your deeds dealt. Speak mercy and you shall receive none. Speak freedom and the lord will grant it when he sees fit. Amen.”

Too Much grit her teeth. “Stop gawking,” she roared at the other workers, who were stunned at their comrade’s death. “I’m not paying you to gawk. Kill him or I’ll kill you myself.”

That got them into gear. With a mad dash, all the surrounding workers dashed towards the dragon with whatever weapon they had on them. The dragon leaped into the oncoming crowd and landed on a mare’s face, driving her into the ground. With a quick slash of his sword, he severed her spine. No sooner than he had done that, he spun around and stabbed a stallion through the skull. Pulling back, he blocked several blows from all around.

Too Much smirked. ‘He’s surrounded. They have him on the ropes. Oh, he’ll definitely be dead shortly,’ her musings were cut off as the dragon was, even though he had to fight at every angle, able to slice on of his attacker’s throats. Their death gurgles brought a frown to her face. ‘Or perhaps not.’ “Archers.”
______________________________________________________________________________

‘Pathetic,’ Char sneered as he battled these slavers. They lacked any sort of coordination and their weapon skills were sorely lacking. Still, he was right to be wary of the horned variety. They seemed to have more tricks up their sleeves. ‘Most likely their part psychic.’ He was thankful there were only a few of them here. Most of the ponies were of the ‘earth’ variety, with a few zebras here and there. He was a little surprised at that, but he surmised that even zebras produced slimy individuals. ‘Heretics are heretics no matter the species.’

So he fought on, easily blocking their slow, confused blows. Char was confident he could kill them all, but it would take too long. His target would get away.

“Archers.”

And there was that. He had to move quickly. So, without further ado, he performed a perfect and volatile ‘Flame Charge’. His body was enveloped in a large, ball of fire and with a simple twirl, the surrounding foes were either burned or forced to retreat. As well, the attack gave him a short speed boost, which he used to quickly run behind some crates to avoid the incoming arrows. Char could hear the ‘ting’ of arrows smashing into metal as he ran. ‘Perhaps I should have brought a crossbow.’

Ranged weapons none withstanding, he knew he could still make the most of this situation. He was a being of faith. Arceus would not let the faithful perish to such insidious wretches. “The wretched curs fear the fires of truth for it burns like no other. They try to smother it whenever their ungodly eyes gaze upon it and that is where they folly. Come, face the fires cowards.”

“That’s it,” a Pegasus mare wielding a bow and arrow flew up top. “I’m tired of listening to your inane…”

She never got to finish. Char inwardly chided the mare for not taking a shot. Speech was well and good, but not when it prolonged an opponents life. As quick as a Electrike, he breathed fire upon his sword and slashed it upwards. The fire scorched the mare, causing her to drop the bow and arrow. He sheathed his swords as he saw the weapon fall. Grabbing them, he jumped up top and without further ado, fired an arrow into one of the other archers, a unicorn stallion’s, head. Grabbing the rest of them, he deftly dodged an arrow for his chest. He knocked his next shot in seconds and fired into the chest of the attacking Pegasus, before silencing the screaming mare with a slash across the throat. ‘That’s better than what she deserved.’

He jumped backwards, narrowly avoiding another death arrow. Before he fell all the way, another ones of his arrows struck true. The Pegasus was dead before he hit the ground. As Char landed, he was unceremoniously kicked by a large cloven hoof.

“I didn’t think a whelp like you could fight,” a minotaur growled, holding a large hammer. He wasn’t armored at all, just wearing clothes you’d see on a docksman. “I was wrong, but let’s see you fight a true warrior.”

“A warrior of truth fights for the lord’s mission,” Char growled as he stood up. He could just kill the beast with a well-timed arrow, but the heretical cur had called himself a ‘true warrior’. He cast the bow to the side and unsheathed his swords. “A warrior of lies fights for not. Speak not as if you are a warrior of truth, for damnation follows the lie. Fall now. Be cleansed in fire and perhaps the lord will grant you salvation.”

The minotaur snorted. “Big talk coming from a lizard.” Without another word, he charged. Char found the creature’s form sloppy and hated how he kept his hammer so high. ‘I am a smaller opponent. Surely he must know it would be much easier to smash me with a low blow.’ Of course, he was a heretic. They knew nothing but folly’s.

Char’s body became surrounded in a bright, red aura. His ‘Strength’ move gave him just enough power to do what he wanted. He ran at his opponent, swords out wide. When the behemoth raised his hammer over his head and brought it down, Char jumped and double kicked the hammer on the head. The weapon flew out of the minotaur’s hands. The beast’s look of shock was replaced with pain as Char stabbed him right between the legs.

“The heretic breeds not,” he opened his maw as a ‘Flame Burst’ quickly formed and fired it into the minotaur’s chest. The beast flew through the air tumbled through a bunch of empty crates. “And the world rejoices. Amen.”

Char turned at the sound of hooves and saw a large wave of workers rush at him from around the corner. He smirked. “BURN HERETICS!” At that, he performed a perfectly large, ‘Flame Blast’. The fiery sign of ‘Dai’ rushed through their lines, burning the message of Arceus into their very beings.
____________________________________________________________________

Too Much gulped as she watched her workers beings slaughtered. “How…the…goddesses?”

“I think this is where we make our leave,” Caballeron started back.

Too Much absentmindedly nodded her head as more screams pierced the air. “I…” she gulped in fear. “Think you’re right.” ‘What the hay did Caballeron get me into? That’s no ordinary dragon.’

“Face your fate, slavers.” Char jumped onto the platform several feet away on their right. His swords were drenched in blood. His teeth bared and fire played around them. His eyes shone with only one thought: kill. “The fate of those who tarnish the good lord’s name and take his children from his bossom. Face it and despair.”

“How about ‘no’,” Too Much shot back and the two ponies made a dash for it. They twisted and turned in an attempt to lose him. All the while, they heard him continue.

“I tread the path of Righteousness. Though it be paved with broken glass, I will walk it barefoot; though it cross rivers of fire, I will pass over them; though it wanders wide, the light of Arceus guides my step.” The dragon shouted as he ran.

“Come on,” Caballeron wasn’t used to all this running so he was already panting. “Don’t you have any more tricks.”

“Yeah,” Too Much smirked and ran into her ‘war room’. Inside were no less than five heavily armored ponies, three griffins, and a minotaur.

“Seems like it’s Tartarus out there,” the minotaur huffed as she hefted a large battle axe.

“Seems like it,” Too Much smirked. “Say, would you be a dear and kill the dragon after us? I’ll pay you triple if you do.”

“Sounds good to me,” the minotaur smirked and the rest of the group charged forward.

“That’ll keep him off our back,” Too Much smirked. ‘But for how long?’

“Oh how cute,” a sinister voice spoke up with a cackle. “You have your own little army. I wonder how long they’ll last.” Suddenly, a portal of dark energy appeared in the middle of the room and out walked none other than Thrist. “Perhaps two, maybe three minutes.”

Too Much grit her teeth. “Who that hay do you think you are barging in here and demeaning my workers.”

“I didn’t demean anyone,” Thrist chided, clicking her tongue. “They did it themselves. Now Caballeron, I think it’s time for us to leave.”

“What?” Both the ponies said in unison.

“Oh you heard me,” Thrist said. “This place is surrounded and I still have need of you.” She turned to Too Much. “Of you? Sadly no. In other time, perhaps I could take you for a sacrifice, but I have bigger ‘subjects’ to test on. You would be such a bore.”

Too Much didn’t know whether to be thankful she didn’t go, or spite her for leaving her to a certain death. “You….”

“Ah-ah-ah,” Thrist twirled a finger. “Let us not be so aggressive. This is business after all.”

“Of course,” Caballeron smirked and made his way to the portal. “Have fun with your dragon.”

Too Much’s jaw dropped as the portal disappeared. Outside she could hear the sounds of screams. So, the normally confident mare did the only thing she could do. She quickly hid behind some cans, curled up, and whimpered in fear. “I should have become a vet like mother said…stupid, stupid me.”
_________________________________________________________________________

Char could hear the soldier’s before he even got near to the corner. Their loud armor gave them away and he could literally count them in his head. ‘Nine opponents, heavily armed…Such a sad number, but perhaps favorable. Today, only nine more shall face death.’

As he neared the corner, he opened his mouth wide and released ‘Smokescrean’. A thick cloud of smoke travelled through the hallways and he could hear startled yelps and growls as his opponents were enveloped by it. Dashing around the corner, his fist glowed red as fire surrounded it. His swords had been momentarily sheathed again, so he could assess whether he truly need them. He could see perfectly through the smoke, given his keen eyes. His first victim was what they called a griffin. He was heavily armored, so Char combined Brick Break with Fire Punch. His fist smashed right into the enemy’s stomach. The griffin cried out in agony as fire tore its way through his insides. Leaving the creature to die in holy fire, he took out his swords and slashed through a pony’s neck.

Char could hear the others scream about, trying to get coordinated and attack. He smirked. ‘Confusion and fear come to those blind to the ‘truth’.’ He honestly love this about his job: Killing heretics.

Holding up his hand, he fired a ‘Will-O-Wisp’ into the face of a charging pony. The pony screamed in pain as the strange, blue-ish fire seared his unprotected flesh. Before he could make a killing blow, a griffin made its way to him and tried to slash him with his swords. Char and the griffin exchanged blows and he was honestly impressed with the griffin’s moves. He blocked and parried with just expertize.

Of course, he was still a heretic.

One of Char’s strikes caught his opponent’s wrist, slicing off his left hand. The griffin cried in pain, but kept on. It was noble, but foolish. Without his second sword, the griffin was unable to stop Char from stabbing him through the neck. As the griffin gurgled its last, Char looked over to see the smoke starting to clear. In the middle of the hallway stood three ponies and a griffin close together and a minotaur standing a bit aways.

He needed to get rid of the group first, before he could tackle the harder opponent. Concentrating, he lifted a foot and brought it down. He had been trained this move by one of the elders of the PLA. It was a powerful move that was honestly good for these situations: ‘Fire Pledge’.

Char brought his foot down and instantly, columns of fire shot out of the ground. It honestly looked more like lava. The flame pillars rushed around the group and formed a circle. The minotaur made a move to intercept, but she was too far to stop the attack. The pillars merged, searing all four attackers in one large column of fire.

The minotaur roared a battle cry and charged. She wasn’t stupid like the last one and instead moved the axe sideways in a downward angle. Unfortunately for her, he was ready. His tail glowed as he swung it to intercept. The axe met his ‘Iron Tail’ and they were even. The minotaur pulled back and tricked again, but he parried it with his swords. She was skill however and she kept at it.

Again and again she struck. She used her larger size and strength to her advantage and actually had Char stepping back. He wasn’t used to this and he momentarily thought he might be outmatched. ‘The faithful are always victorious. Arceus is will me. He guides my blades. He will find an opening.’ Of course, his thoughts were interrupted when she managed to punch him. The armored blow sent him into a metal wall, which actually dented it. He groaned in pain. That one blow, which had smashed into his side, had fractured a couple ribs and left a nasty bruise…all over. He coughed up a few specks of blood. “The heretic may land the blow, but they cannot finish the kill. The followers of the lord will survive.”

The minotaur snorted. “We’ll see.” She charged.

So, he thought up a plan. He didn’t lift a limb to block her next swing. Instead, he used ‘Protect’. A green shield formed around his body, stopping the axe. The minotaur stepped back in shock and Char made his move. He leaped forward, fist glowing yellow with electricity, and slammed a ‘Thunder Punch’ into the minotaur’s belly. The armor held, but she cried out in pain as she was electrocuted. She made a swing, but he dodged. Unfortunately, she cut through his favorite hat.

Char growled and opened his mouth. Quickly, blue flames burst forth from his maw. The ‘Inferno’ attack struck the minotaur, sending her screaming into a nearby room. He dashed in after her and surprised to see her stand up. The fire had melted parts of her armor and flesh and still blazed on her. She was shaking and trying to put it out, but wasn’t quite done yet with the fight. She yelled in both pain and anger as she rushed at him.

Char stood and sighed. He tapped the ground and suddenly large rocks jutted out and enclosed the minotaur’s body. Walking calmly to his trapped foe, he clucked his tongue in disappointment. “The efforts of skill are to be commended, if not for the putrid of wrongness that lies behind them. Know the fires that cleanse your skin are holy and blessed by the lord’s prayer. Know nothing more of this world, heretic…You’re off to meet your judgment.” He stabbed a sword right through a socket, finishing her off.

He pulled back and looked over his swords. “They are filthy, ruined with the blood of curs. It saddens my heart to see such fine instruments of the lord’s will like this.” He heard someone whimpering. He walked over the place and knocked over a few cans. Right there was the mare he was looking for, whimpering like a coward.

She gasped and teleported to another spot. “Get away from me!” She fired a blast of psychic at him, which he swiftly dodged. She tried time and time again to hit him, teleporting after every spell. She could have had something with that strategy, if she wasn’t scared out of her wits or her eyes clouded with tears. ‘Pathetic.’

Of course, he had forgotten something very important. An armored pony smashed into his side. He grunted in pain. ‘The one I hit with the Will-O-Wisp. I didn’t finish him off.’ He was going to have to pray long and hard for that mistake.

The pony punched his gut hard and fast, knocking the air of him. However, he still had his wits. His hand glowed brightly and he used ‘Power-Up Punch’ to smash the pony off him with a blow to his enemy’s chin. The pony flew through the air and fell to the floor, unconscious.

Char shakingly got to his feet and coughed up a little more blood. “Perhaps caution in the future is in order. These creatures are more sturdy then humans.” He twirled and around and gonked the mare in the back of the head as she teleported behind him. She fell to the ground and blacked out. “But not by much.”

Author's Note

That's the end of day 5 and we're nearing the big fight!

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment. They help me get some chapters out sooner.

We're finally getting somewhere (Day 6)

Sev had never before come to hate a place as much as he did the land of dreams. Sure, he had plenty of good ones. He had conquered the world several times over right here. However, this was also the only place his father still lingered. He was not ready for the pain. He never was. That and the annoying blue legendary who kept pestering him about change. It was tempting, but he was too far gone. ‘Though…I do believe she has helped, even if but a little.’

Right now though, he didn’t want to see her. He didn’t want to see anyone. Maybe not ever again. He was haunted by his failure as a brother. ‘I want her back. I want her back. I WANT HER BACK!’ Commander Sev had been curled up in a ball for what felt like eternity. His face was awash in tears and the dreamscape was filled with his cries of agony. He was a disgrace to the visage of a leader, to everything. ‘I lose everything close to me. My best friend, my love, my soldiers, my sister. Why do I care in the first place when it just leads to pain?’

“So, this is what my son does when faced with hardship?” A harsh, condescending voice resounded around him. “I would say that this was pathetic, but that goes without saying.”

Sev hissed in anger. “Father, I grow tired of your games. I am in no mood to hear your words of contempt.”

“Words of contempt?” His father, Commander Viper, slithered in front of him. He shook his head. “No, my son. I speak only the truth. You let her slip through your coils, that is the truth. Why? Well, that’s obvious. You’re a failure. You can’t keep your head in the game. And now, when you should be planning the annihilation of your enemy, you choose to sulk and cry. When did I raise a crybaby?”

“I AM NOT A CRYBABY!” Sev shouted in retaliation. “I care for my sister. I actually have feelings, unlike you father. You hurt everyone around you. You made them miserable. You killed countless thousands. I will not be called such trivial insults by a monster.”

Viper’s tail quickly curled around Sev’s throat. He was lifted off the ground as his father stared him in the eyes. “A monster? Is that what you think I am? The definition of ‘monster’ is subjective, is it not? Oh yes, it is very subjective. Is the predator a ‘monster’ for simply filling its’ belly or feeding its young with the scraps of its prey? Are those who fight for their beliefs monsters, simply because others refuse them? No, I am an angel. I am the chosen one, my naïve son. It was my duty to protect pokemon and if that meant I had to wipe clean humanities presence, then that was my destiny. You? You don’t have a destiny. You are unworthy of having one.”

“I create my own destiny,” Sev gasped for air. “I am a warrior of truth and justice. I am the angel, whereas you father are the daemon.”

Viper’s grip tightened. “Daemon? Perhaps I am, but I was right. I am always right, for everyone else is wrong. They cannot see the world like me. They cannot feel the way I do. I am a machine. A machine with only one purpose: revenge. If my revenge gets me branded a daemon and cast to the fiery pits of hell, then I welcome it. I would welcome the flames, for they could not hurt me. I will conquer them and become the new lord of the underworld. I will cleanse it of taint and return the world above, for I am not finished. I will never be finished.”

“You’re dead,” Sev croaked out. “You’re as finished as anyone can be.”

Viper laughed. “My stupid boy, you just don’t get it. Never had, never will. Alas, that is the son I raised, to my utmost shame.”

“Oh just shut up and leave already,” Sev rolled his eyes. “I…” He was cut off when Viper’s grip nearly crushed his windpipe.

“Such false bravado,” Viper glared at his son. “Just because this is your dream, that doesn’t mean you have any power of me. I will make this extremely painful for you, lest you heed my words carefully.” Sev was thrown several feet into the air and bounced along the ground for several more. “True bravado isn’t something you can toss around. It is firm, strong. A brave pokemon is only brave when he can stand up for himself. You cannot stand. You skulk, you hide, you are a coward!”

Sev didn’t say anything, other than to whimper and coil into himself in a desperate attempt to protect himself.

“See,” Viper shook his head as he slithered over to his son. “This is what I’m talking about. You cower and cry while the enemy schemes unopposed. You are literally handing them victory on a silver platter.” He slashed his son, leaving a horrid gash in his skin, but Sev did not move. “You are a loser of the highest order. You lose, you lose, and again you lose. You never gain, Sev. You never could gain. This frivolities such as love and compassion. Weakness! It holds you back. Did I not teach you that? Did I not drill that into your thick skull? Yes I did, but you’re too stupid to remember…..Speak to me when I’m talking to you.” Viper pierced Sev’s tail with his fangs, shaking him about like a dog.

Sev cried out in pain as he was thrashed about, before finally falling to the ground in a bloody heap. “I…” Sev coughed up blood. “Am not stupid, nor shall I ever forget anything. I endure and I thrive, despite your failed teachings.” He smirked. “You lost, father.”

“Lost,” Viper eyed him curiously. “I didn’t lose. I was merely set back. I had many tricks up my scales, my pitiful son. Many tricks that you were not privileged to see. I may show them to you one day, but not today. Today there shall be only pa….” He was cut off when a magical, blue bolt shattered his visage.

“Took you long enough,” Sev coughed up blood…only to find himself whole and fine once again.

Luna snorted as she walked over to him. “Is gratitude so hard to muster?”

“Yes.”

Luna rolled her eyes. “Sometimes, I wonder why I even try with you.”

“Because I’m sexy,” Sev smirked, showing off his form.

Luna just stared at him for a moment. “Yeah…no.”

Sev shrugged. “Worth a shot.”

Luna rolled her eyes and set down next to him. “Your dreams are getting worse. That abomination took much more energy than before the kill.” She frowned. “It’s almost as if it were alive somehow.” She shook her head. “That isn’t important. What is important is your missing sister.”

Sev’s eyes widened. “How…You read my memories!”

Luna nodded. “It is a trick of the trade. One can’t justly guide someone through their dreams without knowing why they dream as they do, or what they truly are. Be assured that whatever I find will stay between us.”

Sev snorted. “It better….” He drooped his head. “It better.”

Luna unfurled a wing and put it over him. “The loss of a sister is a hard thing to bear. I should know. I was without my own sister for a thousand years because of my own actions…It was terrible. I only had evil spirits to talk to.”

“Well, my sister wasn’t taken by spirits!” Sev hissed in anger. ‘How dare she compare herself to me now.’ “She was taken by slavers! SLAVERS!” He lashed out his tail in righteous fury. “That is not the same thing, unless the slavers are spirits. That’s impossible! I haven’t even sliced them up! It isn’t fair! WHY MUST THEY BE UNDEAD? WHY?!!”

“Sev,” Luna sighed. “The slavers aren’t undead. They’re very much alive.”

“And how would you know?”

“I’ve seen a few of their dreams,” Luna sighed. “However, it would seem that politics got in the way of justice, since they were within the grounds of another nation, such as Zebrika. I cannot take any actions, save sending you supplies…or giving you some information.”

“Alright, then tell me.” Sev glared at her. “Tell me where she is.”

“I cannot.”

“BUT YOU JUST….” Sev roared in anger. “Stop confusing me. One minute you say one thing, then another. You can’t do this, but you can do that. Just do something, preferably one in my favor.”

“I cannot tell you where she is, Sev.” Luna stroked his spine with her wing in order to calm him. “There is something interfering with the dreamscape of this nation. Something sinister. I am lucky that I still can talk to you.”

“What is this thing that messes with my sister’s return?” Sev inquired. “Where does it lay? How much can it bleed?”

“I do not know. I do however know a few spots it could be…Such as with the Hyena Dogs.”

“Those cretens,” Sev laughed. “This will be over quickly.”

“Dogs are crafty creatures,” Luna snorted. “Far craftier then they have a right to be. How they actually manage to keep a nation together is beyond me, but times have changed….That aside, I am certain your sister lies within their tunnels. Where she is, is beyond my sight. I was only able to peer into the dreams of those on the borders and they knew next to nothing, other than this.”

“Yes, that is extremely helpful.” Sev rolled his eyes. “Please, tell me more ‘useful’ facts.”

“It is not wise to scoff at your master,” Luna clucked her tongue in disappointment. “Especially when your own problems are far too serious. I have told you what I know…and perhaps I have guided your friend Gard’s thoughts on this matter.”

“You have?”
Luna nodded. “It would seem that whatever is blocking my entry into the dreamscape is reminiscent of my own ‘darker’ powers. I was able to contact Gard and help him acquire some information. By now, he’ll have a much better understanding of the enemy. Once you awaken, go to him. He’ll know where she is.”

Before she could say another word, Sev hugged her. Tears fell from his eyes. “Thank you.”

Luna returned the hug. “You don’t need to thank me, but I welcome it all the same…In the future, it would be best to work on you father’s appearances. They concern me greatly.”

Sev pulled back to look her in the eyes. “I will.”
__________________________________________________________________________

“What were you thinking?” Vapora wiped another patch of disinfected cloth over a small cut.

To his credit, Char didn’t flinch from the pain. He did flinch from her words however, which were far more deadly. The Lord General Inquisitor wasn’t wearing his shirt at the moment, so his rather built body was on display to her. Naturally, he was blushing up a storm. Vapora found it adorable, but she was still angry at him.

“Do you honestly think you can keep gallivanting off like that?” She chided. The two of them were currently outside the city in one of the PLA’s army tents. The Vaporeon was wearing a white, nurse’s uniform with the PLA insignia on her shoulder. While wild pokemon were usually naked, the PLA had actually grown accustomed to wearing clothes. It felt more natural than without them.

“It is my duty,” Char answered. “I am to throw myself into the meat grinder when the Lord’s mission is at hand. I am his holy weapon, to be used and discarded when needed.”

“No,” Vapora snarled. She put a little too much pressure on his bruised chest, causing him to grunt in pain. She was used to Char’s behavior, but he had spent the better part of the previous day fighting non-stop. ‘He doesn’t even see me that often.’ “No meat grinders. I’m sick and tired of hearing about that kind of stuff. You’re your own mon, you hear me.”

“I’m a mon of the lord. I am an extension of his will. I have no other purpose than to serve him.”\

“Well, serve yourself for once,” Vapora sighed, a blush creeping up her features. Running her paws over his muscular body was making her rather hot. ‘Don’t try anything…yet.’ “Or…you know, serve me for a bit.”

Char’s face lit up in a heated blush that rivaled her own. “I…” He put a hand over a paw. “I am unworthy of that privilege. You know that.”

Vapora growled. “I know that you think you’re unworthy. That’s the problem. You deserve some happiness.”

“I don’t deserve an angel,” Char growled back, but not at her. “I am his lord’s weapon, Vapora. A weapon is not meant to court an angel. You’re pure, I’m drenched in the blood of hundreds. You were meant for greater mon, not someone like me.”

“You’re not just a weapon,” Vapora nuzzled his cheek softly. “You’re more than that, at least to me.”

Char pulled back. “I am. Please listen to me and get on with your life. My death is assured when the lord wishes. That could be any day now…I do not wish to have to wonder ‘Is this the day he dies?’ Every moment from here on out. I want you to smile, be happy. I’m a butcher, you’re a healer. We’re not meant….”

“Stop,” Vapora poked him harshly in his broken ribs, or once broken. Pokemon were fast healers. That and some of the local herbs and potions worked wonders. Sev had ordered his troops to procure more of it. The king thought it a good idea as well, so some of the shamans were teaching the PLA nurses and doctors how to make it. In exchange, they shared more modern methods of healing. “Just stop talking. I’ve heard enough of your excuses. You’re a good mon and everyone else can see it, except you. So you know what, Char? I’m ending it right now.”

“Ending wha….” Char’s eyes widened as Vapora put her lips to his. After a couple of seconds, he leaned into it.

She pulled back as they both gasped for air. “You’re taking me out after this whole thing is over and we’re just going to see how ‘pure’ I really am.”

“Yes, ma’am.”
__________________________________________________________________________________

King Trot was in a bad mood. Oh yes, getting his army mobilized with angry nobles neighing into his ears was bad enough. Okay, that was the worst part, but finding out that a certain member of the pokemon was actually killing prisoners. ‘What the hay is his problem?’

So, the young king stomped through the halls of his own castle and into the dungeons. Gard had insisted that he ‘interrogate’ the slavers down there. Trot had an inkling as to why. ‘No one would hear their screams.’

Finally entering the main dungeons and inside a large chamber, the king saw Gard. The Gardevoir was holding a hand to the slaver boss, tapping a finger in impatience. She was tired up to a chair. The same for ten others, all of whom were unconscious. “You’re late.”

Trotankhamun had to fight the fear and wrongness that Gard always emitted. Every instinct he possessed told him to ‘run, for Celestia’s sake, run’, but he didn’t pay that any mind. “How did…”

“I know you were coming?” Gard huffed. “Do you already doubt my powers? I sensed your thoughts as well as subordinates from all the way down here. Child’s play. Of course, that isn’t why you came. No, you want to know what I’ve gathered.”

“Among other things,” Trot glared at the pokemon.

“Yes,” Gard pulled his hand away from the mare’s head. “To answer your question, I do know where Lia is. You can thank Princess Luna for aiding me. Dark magic is…tricky to bypass.”

“That’s good to hear,” Trot was thankful to hear that Lia was found at last. She seemed like a good girl and Sev was being hard to handle in his current state. “But I wanted to talk about our prisoners….Where are the others? We had seventeen.”

“It’s eleven now,” Gard answered like it really didn’t matter.

“What happened?” Trot gritted his teeth, preparing to draw his sword if Gard tried something.

“I grew agitated,” Gard sighed and paced around the prisoners. His gaze never left them. “Again, dark magic is tricky to navigate. It actually negates psychic moves. It’s like dealing with a dark type, but times that by ten. That with the pressure that Sev was pouring down on me, coupled with my own frustration the loss of my student…I had to release some it constructively. I assure you, it was quick and painless. Just a twist of the neck, body, and such. No pain. No screams.” He rubbed his forehead. “By Arceus, I hate screaming. It all sounds the same after the first hundred. I am very thankful I learned how to shut off the ability to speak.”

“You killed them? Just to relieve some stress?” Trot gaped at the general. “What were you thinking? There has got to be…”

“Some other way?” Gard shook his head. “No, killing is the only way that I can release my anger. It soothes me. It keeps the pain away…The agony. The memories.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m a monster, King Trotankhamun.” Gard stopped pacing and slowly turned to the young king. His arms folded behind his back. “I’m a monster of the highest caliber. I do not know why Arceus brought me here and…I do not deserve it. I am not worthy. I deserve death. The world would be better off for it, but I am a coward in that regard.” He chuckled sadly. “I wish for it sometimes. It’s tempting, but then I feel Ag’s lips on my own…Listen to Sev’s inane rants, or teach Lia a new trick. I live for them, never for myself. You may be asking why I am this way. The easy answer was my mother. She was…tortured by human poachers and driven mad by the loss of her mate and my father. I never knew him, since this before I hatched….She loved to torture humans, make them feel such agony and she would make me watch. Not out of spite, but out of a twisted love. She thought she was helping me by showing me how to make others suffer. She forced hundreds, thousands of different techniques into my head…I still remember them all. She wanted to make me feel safe, but I feel such anger. I have to kill. She forced me too, but…I can’t hate her for it. No, she meant well. She was always kind and oh so doting. To a fault, if I had to say. She never let me out of her sight.” Gard sighed. “I need to kill, my king, but I will not kill the innocent. I assure you of that.”

Trotankhamun was silent for a moment, mulling over his compatriots words. ‘He has a point and he hasn’t done anything to hurt anyone.’ “Fine. As long as you keep to your word, I’ll keep my silence, but please refrain from killing prisoners.”

“No promises,” Gard sent him a demented grin, before tilting his head to the prisoners. “But I wouldn’t call them prisoners. More like, new allies.”

Trot narrowed his eyes. “What did you do?”

“Must you keep asking me that same question?” Gard sighed. “Of course, everyone ask me that at one point. I merely tweaked their minds, removed some memories, and gave them a new sense of nationalism. I did this all the time back home. Team Rocket or those silly little crimelords never knew we had sleeper agents within their ranks, ready to strike whenever I gave the order. They made for excellent suicide bombers.”

Trot glared at the Gardevoir, gripping his sword. “No! None of that! Keeping them prisoners is one thing, but doing that? Dispicable.”

Gard shook his head. “No, none of that. Instead, I gave them a new lease in life. You see,” he tapped the leader’s head. “She wanted to be a vet, before she got herself caught up in this business. The stallion on the far right wanted to be a photographer. Why not give them a new life? That is what I wish to do….Though a few of them were too far gone in that ‘sick’ culture. So, they now will make good additions to the PLA.” Before the king could speak, Gard walked out of the room. “Commander Sev is coming. We’ll continue this conversation later.”

“Yes we will,” Trot answered. “The PLA is going to have to go through some changes soon. Major changes.”

“And I welcome them,” Gard laughed. It was a hollow, sick sound. “To a point, my dear king. To a point.”

Author's Note

Well, the PLA are finally on the right trail. Next up is Lia and how she's faring.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment. They help get chapters out sooner.

Dogs and witches (Day 6)

Lia had always hated cages. Both from experience and the very concept of them. They housed creatures against their will. They kept them confined and enchained inside. Cages were another form of bondage. She had been caged before. When she was a little Ralts, she had stupidly wandered off from her mother when they went to the local market. Since they lived out in the woods mostly by themselves, with the exceptions of trainers that came and went, her mother often had to leave them behind. That one time, she didn’t and Lia had screwed it up. Before she knew it, she was in the hands of Team Rocket. It didn’t last long, but it was really scary.

She had always hated herself for getting caught. If she hadn’t, her brother…she was the reason behind her brother’s first kill. He was never the same and Lia had spent the next two weeks apologizing. They didn’t blame her. She was so young. Her mother said it was her fault that she hadn’t kept an eye on her and her brother thought he should have come along. He just didn’t like being in a crowded place full of humans. Lia knew better, but eventually stopped.

She never did stop hating herself for it.

Now, she had gotten herself captured once again because of her own stupidity. She thought she could take anyone if she was attacked. She was in the nice king’s city and her brother and mother was nearby. Nobody could touch her.

Lia was in a cage now because of that train of thinking. Her brother was going to have to kill for her again…or he could get hurt himself. ‘I don’t want my big brother to die…I’m sorry! I’m sorry!’ She whimpered and clutched her head. She had seen her brother bloodied up before, but now he wasn’t moving in her mind. He had a dead, vacant look to him. ‘I’M SORRY!’ She screamed inwardly. Of course, it was just in her head. It couldn’t talk.

“Alright,” she heard the stallion, Caballeron, speak up. “Set her down. I think she can walk the rest of the way.”

The ponies holding her cage did as commanded and opened it up. One of the unicorns hooked a leash onto her collar with their magic. They obviously didn’t want to take any chances with her, even with the collar around her neck cancelling out her abilities. The pony pulled the leash harshly, which nearly choked the little Kirlia.

Once outside, Caballeron spoke, “Now, that wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Lia didn’t say a word. She didn’t even look at him.

Caballeron frowned. “Don’t get into your head that the silent treatment will work. I may tolerate it, but your new master certainly won’t.” When Lia didn’t answer again, he sighed. “What now?”

“Maybe you shocked the speech out of her,” one of the other ponies suggested. “I mean, she does look frail and we have no idea what her biology is like.”

“If I had wanted your opinion I’d have asked for it,” Caballeron scowled, causing said stallion to cower out of sight. He collected himself and looked back over at Lia. “Cheer up, this is almost over.”

“…No it isn’t,” Lia said softly. “I’m not home yet.”

“Au contraire,” Caballeron smiled. “Your new home is just over this last dune.”

Lia shook her head. “Nope, that’s not home. Home is with my family.”

“Who you are not going to see again,” Caballeron rolled his eyes.

“Again, wrong. My big brother’s coming to pick me up,” Lia smirked and folded her arms. “He always comes to help me and he’ll make you sorry for being such a big meanie head.”

“I highly doubt that,” Caballeron growled out. He tugged on the leash harshly, cutting off whatever Lia had to say in return. The small caravan continued on past the last dune.

Lia gasped at what she saw. Before her were several, armed to the teeth with heavy armor and weapons, Hyena Dogs. While the ones she had seen before were just savages, these were much more organized creatures. They would have put up a much better fight. However, they weren’t the most impressive creature there. That went to the towering behemoth among the Dogs. It was several times the size of the others and had even more fearsome armor. It didn’t carry any weapons on it, but Lia didn’t doubt for a second it could kill anything with just its paws.

Oddly enough, a pretty, unicorn mare stood beside the gigantic monstrosity. She looked prim and proper, even wearing an elegant, but rough rider sort of dress. She moved ahead of the rest of the group with two dogs not far behind her.

“Loving Note,” Caballeron went to greet her. “So good to see you.”

Loving Note narrowed her eyes. “The Feeling isn’t mutual,” she snorted, causing Caballeron to frown. “Did you bring what you promised? I wish to get this horrid experience over as soon as possible.”

“Yes,” Caballeron nodded over to the pony holding Lia’s leash. He roughly shoved her forward with a hoof to the back. “A new slave and-“ He gestured over to the large, wooden boxes some of them carried. “Your cannons are right over there.”

Loving Note paced around Lia, looking her over. “She doesn’t look like much of a digger, but….” While Caballeron couldn’t see her face, Lia could. She gently smiled down at her. It wasn’t condescending, or evil. It was an actually kind smile, filled with motherly warmth. “I think a personal maid would do.”

“Of course,” Caballeron nodded. “Now….”

Loving Note’s scowl caused Caballeron to gulp and shut his mouth. “Quick to the point as ever.” She gestured her head over to a large precession of carts. Each one was filled to the brim with jewels. “Take it and leave.”

Caballeron smiled and bowed his head. “Pleasure doing business with you.” He moved towards his treasure.

“Oh and Caballeron~” Loving Notes voice nearly sung. “I see some bruises on my new maid. You wouldn’t happen to know where they came from, would you?”

Caballeron stiffened and then looked back at her. “Of course not. She was found this way.”

“You’re lying~” Without another voice, she glanced at one of the dogs with her and the pony that had roughly pushed her around. The dog nodded back and thrust his spear into the stallion’s chest. The pony died instantly as it pierced his heart. The rest of the caravan either took steps back, or pulled out their weapons. “Oh no,” Loving Note dramatically put a hoof to her head. “He’s dead. Such a tragedy….” She sighed when no one said anything. “I miss the theater…Caballeron, you know how I hate ‘bruised merchandise’. Please make sure to have a little more patience in future cases, or you might be the one getting acquainted with a spear next time.”

Caballeron quickly nodded and his forces rushed to get their jewels.

Loving Note snorted. “Barbarians,” she then leaned down and nuzzled Lia’s head. “Now come along dear,” she lightly pushed her towards the rest of the dogs with her muzzle. “We need to run along home. We don’t want to get caught in a sandstorm or the like, now do we?”

“No ma’am,” Lia was confused by the mare’s actions. So far, all of the ponies she had met had been big meanies. Even though she just ordered someone dead, Lia could tell she had good intentions behind it. ‘I mean, some of my big brother’s friends kill all the time. Even Master Gard kills. At least she stopped that meanie unicorn from hurting anyone else.’ She decided to stick close to this mare until she got home.

The large Hyena Dog walked up to them. Lia squeaked in fear and hid behind Loving Note. Loving laughed, which sounded like beautiful chimes. “Now, now, you don’t need to fear him. He may look big and nasty, but he’s a softie.”

“So,” the Hyena Dog boss started. “You’ze got a new slave?”

Loving Note snorted. “Servant and yes. She will be my new personal maid.”

The Hyena Dog rolled his eyes and then lowered his head. “She better be gud. Da last un’ was so annoyin’ I had ta send ‘er down to the mines to get some rest.”

“She was scared out of her wits,” Loving Note glared at him. “Thankfully, I rescued her from your inane scheme.”

“Stop usin’ fanzy words,” the Hyena Dog pounded the ground with a fist, causing it to shake. He glared at the other dogs. “What’ya doin’ standin’ dere like gits? Get da cannons.” The dogs quickly did as asked, lest their boss turn his anger on them. He sighed and gently picked up Lia and Loving Note in a large paw. “Letz go home.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________

It had been years since Thrist had worked this hard. The collars were more tasking then she realized. Perhaps she had overstretched herself a tad. It couldn’t really be helped, she figured. There were so many and she was only one. The latest collar was finished as she passed her hand over it. The purple glow flowed pure dark magic into the device and she sighed in a job well done.

She put the collar down on the table, fell back into a chair and eased her old chest. Thrist kept her talons wrapped around her staff tightly. She would need more blood soon to regain her power. She hated being so tired. ‘Why? When me and my sisters….’ She growled and stopped that train of thought. She would not think of Daring or the demise of her sisters, but she did it anyways. Her anger grew and grew and that alone gave her strength in its own way. ‘I’ll make her pay. I’ll make the whole world pay.’

The more anger she felt, the more she felt alone. She was the last Thrist sorceress. Unless she was able to gather the power to bring back some of her compatriots souls from Tartarus, she had no one to talk to. Well, there was one, but he served another god and was off doing his own thing. So, little Thrist was by herself. Her warriors were mindless brutes. A conversation with them would be like talking to a rock. She didn’t know when she started shaking, but she could hear her old bones and staff beating against the chair and floor. She couldn’t help herself.

That is, until she felt something nuzzling her leg. Thrist looked down at the little Rattatta she had taken in. Normally if something came upon her in such rage, she’d kill them and use their bodies for some spell. Oddly, she didn’t want to do that to this pokemon. If anything, she could swear she had grown some sort of ‘attachment’ to the creature. Maybe it was because she was lonely, or because it was so cute. She couldn’t pinpoint it. Instead, she leaned down and scratched behinds its ears.

Thrist chuckled at its content growls. Pulling it onto her lap, she focused some of her magic into the collar. She could feel the Rattatta grow stronger already. Again, she found it odd that she fed this creature so much power. Usually, she would never think of something like that. The more power you give a creature, the harder it was to control. She couldn’t help but notice the creature’s aura start to shift occasionally as if it was building up to something.

“I never did give you a name,” she said to herself and her companion. This was a good way to get her mind off her earlier anger. “Hmmm….Rage. Yes, that is a good strong name.” She sighed. “Well Rage, my name is Thrist the Thirst. Unoriginal I know, but all sorceress had similar to names to our kind when they took up the mantle. My name before was Jade. However, no one could take a sorceress seriously if they were called Jade…..My mother gave me the name after her favorite gem. She made the best jewelry in the world…until she was killed by a dragon.” Thrist, or Jade, growled. “I was only a child. I should have died, but Ragnoros saw potential in me. He took me and gave me strength. Then, I found that dragon and slew him.” She grinned. “That kill is my most treasured memory….Why am I telling you all of this?” She stroked Rage along his back. “Perhaps I’m growing soft….no matter.” She stood up, causing Rage to jump to the ground. “We have work to do.”

Thrist walked back over to the table and picked up the collar. “Let us show our new ‘ally’ the ways of darkness.” She chuckled as she made her way over to what appeared to be some sort of green, bug-raptor with blade arms. It was asleep on her table, kept that way with her magic. She was honestly fascinated by this creature. It was an ultimate predator. Every part of its body was designed to make a quick, bloodied kill. ‘As I marvel this creature, I can’t help but wonder. If this ‘Scyther’ was made by Arceus himself, perhaps he is no different than Ragnoros.’ It was an interesting idea. Each and every pokemon had immense power. They were all perfect weapons in their own rights. ‘Maybe we should have some pokemon of our own.’

Whether he was like Ragnoros or not, he was sure to be a worthy opponent. There would be songs and legends made of the fall of Arceus. Thrist counted herself lucky to be able to see it. That aside, she fastened the collar around the sleeping Scyther’s neck. While she would have loved to keep it, the zebra nobles needed it for their own needs. ‘Oh well, blood shall be spilled either way.’

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, the last of day 6, and please leave a comment.

All aboard the Death Train (Day 7)

Sev had never before been so determined in his life. Okay, once. That was kind of under the same circumstances, but at least he knew where his sister was then. He had no idea where she was now. That just made him angry…er. Which was quite a feat that even impressed himself. He would certainly show the ones responsible the consequences of that accomplishment.

Right now however, he still had to gather his army. He slithered back and forth across the whole of the train station several times. Several great soldiers, both his own and King Trotankhamun’s, stood triumphantly in front of him. Each and every one of them were in uniform, wielding weapons that could do the job and more. He had no doubt that with but a handful he could conquer the world.

Sev didn’t want the world. He wanted his sister back. He wanted to slither on over to whatever oaf was stupid enough to lay a finger on his beloved sister and break them in every way possible. He was going to do it, Arceus willing. Between every few breaths, besides cursing his enemies names, he sent prayers to Arceus, hoping for him to keep Lia safe. Sev didn’t doubt the god would.

“Where is everyone?!!” Sev shouted in rage, his tail lashing out in agitation.

“Still preparing,” Ag said, trying to put her commander at ease. “Char’s recent raid stirred up a lot. I’ve been training even more soldiers then I thought I would and we had to fight them back almost literally when we decided to make this trip. We’ve kind of made a big impact.”

“I don’t care about impacts,” Sev hissed. “Unless they are on my enemy.” General Pert gestured around himself. “Yes, I know hitting an opponent isn’t enough….” Pert tapped his head. “Of course, we shall outthink them. We are led by me, the great and powerful Commander Sev! I’m am the cleverest being alive.” Pert made a few more gestures. “Do not worry, my friend. We will be done by sundown and you shall have crushed many slaver heads.”

Pert grinned. There was no real secret about General Pert. When he was young, a little Mudkip, he was owned by a rich human who took good care of him. Unfortunately, being rich had its drawbacks. A few humans wanted to use Pert to blackmail the human. During the heist, the old man died of a heart attack when they got a little too hasty. With that bust, they sold him into the slave trade, more specifically those fight to the death tournaments. Pert was a spoiled brat, so he whined all the time….They cut out his vocal cords to shut him up, leaving that scar across his throat. Ever since then, he had been fighting in the arena. He soon become nigh unbeatable. He mellowed out as well, looking out for the others, even though he had to fight them sometimes.

Sev had saved him and ever since then, Pert had been a steadfast ally. He was easily one of the strongest members. He even gave Ag a run for her money. Having him here, Sev was sure that the slavers would be broken. Pert showed slavers no mercy…Ever.

“My lord!” Char ran up to them. His uniform was disheveled and his hat tilted sideways. He stopped and saluted before him. “I am present and ready for duty, sir.”

Sev sniffed the air and grinned. “You finally got her, I see.” Char blushed and Sev laughed. “Do not fret. You deserved it.”

Char looked away. “No I don’t….but if she wants me, I’ll make her happy.”

“Do not sell yourself so short,” Ag spoke up, laying a comforting hand on his shoulder. “You’re a great kid and she’s lucky to have you.”

“And I her,” Char smiled. “Are we ready to depart? My blades sing for the blood of heathens.”

“Soon,” Sev grinned and then Gard teleported over with the rest of the soldiers. “Or rather, now.” He slithered over to his oldest friend. “Get them on the train. I want these villains dead by nightfall.”

“It may take some time,” Gard said. “Hyena Dogs have intricate burrows. Flushing them out may take days.”

“We don’t have days,” Sev hissed in anger. “I want her this day. I will have her.”
Gard nodded. “You will, I assure you my friend. Until then, I and Joy will look after our remaining soldiers and such things here while you’re gone.”

“You’re not coming with?”

Gard frowned and bowed his head. “The locals, while warming up to us, would like nothing more than to usurp our king and us. I must make sure that the country doesn’t tear itself apart during his majesty’s trip.”

Sev nodded. “Yes…politics. I miss the days when we just did whatever we wanted.”

“Indeed,” Gard said.

“Sev….” Joy stepped out from behind him. She was wearing her old nurse outfit. No doubt made by the PLA’s dressmakers. “Please, be safe.”

Sev hugged his mother. “I will and so will Lia.”

Joy’s hug was strong and firm. She rubbed her tearing eyes into his scales. “I don’t want to let go….I…I know you’ll get in trouble, like you always do. I don’t want to have to patch you up again. It kills me when I see you like that.”

“I’ll make it back in one piece,” Sev said in determination. He pulled back to look her in the eyes. “I shall be victorious.”

Joy sniffed and sniffed. “I know,” she said. Sev kissed her head and then lowered his own for her to kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Sev smiled and then moved to the train. “GET ON THE TRAIN, YOU WORTHLESS SPACE! I WILL TEAR THIS COUNTRY APART! DON’T BE APART OF THAT DESTRUCTION!....No, be a part of that destruction, but don’t get destroyed during my rampage, which will be magnificent…Just get on the train!”

‘I’m coming Lia,’ Sev thought as he watched the soldiers run into the train.

“Don’t have to tell them twice, Sev.” Trotankhamun smirked as he walked up to him.

“Yeah,” Lightning smiled, landing beside the Seviper. “Boy, you’ve got a pair of lungs on you.” She playfully prodded her ears.

Sev noticed that she was wearing some armor. “Why are you….?”

“Coming?” Lightning smirked. “I couldn’t let you guys have all the action. Besides, we didn’t get to finish that date…not that I’m complaining, cause who would want to date an idiot.” She scowled, vainly looking away to hide her blush. “Just don’t flirt or anything. I don’t like you, okay.”

Sev smirked and before she could do anything, he nuzzled her and kissed her forehead. “No promises,” he said, ducking from her strikes. He slithered into the train, laughing.

“Get back her, you snake!” Lightning chased after him, ready to pummel him into submission.

King Trot sighed. “This is going to be a long trip.” He quickly turned in surprise when Vapora jumped General Char. She was kissing him passionately, wearing a white dress. She was wishing him well in between kiss. Trot chuckled. "It'll be worth it though."
_________________________________________________________________________________

Doctor Caballeron couldn’t help but feel happy. Oh yes, Loving Note was terrifying, not to mention Crowland and the threat of the zebra king. All of that was scary to consider, but that was behind him. He was in the clear. So, he just sat in one of his fancy cabins in a boat somewhere off shore. He took the opened himself up a bottle of wine and sniffed it longingly. ‘Three-hundred years old. Such a small number when compared to some of the other wines I’ve tasted, but no matter. It will do.’ This wine alone could’ve supported several families here in Zebrica. He didn’t give a thought to them.

No, he instead poured himself a glass. The rich redness made him, for a split second, think of Thrist. Out of all of his accomplices in this, she was the only one he truly worried about.

The Hyena Dogs? Already cleared. Yes, they’d turn their new weapons on him if they could, but he’d be long gone before they could.

The zebra rebels? They were civil and had no idea Caballeron was working the Hyena Dogs nor about the Thirst. They’d kill him if they did. He was already on shaky ground with them for simply being a pony. They however were already done and the deal sealed.

Thrist and her Thirst warriors? They were a wild card. He didn’t know what to make of her, other than her wish to take back the Griffin Empire for her own goals. He really didn’t care. As long as she didn’t sacrifice him, she could do what she wanted.

He took a sip, savoring the flavor. “Ah, exquisite.”

Caballeron did regret hurting that little girl pokemon so much, but he didn’t have a choice really. He was losing power. He needed to show others he was on top of his game. He was. He chuckled. ‘Soon, I’ll be richer than my wildest dreams.’

War was coming and war was profit. Yes, there wasn’t that much profit out of it these days, since there hadn’t been any major wars in hundreds of years. It was mostly just small skirmishes or the occasional monster/daemon. Now however….That was about to change. This nation was ripe with conflict.

Soon, the rebels would pipe up. Caballeron knew it would be short. Not as short as it was before, with the pokemon and all, but they had his guns. They’d mince the loyalists to pieces. It was the Dogs that would give them pause. Both sides had his cannons. Both sides would want better cannons to beat the others. Caballeron would give them better weapons, the cycle would continue.

Yes, life was looking good for him. All because someone didn’t like someone else.
_____________________________________________________________________

“So,” Crowland Tempo glanced at his new companion. The three of them were sitting inside a small cave with a small fire lighting its way. Yes, it was daytime, but the sun could barely make it through the tree tops. That and the fire was a good deterrent to predators. Not perfect, but good enough. “What are you?”

The big chameleon just said, “Kecleon.”

Crowland sighed, knowing full well that’s pretty much all it could say. “Right, I really need to find a translator.” He grumbled. His last translator crystal was destroyed when he went hunting a rather vicious dragon on the outskirts of Equestria. The dragon had been terrorizing small towns and the local militia weren’t having the best time of warding it off. Thankfully, it wasn’t ‘that’ keen on killing ponies, so no real losses…so far. Crowland decided to play the part of the hero, while bagging an impressive kill. Not before the dragon destroyed his camp. He lost a lot of good stuff then, including his translator.

“Hungry, little fella?” He asked, holding out some strips of bacon.

The Kecleon nodded, moving closer. His scaly hands quickly gripped onto the meat and stuffed his face with it.

Crowland grinned. “Knew you’d like it,” he scratched underneath Little Lady’s chin, causing her to coo in delight. “Little Lady here is a sucker for the stuff.”

The Kecleon started to speak in its tongue with Little Lady. Crowland was content on just letting them talk for now. He had a lot on his mind. His quarry was being elusive, which was irksome. The large, two legged lizard-dragons shouldn’t have been hard to find. ‘Shouldn’t’ was a word he loosely used. A lot of his game was tricky in their own ways. He’d find them soon. What troubled him was how he was going to get out of the country. He wasn’t dealing with Caballeron anymore, not after their last venture together. As well, the locals weren’t too keen on him. He needed to get to Bridleton. The question was, could he do it before the country blew? Yes, there was no question about that. He was good at getting out of sticky situations.

That’s when he felt it. His little tracker went off. The little pokemon gal was out of Caballeron’s hooves. The deal was off. Crowland smirked. “Well, looks like we’ve got a rescue mission on our hands.” He grabbed his crossbow. “Who likes doggy steaks?”
__________________________________________________________________________________

Being a Kecleon can get you in some sticky situations. They’re sneaky, inquisitive, and tend to tempt fate. This Kecleon counted his lucky stars that this creature didn’t eat him. Whatever it was, it was clearly a predator. A very skilled one, not even mentioning the human equipment it had. ‘Perhaps it’s a human raised pokemon, or one the natives?’ Whatever it was, it couldn’t understand him, while he could understand it. Thankfully, the Spearow on his shoulder could translate.

“You’re stupid,” the Spearow, Little Lady, said.

“What?” The Kecleon was taken aback by her statement.

“You tried to steal from a predator,” Little Lady stated. “A predator several times your size, mind you. I know he isn’t a pokemon, but he’s more than capable of killing one. He’d give any of us a run for our money.”

“Then why are you staying with him if he’s so dangerous?”

“Cause he’s nice,” Little Lady cooed as he rubbed underneath her chin and around her head. “You’ll see.”

Maybe he would see. If what she said was true, that kind of made him her trainer. So…did that mean he was caught? ‘Well, dang.’ He was going to have to deal with it for now. His trainer looked like he was going somewhere, so he needed to be ready to defend him.

“Well, looks like we’ve got a rescue mission on our hands,” the creature, Crowland, smirked and grabbed his strange gun. “Who likes doggy steaks?"

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment.

This Plan Might have some results (Day 7)

The mood on the train was somber. Well, as somber as the PLA could be in this situation. Nobody had died, so they weren’t sad. More angry really. Okay, it was far from somber. They were joking, telling stories, and taking bets on how many kills they were going to get. They even got the zebras in on with them. Yes, they were worried about Lia, but they knew they were going to get her out safely. Nothing ever happened to their cute co-commander and if something did happen….

There would be a red river that day.

Of course, one certain individual wasn’t having any fun.

“WHAAAAAAAAAAAA!” Felicia wailed from her compartment. The normally chipper Goodra was bawling her eyes out, firmly shaking the train with her wails. “I LOST MY BESTEST LITTLE FRIEND! I’M THE WORST!”

Pert sat beside her on the bed. He calmly rubbed her back, giving her some reassurance. He couldn’t exactly talk with her since his throat injury. Well, more like when his slavers tore his throat open to shut him up. He was a rather talkative youngster. So now he just talked with gestures and expressions.

“I was supposed to go out and have fun with her,” Felicia cried. “I wanted to be a great guard for her. She’s just so young and I...I failed! I let her get captured. I’m the worst mercenary ever. Weiss is never going to love me and Lia’s going to die! All because of me!” She wailed even harder, burying her face in her hands.

Pert’s shoulder sagged. He’d dealt with pokemon who had lost loved ones far too many times for his liking. It came from being at ‘war’ constantly. He tapped her shoulder, getting her to look at him. He then made a few motions with his hands.

“But it is,” Felicia answered. “I should have been there. She’s only a child.”

Pert made a few more gestures, including tapping his and her heads.

“I know,” Felicia sniffled. “But still...Lia could be hurt and I...I don’t know if I can help.”

Pert shook his head and tapped her heart.

“I can?” Felicia looked down at herself. “I can do it with love?” When Pert nodded, she beamed. “I’ve got plenty of that.”

Pert smiled and ‘spoke’ a little more.

“You’re right,” Felicia beamed. “Moping about won’t help anyone, but how am I going to defeat them?”

Pert started to say say something…

“I WILL BEST THEM WITH HUGS!” Felicia stood triumphantly, pointing to the sky.

Pert stared at her, confused. Then he just facepalmed.

“Now I just need to practice,” Felicia tapped her chin.

Suddenly, Alice the Vespiquen opened the door at that exact moment. “There you-”

“HUG ATTACK!”

“GAH!” Alice squirmed underneath the massive Goodra. “Help me.”

Pert didn’t move a muscle other than to shake with mirth.
____________________________________________________________

Lightning Dust would say that she had been in some strange circumstances in her lifetime. The past few days certainly added to them. She couldn’t pin the strangest incident down, but she could pick the most embarrassing. That was right now. The spunky pegasus was firmly trapped in Sev’s coils and he lay firmly around her. It wasn’t too tight and was oddly comforting. Sev’s head lay snuggled on her head. It felt nice being in his coils, but she wouldn’t say it. She also felt...safe. Like the world couldn’t touch her there.

“Get off of me,” she seethed. She felt safe and nice, but she still didn’t like him.

“I need a cuddle buddy,” Sev retorted. “It helps calm me down.”

“Why don’t you cuddle with someone else?” Lightning growled.

“Because the king won’t let me,” Sev glanced at the other member in the room.

King Trotankhamun rolled his eyes. “For the last time, I only let beautiful maidens and Mo-err, Celestia cuddle me. If you want...” He smirked coyly.

Lightning’s blush got worse. “NO, for Celestia’s sake Sev, let me go.”

“Nope,” Sev grinned. “I shall have my cuddle buddy. Come on, it’s not so bad. I remember Umbra…” He paused, frowning.

“Sev?” Trot frowned upon seeing Sev’s downcast expression. “Are you alright?”

“...I’m never alright,” Sev admitted. “You would get the same answer from a shattered vase held together with duck tape. Same thing….”

“Who’s Umbra?” Lightning asked.

Sev sighed. “Umbra was the most beautiful being I had ever laid eyes upon. She was just so perfect. I still wonder what she saw in me...Why she would ever love me? She chose me. Whenever I asked, she always told me she loved me….I was never worthy of it.”

“Pfft, says you… You’re plenty worthy in my opinion.” Lightning caught herself before she went any further. Her eyes widened and her blush intensified.

“Really?” Sev grinned. His coils provocatively slithered around her.

“GET OFF ME!” Lightning may have been a pegasus, but she was still an athlete. So taking Sev’s head in her hooves, after quickly shifted them out of his coils, and throwing him across the room wasn’t outside of her capabilities. “You’re coils were cutting off the air to my head, idiot! You were making me speak nonsense.”

“I wouldn’t call that nonsense,” Trot smirked. “Though you were asking for that, my scaly friend.”

“Perhaps,” Sev shook himself. “But it was worth it to feel her blushing.” The two males shared a little laugh.

“Do you want me to buck you in the face?” Lightning growled. “I swear, one more move like that and you’ll be seeing Luna in your dreams shortly.”

Sev froze. His eyes widened and she could see a spark of realization. “Luna….Of course, why didn’t I think of this before.” He slithered over to Lightning

“What are you-” Lightning was cut off when he smashed his lips against hers. ‘My first kiss? With this idiot?!!!...It is kind of nice...I”LL KILL HIM!’ And then, Lightning knocked him out cold.

Trot blinked in confusion, before he nodded in understanding. “Sev, you clever snake.”

“What….Oh Luna,” Lightning felt a little stupid for not remembering that at first. She glanced at Sev. ‘Sev, next time you want to kiss me, kiss me for another reason...not that I want you to kiss me, you big scaly idiot.’

_____________________________________________________________________

“LUNA!” Sev bolted awake. The Commander glanced around himself to find that he was still in the train. The other two weren’t present, but they had probably left sometime later. He sighed. “My brilliant plan has been foiled. Curse you dream world!”

“Sev, keep it down.” A familiar feminine voice piped up. “I’m trying to sleep.”

“Umbra, I’m cursing here…..” Sev’s eyes nearly bulged out of his skull. Looking to his side, he saw the most beautiful umbreon that had ever graced his eyes. Her rings glowed oh so brightly showing off her angelic body that he so adored. She slumbered, her perfect chest rising and falling to the sweet breaths of air she drank in.

‘...I am dead.’ Sev thought to himself. ‘I am in heaven?...No, there would have been a parade in my honor. Arceus himself would be there to congratulate me….WHERE ARE MY CONGRATULATIONS!’

He must have been dreaming...He could live with that. Commander Sev just needed to go and find…

“Is that an egg?”

Umbra, his sweet and lovely Umbra, was curled around an egg. Sev knew it was a dream. He knew it wasn’t real, but he let loose tears of joy at seeing it. Which as well made him hurt all the more for this dream. He slightly nudged the egg. “My egg… I’m sorry for not making you. I’m so, so sorry.”

“The world isn’t.” His father’s harsh voice resounded. Sev fearfully turned to see the larger Seviper slither around the bed. The rest of the room was gone, replaced by a black void. “Aww, isn’t that adorable. My grand child tucked beside such a weak female. Congradulations.”

“SHE IS NOT WEAK!” Sev bared his fangs. He glanced at her, seeing her still slumbering away. “She is stronger than even I. A pure goddess.”

“Oh?” Commander Viper tilted his head. “She obeyed the whims of a human. That is weakness, but I’m not surprised really. You always knew how to pick the most useless allies. A human for a mother, a pet for a lover, and a spineless psychic for a sister. Tell me when I should be impressed.”

“Be silent!” Sev shouted.

“She left you,” Viper sneered. “She didn’t love you. Who in their right mind would love someone like you?”

“I ORDER YOU TO BE SILENT!”

Viper paused. “Order?” He slowly lowered himself to Sev’s height. Sev cowered before him, but still held a confident glare. “You think you can order me? Have you lost what little sanity your mind still carries?” He snorted. “Perhaps you never had any to begin. You have no power here, nor do you have any power in the waking world.”

“I have the ultimate power,” Sev shot back. “The power of awesomeness. I am the great and powerful Commander Sev. All bow before me. Even you.”

Viper didn’t say anything for a moment. “Pop.” And then Umbra was gone. “Pop.” The egg following suit.

Sev panicked. “Wha...No, no. NO!”

“This is a dream, Sev!” Viper roared. “They aren’t here. Use your head!”

“I WANT THEM BACK!”

Viper slashed Sev with his tail, smashing him over the edge of the bed. “You will not order me to do anything. You never had that right. You can’t even protect the ones you love.”

“I can,” Sev pushed through the pain. The slash bled out faster than it should have.

“Lies,” Viper struck Sev again. “You are weak. You couldn’t protect your sister. You couldn’t fight for your mate. You couldn’t aid your own father as he lay bleeding out on the ground. You fled. You left me to die.”

“I was barely a hatchling,” Sev cried. “I was scared. I..I HATED YOU!”

Viper coiled around Sev. “You don’t know the meaning of hate!” A bolt of magic later, Viper was no more.

_____________________________________________________________________________

“Neither do you,” Luna spoke, stepping into Sev’s view. She gazed over at the snake that she had taken under her wing. For the last few nights, his ‘dreams’ and personality had been draining. It didn’t help that she was also aiding Darkrai in his own efforts. With all that and watching over countless millions, some lesser beings would have grown tired. Of course, she wasn’t. This was her duty as the princess of the night.

That’s why she was bothered by this Commander Viper. That blast should have taken nothing out of her, but she felt the vision resisting it. It wasn’t strong enough to stop her, but it was growing in power. She would have to watch her ‘pupil’ even closer in the future.

“Are you alright, Sev?” Sev didn’t say anything. I knew he wouldn’t. I had heard and seen everything. This was my domain after all. I walked over and sat beside him, draping a comforting wing over the pokemon. “It’s okay. It’s over, Sev.” She lightly nuzzled him.

“It’s never over,” Sev said somberly. Then, his head just upwards forcing Luna to reel her own away. “LIA!” He put his face right into hers, causing a faint blush to appear on her cheeks. “LIA’S BEEN KIDNAPPED BY THE HYENA DOGS!”

“WHAT?!!!!!!!!!!!” Luna’s Royal Canterlot Voice shone through, blasting Sev several lengths away. Using her magic, she teleported him back safely onto the bed. “Those mongrels have her?"

Sev hissed in anger. “I’m going there myself to get her back.”

“Why hasn’t my sister dealt with those mongrels?” Luna asked herself. ‘It’s because she’s far too nice for her own good.’ She made a mental note to deal with them in the future, whether her sister willed it or not. “Do you know where she is?”

“Yes,” Sev stated. “They will reap the vengeance that they have sown. Generations from now will cower in fear when my name is uttered near those mangy dogs. The great and powerful Commander Sev shall taste blood this day.”

“Sev,” Luna shot him a concerned gaze. “Though noble are your intentions, take heed of your anger. You could very well become that of which you fight.”

“I know, I know.” Sev sighed. “I...I just want to make it up to her. I let my little sister get captured. I shouldn’t have let that happen. I’m her big brother. I’m family. Family is supposed to look out for one another and she’s gone!” He cried. “It’s my-”

“No,” Luna wrapped him in a tight hug. “This is not your fault, Sev. This is the fault of her captors. You are never to blame for the actions of others.”

“But-”

“No buts,” Luna pulled back and looked him in the eyes. “You are the great and powerful Commander Sev. You will win this day, I am sure of it.” She waited for him to say something. He didn’t for the longest while. He just stared into her own eyes as if lost. His cheeks were wet from tears. “Sev-”

Sev kissed her and then pulled back. “Thank you.”

Luna’s face was blazing red and her mouth open. No one ever had the audacity to kiss her. ‘Well no one’s ever been Commander Sev before now.’ “Sev, what was that for?”

“For being there,” Sev smirked. “Oh don’t look so taken aback. I am the greatest of kissers. The tales of kissing are inspired by me, even though I wasn’t around back then. Of course, the ancients obviously had me in mind when they started the tradition for they wished to try and out-first me. Well HA! I am the first and the now, ancestors!”

Luna sighed. It was better not to think about his reasoning.

Sev nuzzled underneath her chin. “Anyways, this is a dream. It isn’t real, no matter the wills of others.”

“Just...Just try not to do it again,” Luna pouted, blushing slightly still. “You have a certain female waiting for you.” Well two really, but she wasn’t going to spoil it for him. ‘It seems like he’s trying to start a herd, the cheeky reptile. Well, no bother. He shall not have me, no matter how good a kisser this snake is.’ “If you do, I’ll plague with such terrible nightmares.”

“Do your worst,” Sev grinned.

“I shall see what I can do to assist,” Luna said. “Perhaps I could give the dogs that still slumber such nightmares that they will never awaken from.”

“Sounds delightful,” Sev laughed deviously.

‘Is that how I look when I laugh?’ Luna pondered.

“I do wonder though,” Sev stopped his laughter to tap his chin in thought. “How is my old friend, Giratina doing?”

“Why don’t you ask him yourself?” In the realm of dreams, anything was possible. While it would have taken considerable power in the waking world to reach Giratina ’s realm, in the realm of dreams, it was child’s play.

The realm of Distortion came into view and they saw Giratina lounging on his back, reading a novel. He even had on a pair of reading glasses. He looked up and smiled upon seeing Luna. “Well hello there. You must be Luna. I’m sorry for not getting the chance to converse with you earlier.”

“It is nice to meet you, Giratina .” Luna smiled. As with Darkrai, Giratina as well had been an outcast amongst the legendaries. Actually, he was more so than Darkrai. So she felt a little kinship with him, even if it was just from stories. “I would love to talk with you later, but now isn’t the time. There is someone who needs our help.”

“Who…………” Giratina ’s irises turned to pinpricks when he saw Sev.

Sev was waving happily towards him. “Hello friend.”

It was at that moment that the great Giratina , one of the more powerful legendaries, screamed like a little girl.

“I know,” Sev nodded. “This is a lot to take in.”

“OF COURSE IT IS, YOU DOLT!” Giratina screamed. “How the hell did you make it here? Arceus only brought those who were worthy along.”

“Which include me,” Sev smiled. “His holy blade.”

“..........FATHER, YOU SON OF A-”

{It is at this time that we would like to apologize for the lack of footage. The next few minutes were found unsuitable for everyone.}

“-UNTIL YOU HAVE TO DO IT SIDEWAYS!”

“Are you finished?” Luna groaned, having put on a pair of headphones several minutes prior. There were things she wished she could unhear.

“No,” Giratina growled. “And father wonders why they banished him in the first place, that big-”

“You very well know that I could tell him what you have said this day,” Luna piped up.

“He deserves all that and more,” Giratina gestured to Sev. “This sniveling snake is the bane of my existence. I would have prefered being stuck in the Distortion Realm for eternity alone then have to deal with him again. Now my father had the ‘brilliant’ idea to bring this idiotic, walking catastrophe along too? Is there no end to the stupidity?”

“Pfft,” Sev scoffed. “The stupidity has never been around, only the grandness of that which is me. I, who was ordained to be the one to save us all.”

“Save us from what?” Giratina yelled. “You cause more damage then you fix.”

“Not true.”

“YOU RAMMED A TRUCK INTO MY FACE!” Giratina shouted.

“That was not intentional,” Sev pointed out. “I just wanted to say hello.”

“And I just wanted to have some peace and quiet,” Giratina grumbled. “Looks like we both fucked up.”

“Yes we did.”

“............Can I kill him?”

Sev laughed. “You were always such a kidder.”

“I’m not joking,” Giratina ’s comment made Sev’s laughter double.

“Giratina ,” Luna said. “Sev merely wanted to converse with you. He is having troubling times as of late. His sister, Lia, has been kidnapped.”

“Lia?” Giratina ’s eyes widened. “That sweet little mon that I still can’t believe is related to this nutjob?”

“The same,” Luna glared at the legendary. She didn’t like how mean spirited he was to Sev. He wasn’t all that bad and again, it was like looking into a vision of the past with him. Well, if she was slightly crazier.

_____________________________________________________________________

“THE GREAT AND POWERFUL PRINCESS LUNA SHALT BLOW MINE ENEMIES AWAY WITH THE AWE INSPIRING MIGHT OF MINE POWERS!” Luna shouted.

“Sister, control thyself.” Celestia sighed.

“THOU ART JUST GREEN WITH ENVY WITH THE GRANDNESS THAT IS WE AND THE PLANS THAT SPROUT FORTH FROM MINE HEAD!” Luna dramatically gestured to her elder sister. “THE WORLD SHALT TREMBLE BEFORE MINE HOOVES! IT IS NOW THAT WE SHALT RELEASE THE RICE PUDDING BOMBS!” Luna tilted her head back to laugh deviously.

_____________________________________________________________________

Okay, so she was crazy and full of herself when she was younger. So sue her.

“Well….” Giratina sighed. “I cannot give aid. Father’s move has caused a lot of stirring in the spaces between worlds. I’m having trouble just keeping everything in order. We don’t want some parallel universe to invade or something.”

“Help from you is unnecessary,” Sev said. “I shalt defeat them with the grandness that is I!”

‘Uncanny.’ Luna remarked.

“Alright,” Giratina spoke. “Just tell me when she’s safe...and then never contact me again.”

“No promises.” Sev shot back.

Author's Note

After several retries and a virus destroying the previous chapter, I bring to you this. I hope you all enjoy it and please leave a comment.

Worries {Day 7}

Living in the Hyena Dog caves for as long as she did was challenging for Loving Note for a variety of reasons. Hygiene was the greatest of them all. A place filled with nary a bath and dogs that had no idea how to use soap was taxing on her. The second was the company. Ponies are naturally social creatures. It’s in their very genes to seek others to live and hold dear. The Hyena Dogs had sort of become her family of sorts, but they weren’t that interesting to talk to. She felt like an outsider.

It didn’t help that the other slaves hated her. Loving Note was the favorite of Skulltaka, so she had privileges and such the others didn’t. She didn’t have to work in the mines or lift a hoof. She knew what they called her behind her back and she knew they’d kill her if they could. They wouldn’t because Skulltaka would do what they did to her and ten times worse. She didn’t hate them for feeling this way, but she was still lonely.

So imagine her delight when she got the cutest little creature she had ever seen to live with her.

“You have such a fine mane,” Loving Note smiled. She and Lia were sitting inside her ‘room’ with the duo in front of a mirror. Loving’s magic stroked a brush through the little mon’s mane. “I would think it was crafted by Celestia herself, if I wasn’t mistaken.”

“Uh-huh,” Lia mumbled.

Loving Note kept smiling in hopes of brightening up the little girl. “You know what would make it even prettier? A braid. It’s a shame to hide even a smidgen of that pretty face of yours.”

“Uh-huh.”

As Loving Note used her magic to braid it, she sighed. “I know this all might seem like too much-”

“Too much?” Lia crossed her arms. “Oh no. It isn’t too much. I’ve just been kidnapped and beaten. That’s a walk in the park.”

Loving Note put a hoof to her forehead. “Look, I don’t like it either, but what’s done is done.”

“Liar,” Lia scowled. “You’re a big meanie like the rest of them.”

“I am not a big meanie.”

“Then let me go home,” Lia turned around. Her eyes were glistening with tears. “I want to go home. Please, miss Note. Please.”

“I….” Loving Note gulped. Her normally adorable face looked so forlorn that she couldn’t help but hurt inside. She hugged the little mon. “I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry, but you can’t leave. None of us can.”

“But I don’t want to stay,” Lia sniffed. “I want to go home.”

“It’s not so bad here,” Loving tried to assure her. “Us girls can survive here no problem. No one’s going to hurt a single hair on your head. We can even have little plays and tea parties and all of that. Doesn’t that sound good?”

“I don’t care,” Lia forcefully said. “I want my mommy. I want my big brother.”

“You….learn to live without them,” Loving Note closed her eyes, cutting off those memories. “This is your new home now. So please, don’t fight against it.”

“I will,” Lia cried. “I don’t want to live in a cave. I want to go eat icecream with mommy. She always cleans my face when I eat it, cause I get it all over my face. I want to have a tea party with my big brother. I just want out of here!”

“You can’t leave,” Loving sighed. “None of us can ever leave, but it isn’t so bad. We can be your new family and do all of that.”

“Why?”

That was the question that cut her to the core. Why? Loving had asked herself that very question so many times in the last few years that she lost count. She’d have guessed it’d number in the thousands.

“Because….” Loving started. “Because that’s just how it is.” All she received was more crying. Doing her best to cradle the young mon and stroke her head, she began to talk. “Before I came here, I was a pony of the stage. Ponies from all around Equestria would come to watch me perform any number of plays. My favorites were the musicals. Oh I remember the roars of the crowds, the fame, the countless parties.”

“But you’re here now.”

“Yes...I’m here now.” Loving Note held in a few tears, putting on her best smile as she looked into Lia’s face. “And I’m happy, see?”

“You’re faking it,” Lia sniffled, trying to wipe away her tears.

“Maybe a little,” Loving used her magic to conjure up a tissue to clean up the little girls’ face. “I didn’t like it here at first, but now I have a home and someone who cares about me.”

“But don’t you miss acting?”

“Everyday of my life,” Loving said. “I can’t go back and sometimes I’m not sure if I want to...Oh look at me, throwing this all on you. How dreadful. Wait, this has given me the grandest of ideas. How about we put on a play?”

“A play?”

Loving nodded, seeing Lia’s curiosity peaked. “Oh yes. A lovely thing like you would be the highlight of any theatre.”

“That does sound like fun,” Lia relented. “But how?”

“Skulltaka listens to me,” Loving said. “He’ll take care of it. So cheer up and let’s get to practicing.”

_____________________________________________________________________________

“Is something wrong with your tea?” Tica asked, glancing at her long time friend. The two of them were perhaps among the oldest members in the PLA and had seen much. Far too much if you were to ask them. It didn’t help that they were one of the few sane members in the army.

“No,” Joy said, wearing a comfortable . She was doing a very good impression of an Audino during an earthquake with all of her shaking. Her tea spilled out of her cup as she shook it so. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“Then perhaps I am mistaken,” Tica relented. “For a moment, I had thought there was an earthquake about.”

Joy sighed. “It’s that obvious?”

Tica nodded. She knew perfectly why and it wasn’t just because the woman used to be human. Joy was an exceptional fighter and marksman. She wouldn’t run from a fight. Joy even sparred with some of the pokemon and won.

“I’m sorry,” Joy said. “It’s just-”

“You’re worried for them.”

“Sev can handle himself,” Joy smirked. “He’s my son.”

“And my pupil,” Tica smiled. “He was such a hopeless fighter when he came to me. His dancing….was something I do not wish to speak about.”

Joy laughed. “Of course, but you taught him better than I could in that regard.”

“I still sometimes wonder how you humans were so agile with those gangly limbs,” Tica chuckled.

“I still wonder how you could do anything without thumbs,” Joy waggled her fingers.

“It appears the shots have been fired,” Vapora waltzed on by. The vaporeon took her seat. “A little get together, without mwa? I’m annoyed and you won’t like me when I’m annoyed.”

“I’m trembling,” Joy rolled her eyes. “It was just a little talk between us mature ladies.”

“I am mature,” Vapora stuck her nose up in the air.

“A mature woman wouldn’t jump their beloveds like a mon in heat every second of the day,” Tica said, smirking at the younger mon’s blush.

“What can I say,” Vapora shrugged. “He’s cute.”

“Char is that,” Joy nodded. “I’m sure you’ll make a wonderful couple.”

“I hope so…” Vapora said. “I just wish he wouldn’t run off like he does all the time. How do you manage?”

Joy frowned. “I don’t….The worry just eats me alive that I….I….” Without any further ado, she burst into tears. “I WANT MY BABIES BACK!” She buried her face in her arms.

“Oops,” Vapora smacked herself.

Tica quickly pulled Joy into a hug. “They’ll be alright.”

“But my little girls’ kidnapped and I can’t save her now,” Joy sniffed. “I’m a little chubby Audino...No offense.” She added.

“You’re not used to your body yet,” Tica said. “You will.”

“And you’ll be kicking butt in no time,” Vapora joined in on the hug. “Now, how about we get our minds off this and go shopping~”

“I am a grown mon,” Tica said. “I will not-”

“That sounds lovely,” Joy said. “It’ll get my mind off this...My boy always does the impossible anyways. He’ll find them soon.”

“Of course he will,” Tica said. “Gard gave him the idea of who his target was.”

“He what?” Joy looked taken aback. “What did he do to my little snake?”

“Nothing much,” Tica said. “Just quickly messaged him about the Hyena Dogs. He wasn’t able to get a lot though. There seems to be something blocking long range telepathy.”

“That doesn’t sound ominous at all,” Vapora rolled her eyes.

_______________________________________________________________________

Rio was an impatient mon. The calm before the storm was always his most despised moment of any day. He wanted to punch something so bad and it didn’t help none that Lia was captured to. Now his blood was really heated. So he couldn’t sleep, he couldn’t stand still. He needed to keep moving. That’s why he was pacing between the cars and why the other creatures in said cars gave him his space. Even his kids on board didn’t want to tussle with him, well, at least not now. They were still his kids after all.

Rio eventually made his way to the last car. He was going to let off a little steam with some practice, but he discovered someone else was doing that here anyways. Quietly, he walked over and peered around a crate. There was his youngest son, Lu, training. He was kicking, practicing his aura senses, all that fun stuff. Rio was honestly impressed. His little son was faster than he gave him credit for. His aura was certainly something too. ‘Can’t believe ah missed that.’ He made a mental note to do a little more personal training with Lu after this was over.

Little Lu stopped, panting slightly. “Ah’m comin’ Lia. Ain’t nothin’ stoppin’ me.”

Rio chuckled and walked out of his hiding. “Well don’t this beat all. Weren’t ya supposed ta stay home with yer ma?”

Lu yelped and jumped backwards. Then the little guy put on a tough front. “Ah’m comin’ pa. Lia’s my best friend. Ah ain’t gonna let nomon take her away.”

Rio held up his arms in a defensive posture, but his smirk remained. “Ah get it. Felt the same when ah was yer age with yer ma. Taught those trainers a thing or two back then.” He chuckled. “Ah’m not gonna put ya to the side. Ya can fight, but yer mom’s gonna kill us either way.”

Lu gulped. His mother was certainly a force to be reckoned with, especially with her kids. He was just amazed he got away from her in the first place. He simply nodded in response.

“Now come on,” Rio beckoned his son closer. “Let’s go get some grub. Can’t fight those dogs on an empty stomach….Still don’t know how we knew what they were….Eh, probably Gard.” He shrugged. The two of them started off.

“Pa,” Lu spoke up. “How do we know where they are?”

“We don’t,” Rio smirked. “But that’s how we’ve always done it. We’re lucky like that.”

Just as the two walked outside in between cars, a PLA Swellow swooped down and saluted. “Sergeant Low reporting, sir.”

Rio returned the salute. “Report.”

“I’ve found the enemies base,” Low said, grinning widely. “Those sons of bitches are less than a mile away to the east.”

Rio laughed and ruffled his boy’s head. “Hear that? Ah told ya we’d find ‘em.”

Author's Note

I'm sorry for the delay. Life's been hectic.

I hope you all enjoyed this and please leave a comment.

Tale of the Two Snakes

Loving Note had always found it easy to manipulate Zebby Skulltaka. All she needed to do was a little twinkle of her eye, a pep in her step, and a little rump swing. She’d learned all the tricks, but even then he was hard headed. Alpha Skulltaka scratched his chin in thought. “A play? Dunno, me dogz didn’t care much fer the last one.”

Loving Note rolled her eyes. “That’s because our dogs can’t coordinate to save their hides.” She smiled as she heard Skulltaka chuckled and nod. “I believe we can keep it simpler this time. Why don’t you lend me some of our ‘guests’ in order to set it up?”

“Dat sounds gud,” Zebby Skulltaka nodded once more. “I know just da ones ya can use.”

“Oh?” Loving Note quirked an eyebrow. It usually kept Skulltaka a minute or two to think of something. That was honestly the shortest amount of time it took a Hyena Dog. He may appear to be stupid, but he could be clever occasionally. “Then pray tell, what are we waiting for?”

“Just preppin’ meself,” Zebby grumbled. “Da one ah gots ain’t da best worker. Been thinkin’ of takin’ ‘er head, but thought ya could take ‘er off me paws.”

That was the blow that nailed the suspect. There was only one slave who fit the bill he was describing and she was actually looking forward to this. “Lead the way, Zebby.” Loving Note said. The only thing she had to worry about was how little Lia would fair.

____________________________________________________________________

Lia was honestly curious about this person they were bringing her to. She sounded mean. She’d have to be to rile up these dogs so much. That just sent a shiver down her spine. Sure, Lia knew a lot of scary pokemon, but she also knew they were friendly. They wouldn’t hurt her ‘cause they were her friends. This new ‘creature’ could be a friend, but it could also be really scary. Lia prepared herself. She was the sister of one of the most feared beings in the world and the daughter of one of the toughest Joy’s ever. Lia Louise Joy was not one to back down from anyone and she wasn’t going to start now.

“Unhand me you brutes,” a feminine voice called out. “Do you not know who I am? I shall remind you post haste, you simple idiotic-” Once the speaker rounded the corner, Lia was confronted by a female Seviper that was being pushed by some Hyena Dogs. She was wearing the same collar Lia wore that blocked her powers.

“Lucy,” Loving smiled. “So good to see you.”

“Loving Note!” Lucy smiled. “It is so good to see you again. These brutes are simply not even worthy of the honor of being my prison guards. I am Pike Queen Lucy! I demand the highest order of guards that can handle the greatness that is I!” She had a little habit of gesturing as she spoke.

Lia’s jaw dropped. Something familiar clicked within her. Something that she honestly never thought she’d see.

“BIG BROTHER!” Lia glomped Lucy. “I knew you’d save me. Changing your gender is weird, but that time you changed into a human was even stranger.”

“WHAT?!!” Lucy shrieked.

“So datz a guy?” Skulltaka scratched his head. “Huh, snakey things are weird.”

“I”M A WOMAN!” Lucy shouted. “THE PIKE QUEEN! THE GREATEST FRONTIER BRAIN THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN!”

“LUCY!” Lia shouted back, jumping up and down around her. “I’m such a big fan.” It was true. Lia always wanted to be as epic as Pike Queen Lucy. Well, she wanted to be as epic as her big brother and as pretty as her mommy, but the Pike Queen was her idol. She had all of her merchandise. “Can I have an autograph?”

Lucy smiled. “Of course, young one. I would be-”

Her speech was cut short as Skulltaka slammed his large fist into the ground, shaking everyone. “‘NUFF! Ah’ve ‘ad enuff of you talkin’ an’ talkin’. I’m puttin’ my fist down. You’z help Note with her play and it betta be gud. You hearz me?”

“Crystal,” Lucy glared up at him.

“Gud,” Skulltaka snorted. He softly nuzzled Loving Note as he passed. “See you’z later.”

Loving nuzzled him back. “See you, you oaf.”

Lia couldn’t help but frown in confusion. ‘Why is she smiling at the meanie? Does...does she like like him?’ She remembered how Loving kind of defended the Alpha Dog. Could it be he wasn’t as mean as he looked? She let herself ponder this as he walked on by.

“Little one,” Lucy snaked her head near Lia’s. “Are you alright? You have the air of someone troubled. I should know, for I can detect any air that has ever aired before in this world. I am a woman of many talents, the greatest of our ages in fact.”

Loving rolled her eyes. “Oh please, spare me the ‘oh great is me’ speech.”

Lucy huffed. “You’re just jealous that you aren’t as awesome as I, Pike Queen Lucy, the leading Frontier Brain.”

Loving huffed. “I’m not jealous. I could never possibly hold as much hot air as you.”

“Why you-” Lucy glared at her, before chuckling. “Maybe so, Loving.” She then looked to Lia. “Whatever was on your mind, child?”

“A lot of stuff,” Lia fidgeted under her hero’s stare. “Like how you remind me of my big brother...and why was the big meanie being nice.”

“He isn’t all bad, I’ve said that before.” Loving sighed. “He’s just really rough around the edges.”

“You sure know how to pick them,” Lucy spoke.

“I’d blame Fate in this instance,” Loving said.

Lucy nodded and patted Lia’s head with her tail. “Do not worry. You’ll be out of here in no time, the same as I. For no place can hold this much greatness forever. I will burst forth and shower my enemies with the hate I feel. Until then, let us be off. We have a play to make.”

Lia smiled. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to wait. Besides, her big brother was coming regardless.
_________________________________________________________________________

“Listen up and listen well,” Sev shouted at his soldiers from atop the train. They had finally made it. Well, almost anyways. This was the closest the train tracks took them in that direction anyways. “I don’t want to go about repeating myself. You can only handle so much awe inspiring words at a time.” He turned to look at King Trotankhamun, who stood at his side. “Would you like a few words before I go?”

King Trot shook his head. “For another time, my friend. This is your operation remember?”

Sev inclined his head. “Yes it is and that is why it shall succeed.” He turned back to his soldiers. “Now would be the time I would usually say a grand and inspiring speech about how great we are and how much victory is assured. I need not go on about it because victory is not up for debate. Each and every one of you has proven themselves worthy to be here. I think that speaks volumes of our fate. As of now, our foolish enemies lay underground holding my sister and no doubt countless zebras in slavery. This barbarity will not stand. The vices of our old home are not to come here. We will expunge this evil and every evil like it. Zebrica is our home and no one messes with Zebrica.” A round of cheer sprung up from the soldiers.

“I gotta say,” Flannery spoke up. “You’ve got a way with words.”

“Of course he does,” Milo spoke up. “How else could he inspire such chivalry in our hearts?”

“As Milo states,” Sev turned a glare her way. While he acknowledge his own mother was a ‘human’, he still hated having even one of them near him. “So please, human, keep your mouth shut.”

“I say,” Milo huffed. “That isn’t necessary. She is one of us now.”

‘That remains to be seen,’ Sev thought to himself. He dared not speak it out loud. He knew of Milo’s infatuation with the human. He wasn’t one to pick on him for his awful taste. ‘She wasn’t even Seviper themed. Only one human was smart enough to do so and could be considered sexy.’ Sev had to admit, said human had the second best behind he had ever seen….Umbra’s was the first.

She was a lot of first, come to think about it.

“So what’s the plan?” Trot asked.

Sev just smiled. “The most cunning of them all.”

___________________________________________________________________

Hyena Dogs were no strangers to the unusual. Zebrica was home to many strange creatures and magics that the world at large knew little to nothing about. It was the second most oddball place on the planet. Hooftralia was the first. What they didn’t expect to see was a snake like creature wearing a blue uniform of some kind, with a huge brown, bushy mustache, top hat, tie, and suitcase. Not to mention the assorted armored/uniformed others with the same attire.

“Hello good sirs,” the snakey thing said. “Would you like to purchase a window?”

__________________________________________________________________________

*meanwhile, in the capital*

“Gard?” Ag spoke up, casting a worried gaze at her beloved mate. “What happened?”

Gard was currently smashing his head into the wall over and over again. He eventually stopped and cast her an aggravated stare. “Traveling window salesmen.”

“Traveling window salesmen?”

“Traveling window salesmen.”

Ag was silent for a moment as she let that all process inside her head. She then facepalmed hard enough for the metal to echo across quite a bit of the castle. “On a scale of one to-”

“Twenty five.”

Ag groaned. “It’s at times like this that convince me he enjoys being stupid.”

“Oh you don’t know the half of it,” Gard said, smashing his head into the wall again.

Ag grabbed him and put him over her shoulder. “We’re going out on the town. You seriously need to clear your head.”

“I can never clear away the sheer stupidity of it all! Never!”

“How you two remain friends is beyond me,” Ag rolled her eyes as she continued on.

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment.

We're almost getting to the battle

As everyone in Zebrica would tell you, Hyena Dogs aren’t clever. In fact, they make other dog clans look like geniuses in comparison. Even so, they can still have a bright idea occasionally or see through a charade. The two Hyena Dogs might have been a bit smarter than the average dog, because they found the whole thing odd. So, for the first time in a while, they asked a simple question.

“Wat?”

“Would you purchase a window, my good dogs?” The snakey thing asked again.

“Why?” The dogs asked. Truly, they were the most intelligent dogs to grace the planet.

“Why, you may ask.” The snakey thing laughed. “Oh, but have you heard of an underground base without windows?”

The dogs scratched their heads. “No.” One answered.

“Exactly,” the snakey thing declared. “For no dog worth his tunnels would ever think to have one without our patented windows. They are masterpieces. They are works of art. They will make your tunnels the envy of all others, not to mention they make for great weapons.”

The dogs were nodding along. More so to the weapon part.

“Well it seems I have found some dogs with some class,” the snakey thing remarked. He laughed. “Most glorious, for this would be so boring if my brethren were idiots.”

“Brotha?” One dog said. “You’z not a dog.”

“Of course I am,” the snakey thing twirled his moustache. “You see this?” The dogs nodded. “This is a moustache and all dogs have them.”

“We do?”

“The hair on your bodies equal that of a moustache,” the snakey thing said. “I am a dog, there is no question about that for I have this hair on my body as do you.”

The dogs touched their lips. “We do.”

“If you are still in doubt,” the snakey dog said. He pointed his tail at an oddly zebra shaped dog. “Take my Alpha, the king under the mountain.”

“The diamond dogs are so going to sue us for that,” the zebra dog grumbled. “Yes, I can affirm that we are dogs and that our windows are great.”

The dogs scratched their heads. These dogs were using a lot of big words and it was hurting their heads. The snakey dog had a point though. He had fur, they had fur, so they must both be dogs. If that Alpha was a king of a mountain, that must mean he’s the baddest of the bunch. “So…..wat now?”

“Take us to your leader,” the snakey dog said.

______________________________________________________________________________

Unbeknownst to the hagglers and idiots, someone else had already beat them to their objective. It wasn’t another rival dog den, or villain. It was a regular Kecleon. Well, not so regular in the sense that he now worked for a hunter. This was so strange. He hadn’t even been caught with a pokeball but that bird-not mon had been nice to him. Showed him compassion. Odd. It wasn’t a pokemon. Why should he do that for him? Eh, whatever his reason, he needed to repay him.

So the Kecleon went about following his orders. It was the least he could do, especially once he heard about the young Kirlia. No one deserved to be a slave.

It wasn’t really that hard to sneak past these dogs. They were morons and being able to camouflage himself was paying off. Still, the dogs gave him some scares. The first being when he discovered their mining operation. It was so expansive and all sorts of creatures, mon and non-mon, were being forced to work to get the jewels from the rocks. He couldn’t do anything to stop it. He was just a Kecleon.

The second came about when one of the dogs smelled him. Whether they walked on two or four legs, dogs all around the world had incredibly good noses. Thankfully, brains weren’t universal. When the dog had leaned in to smell, he simply said “I’m not here”. The dog didn’t seem to care and went about eating gems.

Kecleon just wanted this job finished. Thankfully, he stumbled upon that which could do it: the cell holding the prisoners.

“No, no, no,” a rather posh, feminine voice said. Kecleon looked inside to see it was from a Seviper. The guards seemed to be trying to block out her voice, so they didn’t pay attention to his smells. “Like this.” She struck a pose. “Darling, my darling. You are here!” She shouted. “You must put your all into the act. Like how I put my all into pokemon battles and being the best Frontier Brain the world has ever known.”

“Okay, Miss Lucy.” The little Kirlia nodded and posed. The unicorn mare inside was chuckling.

“You find this amusing?” The Seviper scoffed. “I am a born actress and a trainer. One should never chuckle at the beauty of that.”

“Oh no,” the unicorn shook her head. “I just find Lia rather darling in that pose.”

“I am?” Lia asked.

Both of the others nodded. It was at that time, Kecleon couldn’t help but notice how cute the little Kirlia was. To the point that there should be a law against being that adorable. Shaking himself out of the cute stupor that was cast on him, he stepped through the bars. They were obviously made to keep something big inside. It was no trouble slipping past them.

Kecleon walked up to them and whispered, “Hey. I’m here to get you out of here.”

“GHOSTS!” The Seviper screamed and hid behind the mare. “Ghost pokemon. Gah, I hate those types. Always scaring me.”

“I’m not a ghost,” the Kecleon rolled his eyes and showed himself. “My master is coming to get you guys out of here. He wanted me to pass the word and see if I could speed up the process.”

“My, my, my,” the unicorn muttered. “Your master is a daring one. Tell me, how is he going to be able to do that with all of these Hyena Dogs about? They may be stupid, but they’re not that stupid as to let him waltz on in here and do that.”

Kecleon smirked. “He’s stronger than he looks.”

“And so am I,” a sinister female voice resounded. It dripped like a poison and shook one to the core. Turning back, they saw a crow like griffin in a robe walk up to the cell. The two dog warrior clutched their weapons, ready to attack. The griffin just raised her staff and fire two bolts of dark magic that ripped the dogs apart. “Typical. Two runts. A little challenge would’ve been nice.” Another bolt of magic disintegrated the bars.

The unicorn mare glared at the figure. “Who are you to barge into my tunnels and kill my dogs?!!”

“Your tunnels?” The griffin laughed. “You mean that big doggy of yours actually took you as a mate? I find it amusing in how disgusting it all is.” The unicorn growled in response. “As to why I am here, well, I am in need of something. Something powerful.”

“And what is that?” The unicorn asked.

The griffin pointed a talon at the Kirlia. “Her blood.”

__________________________________________________________________________

Char prayed over his swords. This wasn’t anything new. He would slowly take his clothe over the blades and whisper words of encouragement. Asking Arceus to keep the blades sharp and to cut through the flesh of the unworthy. He usually spent hours doing so, but hadn’t found the time these days. For one, these weren’t his usual blades. They were a gift from the local king. Something to be treasured, but monitored. Zebras knew how to craft a sword, but he didn’t know how it would fare against other pokemon.

That and, well, given how Vapora and him were a thing…. He blushed as he remembered their time together. He honestly wished he could be more open with her, but that’s how it was. He was Arceus’ sword, Sev’s righteous blade. He would follow them to Hell. Still, he sometimes wondered what it would be like to settle down and raise a family. If not his ‘own’ kids, well, they could always adopt. It would be somewhere nice, out in the country. Far away from the big city life, but he would always heed the lord’s will and that of Commander Sev. A part of him often pondered which he followed more closely. Perhaps it was the Commander. He was family, but he would never turn his blade against Arceus.

Just then, the door was pushed open rather violently. “Laddie, yer missin’ out. There’s a party goin’ on back in the compartment.” Maw spoke with a drunken smile. He carried his fiddle with him as he always did.

Char never did much care for the drunkard. To him, alcohol was evil. It made you stupid and prone to sin. Maw was all of that and he seemed to revel in it. ‘Heretical ideologies.’ “I’ll celebrate ‘after’ we free Lia.”

“Pfft,” Maw waved his hand to dismiss Char’s reasonings. “Yer worried about that? These dogs are nothin’ like the stuff we fought back home. It’ll be a walk in the park and we’ll all be drunk in the capital by dark.”

“Maybe,” Char said. “But I don’t like to jump to conclusions.”

Maw shrugged. “Suit yerself.” The mon walked over to the window and gave Char some much needed quiet.

That is until he started to play his fiddle.

“Okay, I’ll bite.” Char stopped cleaning, but didn’t look over at Maw. “Is that ‘Oh Arceus, we’re surrounded’, or ‘Damn, I left my good whiskey at home’. I could never tell those two apart.”

“First,” Maw gulped. “Guess those dogs got bored with the Commander.”

“Doubt it,” Char muttered. He sheathed his swords and walked over to the window. There were only a few outside, but every now and again, a few more would dig themselves out of the sand. He had to give it to these creatures. They were expert diggers.

“HEY!” Rio ran into the compartment. “Has anyone seen Lu?”

“He’s probably hidin’,” Maw responded.

“Hidin’?” Rio asked. “From what?”

“From them,” Char gestured to the dogs.

Rio took a look outside and grinned. “Finally, a fight. Been itchin’ to smash somethin’ all day.”

“Looks like you’ll get your chance,” Char commented. Out from the sand burst more dogs and this time, they had something with them. Somehow, they had transported rather large cannons through the sands. They looked primitive, something from the musket age, but no less fearsome. They looked to have some strange runes on them. “Or not.”

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait. Finals were a killer. Hopefully this will tied you over until the next chapter. Shouldn't be too long since I have the summer off.

I hope you all enjoy and please leave a comment.

FINALLY! Let's fight!

Pert honestly believed this was the most idiotic, humiliating plan that he had ever been forced to act on. Of course, there was the time he nearly got forced into wearing a dress to infiltrate a human fashion show. Sev really wasn’t himself that day. Pert was just thankful Gard was there to straighten him out. So now he was a bit thankful that this was the most inane thing he’s ever done under Sev’s command.

Which was odd. Commander Sev only ever brought him when he was sure there was going to be a up front confrontation. Those were the only fights Pert honestly felt at home. He was raised to fight in the arena after all. So that meant Sev knew there was going to be a fight. That was pretty much obvious to everyone the moment Lia was captured. Still, undercover work was never his forte. That was Gold’s job.

Pert honestly wished that Golduck was here now. He’d know a thing or two about being on a job like this.

So now Pert had to wait in these dank tunnels that reminded him too much of the arenas. Why the damned humans had to do everything in shitty underground lairs was beyond him. Maybe they just knew deep down they were slime. He liked to think so. Slimebags or not, they weren’t his problem anymore. They were all left back on Earth, where they belonged. Now he had to deal with a new bunch.

These Hyena Dogs might not be as smart as most of those human mooks. They might not even have guns and those stuff, but they were stronger. They could, if the stories were to be believed, swim through sand and rock faster than he could. They were practically Ground types. With their strength, it’d be easy for them to kill some of the hardier pokemon under his command. He had to be weary.

It was right at that moment that he heard a muffled scream. Pert glanced at the wall of dirt behind him. He heard something and there was no Arceus damn way was he going to disregard it. He knew pain and fear when he heard it. He walked up to the wall.

“What are you doing?” A zebra soldier by the name of Perui asked.

‘Breaking down the wall of slavery to usher in an age of peace.’ Pert knew that these dogs were keeping slaves. The zebras had went on and on about them. He had an inkling that they had just stumbled upon a few of them.

Pulling back his arm, it glowed white as he performed a perfect Hammer Arm. The wall crumbled into dust, creating a whole twice his size. On the other side was something he had not seen in a while. It was an expansive tunnel, easily large enough to fit a few legendaries leasuraly. There were several zebras and a few other races before forced to carry gems or move carts. The one closest to him was a young mare. She had several lash marks on her body. The Hyena Dog over her, carrying the whip that done the deed, stared at Pert incredulously.

It was at that moment, something flashed in his mind.

*snap* “Get back into that pit, beast! Fight for your lunch.”

“B-But-”

*snap* “I SAID FIGHT OR STARVE!”

Pert’s fist clenched. He didn’t give the dog any time to do anything else. He tackled the best to the ground and smashed it’s head into pulp with his fist. Another dog made to lunge, but it was blown several feet into the air and halfway down the tunnel by Pert’s Water Gun.

“Shit!” Perui was heard behind him. “Support the general! Get these people out of here.” The combined zebra/pokemon forces rushed inside after him.

The Hyena Dogs were quick to recover and they let out an outlandish and bloody howl that sounded like a laughing Luxray but more high pitched. While most of them were wearing rags, Pert could tell the armored ones would be a problem. Either way, this was going to be a fight to remember. He smirked and charged the nearest Hyena Dogs.

_______________________________________________________________________

Crowland didn’t have much of a problem finding the tunnel leading to the slave dwellings. He had raided quite a few tunnels in his day. The problem was getting there. Now some would have cut and sliced their way through the Hyena Dog guards. They would be idiots. The dogs had excellent smell and hearing. They’d smell the blood, hear the fighting. Oh, you could take them out one at a time, but they’d be on to you quicker than you could get out. Crowland was fast enough to do so, but not stupid enough to tempt fate.

He kept to the shadows, stayed out of sight. There was the occasional guard that got in the way, but a disposable dart filled with tranqs would do the job. They’d be out long enough for him to slip by and the dogs wouldn’t know it. They’d wake up and go about like nothing was wrong. They were stupid like that.

Of course, he would kill if needed to. He had no qualms with ending each and every blasted one of these dog’s existence. That would get him nowhere. He never did anything just ‘because’. Each action had a purpose. This was the same with his hunts. They tested his skill and fortitude. When this was done, he would take that giant lizard’s head. Not because he wanted to, but because he had to. This was to be his sign. If this hunt didn’t go well, he was to lay in the towel or die.

Crowland knew that perhaps he should let the beast go. He had taught Daring Do that killing was wrong and should only, and he had stressed ‘only’, when absolutely every other option had been exhausted or unavailable. She was better than him. ‘Better than a lot of us.’

He was getting close. He could hear some cries for help and the usual noise slaves yelled in the dark. Again he felt the need to kill these beasts. ‘Crowland, you should have known better than to keep dealing with Caballeron. You knew this would happen one day. He’d go overboard.’ Crowland knew, but a job was a job and he honestly trusted himself better than other mercenaries. They would have done much worse to that little girl for less.

Turning the corner, he spied two rather large and well armored Dogs. He’d need a bit stronger darts for these two.

“Almost there,” he said to Little Lady who was perched on his shoulder. “Hope for the best.”

“Will do,” she commented.

It had been jarring at first when she all of a sudden started talking, but she had said something about some psychics being close. That didn’t sit well with him. No one had any right to see his mind. That and a few of his adventures had made him wary of those types. They were tricky to kill. Not impossible, but they made it annoying as Tartarus.

Psychics aside, given how he didn’t have many darts of their size, he figured he could kill them. Oh yes, he knew the risks, but he had seen to it to scout a few exits that were close enough to get that girl and a few others out in no time.

“HEY!” A young male voice called out. “TAKE THIS!” A little blue blur then right up and kicked one of the dogs in the face. The Dog yelped in pain, but wasn’t really pushed back. “There’s more where that’s from.”

“A Riolu?” Little Lady commented. “What is one of those doing here?”

“Whatever he’s doing,” Crowland said. “He ain’t doing it alone.” Rushing forward, he came to stop by the Riolu. “Need a claw?”

“Ah got this,” the little Riolu snorted.

Crowland chuckled. “Sure you do, hatchling.”

“Ah’m not a hatchling!” The Riolu shouted and charged. He was quicker than Crowland gave him credit for. The dog’s mace and axe both missed him as he ran by. The RIolu came to a stop, turned around with a light blue ball formed in his hands. “Focus Blast.” The ball of energy shot out and smashed into one of the dog’s back, sending him tumbling towards Crowland.

Crowland simply stepped to the side and threw one of his electric arrows into an exposed area. The Dog jittered about on the floor as the electricity knocked the beast out. He could have hit the neck, but there was a kid present.

Said kid wa now charging the other dog. The dog swung its axe, only narrowly missing the Riolu. The mon rolled out of the way, next to one of the dog’s legs and held a paw to it. He smirked. “Force Palm.” The blast knocked the dog off its feet and the Riolu held its paw upwards. He fired another attack, which threw the dog up into the air and landing a few feet away. The Riolu smirked and looked at Crowland. “Ah got it all taken care of, old bird.”

Crowland raised an eyebrow. “Oh really?” He quickly, and without taking his eyes off the Riolu, pulled out his crossbow and fired an already knocked bolt into the dog’s chest before it could bring the mace down on the Riolu’s head. It convulsed and fell to the ground paralyzed. “Never take your eyes off your opponent until you know they’re down.”

The Riolu lowered his head. “Darn it.”

“Get out of here, kid.” Crowland gestured to a thinner tunnel. “That’ll take you out of her in no time.”

“Ah’m not leaving without Lia,” the Riolu glared up at him. “Y’all better just leave while ah take care of this.”

“He’s got spunk,” Little Lady said.

“Spun will get him killed,” Crowland sighed and looked the mon in the eye. He saw a fire there, something that wasn’t going to listen to reason. He chuckled. “Stick close and do as I tell you. Name’s Crowland, you?”

“Lu.”

______________________________________________________________________

Loving Note glared at the witch before her. “You’re not touching her.”

The witch laughed. “Do you honestly believe that you have any say in this matter? I have walked these lands for far longer than your kind dares to remember.”

“Then let me have the honor of showing you all in a new light,” Loving Note lit up her horn. Violence was never her forte, but she knew this creature was no good. She was not going to let the precious little one she just met come to harm. “As I throw your ass across.”

“My ‘ass’ will not be moving an inch unless I will it,” the witch smirked. “Do you know who I am?”

“A bad Nightmare Moon cosplayer?” Loving Note smirked.

“I don’t know what that is,” Lucy spoke up. “But it sounds disappointing.”

The witch growled. “I am Thrist, leader of the Thirst.”

“A tad confusing with the names there,” Loving pointing out. “Perhaps you should put some ‘effort’ into them, but then again, a witch in of itself is a waste of space.” Oh she was having a ball here.

“And this is where I stop you,” Thrist held up her staff. The dark orb glowed purple and a sickly aura appeared around Loving. Bolts of dark magic shocked her to her core, making her cry out in pain before she was thrown into the wall. “You ponies think you’re above everyone else. You think you’re all so perfect with your friendship and harmony. I will ensure that your kind will fill the rivers of the world with your blood. Your gods will fall and Ragnoros will rise!”

“I think this is the part where we escape,” Lucy fearfully whispered into Lia’s ears.

“No you won’t,” Thrist said. A bolt of dark magic fired over Lucy’s head. “Give me the child.”

“Um….” Lucy would be sweating in fear if she could. Instead, she opted for shaking in her scales. She and Lia hugged each other as Thrist walked up to them.

“I will not leave this chamber empty handed,” with a wave of her staff, Lucy was sent flying.

“You big meanie!” Lia shouted up at the witch, glaring at her.

“Aren’t I,” Thrist smirked and it was at that moment that Lia was surrounded by dark magic. The little Kirlia started screaming as every nerve in her body was assaulted. This was worse than Caballeron’s shock collars. Thrist chuckled. “Good girl.” She conjured a silver blade and vial, slicing a little bit into Lia’s arm as she convulsed in pain. The blood dripped into the vial. “Very good girl.”

A bolt of magic smashed into Thrist, or would have if Thrist hadn’t cast some sort of shield around herself. “And very naughty mare.”

“Get away from her, you bitch!” Loving Note charged, firing another bolt of magic.

Thrist easily deflected the bolt and teleported. As Loving Note came to a stop, Thrist appeared and smashed the butt of her cane into Loving’s side, sending her to the ground. “You ponies are weak.”

“Maybe,” Loving coughed. “But we’re also clever.” With that said, she used her magic to create a flash of light strong enough to blind Thrist for a while. The witch covered her eyes in pain.

Loving used that as an opportunity to grab Lia and run over to Lucy and the Kecleon from earlier, who were cowering behind some of the furniture.

“Don’t bring her over here,” Lucy said.

“What happened to the mighty Pike Queen?” Loving frowned. She had listened to hours upon hours of Lucy going on about herself.

“I never fought any battles on my own,” Lucy said. “My pokemon did that for me.”

“Did they die for you?” A sinister voice asked. They looked up to see Thrist. “If you’re having trouble with that all by yourself, perhaps I can help.”

“Or perhaps you can get your scrawny beak out of here,” another voice called out. Everyone looked over to see an old griffin warrior with his crossbow at the ready, a Spearow on his shoulder, and a Riolu at his side.

“Crowland Tempo,” Thrist grinned. “It’s been a while. You look well.”

“Can’t say the same for you,” Crowland quipped.

“Insulting a lady to her face?” Thrist put a mock hand on her chest. “What an honorless cur you are.” She tapped her cane to the ground and a portal appeared. Out of it stepped two large crow warriors, nearly twice Thrist’s size. Each one of them wore armor thicker than Loving’s foreleg and carried jagged swords. Next came what appeared to be a giant Rattatta. It was covered in the same armor, with it’s tail made out to be a long lashing weapon with all the spikes. “I think this is worthy of any punishment one such as you deserves, don’t you think.”

“Should have brought more,” Crowland smirked. “You’re gonna need ‘em.”

_______________________________________________________

“And as you can see,” Felicia stated, having changed into a lawyer suit sometime down the line. That included a little set of glasses. “Business, business, stuff and all kinds of numbers.”

“Hmmm,” Alpha Zebby Skulltaka rubbed his chin. “Dat makes sense, but what of the other stuff?”

“The other stuff is stuff that hasn’t been outfitted enough to be worth to anyone who likes stuff,” Felicia pointed out.

“She is the best lawyer I have ever had,” Sev commented. Everyone else, face palmed or whatever they had on them.

“Sounds gud to me,” Zebby smiled. “I’ll take dem windows. Dey might make fer gud stompin’ and crumpin’ weapons like ya said. No gits are gonna mess with me now.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Felicia beamed with pride. She always like dressing up and going undercover. Of course, the other mercs thought she was bad at it. She didn’t know why. She was a natural spy.

“Of course he likes it,” Sev grinned. “We’re the smartest window salesmen in the world!”

“Why?” Zebby asked.

“Because we have tall hats,” Sev tapped his hat. “Anyone with half a mind can tell you that only the brightest of people have tall hats, because it shows to the world how clever you are. A short hat is one that cannot think outside the box. My hat was never in a box. It was in a crate, which is of course bigger than a box. Said crate had more room for the hat that now sits on my head, which is bigger than everyone else’s to show how I am truly the greatest salesman ever.”

King Trot snicked. “I love these guys.”

Zebby blinked a few times before nodding. “Dat also makes sense. Youz smarter than most, window dog seller guy.”

“That is true,” Sev nodded.

It was at that moment that a dog ran out of a tunnel. “Alpha, some of the salesmen attacked the slave tunnels.”

“WAT?!!!” Zebby roared.

Sev grinned and tore off his costume. “I was never on your side!”

“We were selling things to them,” Trot said, rolling his eyes while he took off the costume. “We were never on their side. Though, perhaps we could ‘take’ their sides.” He unsheathed his swords. “I don’t think they’ll be needing them in a moment.”

“Alright,” Zebby grinned and cracked his knuckles. “A gud and propa fight. Just wat I needed.”

“Hey,” Felicia got in between the two groups. “Let’s not get carried away here. I think we can all calmly talk this out and be friends.”

“Friendship sucks,” Zebby said.

“Oh it is on in a similar fashion to donkey kong!” Felicia snarled. She took off her glasses and tossed them to Alice, which hit her in the face. “Hold them for me.”

“Argh, it hit my eye!” Alice spoke.

________________________________________________________________

Char shook his head. His world was spinning right then. He remembered jumping out of the window. The train exploded….The train exploded! The dogs had cannons! He turned to see the raging inferno that was once a mighty train for the zebras. He prayed for the ones that didn’t get out in time. Picking himself up, his hearing was off. It was a constant ringing, but even he could hear a roar coming up behind him.

He unsheathed his sword and locked it against a Hyena Dog’s blade. Pushing back, the dog tried to lunge forward. Char twirled around his and slashed the dog across the throat. “The holy warriors of god can fight through the haze of conflict, no matter the condition.” He said more to himself. Glancing around, he saw the rest of the zebras and mon regrouping on his side.

“DUCK!”

Without thinking, Char threw himself to the ground and the air was filled with the sound of bolts being fired. He looked behind himself to see four dogs filled with arrows. Glancing towards a dozen zebras reloading, he smirked. “Though they may not be amongst his chosen, they fight with his stell.”

Of course, the sense of triumph was short lived. A dog burst out of the sand in the middle of the group, scattering the zebras. It clutched one of them to the ground, readying it’s axe to plunge into the soldier’s flesh. It wasn’t the dog’s blade that struck.

Nay, it was Char’s. The Charmeleon had thrown one of his blades straight into the dog’s head. Running forward, he took the blade out from the skull. “Fall back!” He shouted. “Regroup and then slaughter these heathens!”

The fire from the train was almost muffed out when a larger than normal Hyena Dog smashed itself through the wreck. The dog quickly smashed its spiked mace into the chest of a Grovyle, killing the mon and sending its body flying. With a downward swing, it crushed a zebra soldier. The dog roared. It’s whole body was covered in makeshift armor and it was all muscle.

Char wasn’t threatened a bit. He frowned. “The heathen wishes to fight? The heathen dares to kill the just?” He pulled out his blades, setting them on fire. “I will show you what happens when you face a warrior of Arceus, black hearted beast!” He charged forward.

Author's Note

And now we have it. The big first fight of the fic.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter and please leave a comment.

The Fight Continues

Char had faced many opponents in his life. Moreso than most, especially at his age. Living in the world of pokemon had pretty much senses to the strange and weird. So fighting a giant anthro-Mightyena wanna be covered from head to toe with makeshift armor with a pair of flaming swords honestly didn’t feel so ridiculous. Heck, he’s fought giant robots before in worse conditions. He still had to be careful though. It may not be a pokemon, but it could easily crush him with that mace or even its own paw if it managed to land a hit. Char had to end this quickly before it was given that chance.

The Dog charged, swinging its mace about willy nilly. There was no strategy in that monster’s mind. Just the urge to kill. Char could use that thoughtlessness. As the pair of them closed up, he jumped and rolled between the dog’s legs. As he rolled, he span to the side slicing through the dog’s ankle with his swords. The dog howled in pain and stumbled. Char came to a stop as another dog was about to bring their axe on him. A simple ‘Dragon Rage’ attack sent the dog hurdling into the fiery wreck of the train.

Char didn’t have any time to say a quip as he jumped backwards out of the way of a large fist smashing into the sand. ‘I didn’t cut deep enough it seems.’ He would make sure he didn’t make that mistake again. His somersaulted twice, narrowly avoiding the mace’s swing.

“You swing like a brain dead oaf,” Char said calmly. He had given himself enough distance from the brute for him to safely talk. “If you had an inkling of intelligence, maybe then you could land a strike. Repent and perhaps I can educate you in the ways of the holy. Continue and I will show you how to die. Your choice.”

“How’z ‘bout I cut ya up instead,” the dog growled.

“Death it is then,” Char grinned. Fire licked his lips before he shot a powerful ‘Flamethrower’ into the dog’s chest. It scorched the parts of the dog’s body that weren’t protected, causing the dog to cry out in pain. Of course, the dog just charged straight through it. Char had to give the dog credit for that.

He cut off the flamethrower and readied himself. Truthfully, he was hoping the flamethrower would have knocked the beast back, maybe melt the armor. It seemed these Hyena Dogs were made of sterner stuff. He stood his ground and the beast tried to smash him with the mace. Char jumped to the side at the last second and cut three fingers clean off with the falling of his swords. The mace fell out of the dog’s almost fingerless hand.

Instead of crying out in pain, it seemed the dog decided to yell in anger. ‘I would wager that it’s already in so much pain that it can’t be phased.’ Char found out too late that these dogs were quicker than he gave them credit. The dog had snatched him up with his free hand, clamping down on his lower half. It thrashed him about so hard that he lost his grip on his swords. He’d make this dog pay for that.

“Puny dragon,” the dog stopped and looked like he was about to take a bite out of him.

Thinking fast, he fired a Will-O-Wisp out of his fist. The blue ball of flame smashed into the dog’s left eye. The dog seemed to have at least a little nerve left there for he started screaming in pain. Char smirked. With ‘Strength’ overtaking him, he pulled the fingers off of him and jumped. He kept ahold of the fingers and brought the dog to the ground. He took a glimpse to his side, where his swords lay. He’d have to end this quickly, before the dog had a second chance. Grabbing them up, he ran over to the dog’s back.

The Hyena Dog was starting to get up, but Char jumped onto his back, pinning him to the sand. He quickly ran over and thrust the two flaming swords into the base of the Hyena Dog’s skull. The beast quivered for a while, before going still.

“I’m not a dragon,” Char hissed, pulling his swords free.

“YEEHAH!” Char looked over to see Rio smashing into a bunch of average sized Hyena Dogs with a combination of Extreme Speed and Power-Up Punch. Either they were sent tumbling across the sand, or straight to the ground with a hole in their chest or headless. The Lucario laughed as he brought his foot down hard enough to crush a dog’s windpipe. “Haven’t had this much fun since Raziel’s raid last month.”

“Yes, it is fun to wipe the world clean of filth.” Char snickered. “Just leave enough for the rest of us.”

“Can’t promise ya that,” Rio said, before whistling. He idly ‘Force Palmed’ a dog attacking him from the side. “Seems like ya’ve been havin’ enough fun already.”

“A trivial challenge,” Char jumped off the Hyena Dog’s back. “It’s best that we get moving and regroup. These Dog’s are quite skilled in digging.”

“Cowards ah tell’s ya,” Rio snorted.

The two of them watched a dog go flying between them. “NOBODY SMASHES ME WHISKEY!” Maw shouted, shaking his little fist in anger.

“That’s the spirit, Maw.” Rio smiled.

The Hyena Dogs started howling. The three of them made a little circle, watching out for the dog’s movements. What struck them as odd was how the dogs were running away.

“Guess we showed th-” Rio started to say, before the sand around him exploded. Out from the ground shot a giant worm like creature. The beast had clamped its jaws around Rio and rushed back into the sand below.

“RIO!” Maw shouted in anguish.

Char just stared at the ground numbly. It had happened too fast. One moment they were fighting dogs, then a giant worm ate Rio. ‘Why does that seem normal?’

Of course, he didn’t have much time to think on that as the worm resurfaced. Falling to the ground, its mouth opened and out stepped Rio covered in slime. He turned back to the worm. “No, bad worm.”

The worm grumbled in pain.

“Should’ve known that’d happen,” Maw chuckled.

___________________________________________________________________

“And that’s for not filing your taxes,” Felicia slammed her large briefcase into a dog’s face, knocking the dog out cold.

“What the hay are you talking about?” Trot asked as he slashed a dog across the throat with his sword.

“I’m a lawyer, silly~” Felicia giggled. “It’s my job to spout a bunch of law terms and all that. I don’t get to do it that often, since I mostly just beat people up in Checkmate. I’m not a fan of doing it all the time, but Weiss was happy.”

“Well LOOK OUT!” Trot shouted. The king was too far away to help her that second, which gave the charging Hyena Dog time enough to smash into Felicia while she was distracted.

The two of them rolled on the ground for a bit, thanks in some part to her gooey body. As they came to a stop, the dog brought its axe down. To which Felicia used the only thing she had on herself to block it: Her briefcase. She gasped. “My briefcase!”

The Hyena Dog just growled and pulled herself off of the Goodra, shaking her axe to get the thing off of it. Felicia was glowering at her. She didn’t often feel hatred, but given how these were the same being that had kidnapped Lia, she wasn’t going to hide it from them. “That was a present from WEISS!” She roared, her body glowing red and pulsed with energy the energy. One could even say it seemed to shoot up into the air, flowing around her like fire. ‘Outrage’ was the name of the attack and it was an apt description.

She ran forward and started to pound the dog silly, landing blow after blow that easily broke through armor and bone. Her fists moved faster and you could hear her saying “YATATATATATATA!” As she smashed the dog about. With one final thrust of her fist, she sent the dead dog flying straight through another group of dogs, throwing them about like pins. She then glanced at a second group and pointed at them. “You are already dead.”

Meanwhile, Sev was doing his best not to be crushed by Alpha Dog Zebby. The was massive, easily legendary sized. One swing of his fist could pummel him and he wasn’t going to tempt fate like he had done with Groudon. Something told him it would be exactly the same result. So he slithered around the attacks. As he did, he slashed at open skin with a ‘Poison Tail’. It didn’t do much against the dog.

“Stand still snakey thing,” Zebby growled as he swung his fists. “It’ll only last a second.”

“And in that second,” Sev quipped, dodging and overhead swing. “Your brains would be splattered all over that wall.’

“Big talk comin’ from da likez of youz,” Zebby snorted. “Ya ain’t fightin’ propa.”

“There is no such thing as a proper fight,” Sev grinned, energy building up within him. He opened his mouth and swirling dark energy shot out in a perfect ‘Dark Pulse’. The attack struck Zebby in the nose, causing him to cry out. From the blood dripping down, Sev could tell he ripped something. Hopefully, he broke the dog’s nose. A few of the flying types tried to get at his face, distracting the beast from the fight.

Sev wasn’t one to stand idly by as his enemies checked their injuries. He was a mon of action. He needed to show these dogs that he was the true master here, starting with decapitating a smaller dog with his bladed tail. He slithered through the enemy group with ease. Something his master had taught him well. He struck without mercy, slicing and dicing limbs and throats.

One of the faster and lithe dogs grinned as she watched her pack mates keep the snake-thing busy. She chuckled and started to move in to cut him to pieces. It was only too late did she noticed the flying kick headed straight for her head.

“HI-YA!” Lightning Dust shouted as she smashed her hindhoof into the dog’s head. The went flying right into another. She grinned. She really wanted to make these dogs pay for trying to make her a slave. ‘And no one beats Sev, but me.’ She had brought a large saddlebag with her, custom made from Equestria. She took out a cloud and bucked it. The lightning arked into a large dog’s chest, shocking the beast into unconsciousness. “Don’t mess with the best.” She flapped out of the way of a dog’s axe and bucked the cloud again, hitting the dog. She came from a weather family, so this came naturally to her. Well, that and her fighting urge. Smashing a hoof into a dog’s face brought a little satisfaction.

King Trotankhamun threw his sword into a large dog’s head and jumped. Jumping over the falling beast, he pulled the sword out and flipped over with ease. He had been trained by pegasi in acrobatics, so it came with ease. As he came down, the blade’s arc caught a dog in the should and sliced the dog in two diagonally. The surviving group stared at the zebra in shock. They didn’t have the time to do anything as his sword cut through the armored gut of one of the dogs. The dog cried out in pain and the rest tried to jump the zebra. Of course, they missed and just cut the wounded dog several new holes. “Tisk, tisk.” He shook his head, smirking. “Watch where you swing those things. You can take someone’s eye out.”

The dogs roared and charged. The young king rolled right underneath the dogs and cut through the lower spine as he came back up. He jumped to his feet, nearly bumping into Sev.

“Having fun, my king?” Sev grinned as he wrapped his tail around a dog’s arm and threw it overhead.

“A blast,” King Trot grinned in return, parrying a dog’s sword and smashing the hilt into its lower jaw, breaking it. “I have to say. You really know how to liven up a place.”

“I try,” Sev chuckled.

“Yo,” Lightning landed on top of a dog charging up behind them. “Don’t forget about me.”

“How could I forget something so beautiful?” Sev quirked an eyebrow, smashing his tail-blade into a dog’s face.

Lightning blushed, glaring at the snake. “S-shut up, stupid. I’m not beautiful.”

“Then they need to invent a word that means something more than,” Sev chuckled once more. “Beautiful does not do you justice and I shall come up with a word befitting of you.”

“Cut it out, you lovebirds.” Trot laughed. “We have dogs to kill and people to save.”

“Just another day in the life of Commander Sev,” Sev smirked. The trio saw a shadow looming over them for a split second, before they jumped.

Zebby’s giant fist smacked into the ground, creating a crater deep enough to bury the three of them easily enough and shaking the whole chamber. “I’z kill ya all! Ya gits can’t best Alpha Zebby Skulltaka. I’z kill youz and take yer skulls fer my pointy stiks.”

“Over my dead body,” Sev answered.

“That’s kind of his intention,” Trot pointed out, before the dog swinged his fist.

The Alpha Dog growled as a Pidgeot tried to claw his eyes out. He was quicker then he looked. With one quick thrust, he grabbed the mon in his claws and squeezed it into a bloody pulp, except for the head. He grinned and held it up. “One down, morez to go.”

“You...YOU KILLED MY SOLDIER!” Sev roared in rage.

“I’z been doin’ that already,” Zebby deadpanned, before snarling. “Yer next, snakey-thing.”

“No you!” Sev pointed his tail-blade at the beast. Of course, before he could do anything, a large armored dog smashed its shoulder into Sev in a rush and collided with the wall. The wall crumbled, making a hole large enough to fit three Zebby Skulltakas. Sev smashed his tail into the dog and sent it flying. A normal Seviper couldn’t have sent the hulking beast, which could look down at an Aggron, flying, but he was Sev. He had trained to be that strong. Of course, he was lucky that wasn’t the Alpha Dog. That wouldn’t have worked.

Looking around the new room he found himself in, he blinked in confusion. It was a lavish room, like a dog’s version of an elite guest room. There were several griffins, zebras, mon, ponies and all sorts of creatures about. Sev decided a diplomatic solution was in order.

He looked to the nearest griffin, which was a hulking eight foot tall powerhouse soldier, wielding a wicked blade and thick black armor. It just screamed ‘death’. He smiled. “Hello, I think this is the perfect time to sit down, talk about the situation and HAIL ARCEUS!” He “Flamethrowered” the griffin, knocking it off it’s feet.

Then everything became more complicated.

Author's Note

I hope you enjoy and please leave a comment.

Side Chapter" Raziel

Waiting isn’t really for everyone. Sure, most everyone had a bit of patience. It isn’t considered a virtue for nothing, after all. However, there are a few people who can’t stand waiting. They hate it. Sitting in one place for any bit of time was a killer. One of said people was-

“Lily Evans?” A bored, secretary called over from his desk. He was rather annoyed by the girl. She was a psychic and those never sat well with him. He knew reading minds and all that wasn’t in her bio, but still. Did she really have to constantly teleport around?

The answer was yes as she teleported in front of him. She was a rather slim young woman, perhaps in her late teens/early twenties. He forgot the age, “That’s me, luv.” She had a bit of a cockney accent.

“Dr. Jacob Raziel is willing to see you now,” he rolled his eyes. If only that ‘great purge’ hadn’t happened. Then he could easily get a replacement and go on his much needed vacation, but no. Everyone had to disappear.

“Thanks,” she winked at him and the door opened. The moment it did, she teleported inside and it closed behind her. “Right on cue, Mister Raziel.”

Before her was a rather plain office and desk. At the very back of the room was a large window that took up a third of the wall’s space. In front of it was a man she knew all so well. His blond hair was combed and his suit was styled to perfection, “Great to have you.” His germanic accent was an undercurrent theme in his voice.

“So what’s this now,” Lily sat down for a bit. While she hated waiting, she could stand being in one place for Raziel. He was almost like a father figure with how he cared of the orphanage nearby. Of course, given her skills and talents, he helped her realize her true worth: being a top sniper.

Raziel chuckled, “I think I finally know what happened.”

“Ooh, ooh, ooh,” Lily started hop/teleporting around the room. “Where are they? Is my little Charry Warry alright?” Her trusty sniper rifle teleported into her hands. “Do I have to kill somebody?”

“Che, che, che,” Raziel gave his typical chuckled. “Not yet, my kleine freundin.” He turned around, staring at her with his deep blue eyes. “I think our good ol’ gods have a thing to do with it.” Lily’s eyes widened and he nodded. “Yes, let’s just say, I have my sources.” He scowled. “Arceus has escaped his prison.”

“The bloke escaped?” Lily blinked in confusion. “Blimey, didn’t see that one coming.”

“Well who else could pull off this kind of feat?” Raziel snorted. “Who else could hold such contempt for man that he’d rip it apart?” Che, che, che, for a god he is so predictable.”

Lily quirked an eyebrow, “Ya knew he was gonna do this, boss?”

Raziel nodded, “Do you know why we’re the dominant species on this planet, Lily.”

“‘Cause Arceus is stupid?” Lily tilted her head.

“He wasn’t stupid,” Raziel held up a finger. “He was naive to trust humans.” He turned back to the window. “We’re the dominant species on the planet because we always want more. We want new machines. New everything. We’re never content with what we have. Pokemon are. They don’t care. They just enjoy what they have and make the most of it.

“A content person won’t overreach themselves. We’re far from a content people. Arceus was a fool to trust us.” His fist clenched. “He was an utter fool. If he had kept a closer eye on us, none of this would have happened. None of this would have come to pass. My family would be alive if he just didn’t blindly trust the most asshole species in the entire universe!” Blue aura flared around him like hellish fire.

Lily gulped and teleported behind her chair, “Er, boss? Luv, ya doin’ it again.”

The aura died away and Raziel chuckled, “Che, che, che. My emotions got the better of me.” He started walking out of the room, motioning Lily to join him. “I could forgive him for taking them all away, even a great number of pokemon. It makes my research that much harder without so many test subjects and replacements, but I can live with that. What I can’t stand is that he took away my nemesis. Sev is my opposite. The yin to my yang. How am I supposed to function without him?” He pulled out a pamphlet. “I even designed an auto cannon that can fire rotten cheese, Lily. ROTTEN CHEESE! I have it all ready to go and now who am I supposed to fire it at? One of the gangs?”

“Well that’s a bit of a bummer,” Lily said. It was no secret that Sev and Raziel liked to try and ‘outwit’, if you wanted to call it that, each other with such crazy inventions. How Hoenn was still standing after all of it was a mystery.

“Exactly,” Raziel grumbled. “It even had cup holders.” He frowned as his shoulders slumped, “I… I just don’t know what to do, Lily. He’s always been there, from the very start. We’ve been doing this for so long…” He growled. “I will fix this.” He took out a picture, which was of him and a Liepard beside him and a little Zorua in his arms. “Oh yes, I will fix this.”

“My commander!” A bubbly voice called out. Looking over, stashing his picture away in his pocket, he saw a rather well endowed ‘Indian’ woman wearing bright red clothing hopping over to him. Beside her was another woman who looked almost identical, if not for the icey blue of her clothes and makeup. “I have such passionate news.”

“It’s not that passionate,” the more mellow twin snorted.

Raziel practically squealed, “Yes. What is it?”

“This ‘Devon Corporation,” the fiery girl, Flare, said. “Had some useful intel.”

“Pretty much told us everything we needed to know,” Chill said, folding her arms. “I can’t wait to get back into the fight. I owe Char a few blows.”

“Excellent,” Raziel grinned, playing his fingers together. “Now I just need to rouse the troops.”

____________________________________________________________________

“My love,” a beautiful Liepard stood before him, behind a curtain. She spoke in their germanic native language. “The troops are ready.”

“Very good,” Raziel nodded, bending down to pick her up and kiss her deeply. Pulling back, he gave her a smile. “Wish me luck.”

“You always made your own luck,” the Liepard, Parda, giggled as she nuzzled him. “Now get to it. The quicker you do, the sooner we can have fun.”

“And no pesky Rangers to stop it,” Raziel gave a wicked grin as he reluctantly let her go. Walking out, he came to look over his army. Or at least, part of it. They were all wearing the standard uniform of his army, with a ‘swastika’ badge on their arms.

“My brothers and sisters of the dark,” Raziel grinned. “I have good news. Our sisters Flare and Chill have found some information that could lead us to the missing PLA.” A resounding cheer came about until Raziel raised his hand.

“Not only that, we believe that the missing humans and Arceus himself is there. Arceus, who has denied us our one true goal. Arceus, who took away so many people on this world.” Raziel laughed. “Why should we care, many of you may think. We are the master race, are we not? Those who follow the ways of the Dark. Those who wish to show humanity a better way.

“We should care, my brothers and sisters. If humanity is to die, it is not going to be by someone elses hands. There is one thing I have learned in all my time on this planet, it’s this.” He grinned. “Humans are stagnant. They never change. They never,” he hummed in thought. “Evolve. We are that step in evolution. Yet, that step is for not. Our world is dying. How can proper humans survive and thrive?” He laughed.

“Oh we can, because we’re humans. Humans are stubborn like that, but we are better then them. We aren’t human. We are more than human. We are the Dark Empire!” Another resounding cheer broke out.

“We all know that this day would come. When Arceus would seek his revenge. Good riddance, but I hate to see it happen. We are more than human, but we are still human. If there is one thing that humans do best, it is war.

“War will not die out, my brothers and sisters. War will continue. War will ravage this new home and we shall reclaim humanity's future.” He splayed his arms out wide. “We shall not just wage any war. We shall wage a Dark War. A blazing war to remind our ‘taken’ and ‘good’ fellows of humanity’s true self. We will remind them that humans are assholes and that will never change.

“We are the Dark Empire, masters of war unlike any other. The humans here are weak as they fight each other. We shall reclaim our world. The humans of the other world think they are safe. We will remind them of true war. We will show the heavens that the Dark will not fall silent.

“My brothers and sisters, glory to the dark! Glory to new victories and the further evolution of a now debunk species. Glory to the Dark Empire and let our new reign stain the ground with blood.”

The soldiers cheered, “Sieg Heil. Sieg Heil.”

The Devon Corporation Building. Once home of the number one technology manufacturer in Hoenn, now an abandoned piece of concrete that didn’t have long before falling apart. It was evident what the constant earthquakes that had hit that side of the region did to the once stunning establishment. It was miserable, barely a shadow of what it once used to be.

Raziel boldly walked along with his arms folded behind his back as he lead his troops towards the building. There was Chill, Flare, Lily and his beloved wife with him, so he wasn’t in danger. The hundred infantry, twelve tanks, three helicopters, and six walking battle mechs were just a bonus. “Finally, our ticket to my war.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Parda nuzzled him.

As they made their way inside, they were greeted by the sound of broken circuits, failing mechanisms, and a faint robotic voice that greeted them to Devon Corporation. The receptionist desk was empty, and the path to the right was seemingly blocked by fallen debris, and on the only path that was left, a door that read ‘Authorized Personnel Only”, protected by a locked door that was as broken as everything else.

Raziel’s aura surged as he looked around. He nodded for them to follow and walked left and down the stairs. It was a long, excruciatingly long way down, the seemingly endless spiral staircase becoming even more obnoxious as fallen debris made it difficult to keep going, yet not impossible. After several minutes, they finally got to the bottom, being greeted by a
long hallway that ended in a simple, metallic door, a security panel preventing them from simply entering.

“We appear to be met with a conundrum,” Raziel hummed and stroked his chin.

“Luckily for you,” Parda smirked and walked over to the panel. “I can-”

“Can’t wait,” he cut her off and used a surge of aura to blow up the panel. He shrugged at her glare. “I’m not going to wait another minute.”

They made their way in, and the sight in front of them would leave any normal person shocked in awe. It was as if they had entered another world, massive monitors showing all sorts of statistics of different kinds, dozens of gadgets and devices scattered around, a blinding amount of lights coming from beeping machines and screens that flashed a strong red.

“Who be there!?” Came a nervous shout from the other side of the underground facility, “Me no scared of you! Me have gun and me shoot anyone who gets close!” Hiding behind a couple of tables-turned-barricade, stood an elderly bald man with a banana in his hand.

Raziel clapped his hands, “The mighty banana. I haven’t been threatened by one in years. No one really takes them seriously anymore.”

“Ya! But this be no normal banana!” He gripped the fruit tighter, “This be rotten banana! So get out of laboratory or I use it!”

Raziel rolled his eyes, “Not until I get what I came here for.”

“You wish to see laboratory, you ask Mister Stone first!” He grit his teeth, his hand shaking as he obviously had no idea he was the only living creature in the building.

“He’s not here,” Raziel stated and started to move closer. “He hasn’t been here for days and I’m not waiting.”

“Then… then…” The old scientist began panicking, not knowing what to do. “I has to protect research!” He let out a pitiful battlecry before tossing the banana at Raziel, yet having so little strength that it barely traveled a few feet splashing on the floor. The scientist scratched his head, confused that it didn't work, “I am out of bananas. Oh well.” He shrugged, before doing a clumsy reverence, “Dominik Gerz to serve you! Me have been working in this facility since Mister Stone hired me. What can me help ya with, mister… what be your name?”

Raziel bowed, “Dr. Jacob Raziel, at your service.”

“Oh!” Dominick grinned, “You doctor? Me have a rash in back that won't go away, what should me do?”

Raziel quickly raised a hand, “Not that kind of Doctor. I work with genetics and machines.”

“Ohh…” Dominick nodded, “I see now. You be new replacement for me missing comrades? With region on shambles and da strange burst of power several days ago, me working like madman all da time.”

Raziel nodded, “You can say that. I wanted to find out more about this ‘strange burst of power’ and all that.”

Dominick began laughing, pressing several buttons in a panel before pointing at a huge screen in one of the lab's walls,“Look! This be day before me comrades disappeared, we has satellite that keeps an eye for energy levels in planet in case Megalith appears again. These be normal levels,” The diagram in screen showed weird-looking waves calmly increasing and decreasing, “Now this be moment when comrades left!” with the push of a button, the diagram changed, showing massive waves reaching the screen's limits, the numbers around the waves being several digits long, everything indicating that something big had happened, “And then, boom.” The screen changed, and the waves were gone. There was nothing. “See?”

Raziel rubbed his chin, “I see. I see.”

“But that not fun part,” The scientist giggled like a child, “I know what happened! Yes, we has seen this before, multiple times, in smaller quantities but it has happened. We know, I know! We has done it before!”

Raziel turned to him, “How?”

The scientists turned to the panels, and pulled a lever, “Our biggest project, yes!” A hatch opened from the roof, and slowly, a platform descended, carrying a strange machine akin to a laser cannon, yet at the same time, it was obvious it was far more than that, “We managed to discover ways to jump, ya. Jump between worlds, dimensions, parallel universes! This be our treasure, da Link Cable!”

Raziel grinned like a kid on Christmas morning, “To other worlds, you say? Can it really be done?”

“It has been done.” Dominick grinned as well, “In smaller quantities, dah. We sent letter to other universe, we received reply from that universe, universe similar, but different. But with enough power!” He anxiously pointed at the energy readings, “We can replicate dat, we can follow whatever did the jump, ya!”

Raziel clapped his hands in glee, “Che, che, che. Splendid. We’ll need to do it as quickly as possible.”

“There is problem though…” Dominick sighed.

“Huh?” Raziel quirked an eyebrow.

“We need Pokemon Energy, ya. Eh… can you please click button behind you?” Dominick asked as he began searching his bag. One of the soldiers clicked it. And just as he did, the screens turned red.

And then the sound of a charged gun. Dominick’s expression changed into a smirk as he pointed at Raziel with a revolver, the beeping sound of the building's alarm accompanying the sound of gears and mechanisms coming back to life.

“Warning, intruders. Activating advanced security system.” Came a robotic voice as several turrets came from the ceiling, “Do not move or you shall be harmed.”

“Sorry doctor.” Dominick shook his head, “But these are hard times. A man has to do what he's got to do. Tell your men to get on the floor, or I will blow your brains off.”

Raziel snorted, “Do you really think one gun is going to scare me? Che, che, che, I fight pokemon for a living. How about
you put down the gun and we can talk?”

“No can do, Doctor. I am afraid that there is no much to talk about. You are my ticket to my salvation, you see.” With his free hand, he pointed at the turrets, “These are designed to pierce through an Aggron's plating, and they are all pointing at your soldiers. We do not want to take risks, now do we? Just get on your knees, and if you behave, I may consider saving you as well.”

“I have thousands more,” Raziel stated. “I am an Empire unto one man. What possible reason would you have of me?”

“I blow the head of the leader off, and your so called ‘empire’ falls. Not like it matters anyways, in a few days… we'll all be dead.” Slowly, Dominick made his way towards Raziel, “I will not die, doctor, I just… I am not ready. There is so much I want to do.” Dominick pointed at the Link Cable with a grin, “This is my ticket out. I found the door, yet you have the key, and I am decided to get it from you.”

“And what do I get out of this venture?” Raziel quirked an eyebrow.

“If you cooperate, your survival, as well as the survival of some of your troops… some of them.” Dominick answered calmly.

Raziel twiddled his fingers, “That’s a tempting offer, Herr Dominick.”

“I am glad we are getting to an agreement,” Dominick nodded, “Now the only thing I need is for you to give me all the Pokemon in your troops, every single one. The machine needs fuel, after all.”

“I would like to give a counter offer,” Raziel said. “Give me what I want and you won’t die.”

Dominick laughed at that, “I have an entire, high-tech building protecting me. I doubt you can do anything to me and get away with it. But…” He hummed, “Let us pretend I accept. What is it exactly that you want?”

Raziel’s grin turned bloodthirsty, “I want war, Herr Dominick. I want a good, satisfying war. A war so grand and terrible that even the gods are brought to their knees. I want a war that will end all wars.”

“And pray tell,” The scientist quirked an eyebrow, “How can my machine help you with that?’

“With it I can build my army,” Raziel stated. “With it, I can have my world war and find the cowards who escaped my anger.
I will find my nemesis and we will have our war again.”

Dominick couldn't keep his face straight, “Wait… you want to follow them?” He chuckled as he shook his head, “And you claim to be a doctor. Did you not see the readings? Even if we collected every remaining Pokemon in this planet we wouldn't even have half the power needed to reach them! Face it doctor, they are gone, and they are gone for good!”

Raziel raised a finger, “Do not underestimate the Dark.”

“I am telling you!” Dominick rolled his eyes, “We can not reach them! You want a war? I can offer you a war, but not the one you want. If you let me drain all your Pokemon's energy, we can reach a new world, you can start your war there if you wish. But reaching this ‘nemesis’ of yours is impossible!” He pointed at Raziel's head with his gun, “Now, will you cooperate? Or shall I take them by force?”

Raziel looked at his fingernails like they were more important, “Why don’t you ask my little Lily?”

Dominick tilted his head in confusion, “Who?”

The young lady behind him pulled him back, knocking the weapon away, held her own pistol to his head. “Cheers, luv. Lily’s here.”

Dominick groaned as he tried to break free, “Fools. As soon as you shoot, the security system will go off and you will all be dead. But I know better, you need me alive, you need me to activate the Link Cable. Guess what, it is not going to happen.”

Raziel advanced on him, his aura flaring. “You want to live, correct Herr Dominick? That’s why you’re doing all of this.”

“Yes, what is your point?” He asked, not trusting Raziel one bit.

“You’ll get to live, Herr Dominick, if you play along.” Raziel said.

“That is not a good offer, considering that what you want is impossible.” Dominick grunted as he kept on trying to break free from Lily's grasp.

“I live on the impossible,” Raziel smirked. “Rayquaza himself taught me that much.”

Dominick looked at Raziel, thinking on his chances, his possibilities. Defeated, he nodded, “Alright. I shall start the Link Cable. I will do my best to get us to where you want to go. But no promises. Deal?”

Raziel nodded and gestured to Lily, who teleported with the rest and Dominick’s weapons.

The scientist narrowed his eyes as he walked over to the main pad. With nimble speed and expertise, he activated and deactivated one mechanism after the other. He finally took a deep breath, and sighed, before pressing one final button.

“Code verified,” Came the computer's voice, “Initiating Self-destruct sequence. Countdown, T minus 10 seconds.”

“Sorry Doctor. But you should have listened to me when you had the chance. I will not stay here to see this world collapse on itself. I'd rather die here.” Dominick sighed as he simply sat down, closing his eyes while huming a song from his homeland.

Raziel huffed, “Really? Self-destruct?”

“What can I say?” Dominick chuckled, “Installed it myself in case everything else failed. Yet I know the type of person you are. You'll get out unharmed. So… good luck, doctor. Maybe you will somehow meet with your nemesis again, maybe not. I honestly could not care less.”

“T minus 5 seconds.”

“If you want to die, so be it. I wish you the best in the next life, Dominick. I mean that.” Raziel shrugged and patted his shoulder. He then snapped his fingers. The psychics in the group teleported them out of the base.

“T minus two seconds. T minus one second.”

“I am coming back home, momma.”

And then, silence. Dominick opened his eyes and looked around, everything was untouched.

“Huh… I guess I programmed it wro-”

And then, it happened, the explosion that completely consumed the entirety of Devon Corporation, turning the magnificent building into nothing but flames and dust. Gone in the blink of an eye.

Raziel saluted, “Goodbye random crazy scientist. You might have actually done some good for your fellow man.” He shrugged. “Guess I’ll just find another way. To the Distortion Realm.” He announced dramatically and started off.

Author's Note

This chapter was mostly written for fun and to show off Sev's rival. Hopefully, this was enough to spark my interest in continuing the rest of this fic. I hope you all enjoy my story, even if it's not the best. I'm just sorry for the wait.

ThatOneVolcarona helped make this chapter possible so go check him out.

Sometimes, change will come when you least expect it (Day 0)

The world of Pokémon is a place of diversity. Every continent has its own share of humans, Pokémon, and cultures. Each one dances to its own rhythm and tune, influencing others. Peace and prosperity ranges throughout with Pokémon and humans living side by side. They lived, worked, and played together. The two races were as one in the hearts of many.

But not all. There were some who opposed the ideal way of life that was forced onto the world. Some Pokémon who were disgusted by the way their kind was treated. How they were forced to fight and die at the whim of a human.

These Pokémon were not going to sit idly by and let it continue. They weren’t just going to stay divided and work alone. No, they banded together to form something that the humans would fear. They would fight the tyrannical motions of their suppressors.
They were the Pokémon Liberation Army, or the PLA for short.

They weren’t stupid enough to meet in the open or anywhere above ground. No, the members of this group had come up with a better meeting spot.

They went underground.

Beneath the very earth that made up the Hoenn region, the PLA were holding a meeting that would determine the fate of their cause.
_______________________________________________________________________

“So dudes,” a rather laid back Sceptile said, leaning back in his chair. “What’s for lunch?”

Off to the side, away from the head members of the organization who sat around a rather large table, was a lone Mightyena. He sighed in agitation, clutching a ceremonial spear they had stolen in his paws. He often questioned why these individuals were his commanders. Yes, they had potential, but…They were so annoying sometimes. Not to mention the havoc they cause.

The Sceptile was General Scep, commander of the reconnaissance teams. He was a laid back sort of fellow, caring little about pretty much anything. He was the kind of Pokémon that got on their nerves with his laziness, but they still needed him. He was an expert when it came to hiding and slipping out from underneath the human’s noses. Not to mention his ‘sticky fingers’.

He, along with everyone else, wore standard blue army dress wear. A small green flag with a white silhouette of Arceus in the middle of a golden halo was pinned to his chest; the flag of the PLA. While the organization may have hated humans, they wanted to show that they were a coordinated force. So, the General had decided to issue uniforms for everyone.

‘Easier said than done,’ the Mightyena thought.

“Ah say we get ourselves some pizza,” a Lucario with a country drawl spoke up. His uniform was like everyone else’s except for the blue cowboy hat he wore. He was named Rio, commander of a highly skilled band of Lucarios. Now, Lucario weren’t exactly the most common Pokémon, so it was a miracle that Commander Zev stumbled upon a gang of them. It didn’t take him long to recruit the rogues, given Zev’s silver tongue and their desire for adventure.

He was a doer and had a habit of disobeying orders if he saw a fight. The PLA was rather lax in the first place, so he got away with it. That didn’t stop the others from getting agitated. Some of their plans had fallen astray because Rio’s brash behavior.

General Pert, a bulky Swampert, pointed a finger at Rio in agreement. He couldn’t talk, because his neck wound. It wasn’t a pleasant sight, being a terribly large gash around his throat. It never healed right, leaving it unseemly.

He was the commander of their aquatic forces. He was a steadfast, dependable kind of Pokémon. He didn’t take up with the nonsensical attitude the rest of the PLA had, making him a valuable asset.

“Nah,” General Loom, a Breloom, spoke up. “I say tacos. Everymon knows they’re much better than pizzas.”

“HERESY!” A teenage charmelon, known as General Char, stood up and gestured wildly at Loom.

General Loom wore a pair of large goggles over his eyes. He was the chief engineer of the rebels. The Breloom was a master when it came to creating tech. No invention or idea was out of his grasp, even with his tiny arms and lack of thumbs.

He was skittish, however. Avoiding conflict and staying behind lines. More often than not, he would send troops to steal tech that was pretty much worthless to the cause, just so he could tinker with it. Quite a few Pokemon were healing wounds and battered pride because of his lust of knowledge. Thankfully, there had been no losses yet, so he was kept as a General. His brain was the only thing keeping him here.

General Char was a firm believer of the cause. His outfit was much more extravagant, salvaged from an old museum. It had been an inquisitor’s outfit of old, but been refitted to be more practical. That didn’t mean it wasn’t any less intimidating, especially on the body of a deadly charmeleon.

He was the head of the MC, or Moral Champions, of the PLA. He made sure that everyone was doing as they supposed to be doing and traitors were silenced…Thankfully, they didn’t have any traitors so no harm yet.

“I gotta go with Loom here,” a Ludicolo, General Ludi, piped up. He patted his belly. “Some tacos would do me some good right now.”

General Ludi was the head of the moral officers. Their job was to entertain and inspire the soldiers to keep fighting and generally have the time of their lives. He was well loved by the troops and loved to throw parties out of nowhere. Not to mention that he was a superb cook.

“Oh just choose already!” An upset Aggron, known as General Ag, shouted in anger and frustration. “I’m starving.”

The other generals cringed. General Ag wasn’t a girl you wanted to get on the bad side of. She was the leading commander of the PLA’s land forces for a reason. Not to mention the hardest drill instructor their army had ever known. Thanks to her, the PLA were at human standards when it came to fighting. Possibly more so.

“I don’t see why you guys don’t want any grubs and worms,” General Drill, a stuffy Excadrill, piped in. He was currently, to everyone else’s disgust, chowing down on a bag full of bugs. “Quite tasty.”

General Drill wasn’t native to Hoenn. No, he was rescued alongside several others from Team Rocket, thanks to the PLA. In gratitude, they had happily bolstered the ranks. The Leavanny even went out of their way to make uniforms for everyone. Drill was the mouth of the ‘outcasts’ and the leading excavator and tunneller of the PLA. He was rather naïve of most of the outside world, given how he preferred being underground.

Too busy stuffing his face, he made a passing remark. “Why don’t you ask the lass over there?” He pointed at the Gardevoir sitting next to General Ag.

The Gardevoir’s glare pierced Drill, leaving him unable to do anything.

“What did you call me?” His voice was both threatening and unnatural, sending shivers of fear down everyone’s backs.

He was General Gard, the leading commander of the psychic Pokémon. While Pokémon feared Ag due to her physical appearance, they feared Gard more. Everything about him screamed wrong and he could be very cruel if he wanted to be.

“Gard,” Ag put a hand on his shoulder. Gard looked up to her. “Calm down. You know Drill didn’t mean it.”

Drill, now spared Gard’s gaze, nodded fervently. “Yes, yes. Poor eyesight I have. Terribly sorry, miss….I MEAN MISTER! YOU’RE A GUY!” Drill threw himself on the ground in a pitiful attempt at hiding himself. “DON”T KILL ME!”

“Tempting,” Gard chuckled. “But no. I would never harm a friend.” Drill popped back up with a hopeful expression. “Or would I?” Gard grinned evilly, causing Drill to squeal in terror.

“That’s enough,” Ag growled.

Gard sighed and patted her hand. “Only for you, Ag. Only for you.”

Humming happily, Ag nuzzled his head. It was no secret the two were rather fond of each other, which just terrified everyone even more so. If you pissed off one, you probably pissed off the other.

“Dudes,” Scep spoke up. “Where’s the Commander?”

To answer his question, the group suddenly heard a voice from the other side.

“What do you mean you lost the song?....Okay, okay, I’m sorry for snapping, just pick randomly…Yes, just do it.”

Suddenly, the doors opened, smacking the Mightyena guard in the face. ‘Maybe I should have picked another position to guard.’
A song could be heard playing.

In slithered in the supreme commander of the whole PLA fighting force: Commander Sev, a Seviper. Needless to say, he was quite full of himself to a god like degree. His presence demanded your respect as well as his silver tongue. He could talk many a Pokémon into their cause, granted if he was in the mood for it.

Trailing on his side, holding a small recorder, was a young and beautiful Kirlia named Lia. Kirlias are known for the beauty and grace, but Lia was more beautiful than any Pokémon they’d seen. She was sweet, encouraging, and her aura calmed even Gard and Ag.

Hissing in agitation, Sev turned to Lia. “Now, okay, turn it off. Turn it off. It didn’t work. It did not work.”

Doing as she was told, Lia sighed as the music stopped. “Sorry, big brother. I didn’t mean to pick that one.” Her voice was a melody one could get lost in.

Sev patted her head with his bladed tail. “Do not fret, little sister. I shouldn’t have put that song in their in the first place.”

“Why did you?” Lia asked.

“….” Sev was silent for a moment. “Let’s get to the meeting.” Turning his gaze to his subordinates, he grinned. “Gentlemon, I’m glad you could make it.”

“Not like there’s anywhere else to go,” Ag grumbled.

Sev ignored the remark and went on. “So, have we decided on anything yet?”

“Pizza or tacos,” Drill spoke up.

“Tacos,” Sev said, causing some groans in the group. “Hey, we had pizza yesterday.” He snorted in agitation. “Now that that’s over with, let us get down to business. Is everything in place?” They all nodded. “Good, now we can begin operation ‘take-over’.”

“Do you really think this plan will work?” Loom spoke up.

“Of course it will work,” Char thumped a fist onto the table. “Our cause is righteous and Lord Arceus is with us. He would not let us down.”

“And he won’t,” Sev spoke up. “Nor shall we him. Listen up, mon. We don’t fight just for ourselves, but for every Pokemon in the world. We fight to show them what we’re truly capable of without humans. We fight in Arceus’s name. Do you think we can fail?”

“NO!” The group hollored.

“Good,” Sev smiled. “Then we shan’t. Thanks to General Scep’s efforts, we’ve acquired some weapons of the enemy.”

“Which most of us can’t use,” Gard pointed out.

Sev hissed in agitation. “Yes, but it was more a gesture. If we could use those weapons, then the humans would fear us.”

“Fear a few hundred Pokemon?” Drill spoke up.

“He has a point,” Ludi said. “We don’t have the numbers to sustain a conflict such as this.”

“What are ya’ll talkin’ about?” Rio spoke up. “We’re natural born fighters. Nothin’s gonna stop us now.”

“If we follow this plan,” Sev rolled out a map onto the table. “Then it won’t matter if we win or not this day. All that will matter is that humanity will be shaken. They will know we are not their pets to be traded about, to battle in their filthy tournaments.”

“Let’s not forget about the Contests,” Loom put in.

Everyone groaned.

“The less we think about them,” Sev muttered. “The better…That aside, you all can be rest assured that we will prevail. Tomorrow, the world shall never be the same.”

The others cheered, even Sev himself piped in…But then it stopped. They felt tired and uneasy, like a spell had been cast over them. Watching his subordinates pass out, General Sev tried to resist. “What is….” He passed out, not feeling as his body faded from existence.

“Rest now my children, for when you awake a whole new world shall be your home.”
______________________________________________________________________
*near Zebrica shores*

Dr. Caballeron checked his watch once more. The vessel he was standing on cut through the troubled waves like butter. “This ship is running late. We should have reached the port hours ago.” He glanced over to the griffin beside him, manning the wheel of the wooden vessel.

Said griffin was a tall, lanky fellow clad in an extravagant red frilly suit one would see at a fancy party. His large hat had a feather sticking out of it, which looked just silly. The major thing one would notice was that his left hand was replaced by a rather devilish hook.

“The waters have been restless,” the captain glanced at the gloomy skies. “Something’s amiss with the weather.”

“I don’t care about the weather,” Dr. Caballeron uttered. “I care about being on time. My client isn’t a patient sort.”

“You’ll be on time, land lubber,” the captain snorted. “It’s a strange thing, it is. I’m not used to helping ponies.”

“Neither am I,” Caballeron chuckled. “We’re both out for ourselves and that’s why I chose you to transport my cargo. I know you won’t talk.”

“Aye,” the captain nodded. “I’m not a griffin willing to spill my guts to the law. Bad for business, that be.” He eyed Caballeron. “Just don’t think about doing the same. Captain Hook is the terror of the seas for a reason.”

Caballeron rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes. You’re a threatening pirate. We all know.” Caballeron had heard many tales about Hook. He wasn’t the most competent pirate one could find, but that was why he chose him. ‘I’ve learned something over the years. A smart partner is a dangerous one.’

“What be the reason you’re traveling these waters?” Hook asked. “I know I shouldn’t be asking, but I’m dying of curiosity.”

“The future, captain,” Caballeron smiled, patting the wooden beneath him that harbored his pay load. “Change is coming and I want to be at the forefront of it.”

Author's Note

Eyup! I'm doing a story set in zeusdemigod131's Pokemonverse.
Go check out 'A New World, a New Way'. You won't regret it.

I hope you enjoyed this and please leave a comment.

A Fight in the Streets and a Hunter's new prey (Day 1)

King Trotankhamun didn’t usually let Ahmos get to him. He really didn’t. Ahmos had always been a no nonsense, self-centered stallion stuck in the old ways, even when he was a toddler. The king could recall each and every visit by foreigners. Ahmos would always scowl and debase and ideals or concepts that came out of their mouths. He hated their very presence in this country.

He wasn’t the only one. Trotankhamun had to deal with tons of his subjects who thought the same. That Zebrica should stay to itself and forgo the outside world. The young king had to fight tooth and hoof each and every day to keep the nation open to outsiders. He thought it would become easier. It had, in some ways. King Trotankhamun had invited several teachers, artists, philosophers from across the world to his fair country. Many of whom still lay in his capital, keeping an eye on the capital in his stead.

Still, Chrysalis was a topic that the young king didn’t like to be touched upon in such a way. He knew Ahmos was wrong about her. She cared for him. It was in his gut and his father had always told him to trust that sense. Even when it turns out to be wrong, you at least tried. That’s what he always told him and he was going to do just that.

The town of Bridleton did help his mood. It always made him happy, this town. It was peaceful, calm and without any of the negativity or political nonsense that plagued the rest of his fair country. It was just so diverse in cultures and ideas. He loved the people that lived here and he did his darndest to make sure they had a happy life. The Pokémon were certainly a lively bunch. They were just so different and unique, not to mention friendly for the most part.

One in particular caught his eye. It was a purple cat like creature with a gem on its forehead and two tails. Oh yes, it was a beautiful creature and the king pondered acquiring one. Yet, that wasn’t the most appealing thing about it. Several zebra mares had gathered around it, gushing over its beauty. The creature seemed pleased by the praise and allowed them to pet it. Trotankhamun wanted to go over to the group, but he needed to visit Crusty first.

‘Duty before pleasure.’

Though, some of the Pokémon were a tad unnerving. Such as the crow like beasts that looked like they wore hats. They seemed to be glaring at everyone as they perched on the rooftops. They weren’t threatening at all really. It’s just unnerving seeing so many doing it at the same time, the king thought to himself.

So I the end ignored them. It didn’t take me long to find Crusty’s shop and I was a bit surprised to find a few of my own militia placed around it. ‘They must have known I would come here eventually.’

I sighed. It was one thing to deal with the local pony militia of the town, it was another to deal with my own. At least with the Equestrians, they treated him more as an equal if anything. His own soldiers almost viewed him as a god, like Celestia herself. It was annoying and he preferred it if they weren’t there, but he wouldn’t say anything.

He was just glad they didn’t stop him from entering the shop, though a couple tagged along with him. His jaw fell open the moment he got inside. The shop was in shambles. Everything was torn off the walls and thrown about. It looked like a storm had brewed itself up inside. Trotankhamun was about to call out to Crusty, when he heard the sound of some metal being thrown about.

Out from the side of the counter, walked what could only be described as a mushroom lizard. It wore a blue uniform, similar to the other Pokémon that he had been talking to. ‘Possible ally.’

Within its red claws, was one of Crusty’s old swords. It seemed to inspect it closely, running its claws over the metal like it was the most precious thing in the world…then it stuffed the sword into a large sack with a greedy chuckle.

King Trotankhamun snorted in disgust. Theft was not something he condoned, but he wore the uniform of Commander Sev. Surely, the king reasoned, he wouldn’t lower himself to such a standard as to steal. “Now see here, Pokémon. You may be new to my country, but we do not steal other creature’s property.”

The Pokémon froze up, just now realizing the king and his soldiers were there. He looked at them in fear and gulped. Putting on a fake smile, while sweating, the Pokémon held up his claws. “Bre Breloom.”

“What?” The king had not understood a word he said. “Speak clearly.”

“Loom, loom, breloom.” The Pokémon said in earnest.

“I can’t understand you,” Trotankhamun sighed in frustration.

“Bre?” The Pokémon looked rather surprised.

‘Why can’t I understand it?’ King Trotankhamun thought to himself. ‘I could understand a talking jackal dog, a giant snake, and a doll, but a mushroom lizard?....Why is this day getting stranger and stranger?’

The Pokémon seemed to be in thought himself, before he shrugged and put the sack over his shoulder. He started for the door.
The two soldiers that had come in with the king jumped in front of the Pokémon. “Halt.” They said, pointing their spears at him.

The Pokémon squeaked in fright, jumping backwards. “Breloom.” It started shaking his body, releasing a cloud of spores. The spores shot forward, surrounding the two guards. Spasming, the two guards fell to the ground, unable to move. With a quick bit of agility, the Pokémon rushed outside with the sack in its claws.

Without a second thought, King Trotankhamun chased after it. “THIEF! SIEZE HIM!”

The other guards heard the shout and tried their best, but the creature was too swift. It dodged their strikes and attempts to body check it. It kept squealing in terror, shouting what could only be heard as desperate pleas in its language.
_____________________________________________________________________________

General Ag wasn’t having a good day. Ever since she woke up from her induced slumber, she had been wandering around this strange new town filled with even stranger Blitzles and Ponyta. Oh yes, this wasn’t the weirdest day she’s ever had, but it was up there. It really goes to show how strange working under Commander Sev can be at times.

Like that one time he wanted to build a giant death ray. Or the time he wanted to fill a town’s reservoir with dynamite. Neither of them had…produced any results. Well any results that had harmed the humans. His own troops on the other hand….

Ag sighed. “This is all Commander Sev’s fault.”

She wouldn’t call him out on it. That would be pointless. He would just either divert the blame to one of his subordinates or the humans, usually the humans. All the while, he would jabber on and on about nonsense, making her head hurt. Maybe she would punch him to get the blood flowing to his brain.

‘Fun idea.’

Her little fantasy was interrupted when a certain Breloom ran face first into her. Falling on his rump, Ag looked down to see General Loom. “Loom, watch where you’re going.”

Loom gulped. “I am. It’s just those new Pokémon are chasing me…for no good reason I might add. I’m completely innocent of anything they charge me of.”

Spying the sack bulging with metal items, Ag sighed. “You stole some of their weapons, didn’t you?”

“I never steal,” Loom harrumphed. “I only acquired them to further our science department. I mean, you have not seen metal workmanship like this anywhere else. It’s simply marvelous.”

“Seriously Loom,” Ag pinched the bridge of her snout. “You’re going to get yourself in deep trouble one of these days.”

“Trouble cannot stand in the way of science,” Loom rolled his eyes.

“STOP! THIEF!”

Loom screeched in terror and hid behind Ag. “SAVE ME!”

Ag groaned. “Again?...Fine.” Looking over at the group of would be attackers, she noticed they were garbed in rather strange uniforms, but at least she could recognize the leader. That’s all that mattered.

“Move aside,” the young leader said. “We have business with that thief.”

“First of all,” General Ag held up a claw. “No one tells me what to do, except the Commander. Second, Loom is a bit of an idiot, so please excuse his piracy.”

“HEY!” Loom thumped against her back to no effect.

Ag ignored him. “So if you would stop pointing those spears at me now, I might not shove them up your rears. You got that?”

“Oh come on,” the leader grunted. “Why can’t I understand you either?”

Ag lifted up a metallic eyebrow. “You can’t speak Pokemon, can you?”

“Yep,” Loom answered. “Surprised me too. Had to make a run for it, before they speared me.”

“Was that after or before they caught you stealing?” Ag asked.

“I collect things,” Loom squawked in anger. “Never steal. I’m just glad I could convince those two Zigzagoon to distract that large dog that was here earlier. Then I’d really be in trouble.”

Ag was silent for a moment, before she turned around. She glared down at him, causing him to cower. “You put Zig and Zag in harm’s way just for a few swords.”

“But they are so unique….” Loom gulped. “I had to study them and it’s not like those two aren’t swift.”

Ag growled, barely noticing the sound of something charging at her.

“Oh great, it’s back!” The leader Blitzle shouted.

Noticing the danger, Ag quickly turned to the incoming Rhyhorn by the sides of his head.

“FUCK YOU!” The Rhyhorn shouted, trying and failing to force her back.

“Back at you,” Ag used her impressive strength to throw the rock Pokémon to the ground. “METAL CLAW!” She slashed across his face, causing him to cry out in pain. “That should show you what happens when you mess with me.”

“OW, YOU BITCH!” The Rhyhorn hollered. “WHY DOES EVERY FUCKING POKEMON SLASH ME ON THE FUCKING FACE!”

“Well, maybe it’s because you keep charging at pokemon,” Ag huffed. “Did you think of that, rocks for brains?”

The leader Blitzle sighed and walked over to the Rhyhorn. “We seriously need to tie that thing up.”

Before anyone could do anything, another pokemon came running around the corner, throwing guardsponies around. It was basically a living purple pillar of rock with four legs and red spike jutting out of it. “WHERE IS HE?!!”

“JENNA!” The Rhyhorn hollered, a little surprised as well as everyone else.

“JACK?!!” The Gigalith said. “YOU’RE A FUCKING RHYHORN!”

“I FUCKING KNOW, YOU BITCH!” The Rhyhorn screamed. “JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP AND POUND THEM INTO THE SHITTING GROUND!”

“DON”T FUCKING YELL AT ME!” The Gigalith shouted back. “I’M GOING TO DO IT ANYWAY!”

“Is there something I’m missing?” Ag asked out loud. “Because I’m just lost at this point.”

“Don’t ask me,” Loom said.

Ag sent the exotic pokemon leader a questioning gaze.

“I don’t understand a word you say, but I’m just going to say we both have no idea what’s happening,” he said honestly. “Names, King Trotankhamun by the way.”

“Ag.”

“Well Ag,” the king said as the Gigalith punted on of his guards. “I think I’d appreciate a little help.”

Ag nodded. It would be a good workout. With a firm punch, she knocked the Rhyhorn’s daylights out.

“SMACK DOWN!” The Gigalith shouted, firing a large fiery orb at her.

“Iron Defense,” Ag started to glow briefly, feeling her already hardened shell grow stronger. She knew that the orb wouldn’t do much damage to her anyway, given her type advantage, but it didn’t hurt. The orb just exploded on impact, doing nothing. "First off, why use an attack that's weak against my type. If you want to pound me into the ground, use something more effective."

The Gigalith growled. “HEADBUTT!” With that, the Pokémon charged head first, ignoring the spears the just pinged off her.

“IRON HEAD!” Ag’s head grew with a bright light and she charged head first herself.

The two attacks collided and it didn’t take long for the Gigalith to be sent flying backwards. She was able to right herself, but she was visibly shaking. “IS THAT FUCKING IT, PUSSYFACE?!!"

"It might as well be," Ag growled. She couldn't help but try and help the Gigalith's form, given her own role as trainer of the army. "That was pathetic, charging at me like that. There were so many ways I could have avoided that attack. If you're going to headbutt someone, you have to do it when the time is right,"

"HEADBUTT!” Jenna shouted, obviously ignoring her.

“Idiot,” Ag rolled her eyes. “DRAGON RUSH!” Around her body, a blue dragon like blaze formed. With a chuckle, she went to meet the Gigalith again. Like last time, the Gigalith was sent flying across the street. Thankfully, it wasn’t sent into any buildings.

“You know,” King Trotankhamun sighed. “It’s kind of boring just watching the fight.” He spied Loom trying to sneak off. Quickly, he grabbed a spear that had landed beside him and put it against his neck. “Don’t even think about it.”

General Loom whimpered in fear.

Meanwhile, Ag stomped over until she was right over the downed Gigalith. “Give up.”

“NEVER,” Jenna, the Gigalith, shouted back.

“I like your spirit,” Ag said. “I could use a girl like you in my army.”

“FUCK YOU!” Jenna dug a leg into the ground. “MUD SLAP!”

Ag hollered in pain as the mud slapped against her. She took a step back, clutching the area the attack had hit, which was around her face and neck. It was times like this that she just wondered why she was so weak to that attack and the irony of it. Growling in anger, she punched the Gigalith hard against the face, knocking her out.

Ag sighed and wiped away the mud. “Well, that was a bit too short for my liking.”
__________________________________________________________________________
*meanwhile, out in a small forest between two large dunes*

Zebrica is filled to the brim with creatures, both small and large. Herbivores and other such prey animals were abundant, so it was only natural that hunters would be too. They were all different in how they hunted. Death waited at every nook and cranny in the fair country.

Yet, one lone bull elephant drank without a care in the world. Its trunk sunk into the lake’s surface, taking water up and into its mouth. It was one of the largest creatures in the land and it didn’t need to fear much. Possibly the rare dragon, but Zebrica hadn’t had any trouble with their kind in centuries. No, he was safe.

Or so he thought.

For one of Zebrica’s greatest hunters stalked it at this very moment: Crowland Tempo.

He was a typical griffin of these lands: cheetah like body with a secretary bird like head. He was lithe and fast, able to outrun any creature he needed to hunt. He didn’t hunt for food, no, he hunted for sport. Thus he carried with him a new invention: a multi-shot crossbow. Each ‘cartridge’ had ten shots. You just had to pull back the handle on the side and it would pull back the string and bring up another arrow.

Now, a crossbow normally wouldn’t do much against an elephant, but these were special arrows. Each one was coated in the most deadly poisons known to the world. He had several type of arrows: Ones that combusted, exploded, or even were designed to drill into their target. No, he wouldn’t use those. He needed something to replace his old elephant skull which was broken by some drunk teens.

The aging griffin sighed. Retirement was looking more and more promising. ‘Hunting just isn’t the same anymore. I think I’ve killed just about one of everything.’

Of course, he hadn’t killed a dragon…yet. That wouldn’t be much of a problem, given that his arrows were made from the same thing that made up ‘Black Arrows’. Of course, his small crossbow wouldn’t do, but that didn’t matter.

He was currently hiding expertly within a select few bushes. His was lying on his stomach, spying the elephant’s head through the scope on the crossbow. “Just stay still. It will only hurt for a second.” His finger tightened on the trigger.

But his chance to fire never came. With a loud roar, a large red, two legged reptilian surged from the tree line. Before the elephant could turn around, it sunk its teeth into its neck and thrashed it about. Given its size, it was able to pin the bull with ease. Its massive jaws could be heard breaking the bull’s neck bones.

Crowland was taken aback by the ferocious creature. With its golden horns above its eyes and white tuffs, it looked absolutely regal. His mouth hung open as the last bit of life seeped out from the bull elephant.

With its prey dead, the creature roared in triumph. Turning back to the forest, it sent out several roars that kind of sounded like words of some kind. In no time, another one of the creatures emerged. Running around its feet, were two smaller brown versions of the monstrosities.

The little brown creatures, obviously children of the larger ones, ran up and started to dig in. The one that escorted the little ones, nuzzled the killer under its chin. They both growled in contentment.

Crowland knew he wasn’t going to bag anything this day. Not without alerting these new predators. “You win.”

‘But tomorrow,’ he grinned. ‘Maybe that will be another story.’

It had been too long since he had an interesting hunt. Now, it was as if the gods themselves had answered his silent prayers. He wasn’t going to abandon this chance for anything. Picking up his crossbow, he slunk back into the forest, careful not to arise attention. He needed to adjust his weapons for the coming hunt.

Author's Note

Another chapter up and running. We're getting near to the end of the first day.

I hope you all enjoyed it and please leave a comment.

(Bonus Chapter) Celestia meets the baby prince

Today was supposed to be a day of celebration for the nation of Zebrica. Their beloved queen was going to give birth and everyone had been looking forward to it. None more than the expecting parents. Of course, Celestia would be lying to herself if she said she wasn’t that excited. She loved children whole heartedly. She had been glad to hear that her friend, the king of Zebrica, was going to have his own little bundle of joy. A little jealous, but glad all the same.

Now, as she walked through the halls of the palace, she was anything but glad. There was not a single smile to be found anywhere in the kingdom. The very air was filled to the brim with despair. The guards, standing stoic as ever, weren’t all that they seemed. Celestia could see it in their eyes. They died a little this day. There was one reason for all this sorrow.

Quean Neighfertiti was dead.

The beloved queain had to be one of the wisest, kindest rulers Celestia had ever known. Neighfertiti had been a close friend and pretty much the only mare that could tame the rowdy King Ahkenaten. She hated seeing him now. He was broken…shattered, a ghost of his former self. He hadn’t come out of his bedchambers since his wife’s burial.

Finally, she came to the royal chambers. The little room with the newborn infant, Trotankhamun. She was hesitant to go inside. It wasn’t her place to care for the infant. The king was still in mourning and to intrude upon his offspring….

The baby’s cries reached her ears. Celestia herself had a rather…strong maternal sense. It’s why she loved her little ponies so much. Hearing an infant’s cries was too much for her stand, so she rushed inside.

“Shh, shh,” a young zebra maid cooed over a little, black crib. “Be quiet, little prince.”

The little prince did not heed her plea. Instead, he bawled even louder. Celestia couldn’t’ take it and stepped further into the room.

The zebra maid gasped when she turned her head to view the trespasser. She quickly bowed. “I am sorry, Your Highness. I didn’t see you come in.”

“That is alright,” Celestia strolled forth. “How is the prince?”

“He won’t stop crying,” the maid sighed. “I’ve tried literally everything I know and none of it works. He’s a hooffull.”

Celestia peered over the edge of the crib. What laid inside had to be one of the most adorable little babies she’d ever laid eyes upon. That’s saying something given her lifespan. The baby prince was such a small thing, but at least he looked healthy for his kind.

“Oh he’s not a hooffull,” Celestia cooed. “He’s barely half of one.”

Instantly, the young prince ceased his wailing and stared up at her with his sky blue eyes. Celestia was an immortal and that granted her quite a few abilities. Along with immortality, it allowed her to see the potential in others. The young prince’s was astounding. Most creatures had a ‘potential’ similar to that of a river. The prince’s was a vast ocean. That intrigued her. She couldn’t help but list several theories/and or plans for the prince’s future.

But when the prince held out his hooves for her and whimpered, she paid not one of them any heed. She leaned her head down to him. “Hello there, little prince.”

“He’s…stopped crying?” The maid said incredulously.

“Yes he has,” Celestia never took her eyes off the giggling infant. “Pray tell, what is his name?”

“Trotankhamun,” the maid bowed her head.

“A great name,” Celestia honestly said. “You may leave us.”

“Princess?” The maid looked confused.

“I think I may be able to solve our little prince’s crying problem,” Celestia explained. “It will only take me a moment.”

The maid bowed and then trotted out of the room. The door quietly closed behind her.

“Hello Trotankhamun,” Celestia said. “How’s your first day?”

The baby prince didn’t answer. He just softly chewed on her mane, looking up at her with curious eyes.

“I know,” Celestia nodded. “Not the best and I’m sorry for your loss, little one. It will be hard for you in the years to come, but your father shall be there for you. Do not worry about that.”

Suddenly, a scroll flickered to life over her head. Celestia sighed. ‘I thought I told the nobles to not message me without warning.’

“I apologize,” Celestia softly said to the babe. “It seems I don’t have the time to…” When she pulled back, she heard the softest whine. It wasn’t loud or anything like that, but it broke her heart hearing it. She glanced over to the bed and smiled. “Perhaps you would like to join me?” The baby zebra rocked back and forth with her mane in his hooves.

Celestia giggled and picked the baby up in her magic. Trotankhamun laughed like crazy as he flailed in the air. He was just the cutest thing she’d ever seen. Celestia pulled herself onto the bed and laid down. Trotankhamun was softly placed at her side. “Are you comfortable?”

Trotankhamun babbled in his baby language and nuzzled against her.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Celestia giggled some more. With a flourish of her magic, she opened her message. She spent the next moment reading it and sighing all the while.

‘Really? The nobles are complaining about wheatgrass?’ She sometimes wondered if the nobles just used complaints as ways to show her that they were important or something. All the while she thought this over, Trotankhamun had apparently made her tail his new home. He was busy rolling back and forth, babbling now and again.

This brought Celestia a bit of happiness through her agitation. Seeing the baby smile so reminded her of her own motherly wants. She had never found the right stallion to settle down with. For the most part, that stemmed from the fact that she was immortal. There were few male immortals and none of them tickled her fancy.

Using her magic, she erased the words on the paper to make room for her reply. Golden lines appeared on the paper as her very thoughts were given form.

Unbeknownst to her, Trotankhamun’s stomach growled. He didn’t know why it was, but it made him upset. He wanted to cry and get her attention, but then something ticked in his brain. He stumbled over to her lower belly.

Celestia didn’t pay the prince heed for a few seconds, caught up in answering the dumb noble complaints. She did take heed when she felt something wrap around a nipple. Looking down, she saw the baby prince trying to suck milk out of one of her tits.

Celestia smiled and rolled her eyes. “Hungry little one?” The prince’s sucking continued. Now currently, she wasn't lactating so he was getting nothing. Given her age however, she had learned a little 'lactation spell' in case of situations like this one. Celestia’s horn lit up and answered the little zebra’s plea. Little gulping noises could be heard as the little prince drunk the milk to his heart’s delight.

Celestia lightly nuzzled him. “Drink up. There’s plenty to spare.” Returning to her letter, she resumed writing.

“Princess,” the maid said as she trotted back in. “I thought I’d ask if you’d like…” She gasped upon seeing Celestia breast feeding the baby prince. “I’m sorry, princess. I’ll take him….”

“No,” Celestia said more forcefully than she intended. “He’s fine.”

To prove her point, Trotankhamun let go of her tit. His mouth was covered in his milk as he happily nuzzled against her side.

The sun goddess giggled. “Someone had a happy meal. Didn’t we?” She used her wing to cuddle him closer and nuzzled her muzzle against him. “Didn’t we?”

The prince nuzzled back, before pulling a face.

“Oh,” Celestia smiled knowlingly. She brought the prince in front of her. “Someone needs a burping. Is it you?” She brushed her muzzled lightly against his little tummy. It didn’t take long for the baby zebra to let out a big belch. Celestia gave out a mock gasp. “It is you. Oh, but you must be careful, little one. A prince does not burp.”

Trotankhamun laughed and grabbed hold of her muzzle. He babbled on in his infant tongue. She couldn’t understand him, but his intent was clear. ‘Awww, I love you too.’ The solar princess didn’t know for sure, but she had a feeling the little prince would go places. Looking into his innocent, gleeful eyes, she made a vow to protect him no matter what.

“You’re just a little bundle of joy,” Celestia cooed. “Aren’t you? Aren’t you?” She kept nuzzling him, using her wings to tickle his sides. The baby prince laughed and flailed his hooves about.

The maid smiled as she watched the little tickle session. Maybe the world wasn’t that bleak after all.

Author's Note

A little fluff because Momlestia is bestia.

I hope you enjoyed it and please leave a comment below. It helps speed up my writing prowess.

Side Chapter: Bed Talk

“...And then Daring Do swooped in at the last moment,” Celestia read aloud. The large alicorn was sitting atop a king sized bed. Of course, given that an alicorn is much larger than a normal equine, it was a bit small for her still. She managed well enough. Beside her, laying under the protective spread of her wings, was a young zebra. He was staring intently at the book before him. “Stealing away the treasure from Ahuizotl’s own paws.”

“And then he screams ‘Curse you Daring Do’,” the little zebra colt piped up, smiling.

Celestia chuckled. “Aren’t you a clever one and yes. He does, but Daring just laughs him off as she flies off into the distance.”

“And she lived happily ever after,” the colt finished. “Is that right, momma?”

Celestia sighed. “Yes and what have i told you about calling me that?”

“Not to,” the colt frowned, his ears tilting downwards. “But why?”

Celestia honestly wished she didn’t need a reason. She wished she didn’t have to scold him from saying that word. Hearing that word from his own mouth was her heart’s desires brought forth. Yes, many of her students thought of her as a mother figure, but they had families of their own. Little Prince Trotankhamun was different. He felt like hers. “Because some people think I’m the bad guy and what happens to people who help the bad guy?”

“You’re not a bad guy,” little Trot said firmly, nuzzling her. “You’re my momma.”

“I’m...I’m not your mother, Trotankhamun.” Celestia sighed, but didn’t stop him from nuzzling her.

“You’re older than me.”

“Yes.”

“You’re a girl.”

“I would believe so.”

“You love me, right?” When he asked that question, he looked up at her with such big, cute eyes. She wanted to take him in her forelegs and cuddle him so much.

“Of course I do,” she nuzzled him, causing him to giggle.

“Then you’re my momma,” Trot said. “So I says so, so it will be.”

Celestia sighed and rolled her eyes. No matter how many times she told him, he was firm in this decision. It wasn’t a good one, in her opinion. The zebra nobles were worse than her own and that was saying something. They were already whispering behind her back, talking about the ‘brainwashing’ she was forcing onto the prince. The more she stayed with him, the more dangerous the situation became, but she be cursed before she let those nobles pollute the little prince’s mind. ‘Nobody messes with my little Trot!’ “Very well, I won’t say anything more, but please, don’t say it in front of others. I don’t want them to get any ideas.”

The little prince wasn’t sure what she meant by that, but he nodded. “Promise, momma.”

Celestia nuzzled him. “Good boy.” She gently kissed his forehead.

“Momma,” the little prince asked. “Is it ‘cause they might get jealous my momma’s a god?”

“I am not a god,” Celestia said firmly.

“But you raise the sun and are really, really old.”

Celestia rolled her eyes. “Yes, I am old and I do raise the sun, but I am not a god. Do you know why?”

“Why, momma?” Little Prince Trot stared up at her intently. He always was such a well-behaved colt, listening to her on most account, except for the momma business.

“Because I choose to not be one,” Celestia said. “I can call myself a god. I can make everyone worship me as one, but what will that accomplish? A god cannot ‘bond’ well with their subjects, because they are always thought to be better than them. A god cannot be truly among their people. The term ‘god’ is a selfish entitlement. There are no gods and if someone claims to be one, they are either fools or mad. Even if they can control the sun, moon, or even create an entire universe with a single thought. They are beings just like you and me and they should be treated as such.”

“But I’m a prince,” Trot said. “Aren’t I supposed to be better than others?”

“Titles such as these are not the same,” Celestia clarified. “A prince is meant to rule and guide their people. Yes, they may seem ‘above’ the rest, but they are still people. They still live, breath, and do everything a ‘commoner’ can.” She lightly tapped his chest. “It’s your duty to help your nation as it is mine. That’s why I choose to stay a princess and denounce any godhood I could so easily acquire.”

Trot seemed to mull it over for a moment. “Okay, momma. I’ll remember and do my best. I’m gonna grow up to be just as good as you one day.”

“I know for a fact you will,” she nuzzled her nose against his in a little eskimo kiss. “But enough of this. I think it’s time for the little prince to go to sleep.”

“But I don’t wanna go to bed,” the prince pouted. “I wanna stay up and play with you.”

“I’ll be here tomorrow,” Celestia chuckled, using her magic to gently tuck him in. She laid down beside him, covering him with her large wing. “And we’ll have all tomorrow to play.”

“Really?” Trot asked.

“Really,” she kissed his forehead. “Good night, little prince.”

“Good night, momma.” Trot yawned before closing his eyes.

Celestia frowned as she watched him fall asleep. ‘It isn’t fair.’ None of this was fair. Not to the king. Not to the dead queen. Not to Trot and herself. She couldn’t stay with him for long. She had a nation to keep in order and already her own nobility were hounding her for staying in Zebrica too much. The zebra nobles were worse. They were hounding her for coming at all. The king was getting better, but he still had a long ways to go before he could be a good father. It was up to her and….she didn’t want to fail Trotankhamun. Her little zebra colt.

She laid her head down next to him, nuzzling him as she joined him in slumber. “Sleep well, my son.” She knew she shouldn’t have said that. She knew it and she did it anyways. She hated herself for it. She hated herself for the pain she was putting herself through. The nobility was going to tear him apart and if he survived she’d watch him die of old age.

‘It isn’t fair.’

Gently, the little prince yawned in his sleep, smiled, and nuzzled into her. It was almost like he sensed her turmoil and trying to cheer him up. She laughed quietly.

“Such a good heart,” she said before she fell into a slumber. Perhaps it would be worth it.

Author's Note

Another little cute chapter between Trot and Celestia. I'm a big fan of 'Momlestia' and Celestia's one of my favorite characters. :trollestia: So I like making her happy. Hope you enjoyed her cuddling her little colt.

Please leave a comment. They are very much appreciated.