Her Father's Letter - Pokémon Short

Chapter 1

"War is spoken of, John."

"We've had peace since the death of Belarus."

"Be that as it may, watch yourself. Zasaria has no love for anybody, and a distinct hatred for some." The Breloom turned his gaze as he spoke, looking upon his friend's daughter. The Amaura was reading amongst the flowers, happily enjoying the few remaining hours of daylight.

John grunted. "I know. We'll be careful."

The Breloom nodded and said, "That's all I ask. If I hear anything else, I'll let you know."

"My thanks," John said, an edge of dismissal in his voice.

Breloom chuckled to himself and stood, shaking his head. "John."

"Luke."

Luke waved a hand before walking from the small cottage, leaving the old Armaldo alone with his daughter. John swivelled his head and looked around, but everything was the same as it always was. A small brown cottage, beside it; a vegetable garden, berry trees and a forest thick as the mighty glaciers of Zasaria.

John sighed in contentment and simply sat, watching the Amaura. To see her happy made him happy, and he had little cause to be wary, but still, he looked up. Perhaps it was a distant sound that reached his ears, or maybe a shadow upon the ground, but then it could be that his battle-hardened senses were still as sharp as they had once been. No matter the reason, he gazed up and discovered that soaring high above was a bird Pokémon, a Talonflame. It circled overhead three times before turning and flying South. A wary frown crossed John's face and he stood slowly from his chair.

"Alliana, time to go inside."

"Coming Father," the Amaura answered obediently.

He could sense her disappointment at being called in early, but she didn't argue and trotted past with a smile on her face. He nodded with a slight grin to himself, but then it melted, and he turned his eyes to the sky once more. The Talonflame was gone from sight. Frowning to himself he stepped inside the cottage, gently closing the door behind him.

******

Icy rivers and snow-capped peaks passed quickly below. The Talonflame flew hastily, wheeling past mountains and riding the powerful winds gusting about. He grinned to himself, feeling quite pleased and very satisfied. Surely, he would eat well tonight, for the King of Zasaria richly rewarded those who served him well.

Talonflame careened past one huge peak and suddenly found himself free of the mountainous confines. Before him stretched a long flat plain, covered in snow and dotted with houses. He dipped lower and aimed for the mighty castle which stood beyond the town. Made of solid brick and mortar, the fortress had remained the King's stronghold since anyone could remember.

Mighty battlements guarded the fortress and tall spires, housing sentries, sprouted from the wall, stretching skyward. Talonflame sped past the defences for he was a face well-recognised within the castle walls.

Darting upwards, he aimed for a small circular hole in a high wall. He passed through and came to a hurried yet graceful stop. He stood in a grand throne room decorated with long red carpet and a crystal chandelier. Huge tapestries sat high on the walls, all displaying miraculous depictions of the King long past. Under a large red curtain sat the current King; a young Pokémon who displayed incredible qualities required for leadership. Talonflame turned and bowed deeply before his Majesty.

"Jeremiah, you bring news?" The King asked in patient tones.

"Sire, I have found an Amaura. She resides in the eastern reaches of our sister kingdom to the north. Indeed, her abode hides within the Great Forest of Azahah."

A grin split the King's face. "The rumours were true, one still remains. Send word to King Damos of Azahah; he has one week to bring the Amaura to me. After that, we take her, and the kingdom, by force."

"Sire, please," cried Xatu, member of the Royal court, "Azahah is a peaceful nation and have long been our allies."

"And so, they will continue to be, if they bring me the Amaura," the King replied dismissively. He turned to wave Talonflame on, then paused. Slowly, his attention returned to the trembling Xatu. Curiosity pricking his mind, he said "Adviser, have you not the gift of foresight?"

Xatu nodded slowly. "Aye, Sire, that I do," Xatu paused, the words catching at his throat. The King raised a mighty brow and Xatu blurted his mind. "To know the future is an unsure thing and I dare not speak it, but I do caution you, do not do this."

The King glared harshly at the Xatu. His highness was not known for his anger and the rare display made Xatu shrink backwards. Silence tortured the room for several long moments but then was broken by the King's powerful voice. "I will have that Amaura."

Talonflame nodded and flew from the room. Flapping his wings powerfully, he made quickly for Azahah and Castle Rollason, where King Damos resided.