Snippet #2169885

Kaleesh

"I, Antheia, grant you permission to go to Doku and collect as much information as you can... I shall suit you up with necessary supplies for this journey.." She exhaled and continued. "Though if you have any other request to ask for, please do tell.."

Kaleesh was taken aback at the generosity of his Queen, even though he he had seen it expressed many times to the people of Kusa. "No, your majesty," he replied. "I could not dream of asking you for any more than you have so graciously granted." As the Ninjask stood, a mournful sigh escaped his lips. "To tell you the truth, your majesty, I also seek this mission for personal reasons. Though it was a hard childhood, Doku was my home. In my heart I would love to see it rebuilt, to be led by noble Pokemon seeking the common good of others. Yet, I cannot simply assume that this guild will be such a leader to Doku. I must know if it intends for good or ill, and make sure it is stopped if it truly seeks to gain fortune off of conflict."

He suddenly realized he had said far more than he had intended. Antheia just seemed so understanding the words spilled out without Kaleesh realizing it. He quickly bowed his head. "I apologize, my Queen. I did not mean to trouble you with my past." He was about to turn and go, when he noticed the Queen appeared to be deep in thought. He decided to wait a little longer standing at attention, to see if she would speak.


Finbar

It had been a long day of preparations and strategizing for Finbar, and he was visibly worn out. The war room had cleared out, leaving an empty table strewn with flags and figurines, along with stacks of papers cluttering the floor and benches. Finbar slowly collapsed on the ancient throne of Mizu, letting out a loud groan. The only other Pokemon in the room was a late-middle aged Octillery, the most decorated general serving in the old royal guard but now retired. "What a horrible mess, Bumble," Finbar moaned to the Octillery, "I had forgotten how terrible a business war really is. And it hasn't even started yet."

Bumble slowly walked over to the throne and sat down by his old friend. "Aye, Finbar, that it is. But I believe in ya, as do the rest o the folks in Mizu, even if they seem a wee bit scared right now."

"We shall see about that." Muttered Finbar. "But in the meantime, what do you think of the plans so far?"

"I cannae say it's the best position I've ever fought out of, but it'll have to do fer now," replied Bumble. "A full assault on just Kusa or Hi would leave our borders too unprotected from tha other kingdom. Our only real option is ta divide our forces to assault both at once. It'll be tough, aye, for sure, but if we play our cards right we just might get through with casualties to a minimum."

Finbar ran his fingers purposefully on the extravagant coral finishes of the throne. "You may be right. Garuda and Antheia are far too inexperienced to be proper leaders. Garuda is a hothead who only knows how to stir up a fight, and Antheia shows promise but is far too young to fully understand the responsibilities of leading an entire kingdom. Further, their royal guards suffered greatly under the wars of the past generation, much of the military leadership is new blood that has not yet been properly hardened on the battlefield. If we can use our experience against them, we could catch them unprepared."

Bumble grinned, slyly. "I don't mean ta brag, your majesty, but I'd wager Mizu still has tha finest artillery divisions in all o' Yoso. I've made sure o' that."

Finbar permitted himself a small smile. "Ha, I know you have, Bumble. There never was a commander as demanding as you are on the sharpshooter recruits." Finbar paused a moment, seemingly lost deep in thought. "I won't keep you any longer, Bumble. But thank you for your insights, and for making today as bearable as it could be." Bumble nodded and, never losing his grin, made his way out of the throne room. Finbar suddenly sat up straight on his throne. The time for rest was not quite in grasp for him. There was still the matter of the young twins. Closing his eyes and meditating deeply, Finbar reached out to Taobi and Fedui telepathically, sending a simple message. Come to me, my children, there is something I must briefly discuss with you. He sighed again and leaned back against elegantly carved stone. He did not want his children to be involved in this conflict, but as the only heirs of the throne it was their duty to be present in the fights of Mizu. He could only hope that they came to no harm and would someday forgive him for being unable to avoid this war.