Seventh Move
Day out
Griffenhiem Empire
Nest Hold Castle’s throne room
“Someone brought you all to this world? That is what you have discovered?” asked Empress Victoria once the Pokemon report their latest discovery to her.
“Yes, your highness, at least that is what we believe,” replied Weiss, again prostrated before the Throne of Twigs, his team besides him plus Daring, Anzu and Surskit, the only member who wasn’t there was Shredder.
They had another meeting programed that day, mostly to discuss about how they will work for the empire while looking for the rest of his team, but the recent discovery made them change the scheduled program, at least for now.
Victoria remained silent as she think over the information she received, “and you believe this being will most likely made an act of appearance in the near future?” asked the Empress.
“We believe so, your highness.”
Another moment of silence followed, finally Victoria proclaimed, “As interesting this information is, we can’t do much with it...besides wait and brace ourselves. According to what Lord Xavier showed me, this being wasn’t banishing you here, but rather delivering you to a safe place.”
Everyone seemed confused by the ruler’s choice of words, thus she proceeded to explain herself, “Remember this throne my mercenaries, rulers must always act on behalf of their people. And this being’s voice was definitely from someone who sees himself as some sort of ruler; yet we still have to see if his ‘moving’ plans include sharing the land.” Victoria’s eyes turn quite hostile at these words.
Xavier took notice of this and quickly made Weiss say, “That may be a possibility, but even if that were the case, our loyalty is already with you your highness. Be assured that we will protect this land with our lives if necessary.”
This seemed to please the white griffin as she gave the group a sincere and thankful smile. “That does indeed assure me, mercenary. Now I guess another topic is in order. A more cheerful one I must say.” with a wave of her claw the doors besides the throne open wide, revealing a small team of griffins carrying a set of tools like metric tapes, fabrics and pins, ready to act at the order of Victoria.
“I heard you used to wear a piece of clothing with the emblem of your guild on it,” explained Victoria.
‘We are a guild now?’ thought Weiss.
“Thus I wanted to award you for becoming employees of the Empire with a piece of clothing of your liking bearing this emblem,” at these words and with another wave of her claw, the griffins moved toward Checkmate, asking them what kind of garment would they like and taking measurements from each member, and though confused, the pokemon were glad to oblige.
Anzu declined the offer though, Daring wasn’t a member of the mercenaries and the Surskit was too small and oily to wear anything properly.
‘What brought up this sudden present?’ Weiss couldn’t help but wonder.
‘I presume she is more generous that her cold appearance shows,’ commented Rouge on the mind link.
“Choose to your heart’s content,” continued Victoria, “And ask for whatever garment of your choice, let it be a piece of cloth that make others look at it, so those who lay eyes on you know that you are members of the great griffin Empire!”
‘Of course,’ thought Weiss dryly. ‘Political publicity.’
‘We win in the end, what is the problem?’ replied the gigantic psychic-type as he looked at the color palate one of the tailors showed him.
Weiss simply chuckled as he thanked the Empress. “We will make good use of these gifts your highness.”
“I am sure you will,” Victoria nodded, before adding, “But I have one question to ask.”
“Whatever you want to know, our boss will be happy to reply for you, oh generous of rulers!” exclaimed Rouge as her eyes happily danced from one fabric to the next.
“Like she said,” Weiss simply said with a smile as he too gave into the fun and let a tailor take his measurements.
“I have been told your emblem is related to your guild’s name: Checkmate.” Weiss nodded in response. “But I only see the second row of Chess pieces on it. I’ve been wondering: what about the pawns?”
Weiss looked surprised that this was her question. It wasn’t something he kept as a secret, but it still was the first time someone ever asked about that detail.
“Well your highness,” started Weiss as he kept his arms up. “It’s in a way...similar to your throne.”
Victoria raised a doubtful eyebrow and deadpanned, “Elaborate.”
“Think about the pawns your Highness. What is their primordial function?
“To be sacrificed,” answered the ruler with a dry tone
“Exactly. That’s why we don’t have pawns in our team,” smiled Weiss as he finished, “We don’t sacrifice our comrades. It’s as simple as that.”
Empress Victoria chuckled at the end of the explanation. “I see your analogy is indeed profound, but I doubt it has the same weight as my throne.” This however, was said with a fairly friendly tone. “Now, I would like to discuss the arrangements of your services and how the look of your guild’s members would be. However it appears my tailors will be keeping you all for a while, so I will take my leave. We can finish this meeting more properly in the dining hall.” Checkmate and company nodded in agreement and bowed to the Empress as she left for breakfast.
A large detachment of guards was left alongside the tailors, keeping a close eye to the ‘guests.’
“I see she isn’t as reliant as we thought,” pointed out Xavier as he looked at the guards.
“Considering how she was willing to declare war at the drop of a hat the first time we met her, I would say this is quite a warm development,” retorted Weiss which generated a general laughter from his team.
With the measuring done, the Pokemon were once more moving to the dining hall. On the way there Daring Do took the opportunity to ask Weiss, “Are you sure about that?”
“About what?” innocently asked the Bisharp, completely ignorant of what she meant.
“About attacking whoever brought you guys here,” clarified the explorer.
“Oh, that,” shrugged the leader. “That would depend of the plans this being may have. If he wants to invade this land, then we will defend the people of this Empire, not only because we have been contracted to do so, but because…” Weiss looked at the street from a window. Out there he could see some griffin walking along side some small Pokemon. It was a similar scene he had seen many times in the past.
Yet at the same time it felt different. Pokemon weren’t avoiding the citizens. On the contrary, they both walked around as equals. Yes, some griffins stared at some Pokemon from time to time, but still they shared the street as if they had live together for years.
“It’s hard to explain…” Weiss turned away from the window and continued. “I’ve been contracted again and again to destroy so many things: documents, machinery, trusts, people. But this is the very first time we have been entrusted with defending something, and something worth fighting for.”
Daring chuckled at the response. “That sounded encouraging and all but my question still stands. What will you do if you have to fight a being capable of bringing thousands of creatures to another world?”
“Not to mention it also changed some of said creatures into another on the process,” pointed out Weiss with sarcasm. “If this being wants to fight we will most likely perish in an instant, but at least I want to believe that won’t be necessary...for now at least.”
They arrived at the dining hall and found the Empress reading a bunch of scrolls while eating her breakfast: cooked sausages with eggs and cheese, meaning she was busy for the moment so the Pokemon took their seats on the same spots as yesterday and each started to ask for their own plates, digging into the food as soon it arrived.
“Sabes, I am not sure of what would become of me if there was no meat in this world!” joyfully expressed Pancha as she stuffed some bacon into her beak, bread and beans being pulled into it as well.
“Ya ah wigh,” started Simon with a mouthful, only to properly swallow all of his pancakes with mayo and ham. “I was afraid these creatures would be vegetarians, you know since they’re so peaceful and stuff.”
“…” Greninja nodded as he ate a bowl of rice with pickles and some cooked fish. Apparently he made a pair of chopsticks himself in order to eat as he wanted. Anzu was eating the same while Surskit was happily sucking at a bottle of honey.
“Well, I am for once grateful they do have more delicate meals,” replied Rouge as she slowly nibbled at a slice of cheese, a fruit salad with whipped cream waiting besides it.
“If that works for you. I personally prefer more sustainable food, and even when these aren’t Torchic eggs they are quite delicious,” added Weiss as he ate a mushroom and ham omelet.
Xavier made no commentaries as he continued to chew large quantities of meat, bread, fruit, etc.
“You guys do realize this is the only place along Canadia where one can eat meat right?” commented Daring while biting a simple hay sandwich. The reaction she get in return was slightly confusing.
“…” Everyone stood still for a second before continuing their meals at an increased speed...the carnivorous ones at least.
“… I am sure everyone can take care of their own from here on, verdad?” joked Pancha as she stuffed more bacon, and only bacon, into her beak.
“We will have to look for them outside of this land sooner or later,” pointed out Weiss as he too gave his food a fond look. “By the way Daring, what is this land? A continent?”
“It’s a continent. There are no other countries on it besides the Empire. It has a large number of cities and settlements of course. The closest continent has more cultures on it but it mainly belongs to Equestria. I should also add that it is my motherland,” listed Daring as simply as she could.
“Then we will have a long time looking around this land then,” replied Weiss satisfied. The rest of the group seemed to share his enthusiasm.
However, fate had other plans for the carnivorous group as Grizelda approached them, a pair of black circles under her eyes. “Morning creatures,” greeted the maiden with a long yawn. “You seem to have slept properly.”
“Niña, are you okay?” asked the Wrestler Pokemon with a bit of worry, though didn’t stop her from eating at her current pace.
“Yeah, just a long night: I made company of your other metallic friend,” the group then noticed the absence of Shredder. They were about to ask what kept them awake when Grizelda seemed to remember her propose being there in the first place. “Oh, right! I was supposed to tell you guys that her Excellency can receive you now.
With nothing else to say, the young griffin turned around and left.
The group finished their food and moved to the main table where Empress Victoria waited for them. The mercenaries plus three, didn’t have to kneel before her this time, as she simply offer them a few seats close to her table, although not yet on her table.
“As expected,” started the empress as soon as they arrived. “There have been numerous reports of Pokemon appearing all over the world, let alone Griffenhiem. However, and despite the ones you say would be confused, there has been few notable incidents so far, other than damaged property. Aside from that, most reports show it was because someone lost their cool over the situation, and a many times, it wasn’t the Pokemon.”
Despite the news, Victoria seemed to be very happy. Pancha pointed out that ‘It could be the breakfast’s magic’ in the mind link.
“How about the Empire your highness?” asked not Weiss, but Rouge for a change, the Empress seemed to note the change of pace, but replied all the same, thankful that the other mercenaries were worried as well.
“I sent falcons to all known towns in our land, strictly ordering the Imperial guards to not engage the Pokemon and to guide them out of the urbanized zones. So far there are few reports with hostile results,” Victoria said, before adding, “That is more than what I can say for Equestria,” she said with a small grin a she gave a glance to the reports she got from other places, mainly the Crystal Empire.
Again, Weiss wondered what could be the situation between the Empress and the Princesses for Victoria to be so determined to surpass them, even in things that were really beyond their control for the most part.
“But that was to be expected,” she said with a proud tone before turning towards them. “Now we need to discuss how will you look for the rest of your team.”
Weiss nodded. “We are in your debt for allowing us to go and search for them in the first place your Highness. I think we should start with the Empire first, and then move to a different continent.”
“This quest will take a long time to finish,” added Xavier.
“So it seems,” replied Victoria. “However I think I may be of assistance for you,” she said, a shine of a genius idea coming from the Empress’ eyes as she explained her plan. “I will give a speech this afternoon so people can know what to think about Pokemon, mostly things that I think can help with their assimilation.”
As she gave her idea, Xavier picked up a line of thought from the Empress and found it a bit amusing ‘She is wondering how long it will take for Celestia to copy her ideas,’ the team had to do its best to not chuckle, as that now explained her Highness’ radiant look.
“However,” in an instant, this look drastically changed for one more serious, “This will depend on whether or not the other Pokemon want to cooperate. I can understand if some of them want to live in the woods with the creatures that dwell in them, but I will not tolerate any sort of invasion or sedition against my people.”
This time, however, she wasn’t threatening the mercenaries, but merely keeping clear that she will have no doubt about dealing with any Pokemon looking for troubles on her empire.
“Our comrade will be more than enough to help in these kinds of situations your highness,” commented Xavier.
“I know she will. It was her who told me about your coat of arms, and it was her that gave me the idea of giving it imperial recognition.” At this point, Weiss couldn’t help but wonder how exactly Shredder managed to do something so subtle.
“I presume we need some sort of warrant to move around the Empire,” pointed out Pancha, this little act of cleverness making all of us stare at her in surprise. “… que?”
“True, but I’m afraid you misunderstand,” clarified Victoria. “I am not doing this so you can move freely in the Empire; I am doing this so you can show the other lands that griffins are working for peace.” Again a big smile lay in the Empress’ beak.
“Not that I question your wisdom or anything your highness,” commented Rouge, “But how would that happen on this continent?”
“Simple” her smile grew wider, “You are not starting on Griffenhiem.”
“… le ruego me disculpe?” asked a shocked Hawlucha.
“The empire will take care of searching in these lands,” calmly explained Victoria. “After all we have the sign of your guild as well as someone who can recognize them.”[
‘This sounds too convenient,’ thought Weiss, and actually all of his team, Surskit included.
“So you can go and look for them on another continent, may I suggest Equestria as your first stop.”
The mercenaries let out a collective sigh, this was no longer funny for them. “Your highness, we appreciate you help, and we would more likely take it, but we have to know, what is this bickering tendency of yours against the Equestrian kingdom?”
Empress Victoria was surprised by this question, and though they would obey her in the end, she didn’t like to be questioned. “Why would you like to know mercenary?”
“Your Highness, we have been hired to do many sorts of things, so spying and sabotaging other countries isn’t something new for us.” Just like the Empress, Weiss’ tone became serious, but also emotionless. “We have made an alliance with you your Highness, thus we will do as you command, but if you want to ‘sugarcoat’ our objective, we will have problems in effectively executing them,” he stated, and with these words the presence that Checkmate emanate was no longer of strange and goofy creatures, but that of cold blooded soldiers.
Daring, Anzu, Surskit and the guards broke into a cold sweat at the pressure, the latter instinctively drawing their weapons closer.
“Wait, wait, wait!” exclaimed another voice who had been mysteriously quiet until now. “So you think we want you guys to spy and sabotage the other kingdom?”
Both, Victoria and Weiss, turned to look at Grizelda with surprise. One caused by confusion while the other by embarrassment. “You guys are thinking too ‘hardcore’ here. All that your majesty wants is for you all to show off your position as members of the Empire, nothing more.”
The look Empress Victoria gave her maiden was such a mix of anger, embarrassment, confusion and gratitude, that no one who witnessed it would believe that she was the fabled ‘Steel Empress’, but rather a very troubled and stressed woman.
This glance however only lasted a second, and only was seen by her trusted servant.
“My maiden is correct,” continued Victoria with a very thin hint of embarrassment. “I had never planned to have you act on such devious ways. To be honest I feel astonished and insulted with your insinuation. But then again I should expect so from a world as violent like yours.”
The mercenaries couldn’t deny the last part. “My deepest apologies your highness,” said Weiss with a bow. “As you say, our world is rather broken in comparison to this one. But our question still remains: Why are you so obsessed with Equestria?”
Victoria seemed to become more insulted at the question, but she seemed to realize something at the same time that replaced her anger with shame. “I do not envy Equestria, nor do I greed for it or loathe it in any way. If anything, I would say it’s because I feel inferior to its ruler: Princess Celestia.”
“I thought there were two rulers on your country,” questioned Weiss to Daring, but the Empress replied before she could.
“There are. The second Princess, Luna, was reintegrated into her position just recently. She has a bit of a history, yet that is not my right to divulge. Thus Celestia has been the one ruling during her absence, so my story with her is deeper that with her sister.”
“I have heard little from the Princesses besides that they are co-rulers of their land, and that somehow they remain princesses despite not having known parents alive. I also heard they have ruled the land of Equestria since its foundation, so I presume it’s a relatively young kingdom.”
Grizelda snorted, “That is the understatement of the day.”
The Empress had to explain, “What she means is that Equestria had existed for thousands of years, Luna and Celestia seem to be, if not immortal, at least beings with very long life spans.” One of her claws pointed at one of the many paintings decorating the dining room, a royal looking griffin stand besides two tall and slim ponies in what appeared to be a celebration. “That scene, it’s from my great, great, great grandfather’s 70th birthday. The white mare is Celestia and the darker one is Luna. They look pretty much the same at this very day.”
“That’s interesting,” replied Xavier with little surprise. He was young but knew well he could live for hundreds of years as well.
“Beings with such long lives aren’t rare on our world, but I must admit they do not look this young, or frail.” Added the Bisharp.
“That makes things easier then, have you ever discussed with someone who has lived at least five times what you call a long life?” asked Victoria.
“Once. It was quite the experience, it made me feel so… inexperienced,” replied Weiss.
“Then you have been in a similar experience than mine. Celestia is a wise ruler, cultivated by centuries of knowledge; she is also very gentle and kind.” The Empress surprised herself as she noticed that she admired Celestia, even if just a little. “However these qualities also makes her look at others, as you say, as inexperienced individuals.”
‘That explains the inferiority complex,’ thought Xavier.
“Every time I look at her I don’t see a ruler of countless years of experience, but a young mare with at least 10 years less than me.” Now the Iron Leg Pokemon wondered if she also had a midlife crisis. “Ever since I had this crown bestowed upon my head, I have tried to impress her in whatever way I can, only to be patted in the back and guided to a better way of action. I guess she has been a tutor to me as much as she has been for most of the other rulers of this world.”
It was now that a joyful laugh barged into the conversation. “I don’t see what is wrong with that!” exclaimed Simon once his laughter subdued. “Surpassing those before us and earning their recognition is something naturally embodied in every being who loves itself a little.”
Victoria was surprised by how easily the mole-like creature had accepted what she normally considered a childish aspect of herself, an aspect she liked nonetheless.
Simon continued. “So if you want us to show these princesses that you can make peace with us Pokemon before her, then by all means: stuff us on a box, slam some stamps over it and send us to her castle, because we will be more than glad to show off for you!” the Subterranean Pokemon soundly hit his chest, indicating that his words came from his flaming heart.
Then another laugh resonated in the throne room: Empress Victoria started to laugh loudly with joy. All the members of the guard, her advisors and even the help looked on bewildered by the sudden show of emotion the ‘Steel Empress’ displayed.
“Ah… lord Simon, your words are invigorating, despite their total lack of delicacy.” Simon didn’t seemed to care. “And yes, I would like to commission Checkmate with the mission of going to the neighbor kingdom of Equestria and make show of the progress Griffenhiem has achieved, as well as to report to me any news you may find as well while looking for your fellow comrades.”
Weiss chuckled as he realized that, in the very end, the ‘spying’ portion of their original supposition wasn’t that wrong in the end...even if this time it didn’t exactly require them to be stealthy about it.
“We will be honored to oblige your highness,” replied the leader as he stood up and bowed to the ruler, the rest of his team following close. “When do you want us to depart?”
Victoria acknowledged their words with a bow from her head, “I would like you to set sail the morning of the day after tomorrow. The flag cruiser, ‘Holzschiff,’ will take you to Canterlot in a day and a half.”
“You sure lose no tiempo your Highness,” joked Pancha.
“We will make preparations,” Weiss said as they prepared to leave.
“Please do. However, my guards will provide you with supplies and my tailors will have your clothes ready before today’s announcement ceremony, so you will have some free time until then.”
“I guess she is right... wait, you want us to attend the ceremony?” Rogue pointed out.
“I certainly do, lady Rouge,” replied Victoria. “I am not just going to send you as ‘ambassadors’ without a proper designation. That would be rude from my part, wouldn’t it?” Rouge gave a sigh in response.
“This will be the first time we have ever been given such an honor, or an honor at all… I guess that is quite obvious,” Weiss said, while leveling a pointed look at the poison-type. “Normally we are paid and asked to vanish once a job is done.”
“That was in your brutish world,” pointed out Victoria. “But this is Equss, and here we like to reward the work of others. Not to mention we still owe you for dealing with Terrowin’s... ‘tantrum’.”
With a general smile coming from all the members of Checkmat, Xavier included (even when it almost didn’t show), the mercenaries left the Empress’ presence, but not before she managed to tell them one last thing. “I suggest you spend some time in the city and get to know it better while you are at it,” she said, before taking a scroll from a pile and read it. “There are reports of a Pokemon staying in a nearby school. There have been no issues so far, but I want you to go and check it as well.”
Weiss gave one final bow as they left the Empress’ table.
“… is it just me, or could we have just waited out back?” asked Daring to the other two female Pokemon as they walked behind the mercenaries.
Griffienhiem Empire
Outside the castle
The group followed the Empress’ advice and ventured into the city, a small portion of guards still close to look after them, as well to serve as guides. Although Daring Do filled this role just fine.
Once at the street, they could see the city’s layout. They already knew that the castle was in the side of a mountain, but they didn’t expect the city to be as well embedded on the other mountains formed by the range. The range itself had a semicircle shape with an extensive valley within it, a river and a lake could be seen in the distance as well.
Buildings of rectangular shape laid all over the mountainsides, houses made of gray stone and brick formed a display of many geometrical shapes as the roofs show a variety of brick shades while banners and flags of vivid colors decorated the streets. Griffins could be seen flying all over the city from one side to another, some even flying across the valley to reach a destination at the other side. Yet they weren’t the only ones up there; blimps of many forms and colors floated like dandelion seeds in the wind.
“You should see Canterlot,” Daring said as she noticed the expression on most of the Pokemon. “Instead of blimps, chariots take the sky line. Of course it’s all because of our magic,” She proudly added in the end.
She then proceeded to explain the city’s layout “The city has this horseshoe shape because of the mountains,” she points at the edges of the city. “To navigate this oddly shaped place, griffins usually refer to it by sections and levels: The lower level is called the valley because of its proximity with the mountain’s base; next it’s the mountainside level on the middle, that is a no brainer; and finally it’s the submit level at the top,” as she mention each level, a hoof pointed towards a relative height on the mountain.
“As for the sections,” she continued. “These are also divided into three: a central section and two edges. The central section is the fanciest of them all. That’s where we are right now by the way. It has most of the city’s markets and restaurants at the hill level; museums and more expensive establishments lie on the mountainside level, so it’s considered the more touristic zone here; finally the imperial castle of Nesting Hold rest on the summit level.” She turned to point at the castle, which was massively occupying the entire summit of the mountain it was in.
“The left and right edges are pretty much the same,” continued the explorer. “Mostly warehouses and trading offices lie on the valley level alongside the suburbs; middle class houses occupy the mountainside level with most of the schools, the families of wealthy traders and imperial politicians live there. And that is pretty much it.”
“That is quite...” Rouge started, looking for a good word, “Summarized.”
“It’s not 100% accurate, but it will help us move you Pokemon around,” replied Daring.
Speaking of Pokemon, many flying-types could be seen adjusting to their new environment as well: some Staraptor, Talonflame and Braviary were already disputing for the best nesting spots over the range, with their respective pre-evolutions, Starly, Staravia, Fletchling, Fletchinder and Rufflet, cheering at a safe distance.
The ground was just as lively, albeit not as wild: a Larvitar or two could be seen sneaking around the many alleys the city had, Shuckles could be found near each fruit stand they ran into, and a group of kids were playing with a group of Helioptile while their parents and a Heliolisk kept an eye on them, the later also getting his share of eyeing as well.
The griffin on their side seemed confused by the situation, looking at the new creatures with as much curiosity and wonder as caution and carefulness. Yet none of them seemed to want to start a fight.
“Now I can’t stop to wonder if this is luck or a very well thought action,” wondered Weiss out loud.
“The fighters of this word may really be as passive as we speculated,” pointed Xavier as he kept his seemingly angry gaze on the creatures around them, both Griffin and Pokemon, and the occasional Pony.
“I doubt so,” added Daring, “I presume this is mostly the ‘bravery’ Griffins are famous for. My kind would most likely keep a safe distance and analyze the ‘intruders’ at first. But then again, I haven’t seen a single hostile Pokemon so far, so I doubt it will take them too long to do the same over there as well.”
“I can see why the Empress was so interested on our departure then,” reflected Rouge as she and Greninja kept a close eye on the overly excited Pancha and Simon, who in turn were eager to look, touch and ask at every shop they found.
Luckily for them, the clerks running them were happy to sell their goods to them, as long a guard was there to pay their debts, although he also kept tabs on how much money they were wasting.
‘Something tells me our first paycheck will not be complete,’ thought Weiss.
“Por cierto!” mentioned Pancha a she take a bite of an apple she just bought, “How far is this school anyway? Will we have enough time to look at the city?”
“Well…” Daring turned to one of the guards, “How far is it again?”
The guard replied, “It’s almost at the valley level on the left edge.”
“That isn’t close by at all!” exclaimed Daring. “I thought it would be one of the elegant schools on the summit level!”
The guard was about to add something else, but he was silenced by Weiss. “It’s okay, we do have time and the Empress did tell us to look around the city. So I guess we can get the best out of this and enjoy our ride there.”
The rest of the Pokemon agreed with his words.
“If you say so, but we are still taking the quick route okay?”
The mercenaries were then taken on a quick touristic ride across the center section of the city, Pancha and Simon still looking at the shops and stores, although they were forbidden to buy anything else. Rouge on her end was marveled with the elegant architecture the medieval buildings had.
They finally arrive at what was called the ‘skyway,’ a transportation system designer for those needing to move large objects but couldn’t afford to rent a blimp, or as in this case, for wingless creatures to move quicker to one edge to the other. The skyway consisted of a rigid airship with three ‘carts’ attached on its belly. The carts were big enough for Xavier to fit in, although a bit cramped. The airplane moved across the city in a semi-linear route with another dirigible a few minutes behind. There were five routes, each of them intersecting at some points but mainly covering different zones on the city.
For the Pokemon, the skyway was more of an aerial rapid train system.
Because almost every citizen on Griffenhiem had wings, the cart was barely being used, with most of the passengers being tourists from other countries, who despite the current events, still looked to enjoy most of their trip. Some of these tourists were Ponies from different regions. ‘Must have been a group trip to save money,’ Weiss thought. The group consisted of three Earth Ponies, one elderly Pegasus mare, and two Unicorns with a filly.
“So these are the magicians of your kind huh?” asked Rouge as she looked at the Unicorns, catching the attention of the filly which she gently waved a bouquet at. The foal hid in respond.
“Yes they are, although calling them magicians is a bit of an exaggeration,” replied Daring. “Each kind of Pony has a different kind of magic: Pegasi control weather, Earth Ponies have more affinity with nature and Unicorns can use actual magic.”
As she explained this, the foal turned again to look at the group.
“One type needs large amounts of training and studying to enhance their natural gifts. For example: an Earth Pony can farm almost anything on anywhere once it has developed its bonding with the earth with years of hard work.”
“That sounds quite dull,” replied Rouge as she made her red bouquet flourish in an instant as fragrant perfume filled the cart. “I can make things grow just like this.”
“Yeah, but you ARE a plant. Earth Ponies are… well: Earthy.”
At this point, the foal had moved from her position and was now before Rouge, apparently attracted by her perfume, “…”
Rouge noticed the little child and give her a warm smile as she offer her one of her bouquets. “You want to savor it?” she offered.
The child nodded happily as she brought her muzzle into her roses and took a deep breath, and although her parents didn’t share her enthusiasm, they didn’t interfere. Once she retrieved her face, the child gave Rouge a huge grin and then hugged her arm. “You smell pweety!”
Now the parents seemed to react worried, not from the creature their child was hugging, but by her hug itself. “Bloo!” started the mare.
“You don’t hug strangers sweetie!” continued the stallion as he trotted to his child, then he gave an apologetic look to Rouge. “My deepest apologies… ma’am?” ventured the Unicorn as he didn’t know the Roserade’s gender.
Rouge smiled at the worried parents and calmly replied, “It’s okay, I don’t mind,” while patting Bloo gently with her other bouquet. “But your dad is right Bloo, you shouldn’t do this, it’s impolite for a lady.”
The blue filly looked at Rouge with sorry eyes and then turned to her father. “Sowy,” was all she said as she let her parent wrap her in a magic aura and take her to his side, but not before offering Rouge another couple of apologies.
“Now that is a ternura,” squealed Pancha at the scene.
The rest of the ride was calm, with the Pokemon having their eyes glued to the windows, the only exception being Rouge who continued to play with the filly at the other side of the cart, at least while their trip allow them to.
With a ‘bwy-bwy!’ the group of Ponies descended on a station, leaving the Pokemon and their escorts alone on the cart. They had to wait for the cart to reach the terminal station to get off as well.
“Can we do that again?” exclaimed Pancha, her flying-type instincts making her enjoy the ride.[
“On the way back,” promised Daring. “For now we should head to look for this Pokemon.”
“I’ve been thinking though,” intervened Xavier. “What makes this Pokemon so special? It’s not like it’s the only one around,” at this comment, a group of Ratata ran from one side of the street to the other, paying little attention to them.
“ I presume we will find out once we get there,” Weiss mused as they continued on their way.
The zone wasn’t as elegant and vivid as before, but the houses looked warm and comfortable, and the streets were big and bright, making it seem more like a small town than part of a capital city.
As they continued to walk, they soon saw a large building which seemed more like a university rather than a school. On its yard lied play structures of many types: swings, slides, jungle gyms, etc. There, a large number of young Griffins could be seen playing, until one of them noticed the new arrivals and sprang into the air, heading straight into the building.
“Ehm, don’t you all think this looks to be a bit too big for a school?” wondered Simon as they reached the front doors, the rest of the children had fled inside as well.
That may be because this is not only a school,” replied an elderly voice from within the building as an old but lively looking griffin open the doors, “It's also an orphanage.”
Her eyes were automatically locked on the variety of her visitants: imperial guards, a Pegasus Pony and a bunch of the creatures that had been appearing all over the city, although the latter seemed more civilized than those she had seen so far, with that one exception.
“Mistress Avice,” started one of the guards as he held a scroll before the older griffin and proclaimed, “We are here by her Excellency’s commands. We have heard about a Pokemon living here and thus the great Empress Victoria had dispatched her personal detachment to assess the situation and deal with it if necessary.”
The mercenaries simply waved as this abrupt explanation was given.
“He means we are here to help ma’am,” added Weiss with a polite bow, much to Avice’s surprise.
“Oh my! I didn’t know your kind were able to talk,” she seemed surprised by his words, yet not by his movements.
“That would be our buddy’s doing,” Simon pointed out, gesturing towards Xavier.
“So he is a magician then?”
“Let’s leave it at an ‘almost’,” concluded the leader. “Is it true that you have a Pokemon here with you ma’am?”
“Oh yes, I do,” admitted the old griffin as she lead them around the orphanage, guiding them to the back, “She appeared yesterday in the morning... I think it’s a she at least, one of our boys found her sleeping out the back.”
As they walked, Xavier said a single line to Weiss trough the mind-link. ‘I’m having a reading.’
Weiss was about to ask something when they reached the backyard, there another group of younger griffins could be seen playing with each other, however there was something with them that didn’t fit in. Playing with the children was a creature similar to a bunny, but standing on two legs and standing almost as tall as Weiss, a brown coat covered the body entirely with the only exception being the legs, hands, ears and face, which were covered with cream colored fluffy fur.
The group of Pokemons’ arrival made the griffins to look towards them, which in turn made the Lopunny look at them as well, tears forming on the eyes as soon as they fixated their gaze on the Bisharp, gracefully running to meet him.
However, somewhere at the middle of the way, the tears were replaced with rage and the graceful run was turned into a fierce charge as the Rabbit Pokemon slammed a glowing fist right on Weiss’ plexus.
“Power-Up Punch!” exclaimed the Lopunny as Weiss was sent flying away.
“…why always me…?” wondered the 4 times damaged leader once he hit the ground, “… it’s good to see you Roll…”
The angry look on Roll’s eyes didn’t disappear as she moved toward the closest member she could find: Xavier. With a literally blazing hand, she pinned down the enormous Pokemon and coldly asked “WHERE-IS-SHREDDER!?”