#rodrigochesnaught

[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]

(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.”