Hope Ch.14
Hope Ch.14
Sky was laying down, panting heavily. Rika was leaning against Bane, both of them were exhausted. Blaze was laying across Tia, both of them on the verge of falling asleep. Mist and Burn were on their backs, barely able to breath. Link was sitting down, trying to regulate his breaths. Blue was no better.
They had won the battle, every single one of Orochi's soldiers were dead, but it had gotten pretty grueling, even with the help of the rock pokemon. The bodies of Orochi's men were scattered about the entire grounds of the castle. It was evident that Orochi didn't care about the lives of those who served him, since he abandoned the entire castle and every one in it. Sky rose, "You think that there's any clue as to where Inferno and Orochi went in that castle?"
Splinter nodded, he too out of breath, "There should be." he shook his head, "But then again, he might have been expecting the attack. We encountered some of them while we were moving into position."
Bane groaned, "I don't think they were expecting to lose. We should find something."
Splinter nodded, "I wish you luck in finding your friend." he left, his followeres right behind him.
"Thanks for the help." Sky called out. Splinter nodded. She returned her attention to the castle, "Shall we investigate?"
Rika groaned, "Can't we rest a little first?"
Blaze got on his feet, a bit unsteadily, "We can rest after we find out where Inferno's gone." The others nodded, rising, and entering the castle's main keep. They crept through the now deserted halls, treading carefully, afraid of what Orochi's minions might have done to the corridors. Sky looked about the area, "This place is eerie."
Bane nodded, "Perfect for the demon of snakes and evil. Apparently he has a thing for ugly too, I mean Death, Sarak, himself, that Dasi chick, and of course Inferno, nothing but ugly as far as the eye could see." He began laughing, everyone else giving in to it as well. Sky was glad for the good humor, it made the twisting halls seem less evil. Bane knocked down a door, not waiting for any of the bipedal's to open it, and gaze inside. "Looks like, bedding for his little soldiers."
Rika opened up another door, "I found the place they eat." She looked at the food in the corner, baskets and baskets of berries and apples. Rika began drooling, "Food."
Bane shook his head, "Ladies and gentlemen my glutton of mate could even eat in this hell hole. I really know how to pick 'em, I just had to fall for the trouble making, bad luck bringing, and more than a little f..." he stopped his sentece cold, he didn't need to turn to know she was glaring at him, waiting to zap him. He gulped, "a little f...fa...fan...fantastic."
Rika got along side him, her arms crossed, "Nice save." she brought her paw down on his head, "That's for calling me a trouble making, bad luck bringing, glutton."
He smiled at her, "They say better a bitter truth than many sweet lies."
She huffed, "Better for who? Certainly not the one saying the bitter truth."
Sky shook her head, "You two are a real pair of morons."
They looked at her, annoyed, "Hey!" everyone broke into laughter.
As they continued walking Tia noticed a small door, "Hey what about that way?" Blaze looked down it, then shrugged heading toward the door. When he tried to open it, it didn't, "Locked." Blaze smiled, "Good eye Tia. Care to break it down?" Tia nodded, then broke the door into splinters with a mega punch. The group entered the room, which was large and had a big round table in the center of it, Blaze chuckled, "The war room. This should have some useful information." He went up to the table and began shifting through papers.
As they searched Rika let out an exited cry, "I found something!" The others looked at her, waiting, "Listen to this, ahem.."
"To Master Inferno, and, if present, Lord Orochi
It has come to my understanding that the group of fools is heading there. While I hold both of your views in the highest of regard I humbly request that the two of them that I have a personal vendette against be spared. Spare them and send them to me, either by a forced move, or a crafty hint. Should, however unlikely, they overcome you give them word of the base located at the city know as Kamichi. Please make sure to tell them of it's location, at the very least I ask it be a general discription. Once again, please, allow me my own vengence, it would allow me to better focus on my main tasks, knowing I have gotten them. Of further note, I am having a little trouble with the local police, as well as the market next to our warehouse. The market, and the appartments on the other side of the building, are complaining about the noise we make, which we must do for this work. I humbly request permission to, eviserate these annoyances.
I await you reply, and thank you for your time."
Rika smiled, "I think we have a clue as to where to go next."
Bane nodded, "It's the best we've got, nothing else here."
Sky sighed, "Would it kill someone just to tell us where Inferno went? It's alway's go to one place to find the wanted destination."
Burn chuckled, "This just means we can do some more damage to Orochi's forces, and make him regret ever messing with us. Such a little demon should know better than to irritate a god like me."
Blaze groaned, "I think we could beat Orochi, by just haveing Burn talk. Any one would go insane listening to him long enough."
Burn shook his head, "It is sad my friend. After all that's happened, you still bear a terrible jealousy toward me. I don't see why, though your mate may find me a stunning male specimen, she knows I'm taken. Surely you don't think I would have two mates at one time, do you?"
Blaze's eye was twitching, but he remained silent for nearly a minute, "I'm going to breath, and remain calm. I'm not going to rip out your tongue. I'm not going to kill you. I'm going to be peacefull."
Burn was about to say something, but Mist quickly clamped his mouth shut. Sky chuckled, Blue, Rika, and Bane doing the same. When they had calmed down Sky stepped toward the exit, "Shall we get going?"
Rika moaned, "I want some food and rest. We deserve it don't we? We took down a castle after all."
Tia yawned, "I think that's a good idea."
Bane moaned, "You both want to eat and sleep in here? This place that once held a massive army of a very evil demon? My god."
Sky shok her head, "I guess some rest would do us some good. But I'll skip the food, I'm not hungry." She looked down a hall, "I think I'll do a little more exploring." Bane shrugged, going back toward the mess hall with the others, Sky went down the hall. Sky was examining the layout of the structure, and she was gathering her thoughts. So much had occured, and still she hadn't gotten Inferno back. She was so close, he had been exhausted, weakened, but Orochi interfered. Just the sound of his name pissed Sky off. If he was to be believed, then he planned everything, her trainers death, her meeting Inferno, and even the fate that befell him. As she was wandering about the castle she stopped at a room, it had the faint smell of her mate. It didn't have a door knob, it could just be pushed open, but on the inside was a little bar that someone like him could use to lock the door. "This must be Inferno's room." She walked around, looking at the place that Orochi had given him. The room looked regal, like something you'd find a prince dwelling in. There was a big bed, and it looked comfy, there was also a spot for his own meals. On the walls were some very elegant paintings, a few of Inferno himself. The floor was stone, except for a large rug that lay in front of the bed. She lept on top of the bed and settled down in it. To her relief only his scent was on it, and it was strong. She sighed, imagining him there, next to her. God how she missed him.
As she relaxed the door opened, Rika popping through it, "Wow." Sky nearly jumped out of her skin, "Nice digs. Who's room do you think this is?" Sky could tell Rika already knew, from the tone in the raichu's voice and the look in her eyes. "He was spoiled."
Sky nodded, "But at least not too much." Sky was really grateful that only Inferno's scent was in here.
Rika whistled as she looked around, "I see Orochi wants to keep Inferno happy." Sky nodded, Rika kept looking about the room, "So I take it you're gonna be sleeping here."
Sky shook her head, "Naw. You and Bane can..."
"None sense, you're gonna be sleeping here. I'll go tell the others." Rika left as Sky sank back down on the bed, falling farther and farther into sleep.
Sky awoke the next morning, she was more than a bit surprised she had slept so long. She exited the castle, finding the rest of them gathered in the court yard of the castle. They streched out, ate a little food, and took off for the city, that's when a rather obvious question came to Blaze, "Does anyone know where we're going?"
Sky shook her head, "I've been to the city with my trainer, but I don't know the path to it."
Burn bobbed his head about, "I think I know the way. It's been awhile, but...yeah I know where it is." He began walking in the direction he was sure the city lied. Blaze shook his head. They followed the ninetales, praying that he knew the path.
At the start of the trip Burn was a bit unsure of where he was going. They were constantly stopping so he could recall the location of Kamichi. After two days of travel Burn had become more confident in his judgement. They had stopped for a snack upon a small hill when Burn became certain of the path, "Yeah this is definatly the right path, we'll be in Kamichi in no time at all. I'd say another day actually."
Blaze sighed, "Finally. Took you long enough to be sure. For all we knew you could've been leading us in the exact opposite direction."
Burn shook his head, "None sense, a god such as myself, could never make such a simple mistake. You are another matter my dear Blaze."
Blaze looked up above Burn, and saw a tree branch, that was already cracked a little. Blaze turned to Link, "Can I burrow one of those clubs?" Link nodded, handing him one. Blaze took aim and hurled the club at the cracked part of the branch, hitting it dead on, and causing it to break, dropping on Burn. Blaze caught the club and handed it back to Link, "Thank you."
Burn tails were twitching a little after the impact, "SON OF A BITCH!!!" He got his head out from under the branch, and glared at Blaze, "My good fellow, I'm afraid you've out done my patience. You should know that I am a rather formidable fighter. All us gods are."
Blaze screamed, "I've had it! You're going down fox boy!" he lept at Burn, tackleing him, the two began rolling about.
Mist went up to Tia, "Are you gonna seperate them?"
Tia shook her head, "Best to let them rough each other up a bit, just so they'll shut up."
The two were still tumbling about when Burn felt his jaws sink into one of Blazes limbs, but he felt Blaze get his teeth into his own leg. Burn chuckled, "I've got ya. I've got ya." his words were muffled.
Burn heard Blaze laughing, "Oh yeah you got me." Burn opened his eyes and saw he was biting on his own leg. Blaze was standing a bit away laughing his head off, "What a dumb ass!" as Blaze finished his sentence when he slipped and rolled down the hill, landing face first into a pile of mud.
It was Burn's turn to laugh, "Now who's the dumb ass!?" Burn was then pushed, rolling down toward Blaze, landing in the same mud pit. Burn looked up, wipping mud from his eyes, and saw Mist laughing her ass off, the others were doing the same. Blaze was grumbling as he walked up the hill, brushing off mud as he went. Burn followed, when he got up he glared at Mist, "Why did you push me?"
Mist was crying so hard she had tears in her eyes, "You needed a little kick in the rear." Burn grumbled, but didn't say anything else. When every one had recovered they continued on to Kamichi city. Sure enough Burn was right, by the next day they had found it, Burn chuckled, "I told ya I'd find it."
Sky nodded, "I think I know where that warehouse is. We'll have to wait till nightfall though, a bunch of pokemon traveling down a city street isn't a normal sight."
Rika groaned, "So we wait? I hate waiting."
Bane layed down, "Not much we can do Rika. Take a nap." Rika kicked him in side, before laying against him, doing just that. The others decided that was the best course of action and took a quick nap, knowing they'd have a lot to do come nightfall.
They all awoke around midnight, the city looked to be a lot less busy, so they went in. It wasn't difficult for Sky to find her way in and out of alleyways, but it was still a bit much for Rika, Bane, Tia, and the others that hadn't had any experiance in a city. They all kept up with Sky, who was weaving in and out of shadowy paths, keeping an ear out for anything signifying a human precense. She knew that cities didn't like haveing stray pokemon walking around. She signaled for every one to stop when she heard a police siren, after a few tense moments a police car passed by, it's siren vanishing. Rika had uncovered her ears, "What was that?"
"Police. They use that sound so they can get to a place that's in trouble easier."
Rika scratched her head, "Why don't we get them to help?"
Sky shook her head, "One they can't understand us. Even if they have pokemon they won't know we mean well. And two, even if they could, do you think they'd believe our story. Well officers you see, we're fighting a demonic entity that threatens all life. We are heading to a warehouse that is under the control of one of our old enemies that was dead, but was brought back to life by this demon. We're also trying to save our friend, who was dead, but was resurrected through the power of a magical gem, and had his memory of us wipped clean, by this same demon, who had planned his death since before we met him."
Rika nodded, "Good point." they continued stepping through alleys and shadowed paths, until they reached a warehouse, with a market on one side, and an aparment complex on the other. Sky smiled, "I think we found it." They stepped up to a side door, where Tia gently, and quietly, opened it. The group walked in, doing there best to remain quiet and undetected.
*************************
The groups efforts to avoid detection were doomed to fail though. A large monitor was displaying them to a shadowy figure. The figure chuckled, "So they've come at last. Good. Best to prepare then, we've got some bugs to squash."
Sky was laying down, panting heavily. Rika was leaning against Bane, both of them were exhausted. Blaze was laying across Tia, both of them on the verge of falling asleep. Mist and Burn were on their backs, barely able to breath. Link was sitting down, trying to regulate his breaths. Blue was no better.
They had won the battle, every single one of Orochi's soldiers were dead, but it had gotten pretty grueling, even with the help of the rock pokemon. The bodies of Orochi's men were scattered about the entire grounds of the castle. It was evident that Orochi didn't care about the lives of those who served him, since he abandoned the entire castle and every one in it. Sky rose, "You think that there's any clue as to where Inferno and Orochi went in that castle?"
Splinter nodded, he too out of breath, "There should be." he shook his head, "But then again, he might have been expecting the attack. We encountered some of them while we were moving into position."
Bane groaned, "I don't think they were expecting to lose. We should find something."
Splinter nodded, "I wish you luck in finding your friend." he left, his followeres right behind him.
"Thanks for the help." Sky called out. Splinter nodded. She returned her attention to the castle, "Shall we investigate?"
Rika groaned, "Can't we rest a little first?"
Blaze got on his feet, a bit unsteadily, "We can rest after we find out where Inferno's gone." The others nodded, rising, and entering the castle's main keep. They crept through the now deserted halls, treading carefully, afraid of what Orochi's minions might have done to the corridors. Sky looked about the area, "This place is eerie."
Bane nodded, "Perfect for the demon of snakes and evil. Apparently he has a thing for ugly too, I mean Death, Sarak, himself, that Dasi chick, and of course Inferno, nothing but ugly as far as the eye could see." He began laughing, everyone else giving in to it as well. Sky was glad for the good humor, it made the twisting halls seem less evil. Bane knocked down a door, not waiting for any of the bipedal's to open it, and gaze inside. "Looks like, bedding for his little soldiers."
Rika opened up another door, "I found the place they eat." She looked at the food in the corner, baskets and baskets of berries and apples. Rika began drooling, "Food."
Bane shook his head, "Ladies and gentlemen my glutton of mate could even eat in this hell hole. I really know how to pick 'em, I just had to fall for the trouble making, bad luck bringing, and more than a little f..." he stopped his sentece cold, he didn't need to turn to know she was glaring at him, waiting to zap him. He gulped, "a little f...fa...fan...fantastic."
Rika got along side him, her arms crossed, "Nice save." she brought her paw down on his head, "That's for calling me a trouble making, bad luck bringing, glutton."
He smiled at her, "They say better a bitter truth than many sweet lies."
She huffed, "Better for who? Certainly not the one saying the bitter truth."
Sky shook her head, "You two are a real pair of morons."
They looked at her, annoyed, "Hey!" everyone broke into laughter.
As they continued walking Tia noticed a small door, "Hey what about that way?" Blaze looked down it, then shrugged heading toward the door. When he tried to open it, it didn't, "Locked." Blaze smiled, "Good eye Tia. Care to break it down?" Tia nodded, then broke the door into splinters with a mega punch. The group entered the room, which was large and had a big round table in the center of it, Blaze chuckled, "The war room. This should have some useful information." He went up to the table and began shifting through papers.
As they searched Rika let out an exited cry, "I found something!" The others looked at her, waiting, "Listen to this, ahem.."
"To Master Inferno, and, if present, Lord Orochi
It has come to my understanding that the group of fools is heading there. While I hold both of your views in the highest of regard I humbly request that the two of them that I have a personal vendette against be spared. Spare them and send them to me, either by a forced move, or a crafty hint. Should, however unlikely, they overcome you give them word of the base located at the city know as Kamichi. Please make sure to tell them of it's location, at the very least I ask it be a general discription. Once again, please, allow me my own vengence, it would allow me to better focus on my main tasks, knowing I have gotten them. Of further note, I am having a little trouble with the local police, as well as the market next to our warehouse. The market, and the appartments on the other side of the building, are complaining about the noise we make, which we must do for this work. I humbly request permission to, eviserate these annoyances.
I await you reply, and thank you for your time."
Rika smiled, "I think we have a clue as to where to go next."
Bane nodded, "It's the best we've got, nothing else here."
Sky sighed, "Would it kill someone just to tell us where Inferno went? It's alway's go to one place to find the wanted destination."
Burn chuckled, "This just means we can do some more damage to Orochi's forces, and make him regret ever messing with us. Such a little demon should know better than to irritate a god like me."
Blaze groaned, "I think we could beat Orochi, by just haveing Burn talk. Any one would go insane listening to him long enough."
Burn shook his head, "It is sad my friend. After all that's happened, you still bear a terrible jealousy toward me. I don't see why, though your mate may find me a stunning male specimen, she knows I'm taken. Surely you don't think I would have two mates at one time, do you?"
Blaze's eye was twitching, but he remained silent for nearly a minute, "I'm going to breath, and remain calm. I'm not going to rip out your tongue. I'm not going to kill you. I'm going to be peacefull."
Burn was about to say something, but Mist quickly clamped his mouth shut. Sky chuckled, Blue, Rika, and Bane doing the same. When they had calmed down Sky stepped toward the exit, "Shall we get going?"
Rika moaned, "I want some food and rest. We deserve it don't we? We took down a castle after all."
Tia yawned, "I think that's a good idea."
Bane moaned, "You both want to eat and sleep in here? This place that once held a massive army of a very evil demon? My god."
Sky shok her head, "I guess some rest would do us some good. But I'll skip the food, I'm not hungry." She looked down a hall, "I think I'll do a little more exploring." Bane shrugged, going back toward the mess hall with the others, Sky went down the hall. Sky was examining the layout of the structure, and she was gathering her thoughts. So much had occured, and still she hadn't gotten Inferno back. She was so close, he had been exhausted, weakened, but Orochi interfered. Just the sound of his name pissed Sky off. If he was to be believed, then he planned everything, her trainers death, her meeting Inferno, and even the fate that befell him. As she was wandering about the castle she stopped at a room, it had the faint smell of her mate. It didn't have a door knob, it could just be pushed open, but on the inside was a little bar that someone like him could use to lock the door. "This must be Inferno's room." She walked around, looking at the place that Orochi had given him. The room looked regal, like something you'd find a prince dwelling in. There was a big bed, and it looked comfy, there was also a spot for his own meals. On the walls were some very elegant paintings, a few of Inferno himself. The floor was stone, except for a large rug that lay in front of the bed. She lept on top of the bed and settled down in it. To her relief only his scent was on it, and it was strong. She sighed, imagining him there, next to her. God how she missed him.
As she relaxed the door opened, Rika popping through it, "Wow." Sky nearly jumped out of her skin, "Nice digs. Who's room do you think this is?" Sky could tell Rika already knew, from the tone in the raichu's voice and the look in her eyes. "He was spoiled."
Sky nodded, "But at least not too much." Sky was really grateful that only Inferno's scent was in here.
Rika whistled as she looked around, "I see Orochi wants to keep Inferno happy." Sky nodded, Rika kept looking about the room, "So I take it you're gonna be sleeping here."
Sky shook her head, "Naw. You and Bane can..."
"None sense, you're gonna be sleeping here. I'll go tell the others." Rika left as Sky sank back down on the bed, falling farther and farther into sleep.
Sky awoke the next morning, she was more than a bit surprised she had slept so long. She exited the castle, finding the rest of them gathered in the court yard of the castle. They streched out, ate a little food, and took off for the city, that's when a rather obvious question came to Blaze, "Does anyone know where we're going?"
Sky shook her head, "I've been to the city with my trainer, but I don't know the path to it."
Burn bobbed his head about, "I think I know the way. It's been awhile, but...yeah I know where it is." He began walking in the direction he was sure the city lied. Blaze shook his head. They followed the ninetales, praying that he knew the path.
At the start of the trip Burn was a bit unsure of where he was going. They were constantly stopping so he could recall the location of Kamichi. After two days of travel Burn had become more confident in his judgement. They had stopped for a snack upon a small hill when Burn became certain of the path, "Yeah this is definatly the right path, we'll be in Kamichi in no time at all. I'd say another day actually."
Blaze sighed, "Finally. Took you long enough to be sure. For all we knew you could've been leading us in the exact opposite direction."
Burn shook his head, "None sense, a god such as myself, could never make such a simple mistake. You are another matter my dear Blaze."
Blaze looked up above Burn, and saw a tree branch, that was already cracked a little. Blaze turned to Link, "Can I burrow one of those clubs?" Link nodded, handing him one. Blaze took aim and hurled the club at the cracked part of the branch, hitting it dead on, and causing it to break, dropping on Burn. Blaze caught the club and handed it back to Link, "Thank you."
Burn tails were twitching a little after the impact, "SON OF A BITCH!!!" He got his head out from under the branch, and glared at Blaze, "My good fellow, I'm afraid you've out done my patience. You should know that I am a rather formidable fighter. All us gods are."
Blaze screamed, "I've had it! You're going down fox boy!" he lept at Burn, tackleing him, the two began rolling about.
Mist went up to Tia, "Are you gonna seperate them?"
Tia shook her head, "Best to let them rough each other up a bit, just so they'll shut up."
The two were still tumbling about when Burn felt his jaws sink into one of Blazes limbs, but he felt Blaze get his teeth into his own leg. Burn chuckled, "I've got ya. I've got ya." his words were muffled.
Burn heard Blaze laughing, "Oh yeah you got me." Burn opened his eyes and saw he was biting on his own leg. Blaze was standing a bit away laughing his head off, "What a dumb ass!" as Blaze finished his sentence when he slipped and rolled down the hill, landing face first into a pile of mud.
It was Burn's turn to laugh, "Now who's the dumb ass!?" Burn was then pushed, rolling down toward Blaze, landing in the same mud pit. Burn looked up, wipping mud from his eyes, and saw Mist laughing her ass off, the others were doing the same. Blaze was grumbling as he walked up the hill, brushing off mud as he went. Burn followed, when he got up he glared at Mist, "Why did you push me?"
Mist was crying so hard she had tears in her eyes, "You needed a little kick in the rear." Burn grumbled, but didn't say anything else. When every one had recovered they continued on to Kamichi city. Sure enough Burn was right, by the next day they had found it, Burn chuckled, "I told ya I'd find it."
Sky nodded, "I think I know where that warehouse is. We'll have to wait till nightfall though, a bunch of pokemon traveling down a city street isn't a normal sight."
Rika groaned, "So we wait? I hate waiting."
Bane layed down, "Not much we can do Rika. Take a nap." Rika kicked him in side, before laying against him, doing just that. The others decided that was the best course of action and took a quick nap, knowing they'd have a lot to do come nightfall.
They all awoke around midnight, the city looked to be a lot less busy, so they went in. It wasn't difficult for Sky to find her way in and out of alleyways, but it was still a bit much for Rika, Bane, Tia, and the others that hadn't had any experiance in a city. They all kept up with Sky, who was weaving in and out of shadowy paths, keeping an ear out for anything signifying a human precense. She knew that cities didn't like haveing stray pokemon walking around. She signaled for every one to stop when she heard a police siren, after a few tense moments a police car passed by, it's siren vanishing. Rika had uncovered her ears, "What was that?"
"Police. They use that sound so they can get to a place that's in trouble easier."
Rika scratched her head, "Why don't we get them to help?"
Sky shook her head, "One they can't understand us. Even if they have pokemon they won't know we mean well. And two, even if they could, do you think they'd believe our story. Well officers you see, we're fighting a demonic entity that threatens all life. We are heading to a warehouse that is under the control of one of our old enemies that was dead, but was brought back to life by this demon. We're also trying to save our friend, who was dead, but was resurrected through the power of a magical gem, and had his memory of us wipped clean, by this same demon, who had planned his death since before we met him."
Rika nodded, "Good point." they continued stepping through alleys and shadowed paths, until they reached a warehouse, with a market on one side, and an aparment complex on the other. Sky smiled, "I think we found it." They stepped up to a side door, where Tia gently, and quietly, opened it. The group walked in, doing there best to remain quiet and undetected.
*************************
The groups efforts to avoid detection were doomed to fail though. A large monitor was displaying them to a shadowy figure. The figure chuckled, "So they've come at last. Good. Best to prepare then, we've got some bugs to squash."