...Let the journey begin.

This was home, two years later.

Chirping. The first thing one could hear, quite early in the dawn, were the sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Nature never truly sleeps. She's always watching her underlings, as they live their lives, and die with the soil.

All wings, songs, and no sense of chaos. Only peace, for the various Flying types that lived in the trees. The bird Pokemon usually awake just minutes before the bigger, normal ones do. After all, the early Fletchling gets the Caterpie, right?

Yet, today, it was different.

In the gardens, there was one Pokemon who awoke even before the birds. Tending to the plants, naturally. Some of them were recently planted, others were slowly making their way towards adulthood. From Occa Berry trees, to Tamato Berry plants, variety overcame quantity.

Despite the different plants, and their different needs, the Pokemon seemed to enjoy it, mentally smiling to herself. When she wasn't training past her limits, or looking after the very few she truly cared for, she was in there. She was a Servine, after all. Grass types naturally adore nature. 

The rare moments that she ever smiles, they never show on her face. Not anymore.

The Servine stood up, once she was finished with her morning routine. She took one last glance around her, before sighing to herself. So beautiful... She thought. If only I was allowed to stay here forever...If only we all were...

Frowning, as she normally does, she stepped away from the plants, and headed towards the exit. Back to where she came from. The training hall.

During this time of dawn, it was silent within the hall. The occasional footsteps of the higher ups who walked across the floor were muted, further insulating this notion. The Servine sighed to herself, as she made way towards her room. Breakfast would be served in an hour. Best to train a little, before-

"Cali?"

The Servine, who was known as this "Cali", immediately turned towards that voice. One of the few voices that could trigger a sense of relief in her, whenever she heard it. "Oh...Good morning, Torrent."

Torrent didn't smile back. He only ever smiles when he wants to, or when he knows his own determination. With his two scalchops at his sides, and a straight face, the Dewott crossed his arms. "I thought you didn't like the dawn? What happened to "sleeping 9 hours a day"?"

Cali flushed in embarrassment, looking away. He was the only one who could even bring her close to being embarrassed. She never admitted that she used that very same excuse to train in her room, when everyone else thought she slept early. "W-well, I...I was in the garden, that's all."

"Tsk, of course." Torrent rolled his eyes. "You Grass types are all the same." He shook his head, sighing. "Well, since you're awake, I guess it wouldn't hurt to accompany me. Come on." He gestured her to follow. Cali blinked, before walking behind him. She didn't mind at all.

Torrent was never the open type. Nor the type that liked detail. He was all about getting things done quick and dirty, ignoring whatever consequences. And then resolving those exact consequences the same way. Too blunt to realize what he does, most of the time.

Cali was much more calm, collected, and reserved than him. She used her mind first, but, like her adoptive Dewott brother, quick to jump to action. A single feeling of her loved ones in danger, and she would show no mercy. Mercy didn't exist in this world. 

The pair both arrived outside, where most of the training exercises took place. Torrent frowned, staring at the tree that had a few thousand or so gashes and deep cuts. Each one an individual scar the Water type had embedded, over the last three years. He took his training a bit too seriously.

"...We're graduating in a week." He muttered quietly, staring at the tree. "I already know what I'm going to do." Of course. It was obvious, wasn't it? Ever since that day...no, before it, even. The feisty temper and undying determination was still there. Behind that watery surface, there lied an intense flame. One that even death couldn't extinguish.

Vengeance.

Cali looked up at the sky. Her natural frown simply hardened. "...Yeah. I know, too." Torrent glanced at her. "...You're joining the Elites?" She shook her head, causing Torrent to hesitate. He then glanced back at the same tree. "...Yeah, why would you? You're always looking after my damn back."

Cali's eyes dropped to the ground. She kicked at a pebble, as the morning breeze blew. The pebble bounced towards a patch of grass, which she found herself staring at. Morning dew adhered to it, making it look like the green blades were shedding tears. Even the planet had emotions.

"...I...I made a promise to your mom, Torrent." She finally responded. "...I'm not about to break it. Ever. Keep that in mind." She looked back up, and narrowed her eyes. Making her point clear. "Wherever you go, I'm right behind you, no matter what."

Torrent hesitated again, before clenching his fists. "...Fine. Just don't get in my way." He muttered. "I'm not your kid, or your little brother. I don't need protection." Torrent punched the tree hard, causing yet another mark to appear, and Cali to flinch slightly. Not at the punch, but what happened after-a thin stream of blood rolled down his hand, and he stared.

''...I called you out here, cause you were the only one who'd understand." He stated, not looking away from his bleeding knuckles. "What happened, years earlier. You were one of the ones who was there, with me."

"Menace too." She noted. "And H-"

"I know that." He cut her off. "I didn't wanna wake Menace up. Poor kid's been through too much from the beginning. No need to bring back those memories to him again."

The Servine silently turned away. "...I never said I wanted to remember them either." Torrent chuckled. A dry chuckle, mixed with the dampness of sorrow.

"Hehehe...Yeah, guess I didn't either." He replied. "You did mention my mom though, so you're okay." He tightened his headband-the same headband he had kept, from his father.

"What are you planning on doing now?" She asked, briefly turning her head back to see. Torrent unsheathed both his blades, from his two scalchops, and narrowed his eyes at the tree.

"...Breaking my memories." He replied, before slashing at the tree ruthlessly, with all his might and strength. He appeared on the other side, and took a deep breath. "...They hold me back." The slashes into physical cuts, as soon as he finished that last word.

With a final thud, the tree collapsed, onto the crying blades of grass. Mercilessly.

***

"...Keh. Very funny."

"Why don't you take me seriously?"

"Who says I don't?"

"...Then, could you at least show it?"

"If you shut the hell up, still no."

"...You're hopeless."

"Hope died with me, 5 years ago."

He gave up. There was no point in arguing with his so-called right hand man. For a moment, the Decidueye wondered why he even promoted him to that in the first place, but quickly shook that thought out.

He has personality issues. He pushes everyone away. He still makes vulgar remarks. And yet...he's still a good guy, deep inside. I know it.

The stress of being a commander never was something he liked, but the Decidueye endured. He knew it was better to suffer like this, for the sake of the Pokemon species. Who else would be brave enough to live a life dangling off the cliff into hell itself?

"Oi. Outlander."

...Welcome back, pal. How has two years treated you?

Outlander turned back, wondering what he wanted now. His right hand man had his eyes closed.

"...Don't go frowning at your wife because of me. You got a daughter, right? You better treat them right."

Outlander couldn't help but chuckle slightly, as his face lightened. "Don't worry about that. Thanks for caring." See, he's a good guy after all. And with that, the Grass and Ghost type released his wings, and flew into the sky. Towards home.

Landing in front of his house, which his beloved wife had kept tidy, and improved every day, Outlander kept his small smile on his beak. He opened the door, knowing that she knew he would appear. It was Tuesday afternoon. He always came home today.

"Welcome home, dear."

"Daddy!" ...He would've heard that, if his daughter could say it.

Outlander's smile turned into a grin. If beaks could even grin in the first place. His daughter waddled towards him, and he picked her up with his wings. "Hehe...I'm glad to see you too, Isa." He pecked her on the forehead, lightly, causing her to giggle. 

Silently.

And just like that, his wife slid gracefully towards him as well, that same, beautiful smile from two years ago only getting far more beautiful. Her face had always been captivating, but now it was simply perfect. She was perfect.

...Nice to see you too, Siren.

Outlander shifted towards her, and went for her mouth, giving her a slightly longer peck. She giggled sweetly, one that he could hear. A brief piece of music to his ears.

"Good afternoon, sweetheart." He said, holding his daughter close. "How have you all been?" Six days had, once again, already passed. He was finally home, yet he'd have to leave again tonight. This happened almost all week. Every week, since the day he was put into this position.

In his words, and much to her disappointment, it was "necessary"."

"Aha...Isa's been missing you. And me, of course." She put her flipper to her heart, trying to hide the fact that she absolutely hated his job. In fact, she almost hated everything about this place. All she wanted to do was to go home. Her home. She wanted to prosper, with him and her daughter by her side. She wanted to live the perfect life she envisioned, with her family.

But the world didn't work like that, did it? Neither did Outlander's logic.

Outlander almost sensed her thoughts, and frowned. With one wing, he gently wrapped it around her, pulling her in as well. "I'm sorry." He muttered. "I wish...I could stay longer. Believe me, I really do..."

"...If you did, you would have at least listened to me..." She insisted, but accepted the hug quietly. "I really just...Every day seems to pass slowly, without you." She glanced at her daughter, who tilted her head. Isa was too young to really understand.

Two years. Heh. She was the same age, hatching out of her egg the day it came. She was beautiful, even Siren knew. As beautiful as her sister, Isabelle, was. Siren had always seen her as the pretty one, but never mentioned it. In her eyes, she had the potential to become radiant. A goddess.

And then...Isabella was born. The light that shined in her dark life.

She named her that, to remind herself of her beloved sister. Before her passing, hidden beneath her snobbish and arrogant personality, Isabelle had always loved her sister. Siren could see through it. They had nothing but each other, as children. And now, Isabella had nothing but her parents, as a child.

She was mute. Born mute, and would remain mute. There was no cure. She couldn't sing. But it didn't matter. She was beautiful. She was perfect. She was all Siren needed, after all she witnessed...

From Isabelle, to Mayhem, to...Amber. How many could possibly die, before her already broken heart shattered? She didn't want to think about it...and she certainly didn't want Outlander to be next.

"I-I just want what's best for all of us...For our daughter, Outlander." She stammered, a tear dripping, shaped like a wet crystal. It fell out of her eye, shattering apart onto the ground. "...I want us to...be happy..."

"...The only world with happiness is a free world, Siren." Outlander responded, calmly, embracing the two tighter. "To be free, you have to fight. We're all fighters. Once we see that light, we can finally pursue it...But until then, we keep fighting, till it's time."

She didn't answer, letting her tears fall, as she buried her face into him. He sympathized. He really did. He hated his job too. He hated leaving both of them. Even as Isabella joined in, not liking that both of her parents were upset, the same thought revolved in his mind.

There was no going back now; this was the path he had already chosen.

***

Sunset.

Behind the walls, it looked pretty. Beyond the walls, it would've been a dozen times prettier. Imagine being able to see what lies past the barrier, past the ferocious land that denied them freedom.

Mountains crafted from ice, rising up all the way to the clouds, piercing the heavens themselves. Swamps of rich, watery plants, and dark green trees taller than one could gaze up to look at. If only they could see it for themselves.

If only...

"Another day of slaying, huh?"

"What else?"

That was all the townsfolk would ask them now. Almost daily. They didn't realize the importance, or the fear. They didn't care about who they were. If only they knew what they did for the world, two years ago.

"Exactly." One of the lowly townspeople called out. "All you do is kill bloodthirsty monsters. Who's to say you aren't becoming them yourselves?" Another one snickered. "All you guys are is a bunch of wasted taxes, and lives. Better dead than valuable."

A mere 3 seconds passed before he was on the ground, squirming in pain, and holding a shredded ankle.

"All you're worth is a bunch of flesh and blood." The Pokemon, who had brought justice, stood over, one eye glinting though the shadowy outline. Her claws retracted. The rest of the townspeople hushed. "I suggest you keep quiet before I tear out what makes you worth anything at all."

"That's enough, Lotus. Stop. Please..."

"...Tsk." The Zorua walked back, becoming silent. She was always in a bad mood these days. Especially when Miracle spoke.

I won't ask. But, it's good to see you two again.

Miracle whimpered slightly. "Lotus, why did you have to go and do that? Now everyone's just afraid of us..."

"Better fearful than cocky." She hissed back, still pissed off. Miracle winched, and stared ahead. She had never been the same since...since the Mudbray changed.

Behind them, one of their friends frowned. "Rocky...I really think Lotus is bothered by it. It bothers me too." The Lycanroc, in response, sighed, whispering back. "Look, Alice, I know she's your friend. Both of them. But, there's nothing we can do for them, is there?"

"Do you even care?"

"Of course I do! I just don't know what to do about it."

Alice and Rocky too, huh? Hehe.

"You're right." She said flatly, and Rocky glanced at her. "You wouldn't know. You're no help either." Rocky sweatdropped. "Okay okay, sorry, jeez..." It was the Meowstic's turn to sigh. "Sorry. It's that time of month again, for me."

Even further behind them, the Jolteon heard everything. He grimaced. Man...I'm glad Snowball doesn't do this job...She's scary during that time... He shivered.

Nova too...? Well, I won't complain.

"Thinking about Snowflake, speedster?" A voice snapped him out of his thoughts, as they walked back to headquarters. "Or are you just happy you barely survived with your reckless attitude? Again?"

Nova gulped. "O-oi...Shut up, dude!" He exclaimed, turning red. "I didn't "barely survive"! I just...happened to mess up, that's all! Happens to the best of us!" His teaser smirked. 

"Hoho. You're welcome." He did save him. It was fair. After all, it wasn't in a Silvally's DNA to leave behind his comrades.

"I'm wondering how we even got here." His companion suddenly muttered, causing him to stare at her. She had finished cleaning the blood from her bones. "We only do this once every few weeks. Is that enough to raise that kind of reputation around here?"

Hello there, Multi and the shooting Star.

"It must've raised that kind of mentality within these folks, I guess." Was his response. "They don't even know what they look like...Scratch that, some of them probably do. But still. They haven't fought one up close." His metallic voice had a sort of edge to it now.

"Still, it'd be better if we were actually respected for our duty, than...you know." Star looked up. It was practically night time now. The stars here shone bright. If she could shine like them, up there, life would be complete.

Life as a Lucario was far more harder than life in space, as balls of light. The auras she sensed during bloodshed...she trained herself to endure it all. It drove her mad, every time she sensed her allies being torn to pieces.

As they conversed, the couple behind them were reflecting on their actions. And their choices. They had been doing this very job for a full year now. How did it start again?

"...It was Outlander's idea, wasn't it?" The female between the two glanced at her partner. "His desire of doing what's right?" She shook her head, in slight disbelief. "I don't know what he was thinking...or what made us choose his offer."

The male licked his lips clean of the remaining blood, disgusted he had to go to such lengths today. "He told us it was destiny. This was what would've happened, and I regret accepting it as well."

Both of them were connected as Pokemon, counterparts even, yet both of them were completely different types. One a graceful Ice and Fairy type Ninetales, the other one being the prideful Arcanine of Fire.

...Long time no see, Mia and Sunburn.

"I'm over all the gruesome sights..." She shouldn't have said that, because now the images of Pokemon being devoured alive by ravenous beasts came to her mind. Her whole body shivered.

In response to her sudden stimuli, Sunburn nuzzled her. "Don't think about it." He said. "It won't happen to you, ever. I won't let it. I'm always here to protect you. To protect all of us, no matter how long it takes us to finally make it."

Mia sighed, feeling warmth replace her jittery feeling. She smiled slightly. "Thanks..." She replied, and glanced forward. Just as they arrived back to base.

Time for supper, after a hard day's work.

***

"How many did you kill?" Outlander asked

'...About a few dozen, at most.'

"And how many did we lose?"

'...20. The ratio's a little better than last month.'

"It hardly makes a difference. I don't see how it's any better." The Decidueye's right hand man said nonchalantly. Outlander glared at him, which he was unfazed by, finding it sarcastically humorous. "Cute."

'Sorry if I disappointed you.' The mute Pokemon signed once more. 'It's just hard to live. Real hard these days.'

Outlander sighed. "No, it's fine. Thank you for the report, Arrowhead." He said to the exact same Pokemon in front of him. "You're free to go now. Enjoy your cheese." The silent Decidueye nodded eagerly, and turned away.

Lil' cheesy bird, too? Hehe...Nice.

"What is wrong with you?" Outlander groaned, clearly unhappy. "Can't you let him have a little comfort, after what he's done today?"

"Do I need to even care? I could've done everything they did by myself."

"...The trainees are going to graduate in a week." Outlander changed the subject. "I hope you have what it takes to recruit future soldiers into your squad."

"...What squad?"

"I arranged a squad for you. Thought you could a break from being so isolated from people."

"As if I even need one." The Pokemon responded coldly. "Damn, are you starting to forget who I am? Or who you are?"

"...You know what, I won't even argue anymore."

"Good, you get how pointless your words are, along with your life." Wow!

"Ronin, I swear to Arceus..."

"I thought you didn't want to bother." Ronin replied, still being the unemotional Scyther he was.

Before their conversation erupted, the door opened. Outlander stared, and smiled. Ronin simply looked away, having nothing to say to the one who walked in. Slow, steady steps, before stopping.

"...Welcome back." Outlander said with open arms, sounding almost relieved. Wings, not arms, sorry. 

"Not sure he needed a welcoming in the first place." Ronin muttered, to which he was ignored.

The Pokemon walked in, silently. He stared out of the window at the moon, standing smaller than both of them. He had on a dark brown cloak, tattered and wrinkled, attached to his bubbly scarf. The hood covered his head.

"How did it go?" Outlander asked. "Did you...find anything?" The Pokemon didn't respond, still continuing to stare outside.

"Tch." Ronin stopped leaning on the wall. He stood straight, and walked out, not wanting to stay. Outlander frowned as he left, before staring back at the smaller Pokemon, silently.

"...Well? Did something happen?" Finally, the Pokemon reacted. He pulled off his hood, and glanced back at him, albeit still turned towards the window.

"Business."

"And what business would it be?" The Pokemon glanced at his hand, staring silently at it. There was a small scar on his hand, that had been healing for the past hour now. Steam emitted from it.

He stared directly at it, before looking back up. At the night sky. The same kind of sky that matched his mysterious self. With the moon representing his heart. His glowing heart, that hid itself during the day, hid itself from the light that kept him hidden.

Only two words were left for him to say.

"...Hero business."

Ah...it feels good to be back home...

~To be continued

***

~Words: 3505

IT'S FINALLY HERE OMA

Welcome to We Are Reluctant Heroes, reader. If this is your first time reading one of my books, I welcome you. I suggest you read my other book first, The Tale of a Hero. The prequel to this book.

Thank you very much for reading. Much appreciated. <3

For those of you who have read my previous book...

...Uh...

Well, hehe...I-I have an excuse this time! A good one! ^^'

See, I was on a hiatus. Not only did school get in the way, but my own ideas did as well...I actually had an idea for this book long before I finished TTOAH, but I realized it wasn't good, and only copied ideas from another series. 

Completely. *sigh*

So, I decided to change it up, you see. I had to spent weeks in order to figure what the heck I wanted to to do. I finally got it now. It's late again...I know. But, I promise, it'll be worth it. I just gotta put the puzzle pieces together, to make the whole thing into one. >~<'

YOUR WAITING IS OVER THOUGH, FRIENDS, CAUSE HERE IT IS

THE FIRST CHAPTER OF WARH IS OUT

Let's recap, shall we?

~We finally meet Cali and Torrent, and find out who they really are. Now, we can finally see how their story goes, as childhood friends of our protagonist.

~Two years have passed by the way. Since the ending of TTOAH. We see our smart and...changed (?) boy Outlander after so long, and find out he has a family now. With a bittersweet Siren. And a daughter, Isabella. A mute daughter. Oh, I have a lot in store for her, just wait. :3

~We meet this edgy and harsh guy named Ronin, who can really roast a Decidueye good. Who the heck is he? We'll find out, someday...Best not to spoil it right now.

~We meet our old friends, too! A reunion! By the way, you'll learn more about what's going on next chapter, and what's been going on between the time gap. A better reunion next chapter, don't worry. -w-

~Ah...it feels good to be back home...

Welcome back, Hero.

Hehe...Well, there you have it. Our protagonist has been revealed.

But you already knew that, didn't you?

Hehe...Prepare yourself for a new journey.

Cause this is gonna be different from the one before.

You're grown up now, so am I.

Let's see if we both can handle a book about WARH...

...Pun intended, by the way.

*ahem* Thank you so much for reading! Till next chapter! See ya! ^D

~Hero