Author's Note:
Thank you, zeusdemigod131, for looking over part of this chapter for me before I wrote the rest.
Celestia's sun began setting upon a sparsely-wooded field in southern Equestria. It was in this field that many animals and Pokemon began retreating underground into burrows, up into the hollows of trees, and some even just laying down in the grass and deciding to hide there for the night. All except for Lancer and Princess, who were making their way through this field at the moment.
“So you haven't divulged very much in terms of the nature of this quest,” Princess said to Lancer as the two walked. “If I'm such an important part, shouldn't I know what's going on?”
Lancer was silent for a moment before stopping and holding his lance out, indicating for Princess to stop as well. “There is very much going on,” Lancer said, turning his head, but not his body, towards Princess. “I do not even know all of the specifics. However, I am willing to share anything I do know with you upon your request. But first, we must stop and make camp for the night. A day of walking results in a tired body and soul.” The Escavalier then turned around to face Princess. “I shall gather wood to create a fire so as to keep predators at bay while we sleep. Would you please clear a spot in the grass for us to sleep?”
“Hum… I suppose I shall,” Princess said. “But it is not very becoming of a knight to ask royalty to do any labor.”
“I sincerely apologize, my lady,” Lancer said. “I would never do such a thing unless the situation demanded it.”
“If that's what you say, I'll find it somewhere in my heart to forgive you,” Princess replied. ”Arceus, when do I get to stop talking like this?” the Empoleon thought to herself. ”I never thought the day would come when I started annoying myself.”
“I will return soon,” Lancer said before turning and making his way towards a tree.
“Be careful not to disrupt a Pokemon's home!” Princess called.
“But of course!” Lancer called back.
After half an hour, Lancer and Princess had set up what could probably be passed for a camp. Just a circle of patted-down grass with a small fire in the middle, a ring of rocks surrounding it so as to not risk burning the entire field. It was by this time that the sun was bidding its final farewell to the day, the last rays of sunlight giving way to the soft glow of the moon.
“If you do not mind me asking,” Lancer started as he and Princess sat in front of the fire, “you are a carnivore, correct?”
Princess chuckled. “I've actually tried to be a vegetarian most of my life,” she replied. “But if you happen to have already hunted something for us to eat, I promise not to turn my nose away in disgust.”
“Good,” Lancer said, “because it just so happens that one of the indigenous creatures of this planet attacked me unprovoked, and I had no choice but to defend myself.” The Escavalier reached behind him into the tall grass and pulled out a creature that looked similar to a Sawsbuck, but it was a lot more… featureless. Similar to a Summer Sawsbuck, but there was nothing on its horns.
“Oh, the poor thing…” Princess said with a frown. “I wish it could at least know what it died for.”
“Yes, I have the same wish for those I'm forced to kill,” Lancer added. “For the record, that number is only six, counting this creature.”
“So there has been blood on your lances before?” Princess asked.
“And not a day goes by when I can forget any of them,” Lancer replied. He then looked down and sighed. “I'm such a sorry excuse for a knight…”
“Now now, don't go discrediting yourself,” Princess said reassuringly. “I'm not going to pretend taking a life isn't a big deal, but it's one of the moral risks a knight must take.”
Lancer looked up and smiled a little. “Thank you, Princess,” he said. “I think I really needed to hear that come from someone else. Now then… I believe I know how to cook this.”
It was another uneventful half-hour before Lancer and Princess were eating. (The creature cooked rather fast, to Lancer's surprise.)
“So Lancer,” Princess started after swallowing a bite of meat, “you said you would share what you knew of your own quest?”
“Hmm?” Lancer asked with a bit of food still in his mouth. He took a second to chew before swallowing, then continued. “Yes, of course. You see, when Arceus said that he brought the ones who were, and I quote, 'fair, kind, and good in the old world,' he might not have been entirely accurate.”
“But wasn't he just talking about the humans when he said that?” Princess asked, cocking her head to the side curiously.
“I would believe so were it not for the strange dreams I had in the weeks prior to these happenings,” Lancer said with a shake of his head. “In my dreams, I saw a Froslass. A dangerous one. If something isn't done about her, she'll go on a murderous rampage that affects the entire population of a town, including multiple Pokemon, some of my family being among that number.”
“A Froslass…?” Princess asked. “Is she shiny?” Lancer nodded. “I… I think I know her.”
“You do?” Lancer asked, a little startled.
“Yes,” Princess replied with a nod. “Her name's Aria, and she's part of my family.”
“Aria?” Lancer asked. “Why would a Froslass have that sort of name? I didn't know they were known for singing.”
“I don't think they do, normally,” Princess replied. “Aria does, though. Whether Froslass sing is the least of my concerns, though…” Princess brought a flipper to her chin. “I'm trying to think about why Aria would do the things you say she'll do.”
Lancer sighed. “I've never been an advocate for typism, but Ghost-types do have a bit of a reputation,” he said. “I don't want to-”
“Then don't,” Princess cut off. “You don't know Aria's story. She's lived a terrible life. Before Marcus found her, she was far from in her right mind. She said there was this other Froslass inside her that kept telling her to kill every living thing in sight. That voice plagued her for years before Marcus and the rest of us got a chance to help her. It's been almost six years, and she's relatively better, but to this day, we never knew what actually happened to that other Froslass.”
“My sincerest apologies for what I'm about to say,” Lancer started, “but are you sure there was, indeed, another Froslass, and Aria wasn't just… I don't know, mentally ill?”
“Trust me, that was my first thought as well,” Princess replied with a shake of her head. “But after some time, we found out that there was actually another Froslass, a shiny one, who was everything Aria was told to be by that voice. We never actually encountered her, though, and she just sort of… faded over time. The entire year before all this happened, we hadn't heard a thing about deaths related to a Froslass anywhere in the world. And this was something we had been following, mind you.”
There was a moment's pause before Lancer spoke up again. “Maybe this other one has been following you?” he suggested. “I mean, if she had any relation to Aria, wouldn't she…?” Lancer trailed off and shook his head.
“There's no way she could follow us into an entirely different world, though,” Princess said before sighing. “We should finish eating then get some sleep. I'll stay up and take the first watch.”
“Nay,” Lancer said. “I cannot let you do this, Your Highness. As your guardian on this quest, I insist on taking the first watch.”
“You dare to question the authority of a member of nobility?” Princess asked. “You've been on your feet—er… You've been up all day. I had a nap earlier. I'm a lot less tired than you.”
Lancer seemed about to try and protest, but he instead hung his head and sighed in defeat. “As you wish, Your Highness,” he said.
After an hour, the two had finished eating and Lancer had dug a grave for the remains of the creature they ate. (“The only reason I insisted Alonzo teach me Dig was so that I could give those I'm forced to kill a proper burial,” Lancer explained.)
Lancer fell into an uneasy sleep, already anticipating a nightmare in which he'd see the face of the creature as he impaled it. The fear in its eyes, obscured by the tears Lancer shed. Lancer deciphering the creature saying “I'm afraid” in its language, while Lancer repeated “I'm sorry,” both of these phrases echoing all throughout the dream.
But it was a risk Lancer had to take as a knight.
Lancer found himself unable to fall sleep, however. He spent too much time anticipating this nightmare that never came. With a sigh, he opened his eyes and rose up from the ground. “I'm sorry, Princess,” Lancer said as he rose, “but I cannot sleep. I must request that I take this watch.” He waited for a reply, but none came. “Your Highness?” Lancer looked around to see that he was alone. There was still the circle of patted-down grass, still a pile of smoldering wood in the center with rocks surrounding it, but his Empoleon companion was gone. “Princess? Are you there?” Lancer surveyed the area as best he could, but it was impossible to see a thing. He looked up to see if it was just because of a new moon or a cloudy sky or something, and what he saw shocked him. The sky was completely empty. No clouds, no moon, no stars… if he didn't know any better, he could swear even space itself was gone. “What's going on?” Lancer asked.
“A dream, obviously,” a serious, stern, and steeled voice said from behind Lancer. The Escavalier turned around, noticing an odd light behind him, to find himself face-to-face with his hero, his idol, everything he strived to be, the Iron Will Pokemon and leader of the Swords of Justice himself.
“S-Sir Cobalion!” Lancer said in a startled voice before composing himself and bowing. “It… it is a great honor to meet you! But if you do not mind me asking, why have you come to me?”
“I think you know exactly why,” Cobalion replied, glaring down at Lancer with an intense expression.
Lancer seemed confused for a brief moment before realizing what Cobalion was talking about and hanging his head in shame. “Yes… I know exactly why,” Lancer said. “I have made a mockery of both myself and you by falsely invoking your name and my own honor in attempting to convince the Empoleon, Princess, to join me on my quest. And while I understand that what I have done is unforgivable, I must request that you hear why I have committed such a terrible act before accepting whatever punishment you have for me.”
Cobalion's expression remained unchanged. “Go on,” he said.
“For several weeks prior to our awakening on Equus,” Lancer started, “I had been having strange dreams—dreams that I am convinced are prophetic. A terrible event is going to occur at a small settlement near the center of this country of Equestria, and many of those I hold dear are in the center of this happening, as well as countless innocent lives. I know Princess will play a key part, for hers has been one of the most recurring faces in these dreams. This was why I had to get her to come with me at all costs.” Lancer bowed once again. “I do not expect forgiveness for what I have done despite these reasons. I am prepared to suffer whatever punishment you see fit for me, but please, I beg of you Sir Cobalion, allow me to proceed with this quest afterward. I have devoted myself to protecting my family, and they face great danger right now. I must get to that town, and Princess must be with me.”
Cobalion was silent for a long time after Lancer had finished speaking, but he never ceased glaring down upon the Cavalry Pokemon. After an elongated pause, (in which Lancer hadn't even looked up), Cobalion finally spoke. “It would seem you had quite a reason to abuse your honor as you did,” he said in the same steel voice as he had been speaking. “But that does not prevent me from issuing your punishment. Now listen carefully to my words.”
“Yes, of course,” Lancer replied, not looking up in order to hide the fear in his eyes.
“When you awaken, you will tell the Empoleon that you lied to her,” Cobalion said. “You will tell her that you falsely invoked my name and made a mockery of your own honor in the presence of royalty. You will explain that to her word for word.”
“Of course,” Lancer replied.
“After you tell her all of this, your punishment shall be up to her and her alone,” Cobalion continued. “You will allow her to do to you anything she sees fit short of abandoning you.”
Lancer resisted the urge to look up and stare at Cobalion quizzically. “I'm sorry?” the Escavalier asked, still bowing.
“Once she is finished with her punishment, or if she is about to leave you, you will tell her that I did, indeed, come to you in this dream,” Cobalion explained. “Tell her that I was made aware of your actions, and that it was by my request that she punish you herself. After I did this, I condoned your quest, and requested that she remain by your side and accompany you.”
“With all due respect, Sir Cobalion,” Lancer started, rising from his bow and looking at Cobalion with a confused expression, “why would you do this for me?”
“Because I, like you, am a knight,” Cobalion replied, “and as such, I know how a knight's instincts work, especially those of the young and foolish trainees. (I'm sure you're familiar with the story of young Keldeo.) As such, I will trust that you know what you are doing, knight Lancer, and let you off with a warning. But if you ever abuse your honor in the future, I will hunt you down, and personally deliver the punishment of my blade. Do you understand?”
“I understand entirely, Sir Cobalion,” Lancer said with another bow. “I am eternally grateful for your mercy.”
“Good,” Cobalion said with a nod. “Now prepare yourself. While it may not have seemed like it, four hours have passed since you fell asleep. Princess will awaken you at any moment so that you can take the second watch. Remember what I ordered you to do.” The Iron Will Pokemon then turned and walked off, but he stopped momentarily and looked back towards Lancer. “One last thing… I never specified that Princess was to stay with you until the end of you quest.”
“What?” Lancer asked, but right as he asked this, Cobalion suddenly vanished. No fog, no wind, no flash, he just… disappeared. Lancer sighed. “At least he showed me mercy…”
“Lancer!” a faint voice called, startling the Escavalier.
“What?” Lancer asked, looking around but finding nothing but darkness. “Who's there?”
“Lancer!” the voice called again. This time, Lancer could almost swear that it was Alonzo's voice calling.
“Alonzo?” Lancer called back. “Alonzo!”
“Lancer!” the voice boomed from all around the Cavalry Pokemon. Lancer turned around to see the creature from before, all life gone from its eyes and the gaping wound in its chest from Lancer's weapon still bleeding. The creature leapt at him with startling speed and strength. ”LANCER!”
Lancer awoke with a start, shouting and coming within an inch of striking Princess in the face with the side of his lance. The Empoleon leapt back, also startled. “Woah! Calm down Lancer,” Princess said. “Are you alright?”
Lancer slowly got up. “A thousand apologies, Princess,” Lancer said. “It was an… intense dream, for lack of a better term.”
“Uh-huh…” Princess said with a slow nod. “Anyway, I've fulfilled my watch duty, so now it's your turn.”
“Ah, wait Your Highness!” Lancer quickly said.
Princess turned around and looked at Lancer curiously. “What is it?” she asked.
“There's… something I need to talk to you about,” Lancer said in a defeated tone. “I… I lied earlier today. I swore upon my knight's honor that my quest was given to me by Sir Cobalion, but this was entirely false. In truth, I've only my own instincts to justify this quest.”
Princess looked surprised, but for some reason Lancer couldn't quite put his lance on, it didn't seem like sincere surprise. “So… was everything else you said false as well?” she asked. “About your family being in danger?”
“No!” Lancer quickly said. “No, that part was true. What is also true is that I need you on this quest.” The Escavalier sighed before continuing. “Sir Cobalion visited me in my dream just now. He aimed to deliver punishment for my abuse of my knight's honor, but after explaining my reasoning, he decided that my punishment would be up to you. However, he also requested that you remain with me anyway.” With a sigh, Lancer crossed his lances across his chest. “Shell Smash.” In a flash of light, Lancer lowered his defenses significantly. “Whatever punishment you see fit, I will accept it without question. But I still must humbly ask that you stay by my side, for I need you with me.”
Princess thought for a moment. “Holy Miltank… this guy's devoted,” the Empoleon thought. “I can't tell if he has a problem or if he just takes his job that seriously. And he needs me with him? If I didn't know any better… no, that's preposterous. He knows we're in two different egg groups, right? Then again… Marcus and Blitz are as well if you think about it, and… I can't believe I'm about to do this…”
“I've decided on your punishment,” Princess finally said out loud. “First and foremost, know that I will remain by your side without question. If what you say is true, then my family in danger as well.” Princess stepped forward. “That being said… close your eyes.”
“With all due respect, I find not seeing a punishment coming to be more merciful,” Lancer said. “And as I've established, I'm not worthy of mercy.”
“Trust me, closing your eyes will only make things worse,” Princess reassured. Reluctantly, Lancer closed his eyes. With her victim unable to see her actions, Princess leaned in close to Lancer's face, and after a moment's hesitation, whispered, “Peck,” before planting a quick and decisive, but at the same time demented cross between an attack and a kiss on Lancer's cheek. The attack itself did little to Lancer, but what he felt most was the kiss. Startled and confused, Lancer opened his eyes and looked at Princess with a puzzled expression… only to find that she'd leaned back and was readying another attack. “And Steel Wing!” With that call, Princess' flipper glowed white before she swung it powerfully across Lancer's face. The attack didn't hurt much due to Lancer's type resistance, but it caught him well off-guard.
“I… what?” Lancer asked. “I'm confused. Did you…?”
“Oh, those hits I gave you weren't your punishment,” Princess said with a coy smile. “This is your punishment…” Princess then yawned and stretched before turning and taking a few steps in the opposite direction. “Boy, keeping watch makes a lady tired. I'll just have to go to sleep right now. Without another word spoken to you the rest of the night, I mean.”
“Wait!” Lancer called as Princess laid down.
“Can't talk, already asleep!” Princess called back. “Goodnight, Lancer!”
Lancer tried to say more, but he knew it was rude to awaken a lady. (While he was at best a disgraced knight at this point, he still had to uphold his code as best he could.) Instead, he turned back around and sat. And he thought. He thought about what everything Princess had just done meant. “That Peck… it wasn't an ordinary Peck…” he thought aloud. “Could it be that she…? Well… I do have a certain charm, but she couldn't possibly…”
For the entire remainder of the night, Lancer sat there and tossed all these different thoughts and ideas around in his head, hoping that, by some miracle, an answer would present itself.