Scandaga Lake - Unova Region, circa Chapter 27
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As Arthur bamfed himself away from the Fornian Rebel base in the Majestic Canyon, he opened his eyes to find himself once more staring at Scandaga Lake. His last trip here had been brief, but his humans had certainly enjoyed themselves, and the rest of his brothers and sisters had frolicked for hours on the shores and within the lake itself while the humans had occupied the cabin. Now, it was empty, and quiet. Almost too quiet.
He reached his psychic senses out for Merlin, but detected no trace. He summoned his power then, and frowned, as the image of the Shadow Tyranitar readying a Shadow-empowered Hyper Beam to his face filled his mind, and broke his focus. He panted, kneeling at the edge of the lake, and punched the shoreline in frustration. That had never happened before, and while he had been knocked out a few times, he understood that death had been a lot closer than he would've liked. Had Alex not broken the rules of battle, he would likely no longer be among the living. The Hand of the Prophet had broken them first, but that was besides the point for the honorable Gallade. Returning to his ball in the middle of an enemy move just felt wrong.
Arthur looked up suddenly, as he heard a faint bamf sound, and then footsteps. Coming down the shore towards him was what appeared to be a shiny Gallade. His upper half was a royal blue, his 'helmet' had a steel color to it, and his eyes and heart piece were orange. "Hail." He said through his projected mental voice, raising his right arm. "Are you the one they call Arthur?"
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Arthur stood, and peered at the Gallade. Being a psychic, and tied as he was to Alex's mind, he could tell this one was almost as strong as he was. He had yet to encounter a Gallade that was on his level, or even close to it, and the thought made him eager for a battle, even if this one's arms were a bit lopsided, with his left being more…beefy, than his right. There were courtesies to perform first, however. He bowed, and then spoke, "I am Arthur. Why have you sought me out, stranger?"
The blue and white Gallade smirked at him. "I am Lancelus. I was sent by the Lady of the Lake to come and retrieve you."
Arthur blinked, and then slowly turned his head to look at the lake they were next to. "There's a lady in this lake?"
Lancelus blinked, and then chuckled, and shook his head. "No. She resides in the Great Lake, up in Superior Forest. There is a gathering of other Gallade there. We would be honored if you would join us."
Arthur nodded, and then looked out over the lake again. "I would, but I have a mission I must accomplish here, first. The Original Dragon deemed it of great importance. I am sorry, but I must decline."
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Lancelus nodded. "I understand. Duty comes first. We will be gathered for some days yet, if you end up being free to join us, you are welcome to. Until we meet again, Arthur." The shiny Gallade bowed then, and Teleported away, presumably back to the Great Lake.
Arthur spent the rest of the evening meditating by the shore of Scandaga Lake, and as he did, he found himself dreaming, as he accidentally fell asleep. He didn't usually dream, as typically all he needed was four hours of semi-awake rest. While his Trainer and brothers slept, he usually trained, but in that space of time, as Alex was fornicating, prepping his Pokésaber for replication, and readying their team for the Trial in the Abyssal Ruins, Arthur had a dream.
It started as one involving his mother, and his father, for once. He'd always had trouble picturing his dad, but now that Arthur was intimately familiar with how Gallade looked, it wasn't hard to guess what his father had looked like. He saw the pair of them, also by the side of a lake, in a region that his instinct told him had to be Albion, the region he was apparently from, originally.
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The oddest part of the dream, was that Arthur himself was still an egg, and as the dream went on, he became more and more convinced that this was more of a vision than a dream. He saw a Mesprit rise from the lake his parents were beside, and his blue eyed mother greeted her as an old friend. His father gave a nod, which she returned, and then, she looked at Arthur. Or rather, the egg he was inside.
Her voice was calming, and his semi-aware consciousness had a feeling that the words the Mesprit conveyed were either happening in real time in the present, or had been left as a message to the future from the past. It was all a bit hard to keep in chronological order, but her calming feminine tones filled his head all the same. "Some day, you will visit me in my home region. Some day, you will journey to the Great Lake. When you do, you will awaken the power your father always desired, but never achieved, and with it, you shall be the greatest King that Albion has ever known."
Arthur willed himself awake, and his eyes snapped open. He found himself panting, and then, another voice thundered in his skull, this time, he knew it belonged to Tao. "Go to her, son of Albion. The time has come."
Arthur furrowed a mental brow. "But what about my brothers? They'll need me for this Trial of yours, won't they?"
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Tao was slow to answer, but when he did he said, "Perhaps. Perhaps not. You will have time for this, either way. Time flows differently around the Great Lake. A few hours in Unova will be almost a day, over there. Go. Traveling there will help you awaken Merlin, and once you go there, you may find more success here."
Arthur felt the dragon withdraw from his headspace, and nodded to himself. He took one last look at the lake he was sure Merlin was sleeping in, somewhere, but he heeded Tao's wisdom, and propelled himself into the air, heading northwest, towards the location of the Great Lake. It didn't take all that long to reach it, and he felt the difference in time almost immediately as he floated down towards it.
He spied a group of Gallade, surrounding a pair of Kirlia, who were kneeling beside the Mesprit from his vision. All eyes turned upwards towards him, as he descended, and landed right on the shoreline, next to the Mesprit. She inclined her head, and then projected her soothing mental tones for all those gathered to hear, "Welcome, Arthur. You've arrived just in time. Percival, and Bors here were just about to become Gallades as well."
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Upon hearing the Mesprit name the newest arrival to the gathering of Gallades, an older Gallade wearing what seemed to be a ragged, worn gray cloak that covered his lithe form limped forward, and knelt before him. "Dear Ector, now is not the time for-"
"A thousand pardons my Lady...but this is long overdue." The older Gallade's wrinkled eyes settled on Arthur, and a smile cracked his visage. "You look just like Uther did, in his prime." The Gallade called Ector bowed his head then. "Nimue and your noble father charged me with ferrying your mother away to Unova, and safety...we were split up, as I attempted to draw the Houndoom from her scent…" He lifted his cloak then, and the group collectively gasped and winced, as they saw his legs, covered in bite marks surrounded by burns. Remnants of many a Fire Fang. "They still burn me...a reminder of how I failed her...failed you, your Highness. I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit to give me."
Arthur looked at Ector for a long moment, feeling a bit overwhelmed as he'd just landed, but a glance at the Mesprit and the gathered crowd told him they had an inkling of who he was, perhaps more than he had himself, and they expected him to act. So act he did. He smiled at Ector, and put a sword-hand on his cloak covered shoulder. "You gave me time to hatch. You gave my mother a chance to find safety on this continent, as well as friends, other knights, who also pledged to defend her, and saved me, long enough to find a Trainer." His mentally projected words caused a stir in the crowd, and Ector frowned as he heard that, but Arthur continued on. "I found a Trainer who made me part of a team that can topple world-eating dragons. I think we'll be strong enough for the reclamation of Albion soon enough."
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At that, one of the Gallade in the crowd raised an extended sword arm and mentally shouted, "On that day, I will join you!" The eyes shifted to him, and Arthur smirked, before walking towards the Gallade in question.
The other Gallade moved towards him in turn, and they clasped blades, as Arthur grinned, and spoke. "Bedivere. What are the odds of the only other Gallade in Unova being here?"
Bedivere chuckled. "Unova makes us tough...but apparently you and your Trainer have been hard at work since we last met. It wouldn't be so close a contest this time, I think."
Arthur chuckled as well, letting his arm shift back to normal as the swordshake ended. "I haven't quite mastered a physical Ghost Move yet...but I've been working on my Aerial Ace, and Fury Cutter. You are right...I've grown quite a lot. But don't ever let that keep you from asking for a Battle. I rather enjoy fighting other Gallades."
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A tone of snark came from the crowd around them. "If you spar with weaklings, weak is how you will stay. I don't care how high a level you think you're at. You can't face Morgana. You don't even know how she took over our homeland."
"That is why he has come, Agravain. To learn. To lead." The Mesprit spoke this time, as she floated towards Arthur and Bedivere. The other Gallade parted, so they didn't crowd her. "I am Nimue. The Guardian of this lake, and the Kanadia region's waters. I once called Albion my home, for a long time, but this lake is my demesne. I do miss the company though...your mother was a good friend."
Arthur's eyes drifted downwards. "Then...you know."
Nimue nodded, visibly reacting to the shift in his emotion. One lengthy tail tilted his chin up at her. "Many of your kin felt Igraine's death...and when we learned the details...those gathered here wished to help. They came to me, one by one, and I told them to wait until I called upon them. I saw your path lead you here tonight, and tonight, we will discover what the last true Queen of Albion left for you."
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Arthur shook his head free of the tendril, and sadness tinged his voice. "She left nothing. I have nothing of her. Because of my idiocy, all I have are vague memories. I can barely recall her face."
Nimue sighed softly, and lifted his head once more with one tail, while the other touched itself to his third eye. As her crimson jewel aligned with it, it projected the image of Igraine over the lake. The gathered Gallade murmured in awe, but Arthur found his vision rapidly blurring from the buildup of tears. Many memories that were more feeling than image returned to him, but he was aware enough not to miss her words.
"Arthur, my son, if you're seeing this, then you've found Nimue. I can already tell you feel guilty for what is about to happen to me...don't. It was Uther's actions, and mine, that brought me to this fate. Yours can, and will, be different. Our family is blessed by the Light to rule over Albion. There are many secrets there we must keep from the Shadow, and the protections guarding them will not hold forever. They can withstand three decades, at least, before Morgana finds a way to breach Arborstone's vaults. If she does, the world may very well fall to the Shadow. The power to fight it is within you, Arthur. As it was in your father, and me as well...but it is not guaranteed. Do not take it for granted, for it can easily turn to Shadow. It all depends upon the wielder. One last thing…as we left, the Queen stole the egg of the Ralts you were to be betrothed to someday. A Gardevoir who will be capable of using Scry. So long as Morgana has that power, she will be able to strike at you and those you hold dear. Fare well, my son."
Arthur blinked, frowning, as the message ended. He wanted so much more, but time had barely allowed this to survive, and Igraine had not had much power left when she'd created it. "She stole an egg?"
Nimue nodded, solemnly. "Morgana managed to swipe it in the chaos that enveloped Arborstone following Uther's death...she was hoping for yours, but in your poor betrothed, found a means to extend her power further. There exist in this world stones capable of bestowing a Human with power rivaled only by Infinity Energy. Morgana acquired one from Eous."
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"Is there a way to break this Ralts free?" Arthur asked, as he glanced at his sword-arms. They'd glowed with a new type of energy in his last battle. It had been genuinely powerful.
Nimue tilted her head, and frowned. "I have not been able to see her for quite some time. Wherever Morgana has hidden her, it is beyond even my sight…" Though Nimue could guess where Morgana might keep such a prisoner, now was not the time to go searching blindly to attempt a rescue mission.
"I need to awaken Merlin. The Original Dragon has need of his skills, and his sight is greater than anyone's, no?" Arthur said, focusing on what had brought him here.
Nimue nodded. "Merlin's sight can pierce even the Time Vortex. When you awaken the Mind Plate that is now one with your heart piece, you will be able to stir Merlin from his slumber. He is a heavy sleeper, so do not be afraid to stir up his lake." The Mesprit seemed to have a bit of a smirk at the thought of her grumpy contemporary being woken abruptly. "Now then...Percival, Bors, you have both been very patient. The time has come. Recite the oath."
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The pair of Kirlia shared a look, and then nodded. The one called Percival spoke first, "To never commit a murder."
Bors spoke immediately after saying, "To remain loyal to King and region."
Percival spoke again, and the two Kirlia continued switching off in that manner. "To renounce cruelty, and always act with honor."
"To grant mercy, even to one's enemy."
"To help the weak, and those who need aid."
"To fight for what is right, instead of what we desire."
Then, they spoke at the same time. "To uphold the values the Alpha Pokémon embodies. This, we swear to do with the power given to us!"
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Nimue nodded, and smiled at the pair. "Your hearts are true and your words are honest. Take your Dawn Stones, and awaken what lies within you." She extended her tails again, and at the tip of each, there was a flash of light. A pair of Dawn Stones appeared before the Kirlia in question, and they both eagerly grabbed for them, as Arthur and the others watched on.
Light swirled around the pair, and when it faded, two new Gallade stood confidently before Nimue. Then, they turned to the others, and bowed. The gathered Gallade extended and clacked their sword-arms together, creating a loud racket that vaguely resembled clapping. Arthur noted the only one who didn't clap, was Agravain, the same Gallade who'd had a salty tone earlier, in regards to Bedivere. His arms were crossed, and he was still glaring Arthur's way. Bors and Percival joined the crowd, where Lancelus patted their shoulders, and welcomed them to adulthood.
Arthur moved among the crowd then, gathering names, and chatting for a moment, as the Gallade celebrated two new warriors in their midst. Nimue watched them all with a patient, but serene smile. Once Arthur made the rounds, to everyone but Agravain, he approached the Lady of the Lake.
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"Lady Nimue, you said you gathered us here because these Gallade expressed a desire to reclaim Albion, right?" Arthur asked.
Nimue nodded. "It took some longer than others to learn of Igraine's fate, but yes. This is the beginning of the force that might yet reclaim Albion."
Arthur smirked at her. "And do you notice anything missing?"
Nimue smirked back at him. "Why don't you tell them, Gallade who would be King."
Arthur turned to the others then. "I know not all of you may have one, so if you don't have a Trainer, kindly step to the side." He gestured to his right, and those Gallade without Trainers, whose names he'd remembered as Lancelus, Gawain, Gaheris, and Gareth, along with Ector, and now Bors and Percival, all stepped to the side.
To the remaining group, which consisted of Gallahad, Agravain, Bedivere, and Tristan, he asked, "Hands up, if your Trainer is unaware that you are currently here." Each hand rose slowly, and all but Agravain smirked when Arthur also lifted his hand. He turned to the larger group then. "I would not force such a bond upon Pokémon like yourselves, but, you all have the same psychic sight I do. Compare our Trained group's level of strength, to yours."
He saw all but Lancelus shift uncomfortably, as they realized the difference in strength was rather noticeable. Arthur continued on. "Humans can be cruel. Pig headed. Gross. Stupid. Loud. But, they can also be honorable. Compassionate. Kind, and strong. I have seen thousands of Trainers who have brought out the strength of their Pokémon partners with a bond built on trust and love. I would encourage those of you who have found your strength wanting to find a worthy Human to train you, for we will need them in Albion's reclamation as well."
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At that, surprising almost no one least of all Arthur, Agravain spoke up. "You overestimate Humans. They ruined this world once, and they ruin Albion as we speak. I only tolerate mine because, as you said, they can make us stronger. Their vitamins, their training methods, are things we should use, and then discard."
Arthur sighed. "By ignoring the bond you share, you are ignoring a massive source of strength."
Agravain sneered at him. "I don't believe you. Humans only bring weakness, like all other inferior lifeforms."
Arthur smirked, and then glanced at Nimue, who nodded. "Then believe your eyes, Agravain. Behold what the bond you can achieve can do, even when they are hundreds of miles from you." He extended his right sword-arm then, and empowered it with his Sacred Sword. Murmurs from the crowd grew, as that move alone proved him the heir of Uther. Arthur focused, as he had during the fight with the Hand of Death, and reached for the Light. He sighed, as he felt it again. Calm, but focused. Kind, but righteous.
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Arthur held the burning golden blade high for all to see, and he heard Ector whisper, "Excalibur…" Before he brought the tip of the sword-arm to his heart piece, which now played host to the Mind Plate fused with it. The only one that Tao had not awakened with his Light, back in the Fornian Rebel's cave. Now it awoke again, and he felt Alex's curiosity, as Arthur drew on their bond and the Infinite Energy within the Plate to achieve the next stage of evolution. He kept what he was doing somewhat hidden from his Trainer though, as there would be a time to inform him of these Gallade, and he felt that time was not yet here. Given how distracted his Trainer was by Jess, this wasn't too difficult.
Arthur stood before the others, sword-arms burning with Light as he became a Mega Gallade. He turned to look at Ector then. "Sir Ector, step forward, if you would."
The older Gallade did so, as he hobbled forward, and Arthur gently removed the ragged cloak, which had hid even more fiery wounds that covered more than just his legs. "For your defense of my mother, and your honoring of her memory, I will remove the pain of these wounds...we will need you, old knight, when we reclaim Albion."
As he spoke, Arthur touched the tip of his golden sword-arms to each of the wounds, and heal by heal, the old warrior stood straighter, and looked stronger. By the end, he stood tall, and rejoined the other warriors with his head high, his infirmity lessened significantly.
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Arthur let the Light energy fade, but held the Mega Form for the moment. "There will come a day, hopefully not long from now, when Nimue will summon you all again. On that day, I want you to tell your Trainers, if you have them, of what you have pledged to help us do. Bring them with you, to this place, and from here we will head to Galar. If they fear for your safety, tell them of my strength, and my Trainer's. He is the Tamer of the Original Dragon. Both he and I will endeavor to keep all of you alive. Now if you'll excuse me, I must depart. He will need me, and Merlin soon."
Lancelus spoke up then. "Might I have a word first, friend Arthur?"
Arthur nodded. Out of all the Gallade, who he typically found himself liking, he and Lancelus got along the best. They had a similar nature, and Arthur could tell the other Gallade was also eager to battle. The two stepped away from the group, as Nimue spoke with them, and began Teleporting them to where they wished to return. Agravain was the first to leave.
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Lancelus turned, once they were far enough away, and spoke. "As you no doubt noticed, I am a bit...stronger...than most here. Save for you, of course. I don't know if I could ever find a Human worthy of catching me, or if their balls are even capable of that now. I heard the stronger a Pokémon gets, the harder it is?"
Arthur chuckled. "You can choose to be caught, if that is your wish. Have you not found a Human that's caught your eye with their Battle style?"
Lancelus shrugged. "I don't know many Humans. I was also secreted away from Albion as an egg, and Nimue raised me here. I've left a few times, but this is my home."
Arthur nodded, and then looked at Lancelus for a long moment, as he mentally went over the list of Trainers in the world, that he knew of, who could handle the shiny Gallade's strength. Then, one name came to him that seemed to stick persistently. He was a top tier Trainer, a kind human by all accounts, and an almost unmatched battler.
Once he decided, Arthur smirked. "I think I know the perfect one for you, my friend...go to the Galar region. In their biggest city, called Wyndon, there is a Trainer, at the highest floor, of the tallest tower. His name is Leon. You may have to Battle your way to the top just to see him, but you can handle that, I think. Or just ask the humans to guide you to him. Find Leon. He'll push you to the heights you wish to reach."
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Lancelus thanked Arthur, and then, the Mega Gallade launched into the air, and headed for Scandaga Lake once more. His Mega Form dropped halfway through the flight back, but he stayed airborne. He hardly even noticed the shift in power, as he was still thinking of all the faces he'd met. He landed at the lake, far more confident than he'd felt before, and judging by the sky, he hadn't been gone all that long.
He looked at the lake that was said to house Merlin, still thinking of the warriors who would help him reclaim his home someday. He was sure their story was only just beginning.