ToT Chapter 6 Prologue/Placeholder

There was hardly a single cloud in the sky. No matter how many times he looked up from the ground where he sat, the boy could not see a single bit of white fluff slowly making its way across the opening through the forest-like city. It was eerily quiet too. Or what it always like this? He honestly did not know. Reef never started to think about these things before. At least, not until recently. His mind was wandering far too much, he would always think to himself. He shouldn't be feeling like this.

After all, today was the day. That was why he was patiently waiting. Yes, keep that in mind. Get rid of those other thoughts for now.

The young Lucario sat with his legs pulled up to his chest on the steps of his home, like he was curled up into a ball. Lightly drumming his knees as he waited, almost anxiously, for his friends. He was not wearing his usual attire, foregoing it in favour of just his usual thick fur. Making him look like virtually any other Lucario, granted with a darker fur tone. His eyes darted to the left, and then to the right as he took a sigh. He almost looked as though he was waiting for quite a while, perhaps more thanks due to his own anxiety over what day it was. Even still, he waited for them.

---

The walk felt long and surprisingly much more sullen than expected.

Yang’s eyes were glowing with power, the items that she and her partner had earned over the course of their stay in Tabira floating behind her with a green hue.The march up to their young companion’s home continued on, the silence between them unnerving the timid Mienfoo. The two did not have much with them in terms of possessions, carrying only the necessities and some of the earned rewards from the tasks they had undertaken from the Guilds.

Yang made a small face as she nearly lost concentration and their new lamp almost fell from her psychic grasp. She sighed in relief, but looked downward in sorrow.

Her thoughts somewhat preoccupied lately, due to everything that had happened.

She glances back to her teammate who was walking surprisingly behind her this time. The Sylveon’s head downcasted as she carried two boxes on her back. Sonya not saying a thing the whole time they were packing or walking the direction Reef told them to go to find his home. They were both looking forward to this day for a while. It was supposed to be a happy time after a tough battle and celebration of their victory.

They were indeed happy to be moving in with the now young Lucario whom they have accepted in their lives. Though, the moment was not as happy as they expected. Yang looked concerned at how silent her partner was. She knew why, but it was very upsetting to her. She looked forward, and perked up slightly. Feeling the familiar and excited aura of Reef in the distance. Soon the house came into view in the distance, along with the faint dark blue form of your young friend.

Yang looked behind her towards Sonya, trying to smile, “L-Look Sonya. I-I think we’re here.”

Sonya glanced up for a second to look then back down. “Hm.” was all she said in confirmation.

Yang looked troubled once again. Turning back, she looked forward as both her and her tea mate come into better view of the house and Reef himself.

Picking up on his friend's auras not that far away, Reef's ears pricked up as he looked in their direction. Finally. Something to break the silence. Standing up and running to catch up with the Pathfinders, meeting them halfway, the young Fighting/Steel-type greeted them with, what at least on the surface, appeared to be his usual friendly smile.

"Hey girls," he said, "Glad you could make it. Hope you didn't have to drag too much all the way across town!" Yang tried to smile, seeing their young friend as expected meet them halfway. She was glad to see his usual perky and happy self present, it helped ease the tension. At least, a little for her.

“H-Hello Reef. I-It wasn’t too bad. W-We were able to managed.” She replies softly but keeped her smile as best as she could. With a slight chuckle, he took note of the bags and the lamp Yang was carrying. Instinctively taking the fragile thing in one free paw to lighten the burden the Mienfoo was carrying, even taking hold of one of the other bags as well. She looked unsure for a second at him taking some of the items, but she knew he wanted to help, so she did not want to be rude by denying him his kindness.

She glanced over to Sonya, who just watched silently. Troubled again, Yang turned forward as Reef lead them to his house.

"Just right this way," he said, leading the way towards his house as he kept up the happy front. Looking towards Yang and Sonya, he gave a curious look at their belongings.

"This all you have?" he asked, "I mean, not that I'm complaining, but are you girls sure you brought everything?" Giggling softly at the boy’s usual antics, she gave him an answer.

“Y-Yes. W-We originally didn’t expect to s-stay in Tabira. A-And we traveled a lot so we’re u-used to traveling light.” Yang said, slightly out of breath since she was not used to saying a lot. Usually Sonya explained or spoke for her, but not this time.

“A-A friend is bringing a few things we couldn’t carry. S-She should be here soon.” Yang explained in a fond tone. Referring to their teacher who made a sudden appearance at the reflecting pools. Scaring those around to show she had arrived in Tabira recently.

"That so?" Reef said, wondering who this friend might be. Giving a shrug, he continued to lead the way. "Well fair enough. I'll be sure to keep that in mind if someone I don't know comes knocking later on."

Yang slightly laughed at that idea. She glanced once more to Sonya who would usually say something about that concerning their ‘friend.’ There was no change in the Sylveon, who just continued to stare at the ground with an upset look walking forward.  

Yang looked worried but turned forward and tried to smile to Reef. “W-Well she does like to make entrances.”

Leading the two of them up the small hill that his home rested on, giving it a good view of most of Tabira within the limits of the city, Reef began to think if today really was a good day for this. After everything that has happened recently, he doubted that the girls were that particularly thrilled for such a sudden move. He imagined that asking them if they wanted to put it off until another time would not go amiss with what he seemed to be sensing from both Sonya's and Yang's auras.

But they went through the trouble of packing up their things, even getting a friend to help bring some of it. Having them turn back until another day seemed too mean of a thing to do to them.

Reef dared not even try and talk to Yang through their thoughts and aura. He was always so eager to connect with her in such a way, and yet now he was scared of doing it. Shaking his head, he gave a grunt as he continued to walk up the small hill. Enough of that. Don't think about it.

Yang was grateful Reef had not touched on the subject concerning the way they were acting. She can tell in his aura he really wanted to. He wanted to try to cheer them up somehow, but he also wanted them to talk about what happened. What Sonya saw. Yet she was glad he was so intuitive to not ask just yet. This is supposed to be a fun, happy day.

Soon, the trio came to a nice looking victorian style two story wooden house. It looked rather spacious, especially for someone like Reef to own. From the looks of it, it seemed as though it even had a small library inside too that you could see through one of the front windows. When the house come in to view, Yang looked amazed. She could not help but smile at the sight of it. Sonya glancing up and her eyes widen a bit in awe a well.

"Well, here we are," he said to them, turning around to look at the two.

“T-This is your home, Reef?” Yang said in surprise and interest. To which the boy answered with a nod.

"Yup. Kinda an odd situation, isn't it?" Reef chuckled to himself. "I don't think you girls have even seen my house before now. And now you're gonna be living in it. Guess I should have at least invited the two of you over before now. Sorry about that..." He laughed, finding the circumstances such as that peculiar indeed.

Yang turned to him and shook her head, smiling as she did so. “W-We’ve all been busy lately. O-Only just now do we have time to even attempt to visit.” The Mienfoo tried her best to make the situation not seem as terribly bizarre as the boy thought it was.

“We also weren’t close like we are now.” Sonya finally said, surprising Yang enough to give a slight jump and look towards her. The Sylveon sighing softly as she observes the house.

“This is nice. And you lived in it all by yourself?” She asked Reef, mildly curious but still not herself yet.

Reef himself seemed a bit surprised to her Sonya suddenly talk. She had been so quiet up till now, so he was wondering when she would speak up. However the boy kept his cool and answered the question proposed to him.

"Yeah," he nodded again, "Been living here on my own since... Maybe before all of that stuff that happened in Ywaru Canyon?" A lot had happened since then, but Reef did specifically remember he had only bought the house not that long after everyone was shipped out to the desert.

"Since then, everyone in the crew's been sending me loads of stuff that's filled out the rooms really quickly. Didn't come with a library of books when I first got here, I'll tell you that much!" he laughed. "They're all still sending these technical books for me to read. Some fiction too, but mostly information stuff. Maybe you girls might find a few that interest you."

Yang looked absolutely amazed. Awe and intrigue spreading across her face at the front of what was now her’s and Sonya’s new home in Tabira. Even the out of sorts Sylveon could not help but raise an eyebrow in curiosity with Reef’s mention of a library. The Fairy-type’s ears raising up slightly in her interest which seemed to help keep her mind off what was bothering her this whole time.

Reef's eyes widened, almost as though he had just remembered something. Placing down the lamp and bag he was gently carrying, he quickly flipped open his satchel and pulled out something. It was two sets of identical keys.

"Oh yeah, here you girls go by the way," he said, holding them out for the two of them. "They're the house keys. So we each have our own sets just in case the others aren't here, yeah? There's no guarantee I'll always get here before you two, so this'll make things a lot more convenient."

The two look alarmed at seeing him hold out their own keys. Yang smiling happily and after setting their things down on the ground carefully, she placed her paws to her chest looking at Reef with that very same expression.

"T-Thank you Reef. W-We didn't expect this at all since coming to Tabira. T-To actually have our own home to come to freely is...Wonderful." The Fighting-type spoke honestly, the nostalgia of having a home once again almost bringing tears to her eyes. Sonya had a look of disbelief on her face, appearing almost reluctant to accept the keys. She never had a place to call home in a long while. Always on the move and paranoid of her family finding her.

Yet here Reef is, offering them a place to live permanently. She was… Afraid to accept or even think this is reality. But it was. She rubbed the side of her cheek nervous with her ribbon as Yang reached out to grab her own set.

Suddenly, an eerie presence made Yang stop and flinch, while Sonya's ears raised up in alert.

Then, just as sudden as they sensed something, a dark portal appeared below in between Reef and the girls. Arms shot out from the portal, reaching out and grabbing the two keys from the Lucario's paws. It took him a split second to realise what just happened, feeling the weight of his hand suddenly disappear. Sonya and Yang leaned back in anticipation, as the arms linger outside of the strange dark portal. Dangling the sets of keys in front of the trio like it was almost teasing them. Soon after, a witch's hat fazed out along with the upper part of a Banette's head. A scene almost out of some sort of horror novel. A single green eye, shining with power inside the Banette’s eye socket slowly rolls around. Gazing closely at Reef.

Reflexively, the boy's body tensed up at seeing the unfamiliar Pokemon before him. he went on guard the instant he saw who took the keys from him. He was unarmed, yet that did not make the young Lucario any less of a threat.

However, after a moment, Yang's words from just a moment ago repeated in his head. Giving a curious look to the Banette’s head before him, he turned to the Mienfoo. "Uh... Yang?" he started, "Is this the friend you mentioned who'd be helping you two move...?"

He sounded so uncertain of that theory, as he found it more likely that the odd Ghost-type poking their head out before them to more likely be some sort of enemy. But if that was the case, why would they (whomever they are) take the keys?

The green eye narrowed after Reef’s statement, and without Yang being able to say anything, the arms moved and toss the keys upward. The being disappeared back into the portal, and the girls quickly caught their keys as they tumbled towards the ground. Sonya with her ribbon, as Yang fumbles a bit but manages to catch hers as well with her paws.

Sonya growling annoyed as she looked around while Yang sighed smiling to Reef. The Mienfoo flinching a bit as Sonya yelled out, “Can’t you ever just be normal for once old hag?!” Giggling echoed around then from an unknown voice. Each of them looked about cautiously  as the voice answered Sonya in a kind of sing song voice, “What fun is there to be had in being normal, runt?~”

Yang sighed and looked towards Reef with an apologetic expression. “Y-Yes this is our friend. T-Though, she’s more our teacher. I-It’s the Banette that caused some scares the o-other night at the reflecting pools.”

“Call me Mentor dear.” Suddenly, her voice begun to sound much clearer as a Banette wearing a shiny pumpkaboo hat floated down from above. She sat on what appeared to be a long wooden staff with a mega stone embedded into the warped wood, cross legged as though she were riding atop it like some sort of witch’s broom.

She sat there floating, her only visible green eye staring at the young Fighting-type and smiling to him. Clearly expressing interest towards the boy. Though the gaze did seem to be somewhat unsettling upon first glance.

"Oh..." Reef coughed, feeling the sickness he received from his battle with Gilgamarsh come up for a moment. Feeling the mucus build up in his chest and throat. Though he hid it rather well, giving his chest a light tap with his hand to clear himself up.

Placing one foot behind the other and a paw onto the centre of his chest, the young boy gave a bow towards the new Pokemon before him.

"I'm sorry for the less than courteous welcome, madam. My name is Reef, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said to her with a kind smile. Mentor watched Reef closely as he spoke, tapping her chin with a finger as a smile spread across her zipper-like mouth. Yang and Sonya looked a bit concerned, watching their teacher closely. Sonya more so trying to make sure she does not do anything to the young Lucario.

"I've admittedly been a bit on edge, so I hope you can forgive the initial hostile reaction. Again, I'm really sorry for that."

So this was the teacher that Sonya and Yang had mentioned before. She seemed rather interesting to say the least. In spite of the bumpy start, he got a rather peculiar feeling from the Banette. From what little he could gain from her aura, without invading her privacy, she seemed mischievous in a lot of ways. Though, that could have been guessed from what she just did not a few moments ago. Even still, Reef could not help but give a warm look towards her. He could clearly see that she did seem to legitimately care for the girls, and that was more than enough.

From that, he came to the conclusion that she had a good heart deep down.

"Anyway. Again," the boy extended a paw as he approached the floating Ghost-type, "It's a pleasure to meet you, miss Mentor."

Mentor suddenly spun her staff out from underneath her, grabbing hold of it in her clawed hand almost as if the bizarre accessory was guided to fall into it with such grace and fluidity. She extended the piece of lumber out and placed it into the paw offered to her by Reef. She then pushed into it in such a way that the palm of the boy’s hand was upright. Allowing the peculiar Banette to lean down and look closely at the pads of his paw.

“Hmm...” She said, appearing to study his palm. Examining all the calluses and cuts that riddled the young Lucario’s hands, before then moving up his arm. Staring right at his face up close. Sonya took a step forward in warning as Yang looked nervous.

Mentor hummed in thought again to herself and smiled. “Interesting,” She said, before starting to circle Reef with a curious green eye. Seemingly tapping him in random places with her staff, continuing her examination.

“Not a bad physique,” She acknowledged, “though your eyes say you’re much younger than you actually appear. Unique build with the hint of salt mixed in your fur. Must come from the sea, or at least close to it. Your form doesn’t have the feeling or structure of a dock worker, or the typical sailor. So it must come from another ‘occupation.’” She smiled knowingly to Reef as she circled back in front of him.

“And red eyes. Unique indeed since they hold the innocence of a child, yet a child that has seen many things others his own age don’t normally see. So I wonder...What role have you had in my students lives since they came here…?” She folded her arms, continuing to smile to herself as she floated in front of Reef. Her small form slowly rising and falling as she waited for the boy to give his answer.

Nothing seemed to get past her, Reef thought. Then again, he remembered hearing stories of how impossible it was to fool the eyes of the departed. Stories that say Ghost-types could see the truth beyond whatever people projected to others. Or perhaps she was just that good at reading others. Either way, he felt slightly conflicted in being open with her. Yet at the same time, the boy knew Mentor would likely just figure it out regardless. And perhaps would not be too happy to see she was lied to. If she was the girls teacher, then perhaps she could be trusted too. Hopefully. Taking in a deep breath, trying to calm himself, Reef spoke up.

"You're right in that regard, Miss Mentor. I was born and raised at sea," he admitted openly. "I uh... Yes, I wasn't raised as a docker or someone working on a cargo vessel. Up until three years ago I was..." Reef swallowed nervously, his throat suddenly becoming dry. He was not use to being this freely open with someone upon first meeting them.. "...Living life as a pirate." Mentor listened to Reef closely, resting a  finger on her chin .

Sonya wanting to say how he does not need to explain himself if he doesn’t wish to, but when he started she remained quiet.

"Since then," the boy continued, "the old quartermaster retired and... Well, I came ashore with him. Long story short: I ended up finding myself here in Tabira and as a member of the guilds." Looking over towards Sonya and Yang, then back to the Banette, he decided to answer her next question.

"As for what role I've had in their lives... Well, they were my first friends since I came here. So... I'd like to think we get along well enough to have a bit of fun and help each other out along the way. I mean, they're moving into my house, so that's gotta mean something, right?" he chuckled. Waiting for what the peculiar Ghost-type would say next.

“Hm. I once knew a Quartermaster myself. So I know a few things on pirates and what they can do,” Mentor spoke, giving a wink and a smile towards the boy. Showing she held no problems or judgement on the occupation he hailed from. She then giggled and floated to Sonya and Yang. Placing a hand onto the older Fighting-type’s shoulder. However, the Mienfoo did not flinch or look scared at all, contrary to what Reef expected. Yang only smiled softly as Mentor begun to speak.

“My Yang here I can see being your friend off the bat. And not just because I can tell you both have strong connections to Aura.” The Ghost-type mused with a fond and gentle tone to Yang.  Then, almost seemingly out of nowhere, she brought up her staff and slammed the end down onto Sonya’s head, making the Sylveon flinch then growl in annoyance. The Banette just smiled happily.

“My runt here though, I’m surprised. She doesn’t get along with others easily, and the fact you called her a friend in such an honest tone tells me you weren’t just saying that to be nice. How sweet.” She said, floating up and back in front of the Lucario.

Sonya rubbed her head with a snarl at the witch but she did not attack her. Seemingly used to such treatment along with Yang, who smiled almost as though she was also used to such things.

“You’re very honest and hold such a cheerful demeanor, despite obviously going through some hardships for someone as young as you. I can tell. Yes indeed~ You’re the perfect friend for my two students.” She grinned, twirling her staff as she held it behind her, giving a small bow towards the boy.

“Mentor is the name I go by. I am a dream witch, as well as these two’s teacher. I am helping them find their own paths in their lives as best as I’m able. Very nice to meet you dear Reef.”

The boy... Honestly did not know what to say. The wide-eyed expression of his face and the realisation of the small bow that he was given by Mentor only just sunk in. At the very least, she did seem friendly enough. Thankfully. That judgment was not misplaced.

"Hahaha...," Reef gave the Witch another formal bow back to her in thanks. "Well, like I said: It's a pleasure to meet you too, madam. Thank you for the compliments as well," there was a noticeable blush at when the boy heard Mentor speak of his physical fitness, feeling a bit of pride in that his hard work towards training did not go unnoticed. He also could not help but smile in hearing her say he seemed to be the perfect friend for the Mienfoo and Sylveon. That... Admittedly meant a lot to him.

Snapping back to reality, Reef remembered what they were all here for as he turned towards his home. Unlocking the door with his keys as he opened it up for the trio before him.

"Ah, right. Well, let's get these things inside and sort out the room arrangements. I'll give you girls a tour as we go, so no need to worry about getting lost." he continued to keep his spirits up, wanting to make sure the girls felt welcome, even though he knew they likely already felt that way.

Mentor smiled happily as she floated inside right away once reef opened the door. Sonya looks alarmed, soon following in quickly after the witch as she shouted, “Hold it old hag! You’re supposed to help us move our things in.”

“I have to make sure this house is suitable first for my two students,” The Witch said with a cheeky tone, “So I’ll help once I’ve done a thorough look around.” Mentor then turned and grinned to the young boy.

“My two students need to be in the same room. Dear Yang can’t sleep without someone close by.”

Yang was about to pick up a box of her belongings, but stopped and jumped at hearing her statement. Her timid gaze slowly falls to the beaten dirt ground, a little ashamed at the fact. However, it was one she could not deny.

That was not honestly surprising, Reef figured. Considering now what he knows about Yang's past, he'd be surprised if she could even sleep at all. If it helped her feel safe and got her to have a relatively peaceful sleep, then he'd be more than happy to accommodate for that arrangement.

Mentor pointed a finger upward, smiling as though a sudden bolt of inspiration had struck her.

“And since this is their new home, I can also help them decorate too. I have a few gifts for them I got during my travels.” She continued to speak so nonchalantly, inviting herself into Reef’s home almost as though she herself were moving in with the girls.

Leading the way in, the front door brought them to the hallway of the house, which seemed to lead into the other rooms. Small peaks from within the other places in the house showed that some rooms did indeed lead to one another, so getting from say the lounge room to the dining room was easily. The kitchen lied at the end of the hallway, far into the back of the house. Although it did not seem directly connected, it was right next to the dining room, leaving it an easy journey for food once it was cooked.

Off to the other side of the house, as mentioned before, was the small library. Complete with reading chairs and a view for the readers thanks to the windows strategic placement.

A large set of sturdy stairs led to the upper floor, where it was likely more rooms awaited the group of Pokemon to see. Reef himself seemed rather excited to show the teacher and her students around. his tail wagging like a puppy's.

Sonya and Yang stared in awe as they walked inside. Amazed at how large the house was, and even more so that the once young Riolu lived in it all on his own.  Sonya looked around and gave an unsure look for a second. Only to suddenly receive another whack on her head that made her wince and glare up with a growl at the grinning witch.

“You had a look that said ‘pinch me I’m dreaming,’ so thought I’d do the honors of showing you are indeed not dreaming.” Mentor said with a giggle.

“That was a hit not a pinch, old hag.”

Mentor shrugged. “Still showed you this is indeed reality did I not? Stop second guessing and just take it in.” She smiled. Sonya relaxing somewhat with that now being said, with Yang smiling softly. Even if their teacher is quite fickle and seemed strange, Yang was relieved she was here. It appeared to be helping Sonya snap out of the stupor she was in. And combined with Reef being so accepting of their witch teacher, it helped lift the mood a bit.

Though as she begun to relax, turning around to start grabbing their things outside, she stopped.

A confused look came to her as she sensed something outside. She was not sure since it was faint but it made her weary. She started to head back outside to check on what exactly made her feel so uneasy. Reef himself could feel something was... off. Excusing himself past Sonya and Mentor, walking out the door in haste. The door flew open as his eyes widened. He was speechless.

Large clouds of smoke, rising up from all over Tabira. The echoes of cries and what sounded like roaming gangs off in the distance.

The boy slowly curled up his paws, forming fists as he gritted his teeth. "Of course..." he growled angrily.

Yang gasped at the sight in the distance. It would have been a beautiful view of Tabira but right now it only showed the peaceful town virtually up in flames. Being attacked by whatever forces that seemed fit to spread their ill intent to the entire city.

“S-Sonya! M-Mentor!” She cried out, looking worried. Sonya was quick to run outside at her scream, skidding to a sliding stop as she made it out the front. She looked shocked at the sight alongside Yang and Reef. The smell of smoke growing along with faint cries and the yelling of orders. She glared with a growl, quickly assessing what was happening.

Yang put her paws to her chest as she sensed an obscene amount of negative auras  in the mix of Tabira, most with chaotic or evil intentions. The overwhelming emotions of the auras all over the city caused her to remember her imprisonment long ago. As well as those who tortured her.

“B-Bandits....” Yang said in a shaky voice, her eyes wide in fear. Sonya overheard her and only narrows her own further.

“Not only that I’m afraid.” Mentor spoke, the witch floating above them holding her staff behind her back as she looked out towards the coast. In the distance in the water, a few ships bearing a black flag with an all too familiar symbol can be seen making their way to the docks of Tabira.

"Of course." Reef grumbled, turning on his heels and storming back inside. Snatching the armour that rested on the countertop pressed against the wall near the front door. Almost violently pulling it over his head and fastening it to his torso.

"Can't have ONE WEEK of relaxation in this damned place before someone shits the bed!" Reef then swiped the sash and cloak that was on the coat rack in the corner of the hall, continuing to grumble to himself in a simmering rage as he got himself ready for another battle.

Mentor tapped her chin thoughtfully as she closed her eyes, appearing to be thinking. Sonya quickly took her’s and Yang’s things closer to the house as the Mienfoo started to softly shake. Unwanted memories returning to her, of how she was taken and forced to do so many things she did not want. Both before and after her curse.

Not again. Please not again. I can’t go back.</I>

Those thoughts ran through her head as she could feel herself close to hyperventilating at the thought of being taken back to the arenas. The thought of being subjugated to more torture at the hands of that horrible Pokemon...

Ting</b></I>

Yang gasped, snapping out of her daze as she looked over at the familiar soothing sound. She could see Sonya was moving their things inside the house, glaring with a very upset expression with each movement making her bell ring. It was not very loud due to her ire bubbling to the forefront, yet it was still loud enough to break Yang out of her fears as it usually did. Reef himself was in the middle of strapping his blade to his side, only to stop as he heard the telltale sign of Sonya's bell ringing. At that moment, he started to consider what his new housemates would do. Mentor glanced Yang’s way with a small smile at the sight, floating down towards everyone.

“Seems another fight is about to start.” She said as Sonya shot her glare towards the Banette. “Thanks for stating the obvious!” She yelled, before turning to Yang. “Stay here, Yang. Mentor can protect you.”

Yang jolted, Shaking her head at the idea. “I-I can’t let you go alone. I-It looks like there are a lot.”

Sonya sighed angrily, half of her and her team mate’s possessions were inside the house, while the other was at the very least just outside the front door. She was admittedly in too much of a rush to check the status of what they were all up against exactly. The boy himself was dead set on finding the leaders of these raids and dealing with them. He was halfway out the door, and the city seemed to be in a state of emergency. He could already see some of the neighbours running away to be evacuated. But his thoughts were still uneased by everything, even Yang’s quiet protest of staying with her teacher. Taking in a deep breath, he got onto his knees. Placing his paw onto Yang's shoulder softly, he gave himself a moment to calm down so he could speak rationally

"Yang, if you're going to go with Sonya, stick close and try your best to support her. Also, try and stay out the way of any bandits or pirates the two of you can't take on your own: these Pokemon won't fight fair, especially when they have the advantage in numbers."

"Sonya," he then turned to the Sylveon, looking her in the eye with a great deal of focus and determination. "Same goes for you. Don't take any risks that you can't afford. And..." Reef hesitated for a moment, before finally speaking. "...Keep her safe."

Standing back up, the young pirate walked through the open door and was halfway down the small steps of the house before he turned around, remembering something important.

"And be sure to lock the door. Don't forget that if you're in a hurry. Last thing we need to do is give these scum suckers an easy target to rob." Sonya jolted when Reef spoke his instructions to her, about to say something before Mentor floated in front of her, obscuring her view of the young Lucario.

“Are you certain you wish to go, runt?” Mentor asked giving her a look. “You’re still distraught and distracted. Bad things to be in times such as now.” Sonya scoffed, glaring as she walked around and past her annoying hag of a teacher. “I’m fine. You keep Yang here and safe.”

Mentor hummed in thought, tapping her chin. “Well of course, as long as she’s here I will.”

Sonya walked next to her partner, placing a paw onto Yang’s shoulder herself. “Stay here Yang. You’ll be safe. I’ll be back with Reef after we’ve taught these scumbags a lesson.”

Yang gave an incredibly worried look, coinciding with the feeling she received from seeing Sonya's anger return in full swing as she glared down towards the town. “I-I’m coming too—“

“Stay here!” Sonya suddenly snapped at her, making Yang jump in surprise. A tone of anger, but also fear was in Sonya's voice as it reverberated against the walls of their new home, creating more than a few dead notes. Which added to the sting of her sudden outburst. The Sylveon shot one of the most stern scowls she could at Yang, before then taking off without a hint of a warning.

“Let’s go!” She cried to Reef, running down the hill back to town without looking back. Yang put a paw to her chest. She felt and saw it in Sonya's face. She was terrified to lose someone else.

The Mienfoo begun to look frantic and worried at seeing her young friend Reef starting to follow after the Sylveon. She shook her head her head, quickly reaching out and grabbing hold of his arm. She could sense the certainty and determination in his aura, but also his anger like Sonya. She looked troubled, but at the same time she knew she could not talk then out of it. Especially since she too wanted to help, despite her fear.

She sighed shakily and looked up to him, Nodding to the boy that she and Mentor would be careful. “P-Please be careful too Reef. I-I can’t lose another friend....”

Reef felt the tug at his arm, his eyes shooting towards Yang and seeing how scared she was for him as well as her teammate. Hearing the Mienfoo's words, the boy took a knee once more, looking her right in the eyes.

"Got it," he nodded. Slowly pulling Yang into a strong, firm hug. "I'll do my best. I won't let anyone hurt Sonya...I promise." The Lucario vowed to the timid Fighting-type, tightly holding her paw in his hands firmly as he stood back up.

"I'm sorry to leave so suddenly," he directed his words towards Mentor, "But please look after Yang and the house. I don't want the girls first night in their new home to be spent with broken windows." Waving towards them both, Reef dashed off down the hill, hot on Sonya's trail.

The Sylveon looked almost like she was blinded by anger and fear, at least that was the sense the boy could get from her aura. She was going to get herself killed if he could not be there to stop her. He admitted he was just as angry about everything, and honestly was only barely holding back his own ire. But he made a promise. And this one... He was not going to break.

Yang watched as the two ran off. An unsure feeling eating at her, making her rather restless in spite of her fear of bandits. She whined softly in concern, clenching her paws together tightly against her chest.

“Yang dear.” Mentor’s voice made Yang jump to the side with a yelp. She gave a slight tremble as the witch floated down towards the Mienfoo’s side, holding her staff behind her back.

Mentor gave her a small smile. “You’re safe here with me you know. No need to fear.”

Yang calmed down at the given reassurance, yet she offered her teacher an uncertain look. “I-It’s not me I’m worried for...”

Mentor hummed in thought, tapping her chin. “It’s the runt and all your friends, right?” Yang nodded, looking back out at the town. Mentor observed her closely, seeing a change in the Mienfoo which makes her smile with a noticeable sense of pride.

“Then you should go make sure they’re alright.”

Yang jolted, looking towards Mentor with surprise. The witch smiled to her with a shrug. “What? Thought I’d be like the runt and make you stay when you don’t want to? I won’t force you to stay. I did say, after all, I’d protect you only if you stayed here.”

She winked, however her playful expression turned into a surprisingly serious one as she spoke. “I can’t join to protect you Yang, so choose carefully. I’ll be here to hold your new fort, but I can see the runt is struggling with something. If she’s goes out like that, you and I know she’ll do something reckless again. I heard what happened in that war.”

Yang flinched once more. The thought of what happened back then caused her to look down towards the beaten dirt ground.

“Yang.”

At the mention of her name, the Mienfoo raised her head back up. Seeing Mentor smiling to her reassuringly.

“The decision is yours. Though I know the runt needs you now more than ever.”

Yang’s eyes widened at her encouragement to join the fight. She knew Mentor was right. After being here in Tabira for so long, Yang had learned there was more than one way to fight a battle then just fighting alone. She clenched her paws tightly as a feeling of resolve flowed through her. and she nodded to Mentor, Turning to face the town as she took a deep breath. Mustering up the courage needed, she ran forward after sonya and Reef. Her two friends having a huge head start on her.

Mentor smiled proudly, seeing her timid student run off to do her part. The witch sighed softly, closing her eyes as she floated in place. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried, but they’re both big girls now. I can’t hold them back from doing what they want.”

She mumbled, a sudden dark sort of aura coming from her very being as she glanced to the side, her green eye flashing in power.

“I’m gladly she decided to go. It seems we have unwanted guests...” She said as she could see in the distance. Coming from the very same direction where the three young Pokemon went, a few figures could be seen making their way to the house.

“Seems they have their eyes set on dear Reef’s home. It is quite extravagant, so I’m not surprised they’re coming to investigate for valuables. Bandits will be bandits.” She sighed dramatically, grinning sinisterly with a small cackle and a finger to her chin.

“Better make sure to give them a proper greeting as any good caretaker would~”

The bandit's made their way up the hill where their target sat. Half of them grinning to themselves at the plunder that awaited, the other smirking at the type of destruction they could cause to it. The one who seemed to be leading the party, an armoured Zoroark, stopped just a good few feet from the young Lucario's home, spying the Ghost-type that was seemingly waiting for them.

"Oi!" he called out to her, "Move aside, love. You've got no chance against us, so save yourself the trouble and fly off. We don't want ya, we want your belongings!" He sounded so sure of himself, the rest of the Pokemon behind him seemingly agreeing with him too.

"So go on. Get lost." The Zoroark growled.

Mentor sat on her staff, looking calm and relaxed with a smile. She put a finger to her chin with a mock look of surprise on her face. “Oh my things? Well sorry to say, but all I possess is my hat and staff, but I can’t let you have them I’m afraid.”

She grinned, motioning over her shoulder. “The house I’m afraid isn’t mine and neither are the things inside. So you really don’t need to go in, since none of my things are inside anyway.” She giggled mischievously as she floated off her staff and twirled it in her hand.

“You really should be more specific dear. But not like I’ll be letting you inside anyway. This house is very nice. And beyond that, it’s the new home of two of my students. so I must ensure any unwanted guests don’t get inside. That’s you all here so...how about we play a game?~”

She smirked, and with a spin and thrust of her arm her staff shoots forward and slams in to the ground a little ways from her, standing upright between her and the bandits.

“Let’s see who’s brave enough, shall we?” She said, floating back a bit in a ready position in the air with a sinister witch smile and aura surrounding her.

“Anyone willing to cross the drawn line past my staff to face a witch, step forward. I’ll gladly ‘entertain’ any and all who dare try to go past the borderline.”

The zipper attached to her mouth stretched out into an almost unnerving joker-like grin. Her eye shining with her magic as an eerie green magical energy oozed out of one hand, while a sinister dark energy slowly seeped out of the other.

The group of bandits all recoiled back, seeing the witch reveal herself in such a manner. How she even dared them to cross the line she had drawn between them. Many of the members were cowering in fear, and rightfully so. Yet the Zoroark seemed to stand firm, at least as best as he could.

"Fine, love. If that's how you wanna play it, then I'll dance with you," he spoke, taking a stride forward, but to stop as one of his cohorts, a Wartortle, grabbed hold of his shoulder.

"Are you mad?! She's a Witch! We can't take her!" Freeing himself from his partner's grasp, the Dark-type quickly spun about and backhanded the Turtle Pokemon.

"She's a Pokemon like anyone else!" he replied, using that as his reasoning for not giving up on their greedy and sadistic urges. "Either the lot of you get out of here and face the consequences of running away like cowards the next time you talk to Solan..." the mere prospect of them all having to make their excuses towards the Primeape mentioned seemed to make a good amount of them freeze in place. "Or you can fight the Ghost-type a good amount of you've got a fighting chance against!"

With what could be called a poor excuse of a motivational speech. All in one order from the Dark-type, the entire group charged forward. Some seemingly breaking off to try and surround the Banette Witch so they had better control over the battle. The Zoroark leader shot forward with a 'Dark Pulse', with his Absol compatriot leaping forward with a 'Night Slash'.

"Ah quite the brave lot you are indeed." Mentor said after the Zororak's speech, only to smirk as they all come forward.

"I'm almost offended, comparing my capabilities to that of another bandit." She cackled, showing her witch nature before getting ready. "Let's see if I can prove just how big an error you all made."

She remained where she was at as the attacks bared down on her. Not fazed in the slightest as the attacks got close. Her eye flashed a neon pink as similar colored claws suddenly materialized onto her own hands, solidifying and lengthening out. She thrusts her claws forward, meeting the Dark Pulse and Night Slash with a clash. The attacks thrown at her were cushioned by the impact of her own attack, the fairy power negating any and all power they held as Mentor casually knocked them away. Almost as though she was swatting a fly. The witch giggled and flexed her claws, the newly formed weapons shining with Fairy power.

"Oh honey, if you think you had an advantage over me just because of type, allow me to prove you wrong~" She cackled with a dark grin on her face.

Seeing what had just happened to the attacks of his companions, the Wartortle from before now realized just how deep in the muck he truly was. Even still, he had to fight. There was no other choice for him. While the others were still somewhat uncoordinated, he made sure to make use of them drawing the witch's attention. Moving around her to what he could guess was a blind spot: right behind her on her right side.

Brandishing a crude looking dagger, the Water-type leapt forward, intending to aim right for the back of the witch's neck. Yet just as he drew closer, he felt something grip his entire forearm like a vice. Pain shot through his limb as he was forced to drop the knife. Looking around, he had noticed a few of the other bandits he was with and been shoved aside and knocked away. The Wartortle's eyes slowly looked up, noticing a towering Pokemon before him, digging his claws into the now trembling bandit's arm. A large shadow casting over him due to the sun's position that belonged to the new Pokemon in question

"Typical." The figure spoke, a gruff and very manly voice that denoted a great deal of maturity and experience. Before the bandit even realised what was going on, he felt the figure's fist collide with the side of his jaw, sending him flying backwards and tumbling onto the dirt.

"I come to visit the lad, and I find the city overrun with bandits. I don't know who the lot of you are..."

The towering Pokemon adjusted his stance, causing his shadow to move and reveal his identity. A rather mature looking Samurott, perhaps in his mid to late forties, yet nonetheless physically developed. He wore a rather faded and old sleeveless coat with a harness strapped around his waist. The harness held two additional seamitars, seemingly a ‘just in case’ replacement for either of the two that were stored within the sheaths attached to his arms. The many stitches the coat held along its length served to distract very little from the behemoth of a Samurott’s muscular arms. He was an almost muscle bound example of the species, showing his entire figure as he stood tall on two legs. He was covered in scars, from all across his thick arms to his broad chest. It was more than apparent to any of the bandits that he had seen far more battles than all of them combined. His exterior could almost be described as an old and experienced sailor of some sort.

"And quite frankly, I couldn't care. None of you are a match for this witch here," he gestured towards the Banette whom he had his back turned to. As he did so, he slowly took of his coat. Sliding the piece of clothing off his shoulders as he tossed it aside. Revealing more of the scars all over his body, as well as an all-new terrifying image: a faded tattoo of a Jolly Roger plastered across his entire back. Tossing the coat aside, he continued to speak in his baritone voice. "And you sure as hell don't stand a chance against me. So run along now, before we both make your lives miserable..."

Mentor turned her head slightly at the appearance of a new being. Her claws never going away, as she continued to stay on guard. However, as he came into view, her eye lit up for a second, recognition sparking in it at the visage of the old Samurott. It was not until she laid eyes on the tattoo burned into his back that she started to smile to herself. A great sensation of familiarity washing over her as the Banette floated up to him. Still not giving away her fairy claws.

“My goodness, this is such a coincidence! I come to see my students after almost a year of leaving them here in tabira. And just as I return to see the new home they’re moving into, I meet an old familiar face.” She giggled, floating around the Water-type.

“If you’re who I think you are, this is quite the coincidence indeed,” she said tapping one of the construct claws to her chin with a playful wink. Appearing to ignore the bandits yet it was obvious she has not forgotten them completely. Looking down towards the Samurott’s midriff, she spied an all too familiar scar that cut clean across his side. She was all but certain now.

"Hmm?" The Samurott gave a curious look towards the witch. "I'm sorry ma'am, but I believe--" After a moment of looking at her, the old Water-type's eyes widened. His mouth slightly open as, much like the Banette, he believed he recognised her.

"Bloody hell... What're...?"

"Oi!" The Zoroark called out, "What are you doing?! Thinking we'll go away just by ignoring us?!" The Samurott shot a mean glare towards the Dark-type in question, turning to face him. Mentor’s own went down down a bit as she glanced to the bandit.

“It’s quite rude to interrupt you know. You may be bandits, but have some respect for conversation at least,” Mentor said with a ‘humph’ as she turned to face the remaining bandits again.

"If you're THAT desperate for attention, then fine. but expect to be eating through a straw when I'm done with you..." The Samurott growled towards the bandit. Drawing the Seamitars mounted to his arms, the old sailor readied himself for battle. Looking towards Mentor, he spoke.

"Perhaps we should talk after we've taken care of these louts," he gave a small smile towards her, figuring she knew what it meant. It was one that said he might know who she was.

"Not that I believe you'll need my help for them. But I would like to lend you my blades for this fight. Do you accept, madam?" he asked, reading himself as the edges of his swords glowed a bright blue, radiating with energy.

She glanced to the Samurott with a smile and giggle, “You sure sound familiar despite the change in looks. Very well, I’ll gladly accept your help. Some would say one against many is unfair. So two should make it even I suppose.”

She sighed, looking right to the Zoroark with a grin. “Leave this dear to me please. The rest you can have. I’d like a nice little chat with him on manners and underestimating a witch.” Mentor smiled as she flexed her claws ready.

"By all means, he's yours." The stone-faced Water-type smirked for a brief moment. Gripping the handles of his two seamitars tightly, he dropped into a battle stance, staring down the other bandits.

"Hmph. The very least I can do is share a drink with you once this affair is all settled down," he offered to Mentor, jumping off the ground as he let out a battle cry. Charging head first into the fray, swinging his dual blades with such efficiency like a surgeon as he cleaved through all who dared fight him face to face.