[aresite]

Took me two days to do maintenance on the computers in our household but now its done... time to relax with some writing or rp?

[aresite]

Hi guys! Its been awhile! Sorry for disappearing again but I've been very busy with work. Been working on a big project since February that has taken up all my time and I have been traveling a lot for it. That being said... I haven't had the chance to write anything for a long time. Sorry if I am rusty or anything!

I currently have a break in that project until August! I am very burnt out and tired but I am getting myself rested and motivated to get back to writing and rp'ing!

Its been so long though since I last got the chance to write that I have completely redone my computer and now no longer have any of the extensions that I had before - like how to shorten posts, and so on. If anyone wants to catch up and RP with me I apologize if I break it off into a new post for a bit while I track those down!

Missed you all!

[aresite]

Red, magenta, and gold confetti rained from the sky as Banners decorated with the Solvieg Family Crest and the flag of Galar billowed in the breeze. The grandstands were packed and an aura of excitement was in the air. The scents of food, alcohol, dirt, and sweat wafted through the air in an almost nauseating concoction.

Ares and his 'brother' Olli, both tried their best to stand on their tip-toes to look over the stone wall that separated them from the arena. Ares' heart was pounding rapidly in his chest from excitement - he had never been this close to the arena before. Usually all the good seats were reserved by those with money or claimed by those with enough power or strength behind them to take it. The only reason they had the opportunity to get this close this time was because of Heldruth.

He glanced over his shoulder at the large, 'menacing' form of the Perrserker as he leaned over a large, rickety old wooden table with that Noblewoman, Aria. Heldruth had one of his massive paws raised up to his face and was stroking his crimson beard gently as he inspected the weapons on the table. They were there only because Heldruth and his brother, Braesmeg, were Blacksmiths that had worked on one of the contestants weapons and had brought Jack along as 'hired support' or something like that - Ares didn't really know or understand what the relationship between Heldruth, Jack, and this Aria woman was - all he knew was that where Jack went, he went too - or at least tried to.

The sound of cheering, applause, and loud chanting snapped his attention away from Heldruth and back to the arena. The round was over and the Victor stood above the Loser as Healers rushed out into the field with a stretcher to scoop up the Loser and usher him away.

The once grassy field was heavily scarred by trampled feet, battle damage, and blood from the fighting over the last couple of days... but apparently it was all leading up to a grand finale today where the new victor of the Victory Tournament would be crowned for another year. Both him and Olli had seen a lot of the tournament from further away, but neither of them had ever seen the finale nor been this close before so he had never been able to make out the damage to the field so clearly before. It amazed him that the field could ever return to its former glory after so much carnage every year.

Olli cheered loudly in his ear as a gaudy figure stepped out into the middle of the arena and caused his attention to snap back to the the center of the field. A Nobleman was walking around in a circle around the Victor and waving to the crowd to receive the praise instead of the Victor of the fight. Ares couldn't see a reason to cheer for him though - even though Heldruth had told them that it was common for nobles and wealthy folk to hire Mercenaries to fight in their stead during the tournament - it still felt weird to him that they were the ones who got cheered for and not the actual Fighter.

Ares suddenly felt a shiver go down his spine though as the Nobleman turned and looked their way with a haughty grin. He started walking towards them, but it was clear from the look on his face that he was not looking at them - but looking past them and in the direction of where Heldruth and Aria stood...

[aresite]

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! I haven't had much of a muse for Pokemon lately (possibly because I haven't played a single Pokemon game since Arceus as I didn't get far into Scarlet/Violet but that's a different story ) but I do miss everyone here and I still have a muse for the fantasy aspect. I have been trying to come back but I need to work on getting back into characters. Might try a drabble or something!

[b-raypokemontime]

Aria inclines her head graciously when they bowed.

"Well met Good Cousin Heldrouth, and to you again Iohmar." She sighed then though as she moved to stand closer to them.

"Ah, well at least I'm getting to meet you in person. Which is what I had wished. You impressed me with your good form in your fight today. Staying honorable in the face of such a navely opponent as you had.... If I may?" She'd reach her coal grey feathered hands out hoping he'd hold out his paw for her. She'd clasp it in her hands warmly and crouch down to pop a little kiss in his head. Putting a little of her powers in it. Just a little. Nothing that would be considered cheating for him in his next fight. But still.

"Good luck and fortunes in your future endeavors, and do give my compliments to your Brother, and your Lady Diancie of Stow-On-Side." Her mouth curved up in her little one sided smile.

She stood up then and moved to the table and Jack. She locked eyes with him and could read his feelings. She lightly lay a hand on his arm for a moment.

"You only have to ask my old friend. My offer of yesterday still stands. If you need any assistance I will see what I can do." And he knew her word was of high worth. Or at least knew of old that they were.

"Sadly no, but I am indeed providing the prizes, and I assure you that for each round, and at the end, they'll be well worth the effort." Heldrouth should know. His winnings just from his round were nothing to sneeze at.

Aria reached for the rug that was holding what she'd generously paid for. It slowly unrolled itself infront of her to reveal her old war axes reforged. She was pleased with how they looked and held one up, inspecting blade edge and then pinging the metal with her finger. It hummed in her hand as her power touched it and her visible eye sparkled. She put it back down and held up the short sword she'd commissioned for her young knight Marcos. Tested the balance, pinged the metal again nodded her head. Then finally she reached for her sword and backed up as she held it. The Meloetta insignia of the hilt, the dragon's breath opal at the pommel glowing faintly in recognition of it's Mistress. The metal Sang as she pinged it and she crouched and then whirled about in a swift maneuver to the side. Away from her Guests and Knights. Jack had seen her do this once before. But he hadn't seen her do what she did next. Visibly, for just a moment, show her power in calling up energy made replicas of the sword to join it in circling her in a Swords Dance. Then it was tossed into the air and caught easily to be returned to its scabbard.

"Excellent work as I expected! I am well pleased!"

[aresite]

Heldrouth puffed out his chest and looked rather proud as Aria complimented him, "Yer words honour me, Ma'am." He accepted her gesture and held out his paw as well, but he was clearly not expecting the kiss on the forehead as he immediately flustered to the point he swore his rust-coloured fur somehow turned even more red. He opened his mouth to respond to her but what came out was an almost intangible, "Well- ah, ya know... er...." It took him a second to recompose himself and then he took a step back and bowed again, "It would be my honour to pass on yer message to the Lady of Stow."

Jack stood behind Heldrouth and fought to hold back a chuckle but could not stop the grin from crossing his face at the other's embarrassment. Luckily Aria's gaze snapped his attention away before he lost that battle... and suddenly he too found himself with a lack of words. His internal struggles faded and a numb 'quietness' cross his mind for a brief moment before Heldrouth and Aria began to exchange words again. He was just about to let his mind wander when the sudden flash of metal attracted his attention back. His fingers subconsciously twitched towards the dagger at his belt when Aria tested the weapons as if running off muscle memory but he held himself back.

Neither the Purrserker nor the Rover were expecting the Swords Dance though, and Jack felt an uncomfortable emotion cross him as he stepped back at the sight of the swinging metal. He fought the feeling back and hid it strongly behind an impressed though, and clapped, "Well now, looks like you have a few new tricks up your sleeve?"

Heldrouth however, burst out with a loud belly laugh, "The rumors around ye do not disappoint, Ma'am! That's for sure!"

He looked like he was about to say something else but before he could the sound of a large bell rang out across the field and immediately there arose a clatter from outside the tent as people began exiting their tents.

The Purrsurker looked back over his shoulder and then back at Aria and bowed again, "Well now, I must be takin' my leave as well to prepare fer my turn. It was an honour meeting you, Princess."

He stroked his beard for a moment and looked like he was about to say something else but before he could the bell rang out again and his fur bristled impatiently. He nodded his head at Jack and then turned to leave, "I be lookin' forward to see what the grand price is then, ma'am."

"Sounds like they are calling people to the arena." Jack shrugged as he turned to look at Aria and gave her a playful shrug, "I can't say that I'm not intrigued by this so-called prize now though. But I shall take my leave as well then as I value my life too much to get any closer to the arena."

[aresite]

Oh yeah! I should also send out a reminder that I technically have two main verses on this blog now- The original Fantasy-AU verse and the 'Isekai Verse' that was created by @regalia-solvieg while this blog was on haitus while I was in my apprenticeship. I am happy to interact in either verse, and I am also still okay with doing rps outside these two verses and in a more 'modern' setting for anyone who doesn't want to play with in a Pokemon Fantasy-AU Universe.

[aresite]

Forgive me for being slow my arms are still mostly useless.

[b-raypokemontime]

The field was green and dotted with tents in all colors and shapes, all around the entrance to the Arena grounds. Bearing the insignias of those who were going to, or had already participated in the Tournament Trials.

Amongst these but set a little apart from the others was one fine tent. White and Aqua and under the banner of the Royal House Ray of OKI Kingdom. Oval in shape and decorated with golden, but modest trim. On either side of the entrance was a pair of older teens. Brown hair that was almost black, dark eyes and tanned skin. In chainmail and bearing their Princess's personal heraldic symbols. They stood under the cloth awning put up for further shade from the sun as well as a table with glasses and a pitcher of water.

These two had been told that their lady was waiting for a delivery so when they would catch sight of Heldrouth and company heading towards the tent one would announce them to those waiting inside and the other would raise a hand in a friendly greeting and tell them they were welcome to go right in.

Inside there was a good table and wooden chairs, a place to rest, a bowl of fruit and yet another pitcher and cups set upon the table. A gold gilded trunk that was open but the open side facing away from them. The Princess Aria, with her long perfect aqua hair plaited in a tight braid was finishing putting on her bracers on that side of the trunk. Gorbash, her faithful Charizard Knight was on the left of her, Amalthea looking fierce and elegant in her own armor at the table pouring herself a drink, and Evvaine standing on the right of her Princess. Holding out Aria's furred cape, gold sunflower locket, and plain circlet for when she fought for her to take them when she was ready. The sight of the Princess in chainmail and armor was something only Jack had ever seen some 10 years ago when they had sparred a few times. Back before Ulric had conquered the North.

"Well well-" Aria began with a twinkle in her visible eye. Turning to give them her full attention.

"Welcome to my tent, you've come just in time good Sir's!" She chimed. The words sounding almost cheerful compared to her usual sober tone. She looked at Heldrouth first, then Jack, and finally to the boys behind them.

"Before we get to business, are any of you hungry or thirsty? I myself was about to have a quick meal before returning to the Arena for the next round of fighting." she offered. Always the gracious host and offering to share her abundance.

[aresite]

Heldrouth pulled his old wagon out in front of the tent without a word. He rested the reigns on the seat beside him and dismounted with a gruff grunt.

Jack jumped down behind him. Despite the heat, the Rover had the hood of his deep, forest green travelling cloak pulled up far over his head to hide his features. He paused to look around cautiously but not a single person minded them. The sight of a Purrserker pulling up in a rickety old wagon before a tournament was nothing new and drew absolutely no attention - but one could not be too careful here. And despite knowing that the two guards in front of Lady Aria's Tent were safe - he still subconsciously pulled the cowl up higher over his face.

Heldrouth had started rounding the wagon to pull out their cargo, but Jack easily reached it first with his longer limbs and easily hoisted out a large bundle that was heavily wrapped in a leather rug. Instead of thanking him, the Purrserker grunted in displeasure and turned to walk straight into the tent. Jack grinned despite himself and followed after the Pokemon without a word.

Both of them paused for a moment as they entered the tent to adjust to the light and then for another moment to take in their surroundings. It brought a lot of memories back to Jack that he would rather not remember - memories he had tried to bury under years of alcohol abuse with no luck.

Heldrouth recovered quicker and stepped forward towards Aria. He bowed so deeply that his rust-coloured beard swept along the ground, "Aye, we be appreciatin' the offer, Ma'am, but we dare not intrude." He straightened up, but kept his eyes turned down, "I be here on behalf o' me brother t' drop off a package an' then we be out of yer way."

It took a second for Jack to remember to bow his head as well, but he didn't bow it nearly as far as Heldrouth - and unlike the Purrserker, he did not avoid eye contact with Aria. Instead, he walked up to put the bundle on the table behind the trunk. His heart was pounding in his chest and he felt a strange mixture of emotions between fight or flight. He pride wanted to blurt out his thoughts and continue their interrupted conversation from yesterday but his body wanted to flee. Even worse was the feeling welling up inside his mind to ask to accompany Aria to the Tournament - to see the bastard that was currently occupying his lands that he knew had to be there with his own eyes. And yet, he knew he was far too much of a coward to follow through with that. He knew he could never see that man and live to tell the tale.

Heldrouth's voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he sheepishly took a step back.

"Out of curiosity, Ma'am, are these weapons the prices for the tournament? I be hearin' that ye will be presentin' the price this year?" Heldrouth asked.

[aresite]

Joseph boops a Ba'uls nose.

chomp!

Ba'ul reached up to grab Joseph's hand when he booped him... apparently he was expecting food or something?

[aresite]

*Jumps up onto Diego and Dante's back.* "I missed you both a lot how have you two been?"

"Ahh! We're under attack! Run!" Dante gasped. He attempted to run, with his two legs, but that just caused them to spung around as Diego hadn't budged. "Of course a coward like you would run! I saw we fight!" Diego argued, "En-guard!" Dante headbutted Diego, "It's not being a coward, it's strategic!"

The two of them did not even hear poor Sal as they started bickering among each other... almost as if they had forgotten someone had jumped on them

[aresite]

Ares sat on a rooftop that overlooked the Festival Grounds. The rough tile underneath him had been heated up by the sun until it was so hot that it nearly burnt any exposed skin that touched it and the mid-afternoon wind was warm against his face. Despite this - the heat barely bothered him though as he looked out across the other rooftops and down to the Tournament Grounds that lay so close, and yet still so far away. The rooftop he sat on rested at the top of a hill that overlooked all the Festivities below. It was close enough that he could make out each action the Combatants made below and even some details, but not close enough to see features on anyone's faces.

His Brother, Ollie, sat beside him - but as far as either boy was concerned they might as well have been there alone. Both boys were so engrossed in watching the Combatants below that they barely noticed the other's presence.

However, that quickly changed as the next round began. Ares caught Ollie tense up out of the corner of his eye and he glanced over to see the other boy staring intently ahead. His knees were folded and his arms were tightly wrapped around his legs as his eyes continued to be locked on the Arena.

Ares glanced back ahead and quickly realized why Ollie had tensed up. Despite the distance the two boys could still hear the sound of the Hosts making announcements with the aid of a Loudred and he heard them announce the next combatants loud and clear. However, even if the Host hadn't announce it, Ares still would have seen him as the combatant that was entering the arena was unmistakable...

The crowd erupted in cheer as a boy rode in atop a pure white Rapidash. His dark blue hair was a stark contrast to the deep magenta and gold cape that was draped across his shoulders and hung down over the rear of his steed. Even from where he sat, Ares could still make out the details of Zamazenta's crest embedded on the back of that cape. The boy was none other than the Crown Prince of Galar - Prince Youta Solvieg.

The Prince dismounted his Rapidash and passed the reigns to an attendant before waving at the adoring crowd who cheered even louder in response. Their reaction was not surprising to Ares - after all, despite being only 12 years old, the Prince was a favourite among the people. And for good reason - the Prince was known to be both kind and generous while also being exceptionally good at multiple kinds of combat. He had won the Junior Division in almost every Tournament for the last four Victory Festivals. To many, Prince Youta was 'flawless' - the 'hope of the future of Galar' or whatever... either way, Ares didn't really buy into the rumors - No one was that perfect after all.

Ares didn't even notice who the Prince was up against, and frankly he didn't care. Both the Prince and his Opponent chose to fight with swords and the battle began. As soon as it did Ares found himself distracted. For some reason there was a nagging thought at the back of his head whenever he looked at the Prince. He felt like he was forgetting something very important - but no matter how hard he tried to figure out what that was he couldn't. It caused an almost nagging frustration to build up within him that made it hard to concentrate.

He pulled his eyes away in an attempt to distract himself and instead scanned the crowd once more. His eyes wandered for a little bit before they settled on the Royal's box. The King was standing up and was nearly leaning over the railing as he cheered the Prince on. His wild gestures caught his attention for a few seconds but that wore off quickly and he went to go back to scanning the audience but then quickly froze on a different figure sitting in the box.

Ares' eyes rested on a young girl who had to be around his age. Despite having her head down - he immediately recognized her and he felt his heart beat faster in his chest. He couldn't tell what it was, but something about the way she looked there felt... sad? He couldn't quite place why he thought that though. Either way, Ares suddenly realized what that nagging feeling was and he suddenly forgot all else.

Without thinking he jumped to his feet and then turned to look at Ollie, "Let's get a closer look!" Ollie startled as of Ares' words had knocked him out of a trance and looked up at Ares with a bewildered look, "Closer? What are ya talkin' about?" Ares pointed at the arena, "I mean, let's go down there! I want a better look!" Ollie paled slightly and gave Ares a suspicious look, "Are you nuts? Ya know we're not allowed down there!"

Ares shrugged and turned to start walking towards the edge of the roof, "Don't they say 'everyone' is allowed in durin' the Victory Festival?" Ollie stood up as well, "Yeah, in the city, that doesn't mean they want us within the Tournament Ground walls!" Ares shrugged and then stopped at the edge of the roof. There was a 'makeshift ladder' propped up against the side there that they had used to come up and he turned around to get ready to climb down - but something about the look on Ollie's face caused him to hesitate-

A mischievous grin crossed Ares' face, "What? Don't tell me yer afraid t'get caught? An' besides, if we are then ya just have an excuse to ask t'see the King like Chevali wants you to do and then you'll get a chance t'meet yer Father!"

Ollie flinched at that. He looked back down at the arena. Despite the fact that the round had just begun - the battle was over. The Host was already announcing Prince Youta's 'flawless' victory. Ollie's eyes locked on the Prince and he sucked in a deep breath. For a moment neither boy moved. Ares waited for Ollie to say something, but when he didn't he opened his mouth to ask his Brother what was wrong, but before he could Ollie finally exhaled deeply and then said under his breath, "I can't." "What? Sure ya can! We know all the secret paths down there! We can probably go strai-" Ares started, "I can't!" Ollie interrupted in a more stern tone. He finally turned to look at Ares, "Not right now - Not until I'm 'better'!"

Ares was about to ask what Ollie meant by that, but he didn't have to. He followed Ollie's glance back down at the Arena as the Prince was being escorted up to the Winner's Block to receive his award for winning the Junior Tournament.

"Well, then next year then." Ares shrugged dismissively - which immediately brought Ollie's attention back to him, "Jack promised t'train us, right? The King ain't goin' nowhere. And then maybe after we train with Jack fer the year we can compete next year!"

That seemed to lift Ollie's spirits slightly and an almost determined look crossed his face. "Yeah... Yeah!" He turned to look back at Ares, "Let's do it! Let's train and get strong, and then I'll wipe that smug look right off that Prince's face and show 'em all that I'm worthy-" He cut himself off there, "That I'm a Prince too!"

Ares nodded in agreement and then stepped backwards to climb down the ladder. Ollie paused for a moment before he walked over to the edge of the roof, "Where ya goin'?" "I told ya, I'm goin' t'get a closer look - with or without ya." he replied. Ollie frowned, "Hey, wait a min-" "I don't care about gettin' caught!" Ares cut him off. He hopped off the ladder when there was only three rungs left and landed on the ground in a slight crouch. He paused to look back up at Ollie, "Besides... there's someone there that I need to thank." "Thank?" Ollie quizzed, "Make up some excuse fer me on why I'm not bringing back any money tonight!" Ares playfully taunted instead of replying, "I owe ya one!"

And with that, he broke off into a run towards the Tournament Grounds. His plan was to sneak in through the Monster Den beneath the Arena and up into the Tournament Grounds. If he timed it right he would be arriving just as the Final Round of the regular Tournament began and everyone would be so distracted that he could slip right up through a secret tunnel that exited right out behind the Royal's box. He heard Ollie shout out after him, but he did not stop. He was suddenly determined to reach his destination before the next round of the Tournament started. He could almost feel Ollie's gaze as he disappeared into the crowd.

Sorry, Ollie. He thought, But I'm not gunna miss this chance!

[aresite]

Hi guys! I had my (hopefully) last surgery for awhile and I have been recovering nicely. I am currently pretty bruised up, but I actually have some time off work for once. I have gotten enough rest that I actually have energy and I can't do any of the physical chores around the house that usually keep me busy so I finally have time to write. Its been so long and I feel incredibly rusty, so I am going to write a little short story / drabble of sorts to try and iron out some of the kinks.

[aresite]

I am still alive! Sorry for dropping off the face of the planet again... I've just been working anywhere between 45-55 hours a week and have been so tired and have no energy left to try and be creative or social at the end of the day.

But its a long weekend in my country and I've had two days of rest, and most people are available to write today so I am excited to get back to it!

Probably going to start with a warm up drabble and then if anyone wants to RP please let me know!

[aresite]

Joseph grabs Ba'ul like a big cat and peppers his face with kisses.

His fur is all mushed!

"Now how should I punish you for messing up my beautiful mane after I spent hours preening it this morning?" Ba'ul gave Joseph an obviously fake, teasing huff, and puffed out his cheeks.

It was a lie - he spent probably 5 minutes on it... and by 'preening' it was more like licking crumbs off his face after breakfast.

[aresite]

I am such an ADHD riddled, distracted idiot. I need to get my thread tracker back up and working because I forget / lose everything until people remind me about it...

Never feel like you are harassing me or bothering me by coming to me with plot ideas, reply reminders, starter requests, or just a general kick to remind me about a plan or if my reply did not match what we planned. While life is slowing down and I have more free time now, I still have a lot going on and my two brain cells struggle to keep up!

[sv-pkmn-npc]

Heldrouth laughed at that, "Th' Princess? Good luck wi' that lad! A've been comin' t'th' Festival fer over a decade now 'n I have never once seen th' Princess!" He paused to guide the Mudbray down an adjacent street so that the Castle was now directly ahead of them, "From wit A've heard, she sees herself as 'too good' t'mingle wi' the' 'common folk' at th' Festival."

"She be not very popular wi' th' people ye see." Heldrouth finished as the old wagon stopped on an old lift that led from the 'lower quarters' to the 'upper quarters'. The lift had been there for who knows how long and was regularly maintained by Perrserkers Experts from Stow-On-Side. The 'Lift', if it could be called that, was a large platform that was big enough to fit multiple wagons and was attached to a 'gear' that was pulled up and around from the Lower Quarter to Upper Quarter and worked as a fantastic defense. It was mostly heavily guarded at both the bottom and top layers - but this was the one time of the year that it was open to anyone to ride.

Heldrouth flicked his wrists to urge the Mudbray forward and off the lift the moment it came to a stop and urged her forward. He guided her towards the Festival Grounds - but instead of following the rest of the wagons and carriages heading that way he then made a gesture and guided the Mudbray away from the train of people and off towards a large field full of tents of all shapes and sizes. He directed her over towards some of the larger ones and seemed to be looking for a certain 'Family Crest' or branding as he quickly glanced about.

[aresite]

Ares folded his arms on the edge of the wagon and frowned. He thought about the girl that had saved them in the woods and wanted to argue against Heldrouth's statement but something held him back. He was quickly distracted by the Lift though and his arguments faded away as he stood up and held onto the canvas frame to get a better look at the lower city disappearing beneath them.

"So cool!" Olli cheered from beside him - and Ares had to agree. No matter how many times he saw this it always astonished him... the technology from the past must have been vast to create something like this...

After reaching the top and leaving the lift, the two boys fell into an excited conversation about the Tournament. They got so engrossed into their conversation that Ares almost didn't notice the small detour until he sensed - more than saw - Jack tense up.

"Where are we going?" Jack murmured darkly as his eyes also scanned the tents.

[sv-pkmn-npc]

@aresite:

"Right on time as always, Heldrouth." He taunted, "Slight change of plans, I'm afraid."

Heldrouth sat in the driver seat with the reins gripped tightly in his paws. The wagon was rather plain and more than a little 'shabby' It wasn't the largest wagon on the street, but despite its condition it was still mechanically-sound and well made. There was a large canvas cover tied over the bed of the wagon that was heavily patched in some areas and threadbare in others. It was being pulled by a large Mudbray who snorted and stomped her feet impatiently as Heldrouth drew her to a stop.

Despite his fur having a more 'reddish' tint than his brother - he had the same thick accent. The two Perrserkers shared no other traits - Heldrouth was shorter than his brother, but was more 'stout'. His beard was more kempt and he had a single braid styled into his beard from the fur under his lip down to his knees. He wore a full-body protective leather outfit and had a large, double-sided broad-axe strapped to his back. As a Perrserker, he didn't really need it to fight - but he had spent enough time in Motostoke to know that the Humans here would only look down on his Pokemon-esque traits and while he was here he always made a point to diminish it - even to the point that he was wearing thick leather gloves over his paws.

"Aye?" Heldrouth chuckled. He pushed up his helm as he looked down at the two kids that stood excitedly around Jack, "So thar is. Will ye not be needin' a ride t'th' Festival Grounds then?"

[aresite]

Ares startled and had to take a large step back as the wagon came to a stop. He looked up at the driver in pure curiosity as Jack put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Oh yes." Jack laughed, "And we better get moving or we'll miss the opening 'acts'." "Wait," Ares excitedly quizzed, "Are we gettin' a ride there?!"

Jack laughed and then pulled himself up into the bench beside Heldrouth before gesturing behind him, "Kids ride in the back."

Ares and Olli exchanged eager looks before they both turned and ran around the wagon. Ares didn't hesitate to push the canvas flaps aside and pull himself up into the wagon without a second thought. It took his eyes a second to adjust to the light inside the wagon, but when they did he saw himself standing among a few barrels and a couple of crates. There was a rolled up carpet at the front of the wagon that was strapped down and tucked away carefully and the air smelt heavily of must and dirt.

The wagon started moving before he fully got his bearings though and he nearly fell backwards with a start. He was forced to drop to his knees to avoid falling over and scrambled to the front of the wagon where he pulled the canvas flaps aside to look out at the driver seat.

"So what'cha mean by change of plans?" He questioned as he rested his elbows on the lip of the wagon bed. Jack looked over his shoulder and sneered, "None of your business!" "That's no fair!" Olli retorted as he scrambled up beside Ares, "What was the plan? Can we come?" "Maybe the plan was to sell some nosy kids to this Perrserker here for being mouthy, and I'm starting to think about following through with it." Jack shot back, "Yeah right!" Olli chuffed, "C'mon! You can tell us!"

Ares was about to join in on the conversation as well - but then something caught his attention. He caught sight of the Castle out of the corner of his eye and turned his head towards it. Motostoke Castle rested in the center of the city and was so large that it could be used as a beacon anywhere within a hundred miles of the city. He suddenly felt his heart pounding in his chest and sat back on his knees. The Festival Grounds were right outside the Castle - supposedly they were built right on top of some ancient coliseum of sorts where People and Pokemon fought against each other or something.

"Hey-" Ares questioned, "Do ya think the Princess will be there?" Olli startled at that, but then seemed to recover quickly and puffed out his chest, "Of course she will be! Mom said that the King will be there, so she has to be too, right!" He paused for a moment and looked up at Jack and Heldrouth, "Right?"

"Hey, wait a minute!" Olli suddenly gasped and turned around to face Ares, "Why do you care if the Princess'll be there or not?" Ares immediately got defensive, "I don't!" He sat back and crossed his arms, "I mean, I just wanted to try and thank her for saving us the other day!"