"You know, you've been different lately. Something going on? You are always such an event-seeker, Brike."
"... You know, you're right. For once, I'm not even going to try to deny it ... something has been on my mind for ... some time. A few things actually."


A conversation between a Nidoking and Brike, at one of the handful of Bars around. This was a rare moment where the Electric-type was actually ... calm. If not down in his spirits today. No wonder he's drinking today ...


"Well? Spit it." The one behind the desk stated, getting right down to the topic. Before that, Brike needed to refresh his taste buds again with another quick gulp.
"Alright. So ... I've been thinking about my family more. It's been quite some time since I've seen them. Talked to one of my Cousins ​​last week. Although it feels like a year. My Brothers? Heh .. .Arceus knows what they're up to. And me, the runt of the pack. Well, I mean, everyone knows me, right? "
"Yes- we sure do ...." One chimed in, but it wasn't a pleasant comment. Although, he knew that from the state of tone.

"Just wastin 'my time out here. Doing nothing eventful but looking for some money. And the next big fight. That's all ...
That .... Kingdom, Government stuff, whatever they call it. It wasn't really for me. My oldest brother, I think we all know. He's probably elected the crown. The other? He left some time ago to start his own life. I doubt he 'THOUGHT I knew everything. But, well. Almost two decades, I could be dead wrong. So. As impressive as everyone sounds. I should follow up, right? "



Raising a brow to the Nidoking and throwing a frowning-smirk at him. Then, returning his attention to his drink.
The way he ended that sentence though ... was a little strange. Was that a statement? A rhetorical question, or what? He didn't elaborate that last part very well, although it was clear he didn't care. But some still had questions.

"You at least know where they are? I would imagine you're not too far. The borders here are connected as one whole region. "
"I could take a wild guess .... although, since the three of us were in our pre-stages. It could still be incorrect. But, let's see. Ursalus. He was ... pretty rough around the edges. Had some control problems, but ... I have to agree with my Cousin on this. It was never out of anger or malice. It was just annoyance in his tone. Considering then to now. Probably a ... Glaceon ... or maybe an Umbreon. Either of the two, likely the one ruling over this whole land right now. Then. Axtin. He had quite the attitude ...

Probably turned into a Jolteon like me. Or maybe a Flareon. Now, I did originally consider becoming a Vaperon, because I love to move around. But, stones got a bit expensive; it's like, once you get enough money. The prices inflate ... plus, they were kind of rare. I bought one myself, trained hard enough. Then I turned into this! "He said, stretching his arms out and smiling brightly.

" I guess I'm sticking on land now. But, still. I don't know what's going on with my Brothers. Things have been ... a little too quiet for nothing to be said around ...
I mean. We are kind of a big deal- "
" Wait, wait- wait ....... hold on a second ...
Your Brothers, you just said that your ELDEST sibling ... is King of this country? " Nidoking going back on some words he spoke of before.
"Yes, I said that ... why's that any significance?"
"And if your Brother, who you mentioned, Ursalus. Is ruling, who got the crown first. Doesn't that mean YOU'RE of royal heritage too !?" Saying in shock, but also somewhat disappointed. Connecting the dots now. This got everyone's attention, as now, more and more pairs of eyes went onto Brike. Although he didn't notice yet.


"Y-yes .... yes it is." That was all he said, starting to get a little confused why this was shocking news to them. By this point, he didn't care ... especially with the reputation he developed here, and back home.
" WHAT !? Do you know what this means!" I have thought for a second. But already knew, and brushed it off.
"Yes, I do. But, I've heard some say around here. 'Better to be a live Houndoom than a dead Pyroar.' Which is what one of them will end up as. " "Actually, you got that backwards ... you keep pulling stunts' round here, thinking you'll impress everyone. But the truth is, you're just going to get yourself killed in the end ...
You'll get your wish alright. You'll be dead. And you will be like a Houndoom. "
"And be careful what you say ... that's another way to get yourself killed ...." A Delcatty spoke up behind him, giving him a narrow stare.
Turning his head around and making eye contact. Although they weren't a Canid Pokemon, there was still enough respect for others around regardless of their species or stereotypes.
"Yeah ... yeah ..." He said softly to himself. Well, this day didn't get any better ...




"I can't believe you, Brike ... here I was thinking you were just some desperate nobody, trying to get recognition by doing crazy shows for ... really people that are just trying to mind their own business. But I see now, you're worse than that ... you're a dirt-cruncher ... and I think you've been here long enough to know what that means. .. "The Nidoking said in dissapointment, and dropped his head down. Ashamed of him.

"Yeah, what else am I? Bread-beggar ...?" He said, as if to lessen the blow. But really, it just makes him look more foolish. That was another thing he struggled at. Humilty.

"I see why you're not fit for royalty anymore ..." Someone else across the room commented. But this one upset him.
"Hey! Don't underestimate my rights! I can still have you ...! Ex .... no I can't .... mrrghh ..."
He groaned. Looking at the ground, and losing the will to even speak. But. They were right though. He looked down at his feet. Then ... felt the need to take a good look at himself. A reality check ...
Then he brought up his paws and gave them a hard stare. They were dirty, maybe lightly bloody, and a medical cloth wrapping from the center of his palm and around his digits. He got frustrated ... with himself. 'They're right ... what have I become ...? What am I doing !? '


"You're right. All of you. I SHOULD be better than this. If not for my own sake, then for my Royal line ... I can't BE this! I'm not a peasant!" He started to raise the volume in his voice. Showing passion ... and development. Although ...

"What are you implying ...? That we're dirt? We struggle. But it's not because we're in poverty ..." One spoke up, with a slightly offended tone. That seemed to slightly catch him off-guard and slightly recoiled at what he said.
"Right, right. I'm sorry, I just-" "Need to watch what you say ... remember that." The same being speaking up that last statement.
Well. Now it's time to put things into action. That's the next thing that was on his mind.

"You know. As immature as I've been. I am ... glad to have you all. Even if you're not, like ... personally there for me. I appreciate the wisdom. From all of you. Even you, Frankvin. " Turning around to the Bartender: The Nidoking. He blankly starred at Brike for a second. But then chuckled.
"Well. Gotta look out for my customers ... you especially have been the most loyal ..."
"I think it's time I pay back ... to everyone the inconveniences have caused here. Starting here and now, from this day forward ...
No more slacking, no more stunt-taking. I'm going to be a better person. "

"Finally, some news!" A Sceptile blurted out in the bar in excitement, Although it was a little satirical. He chuckled a little and gave a firm nod to the Nidoking.
"Well, I'll be busy. Maybe even get out of this town."
"If you come back? We'll always recognize you." He wasn't sure if that was a goodbye, or a 'don't come back' comment. Either way, he took it as bittersweet, paid for his drink. And walked out.

" 
Before he left. He needed to do some things ... maybe a good start was apologizing to the people he wronged. Then, maybe helping to some others with their labor. To help himself become a better person. Finally, he, and others were seeing some development in him. Finally ... his days are looking better.





Rondai Valley: 2ND Hour Of The Afternoon.

"It's been ... too long ..."

A husky voice muttered to themself. The chilling, yet soothing wind howling across their fur.
"It's been ... too long ... since I knew what it was like.
What it was like ... to feel ... this ..."
The one speaking said as they were caressing a flower field batch with their organic arm. The other. It was completely metal, from the base of their shoulder to their ending digits.

"I will find them...
Wherever. Whoever, or whatever ..." The dark voice said with confidence...and a stubborn poise. Getting up, they turned their eyes back forward to their walking path. It was going to get darker from here.
'To the Mountains. That's where the darkness reigns...I have to expel it. Maybe then i'll find the end.'

Thinking in their head. Getting up from kneeling and walking on. 
But their path is uncertain, and what makes things further dire. Is what they left behind...all for some vendetta, hmm?

"Whatever it takes...no matter the cost.."