Nice. Finally a new chapter of this is released. I’m sorry I took so long to write this but i was bussy with exams and other things from real life. But well here it is. And I hope youy enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. Since there are no comments I don’t have much to say so… On with the story! :D
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Chapter II
All endings lead to new beginnings
(Listen this)
Layla was walking around town. She always liked to enjoy the mornings when the breeze was still fresh and the sun was just starting to come out. The Eevee just loved to sit on top of Sharpedo Bluff and watch the sunrise in front of her as a new day arrived and the calm of the night faded away into the busy sounds of everyday’s activities at the town. The Kecleon brothers with their shop, Kangaskhan with her Storage and so on. The young normal-type just followed the dirt path until it ended and then kept on walking over the short grass, she purred under the familiar feeling of the soft grass on her pads and kept walking. She approached the ledge of the bluff, yet sat at a nice secure distance away from it. It definitely was one of her favorite spots. The fresh breeze of the morning and the changing colours of the sky as the sunlight started to come over the horizon.
She watched the sun start to raise, enjoying the breeze and even closing her eyes to feel it better. After a bit, she looked down, seeing that the Krabby had started to blow their bubbles. With an excited yip, she stood and and started to trot towards the town’s entrance. Once there, she took the path that went downwards and arrived at the beach. Her eyes were more focused on the bubbles floating over the place, glowing with the morning sun’s rays. She thought it was a beautiful sight, something to what wake up everyday, just to be able to see the sun raising and the Krabby bubbling away. It had her smiling all the time… and it also reminded her of someone.
“Layla!” A male voice came from the beach’s entrance. When she looked she saw her brother, Arsen, a Vulpix with copper coloured fur and cream underbelly, yet the tuft of fur on top of his head and his six tails were black in colour, while the fur on his legs from below his knees to his paws was white. They shared those little traits, for her the black fur was on the tip of her tail and her collar of fur. At the same time, she had one ear completely white and her brown pelt was darker than usual. Also her amethysts eyes locked onto his deep brown ones and she rose a paw to take the ear that fell over his face out of the way of his eye as she smiled.
“I knew you were here.” He said calmly with a smile. “Why don’t you wake me up? You know how it is when Loudred does it.” He said, and she giggled slightly.
“Females can’t go into the male’s dorm, silly.” That was her answer and he just groaned for it, before sitting down by her side and enjoying the view with her as well.
(music pauses here)
After a little while, the waves carried what looked like to be the remains of something, leaving them on the shore. Arsen looked at it for a moment as they were left on the sand by the waves. Layla noticed as well. “What’s that?” She asked, and then looked up, seeing more pieces of wood floating on the water.
“Seems like last night there was a shipwreck near here.” He said, his straight ear lowering to his head, feeling a bit of empathy for the Pokémon that were on that ship. There was no deck anywhere near that place and the previous night there wasn’t any ship anchored on that area, so the only ship that could have wrecked near enough that its remains would have reached this beach must have been sailing.
Hearing the Vulpix’s words, Layla just looked aside, not wanting to see any more of those remains, not liking when they could do nothing to help. Yet doing so made her meet a sight that was even less likeable. At the end of the beach, near the entrance to Beach Cave, she saw a big piece of wood stuck to the sand and leaning on the rocks of the risk on the back of the beach. Her attention and ears went up when she saw a Pokémon laying on top of a rock. “Arsen, there’s someone there!” She called and immediately ran to the remains of what once was a flagpole, the fire fox hot on her tail. “Hey! You okay?” She called, but she got no reaction from the Pokémon on the rock, which them both recognized as a Riolu, it was still, and didn’t move an inch.
Arsen saw the rope tied to the Pokémon’s waist, he followed the rope to the sand and approached it where it was covered by it, getting it out of it and following it. He wanted to see if there were someone else there, maybe that Riolu had tied the rope to another Pokémon so they didn’t get separated. And sure enough, the rope took him to a ragged big piece of cloth, from where he could see blue paws half buried in the sand. Quickly, the Vulpix took the sail off of the other Pokémon finding it to be a Shinx. “Here’s another one!” He called to his sister and then looked at the fallen electric type, he was breathing, which meant he was unconscious, but his breathing was slow and hard, he could even hear some kind of noise. The Shinx was in a really bad state. Arsen decided to check the sail, it was still wet from the rain last night and this Pokémon had been under it for who knows how long! “Layla, go get the healer! Quick!” He called to her. Without a word, she darted away with quick attack towards the town, while the Vulpix dragged the Shinx to the dry sand. With nothing to dry him off, then the fire type searched around in a haste, gathering pieces of wood that weren’t too wet or moist.
When he had enough he put them near the electric cat and then looked around. Nothing there could help him light a fire and that wasn’t something he’d like to do himself, but there was no other option. Breathing in deep he breathed a short stream of fire, eyes closed tightly as he lit up the fire. Once done, he gasped too cool of his mouth and throat, groaning in pain and almost shedding tears. ‘Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!’ He thought as he kept on breathing. After a few moments, the Vulpix approached the fire and leant his head into it, little by little he relaxed and felt his throat calm down as well. He let out a sigh of relief and then got his head out of the fire and sat down.
He looked at the Shinx, seeing that the warmth of the fire was helping him dry off and possibly warming him up. Then he looked at the Riolu. He could try and take the fighting type down from the rock by using the rope and basically making him fall off, but before he could try anything, Layla was back, being followed by a Meganium, this Pokémon was mostly average, except for the flowers around it’s neck, which were a deep golden colour, while the root of the petals where deep blue and the edges of them were a light pink, and his eyes, that were a light shade of brown, kinda like chocolate. “Are you okay?” Layla asked her brother when she saw the fire he light up. He just nodded but kept silent otherwise. She took the word to talk to the grass type. “These are the Pokémon I told you, Albert.” She said to the taller Pokémon, who looked at the Shinx by the fire and at the Riolu on top of the rock, then went to inspect the electric feline.
He noticed the same that Arsen had, and nodded at the Vulpix, producing a sweet aroma that let the Vulpix know he had done well with setting up the fire. The Meganium was mute, but he used his Aromatherapy to spread different scents, as one of his ways to communicate. And those who got to know him enough knew how to interpret those aromas and also how to read his unspoken words. The grass type then went to the Riolu, using a vein to check if he was breathing, sighing slightly as he felt the air coming out of his nose trails. Then he coiled two veins around the pokémon and brought him down, putting it on his back, doing the same afterwards with the Shinx, by that time the cat was already dry, but he felt his body cold still. It was best if they hurried up and took them to the town’s clinic
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He woke up with a groan. His body felt heavy and his head hurt like hell. Lex opened his eyes and looked around, trying to distinguish something from his surroundings. His eyes focussed quickly and he could see clearly, he was in a room with wooden walls, on a straw bed and covered by some blankets. His gaze then wandered around until he found other bed besides his. There, a Kirlia was inspecting a still passed out Riolu. Focusing on his torso. The Shinx didn’t last long before recognizing the other male. “W-Where are we?” He asked, calling the attention of the psychic type, who turned around in surprise, to see him awake. The electric type could feel himself shaking still, feeling cold and curling more under the blankets.
“You are at Treasure Town’s clinic. Two apprentices from the Explorer’s Guild found you passed out at the beach near some shipwreck remains.” She answered. “You two were in a really bad shape, you…”
He had stopped listening when she mentioned the shipwreck, that night crashing down on his memories immediately. The crew, the Captain, the ship… Everything was gone. His life for ten years… gone in just minutes. Lex laid down. ‘A saylor don’ cry!’ He thought as his eyes filled up with tears and he closed them, holding them back and trying to not let out a sound, yet the tears escaped him and whenever he breathed a low whine resounded from his throat. Knowing he wasn’t going to be able to hold back, he buried his face under the blanket and wailed in silence, some hiccups making his body jerk a bit.
The Kirlia felt this, the protrusions on her head vibrating, catching the sadness and she looked at him, not knowing what to do or what to say to try and comfort him. She kept concentrating on her work, seeing as the Riolu stirred a bit and she heard him whisper something she didn’t quite catch. She then looked at the Shinx again and understood, Riolu can also feel other’s emotions by feeling their aura.
Lex kept on silently crying, trying to stop himself and get a grip on his emotions, when all of a sudden he felt a paw on his back, jerking his head up and showing his damp face, he found himself face to face with an Audino looking at him. He just looked away, not wanting to see anyone nor talk, yet he couldn’t help the soothing feeling that the Audino’s paw was giving him as it run that paw over his back, and it only made him cry harder, yet he still tried to keep silent. “Come on, kit. Let it out.” Came a voice from the other Pokémon, clearly masculine.
Lex just couldn’t help himself, after ten years of hard work, now it was all gone. And he would be as well if not for the Riolu laying down close by. After a few minutes, he finally could stop crying and thrashed a bit his head on the blanket to dry his face. “Ain’t a kiddo.” He said raising his head again and looking at the Audino, who just smiled and stood up.
“You seem to be recovering just fine. Even then, you have to eat.” The normal type said, leaving a bowl of berries and fruits for the Shinx to eat, but the electric type just looked at Azay.
“How’s he?” He asked.
The Audino looked at the still sleeping Riolu. “He is ok, just some bruises on the front part of his body. As for you, you are healing properly, and seems like you’ve warmed up.” The Normal type informed. “We can leave you out of the clinic right now if you want and you can go out and around, yet I’d suggest that you take at least a day staying in bed.” He said.
Lex nodded calmly. “Thanks doc.” He said and looked at Azay before starting to eat his meal.
it wasn’t until a couple more hours passed that Azay finally woke up, letting out a groan himself. The Riolu felt sore as hell and when he tried to sit up his belly protested sending intense pain to his brain. “Fuck!” He let out.
“That maw, kiddo.” Said Lex. “Don’ try to mov’. Seem’ like ya took a ‘ard ‘it las’ night.” Informed the electric type.
The other stood laying down for a moment, a paw on his belly until the pain subsided. While he recovered, Lex filled him in where they were and their state with what the Audino had told him earlier.
“And… how are you about… you know?” The Riolu dared to ask after a few moments of silence, showing empathy with the Shinx.
“I… I’m sad… I mean… I jus’ los’ wha’ was me life for ten years, mate!”
The Riolu noded. “I… I’m sorry Lex.”
“Don’ be. If not for ya, I’d be now singin’ sea shanties by Davi’ Malamar Jones.”
Azay looks at him, daring to sit up, enduring the pain and ignoring the look on the other’s face. “You seem awfully calm.”
The electric cat smiled. “I ‘ad time to think about it. Only thin’ I can do’s keep on. Goin’ to be ‘ard to find another ship to work on, tho. Mostly over this waters.”
Azay stood thinking for a moment, not knowing how to help Lex, until the Shinx said something while laughing a bit. “I migh’ join town’s Explorers Guild. I like sailin’ and visitin’ new waters, after all. And as a sailor ye’re anchored to stay at port for nex’ time ya set sail.” He said, already having an idea on what to do. “Besides, we jus’ arrived ‘ere! Is not like we ‘ave anyplace to stay once we’re set free o’ this place.”
Azay pondered this. It was true, they had nowhere to go nor any place to stay. Maybe that guild was a good idea, if only to have a shelter under the which sleep. And besides, explorers traveled everywhere. “You… You’re right. Maybe the Guild is the best option for the both of us.” The Riolu said.
Before Lex could talk more, tho. The Kirlia that inspected Azay earlier entered their room. “Oh. You’re awake. That’s good. You two have visitors.” She said, surprising the two of them since they knew no one at all. When she said this, a Vulpix and an Eevee came into the room.
(Listen this)
“Hello!” Said the Eevee. “I’m glad to see you two are better.”
“Layla, manners.” The Vulpix chuckled, making the female blush slightly.
“Right! Sorry. I’m Layla and he’s my brother, Arsen. We found you at the beach and got help for you.” She said.
“That true, kiddos? Thank’cha. Name’s Lex.” The Shinx introduced himself.
“I’m Azay, and I thank you as well for the help.” The Riolu said.
“No problem!” Aarsen said. “And what’s that about “kiddos”? You’re not even older than me.” He chuckled a bit.
Lex laughed at this, a sincere laugh that brought a smile, even little as it was, to Azay’s muzzle. “Tha’ may be true, but ye’re still a kiddo to me.” The Shinx said. “And I gotta say, ma’ young mistress, ya poses quite the look.” He smiled at Layla, making her blush and shy away.
“Wow. Thanks.” She answered, giggling nervously.
“Hey. Get off her back, dude!” Arsen went almost defensive all of a sudden, showing that he was very protective of his sister.
Lex just looked at him confused, tilting his head. “Oh!” He said and started to laugh. “Ya… haha Ya think I tryin’ to fish ‘er?” He ask, leaving the siblings confused, more because of his choice of words. “Na, mate. I don’ look at ladies like tha’.” He said, this part was pretty clear. “Ya, on other paw.” And the ex-sailor winked at the Vulpix, earning a laugh after a bit from the Riolu sitting on the other bed at the sudden uncomfortable silence of the situation.
“Leave the guys alone, Lex. I doubt they wanted to know your preferences on this topic.” Azay said, as the Snix laughed as well.
“Ah-ah. bes’to leave thin’s clear before anythin’ happen, mate. Ya’d be surprised how many times I-”
But Azay interrupted. “Ok. Ok. I don’t need more details, thank you very much.”
All the while, the two visitors were left stunned speechless for this exchange. At least until Lex woke them up with a bit of a shout. The siblings apologized for their spacing out and then the four kept on a calm chit chat.
Turned out to be that the siblings were apprentices at the local Explorer’s Guild, and the kits of the town’s Lorekeeper. Azay made sure to take note of that little piece of info. Layla didn’t know anything about her mother, other than what their father said, that she was the most beautiful Leafeon that there ever was and describing her features. While Arsen confirmed her physical appearance, he did say that his father saying she was the prettiest was just part of how much in love he was with their mother. After a bit more of talking, Lex dared to bring out the question.
“Does the Guild accept new crewmembers?” He asked, making the other three look at him. “Ya see… We’re new ‘ere and don’ ‘ave anywhere to go. So we thought tha’ we coul’ try to be part of it… ya know…” He explained.
“Oh I get it!” Layla said, starting to catch up on what the Shinx means sometimes. “Yeah. The Guild is accepting new apprentices, but you need a team of at least two to sign up into it with a new team or join on an already existing one.” She explained.
Azay and Lex stayed thinking about it for a moment, until the Riolu talks. “What did you two went for?” He asked.
“We formed our own Team. We are Team Fiery Souls!” Arsen said with pride and even puffing out his chest. The idea didn’t sound that bad to the other two Pokémon. “And don’t worry the Guild gives you a bed and food. But this is not for free. During your training you only get to keep a ten percent of the money reward of a mission.” He added afterwards.
“For The Wanderer… And they say pirates are thieves.” Lex commented.
“It’s not that hard to cope with actually. Just seeing the faces of our clients makes it worth it, I swear it.” It was Layla who said this with a big smile. “And also you have the chance to go on expeditions to new places or even discover lost or ancient treasures! It’s just so exciting!” She added, almost squealing in the end.
Arsen chuckled a bit. “You’d really like that, huh lil’ sis?” He asked her.
She smiled sheepishly. “Yup.” She said nodding and giggling in a cute way.
Meanwhile, Azay was deep in thought. This could be a great chance. He could explore all around the Region. Maybe the legends here held some sort of information or clues! He needed all he could get and all the possibilities available, time was running very scarce the more he waited. However, a wild thought crossed his mind. ‘But… What are the odds that we stumbled onto another Region to begin with? Let alone be the correct one? That would be too much luck and last time I checked my numbers weren’t with me since I hatched.’ He thought.
“Ya ‘ear tha’, mate? Lady Luck decided ta’stay with us today after las’ night!” Lex said out loud with a big smile, taking the Riolu out of his thoughts, looking at the Shinx with a funny face. “Why ya look at me with tha’ face?” The electric cat asked.
“Whatever… So what do you want to do?” He asked the other.
“Well… I thin’ we cou’d make ‘ar own team.”
“You think?” The Riolu thought about it. ‘That actually gives us some freedom.’
“Yap, why not?”
The fighting type nodded. “Then it’s decided. We’ll make a Team.” He said smiling.
“Ahoy, Cap’n!” Lex exclaimed, shocking the fighting type a bit for that, while Arsen and Layla stood looking at him with weird faces.
“‘Cap’n’?” The Riolu asked.
“Yap. I thin’ ye’re mor’ proper cap’n than I.”
The Riolu was stunned for this. The trusting smile the Shinx had on his face was… something he hadn’t seen in a long time, it filled him with a great feeling of confidence. “Right then!” He accepted.
“Now you need to think on a name for your Team.” Layla said, the Eevee smiling again.
“But first you have to be let out of the clinic. If they’re letting you have visit then it shouldn’t be that long.” Arsen commented.
It was then that a subtle sweet scent filled the room, and in came Albert. The Meganium was smiling and had a little wooden paw held table in one vein while in other two he carried what looked like a Purple and Green Braviary feather and a bottle of ink. The Meganium smiled at them and wrote down something before showing it to them. “Actually, they can go if they want.” He showed them.
“That’s neat! We only found them yesterday morning.” Arsen said, the grass type nodding.
“Wait. Yesterday?” Lex beat Azay to ask.
“Yeah. We found you two passed out, got help and Albert took you here, we were worried since yesterday you didn’t wake up.” She said and the Meganium showed them his words.
“An’ ya two were so cold that we feared ya wou’dn’t make it.” Lex read.
“I see…” Azay said. “Thank you so much for the help. Arsen. Layla. Albert.” He bowed at them with respect after tapping gently his chest with a fist.
“Uh… Don’t thank us… and don’t do that. It’s weird!” Arsen said.
“We just couldn’t leave the two of you there.” Layla added.
Albert simply used his veins to put the Riolu straight again, then pointed at his belly, the fighting type looking at the grass type raising a brow, not getting the question.
“He’s asking how’s your belly.” Layla said, earning a questioning glance from the two patients. “He’s mute. You’ll learn to understand his body language with time.” She giggled.
“Well… It hurt a bit when I woke up, but I can bare with it.” He answered and the Meganium nodded, writing something and showing it to him.
Silence settled in the room for a moment as Azay just looked at the note handed to him. The Lack of response puzzled them all as the Riolu tried to come up with something to say. Arsen went to his side and, seeing him nervous, read the note. “He says that it’s ok, but that you should be careful and not lay on your belly for a time.” The Vulpix said.
“Uh… Y-yeah, of course.” The Riolu nodded and looked down, ears low.
“Hey. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.” The Riolu looked at him, finding a friendly smile that made him feel better. “You can always learn whenever you got time.”
“I can read for’cha ‘til then.” Lex offered with the same smile.
Azay chuckled, his tail wagging slightly. “Thanks guys.” He said standing up and stretching, testing his belly, finding out it didn’t hurt that much. “So. How are you feeling?” He asked the Shinx.
“I’m ok an’ warm. Ready to start cap’n!” He said with a pretended cheery tone.
Azay nodded. “Ok, then let’s go to the Guild and get signed in.” He said. “We’ll think on a name on the way.” He added.
Albert nodded and Layla cheered. “Then come with us. We’ll take you to the Guild.” Arsen said.
After that, Albert made Azay and Lex put their (pawprints on some papers before he let them out.
(music finishes here)
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On the way back, Lex stopped when they reached an intersection. The sound of waves reached his ears and he looked to the path down. “Where ‘tis path goes?” He asked.
“Hmm? That leads down the risk to the beach.” Layla said, as they all stopped.
Everyone stood still a moment, before Lex started to head that way. Azay had a pretty good idea what the Shinx wanted to do, Layla was about to call to them but her brother stopped her. “Let them go for now, we’ll wait here.” He said calmly and she stood in place, looking at them worried with her brown and white ears going down a bit.
Once on the beach, Lex looked at the remains of the ship and started to walk towards them. There were remains all over the beach, close to the water, stuck on the sand, but the most clear was the sail pole they’ve used to reach that beach. The Shinx approached it and sat down, while Azay let him on his own. The Riolu looking around the beach. ‘We should clean this place, if only to leave it pretty.’ He thought calmly, but then “huh?” he let out approaching the water. What called his attention was a wooden table that was moving on the sand, left by the waves. Upon approaching he saw that it was the one that was hung by the captain’s cabin. The one that had the name of the ship.
A wave washed over the sand, wetting his paws and dragged the table away again. Azay ran to it, making some splashing sounds as he went in and caught it before the water washed it away. “Got’cha!” he said as he held the piece of wood, smiling.
Once he got the wood he walked out of the water and to Lex, who had his head and ears low as he sat by the remains. “Hey. You doing ok?” The Riolu asked calmly.
“Hm? Yeah… Jus’... thinkin’ a bit… sayin’ good bye and that.” The other answered calmly.
“Take your time, Lex.”
After a bit more, the Shinx stood up and turned. “Ok. I’m ready, Cap’n.” He said nodding and looking at the Riolu, who nodded and showed him the piece of wood.
“Look what the waves were carrying.” He said and Lex almost collapsed seeing that. “I knew you’d like it.” The fighting type said.
“Where did’cha find ‘tis?” The electric type asked.
“It was on the sand. The waves almost took it away and I thought you’d like to have this. As a memento of the ship and the crew.”
The Shinx smiled after a moment looking at the ìece of wood. “Than’ ya, mate. ‘Tis mean’ a lot fer I.”
The two of them went back up towards the crossroad. They found Arsen and Layla waiting there, but they seemed to be talking with another pair. Being a Koffing and a Zubat. Arsen and Layla were on a side. The Vulpix growling while the Koffing and Zubat where smirking mischievously. “Give it back you thiefs!” Arsen barked.
The Zubat just hung what looked like a pendant with a gem attached to it. “You mean this? Sure. Have it.” The Zubat approached the Vulpix, lowering himself and letting the necklace in reach for the Vulpix, who attempted to snag it quickly, only for the poison type to throw it upwards and back, the Koffing catching it with one of its crater-like protrusions. “Woops!” The Zubat let out and then the both of them laughed hard while Arsen and Layla growled more.
Azay and Lex saw this, confused for a moment. Not knowing what to do at first. “Give me back my damn necklace, Rob!” Arsen barked again, fur on end and black smoke starting to come out of his mouth. “Or what? You gonna fry us? You’re so weak you can’t even breath your own fire without burning your throat.” The Koffing mocked and laughed. This made Lex growl and Azay frown. Yet, before they were able to interfere, Layla surprised them, sending a barrage of stars towards them, hitting both Poison types and making the necklace fall to the ground. Arsene threw an Energy ball at them as well, the attack exploded and took down both poison types.
“Wha’ was ‘tis ‘bout?” Lex asked Arsen and Layla.
“These two are Rob and Len. Part of Team Skull. A gang of bullies that pretend to be an exploration team. But they only do jobs for money and bully rookie teams to the point that they give up and quit.” Layla answers clearly angry.
“And since they couldn’t make us give up now they steal from us.” Arsen added, almost raging. “That necklace is very valuable for us. Our mother gave it to me when…” He trailed off there.
“You mean, this?” Azay said approaching them after picking up the necklace, looking at it. The gem reflected the light, showing a rainbow of colours. After a bit he gave it back to the Vulpix, who put his head through the cord, and fixed it in place.
“Oh! Thank you so much.” He said looking down at the collar and pawing at it a bit, sighing and relaxing for a moment.
The moment was broken by a grunt as the Zubat and Koffing stood up. “This isn’t over, you pipsqueaks!” Koffing said. “You’ll see when the leader knows about this! Let’s go Len!” Zubat, Rob, said and both Poison types flew and floated away.
“Fuck off both of you!” The Vulpix barks at them.
“Calm down, Arsen.” Said Layla as she nuzzled him gently. “Come on, let’s go into the guild and take them to the Guildmaster.”
With that, Arsen sighed and took a deep breath to calm himself before nodding. “Ok. I’m calm.” He said. “Let’s go.”
And with that, the four Pokémon took the way that went up the hill on the four way crossroad. On top of the hill they found a esplanade with a path surrounded by unlit torches, there was a hole on the floor with a wooden grate covering it and behind it was a simple tent with a Wigglytuff's design, too small to be able to house more than two Pokémon inside, let alone a whole guild. And surprisingly, the entrance was blocked with a metal portcullis acting as main gate.
“Oi! W’at’s-” Lex started to ask, yet he was interrupted as Arsen stepped on the grate and a voice suddenly rang from the hole, startling both him and Azay.
“Pokémon detected! Pokémon detected!” The voice called, even with the echo, the pitch said it was a young male.
“Whose footprint? Whose footprint?” Came another voice, louder and deeper, clearly coming from another Pokémon, also another male.
“The footprint is Vulpix’s! The footprint is Vulpix’s!” The first voice answered.
“How things going, Diglett?” Arsen suddenly asked looking down after stepping off the grate.
“Ah! You know, Arsen, sentry duty as usual.” The other Pokemon answered as Layla stepped on the grate, and the whole ordeal went off again, this time recognizing her footprint.
“We got two new recruits that want to join the guild.” She called.
“Okay. Please unknown Pokémon step on the grate so we know at least what you are. Don’t worry this is just regular protocol.” The louder voice called, from the hole as well and Layla moved off from the grate.
Lex and Azay looked at each other, and both shrugged. This was some weird way to know who wanted to get into the guild, and also kind of slow, even then, Azay was the first to step forwards over the grate and, once again the exchange began. “Uh… this is a tough one…” The sentry said and stood a moment in silence, thinking. “Oh yeah! The footprint is Riolu’s! The footprint is Riolu’s!” He called. “Please if there’s anyone else, step on the grate.”
Lex did exactly that after Azay stepped off. “Woah! Long time not seeing one of these. The footprint is Shinx’s! The footprint is Shinx’s!”
“W’at’s with all ‘tis… footprint checking? Weirdes’ thin’ I’ve seen.”
“It’s so I, the gatekeeper, don’t have to look at every damn wanted cartel for your faces between a lot of wanted Pokémon.” Answered the loud voice that exchanged conversation with the high pitched from below. At the other side of the portcullis they saw a Loudred pulling on a rope and thus opening the gate for them. “And your faces are not on any poster so you may enter.” He added once it was lifted, letting it go down after the four of them came in.
Inside, there wasn’t much space and was rather empty. Azay and Lex inspected the tent while the siblings of Team Fiery Souls greeted their friend, Loudred. Then they saw the three pokemon climbing down a ladder that had escaped their inspection until that very moment. Lex approached it silently and tried to take a look down but the hole stretched down for a bit, enough to have a solid roof. The Shinx held onto the ladder and then started to climb down. Lex decided to follow after a bit. The descent wasn’t long but the stretched space made the Riolu nervous. Yet it was soon done with when the sunlight illuminated the room they had gone in.
(Here restart Treasure Town’s Theme)
The Riolu and Shinx stood amazed on the ladder, looking around the room full of Pokémon, some checking the boards to the sides of the ladder, other just idly chatting about how to carry on their jobs and the provisions to take. It was impressive.
“You two get down from there before you start obstructing traffic!” The booming voice of Loudred made them groan, their eardrums almost exploding, it seemed like everyone in that room was used to this, more so because no one seemed to pay any heed to his yelling.
“Ahoy, mate! No need to yell our ears into the sea’s ‘ell!.” Lex said as he jumped down from the ladder, Azay following.
“I’m surprised how my ears are not ringing.” The Riolu commented. To this Arsen and Layla laughed a bit.
“You two better be able to stand his voice as soon as possible.” The Vulpix said. “Come, the Guildmaster’s chamber is on the lowest level.” Saying this, he and his sister started to climb down another ladder that was close to the one they had already gone down. The lowest level was much more calm than the middle one, probably because there was almost no one there, so it made sense it was only guild members or Pokémon that had a meeting with the Guildmaster. Upon further inspection, there were two hallways on each side of the room, a Croagunk doing something with a cauldron, a big door with a Wigglytuff’s face painted on it, one big window to let in sunlight and a hole on the floor near the which Loudred was standing, that should be the entrance to the sentry’s place.
“And here we are. We hope you two are ready!” Layla said. “Just one thing our Guildmaster might be a bit strange, but trust us when we say you don’t want to see him upset.” She said. Azay and Lex nodded, but when Arsen was about to open the door, a Chatot came out of it with an angry face.
(pause the music)
“What’s the meaning of this, apprentices?” He said as he flapped his wings like mad. “Who you’ve brough here?” He asked approaching the soon to be explorers. “Whoever you are we are not interested in buying anything you might be selling, nor are we interested in any collaborations with other Guilds at the moment, so get lost the way you came!” He said to them, Lex immediately stepping forwards.
“Oi, ya birdbrain. Get yer feathers down an’ chill. We ain’t ‘ere to deal wit’ a ‘isteric chicken.” The Shinx said.
“That way of talking. So you two have let in a pair of pirates of all things!” He said. “I will not allow this. I’ll go get the sheriff to apprehend this two criminals at once!” And with that the bird was off.
“W’at’s up that buggers ass!?” Lex asked, annoyed.
“Don’t worry. It’s just Chatot he might be a bit mean with strangers, but he means well for the Guild and always looks out for our well being.” Arsen said. “That’s why he’s the right hand of the Guildmaster.”
With that said the four came in. The room wasn’t that much, it got a lot of furniture that’s true, like a carpet on the floor where a Mienshao was sitting, cross legged and checking some papers.
“What are you doing here, Nala?” Layla asked, she sounded really surprised.
The Lucario looked up from the papers and at her. “Oh hey. Welcome back. You missed this morning’s meeting. Guildmaster’s out on an expedition with a Platinum rank team and delivered his work on me for some reason.” She said. “I don’t know why he let me in charge. I’m not good with this!” She said, sounding stressed.
“You know the guildmaster. He seems to do things at random but he knows what he’s doing.” Arsen said.
(music resumes)
“Yeah I know. So What do you two want?” The Mienshao asked, standing up. Azay took in her appearance, she was tall. She had deep blue fur where it was usually purple, and where the fur usually is a very light grey, it was a very light shade of grayish brown, the tip of her whiskers and the circle on her nose bridge where of a vibrant golden colour and her eyes were a gentle shade of orange.
“We came to introduce two new Pokémon that want to become part of the guild.” Layla said, pointing at the new recruits with an ear and stepped aside.
“Hi. I am Azay.”
“Name’s Lex, mistress.”
“Nice to make you acquaintance. I am Nala. You can save the formalities, I’m not the Guildmaster but I’m the one in charge for the time being. If you don’t mind i have to fill this form with your information but first. Will you join Team Fiery Souls or are you going to make a Team of your own?” She asked.
“We are making our own team.” Azay answered.
“Fine. Azay Riolu and Lex Shinx, right?” She asked. “Surnames?”
“Don’t have.” Azay said.
“Full name’s Alexander Shinx… Lightnin’bolt.” Lex said, seeming nervous for some reason. “Just call me Lex.” He added quickly after that.
“Ok then… Wait! Lightningbolt you said?” She asks and he nods. “Aren’t you-” But he interrupts her.
“Is jus’ a surname with no meanin’ fer me.” He says, trying to seem firm and uncaring about the name. The Mienshao looked at him for a moment.
“Ok, then.” She said writing down the name. “You got a name for your team?” She asked.
“We are Team Windshear.” Azay said firmly. This obliterated Lex’s impassive face turned into one of surprise as he looked at the Riolu, who looked back at him with a smile.
“Ok then. I just need your pawprints on these marks.” She offers them the paper and Lex goes for the ink, gently dipping a paw into it and hopping back over the paper, gently pressing his left front paw on the paper. Azay did the same, imitating the Shinx on the other mark of the paper. Then cleaning his paw on an ink dirty cloth. “Ok this should be enough.” She said and stood up, leaving the form aside so the pawprints can dry and picked up a little chest. “Here’s your explorer’s kit. It has everything an explorer’s need.” She said handing Azay the chest and the Riolu opened it, finding two badges, two Explorer’s bags, a Wonder Map and two kerchiefs, one green and the other yellow.
“Woah! ‘Tis a lot of things.” Lex said as he looked at it all and picked up the green kerchief, tying it around his neck.
“It is just the indispensable for any new explorers.” Layla said with a smile. Azay took the other kerchief but instead of tying it around his neck he left it hanging from his black belt. After that each one took one badge. Lex hanging it from his Kerchief while Azay held it in his hand for the moment.
“Allright, cap’n! We’re now ‘board ‘tis ship! Let’s do our bes’ on the job!” Lex cheered with a big smile that made the Riolu smile as well and nod.
“Right!” He said.
(Music pauses again)
However, their celebration was short lived, when Chatot broke into the room as hysterical as he was when he went away. When he saw the new recruits he almost went crazy.
“What is this!?” He yelled, almost as loud as Loudred. “Nala. What is the meaning of this!? Why are these pirates in the Guildmaster’s chamber!?” He asked. “And with an Explorer’s kit and badge! You two give that back right now!”
“Chatot! That’s enough!” The Mienshao jumped. “I’m sick of your damn complaining. This two young Pokémon have just signed in as apprentices of the guild and the paperwork is done!” She said almost growling.
“This two!? I knew you won’t do this job properly you damned dish girl!”
“Yo. Fucker! Leav’ the lass alone!” Lex said, butting in the argument. “She ain’t done anythin’ wrong. Unlike certain birdbrain who jus’ assumed we’re pirates jus’ ‘cause o’ me accent!”
“He’s right, you know?” Arsen added. “You are just being a dick since the Guildmaster left, complaining about everything like we can’t do nothing well and it’s only because you want it done your way.” This left the bird silent for a moment.
“Argh! Fine! We’ll see when the Guildmaster comes back! Until then I am not getting my eyes off of you, pirates!” He said and went off the room.
Azay and Lex were just annoyed by this, but at the same time the threat made them nervous, and Nala saw this. “Don’t listen to him. I swear he can be a pain but if you do your job he’ll warm up to you eventualy and will get off of your tails.” She assured with a smile.
(resume the music here)
Somehow this relaxed the both of them. “Right. Thank you.” Azay said nodding and then Lex pushed him a bit.
“Le’s give it all ‘or the crew, cap’n!” He said raising a paw for a high five that the Riolu answered with the same smile the other was able to pass on to him.
“That’s right! Let’s go for it!” The Riolu said.
After settling all the Team and so on, Nala asked Team Fiery Souls to be their mentor team and teach them the basis of explorers. They spent the rest of the day getting to know the Guild and Treasure Town, returning to the guild in time for dinner and thus knowing the rest of the guild members. Chatot glaring at them all the time during dinner. After dinner they went to their rooms. There wasn’t any more room in the male’s room for more occupants so the newly formed Team Windshear was given the room at the end of the hallway. What a surprise when they found that it was previously the room they used as the junk room. Thought they had cleaned it and put two beds inside for them.
(previous music ends. Listen: Goodnight - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers)
The two got comfortable on their beds after closing the door and after Azay did some handy work by hanging the piece of wood with the name of their team on the wall directly above the entrance, facing the inside of the room. He just thought it looked good to have it there and Lex couldn’t agree more.
“What a day, eh Cap’n?” Lex asked, laying down on his bed as Lex sat on his. “We wake up on new waters after the accident… Made frien’s with the kiddos and enrol on this ship ‘tat’s ‘tis Gild.” He says.
“Yeah it was a nice day. I wonder what’s up for tomorrow.” Azay says smiling. “I guess we’ll start working right ahead. But well, Lex. We better go to sleep, tomorrow we have to wake up early. So we better rest.” The Riolu says and yawns, the other doing the same.
“Yeah. Ye’re right. G’night, mate.” with this, Lex curled around himself and fell asleep in a moment.
“Good night, Lex.” Said Azay but he stood sitting on the bed for a bit longer. ‘Well. It’s done. Now is only a matter of time we come across any clues or even one of them. I just can pry this is the correct place because if it’s not… I don’t want to think about it.’ The Riolu thought, looking out of the window at the rising Moon on the sky. ‘I can only hope. And time is running… Ah! If I don’t stop thinking about this I won’t be able to sleep at all! Is best I try to relax and catch some Z’s for tomorrow.’ With this last thoughts he decided, laying down on his bed and curling around himself calmly, falling asleep just moments after.
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Ah! And here is another chapter done! Finally! Well seems like the guys got a new job after all. Things aren’t that bad then. Well I’ve not much more to say so, I hope you’ve enjoyed the chapter and hope to see you guys next time, leave a comment and tell me what you think of the story so far. Byyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
PS: I hope you liked my music choices I just couldn’t find anything that fit better in this chapter honestly but i just couldn’t leave you without the music.
