Bonds of Legends

When Sera tumbled to the ground, Raoden immediately stopped. "My Lady, are you hurt?" What went wrong? Had he pressed her too hard? She seemed alright, as she laughed her mishap off. It was only then that Raoden realized his muscles felt a familiar burn from exertion. He replaced his rapier in its sheath, its appearance reverting to normal. "I'd say that's enough for today."

He offered a hand to Sera, pulling her back to her feet. "Impolite? Hardly, My Lady. We can continue when we have time and you're rested." He gestured for her to follow him back to the fire. "You did well, better than I thought you would, honestly. By the time we're done, you'll be a pretty fearsome swordswoman." He gave her a pat on the shoulder and another warm smile.

When Raoden arrived back at the fire, he noted the presence of yet another new face, bringing the total up to eight. There should be two more on the way, Virizion said, anticipating the swordsman's question. The newcomer, Raoden realized with a raised eyebrow, was Lady Elodie Conterallis. And here I thought I came a long way, he thought.

Raoden took an empty seat by the fire, smirking at Viviane. "Lady Sera's swordsmanship has my stamp of approval," he said to her, "however much that means to you."

 

You can practice harder in the evening, Cobalion mentioned as Sera headed back to the fire. I would recommend four to five hours of training each day.

Isn't that a bit much?! Sera thought, slightly horrified. How could she save the kingdom and train that much all at once?

...I suppose there is room for adjustment, but you need to be prepared. You're much smaller and even younger than most of the Chosen, but still competent. That is, if you practice.

Gee, thanks, Sera thought back, nearly rolling her eyes. She took a seat at the fire, then noticed a newcomer.

"Elodie?" Sera approached the new girl, who she thought she'd seen at a noble ball once or twice. "You've come a long way, haven't you!"

 

"Oh, good day to you..." Elodie said, trying to figure out the girl's name who she actually remembered seeing not that long ago, "Lady Seren Alistair!" She actually managed to remember her from a noble ball that happened quite some time ago. "I can't agree more," Elodie remarked after hearing Lady Seren's statement of Elodie coming a long way.

"Well, I was actually already planning on leaving our house, so I thought of an excuse that I will be visiting a friend on the other side of our country," Elodie narrated, "then I decided to ditch my escorts. Turned out that it was for the best since I also became one of the Chosen ones."

Elodie heard Diancie's giggle, "You make me so proud right now!" making Elodie roll her eyes a bit. "Oh, I'm sorry. I got a bit carried away from narrating, Lady Seren," she muttered, "I hope you didn't mind that, I just really wanted to talk to someone about it other than the one who chose me."

"I can't believe that it is still this hard to try and be socially knowledgeable and composed," Elodie sighed.

 

Sera laughed when Elodie mentioned that she ditched her escorts. "Well done, Lady Elodie! Please, just call me Sera. Seren sounds so formal and stuffy!" Sera was thrilled to know that Lady Elodie would be joining them: while she enjoyed Lord Raoden and Lady Viviane's company (not to mention the others who recently joined them!), she was rather young compared to most of them and knew that Elodie was only a year above her age.

"I know that there are only eight of us here," Sera said, turning towards the rest of the group, "but perhaps we could discuss plans for the next couple days before the other two catch up to us. My father is still at the manor, and quite frankly, I'm not sure how he feels about me going on a journey, so at some point or another, I'd either have to write home or pay the Alistar manor a visit." Sera secretly hoped that she wouldn't have to go alone, if only the bandits weren't lurking on the edges of her property! But with her sword in hand, Sera felt confident that she could make it to the manor safely.

 

At the sound of the question from that brilliant voice, Seamus turned his head around immediately and caught sight of the elegantly and extravagantly dressed woman. Instantly taken aback, he staggered slightly at the sight of her, not out of fear, but of wonder. There was still so much of this world that was new to him. She must be nobility, he thought, to dress so nicely.

"Why, g'day yer ladyhood," he said with a deep and clumsy bow, trying his best to imitate some sort of politeness. He wasn't really well-versed in this sort of interaction. "I'm a bit stuck, ya see?"

Wait, Seamus! She's one of us! exclaimed Manaphy all of a sudden. Seamus could envision the seafarer jumping up and down in glee. She's Chosen, like you are!

Realizing that, Seamus stood back up and took a good look at her. Lithe and of average height, the woman seemed almost nervous, though it was a bit hard to tell when he looked at her.

Well, don't just stand there, Manaphy encouraged him. Go talk to her, you oaf!

"Uh, right," he mumbled, clearing his throat as he went up to greet her. Still under the impression that she was of nobility, he walked up to her and waved politely. "Sorry 'bout coming off weird and whatnot. You don't gotta say anything; my little buddy tells me that you're like me right?"

He offered his hand in a handshake with a wide grin. "The name's Seamus! And who might you be?"

Manaphy inwardly groaned at his forwardness. Seamus, that's not how you greet a lady! But it was already to late. The hand of friendship had been extended in a very literal way.

 

"Well then," Nix frowned inwardly, his legs slowly getting more and more tired as he kept walking. "I know that this is supposed to require me walking a lot, but the fact that you didn't specify how far away this 'meeting place' is rather annoying." Even though Nix was alone on this forest path, he still spoke quietly, as if there was someone else nearby.

"Be patient. You'll get there when you need to," Articuno replied. "Besides, the others are already gathering. If I didn't know any better, I would say that we are the last ones to the party."

"So we are late then?" Nix questioned. "That's terrific..." The path he was on was beginning to widen out, and was made with more cobblestone than dirt. He also noticed that there was a city in the distance, with its large walls blocking most of the entrance to it. "Is that it?" Nix asked quietly, his voice lowering as he got closer to the gates of the city.

"Yes, I believe so," The Legendary Bird Pokémon said. "Most of the other Chosen are not here at this specific location, but this is where all of you are meant to meet. Oh look, there's already people at the gate."

Nix looked up from the ground and saw that two people were standing at the city gates, blocked by the guards that were keeping watch. One was definitely a fisherman, since the smell of fish in the air was apparent. The other one, though, was a bit harder to tell who she was. "Oh, well this is great," Nix crossed his arms as he came to a stop. "More people to talk to."

As he watched the fisherman say ... something to the other lady, Articuno started to giggle quietly. "What is it, Articuno? Surely that fisherman isn't that humorous." Nix asked in his mind.

"Don't you understand? These are two of the other Chosen!" Articuno seemed to rejoice inside of Nix's mind.

"... I'm concerned now." Nix sighed, walking closer towards the two again. When he arrived, he stood behind the two and said, "So... are either of you planning to enter the city, or are we just going to stand outside all day?"

 

Elodie found it weird that someone was actually amused that she ditched her escorts, but she couldn't disagree that it was quite fun. Then came the topic about families and talking to them before embarking on their quest. "Well, at least your family is understanding, Lady Seren, I mean Lady Sera," Elodie muttered. She felt so awkward with calling Lady Seren 'Lady Sera' since she was used to calling other nobles with their real names. "I doubt my own father would even want to see me again, and if I did show up right now, I'd probably be locked inside our manor forever." She couldn't really stop herself from imagining that as she's been trapped in their manor for years, without contact to the outside world, with the exception of important noble events like meetings, balls, and parties.

Elodie's eyes then widened, "Oh, I also saw you practicing with your sword earlier with Lord Raoden. Is it really that difficult to handle swords? I find staves and magic a bit more interesting than close combat to be honest with you."

"You don't know how to handle swords?" Diancie squealed, surprising Elodie. "Well, why'd you expect me to be able to?" she thought, subtly rolling her eyes, "I mean, I didn't attend swordfighting lessons when I was a kid." Diancie just giggled at the fact that Elodie was not knowledgeable in using swords, before responding. "You have a long way to go if you wish to help save your kingdom then, Elodie."

 

She raised a brow at his forward behaviour but only chuckled mildly at his antics. Covering a hand over her mouth, she then apologised. "My apologies

She bowed politely before accepting his hand. "Peace be with you, Seamus. My name is Mahsuri, and I understand you too are a Chosen, yes?" When she had finished, another voice was heard, which was frostier than the other. However, he had a point.

Turning to the guards, Mahsuri asked them. "Excuse me, is it at all possible to let us through?"

 

Turning around to face this new person, Seamus cringed when Manaphy squealed within. Another one, Seamus! He's chosen too!

"Cripes, buddy. How can ya tell?" thought Seamus.

I can feel it. What, can't you? At Seamus's lack of response, Manaphy chuckled a bit. Maybe you can't. Not everyone can. Go, talk to him!

The new man seemed to have a cold façade, something--Seamus would realize later-- that could be attributed to both his own personality and his bonded Legend. "Hello there!" he said, boundless in spirit as he went to greet the newcomer. "Ya see, we've a wee bit o' a problem here with gettin' in to the capital. Those blokes upfront, they're not keen on lettin' us in."

One of the guards let loose an audible groan at the words. The armored guard turned to Mahsuri and said, "I cannot just let any ruffian who comes clawing at the city gate through. You may not seem the type, miss, but I'm firm in my stance. No one comes in."

Seamus pointed with his thumb back at the guards. "See? Rotten sticks in the mud, we got 'ere. But what can ya do?"

He offered his hand forward in a bright gesture of greeting. "The name's Seamus! Seamus McCormick. And you are?"

 

"But of course, milady." Skeiron spoke. "I've never been to the capital before! It'll be quite enjoyable for certain!"

He looked happily at Baiken and smiled.

"I don't trust this person for one bit." Cresselia muttered.

"Don't ruin this for me, moon-swan. This could be a fun trip!" Skeiron thought hissingly.

"Well, then..." he said as he stood up, leaning casually against the jinglingly-ringed staff. "Shall we?"

 

Raoden regarded the group assembled around the fire. They seemed to be mixing with each other well enough, and with the exception of the grim-looking young man beside Sky - Baiken, he declared his name to be - they were all nobles of some caliber. Had the Legendary Pokémon only Chosen nobles for the grand task that was to come? The swordsman didn't know how he felt about that possibility.

Viviane seemed like she was giving Sky and his contrasting counterpart some important instructions, though Raoden couldn't hear the conversation well. Sera and Elodie chatted amiably with each other about this and that. With a grimace, the swordsman realized that the two Ladies would likely be the group's weakest links in combat.

They aren't as helpless as you think, Raoden, Virizion said, its tone like that of a teacher scolding a student. They were Chosen for a reason.

Apparently that reason wasn't their fighting prowess, Raoden quipped back. I can see Lady Sera faring decently in combat, but Lady Elodie... He let the thought go unfinished.

Have faith, Virizion assured him. You'll see what I mean in due time.

Raoden masked his sour thoughts with a believably-pleasant expression. For both your sake and mine, I hope you're right. He caught a bit of the Ladies' conversation and decided to interject. "See, Lady Elodie, I'd have to disagree. Slinging spells at a distance just takes the fun right out of things."

 

"Arrogant noble, believing she has the authority to order my champion around!" Darkrai roared causing Baiken to wince from the unexpected noise.

'If it helps move things forward, I couldn't care what she does.' He thought back to the legend in irritation casting a glare to where Darkrai floated. In response, the legend returned back to his realm with a snort. Sighing, Baiken gave his new companion a nod, "Let us be off then." He spoke softly, mounting the Ponyta hesitantly, being certain his weapon was safely wrapped around his arms and away from the creature, before jerking his head forward as he glanced back at the staff wielder.

"Lead the way, if you would."

 

"Barbaric?" Raoden feigned offense. "Lady Viviane, your words hurt me." He composed himself before continuing. "What I do is an honorable exercise in swordsmanship. We don't fight to the death like the Korathi do with their bloodsport. Now that's barbarism in its most ugly form." He finished his statement with a grimace. A duelist only had to disarm or pin his opponent to win. The Korathi, in contrast, engaged in gladiator-style brawls, where the victor stood on the bodies and blood of his adversaries. "I don't disagree with everything else you said, though." Though Raoden preferred to fight his opponents up close and personally, he saw the clear value that range could provide.

 

Sera smiled. "Don't worry about sword fighting, Lady Elodie. We were chosen for a reason, and I'm sure that you were chosen for your potential in magic."

Lady Viviane and Lord Raoden were arguing, so Sera gently turned her head to catch wind of their conversation. Fighting to the death? Was that what they'd be doing?

Only if you're in a desperate situation, Seren. By the laws of chivalry, I refuse to let you mortally wound anyone without good reason, Cobalion thought.

"Excuse me," she said, perplexed. "Are we killing people now?"

 

"Hmhmm..." Nix went quiet as he began to listen to the fisherman - Seamus was his name - talk about the guards. He slowly shook the man's hand and replied, "Assuming that both of you are also Chosen, I am Nix Wyliss."

"You definitely could have done better than that," Articuno chided inside of Nix's mind. "At least just try to be a little more friendly with them, they will be your colleagues in this endevour."

"Right..." Nix scoffed at the Legendary Bird. "Well, you are correct when you were speaking of the guards. And the fact that we cannot even enter the city because we're 'ruffians' is rather insulting." The man added out loud, the last part directed towards the guards. He began fiddling with the wand in his hand, wondering how the three would be able to get into the city.

He eventually placed his wand back into the waistband around his trousers, motioning a hand for the other two Chosen to come over to him. "I don't know how desperate you two are to get inside, but I don't plan on standing outside all day and night. Therefore, I propose that we... make other arrangements." He started to handle the bottom of his wand again, a mischievous grin on his face.

"I don't like where this is heading," Articuno sighed. "I'm not going to lend you my powers just so then you can do something foolish like this-"

"Oh, hush, you will be just fine," Nix replied with a small chuckle. "I'm not suggesting that we break into the city, but... that is up to you two to decide." Nix decided to take a seat on the ground, holding his weapon by both ends in his hands, and twirling it slightly. That would probably help pass some time, at least until someone made up their mind or some other Chosen came to help them.

 

"Thank you," Elodie said, slightly blushing at the compliment given to her. Moments later, she saw Lady Sera looking at another commotion between Lady Viviane and Lord Raoden. When Lady Viviane began explaining that they can't win without killing, she raised up her voice.

"There must be a way to settle things without having to kill lives that have been put in jeopardy by these humans that have fused with Pokémon," Elodie said, standing up to let her voice be heard further. "Perhaps I may just be saying this because I do not know how to battle and kill, but there are always alternatives. There could be something like a potion or magical water that can bring them back to normal," she added, raising her voice more.

She had always seen her father killing bandits or those who threaten the lives of the innocent people, but she did not like the idea of it. She couldn't bear seeing blood spill on the cold, hard ground that every bandit fell to after getting killed. "I'm not being picky, but I'm just voicing out my opinions. We are all humans who share the same world after all. Each one of us have a specific role in life," she sighed, "whether it be good or bad."

"A magnificent world is not complete without its own set of problems," she added before sighing once more.