“You can say that all you want, Gustav. But Chimera is going to win, there’s no other way for it to end~” Samantha singsongs.
I roll my eyes, but my tone still contained the same playfulness as before. “Very well, Samantha. You can assume whatever it is you wish to assume.” My mandibles click together mischievously as an idea of an excellent comeback pops into my mind. However ultimately I decide against saying it, since it’ll only prolong the banter and irritate Cheyenne further.
Throughout the entire trek towards the Sparring Hall Samantha and I have been messing around, specifically ‘arguing’ in a playful manner on how the match between Chimera and the cyborg would end. Obviously she’s steadfast on Chimera since she’s both on the same team as him as well as hold him in high regard, I on the other claw believe that it can go either direction.
My (metaphorical) brother Cheyenne has kept his distance from us, his irritation towards our ‘arguing’ having pushed him to the point where he’s trying to ignore the two of us - and failing. However for Hale and Sinfonia, they seem to be keeping to themselves, talking among each other through that mental link of theirs to pass the time.
Heh, to each their own.
I let my gaze wander, observing the familiar surroundings in a relaxed manner. It’s been a long time since I’ve grown used to this massive size, since it’s almost a constant necessity at this point that I have to look down at those I’m speaking to.
I couldn’t help but smirk when I thought back to the time I first met Asmund, I’d say it was probably one of the first times the Golurk was actually surprised, since I stand just as tall as him...if not greater. Sadly however his attitude was just as sour.
I shake my head slightly, more in disappointment than anything. I do wish the Golurk to gain a better outlook in life, but his prejudices aren’t something that can be easily shed. Not that I can blame him.
Ahead of me I notice that Cheyenne stopped, his frame obstructing my view. I walk around him, my gaze look at him curiously. “Something the matter?” I ask him, my tone playful. “I do hope that Samantha and I’s bickering haven’t-”
He gestures ahead of him with one of his giant metal pincers, in which I fall silent.
His lack of uttering a word intrigues me, so I follow my gaze to where he’s pointing at. My eyes fall upon a certain individual leaning against a wall, and it took me only a moment to recognize her.
Delilah, and...she doesn’t seem to be looking good. Her body is shaking as she hugs her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Hm, oh dear...
I take the initiative, walking past my ‘brother’ and making a beeline to her.
“Hello there Delilah.” I say softly, trying my best not to startle her. Sadly this happens anyways, since her body moves with a sudden jolt as her head snaps up to look at me.
“G-Gustav!” She exclaims, her voice incredibly shaky. Immediately she starts wiping her eyes in an attempt to save face. “D-Do you need something?”
My mandibles click together a few times as I contemplate the right choice of words to say. All of the choices seem rather intrusive, so I’ll go with something else. “I’d ask if you’re alright, but it’s quite apparent that things aren’t.” I say before chuckling. “So why don’t you join us? There’s going to be a fight between Chimera and the new cyborg - Bladesong if I remember her name correctly - and it’s going to quite the show from what I’ve been told.”
The Salazzle’s eyes widen, her sorrow momentarily forgotten. “Bladesong is going to fight Chimera?!”
“It...is just a spar.” Cheyenne growls behind me, obviously I ignore him.
“Indeed!” I grin, or at least try to due to the limits of my maw. “So why don’t you come with us? It’ll be a sight to see!”
She looks hesitant at the offer, but slowly nods. “Well...sure...” She sighs, getting up. Her legs are somewhat shaky due to reasons unknown to me, but she seems to be standing firm. Her next words she says are under her breath, just barely audible for me. “I’m already fucked, might as well as be there when Chimera is told...”
I briefly look at her with concern, but don’t comment. “Excellent!” I exclaim happily. “Let’s go! We don’t want to be late after all!”
“Late for Chimera to kick that robot’s ass~” Samantha hums behind me.
“She’s a cyborg, not a robot.” Delilah says tersely. “There’s a difference.”
I notice Hale and Sinfonia share a glance, while Cheyenne lets out a snort of amusement - the first time he hasn’t been irritable throughout this trek.
The dinosaur-like Salazzle hybrid frowns at Delilah, a puff of freezing mist escaping from the corners of her mouth. “Hmph, fine. Cyborg.” Samantha huffs, looking at Delilah coolly. “Regardless, my point still stands.”
At this, Delilah slowly smirks. “Honestly? My money is on Bladesong, that girl is far stronger than she looks.”
Cheyenne lets out a growl and walks past us, knowing fully well on where this is going.
Me though? I couldn’t help but enjoy the quickly forming banter between the two Salazzle hybrids, especially since Delilah’s mellow mood is vanishing.
Yes, I’ve made the right choice~
“Come along! We don’t have much time till it starts!” I laugh, continuing down the path where Cheyenne stormed off.
Although word spreads quickly within the GoT HQ, being the leader of Purging Light as well as a high-standing member gives me the benefit of learning things far faster than that of others.
Specifically the return of the Strike Team and the other teams that worked with them in the recent attack on a HWDP facility.
I was in my room working on some overdue paperwork before receiving a call from Colossus on my terminal, telling me to report to the ‘Meeting Hall’ immediately.
And so I dropped what I was doing and began making my way over, since if he’s calling for my presence immediately...then it must be very important.
...
Taking a quiet breath I push the door opens of the Meeting Hall, which is a large room containing a giant round table. Sitting at the table I immediately spy Colossus, however there are others accompanying him.
The Strike Team.
The first one that catches my eye at the table is Samantha, also known as Snowstorm. She’s a hybrid between a Salazzle, Aurorus, and Tyrantrum. Her body looks dinosaur in appearance, similar to that of a raptor. Her form is covered in shiny blue scales, her hands and feet ending in sharp claws and talons. On her back is a massive fin that glows with bright colors while her predatory blue eyes watch me as I enter the room.
The second is Godfrey, who goes by the alias of Paladin. Godfrey is a hybrid between that of a Bisharp, Rapidash, and Escavalier. The Bisharp and Rapidash genes have granted him the body that of an armored centaur, the style of said armor resembling that of a knight. The Escavalier genes however show itself by the gray color of his armor, the sharp lance ending on his left arm, and the metal plume poking out from his helmeted head.
The third member of the Strike Team is Jarvis, known for the name of Trojan in the field. He is a very special case of a hybrid, being a cross between a Porygon-Z and Rotom. What makes Jarvis unique is that his body is actually made of pure energy, due to this case he inhabits a mechanical body built in the likeness of a Porygon-Z, constructed by the HWDP themself before his eventual breakout. His frame is built of a bright white metal, his floating head and arms connected by tethers of blue energy. His head swivels at my direction, the two bright blue eyes of light locking onto my form.
And lastly, is the leader of the Strike Team.
Chimera.
Sitting right next to Colossus is his humanoid frame, his features just barely concealed by a blue cloak that covers his entire body. Between them all, he’s the most careful in keeping his appearance hidden. Although many of us already know what he really is, he still tends to keep himself covered out of pure habit.
Out of them all, they share one giant thing in common. They’re all artificial hybrids made by the HWDP, each of them considered elite in their capabilities and thus leading the attacks on the the facilities of the organization.
“Greetings Jezebel, it is very good to meet again.” Godfrey speaks out first, the centaur tapping his chest with the knuckles of his right hand in greeting.
I nod my head, my lips widening into a small smile. “To you as well, Godfrey.” I respond back before turning my head to the rest. “And the rest of you as well.”
“I see you haven’t changed your hair whatsoever.” Samantha muses playfully, picking at her large fangs with a claw. “If I had hair, I would most definitely be trying out different styles.” She rolls her reptilian eyes. “But if you want to be boring by dressing it in only one way, I won’t judge you.”
I give the reptile an amused look, however Jarvis cuts me off before I could prepare a witty retort.
“Could we perhaps hold the pleasantries for after the meeting?” He asks with a mild annoyed tone, the speakers built within him giving an almost computerized voice.
“Yes, my apologies.” I nod before taking a seat next to Chimera, said individual gives me a small nod of his own in greetings before turning his focus back to the table.
“Now that we’re all here...” Colossus says before gesturing to Chimera. “Even though you’ve already told me a good deal of it, would you care to repeat it for Jezebel?”
“Very well.” The cloaked hybrid responds, his voice sounding...off, as if there’s something more to it. Through the sleeves of his cloak I see his orange and blue hands clasp each other. “The result of the strike mission was an outstanding success, we infiltrated the facility and managed to take it down with only non-life threatening injuries sustained by our members.” Through the hood I see his glowing yellow eyes look at me. “Sadly however they’ve transported most of the hybrids out of the facility, most likely due to them suspecting us to target them. The few that remained were either not fully developed or wild and uncontrollable, so we put them down.”
I feel a frown form on my lips at this, but in the end I didn’t question their methods since I’m in no place to question them. With a gesture of my hand I urge him to continue.
However to my surprise, Chimera instead nods at Jarvis to take over.
“The main reason on why we’ve brought you here is to inform you of our discoveries.” The Porygon-Z tells me. “As always they’ve wiped their computers when we began the assault, making it impossible to retrieve any data on their experiments or whereabouts of other facilities.” He rests his metal hands onto the table, the digits tapping the metallic surface of the furniture. “However there was an error on their part, for on the body of one of their security staff we found a USB drive.”
Now this piqued my interest even more. “What did it contain?” I ask eagerly.
“Sadly not much.” Jarvis sighs. “However it did contain a very vital piece of information.” The glow in his eyes intensifies for a brief second. “Inside it was a report of a recent occurrence in one of their facilities, specifically of how several hybrids managed to break themselves out.”
I feel my jaw drop. “Break...themselves out?” I repeat slowly. “I thought their security measures prevented such a thing from ever occurring.”
Jarvis’ head bobs up and down. “That’s what we also believed, however the hybrids were very smart and...quite powerful. They waited for the right moment to break out, working together to fight through the security before eventually escaping.”
“So we have rogue hybrids out there?” I voice out, my tone filling with worry.
“Yes.” Chimera speaks up, his clasped hands gripping each other a bit more tightly. “The report left out on the specific details of what these hybrids are, but the information tells us that they were purposed to be soldiers. So they’re not some random experiment to see what works together.” He shakes his hooded head. “No, their genes were specifically chosen and spliced together in order to make them into what they are.”
That’s...definitely not good.
“And they’ve killed several of the Humans in those facilities in order to escape.” Jarvis adds. “To have killed them so efficiently when they’re armed with guns, it shows that they are very dangerous.” His blue eyes dim somewhat. “We have no idea on what their motivations are, but since they’ve broken themselves out and most likely have had no contact with civilization after their transformation...they will most likely be a great threat to the public.”
With my staff resting by my side I feel my grip tighten around it. “So with these hybrids out and about, we need to make it our priority to find them and hunt them down.” I say grimly, however a question comes to my mind. “How...do you intend to deal with them?”
"It depends.” Colossus chimes, his expression neutral. “To see that they’ve managed to free themselves without outside assistance, they are definitely not Feral Pokemon by far and perhaps could be reasoned with. So if we can manage to convince them to come quietly or incapacitate them, then we could try to bring them back here and try to rehabilitate them.”
With the way he’s spoken, there’s still more to the sentence.
“But if they’ve proven to be too much of a threat to everyone around them, then they will be killed instead.” I finish.
“Yes.” Colossus sighs, rubbing the side of his metal face with a hand. “It’s the last thing we want to do, but if they show any signs of being unable to be helped...then we’ll have no other choice but to remove them through extensive means.”
“However let us hope that it doesn’t come to that!” Godfrey says passionately, stomping the floor with one of his metal hooves. “If my brothers and sisters can be rescued, then we must take the chance.”
“I hear you.” Samantha nods in agreement. “The more victims of that hellhole we can save the better” She lets out an angry huff, causing a faint stream of mist to escape from her nostrils and cause frost to form on the surface of the table.
“However that requires us to locate them first.” Jarvis deadpans. “We’ve sent out word to Penumbra to inform Night Watchers to keep an eye out for any Hybrid activity in the meanwhile.”
“However if you do locate them, who do you intend to send?” I ask, turning my attention back to Colossus. “Are they dangerous enough to require a Night Warden team?”
The Aggron shakes his head. “Although they’re powerful hybrids, they’re definitely not on a level that requires a Night Warden team’s interference. Instead we’ll be sending some of the stronger Night Hunter teams.”
I blink once at this, then twice.
Night Hunters...? Then why...
“If the Night Wardens won’t be needed, then why isn’t Kaiser in this meeting?” I point out, feeling very confused. “And why did you call me?”
Samantha couldn’t help but laugh at this, increasing my confusion tenfold. “It’s because the Dragon drunk herself into a stupor!”
“Drunk herself into a stupor?” I repeat, my expression quickly shifting to a deadpan look as I already feeling a headache coming on. “I’m afraid to ask this, but...how and why?”
Kaiser is a very big Garchomp, because of this she should be able to hold her liquor incredibly well. But what really boggles my mind is why the leader of the Night Hunter branch would be so irresponsible.
Jarvis points a thumb at Colossus, his eyes dimming even more. “This guy is responsible for it.”
The Aggron raises his hands in defense. “Hey now! Even though we have our responsibilities, we’re allowed time to enjoy ourselves!” He defends himself. “Not to mention we had a bet on how much she could drink before she passed out.”
“Really now? Did you win this bet?” Godfrey asks, a wide grin on his face.
“Indeed I did!” The Aggron laughs. “When she wakes up she’'s definitely not gonna be in a very pleasant mood.”
I suppress the urge to facepalm. “You still didn’t answer the question as to why I’m here.” I grumble.
“To put it simply, you’ll be taking over for her until she’s fit to work again.” Colossus nods at me. “She won’t be in a working state for a little while since she did drink a very large amount.” He couldn’t help but snicker. “However even though she can hold her own, recovering from a hangover is a completely different story. It’ll take her a few days to properly recover from that fiasco.”
(An old 'interview' sequence that I made to go more in-depth with Chimera's Strike team before scrapping since I couldn't find a place to put it in, but after looking through my binned posts I thought I'd revive this.
It is essentially multiple interviews that have been cut and stuck together at different intervals. I apologize for the lack of anything since I have very little free time to keep up with the summarization, but hopefully you'll enjoy this!)
[Start of recordings]
Today we will have a very special interview with the Guardian of Twilight's most mysterious team of elite hybrids! You are listening to Daytime in Evolutia and this is your host - Orthwin Daylight! Now we'll have the first member of the Strike Team!
Interviewer: Thank you for giving us the time for this interview, our listeners are very interested to learn abut the members of the Guardian of Twilight's most enigmatic team. Please, introduce yourself for our listeners!
Chimera: I am Chimera - the leader of the Strike Team.
Interviewer: Hello Chimera, we've pooled together a multitude of questions from our listeners who are dying to know more about you! Are you ready?
Chimera: Go ahead.
Interviewer: So just to be clear, your team consists entirely of artificial hybrids made by the HWDP?
Chimera: That's correct.
Interviewer: It's clear to see that you are part Deoxys - which is a very rare Pokemon. Most Deoxys that have been found are often Ferals, so a sentient Deoxys hybrid is practically unheard of! Since you are a hybrid, one of our listeners wanted to know what else you are a hybrid of. Can you tell us what it is?
Chimera: That's classified.
Interviewer: I-I'm sorry, that's...classified?
Chimera: Yes.
[Awkward Silence]
Interviewer: (Awkward laugh) I-I see, in that case we will move to the next question. Another viewer was curious since you go by Chimera - and most of the Guardians of Twilight have an alias they go by when they work. You don't have to reveal your true name for your safety, but a viewer wanted to know-
Chimera: That's classified.
---
Paladin: I am a Hybrid of Bisharp, Escavalier, and Rapidash!
Interviewer: I see! That is quite the combo, we can see that it really shows with you having that centaur-like appearance that's depicted in Human mythology.
Paladin: Aha! That is not the first who have said such a thing, but indeed my appearance is very much like that of a centaur!
Interviewer: Concerning your abilities, one of our listeners wanted to know of what special abilities you possess due to your hybrid nature.
Paladin: Well I am a knight of fire! I wield the power of flames to heat my body to great temperatures for scorching foul villains. I can also conjure a shield of flames hot enough to incinerate even Human bullets that strike it!
Interviewer: My that is impressive! The alias of Paladin truly is fitting, you remind me of some chivalric orders that existed in the past!
Paladin: Alas however I will never truly be part of the chivalric orders of old - such as the Order of the Talon. I very much aspire to be like those very crusaders who fought against evil!
Interviewer: I see! Well on that note, another one of our listeners is curious on-
Paladin: Ah! I should tell you of one of the most impressive stories I've read! It is of a fearsome and valiant crusader known as Tapferkeit who fought against an army of darkness whose numbers ranged in the thousands all by himself.
Interviewer: H-Hold on now Paladin, we need to keep on track here-
Paladin: It all started on a dark day with blood soaking in the ground...
---
Snowstorm: I freeze things, is there anything else you need to do?
Interviewer: I-I'm aware, Snowstorm. You see however, the listens are curious on the specifics of your abilities and roles in the tea-
Snowstorm: So you wish to learn the nitty gritty details, hmmm~? Well, very well. Unlike the standard Salazzle who releases pheromones, my Aurorus side allows me to release mist capable of instantly freezing anything in contact. So when I enter into a room filled with targets, I freeze them solid~ After which I take advantage of my Tyrantrum genes to use my claws and teeth to crush them into little frozen bits of meat. That good enough on the details for your listeners?
[Silence]
---
Interviewer: W-What about your abilities? Our listeners want to know about-
Chimera: Also classified.
---
Trojan: -As for how I receive connection? Progria actually has a network of satellites that orbit around our planet that enable faster connection to their internet network, so by using a transmitter we've stolen from one of the HWDP's facilities I am able to establish contact with those satellites and access the internet even from this remote place here.
Interviewer: I-
Trojan: ...Of course normally my access would be barred since I'm not a registered user and they'd realize that the signal is coming from Evolutia, so I also transmit an extension of myself to use a 'digital smokescreen' to make it difficult to decipher where the signal is coming from, effectively making it impossible to track me. With that I can access the internet from the comfort of the Guardian of Twilight's HQ.
Interviewer: ...Trojan, that isn't even the question I asked- What even is the internet?!
Trojan: ...Heh, forgot that you guys live under a rock since you're using radio as the main source of news here. Alright, the internet-
Interviewer: (Frustrated groan) Forget about that question! Let's get back on topic, our listeners wanted to know-
Trojan: Oh come on, this is vital information to know. You guys wanted to know about what I do, right? Well that requires me to tell you exactly what my role is about when it comes to infiltrating Progria's cyberspace.
Interviewer: [Loud growl of exasperation]
---
Paladin: -and with his great hammer he struck down the foul Lady Midnight, and thus Tapferkeit and the Order of the Talon have won against all odds!
Interviewer: Paladin PLEASE, you have just spent TWENTY MINUTES talking about this unrelated story. We are wasting precious interview time for our listeners-
Paladin: Oh! I am very sorry my friend, it appears that I've allowed myself to get sidetracked. Please, continue with the questions!
Interviewer: It's okay, it's okay... It's very much okay, we can at least get some of these questions answered.
[Sounds of throat clearing]
Interviewer: Okay, so! One of our listeners asked this: What is your greatest achievement in the Guardians of Twilight? What daring act did you accomplish that you remember to this day?
Paladin: Aha! I remember it clear as day where I charged straight into the depths of an HWDP facility with my comrades in arms, to free the captive Pokemon within from their evil clutches!
Interviewer: I see! Are you able to go into detail about this? Or...is this also classified?
Paladin: Ah I can speak of it! It was a glorious battle, in fact it reminded me of the Order of the Talon's great charge against-
---
[Awkward silence]
...
[More awkward silence]
...
Snowstorm: Skitty got your tongue, hmm~?
Interviewer: ...Snowstorm, you can't just...go into the details about these things. There are children who are listening to this broadcast-
Snowstorm: Well they should've known better than to ask such questions.
Interviewer: Just...have some restraint, Snowstorm.
Snowstorm: Restraint? Heh. You can't have restraint when dealing with monsters, handsome.
Interviewer: Wait, handsome?!?! What do you mean by-
Snowstorm: Sometimes you need to realize that the world isn't just sunshine and rainbows, that you really need to cut it all away to reveal that blood and death is very, very real. For those listening? People die, and I certainly am responsible for a good deal of death. Don't worry though, at least the ones I kill deserve it~
Interviewer: ...Please don't make that expression when you're talking about this.
Snowstorm: Oh~? What, afraid of a little fangs~? Or are you liking what you're seeing~?
Interviewer: (Audible gulp)
---
Interviewer: What about your...choice of attire? Can we learn about your robes and hood, so that our listeners can-
Chimera: That's also classified.
---
Trojan: -now because I don't need a VPN, I'm able to access some of the most confidential of files that the HWDP have to offer - with really good bandwidth too I might add. With it I can bring up programs, virtual simulations of combat tactics, the nitty-gritty data on their biometric plans for their hybrids, the blueprints on the CCWs and how they operat-
Interviewer: Trojan PLEASE! Our listeners won't know what any of those words mean! I don't even know what half of those words mean!
---
Interviewer: ...Our listeners want to know about how you live about your day-
[Sudden pause]
Interviewer: ...Classified?
Chimera: Classified.
[Audible sigh of frustration]
---
Snowstorm: ...Now why don't we skip the questions about me and go about you, my dear Orthwin? Tell me, what Pokemon tend to catch your fancy~?
Interviewer: T-This isn't about me, Snowstorm. This is about you and the Strike team. Please, I need to salvage what I can from these interviews-
Snowstorm: What's the matter? (Purring sound) Don't want to tangle with a dino~?
Interviewer: P-P-P-P-P-PLEASE DON'T GET ANY CLOSER! STOP GIVING ME THAT LOOK!
---
Paladin: -and thus just like the crusaders at Mt. Eternity, we-
Interviewer: Please just end me...
---
[Awkward silence]
Interviewer: ...Chimera, what can you even tell us about yourself? About your team?! What's NOT classified?!?!
Chimera: ...My favorite color is green.
[Sounds of frustration followed by papers being tossed into the air]
---
Paladin: -and thus the great metal crusader and the dashing rogue worked together to take down the infamous serial killer and thus establishing peace once again in Evolutia! A grand story published by Shadowjack, I highly recommend giving his novels a check!
Interviewer: ...Paladin, we haven't been live for over ten minutes...
Paladin: Oh! How dreadful! Come, let us restart so that your listeners can-
Interviewer: No no no, they are MORE than fine without needing to listen to this!
Paladin: Ah, I see... Well! In that case, I will be more than happy to share more of these tales with you!
Interviewer: That's n-n-not necessary, Paladin! We'll end things her-
Paladin: Now for the great first battle of Tapferkeit when he was a newly constructed Golurk-
Interviewer: For the love of Arceu-
---
Trojan: ...Let me guess, you have no intention on airing these interviews?
[Awkward silence]
Trojan: ...You should stick with just interviewing the Night Hunters, I'm not sure why you even reached out to us - another Night Warden team - after seeing what happened when you interviewed Purging Light.
Interviewer: Oh Arceus, Asmund still gives me night terrors to this day.
Immediately I swap my arms, now using my upper-arms to continue my push-ups and folding my lower arms behind my back.
'I believe I’ve said this before, but it’s quite impressive seeing you work out.’ Sinfonia comments through our mental link, her body hovering near me as she observs with a relaxed smile. ‘You make it look so easy, seeing how smooth and fluid your motions are.’
I glance up at her, not stopping. ‘Aha, but it is easy!’ I grin at her, responding back through our link. ‘When you train your body enough, it becomes second nature.’ I shake my head, chuckling aloud. ‘Besides, I need to have strong muscles for my strong shields.’
She giggles at this before looking at me with an amused expression. ‘We both know that’s not the case. Your shields are powered through your mind and psychic power. Your physical prowess has no connection to it.’
‘Nonsense!’ I say loudly through our link, or at least try to. Technically it’s quite impossible ‘yell’ through our link just as it’s impossible to ‘yell’ with your own thoughts, for the volume will always remain the same. ‘I am Hale! My shields are as mighty as my strength! If my muscles start to wane, tso does my supportive power!’
She giggles again. ‘Very well, Hale. If that’s what you believe, I won’t argue with you on it.’
I merely keep grinning before looking back down, focusing on my push-ups.
My work-out after that has been in relative silence, the only sounds being my breathing and the commotion made by other Pokemon that are also following their exercise routines. This is but one of two Fitness rooms (or centers?) in the GoT HQ, and I happen to enjoy this one more due to its closer proximity to my and Sinfonia’s room.
Sinfonia doesn’t do much during my routines, not that she needs to do anything. She simply watches me and comments every so often, which is quite fine~
Eventually though, Sinfonia does speak again.
‘There seems to be a bit of commotion.’ She says mentally, her emotions containing curiosity.
As of currently I’m working on my bench-press sets, I glance over to her with a curious look. ‘Commotion? What sort?’ I ask through the link.
‘An excited conversation, it seems.’ She answers. ‘I’m only catching a few bits of said conversation from here, but I believe it’s about...some sort of spar?’
At this point I pause, the giant weights in the grip of my four arms hovering just above my chest.
‘Hm, perhaps we should inquire about it then.’ I say before standing up. Taking care to place the weights gently back onto their massive stand, and after brushing off some sweat that’s collecting on my brows I then head over to the group of Pokemon that Sinfonia was referring to.
I didn’t need to look to know that she’s right beside me.
The group is located just outside the Fitness Center, which actually isn’t too far away from our original location. The term ‘group’ isn’t an appropriator term I quickly realize, since it consists of only three Pokemon.
I recognize all of them. Gustav and Cheyenne, the two hulking centaur-like Drapion hybrids being the first two. The third is Samantha, the dinosaur-like Salazzle hybrid that is part of Chimera’s Strike Team.
As Sinfonia and I approach, the trio cease their conversation. “Now look who it is~” Samantha speaks up. She gives me a fanged grin, showing off the traits given to her from her Tyrantrum side. “Dear Hale, you’re all covered in sweat. Just finished your workout I presume?” She leans forward slightly with a seductive gaze in her reptilian eyes, a small puff of freezing mist leaking out of her maw. “Want me to lick you clean~?”
Sinfonia gives Samantha an unamused look. “That won’t be necessary.” She huffs before turning to me. ‘The nerve of her.’ She says through our link, her distaste being evident in her emotions.
‘Pay her no heed, Sinfonia.’ I chuckle through our link. ‘You know how Samantha tends to be. She finds a great deal of enjoyment in getting under the skin of others. Don’t let her rile you up.’ Then focusing on the group, I start speaking aloud. “I hear that you three are discussing about some sort of spar. Did something happen?”
“On the contrary, something is about to happen.” Gustav chuckles, the Drapion/Clawitzer hybrid snapping his massive claw. “Maria passed by a few minutes earlier, raving about how there’s going to be ‘another amazing fight’ in the Sparring Hall.”
Me and Sinfonia share a glance, not liking the sound of this. We both know how the last one ended, specifically between Venya and Tetishuri.
We both agree that the fight never should’ve happened in the first place.
“I see that look you two have.” The hulking tank known as Cheyenne rumbles, the Drapion/Forretress hybrid rolling his eyes. He crosses his arms, the lights of the hall reflecting off the metal plates on his body. “This is a mere spar, not some glory match that the Mime is spouting about.”
“Ohhh but it will be a sight to behold~” Samantha hums. “Chimera is going to be fighting the cyborg.” She starts laughing. “I’ve witnessed Chimera’s power numerous times, I can’t wait to see him wipe the floor with her!”
“Now don’t be so hasty with your assumptions.” Gustav chuckles. “We haven’t even seen what Bladesong is capable of yet. From what I’ve heard from those who’s seen her, she seems to be a very capable girl. I’m sure she’ll hold her own against him.”
“I doubt it~” Samantha singsongs.
Cheyenne lets out an irritated growl. “Maria has a habit of overexaggerating things, blowing them out of proportions when they don’t need to be.” His giant pincer claws clack together, creating a loud sound that makes Sinfonia flinch. “This is a simple spar, probably to train or test Bladesong since she IS a new member. The two won’t be fighting each other at full force, so get those thoughts out of your heads.”
“Oh now I see why you’re not fun at parties.” Samantha huffs, waving him off.
‘It is quite true that Maria tends to make things seem bigger than they are.’ Sinfonia says to me. ‘However at the same time, her desire for there to be a large audience during mere training sessions tend to make them far more intense as well.’
‘I agree.’ I mentally say to her with a small nod. ‘The fight between Venya and Tetishuri wouldn’t have been nearly as severe if it weren’t for the crowd. Nevertheless, there’s bound to be a large number of people heading to watch the fight as of right now, so we might as well as go.'
‘I suppose.’ Sinfonia sighs.
I clear my throat, gaining the attention of the three Hybrids before me. “What are we waiting for?” I laugh loudly. “Come! If we don’t hurry, it might be over by the time we arrive!”
“Now that would be a sight to see~” Samantha giggles. “To see Chimera already victorious when we get there...”
“Again with your hasty assumptions.” Gustav shakes his head. “Samantha, if you keep this train of thought you will most likely be disappointed.”
I didn’t hear what the Salazzle’s response was, since Sinfonia and I are already making our way towards the location where said fight will commence.
‘I hope this won’t end badly.’ Sinfonia says to me worriedly.
‘Hope so too, Sinfonia.’ I agree. ‘However I doubt things will escalate, since Chimera and Bladesong aren’t Venya and Tetishuri. Those two don’t hold any hard feelings for each other.’ I pause. ‘Or at least, I don’t believe they do.’
The shiny Chimecho smiles slightly. ‘I don’t believe they do, either.’ She lets out a soft sigh. ‘Even though Venya brought it upon herself, seeing her devastated from the loss of that fight...’
I give my companion a small nod of understanding. ‘I felt sorry for her too.’
‘I’m sure her pride wouldn’t have been hurt nearly as much if it weren’t for the crowd.’ Sinfonia murmurs through our link. ‘But as you’ve said, Chimera and Bladesong probably don’t have any sort of tension between them. So I’m worrying over nothing.’
I grin at her. ‘And that’s what makes you Sinfonia, dear Sinfonia. You care and worry about all others, and that’s what makes you who you are.’ I give her a very gentle pat on the back of her body. ‘Don’t change, you hear?’
She chuckles, her mood already lightening. ‘Don’t worry, dear Hale. I won’t change just as long as you won’t.’
I raise a fist into the air, looking at her with my confident smile. ‘Then it looks like we have a deal~!’
