Story Notes:
This story has been bouncing around my head for a while now, I'm not sure but I'm fairly certain that this idea is origonal if nothing else.Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 6
Simon and Gemma where both on edge; their heads swivelling to pinpoint every sound as they moved forward stealthily, Crystal found this sudden shift rather disconcerting.
Crystal couldn't believe that the very people who were so jovial and talkative could suddenly be all business, it was almost as if they had shut off their emotions, she had even been shushed into silence when she tried to provide some information about Alex Gemma had quietly explained that they couldn't afford to be distracted.
Although they were deadly serious neither Gemma nor Simon could keep a silly grin off their faces, they were both relishing the challenge and drinking in the adrenaline rush that came with each suspicious sound.
With a loud rustle two Mightyena stepped into view, they began approaching slowly apparently not seeing the small group as a threat.
Simon and Gemma looked at each other with arched eyebrows; they had both been expecting an ambush since they had heard someone, presumably a scout, running from them earlier.
The two dogs stopped a few feet in front of Simon and sat on their haunches "Welcome to our territory." The larger of the two dogs spoke his voice dripping with sarcasm "How may we help you?"
Gemma dropped into a fighting stance, readying the frenzy plant attack just in case.
"I want to see Alex!" Simon replied, ignoring the sarcasm for now
The two Mightyena looked at each other before bursting out into harsh laughter "I admire your guts human" the larger one spoke apparently not finding anything odd with Simon understanding them "but you're not going any further." He started growling, the sound seemed to spread until it was coming from everywhere at once.
A dozen pairs of canine eyes appeared as twelve Mightyena stepped out of the shadows "Alex will be here shortly." the Mightyena continued "If you can survive that long maybe you can talk with him."
Gemma smirked, her leaf waving through the air "You guys are very stealthy but can you fight?" her attack was primed, now all she needed was for the victims to enter its radius.
Exactly as Gemma planned the Mightyena responded to her taunt with a mass charge "Well let's find out!" the largest Mightyena, and the only one not charging, called out.
Gemma released her attack, massive vines shot out of the ground pummelling and crushing the Mightyena in a huge wave of vegetation; several yelps of pain and cracks could be heard echoing over the area. As the vines receded the carnage became apparent all thirteen of the large Pokemon had been totally incapacitated they were all covered in bruises and bleeding profusely from a multitude of cuts; about half of them had limbs bent at ungodly angles or were coughing up blood and one unlucky soul had three ribs sticking out of his chest and one leg missing altogether whilst another's skull was caved in soft brain matter dripping from the cracks in his head, pained whines filled the air and the stench on blood clung to everything. Gemma, Crystal and Simon stood in the centre of the ring of bodies; Gemma was panting heavily, barely able to stand, that attack always drained her. Simon carefully disentangled Crystal from Gemma's, now limp, vines and placed her one the ground.
"Idiots! Idiots!" a new voice barker harshly, a strange slur in his voice.
"I'm sorry Alex I..." the Mightyena grovelled as a silhouette could be made out in the bushes, getting more solid, more defined with each step
"Shut up Canis!" Alex snapped his voice fluxuating, as though he couldn't quite pronounce the name "You said there was one male and two females yet you loose thirteen Pokemon!"
Simon gasped as he got his first clear look at Alex, he looked almost human! He was around the same size as Canis, slightly larger but the difference was barely noticeable, his body heavily muscled and bronzed from his lifestyle, although his form marred by scars and wounds. His black hair had several grey streaks running through it, resembling Mightyena fur, and it grew almost like a mane. He was walking on all fours, his hands and feet both resembled paws although the fingers on his 'hands' were still distinct and a small bushy tail swished slowly behind him as he advanced on the cowering Canis.
Gemma struggled to her feet as this new threat emerged "Why does he smell like a Mightyena?" she questioned quietly
Alex swept his gaze over the group, Simon withdrew as he saw Alex's eyes one was brown and human and the other a deep amber and obviously a canine's eye!
"Idiot!" Alex growled turning on his cowering subordinate with a snarl
"Wha..." Canis began to protest but he was cut off as Alex slashed him across the muzzle leaving four red lines.
Yelping in pain Canis lowered his gaze submissively
"Where's the scout!" Alex snarled "I'll kill that incompetent bitch! And you, didn't you recognise Crystal?!" again his voice broke slightly
"You know this guy?" Simon and Gemma both asked quietly
Crystal nodded "Long story, I'll explain later."
"Scout's there." Canis said quietly pointing at the remains of the Mightyena that had had its leg ripped off.
Alex frowned "Pity, I wanted to kill him myself." He turned to Crystal ignoring Simon and Gemma "So where's Scar?"
"Dead." Crystal replied simply
"So who's..." Alex trailed off, he turned to Simon "You?!"
"Yeah, I'm Crystal's new mate and the new alpha." Simon confirmed still eyeing Alex
Alex laughed "Either you're much much stronger than you look or Scar was getting weak in his old age." He looked Simon up and down "I suspect the latter, but anyway why are you in my territory?"
"We wanted to talk with you" Simon began to explain
"Ah!" Alex cut him off "Let's head back to the cliffs then."
Simon gave Crystal a questioning glance at this 'This pack live in a large series of caves set into the side of a large river valley'
Simon and Gemma were both wondering about how Crystal knew so much about this pack but they decided that Crystal would probably explain that when she told them how she knew Alex.
Gemma's vines snaked out grabbing Gemma and binding her to Gemma, Crystal gave a surprised meep as she was jerked off her feet whilst Simon suppressed the urge to giggle.
"Clever." Alex complimented "I was wondering how your group moved so fast with Crystal in that condition. Now come on we've got quite a lot of ground to cover."
Gemma stood still for a second her legs readjusting to the extra weight before following Simon and Alex into the undergrowth.
It took six hours to reach the caves even with the merciless pace Alex set. Simon and Gemma were looking around; taking in the sights as the valley walls got steeper and higher quickly becoming a canyon. The river was wide but shallow as it meandered gently into the distance; Pokemon, mostly Mightyena but a few other species could be seen, were leaping over the cliff faces nimbly to reach the multitude of caves that dotted the canyon walls. The higher caves looked like they had been carved out by the Pokemon whilst the lower caves were smaller and more natural looking, probably eroded by flood surges Simon decided.
Alex began to accumulate a small group as they made their way through the steadily deepening chasm. First two Mightyena bounded out of a small cave and took up positions on either side of Alex's head.
Next a Vaporeon seemed to materialise out of the water as she jumped up to join Alex, her sudden arrival elicited a surprised gasp from Simon's group but Alex and the two new arrivals merely nodded at her arrival, small knowing smirks on their faces.
"Alpha, what kept you?" the Vaporeon asked as she took up a position directly behind Alex
Crystal frowned, that voice seemed familiar "Angel?" she asked softly craning her neck to get a look at the Vaporeon "Is that you?"
"Scruff?" the Vaporeon frowned "I'm not angel any more, since I evolved my name is Pisces"
"Scruff?" Simon laughed under his breath
"Can you let me down?" Crystal asked gently before speaking up so Pisces could hear "I'm not called scruff either; my name is Crystal."
Alex wondered over to the bank of the river and settled down on his haunches, the two Mightyena began to lick his face as though they were grooming him.
Gemma gently placed Crystal on the ground "How do you two know each other?" she asked
Crystal stretched her legs and bounded over to Pisces, the two girls meeting halfway and nuzzling each other happily. Crystal turned her head and smiled at Gemma and Simon "We're sisters."
"What!" Gemma and Simon yelled at the same time, both wearing almost identical shocked looks
Pisces giggled "Can't Crystal have a family?"
"No no..." Simon stuttered "It's just she hasn't mentioned you at all, and I thought that she would have"
Crystal laughed "Well we haven't exactly had time to sit and talk, you haven't even explained anything to Gemma yet."
"Yeah" Simon agreed "and you owe us an explanation about Alex." he added softly
"Pisces, meet Simon and Gemma" Crystal turned to face her sister again indicating with her tail as she spoke their names
Pisces smiled, sniffing the air her head, she giggled softly as her head swung between Simon and Crystal "You two..."
Simon flung his arms up in the air theatrically "Does everyone have to know!" he exclaimed
"Pretty much." Gemma giggled
"Don't blame me it's my nose and besides you stink of..." Pisces began her eyes sparkling with mirth
"Ok!" Simon cut her off blushing furiously "Look we'll have a bath tonight."
"Will you now?" Pisces asked grinning "The river is far to cold for you."
Simon opened his mouth to argue but decided against it trusting the Vaporeon's judgement.
"You done?" Alex asked picking himself up and gently parting the two Mightyena
"Yeah. Sorry" Pisces apologized
The small group continued further into the ravine and Simon could now make out the faint roar of a waterfall in the distance.
As they walked two Growlithe joined the group, falling into position at Alex's side but behind the Mightyena.
It took another ten minute walking for them to leave the crowded cliff faces behind, the number and frequency of the caves dropped off and the area felt almost deserted after the noisy bustling area in the middle of the pack's home. Alex's retinue peeled off into one of the caves, Alex promising that he would return to see them after his talks were done. Simon could still make out caves but they were far apart Simon guessed that the caves would also be larger, probably caves given to those the alpha favoured.
Alex came to a stop outside a large cave, massive rocks formed an imposing archway over the entrance setting this cave apart from the others they had passed.
"Come in" Alex said as he walked through the arch "We can talk privately whilst the others wait with Dew."
"Dew?" Simon and Gemma asked
"My main mate" Alex said, his voice tinged with pride
"Ok," Simon replied "You two wait with Dew like he asked please."
"Sorry can't do that." Crystal apologized "Talking is hard when you can't understand him."
"But he's talking English!" Simon protested, Alex gave him a strange look whilst Gemma and Crystal giggled quietly
"No he's not." Crystal explained "You just hear him like that and you assumed he was since he was human-like."
"Oh..." Simon didn't know how to reply
Alex sighed "Fine... Crystal you can come too as a translator."
They proceeded deeper into the cave, it was clear to Simon that it wasn't natural but neither was it carved out by claws, it almost looked like it had been blasted out.
Soon they came to a large living area, three passages snaked off at random intervals and the floor was covered in soft sand and leaves, a Swampart was curled up in the far corner snoring gently.
A strange peaceful smile appeared on Alex's face when he saw the Swampart, he trotted over and nuzzled her head affectionately.
"Dew...Dew...Wake up sweetie we've got guests" he whispered gently
Dew stirred with a wide yawn, she gave Alex a quick peck on the cheek before turning her attention to their guests "Hello, I'm Dew" she introduced herself politely her voice soft and gentle in stark contrast to Alex's harsh commanding tone.
"Simon"
"Gemma"
"Crystal"
With the introductions out of the way Alex quickly got down to business "Dew, can you keep Gemma company whilst we have a brief talk?"
Dew nodded happily "I would be glad to."
"Thanks" Alex said "Can you close the door behind us please?"
"Sure" Dew nodded a small trace of humour sneaking into her voice
"Ok lets go" Alex said heading off down the smallest of the three passages
As soon as they all disappeared around the first bend Dew opened her mouth and shot a blast of water into the entrance following it up with a quick ice beam, sealing the entrance with a wall of ice.
"Don't worry, it's just to ensure privacy." Dew reassured a frantic Gemma.
Crystal couldn't believe that the very people who were so jovial and talkative could suddenly be all business, it was almost as if they had shut off their emotions, she had even been shushed into silence when she tried to provide some information about Alex Gemma had quietly explained that they couldn't afford to be distracted.
Although they were deadly serious neither Gemma nor Simon could keep a silly grin off their faces, they were both relishing the challenge and drinking in the adrenaline rush that came with each suspicious sound.
With a loud rustle two Mightyena stepped into view, they began approaching slowly apparently not seeing the small group as a threat.
Simon and Gemma looked at each other with arched eyebrows; they had both been expecting an ambush since they had heard someone, presumably a scout, running from them earlier.
The two dogs stopped a few feet in front of Simon and sat on their haunches "Welcome to our territory." The larger of the two dogs spoke his voice dripping with sarcasm "How may we help you?"
Gemma dropped into a fighting stance, readying the frenzy plant attack just in case.
"I want to see Alex!" Simon replied, ignoring the sarcasm for now
The two Mightyena looked at each other before bursting out into harsh laughter "I admire your guts human" the larger one spoke apparently not finding anything odd with Simon understanding them "but you're not going any further." He started growling, the sound seemed to spread until it was coming from everywhere at once.
A dozen pairs of canine eyes appeared as twelve Mightyena stepped out of the shadows "Alex will be here shortly." the Mightyena continued "If you can survive that long maybe you can talk with him."
Gemma smirked, her leaf waving through the air "You guys are very stealthy but can you fight?" her attack was primed, now all she needed was for the victims to enter its radius.
Exactly as Gemma planned the Mightyena responded to her taunt with a mass charge "Well let's find out!" the largest Mightyena, and the only one not charging, called out.
Gemma released her attack, massive vines shot out of the ground pummelling and crushing the Mightyena in a huge wave of vegetation; several yelps of pain and cracks could be heard echoing over the area. As the vines receded the carnage became apparent all thirteen of the large Pokemon had been totally incapacitated they were all covered in bruises and bleeding profusely from a multitude of cuts; about half of them had limbs bent at ungodly angles or were coughing up blood and one unlucky soul had three ribs sticking out of his chest and one leg missing altogether whilst another's skull was caved in soft brain matter dripping from the cracks in his head, pained whines filled the air and the stench on blood clung to everything. Gemma, Crystal and Simon stood in the centre of the ring of bodies; Gemma was panting heavily, barely able to stand, that attack always drained her. Simon carefully disentangled Crystal from Gemma's, now limp, vines and placed her one the ground.
"Idiots! Idiots!" a new voice barker harshly, a strange slur in his voice.
"I'm sorry Alex I..." the Mightyena grovelled as a silhouette could be made out in the bushes, getting more solid, more defined with each step
"Shut up Canis!" Alex snapped his voice fluxuating, as though he couldn't quite pronounce the name "You said there was one male and two females yet you loose thirteen Pokemon!"
Simon gasped as he got his first clear look at Alex, he looked almost human! He was around the same size as Canis, slightly larger but the difference was barely noticeable, his body heavily muscled and bronzed from his lifestyle, although his form marred by scars and wounds. His black hair had several grey streaks running through it, resembling Mightyena fur, and it grew almost like a mane. He was walking on all fours, his hands and feet both resembled paws although the fingers on his 'hands' were still distinct and a small bushy tail swished slowly behind him as he advanced on the cowering Canis.
Gemma struggled to her feet as this new threat emerged "Why does he smell like a Mightyena?" she questioned quietly
Alex swept his gaze over the group, Simon withdrew as he saw Alex's eyes one was brown and human and the other a deep amber and obviously a canine's eye!
"Idiot!" Alex growled turning on his cowering subordinate with a snarl
"Wha..." Canis began to protest but he was cut off as Alex slashed him across the muzzle leaving four red lines.
Yelping in pain Canis lowered his gaze submissively
"Where's the scout!" Alex snarled "I'll kill that incompetent bitch! And you, didn't you recognise Crystal?!" again his voice broke slightly
"You know this guy?" Simon and Gemma both asked quietly
Crystal nodded "Long story, I'll explain later."
"Scout's there." Canis said quietly pointing at the remains of the Mightyena that had had its leg ripped off.
Alex frowned "Pity, I wanted to kill him myself." He turned to Crystal ignoring Simon and Gemma "So where's Scar?"
"Dead." Crystal replied simply
"So who's..." Alex trailed off, he turned to Simon "You?!"
"Yeah, I'm Crystal's new mate and the new alpha." Simon confirmed still eyeing Alex
Alex laughed "Either you're much much stronger than you look or Scar was getting weak in his old age." He looked Simon up and down "I suspect the latter, but anyway why are you in my territory?"
"We wanted to talk with you" Simon began to explain
"Ah!" Alex cut him off "Let's head back to the cliffs then."
Simon gave Crystal a questioning glance at this 'This pack live in a large series of caves set into the side of a large river valley'
Simon and Gemma were both wondering about how Crystal knew so much about this pack but they decided that Crystal would probably explain that when she told them how she knew Alex.
Gemma's vines snaked out grabbing Gemma and binding her to Gemma, Crystal gave a surprised meep as she was jerked off her feet whilst Simon suppressed the urge to giggle.
"Clever." Alex complimented "I was wondering how your group moved so fast with Crystal in that condition. Now come on we've got quite a lot of ground to cover."
Gemma stood still for a second her legs readjusting to the extra weight before following Simon and Alex into the undergrowth.
It took six hours to reach the caves even with the merciless pace Alex set. Simon and Gemma were looking around; taking in the sights as the valley walls got steeper and higher quickly becoming a canyon. The river was wide but shallow as it meandered gently into the distance; Pokemon, mostly Mightyena but a few other species could be seen, were leaping over the cliff faces nimbly to reach the multitude of caves that dotted the canyon walls. The higher caves looked like they had been carved out by the Pokemon whilst the lower caves were smaller and more natural looking, probably eroded by flood surges Simon decided.
Alex began to accumulate a small group as they made their way through the steadily deepening chasm. First two Mightyena bounded out of a small cave and took up positions on either side of Alex's head.
Next a Vaporeon seemed to materialise out of the water as she jumped up to join Alex, her sudden arrival elicited a surprised gasp from Simon's group but Alex and the two new arrivals merely nodded at her arrival, small knowing smirks on their faces.
"Alpha, what kept you?" the Vaporeon asked as she took up a position directly behind Alex
Crystal frowned, that voice seemed familiar "Angel?" she asked softly craning her neck to get a look at the Vaporeon "Is that you?"
"Scruff?" the Vaporeon frowned "I'm not angel any more, since I evolved my name is Pisces"
"Scruff?" Simon laughed under his breath
"Can you let me down?" Crystal asked gently before speaking up so Pisces could hear "I'm not called scruff either; my name is Crystal."
Alex wondered over to the bank of the river and settled down on his haunches, the two Mightyena began to lick his face as though they were grooming him.
Gemma gently placed Crystal on the ground "How do you two know each other?" she asked
Crystal stretched her legs and bounded over to Pisces, the two girls meeting halfway and nuzzling each other happily. Crystal turned her head and smiled at Gemma and Simon "We're sisters."
"What!" Gemma and Simon yelled at the same time, both wearing almost identical shocked looks
Pisces giggled "Can't Crystal have a family?"
"No no..." Simon stuttered "It's just she hasn't mentioned you at all, and I thought that she would have"
Crystal laughed "Well we haven't exactly had time to sit and talk, you haven't even explained anything to Gemma yet."
"Yeah" Simon agreed "and you owe us an explanation about Alex." he added softly
"Pisces, meet Simon and Gemma" Crystal turned to face her sister again indicating with her tail as she spoke their names
Pisces smiled, sniffing the air her head, she giggled softly as her head swung between Simon and Crystal "You two..."
Simon flung his arms up in the air theatrically "Does everyone have to know!" he exclaimed
"Pretty much." Gemma giggled
"Don't blame me it's my nose and besides you stink of..." Pisces began her eyes sparkling with mirth
"Ok!" Simon cut her off blushing furiously "Look we'll have a bath tonight."
"Will you now?" Pisces asked grinning "The river is far to cold for you."
Simon opened his mouth to argue but decided against it trusting the Vaporeon's judgement.
"You done?" Alex asked picking himself up and gently parting the two Mightyena
"Yeah. Sorry" Pisces apologized
The small group continued further into the ravine and Simon could now make out the faint roar of a waterfall in the distance.
As they walked two Growlithe joined the group, falling into position at Alex's side but behind the Mightyena.
It took another ten minute walking for them to leave the crowded cliff faces behind, the number and frequency of the caves dropped off and the area felt almost deserted after the noisy bustling area in the middle of the pack's home. Alex's retinue peeled off into one of the caves, Alex promising that he would return to see them after his talks were done. Simon could still make out caves but they were far apart Simon guessed that the caves would also be larger, probably caves given to those the alpha favoured.
Alex came to a stop outside a large cave, massive rocks formed an imposing archway over the entrance setting this cave apart from the others they had passed.
"Come in" Alex said as he walked through the arch "We can talk privately whilst the others wait with Dew."
"Dew?" Simon and Gemma asked
"My main mate" Alex said, his voice tinged with pride
"Ok," Simon replied "You two wait with Dew like he asked please."
"Sorry can't do that." Crystal apologized "Talking is hard when you can't understand him."
"But he's talking English!" Simon protested, Alex gave him a strange look whilst Gemma and Crystal giggled quietly
"No he's not." Crystal explained "You just hear him like that and you assumed he was since he was human-like."
"Oh..." Simon didn't know how to reply
Alex sighed "Fine... Crystal you can come too as a translator."
They proceeded deeper into the cave, it was clear to Simon that it wasn't natural but neither was it carved out by claws, it almost looked like it had been blasted out.
Soon they came to a large living area, three passages snaked off at random intervals and the floor was covered in soft sand and leaves, a Swampart was curled up in the far corner snoring gently.
A strange peaceful smile appeared on Alex's face when he saw the Swampart, he trotted over and nuzzled her head affectionately.
"Dew...Dew...Wake up sweetie we've got guests" he whispered gently
Dew stirred with a wide yawn, she gave Alex a quick peck on the cheek before turning her attention to their guests "Hello, I'm Dew" she introduced herself politely her voice soft and gentle in stark contrast to Alex's harsh commanding tone.
"Simon"
"Gemma"
"Crystal"
With the introductions out of the way Alex quickly got down to business "Dew, can you keep Gemma company whilst we have a brief talk?"
Dew nodded happily "I would be glad to."
"Thanks" Alex said "Can you close the door behind us please?"
"Sure" Dew nodded a small trace of humour sneaking into her voice
"Ok lets go" Alex said heading off down the smallest of the three passages
As soon as they all disappeared around the first bend Dew opened her mouth and shot a blast of water into the entrance following it up with a quick ice beam, sealing the entrance with a wall of ice.
"Don't worry, it's just to ensure privacy." Dew reassured a frantic Gemma.