George(Infernape)'s Story

George casually walked into the forest clearing chomping an apple. He caught sight of three unusual 'mons sitting around. "What's this then? You're a strange bunch." He eyed the little fox especially close, he'd never seen one in all his travels.

"Da names George. What's you all be doin' 'round these parts?"

Tungsten involuntarily froze for a second. Oh shit. One of those goody two shoes fighting types. One good punch and it was lights out for the frail Zoroark. "I was just about to recount a tale to Flippers here, but this other fox thing doesn't know how to keep his snout out of grown-up affairs. Calls himself Fen-something. Now I was getting all warmed up to tell a story, and you had to come in. Hang on while I make sure no stupid Trainer comes around thinking we're up for grabs."

The air around them rippled for a few seconds. "There. We should be safe now. Fen, you best cover your ears. What I got to say ain't for the likes of you innocents." Tungsten took a deep breath...and began his tale.

"I was born out of the most unholy of unions...a Pokemon and a human. Worse still, it was not the human's choice to bear me in her womb. When I learned the truth, I flew into a rage that left my father a blood-stained husk and my mother cowering in the corner from the savagery of our duel." He started growling under his breath and flexed his claws as he relived the fight in his head.

"And now I have recently learned that my uncles intend to exact vengeance on me for the soul I sent to Arceus, and they are every bit as cunning and powerful as my father was. I cannot hope to defeat their foul machinations alone. So I search the land for able and willing hands in this fight. No matter what it takes, I will protect Me-Maw and her kind. No human should ever have to live through that nightmare."

He gazed longingly at Sunny. "You...you remind me of my brother, Nicholas. He too was born in such a way, but he was lucky and found kinship with one of Me-Maw's partner Pokemon, who took him in and raised him as his own son..." Tears welled up in the Zoroark's eyes as he finished his tale. "Anyway, that's why I'm out here. Hopefully I've found the right audience."

He nudged Fennekin. "Ears open, kid. I'm done now."

Sunny was a little confused, specifically at the part 'ain't for the likes of you innocents' as didn't that include him? But by the end of the story his beak hung open and he looked horrified. Traumatized. He was only young himself. Eyes wide he gave a small tremble. He just sat in a stunned silence, not sure exactly what to say to that. He'd heard a couple of words and things he didn't exactly like to hear or knew what they meant, but well... He heard them.

Fennekin looked confused at the traumatized Piplup, but his main priority was to get out of this protective move. He unleashed a fire wheel on the shield. Noticing it had actually cracked a bit he used flame thrower, and jumped out of the hole he made in the shield.

George calmly finished his apple, tossing the core off into the underbrush. Eyeing the Zoroark the entire time he'd spoken. He'd heard tale of the like before. Never run across it himself, but knew it wasn't unheard of. He looked at the young Piplup in pity, innocence taken before its time.

"Dat's a heck of a tale 'mon. Dese uncles of yours deys as bad as your fatha' was?" He flexed his fist, feeling the flame on his head flare slightly. "I reckon some 'mon ought ta' take care of dat den." He wasn't furious, not even really mad. He was laid back, not unused to the horrors of their world. This was definitely a first for him, but it wasn't any different from taking down a rabid Rhydon, he'd just have to be more careful, and work with this one.

He watched the fox attack the surroundings and run off with a raised brow. "Strange little 'ting..."

Tungsten looked George up and down. "Well, you seem like just the sort of guy that can help me with my little problem. A fast, powerful son of a bitch that knows how to use those fists of his. So how bout it, you wanna give my uncles a little piece of hell?"

He nodded at Sunny. "Little foxy thing looks like he heard a little more than he could handle. Good for him to run off. I don't want no sissies on my team."

Fennekin didn't know what to do with this information. Running away seemed to be the best idea at the time. He came to Johto to become a trainer's pokemon. What he found was a thieving Piplup, an Illiterate Infernape, and a mut. He trotted through the forest, imagining he was a trainers pokemon.

Sunny rose back to his tiny feets and gave a shake of his head. "Um," he said, "I'm already part of a team so I can't be in yours." In reality it was an excuse, but a good enough reason for him to start walking away from the otherwise shocking experience. Heck he wasn't sure if he would stray from Adam for some time, now balancing the sunglasses on his nose again as he spun on the spot to leave.

Dusknoir found herself lurking in the shadows of Eterna Forest again. It was always a place she came to when she tired of lurking in the shadows in the nearby cities. Here, she could be alone with her thoughts and take a break. That would be, if it weren't for the voices she was hearing from not too far away. Spirits, maybe? Her eye glinted in delight, as she moved around through the bushed and trees to get a better vantage point.

He contemplated the offer for a second, not really thinking really hard. He'd already decided to make it his problem after he'd heard the story, so he nodded to show his affirmative, even as the little Piplup walked away.

"Ya, 'mon. I tink it'd be ah good ting fah me ta' do, ya?" George leaned back on the ball of his feet smacking his fist together as he did, while giving the Zoroark a wide grin.

"Believe it'ah not, dis ain't dah firs' time ahv done summfin like dis.

Little did they know, the group of Pokemon in Eterna Forest were each being watched or at least being checked up upon, by a certain Pokemon. That Pokemon? Clipper the Greninja. Clipper had recently come to Sinnoh on his journey around the world. Since coming to Sinnoh Clipper had felt drawn to this place. Eterna Forest had something for him. Perhaps it was that old building in the middle of the forest, or perhaps it was the Zoroark he was currently watching.

Clipper held a position in a tree not far from the Zoroark. Another Dark-Type. Clipper had not encountered another Dark-Type since becoming one himself. Clipper was fighting the urge to approach the Zoroark. Then there was the Infernape. That could be a problem if the Infernape turned out to be hostile. Clipper went through his options: he could approach these two and risk injury, he could continue watch and have his questions go unanswered, or he could silently leave.

Clipper decided to risk injury. He jumped from his tree, executed a front flip, and landed not far from the Zoroark and Infernape.

"Hello."

Tungsten did what any paranoid little kid would do in this situation as the Greninja landed in the vicinity. He turned around and gave that bastard a Grass Knot, using the forest's own growths to trap the water-type and bring him to the ground. "How the FUCK did you see through my illusory terrain? The only possible explanation is if you're...someone I know...Addanc? Nazar? Which one are you? Answer me, fool!" As he awaited the response, he got ready for the fight of his life. "Back me up, monkey boy. You gave me your word, did you not?"

Clearly, Clipper was suffering from a case of mistaken identity.

To say George was surprised when the Ninja pokemon hopped out of the tree would be an understatement. Not only was the 'mon a water type, but he'd been able to sneak up on George, which, in his opinion, was a very bad idea. He slipped into the first stance of close combat before his mind even registered the 'mon entering his threat zone, he was all set to launch forward and begin kicking ass, but his new "boss" seemed to have an even more violent reaction to his entrance.

As Tungsten yelled for George to assist he happily obliged. Casually strolling past the Zoroark, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder as he walked towards the bound 'mon. "Right 'mon, I tink I betta go say, 'ey 'ta our new friend."

A few more steps and he was right next to the bound greninja, he quirked his head to the side calmly, wishing dearly that he had another apple, before squatting next to the grass knotted 'mon, and speaking casually. "'Ey 'mon, 'ya lookin' ah little tied up 'dere." He cackled like only a monkey can, before continuing. "But seriously 'mon, yah ain't gunna try an' attack us are 'ya."

He stood and turned to his new "Boss' hands splayed wide in a nonchalant manner, "'da guy jumped down an' said hello, 'mon I tink we's okay."

Clipper was not at all surprised when he was pinned to the ground by a grass knot. On his way down he felt no fear and no pain, as he had trained himself not to acknowledge pain. He listened calmly as both the Infernape and Zorark talked. After they were finished he remained silent for a while, carefully planning out what he was going to say next.

"My name is Clipper," he said, "I am a Greninja. I am from the Kalos region. I have been looking far and wide for a leader, a strong hand to use the weapon that is worthy of using the weapon I have become. I am a water and a dark type. I saw past your illusions because it is the duty of one dark type to recognize another, is it not?"

The Greninja laughed to himself a little bit. He then produced a Water Shuriken seemingly out of nowhere and cut himself out of his trap. He stood up and brushed himself off.

"I was hoping you would be that skilled hand to use the weapon that is Clipper the Greninja."

Tungsten looked hard at the intruder after he managed to free himself. "Yes. Yes, I believe you would be a valuable asset should you prove loyal to my cause. You see, I have a rather...unusual upbringing. Leave it that my parents were constantly fighting, and I ended it by murdering my father. His two brothers now seek to carry on his work, as well as seek vengeance against who they believe to be his killer--which would be my mother. No Human will be safe from even one of them, let alone their combined efforts. This is why I must be able to count on you using all of your power and skill to guard the Humans from their plans."

Tungsten turned to George. "You know the story already, but I feel like this guy deserves the special edition." He then wove a tale of dark desires. He spoke of how his father Ahriman could not find a mate among his own kind, so he turned to the forbidden fruit of Humans. How Ahriman recruited other Pokemon of a similarly wicked bent to his cause of dominating Humans. He spoke of kidnapping, imprisonment, rape, torture, experimentation on those unfortunate enough to fall into the organization's clutches. Even how he was sired from a test subject's womb. All in such detail that only the dark-type dialect of Poke-Speak could properly convey.

"Now you understand why this must never happen again, as well as to what I owe my mastery of Human-speak. Are you with me, Clipper?"

"A watah-dahk type 'mon, now ah've seen every'ting." George chuckled to himself shaking his head back and forth in an amused manner. His two new "friends' were talking in a dialect of the 'mon speach he didn't understand, some words he could snatch. Common ones that were shared between the few dialect he spoke, and the dark variety they were spitting at each other, but not enough for him to understand. Not that he needed to. It was the same story he'd heard, only maybe a bit... darker. He barked out a burst of laughter. Sides shaking at his own joke.

"Ah, dat was a good one 'mon." He said to himself as he casually wondered around the clearing as the tale was being retold. He stretched, getting restless, He hadn't expected to have been cooped up in one small clearing for so long, He was eager to get on, and get gone, but He had a new "mission', so to speak.

"Ohohoho 'mon, ahma gonna kick so much ass." He began shadow boxing, going through close combat faster and faster until his fist were naught but a blur, the thought of all the strong opponents he would soon get to fight made his blood burn in excitement.

The situation grew serious again as Tungsten seemed to wrap up his story, and George turned to see the ninja's reaction. "So, whaddaya tink 'mon? You want 'ta come kicka some ass with ahs?"

Clipper showed no emotion, he tried to never show emotion. He respected the Zoroark's cause, but he was unsure whether or not it was worthy of his time. Battling a Zoroark seemed like a solid exercise for Clipper's mind and body. He did not think this Zoroark was worthy of calling leader, but Clipper decided he would fight along side this Tungsten.

"I will fight along side you in your quest," said Clipper, "But once our mission is complete I will go and find a trainer worthy of my skills."

Clipper didn't care if he sounded rude, if he wanted to leave he would, neither of these Pokemon could stop him. Clipper looked to the Infernape. He searched his mind for he Fire type dialect he knew he possessed. He carefully selected each of his words. There was an old honorific among the clan of Greninja, Frogadier, and Froakie that Clipper came from.

"I am an ally and a warrior, I will fight with you, not against you. Once our job is done I will leave, but I will remember our time. If it be good I will remember you fondly, If it be bad I will become an enemy," Clipper rattled off in the Fire-Type dialect. He had it memorized in Water, Dark, Common Poke-speak, Fire, Psychic, Grass, and Fighting type dialects. "I had to to communicate with the Chesnaught and Delphox clans that lived not to far from my clan," explained Clipper, "The strongest warriors from each clan said this honorific to each other before going on a quest designated by the clan elders. Once the quest was completed the warriors were aloud to either stay or leave the clans."

Clipper's choice was obvious.

Trevenant tensed slightly, quickly scanning the nearby area. He had heard something, and it sounded like someone speaking. It sounded like Fire dialect, but he could not tell for sure, as he only knew Grass and 'Ghost', even if the latter type spoke telepathically to each other more often than they did verbally. He closed his fingers even tighter around the girl cradled in his hand, feeling more protective as the conversation continued. This sudden shift awoke Elisabeth, and she sat up in his hand to let out a yawn.
"Is something the matter?" She said aloud, with a smooth and curious tone.
Trevenant merely grunted, and a stream of ghastly energy flowed between the two of them. Her head turned towards where the sound came from, then back to him.

"You know I can't understand what is being said" She remarked,
"Could you translate anything you can pick up?"

"Mnh." He nodded, and the mind-link between them glowed softly, as he translated anything he could hear and understand, albeit that amount was very small.

"Are you able to project your presence at the sounds to let them know we are here, even if we cannot see what is making them?" Elisabeth climbed up Trevenant and sat upon his shoulder.

He shrugged and grunted again, as he was curious himself if he could do so. He focused in on where he thought the conversation was coming from, and his eye glowed brighter. If he was successful, the source of the noise would feel a sense of being watched, and they would think it was coming from the pair's direction. He simply wanted to find them, but not cause any harm while doing so.

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Eterna Forest - Moss Rock Brush
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Fire dialect indeed.

But that was a mere blip in the forest. Both Addanc and Nazar knew this. It wasn't just them either. The two Zoroark stood in front of a dark figure slightly shorter than they were a bit of distance away from all the others.

Scouting allies have heard talk of potential hostiles in the forest. We look to you to decide how we should proceed, Diabolos.

, Addanc spoke in a dark dialect towards the figure.

I see. An important finding. Thank you again, Addanc. You and your brother are quite a help. We shall see to it that we derail them if only a small amount. Rally the others. We have some work to do.

, the figure replied most tentatively.

That foolish girl with a tree friend can only be distracted for so long. She's entirely oblivious for now. We need to keep it that way. Of course, let me handle that part.

The figure then proceeded to hover into the air and shuffle foward. The two Zoroark looked to each other and grinned.

Nazar, let's get to it. I'll get "Princess" to run decoy with her group. Shouldn't be hard to convince. You go an contact the scouting parties. Give them specific instructions as follows: "Stalk the hostile group they found."

Very well, Addanc, dear brother. If you can, get "Bolts" and "Jingle" involved, for I fear "Princess" and her group will be able to do little. If the scouting parties are to be believed, then her group would be at a small disadvantage.

Very well, I'll do that too. Good luck, brother.

Following the exchange, the two split ways. However, the figure that had wandered off could feel the sense of presence, and zeroed in on it's position.

Hmm heh hah! I do believe I've found the first step...

With a bit of malice mixed with cunning, the figure struck himself with a powerful blow to wound himself greatly, while feeling empowered as a result, he looked visibly hurt and stumbled about.

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Eterna Forest - Position of Elisabeth and her Trevenent
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In his stumbling, the figure would move in the direction that'd reveal his presence towards Elisabeth and her Trevenent.

He looked like a mess, and would time his decoy until within her line of sight before "fainting" as they'd say. Well, not entirely fainted, but indeed in a pinch. A weakened Malamar in Eterna Forest was a bit unusual, but he was "hurting" badly. Surely she'd take note?

It was what he hoped for anyways.

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Eterna Forest - Southeast Corner Brush
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Addanc approached a secret hideout of sorts. Hidden carefully among trees, it was a downright improbable to find location. However, certain circles knew all about it.

Nonetheless, he approached with caution and took the guise of a local Buneary.

Hey, Princess! Come out and play! It's me, Addanc!

, he stated most cutely.

Within moments, a Lilligant emerged and smiled.

Ahh, Addanc! What brings you to our little abode?

, she inquired.

Addanc responded most hastily.

Well, Princess, I figured, well, that we needed some aid. Our operations here are in danger of being revealed! There are reports of hostile individuals roaming about if scouting allies are to be believed. Namely, knowing how comely and enchanting your group can be, we humbly request your aid in this time.

If it's for the good of our group and our plans, then I'd be more than happy to oblige. Ladies~!

With the Lilligant's call, a Mismagius materialized, a Gardevoir teleported to the location, and a Meowstic emerged from the secret hideout. The Lilligant began talking at once.

Our good friend Addanc, and his compatriots, require our help. So we're going to go help him!

, she stated. Her compatriots spoke up regarding the plan.

Ooh~ This ought to be fun. Mehehehehe.

, the Mismagius muttered, while the Meowstick seemed to role her eyes.

If we must...I'd rather we just kill them or something. It'd be more fun.

The Gardevoir adjusted a pair of glasses that made her look all the wiser.

Now now, think, Temperance! This could be a chance to actually make progress for a change!

This comment only made the Meowstic sigh. In fact, the Meowstic's dreary and bored monotone seemed to incense Addanc, but he kept his cool. These were some beautiful ladies after all! He wouldn't ruin his chances that easily!

Very well, ladies. I leave you to it. You know how to contact me.

, he left with a bit of a wink.

He then raced off to go find Bolts and Jingle. They'd be more difficult to contact, that was for sure, but the Chateau was easy to find. With him racing off, the ladies all made their move. The Lilligant explaining a plan of approach to them.

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Eterna Forest - Position of Tungsten, Clipper, and George
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It was here, near where the trio was talking, that the Meowstic noted. She made the first approach, her attitude and species rarity and popularity meaning she'd be very easy to connect with (what trainer didn't have an Espurr at the very least running around their houses?). She'd approach the trio too. Clearly a girl, her feminine stance and white color a giveaway.

Oh...it's other Pokemon...you guys seem suspicious being in a group. I'd hope you weren't up to any dangerous business. Trainers around here get quite eager when encountering hordes of Pokemon. Err, you aren't looking to cause trouble, right?

She asked these questions with a voice that retained a monotone and bored feel to it, yet had a sense of power and intent behind it. She must've been experienced in at least some of the matters she brought to the front.

"Oh, no, it's actually quite safe here. Not even the local Gym Leader dares to approach the Old Chateau," Tungsten explained to the newcomer. "I must confess, though, I'm unfamiliar with your kind. I've heard so much about this Kalos place, but getting there--there's the rub." He tossed another handful of berries in George's general direction and confronted the newcomer.

"Of course, that leaves the question of why you're here. Perhaps you would like to hear a grand story. One of loss, betrayal, and perseverance against all odds, unspeakable evil and unquestionable virtue." He did a grand flourish, letting his long red mane swish around behind him. "Monkey-man over here calls himself George, and the blue one goes by Clipper. Myself, I bear the name my mother gave me--Tungsten. It's a tough sort of steel that doesn't burn easily," he explained.

"Of course, this will require me to overlook the small matter of how you found us. Think you can keep a secret?"