#praxicblades

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - Dream of Sand

[PoV: Rinako]

I blink my eyes as I find bright sunlight shining down upon my form, a massive difference compared to the dimly lit room I was in earlier.

I remember closing my eyes not even a few seconds ago, but...now I’m standing in what looks like an endless landscape of sand.

Yep, looks like I’m back in the desert again... Guess I’m in the dream once more.

One major difference I’ve noticed though compared to my last dream was that I’d be walking at this point, my body moving without my consent. But unlike those past nightmares, this time I’m the one in control of my body.

I feel myself smile, but it didn’t last long as I realized that there’s a reason why I’m here in the first place.

I start looking around, scanning my surroundings. As I’ve anticipated, the rolling dunes stretch as far as I can see. So far there’s nothing at all that stands out to my visio-

Wait...

I stop and squint my eyes, straining to see...something in the distance. It’s a dark speck, just barely visible over the dunes.

Is it the structure I saw in my past nightmares? The one that housed that monster that would kill me every single time?

Maybe... But the entire desert would be a wasteland at the point I’ve reached it. So for all I know, it could be that structure...or it could not.

...

Well, I need to go somewhere...

Taking in a deep breath to steel my nerves, I walk towards that speck.

...

...and walk...

...and walk...

...and walk...

The distance is extraordinary to say the least, but thankfully this is all technically a dream. If this were reality, the heat from the sun and the sheer distance I’m forced to walk would definitely leave me severely exhausted. Yet here I am, traversing the rolling dunes without feeling a hint of fatigue.

As for the length of this ‘journey’, I don’t know how much time it took. It could’ve happened in an instant, or over a period of several hours. Yet regardless, that speck in the distance grew into something I can clearly see.

A mountain.

Its massive size towers over the desert, its surface a distinct gray that stands out majorly from the surrounding tan dunes of sand. As I grow closer, I see a small structure at the base of it.

Its design reminds me of ancient temples I saw in the history books I read when I was younger, yet this design in particular seems even more familiar.

Its overall structure appears to be completely intact - untouched by the grasp of time, and also made of the same stone as the mountain: granite.

Eventually the sand beneath my feet is replaced with granite tiles as I begin entering the temple, yet the stone doesn’t feel even remotely hot to me. Giant smooth pillars tower over me as I walk past them, their surface covered in hieroglyphics. Occasionally I walk past a giant statue of what seems to be a Lucario of unique species, their heads held high.

At this point everything clicks in my mind. The aesthetics, the material that everything is composed of. The origin of this temple is Venharan.

I remember reading plenty of books on Venhara in my youth. Of the towering granite mountain the kingdom was founded on, the black-coated Lucario race that lives there. Of course plenty of other races also live within Venhara too, but that’s besides the point.

Confusion starts to well within me. Why am I in a Venharan temple? That wasn’t in my nightmares at all. And why can’t I see the city of Venhara? It’s built right on and into Mt. Sekhemkhet. I don’t believe I’ve approached the mountain from the opposite side since the city stretches very far out, I should be able to see at least a few buildings from even the opposite side of the mountain.

So is this Mt. Sekhemkhet? Or is this mountain something else entirely...?

...

Something isn’t right...

I finally get a break from the intense sunlight as I enter the temple proper, the roof of the building being my shield from the flaming orb in the sky.

Numerous stone statues line the walls, each of them a Venharan Lucario. Some of them have gold jewelry on their stone frames while others have sapphire eyes. Yet all of that mattered little to me, for what really got my attention is what’s in the center of the temple.

It’s a large monolith made of bone-colored stone, contrasting greatly compared to the surrounding granite. At the base of this monolith is a tablet made of a similar material.

When I approach the structure I kneel down to look at the tablet, looking at its incredibly smooth surface.

What’s the purpose of this thing? It’s definitely of some importance, so why is it here?

As I reach over to touch the tablet, a sudden voice rings in my ears.

“Stop.”

I stand up immediately, my blades quickly unsheathing from my forearms. I turn on my heels to look behind me for the source of the potential threat, but the moment I could see the one who spoke to me I feel myself stop.

Standing before me is a female Venharan Lucario.

Her attire consists of countless jeweled bracelets and anklets, their gold surfaces covered in sapphires. Around her neck is a pendant with a massive sapphire, her head possessing a circlet with a head of a gold Seviper coming out of the front, and her hair is tied back into one long braid that’s decorated with gold beads.

The only thing covering her ‘important’ parts of her body are strisp of white cloth wrapped around her chest as well as another around her pelvis, the color sticking out massively from her black coat.

She smiles at me, her amber eyes glittering. “I have been waiting for you.” She speaks, yet...her words seem to reverberate through my head as if a voice was inside it.

And here I thought my confusion couldn’t get any higher. “Waiting for me?” I repeat. Although I wanted to go further on that... Another, more pressing question couldn’t be overlooked. I shake my head before looking at her suspiciously through narrowed eyes. “Who are you?”

She opens her arms, her smile never wavering. “I am Tiye, fourth Queen of Venhara.”

Now I definitely paused when I first saw her, but hearing those words in particular? That made my blood go cold.

Tiye? Fourth Queen of Venhara?

My knowledge on Venhara is somewhat limited, but I do know things such as the generations of queens.

As of currently we’re on the eleventh Queen of Venhara: Neferhotep.

Tiye? She’s...

...

She’s been dead for over 600 years...

...

What’s going on??

[thetakenpokemon-rp]

[Continued from here!] @starryeyedseer

[PoV: Rodrigo]

I couldn’t help but laugh again, but this time at the way she addressed me. “Sir Rodrigo? Come now! There’s no need for such formalities, we’re in good company after all!” I lean down and give her a tiny nudge with the plate covering my elbow, my friendly grin never wavering. “A simple ‘Rodrigo’ works quite fine, my friend. Besides, calling me ‘sir’ makes me feel even older.” I follow this with a playful wink, or is it considered a blink since I only have one eye? Heh, I’ll figure it out later.

Straightening myself back up I continue to chuckle. “And I shall take your compliment gladly, I’d certainly like to think of myself as a ‘confident and friendly fellow’ and hearing you confirm my thoughts gladdens me immensely.” I give her a sharp nod. “Not to mention you’re indeed correct, since no story requires a battle in order to be interesting. One could simply be living a quiet life and still have loads of tales, the only uninteresting thing is the way you tell it.” I tap the side of my head with a finger, giving her a knowing look. “And let me tell you, I’ve also made several uninteresting situations become interesting by simply having fun with the story-telling~”

When I saw her purple cheeks take on a darker shade from my compliment on her dress, my grin threatened to widen further. “If your grandmother made that dress, then I give my utmost respect to her. She is truly an artisan at her craft, and you make it shine even further with your complimentary stunning looks.” I give her a giant thumbs up. “If there’s such thing as a ‘clothing soulmate’, then I’d say that you’ve found it!”

If Rinako were here, she’d probably chuckle at my comment about ‘clothing soulmates’. Not that I’d blame her, since the concept is certainly amusing when you think about it.

I fold my hands behind my back, my smile relaxing. I listen to her answer my other question and I couldn’t help but perk an eyebrow at her response. “Unova? I don’t think I’ve heard of that place before, I assume it’s a sort of country or contine-” I stop as realization strikes me. “Ah! THAT Unova! Well then, it appears my deteriorating memory strikes again.” I shake my head, chuckling some more. “Still, I’ve never visited that place before even though I’ve heard several good things about it. It’s one of those regions where Pokemon and Humans live together, correct?”

My single eye glances around the rural town we’re in before focusing my attention back at her. “As for this place? Nope! I actually come from a more faraway town, although it’s not quite as nice as this place.” I scratch my chin for a brief moment. “However it’s quite charming, even though it lacks a lot of things such as electricity. It’s one of the more ‘old-fashioned’ places, who’d much rather live without modern technology.” I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t share their ideals, since things like appliances makes life quite easier and convenient.”

I stop again, realizing that I didn’t even answer her question on what this place is anyways. “Oh! And the name of the town is...Woodwick?” I pause for a third time, recalling the name before nodding slowly. “Yes...Woodwick, I’ve only been here briefly so the name hasn’t stuck with me yet. But that’s the name of this place.” I shake my head. “Heh, forgive this old fool for his scatterbrain-ness.” 

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - Meeting the Seer

[PoV: Rinako]

Having a stomach full of garlic cheese bread makes the world a happier place, or at least for me at the moment. After I ate my fill to the food Rodrigo got for me at the inn, the two of us made our way out.

The Chesnaught is currently in the lead, since he’s the only one who knows where this seer is after all.

I really do hope that this meeting will work out for me, since I’m...awfully sick of these nightmares. I’m seriously missing out on sleep because of it, not to mention the fact that it infuriates me since I have no idea on why I’m having them to begin with.

Endless deserts... The sun and stars dying... Landscapes changing into wastelands... A mysterious monster that kills me...

I don’t even know where it’s coming from. I can’t think of anything that would cause dreams like this and it’s driving me crazy.

If this visit doesn’t do anything, I don’t know what options I’ll have left. There’s always Vedika, but at the same time I’d rather continue on with these nightmares than gain new ones from whatever spell she’ll cast on m-

I stop myself - literally, specifically because Rodrigo halted himself in front of me. It’s a good thing I caught myself too, otherwise I would’ve probably impaled myself on his back spikes.

“Here we are!” The Chesnaught says joyfully, gesturing to the place all the while oblivious that his sudden stop might’ve caused serious injury.

Letting out a quiet huff at him I then turn my gaze to the building ahead of him, only to find myself squinting since it doesn't look very...special? It pretty much just looks like a small hut. The only thing indicating that a seer is here is a small wooden sign that says ‘Seer of Knocksville’ in blue painted letters.

“Doesn’t...look very impressive.” I say skeptically.

Rodrigo shrugs his shoulders. “Perhaps, but we’re not here to judge the appearance. We’re here to get these nightmares taken care of, eh?” He gestures for me to follow. “Let’s go inside.”

He immediately goes and opens the door, yet due to its size he’s forced to squat down somewhat to enter without hitting his head on the frame. I still eye the place dubiously, but after letting out a soft sigh I follow him in.

Once inside, the first thing I take note is the dim lighting and the peculiar scent that surrounds the interior. Probably the reason for this is because of the various candles, each of them releasing some sort of soothing smell that remind me of wild flowers. All sorts of trinkets line the walls and hang from the ceiling, their uses completely beyond me.

Across the room is a doorway, yet in place of a door is instead a curtain of multi-colored fabric. The second I close the entrance door behind me the curtains part, and in steps who I can only assume is this seer.

“Ahh, visitors.” He says in a cheerful yet quiet tone. “I presume that you are here for my services, no?”

He’s a Gothitelle of average height and build I would expect on his species, yet what really stands out about him are the flowing purple robes with blue bows on them. His black hair is tied into a short ponytail, and around his eyes is a blue eyeliner that matches the bows on his robes.

Rodrigo grins. “Indeed! And this only means that you are Travis, the seer that runs this place?”

I blink.

Travis? What kind of seer is named Travis of all things?

He nods his head. “Indeed, I am he.” The Gothitelle clasps his hands together. “What is it that I may aid you in? Do you wish for your future to be read? Perhaps a charm to ail a sickness?”

I...do know that some Gothitelle possess the power to see into the future by drawing power from the stars, but I’m not sure if this guy is one of them. He...seems to give off an air of superstition, like he doesn’t seem like he’s the real deal.

Although still VERY skeptical, I decide to speak up since I want to get straight to the point in terms of why I’m here. “I’ve been...experiencing some unusual nightmares lately.” I say, drawing his attention.

He looks at me. “Nightmares?” He repeats. “I assume that you wish for me to rid of them, no?” He gestures to several hoops hanging from the ceiling. “I have many a dream catch-”

“ Although I do wish for my nightmares to go away, there’s something more to them.” I interrupt him. “I keep getting the same one every night, yet it isn’t related to anything that I can think of.”

He didn’t show any sort of discontent when I interrupted him, if anything he actually looks surprised now. “Repeat...nightmares?” His thin brows furrow. “Indeed, that is a concern. Such dreams may be a vision.”

Now that...I don’t find to be difficult to believe. Same dream over and over? Yeah, it has to be something.

“So you can assist her?” Rodrigo asks.

Travis nods his head. “Indeed. Come.” He turns and beckons for us to follow as he parts the curtain, entering the room he was in.

The two of us follow the Gothitelle into the room - or at least the best Rodrigo could due to his size, and once we’re all in we immediately discover that it’s actually quite spacious.

The room looks like it’s a place where Travis both sleeps and ‘works’, seeing the bed in the corner as well as a large table and couch. On said table is a crystal ball - to my chagrin - and the couch seems to be designed for people to lay on.

He gestures me towards the couch. “One of greatest ways to discern a dream’s meaning is to tap into it, to completely let it unfold so that all of it is laid out to bare.” He sits down on a chair adjacent to the couch. “Although I am unable to see the dream for myself, I can assist you in discerning its meaning.”

I frown at the prospect of experiencing the dream again, yet there’s another part he said that I’m very skeptical of. “You say...let it unfold?” I look at him unsurely. “What is it you mean by those words?”

“I am opening your mind completely to the dream.” He responds in a patient tone. “You will experience it far differently than your past nightmares, for you will see it for all it is. This will allow you to discern its meaning.” He rests the palms of his purple hands on his lap.

“And this is the first step?” Rodrigo speaks up. “This won’t rid her of said nightmares?”

Travis shakes his head. “It will not. That will be another service I will assist you with afterwords.”

The Chesnaught nods his head at this before reaching for his belt - where he keeps his money-sack. “Very well. And how much will your service charge?”

The Gothitelle waves his hand. “That matters little as of now. I will tell you after we are finished.” He looks at me again. “As for you, rest yourself on the furniture before me. We must prepare.”

...

Well... Better this than nothing.

With another sigh I lay down on the couch as he requests, doing my best to get comfortable.

Travis smiles softly at me. “Good. Now...I must ask you to close your eyes, then I shall place a spell on you to bring you unto a deep sleep. Worry not, for this will last shortly. Once you have seen all that is to be seen, you shall awaken.” He cups his hands together, a soft purple glow emanating from them. “Are you ready?”

I close my eyes, mentally preparing myself for the nightmare that will come. “I’m...ready.” I say in an almost reluctant tone.

“Good...” He mutters. Through my closed eyelids I see a purple glow, and the glow starts to intensify...

...

...and then...

...I feel myself lose consciousness.

...

...and then everything changed.

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - Dream of Realization

[PoV: Rinako]

Tiye continues to smile at me, her face tilting upwards as she gazes into my eyes. “It is clear to me that you are surprised of this knowledge.” She says in a knowing tone. “I've expected it.”

I mean...it’s kinda obvious, since she’s a Queen who’s been dead for over 600 years. Of course I’m gonna be surprised!

But regardless... Even though I do have countless questions, none of them are really important compared to a big few. More specifically is the fact that I’m dreaming of her and I have absolutely no idea on why.

“Indeed I’m...definitely quite surprised.” I start, looking at her unsurely. “But that begs the question, why are you here?” I remember another thing she said. “And you said you were waiting for me. Why is that?”

She lowers her chin, her amber eyes seemingly glowing despite the dimness of this temple. “To warn you.” She answers, her not once wavering.

I feel a cold sweat trickle down my brow, in which I start to wipe it with the back of my palm - only to realize that my blades are still out. Wincing internally I sheath my weapons and wipe off said sweat, my uncertain expression growing even more uncertain. “To...warn me?” I repeat slowly. “To warn me of what?”

The Lucario approaches me and places a hand on my shoulder. “Walk with me, Rinako.” She says.

Although I technically did have I choice, a large part of me felt like I really didn’t. Without objecting I let her guide me with her side, the two of us walking out of the temple.

The moment we stepped out, I feel my body beginning to tense.

The countless rolling dunes of sand? Gone.

The familiar foreboding wasteland takes its place. Rock and metal stretch as far as I can see, numerous spires jutting into the air like unnatural landmarks. Above me the sky is completely black, no sign of sun nor stars.

“My home is in danger.” Tiye continues. “My people do not know it, but something dark is threatening our land.” Her smile slowly shifts away, turning into a grimace. “If nothing is done, they will all perish.”

I bite my lip, the fact that I’m looking at this landscape is putting me severally on edge. “By your home, I can only assume that you mean Venhara.” I say quietly, my gaze frozen on the horrible wasteland. “You say that it’s something dark, yet...do you know what it is?”

“I know not of what entity is bearing down upon my land.” She says with a shake of her head. “But their presence alone is sending tremors throughout the veils. Subtle tremors, but ones I felt nonetheless.”

I eventually look at her, one big question forming on my mind. “Why tell this to me?” I ask her. “I don’t have any sort of association with Venhara. If this is happening, shouldn’t you tell the current Queen?” Of course that’s assuming she hasn’t already, but that’s just an assumption.

She looks back at me. “It’s because they are not the ones who need this knowledge.” She places a hand on my chest. “It is you who must know this.”

I wince the moment she touched me there. Even though the atmosphere is rather dire, the touch is still a little too intimate for my taste. After I brush her hand off me I turn to her fully, my eyes narrowing as I fully process what she said. “Me?” I repeat. “I ask again. Why me?”

Tiye takes a step back, crossing her arms. “You are the one that can stop this.” She says simply.

I feel my jaw drop. “Stop this?!” I pretty much squawk. “How?!”

The Queen shrugs, much to my irritation. “I do not know, but the forces all point to you, dear Rinako. I implore you to stop whatever will bring this cruel fate to my land, to save my people.”

She slowly falls to her knees, her head bowing to me. “Please.” She finishes, her tone growing incredibly soft. “Please save my people.”

I’m...at a loss for words, needless to say.

Dream or not, one of the Queens of Venhara is kneeling down at me, and it doesn’t take an idiot to know that she’s...begging.

...

I...don’t know what the hell is happening, or why I’m the one to contact out of everyone. I’m just a mercenary working with a group of companions, making a living through hunting down people. I’m definitely no hero, or at least by standards this large.

But...what can I say to her? Tell her no?

...

I grit my teeth and rub the side of my head, feeling frustration sink in the longer she’s kneeling there.

...

You know what? Damn it all.

“I will try.” I finally say, sighing deeply.

Tiye looks up at me, her smile returning. “Thank you, Rinako.”

I shake my head slightly. “I won’t guarantee anything.” I tell her. “But I will do my best to figure out what’s happening, and...try to stop it with the best of my ability.” Something of this large scale? I doubt I’ll do anything to it, but...I’ll try something.

I cross my arms, feeling a confident smile form on my lips. “You have my word.”

Whatever confidence I’m feeling right now immediately deflates the second I...hear something in the distance.

A familiar, bone-chilling sound...

Oh no...

Tiye grabs my wrist. “Hurry, Rinako. Time is at the essence.” Her eyes start shining like brilliant lights, and my vision starts to blur...

“It is time for you to awaken, oh savior mine.”

My eyes shoot open and my body jolts up, my breaths heavy and ragged.

“She has awakened.” Travis states, the Gothitelle looking at me calmly.

Yeah, no shit...

Rodrigo is already next to me. “Rinako! Are you alright?” He asks me, his voice urgent. “What did you see?”

I’m still processing everything... The walk to the temple, the conversation with Tiye, the wasteland, that sound again...

All of it may have been a dream, but now I know that it’s more than that. It’s a vision, a vision meant for me. I don’t know why I was the one to receive it out of all of the other more-qualified people, but I’ll accept it.

And with this newfound enlightenment, I feel a powerful resolve fill my body.

“I need to go to Venhara.” I say aloud, my eyes narrowing with determination.

A silence befalls the room.

“Uh... Speak again?” Rodrigo eventually says.

Ah... Looks like I have a lot of explaining to do...

[thetakenpokemon]

Interlude II - Finding a Solution for Unsolved Dreams

[PoV: Rinako]

After making sure that my attire is at least somewhat properly in place, I proceed to make my way out of the room I’m staying in.

My mind is in a sleep-deprived haze, my movements sluggish and eyelids heavy. I walk down the tiny hall of the inn almost mindlessly, paying no need to...anything really.

The past several nights have been filled with nothing but the same exact nightmare, time after time...

I tread through a vast desert, the desert becomes replaced with a barren wasteland, the sun and stars burn out, and then...I reach that triangular structure that contains that...thing.

That monster.

And I always die in the end...

To get the same dream over and over has to mean something, especially when it doesn’t involve anything I’m familiar with. Something is happening or going to happen, and that dream is the sign.

Or...at least I think it is...

But regardless, what...am I supposed to make of it?

I let out a low groan and rub my forehead, knowing that there’s no chance I’m going to get anywhere in my current state. I need eat something and try to waken myself, since I can properly figure things out when my mind is clearer.

Taking the staircase down I reach the first floor of the inn, which also doubles as a pub. The activity of the place is relatively tame, meaning I’ve either arrived before or after lunch hour.

I silently curse at myself for forgetting to check the clock in my room, since as of currently I have no idea what time it is right now.

Sitting at one of the tables is Rodrigo, his hulking frame being easy for me to spot despite my sluggish state. He spies me at the staircase and waves me over, in which I eventually comply after registering his motions.

“Hello there Rinako! I was wondering when you’d wake up.” He chuckles, gesturing to the seat opposite him.

With a quiet grumble I take the seat and let my head fall onto the table, the smooth cool wood feeling nice on the skin of my forehead.

“Didn’t sleep well?” He asks me, his voice betraying his concern.

I simply look up at him, letting him see the dark bags under my eyes.

“Well...that answers my question...” He says slowly before crossing his arms, his single eye narrowing slightly. “Nightmares?”

I nod my head slowly before resting my head back onto the table. “Yes...” I mumble quietly. “And I’ve been getting the same one over and over again...”

I hear the sound of movement following with a new voice. “Can I get you anything?”

Rodrigo quickly speaks up in place of me, in which I’m rather thankful for. “She’d like some ice water please.” He says to what I assume is one of the waiters here. “And a platter of cheese bread too.”

As I hear the sounds of the waiter walking off Rodrigo starts talking to me again. “I didn’t quite catch what you said Rinako, with your voice being quiet and your head planted on the table. Could you repeat it?”

I let out a sigh and lift my head up, propping my chin onto a hand to hold myself up. “I’ve been having the same nightmare for the past four days.” I tell him, making him pause.

“The same...nightmare?” He repeats slowly.

I nod my head, my tired face contorting with irritation. “And what’s worse is that I have no idea what it means. It’s just the same thing over and over again, except nothing is familiar about it.” My chin slips out from under my hand and my head hits the table again, in which I let out a low groan of exhaustion and pain.

Rodrigo starts to speak, but I talk over him. “It’s not based off of anything in my memory. It’s not something caused from some sort of fear or trauma..."

I feel the weight shift on the table, probably Rodrigo resting his arms on it. “What exactly is happening in these nightmares?”

I lift my head up and cross my arms onto the table, in which I then perch my head onto them to give me a small bit of elevation. “I’m just...walking through a seemingly endless desert, the kind with giant sand dunes...”

Rodrigo nods his head, gesturing for me to continue.

I let out a sigh, my tired frown turning into one of apprehension. “Then...the desert suddenly turns into a sort of wasteland, made of smooth rock. There’s...a bunch of spire-like things jutting out of it.”

The Chesnaught’s face becomes unsure.

“And...” I continue. “Eventually I reach this gigantic triangular...building, or something. It’s like a big entrance that leads down into the earth, and I can’t see anything inside it.” The image is way too clear in my mind when I recall it. “Then...suddenly the sky turns dark, as if the sun and stars burned out of existence.”

At this point Rodrigo is definitely unsure, and he opens his mouth to speak...but closes it when I continue to talk.

“That’s not the end of it.” I say darkly. “After that? I see something in that doorway. A bunch of red, glowing eyes that belong to a monster.” My hands clench into fists. “That...monster, it’s big. Judging from the height on where I saw its eyes, it towers over pretty much anything and anyone that I know of.. But...that’s not the worst of it. It lets out a distorted scream, and then it creates this flash of light from what I think is hands and I...” I stop, suddenly finding myself feel unsure on what to say.

My silence only lasted for a few moments, however. “I...would say that I died, but...it seemed worse than that. Like I just...stopped existing.” I let out another sigh and close my eyes. “And then I would get the dream again the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that...”

Rodrigo leans back in his chair, despite it being designed to fit larger Pokemon it still creaked underneath his bulk. His expression is contemplative, showing me that he didn’t know what to make of it either. “Just to be clear...” He says slowly, his expression still thoughtful. “Nothing in that dream seems familiar to you?”

I shake my head slowly. “Nothing...” I respond tiredly.

He nods his head slowly. “Hmm...” He hums to himself. “In this case? I think you need to see someone.”

I look up at him slightly. “Like a doctor?”

Rodrigo lets out a snort. “In this area? Unlikely.” He glances to the entrance of the inn, looking outside. “This village is lucky enough to have clocks here, so I don’t think we’d find a doctor. Or at least someone possessing skills in modern medicine.” He shakes his head slightly. “What we need is a seer.”

Hearing this makes me perk up, the tight grasp of exhaustion immediately releasing its hold on my mind. “A seer?” I repeat, feeling dread well in my chest. “Like Vedika?”

The Chesnaught lets out a sharp laugh. “Oh DEFINITELY not! Vedika is a wielder of black magic! She’s no seer!”

Hearing this makes me relax, since the last thing I want is Vedika tampering with me. “Then...where will we find a seer? I doubt this place has one.”

“Ohh don’t be so quick in that assumption.” He grins at me, his single eye twinkling. “There’s actually a seer that lives in this quaint little village, and they don’t charge much for their services from what I’ve heard.”

I fully sit up on my chair for the first time since I’ve sat down. “So...we should head there right now then, to get this over with.” As much as I’m feeling slightly skeptical, I’m willing to do anything if it means I can rid myself of these nightmares. That and discern its meaning.

“Not so fast, Rinkao.” Rodrigo chuckles. “There’s still something else to be taken care of.”

I blink. “And...what would that be?”

At this moment the waiter returns, with a full cup of water as well as a steaming platter of cheese bread.

“Here you go.” They say with a smile, setting the hot plate down on the table. “Enjoy your meal!”

With that they walk away, leaving the food in front of me.

The moment the smell hits my nose I feel my mouth salivating, just now realizing that I haven’t eaten anything yet.

I must’ve looked like a starving Lycanroc, since Rodrigo laughs. “Eat! THEN we’ll see this seer.”

I didn’t need to be told twice.

[thetakenpokemon]

Interlude II - Break From the Work Scene

[Location: Unknown Town - Unknown Pub] [PoV: Valence]

“Wait, so we’re not taking another job?” I ask Rodrigo, who is sitting beside me.

“I’d say not.” He chuckles, taking a bite of melted cheese bread. The strands of cheddar and mozzarella drip from the bread, catching on the fur under his chin. “We’ve made more than enough from the past four bounties, it’s about time we stop our hunting and take a little R & R.”

Upon hearing this I feel my mouth wide into a full-blown grin. “Hell yeah!” I laugh. “’Bout time I say, I was starting to forget what relaxing feels like.”

Normally I wouldn’t swear when Artemisia is around, but thankfully she and the others are currently away, doing their own thing in the town we’re in.

Heh, so far I’m still managing to do a good job avoiding her..

I lean on my hand, pulling out another peppermint stick and sucking on its end. “Any places in mind?”

Rodrigo shrugs. “None as of currently. However first it would be best to discuss with the others, in case they wish to return back to their homes or families.”

Oh yeah, that’s a thing.

Once the candy I’ve been sucking on softens enough I take a bite, the sweet pepperminty taste filling my mouth as I crunch on it. “I hope we don’t go to any cities.” I say, still chewing. “Hanara City was enough to last me for more than a life-time.”

“It wasn’t that bad.” He says while rolling his eye, finishing his bread.

I cross my arms, the peppermint stick poking out of my lips. “Yeah, to you at least. You know I don’t like the city life.” Thinking of all the loud noises makes me cringe slightly. “It’s just way too overwhelming, I prefer when things are quieter, like a candy store during the slow hours.”

“I’m not surprised to hear you use that analogy.” Rodrigo chuckles. “But I’ll keep that in mind when I speak with the others on the matter, but they have their own opinions on the matter as well.”

“Except for Vedika.” I mutter under my breath, too low for Rodrigo to hear. “Her opinions are either fucked up or she doesn’t give a fuck to begin with.”

“What was that?” He asks, giving me an incredulous look.

“Nothing.” I say nonchalantly, leaning back in my chair.

“Right...” He says slowly, not believing me. However he doesn’t push the matter, instead focusing on digging into another slice of cheese bread.

Since our conversation is kinda over I let my gaze drift lazily around the pub. The place itself isn’t very crowded at the moment, mostly since it’s currently after lunch-hours.

Besides me and Rodrigo there aren’t really any interesting characters, just a few Pokemon wearing various kinda of clothing and conversing with one another. One particular table catches my eye though, specifically the person sitting there.

It’s kinda hard to see all of the details from where I’m sitting, but the guy is wearing...quite a lot of clothes actually. Almost as much as me even, if not more so.

He seems to be wearing some kind of hooded cape? The cape itself isn’t quite interesting, but the hood has some rather interesting red markings on there. The outfit underneath that looks like it’s made of leather or brown cloth, which covers his entire body. I can see a blue reptilian tail poking out from his cape as well as a yellow horn from his hood, which is making it even more difficult to tell his species.

Regardless, something about him just screams ‘bounty hunter’, or at least one of the more self-absorbed kind.

You know what? I’m gonna check him out.

“I’ll be right back.” I tell Rodrigo, getting up from my chair. Without waiting for the Chesnaught’s response I make my way over to the guy I was eyeing.

“Hey.” I say, getting the guy’s attention.

He turns to gaze at me, which gives me a good look of his face. To my surprise he’s actually a Scrafty with some strong Samurott genes, seeing his blue lizard-like face combined with the horn. He looks at me with narrowed eyes, looking at me with suspicion.

“Can I help ya?” He asks in a somewhat disgruntled voice, his accent being something I can’t quite place. It’s sound a little like that Magmar farmer’s, but a bit more...’distinct’.

Without even asking his permission I pull up a chair and sit down at his table. He grimaces at this, his irritation growing more apparent.

Course I don’t intend to fully irritate the guy, since I’m above that sort of stuff. Well, mostly. However that wasn’t the main reason as to why I’m here to begin with.

“You a bounty hunter?” I ask him out of the blue, making him stop.

“...Yeah?” He says uncertainly, eyeing me skeptically. “How’d ya know?”

I lean back in my chair and grin, taking another bite out of my peppermint stick. “Think of it as a bounty hunter’s intuition, I saw you and immediately noticed the signs.”

This makes him lean back slightly. “So ya’re a bounty hunter too, eh?”

I nod my head. “Yup, what I said.” I take the last bite out of my peppermint stick, finishing it off. “Not gonna lie? You seemed kinda familiar, or at least you have a sort of appearance that’s recognizable.” I extend one of my hands towards him. “The name’s Valence by the way.”

Upon hearing me say that he seems kinda familiar he quickly grins. “Heh, I guess mah reputation does get quite around.” He accepts my offer and gives my extended hand a firm shake. “The name’s Shadowjack, now does it become clear?”

I feel myself stop when the name hits my ears.

“Shadowjack?” I repeat.

“Yeah.” He nods, grinning with satisfaction. “One of the best bounty hunters ‘round these parts. Now you know why ah seem familiar, eh?”

My expression grows flat. “Never heard of you.”

This makes him snap out of whatever prideful feeling he was in. “Wha-?”

I nod my head. “Yup, never heard of you at all.” I tilt my head slightly, cocking an eyebrow. “And what kind of name is Shadowjack? That can’t be your real name.”

At this his eyes narrow again. “It’s my name, that’s why I gave it ta’ ya.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “That’s not your name, c’mon man. I know everyone is all about those nicknames to make themselves cooler, but it’s kinda ridiculous though.”

A low growl escapes from him. “My name is Shadowjack, whatever thought ya thinkin’ of won’t change a thing.”

“Yeah and my name is Twilight Sparkle.” I comment snidely. “But fine, I’ll call you Shadowjack if it’ll make you feel better.”

His gloved hands clench into fists. “If tha’ only reason for ya comin’ here is ta’ make fun of my name, then I’ll kindly ask ya ta’ leave.”

Huh, even though it wasn’t intentionally I guess I really did intend to fully irritate the guy. Kinda funny how things change on the fly.

But then again I can’t really blame myself, since...well...

...who the hell names themselves Shadowjack?

Like c’mon, that can’t be his real name. If it is then I feel very bad for him, since parents like that really shouldn’t be having children. I mean seriously, that sort of stuff is just asking for your kid to get beaten up.

Another growl fills the air, snapping me out of my thoughts. However this time it isn’t from the Scrafty guy, but instead from my stomach.

Damn, guess peppermint sticks don’t really fill you up after all.

“Hey waiter!” I shout, getting the attention of one of said people. “I’d like an order of that cheese bread platter!”

A second growl fills the air, but THIS time coming from the Scrafty again. “Why...are ya still here...?” He hisses.

I glance over at him, noticing his narrowed eyes and that his hands are right next to his Seamitars.

You know what? The guy looks like he needs some food. You tend to be a bit grabby with your weapons if you’re hungry.

I know this from experience.

“Actually, make that two platters.” I correct myself, in which the waiter nods uncertainly.

What? I’m a generous guy when I want to be, the guy looks like he needs something in his stomach to get over the fact that his parents named him Shadowjack.

And let me tell you, nothing is better than filling your stomach with delicious cheese bread. Rodrigo definitely had the right idea.

“You can thank me later.” I say to the Scrafty, grinning.

He grits his teeth in response.

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 3 - Close Encounter

[PoV: Valence]

I keep myself next to Rodrigo, my gaze occasionally darting back behind me...at Artemisia.

We’ve been on the hunt for this hybrid for several days now, and luckily his tracks are actually fairly easy to find and distinguish from the terrain. However during this time I had to spend every moment to not let Artemisia get close to me, so we don’t have that...’talk’.

Currently she’s talking with the Gothitelle from that guild, however I can see her looking at me every so often.

I take a deep breath through my nose and turn away, shuddering.

“You can’t avoid her forever, Valence.” Rodrigo speaks up, his single eye looking down at me. “You can’t use me as a shield forever either.”

I cross my arms over my chest and grit my teeth. “Just watch me.” I growl.

His eyebrows furrow. “I’m being serious, Valence. You two will need to work things out, since this sort of tension can’t stay here.” He shakes his head. “You WILL need to talk to her.”

“Like hell I will.” I respond back sharply. “I’ve had to deal with her enough, the last thing I need is to get into another lecture or scolding.” I look up at the Chesnaught, glaring at him. “Do you honestly think she’ll even listen to me? That she’ll give me a chance to properly explain myself?”

“Well-” He starts but stops himself, a contemplative look replacing his expression.

“Yeah...that’s what I thought.” I mutter, averting my gaze from him. “She’ll never give me a chance, and even if she did...it won’t last. She’ll always treat me like some kid, even though I’m anything but.” That and she’ll always be a complete psychopath, however I didn’t say that particular sentence out loud.

An uncomfortable silence falls over us as we walk, but for me...I feel my mood growing worse. Several nasty thoughts pass through my mind, consisting of hurtful words and sentences I would like to shout at Artemisia. But of course I’d never say them to her, out of fear of what she might do.

Thankfully...the thought-process is quickly shattered by Rinako speaking up.

“I’ve found something.” The Medicham hybrid says, walking over to one of the trees. On its bark lays a scorched slash mark, the wood around it blackened from what may have been intense heat. She feels its surface with her fingers, her expression thoughtful. “Although I haven’t  seen the hybrid with my own two eyes...” She turns her gaze to the rest of us. “...I believe this may be his work.”

Richmond snaps his book closed and tucks it under his arm, adjusting his glasses on his face he approaches the tree. He eyes it for a few moments before nodding. “This was certainly left by the hybrid.” He agrees.

Rinako looks back at the mark, her eyes narrowing. “It looks fresh, so the hybrid must be near.”

“Hey, I found more!” Another voice speaks up, and our eyes turn to the other Medicham hybrid that joined our group. The one dubbed ‘Dahlia’ is currently standing a good ways away, however near her are numerous trees showing the same marks. “It appears that ugly seems to have some anger issues.”

The Gothitelle named ‘Aster’ approaches Dahlia and examines the these markings. “These marks appear to contain no precision or thought, so my companion’s assumptions that these were delivered in a fit of anger may be correct.”

Dahlia rolls her eyes. “Come on, girl. I know my stuff.”

The Gothitelle turns to her, her eyes narrowing just a tad. “Most cases...you do.”

This makes Dahlia take a step back, her expression growing sheepish. The Gothitelle holds her gaze on the Medicham before walking away. The Mienshao called ‘Carnation’ that’s with them shakes her head, giving Dahlia a look that pretty much says ‘really?’.

I eye them with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. What the hell was that about?

“There is a disturbance...” Vedika mutters, but just loud enough for us to hear. Her blue eyes slowly lift up, her lips twitching. “An annoying...disturbance.”

All of us look at the Gothitelle/Jynx hybrid, several of us with expressions of wariness. I’m definitely in the whole ‘put-off’ category, since Vedika...definitely has several screws loose.

“What is it, Vedika?” Rodrigo asks, the Chesnaught looking at her with rapt attention.

She doesn’t respond however, instead her eyes turning from left to right.

“Wait...disturbance...” Rinako mutters, but her eyes slowly widen. “Hold on, I hear something! Quiet everyone!”

In utter silence we all listen with rapt attention, trying to pick something out. After a few moments of straining my ears I pick it up.

“...Shouting...” I say aloud, my voice quiet. My ears swivel towards the direction and I turn towards it, my eyes narrowing. “I hear shouting...”

The more I listen the more clear it becomes, whoever’s shouting sounds...angry. They sound very angry, and...they sound...

...familiar...

My eyes widen.

“It’s the hybrid!” I immediately say. “And it seems like they’re with someone, and it doesn’t sound good.”

“Then we must hurry!” Rodrigo says resolutely. “From what you’ve all described about this hybrid, if he is within the company of others then they are likely in danger!”

My claws slide out of the slits in my arms, my teeth bared. “Then what are we waiting for?! Let’s go!”

[PoV: Charlie]

I have to say, the anger on the fella’s face is kinda putting me off. I shuffle my feet, my smile becoming sheepish. “So...uh...” I start, chuckling nervously. “...do ya think ya’ll will let me int’a ya group?”

The Bisharp’s eyes narrow dangerously. “...Excuse me?!” He hisses.

I lean my head back slightly, tugging at the collar of my shirt. “Ya know...ya actin’ group?” I grin again, but seeing the confusion and frustration building on his face makes it waver. “Like...tha’ reason why ya are in this here forest?”

The Pokemon’s talons dig into the earth, creating deep grooves. “You think...I am an actor?” He growls.

I nod my head uncertainly. “...Yeah?”

“I AM NOT AN ACTOR!” He roars loudly, making me take a step back.

“Ya...aren’t?” I say nervously. “But what about earlier? Were ya actually tryin’ ta’-” I stop, noticing that the Pokemon’s mouth is widening. Inside his maw is a bright blue glow, and it gets brighter and brighter by the second.

“What are ya-” I start to ask only for him to unleash a powerful beam of raw blue energy. My eyes widen, my body standing frozen in fear as it approaches me at high speed.

And just before it hit...something tackles me out of the way.

I land on the ground roughly, the air being knocked right out of my lungs. Coughing violently I turn my head to look at who was it that saved my rear end, and to my surprise it’s an odd-looking Zangoose.

“Thank...Arceus...I got here in time.” He wheezes, his face sweating.

The loud sounds of footsteps hit my ears and I whip my head around, only to see eight more Pokemon arrive to the place.

Are they actors too?

No, the other fella said that he’s not an actor.

So...then this must be the real deal...?

“So you all followed me.” The hybrid growls, glaring at the group with open malice. “And you brought even more numbers with you.”

“This ends here.” The pure-bred Gothitelle says calmly, approaching the Bisharp with a closed umbrella in her hands. “This is your last chance. If you do not come along calmly, then you will leave us no choice but to use force to bring you in.”

The Bisharp clenches his fists, the...real blades on his arms glowing a bright blue. “Calmly?” He repeats, venom dripping from his voice. “You wish for me...to come with you...calmly?!”

The Gothitelle’s brows furrow, her grip tightening on her weapon. Behind her the numerous Pokemon also ready themselves, either drawing their weapons, channeling whatever power they have, or simply bringing up their fists.

“No...” The Bisharp says, shaking his head. “No...I’ve come too far for this to end.” He raises one of his arms, pointing the humming blades at the group. “I need to grow stronger, to end the ones who have destroyed my life.” The gaze from his eyes intensify, his lips twisting into a malicious grin. “And I will not let ANYONE stop me.”

He lets out a loud, primal roar. “I WILL TAKE YOU ALL ON!”

With that, he charges straight at the group.

“Hey buddy...” The Zangoose whispers to me. “I recommend staying on the sides, because things are about to get really ugly.” With that he leaps into the fray to aid his comrades, not waiting for my response.

Even with him already out of ear-shot, I still feel myself nodding numbly. “S-Sure thing...”

That hybrid was really trying to hurt me...

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 3 - One Against Nine

[PoV: Rook]

‘I will take them all on.’

Those were the words I shouted before ultimately charging them all. 

They have superior numbers, the superior manpower. I knew this, but I still refuse to back down.

I WILL grow stronger, failure is not an option.

With adrenaline pumping through my veins I feel my mind enter a bloodthirsty haze, my movements growing swifter and stronger.

My blue blades hum with plasma, their edges causing the air around them to shimmer and boil. I care less if my opponent’s flesh burns off their body if I strike them with these superheated weapons of mine, my only desire is to win at any cost.

The battle begins with the Zangoose, the axe-wielding Bisharp and the Medicham/Bisharp hybrid entering the fray. The purple-haired barbarian swings her mighty weapon at my front while the two flank both my sides, I respond by bringing my plasma-infused claws to deflect the blade before grabbing its handle.

Using my enhanced strength I manage to tear the weapon out of her grip and throw it at the Zangoose, forcing him to cease approaching me and dive back in order to avoid it. I then turn to the Medicham hybrid and dodge one of her incoming strikes before lashing out with a clawed hand, which she nimbly dodges. She then follows up with a swift kick to my stomach that sends me stumbling back, which then is joined by the other Bisharp hybrid slamming into me with her shoulder that sends me right on my back.

The fight has barely started and already it’s not looking good...

The Delphox unleashes a spray of fire from his hand while the Gothitelle/Jynx hybrid fires a laser of bubbling black energy, without missing a beat I roll to the side to avoid both of the attacks before kicking up with my legs, using the momentum to launch myself off the ground and land back on my feet.

Turning my gaze to the two nearby Bisharp hybrids I draw my power from within my body and unleash it from my maw in the form of an intense laser, however the Chesnaught leaps between the attack and them and brings up his arms. The attack strikes true, yet the Chesnaught’s armor manages to withhold the intense beam, when I cease the attack the only thing I get is a black scorch mark on his armor.

Three forms leap over him and dash towards me, revealing to be the three Pokemon garbed in dark blues. The Gothitelle opens up her umbrella and the spring-loaded blades shoot out on its side, with a stone-like expression she swings the light weapon at me all the while twirling it, making the parasol become something akin to a buzzsaw. I bring up my blades to block the attack and sparks begin flying as the blades repeatedly strike it, forcing me to backpedal.

From the side the other Medicham hybrid dashes at me, the blades of her Fuuma Shuriken separated and spinning with her fingers inside the ring. With a smirk she starts slashing at me from various angles, in which I have to respond by blocking her attacks as well.

With my attention focused on the first two, the Mienshao then enters the fray. With her bladed fans she leaps over the Gothitelle, still mid-leap she spins her body with her arms outstretched as she flies over me. With my arms completely focused on dealing with her other two companions I couldn’t block her attack, yet thankfully the blades met with my shoulder-plates...causing sparks to bounce off as it leaves a deep scratch into the red metal.

I let out a roar of anger and unleash another beam from my mouth, intending to force the Gothitelle and Medicham to back off. In response they do just that, however the Gothitelle brings up her umbrella and uses the fabric to absorb the attack like that of a shield. To my great surprise my attack only leaves a scorch mark on it, any other umbrella would’ve been burned completely through.

What...is it made of?!

Another beam of black energy streaks towards me, in which I snap out of my stupor and sidestep it. I turn my angry gaze to the Gothijynx, who’s looking at me with a sadistic smile.

Yet this ends up being a grave mistake on my part, for during that brief second the Chesnaught slams into me with the force of a freight train. I feel my body launched through the air like a ragdoll and slam into one of the numerous trees, the bark shattering from the impact as I land on the ground roughly.

I...most definitely felt that.

As I quickly get back up a loud battlecry makes my gaze flick towards the source, in which I see the purple-haired Bisharp charging me with her retrieved axe. Her pink eyes burn with open fury, her expression showing her eagerness to spill my blood.

She strikes down again with her axe, in which I bring both of my blades up to block. This attack contains far more force compared to the last one, nearly catching me off guard as I tense my arms to keep the blade from getting close to me. The two of us press our weapons together, the metal of the axe slowly turning red as my superheated blades continue to stay in contact with it.

“I will make you suffer.” She hisses through gritted teeth, saliva dripping from the corners of her mouth. “You hurt my Vency, so you will pay.”

My eyes narrow slightly as the fire of my own anger intensifies. I don’t respond to her with words, instead I let out a draconic-like growl from my throat.

Pressing my legs into the ground to give myself leverage I shove my arms up, my strength overpowering her and sending her stumbling back. With her temporarily open I slash forward with my claws, intending to slice open her stomach.

However instead my claws merely slide across her armor without puncturing through, but it didn’t mean that there was no consequences for her. My blades leave thin, red-hot streaks on her armor that immediately start burning her. She lets out a howl of pain, the smell of cooked flesh filling my nostrils.

She grabs her armor and undoes the clasps before tearing it off her body, fully exposing herself. Her stomach shows two red lines across her skin, the thin yet long burns already forming blisters. Even with her armor off her she doesn’t back off, instead her anger increases tenfold.

“I WILL TEAR YOU APART!” She shrieks before swinging wildly with her axe, forcing me on the defensive.

Without her armor around her body all I need is to deliver one blow to kill her, yet with how she keeps swinging at me with reckless abandon I can’t seem to find a proper opening.

To the sides I see the Zangoose running around, as if trying to flank me from behind. However with how hard-pressed I am because of the Bisharp, I can’t do anything about it.

I block another swing from her axe, my teeth gritting so hard that my jaw starts to ache. I need to act, before the other warriors come to take advantage of my occupied self.

As I deflect another attack I open my mouth, utilizing the reserves inside my form I fire a third beam of energy. Thankfully this actually gets her to back away as she dodges, slightly singeing her hair.

I heard a shout behind me as I feel something land on my back, this soon follows with a pair of claws penetrating the thin gap between my shoulder plates and neck and dig into the flesh of my shoulders.

Even though my skin is very thick and tough, the blades manage to sink deep enough to draw blood. I roar loudly and reach behind me and grab the Zangoose by the hair, and with a hard pull I tear him off my back and slam him into the ground.

With his hair still in hand I lift him back up, the Zangoose’s face contorted in pure agony as I raise him up to my face. I turn my gaze from him to the other members, who cease their charging and look at the scene before them with intense apprehensiveness.

It occurs to me that I essentially have the Zangoose at my complete mercy now, thus giving me an advantage.

The Chesnaught starts talking to me, but I ignore his words as I let my gaze focus on the struggling Zangoose. His struggles however cease immediately when I point the glowing blades of my other hand at him, making the pupils of his eyes turn to pinpricks as sheer terror overtakes his face.

I grin.

I have no intention of playing out the ‘hostage scenario’, my goal is to win a battle through strength and power. To use him as a bartering chip goes against this, since I would be winning through treachery instead of power.

No... I need to kill him in order to cement my superiority.

Before I could plunge my blade into his neck, I feel something strike the back of my head...hard.

Even though my head is encased in the ‘natural’ helmet, the force was enough to disorient me.

The Zangoose reacts as quickly as he could, using this to his advantage. He wraps his hands around my arm and tears his hair out of my grip, he grunts in pain as several of the orange strands are torn from his scalp as he yanks himself free. He leaps off my form and rolls away, his head starting to bleed.

Who...struck me?!

I whip my form around, my eyes still trying to focus. Standing with his hoe in hand is the Magmar, the tool shakes in his hands as he looks at me with fear.

YOU!

Sheer fury overtakes me as my vision turns red, the desire to gut this fucker becoming overwhelming. With a howl I leap at him, my blades aimed straight for his chest.

However the purple-haired Bisharp slams into me, sending us both to the ground..

The two of us roll across the earth, wrestling for control. She presses her body against mine and delivers a powerful punch with her free hand, landing right on my unarmored snout. I feel the bone crack as it hits square on, causing a sharp pain to spike on my face.

We stop our rolling with her ending on top of me, and with an angry snarl she stares down at me with fury that rivals even mine. She doesn’t speak, instead she throws another punch at my now broken snout.

I bring up one of my claws and grab her fist, my burning blades on my arm just inches away from touching her. She takes her axe in her other hand and swings down at me, in which I quickly catch it by the handle.

The two of us struggle in a power play, her fist and axe pushing down as I tense my arms and push up. Both of us have strained expressions, our teeth bared as we glare at each other with great intensity.

“I...will...win...” I hiss at her. “I will...grow...stronger...”

Ever so slowly I start to push her hands up, steadily overpowering her. My snarl slowly shifts into a grin.

But said grin quickly vanishes when I see the Chesnaught suddenly get in my vision, and with one of his massive fists he strikes me right on the forehead...

...and then all I saw was darkness.

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - The Alliance

[PoV: Richmond]

When the three members of the Guardians of Twilight approached Rinako and I, I admit I was quite surprised when they asked to discuss a possible alliance so that we could work together to take down this Bisharp hybrid.

Because of this I went inside and fetched Rodrigo so that he would talk to them, since he’s technically the ‘unofficial leader’ of the Praxic Blades.

Even though I could be present to listen to what they have to discuss, it didn’t provoke my interests. I would be fine with whatever decision Rodrigo makes, I’m not one for making such choices anyways.

Sitting down on one of the booths inside the pizzeria I open my book again, my eyes falling upon the text. Even though I’ve read it numerous times, I need to constantly keep it fresh in my mind  in order to fully make use of the power within.

Despite my enrapturement, the movement of someone approaching the table and sitting down across from me didn’t escape my notice. I glance up from my book, in which I see that it’s the Medicham hybrid of the GoT that decided to sit down.

“Is this spot taken?” She asks with a grin, a rather...redundant question simply because she already sat down.

Nevertheless, I humor her with an answer. “It is now.” I respond, my tone devoid of said humor however. “Is there something you need?”

The Medicham shrugs her shoulders. “Not really, just hanging out as they work out the details.” She grabs one of the menus leaning that are sitting on a sort of stand and casually starts skimming the selections. “So you guys are pizza fans?”

I let out a quiet snort. “Some of us are, which is why there was no contesting when the decision was made to come here.” That and Artemisia brooked no argument, since she dragged Vedika here and forced the rest of us to follow.

Speaking of the Gothitelle, I glance over to the far side of the place and notice her conversing with what looks like another sort of Gothitelle hybrid. I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy towards the one talking to her, hopefully she won’t scare them too much.

“Got a favorite pizza?” The Medicham asks, making me glance back at her.

“I have no preference.” I respond absentmindedly, gazing back at the book in hand. “I simply choose whatever interests me.”

Even though I’m not looking at her, I can tell that she’s getting rather irritated due to the energy coming from her. “Not much of a talker huh?”

My lips curve up slightly. “I’m not unfamiliar with conversation.” I respond. “However currently I have better things to focus on.”

Through the corner of my eyes I see her crossing her arms. “I’m always seeing you look into that book of yours, do you use it for spells or is it some sort of history book?” She asks another question.

I snort again, looking back at her with a twinge of annoyance. “It is no ‘history’ or ‘spell’ book, it is a tome in which that provides a focus for my power.”

She leans back in her booth, crossing her arms behind her head. “So spell book.” She says with a smirk. “What does it do?”

I wrinkle my eyebrows, feeling my own annoyance starting to simmer. “This...is not a spell book.” I snap the book closed and show her the symbols on its cover. “This book is a magical artifact, with its scriptures it allows me to channel my power and shape it within an instant depending on the pages I have selected.” I let out an irritated grunt. “As you can see, I lack any sort of ‘stick’ that Delphox often have. This book takes its place.”

Her eyes widen in realization. “Wait, that book is your wand?”

“Yes, this book is my wand.” I sigh. “This specific tome is called Dying Blaze, its scriptures specializing in shaping and controlling fire magic.”

“That explains the fancy pyrotechnics, like the flame whip you had back there.” She chuckles, now getting it.

A sudden buzzing catches both of our attention, however before I could inquire about the noise she quickly pulls out a smart phone from her gi. She taps the screen and brings it to her ear. “What’s up Jubei?” She asks, now talking to the one who called her.

I open my book again, through memory I quickly found where I left off. However even though I’mstudying again, I can still hear the one-sided conversation.

“It worked out?” I hear her say with excitement. “Really? Nice! That’s awesome! Aight I’ll head out.” She brings the phone away from the side of her head and taps the screen, then places it back in her gi.

“Would I wish to know?” I ask absentmindedly, not looking up from my book.

“Not really...partner.” She says cheekily.

My eyes snap up to her. “Partner?” I repeat.

She nods her head. “Yeah, we worked out a deal with your boss.” I chose not to correct her on ‘boss’. “We’re gonna be working together to take down that hybrid~”

“The more the merrier.” I snort before snapping the book closed. “If that’s the case, I’ll gather the others and meet you outside.”

The two of us stand up, however she extends a fist towards me. I look down at it, taking note that she’s asking for a fist bump.

“C’mon, don’t leave me hanging.” She chuckles.

I mentally sigh this time and tap her fist in mine, in which she gives a nod of approval. “That’s what I’m talking about!” The Medicham grins. “Remember, I got your back and you got mine!”

“Noted.” I say, however I couldn’t help but smile in amusement.

Looks like our numbers have grown yet further. We went from three, to six, to nine.

Nine against one, I’m finding these odds rather favorable indeed.

[thetakenpokemon]

(With that plot post the Praxic Blades are united once more and their references are fully unlocked!

Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like you to meat the second half of the Praxic Blades! Rodrigo, Rinako, and Vedika~

The Praxic Blades page has been updated to accommodate the new references! You can find it right here!)

[thetakenpokemon]

@theorangelopunny

As his adventures in Woodwick were coming to a close, he felt pretty content with the fact that he got to meet two interesting people. Valence of the Praxic Blades and… uhhhh… uh-oh. He never did get that side-ponytailed woman’s name. Or… maybe she did tell him but he was so fascinated by her clothing that he didn’t hear her. Damn it Blayz! You’ve been forgetting your manners ever since you came to thiiiIIIS– WHAT THE HELL!? The mango colored Lopunny was so lost in thought that he didn’t notice that he almost ran into a big Payne’s Gray spike! Wait… A spike? That almost stabbed him in the face? What kind of place just has spikes floating in mid-air? Okay take a step back Blayz and see what we’re dealing wi– Woah. “A-A giant turtle…?” the hare quietly said as he slowly walked to the front of this dangerous yet strange new creature. Taking a bow and smiling he did his best not to sound too frightened. “H-Hello there!” Tch, Real smooth Blayz. “I’m Blayz, Nice to meet you!” he introduced himself to the Giant turtle. Okay, So Far so good. Hopefully he isn’t being too rude by asking this but he’s extremely curious about one thing. “Ya know? You have these really big sharp spikes on your back. Can you retract them? Have you…accidentally impaled something with them?” he wanted to say “someone” but…. Nah, dont say that.

[PoV: Rodrigo]

Despite the numerous jokes I've said about me growing old, I’m still considered young compared to numerous other people out there. Basically you don’t see old people scarf down their food as soon as they get it, much to both mine and everyone else’s amusement.

Eventually me and Artemisia left the rest of the group to their own devices so that we can head outside, that way she could give me an in-person summary of everything that happened here.

Now even though I’d like to think I wasn’t standing in the way of anything, apparently it can’t really be helped to someone who’s not paying attention. A particular Lopunny nearly walked into one of my spikes, which would’ve been a very painful thing since they are very sharp.

I heard his comment when he said it under his breath, since my hearing is actually much better than the average joe. I turn and look down at him with clear amusement, trying my best to not laugh. “I think the word you’re looking for is ‘hedgehog’.” I tell him.

When he introduced himself, I respond back in kind. “Blayz eh? Fitting, matches well with your colors.” I chuckle this time. “The name’s Rodrigo, pleasure’s mine to have you nearly bump into me.” I gesture to the Bisharp beside me, turning my gaze to her. “This here is my friend and comrade, Arte-” My sentence is cut short when I see the look on her face, which specifically is a very wide grin as her eyes are focused on the Lopunny.

That particular look is something I often see her give Valence.

Uh oh.

“One moment.” I tell Blayz before grabbing Artemisia’s arm, I make sure to not give her a chance to respond as I proceed to drag her back into the restaurant.

“He’s such an adorwable widdle bunny!” She squees loudly, just barely managed to be heard by the rabbit before I fully bring her inside the building. “I wanna pinch his widdle cheeks!”

Once we’re properly inside I release her, giving her a flat look. “No.” I tell her sternly.

“But-” She quickly begins to object only for me to place a large finger on her lips.

“No.” I repeat, this time with added emphasis.

The Bisharp pulls her face away, with a pout she crosses her arms. “Oh fine, I won’t do anything to him.”

I give a satisfied nod. “Good, and to make sure it stays that way you’ll be remaining here until I say otherwise.”

Her eyes widen. “W-What? Rodrigo, you can’t possibly mea-”

Again I place my finger on her lips, silencing her again. “Need I say it again?” I ask, my lips threatening to smile.

Artemisia quickly pushes my finger away with a hand, her eyes showing her irritation. “Fine.” She huffs. “Be that way.”

I’m definitely grinning now. “Thank you for your cooperation.” With that out of the way I turn and proceed to make my way back outside, where the hare is most likely standing there confused.

“You owe me big time, Rodrigo!” The Bisharp calls after me. “This goes against my very nature!”

I wave her off. “If it’ll make you happy, sure I’ll owe you one. I’ll be sure to pay you back later.” I turn my head and give her a wink, in which her smile soon returns upon seeing it.

Once back outside I look back at Blayz, giving him a somewhat sheepish smile. “Sorry about that, there was an issue that needed solving.” Course I didn’t forget about his question, since he was asking it when I was dragging Artemisia inside.

“To put it simply, nope. Those spikes you see are definitely not retractable.” For emphasis I reach over with a hand and tap one of them with my fingers, showing him that they’re there to stay.

“Truth be told I’ve never personally impaled anything on them for a long time, since I’ve learned to navigate around with those things fairly easily. However...” I feel myself smirk. “Can’t really say the same about people, since even though I’m good at avoiding them...sometimes they’re not good at avoiding me.” Thinking back at the past situations I proceed to laugh. “To say the least, you’re not the first to nearly walk into them...and there are numerous others who HAVE walked into them.” I shrug my shoulders. “That’s what they get for not paying attention.”

[thetakenpokemon]

@askiceboundlopunny

Linda@Artemisia: “Well I can’t say I’ve seen a bisharp without armor before.” She opens with a friendly tone and smile to match. Glancing over Artemisia she quickly sees the need to correct herself. “At least no natural armor that is. But not gonna lie, the armor you do have looks pretty good on you.” She adds placing her hands on her hips. “The name’s Linda. Judging from that axe along with your armor I’m guessing you must be who sees a lot of action.” She gives the bisharp a friendly yet toothy smile. “And from what I’ve heard from one of your partners you’re a pretty scary person to fight. To put it lightly anyways.”

She gives a soft chuckle. “Either way, the fact that you have what I think is a grown mon so scared of you had me curious to know what exactly he’s seen you do to people. That and just how strong you are. Because I don’t know about you. But I don’t think an axe like that can be used by just anyone.”

[PoV: Artemisia]

Well now, what do we have here~?

When the rest of the Praxic Blades and I went outside to fully our newest allies that is the Guardians of Twilight, a particularly tall Mienshao approaches me. I couldn’t help but admire her purple color, since I’ve never seen it on her species before…that and it looks quite splendid on her.

Her comment on my armor not being natural however makes me smile mischievously. “Ooo, spying on me when I was changing~?” I snicker playfully. “Come now dearie, I think simply asking me is a far better approach don’t you think?” Of course I knew this wasn’t the case, but what’s stopping me from having a little fun?

I lean forward slightly however and place my free hand on my chest. “And it’s quite a pleasure to meet you as well, you can call me Artemisia.” I lean back, returning to my normal posture. “I’d like to think that I’ve seen plenty of combat, especially since I have quite a love for battle.” I bring my giant axe over my shoulder with ease, my eyes sparkling with glee. “And I’m confident to say that I’m quite good at it too~”

Her next comment makes me pause, specifically saying how one of my partners think of me being scary. When she continued speaking and then says ‘grown mon being so scared’, I immediately knew who it is she’s referring to.

Valence is scared of me? I knew that he was a rather skittish boy, but I never thought of him being terrified of me.

This makes me frown and I turn my head. “Vency!” I call out. “Can you please come here?”

The distinct sound of a sharp inhale is heard. “I’m fine with being right over here!” He responds back rather hastily.

This makes my frown grow even more. “Vency!” I say more forcefully, my eyes narrowing. “I will not ask again!”

Eventually the Zangoose appeared, shuffling towards me slowly with obvious dread on his face. He stops however, his eyes widening at the sight of the Mienshao. “YOU!” He shouts at her, his expression a mixture of shock and horror. “Why are you here?!” His eyes turn to me and then back to the Mienshao, anger quickly adding to the mix. “What did you say to her?!”.

I clear my throat, causing his attention to swiftly turn to me. “Vency dear, are you afraid of me?”

His face pales, which is remarkable due to the fact that he’s covered in fur. “U-Uh…” He stutters, his eyes frantically darting from left to right. “A-Actually, I think I hear Rodrigo calling me.” He looks behind him. “COMING RODRIGO!” He shouts before looking back to me, a wide yet obviously fake grin plastered on his face. “Y-Ya see? Can’t stay here! Gotta go!” He shoots the Mienshao a nasty glare before turning tail, speeding off back the way he came.

I cross my arms under my chest, a dissatisfied pout on my face. “Hmph, it appears that he and I are gonna have some one-on-one time.” I shake my head and click my tongue. “He didn’t swear, which I knew he was tempted to. However his behavior was truly unacceptable, so he won’t be off the hook.”

My eyes glance over at the Mienshao, and suddenly I remembered that she’s still here. “Oh! Pardon me, it appears that I’ve forgotten we were having a conversation.” I couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “And there’s some questions that I haven’t answered too, how rude of me! Let me correct that~”

“I’d like to consider myself a very strong girl, because it’s a requirement in order for me to do what I do.” I bring my axe off my shoulder and rest it on the ground beside me. “That and my home helped me greatly, since when you were raised on a Feral Noivern breeding farm…you definitely need to be strong in order to take good care of them as well as ride them when they’re old enough~” I pause for a moment before giggling. “Oh my, doesn’t that sound dirty! I mean it in a literal sense dearie, since my family were rather big on riding Feral Noiverns. Soaring through the sky is quite an experience, it’s one of the many things that I miss.”

I let out a fond sigh from the resurfacing memories. “It gave me a good work-out for sure, but I trained myself even more when I discovered my love for battle.” I make sure that my axe is leaning against me before raising one of my biceps and start tapping it with my other hand. “Don’t let my looks deceive you, I am more than capable of splitting someone’s head open when I need to.” My smile widens. “And I’ve done it multiple times too, however a particular individual who dared to seriously harm my darling widdle Vency…” Within the span of a second my smile is replaces with a vicious snarl. “I instead sliced them open and let their guts spill across the grass, since they didn’t deserve the luxury of a swift death.”

And just as quickly as it came my face immediately returns with the kind snarl. “However that was in the past, since I’m a lady who won’t hesitate to get my hands dirty after all~” I giggle. “But I think I answered all of your questions, have I missed any? If so don’t feel afraid to let me know, I don’t bite~”

[thetakenpokemon]

@norehliananecdotes / @askpluminescent

(norehliananecdotes) Pumpkin @ Vedika: The hybrid eyed the Gothitelle with marked intrigue. “I overheard – looking to harness dark energy of sorts, are we? I have to commend you, I rarely see Gothitelle going beyond what the stars have given them. That shows a special kind of dedication! It’s always good to make an effort to get stronger. However…” he put a finger to his cheek, “I do wonder what set you on this path to begin with. It’s certainly not a common form of magic. Not satisfied with any other options? If you came from a family of magic users, perhaps their methods bored you? I come from a line of pyromancers myself, but that doesn’t mean I don’t dabble.” Pumpkin did not elaborate on what he meant by dabbling. “Forgive me for prying, it’s just that to harness this energy just to become the strongest mage around seems like too simple of a goal, at the risk of sounding blunt. So, I assume there has to be some sort of backstory to it all.”

[PoV: Vedika]

At this point I have finally managed to consume at least half of my pizza before another infernal interruption came in, apparently the world itself intends to make sure that I’ll never experience single minuscule speck of peace.

With obvious irritation I look up from my food, this newcomer being a sort of Gothitelle and Delphox hybrid. Apparently my presence seems to be an irrisistable magnet, since I’ve attracted not one Gothitelle…but two.

What really turned my irritation to anger is when he started speaking, specifically since apparently he seemed to have overheard my conversation. The sudden desire to curse him bubbled within me, to make him writhe like the pathetic wretch he is. However against my better judgement I decided to wait, in case his the words from his mouth somehow redeems his offense.

It didn’t really, but I’ll admit it intrigued me enough to not make me want to rip out his vocal chords.

My lips twist into a venomous sneer. “It is rude to eavesdrop in other’s conversations.” I hiss at him. “If I were to punish you, I would make your eardrums bleed and rot so that you may never hear again.” I lean back somewhat, my sneer turning into a smirk. “…However I will not, since your compliments and dedication to approach me made me reconsider.”

Not really, I still wanted to permanently deafen him. But such abilities are still out of my power, so the threat is empty...like the most I make. That and I doubt I would be able to get away with it even if I could do it, seeing that this place is filled with watching eyes.

“You ask so much from me.” I continue, my amusement and smirk growing. “You ask me of my family, my motivation, my goals. A complete stranger wishes to know everything that ticks within my mind, very…quaint.” I pick a piece of pineapple off one of my pizza slices. I hold it between two of my fingers, feeling the texture of the cooked fruit. “Because you were very foolish to even approach me, I will make an exception simply because you possess a certain…charm that can’t go unnoticed.”

Said ‘charm’ is the distinct feel around him, the magic eye within me that allows me to observe the world of its magical lines and auras. Although most cases you will only view what’s on the surface, mine has grown very keen...for it was greatly required for me to even discover this power to begin with. My power lays all around me, a swirling blackness that would swallow those who dwell too deep within it. But when I look at the Gothitelle, I see a certain trait that although well-hidden…it couldn’t escape my notice.

A cold chill. A ragged energy. Ethereal streams that seem to wear away.

Necromancy.

My smirk widens as I drop the pineapple chunk back on my pizza.

“My family possesses no magicians, I am the only one who was brave enough to dabble in the magical arts.” I chuckle. “They thought of it as something to be avoided, feared. They were very superstitious, forbade us from ever looking into it.”

“I knew my parents were fools, so I went against their wishes in secret and began hungrily scrounging for the power that they were obviously hiding from me.” I start laughing. “I found what I was searching for, a book owned by a merchant. Without him looking I stole it and began to study in secret, it started me on the path to becoming a wielder of magic. However...it was a long time before I found the power that I now dwell in.”

I stop for a moment and quickly change the subject, my eyes narrowing as my tone becomes a hushed whisper. “You question my goal, saying it is too simple to be believed.”

I slide out of the booth and stand up, my form very close to the Gothitelle that oh so desires to know more about me.

I bring up my hand to his face. “You question me?” I hiss through clenched teeth. Without warning I call upon the depths of the void, the black energy flowing through microscopic gaps around my hand and condensing into snaking streams. It slides around my fingers and collects at my palm into a sphere the size of an apple. “Can you question this?” My lips twist into a dark smile. “Do you feel the dark power? How alien it is compared to the waking world? How it makes you shiver the longer you stare at it?”

I crush the sphere, causing it to spread around my fingers and spasm. Tendrils of the energy wave around, making it seem like it’s almost alive. “To master this power is to become the greatest, if a mere mortal can control it…then they could reshape the world as they see fit.”

I cradle the energy between both of my hands, pulling to my chest like a precious item. “No mortal has ever managed to fully control it, only using its gifts for minor purposes and spells.” I crush it again, this time causing it to fizzle out entirely. “But if you fully control it? Nothing will stand in your way. I am one of the few mortals within this world to know of its existence, and even fewer to reach out and search for a way to bend it to my will.”

My smile slowly makes way to a scowl. “Yet it’s very resistant and guards its secrets, making me push and shove and claw to grab anything to learn from. My spells are limited, only casting its raw power to inflict harm upon others and minorly affect the body.” I let out a growl. “I know what it’s capable of, its power tells me clearly. Yet it dangles this knowledge and pulls it back whenever I seek to use its secrets for what it’s capable of, as if it’s toying with me.” A let out a hiss and grab the Gothitelle by his chest, my fingers clenching tightly around the cloth of his robe and pull him to me. “Do you know…how infuriating…that is?” I snarl in his face. “To know what something can do, but it won’t comply?”

I release him and push him back, fuming. “I will master it, I will make it obey me. This is a secret that will not last, for I will find out how to fully bend it to my power.”

I let out a low, long breath. My expression once again changes, the scowl morphing back into that of a smirk. “Now will you say that again? To accuse me of my goal being basic? Trivial? Simple?” My voice lowers to a whisper. “Or do you realize that this goal to master a great power to become stronger is far more complex than you initially believed?”

“To strive to become stronger may be a basic concept, but the means…is what truly makes it intricate~” I reach over to the table and pick up one of the few remaining slices of pizza and take a bite, then proceed to chew slowly. The entire time my face has never turned away from him, my eyes fixated on his.

“Now…” I say again after I swallow, my tongue slowly licking away bits of tomato sauce and cheese from my lips “…will you repeat that again? Or have you realized what it is I seek?”

[thetakenpokemon]

Cassiopeia@Vedika: "I spy with my masked smiling eye, a fellow magical seer such as I~?" The spritely magician girl greets Vedika with a playful smile and raising of her tophat, complete with pink and purple sparkles and glitters. "If I may be so bold to ask of you, I've heard you dabble into magic too? But from what my senses can tell, you are versed in the more arcane class of spell... Oh how curious, oh my heart be still! What sort of magicks do you weave with your will~?"

[PoV: Vedika]

Out of all the delicacies within this pathetic planet, ‘Hawaiian’ Pizza is one of the few that I tolerate more than others. With a slice in my hand I bite into it, uncaring of the pain as it burns my tongue.

My eyes shift around the eatery with disgust, particularly disliking the fact that this place is enclosed without any sort of patio. Nevertheless I’ve secluded myself from the others of my ‘team’, choosing to sit in a corner to actually get some peace to myself after that annoying bus trip.

Yet apparently said peace gets crushed into powder as some fool invades my privacy to speak to me. The sheer energy and excitement in their tone disgusts me, but when I realize that their words are rhyming…that’s when I shift my glaring eyes to them.

The one speaking in rhyme turns out to be some sort of Gothitelle, a pure-breed. Her behavior and attire gives her the impression of some show-woman, the playful manner of speech as well as the glitter makes her very bright and cheery.

I hate her already.

Even though I am listening to whatever drivel she’s spewing from her obnoxious mouth, I’ve long since turned my gaze back to what’s truly deserving of my attention…which is the slice of pizza in my hand.

I raise it to my mouth to take another bite, however it stops at the last moment after my gaze flicks back to the pathetic excuse of a ‘mage’ when she ends her obnoxious speech with a question.

I entertain the thought of casting one of my newly devised spells so I can watch her writhe in agony for my viewing pleasure, just imagining what her expression would be makes me smirk…but I ultimately I decide against it due to the troubles it would bring me.

I let my pizza fall onto the table as my smile morphs into a sneer. “You desire to know of my magic?” I hiss, digging the nails of my other hand into the wooden table. “I doubt that your feeble mind would ever comprehend the power that I manipulate, especially when you are not even deserving of the title ‘mage’.” My eyes narrow. “To compare me to you is laughable, you are no ‘seer’, only a fool who uses flashing lights and claims it to be spellcraft.”

I stand up and raise one of my hands, tapping into the dark pools within me I call upon a black energy that starts snaking around my fingers. “Gothitelles use their power to call upon the energy of the stars, to read their flows of energy to predict future happenings.” I clench my teeth together, my face forming a vicious smile. “It is a pathetic power compared to what I seek to master.”

The black energy in my fingers continue to swirl, acting as if they have life of their own. “Between these stars is a void, an emptiness that contains infinite potential. The schism of these stars possess knowledge that transcends mortal worlds, found within only those who search deep enough.”

“Black Magic is what some call it, however something as grand as it deserves no feeble title.” I couldn’t help but snicker. “Combining my psychic power with its darkness grants me the ability to alter the world around me, to do things that no mortal could hope to achieve on their own.” My expression widens further as a dark shadow passes over my eyes. “It can do many things, I however…study its effects on the living.”

“The possibilities with it are endless. I could tap into your pain receptors and awaken them all, to fill you with complete agony the likes you’ve never experienced.” I pick up the fallen slice of pizza off the table, the fall having made it lose several of its toppings. “Or perhaps I could reach into your ovaries and make every single egg rot, to crush your hopes of ever having offspring.” I slowly proceed to crush the article of food in my hands, causing sauce and cheese to ooze out between each of my fingers. “I could melt the retinas in your eyes to eternally blind you, weaken your bones so that they crumble underneath your weight, warp your tongue so that you could never speak. The possibilities are endless~”

I let the goop of what used to be a pizza slice in my hand to fall to the table and splatter, my wicked expression quickly returns to that of a brooding indifference as I set back down. “That is what my magic is, although currently I have yet to achieve many that I’ve listed.” Raising my filthy hand I proceed to lick each finger, moving very slowly as I clean the sauce off the appendages while my eyes never leave the other Gothitelle. “I study the dark arts in hopes of achieving this, to become one of the strongest mages this world has ever seen.”

With the sauce and cheese gone I smack my lips loudly. “What of you? Do you seek power that is far beyond the likes of this world? Do you study how it can alter land and body, to shape it into how you see fit?” My sneer quickly returns. “Or are you but a mere entertainer who only adopted the word ‘mage’ to make others thing that you’re something more, but in reality all you can do is hypnotize a crowd with only a few flashing lights and an exaggerated speech.”

I clasp my hands together, my eyes narrowing again. “Which one am I correct on, magician?”

[thetakenpokemon]

(With that plot post the references of the three members of the Praxic Blades are officially out! Due to them being part of a different ‘faction’, a new navigational banner has been added to the Reference Navigation page! You can check it out right here!

Also I’d like everyone to keep an eye out for another announcement post, which will come out later ^^)

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - Blades United

[PoV: Valence]

“Anytime now.” I hear Richmond say.

“Oooh, I can’t wait~” Artemisia coos, although I’m thankful that for once she’s not fawning over me...her voice still makes me shiver in fear due to the potential of her suddenly turning her sights back at my form.

Today is the day when Rodrigo, Rinako, and Vedika arrive. It’s been several days since our...disaster of an encounter with that hybrid. We’ve all managed to heal up just fine since our injuries were thankfully relatively minor, but at the same time I still can’t stop thinking about what we could’ve done better.

That and I’m trying to ignore the fact that we technically had a near-death experience.

I look around the bus stop, sucking on a peppermint stick absent-mindedly. The various Pokemon here are most likely looking to go to some faraway town or whatever, that or meet some sort of family member or friend like we are.

The sounds of a vehicle make my ears flick, upon turning my focus to it I feel excitement well in my stomach as I see a large bus pulling in. With a loud hiss the giant vehicle slows to a stop, the larger than normal automatic doors sliding open in order to allow those within to exit.

The three of us watch with various levels of excitement as Pokemon of all shapes and sizes file out, waiting for recognizable faces.

And then they came.

Stepping out of the bus is the three other members of the Praxic Blades; Rodrigo, Rinako, and Vedika.

You can easily pick out Rodrigo due to him being a large Chesnaught, the normal greens replaced with faded gray. Besides a belt being one of his only articles of clothing, his face contains two vicious scars over his left eye...in which is covered by a black eyepatch.

Rinako however is a prime example of a hybrid between a Medicham and Bisharp. The Bisharp genes have given her a more slender (and rather shapely if I might add) look, as well as the noticeable ‘armored’ plates around her forearms and lower legs. Her red hair is tied in a long ponytail, the length stretching past her waist.

And Vedika...

...

I feel myself cringe greatly the moment my eyes full upon her.

Vedika however is something else entirely. She’s a Gothitelle with Jynx genes, possessing jet-black hair whose locks eventually shift into a distinctive blond color. Her clothing is also something else, the only words I can find is that she’s wearing a ‘warlock mesh suit thing’ along with a black cape. Don’t ask me why I described it that way, since looking up the name of what kind of clothing she’s wearing is the least of my priorities.

“Artemisia! Valence! Richmond!” Rodrigo laughs joyously. The large Chesnaught eagerly closes the distance and wraps his arms around the three of us, pulling us all into a tight hug. “I am very glad to see that all of you are perfectly fine!”

Now due to my shorter height, Rodrigo’s arms happen to be wrapped around my head instead of my back like that of my companions. The only sound I could make was a muffled cry of exasperation, in which apparently gone unheard.

“Goodness, Rodrigo!” Artemisia laughs. “We are more than fine, it takes more than a fight to keep us down after all~”

“Rodrigo, I think you should release them.” I hear Rinako suggest in an amused tone. “I don’t think Valence could last much longer.”

I feel the pressure on me release, followed by a great sense of relief. I quickly start gasping for sweet oxygen, never having appreciated it as much as I did then than I did now.

“Oh no! Is Vency alright?” I hear Artemisia shout, making me choke on the very air that I’m greedily gulping.

“N-NO! ALL GOOD!” I sputter, frantically waving my hands to fend off the arms of an Artemisia that’s attempting to pull me into her imprisoning embrace. “BREATHING FINE! VALENCE IS GOOD!”

“I see that Valence is just as pathetic as always.” Vedika comments with disdain.

After managing to fend the smothering menace off, I shoot a glare at the Gothitelle. “And I see that you’re still a brooding witch.” I shoot back, rather boldly at that.

Her eyes narrow ever so slightly as an almost maniacal smile forms on her lips, in which I quickly realize that I fucked up. “Witch?” She hisses through clenched teeth. “To call me a witch is to assume that I warp others with ghastly magic.” The air around her hands shimmer with a blackish aura. “If that’s what you believe me to be, perhaps I should solidify this statement of yours by-”

“Vedika, another time.” Richmond sighs, lifting his glasses in order to rub his eyes.

Thanks Richmond, glad that you’re stepping in to my aid now of all times. Not that I don’t appreciate it, but at the same time you leave me to Artemisia almost one hundred percent of the time.

A sudden growling noise makes us all pause, the distinct noise catching us all off guard. However when we turn our eyes to the source, our gaze befalls upon a rather flustered Rinako.

“I never realized you housed a beast inside your stomach.” Rodrigo comments humorously.

"In my defense,” Rinako quickly speaks up, her face taking on a noticeable shade of pink. “The last time we’ve eaten was five hours ago.”

“Five hours ago?” Artemisia gasps, placing a hand on her chest. “Well that simply cannot do! Come! I know a place that serves an excellent pizza!”

Out of all of us (besides Rinako), Vedika is the one that perks up the most. “Pizza?” She repeats, her normally scornful eyes now containing a certain eagerness that looks both adorable...and very unnerving.

“Yes!” Artemisia laughs, grabbing the Gothitelle’s hand and proceeding to drag her away. “They even make a mean Hawaiian, your favorite!”

Now, first of all...to grab Vedika’s hand like that and drag her is considered suicide since she can very well kill you in numerous horrible ways (and enjoy doing it too). But Artemisia? Not only is she unscathed, but the witch-warlock seems to not mind it in the least.

“Well? I can’t argue with pizza.” Rodrigo chuckles, following after them.

“Pizza...sounds very nice.” Rinako nods numbly, her lips curving upwards at the prospect of filling her currently ravenous stomach.

Richmond merely rolls his eyes and places his glasses back on his snout, following after the rest of them.

Me? Although I do follow after them eventually, the thought of Vedika loving pineapple on pizza is very...very believable.

Now I like sweet stuff, but NOT on pizza. That stuff is just evil, putting together two things that shouldn’t even mix. And Vedika loving that? It shows that she truly is a witch.