Story Notes:
This is a sequel to my Tales of Travelers series. You don't need to actually know much about it to read this though.
Chapter 5
Besieged
Chapter 5
By Mecha-mightyanador
Mecha: *smiles* Hey everyone. Welcome back to Besieged.
Rika: *waves from atop the battered from of Bane* Yo people.
Ferra: *is tending to Death* You guys really were asking for this.
Inferno: *limps into view, covered in bandages, followed by Sky in much the same state* It was still excessive.
Mecha: Whatever mutt. *ahems* Now...when we had last left off, we saw that a new face had appeared before the group.
Blaze: *sits, grumbling as he is also bandaged* And it was instantly unpleasant for my boy.
Rika: Yeah...poor Taze...looks like he's got some competition for Azur.
Tia: I hope he can win her heart. He'll need to get some more courage before doing that though.
Mecha: Indeed. So let's start, and see if our quilava friend will learn he needs to man up.
The young luxio smiled, "So you lot are heading to Koshi castle huh? May I ask what brings you that way? Perhaps you too wish to see the place of the legendary battle where the serpent demon Orochi was struck down.?"
Azur giggled, "Kinda like that. We have a bit of a personal connection to that battle."
Leonel tilted his head, "Oh? Were your parents part of the battle?" he smiled, "Astounding." he looked over Taze, "Wait...I do believe I have heard of a typhlosion who is very similar to you Taze..." he blinked, "Wait...you don't mean you are all the offspring of those legendary heroes!"
Azur nodded, smiling, "Yep. We most certainly are. Me and my brother Flint even fought with our parents against the Brotherhood of Shadow." she puffed her chest out, "In fact...me and him were the ones who delivered the final blow to the Brotherhood's leader."
Leonel laughed, "Astounding! This is truly a once in a lifetime chance. I never dreamed of meeting anyone who actually had a connection to such legends." He grinned, "Oh I simply must accompany you fellows now. It seems to me like you are the leader Azur...so might I humbly inquire if I would be welcome."
Azur giggled, blushing lightly, "Oh I have no issue with it."
He grinned, "Wonderful. And the rest of you?"
Flint looked the electric type over, before shrugging, "I see no issue." Mako gave a quiet shrug, his opinion much like Flint's.
Blair giggled, "He's funny. I like the way he talks. We gotta let him tag along. He'll be super fun."
Derra nodded, "You're very polite and nice Leonel. It'd be nice to have someone to balance out Mako's attitude." She giggled at the glare her buizel brother gave her.
Rein gave a nod, "I...as the best of the best in the group...declare that you are more than welcome." Blair quickly snapped a tentacle to his rump, making him yelp and glare.
Cryst looked to Taze, who's spirits had sagged during the whole conversation. "Umm...well...I guess there's no...harm...maybe..."
Leonel nodded, grinning before looking to Taze, "And what about you Taze, my fine friend."
The quilava sighed, "Not like my opinion matters much given that even if I said no...I'm outvoted. But sure...tag along." He let his head hang. "So...shall we get moving than? We do have to make up for lost time."
Azur nodded, "Right. Come on Leonel."
He grinned, "Astounding." he began walking alongside the shiny houndour, the others following behind, Taze bringing up the rear with a downcast head. "So Azur...do you have any interesting stories to tell? Oh...silly me...you obviously must given you were apart of your parents' adventures."
The houndour giggled, "Oh the story isn't that impressive really." she smiled, "But...if you really want to hear...Okay it all started when our mom and dad and our aunts and uncles all took us to a beach..." She began to recount the adventure she and Flint had had, her brother occasionally supplying a few details she couldn't remember. All through the tale Leonel listened intently, hanging on every word that came from Azur's lips. And as he listened Taze followed along, not in the least bit happy about how things had turned out, Azur was obviously quite taken with Leonel...meaning she wasn't interested in him.
And there was something else...something that just itched at the back of Taze's mind. There was just something about the luxio that the quilava didn't like. He couldn't put his paw on it...but he just really didn't like or trust Leonel...at all. But it was obvious his opinion didn't matter...and...Azur would hate him if he mentioned his feelings on the matter. It was probably nothing anyway, just jealousy poisoning his opinion...though he didn't mind that in the least.
The houndour kept tell the story until most of the day had passed, the sun starting to sink upon the horizon. They decided to keep moving for a little longer before picking a spot to step and rest. Azur looked to Leonel, "I've talked long enough...Leonel how about telling us a little bit about yourself. Why are you traveling to Koshi castle?"
He shrugged, "I just really wanted to see it. It's such a legendary place after all. And it's not like I have anywhere else to be."
Derra tilted her head, "Don't you have a home?"
He shook his head, "Nope...this little mark here" he pointed to the skull shaped patch of white fur, "made me real unpopular where I lived. After so much less than stellar treatment, I decided to go off on my own and live a life superior to that reprehensible area." He smiled, "And look at where life led me. I dare say I made quite the correct choice with my life."
Azur giggled, blushing lightly, "Oh I say we got pretty lucky ourselves. Its going to be real fun having you around Leonel. And since you don't have anywhere to go...you'd be more than welcome to stay with us long after Koshi castle."
He grinned, "Astounding. I'd be very grateful for such an opportunity. Thank you profusely my fair maiden." he gave a quick bow. "Today has truly been very fortunate to me. And I'm sure that the future will be just as beneficial, if not more so." he chuckled, looking back, "May I ask something of you and your siblings Derra?" the winged poochyena nodded, so he quickly asked, "Are you 3 offspring of one of Orochi's servants?"
Derra nodded, "Yeah...our dad did serve Orochi at the time."
Mako scoffed, "But he left when it was obvious the walking wallet was doomed. He met our mom shortly after. Blah blah blah, romantic story of how evil turns good, joins old foes and becomes a dear friend and family." He looked to Leonel, "That a good enough answer for you?"
The luxio chuckled, smiling uneasily, "I didn't mean to offend. I had heard that the mightyena called Death had survived the conflict and was even seen fighting along side the heroes." he waved a paw to ease any anger in the buizel, "I simply wanted to know if the rumors were in fact true."
Blair giggled, "Don't mind Mako...he's all bark. He'd never hurt a fly. He's a big cuddly wuddly teddiursa." Mako glared at his sister, "Don't act so mad...I can see your blush big bwodda." Mako growled, struggling against the urge to strangle.
Leonel chuckled, "Thanks Blair but I think I'll avoid incurring the wrath of your brother." He smiled, turning back to look at Azur, "Azur can I ask you a question?"
She smiled, a faint blush on her face, "Oh please ask away Leonel."
"I'm curious...what exactly prompted you all to leave your home? I mean...why leave a home that I'm sure was a lot more loving than my own." he tilted his head, very curious.
Azur smiled, giggling, "Oh that...well...hearing so much about their adventures...we all wanted to go out and prove we were every bit as good as our parents. We even had our first major conflict not to long ago." he tilted his head, so she explained, "We found this really weird thing...a little relic left over by Biogen. He was real ugly...but real strong. But we showed that loser who he was messing with didn't we guys."
Cryst cleared her throat, "Umm...technically it was Taze who really won that fight for us. And Flint too of course."
Azur blushed, rubbing the back of her head, "Okay yeah...it was really thanks to those two...but we all did put up a great fight." the others nodded in agreement. "It was real cool kicking his butt."
Leonel chuckled, "Well it sounds exciting, meaning it must have been very much so. I only wish I could have been there myself." he grinned, "Oh you don't have to worry about me by the way. I can do fisticuffs with the best of them."
Azur blinked, tilting her head, "what-icuffs?"
Cryst quickly answered, "It basically means fighting. Its a gentleman term for it. Aunt Sky told me about it...she only knew it because she heard it on one of the human televisions." she thought about it, "It is a really old word that fell out of popular use."
Leonel laughed, "I have been told my way of speaking is rather dated. More often than naught I've been told I act like an old mon from the days of knights and kings. But I have also been told my speaking was very old gentlemen like." he looked off in the distance, seeing the sun starting to creep down and out of sight, "We should find a place to retire for the evening." The others all nodded and set up a small camp, sitting around the fire and preparing to rest. Taze watched unhappily as Azur was sitting close to Leonel, chatting up with him. The quilava sighed, curling up and trying to fall asleep quickly.
*****
The next morning the group had arisen bright and early, and after a quick breakfast, brought to them by the curtsy of Leonel, they moved off. The group took the same shape as yesterday, Leonel and Azur in front, chatting happily, while Taze dragged behind, head hung low. Flint occasionally looked back to make sure they didn't lose him, and while he did feel sorry for his friend...what could he do? Demand his sister ignore the male she obviously had a crush on? Taze was going to have to up his efforts if he wanted to capture the houndour's attention, and he couldn't rely others to do all the work for him.
Than Flint stopped dead in his tracks, head quickly surveying the area. The others abruptly stopped, looking to him, short of Leonel who was also looking about. The luxio smirked, "We have company."
From out of the nearby trees came several treecko and grovyle, all looking ready for a fight. One grovyle, who was probably just a little bit older than Flint and Azur smirked, "Well well well...look't wha we got 'ere. A bunch o little kiddies." he cackled, "You pups 'ave 'ad a spot o bad luck catching my eye."
Flint glared, "What do you want?"
"My oh my...talkin pretty tough fo' a little runt." he smirked, "I 'ave taken a liking ta that thar sword on yo back...and that pretty little necklace she be 'aving." his cackled maliciously, "You better be smart and 'and it on over. Lest we be forced ta...acquire it in a mo'...unpleasant fashion."
Leonel was impressed, "Who, if you would be so kind as to indulge my curiosity, are you?"
"Well I'll do ya'lls a fava and answer. I be Dearth, and I be the son o' da infamous bandit Famine." he spoke it with a grin, proud of his villainous heritage.
Several ears perked at that news, and Flint just smirked, "Famine huh? Well...we have issue than Dearth." he stepped forward, the others glaring down the band of rogues. "You see...my dad buried yours in pit of stalagmites. I only think it's fitting that I bury you."
Dearth glared daggers, "Ya...ya'll be the son o' that bastard hound! O' boy...you shouldn't outta said that. Now we gonna have to kill you and yo' little friends! Gut dem son o' bitches!" The other grass types leaped forward at the group, Dearth himself going straight for Flint. The others each had their own opponent to deal, with the exception of Leonel, who was facing 2 grovyle. Azur, Mako, and Taze were each facing grovyles, the others had opponents in the treeckos.
*****
Derra growled, wings spread and tentacle waving threateningly, the shiny poochyena trying to force her opponent to back down without combat. She wasn't going to get away from fighting so easily, the treecko pushing forward, ready to pound her with his tail. The dark type caught the attack with her tentacles, grabbing the tail firmly before yanking him by it and smashing him into the ground. She than quickly tossed him away and into a tree, watching to see if he'd be smart and stay down. He did no such thing of course, and used a quick attack, dashing left and right before slamming his fist into her face. Derra stumbled a few steps, but quickly spun on her paws, smashing a tentacle into the side of the grass type's face. He was sent tumbling across the ground before slowly sliding to a stop, groaning as he rose back onto his feet. Derra sighed, shaking her head at his refusal to admit defeat.
Standing to face her again, the treecko charged forward, using a quick attack/pound combo. The attack struck, sending the pooch skidding across the ground a bit, giving him the confidence to press the attack. The action was ill advised though, Derra growling in frustration as he approached with another quick attack. Just before he managed to land the attack, her tentacles grabbed his arm, yanking him up over the ground. As he struggled and attempted to break free of her grip, she opened her mouth, building energy for a shadow ball. When the attack was ready she let him go, and a split second afterwords she launched the attack, sending him several feet into the air before he crashed into a tree. The treecko fell to the ground unconscious, groaning lightly in pain. Derra sighed, than smiled as she turned to see if the others needed help.
*****
Rein smirked, scratching at his ear as he eyed his opponent, not impressed by the treecko. It didn't matter if the grass type was resilient to electric attacks, Rein had learned plenty of other tricks for fighting opponent. The treecko was quite confident in his type advantage though, snickering as he cracked his knuckles. The grass type moved first, coming in with a quick attack upon Rein's right, but the black pawed chu blocked the strike, smirking at his opponents stunned expression. With amazing speed and dexterity he spun around the grass type, and sent a mega punch to the back of his skull. The treecko was sent tumbling forward, clutching his head and cursing. Rising back to his feet he turned to face the chu, but saw empty space. Out from the left Rein came in and slammed him with another punch, sending the treecko fumbling across the ground.
Slamming a fist to the ground the treecko got up, and charged with a quick attack followed by a pound, striking his tail against Rein's iron tail. The pikachu smirked, and spun around, his iron tail smashing into the treecko and sending him rolling across the ground. Rein smirked, picking at his ear as he watched his opponent stand up, albeit on weary legs this time. He didn't understand why the fellow insisted on keeping up the fight, it wasn't like he was a challenge...especially when compared to the Biogen monster they had fought before. As the treecko glared, Rein shook his head, quickly closing the distance and smashing the grass types face in with one more punch. The treecko finally stayed down, out cold from the last blow, Rein dusting off his paws with a grin.
*****
Blair giggled, hoping from one foot to another, fist moving in a boxer like fashion. Her opponent smirked, thinking he had an easy prey in the strange acting buizel. Blair was still going, before smirking, using an aqua jet and zooming up and over the treecko, stopping it and coming down with a sonic boom. The grass type was blasted back, skidding across the ground, glaring at her before using an absorb attack. Blair ground her teeth, taking the attack before unleashing another sonic boom which the treecko dodged, but it opened him up to the air cutter her tentacle unleashed. The strike hit home, sending the grass type reeling from the super effective strike, catching him completely off guard. Blair grinned, flicking her tentacles, going back to her boxer like motions, giggling, "Come on...I'll knock your block off...I'll...I'll...what did papa say that one guy did..." she paused to think, before opening her eyes wide, "oh yeah...I'll bite off your ear!" she paused again, "Eeeewww!"
The treecko glared, unwilling to accept that someone so air headed was actually winning. He rushed forward with a quick attack, striking her stomach before leaping into the air and spinning to unleash a pound. His tail slammed into her tentacles, Blair smirked, "Not bad...I can pound too." pushing his attack back she quickly followed the motion with a double pound from both her tentacles, slamming the grass type into the ground. "What did auntie Sky say...oh yeah! FORE!" she cracked her tentacles around for another slam, hitting the treecko in the face and sending him soaring through the sky until he crashed into the brush several feet away. She grinned, "Yay! Goal!" she paused, "or was it score...no...oh yeah." she held up two digits, smiling big, "Touchdown!"
*****
Cryst quietly eyed her opponent, who glared at her in response. She was sure he'd not be much of an issue, he didn't have much weight to toss around, and given some of her observations, he wasn't exceptionally fast or reflexive. Overall he'd be easy to defeat, she just hoped he'd realize he was outmatched before she'd have to really hurt him. Suddenly the treecko took off with a quick attack, coming in on her right. He slammed his fist into her cheek, knocking her back a bit, but she quickly countered with a shadow ball, tending him skidding away when the attack connected with his chest. He grunted as he looked back up, glaring daggers as he rushed forward with a slam attack, the blow striking nothing but air and dirt. The poochyena had lept to the side and quickly jumped forward, using a bite attack, teeth sinking into his arm. He let out a yell of pain, which grew when he felt himself tossed shortly after, Cryst using the attack to grab him for a throw.
The grass type groaned, rising back to his feet, holding at his injured arm as he looked at his opponent, wincing lightly. Cryst stood firm, waiting for him to move, hopefully it would be a tactical withdraw and not a charge for...she sighed, watching him use another quick attack. She ducked down, barely managing to avoid his slam attack, using the opening he left to blast him in the gut with another shadow ball. He was knocked off his feet, wind knocked clear out of his lungs as he hit the dirt. Gasping for breath he rolled onto all fours, groaning lightly in pain. He looked back at Cryst and cursed, before getting up and running away, much to the dark types joy. With a happy sigh she turned to see how her friends were doing.
*****
Mako glared, growling out as he stared down his grovyle foe, who was smirking, confident thanks to the type advantage. The buizel knew that the type difference meant dick though...even if the grovyle had grass attacks, Mako had flying attacks thanks that he could use. The grovyle moved in, a leaf blade attack going into effect, taking a slash at Mako, who dodged swiftly and quickly struck with an air cutter. The strike sent the grass type reeling back, eyes shut tight in pain as he was knocked straight into a tree. Mako smirked, "Run away now, or I'll hit you so hard you won't know who you are." The grass type glared, slamming his fist against the tree. Running up the trunk, the grovyle pushed himself off with his powerful legs, coming down on Mako with a double leaf blade. The attack hit the dirt, Mako leaping back but he was struck a pursuit almost immediately after the dodge.
The grovyle smirked, following up with a fury cutter at the buizel's head. Mako growled, using his tentacle to push away the grass type's arms, before he started forming something in his paw...a shadow ball quickly found its way into the gut of the grovyle, knocking him back. Before he even had a chance to recover a pair of air cutters slammed into him, both hitting with full force sending him into a tree. The impact made loud crack as splinters flew, the grovyle crumpling to the ground, unconscious and very lucky to be alive. Mako spat, smirking, "Weak little pile of shit. Didn't have a chance in hell against me!"
*****
Taze's opponent was fairly concerned, as he was up against a fire using foe, so the grass type had to be careful. Taze just stared at his foe, "You can leave you know. I don't want to hurt you." The grovyle seemed to be thinking about the proposition, but he looked to Dearth, before glaring down the fire type. "Okay...I'll try not to hurt you to bad." Taze felt sorry that his foe didn't know that Dearth was doomed...especially if Flint repeated his actions with the Biogen creature. The grass type was using a quick attack, hoping to strike at Taze's rear flank, but the quilava's eyes began to glow...than the grovyle was stopped dead, blinking. "I know psychic moves too...I'm very unique if you couldn't tell from looking." The grass mon found himself flung into a large nearby rock, wind pushed out of his lungs, shock taking a firm hold. Taze just turned around and unleashed a psybeam, the attack striking just to the right of the grass mon's head, destroying the rock.
Taze cleared his throat, "Now...look...Dearth there is very much an unfortunate soul. I really don't want to hurt you much. And Dearth will not be getting a chance to do that either so..." The grovyle took the hint and quickly made a break for it, much to Taze's relief. It was short lived though, as another grovyle came at his back, getting sent air born by a psychic blast. Taze turned and glared at Leonel, who waved, "my deep apologies Taze! I couldn't hold him here." The quilava grumbled, before turning and launching a flamethrower at the charging grass type. Set alight by the attack the unfortunate mon was forced to run for water to put himself out. Taze shook his head, glaring at Leonel some more for his ineptitude.
*****
Leonel quickly dodged left, than right as the two grovyle pressed the attack. Leaf blades and fury cutters aplenty, and the luxio was easily dodging the attacks. He was enjoying the fight truth be told, finding his opponents woefully underpowered for the fight. But with that said, they didn't lack enthusiasm, as even though they weren't landing a hit they were still coming. But he couldn't stand by and just let them keep attacking, so after one more dodge he struck out with a crunch at a leg, leaping off of the bitten grovyle and hitting his friend with an iron tail. The two glared at him, the iron tailed one noticing that one of his fellows had fled. It quickly charged for Taze, Leonel frowning, "How unacceptable, our duel is not yet done." The other grovyle rushed him. Knocking the foe away with another iron tail Leonel turned to see Taze glaring.
"My deep apologies Taze! I couldn't hold him here." Leonel than quickly went back to his other opponent, using a crunch on his arm, swinging around to smash another iron tail against the grovyles head. The grass type stumbled forward, dazed from the attack before his back was struck by a charged up spark. While strong against electric attacks, the charge up made it hurt all the same, and it was worse by the paralysis that followed. Leonel crunched onto the grass types legs before tossing out of the way, using and iron tail to make sure he was far away. The luxio nodded, smiling before seeing if any of the others needed help.
*****
Azur laughed, "Come on...are you afraid of a little girl like me?" She laughed, watching as the grovyle she faced was keeping a sizable distance. The laughter was making him glare and grind his teeth, flexing his fist, teeth grinding. She showed her side to him, "Do I need to paint a big target for you? Come on! Attack me!" That was the straw that broke the back, the grass type threw all caution to the wind and rushed, leaf blade ready to slash the houndour. She smirked, letting him near before flipping over him, landing behind him and unleashing a smog attack on the turning mon. The poison gas choked the grovyle who quickly ran out of it for breathing air, but the damage was done and the poison was coursing through his veins. To make it worse, immediately after leaving he was hit by a flamethrower, making his scream out in pain.
Azur shook her head, "Bad move there buddy. Tsk tsk tsk." She giggled. As he got up she sighed, "You're only going to get hurt more." She rolled her eyes, watching him charge again. She let loose another smog attack, the grass type moving right into it and he immediately began hacking. Azur shook her head, using ember, igniting the ball of gas and the poor sap inside it. The grovyle screamed rolling about on the ground, luckily managing to put himself out before burning to death. Azur shook her head, "Told ya." She kicked some dirt on him, looking towards her brother to see how he was fairing."
*****
Flint was watching, face showing indifference as Dearth attacked without relent. Every strike hit nothing but air and ground, the absol easily managing to dodge every blow the grovyle attempted to land. Dearth was glaring, growling out in rage as he kept trying, but his movements were so slow to Flint's eyes, it was as if he was moving in slow motion. But after so long Flint grew tired of Dearth's face, and unleashed an ice beam, knocking the grass type back. Flint quickly followed the attack up with a slash across Dearth's flank, making the grovyle yell out in pain. The absol turned and watched for Dearth's next movements as wind kicked up around him. Dearth turned and glared, "Ya'll be asking fo' it!" He unleashed a bullet seed barrage, Flint just scowled as he met the attack with a razor wind, slicing through the seeds and cutting deeply into Dearth's left shoulder.
The grovyle fell to the ground, clutching his wound, "I don understand it...'ow could I 'ave been beaten by a bunch o' kids?"
Flint glared, "How? I tell you how...you father was a pathetic retch. You're a pathetic retch. Your entire life, short as it was, was filled with you trying to be something you aren't...strong." Flint spat, "And when you die...history will forget you. You'll fade from memory...and all the while rot in hell like scum like you deserves."
Dearth glared, snarling, "Wha' you know about life boy!? Wha' you know about being some'ing!? Yo' always be in yo' daddy's shadow! Yo' never gonna leave it! Bunch of runts like yo'...yo' fade fo' sure!" he prepared a leaf blade, and rushed straight for Flint, "And I'll help that along!" Flint grabbed his blade and rushed forward, the two slashing at one another.
When they stopped, Flint sheathed his blade. Dearth's arm leaves were sliced, and the grovyle gurgled up blood before his head fell off. Flint spat, "If I vanish in time...lost within the annuals of history...so be it. I will at least die knowing I did the world a favor and shut you up."
The others had all managed to turn around just in time to see the final blow delivered. And like before, Taze, Mako, Cryst, Blair, Rein, and Derra stared at the corpse. Leonel shook his head, going up to Azur, "My fair damsel...are you alright."
The houndour nodded, "Yeah...I'm fine." she looked to her brother, worried.
*****
After their fight with Dearth, and the recovering from the end result of the fight, the group continued on their path. Silence had settled over the collection of mon, and while most dealt with the death of Dearth...a few others went more towards individuals. Taze was still unhappy about the Leonel situation. Azur was worried about her brother.
Cryst eventually broke the suffocation quiet though, quietly speaking out, "If I'm right...we should be able to see Koshi castle when we get over that hill."
Azur looked back, smiling, "Really?" she was grateful for the good news, "Great! Hey Flint, bet I can beat you up there."
The absol smirked, "Dream on!" he took off, Azur running after him, though it was obvious he was going to win. As he pulled ahead, she laughed, and the happy mood drifted down to the others who were all starting to smile. Than Flint made it to the top...stopping dead in his tracks. "Guys! Get up here!"
The others could feel the dread in his words, and they quickly bolted up the hill side, as Azur joined her brother, gasping out, "What...what's going on?" The others quickly filled up around them, staring in utter shock at the scene laid out before them.
A black and twisted fortification was standing, guards visibly patrolling along the ramparts. Several patrols were walking around the castle, traversing the land that was blackened with red fiery cracks all over it. Atop the castle were flags that shone out a dark blue, with the image of a falcon, wings spread and soaring up into the heavens, one of its talons firmly grasping the world. The group stared on...at the fully rebuilt and heavily guarded Koshi Castle.
Mecha: Well...looks like conflict with the main villain is bound to happen now.
Inferno: ....
Sky: Flint...
Rika: I hope they'll be okay. These guys won't be like those idiot followers of Dearth.
Bane: Don't worry Rika...Rein and Cryst will help see them through.
Blaze: I don't like Leonel. He's useless in a fight...couldn't even handle two weak little grovyle scum.
Tia: Now dear...I think you might be a bit biased against him.
Death: Yeah...he is moving in on your boy's crush.
Mecha: We'll get to see how good Leonel is in a fight tomorrow. See you next time readers.
Ferra : *waves*
Chapter 5
By Mecha-mightyanador
Mecha: *smiles* Hey everyone. Welcome back to Besieged.
Rika: *waves from atop the battered from of Bane* Yo people.
Ferra: *is tending to Death* You guys really were asking for this.
Inferno: *limps into view, covered in bandages, followed by Sky in much the same state* It was still excessive.
Mecha: Whatever mutt. *ahems* Now...when we had last left off, we saw that a new face had appeared before the group.
Blaze: *sits, grumbling as he is also bandaged* And it was instantly unpleasant for my boy.
Rika: Yeah...poor Taze...looks like he's got some competition for Azur.
Tia: I hope he can win her heart. He'll need to get some more courage before doing that though.
Mecha: Indeed. So let's start, and see if our quilava friend will learn he needs to man up.
The young luxio smiled, "So you lot are heading to Koshi castle huh? May I ask what brings you that way? Perhaps you too wish to see the place of the legendary battle where the serpent demon Orochi was struck down.?"
Azur giggled, "Kinda like that. We have a bit of a personal connection to that battle."
Leonel tilted his head, "Oh? Were your parents part of the battle?" he smiled, "Astounding." he looked over Taze, "Wait...I do believe I have heard of a typhlosion who is very similar to you Taze..." he blinked, "Wait...you don't mean you are all the offspring of those legendary heroes!"
Azur nodded, smiling, "Yep. We most certainly are. Me and my brother Flint even fought with our parents against the Brotherhood of Shadow." she puffed her chest out, "In fact...me and him were the ones who delivered the final blow to the Brotherhood's leader."
Leonel laughed, "Astounding! This is truly a once in a lifetime chance. I never dreamed of meeting anyone who actually had a connection to such legends." He grinned, "Oh I simply must accompany you fellows now. It seems to me like you are the leader Azur...so might I humbly inquire if I would be welcome."
Azur giggled, blushing lightly, "Oh I have no issue with it."
He grinned, "Wonderful. And the rest of you?"
Flint looked the electric type over, before shrugging, "I see no issue." Mako gave a quiet shrug, his opinion much like Flint's.
Blair giggled, "He's funny. I like the way he talks. We gotta let him tag along. He'll be super fun."
Derra nodded, "You're very polite and nice Leonel. It'd be nice to have someone to balance out Mako's attitude." She giggled at the glare her buizel brother gave her.
Rein gave a nod, "I...as the best of the best in the group...declare that you are more than welcome." Blair quickly snapped a tentacle to his rump, making him yelp and glare.
Cryst looked to Taze, who's spirits had sagged during the whole conversation. "Umm...well...I guess there's no...harm...maybe..."
Leonel nodded, grinning before looking to Taze, "And what about you Taze, my fine friend."
The quilava sighed, "Not like my opinion matters much given that even if I said no...I'm outvoted. But sure...tag along." He let his head hang. "So...shall we get moving than? We do have to make up for lost time."
Azur nodded, "Right. Come on Leonel."
He grinned, "Astounding." he began walking alongside the shiny houndour, the others following behind, Taze bringing up the rear with a downcast head. "So Azur...do you have any interesting stories to tell? Oh...silly me...you obviously must given you were apart of your parents' adventures."
The houndour giggled, "Oh the story isn't that impressive really." she smiled, "But...if you really want to hear...Okay it all started when our mom and dad and our aunts and uncles all took us to a beach..." She began to recount the adventure she and Flint had had, her brother occasionally supplying a few details she couldn't remember. All through the tale Leonel listened intently, hanging on every word that came from Azur's lips. And as he listened Taze followed along, not in the least bit happy about how things had turned out, Azur was obviously quite taken with Leonel...meaning she wasn't interested in him.
And there was something else...something that just itched at the back of Taze's mind. There was just something about the luxio that the quilava didn't like. He couldn't put his paw on it...but he just really didn't like or trust Leonel...at all. But it was obvious his opinion didn't matter...and...Azur would hate him if he mentioned his feelings on the matter. It was probably nothing anyway, just jealousy poisoning his opinion...though he didn't mind that in the least.
The houndour kept tell the story until most of the day had passed, the sun starting to sink upon the horizon. They decided to keep moving for a little longer before picking a spot to step and rest. Azur looked to Leonel, "I've talked long enough...Leonel how about telling us a little bit about yourself. Why are you traveling to Koshi castle?"
He shrugged, "I just really wanted to see it. It's such a legendary place after all. And it's not like I have anywhere else to be."
Derra tilted her head, "Don't you have a home?"
He shook his head, "Nope...this little mark here" he pointed to the skull shaped patch of white fur, "made me real unpopular where I lived. After so much less than stellar treatment, I decided to go off on my own and live a life superior to that reprehensible area." He smiled, "And look at where life led me. I dare say I made quite the correct choice with my life."
Azur giggled, blushing lightly, "Oh I say we got pretty lucky ourselves. Its going to be real fun having you around Leonel. And since you don't have anywhere to go...you'd be more than welcome to stay with us long after Koshi castle."
He grinned, "Astounding. I'd be very grateful for such an opportunity. Thank you profusely my fair maiden." he gave a quick bow. "Today has truly been very fortunate to me. And I'm sure that the future will be just as beneficial, if not more so." he chuckled, looking back, "May I ask something of you and your siblings Derra?" the winged poochyena nodded, so he quickly asked, "Are you 3 offspring of one of Orochi's servants?"
Derra nodded, "Yeah...our dad did serve Orochi at the time."
Mako scoffed, "But he left when it was obvious the walking wallet was doomed. He met our mom shortly after. Blah blah blah, romantic story of how evil turns good, joins old foes and becomes a dear friend and family." He looked to Leonel, "That a good enough answer for you?"
The luxio chuckled, smiling uneasily, "I didn't mean to offend. I had heard that the mightyena called Death had survived the conflict and was even seen fighting along side the heroes." he waved a paw to ease any anger in the buizel, "I simply wanted to know if the rumors were in fact true."
Blair giggled, "Don't mind Mako...he's all bark. He'd never hurt a fly. He's a big cuddly wuddly teddiursa." Mako glared at his sister, "Don't act so mad...I can see your blush big bwodda." Mako growled, struggling against the urge to strangle.
Leonel chuckled, "Thanks Blair but I think I'll avoid incurring the wrath of your brother." He smiled, turning back to look at Azur, "Azur can I ask you a question?"
She smiled, a faint blush on her face, "Oh please ask away Leonel."
"I'm curious...what exactly prompted you all to leave your home? I mean...why leave a home that I'm sure was a lot more loving than my own." he tilted his head, very curious.
Azur smiled, giggling, "Oh that...well...hearing so much about their adventures...we all wanted to go out and prove we were every bit as good as our parents. We even had our first major conflict not to long ago." he tilted his head, so she explained, "We found this really weird thing...a little relic left over by Biogen. He was real ugly...but real strong. But we showed that loser who he was messing with didn't we guys."
Cryst cleared her throat, "Umm...technically it was Taze who really won that fight for us. And Flint too of course."
Azur blushed, rubbing the back of her head, "Okay yeah...it was really thanks to those two...but we all did put up a great fight." the others nodded in agreement. "It was real cool kicking his butt."
Leonel chuckled, "Well it sounds exciting, meaning it must have been very much so. I only wish I could have been there myself." he grinned, "Oh you don't have to worry about me by the way. I can do fisticuffs with the best of them."
Azur blinked, tilting her head, "what-icuffs?"
Cryst quickly answered, "It basically means fighting. Its a gentleman term for it. Aunt Sky told me about it...she only knew it because she heard it on one of the human televisions." she thought about it, "It is a really old word that fell out of popular use."
Leonel laughed, "I have been told my way of speaking is rather dated. More often than naught I've been told I act like an old mon from the days of knights and kings. But I have also been told my speaking was very old gentlemen like." he looked off in the distance, seeing the sun starting to creep down and out of sight, "We should find a place to retire for the evening." The others all nodded and set up a small camp, sitting around the fire and preparing to rest. Taze watched unhappily as Azur was sitting close to Leonel, chatting up with him. The quilava sighed, curling up and trying to fall asleep quickly.
*****
The next morning the group had arisen bright and early, and after a quick breakfast, brought to them by the curtsy of Leonel, they moved off. The group took the same shape as yesterday, Leonel and Azur in front, chatting happily, while Taze dragged behind, head hung low. Flint occasionally looked back to make sure they didn't lose him, and while he did feel sorry for his friend...what could he do? Demand his sister ignore the male she obviously had a crush on? Taze was going to have to up his efforts if he wanted to capture the houndour's attention, and he couldn't rely others to do all the work for him.
Than Flint stopped dead in his tracks, head quickly surveying the area. The others abruptly stopped, looking to him, short of Leonel who was also looking about. The luxio smirked, "We have company."
From out of the nearby trees came several treecko and grovyle, all looking ready for a fight. One grovyle, who was probably just a little bit older than Flint and Azur smirked, "Well well well...look't wha we got 'ere. A bunch o little kiddies." he cackled, "You pups 'ave 'ad a spot o bad luck catching my eye."
Flint glared, "What do you want?"
"My oh my...talkin pretty tough fo' a little runt." he smirked, "I 'ave taken a liking ta that thar sword on yo back...and that pretty little necklace she be 'aving." his cackled maliciously, "You better be smart and 'and it on over. Lest we be forced ta...acquire it in a mo'...unpleasant fashion."
Leonel was impressed, "Who, if you would be so kind as to indulge my curiosity, are you?"
"Well I'll do ya'lls a fava and answer. I be Dearth, and I be the son o' da infamous bandit Famine." he spoke it with a grin, proud of his villainous heritage.
Several ears perked at that news, and Flint just smirked, "Famine huh? Well...we have issue than Dearth." he stepped forward, the others glaring down the band of rogues. "You see...my dad buried yours in pit of stalagmites. I only think it's fitting that I bury you."
Dearth glared daggers, "Ya...ya'll be the son o' that bastard hound! O' boy...you shouldn't outta said that. Now we gonna have to kill you and yo' little friends! Gut dem son o' bitches!" The other grass types leaped forward at the group, Dearth himself going straight for Flint. The others each had their own opponent to deal, with the exception of Leonel, who was facing 2 grovyle. Azur, Mako, and Taze were each facing grovyles, the others had opponents in the treeckos.
*****
Derra growled, wings spread and tentacle waving threateningly, the shiny poochyena trying to force her opponent to back down without combat. She wasn't going to get away from fighting so easily, the treecko pushing forward, ready to pound her with his tail. The dark type caught the attack with her tentacles, grabbing the tail firmly before yanking him by it and smashing him into the ground. She than quickly tossed him away and into a tree, watching to see if he'd be smart and stay down. He did no such thing of course, and used a quick attack, dashing left and right before slamming his fist into her face. Derra stumbled a few steps, but quickly spun on her paws, smashing a tentacle into the side of the grass type's face. He was sent tumbling across the ground before slowly sliding to a stop, groaning as he rose back onto his feet. Derra sighed, shaking her head at his refusal to admit defeat.
Standing to face her again, the treecko charged forward, using a quick attack/pound combo. The attack struck, sending the pooch skidding across the ground a bit, giving him the confidence to press the attack. The action was ill advised though, Derra growling in frustration as he approached with another quick attack. Just before he managed to land the attack, her tentacles grabbed his arm, yanking him up over the ground. As he struggled and attempted to break free of her grip, she opened her mouth, building energy for a shadow ball. When the attack was ready she let him go, and a split second afterwords she launched the attack, sending him several feet into the air before he crashed into a tree. The treecko fell to the ground unconscious, groaning lightly in pain. Derra sighed, than smiled as she turned to see if the others needed help.
*****
Rein smirked, scratching at his ear as he eyed his opponent, not impressed by the treecko. It didn't matter if the grass type was resilient to electric attacks, Rein had learned plenty of other tricks for fighting opponent. The treecko was quite confident in his type advantage though, snickering as he cracked his knuckles. The grass type moved first, coming in with a quick attack upon Rein's right, but the black pawed chu blocked the strike, smirking at his opponents stunned expression. With amazing speed and dexterity he spun around the grass type, and sent a mega punch to the back of his skull. The treecko was sent tumbling forward, clutching his head and cursing. Rising back to his feet he turned to face the chu, but saw empty space. Out from the left Rein came in and slammed him with another punch, sending the treecko fumbling across the ground.
Slamming a fist to the ground the treecko got up, and charged with a quick attack followed by a pound, striking his tail against Rein's iron tail. The pikachu smirked, and spun around, his iron tail smashing into the treecko and sending him rolling across the ground. Rein smirked, picking at his ear as he watched his opponent stand up, albeit on weary legs this time. He didn't understand why the fellow insisted on keeping up the fight, it wasn't like he was a challenge...especially when compared to the Biogen monster they had fought before. As the treecko glared, Rein shook his head, quickly closing the distance and smashing the grass types face in with one more punch. The treecko finally stayed down, out cold from the last blow, Rein dusting off his paws with a grin.
*****
Blair giggled, hoping from one foot to another, fist moving in a boxer like fashion. Her opponent smirked, thinking he had an easy prey in the strange acting buizel. Blair was still going, before smirking, using an aqua jet and zooming up and over the treecko, stopping it and coming down with a sonic boom. The grass type was blasted back, skidding across the ground, glaring at her before using an absorb attack. Blair ground her teeth, taking the attack before unleashing another sonic boom which the treecko dodged, but it opened him up to the air cutter her tentacle unleashed. The strike hit home, sending the grass type reeling from the super effective strike, catching him completely off guard. Blair grinned, flicking her tentacles, going back to her boxer like motions, giggling, "Come on...I'll knock your block off...I'll...I'll...what did papa say that one guy did..." she paused to think, before opening her eyes wide, "oh yeah...I'll bite off your ear!" she paused again, "Eeeewww!"
The treecko glared, unwilling to accept that someone so air headed was actually winning. He rushed forward with a quick attack, striking her stomach before leaping into the air and spinning to unleash a pound. His tail slammed into her tentacles, Blair smirked, "Not bad...I can pound too." pushing his attack back she quickly followed the motion with a double pound from both her tentacles, slamming the grass type into the ground. "What did auntie Sky say...oh yeah! FORE!" she cracked her tentacles around for another slam, hitting the treecko in the face and sending him soaring through the sky until he crashed into the brush several feet away. She grinned, "Yay! Goal!" she paused, "or was it score...no...oh yeah." she held up two digits, smiling big, "Touchdown!"
*****
Cryst quietly eyed her opponent, who glared at her in response. She was sure he'd not be much of an issue, he didn't have much weight to toss around, and given some of her observations, he wasn't exceptionally fast or reflexive. Overall he'd be easy to defeat, she just hoped he'd realize he was outmatched before she'd have to really hurt him. Suddenly the treecko took off with a quick attack, coming in on her right. He slammed his fist into her cheek, knocking her back a bit, but she quickly countered with a shadow ball, tending him skidding away when the attack connected with his chest. He grunted as he looked back up, glaring daggers as he rushed forward with a slam attack, the blow striking nothing but air and dirt. The poochyena had lept to the side and quickly jumped forward, using a bite attack, teeth sinking into his arm. He let out a yell of pain, which grew when he felt himself tossed shortly after, Cryst using the attack to grab him for a throw.
The grass type groaned, rising back to his feet, holding at his injured arm as he looked at his opponent, wincing lightly. Cryst stood firm, waiting for him to move, hopefully it would be a tactical withdraw and not a charge for...she sighed, watching him use another quick attack. She ducked down, barely managing to avoid his slam attack, using the opening he left to blast him in the gut with another shadow ball. He was knocked off his feet, wind knocked clear out of his lungs as he hit the dirt. Gasping for breath he rolled onto all fours, groaning lightly in pain. He looked back at Cryst and cursed, before getting up and running away, much to the dark types joy. With a happy sigh she turned to see how her friends were doing.
*****
Mako glared, growling out as he stared down his grovyle foe, who was smirking, confident thanks to the type advantage. The buizel knew that the type difference meant dick though...even if the grovyle had grass attacks, Mako had flying attacks thanks that he could use. The grovyle moved in, a leaf blade attack going into effect, taking a slash at Mako, who dodged swiftly and quickly struck with an air cutter. The strike sent the grass type reeling back, eyes shut tight in pain as he was knocked straight into a tree. Mako smirked, "Run away now, or I'll hit you so hard you won't know who you are." The grass type glared, slamming his fist against the tree. Running up the trunk, the grovyle pushed himself off with his powerful legs, coming down on Mako with a double leaf blade. The attack hit the dirt, Mako leaping back but he was struck a pursuit almost immediately after the dodge.
The grovyle smirked, following up with a fury cutter at the buizel's head. Mako growled, using his tentacle to push away the grass type's arms, before he started forming something in his paw...a shadow ball quickly found its way into the gut of the grovyle, knocking him back. Before he even had a chance to recover a pair of air cutters slammed into him, both hitting with full force sending him into a tree. The impact made loud crack as splinters flew, the grovyle crumpling to the ground, unconscious and very lucky to be alive. Mako spat, smirking, "Weak little pile of shit. Didn't have a chance in hell against me!"
*****
Taze's opponent was fairly concerned, as he was up against a fire using foe, so the grass type had to be careful. Taze just stared at his foe, "You can leave you know. I don't want to hurt you." The grovyle seemed to be thinking about the proposition, but he looked to Dearth, before glaring down the fire type. "Okay...I'll try not to hurt you to bad." Taze felt sorry that his foe didn't know that Dearth was doomed...especially if Flint repeated his actions with the Biogen creature. The grass type was using a quick attack, hoping to strike at Taze's rear flank, but the quilava's eyes began to glow...than the grovyle was stopped dead, blinking. "I know psychic moves too...I'm very unique if you couldn't tell from looking." The grass mon found himself flung into a large nearby rock, wind pushed out of his lungs, shock taking a firm hold. Taze just turned around and unleashed a psybeam, the attack striking just to the right of the grass mon's head, destroying the rock.
Taze cleared his throat, "Now...look...Dearth there is very much an unfortunate soul. I really don't want to hurt you much. And Dearth will not be getting a chance to do that either so..." The grovyle took the hint and quickly made a break for it, much to Taze's relief. It was short lived though, as another grovyle came at his back, getting sent air born by a psychic blast. Taze turned and glared at Leonel, who waved, "my deep apologies Taze! I couldn't hold him here." The quilava grumbled, before turning and launching a flamethrower at the charging grass type. Set alight by the attack the unfortunate mon was forced to run for water to put himself out. Taze shook his head, glaring at Leonel some more for his ineptitude.
*****
Leonel quickly dodged left, than right as the two grovyle pressed the attack. Leaf blades and fury cutters aplenty, and the luxio was easily dodging the attacks. He was enjoying the fight truth be told, finding his opponents woefully underpowered for the fight. But with that said, they didn't lack enthusiasm, as even though they weren't landing a hit they were still coming. But he couldn't stand by and just let them keep attacking, so after one more dodge he struck out with a crunch at a leg, leaping off of the bitten grovyle and hitting his friend with an iron tail. The two glared at him, the iron tailed one noticing that one of his fellows had fled. It quickly charged for Taze, Leonel frowning, "How unacceptable, our duel is not yet done." The other grovyle rushed him. Knocking the foe away with another iron tail Leonel turned to see Taze glaring.
"My deep apologies Taze! I couldn't hold him here." Leonel than quickly went back to his other opponent, using a crunch on his arm, swinging around to smash another iron tail against the grovyles head. The grass type stumbled forward, dazed from the attack before his back was struck by a charged up spark. While strong against electric attacks, the charge up made it hurt all the same, and it was worse by the paralysis that followed. Leonel crunched onto the grass types legs before tossing out of the way, using and iron tail to make sure he was far away. The luxio nodded, smiling before seeing if any of the others needed help.
*****
Azur laughed, "Come on...are you afraid of a little girl like me?" She laughed, watching as the grovyle she faced was keeping a sizable distance. The laughter was making him glare and grind his teeth, flexing his fist, teeth grinding. She showed her side to him, "Do I need to paint a big target for you? Come on! Attack me!" That was the straw that broke the back, the grass type threw all caution to the wind and rushed, leaf blade ready to slash the houndour. She smirked, letting him near before flipping over him, landing behind him and unleashing a smog attack on the turning mon. The poison gas choked the grovyle who quickly ran out of it for breathing air, but the damage was done and the poison was coursing through his veins. To make it worse, immediately after leaving he was hit by a flamethrower, making his scream out in pain.
Azur shook her head, "Bad move there buddy. Tsk tsk tsk." She giggled. As he got up she sighed, "You're only going to get hurt more." She rolled her eyes, watching him charge again. She let loose another smog attack, the grass type moving right into it and he immediately began hacking. Azur shook her head, using ember, igniting the ball of gas and the poor sap inside it. The grovyle screamed rolling about on the ground, luckily managing to put himself out before burning to death. Azur shook her head, "Told ya." She kicked some dirt on him, looking towards her brother to see how he was fairing."
*****
Flint was watching, face showing indifference as Dearth attacked without relent. Every strike hit nothing but air and ground, the absol easily managing to dodge every blow the grovyle attempted to land. Dearth was glaring, growling out in rage as he kept trying, but his movements were so slow to Flint's eyes, it was as if he was moving in slow motion. But after so long Flint grew tired of Dearth's face, and unleashed an ice beam, knocking the grass type back. Flint quickly followed the attack up with a slash across Dearth's flank, making the grovyle yell out in pain. The absol turned and watched for Dearth's next movements as wind kicked up around him. Dearth turned and glared, "Ya'll be asking fo' it!" He unleashed a bullet seed barrage, Flint just scowled as he met the attack with a razor wind, slicing through the seeds and cutting deeply into Dearth's left shoulder.
The grovyle fell to the ground, clutching his wound, "I don understand it...'ow could I 'ave been beaten by a bunch o' kids?"
Flint glared, "How? I tell you how...you father was a pathetic retch. You're a pathetic retch. Your entire life, short as it was, was filled with you trying to be something you aren't...strong." Flint spat, "And when you die...history will forget you. You'll fade from memory...and all the while rot in hell like scum like you deserves."
Dearth glared, snarling, "Wha' you know about life boy!? Wha' you know about being some'ing!? Yo' always be in yo' daddy's shadow! Yo' never gonna leave it! Bunch of runts like yo'...yo' fade fo' sure!" he prepared a leaf blade, and rushed straight for Flint, "And I'll help that along!" Flint grabbed his blade and rushed forward, the two slashing at one another.
When they stopped, Flint sheathed his blade. Dearth's arm leaves were sliced, and the grovyle gurgled up blood before his head fell off. Flint spat, "If I vanish in time...lost within the annuals of history...so be it. I will at least die knowing I did the world a favor and shut you up."
The others had all managed to turn around just in time to see the final blow delivered. And like before, Taze, Mako, Cryst, Blair, Rein, and Derra stared at the corpse. Leonel shook his head, going up to Azur, "My fair damsel...are you alright."
The houndour nodded, "Yeah...I'm fine." she looked to her brother, worried.
*****
After their fight with Dearth, and the recovering from the end result of the fight, the group continued on their path. Silence had settled over the collection of mon, and while most dealt with the death of Dearth...a few others went more towards individuals. Taze was still unhappy about the Leonel situation. Azur was worried about her brother.
Cryst eventually broke the suffocation quiet though, quietly speaking out, "If I'm right...we should be able to see Koshi castle when we get over that hill."
Azur looked back, smiling, "Really?" she was grateful for the good news, "Great! Hey Flint, bet I can beat you up there."
The absol smirked, "Dream on!" he took off, Azur running after him, though it was obvious he was going to win. As he pulled ahead, she laughed, and the happy mood drifted down to the others who were all starting to smile. Than Flint made it to the top...stopping dead in his tracks. "Guys! Get up here!"
The others could feel the dread in his words, and they quickly bolted up the hill side, as Azur joined her brother, gasping out, "What...what's going on?" The others quickly filled up around them, staring in utter shock at the scene laid out before them.
A black and twisted fortification was standing, guards visibly patrolling along the ramparts. Several patrols were walking around the castle, traversing the land that was blackened with red fiery cracks all over it. Atop the castle were flags that shone out a dark blue, with the image of a falcon, wings spread and soaring up into the heavens, one of its talons firmly grasping the world. The group stared on...at the fully rebuilt and heavily guarded Koshi Castle.
Mecha: Well...looks like conflict with the main villain is bound to happen now.
Inferno: ....
Sky: Flint...
Rika: I hope they'll be okay. These guys won't be like those idiot followers of Dearth.
Bane: Don't worry Rika...Rein and Cryst will help see them through.
Blaze: I don't like Leonel. He's useless in a fight...couldn't even handle two weak little grovyle scum.
Tia: Now dear...I think you might be a bit biased against him.
Death: Yeah...he is moving in on your boy's crush.
Mecha: We'll get to see how good Leonel is in a fight tomorrow. See you next time readers.
Ferra : *waves*