#mortardrapitzer

I let my gaze wander, observing the familiar surroundings in a relaxed manner. It’s been a long time since I’ve grown used to this massive size, since it’s almost a constant necessity at this point that I have to look down at those I’m speaking to.

I couldn’t help but smirk when I thought back to the time I first met Asmund, I’d say it was probably one of the first times the Golurk was actually surprised, since I stand just as tall as him...if not greater. Sadly however his attitude was just as sour.

I shake my head slightly, more in disappointment than anything. I do wish the Golurk to gain a better outlook in life, but his prejudices aren’t something that can be easily shed. Not that I can blame him.

Ahead of me I notice that Cheyenne stopped, his frame obstructing my view. I walk around him, my gaze look at him curiously. “Something the matter?” I ask him, my tone playful. “I do hope that Samantha and I’s bickering haven’t-”

He gestures ahead of him with one of his giant metal pincers, in which I fall silent.

His lack of uttering a word intrigues me, so I follow my gaze to where he’s pointing at. My eyes fall upon a certain individual leaning against a wall, and it took me only a moment to recognize her.

Delilah, and...she doesn’t seem to be looking good. Her body is shaking as she hugs her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Hm, oh dear...

I take the initiative, walking past my ‘brother’ and making a beeline to her.

“Hello there Delilah.” I say softly, trying my best not to startle her. Sadly this happens anyways, since her body moves with a sudden jolt as her head snaps up to look at me.

“G-Gustav!” She exclaims, her voice incredibly shaky. Immediately she starts wiping her eyes in an attempt to save face. “D-Do you need something?”

My mandibles click together a few times as I contemplate the right choice of words to say. All of the choices seem rather intrusive, so I’ll go with something else. “I’d ask if you’re alright, but it’s quite apparent that things aren’t.” I say before chuckling. “So why don’t you join us? There’s going to be a fight between Chimera and the new cyborg - Bladesong if I remember her name correctly - and it’s going to quite the show from what I’ve been told.”

The Salazzle’s eyes widen, her sorrow momentarily forgotten. “Bladesong is going to fight Chimera?!”

“It...is just a spar.” Cheyenne growls behind me, obviously I ignore him.

“Indeed!” I grin, or at least try to due to the limits of my maw. “So why don’t you come with us? It’ll be a sight to see!”

She looks hesitant at the offer, but slowly nods. “Well...sure...” She sighs, getting up. Her legs are somewhat shaky due to reasons unknown to me, but she seems to be standing firm. Her next words she says are under her breath, just barely audible for me. “I’m already fucked, might as well as be there when Chimera is told...”

I briefly look at her with concern, but don’t comment. “Excellent!” I exclaim happily. “Let’s go! We don’t want to be late after all!”

“Late for Chimera to kick that robot’s ass~” Samantha hums behind me.

“She’s a cyborg, not a robot.” Delilah says tersely. “There’s a difference.”

I notice Hale and Sinfonia share a glance, while Cheyenne lets out a snort of amusement - the first time he hasn’t been irritable throughout this trek.

The dinosaur-like Salazzle hybrid frowns at Delilah, a puff of freezing mist escaping from the corners of her mouth. “Hmph, fine. Cyborg.” Samantha huffs, looking at Delilah coolly. “Regardless, my point still stands.”

At this, Delilah slowly smirks. “Honestly? My money is on Bladesong, that girl is far stronger than she looks.”

Cheyenne lets out a growl and walks past us, knowing fully well on where this is going.

Me though? I couldn’t help but enjoy the quickly forming banter between the two Salazzle hybrids, especially since Delilah’s mellow mood is vanishing.

Yes, I’ve made the right choice~

“Come along! We don’t have much time till it starts!” I laugh, continuing down the path where Cheyenne stormed off.

Many would think that we’re using simple telepathy, but in reality...this is something more. We are communicating through a link we’ve made between our minds.

Hale and I have been together for most of our lives, and because our bond has grown so close...we we’ve made the decision to link both of our minds with one-another so that we can share our thoughts.

‘I am worried about this mission’ I respond back through our link. ‘When Colossus spoke to us about this creature, I...am unsure if we’ll be able to defeat it without others getting severally harmed.’ I avert my gaze. ‘We have fought many horrible things in the past, but nothing was ever like what it was described. Even Ultra Beasts are living creatures, but...I am unsure if this monster can even be labeled as such.’

‘Sinfonia, do you doubt our capabilities?’ Hale asks me, his expression becoming serious.

I look at him in shock. ‘I never do, you know that Hale. But-’

‘Then do not let your worries trouble you!’ The Machamp cuts me off, flashing me a confident smile. ‘You and I, we’re the strongest supporting pair any lad and lass could hope for! My shields have fended off dragon breath and your heals have mended even the most shattered of bones!’ With one of his gloved fists he taps his chest. ‘We are Benevolence, the heart and soul of this team! This creature may the toughest we’ve faced, but we shall prevail!’ He gives me a wink. ‘Not to mention the heart is the strongest muscle, and your heart is the largest of all..’

I couldn’t help but smile softly when he finishes his mental speech. ‘Thank you, Hale. You always know what to say to make things better.’

Hale laughs out loud, startling several nearby Pokemon. ‘There is no need to thank me, my closest friend.’ He flexes his four arms. ‘With how overflowing my strength is, I lend it to those in need whenever I can.’

When the two of us round the corner, we find ourselves nearly bumping into the frame of a large Pokemon. We stop quickly in order to prevent a collision, as we both quickly apologize we glance up at who the individual is.

Towering form, blue chitin, it didn’t take me long at all to recognize this individual.

“Gustav! It is a pleasure to almost bump into you!” Hale greets out loud, placing two of his lower arms on his hips.

Gustav is not an ordinary Pokemon, not by far. He is a very special Hybrid, one that'd never occur naturally. He is a hybrid between a Drapion and a Clawitzer, although those two Pokemon are in the same egg group...the shape of his form is the reason why he’s not something you’d find naturally.

His frame is massive, standing well above eight feet unlike the Drapion’s usual four. Another factor that makes him incredibly unusual is that his shape is what can be described as a ‘Centaur-build’, by having a scorpion-shaped lower body and a more humanoid upper body.

Blue plates cover his entire form from the tip of his head to the six legs he possesses, his tail rises well above his frame and instead of ending in a normal claw like that of a Drapion...it instead ends in a crab-shaped pincer. Besides being a giant crab-like Scorpion, the biggest intimidating feature about Gustav is his claw.

Although his left pincer is comically small, his right pincer on the other hand is just as large as his upper-torso. This massive claw is the reason why his alias is known as ‘Mortar’, for it's capable of firing volleys of water at such high velocity that it can puncture blast doors in a few shots.

I've witnessed this first hand, so I know this as a fact.

“Hale, Sinfonia.” He nods to the two of us, his voice containing a faint clicking sound due to his mandibles. “It has been a while...” Gustav turns his head to Hale, his yellow eyes containing amusement. “Although I will say that it is indeed quite a ‘pleasure to almost bump into you’, as you’ve put it.”

I float up to the Pokemon’s head, making it so that we’re at eye-level. “I am happy to see you again, Gustav.” I respond with my own nod, but it quickly shifts but my soft smile quickly morphs into a look of concern. “But shouldn’t you and Cheyenne be gone already? I thought you two were participating in the next assault against the HWDP.”

Cheyenne is Gustav’s brother, also known as Bunker. Unlike Gustav, Cheyenne is a hybrid between a Drapion and a Forretress. To say the least, he is well-deserving of the alias of ‘Bunker’.

Upon hearing the name of the organization mentioned, anger immediately flashes in his eyes. However it only lasts for a brief moment since he quickly regains control of his emotions. “Yes, well...” He coughs. “The departure of our team as well as the others has been delayed due to some additional information coming up, so we’re now simply waiting until Chimera figures everything out.”

"That does explain it.” I say only to pause for a brief moment. “However...I must ask you and the others to be careful, for the HWDP is a truly terrifying organization. You may never know what you might find in their facilities.”

The hybrid lets out a warm chuckle in response. “I greatly appreciate your concerns, Sinfonia. To have the pleasure to know such a gentle soul-” He nods at Hale. “-and hearty lad is a great honor to me and Cheyenne, I am truly glad to hear that you’re concerned for our well-being.”

“However, my body is made for this sort of thing...” He winks at the two of us. “Quite literally, if I might add. Whatever and whoever I aim my claw at, I will guarantee that their existence will be short-lived.” He opens his massive claw and snaps it shut for emphasis, creating an extremely loud clacking sound that causes me to flinch.

“And I believe it!” Hale cheers, thrusting two of his fists into the air. “You are truly a strong lad, your might alone has caused many to quake in fear!” He playfully nudges the Pokemon with one of his other fists. “Because of this I WOULD challenge you to an arm wrestle match, but I fear that you might accidentally tear my hand off in the process!”

“Then if it comes to it, I will find a worthy Pokemon to do so in my stead.” Gustav laughs. “But in the meanwhile, I must go meet with my brother since he may be wondering on what’s taking me so long.” He bows his head to the two of us. “It is very good to see you both again, we should meet together when we’re not too busy.”

Trading goodbyes we part to the side to allow the giant Pokemon through, just as he turns around the corner he stops...and looks back at us with concern.

“I have...heard of what your mission is.” He adds slowly. “For what it’s worth, I would like to wish you both to be careful as well. If this creature truly is what it is, then hope for you two and the rest of your team to come back safely.”

“Thank you, Gustav.” I respond kindly, giving him my most thankful smile. “Hale and I will ensure that we’ll come back unharmed, since we’re the heart and soul of this team after all.”

The crab laughs again. “That is very true, I doubt that the others can go anywhere without the aid of you both!” He waves at us both with his smaller pincer. “Again, we must meet together sometime! It’s been a long while since we’ve simply enjoyed each other’s company and talked about the various happenings in our lives!”

“I quite agree.” I chuckle. “After we’ve both completed our missions, we need to discuss on a good meeting place.”

“I will pass the word to him, I’m sure we’ll think of something!” He nods. “So until then, I shall see you both later!”

With that the hybrid exits, leaving the two of us alone again.

When the two of us continue down our original path, Hale looks at me with with a proud smile. ‘The confidence you possessed when you rested his worries, I couldn’t have said it better myself.’ Hale says through the link.

‘It’s what happens when I’m with you all the time, I tend to pick up on a few things.’ I giggle in response. ‘I’ve specially learned that with how overflowing my strength is, I thought that I should lend it over to him to rest his fears.’

His smile grows. ‘Right you are!’ Hale strikes a pose. ‘With our combined overwhelming power, the fears of the entire world shall be rested when we grant it our aid!’ He looks at me, giving me a wink. ‘That is what Benevolence does!’

Immediately I swap my arms, now using my upper-arms to continue my push-ups and folding my lower arms behind my back.

'I believe I’ve said this before, but it’s quite impressive seeing you work out.’ Sinfonia comments through our mental link, her body hovering near me as she observs with a relaxed smile. ‘You make it look so easy, seeing how smooth and fluid your motions are.’

I glance up at her, not stopping. ‘Aha, but it is easy!’ I grin at her, responding back through our link. ‘When you train your body enough, it becomes second nature.’ I shake my head, chuckling aloud. ‘Besides, I need to have strong muscles for my strong shields.’

She giggles at this before looking at me with an amused expression. ‘We both know that’s not the case. Your shields are powered through your mind and psychic power. Your physical prowess has no connection to it.’

‘Nonsense!’ I say loudly through our link, or at least try to. Technically it’s quite impossible ‘yell’ through our link just as it’s impossible to ‘yell’ with your own thoughts, for the volume will always remain the same. ‘I am Hale! My shields are as mighty as my strength! If my muscles start to wane, tso does my supportive power!’

She giggles again. ‘Very well, Hale. If that’s what you believe, I won’t argue with you on it.’

I merely keep grinning before looking back down, focusing on my push-ups.

My work-out after that has been in relative silence, the only sounds being my breathing and the commotion made by other Pokemon that are also following their exercise routines. This is but one of two Fitness rooms (or centers?) in the GoT HQ, and I happen to enjoy this one more due to its closer proximity to my and Sinfonia’s room.

Sinfonia doesn’t do much during my routines, not that she needs to do anything. She simply watches me and comments every so often, which is quite fine~

Eventually though, Sinfonia does speak again.

‘There seems to be a bit of commotion.’ She says mentally, her emotions containing curiosity.

As of currently I’m working on my bench-press sets, I glance over to her with a curious look. ‘Commotion? What sort?’ I ask through the link.

‘An excited conversation, it seems.’ She answers. ‘I’m only catching a few bits of said conversation from here, but I believe it’s about...some sort of spar?’

At this point I pause, the giant weights in the grip of my four arms hovering just above my chest.

‘Hm, perhaps we should inquire about it then.’ I say before standing up. Taking care to place the weights gently back onto their massive stand, and after brushing off some sweat that’s collecting on my brows I then head over to the group of Pokemon that Sinfonia was referring to.

I didn’t need to look to know that she’s right beside me.

The group is located just outside the Fitness Center, which actually isn’t too far away from our original location. The term ‘group’ isn’t an appropriator term I quickly realize, since it consists of only three Pokemon.

I recognize all of them. Gustav and Cheyenne, the two hulking centaur-like Drapion hybrids being the first two. The third is Samantha, the dinosaur-like Salazzle hybrid that is part of Chimera’s Strike Team.

As Sinfonia and I approach, the trio cease their conversation. “Now look who it is~” Samantha speaks up. She gives me a fanged grin, showing off the traits given to her from her Tyrantrum side. “Dear Hale, you’re all covered in sweat. Just finished your workout I presume?” She leans forward slightly with a seductive gaze in her reptilian eyes, a small puff of freezing mist leaking out of her maw. “Want me to lick you clean~?”

Sinfonia gives Samantha an unamused look. “That won’t be necessary.” She huffs before turning to me. ‘The nerve of her.’ She says through our link, her distaste being evident in her emotions.

‘Pay her no heed, Sinfonia.’ I chuckle through our link. ‘You know how Samantha tends to be. She finds a great deal of enjoyment in getting under the skin of others. Don’t let her rile you up.’ Then focusing on the group, I start speaking aloud. “I hear that you three are discussing about some sort of spar. Did something happen?”

“On the contrary, something is about to happen.” Gustav chuckles, the Drapion/Clawitzer hybrid snapping his massive claw. “Maria passed by a few minutes earlier, raving about how there’s going to be ‘another amazing fight’ in the Sparring Hall.”

Me and Sinfonia share a glance, not liking the sound of this. We both know how the last one ended, specifically between Venya and Tetishuri.

We both agree that the fight never should’ve happened in the first place.

“I see that look you two have.” The hulking tank known as Cheyenne rumbles, the Drapion/Forretress hybrid rolling his eyes. He crosses his arms, the lights of the hall reflecting off the metal plates on his body. “This is a mere spar, not some glory match that the Mime is spouting about.”

“Ohhh but it will be a sight to behold~” Samantha hums. “Chimera is going to be fighting the cyborg.” She starts laughing. “I’ve witnessed Chimera’s power numerous times, I can’t wait to see him wipe the floor with her!”

“Now don’t be so hasty with your assumptions.” Gustav chuckles. “We haven’t even seen what Bladesong is capable of yet. From what I’ve heard from those who’s seen her, she seems to be a very capable girl. I’m sure she’ll hold her own against him.”

“I doubt it~” Samantha singsongs.

Cheyenne lets out an irritated growl. “Maria has a habit of overexaggerating things, blowing them out of proportions when they don’t need to be.” His giant pincer claws clack together, creating a loud sound that makes Sinfonia flinch. “This is a simple spar, probably to train or test Bladesong since she IS a new member. The two won’t be fighting each other at full force, so get those thoughts out of your heads.”

“Oh now I see why you’re not fun at parties.” Samantha huffs, waving him off.

‘It is quite true that Maria tends to make things seem bigger than they are.’ Sinfonia says to me. ‘However at the same time, her desire for there to be a large audience during mere training sessions tend to make them far more intense as well.’

‘I agree.’ I mentally say to her with a small nod. ‘The fight between Venya and Tetishuri wouldn’t have been nearly as severe if it weren’t for the crowd. Nevertheless, there’s bound to be a large number of people heading to watch the fight as of right now, so we might as well as go.'

‘I suppose.’ Sinfonia sighs.

I clear my throat, gaining the attention of the three Hybrids before me. “What are we waiting for?” I laugh loudly. “Come! If we don’t hurry, it might be over by the time we arrive!”

“Now that would be a sight to see~” Samantha giggles. “To see Chimera already victorious when we get there...”

“Again with your hasty assumptions.” Gustav shakes his head. “Samantha, if you keep this train of thought you will most likely be disappointed.”

I didn’t hear what the Salazzle’s response was, since Sinfonia and I are already making our way towards the location where said fight will commence.

‘I hope this won’t end badly.’ Sinfonia says to me worriedly.

‘Hope so too, Sinfonia.’ I agree. ‘However I doubt things will escalate, since Chimera and Bladesong aren’t Venya and Tetishuri. Those two don’t hold any hard feelings for each other.’ I pause. ‘Or at least, I don’t believe they do.’

The shiny Chimecho smiles slightly. ‘I don’t believe they do, either.’ She lets out a soft sigh. ‘Even though Venya brought it upon herself, seeing her devastated from the loss of that fight...’

I give my companion a small nod of understanding. ‘I felt sorry for her too.’

‘I’m sure her pride wouldn’t have been hurt nearly as much if it weren’t for the crowd.’ Sinfonia murmurs through our link. ‘But as you’ve said, Chimera and Bladesong probably don’t have any sort of tension between them. So I’m worrying over nothing.’

I grin at her. ‘And that’s what makes you Sinfonia, dear Sinfonia. You care and worry about all others, and that’s what makes you who you are.’ I give her a very gentle pat on the back of her body. ‘Don’t change, you hear?’

She chuckles, her mood already lightening. ‘Don’t worry, dear Hale. I won’t change just as long as you won’t.’