canisaries
you should've known the price of evil
Alright, so, hi. I was not actually intending on posting this story in parts but as one long oneshot, but today I started wondering if I actually should finish it to begin with. What started as a comedy turned into a children's cartoon level drama and I am not happy with it, but I have sunk 6500 words into it so far and like three outlines in planning and I'd hate for it all to be for nothing. So, I'm uploading the first part (half?) on here to see if anyone wants to read the rest. Given that, if you read this fic, please let me know and tell me if you want more, because otherwise I will likely not finish it. If you also happen to have some pointers on how to make the story better, I'd like to hear them.
So, anyway - The Villain's Valentine. It honestly doesn't really have anything to warn for other than mild language which I'm only warning for because this story is otherwise rated everyone. Enjoy.
Gardevoir Gant took five steps towards the balcony of his castle, but on the sixth, he faltered.
He turned around. "Is this really necessary?"
A single red eye glared back. "Yes," said Dusknoir Keira, arms crossed. "Our grip on the public is slipping. We need then to know we mean business."
"It'll be like any other time," said Mimikyu Gene in a much gentler tone. "You'll do just fine."
"You're not going soft, are you?" asked Keira, words sharp.
"No, no, no, no, not at all," Gant said. "I just… feel like they won't be able to pay up. We'd have to rough up a lot of people for the payments, and even then, we'd be short --"
"Make the announcement," ordered Keira. Well, she didn't order Gant. Gant would order her. But she was right.
Gant took a deep breath and stepped out on the balcony. The centre square of Ardmore opened up far below him, chock full of mon gathered there to hear whatever horrible news he'd have to share with them this time. Their gazes stuck to him as the fanfare of horns began, and their murmurs quieted.
The last notes echoing out, Gant reminded himself who he was. Who they were. How they were the enemy. How they deserved this.
Okay, he thought to himself. It’s showtime.
He raised his arms high and grinned like a gengar.
"People of Ardmore!" he called out. "Your beloved leader has an announcement to make!"
If he had the sight of a talonflame, he might have been able to pick out the terror in the eyes of the mon down below.
"I'm sure you know that collection of taxes will begin later today," he said. "You must all be eager to give back to the government for all our services to you. Well, I have fantastic news! This year, taxes will be double!"
"Double?" echoed the horrified voices of the mon below before the word was buried under shouts of disagreement - but as soon as anyone so much as raised a fist, the ghost mon wearing the crimson scarves that marked them as Ardmore's guard brandished their spears enveloped in ghostly energy. This calmed the commotion.
"That will be all," Gant said. "Happy tax paying!"
He turned around and walked back inside, the grin on his face dropping.
"See? It went well," said Gene.
"Yes… it went well," said Keira, unfolding her arms. "Good performance, my lord."
"I aim to terrify," said Gant, waving his hand tiredly.
Keira floated out of the room, leaving the gardevoir and older mimikyu alone.
Gant rubbed his forehead. "I need a hot bath."
"I'll draw one right away, my lord," said Gene and scuttled off.
Gant sighed. It's okay, he thought. They deserve it for what they did.
The afternoon sky was overcast above the castle. Two guards, a trevenant and a dusclops, were guarding the side entrance while two other mon, quite young, hid in the bushes.
"Rian, I don't think this is such a good idea," said the poochyena.
"Hush, Alan!" said the riolu standing beside him. "This is our chance to be heroes!"
"But you're a fighting type," Alan said. "You can't even hit them with any attacks."
"Exactly what the knife is for," said Rian, holding up a knife little even for his size. "And you have your bite! It's super effective!"
"I can barely even bite through a piece of rye bread…"
"Come on, Alan, have some sense of loyalty to the old Ardmore! We need to do our part!"
The poochyena drew his paw across the ground. "I don't know…"
Rian frowned. "Look, you want to impress Stacy, right?"
Alan perked up. "Yes, of course!"
"Then it's time for our attack," said Rian. "Follow my lead. Aaaaagghh!"
He burst out the bushes and ran for the trevenant and dusclops guarding the castle side entrance. The ghost types raised their brows.
"For King Kennephas!" Rian shouted, driving his knife into the bark of the trevenant without resistance. It got stuck, and he attempted in vain to pull it out.
The trevenant exchanged a glance with the dusclops, and both chuckled. "Well, King Kennephas is lucky to have a proud warrior such as you," the trevenant mocked.
"Shut up!" shouted Rian, still trying to pull out his knife. "Gant'll be overthrown any day now! Justice will prevail!"
"I'm sure it will, kid," chuckled the dusclops. "And the head of guard will give me a raise."
"Hey, with the doubled taxes now, he just might," pointed out the trevenant.
"Tch. Yeah, right. It'll just stay in the vault collecting moss."
Rian glanced back at the bush. "A little help here, Alan?"
Alan shivered for a moment, but conquered his fear and ran for the dusclops. "F-for King Kennephas!"
He opened his jaws, cloaking them in black and crimson energy, and clamped down on the dusclops' thigh.
"Ow!" shouted the guard and kicked the poochyena away, the mon rolling in the dirt with a grunt. "That actually kinda hurt, you brat!"
"Hey, easy," said the trevenant. "He's just a kid."
"And an insolent one at that!" the dusclops said. "If his parents aren't gonna punish him, I will!" A purple flame alighted in his hand, and he began approaching the poochyena. "Come here, you little --"
A blurry figure with a light blue glow crashed into the dusclops, sending him tumbling. In his place now stood a mon in a brown cloak and trousers, a mask of black cloth enveloping their head with holes cut out for the eyes. Their arms were raised and ready to strike.
"You," said the trevenant, and shot a glowing green vine from his hand. The masked mon dodged it with a somersault and charged up a yellow-green glow around them as they bounded for the tree-ghost. The trevenant used his free hand to shoot another vine, but the masked mon slinked out of its way and kept heading for their opponent.
Rian's eyes widened as he saw he was right in the attack's trajectory, and he let go of his knife to dodge out of the way just in time before the masked mon's u-turn barreled into the trevenant. The guard took the hit with a grunt, flattened against the castle doors. Rian saw his chance and leapt for his knife, but was caught in midair by the masked mon.
"Lemme go! I need my knife!" the riolu shouted, but the masked mon's grasp was too strong to wriggle out of. With the guards still recovering, they ran away from the scene, leaving Alan to scamper away on his own - which he seemed to be doing an alright job at.
Only after several minutes of running and futile struggles from Rian did the masked mon stop and put him down.
"Why did you have to do that?" Rian shouted. "I had it under control!"
The masked mon grabbed her mask and pulled it off, revealing the face of a mienshao with trimmed whiskers - Larina. "No, you didn't," she said sternly. “You were about to get yourself seriously beaten, maybe even killed. And your friend, too!”
Rian pouted. “We just wanted to be heroes, like you.”
“You’re far too young to be a hero like me,” Larina said. “And even if you were older, I’d be against it. One of us needs to stay safe to take care of the other if something were to happen.”
Rian stared at the ground, face heating up. “Fine,” he spat. “But I’m still mad about losing my knife.”
“Knives won’t do much against ghosts. Not that they’d do much against any trained mon…” Larina shook her head. “I’m just glad I got there in time. This better be the last time I see you doing something stupid like that, okay?”
She lifted her brother’s head to look into her eyes. Rian shivered under their stern gaze. “Okay,” he said, defeated.
“Good. Now, let’s get you home.”
The faces of the townsfolk looked tired and despondent. Even the shouts of the marketplace seemed depressed. It didn’t help that the sky looked like it was going to start raining any minute.
Larina had bought all the berries and vegetables she needed and was about to head home when a familiar golisopod in the crowd caught her eye.
“Hilda!” she shouted, and the golisopod turned her way. A little sparkle ignited in her eyes as she saw the mienshao making her way through the townsfolk.
“Larina! Hello!” Hilda greeted. “How goes it?”
“It goes,” Larina answered. “How is little Isabella?”
Hilda’s eyes lost their luster. “Oh, it’s not good, not good at all,” she said. “She’s gotten worse, and with the raised taxes, I don’t believe we’re going to be able to… afford her medicine.” He voice broke toward the end.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” said Larina.
“Maybe Darkrai will help you!”
The two turned to the voice, facing a drampa.
“Darkrai gave us back our family heirloom that the guards took as payment,” the drampa said. “Maybe he will bring you medicine, too!”
Hilda gave a sad smile with her eyes. “Wouldn’t that be something,” she said.
“Well, gotta get going,” said the drampa, walking away. “Stay strong.”
Larina and Hilda waved him goodbye.
“I should also get going,” said Hilda. “I shouldn’t leave Isabella alone for too long.”
Larina nodded. “See you again,” she said, and the two parted ways with a wave.
Exiting the marketplace, Larina sighed. If only I had the money…
She shook her head. As much as she wanted to, she just couldn’t help everyone.
Light steps made their way through the nighttime town. The clouds had parted some minutes ago to reveal the moon in the sky, allowing it to cast its cold light over the rooftops of the townsfolk's homes.
The dark figure hurrying along the roads was seen by no one, but had they been spotted, their wispy black shoulders, striking red collar and long white hair would have been identified immediately as the mysterious helper of the town. Darkrai, they called him, even if he wasn't the real ruler of nightmares and only disguised as such. The real thing, after all, would have had a bright blue eye, and he would have floated, barely using his slender black legs.
The figure stopped to take out a map. Yes, this was the right street. He dashed up to the sixth house on the right and stopped again to dig out a little package. Gently, he placed it on the doorstep along with a small black card depicting his face. He folded the map, shoving it back into his satchel, and was on his way again.
"Morning, my lord!"
Gant sluggishly opened his eyes to meet the false eyes of Gene's pikachu costume.
"Breakfast is ready downstairs. You have a long day of budgeting ahead of you, so you better eat while you can!" Gene said.
Gant got up with a groan. "Budgeting was today?"
"Yes, my lord." Gene chuckled. "Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to stay up so late last night."
"I made my bed, and now I'll lie in it," Gant sighed. "Let's go."
Eight hours later, Gant left the conference hall.
"Good Gods, that was painful," Gant muttered.
"Well, at least now it's over," said Gene, skittering by his side. "What would you like to do now?"
Gant rubbed his chin. "Mmm… I don't know…"
"I heard some minions had an encounter with Larina."
Gant perked up, eyes widening. "Larina!" He brought his hands together. "Take me to these minions right away."
"I'll have to ask around, my lord."
"I'll come with," Gant said. "I want to hear everything."
After some asking around, they were directed to Trevenant Tamm and Dusclops Henri guarding the royal vault.
"Oh, yeah, we saw Larina," Henri said. "She was still wearing her getup, of course. Still doesn't know we know her real identity, I guess."
"What happened?" asked Gant excitedly.
"Well, we were guarding the west side entrance of the castle, when two kids, a poochyena and riolu, attacked us. They were being brats, so we were going to rough them up, but Larina appeared and attacked. She took the riolu with her while we were recovering, and the poochyena escaped on his own. Then, she disappeared."
"What moves did she use?" Gant asked quickly.
"Uhh…" Henri looked at Tamm.
"Bounce and u-turn, as far as I could tell," Tamm said.
"And, uhh, the knife?" Gant asked, pointing at the knife still stuck to the trevenant's chest.
"That was the riolu's," Tamm said. "It's kind of stuck. I've just let it be there."
"I see," said Gant. "Is that all? Did Larina say anything?"
Henri shook his head. "Don't think so."
Gant brought a hand to his cheek. Larina… that graceful but fierce mienshao of shorn whips and lithe frame. Masked hero of the public. Keira didn't like the fact that they'd let her stay free, but this was something that Gant had been adamant about. Larina would not be imprisoned - instead, they would keep an eye on her to see if she was in touch with any rebel movements while she was under a false sense of security and therefore sloppier. And Gant would gladly keep an eye on her.
"Uh, is there anything else, my lord?" asked Henri.
Gant shook out of his thoughts. "Oh, no, nothing else. Carry on."
The two guards gave a salute, and the tyrant and his butler began walking away.
"You know," said Gant, rubbing his chin, "I think it could be time to invite Larina over for some dinner."
Gene flinched. "Are you sure that's a good idea, my lord? Keira would not like it."
"But Keira doesn't run this town - Gant does!" shouted a third, hoarse voice.
Gant and Gene looked up to see a grinning haunter.
"Ah, Dame, hello," greeted Gant as the haunter descended in front of them. "Any news from the town?"
"Everyone's still pissed about the taxes," Dame said, waving her hand. "But they're also talking about Darkrai and how he brought medicine to a family with a sick daughter last night."
"I see, I see," said Gant. "Any acts of heroism waiting to be done by our friend Darkrai?"
"Nothing particular that I could hear," said Dame. "Nothing that could be… showy."
"Then it's safe to say he won't appear," Gant said. "Anyway! Back to the subject of Larina. I want her to come for dinner tomorrow evening. I want a grand feast prepared so she has her pick from anything she wants. If Keira asks, we're interrogating her. Is that clear?"
"Very clear, my lord," sighed Gene. "But are you really sure about this? She's a rebel, and you're the one she's rebelling against. She will not be friendly."
"I don't care if she despises me," Gant sighed, a blush appearing on his cheeks. "As long as I get to be near her."
Gene and Dame exchanged a glance and shrugged.
"Now, I will go and work on my play," said Gant, marching forward. "Do not disturb me for the next two hours unless it is an emergency. Or… you find out something more about Larina."
"Understood, my lord," said Gene, and the tyrant was off.
Dame giggled. "Wow, this is gonna be good."
"Quiet, you," ordered Gene. "It's rude to derive joy from others' misfortunes."
Dame frowned. "Come on. What kind of ghost are you?"
"A civilized one."
Dame let out a huff. "Have it your way."
With that, the haunter phased out of the building and left the mimikyu to start arranging tomorrow's feast.
"Rian, it's time for dinner!"
The riolu perked up and exited his tent. Larina poured him a bowl of hot stew from the pot on the fire and handed it to him alongside a spoon.
The riolu was smiling, but a closer look at the stew's contents changed that. "Leek stew?" he asked, nose wrinkling.
"It'll help you grow strong," Larina said, pouring herself her own bowl.
"Why can't you make meat stew with the bunnelby you hunt?"
"I have to sell it," said Larina, "so we can have food every day."
"You mean vegetables every day."
"Vegetables are cheaper. We can afford more food that way, and have more to eat."
Rian growled to himself, but began shoveling the stew in his mouth. "When I learn to hunt, I'll keep my own quarry and eat well."
"Don't speak while eating."
"Yeah, yeah."
Larina was about to return to her stew, but the sight of two guards at the edge of the clearing, a golurk and a cofagrigus carrying spears, caught her eye. They were approaching their campsite.
"Rian, stay calm," Larina said coolly, set down her bowl and stepped past her little brother.
The golurk walked with heavy steps while the cofagrigus crawled on all three free arms, clearly holding back their speed to match their partner's. It was less than a minute before they reached Larina.
"What do you want?" asked the mienshao, flashing her fangs.
The cofagrigus giggled - a haunting noise - while the golurk took a scroll from their satchel and opened it. They cleared their nonexistent throat and spoke.
"Lord Gant has invited you, Mienshao Larina, to join him for dinner today. You are to follow the guards appointed to escort you to the castle right away." He showed the scroll to Larina, pointing to the official seal. "This document is genuine. You may inspect the seal."
Larina raised her brows at the message. "Dinner? Why does His Highness want to have dinner with me?"
"The reason is irrelevant. We have been given orders to escort you to the castle, and that is what we will do." He crossed his arms. "Will you come peacefully, or will you resist?"
Larina looked over her shoulder at Rian. She sighed. If she started fighting, she’d be putting her brother in danger. “I’ll come peacefully.”
Rian’s eyes widened. He ran up to Larina, grabbing her arm. “Larina, no! Don’t go!”
“I have to,” Larina said, gently but firmly prying her brother off. “Listen, I’m gonna be back, don’t you worry.”
“But what if you... don’t come back?”
Sorrow flashed in Larina’s eyes. “Then you should find Auntie Arcanine and tell her what happened. She’ll take care of you.”
“Come on, mienshao, enough stalling,” hissed the cofagrigus. “It’s time to go.”
“Very well,” said Larina, and began to follow the guards out of the clearing. She looked over her shoulder at Rian and shouted, “Finish your stew!”
Rian smiled briefly, but his nerves quickly made it leave. He watched her sister and the guards disappear into the woods, fears circling his mind.
The trip through the woods was taken in silence, and little was spoken once they climbed aboard a two-mudsdale carriage parked at the edge of the forest. Now in an enclosed space, Larina felt the cold emanating from the cofagrigus and shivered. The driver, a clefairy, signalled the horses to move, and they travelled to the castle’s main gates in further silence. They stepped out, paid the driver, and had the gates opened for them. Larina felt an instinct telling her to run before it was too late, but she knew she’d be dooming her brother if she did.
They stepped through the gates and made it through the courtyard with all manner of ghosts floating and walking about. The guards let her in through the front door, allowing her to see the castle from the inside for the first time, and she had to admit she was impressed. The ceiling was high and arching, and sunlight shone through the glass windows, casting gridded sections of light on the walls and floor.
“This way,” said the golurk and led her to a hallway. The cofagrigus took her position behind Larina, whose scruff bristled at the experience of having a four-handed coffin of gold right on her tail. The cold still coming off of the ghost didn’t help.
A minute later, they arrived at a new hall, and a plethora of delicious fragrances reached Larina’s nose. A table was set with at least ten different dishes from roast farfetch’d to beef stew to breaded stunfisk. Larina thought of all the bony townsfolk that had to skip meals due to taxes, and her paws balled into fists.
A pikachu plush - no, a mimikyu - skittered into the room through another door and stopped before Larina. “I am Gene, the butler,” he said. “Pleased to meet you, Larina. Lord Gant will be with you shortly.” He gestured to the table. ”Please, have a seat.”
Wordlessly, Larina took a seat. The chair was intricately carved of fine wood and lacquered perfectly evenly. A chair fit for a king. Or a tyrant lord.
She looked around. It seemed that the golurk and the cofagrigus were going to stick around as guards, probably to make sure she didn’t escape or try anything with their lord. Well, at least they haven’t chained me down.
It wasn’t even a minute later that she head another mon’s footsteps enter the room. Larina turned her head to see the gardevoir she’d only seen dozens of meters away before, giving speeches on a balcony. She clenched her teeth, suppressing even further rage. That’s him. That’s who’s caused all the misery I’ve had to witness.
“Hello, Larina!” he called out, raising an arm up high. “I hope your trip here went smoothly.”
“It went fine,” Larina answered bluntly.
“Glad to hear it,” said Gant, either missing her vitriol or consciously ignoring it. “How have you found my castle?”
“I have found King Kennephas’ castle impressive,” Larina replied, showing her fangs.
“Do not speak the name of the forsaken king!” hissed the cofagrigus, but Gant raised a palm.
“Larina may speak however she wishes,” he said, taking his own seat on the opposite side of the table. “She is our special guest.” He looked Larina in the eyes, crimson meeting crimson, and smiled. Larina suppressed a shiver.
This is all really creepy, she thought. What does he want with me, anyway? I already know that he’s probably figured out I’m the masked mon that keeps fighting against his guards, but inviting me over for dinner is a strange way of responding to that. She narrowed her eyes. Then again, this food could be poisoned.
Gant gestured Gene to come closer, and the mimikyu obeyed. “I would have the roast farfetch’d with some mashed potatoes and baked carrots,” he said.
“Excellent choice, my lord,” said Gene, and took Gant’s plate with a shadowy arm extending from underneath his costume. He skittered around the table as he constructed Gant’s order before rushing it back to the tyrant, who thanked him.
“And what will the good lady be having?” asked Gant, still keeping his gentle smile.
“I will have the same as he is having,” Larina said. That way, it can’t be poisoned. Either he overlooked that, or this is simply a test. From what I’ve heard and seen, he is quite theatrical.
The mimikyu got to work, soon returning to Larina with a full plate. With the food right in front of her, she realized how hungry she was, having had her dinner interrupted before… and the smell was heavenly.
“Enjoy your meal,” said Gant, and dug into his dish.
What, no prayer to Giratina before starting? Larina thought, but kept it to herself. She took up her knife and fork and started dining herself.
Oh, the food was good. Larina hadn’t had a meal like this in years, not in quantity or quality. The farfetch’d was evenly cooked with crispy skin, the potatoes were the perfect balance between chunky and smooth and the carrots were delightfully soft. She wished she could have shared it with Rian. He would have loved real meat.
She finished her meal much more quickly than Gant, perhaps subconsciously worrying someone was going to take it away from her. The mimikyu came to her side asking if she wanted more, but she declined. Her stomach must have been small from generally eating less.
Gant seemed to notice that she'd finished as he paused his own meal and spoke up. "So, how is life for you?"
"Same as ever," Larina said. "I hunt, sell my quarry, buy food for my brother and myself, pay my taxes. Not much to it."
"I see," said Gant. "Do you… do anything to entertain yourself?"
"Sleep at the end of every exhausting day," Larina answered. She had been given full freedom to speak, and she was going to use it.
"I… see," said Gant. "I suppose there's not much time for pleasure when there are hungry mouths to feed."
Not that you'd know, thought Larina. Everything is handed to you on a silver platter, and your entire castle staff is made up of ghosts.
"Well, myself, I've been working on a play," he says. "A tale of treachery and murder in the royal court. I only hope I can surpass the success my previous play saw. It was quite popular within the castle."
"Never seen a play," said Larina. "Costs too much and lasts too long."
"Right," said Gant, struggling to keep a polite smile. "Shame."
Silence fell upon the room. Larina could handle it just fine, but Gant seemed more uncomfortable by the second.
What's his deal? she wondered, narrowing her eyes. He's acting like… he cares what I think of him. But I'm his enemy. He should be filled with contempt.
He… he does know that I'm the masked mon, right? He didn't just randomly ask Larina the lowly huntress over for dinner, right?
"So," Gant spoke up, shattering the silence, "How is your family? There's that little brother you mentioned, but is there more?"
"Just my brother," said Larina. "Illness took our mother, and a druddigon our father."
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Gant said, covering his mouth.
Larina frowned. Why are you sorry for that, but not the terror and misery you cause everyone in town?
"Brother's fine, though," she continued. "Gets into trouble, but nothing I haven't been able to get him out of yet."
"Well, that's good to hear," said Gant. He leaned forward. "So… am I right in assuming that you have no… suitors at the moment?"
Larina quirked a brow. "Suitors? Can't say I have any. Why do you ask?"
"Just making conversation," Gant quickly said and took a sip of his water. "Out of curiosity… what kind of man would strike your fancy? Assuming you are interested in men, that is."
Larina narrowed her eyes. These were strangely specific questions. "Well, I guess it would be nice to have someone to hunt with," she started slowly. "But I can't imagine myself settling for anything less than perfect."
"O-oh? What does that… perfection entail?"
Larina brought to her mind the fantasies she'd had on lonely nights. "He would have to be… tall, strong, speedy, but the most important thing is his character."
"And what… kind of character is that?"
"Pure of heart," Larina said, and she could swear she saw Gant wince. "A heroic spirit, generous and kind and brave."
Gaht's shoulders drooped. "Uh-huh," he said. "And you could not be… persuaded to try a different kind of man? A troubled artist, perhaps?"
"He can go and find some other woman," Larina said bluntly. "I've got no time for sadsacks."
"R-right." Gant tapped a claw on the edge of the table. "No sadsacks…"
Watching the gardevoir shift uncomfortably, Larina had to wonder again what the point of her coming here was. She recapped what had happened in her mind. She'd been summoned to a dinner, brought here, met Gant, dined, and now he was asking questions about her family and taste in men. It made no sense. Obviously, he was trying to get to know her, but why would he care about her so --
Larina's eyes widened.
No, no, no, no, no, she thought. Not a chance in hell.
"So, what about your home?" Gant asked. "I hear you live at a campsite in the woods. Does… do you… sleep well?"
Larina bared her teeth and stood up, the sound of the chair scooting echoing in the dining hall. Gant stared at her in silence, wide-eyed.
"I-is everything okay?" he asked.
"Lord Gant," Larina spoke, words like daggers, "are you trying to court me?"
"What? Oh, no, no, no, no," rushed Gant to say, raising his palms and grinning. "Or…" His voice reduced to a squeak. "Would it be so bad if I was?"
Larina took a deep breath through her nose, chest puffing up.
"I would never," she said, "even think of considering you as a partner, you vile mon."
Gant winced. "Never?"
"Never!" shouted Larina. "You have brought nothing but terror and ruin to Ardmore! You are bleeding the citizens dry! You make agents of death patrol the streets and I'm supposed to look past all that?
Gant fidgeted with his fingers. “I can give you lots of jewellery.”
“You sicken me,” Larina hissed, then began walking for the exit. The golurk and cofagrigus stepped in front of her.
“You will not leave before the lord allows it,” said the golurk, his eyes flashing red.
“It’s okay, Goro, Jo,” sighed Gant, holding his forehead. “She can leave. One of you, escort her out of the castle.”
The guards moved aside and let Larina step through before the golurk followed after her. Gant was left alone with the cofagrigus and Gene.
“I’m sorry it didn’t work out, my lord,” Gene said, skittering over to Gant.
“It’s alright,” said Gant. “I had a feeling this would happen.” He covered his face with his hands and sighed. “Pure of heart,” he said. “How could I ever be like that for her?”
“She wanted someone generous and kind and brave,” Gene said. “You’re able to be those things, my lord.”
“Only when I’m… acting.”
“But your actions don’t lie, my lord.” Gene leaned in closer. “Maybe if you let her see that side of you, she could give you another shot.”
Gant shook his head. “It wouldn’t last. I’m still a tyrant.” He got up with another sigh. “Oh, I’m such an idiot. Why did I ever think she’d fall for someone like me?”
“Everybody wants someone to love,” said Gene, looking like he really wanted to lay a comforting hand on Gant but knew he shouldn’t because of his cold touch. “Well, maybe not everyone, but a lot of folk. You’ll find somebody else eventually.”
“But I want Larina,” Gant said. “No one else makes me feel this way…”
“I’m sure it’s just temporary, my lord.”
Gant sighed and got up. ”I’ll be in my bedroom. Don’t follow me.”
“Very well, my lord.”
Larina returned to the campsite at sunset, no energy for any more bullcrap. Rian noticed her arriving, put down the pinecones with which he was playing and ran up to his sister.
"Larina!" shouted Rian, hugging her. "Are you okay? What happened there?"
Larina answered Rian's embrace. "I'm okay. We just had dinner."
Rian pulled back with a quirked brow. "Why did Gant want to have dinner with you?"
"He wanted to… ugh." Larina placed a paw on her face. "Court me."
"Court you?" Rian laughed. "Really?"
"It's not as funny when you're the one being courted," Larina growled back.
"So…" Rian started. "Did he know you were the masked mon?"
"I don't know," said Larina. "He didn't mention anything about it. I wondered if this was some kind of test… but the guy did seem actually upset when I told him off."
"He acts as a hobby, though. He might be a master pretender."
"Hmm." Larina pursed her lips. "I haven't seen any of his plays, though, them being for his castle staff only. He might be mankey droppings at it in actuality."
"And he'd just threaten everybody to give him positive feedback," Rian added.
"Exactly," said Larina, ruffling the fur on Rian's head. "Now, did you finish your stew like I told you to?"
Rian raised his paw in a salute. "Yes, ma'am!"
Larina smiled. "Good to hear. We'll finish the rest of it tomorrow."
Rian's expression drooped. "Leek stew tomorrow, too?"
"'Fraid so, little guy," said Larina, walking over to the pot of stew and placing a lid on it before yawning. "I'm heading to bed. You can stay up a little longer if you want, but stay within the campsite. Okay?"
"Okay," replied Rian. "I wasn't done with my pinecones, anyway."
"Alright, then. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Larina gave a smile before entering the tent and lying down on the larger mattress inside. She curled up in a ball, covered herself with the blanket and closed her eyes.
Tyrant Gant, courting me… what a joke. I hope he got the message and won't try to invite me over anymore. Honestly, I wish I wasn't even thinking about this anymore… his attempt to woo me doesn't deserve any of my headspace.
She sighed and welcomed her exhaustion. While it was still bright outside, it didn't take long for her to fall asleep.
Larina's eyes snapped open into darkness, though she wasn't sure why.
Okay, there was a noise coming from outside. That had to have been it.
Larina perked her ears, listening to the noise. It sounded like someone walking around, leaves crunching underneath their feet.
Or probably just something, a wild mon. But she wanted to be sure.
She slowly got up, looking over to Rian's bed to just barely see the riolu snoozing in the dark, and quietly opened the tent.
Under the moonlight stood a slender, bipedal mon clad in dark clothes. They had wispy black shoulders, a striking red collar and long white hair, and they were staring right at Larina with their crimson eyes.
Larina's eyes widened. "Darkrai," she whispered.
Darkrai raised a hand in a silent greeting.
Larina shuffled out of the tent, careful not to wake up Rian. "What are you doing here?" Larina asked. "Are you here to help us? B-because there are people that are far worse off that you should be helping instea-"
Darkrai raised a palm, then cupped it and created a little ball of pinkish light within. The ball of light floated up between them, creating illumination. Darkrai then dug into his satchel, producing a notebook and a pencil. He wrote something down and showed it to Larina.
I know you are the masked mon.
Larina felt her hackles raise, but reminded herself that this was Darkrai, a fellow hero. Surely he would keep it a secret.
"Why… have you come here?" asked Larina.
Darkrai drew the notebook back, flipped a page and wrote something new before showing it to Larina again.
I need your help.
He wrote something more.
I want to steal from the royal vault and give back to the people, but it's a two-mon job.
Stealing from the royal vault? That sounded risky… but giving back to the people was what she wanted to do. With their money back, the people could afford more food, and mon like Hilda could afford medicine for their families.
Larina looked Darkrai in the eyes. "I'm in."
They made their way to the castle in darkness, and Larina couldn't help wondering how they were going to break in. Her question was at least partly answered when Darkrai led her to what appeared to be a secret passageway behind the castle hidden by a passive illusion cast by some powerful ghost.
Inside the castle, they soon encountered their first obstacle - guards. The two mon stayed behind the corner.
"How are we going to get past them?" whispered Larina. Darkrai raised a gloved finger, and soon a female voice was heard.
"Hey, everyone. You're needed at the front of the castle. Get moving."
"R-right away, Commander!"
They waited. Then, a gourgeist came into view. Larina's hair stood on end - they'd been spotted! But… no, the gourgeist only smiled.
"All clear, boss," she said. Darkrai nodded in thanks and gestured to Larina to follow, which she did.
"You've got a mon on the inside?" asked Larina. "That's brilliant!" Even if trusting a ghost felt dangerous…
They made their way to the vault, which was also free of guards, and Darkrai used pulled out a key. How did he get that? wondered Larina, but those thoughts were shoved aside as the vault opened.
Gold. Silver. Jewels. Pearls. It was the very definition of treasure, awakening greed in Larina's heart. With that kind of wealth, she could eat like Gant did every day.
Darkrai didn't dawdle, taking out two burlap sacks, handing one to Larina and beginning to gather gold and silver coins in the other. Right. They were on a mission, collecting back what Gant had taken from the townsfolk.
Their sacks filled up to the point they could carry, they closed the vault and exited the castle the same way they'd come in. Outside, Larina couldn't hold in her laughter.
"We just robbed Gant!" she giggled. "I can't believe we did that!"
Darkrai only nodded - Larina assumed he couldn't do more. He gestured to Larina to follow again and led her into the town. They placed a few gold coins on every doorstep, making sure they weren't seen by any nightly walkers, until their bags ran out.
"Shame we can't help all of them," said Larina, following Darkrai out of the town. "But the ones that we did help will be glad, I bet."
Darkrai nodded. He seemed to be escorting Larina back to her camp. Larina felt a bit disheartened by it - their time together would soon come to an end. But she could still talk to him for a while, right?
"So… can I ask who you are?" she said.
Darkrai stopped to quickly shake his head.
"Okay…" she said as he kept going. "But I take it that you're someone Gant has hurt?"
Darkrai paused, then nodded.
"I guess that's everyone," Larina muttered. "Everyone but the ghosts. They have it nice, I bet."
Darkrai nodded, but it seemed more hesitant.
"How come they even need spears?" Larina continued. "I hear they suck out people's souls, just like that. Just do that to whoever is crossing you."
Darkrai stopped to pause. He then shook his head.
"What?" asked Larina.
Darkrai took out his notebook. He wrote something, then made another ball of light to illuminate it as he showed it to Larina.
Ghosts can't suck out souls. They can drain life force, but it's slow. Ghostly energy does more damage.
"Huh," said Larina. "You know your ghosts. Do you have experience with them?"
Darkrai hesitated, but nodded.
"What kind?"
Darkrai shook his head.
"Don't wanna say?"
Darkrai nodded.
"I get it," said Larina. "I'm sure it must be upsetting, dealing with those things."
Darkrai scribbled something and showed it.
They're not that bad. They're just serving the wrong person.
"Really?" asked Larina, doubtful. "I don't remember ghosts having a very good reputation under Kennephas' rule, either."
Darkrai wrote more.
Undeserved reputation.
Larina frowned. "Well… you're free to think however you want. Just don't put too much trust in them."
Darkrai rolled his eyes. Larina rolled hers back.
Soon after, they arrived at the campsite. Larina felt the sorrow of parting again.
"Listen… I really liked doing this," Larina said, looking into Darkrai's crimson eyes. "Not just for the townsfolk, but for me, too. I guess what I'm trying to say is… will I ever see you again?"
Darkrai wrote down something.
Absolutely.
Larina smiled. "I hope it's soon."
Darkrai nodded. Then, he turned around and rushed away, disappearing into the woods.
Larina sighed. That magical moment was now over, and there was nothing left to do but return to bed.
She crawled into her tent and curled up on her mattress - quietly, to make sure Rian didn't wake up. She closed her eyes and fell asleep to wishes of meeting Darkrai again.
---
So, anyway - The Villain's Valentine. It honestly doesn't really have anything to warn for other than mild language which I'm only warning for because this story is otherwise rated everyone. Enjoy.
Larina, Larina masked, Gant (by me)
---
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: The Villain's Valentine
Synopsis:
Gardevoir Gant rules over the city-state of Ardmore with an iron fist... or does he? Seems like he's a lot more occupied with romantic thoughts of Mienshao Larina, rebel vigilante.
Genre:
Comedy, Drama
Status:
Ongoing
Length:
TBD
---
Part One
---
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: The Villain's Valentine
Synopsis:
Gardevoir Gant rules over the city-state of Ardmore with an iron fist... or does he? Seems like he's a lot more occupied with romantic thoughts of Mienshao Larina, rebel vigilante.
Genre:
Comedy, Drama
Status:
Ongoing
Length:
TBD
---
Part One
---
Gardevoir Gant took five steps towards the balcony of his castle, but on the sixth, he faltered.
He turned around. "Is this really necessary?"
A single red eye glared back. "Yes," said Dusknoir Keira, arms crossed. "Our grip on the public is slipping. We need then to know we mean business."
"It'll be like any other time," said Mimikyu Gene in a much gentler tone. "You'll do just fine."
"You're not going soft, are you?" asked Keira, words sharp.
"No, no, no, no, not at all," Gant said. "I just… feel like they won't be able to pay up. We'd have to rough up a lot of people for the payments, and even then, we'd be short --"
"Make the announcement," ordered Keira. Well, she didn't order Gant. Gant would order her. But she was right.
Gant took a deep breath and stepped out on the balcony. The centre square of Ardmore opened up far below him, chock full of mon gathered there to hear whatever horrible news he'd have to share with them this time. Their gazes stuck to him as the fanfare of horns began, and their murmurs quieted.
The last notes echoing out, Gant reminded himself who he was. Who they were. How they were the enemy. How they deserved this.
Okay, he thought to himself. It’s showtime.
He raised his arms high and grinned like a gengar.
"People of Ardmore!" he called out. "Your beloved leader has an announcement to make!"
If he had the sight of a talonflame, he might have been able to pick out the terror in the eyes of the mon down below.
"I'm sure you know that collection of taxes will begin later today," he said. "You must all be eager to give back to the government for all our services to you. Well, I have fantastic news! This year, taxes will be double!"
"Double?" echoed the horrified voices of the mon below before the word was buried under shouts of disagreement - but as soon as anyone so much as raised a fist, the ghost mon wearing the crimson scarves that marked them as Ardmore's guard brandished their spears enveloped in ghostly energy. This calmed the commotion.
"That will be all," Gant said. "Happy tax paying!"
He turned around and walked back inside, the grin on his face dropping.
"See? It went well," said Gene.
"Yes… it went well," said Keira, unfolding her arms. "Good performance, my lord."
"I aim to terrify," said Gant, waving his hand tiredly.
Keira floated out of the room, leaving the gardevoir and older mimikyu alone.
Gant rubbed his forehead. "I need a hot bath."
"I'll draw one right away, my lord," said Gene and scuttled off.
Gant sighed. It's okay, he thought. They deserve it for what they did.
---
The afternoon sky was overcast above the castle. Two guards, a trevenant and a dusclops, were guarding the side entrance while two other mon, quite young, hid in the bushes.
"Rian, I don't think this is such a good idea," said the poochyena.
"Hush, Alan!" said the riolu standing beside him. "This is our chance to be heroes!"
"But you're a fighting type," Alan said. "You can't even hit them with any attacks."
"Exactly what the knife is for," said Rian, holding up a knife little even for his size. "And you have your bite! It's super effective!"
"I can barely even bite through a piece of rye bread…"
"Come on, Alan, have some sense of loyalty to the old Ardmore! We need to do our part!"
The poochyena drew his paw across the ground. "I don't know…"
Rian frowned. "Look, you want to impress Stacy, right?"
Alan perked up. "Yes, of course!"
"Then it's time for our attack," said Rian. "Follow my lead. Aaaaagghh!"
He burst out the bushes and ran for the trevenant and dusclops guarding the castle side entrance. The ghost types raised their brows.
"For King Kennephas!" Rian shouted, driving his knife into the bark of the trevenant without resistance. It got stuck, and he attempted in vain to pull it out.
The trevenant exchanged a glance with the dusclops, and both chuckled. "Well, King Kennephas is lucky to have a proud warrior such as you," the trevenant mocked.
"Shut up!" shouted Rian, still trying to pull out his knife. "Gant'll be overthrown any day now! Justice will prevail!"
"I'm sure it will, kid," chuckled the dusclops. "And the head of guard will give me a raise."
"Hey, with the doubled taxes now, he just might," pointed out the trevenant.
"Tch. Yeah, right. It'll just stay in the vault collecting moss."
Rian glanced back at the bush. "A little help here, Alan?"
Alan shivered for a moment, but conquered his fear and ran for the dusclops. "F-for King Kennephas!"
He opened his jaws, cloaking them in black and crimson energy, and clamped down on the dusclops' thigh.
"Ow!" shouted the guard and kicked the poochyena away, the mon rolling in the dirt with a grunt. "That actually kinda hurt, you brat!"
"Hey, easy," said the trevenant. "He's just a kid."
"And an insolent one at that!" the dusclops said. "If his parents aren't gonna punish him, I will!" A purple flame alighted in his hand, and he began approaching the poochyena. "Come here, you little --"
A blurry figure with a light blue glow crashed into the dusclops, sending him tumbling. In his place now stood a mon in a brown cloak and trousers, a mask of black cloth enveloping their head with holes cut out for the eyes. Their arms were raised and ready to strike.
"You," said the trevenant, and shot a glowing green vine from his hand. The masked mon dodged it with a somersault and charged up a yellow-green glow around them as they bounded for the tree-ghost. The trevenant used his free hand to shoot another vine, but the masked mon slinked out of its way and kept heading for their opponent.
Rian's eyes widened as he saw he was right in the attack's trajectory, and he let go of his knife to dodge out of the way just in time before the masked mon's u-turn barreled into the trevenant. The guard took the hit with a grunt, flattened against the castle doors. Rian saw his chance and leapt for his knife, but was caught in midair by the masked mon.
"Lemme go! I need my knife!" the riolu shouted, but the masked mon's grasp was too strong to wriggle out of. With the guards still recovering, they ran away from the scene, leaving Alan to scamper away on his own - which he seemed to be doing an alright job at.
Only after several minutes of running and futile struggles from Rian did the masked mon stop and put him down.
"Why did you have to do that?" Rian shouted. "I had it under control!"
The masked mon grabbed her mask and pulled it off, revealing the face of a mienshao with trimmed whiskers - Larina. "No, you didn't," she said sternly. “You were about to get yourself seriously beaten, maybe even killed. And your friend, too!”
Rian pouted. “We just wanted to be heroes, like you.”
“You’re far too young to be a hero like me,” Larina said. “And even if you were older, I’d be against it. One of us needs to stay safe to take care of the other if something were to happen.”
Rian stared at the ground, face heating up. “Fine,” he spat. “But I’m still mad about losing my knife.”
“Knives won’t do much against ghosts. Not that they’d do much against any trained mon…” Larina shook her head. “I’m just glad I got there in time. This better be the last time I see you doing something stupid like that, okay?”
She lifted her brother’s head to look into her eyes. Rian shivered under their stern gaze. “Okay,” he said, defeated.
“Good. Now, let’s get you home.”
---
The faces of the townsfolk looked tired and despondent. Even the shouts of the marketplace seemed depressed. It didn’t help that the sky looked like it was going to start raining any minute.
Larina had bought all the berries and vegetables she needed and was about to head home when a familiar golisopod in the crowd caught her eye.
“Hilda!” she shouted, and the golisopod turned her way. A little sparkle ignited in her eyes as she saw the mienshao making her way through the townsfolk.
“Larina! Hello!” Hilda greeted. “How goes it?”
“It goes,” Larina answered. “How is little Isabella?”
Hilda’s eyes lost their luster. “Oh, it’s not good, not good at all,” she said. “She’s gotten worse, and with the raised taxes, I don’t believe we’re going to be able to… afford her medicine.” He voice broke toward the end.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” said Larina.
“Maybe Darkrai will help you!”
The two turned to the voice, facing a drampa.
“Darkrai gave us back our family heirloom that the guards took as payment,” the drampa said. “Maybe he will bring you medicine, too!”
Hilda gave a sad smile with her eyes. “Wouldn’t that be something,” she said.
“Well, gotta get going,” said the drampa, walking away. “Stay strong.”
Larina and Hilda waved him goodbye.
“I should also get going,” said Hilda. “I shouldn’t leave Isabella alone for too long.”
Larina nodded. “See you again,” she said, and the two parted ways with a wave.
Exiting the marketplace, Larina sighed. If only I had the money…
She shook her head. As much as she wanted to, she just couldn’t help everyone.
---
Light steps made their way through the nighttime town. The clouds had parted some minutes ago to reveal the moon in the sky, allowing it to cast its cold light over the rooftops of the townsfolk's homes.
The dark figure hurrying along the roads was seen by no one, but had they been spotted, their wispy black shoulders, striking red collar and long white hair would have been identified immediately as the mysterious helper of the town. Darkrai, they called him, even if he wasn't the real ruler of nightmares and only disguised as such. The real thing, after all, would have had a bright blue eye, and he would have floated, barely using his slender black legs.
The figure stopped to take out a map. Yes, this was the right street. He dashed up to the sixth house on the right and stopped again to dig out a little package. Gently, he placed it on the doorstep along with a small black card depicting his face. He folded the map, shoving it back into his satchel, and was on his way again.
---
"Morning, my lord!"
Gant sluggishly opened his eyes to meet the false eyes of Gene's pikachu costume.
"Breakfast is ready downstairs. You have a long day of budgeting ahead of you, so you better eat while you can!" Gene said.
Gant got up with a groan. "Budgeting was today?"
"Yes, my lord." Gene chuckled. "Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to stay up so late last night."
"I made my bed, and now I'll lie in it," Gant sighed. "Let's go."
---
Eight hours later, Gant left the conference hall.
"Good Gods, that was painful," Gant muttered.
"Well, at least now it's over," said Gene, skittering by his side. "What would you like to do now?"
Gant rubbed his chin. "Mmm… I don't know…"
"I heard some minions had an encounter with Larina."
Gant perked up, eyes widening. "Larina!" He brought his hands together. "Take me to these minions right away."
"I'll have to ask around, my lord."
"I'll come with," Gant said. "I want to hear everything."
After some asking around, they were directed to Trevenant Tamm and Dusclops Henri guarding the royal vault.
"Oh, yeah, we saw Larina," Henri said. "She was still wearing her getup, of course. Still doesn't know we know her real identity, I guess."
"What happened?" asked Gant excitedly.
"Well, we were guarding the west side entrance of the castle, when two kids, a poochyena and riolu, attacked us. They were being brats, so we were going to rough them up, but Larina appeared and attacked. She took the riolu with her while we were recovering, and the poochyena escaped on his own. Then, she disappeared."
"What moves did she use?" Gant asked quickly.
"Uhh…" Henri looked at Tamm.
"Bounce and u-turn, as far as I could tell," Tamm said.
"And, uhh, the knife?" Gant asked, pointing at the knife still stuck to the trevenant's chest.
"That was the riolu's," Tamm said. "It's kind of stuck. I've just let it be there."
"I see," said Gant. "Is that all? Did Larina say anything?"
Henri shook his head. "Don't think so."
Gant brought a hand to his cheek. Larina… that graceful but fierce mienshao of shorn whips and lithe frame. Masked hero of the public. Keira didn't like the fact that they'd let her stay free, but this was something that Gant had been adamant about. Larina would not be imprisoned - instead, they would keep an eye on her to see if she was in touch with any rebel movements while she was under a false sense of security and therefore sloppier. And Gant would gladly keep an eye on her.
"Uh, is there anything else, my lord?" asked Henri.
Gant shook out of his thoughts. "Oh, no, nothing else. Carry on."
The two guards gave a salute, and the tyrant and his butler began walking away.
"You know," said Gant, rubbing his chin, "I think it could be time to invite Larina over for some dinner."
Gene flinched. "Are you sure that's a good idea, my lord? Keira would not like it."
"But Keira doesn't run this town - Gant does!" shouted a third, hoarse voice.
Gant and Gene looked up to see a grinning haunter.
"Ah, Dame, hello," greeted Gant as the haunter descended in front of them. "Any news from the town?"
"Everyone's still pissed about the taxes," Dame said, waving her hand. "But they're also talking about Darkrai and how he brought medicine to a family with a sick daughter last night."
"I see, I see," said Gant. "Any acts of heroism waiting to be done by our friend Darkrai?"
"Nothing particular that I could hear," said Dame. "Nothing that could be… showy."
"Then it's safe to say he won't appear," Gant said. "Anyway! Back to the subject of Larina. I want her to come for dinner tomorrow evening. I want a grand feast prepared so she has her pick from anything she wants. If Keira asks, we're interrogating her. Is that clear?"
"Very clear, my lord," sighed Gene. "But are you really sure about this? She's a rebel, and you're the one she's rebelling against. She will not be friendly."
"I don't care if she despises me," Gant sighed, a blush appearing on his cheeks. "As long as I get to be near her."
Gene and Dame exchanged a glance and shrugged.
"Now, I will go and work on my play," said Gant, marching forward. "Do not disturb me for the next two hours unless it is an emergency. Or… you find out something more about Larina."
"Understood, my lord," said Gene, and the tyrant was off.
Dame giggled. "Wow, this is gonna be good."
"Quiet, you," ordered Gene. "It's rude to derive joy from others' misfortunes."
Dame frowned. "Come on. What kind of ghost are you?"
"A civilized one."
Dame let out a huff. "Have it your way."
With that, the haunter phased out of the building and left the mimikyu to start arranging tomorrow's feast.
---
"Rian, it's time for dinner!"
The riolu perked up and exited his tent. Larina poured him a bowl of hot stew from the pot on the fire and handed it to him alongside a spoon.
The riolu was smiling, but a closer look at the stew's contents changed that. "Leek stew?" he asked, nose wrinkling.
"It'll help you grow strong," Larina said, pouring herself her own bowl.
"Why can't you make meat stew with the bunnelby you hunt?"
"I have to sell it," said Larina, "so we can have food every day."
"You mean vegetables every day."
"Vegetables are cheaper. We can afford more food that way, and have more to eat."
Rian growled to himself, but began shoveling the stew in his mouth. "When I learn to hunt, I'll keep my own quarry and eat well."
"Don't speak while eating."
"Yeah, yeah."
Larina was about to return to her stew, but the sight of two guards at the edge of the clearing, a golurk and a cofagrigus carrying spears, caught her eye. They were approaching their campsite.
"Rian, stay calm," Larina said coolly, set down her bowl and stepped past her little brother.
The golurk walked with heavy steps while the cofagrigus crawled on all three free arms, clearly holding back their speed to match their partner's. It was less than a minute before they reached Larina.
"What do you want?" asked the mienshao, flashing her fangs.
The cofagrigus giggled - a haunting noise - while the golurk took a scroll from their satchel and opened it. They cleared their nonexistent throat and spoke.
"Lord Gant has invited you, Mienshao Larina, to join him for dinner today. You are to follow the guards appointed to escort you to the castle right away." He showed the scroll to Larina, pointing to the official seal. "This document is genuine. You may inspect the seal."
Larina raised her brows at the message. "Dinner? Why does His Highness want to have dinner with me?"
"The reason is irrelevant. We have been given orders to escort you to the castle, and that is what we will do." He crossed his arms. "Will you come peacefully, or will you resist?"
Larina looked over her shoulder at Rian. She sighed. If she started fighting, she’d be putting her brother in danger. “I’ll come peacefully.”
Rian’s eyes widened. He ran up to Larina, grabbing her arm. “Larina, no! Don’t go!”
“I have to,” Larina said, gently but firmly prying her brother off. “Listen, I’m gonna be back, don’t you worry.”
“But what if you... don’t come back?”
Sorrow flashed in Larina’s eyes. “Then you should find Auntie Arcanine and tell her what happened. She’ll take care of you.”
“Come on, mienshao, enough stalling,” hissed the cofagrigus. “It’s time to go.”
“Very well,” said Larina, and began to follow the guards out of the clearing. She looked over her shoulder at Rian and shouted, “Finish your stew!”
Rian smiled briefly, but his nerves quickly made it leave. He watched her sister and the guards disappear into the woods, fears circling his mind.
The trip through the woods was taken in silence, and little was spoken once they climbed aboard a two-mudsdale carriage parked at the edge of the forest. Now in an enclosed space, Larina felt the cold emanating from the cofagrigus and shivered. The driver, a clefairy, signalled the horses to move, and they travelled to the castle’s main gates in further silence. They stepped out, paid the driver, and had the gates opened for them. Larina felt an instinct telling her to run before it was too late, but she knew she’d be dooming her brother if she did.
They stepped through the gates and made it through the courtyard with all manner of ghosts floating and walking about. The guards let her in through the front door, allowing her to see the castle from the inside for the first time, and she had to admit she was impressed. The ceiling was high and arching, and sunlight shone through the glass windows, casting gridded sections of light on the walls and floor.
“This way,” said the golurk and led her to a hallway. The cofagrigus took her position behind Larina, whose scruff bristled at the experience of having a four-handed coffin of gold right on her tail. The cold still coming off of the ghost didn’t help.
A minute later, they arrived at a new hall, and a plethora of delicious fragrances reached Larina’s nose. A table was set with at least ten different dishes from roast farfetch’d to beef stew to breaded stunfisk. Larina thought of all the bony townsfolk that had to skip meals due to taxes, and her paws balled into fists.
A pikachu plush - no, a mimikyu - skittered into the room through another door and stopped before Larina. “I am Gene, the butler,” he said. “Pleased to meet you, Larina. Lord Gant will be with you shortly.” He gestured to the table. ”Please, have a seat.”
Wordlessly, Larina took a seat. The chair was intricately carved of fine wood and lacquered perfectly evenly. A chair fit for a king. Or a tyrant lord.
She looked around. It seemed that the golurk and the cofagrigus were going to stick around as guards, probably to make sure she didn’t escape or try anything with their lord. Well, at least they haven’t chained me down.
It wasn’t even a minute later that she head another mon’s footsteps enter the room. Larina turned her head to see the gardevoir she’d only seen dozens of meters away before, giving speeches on a balcony. She clenched her teeth, suppressing even further rage. That’s him. That’s who’s caused all the misery I’ve had to witness.
“Hello, Larina!” he called out, raising an arm up high. “I hope your trip here went smoothly.”
“It went fine,” Larina answered bluntly.
“Glad to hear it,” said Gant, either missing her vitriol or consciously ignoring it. “How have you found my castle?”
“I have found King Kennephas’ castle impressive,” Larina replied, showing her fangs.
“Do not speak the name of the forsaken king!” hissed the cofagrigus, but Gant raised a palm.
“Larina may speak however she wishes,” he said, taking his own seat on the opposite side of the table. “She is our special guest.” He looked Larina in the eyes, crimson meeting crimson, and smiled. Larina suppressed a shiver.
This is all really creepy, she thought. What does he want with me, anyway? I already know that he’s probably figured out I’m the masked mon that keeps fighting against his guards, but inviting me over for dinner is a strange way of responding to that. She narrowed her eyes. Then again, this food could be poisoned.
Gant gestured Gene to come closer, and the mimikyu obeyed. “I would have the roast farfetch’d with some mashed potatoes and baked carrots,” he said.
“Excellent choice, my lord,” said Gene, and took Gant’s plate with a shadowy arm extending from underneath his costume. He skittered around the table as he constructed Gant’s order before rushing it back to the tyrant, who thanked him.
“And what will the good lady be having?” asked Gant, still keeping his gentle smile.
“I will have the same as he is having,” Larina said. That way, it can’t be poisoned. Either he overlooked that, or this is simply a test. From what I’ve heard and seen, he is quite theatrical.
The mimikyu got to work, soon returning to Larina with a full plate. With the food right in front of her, she realized how hungry she was, having had her dinner interrupted before… and the smell was heavenly.
“Enjoy your meal,” said Gant, and dug into his dish.
What, no prayer to Giratina before starting? Larina thought, but kept it to herself. She took up her knife and fork and started dining herself.
Oh, the food was good. Larina hadn’t had a meal like this in years, not in quantity or quality. The farfetch’d was evenly cooked with crispy skin, the potatoes were the perfect balance between chunky and smooth and the carrots were delightfully soft. She wished she could have shared it with Rian. He would have loved real meat.
She finished her meal much more quickly than Gant, perhaps subconsciously worrying someone was going to take it away from her. The mimikyu came to her side asking if she wanted more, but she declined. Her stomach must have been small from generally eating less.
Gant seemed to notice that she'd finished as he paused his own meal and spoke up. "So, how is life for you?"
"Same as ever," Larina said. "I hunt, sell my quarry, buy food for my brother and myself, pay my taxes. Not much to it."
"I see," said Gant. "Do you… do anything to entertain yourself?"
"Sleep at the end of every exhausting day," Larina answered. She had been given full freedom to speak, and she was going to use it.
"I… see," said Gant. "I suppose there's not much time for pleasure when there are hungry mouths to feed."
Not that you'd know, thought Larina. Everything is handed to you on a silver platter, and your entire castle staff is made up of ghosts.
"Well, myself, I've been working on a play," he says. "A tale of treachery and murder in the royal court. I only hope I can surpass the success my previous play saw. It was quite popular within the castle."
"Never seen a play," said Larina. "Costs too much and lasts too long."
"Right," said Gant, struggling to keep a polite smile. "Shame."
Silence fell upon the room. Larina could handle it just fine, but Gant seemed more uncomfortable by the second.
What's his deal? she wondered, narrowing her eyes. He's acting like… he cares what I think of him. But I'm his enemy. He should be filled with contempt.
He… he does know that I'm the masked mon, right? He didn't just randomly ask Larina the lowly huntress over for dinner, right?
"So," Gant spoke up, shattering the silence, "How is your family? There's that little brother you mentioned, but is there more?"
"Just my brother," said Larina. "Illness took our mother, and a druddigon our father."
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Gant said, covering his mouth.
Larina frowned. Why are you sorry for that, but not the terror and misery you cause everyone in town?
"Brother's fine, though," she continued. "Gets into trouble, but nothing I haven't been able to get him out of yet."
"Well, that's good to hear," said Gant. He leaned forward. "So… am I right in assuming that you have no… suitors at the moment?"
Larina quirked a brow. "Suitors? Can't say I have any. Why do you ask?"
"Just making conversation," Gant quickly said and took a sip of his water. "Out of curiosity… what kind of man would strike your fancy? Assuming you are interested in men, that is."
Larina narrowed her eyes. These were strangely specific questions. "Well, I guess it would be nice to have someone to hunt with," she started slowly. "But I can't imagine myself settling for anything less than perfect."
"O-oh? What does that… perfection entail?"
Larina brought to her mind the fantasies she'd had on lonely nights. "He would have to be… tall, strong, speedy, but the most important thing is his character."
"And what… kind of character is that?"
"Pure of heart," Larina said, and she could swear she saw Gant wince. "A heroic spirit, generous and kind and brave."
Gaht's shoulders drooped. "Uh-huh," he said. "And you could not be… persuaded to try a different kind of man? A troubled artist, perhaps?"
"He can go and find some other woman," Larina said bluntly. "I've got no time for sadsacks."
"R-right." Gant tapped a claw on the edge of the table. "No sadsacks…"
Watching the gardevoir shift uncomfortably, Larina had to wonder again what the point of her coming here was. She recapped what had happened in her mind. She'd been summoned to a dinner, brought here, met Gant, dined, and now he was asking questions about her family and taste in men. It made no sense. Obviously, he was trying to get to know her, but why would he care about her so --
Larina's eyes widened.
No, no, no, no, no, she thought. Not a chance in hell.
"So, what about your home?" Gant asked. "I hear you live at a campsite in the woods. Does… do you… sleep well?"
Larina bared her teeth and stood up, the sound of the chair scooting echoing in the dining hall. Gant stared at her in silence, wide-eyed.
"I-is everything okay?" he asked.
"Lord Gant," Larina spoke, words like daggers, "are you trying to court me?"
"What? Oh, no, no, no, no," rushed Gant to say, raising his palms and grinning. "Or…" His voice reduced to a squeak. "Would it be so bad if I was?"
Larina took a deep breath through her nose, chest puffing up.
"I would never," she said, "even think of considering you as a partner, you vile mon."
Gant winced. "Never?"
"Never!" shouted Larina. "You have brought nothing but terror and ruin to Ardmore! You are bleeding the citizens dry! You make agents of death patrol the streets and I'm supposed to look past all that?
Gant fidgeted with his fingers. “I can give you lots of jewellery.”
“You sicken me,” Larina hissed, then began walking for the exit. The golurk and cofagrigus stepped in front of her.
“You will not leave before the lord allows it,” said the golurk, his eyes flashing red.
“It’s okay, Goro, Jo,” sighed Gant, holding his forehead. “She can leave. One of you, escort her out of the castle.”
The guards moved aside and let Larina step through before the golurk followed after her. Gant was left alone with the cofagrigus and Gene.
“I’m sorry it didn’t work out, my lord,” Gene said, skittering over to Gant.
“It’s alright,” said Gant. “I had a feeling this would happen.” He covered his face with his hands and sighed. “Pure of heart,” he said. “How could I ever be like that for her?”
“She wanted someone generous and kind and brave,” Gene said. “You’re able to be those things, my lord.”
“Only when I’m… acting.”
“But your actions don’t lie, my lord.” Gene leaned in closer. “Maybe if you let her see that side of you, she could give you another shot.”
Gant shook his head. “It wouldn’t last. I’m still a tyrant.” He got up with another sigh. “Oh, I’m such an idiot. Why did I ever think she’d fall for someone like me?”
“Everybody wants someone to love,” said Gene, looking like he really wanted to lay a comforting hand on Gant but knew he shouldn’t because of his cold touch. “Well, maybe not everyone, but a lot of folk. You’ll find somebody else eventually.”
“But I want Larina,” Gant said. “No one else makes me feel this way…”
“I’m sure it’s just temporary, my lord.”
Gant sighed and got up. ”I’ll be in my bedroom. Don’t follow me.”
“Very well, my lord.”
---
Larina returned to the campsite at sunset, no energy for any more bullcrap. Rian noticed her arriving, put down the pinecones with which he was playing and ran up to his sister.
"Larina!" shouted Rian, hugging her. "Are you okay? What happened there?"
Larina answered Rian's embrace. "I'm okay. We just had dinner."
Rian pulled back with a quirked brow. "Why did Gant want to have dinner with you?"
"He wanted to… ugh." Larina placed a paw on her face. "Court me."
"Court you?" Rian laughed. "Really?"
"It's not as funny when you're the one being courted," Larina growled back.
"So…" Rian started. "Did he know you were the masked mon?"
"I don't know," said Larina. "He didn't mention anything about it. I wondered if this was some kind of test… but the guy did seem actually upset when I told him off."
"He acts as a hobby, though. He might be a master pretender."
"Hmm." Larina pursed her lips. "I haven't seen any of his plays, though, them being for his castle staff only. He might be mankey droppings at it in actuality."
"And he'd just threaten everybody to give him positive feedback," Rian added.
"Exactly," said Larina, ruffling the fur on Rian's head. "Now, did you finish your stew like I told you to?"
Rian raised his paw in a salute. "Yes, ma'am!"
Larina smiled. "Good to hear. We'll finish the rest of it tomorrow."
Rian's expression drooped. "Leek stew tomorrow, too?"
"'Fraid so, little guy," said Larina, walking over to the pot of stew and placing a lid on it before yawning. "I'm heading to bed. You can stay up a little longer if you want, but stay within the campsite. Okay?"
"Okay," replied Rian. "I wasn't done with my pinecones, anyway."
"Alright, then. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Larina gave a smile before entering the tent and lying down on the larger mattress inside. She curled up in a ball, covered herself with the blanket and closed her eyes.
Tyrant Gant, courting me… what a joke. I hope he got the message and won't try to invite me over anymore. Honestly, I wish I wasn't even thinking about this anymore… his attempt to woo me doesn't deserve any of my headspace.
She sighed and welcomed her exhaustion. While it was still bright outside, it didn't take long for her to fall asleep.
---
Larina's eyes snapped open into darkness, though she wasn't sure why.
Okay, there was a noise coming from outside. That had to have been it.
Larina perked her ears, listening to the noise. It sounded like someone walking around, leaves crunching underneath their feet.
Or probably just something, a wild mon. But she wanted to be sure.
She slowly got up, looking over to Rian's bed to just barely see the riolu snoozing in the dark, and quietly opened the tent.
Under the moonlight stood a slender, bipedal mon clad in dark clothes. They had wispy black shoulders, a striking red collar and long white hair, and they were staring right at Larina with their crimson eyes.
Larina's eyes widened. "Darkrai," she whispered.
Darkrai raised a hand in a silent greeting.
Larina shuffled out of the tent, careful not to wake up Rian. "What are you doing here?" Larina asked. "Are you here to help us? B-because there are people that are far worse off that you should be helping instea-"
Darkrai raised a palm, then cupped it and created a little ball of pinkish light within. The ball of light floated up between them, creating illumination. Darkrai then dug into his satchel, producing a notebook and a pencil. He wrote something down and showed it to Larina.
I know you are the masked mon.
Larina felt her hackles raise, but reminded herself that this was Darkrai, a fellow hero. Surely he would keep it a secret.
"Why… have you come here?" asked Larina.
Darkrai drew the notebook back, flipped a page and wrote something new before showing it to Larina again.
I need your help.
He wrote something more.
I want to steal from the royal vault and give back to the people, but it's a two-mon job.
Stealing from the royal vault? That sounded risky… but giving back to the people was what she wanted to do. With their money back, the people could afford more food, and mon like Hilda could afford medicine for their families.
Larina looked Darkrai in the eyes. "I'm in."
---
They made their way to the castle in darkness, and Larina couldn't help wondering how they were going to break in. Her question was at least partly answered when Darkrai led her to what appeared to be a secret passageway behind the castle hidden by a passive illusion cast by some powerful ghost.
Inside the castle, they soon encountered their first obstacle - guards. The two mon stayed behind the corner.
"How are we going to get past them?" whispered Larina. Darkrai raised a gloved finger, and soon a female voice was heard.
"Hey, everyone. You're needed at the front of the castle. Get moving."
"R-right away, Commander!"
They waited. Then, a gourgeist came into view. Larina's hair stood on end - they'd been spotted! But… no, the gourgeist only smiled.
"All clear, boss," she said. Darkrai nodded in thanks and gestured to Larina to follow, which she did.
"You've got a mon on the inside?" asked Larina. "That's brilliant!" Even if trusting a ghost felt dangerous…
They made their way to the vault, which was also free of guards, and Darkrai used pulled out a key. How did he get that? wondered Larina, but those thoughts were shoved aside as the vault opened.
Gold. Silver. Jewels. Pearls. It was the very definition of treasure, awakening greed in Larina's heart. With that kind of wealth, she could eat like Gant did every day.
Darkrai didn't dawdle, taking out two burlap sacks, handing one to Larina and beginning to gather gold and silver coins in the other. Right. They were on a mission, collecting back what Gant had taken from the townsfolk.
Their sacks filled up to the point they could carry, they closed the vault and exited the castle the same way they'd come in. Outside, Larina couldn't hold in her laughter.
"We just robbed Gant!" she giggled. "I can't believe we did that!"
Darkrai only nodded - Larina assumed he couldn't do more. He gestured to Larina to follow again and led her into the town. They placed a few gold coins on every doorstep, making sure they weren't seen by any nightly walkers, until their bags ran out.
"Shame we can't help all of them," said Larina, following Darkrai out of the town. "But the ones that we did help will be glad, I bet."
Darkrai nodded. He seemed to be escorting Larina back to her camp. Larina felt a bit disheartened by it - their time together would soon come to an end. But she could still talk to him for a while, right?
"So… can I ask who you are?" she said.
Darkrai stopped to quickly shake his head.
"Okay…" she said as he kept going. "But I take it that you're someone Gant has hurt?"
Darkrai paused, then nodded.
"I guess that's everyone," Larina muttered. "Everyone but the ghosts. They have it nice, I bet."
Darkrai nodded, but it seemed more hesitant.
"How come they even need spears?" Larina continued. "I hear they suck out people's souls, just like that. Just do that to whoever is crossing you."
Darkrai stopped to pause. He then shook his head.
"What?" asked Larina.
Darkrai took out his notebook. He wrote something, then made another ball of light to illuminate it as he showed it to Larina.
Ghosts can't suck out souls. They can drain life force, but it's slow. Ghostly energy does more damage.
"Huh," said Larina. "You know your ghosts. Do you have experience with them?"
Darkrai hesitated, but nodded.
"What kind?"
Darkrai shook his head.
"Don't wanna say?"
Darkrai nodded.
"I get it," said Larina. "I'm sure it must be upsetting, dealing with those things."
Darkrai scribbled something and showed it.
They're not that bad. They're just serving the wrong person.
"Really?" asked Larina, doubtful. "I don't remember ghosts having a very good reputation under Kennephas' rule, either."
Darkrai wrote more.
Undeserved reputation.
Larina frowned. "Well… you're free to think however you want. Just don't put too much trust in them."
Darkrai rolled his eyes. Larina rolled hers back.
Soon after, they arrived at the campsite. Larina felt the sorrow of parting again.
"Listen… I really liked doing this," Larina said, looking into Darkrai's crimson eyes. "Not just for the townsfolk, but for me, too. I guess what I'm trying to say is… will I ever see you again?"
Darkrai wrote down something.
Absolutely.
Larina smiled. "I hope it's soon."
Darkrai nodded. Then, he turned around and rushed away, disappearing into the woods.
Larina sighed. That magical moment was now over, and there was nothing left to do but return to bed.
She crawled into her tent and curled up on her mattress - quietly, to make sure Rian didn't wake up. She closed her eyes and fell asleep to wishes of meeting Darkrai again.
---