From Trainer to Beast Tamer Pokémon Trainer! Reader x Twisted Wonderland

Chapter 56: Escape to Wildrose Castle

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Chapter 56: Flight of the Fae

The words were barely out of Baul's mouth before Lilia was trying to force himself to his feet.
"We must return to the castle at once... Urk!"
Both Silver and (Y/N) supported the general on either side as he flinched.
"You're in no state to be moving!" Silver tried to reason as Grim gave him a look.
"Oof... Just looking at the state of you is enough to make me faint, yanno."
"Quiet!" Lilia shouted, as Noivern nudged his cheek worriedly. "I cannot let such wounds deter me! The fortress is already surrounded. Those who can still teleport, inform the messengers. Teleport and dispatch all troops back to the castle-!"
"While I do believe that this is the fastest way back to the castle, it is still quite a distance
to cover." Baul interrupted. "Teleportation magic affects not only the body, but the mind and spirit as well. It poses a great risk for sick and hurt individuals. You may be powerful, but your current state will put you at an even greater risk! The able-bodied soldiers should leave immediately, but we must take the long route."
Lilia looked enraged. "We do not have time, you fool! The Dawn Knight is approaching the castle as we speak!"
"I stand my ground! I am loathe to admit it, but the Dawn Knight is powerful! Even if you faced him in perfect condition, I cannot guarantee that you will leave unscathed. It is unlike you to not consider all possibilities." Lilia growled, still not accepting it as Baul continued. "Please put your faith in the soldiers you trained, and in Princess Maleanor. I believe we have the power to overcome what lies ahead."
"... Very well." Lilia relented, allowing Swampert to force him to sit. "Damn it!"
"Retreat!" Baul ordered, taking command. "Medics, tend to the wounded! Operators, lead the able-bodied soldiers and teleport back to the castle! Hurry! The Right General and I will journey by foot!"
The soldiers screeched in agreement.
"Please... We leave the princess in your capable hands! May the Night guide you." Baul watched as the remaining fae vanished before turning to scowl at the broken machine. "Tsk... They deliberately waited for the General to be away from the castle. What a bunch of cowards!"
Sebek and Silver looked at each other uncomfortably as Grim tugged on (Y/N)'s sleeve.
"Oof... What should we do, (Y/N)?"
"I don' t know what to say." She admitted in a whisper. "I mean, I know this is just a dream, but..."
Suddenly, Silver pinched his cheeks, making the Pokémon look at him like he was crazy. "All right!"
Grim had a similar reaction. "Wha– Why did you just pinch your cheeks, Silver?"
"Being upset and angry will not improve our situation. We need to come up with a way to help."
Sebek nodded. "Yes, that's the plan. Running into roadblocks like earth, sand, and fallen trees are pretty common when training in the mountains. The more we hesitate, the faster the sun sets. Depending on the circumstances, another calamity might strike again. The split second between deciding to retreat or to take a detour can affect our survival rate. (Y/N), how many people can Hydreigon and Noivern carry?"
"Hydreigon can carry two, but Noivern, maybe two as well with Lilia as one of the passengers, but that's still pushing it. Swampert's faster on all fours, and he can carry plenty, but if we're gonna make a move, it has to be now."
"'Live and face the consequences later .'" Silver quoted. "I still remember our daily lessons."
"It is what our master taught us." Sebek affirmed. "We need to take Lord Lilia back to the castle in the safest manner possible. The only way to overrun those soldiers is by flying. If we can't all ride the dragons safely, we must procure brooms. It would be better to carry rations with us as well..."
"We'll search the fortress." Silver declared. "Please lend us a hand, (Y/N), Grim, and everyone else."
The trainer smiled and nodded. "Of course. Let' s hurry!"
"Master Baul, we will procure the necessary supplies." Sebek shouted before his grandfather turned to them sternly.
"No, you should turn back."
"Pardon?!" Everyone else shouted.
"We have failed. The situation has taken a grave turn from when we first agreed to take you with us. Go. Do not waste the lives that the Right General fought so hard to protect."
Noivern screeched angrily as his trainer stood up.
"We can't leave! You guys are way too outnumbered!"
"Hmph, we do not need your concern. There is no reason for you humans to fight the Silver Owls."
"No, I have plenty." Silver corrected, patting the Soundwave Pokemon's head. "And so does Noivern!"
Baul tilted his head. "Come again?"
"Noivern and I would have died had Lord Vanrouge not stepped in. We owe him our lives. We want to protect him no matter what."
"Vern!"
"That is enough reason for us to fight. Whether I am human and he is a Poke-, er, dragon, or not does not matter."
"I agree with Silver, Master Baul." Sebek joined in as (Y/N) nodded.
"Same here. General Vanrogue took a hit for my Pokémon, I can't let that go unpaid. And you're in no position to refuse help where you can get it!"
The green haired fae gritted his teeth at their youthful stubbornness. "It will not be an easy task to overpower these soldiers to get back to the castle. You have not the liberty to be concerned about others."
"You need not worry about us." Their half fae companion assured. "We will work hard to bring honor to our master's teachings!"
Baul blinked in disbelief. "Why are you humans willing to go this far...?"
"Because when faced with injustice, what else is there to do but take a stand for what's right?" (Y/N) answered.
"...Hmph, do as you wish, you suicidal brats. Don't say I didn't warn you!"
"Thank you!" The boys shouted as Baul waved them off.
"Stop dawdling and procure everything we need!"
"On it!" Grim declared, "I'll show you flying skills that'll knock Vargas's socks right off!"
"Hold on." Silver warned. "There might be some guards on patrol. Stay alert. (Y/N), which of your Pokémon are best suited to scout?"
"Noivern can echolocate practically anything along with Crobat. If you want something inconspicuous, Absol."
"Send Absol ahead of us with Crobat, then."
The girl looked at the two Pokémon. "You heard him! Go!"
"Cro!"
"So!"
The Pokémon took off to scout as (Y/N) patted Noivern's head.
"Noivern, think you can hold down the fort for us?"
The dragon type nodded as Silver took the lead following after Crobat and Absol.
"Grim, (Y/N), stay close!" Sebek ordered despite the girl comfortably following Silver.
"I think we're just fine." Grim stated, perched atop Swampert. "Swampert hits a lot harder than you and (Y/N)'s way scarier."
"Insolence–! Here I am offering you my protection-!"
"SHH!" (Y/N) hushed as Crobat returned.
He landed on her shoulder and began chattering quietly, her face growing pensive. Suddenly, there came a crash from downstairs as (Y/N) motioned for the boys to keep silent and follow. Swampert was by her side as she led the team down the step, pensive of each step and waiting for something to pop out. Eventually, they came to a door at the bottom, barely cracked open.
"I can sense people on the other side." Silver whispered as Sebek pushed forward.
"Get back, (Y/N). On three, Silver. One-,"
Just then, the door swung open and standing there was Absol, who looked completely unfazed. They all looked at the Disaster Pokémon as shrieks came from within.
"Eeek! Please spare me!"
"We're just cooks, nothing more!" A chubby man flung himself to his knees by Absol, only to see Silver and pause. "Huh...? My, oh my! It's just you, Master. Please don't startle us so!"
The boy obviously tilted his head, confused. "Huh...?"
"You've already taken care of the blasted fae?" The female cook shouted, stepping out from their hiding place. "Marvelous, simply marvelous! Though, you've seemed to have spared the strange creatures."
"Pardon? I do not understand what you mean."
The male cook then gasped. "Dear, take a closer look! It's not him!"
"Y-you're right! The hair color is completely different! What an uncanny resemblance... So you are a fae after all...I-it's over... We're dead..."
"I wish I could have seen the birth of my grandchild!" The male cook shouted, sobbing into Absol's fur.
(Y/N) rubbed her temples. "Relax, you two, no one is here to kill you."
They both looked up. "What?"
"We're leaving as soon as we get what we need." Silver assured as Grim began to cackle.
"Brooms! Bring us some brooms! Guhihi!"
The male cook shrieked, jumping into his companion's arms. "Eeek! Th-the beast just spoke!"
"Grim! Play nice!" (Y/N) ordered. "Don't worry, he doesn't bite."
Silver nodded, bowing his head. "I hope you believe me when I say we do not wish to hurt you. We just want to take our wounded home. Please, we need the brooms."
The female cook dropped the male and looked at them, suspicious. "You are talking about the fae, aren't you?"
"Yes." Silver answered. "I'm aware that you may view them as enemies, however. I humbly ask for your help..
The two cooks looked at each other before the male one nodded.
"Very well. I will tell you where we keep the brooms."
His partner looked aghast. "Hold on!"
"Take a good look at these kids, honey. They're younger than our son. Look at their ears."
She took another glance before reeling back. "Rounded ears! They're human. But why are they helping the fae?
"That's none of our business. They might be hostages for all we know."
"But-,"
Suddenly, the unmistakable sound of a stomach rumbling made everyone pause. Slowly, Silver turned to his dormmate.
"Sebek..."
He glanced away. "...That wasn't me."
"No, I understand. The galley smells wonderful."
"NO!!!! Th-that was probably (Y/N)!"
Silver smiled. "No, definitely not. I'd recognize that sound anywhere."
"Quiet, Silver!"
The female cook tilted her head. "Are you kids hungry...?"
"No–!" Sebek denied, only for his stomach to rumble again.
"Ugh..." Grim groaned. "Sebek's stomach is making my stomach rumble, too. We've been eating nothing but nuts and fruits the past few days... Ugh..."
"You could've just said so!" The female cook shouted. "Get them some bread and bacon, honey."
He nodded. "On it."
"Wh-what's with the hospitality?!" Sebek demanded. "I do not wish to be in your favor–,"
"It's a cook's job to feed hungry folks, eh? Or beasts in this case." She explained, petting Absol's head. "Lord Henrick left without warning, so we've got plenty of food to go around."
"Score!" Grim cheered. "Can I help myself to some soup, Uncle?"
"Be my guest!" The man called from inside.
"Where's your sense of urgency, Grim?!" Sebek called as the cat ran in.
"I'm not taking lectures from the guy whose stomach got us here."
The male cook re-emerged with a basket. "Here's your bread and bacon. Oh, and some water, too. I don't know if it'll suit your tastes, but take them with you."
"Thank you." Silver said as (Y/N) gave her portion of the bacon to Absol, Hydreigon, and Crobat, while splitting the bread with Swampert. "We owe you one."
"... You really look alike."
"Huh?"
"Stop gossiping, Silver!"Sebek demanded. "Ask them where the brooms are!"
"R-right."
"The storage room is in the north wing one floor above." The male cook answered as (Y/N) nodded.
"Thank you. Please stay here until the coast is clear. Sorry for scaring you. Please stay safe."
Parting ways, the group continued on their path, looking for the closet with the brooms.
"Sebek's rushing made me miss dessert." Grim complained as he got a dirty look from the male.
"How dare you complain when you greedily ate two servings of soup!"
"The storage room should be nearby." Silver stated before stopping, making Sebek look at him.
"Why have you stopped?"
"I hear crying."
There was soft cooing and (Y/N) immediately raced forward, finding several birds locked up and miserable.
"You poor things!" She shouted, immediately having Swampert and Hydreigon pull the bars apart to free them."
"What's the deal with all these birds?" Grim asked as Sebek crossed his arms.
"Oh, right. Messenger birds and pigeons were valuable means of communication during this period."
An owl stepped out of the cage and on to (Y/N)'s extended arm, hooting pitifully as Silver frowned.
"They're starving. Let's give them some of our bread."
We don't have time to be feeding birds. We need to find the...brooms..." Sebek trailed off as (Y/N) sent him a death glare, daring him to continue. "Er, what I mean is...Wait a minute... Maybe we can find a use for them yet."
"Huh?" Grim said as the last bird was set free. "They look scrawny. I bet roasting won't make them any better."
Crobat thwacked him on the head as Sebek stuck up his nose. "I will do no such thing! Hey, Silver. Your unique bond with animals might just come in handy this time."
"...What?"
Sebek did not explain as the group proceed to raid the supply closet and run back to the troop.
"Master Baur, we have procured brooms and supplies!" The green haired informed his grandfather as Grim held up a basket.
"We brought food, too."
The older Zigvolt nodded. "Hmph, well done."
"How is General Vanrouge doing?"
"He is not fit to fight yet. However, the Silver Owls are clearly waiting to ambush him outside of the fortress. We cannot stay here any longer. We must make haste and head to the castle at once. I will lead the way. Do not leave my side!"
"Master Baul, may we be entrusted with leading the vanguard?" Sebek asked.
Baul reeled back. "Wh-what are you saying?! I will allow no such thing! You will be at their arrows' mercy!"
"I'd like to see them try to land a hit on us!" (Y/N) declared as Sebek kept pleading.
"Please give us a chance. It is a bit risky, but we have a plan in motion."
"A plan?!"
"We will pave the way." Silver explained. "We leave General Vanrouge in your capable hands."
There was loud rustling as the soldiers screeched out.
"Already?" Baul growled. "The Silver Owls are on the move."
Sebek looked at his dormmate determined. "It's time. Hurry, Silver!"
"Yeah. Grim, (Y/N)... Let us regroup soon."
"Yeah! I'll keep Lilia and (Y/N) safe!" Grim declared as (Y/N) led Hydreigon and Noivern to the boys.
"Keep them safe, you two." Both dragons rumbled and placed their heads against their trainer's. "You guys watch my Pokémon's back."
"We will." Silver swore, mounting Noivern and taking off, Sebek and Hydreigon close behind.
"Hold it, humans!" Baul shouted, only to be too late. "Urk... You leave me no choice. Men, keep them safe! Lend them a hand!"
The soldiers screeched in agreement and took off after the boys.
"Ugh..." Lilia groaned as (Y/N) forced him onto Swampert. "What's with the ruckus...?"
Baul ran to them. "How do you feel, Right General?"
"Where are those kids going?"
"They're gonna draw the Silver Owl's fire while we slip out." (Y/N) explained as Baul looked guilty.
"I tried to stop them, but they said they had it covered."
"WHAT?!" Lilia shouted. "Those fools! On your feet, Baul!"
Crobat tackled him from behind as (Y/N) got on Swampert. "Don't even think about it! I don't like it either, but this is our best shot to slip pass those knights!"
"It's suicide!" Lilia snapped back as she gave him a hard look.
"I trust my Pokémon and I trust Silver and Sebek. They'll get through it. So until we're out of the danger zone, you've gotta follow our lead and we all might make it out alive."
Lilia gritted his teeth. "You have a lot of nerve for a human."
"I've been told worse. Now, come on!"
Outside, the two dragons weaved about the sky as Silver and Sebek assessed the situation.
"Look. The ironclads aren't even trying to hide their presence." Sebek shouted. "They're surrounding us right out in the open."
Silver tightened his grip on Noivern's fur. "There's at least a hundred of them... And we don't even have ten on our side. Our smaller numbers work to our advantage, though. That should ensure we escape when our helpers come through. Right. They said they'd bring their friends to thank us for the bread. All we can do now is trust them. Let's do this..."
Silver took a deep breath and let out a whistle which echoed all around. The Silver Owls looked around in confusion, but just as they prepared to charge, a massive flock of birds swarmed from the trees, pecking, ramming into their faces, screeching, and evening sneaking into their armor. Noivern chattered happily as Silver sighed in relief.
"Thanks, everyone! We owe you!" He called out before glancing behind him. "You're up, (Y/N)."
"The ironclads have been thrown into confusion! NOW!" Sebek signaled.
Like a beast of legend, Swampert raced out of the tree line, fire off Earthquakes with each step to keep the humans off balance, with Absol and Crobat zooming around to make sure the path was cleared.
"Break their line!" (Y/N) called. "Follow Silver and Sebek!"
The fae called in agreement as one Silver Owl commander stood. "Grrr... You won't get away that easily! Bowmen, prepare to fire!"
A line of bowmen attempted to regain control of the battle field, but Hydreigon and Noivern swept through them with Dark Pulse and Flamethrower respectively. However, one remained stubborn and took aim at Sebek.
"Sebek! Behind you!" Silver called.
He turned, hoping to block the attack, but was beaten to the punch by a swarm of bats. (Y/N), recognizing the swarm as they attacked the archers and scattered them, turned to Lilia, who looked to be in a great deal of pain.
"Of all the harebrained schemes! This is why I hate kids!" Swampert bucked, making the General flinch. "Gah! Hey! I'm on your side! Honestly—birds and squirrels for reinforcements? What a haphazard approach. We're creatures of the night, you know."
"You're in no position to choose your allies." (Y/N) shot back as Crobat flew beside them.
Lilia then smirked, amused. "Whatever works then. Hahaha!"
"Look! It's Vanrouge! SEIZE HIM!" A Silver Owl called as Swampert roared indignantly.
"Hope this mud beast can run." Lilia said as he pulled out his sword. "(Y/N), you, Grim, Swampert, the other beasts, and I are gonna fend off the pursuit."
"Rodger!"
"Silver, Sebek, watch our flanks!"
"Yes sir!"
"Baul, you bring up the rear!"
"Consider it done, General!"
"Let's go! Break through their ranks!" Lilia roared as they all but plowed through the enemy.
For a time, it was a swirl of chaos that (Y/N) didn't think they'd see the other side of. All around her were screams, shouts, and screeches. It was nothing but a cacophony of battle. However, through the fire, the wind, and the mud, eventually she spotted a break in the line. Gripping to her partner as tightly as possible, she guided him forward as Swampert charged through the Silver Owls' final line.
"We've escaped the siege!" Baul called out. "Don't slow down. Keep going!"
The other royal knights followed the path made by Swampert as the Silver Owls scrambled to reform a defense.
"Don't let them escape! Stop them with stones, arrows—whatever it takes!"
"It's no use, sir! The squirrels have eaten through all the catapult ropes!"
The commander looked ready to kill someone when an owl nailed him with a stone. "Owww! The birds are dropping rocks on us! What's their problem?!"
Lilia cackled like a mad man as he watched their enemy grow smaller. "So long, ironclad suckers! Hahahaha!"
"GET BACK HE-!"
Noivern decided to leave a message, scooping up that commander and chucking him into a tree to deter the others from following. Lilia watched it all with a fond look.
"Hey, (Y/N). How upset would you be if I kept Noivern?"
"Not on your life, Vanrouge."
Noivern and Hydreigon flew closer to their trainer as Lilia let out a hardy laugh.
"Did you see the impotent rage on their faces?! And their precious iron armor, completely covered in bird droppings, dented, or on fire! Very well done, you lot!"
Sebek looked over the moon. "Ah, receiving such praise from the General of the Right himself. I hardly deserve such a high honor!"
Silver just patted Noivern for a job well done. "I'm glad we all made it out safely."
Baul then joined them on a broom. "I wouldn't relax just yet. They're bound to follow us on horseback."
"Agreed." Lilia nodded. "Getting through Howling Canyon will be no easy task. But we don't have time to stop and think. We must press onward! (Y/N), I hope your beasts can take the journey."
She smirked as Swampert huffed. "Like you need to ask."
"Very well. Meleanor...please be safe."