The wheel of fate slowly turns
A needle weaves the crimson threads together in harmony
Chapter 3 - A New Found Hope
The road to the kingdom was quite a distance from Suntouched Forest. Nothing but the sound of rock pebbles scattered underneath the heavy wagons as they traversed through the gravelly path. The clanging sound of the wheels mixed with the steady paw steps. The rescue team, led by Leon, was guiding the lucky survivors to their new homes.
Inside one of the wagons, Axel was sitting beside his friend Skarn who was sleeping soundly as his head leaned to the side to snuggle into the black fur mane of the lion. They were the first in line as Leon and his crew were walking up front, directing the flow of movement.
A brief moment of anticipation filled Axel’s soul. Axel glanced out at the vast fields, feeling the weight of anticipation settle into his chest. Each bump of the wagon jostled loose more thoughts he had pushed aside, thoughts of his father, of the steps he was retracing, and the ones he wasn't sure he was ready to take.
He observed the surroundings once more and then looked ahead at the tall spire in the direction they were going. A restless feeling emerged from within him. With an endearing smile, he gently moved the head of his friend onto a soft layer of straw that they had prepared, leaped off the wagon, and tried to catch pace with the jolteon ahead of him.
“Leon?”
“Yes, Axel?”
Hearing the call from the luxio, Leon turned to the side. His face was calm though slightly perturbed by the whole incident. A sense of weariness engraved on his face, must have been drained from whatever had happened before and after the mishap.
“May I ask how long have you and my father been working together?”
The jolteon looked around. Most of his crews were busy directing the others at the moment and there seemed to be quite a while before they could reach their designated location. And thus, he began to speak with a half sigh.
“A couple years ago,” Leon spoke up, eyes darting at the crystal clear sky above. “We used to be a band of mercenaries who worked off the call of the Division. Your father was the one who gathered us and thus, the birth of team Moonscar.”
“He’s never told me that,” Axel replied with a surprised look on his face. “My mom told me about his job in Solace Kingdom but that was all I got told.”
“Your father was the leader of our group,” Leon said with a proud tone in his voice. “In fact, it was all of his guidance that we even made a reputation ourselves within Daybreak Division.”
He took a glance at his team. Sometimes, even he wondered how the rough-looking Pokémon like them could even fit in the well-kept and disciplined environment of the Division. And yet, here they were, going from just wandering aimlessly with no purpose whatsoever to getting themselves known within the kingdom and helping those in need.
Axel looked at Leon with admiration. The image of his father smiling flashed before his eyes. Gripping his paw tightly, he clenched his teeth. Determination slowly filled the young luxio. Times like this made him question his strength, for he knew if he just got a little stronger, there could have been so many things he could have done differently.
Leon witnessed the tensed-up luxio and he just gently put a paw on the lion’s shoulder as they both came to a stop.
“Hey, umm, Axel,” Leon stuttered, unsure if he wanted to push the topic. “Your father is very proud of you. He told us from time to time stories of how strong you are even at your age. I’m sure wherever he is, he would want you to continue living or even better, completing what he couldn’t have finished.”
Axel thought about it for a minute and then nodded. He wanted to get stronger so that he could protect the ones he loved the most. He was certain that was what his parents would wish him to do in this circumstance.
“You know,” Leon spoke up, breaking the luxio’s train of thought. “We do have an empty spot in the team right now. So, what do you say? Wanna join team Moonscar and help us in our future endeavors?”
Said Leon as he held out a paw in front of Axel. The sudden invitation caught the luxio off guard. Axel stared at Leon’s outstretched paw, the silver badge glinting in the corner of his eye. His father’s badge. The reminder was heavy, both an honor and a burden. He wanted to say yes, wanted to follow his father’s path, but a part of him whispered, “Is this what you really want?”
Clutching the badge tightly, he finally whispered, “I-I’ll think about it.” He turned his head to the side to avoid the gaze of the jolteon. Everything happened so quickly. He wondered if continuing his father’s legacy was what he truly wanted to do.
As the decision left the lion’s mouth, Leon retracted his paw and gave Axel a sympathetic sigh. He put the paw onto the luxio’s shoulder, “Hey now, you’ve got plenty of time to think this through. If you don’t want to join us, it’s fine. I don’t want to push it.”
Axel nodded and went back to where his friend was, cradling the sound-asleep turtle onto his back. As the sun came to the peak of the day, they steadily approached the outskirts of Solace. The once obscured spire became more prominent against the horizon, towering over them as its top disappeared into layers of clouds above.
Slowly, the grandiose view of Solace Kingdom was unveiled before their eyes. The kingdom's silhouette cast over the crew, a blend of medieval architecture and modern craftsmanship.
In the heart of endless fields of golden barley, a kingdom emerged like a jewel cradled by nature's bounty. Encircled by a towering stone wall that stood as both a testament to time and a guardian of its secrets, this realm was a sanctuary of tranquility and majesty.
Moss and ivy delicately wove their way through the gaps, creating a harmonious dance between the hardened structure and the untamed beauty of the natural world. Beyond the protective embrace of the wall, the fields of barley swayed in the gentle breeze like waves of liquid gold. The amber sea stretched as far as the eye could see, rippling under the touch of sunlight, a breathtaking contrast to the stony fortress that stood at the heart of this agricultural symphony.
Axel, deep in thought, couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension about the path that lay ahead. The luxio peeked from the openings inside the wagon, taking in the surroundings of Solace as they neared the kingdom gates. Skarn, still nestling within the comfort of the wooden interior, stirred awake, his eyes adjusting to the changing light.
Spotting his friend’s awakening, Axel glanced at him, and a small smile formed on his face as he patted Skarn's head gently. The warmth of camaraderie and shared experiences lingered in the air, despite the weight of recent events.
“So, this is
the Solace Kingdom,” Skarn remarked, coming to the front view, his feet dangling in the air as the wagon moved forward. “Never thought I’d have a chance to actually visit this place.”
“Yeah,” Axel exclaimed, “beautiful, isn’t it?”
The city's atmosphere brought a mix of nostalgia and uncertainty. Solace had been his father's workplace, a place he heard stories about but had never truly experienced.
“You two haven’t even seen the rest of it.”
Leon peeked his head into the wagon, breaking the coziness that had settled between the two. He then gave a few pats to the side of the tyranitar who had been dragging the wagon all the way from their camp. The massive stone beast then came to a halt and looked down at Leon.
“Torvak, take a break! We need to present ourselves to the guards!” shouted from the lungs of the eeveelution as he looked up to meet the eyes of the dinosaur-like Pokémon.
Torvak gave him a silent nod as he let go of the wagon. A large thumping sound echoed as the wagon shook from the sheer force of the drop. Sitting inside, both Axel and Skarn could feel the impact as it hit the ground, knocking them up into the air slightly.
“We’ll be back,” said Leon as he turned to see the toppled squirtle over the luxio’s body. “By the way, he’s a soft one, just… don’t let him get near those ales.” A shiver ran down the jolteon’s body as he shook his head. “Pfff bah, bad memories. Anyway-”
Axel and Skarn could hear a clear angry snort from the tyranitar and a nervous chuckle from Leon as they walked to the front gate of Solace Kingdom.
“Hold! Show your identity!”
One of the golurk guards stopped them on the track, the others crossing their stone spears to block the entry to the place. Leon took out from his fur his badge from the Division and held it in front of the guard.
“We come from Daybreak Division, escorting the survivors from the attack of Suntouched Forest. We’d like entry to the kingdom.”
“You might pass!”
The golurk replied with a low rumbling voice as the barricaded iron gate slowly lifted up. He then turned to the jolteon, “King Asdeur requests your appearance at the castle as well as the rest of Moonscar’s members when you arrive.”
“We’ve got the notice, we’ll be on our way.”
Leon and his crew gave the guards an understanding bow before getting back to doing what they were doing before. Skarn got off Axel’s body, peeking from inside the wagon. Axel could see his friend’s eyes widened and sparks of pure interest resonated from them.
“Hey Axel, wanna bet who’s gonna win in a fight, Torvak or those guards?” said the squirtle as he turned to Axel with a cocky smile and one of his brows raised.
Axel cocked his head to the side, thinking. Much as he would know about the earth-bending capability of the guards from his mother’s tales, the strength of Torvak pulling these wagons got him mulling over for a while.
“My bet’s on Torvak,” Axel replied with a smirk on his face.
“Sureeee! We’ll see. Mine’s on the guard, look at their
size, Axel.”
“You do you, Skarn.” Axel shrugged.
As they shared a hearty laughter, Torvak returned, his grip on the handle attached to the wagon. He lifted it with ease and began pulling it away, setting them on the journey again. Leon hopped into the wagon to join them. The jolteon yawned and then bundled himself up against the straw bed.
Curiosity escaped the duo as they leaned in, looming over Leon’s head. The jolteon opened one of his eyes and then closed it immediately. With a playful low voice, he beckoned, “Some pressing matters at hand, nothing too serious. We’ll get everyone accommodated sooner than we’d expected.”
“We heard something about the king. If I may, who’s he?” Axel asked, sitting on his hind legs with his fronts folding square against his chest.
“How do I put this…?” Leon hesitated, seemingly considering whether to tell them the tales or not. He then heaved a sigh and just waved his paw nonchalantly, “You’ll know when time is due.”
Both Skarn and Axel shared a confused look at each other before settling down into the other corner of the wagon. Not for long before the squirtle stirred slightly and buried his face into his friend’s soft belly.
“Hey, umm, Axel?” he whispered.
The tired luxio roused a bit but let his friend remain where he was. His ears folded slightly, waiting for the squirtle.
“I couldn’t help but overhear that they want you to work for Daybreak Division,” Skarn said, turning to the side and staring at the wagon ceiling. “Have you made up your mind about it yet?”
There was a moment of silence. So many abrupt events happened recently that Axel barely had time to reflect on his decisions. With a low voice, Skarn spoke up.
“Do you wanna check out the place when we get there? Maybe it could help you decide better.”
Axel thought about it for a second. If he even decided to follow his father’s footstep, at least having a look at what he had built for himself would not be a bad call. The luxio then took a glance at the jolteon who was purring softly in his slumber and back to his squirtle friend.
“Sure, we can certainly pay it a visit,” Axel replied softly.
Skarn gave him an acknowledging nod before settling back at the corner. The sound of the wagon wheels clashing against the hard rock and the heavy footsteps led way into the bustling atmosphere of the kingdom.
…
As the crew stepped through the gate, the true identity of Solace shone brightly like the Legend that they all prayed and worshiped. The lively streets filled with all sorts of Pokémon. In different shapes and sizes as they came rushing back and forth within sight of the wagons.
The chatters roused the duo as they slowly crawled out to the front of the wagon. The bustling commerce of the Everfall Bazaar led the way for the refugees. Colorful tents and stalls lined the cobbled streets, showcasing a plethora of goods from across the realm. Merchants haggled, trades flowing from counter to counter.
Skarn nudged slightly on Axel’s shoulder.
“I’ve never been to Solace but this place is really similar to our village’s festival day,” the squirtle remarked. “…but more crowded! And noisier!”
As the troop wandered deeper into the Bazaar, the scene grew even more dazzling. The marketplace shone with vibrant colors and sounds, the cobblestones under their feet gleamed in the sunlight, polished smooth by the constant traffic. Large tapestries of shimmering fabric hung between buildings, casting shadows that flickered like flames.
The deeper they approached, the more exotic the wares became. From strangely shaped berries to finely crafted scrolls and magical orbs collected from within the dungeons, there was endless sight of them lined up tidily into boxes on display.
Amidst the vibrant chaos of the Everfall Bazaar, Axel caught sight of a flash of orange darting through the crowd with practiced agility. A buizel in a weathered satchel was weaving through the dense throng with ease, a stack of sealed letters clutched tightly in one paw. As he neared Axel and Skarn, the buizel skidded to a halt, quickly assessing the two with keen, observant eyes.
“You must be the escort from Suntouched,” the buizel greeted, his voice confident despite his youthful stature. “Name’s Finn, one of the messengers for the Daybreak Division. I’m here to guide you to the Moonlit Courtyard so the survivors can settle in properly.”
Axel exchanged a quick glance with Skarn, unsure of how they were supposed to respond, then from within the wagon, Leon called out to the buizel.
“Is that Finn from Stardash team?” The yawning jolteon called out, stretching. “Always on time as usual.”
“They don’t call me the fastest messenger in the Division for no reason.” The buizel wiped his nose and replied in a sheepish tone. “Come fast! My members have already set the place up for the refugees.”
With a quick nod, Finn gestured for them to follow and set off, weaving seamlessly back through the stalls and streets, leaving our luxio and squirtle flabbergasted by the sheer resourcefulness of the buizel. Seeing the confused look of the two, Leon patted them on the back.
“He’s a cheerful one, at least in his team,” said the jolteon, his voice lowered with caution. “Most messengers from the Division tend to keep it low and operate more discreetly, one might say.”
The two gave Leon an acknowledging nod before Torvak began pulling them away. As they exited the Bazaar, the raucous noises of haggling merchants and clinking coins faded into the distance, replaced by the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional wind humming swiftly.
A couple minutes later, they passed under the shadow of a towering stone arch that marked the entrance to the Moonlit Courtyard, a district that lay on the quieter edges of Solace. Here, the air was tinged with a sense of tranquility that had eluded them in the Bazaar. Large, centuries old trees stood guard around the courtyard, their branches casting dappled patterns over cobblestone paths.
They finally caught sight of the buizel again as Finn slowed his pace while leading them past rows of small, welcoming homes. “This district’s mostly for newcomers and survivors,” he explained, keeping his voice low as if not to disturb the calm. “You’ll be well taken care of here. The Division has some spare hands to help get everyone settled.”
Skarn looked around, eyes widening at the sight of the charming cottages with soft lights glowing from their windows, casting a warm ambiance over the setting sun.
“It’s… peaceful here,” Axel murmured, glancing back at the survivors, whose faces seemed to relax for the first time since leaving the forest.
“Yeah,” Finn replied with a knowing smile. “That’s the idea. Moonlit Courtyard’s a safe start, a clean slate for anyone who’s had to rebuild.” He turned to Axel and Skarn, flashing a reassuring grin. “You two get everyone settled in, and if you need anything, the Division’s not far. Just ask for Finn. I’ll be around.” With a quick wave, the buizel bounded off, slipping back into the shadows with the practiced ease of a born messenger.
Axel watched as Finn disappeared into the shadows, the buizel’s confident stride a stark contrast to the weariness hanging over the group of refugees. Turning to Skarn, he let out a slow breath, his gaze drifting toward the cobblestone pathway leading deeper into the Moonlit Courtyard.
“Well,” Axel began, his voice low and steady, “let’s get them settled in.”
The Moonlit Courtyard lived up to its name. Lanterns swayed gently in the cool evening breeze, casting soft pools of light across the district’s uneven streets. The buildings, though weathered, stood resilient, their stone walls and timber frames humming with an unspoken promise of safety. The air smelled faintly of fresh barley, likely from the fields adjacent to the courtyard. It was a place shaped by survival and solace, every crack in its foundation filled with the stories of those who had rebuilt their lives here.
Leon, leading the line of refugees, paused at a crossroads and glanced back at Axel and Skarn. “The inn’s just up ahead. It’s not much, but the keeper’s reliable. Should be enough space for everyone.”
“Works for me,” Skarn chirped, his usual cheer undimmed by exhaustion. He nudged Axel with his shell. “Let’s make sure they’re comfortable.”
The next hour was a blur of activity. Axel and Skarn helped with distributing what few supplies remained, offering support to those who stumbled under the weight of their burdens. Even with a missing arm, Skarn still skillfully used the water element to his advantage and helped carrying the equipment around with ease.
Leon directed his team with quiet efficiency, his calm demeanor setting the tone for the others. Despite the heavy atmosphere, the faint flickers of gratitude, a quiet “thank you,” a relieved sigh, gave Axel a fleeting sense of purpose.
By the time the refugees were settled, the moon had risen high above the courtyard, its pale light washing over the district. Axel stood by the inn’s door, his fur glistening faintly under the glow. Skarn gave a tired yawn, patting Axel on the back.
“That should be the last one. I’m beat. Think I’ll crash upstairs,” Skarn muttered, dragging his feet toward their shared room.
Axel nodded absently, watching his friend disappear into the inn. The weight of the day pressed down on him, yet sleep felt distant, elusive. Restless, he stepped out into the quiet streets, his paws crunching lightly against the gravel.
The district was peaceful, save for the occasional murmur of conversation spilling from an open window. He wandered aimlessly until the faint sound of a soft melody reached his ears. Following the tune, Axel found himself drawn to a small tavern tucked into a corner of the courtyard. Its modest sign, swinging gently in the breeze, read
The Weaver Song.
Inside, the tavern glowed with a warm, inviting light. The air was heavy with the scent of spiced cider and roasted berries. Patrons gathered at scattered tables, their hushed voices blending into the crackle of the hearth. Axel slipped inside, his eyes scanning the room.
It was then that he saw her, a figure seated alone at a corner table. A vulpix, her fur pale as frost yet tipped with a fiery orange glow. She was nursing a small drink, her gaze distant, lost in the rhythmic sway of the flickering firelight.
Something about her drew Axel in, though he could not quite place why. He hesitated for a moment, before finally making his way over.
“Mind if I sit?” he asked, his voice cutting softly through the background hum.
The vulpix looked up, her sharp eyes meeting his. One burned a deep, molten orange, the other shimmered pale and cold as moonlight. For a brief moment, her expression was unreadable. Then, with a faint nod, she gestured to the empty seat across from her.
“Suit yourself,” she replied, her tone calm yet guarded.
Axel slid into the chair, the flickering flames casting dancing shadows across their faces. Something told him this was not going to be a typical conversation. Axel settled into his chair, still caught off guard by the intensity of the vulpix’s gaze. He cleared his throat, glancing around before speaking.
“So... I take it you’re new to the Moonlit Courtyard?” he asked, trying to ease into the conversation.
She smirked, her gaze shifting momentarily to the fire. She then flicked a gold coin towards the spinda barkeep who snatched it immediately and then proceeded to slide across the counter a fragrant beverage to Axel.
“You didn’t have to—” he began, but she cut him off with a small wave of her paw.
“Consider it a welcome,” she said, her voice carrying the faintest trace of sarcasm.
Axel gave her a confused look, yet he took a sip. Mellow, tarty and not too sweet. Smell like homebrew barley drink they would serve around this part of the kingdom.
With her finger circling the edge of the drink, the hooded vulpix spoke up, “Your question, I guess you could say that. Though ‘new’ doesn’t always mean welcome, right?” Her voice held a hint of bitterness, softened by an almost imperceptible vulnerability.
Axel tilted his head, catching the edge in her tone. “I get that. Places like this, they’re... built on trust. And trust doesn’t come easy when you’re starting fresh.”
The vulpix’s expression softened just a bit. “Or when people don’t know what to make of you,” she added, almost as an afterthought, her gaze flickering to her unusual tails for a split second.
Axel nodded, a sense of understanding passing between them. “I can’t imagine how tough that must be. You seem like you’re… searching for something?” he ventured cautiously.
Her eyes narrowed, intrigued by his insight. “And you? What’s a luxio with a blade on his head doing here?” she asked, turning the question on him.
“Not sure myself, honestly,” he replied, a trace of hesitation in his voice. “I’m... trying to do what I think is right. But lately, that feels harder than it should.” He shrugged, feeling strangely unburdened by his confession.
The hooded figure regarded him quietly, her eyes softened just a bit. “Sometimes, carrying someone else’s dream is heavier than chasing your own,” she said, almost as if speaking to herself.
Axel looked down, her words resonating more than he cared to admit. “Guess we’ve both got our battles, then,” he replied softly. A moment of silence passed before Axel shifted his tone, hoping to lighten the moment. “Actually, I’m heading to the Daybreak Division tomorrow. They’re putting together rescue teams, offering training, resources... might be worth a look for someone who’s trying to start over.”
The vulpix raised an eyebrow, giving a soft, skeptical laugh. “And what makes you think I’d be interested in something like that?”
Axel grinned, shrugging. “I don’t. But... maybe it’s a chance to see what you’re really looking for.”
The quiet conversation was abruptly interrupted by the sharp clatter of a chair being overturned. Axel turned toward the commotion just in time to see a burly pangoro storming toward their table, a sneer curling his lips.
"Well, well," the pangoro growled, his deep voice drawing the attention of the entire room. "If it isn't the lone luxio with a fancy headpiece. You think that blade makes you special?"
The vulpix’s expression remained calm, though her eyes darted briefly toward Axel, gauging his reaction.
Axel tensed but kept his tone even. “I’m just here to enjoy a drink. Don’t want any trouble.”
The pangoro leaned in, his breath reeking of ale. “Trouble found you. What say you come outside and prove you’re as tough as they’re all whisperin’ about?”
Axel’s claws dug slightly into the table, but before he could respond, his drinking friend had already stood up. Her hood slipped back, revealing her striking dual-toned eyes.
“Why don’t you sit back down?” she said, her voice calm but sharp as steel.
The pangoro glanced at her, then laughed, a booming, mocking sound. “And what’s this? Your little protector?” He reached out to grab the vulpix’s shoulder.
Big mistake.
In a single, fluid motion, she twisted away and slammed her paw into the pangoro’s wrist. A burst of flame shot forth, sending him stumbling back with a roar of pain. The bar erupted into chaos.
“Guess we’re doing this,” Axel muttered, leaping to his feet just as the pangoro’s lackeys, a machoke and a krokorok, joined the fray.
The machoke lunged at Axel, throwing a heavy punch. Axel ducked and countered with a swipe of his claws, sparks flying as they grazed his opponent's arm. Meanwhile, the krokorok circled, aiming for an opening.
The vulpix, unfazed, sent a plume of fire spiraling toward the pangoro, forcing him to retreat behind an overturned table. The flames illuminated her with an almost otherworldly glow, her movements precise and controlled despite the chaos around her.
Axel managed to sidestep the krokorok’s snapping jaws, landing a well-placed fang into its body that sent the Pokémon sprawling. The machoke, recovering quickly, charged again, but Axel met him head on, their clash sending chairs and tankards flying.
“Behind you!” the vulpix called, hurling a small ember at the pangoro as he tried to flank Axel. The Luxio spun, catching the opening and ramming the pangoro with his body cloaked in electricity, sending the brute crashing into a nearby table.
The tavern fell silent as the dust settled, the aggressors groaning in defeat. Axel panted slightly, turning to the vulpix. “Impressive,” he said, his voice laced with genuine admiration.
She smirked, brushing ash off her fur. “I could say the same. You hold your own well, for a luxio.”
The spinda barkeep emerged from behind the counter, scowling but clearly relieved. “You two. Out. Now.”
Axel and the vulpix exchanged glances before making their way to the door, stepping into the cool night air. For a moment, they stood in silence, the faint sound of the still bustling tavern behind them.
“That was… something,” Axel said, glancing at her. “Thanks for having my back in there.”
She shrugged. “It was your fight. I just didn’t like how they were throwing their weight around.”
Axel studied her, intrigued. “You’ve got some serious firepower. You should really think about signing up for an explorer team. You’ll do great there.”
She chuckled softly, though there was no humor in her voice. “Maybe, maybe not.” She turned to leave, her tails swaying behind her.
“Wait,” Axel called after her. “I don’t even know your name.”
She paused, glancing over her shoulder with a faint smile. “Amber.”
The name hung in the air as she disappeared into the shadows. Axel stood there for a moment, the thrill of the encounter still lingering.
“Amber,” he repeated under his breath, feeling the weight of the name settle in his mind. Axel watched her disappear, the shadows swallowing her like a secret he was not meant to know, yet.
