Being stuck with a crowd of defenseless Pokemon really can be stressful, especially when you need to decide on a course of action with the strong possibility of their lives being in danger.
Or at least, that’s what I assumed at first. But all of that changed when I received a transmission on my contactor, said transmission being Alicia informing me that the hybrid has been incapacitated and the town liberated.
One of the numerous things that make me appreciate modern technology...
We linked our contactors to make sure to converse with each other whenever important information pops up, and of course I planned to inform them of the civilians I stumbled upon...but hearing the loud sounds of conflict in the distance I decided against it. Can’t distract them from the fight after all, especially since no one in my area were in any immediate danger.
So when they contacted me to inform that the threat is over, was I relieved? Yes, yes I was.
I’m a hunter, scout, and tracker. Guarding isn’t one of my fortes, the HWDP sure as hell didn’t program that into my DNA.
And so with that information in mind I began leading the civilians back to the town, the entire thing itself was very uneventful...thankfully. A few spiders were stumbled upon, but they thankfully left us well alone due to our numbers.
Eventually...we arrived back at Bennington.
“MOM!”
“SARIAH!”
I watch the Lucario embrace the Riolu, the mother and daughter holding each other tightly as tears of relief stream down their cheeks. I watch the scene with a soft smile, glad to see that the family is united.
I turn my gaze behind me, observing the various members of the GoT going to and fro. Midnight Storm contacted HQ about the success of their mission, so the Gardevoir twins dubbed ‘Rin’ and ‘Ren’ teleported a good deal of members here to ‘clean things up’. These members are mostly just rookies, new to the job and such. Their jobs are to mostly just comb the forest and clear out any remaining Feral spiders, so they won’t be an issue to the locals anymore.
The Bisharp hybrid was already teleported back, to be locked up so she can’t harm anyone else. Thankfully unlike the HWDP, the GoT are interested in reforming and rehabilitating hybrids instead of weaponizing them. So she’s gonna be in good hands, if she’s willing to cooperate that is.
I walk down the street, watching the townsfolk working together to remove the webs, rubble, and spider corpses. The stench of death is very strong, since...well...there’s a lot of dead spiders here.
I spy Midnight Storm and the two members of Purging Light off to the side, resting from the looks of it.
“You all did good.” I say as I walk up to them, giving them an approving nod.
The group definitely look worse for wear, or at least Minato and Chevalier. The two possess several bandages on their injured forms, while Elisabeth and Alicia got off rather easy. Asmund still has some dark stains on his body from the blood, but that’ll wash off.
“Better than good.” Asmund rumbles. “The mission was executed without any extreme losses. We didn’t do ‘good’, we excelled.”
Minato nods his head slowly, smiling weakly. “That...I most agree with.”
Alicia looks over to Chevalier, smiling playfully. “I vill not lie, your ‘take charge’ attitude vas most unsual.” Said smile turns into a smirk. “Hovever...I rather liked it~”
Elisabeth leans close to the Gallade, also smirking. “Je suis d'accord~” She whispers to him. “To see you take charge like you deed, eet ees very...capteevating~”
Chevalier eyes flick from left to right, suddenly finding himself pinned on both sides by the two. His body is absolutely still, his face looking very nervous...and very confused. “T-T-Thank you?” He squeaks.
The Incineroar and Lopunny burst out laughing, dropping their facade. Seeing this the Gallade quickly relaxes, and a small smile works its way onto his face. “Heh...for a s-second I thought you both were being serious.”
“Oh? I am most certainly serious~” Elisabeth purrs, fluttering her eyes at him.
He leans back from her, which ends up with him bumping into Alicia. The Incineroar immediately wraps an arm around his neck and pulls him to her and proceeds to give him a noogie, minding the Gallade hybrid’s horns and ‘fin’ protrusion.
I roll my eyes and turn away, chuckling to myself.
Heh, good to see that they’re one big happy family. It’s one of the things that I respect about the GoT, how at least a few members are very close to each other.
Now although I’d stick around, I’m a Night Watcher. I have places to go, baddies to look out for. I’ve already done more than enough over here, so...it’s time I headed out back out there.
I continue down the roads of the town, passing by Pokemon of all shapes and sizes. A few of them are wearing clothing of dark blue colors, signifying their allegiance to the GoT. I don’t pay them any heed besides the silent nod of acknowledgement, a soft smile on my face.
I probably should’ve said goodbye to that group, but...I’m not always one for goodbyes.
Besides, I can contact them any time I wish. Just call Penumbra and have her put them on, simple and easy~ Course my boss wouldn’t appreciate me using the system for something as trivial as that, but...I know I deserve a few favors seeing what I’ve done here.
I reach the edge of the town, the web-covered forest standing before me. I start bobbing my head up and down, a tune playing in my mind.
Yeah...time to get back out there~
I walk into the forest...and blend in with my surroundings, vanishing from sight.
I knew I told them that I wanted a distraction, but hearing the loud sounds of combat in the distance...it’s definitely the distraction I was looking for.
With all of the spiders preoccupied with that ragtag group, it means that I don’t have to do any sneaking around like I did the last time I visited. Even though there COULD be spiders hiding above, I find it incredibly unlikely.
I dart past the numerous trees, my orange eyes glancing at any possible sign of life...or remains of life. However the several minutes that flew by have proven to be fruitless, since everything is just webs and plants.
Now one might think ‘Why are you searching the forest and not the town?’, well...the reason is because Midnight Storm and Purging Light will eventually reach the place. So while they’re providing pest control, they’ll most likely discover any signs of life within the town itself as well. So while they push towards Bennington, I’m checking the outskirts in case there’s...well...anything. Who knows? We might be missing something.
Am I having doubts? Yeah, I kinda am. Even though I’ve only been searching for about ten minutes now, I’ve yet to see anything at all. Now now, even though it’s still very early in...one can still become doubtful. I’m not immune to such things after all.
These thoughts however quickly vanish when I feel extremely soft vibrations underneath my feet.
Forgot about that huh? One of the traits that the HWDP gave me is vibration sense, now although it’s not the best out there...it does give me a heads up when there’s a lot of heavy activity nearby.
These spiders? They’re far too light in their movements to create any sort of vibrations, and since the rest of the GoT is far off in the opposite direction...
...then that means I’ve found non-spider life, whether it be good or bad.
I took me a bit but I eventually managed to pinpoint the direction, since my vibration sense is kinda weak...I need to stop and focus to see which direction it’s coming from. Upon figuring it out I immediately started talking towards it, keeping my body low to blend in with the surrounding foliage.
Eventually I see a break in the vegetation, so I slow myself to a stop. Through the gap I peak through, my gaze penetrating through the darkness as if it’s a sort of thin veil.
Night vision, gotta love it~
Despite being covered by various trees, I could make out a large mound with some sort tough wooden door. I can hear activity going on inside, that and the occasional very faint voice. However another thing I’ve noticed are the numerous giant spiders crawling on said mound, some of them watching the door with an almost enraptured gaze.
Could this be...some kind of cellar? Or underground bunker maybe?
I continue to watch silently, my jaw setting into a frown.
Slowly a Galvantula crawls towards the door, and with a loud hiss it spits a string of silk at it. Said silk crackles with electricity as the Feral arachnid tries to damage the door with its lightning, however after a few long moments it ceases channeling lighting into the thread and yanks it off.
Upon focusing on the door again I notice that the wood is actually charred, so they must’ve been doing this for a while now.
Yeah...that definitely has living people in there, there’s no other way. Those spiders are trying to get in, so it’s not some sort of nest.
My gaze drifts to my sheathed machete, already knowing what I have to do.
Heh, looks like it’s time for me to do a little pest control myself.
My tail flicks around and grabs the handle of my sheathed machete, with one motion I silently draw the blade. My orange eyes flick briefly around my surroundings, keeping note of any potential activity that would be a giveaway for other concealed arachnids that might be within the vegetation or canopy.
However if there are any other such spiders besides the ones that are visible to me, then they’re too well-hidden.
Heh, but until then…I’ll deal with what I can currently see.
I crouch my body down, digging my back claws into the earth.
Seven spiders. Two Galvantula, three Ariados, and two Spinarak. One Galvantula is standing in front of the door of the shelter, two Ariados are on top of the shelter, another Ariados is several yards to the left of the shelter, two Spinarak are sitting on the trunk of a tree on the opposite side of the shelter, and one Galvantula is standing around fifteen or so yards on my side of the shelter…and thus closest to me.
Prioritize the Galvantulas, they’re the greatest threat due to their electrical capabilities. Once they’re both taken down, focus on whatever other arachnid that’s closest. When all threats are eliminated, try to make contact with those inside the shelter.
I grin.
My feet kick off, my body bursting through the bushes that were concealing my form. In a blur I make a beeline for the closest Galvantula.
The yellow spider quickly turns to face me, its front legs rearing back as it lets out a loud hiss in a threatening display. This ‘deterrent’ only encourages me further due to it not attacking, so the second I close the distance I pivot my body to the side and lash out with the machete. With the momentum created from my whip-like tail I slash down upon the spider, the serrated blade easily splitting its carapace and digging deep into its flesh. I quickly yank out the blade before twisting my body back at the arachnid and snap forward with my head, my fangs biting into its head and crushing it.
An unpleasant taste fills my maw as I feel its blood touch my tongue, yet as disgusting as the flavor is…I feel it fuel my adrenaline further.
I release the corpse from my maw and turn my gaze to the other spiders, my mouth dripping with yellow-green blood. A low throaty sound escapes from my throat, akin to that of both a hiss and a growl combined into one.
At this point the rest of the Feral arachnids realized the danger they’re in, in which all of them let out an angry hiss.
Yes…a real predator has arrived, you’re not the apex predators of this forest anymore.
The other Galvantula spits out a string of web at me, in which I nimbly leap to the side before charging the spider down. Seeing that it missed its target it cuts off the string with its maw before firing out another, in which I also dodge.
As it bites away the second string I finish closing the distance. I twist my body again, this time stabbing forward with the machete. Its razor-sharp tip impales the Galvantula’s face, immediately killing it. I yank the weapon out in which causes a spray of sickly colored blood, coating my form and the ground in front of it.
An Ariados jumps at me from off the shelter, hissing all the while. Without missing a beat I jump back and slash upwards with the blade, its edge cutting through the spider’s abdomen mid-air and causing its guts to spill out as it lands. I don’t leave it however, for I then stab its head to end its brief suffering.
Three down, four to go.
The second Ariados leaps off from the shelter as well, its Feral mind apparently making it incapable of realizing that this very action killed its companion. I grin as I step aside, letting the spider to land on the spot where I stood. It quickly turns to lash out with its pincers, but I take another step back to avoid the bite before lunging back forward…and chomping down on its own head with my own fangs. I crack its exoskeleton before cleaving through completely, separating the head from the rest of its body. I twist my head to the side and spit the severed cranium out, the Ariados’ body spasming and twisting before quickly stilling.
Another hiss grabs my attention, upon flicking my eyes to its source I see one of the Spinarak charging me. I merely stand and wait for it to close the distance, my body completely still. Once the green spider got within vicinity it leaps at me, in which my whip-like tail brings the machete in front of me with its point outwards…
…and thus causes the Spinarak to impale itself headfirst onto the blade.
Foolish.
Another hiss gains my attention but this time on the opposite side of me, in which my head flicks towards it. However instead of seeing a spider charging at me, I witness the form of an Ariados already at mid-leap.
My eyes widen and I try to step to the side, however the spider’s already on me. Its giant frame lands on my own, and without missing a beat it digs its fangs into my back. A sharp pain courses through the bite area, making me growl deeply. I would try to slice it to pieces however the Spinarak is still impaled on the weapon, thus making it temporarily useless.
I stumble back with the spider still on me, the pain growing stronger and stronger as the Ariados pumps its venom into the injury. I release the weapon from my tail’s grip, letting it fall uselessly to the ground. With the appendage free I then lash it out at the spider, its three claws digging itself into the spider’s head.
The Ariados lets out a suppressed hiss as the claws of the ‘hand’ digs into its head, but it doesn’t release its fangs from my flesh. Once my claws have dug in deep enough into the head I start twisting…and twisting…and twisting…
…and soon the satisfying sound of flesh tearing fills the air.
The red spider’s body limply falls off me, its head having been brutally separated. Despite this its fangs are still dug into me, stuck in a death-bite. I take a deep breath and yank the head off, my teeth gritting together in pain as I feel the pincers tear out small pieces of my flesh along with it.
One…left…
I turn my head to the tree the last Spinarak is sitting, in which I spy it still there…watching me. It holds its gaze on me for a long while before leaping off the tree, in which then quickly speeds away from me.
Heh, wise decision…
I’m not too worried about the bug crying to the other spiders. These are Feral Pokemon after all, Feral spiders at that. These arachnids are merely following the directions of their ‘queen’, who uses pheromones as a means to direct and control them.
So in other words, one little spider getting away shouldn’t be an issue…hopefully.
I look at my surroundings, my gaze looking for any other potential enemies. But besides the brutal carnage left from my fight with the Bug-types, I’m the only breathing thing left in the open.
Good, now…it’s time to me to assess the damage.
I sit my behind down and glance over my shoulder, looking at the bite-mark on my back. From the looks of it the Ariados managed to get a good bite into me, but thankfully…my hide is thick enough that it didn’t manage to get far. So the venom won’t really do much work, especially since I’m not even bleeding.
….Still, I lost a good chunk of skin because of that. And it seriously, seriously burns.
I take another deep breath, steadying my nerves and letting the adrenaline use itself up. Once I’ve gotten my heart-rate back to normal I walk over to my spider-impaled machete, upon placing a claw on the Spinarak’s body I yank out the blood-covered weapon from the corpse.
I felt tempted to sheath it, but seeing the ichor on its blade…I’m not gonna bother. It’d be very difficult to clean the inside of the sheath, especially since I only have one limb that actually allows me to manipulate objects.
I approach the door of the shelter, wincing slightly as my back continues to burn. “Hey, anyone in there?!” I call. Even though I already know that there’s people in there, it’s better to just call out the obvious in order to get people’s attention.
I wait silently, watching the door intently. However I don’t get a response, so I decide to continue. “I’m with the Guardians of Twilight! I’ve taken care of the spiders around this place, it’s safe out here now!”
“Guardians of Twilight?” I hear a muffled murmur behind the door. “Is that some kind of guild?”
I turn my head slightly to listen in…and as it turns out, there’s a great deal of muffled talking going on there. It’s hard to distinguish most of the sentences, since there’s so many voices talking at once.
“They’re some kind of monster hunter group, right?”
“I thought they were bounty hunters.”
“I don’t think whoever’s out there is with that spider queen.”
Those are some of the few sentences I managed to pick out from the constant hushed voices, but eventually they all fall silent.
A sudden sound hits my ‘ears’, specifically the sound of something…large getting unbolted. This soon follows by loud clacks, in which finally the wooden door slowly swings open.
Or at least, I thought it was a wooden door.
It’s actually far from it, on the outside it looks like wooden planks…but said planks are apparently attached to a door made of solid stone in order to disguise it. Those doors look strong enough to hold off a lot of things, but spiders? I’d say it’s overkill.
Inside the thing I see a large deal of Pokemon of all sorts of species, however that’s only from what I can see at the entrance. The shelter seems to go down underground, like some sort of storm shelter…except bigger.
Did this thing…hold an entire town’s population?? Either that is one massive shelter, or Bennington’s population needs some work.
I notice all of the townsfolk at the entrance are looking at me nervously, in which it made me remember that I’m not looking too pretty at the moment. Guess that tends to happen when your mouth and body are covered in spider blood.
I try to give a friendly smile, but I think that ended up freaking them out more since my teeth are stained yellow as well. “Hey no worries, I’m one of the good guys.” I reassure them. “I had to take out these spiders through any means possible.” I crank my head to the side, trying to peer down the ‘shelter’. “Is everyone alright? Another team is currently moving to the town to clear out the spiders and that hybrid, so I need to know if anyone’s captured.” Or dead, but I’m not gonna straight-up ask that…yet at least.
One of the Pokemon steps forward, a somewhat elderly looking male Blaziken. “Nearly everyone managed to escape to the emergency shelter, there were no injuries or deaths.” His expression grows pained. “However…”
He suddenly gets shoved aside, in which I see a shiny female Lucario approach me. The greatest thing I notice is the sheer distress on her face, I’ve never seen anyone look so hysterical in my life. “She took my daughter!” She shouts, her eyes looking red and tired. “That monster took my little Sariah!”
Oh boy…
I feel my jaw clench, the pain in my back turning to a dull ache. I think back to when I briefly explored the town and noticed a lack of any cocoons or corpses. “From what I’ve seen during my quick search in Bennington, I found no trace of your daughter being harmed. So if the hybrid took her, then there’s a good chance she may be alive.” This is me trying to reassure her, since in all honesty I have no clue on what the status on her daughter is.
The Lucario clenches her paws. “I need to go aft-” She starts, but the Blaziken grabs her arm and holds her still.
“You’ll get yourself caught!” He growls. “You’re not a fighter, Emily. None of us are!”
I couldn’t help but blink at this. “I…don’t mean to interject…” I start to intervene, getting their attention on me again. “But did I hear that none of you are fighters?”
The Blaziken shakes his head. “None of us have any experience in combat, my friend. We’re peaceful folk.”
I blink again, my expression quickly morphing to disbelief. “You mean…the entire town?”
He cocks an eyebrow. “…Yes?”
…
Wow.
I may have been grown in a lab, but I’d like to think that I know a lot about Pokemon.
Specifically that fighting is pretty much in our blood, Pokemon have all of these special ‘moves’ that allow them to get a constant edge in combat. Even the most sweet-natured Pokemon know some sort of way to defend themselves if it ever comes to it.
But…then there’s these people, an entire populace who have no idea whatsoever on how to fight…even though they most likely possess some sort of combat moves.
This might just be me being biased since I’ve been surrounded by Pokemon who can fight, but…sheesh. No wonder these spiders took over so effortlessly, these people just up and ran for the hills without even bothering to give them some kind of resistance.
At this point I’m not sure if it’s wise to even let them head to the exit that the other GoT members made, especially if they’re all that defenseless. I doubt little ol’ me could handle the task of escorting an entire town’s populace if the spiders were to notice us all.
That and there’s the whole Lucario’s daughter who has been taken captive, which Purging Light and Midnight Storm need to know about pronto.
Well…shit.
Things just got even more complicated.
The Blaziken continues to look at me, his uneasiness becoming that of curiosity. “This may not be an appropriate time to ask, nor even an appropriate question. But…what ARE you?”
Despite the circumstances, my tense expression soon replaces itself with a grin.
Heh, there’s one thing that never changes regardless of the situation.
“And there we have it folks! Hus.La, the young prodigy has just mercilessly bodied FlawlessLegend in that FT100 set of DragonSphere FighterZ!” The commentator exclaimed as the crowed roared and cheered for the Video Game Extraordinaire known as Hus.La who has once again taken the stage in a dominating fashion.
“The fact that she didn’t lose a single match while playing this man says so much about her endurance and her mentality. I had no idea Gochu would be so damn good as her Anchor but along side Gochu Black and Cybor 31 on Point, she set-up the perfect shell that covered all the stops!” The analyst explained while maintaining all the hype from a perfect 100-0 set.
“All this tech found no doubt after labbing like the monster she is for a solid week straight. I cant wait to see her in later tournaments! With that being said, This is PTY Hypez, Signing out!” he said with clear excitement in his voice as he took his headset off and flew away. Who knew they made headsets that small for Ribombees?
“Wassup guys, Trish HatTricks here waiting for ‘Monarch of Brawlers’ to start and joining me will be Purrrrrrshia–” she started and soon started to fade away as Hus.La got off of the stage and went outside the vicinity to get some fresh air.
She was extremely happy and proud of her perfect win streak but she needed to move around a little. Getting up on the stage and actually playing takes a lot more than just skimming at home.
So she went to go explore the town of Pearldom! seeing all the local shops they had and aiming for a restaurant to get some food in her belly. Our of the corner of her eye, she saw someone strange yet awesome. A Pokemon that looked like the mythical creature known as a Naga! This particular ‘mon was part Seviper and part Nidoking it seem– Wait a second. Those clothes… Oooooh we’re gonna have fun with this one!
Hus.La quickly abandoned her train of thought for food and dashed up to the naga-esque 'mon with stars and her eyes and a wide smile on her face.
“You…look wickedly cool!” she exclaimed.
“Everything about you just screams master-class Ninja!” she continued then pulled back to do her famous flourish with a winking pose.
“I’m Hus.La! Video Game Extraordinaire! It would be my honor if you would considering being the rogue in my LARP'ing group! It’d be so much fun once I find two more members! We would be able to live out our own adventure!” she explained still extremely excited at the possible addition to her LARP'ing party.
But there’s just oooooone last thing she has to ask.
“Oh! Do you also mind if we take a selfie? I love being able to take pictures with all the awesome new people I meet when I travel!”
[PoV: Minato]
While the other members split away to cool off, I stayed put with Snakewulf. I actually decided conversr with him, since this is the first time I’ve actually met him face to face.
Out of all the members, the Night Watchers are the ones who spend the least time at the GoT HQ. Their job requires them to be constantly moving from one place to the next, keeping tabs on things and looking out for any abnormal activity or threats. But they do have their times when they’re at the GoT HQ, so that they can rest and relax during their break periods.
But out of all the Night Watchers, Snakewulf has never been on break. He’s always out in the field, moving from one place to the next as ordered. This however is of his own request, since he supposedly enjoys the outdoors and the changes of scenery. And because of this I’ve never actually met him, which is why I’ve taken the opportunity to converse with him.
Despite his unusual appearance, he’s actually…a very nice individual. Very kind and inquisitive as well as very casual, even quite humorous with the occasional quip and joke. We were mostly just talking about what we’ve been up to as well as interests, which was more than fine by me.
The conversation is interrupted however, due to a loud exclamation from an interestingly dressed Lopunny. We both look over at her, mine with confusion and Snakewulf’s with amusement.
Master…class…ninja?
Snakewulf ends up laughing. “She has a point you know.” He tells me, glancing over with a twinkle in his orange reptilian eyes. “You do rather fit the bill with the ‘master-class ninja’, from what I’ve read in several books.”
O…kay…
Her question however ended up catching me off guard even more, since…well…no one has ever asked me to join a ‘LARP’ group before.
I smile uncertainly at the Lopunny. “It is…nice to meet you, Hus.La.” I say with a small bow, still unsure of the whole encounter. “I am Silence, and this is-”
“Snakewulf.” He interrupts me, sitting down and letting his hand-like tail flick from left to right. “While not a ‘master-class ninja’, I’d like to think that I’m around that sort of level~” He stops for a moment and tilts his head. “However I’ve never heard of ‘LARPing’ before, mind if you could fill me in?”
I turn to Snakewulf, deciding to answer for the Lopunny. “LARP is an acronym for ‘Live Action Roleplaying’. It’s usually acting out fictional settings with groups of people, for the enjoyment of pretending to be in various scenarios.”
At this the unique hybrid’s eyes widen with realization. “Ahh, so it’s essentially like what I’ve seen younglings do.” He starts laughing again. “I’ve never thought adults would still be into it, since I assumed that it was something that you would ‘grow out’ of.”
Well…it’s not quite like that, since it tends to have rules as well from what I remember Delilah explaining to me. However I decide against further explaining to Snakewulf, since he had the concept. “That’s…correct.” I eventually say before looking back at Hus.La, since I need to respond to her question. “I am honored that you would approach me just to offer a spot in this ‘LARP’ group, however…” My nervous smile is replaced with an apologetic look. “I’m afraid that I have to decline. Although I am always up to experience new things, but due to my job with my guild taking a lot of my time…I won’t be able participate.” Well, that’s not the exact reason since I often have plenty of free time between assignments. But I didn’t want to straight up tell her that I didn’t want to...since that might hurt her feelings.
I bow my head again. “Watashi wa hontōni zan'nendesu, Hus.La. I thank you again for your offer, I appreciate it immensely even though I can’t accept it.”
“And yet you didn’t offer me a spot.” Snakewulf comments dryly, however his face possesses an amused smile without a trace of offense. “Not that I would be able to take you up on it, since I’m also a very busy doggy. Gotta sniff out bad guys twenty four seven, after all~.” His tail stops its flicking and starts scratching the top of his head, probably to take care of an itch. “Still, very cool to hear that adults don’t drop that childish part of them. Keep at it, I say! Everyone needs to indulge into their inner pup once a while.” He stops, his eyes flicking to one of the roads before looking back at me. “Looks like the other members are coming back Silence, they’re probably ready to get started I’m assuming.”
I look over to where he looked, and in the distance on the road I see some figures approaching us. I had to squint my eyes in order to make out Asmund, which shows how keen Snakewulf’s eyesight is.
I look down another road and I notice several forms of Midnight Storm, meaning that they’re all coming back. With this knowledge in hand I turn back to Hus.La, putting on a kind smile. I was about to tell her that I was sorry to end this conversation now, but I had to pause and realize that she asked me something else.
She wanted to take a…selfie?
“What…is a selfie?” I ask her.
At this point Snakewulf starts laughing. “Alright, so you know what ‘LARPing’ is but not a selfie?” The hybrid starts shaking his head. “It’s taking a photo of yourself, Silence. It tends to involve a smart phone pointed at yourself, and it can also include various others with you. It’s all the rage at the moment, I know since I’ve been studying modern culture.” The draconic wolf sits up and strides over to Hus.La. “Now you didn’t ask me this, but I’m joining in. You’d better say yes, since otherwise I’m gonna photobomb it and make it better by having my face completely taking up the photo~”
I look back at the approaching figures of the GoT before turning to Snakewulf and Hus.La, my face uncertain again. “I…don’t see a reason on why I would decline, however I must ask for it to be brief since we’re needed.”
“Yeah yeah, but it WON’T be brief unless you get your snake butt over here.” Snakewulf laughs, gesturing for me to come over with his tail. “C’mon! Time’s a-wasting, I want to make sure my good side is taken!”
Wasting no time I quickly slither over to them. I notice Snakewulf sitting down and raising his tail, the claws doing its best impression of a ‘peace symbol’ even though it only has three claws.
Seeing that I’m rather big compared to the smaller Pokemon, I take advantage of my serpentine body and lower myself more to their level. Unsure on what exactly I have to do, I decide to smile and mimic what Snakewulf is doing with his tail.
“And remember! Say cheese!” Snakewulf adds through his wide smile.
“What?! You can’t do this on your own!” James whispers harshly at me. “You and I both are completely against disposing of Raptor-A1, if you’re gonna bust him out then I’m definitely helping you!”
“We don’t know what they’ll do if they catch us!” I argue back, also being sure to keep my voice low. “I’m taking the risk because I know how to hack into their system, a friend of mine showed me everything there is need to know about MasSec and how to bypass it. That and if they catch me, I don’t want you to suffer as well.”
“But-” He tries to continue to argue, but I cut him off.
“I need you to stay here, to keep an eye on things. You’ll do a lot more good if you stay working with the HWDP, perhaps even one-day compile enough evidence so that we can actually show the world how fucked up this damn-”
“What we’re doing is wrong and you know it!” I bark at Robertson, however one of the guards smacks the side of my head with the butt of their weapon. Feeling the hard metal impacting with my skull knocks me over, only to be roughly brought back to my feet.
“You...released...a top secret product...of the company.” Robertson growls lowly, his face red with anger. “You used your position with us to release something that was never meant to be seen by the public eye.” He stomps his foot. “DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU JUST DID?!”
I couldn’t help but smirk, although my face is straining with pain. “Yeah, I do. I freed someone from this fucked up organization.”
I tense as I prepare for the guards to strike me again, but they didn’t. Instead I see Robertson staring at me with wide, enraged eyes. However he takes a deep breath, calming himself.
“Because of your actions, you have left us no choice but to terminate your contract with the company.” Slowly...he begins to smirk. “We can’t have someone as untrustworthy as you walking around, and since we can’t dispose Raptor-A1...it appears that you’ll have to take its place.”
My eyes widen in fear. “K-Kill me?!” The guards grab my arms before I could even move. “Y-you can’t kill me! Everyone would notice if I disappeared! There would be questions and suspicions!”
At this point he laughs. “Of course, we always keep that in mind.” He shakes his head, clicking his tongue. “Poor Felicia, we never realized that she was a drug addict. Death by overdose and found in her room, all of us were surprised and mortified of this sudden turn of events. What if we found out earlier? Would we have been able to save her?”
I feel a sharp pain in my neck as one of the guards puncture me with a needle and start injecting something into my blood stream. I try to scream and fight, but they stuff a piece of cloth into my mouth and hold me down.
Felicia’s sudden death was announced, death through drug overdose. It was a surprise to everyone, since Felicia didn’t seem like the type to do drugs. Robertson tells us that we should never dabble in such things, for the risk of death is not worth the pleasure they give.
Everyone nods their head sadly and carried on with their work.
I knew what really happened, I knew that Felicia never did drugs. She was murdered, there was no other way.
I feel angry, helpless, terrified. If I helped her, would we have gotten out?
...
No...probably not, I would’ve died with her.
I need to do what she wished, to carry on with my duties and learn more from the HWDP.
I need to find a way to reveal everything, to stockpile evidence and use it to prove to the world of the HWDP’s existence.
But for now...I have to wait and do what I can with my spare time. I am being transfered to a new project, something under complete secrecy. The head of the project is Dr. Samuel Horus.
I bound through the forest, never stopping. Despite the darkness of night my eyes easily pierce through it like a thin veil, granting me complete vision.
I can’t stop, since she told me to keep going until the border is crossed...and I find them.
‘Raptor-A1, I am going to set you free.’ She told me. ‘When I give you the signal, you will follow my directions to escape this damn place.’
My eyes narrow as I push myself harder, running faster than ever before.
‘When you escape, you will need to keep going until get past the border and enter Evolutia. But you can’t stop there, you need to keep running until you’re deep in the land so that these bastards will never find you.’
I bound over a fallen log, my form sailing through the air before landing. My claws kick up the earth as I speed faster, my muscles starting to burn.
‘I’ve done some research...and there’s a group in Evolutia. They’re called the Guardians of Twilight, they’ve been assaulting a few of these places and freeing the hybrids inside. I want you to find them, they will grant you safety.’
‘What about you?’ I asked her.
My teeth grit together, suppressing a growl as I charge through a mass of vegetation before continuing forward.
She smiled at me. ‘Don’t worry about me.’ She said. ‘I will deal with them myself, but...don’t come looking for me. We won’t meet me again.’
The claws in my tail twitch as I climb up a steep hill with ease.
‘Raptor-A1...I want you to abandon that name, it is not yours.’ She told me. ‘When you escape into Evolutia and find safety, pick a name for yourself. Live your life as you choose, don’t let anyone control you and define your purpose like these bastards are trying to do.’
...
I smile, grinning widely as I enter a vast field.
‘I will.’ I told her. ‘Thank you, Felicia. You have been a great friend to me.’
‘No...thank you.’ She responded. ‘You have shown me that sometimes...you need to stand up for what’s right, even if everything is against you.’
After telling Penumbra that I’m going to investigate Bennington, I immediately left Pearldom. Sure I plan to return back there to meet the team they’ll be sending, but right now...I need to gather more information. Currently we still don’t know much at all besides the whole ‘wall of webs’, so I need to gather at least a bit more intel so we have more to work with.
After crossing the fields I eventually came to the treeline of the forest that surrounds Bennington, and I have to say...
It’s definitely a big issue.
Webs.
Lots and lots of webs.
Thick strands of it has been woven throughout the trees as far as I can see, effectively creating a giant barricade. This is not something that a normal spider could do, or at least on their own. Whatever did this is either a very special spider, or it’s a massive number of them.
I don’t know which is worse.
I cautiously approach the webs, eyeing them carefully. It contains a particular scent, however I’m not accustomed enough to spider Pokemon o know if it’s made either by an Ariados or Galvantula. Grabbing a laying stick with my tail I poke the woven wall carefully, the stick didn’t...well...stick to the wall with each tap so it’s safe to assume that they didn’t intend to trap anyone touching it, just keep them out.
In that case...
I drop the stick and quickly pull out my machete and proceed to start hacking at the wall, despite spider silk being very strong stuff slowly proceed to make headway. After a near minute of slicing I finally create a gap wide enough for me to squeeze through, with my machete still firmly gripped by my tail I carefully slink in.
Beyond the wall...is definitely unnerving, since the forest itself is extremely dark and there’s spiderwebs everywhere. Normally forests have a lot of greens and browns, but seeing how that there’s so much of this stuff everywhere...it with there being so many webs I can say that white and gray is one of the new primary colors here. I try my best to avoid some of the strands that hang low, but occasionally some of it sticks to my coat and I’m forced to use my machete slice it off.
The deeper I go the more on edge I feel, since this place is unnaturally quiet. Not a single sound can be heard except for my quiet breathing. I’ve entered a lot of quiet places before, but for it to be this silent in a forest...it’s seriously bad news.
As I continue to stealthily make my way through, I hear a sudden rustle above me. Immediately I stop and lower myself to the ground, using my green coating to try to blend with the foliage around me.
I wait for a long time, not even moving an inch. Silently I count the seconds that pass by as my eyes are locked on the spot where the noise came from, but as the moments continue to fly by with nothing happening...I start moving again. This time however I do so more slowly, keeping myself low I crawl across the ground with a nimbleness and silence like that of a natural predator. Every so often I stop and look around, since the last thing I want is some spider to drop on me from above.
At some point I stopped keeping track of time, but I do know that it took me a very long time to eventually arrive at the town.
And when I thought that the forest was unnerving, the town looked just as bad...if not worse.
The forest opens up to the town itself, which I see numerous buildings completely covered in webs. From the looks of the place it seems like some giant colony made this their nest, and not a single...sign...of life...can be found.
The town itself looks...much less ‘modern’ than that of the past two towns I’ve visited, in fact I seriously doubt they have electricity here. If that’s the case it would definitely explain why no word managed to get out when it got overrun...
In fact, did anyone even manage to escape?
I stay hidden in the trees as I ponder whether to actually head into the town or not, since the area is much more exposed than the forest itself. If I were to enter there...then there’s a high chance I might get noticed by whatever lurks here.
Hmm...
...
...
Heh, I’ve gotten out of worse situations.
With my mind made I carefully step out of the foliage and into the town itself, after briefly looking around for any signs of life I immediately sprint over to one of the nearest buildings. The second I reach it I hug my body to the wall, just barely touching some of the spidersilk that’s stuck to the bricks.
Slinking around the outside I eventually reach the entrance, which has the door wide open and not actually covered in webs. After looking around one more time I quickly duck in, my machete still in the grip of my tail.
Inside is just as dark as the forest if not even darker, but my enhanced eyesight allows me to peer through unhindered. The place is completely messed up, furniture and objects strewn everywhere and spidersilk covering everything. With my machete I hack a path through the silk as I enter deeper into the house, keeping a special eye on the ceiling for any nasties that may be lurking up there.
I can say with confidence that there was a struggle here, in fact one of the doors that lead to the backyard of the house looked like it was barricaded before it was knocked down. Yet as I searched through the entire house, there’s not a single sign of the people that live here.
My frown increases as I make my way back out through the exact path I came from, disliking the lack of...absolutely anything really. There’s no life at all, whether it be spiders or townsfolk. It’s...very suspicious.
I reach the entrance again...but stop, since...I have a very uneasy feeling in my stomach.
I call it the ‘predator’s intuition’, something like a sixth sense. Whenever something is up, I get that feeling. It’s not an ‘official’ thing that the HWDP implemented into me since it’s more like a gut feeling, but due to it having been always right in the past...I’ve learned to listen to it.
And right now, I have a feeling that things are going to get real bad real soon...
Gritting my fangs together I take one cautious step towards the door, just as I’m about to poke my head out I suddenly have second thoughts.
No...there’s a smarter way to do this.
Turning myself around I point my machete towards the entrance, after silently steadying myself I quickly stab the weapon out before pulling it back in...
...And the moment I pulled it back a giant Ariados lands on the spot where I was about to step out, hissing loudly.
This is why intelligence is a very perfect factor in survival.
Reacting quickly I swiftly step towards it and lash out with the weapon again, this time impaling the tip of the blade in its head. The spider lets out an even louder hiss and flails its legs, but the second I twist the blade it immediately collapses in a dying heap.
Yanking the yellow blood-covered blade out I eye the corpse warily, since if one spider knew exactly where I was...then there’s a VERY good chance that the rest have this knowledge too.
Because I’ll be honest, a single Ariados can’t POSSIBLY spin this much silk within a short amount of time...so I am definitely dealing with a colony here.
But the real question is why is there even a colony here to begin with? And of this size too? Ariados rarely go where there’s civilization, that and the colonies are not nearly large enough to completely cover an entire forest and town like this.
So...could the mysterious Hybrid be involved?
“We know you’re in there~”
My body tenses when I hear a silky (pun-intended), feminine voice from outside.
“There’s no point in hiding, we’ve been watching you for a long while now~”
Well...that might explain a few things...as well as create an issue too.
“Really now?” I speak up, my voice controlled yet containing a somewhat playful tone. “So why didn’t you reveal yourself then? It would’ve saved us all a bunch of time.”
“Step out~” The voice purrs, ignoring my question. “Then we can have a proper conversation~”
Well that’s somewhat rude for her not to answer me, nevertheless I let out a snort at her attempt to get me outside. “Step out? So you can ambush me?”
The voice laughs in response. “If I wished to ambush you, then we would’ve done so a long while ago.”
Well...she got me there.
If it ends up actually being a trap, I can make a break towards the direction I went. I’ve created a decent enough path to make it easy for me to escape, so I just need to act fast...
Cautiously stepping out I quickly look around me. I didn’t see anything outside at first, but eventually I notice that there’s someone standing on top of the house I was just in...
The person itself looks like a cross between a Bisharp and a Galvantula. She possess the humanoid body of a Bisharp but the Galvantula traits quickly make themselves known on numerous factors.
Sure her black and yellow body is one thing, but there are other parts that really give it away. Specifically it’s the four massive spider legs that sprout from her back, each ending in a giant scythe-like blade. Her hands consist only of two blade-like fingers and thumb, and located on her forearms are three slender blades lined one after each other.
Her rear has long black and yellow hair extending out, giving the impression of a spider’s abdomen. Around her head is a hood made of white and yellow cloth, and located on her face is what I can assume is a white mask that covers all but her mouth and blue eyes...and said contains multiple large blue ‘gems’ that give the impression of spider eyes.
Essentially, I’m confident to say that I’ve found our elusive hybrid.
“Now aren’t you an interesting specimen~” She coos, the giant legs on her back flexing slightly. “It’s unmistakable that you’ve been created by the HWDP.”
“I can say the same to you.” I respond back with a casual smile, my tail swishing left and right with the machete still in its grip. “Which is more of me pointing out the obvious, since you contain that exotic look only a HWDP hybrid possesses.” I still my tail as I adopt a more serious expression. “Course I need to ask this due since it’s a question that’s been bothering me for a while, which is...what did you do with the people here?”
Her grin widens as she lets out a laugh. “Oh? Now wouldn’t YOU like to know~” She traces her lips with one of her bladed fingers.
Well, no shame in me asking even though I partially expected this. So let’s move onto another question. “How about a name?” I ask. “Since I don’t think calling you ‘spider hybrid’ would be very flattering to you.”
“Now that I don’t mind giving~” She purrs, picking at her teeth with her finger. “My identification number is ‘BIS-05′, however I prefer to go by the name of Miasma, sounds FAR better~” She leans forward slightly, her sapphire eyes peering down on my form. “Now what about you, handsome~? I can only assume that you possess a name as well.”
“Handsome? I’ve heard people call me many things, but never handsome.” I chuckle. “But as for my name, it’s Snakewulf. Made it myself~”
She lets out a hum. “Snakewulf? Oh my, sounds very...enticing~” The two lower spider legs on her back dig their blades into the roof as she crouches down. “You are quite a remarkable creature, you look like a specimen unlike anything I thought they could make~” Her alluring eyes twinkle with desire, of which kind I’m quite...unsure. “I cannot wait to get to know you better during your stay~”
I couldn’t help but let out a snort. “Stay? I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m a dog on a mission.” I turn my head slightly to give her a sideways grin, all the meanwhile preparing to make a break for it. “I can’t stay sweetheart, as sad as it might be.”
Her legs dig deeper into the structure she’s standing on, her voice growing husky. “You don’t have a choice.” Miasma hisses. She suddenly raises her arms and the three blades start rattling, creating a shrill ringing sound.
The second it hit my ears I notice movement...and a lot of it. As the sound continues I see tons of spiders crawl out of the buildings, consisting of Feral Spinarak, Ariados, Joltlik, and Galvantula. The numbers continue to grow as they answer the call of their queen, showing that this is fight I have no chance at winning.
Thankfully however...I never intended to fight to begin with.
Not wasting a second I sprint towards the forest, heading for the same path I made to get through here.
“YOU CAN’T RUN FROM ME~!” She calls after me, laughing loudly.
As I enter the web-covered trees, I hear the loud hisses and rustles coming from all directions as the colony fully awakens...
“-and that’s all I have right now on what we’re dealing with.” I finish informing the five, my tail continuing to swish from side to side. “So at this point you all know the gist of this Miasma.”
Minato looks at me uneasily. “A spider hybrid that controls an entire colony?” He holds his hands with obvious nervousness. “Do we even have the numbers?”
Asmund lets out a grumble. “Numbers are meaningless, power is the answer.” His single fist clenches, his tone becoming irritated. “Of course it’s spiders, and we don’t have a single fucking competent fire user to keep them under control.”
After some hesitance, Duskfall slowly raises an arm. “Uh...I...can...create fire.” He speaks up quietly, but quickly shrinks when the Golurk turns his gaze to him.
“And?” Asmund growls. “My point still stands. Someone competent.”
Chevalier shrinks back at this, his eyes betraying the hurt he’s feeling from the Golurk’s words.
“Arschloch!” Alicia shouts angrily at the golem. “Chefalier is more zan capable to fit vhatever role it is you are sinking!”
Elisabeth draws her sword, her eyes narrowing dangerously as she points the weapon at Asmund. “Every time you speak, garbage conteenues to speell out eenstead of words.” Her lips pull back into a snarl. “Eef you ‘ad a troat, I would cut eet out and feed eet to te feeshes!”
Asmund turns to the both of them, his expressionless face managing to pull off a glare due to the intense aura that radiates from him. “And yet you forget that my power is greater than all of you.” He rumbles with a bit of smugness in his tone, then he turns his gaze down to Elisabeth “You say you would cut out my throat if you could.” His hand clenches into a fist. “I say I could crush your head into paste...if I would.”
“So you are stomping on ozers feelings just because you can do so vizout resistance.” Alicia fires back heatedly. “Zat shows zat you are nozing but a-”
“Alrighty, since you all are experiencing some irritation from the teleportation I say you all should split up to regather your thoughts and get your head in the game.” I cut in, making sure that Alicia doesn’t finish that sentence. Although my face contains a smile, my predatory eyes show a certain sternness that seems to dare anyone to challenge me “We meet back on this spot in an hour, sounds good?” I don’t wait for an answer. “Glad to hear that, chop chop.” I snap the claws of my tail a few times, creating loud clicking sounds.
Elisabeth and Alicia both give Asmund burning glares before walking away, being sure to take the even more quiet Gallade with them.
Asmund merely hisses out several nasty words before turning and walking in the opposite direction, his stomping frame causing townsfolk to immediately run to the side so they don’t get trampled underneath is giant feet.
Minato lets out a defeated sigh. “Thank you, Snakewulf.” He says quietly, giving an appreciative nod.
I merely chuckle in response. “No biggie, just ending it before it could get worse.” I look over at the now disappearing frame of the Golurk. “Have to say, I’ve heard stories of Asmund’s character but they really don’t do him justice.”
The Nidoviper could only smile weakly. “He’s...working on it.”
I smile back at him, mine more reassuring. “I can tell.”
One thing I have to say is that when I’m in a field, the last thing I would expect is having a stare-down with a Feral Lycanroc.
I was actually quite surprised when I saw her alone, since Lycanroc are rarely alone due to being pack-animals as often dwell in habitats that does not include grasslands. This one obviously traveled a long way, that and she doesn’t seem to friendly with the growl she’s giving me.
I analyze her calmly, taking note of her body language. Her eyes contain mistrust, obviously disliking my existence for reasons unknown to me. The way her stance shows that she’ll attack at any moment if I were to move in a way that’s somehow threatening to her, which is a fairly big issue.
My tail has long since stopped its flicking, instead holding still with the claws hovering over my machete.
One way to deal with this situation involves backing away and going around. I don’t want to diverge too far from my current course but with the Lycanroc standing directly in my path to the next city, it’s creating a very problematic situation.
Deciding to go with this I begin to slowly back away, in which the Lycanroc’s growl increases as she takes matching steps to keep the ground between us even.
Alright then, since she’s following me like this...she’s most likely trying to intimidate me. Coming to this conclusion I feel my jaw set.
I’m not playing this game.
Wordlessly I spring towards the Lycanroc, covering the distance between us in a single leap. With only one motion my tail pulls out the machete from its sheath and swings, slicing open the top side of the wolf’s neck as I sail over her. Upon landing I turn my body to face the Feral, to witness the aftermath of my handy work.
To say the least, that Pokemon isn’t going to be fighting anytime soon.
The cut itself is fairly deep, causing her howl and whimper in obvious pain. Blood quickly spills from the top of her neck and pools down her front legs, she tries to stand up straight but eventually flops to her sides when her movements make the bleeding worse.
Approaching her with a clenched jaw I raise my machete, my gaze following to her chest. Aiming the tip the weapon lunges forward in a flash, penetrating through her ribcage and piercing her heart.
As swiftly as I struck I quickly pull the blade out, sidestepping to avoid the blood that sprays out. I watch her spasm and thrash from the fatal wound with morbid fascination, her breathing growing more and more ragged before her body eventually stills.
I bring the machete to my maw and lick it with my slender tongue, tasting the blood on the blade. I feel myself smile at the pleasant flavor, the freshness contributing being a main factor.
It’s been a while since I’ve tasted fresh blood, the taste is just as good as I remember it.
My eyes turn to the corpse of the Feral, eventually I shake my head and chuckle. “Shouldn’t try to intimidate something stronger than you.” I say, more to myself than anything. “This is something you need to figure out on your own than experience, since most cases you won’t survive the lesson.”
I wipe the machete on the grass to remove the rest of the blood - or at least as much as possible - before sheathing it.
“Today is gonna be some scavenger’s lucky day.” I grin, turning my back and continuing down my original path.
I’ve got a mission to follow, so the last thing I will let happen is a Feral Pokemon causing me issues.
