Zexko: Prepare to taste your own blood!

The Marshadow shouted at me. I've faced fearsome foes before. Some that nearly exceeded my level of fighting, and facing death closely before. I knew if I let my guard down, I would literally be beaten to death. Who knows how sick this Pokemon could be...
Perhaps a follower of the Nazak's? Impossible, our kingdoms are buried with time. As are their reputation. But seems some just refuse to die.
As the Mythical came down swinging at my big figure. I wasn't as intimidated, bean near double and a half it's size. But still...even I could be beaten. Infinite endurance, and CANNOT tire out. It would have been nice if Darkout was here to help, but he's handling the bugger threat.
All I heard was grunts and groans while it tirelessly attempted to attack me. I always seemed to make a quick heavy lunge away, and it seemed to frustrate it, and go into a fist of fury.

Zexko: You'll tire out before I do! Give up and I'll make your death painless!
Me: I shouldn't be alive, but I'd rather keep my life.

Snapping back at the hostile Ghost type. I couldn't find an opening, it was too fast. Anytime I tried to launch an electrical attack, or try to bite it in one piece. It just seemed nothing worked...I did manage to get a chomp, but it turned into smoke and rose up from the ground again with the previous entrance. Pulling it's fists back and following a chuckle. This whole fight against this Ghost Fighting mix seemed absolutely futile...I couldn't defeat it.
Or at least I couldn't. My comrade, however stood a greater chance, since his Dark type blood would help with this ankle sized threat. I couldn't call now, he was busy. So I would have to procrastinate undesirable results.

Zexko: You defy inevitable conclusions with your desperate acts of evasion! I can SEE it in your movements! I'll kill you if it's the last thing I commit too!

Shouting at me with a mix of valor, rage and bloodthirst. Sometimes, a vendetta is undying. Holding onto absurd feelings that should have been discarded, or laid to waste Long ago.
Time can be...unforgiving...confusing and...
Different than we expect, what we can contemplate, what we can accept, to grasp, to learn. Many possibilities to outcomes that can prove favorable.
Or useless. So I trust time will be in my favor.
One more time...

Me: Darkout, I am in need of urgent assistance! It won't be long until I am beaten to death!

?????: Gragh....fighting something greater than your own mortality is...Rgh, very unpleasant to stand against! Keep enduring!

He shouted back at me, followed by his continuous grunts and groans. I glanced briefly to see the Darkrai near effortlessly toyed with him, as if a game.
Summing portals to put him into a slightly different location. Or another slimy hand to block his efforts. Although, we could tell for such a use, it was tiring for the stronger Dark type. I'm not entirely sure if we would win this, but I was more than certain I would give it my all. Even if my own death was inevitable.

Zexko: The world cannot know the truth!

Another, "seemingly pointless" remark. But...this one stood out to me. Did it know something I didn't; and perhaps I too caught up in modern day civilization, than focusing on my Destiny at hand? I was not going to be outsmarted, or be shamed by this brick sized figure.

Me: What are you talking about...elaborate your claim.

Zexko: Oh Ezahn...finally dumbfounded for such an intelligent mortal...
Do you remember the war? Why in Arceus' name do you think it got OUR attention? Us Mythicals couldn't care less for your minor situations. However, your Father, Quivan. Has...done something rather...unpleasant. Do you remember what you saw before you...feel asleep?

Me: You lower your fists to reason now? I didn't think such an impeccable being would even care for someone as "kill-able" like me. Or have I really scarred you that bad?

I said to the Ghost mythical with a taunting tongue. However, it's mood was unshaken, despite my rude lips.

Zexko: As a matter of fact...you have...
You see, after your pitiful little war. /It said with a taunting wave/ We silently spectators saw the Havoc, the bloody bickering and murder. We could almost laugh at you all ripping each apart. All for what, because two kings couldn't simply just...make new laws? Shameful of your Father, could have banned any inhibitor of the unrighteous Nazak Kingdom. Yes...we saw some things there. We are not associated with any of ourselves. Just 'lone legendaries to traverse the world in our sweet time. Endless lives forever. So, what could possibly worry us?
Your kingdom...Unfortunately. You're still a key to something very dangerous, something that we want. Remember those "power orbs", scattered across the world. And were too dangerous for a mortal to come across, let alone kill for it?

Me: Wait....I remember those vividly...don't they just grant immortality? I would imagine some would-

Zexko: Yeah yeah. The overly complicated word, "Utani Kozinika." Do you know what it means?

Now crossing it's arms, and putting on a more calmed demeanor. I could only assume the other two have ceased their fight as well. I tried to ponder on the question. But, to no succession, my thoughts were dubbed clueless and blank.

Me: No...I don't. But I know where it came from.

Zexko: That info is irrelevant. For now. It translates to an old language, by today's standards. A century before your kingdoms even came along. We've been keeping a close surveying eye on you, Ezahn. Ever heard of the Yervë language? Legends are: A made up language by spies, later adopted by other individuals around the world, soon making it a well-known tongue.
However, with it's hidden talents, descendants of those spies came across one. They wanted to keep it's identity a secret, therefore the complicated name. Apparently they were the first. They had no clue to where it came from, or what it was capable of.
To turn it into English. It means "Perplexing Globe". Unbeknownst it's powers, they tried to encrypt it. After 15 years of attempts, they got it. But in a terrible way.
One day-

Me: Before you continue...I must know, how you know this....this tale. Like my Father said: you can't prove your words, unless you have evidence to support your claims.

Zexko: Indeed I have so...now let me finish...
The way the found out how to use such a peculiar valuable. Was on a fateful day. One of the allies lashed out on one another, and threw the orb at them, unaware of the dire consequences. What happens was...fascinating. The orb seemed to suck out the color of the victim and trap them within the inside out it and their mortal figure lifeless on the ground. Like a puppet with detached strings, and the soul engaged.
It didn't seem to kill them, just...imprison them eternally. They all examined the captured specimen, and saw how it absorbed the physical figure, not killing them entirely. Seeing no way to free their caged comrade, they did everything in their power to do so. But failing the entire way. They figured out that this was the ultimate capability to this Unknown object. And later the soul becoming one with the orb, and vanishing completely. Assuming their partner was dead, they took the liberty to do something evil.

Try to slay an entire city with it. They were...almost successful. But their own weapon was turned against them, and taking in the wielders. Seeing that it could be held as a physical object, other beings hid it away from any known life, usually in cold settlements, deserts, guarded caves, sometimes deep into the Earth buried deep. People kill for this power, because it is a slayer, in and of itself.
Some wanted it for terrorism, some overtaken by their greed. But good intent hunted it too. Perhaps keeping the peace between two settlements if war to arouse.
But this isn't about that, this is about you Ezahn. Now think about this...it will allllllll hit you like a meteor.

And so I did think. This was much to take in, but invaluable research I needed to know dearly. For so long I've been trying to connect all the strings together, but done ever so slowly.
And all it took was one person to do that for me. I would have thanked the hostile Mythical. But I did not assume this fight was over. Nonetheless, I still listened. At least I could die with the knowledge I put my soul into.

Me: What do you mean by that? What could possibly be left over from my forsaken tale? I'm not one to complain, but even after so long. The last lives well.

Zexko: Indeed it does. But as long as you live. Terrible things will unfold into action. And society is continually threatened....by your existence...

It said with a more serious glare, as it scrunched it's fists to the sides of it, had a rather cross expression. And had one foot forward, ready to charge. I could only say that...things were going to get brutal again. But I couldn't let this conversation end with a cliffhanger.

Me: You keep speaking with vague evidence, explain yourself!

Zexko: If you survive....you'll know. But! Other way around, will the tale can come to a close here then. I wouldn't want to read a book that took over 700 years to publish...

Now yelling in a battle grunt and charging at me. I wish I could have been granted more info on...well many extensive subjects. Well, seems I die here...unfortunately. I waited for some minutes of dodging and weaving around, hoping for a salvation. Until I saw a sword penetrate through the Ghost type's body. Although seemingly unharmed, it looked at the phased sword. To see Darkout behind me with a raised arm, and a smirk.

Zexko: Ghost types can't feel physical pain, imbecile.

?????: It was to only get your attention fool.

Countering back with a gross chuckle to it. The menacing laugh I could tell. He had the upper hand. Until I turned back to see the Darkrai...defeated!? How in sparks name did he do so!? He is a minor to the high being, but with his expert combative skill, and mercenary title. Perhaps he held the advantage.

Zexko: Impossible...impossible!

The Marshadow shouted, seeing it's fallen friend. It looked highly improbabal for it to fall. But the results were true and shocking.

?????:Let's just conclude that your friend over there, isn't good at fighting. Years of experience against a...inexperienced one, which I find that extremely odd. Considering that it's a few thousand years old...Hmff.

Zexko: Rragh! I'll kill you BOTH myself!!

Shouting with a heavy blood rage. And it's head igniting to a dark colored flame. It seemed to charge for Darkout with a flaming fist of anger and power, shouting it's might right at him. While he was about to be pummeled, whe smirked and hid a claw behind his back and formed a fist. Mere seconds to react, and he made his move. The Marshadow seemed to land inches from it's fist down his throat. Until he let out a strong slash, with a purplish shadow effect. It knocked back the Marshadow and tumbled away. Seemed it was a quick Night slash, effective against the Ghost type.

?????: For a Fighting mythical, you sure don't present a lot of game. Come here...and get a royal beating from a mercanary.

He taunted with a dark voice, as he approached his blade. Which was stuck in the grass ground. At least the location was comfortable to fight on...
He slowly unsheathed it from the dirt it stabbed, and gave it a single twirl, with his single claw. Flinging off dirt that stuck to it. He deliberately approached slowly, menacingly. Seems the Night slash landed a deadly hit. I guess that's all I required to save my head. And my hope was not in vain. My wish came true.

?????: You have two choices. Leave us, and never show your faces, OR raise a fist to us again. And I'll murder you and your friend over there.
Starting with the Darkrai...and I'll make you whatch....crying....dying...begging. As you both plead and I ignore. Seeing such powerful Pokemon fall. To someone as low, such as I? Pah...you both are......
Pathetic.

Me: Hefty threat...are you sure you're willing to do such a thing?

He took a long pause as he looked back to the hurt Darkrai. Then back to the other Mythical. He let out a sigh, and spoke a little slower.

?????: After...all my years of violence...killing...and cold blooded murder.
I had hoped it all wouldn't be personal. Making sure my victim wouldn't curse me with under hate.

Then looked back down to the Marshadow, and gripped his sword tighter. And then wrapped it in a Dark Aura so black, the entire sword looked like a Shadow. And his voice became more sinister.

?????: But this? I'm going to make this very personal...this is a fight I don't want to forget...nor you two.
Quite a shame you two aren't organic...I would have...tortured you both.

Me: Darkout, stop! This is demonic havoc, we don't NEED to make them suffer, let alone, kill them! Let's just go and run away!

Shouting at him with my righteous rage. I've never seen this ungodly side of him. Yet again, he murdered 60% of my Father's army, and him and my Sister.
He dropped his head, and chuckled. Swinging his sword around a little, looking anxouis to shed blood.

?????: I've never been one to be sadistic...but right now? Perhaps I could embrace my inner darkness...just this once...
After what I've been through, what I've done. I have kept my honorabilty and respect. I never thought I needed to be feared to be respected by my allies and-or-my enimies.
But...as of now. I value that power...and it feels so good. I'll spare them. If you stop me. Ezahn....
So..
If you value their lives, then step up and defend them.

Me: Stop, don't do this!

?????: What good are their lives in the first place? I'd say...they've lived long enough. In then end, lives they don't deserve.
This Marshadow, in particular. Is guilty of unrighteous murder-

Me: Well so are you, you ADMITTED it.

?????: Only difference is. I have repented. I feel pity for those...disgusting acts of blind killing. I would sacrifice anything to fix that kind of history.

Me: And what makes you think they don't? Or that one.

Pointing my head towards it, since that was the only indication I had, instead of arms. He turned around to it. And after some silence, he disrupted it with a firm question.

?????: Well...do you? Prove me wrong.

Zexko: Do I...f...feel bad? *huff*.

It seemed to think for a second. Dropping it's head, huffing and trying to...breathe? While this thick, gooey purple ooze dripped from it's face. I could only take that as blood. I didn't know Ghost types could bleed.
Nonetheless, it let out a chuckle, as it ouncjed the ground in defeat.

Zexko: All those fools I killed...all the time I waited...
All the Pokemon and anyone else I ellimanate to keep from...w...warning your kingdom. I-*cough*.
I failed....but...how.

?????: And all that trouble...for nothing? Quite the same. An evil Mythical, very rare kind to come across. Just give up, you failed.

Zexko: No....no, hehehe...I succeeded my mission...
It was never to make the-...the Nazak's go against the Zetrians. It was to take back...s...something they stole. Someone got smart, and. Made it lead to him.
Quivan was our target...some knew we were after him. I tried t....to raise a team to kill them. I k-killed some. But the message was still delivered.
*sigh*. And we couldn't just jump in and help the war. We...we would get exposed. Knowing w-we were the Puppetmasters.
Oh how I loved that control. We got two countries to fight, and they didn't even know why.

Saying shaking, tiredly. Taking random breaks and pauses in sentences.

?????: Then maybe I'll just kill you, and you shall be forgiven of your sins.

He said now holding the blade tip under it's neck, still with the Shadow glow on the weopon. It only looked away and chuckled in response.

Zexko: I'm not looking for a "sin cleanser", I just want back what's mine.
And if I can't have that...then I'm just giving up then.

Dello: N-no.....Z....Zex....try for me....f-for....me.

Zexko: I know you're aching, my friend. But this pitiless mercanary will have our heads....sooner...or later.

Hearing that seemed to anger him. Gripping his blade with two claws now, and holding it flat behind his neck with a nasty glare. Followed with a upset growl.

?????: You have no possible clue how badly I want to behead you. Seeing something so strong fall to something so weak, fills me with a ungodly pleasure.
So you better get to begging. Before I take the liberty to swing, and seal history for good.

Me: Please...spare them. Perhaps we can use their power-

?????: For what? You think they would submit themselves...to us? Hah....I know how you like to use your words, Ezahn. But this needs to happen.

Me: Well, prove me wrong!

More specifacally, talking to the fallen, half immortal Pokemon. Zexco looked up to the taller Dark type. Quite unsure if it would rest in peace. Or, live on to our submission. I hated killing all together, so I hope they would make an intelligent decision. That was until Zexco spoke up, and chuckled.

Zexko: Alright....you got us. I'll help. I don't know how in Arceus' name you beat us. But you did..

?????: Very well.

Stuffing his sword into his hair, and holding the Marshadow's head. After it was on two feet, Darkout wrapped it's arms in his own power. Even the Mythical looked confused. Some second later, Red glowing chains were around it's wrists.

?????: To ensure you won't try anything dirty. You are my slave now.

Me: That's....a better idea.

?????: Would you care to finish the chain, Ezahn?

Me: The Marshadow, no. However....the Darkrai.

Turning around, to see it in the same downed position. It's Blue eye barely visible, and on the ground in pain. I walked closer to it, as I have a firm glare.

Me: I'll take care of you myself. Get up.

It obeyed, but looked like it was a heavy trouble. All most hovering inches off the ground. And I looked at it's bulky arms. And focused my electrical senses. It seemed to zap and slightly shock it, as it was pinched occasionally. A few more seconds later, an electrical current that took the form of chains was around it's wrists. Now they both couldn't escape, and would experience discomfort if they resisted.

Me: Now they can't hurt us.

?????: You're both fortunate Ezahn spoke up. Otherwise, you both would have perished seconds ago.

Zexko: Agh, it wouldn't've mattered....

?????: I agree...but Ezahn thinks otherwise.

Me: I think it can help. Just give it time, I'm sure they will be useful for something. Besides. With all the game they've done. It would be to use their lives, instead of us falling to a mishap.

?????: Fair enough...

4 hours later into the day.

Me: Hey. I've been wondering this...how did you train to become such a Mercanary? My sister just...took it to extreme limits, and I mean she trained hard. So I assume you have your story.

?????: Hmm...well. I guess this goes back to my days when I was a pup. See, when I was 13 and had evolved. My parents saw that as a prime opportunity to forge me into a soldier. Our kingdom was aggressive, which I'm sire you're not so fond of. They weren't planning on helping them, but me to simply fight for them now, only to double cross their king. Because he was clearly evil. So, coming around my second decade mark of training, the captain saw this qualifying to finally showcase me to war. The one I fought in some centuries ago.

Me: Well, you're older than me...

Trailing the sentence in another direction briefly.

?????: But, what made me unique and...different, was how I was trained. Usaully troops have bad backstories. Some are taken from their families and forced to train. Some join willingly, but usaully disconnected from their family. And that's because it's so demanding.
But me however. Well...I didn't want to engage in violent affairs, but I had no say. My parents practically shoved me into it. I was too young and naive to understand their reasons. However, as I advanced into my twenties. I embraced them. Becoming a fine soldier and standing out from most. And my training was a little different than how the other troops were trained. Most was a front line defense, archery, sword fighting, spears, many styles of armed combat. I got to choose my own, so this is why you see my rather...designed sword. Wanting to stand out from the crowd and become the best....seems I did.
Once all the basic requirements were known, that's when I started to...well.........develop new morales. And they were not pleasant...
First, they tried to desinsitize me to killing and violence, and keep in mind. I was still considerably a child. Seeing all that.......pain. That's traumatic. Probably the worst lessons I went through. After that, it was my turn to do all the killing. But, I was not trained by the Captain, no. My Father saw his ideals and methods as aggressive and illegitimate.

Me: So what did he do? Who did teach you?

?????: Well...surprisingly my Father did. He didn't know much about all the war shenanigans. But, he cared about me that much. And....for some reason, loved it. I don't know...maybe it was because...I was spending time with my Father, and I was learning something.

Me: How were your parents? Were you close?

?????: You're asking an awful lot of personal stuff...makes me think we're-

Me: No. Burn that thought, right now.

He said with a slow tone, mixed with mischief. I could tell that comment was to get under my fur, however I cut him off before he could say so. He let out a slight laugh and looked off to the side.

?????: Anyway. While my Father taught me how to fight he...well. Was learning too. I simply just followed his commands. My Father was much more softspoken than the Electivire captain. Loud and rude. My "captain" much the opposite. He pushed me when he knew I could push further, breaking new limits and becoming stronger by each passing day.
Becoming faster, stronger. Eventually my body demanded healthier foods. Which my Mother well provided.
Expanded energy. More muscular strength. And I also found out I could swing my sword at a faster deadlier pace. As well, strikes that could slice a Aggron in half. By that point I felt.......well, as the Human vocabulary announces it "inhumane". Possesing so much physical strength, I could go head to head with a Ryhdon or even a Feraligatr. This...power. It never got to my head, I staed humble. But rather scared me. Fearing my mortal body couldn't handle such, and explode with power. This new fear that sat in the back of my head. My Father quickly caught onto it. Too afraid to...even attack. And he was the only one to fight. Someday fearing I could serouisly injure him, or worse. Kill him. Thankfully, he didn't push it. He told me, if I felt that strong, then I'm ready fight for my country.

Me: Heh, were you muscular? I'm sure that had to be an outside figure of your might.

?????: Well...a little. I guess it somehow died down over the last Seven centries. I just can't Beilive I'm alive, and being "caught" has led me to you. And the language today...such a tasteless way of vocabulary. I had to use it to blend in. I guess Destiny brought us together. Or perhaps those fiends to us.

Me: Sounds like fate. I'm not sure if I could agree.

?????: Well point is, we have a mission. With these two helping is now. This should be easier. We just need to find those three. The little legends.

Me: You never said what happens after that.

?????: Well. From what I've eavesdropped on. It seems...your Father was planning to "save his kingdom" by letting it be destroyed, and you ruling it, his decendant. As a matter of fact, 30% of the world served because of his merciful and very fair ways of rulership. No one feared him, they respected him. I would say he wasn't a pushover.
But, I'm sorry to say this. His army was absolutely pathetic. I only saw your Sister as a worthy challenge. Meeting to limits near mine. First time I was afraid of another. And...you know. Despite her deep cut, and bleeding. She earned my respect through battle. Making her suffer would be dishonorable.
I may have killed her, but she was thrown into the painless release of Death. Anyone else, well...they bled to death. Her's was instant.

Me: Recalling that memory is always unpleasant....why must you mention it.

?????: To tell you I respect your family. Ezahn.

He said a little more sharply and looked at me with serouis eyes. All this time...I misjudged him. Thought he was just a merciless killer. Well, I'm at least glad to be proven wrong.

?????: If I had...just...thought. Think about what I was doing, and live up to my Parents wishes. Perhaps they could still be here. I do care about them, Ezahn. You seemed to be a great family...even envying you were both heirs to your Father's throne.

Me: And sometimes wishing I was born in a simple life. Like how you did as a child.

?????: Well...the least I can say. Is sorry Ezahn. For murdering your family, the sin I threw onto you all. Fighting for.......the wrong reasons. I wish I could do all of this over...

Zexko: At least you feel bad.....

We heard the Marshadow say from behind. And when we turned around, it had a sorrowful expression, and on it's knees in emotional pain.

Zexko: All those people I killed...
The hurtful things I did. I killed...friends...familrd. Trying to weigh my favor into that war. Apperently, there were 3 ways it could have gone, And there was no way we could simply ask Dialga to manipulate time into our mundane favors.
The first would be, your kingdom could have died from time. Perhaps the Watt generation dying off and becoming a valuable title.
The second, you lose. The Zetrick kingdom overthrown by your nemesis. And still laid to history.
And...the last one, us manipulating foes into how we wanted the fight to go. Whoever wins, we take it for ourselves and infect it with our own magical abilities to make it an eternal kingdom no one can enter. Oddly. Neither of those happened. And look where we are.

Lifting it's arms, and then dropping them back on the ground. Following a slow headshake.

?????: Which makes what I would have done valid. Hmff, well when you perish. You can finally see all those souls you unrighteously killed in the distoration world.
I'm sure Giritina will have some special treatment for you.

Zexko: Dear Arceus, no.

Sounding truly irked over the thought, and it made Dark out smile. That was starting to get to me...just calling him that.

Me: Can you tell me what your name is already...

He turned back around to me, and let out a soft hearted chuckle, and patted my back with a friendly response.

????? Time will tell you Ezahn...time will tell.