The Journey to Xander : Act I
Following the meeting with Gregory and a bit of time in Daggen, the group of Vee, Rattles, Raz, Obsidian and Cythera set off south. One would expect the weather to have improved or the scenery to have changed as they headed further south. But such was not the case. Once they had left the chaotic capital, they didn't run into much beyond the cold winter of Karn. Vee had gathered everyone up after they had parted, and brought them all together for the trip. Beyond that, however, the Victini had been uncharacteristically quiet for the first few days since they left Daggen. The Victini preferred instead to keep to itself for now.
As they walked, Rattles kept very close to Vee, the segment with her eyes turned towards him while she walked forward. Cythera lied atop her, still bundled in one of Raz's cloaks. Neither Rattles nor Cythera had said much that day until Cythera suddenly spoke up. "Vee," she called to the legendary. "I think Rattles wants to tell you something, but she can't exactly walk and talk, er, write at the same time. Probably about why you've been so quiet." Rattles nodded in confirmation.
"Hmm?" The Victini looked up from the small flame in its hand it used to warm itself to glance at Cythera and Rattles. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was just thinking of a few things, recent revelations had me pondering quite a bit."
After Vee's response, Rattles gave another nod before facing ahead, apparently satisfied. "Like what?" Asked Cythera, continuing the conversation despite Rattles no longer being interested.
Vee shrugged. "Just everything since the forest. What Gabriel said. And a few things that happened after," Vee sighed. "If you would have told me a few decades ago Darkrai was planning to open the Ancian to kill Arceus, I may have laughed in your face. But a few things have me rethinking things now... not everything is so simple anymore. There used to be a natural order to things, and every day I'm here, it seems to be getting more and more disrupted."
"Welcome to the real world," Razathiel said dryly.
"Certainly doesn't feel like it," Vee responded to Raz. "Feels more like a bad nightmare."
"Welcome to the real world," Raz repeated with a dark chuckle.
"It's strange, though," Cythera said with a hand on her chin. "If Darkrai couldn't even beat that muscleheaded idiot Emperor, how the hell does he expect to kill something like Arceus itself?"
"Chaos." Obsidian muttered from his position ahead of the group. Then he spoke up louder, "It's simple. Chaos. He wants Karn to fight back against him, so he loses a fight to the emperor and acts all powerless despite probably being able to chop his head from his shoulders quite easily. Now Karn feels compelled to fight against him so that they win, cause that's their belief. He's doing what he always does, manipulate."
"I witnessed the memory of that fight, back in the tower," the Dreadmage pondered. "It rouses suspicion. I'm currently in the process of looking into the Emperor; whether or not he legitimately defeated Darkrai, Edgar is definitely hiding something important. Certain rumours people spread about him may hold true - Vee, I'll need you at some point to use those senses of yours to discern if the blasted panda is a legendary 'mon or not. Because if he isn't, then that's when things get particularly interesting... or rather, promising. Well, either that or it's terrifying, but it'd be bloody confusing too if it was."
"It seems legendaries are behind every corner now." Obsidian shook his head, "Gee, would have helped if they had acted sooner. But, whatever." He ceased talking as he turned his attention back to the wastes before them.
"He's not a legendary 'mon," Vee shook its head. "No, I don't think he is. I don't normally sense out everyone 'mon I come across. But I can usually spot a legendary, unless they're doing a fine job hiding it," The Victini explained. "This is what... this is one of the things bothering me the most. How a normal 'mon has so much power and strength. That was the first time I was ever handed a defeat so convincingly by a normal 'mon... is it underestimation? Maybe, but I have my own theories. I think he might be drawing power from a legendary." Vee looked over to Obsidian. "So in short, I don't agree with you. You were there. You saw the Emperor's power. I don't think even Gabriel could so easily annihilated him... I think Emperor Rionart may be bonded with a legendary."
"So... but that doesn't make sense." Obsidian glanced back. "From what I seem to understand, and correct me if I'm wrong, a bonded draws power from a legendary. Like, Celebi and Snype, Snype can get a bit of power from her. But it's nowhere near that much. So, you're saying there is some other legendary out there that not only bonded with him, but is so humongously powerful, that Edgar can siphon that much from him? It just... it doesn't make sense. If what Edgar said was true, then that battle happened eight years ago. That means during this whole time he was siphoning that much power from a legendary and at a very consistent rate too. It was around twenty-two years that Gabriel had been slowing building up power, enough so that he actually felt confident enough to come to Karn and whoop the emperor's ass. I mean, he's more powerful now, certainly, but who would have so much power? You said every single other legendary was basically so afraid of Gabe that they were running for their lives away from here."
"Actually, as I told you back in Gaiyo's north-country, bonds are formed for a hundred different reasons, with a hundred different affects. Don't take Celebi and Snype's bond as precedent," Vee replied back at Obsidian. "Snype's bond with Celebi is a protection bond, giving the two a connection more than power. Though it seems the Sableye has gotten some benefit from it too. If I am right though, and the Emperor is bonded, then his bond may be a power one. One solely so that the Emperor gains the power of that Pokemon who he is bonded to. So it's not about siphoning power. It's about the legendary using his power
through the Emperor." Vee remarked. "After all, I said to you before at Gaiyo's. I
don't speak for all legendaries. I said to you before that many of us were scared and that is true. But... maybe not all of us are."
"So he's a freeloader freeloading off of some other prick with free power," Raz muttered. "That's probably the most disappointing proposition I've ever heard."
"So... if he's getting power pumped into him, then you should know what power that is, right? You knew that Penance had Gabriel's power in him, and you knew that Snype was connected to Celebi when you met him. Do you recognize Edgar's power at all?"
Vee glanced at the Weavile and gave him a raise of its eyebrow. "No, what I said back in Gaiyo's country was that I knew one of you were bonded with a legendary, but I couldn't tell even with him right in front of me who exactly it was. Of course, I found out later, but I can't tell bonds just like that, I'd have to be looking for it. And the Emperor isn't in front of me right now so I can't exactly check. So I don't know who he is bonded to. In fact, I am not sure he is even bonded at all. It's just what would make the most sense. Because right now, few things do, and that frustrates me."
"At least this job seems simple enough," Cythera commented. "Take down a grand general and his men. Vee's here, I'm here, and Raz seems pretty strong too I guess. And if I'm not mistaken, this Xander doesn't even have a Mega Stone."
"You 'guess'?" Razathiel scoffed. "I am this group's resident Agent Exterminator. This isn't some big job for me, this is Tuesday!" The Ralts placed a hand on his chest as it swelled with pride, doing a couple of dramatic twirls in the air. "Tyren, Roxanna, Bastille, James - all of them so hard pressed to even so much as touch me. Same with that panda brute back at the tower; power only means so much if you can't even use it to hit a target. Poor bugger blew up his own tower - in frustration, I can only assume. And maybe a little bit of shame. Must be terribly aggravating to be so outmatched facing a wizard of my caliber."
"Wait," The Victini began as he turned to Raz. "So you are saying you defeated the Emperor? Doesn't that make you the new one?"
"It was just a recreational fight - and besides, I'm still not sure if they'd let the Emperor copping out of the bloody thing count as anything anyway, stubborn bastards that they are," The Dreadmage paused in consideration before waving a hand. "At any rate, I wouldn't want to rule this place even if I got it for free. It's a fun dump, but a dump nonetheless. I'm more in the business for a smaller circle of villainous influence, one that I have greater control over, and one that actually has some level of self-respect."
Cythera contemplated something for a moment before speaking up. "Well, it's remarkable nonetheless. I heard people around town talking about somebody getting killed by the Emperor while I was getting some extra supplies, but considering that you were very not dead I didn't think it could be you. Very impressive indeed. It certainly makes me feel the tiniest bit sorry for Xander." She then topped off the compliment by flashing him an uncharacteristic smile. "You mentioned the memory of a fight, so I wonder if they saved yours, too."
"I'm fairly sure they were planning to," Raz shrugged. "Though it's possible they felt like deleting it out of shame."
"That would be unfortunate," Cythera lamented. "It sounds like it would have been thrilling to watch."
Vee glanced skeptically at Razathiel. The Victini silently observed the 'mon as he spoke, before shrugging. "I guess it doesn't matter then. Since it didn't help us at all. We're no closer to gaining any of what we accomplished here. Do any of you know anything else about this Xander? Beyond that he has no stone?"
"Of course it helped us," Raz snapped. "We got a lead in investigating Edgar and I managed to get that Snorlax, Gregory on the case as well. As for Xander, we know he's a Karnian Grand General, an Ursaring with the balls to call Gabriel out on being a fretty pillock. That's about it."
"Being General means he's probably pretty tough, given that your Blaziken companion was also a General," Vee commented. "But we have no idea on his general power level? As compared to the other Agents of Darkrai? I understand some are stronger than others."
"I seem to remember him being mentioned as strong-ish," the Ralts murmured. "Not that it matters to me. Might give some of you lot some trouble."
"As long as everyone is doing their jobs, I shouldn't have to worry." Cythera said confidently. "And with my help, the only way any of you will die is if you're actively trying to. Now that I've revised my spells, even Gabriel's stupid chaos attacks shouldn't be able to kill you. In one shot, at least."
"It definitely will be a help having a healer aro-" Vee began to say as it continued through the snow. Something ahead caught the Victini's attention, causing Vee to stop talking. It appeared to be something in the distance, but as the group inched closer, it seemed to be a Pokemon lying on the ground. Once they were close enough to see, they caught sight of the 'mon, a Delcatty, lying dead in a pool of blood. The Delcatty seemed to have on a darker garment, but nothing else stood out beyond that. "... I suppose in normal circumstances this would be quite brutal to see but it seems to be the norm here... still, this far out?"
"Goodness gracious," Raz muttered dryly, calling upon his Psychic powers to scan the surrounding area. "Do be careful I don't faint at the mere sight of a single dead body."
Cythera frowned at the body before floating up to it to inspect it in the hopes of getting some idea what happened to it. She found a huge gash along its throat. "It was a single slash. Maybe a 'mon with blades like a Scyther or Bisharp. Blood is still fresh, so keep a lookout." Rattles kept close to Cythera and assumed a defensive stance, rotating the segment with her eyes slowly to make sure nothing snuck up on them. Wary of the situation, Cythera activated her Camouflage while continuing to inspect the Delcatty, sifting around the inside of the wound with her Psychic power just in case, though she didn't find anything out of the ordinary inside.
Vee's eyebrows furrowed and the Victini glanced forward. They caught the sight of more blood through the misty Karnian weather. This time, it appeared to be two more bodies, a Jynx and Gligar, who have been dragged through the snow before being abandoned. The same slashes were upon the two of them. "Same thing," Vee muttered.
"Look." Obsidian stated, "We will keep moving forward, but we won't let this deter us. Keep our guard up, but keep moving." He glanced down at the bodies, "I've seen plenty of dead bodies by this point. It's not going to deter me now. By the way, this trail contiues quite a bit. It is in the direction we are headed anyways, so we might as well just move along them. Think of it like a red path through the woods." He paused for a moment as he considered his latest statment, "... I think you're rubbing off on me, Raz."
"A red carpet. How luxurious!" Razathiel exclaimed, moving to step across the dead bodies before deciding that it would be a little too gross to do so, even for him. He floated around them and up to the others in turn, speaking short, hushed words to them before continuing ahead. Cythera looked at all the bodies with disgust, but otherwise kept quiet for fear of betraying her position. Obsidian moved on further and further. As a particularly heavy dose of snow blanketed the area Obsidian was suddenly... gone.
Vee continued forward toward the pile of bodies, each one that they passed by seeming to have similar wounds. The Victini was momentarily startled as it noticed a large 'mon come out from behind the large pile of bodies. It was a peculiar Garchomp, covered in shining silver armor, casually disposing of the bodies into the pile. The Garchomp glanced over to the group as they slowly approached the 'mon and smiled at them. He waved one of his large, bloodied claws.
"Good morrow, gentle'mon!" He greeted rather friendly given the circumstance. "A fine day for a stroll, is it not?"
"Fine day?" Raz scoffed, jumping straight into what could perhaps be called pleasantries. "I'm perfectly comfortable here, but even I have to admit the weather's bloody awful."
"I wast speaking of the value the day endues more than what the weather invites, sire," The Garchomp replied cheerfully. "I am sorry, where art my own manners? I am Percival, bred of the House Firrell, of Exatrass. And I hast one question upon thee: friend or foe?"
"Razathiel, the Dreadmage, charmed - I'd probably sooner kill myself than identify as anyone's friend, but I don't immediately intend to murder you, if that's what you mean. Far more trouble than it's worth - this is your work, is it?" The Ralts gestured to the large pile of bodies. "That's quite the pile, maybe fifty or so there. That's, what, two minutes' worth? One for the killing, one for the dragging? Might have yourself a house of the bloody things soon enough. No pun intended."
The Garchomp glanced at the large pile of bodies beside him. "Well met, Razathiel, the Dreadmage. Ah, aye. An unfortunate situation. 'Tis a bloody shame. This is a state of square'rs, but everyone seems eft to kill on sight. I find nay honor here. To me outsiders art not welcome in Karn's snow. I nearly gathered those folk all to burn, as doth in mine own land."
"Seems like quite a lot to just find out in the wilderness," Raz noted.
"I suspect they were tracking mine own kinsman and me as our ship docked," Percival replied. "They all appear to beest wearing the same garb."
There was a shimmer of light to the side as Obsidian became visible once again, "Yeah, they hate outsiders here." He stated. "I don't recognize your accent. Where do you hail from, friend?"
The Garchomp glanced in surprise at the Weavile's sudden appearance. "Ah, arm one hand and greet with the other I see?" He asked with a small laugh. "But given the circumstance, I approve. As I have announced, I hail from Exatrass, land of the flamed wings. Something informs me you are not from this land either."
Obsidian gave a small bow, "I am Obsidian. I have to unfortunately bear to you the news that your crew has docked onto this continent at the worst of times. A civil war plagues this continent. Where are your shipmates? I woud recommend that you all leave this place and return in later years. No matter where you dock along the shore, you'll only find war here at the present date."
"Karnians really are brutes," Razathiel chuckled absentmindedly, eyeing the pile. "You run into strangers in the barren wilderness and an evil wizard is the first reasonable 'mon you meet. Talk about hospitality."
"Indeed, they seem to be," The Garchomp concurred. "A civil war, truly? Well, I do not wish to entangle in such a thing, but I am still enticed by this land. Mine own shipmates art divided between watching the ship and exploring the surrounding area. I admiteth I myself am actually on an expedition upward."
"... May I ask a query?" Obsidian asked. "Do you know the name Gabriel? And are you currently in a partnership with him?"
"Nay, I know of no Gabriel," Percival replied with a shake of his head. Vee, who had been silently peering at the Garchomp the entire time, continued to do so through its hood.
"That is good." Obsidian stated, "What does your expedition entail? Perhaps we could aid you in your quest? Even though we too are strangers in this particular country we have a bit of knowledge of important areas."
"Yond is very kind of thee," Percival smiled and nodded. "I seek the city of Erble. 'Tis hath said there is a dueling tournament held. I am intrigued. I wish to test mine own art against those of this land."
"Well... we know of some allies of ours who went as well. In the tournament a few of our enemies are battling in it. Our best fighters have gone there to hopefully kill them when they have the chance. I am sure Raz can point you in the right direction, but ask around for Callimer and Snype. They are a green Dragonite and Sableye, respectively. Those are our allies. Let them know that you have spoken to us and that'll be enough to convince them that you are friendly too. At least, I hope so. My name is Obsidian, by the way."
"Well met, Obsidian." The Garchomp stated with a nod of his head. "I will look for your allies among the fighters."
"You said you were burning these?" Raz asked.
"Yes, I am," The Garchomp replied with a nod.
"Want help? I'm fairly happy to burn things."
"Wait, if you're from some different continent... how did you hear about the tourney?" Obsidian asked. "Did someone come by to tell you?"
"Aye, assistance would be appreciated," Percival replied with a nod, as he proceeded to gather the remains of the 'mon onto the stack. "I wast told by some villagers from whence I came. There, that seems to be the bulk of them..." He announced as he placed the remains of the dead into the pile. The Garchomp then muttered a few words, a prayer of sorts. "A pyre I light in thy honor, lord of fire, bringer of gleam. Carry these souls into the land of the dead, where all art equal before the maker." He concluded, then nodded to Raz. The Garchomp sucked in a deep breath, and unleashed a torrent of flames toward the bodies. Razathiel gave a nonchalant flick of his staff, sending a gout of fire from its tip in the same direction. Rattles stepped back, making sure to keep a large distance between herself and the fire.
Obsidian stepped back a bit, wincing at the heat. "So... since you aren't here alone, if we come upon your shipmates, do we just tell them that we chatted with you and they would be cool with us? No attacking or anything? Personally, having every single mon in this country potentially out for your blood is a lot already to handle."
"We art not brutes," Percival answered as he backed away from the fire. "If you shall not attack us, we shall not attack you," He explained. "However, if be true thee attack us, expect nay mercy in return. And of course, if be true thy cater-cousins enter the tournament, expect myself to square with dignity."
Obsidian gave a nod, "And no doubt they would fight with all of their heart against you as well. They are true warriors in that way. Though I will say this, do tread your step. Darkrai lives in these lands. His agents and loyalists are not to be trusted. Beware of any Greninja you may see."
The Garchomp glanced at the Weavile, and then suddenly laughed loudly. "HAHA! A fine jest!" The 'mon stated. "The Guardian of Chaos roams the lands and squares the common folk? How terribly quaint. I suppose 'twas a laugh I needed."
"It's not a joke, it's the reason we're here in the first place," the Dreadmage said curtly. "Speak with our allies in Erble - if you're particularly interested in preventing a terrible fate from befalling this blasted world, perhaps we shall meet again at a later date. Hell, you may even want to completely forego the tournament at this point; how do you and your shipmates tend to feel about impending doom?"
Obsidian crossed his arms, "So far the one who is far from serious is telling you it's the truth, and the serious one is also telling you it's the truth. What do you think of that?"
The Garchomp's expression swiftly changed from laughable disbelief to seriousness. "... I would say there beeth quite a story to be told."
"Not sure why you consider yourself far from serious," Razathiel murmured to Obsidian with a confused grimace, before turning back to Percival. "Long story short, Darkrai's a bloody child who wants the world his way and is pretty much willing to destroy it in the process, so he gathered up a load of power and an army and how he's basically waging war on most of the 'mon in the continent. We're stopping off in Karn - that's here - to negotiate with them and kill the ****lords at the head of the armies attacking them. Those pricks happen to be Gabriel's agents; Gabriel is Darkrai's name, by the by. It's quite the tall order to be taking, but thankfully, I, Razathiel the Dreadmage," the wizard paused to flourish. "Have been courageous and brilliant enough to rise to the challenge."
After pondering for a few more moments, the Garchomp nodded. "Seemth like thy hands art full. I cannot in valorous conscience ignore such a threat at which hour is right in front of me. Especially given one day, the problem may not be thy own to hold, but the world entire... I shall consult mine brethren about this. Perhaps this will not be the last our paths will cross."
"Well if that's the case," began Cythera as she dispelled her Camouflage. "I guess there's not much point in keeping this up. It'll be annoying doing this every time you show up, and it looks like you're already good buddies with everyone else in this group." The Floette readjusted herself atop Rattles, resting her flower on her lap. "I'm Cythera Hallas, healer extraordinaire. And-"
Around then, the flames had sufficiently eaten away at the bodies that their stench nearly made the healer gag. She quickly raised her flower and cast Aromatherapy in a large area. "Arceus, that smells awful. Even a rotting corpse is like a spring meadow compared to this ****."
"Personally, I find it quite refreshing," Raz said with a smirk. "It's the smell I associate with a recently achieved, rather cathartic victory. Delightful." Cythera merely rolled her eyes and reinforced the Aromatherapy in response. "Buzzkill," the Ralts muttered.
"Well met, Cythera Hallas," Percival greeted with a curt nod. "And I am inclined to concur. 'Tis not a refreshing smell. But the fire carries their souls to the flamed ruler, who takes them to the next land. 'Tis the way of death," He inhaled and exhaled slowly.
".... I presume by fire, you worship the likes of Groudon?" Obsidian asked.
"Nay, Obsidian," Percival responded. "Groudon hath properties of the flame, but he is the Guardian of Land and Death. We of Exatrass worship the lord of fire, Moltres."
Obsidian frowned, "... Hold up a moment, Percival. We have recently learned about the Guardians of this world. Supposedly, it is to be kept secret. Not many mortals know. Where did you learn about them?"
"'Tis knowledge of the common, in my land," Percival explained. "Of the Guardians, and what they do to shield this world. We learned the hard way, through blood and darkness, during the Reckoning."
"The Reckoning?" Obsidian asked. "What was that? I assume in that case the Guardians came to help you, if you know about them. None have yet come to our lands to help against Darkrai. Would you know why?"
Cythera sighed. "It sounds like those assholes have been busy everywhere but here, after what Vee told us about Giratina..."
"Ah, so thy hast heard of it," Percival replied. "Aye, whilst thy business seemeth to be with Darkrai, ours was with Giratina, in a time we called the Reckoning," Percival then cocked an eyebrow. "Vee? You know of the warrior Vee? How?" The Garchomp inquired.
"He came to us in passing, a while back," Vee responded swiftly from under his hood, masking his voice somewhat as he did so. Razathiel snorted. He seemed to give the others a glaring look, which Cythera replied to with a shrug.
"Indeed," Percival examined the hooded 'mon.
"Oh right, apologies, name's Frederick," Vee introduced himself.
"Ah, well met, Frederick," The Garchomp greeted the hooded 'mon.
"Don't know why you bother calling him 'the warrior' or anything like that," the Dreadmage drawled, grinning. "He was a total pisshead. Not a valiant bone in the body of that prick."
"Truly?" Percival inquired. "Perhaps 'twas not the same Pokemon. If be true and not for Vee, we may not have claimed victory. Vee gaveth up most of his vast power in the final battle which doth turn the tide. Also, had it not been for Vee, the other legendaries may not have gathered. I found its frankness and plain language refreshing over the other legendary Pokemon and their shrouded mysticism."
"Vee? Pfft, nope," Raz scoffed. "No frankness or anything of the sort. Utterly useless. Definitely Vee the Victini: Condescending cock, one hundred percent."
"Yes... perhaps it is not the same one," Percival concluded with a shrug.
"Wait... he gathered every other legendary? Or a bunch of them?" Obsidian asked. "Well, if they went to help you with Giratina, why haven't some of them come this way?"
"He gathered what he could," Percival responded to Obsidian. "Our side contained the Guardian of Land and Death, the Lord of Fire, the Swords of Justice, and Vee. Gathering a Guardian was instrumental for Giratina's defeat, and it was due to Vee pointing us in the right direction... it is too bad he did not survive, many did perish... and that is perhaps why they do not be beckoned to thy quarrel? I surely do not know. I know not what the legendaries' mindsets are."
"He did not survive?" Cythera questioned. "But I
just sai-" She was unable to finish before she gave a loud yelp. "What the ****!?" She shouted afterwards.
"... What I think she means to say is-" Obsidian winced and grit his teeth, doing his best to not cry out in agony as his hands clenched into fists against his sides as a sudden pain throbbed in his foot. "... Nevermind." He mumbled out.
"Don't tell him I'm alive!" Vee hissed psychically to all of them. He seemed adamant about it.
"Uh... are thee well, Obsidian and Cythera?" Percival inquired.
"F-Fine." Obsidian managed out, "Completely... fine."
Cythera smiled, clearly gritting her teeth at the same time. "Yes, I was just thinking about how I should best prioritize my healing in this group. I know some of us will definitely be needing it more than others." She made sure to shoot a glare aside at Vee.
"Victini isn't a Guardian. Same one or not, I'll tell you what he
was, though -
massive ****head. Irredeemable snot-faced *****-mongrel. Isn't that right, Fred?" Razathiel turned to Vee with an unfaltering grin. "Complete ****er, right?"
"I didn't know him," Vee answered while gritting its teeth.
"Nah, he agrees," Raz assured the others with a dismissive wave.
"It was nice to meet you, Percival," Vee stated hurriedly. "But we really ought to be on our way, as I'm sure you do too."
"Ah, yes, of course," Percival answered, still with a bit of bewilderment of the entire situation. "I apologize for keeping thee. Safe travels upon thee. I shall pass on thy regards to thy cater-cousins in Erble, should I chance upon them."
Obsidian meekly waved him off, as he glared at Victini, slowly crouching to inspect his still throbbing food. "You could have told us before." He muttered angrily.
"Ta-ta, Percy!" the Dreadmage called, before leaning on his staff and turning to the others. "Whew, that Victini. What a grand, flaming ****wit, am I right?"
Cythera waved after Percival with a smile, and once she thought Percival was far enough away she whispered to her allies, "I can't believe this. A 'mon fits the description of the one who killed all these whoevers perfectly, and in no time you're smiling and sending him over to our leader."
"I personally wouldn't usually either, but he is who he says he is," Vee replied as it waved after Percival as well. "Back then, he was just Percy though. My, how he's grown..."
"And you died... but you're still alive." Obsidian pointed out. "I thought Guardians were the only legendaries that could be resurrected?" He crossed his arms over his chest.
"I never died, they only thought I did," Vee responded as the Victini continued to look on toward the Garchomp until he disappeared from sight into the snowy mist.
"That lot can handle themselves," Razathiel said. "What I'm more concerned with is why you suddenly got so pissy, you pointy-eared degenerate!"
"I won't be forgetting that any time soon, just so you know," Cythera notified him. "Don't do it again."
"I know, I'm sorry," Vee muttered to Cythera, before responding to Raz. "Because I didn't want him to know I was still alive," Vee responded plainly. The Victini began to move again through the snow slowly, their little break with Percival and the burnt bodies now over.
"You don't blame yourself for that, do you?" Obsidian asked. "It looks to me like you have some guilt."
"It's a story I might share one day, but not today," Vee replied. "It's personal. I'm sure you all have one of those."
"At any rate, pretty sure you're going to owe me a favour after that one," the Ralts said with faux remorse. "Took a lot of effort not to reveal the secret..."
"Vee, do you think Percival and his group would make good allies?" Obsidian asked the Victini, "It seems he really does hold an interest in the world not exploding on everyone."
Raz scoffed, "Which is rather depressingly rare, now that I think about it."
"He was a good young fighter back in Exatrass," Vee replied with a nod. "There's a lot of bigotry and fanaticism in that country, but Percy always had his head in the right place. No doubt any of his group are like-minded, so we should count ourselves lucky they're here. I think he'll help as much as he can."
"Hmm..." Cythera mulled. "The mountain of bodies still makes me uncomfortable, but I guess there's not much I can do but take your word for it until I discover something. Wouldn't be the strangest thing that's happened."
"A load of pricks attacked him and he got a mountain of bodies for it," Razathiel responded. "Not his fault for being a capable fighter. Not all that unusual, either - happens to me all the time, and aren't I just the most upstanding and trustworthy 'mon you've ever met?"
"Yet, he said that you had to rally the other legendaries to help. Does that mean... no one was willing to go and fight Giratina? If that is the case it could explain why no one has come to fight Darkrai." Obsidian pointed out. "That would suck."
"It was a different situation," Vee answered. "It wasn't a grand-scale war there, like it is here, that's not how the situation began. No one knew what was happening at first, including legendaries, and for that reason no one believed it was necessary to intervene if there was nothing wrong. Only later when I explained did some come. I got Moltres and the Swords to fight. Groudon came when she put the pieces together. So its not the same. Like I said before, I don't know the real reason why no one is helping out here. And it's not like I have all the locations of the legendaries stashed away in my pockets. Your best bet to find out is to find them and ask them, and the best place to find and ask them is the Temples, like it's always been."
"I'll take the lack of response to my question as silent agreement," Raz smirked, tilting his head upwards and shutting his eyes momentarily. "It's understandable, perhaps you assumed the question with such an obvious answer was simply rhetorical."
"...So, we take Xander down, port back to the emperor, and get into the temples." Obsidian stated.
"Sounds like the plan to me," Vee agreed with a nod.
"Good, let's get going then," Cythera said curtly. She directed Rattles and the two continued onward, not bothering to wait for the others.