The Wild Man Of Pokemon

Their visceral reaction to my demands made my day.

Absol was shouting obscenities about how he would not be reduced to a tour guide, while the little Inkay shied away, most probably wondering if I was lying.

No matter. Honedge's pride was far more swelled.

'Are you done yet?' My patience thinning.

'Who do you think you are? I am the disaster bringer. Where I go, earthquakes and floods follow!'

'Yeah, yeah, floods and earthquakes. Don't really care. What I do care about is whether or not you can guide us around the mountain. Cus' if not, I'll just feed you to the Zangoose.'

He shut up after that.

'We-e know th-the way. J-ust don't throw us back.' The little Inkay stuttered.

'Perfect. Then lets go!' I clapped and grabbed onto the two. Resurfacing, I glanced our surroundings looking for the three clawed menaces. Seeing none, we went our merry way.

......…��........................…..

Two days of hiking and three failed escape attempts later; we arrived at the base of the Muraille mountain range. Home of Glittering cave, dragons, and fossils. A role players wet dream.

'Which way to the nearest cave entrance?' I inquired of my two companions. The two have tried to run off thrice and I had resorted to putting them on leashes. Absol of course attempted to slash it off, but it was made of Scrafty hide. The worst he did was make a fool of himself.

It was sad really, we fed them and yet they couldn't find it in there poor, cowardly souls to thank us. A shame really since they then had to join us for training. Croagunk though received a nice confidence boost from absolutely creaming Absol.

Gazing up at the peak, I feel the grandeur of the ancient stone. Towering high, dotted with crumbling boulders, life sporadically spaced about the place.

'Where to, to the nearest cave entrance?' I asked.

'No clue.' Absol was scratching behind his ear.

'How interesting. I distinctly remember asking if you knew the way around the mountain. Are you telling me that was a lie?'

Nonchalantly, he replied, 'We were under duress. We got you here now let us go.'

'Hmm, hmm, hmm.' My companions shivered at my tone, 'Did you know, hair is a really interesting material. It can be spun into yarn and thread, used as stuffing, even matted into felt.' Confusion marring his face, 'I heard rumors that dog fur is quite the warm material.' I finished.

'What's a dog?' He asked, finally catching onto my vibe.

'Well, to put into simple terms.' He tried to back away. Sadly, he bumped into a bipedal toad who caught onto my drift.

'A dog is… You.'

The screams and cries heard on this day was forever burned into the memories of all inhabitants.

..............................…..

Skipping along the craggy cliff face, a sac of luxurious fur by my side. Humming like the poster child of human youth and innocence. That was totally what the cowering Spoink were thinking.

'W-why won't y-you let us go?' Inkay asked.

'Quite simple my cephalopodic friend, you are still useful. We saved you from those Zangoose, even after you dragged us into your problems. Even after that, you lied to us about your actual usefulness. Now I often don't hold grudges, but there are few things that irk me more then broken promises. Thus, you will be staying with us, teaching us the mannerisms of the area, and helping us set up a temporary base of operations.'

'Then why did you shave Absol?'

I heard a whimper from my shadow, 'Petty revenge.' I replied.

'I-I see.' She didn't say any more.

'Do you suppose we should meet this mountain lord? Tell him that we wish to stay here?'

Startled by the sudden change of topic, she replied, 'Y-yes. You sh-should.'

'Alright, then lead the way.' I hummed, resuming my joyful skipping.

..............................…..

The trek up the mountain was exhausting. The rocks dug through my soleless leather shoes into my s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e feet. Definitely needed to be fixed.

The journey wasn't anything to write home about. Rocks, the occasional patch of grass, I nearly kidnapped a lone Geodude, but refrained for now.

Reaching the peak was a blessing as it smoothed out into flat sedimentary rock.

'Awfully chilly up here. Are you sure this is where Salamence lives?' I asked.

'I heat the rocks. Makes it warm during the night.' A heavy voice thundered. From the sky fell a turquoise Goliath. Vermilion wings of delicate membrane folded on a series bones connected to the lizards back. Smooth scales that grew ragged closer to the nape.

Six horns crested its face. Just from a glance, the alizarin and blue scales would not be pierced by my paltry spear or Honedge's blade. A true beast that deserved the title of dragon.

'Who are you and what are you doing on my mountain young one. Answer wisely or I might disintegrate you for holding two of my people hostage.' The air was dense and gravity crushing. Was this the measure of his power? Or perhaps his ability Intimidate? Whatever it was, it served its purpose.

The fear rocked my knees, my skin crawling. The d.e.s.i.r.e for submission palpable. But no, I am the warden of a mountain, the war councilor. I will not bow to him. Besides, Toxicroak was far more fearsome.

Standing straight, swallowing air, I puffed my c.h.e.s.t in pride and said, 'I am the vicious toad slayer, war maker, forest screamer, master of the mountain to the east.' Rule one for commanding the respect of fellow leaders, brag and boast. Rule two, assert dominance and demand respect, 'I will not be treated with the disrespect you have shown thus far. I have fought battles that threatened my very territory; if need be I'll slay you like the plague toad, Toxicroak.'

The air lifted, the sun bearing down on what once was a beautiful day. We stared each other down before Salamence broke into laughter, 'Hehahaha. You're a hoot kid. I greet thee oh toad slayer, pardon my earlier aggressiveness. I know of the Toxicroak you speak, he came here once demanding our subservience. Had to kick the poor fellow out, but I knew the gleam of a power hungry fool when I saw it. I imagined he hit that mountain hard.'

'Indeed it was. Thankfully, all the toad can do now is protect my skin from the elements as a trophy.' I gestured to my hood. Am and Da drilled the appropriate decorum into me for dealing with leaders of other lands. Always give them a reason to respect me. My head will remain attached far longer that way.

'It is a blessing one as psychotic as he was killed. I always wondered if he would have returned here for revenge.'

'It was most definitely a possibility. Having fought him myself, I know of his sadistic nature.'

'So true; however, that still does not answer the question why you have two of my denizens hidden in your shadow?'

Sighing, I answered, 'They are paying a debt. My companions were traveling to the Glittering caves this mountain is known to possess. A Banette haunting a mansion three days northeast here stoked my d.e.s.i.r.e for knowledge and told me of the ancient histories found here. I was passing through when a group of Zangoose told us to leave their territory. As common practice states, we swiftly made our exit. However, we came across two individuals surrounded by a gang of the white ones. Electing to avoid an incident, we skirted the edges until Absol called out and shifted blame for stealing fruit from mentioned tribe to us. We escaped, but not before finding the two.' I took a breath. While not actually taking air to speak, it took will and energy.

'Taking righteous vengeance, I am using them as my guide around the mountain until I deem the debt paid.'

'And the screams of agony I heard hours before?'

Tilting my head, I answered like any fan of the Joker would, 'The price for lying is steep. The value of truth is precious and should not be demeaned so casually in my presence. I take not blood or use paltry violence. I take what brings satisfaction to my simple soul.'

He flinched from my little tirade, 'And what is that?'

Having Honedge bring the two out of the shadow, I replied, 'Pride and dignity.'

The Absol rose into existence. Fur mottled and shaven. All that was left of his once pristine coat was thin rings around the rear and midsection, reminiscent of a poodle.

'One of my better works. I plan to use his fur in a few projects of mine.' Salamence winced at the pink thing before him. The black patch around his face, all fur, and more importantly, all gone.

'Had he spoken the truth of what he truly knows, I would have had him show me around for a week or two before letting both his companion and him go. Now though, he will be learning the cave systems for the next few months with us, until I see his debt paid.'

'I already gave my fur to you! Just let us go.' He w.h.i.n.ed.

'Not happening.' My tone final.

'Please, mountain lord, make him let us go. Its that stupid Zangoose's fault we had to steal our own food back.' Absol was on his knees begging.

'Sorry little one, you incurred this debt all on your own. Until it is paid, I can do nothing.'

'NOOOO.' All hope drained from his eyes.

'Think of it like this, you are on a training mission. Get stronger and all that.' The Salamence waved a clawed hand in the air, 'So long as this human doesn't harm you, he will be your master.'

'W-what about m-me sire?' Inkay asked.

'You will be there to make sure Absol doesn't cause to many problems. I know of the Banette he speaks of. If she imparted knowledge that she covets to him, this boy is no ordinary fellow. I would hate to have his animosity.'

I smirked at the subtle boast.

'Yes sir.'

'Good. Glittering cave is northwest of here. Unfortunately, the sun has crossed its peak and is now meeting the oceans below. Camp here for the night and regal me of stories of battle.'

'I would be honored.' Bowing, I smiled. It seems luck was on my side today.

..............................…..

Fire cackling, Fletchinder jerky kabobs heating over the flames, I was telling Salamence the story of my battle against Toxicroak.

'So here I was, Croagunk on my back, dodging the toads talons when we broke away. I started laughing. Told'em he lost already.'

'And?' Salamence prodded.

'He said, 'You are right, it is your victory, but if I'm going down, then I'm taking you with me.'

'What happened next?' Absol asked, curios. Everyone was sitting around the campfire, eating merrily.

While reluctant, Absol and Inkay joined us for dinner. Honedge was sitting in his sheath, enjoying the night sounds. Croagunk the sweet little fellow fell asleep halfway through. Hiding in my hair, Shedinja listened carefully. He was never present on the front lines so he always enjoyed hearing stories.

'We duked it out, I got up close, stabbed him with my spear, he backstabbing. Toxicroak laughed, bragging about how he was going to escape and get revenge. However he forgot one important thing.'

'What's that?' Inkay also engrossed with my tale.

'I looked him dead in the eye, poisoned talon in my back, and I said, 'Sadly, this is the end for you.' He said, 'How so?' and you know what I told him?' I leaned close, the three Pokemon doing the same.

The tension was high, their attention putty in my hands.

'I said, 'I didn't come into this battle alone.' and from behind Croagunk used revenge, gutting Toxicroak through the heart.'

'No way.' Salamence roared, before chortling in laughter. Waking up the hero in question.

'Yes way. It was poetic in every sense of the word. The father abuses the son, the son gets vengeance by killing him using the move revenge. It was beautiful.' Croagunk blushed at my praise.

'I couldn't have killed him if you hadn't weakened him already.'

'Your selling yourself short kid.' Salamence started, 'In a few short months, you went from weakling to someone who stands for his family. That deserves a lot of respect.'

I nodded in agreement. Unexpectedly, a yawn crossed my features. 'I think its time for bed.' I said.

'Yes, rest young ones, we have quite the journey tomorrow to get to Glittering cave.' Salamence said.

Agreeing, I climbed into my tent, welcoming the warm embrace of my Talonflame down bed.