Warning: This chapter will involve scenes of oral vore and graphic digestion. If this is not your thing then stop reading now. You have been warned!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. Pokemon is the property of Nintendo and Game Freak.

Guardians of Alicrest: Chapter 3: The Siren of the Swamp

In an open part of the forest a beam of light shot down from the sky. It landed in a flash, leaving a group of Pokemon in its wake. Ava was a little disoriented from the experience, but she recovered quickly. The first thing she laid eyes upon was Blaze and a sudden fury erupted from within her.

"How could you do that?! How could you leave those Pokemon behind?!" She questioned in disbelief.

"There was nothing more we could do for them! I did what I had to so we could survive!" Blaze shot back, shocking Ava into submission.

Blaze walked away with a stressed sigh. Rook placed a comforting arm on his shoulder and walked along side him while issuing some words of Reassurance.

"I don't get it. How could he be so cruel?" Ava asked Ming.

"It does appear that way sometimes doesn't it? But the truth is I think Blaze sees the big picture more than any of us. He knows that countless Pokemon lives are hinged on our success. Someone has to make the tough decisions, and he's chosen to shoulder that burden." Ming explained.

Ava had never really thought of it like that before, but it didn't make her feel any better.

"Yet another base destroyed." Cedric sighed, shaking Ava from her thoughts.

"Another base?" Ava questioned.

"Yes, that base was not the first to be destroyed by Draco; It was the third." Mind explained.

"Fortunately, past experience has taught us to plan ahead and we already had a new base scouted." Cedric said.

"But won't they find this one too?" Ava asked, a little disheartened.

"Probably, but it will take some time." Ming answered "In the meantime this is our home and we should make the best of it."

"How do we do that?" Ava inquired.

"Well first off is always food and shelter." Cedric replied "It looks like most of the others are already setting up dens, so we should help replenish the food supply."

"Oh I can do that!" Ava said, happy to get a task that she could actually contribute to.

They spent the rest of the day foraging for berries. Ava even used some of the techniques her mom had taught her on how to pick the ripest berries. Once they gathered a fair amount, they returned the berries to Jarod who was grateful for their assistance. By the time they finished, the sun was already beginning to set. They decided to turn in for the evening. It had been a long day and Ava was looking forward to getting some sleep. The moment she set her head down, sleep took her.

******

Once again Ava found herself floating in the endless void.

"Ava" A familiar voice called from behind her.

Ava's heart leapt with joy. It was the voice of her mother. She turned around quickly, but was greeted by a frightening sight. It was indeed a Leafeon behind her, but its eyes were nothing but empty black holes.

"Why Ava?" the Leafeon questioned "Why did you allow us to die?"

"W...What?...I didn't." Ava stammered in response.

An Umbreon emerged from the shadows, sharing the same abyssal eyes as the Leafeon.

"You cowered behind us as we fought to protect you." the Umbreon state.

"You cowered behind others while fleeing the base." the Leafeon added.

"You could have saved them. You could have saved us."

"You are a burden to those around you. How many will give their live protecting you?"

"No... It's not true!" Ava tried to shut them out.

"How long until Cedric and Ming die protecting you?" The Umbreon inquired.

"No please, I don't want them to die!" Ava cried.

"Then what will you do about it?!" the apparitions demanded in unison.

******

Ava shot awake again, breathing heavily. It had been another rough night. Nightmares continued to plague her sleep and she wasn't sure how much more she could take. She was angry; She was frustrated; But most of all, she was tired; Tired of living in fear; Tired of feeling weak and helpless. Things couldn't go on like this. Something had to change. And that something was her.

She looked around for Cedric and Ming, but they were no longer in the makeshift den. Ava stepped out of the den into the morning sunlight. Many Pokemon were already busy continuing construction the base, while some others were sitting down to breakfast. A grumble from her stomach reminded her that she should have breakfast as well. She made her way over to the food storage tree where Jarod stood guard.

"Good morning, Ava. How are you doing?" Jarod greeted her with a smile.

"I've been better. I had trouble sleeping last night." Ava replied.

"Rough night huh? Sorry to hear that. Maybe some breakfast will help you feel better." Jarod offered.

"Yes please." Ava said politely.

Jarod fetched her some berries and set them down in front of her.

"Thank you." Ava said before eating some of the berries. "By the way, have you seen Ming or Cedric? I have something I want to tell them."

"Why yes I have." Jarod answered "I believe they were headed for the new meeting tree."

Ava rushed to finished off the last of the berries "Thanks again." Ava said as she ran off towards the meeting tree.

When she arrived, she spotted Ming and Cedric conversing with the same Watchog as before. She quickly made her way over to them.

"Ming! Cedric!" she greeted them.

"Ava, you're up early." Ming returned the greeting.

"Yeah, I had something I wanted to tell you." Ava responded.

"Oh? What is it?" Cedric asked curiously.

"I've made my decision about joining the guardians." She declared.

Cedric and Ming could see a fire in her eyes that wasn't there before. They knew which option she had picked.

Cedric turned to address the Watchog "May we have an audience with Blaze. I'm sure he'll be interested in this development."

"Well, he's supposed to be in a private meeting, but I'll see if he'll meet with you." The Watchog replied before entering the tree.

******

"Blast it! How does Draco keep finding us?!" Blaze fumed as he paced the room.

"Well our last operation was na' exactly covert." Rook responded.

"Even so, that retaliation came far too quickly. It's like they already knew where our base was."

"Perhaps it's time we considered the distinct possibility that there is a mole among us." A female voice called from above.

Blaze and Rook both looked up. They could vaguely make out the movement of an outline along the ceiling. As the outline crawled across the ceiling and down the wall, its form slowly faded into view, revealing a female Greninja.

"Sheena." Blaze regarded her "I trust your presence here means you know what became of our other base."

"Indeed, Draco is just as subtle as ever." Sheena replied.

"Now, what was that about a mole?" Rook inquired.

"I've had my suspicions for a while now that someone has been leaking information about our operations and location." Sheena explained.

"Well point me at the traitor an' I'll show 'im what for!" Rook declared.

"I'm afraid I still do not know the culprit's identity." Sheena admitted "It wounds my pride to admit it, but whoever it is, is a master of subterfuge. In the meantime I suggest we keep this knowledge to ourselves. To reveal it would not only let the spy know we are onto them, but it will sew distrust among our allies."

"Very well. We'll keep an eye out for any suspicious activity." Blaze said "Do you have anything else to report?"

"Yes. I have dispatched squads to the mountains, swamp, and desert to scout for potential allies. They should report back in few days." Sheena reported.

"I see. Let's hope the endeavor bears fruit. Our only chance against the Vorlords is if we all stand together." Blaze stated.

A voice called into the room, interrupting the three's conversation. "Blaze, Ming and Cedric would like to speak to you."

"I'm a little busy right now. Tell them to come back later." Blaze called back.

"It's about Ava." the Watchog added.

This caught Blaze's attention and he pondered it for a second. "Just a moment. We're almost done in here." Blaze called out before turning back to Sheena, to find that she was gone. "Typical." He mumbled. "Never mind, send them in now." He called back.

After a moment, the Mienshao, Meowstic, and Eevee entered the tree.

"You wished to speak to me?" Blaze asked.

"Yes, Ava has made her decision on whether or not to join the resistance." Cedric stated.

"Oh?" Blaze was a bit intrigued by how quickly the answer had come.

"Yes, I've decided I want to fight." Ava said with more conviction than usual.

Blaze tried his best to hide the surprise from his face. He seriously had not expected that answer.

"I will not turn down a willing recruit, but are you sure this is what you want? It will place you in harms way and we cannot guarantee your safety." Blaze stated.

"Yes, I'm tired of being a burden to others. I want to become stronger. Strong enough to protect others." Ava replied.

"Very well." Blaze responded "Ming, Cedric, I'm placing her under your care. You will be responsible for teaching her what she need to know."

"Yes sir." They responded in unison.

"Welcome to the Guadians of Alicrest lassy." Rook greeted her.

"Thank you. I'll do my best." Ava replied before Ming, Cedric, and her took their leave.

Blaze sighed and crossed his arms. "I have a bad feeling out this."

"Give the lass a chance. It's like ya' said, we all need ta' stand together if we want t' win." Rook reassured him.

"I hope you're right." Blaze responded.

******

The eastern swamps of Alicrest were a far cry from the lush forests of the west. Most of the ground was covered under a layer of water and the land that was above water was largely unstable. This made the region ideal for water and poison type Pokemon, but for non-swamp dwellers, trees were the preferred form of transit. In fact one such group consisting of a male Frogadier, male Weavile, and female Liepard were making their way through the trees, searching for any signs of Pokemon settlements.

Settlements generally popped up in the few patches of solid ground that could be found throughout the swamp. As luck would have it the, the group managed to find one of these dry spots. There were definitely signs of a settlement here. Makeshift dens and food stores could be found strewn about the area, but something wasn't right. Despite the clearly Pokemon constructs, the area was completely devoid of Pokemon. It was eerily quiet and there were no signs of a struggle. It was possible that the post was abandon, but that seemed unlikely as some of the food in the area was only half eaten, almost like the inhabitants had simply vanished. Just what had happened here?

The silence was suddenly broken by a melodious voice that filled the air. The voice was beautiful, almost enchanting. The Frogadier and Weavile began to seek out the bewitching tone. The Liepard was quick to follow, curious as to who was creating such beautiful music. It didn't take them long to find the source of the voice. A lone Mawile stood in the middle of the settlement singing her melodious tune. The Frogadier and Weavile seemed entranced by the Mawile's song, but the Liepard got a bad vibe from her. Why was she the only Pokemon in the village? And why was she behaving as if everything was normal? Unless she was somehow responsible for what had to the villagers!

The Frogadier and Weavile had moved dangerously close to the Mawile and she ceased her singing. "Hello boys. My aren't you a cute one." she said to the Frogadier in a seductive tone.

The Frogadier just seemed to swoon over her.

"Why don't you come closer and I'll give you a nice little surprise." she beckoned.

The Frogadier slowly waded toward the Mawile.

"What are you doing?!" the Liepard yelled "Get away from her!"

The Mawile leaned in close. "Are you ready for your surprise?" she asked seductively.

The Frogadier nodded blankly.

If a flash, the Mawile's jaws flipped over her head and snapped down over the Frogadier, engulfing his entire body in one bite.

"Dear Arceus! You're a Vorlord!" the Liepard burst out.

"Right you are deary, Vorlord Morganna at your service." she introduced herself with a small curtsy "I'm a tad busy digesting your friend at the moment, but if you don't mind waiting a minute, I'll be with you shortly.

The Liepard was shocked by how nonchalantly the Mawile talked about eating her friend, but she was even more shocked by the Weavile's lack of reaction. "Don't just stand there! Didn't you see that?! She just ate our friend!"

"Oh, I'm afraid the only thing on his mind is how he can please me." Morganna explained.

Things finally clicked into place for the Liepard. The song; The seductive tone; This Vorlord was a master of move "Attract". That would explain why the boys swooned over her. It would also explain why the Mawile's charm had no effect on her. She had to return to base and warn the others. She quickly retreated into the trees.

Morganna sighed "Why do females always have to be so difficult. Now don't go anywhere dear." she said to the Weavile, who responded by nodded blankly.

The Liepard leapt through the trees, trying to put as much distance between the Vorlord and herself as possible. She took a peek back to see if she was being followed. Fortunately the Vorlord did not seem to be pursueing her. She looked back ahead to find Morganna leaping in front of her.

Morganna faced the Liepard while hopping backwards "You know, it's rude to leave without being excused. I guess I'm going to have to teach you some manners."

With lightning speed the Mawile drove her knee into the Liepard's gut. The force of the blow belied the Mawile's small size and sent the Liepard hurdling to the ground. Fortunately the swamps soft ground absorbed much of the impact, but the Liepard had still sustained injuries from the attack itself. She felt a great pain in her chest as she tried to rise and collapsed back on the ground. Morganna landed in front of the crippled Liepard.

"Oh dear, It seems I overdid it a bit. Are you okay deary?" Morganna asked with feigned concern.

"Got to hell, witch!" The Liepard hissed between her teeth.

"Oh my, it seems you haven't learned a thing." Morganna scolded her "You know I have a degree of control over how quickly I digest my prey and I think you just earned yourself some extra time in my jaws.

As if on queue, Morganna's jaws tilted back. The Liepard watched in horror as a lumpy substance traveled down the small tube into the Mawile's body. That had been her comrade and this Mawile had reduced him to mush in a matter of minutes.

"Looks like it's time for your punishment. Though I may consider reducing it if you apologize. What do you say?" Morganna asked her.

Despite her fear, the Liepard was determined to remain defiant until the very end. "Go screw yourself!"

Morganna's expression hardened. "You'll regret those words. Your death could have been quick, but you just had to keep pushing it. I think I'll take my time digesting you. Maybe then you'll learn some manners."

She leaned forward and her jaws twisted over her head. The jaws slowly opened allowing strands of saliva to ooze down onto the Liepard. The Liepard looked up and her eyes went wide as she stared into the jaws of death. The jaws lunged forth, greedily devouring the Liepard's body. The Liepard found herself stuffed inside a moist, humid, light-less prison. Gravity shifted for a moment as the jaw moved back into place behind the Mawile. The injuries she sustained from Morganna prevented the Liepard from fighting back. She could only lie there and await her fate.

Over the next couple of minutes, the Liepard's fur slowly became soaked with the saliva being excreted from the fleshy walls around her. It was faint, but the Liepard could a light tingling sensation on her skin where the saliva had managed to soak all the way through. This was it, she was going to be digested into nothing but mush. From what she saw of her friend, not even her bones would be spared. There would be no remains to identify her. She would simply cease to exist. A few more minutes passed and her coat was entirely soaked through. All of here skin tingled now, while some areas began to itch. The Mawile hadn't been lying. It had only taken a few minutes to digest the Frogadier, but it had already been longer than that and the Liepard was just beginning to feel the first stages of digestion.

More time passed and the itching had spread to most of her body now, causing her to squirm uncomfortably. Some of her fur began to simply fall away, exposing the agitated skin underneath. She knew it wouldn't be long now until the real pain actually started. Surely enough, within the next minute some of the itching escalated to a stinging sensation as the top layer of her skin was eaten away. She grit her teeth as the stinging intensified with each passing moment. Soon her entire body felt like it was on fire.

She felt her first bolt of true pain as some of the acids breached he skin. A warm sensation flowed down her body as blood oozed from the wounds appearing about her form. Tears welled up in her eyes as pain began to assault her mind from every direction. The digestive juices viciously attacked her exposed muscles causing her to writhe uncontrollably. The pain finally became to much for her and she cried out in agony.

Why, oh why had she taunted the Mawile? She was willing to do anything to stop the pain now. She would even beg and grovel just to put an end to this wretched torment. But There would be no relief, her pleas were nothing more than muffled screams to the Vorlord. Her struggles dies down as the acids ate away her muscles, depriving here of her ability to move. A sharp pain shot through her chest as the digestive fluids breached her body and went after her vital organs. This was it, she could feel her senses failing, her mind becoming cloudy. The good new was that she was finally granted respite from the horrible pain that had ravaged her. With her mind finally at peace, the hardly recognizable lump of flesh, blood, and bone gave her last breath.

Morganna sat nonchalantly by the still enamored Weavile. The screams and struggles from within her maw finally starting to die down.

"Well it sounds like your friend's punishment is almost complete. I do hope she learned her lesson." she said to the Weavile "Now you won't be so rude and resist me will you?"

The Weavile simply shook his head in response.

"Good, now that's what I like to hear." Morganna replied happily.

After another minute, her maw tilted back, shifting a lumpy mixture down the black tube and into her body.

"Your turn has finally come. Thank you for being so patient deary." Morganna faked a compliment.

The Weavile didn't even move as she approached. Her maw hung over her head and chomped down on him.

"Don't worry sweetie, it will all be over soon." Morganna cooed.

The Weavile still lay dazed in the Mawile's maw, his coat quickly becoming drenched in digestive saliva. He didn't register any of the tingling or even the slight stinging as his fur and skin were eaten away. He was shocked back to his senses though as the acid broke his skin, shooting a jolt of pain through his body. The Weavile began to panic. How did he get here?! The last thing he remembered was hearing the most beautiful music he had ever heard. Everything was cloudy after that and now he was in the belly of some beast. He didn't have much time to ponder his situation though as the digestive fluid made quick work of his skin. He cried out in pain as the acids went to work on his muscles. His world became a torrent of pain as his body was quickly torn apart by the aggressive enzymes. The only saving grace was how mercifully short the pain lasted, though it still felt like an eternity to him. Within the next minute, the acids were already attacking his internal organs, swiftly putting an end to Weavile's life.

Once again Morganna was simply loitering as she waited for her prey to digest.

"Thank you so much for the meal deary, it was simply delectable." She said as her maw tilted back and emptied the contents into her body "Oh I hope some more handsome men show up soon. I do so look forward to being treated to another meal." She said with a sly grin.