#drillshipping

...

Early as it was, we hadn't the time to rest. There was plenty of work to do, after what we had been through.

The castle walls were relatively quiet at this time, as the others were asleep, training, or working. Naturally, though I blazed through the halls, my allies were not quite as quick to keep up. And, of course, we would come across someone that would busy themselves right into the way.

"Wait, sir, or sirs, where are you going?" The butler retainer tried chasing after us, keeping pace with our entourage. "This is highly irregular behavior, even for you!"

"Well, we've been through several layers of hell, and not much time to waste by this point," I snapped. "Complain and protest as you like, Mister Indeedee, but we have much to get to. And you will not be the one to stop us."

"Shall I fetch someone more capable, then?" He dashed in front of me, lifting a hand that pulsed with a spell. "Or are you quite certain that you can handle me?"

"There is but one of you." I folded my arms, still not breaking pace. "After what we've been through, we're far from frightened to fight you."

Hesitating as he backed along the corridor, Indeedee lowered his hand. There wasn't a chance he would have against us, and he knew this. Still, he remained alongside us, refusing to leave our side.

Loyalty keeps him, but I held no such restraints. Not to anyone here, at any rate.

"Just so we're clear and it's understood that you'll be interrupting," Mister Indeedee started up again, "you do realize there is much going on at this time, and that we're all quite busy, yes?"

"Do you think I care?"

"You? No." He glanced over his shoulder. "Them? I'm hoping."

"Unfortunately, we're all just a tad miffed from what's happened."

"Very well." And he offered no more protests.

The doors waited at the end, but I wasn't at all patient like it. Twisting my arms and rotating my hands past one another, a small breeze picked up between them. I forced my palm forward and the wind rushed ahead, blasting the doors open to outside.

Storming out, I glared ahead at the lot before me. The blue dragon with the stony red face had fumbled a few maps around, and he tilted his head at my harsh appearance. His scaly superior centered herself, slamming and shaking her tail with a threatening ring from it. She narrowed her gaze as she lifted her fists, blocking my way to the last, and the one that I was here for.

"That won't be necessary, General Kommo-o."

The taller green lizard behind her merely lifted her arm, still gazing out at the mountains further down and her lands below, as the general only partially lowered her fists. She glanced back to her, still keeping herself between us.

...

It’s the Mountains Monarchy...! This is their homeland’s debut.

Curious about where this part of the story is going? Click the link above to begin! If you’re looking to learn more about the series, you can find the other stories in the links below.

Bluebells Are Forever

Melting Gelid Roses

“Am not! ...To answer the question, I’d likely be a researcher. Hopefully that would be a safer climate to raise my family in.” 

“Huh. This is a good question. Maybe I’d figure out what to do with my life and understand my personal interests better.” 

“Oh hey, that’s a great idea! Me too!” 

“You guys sound more depressing than my voice, and that’s saying something.” 

“Raising a family sounds nice! ...And you’d get to be home, dear.” 

“Nice try, but you’re not fooling me with that one.” 

“Domestic living with the husband and son would be ideal!” 

“Probably work at a library.” 

“May I join you?” 

“Sure, that’d be a perfect fit for you.” 

...

It has been quite some time since I've personally ventured out this way. Normally, I rely on mere messages to get the job done and keep up communication.

But I don't suppose I could keep away forever.

Making our way through the flowery paths within the deep Kakalaioa Forest, the five of us carried along for the meeting. It wasn't a large group of us, so hopefully it would not come across as something too bold.

Rhydon and I led the way, having been here several years back. Marchioness Tsareena would probably be more comfortable with him than I; perhaps any should these days, and rightfully so. My General is the best of them all…though, as his fiancé, I may be a tad biased.

Lilligant took up the middle, with Gardevoir and Heracross trailing just behind her. Perhaps it was either the right amount or just a touch excessive; truly, I wasn't certain how on edge Tsareena remained around me. It would be Lilligant who would help Rhydon and I appeal to Tsareena, as she has a softer spot for floral folk and for ladies. Hence Gardevoir as the main reinforcement, should perhaps a magic touch extra be required; less an insult to have her. As he already travels out to deliver messages, Heracross seemed the ideal choice among the knights to bring as guard for the ladies; Rhydon had me covered plenty.

Hostilities hopefully would not be necessary.

In the forest's clearing at the western most end, one dressed as a throne room itself, we arrived at Tsareena's court, teeming with plants including yellow hibiscus, mangosteen, and naupaka flowers. Her devout retinue delivered sharp glares at our mere arrival, twisting from their positions around the area to face inward. Vines twitched, bushes shuddered, and eyes narrowed.

…I may have been too hopeful after all.

"His Highness Nidoking has arrived, My Lady," came the bitter announcement from one of her subjects, a lady quite literally covered in blue vines.

"Thank you, Tangrowth." Oh dear. That lofty voice could only be her.

Brushing aside a curtain of ivy from the grand tree, Marchioness Tsareena stepped out.

...

Ohoho, guess who took on the perspective for this chapter?

Nidoking has a somewhat more prominent role for this story, which will make sense as the story develops. (Though, it shouldn’t be a surprise, considering that his background provides big plot elements.)

Hopefully, there are a few more surprises that you can enjoy in the chapter above! And if you’re new to the series, click the links below for the other two installments:

Bluebells Are Forever

Melting Gelid Roses