Chapter 02: Schoolhouse Contentions

Page 12 of the Explorer's Guide: The Continents

There are three continents in Equivos: Serenita, Harmonia, and Deitae. These were renamed from their root words 63 AU by a vote in the Council of Guilds. All three host civilized Pokemon, while only Serenita and Harmonia yield Wild Pokemon. Mystery Dungeons can also only be found on Serenita and Harmonia.

Matheus' Notes:

Deitae was explicitly created by the Legends to house their landmarks, providing them a home away from the other regions that supposedly exist. I wouldn't recommend going to Tornadus' and Thundurus' homes however...it's literally going through a windstorm. Trust me, I know.

Lucario Guild, a lasting landmark in the landscape of Serenita. Built into the edge of a massive canyon, it provides a home for many Pokemon, whether they be part of an Exploration Team or not. It leads from the Founder's Canyon Mystery Dungeon, a peaceful place with few Pokemon and many items. At the exit of the dungeon were statues of the eight founders of Lucario Guild: Ferrick Zoroark, Aram Electivire, Nix Nuzleaf, Gaska Bibarel, Arianne Gardevoir, and Azure, Matheus and Laryon Lucario. All worked together to create the six buildings that compromised the premises, and the gorgeous courtyard that housed them.

The Wenstrel Café, named after a Quagsire dear to Azure and Laryon, gives food to all who live there, most of the staff friendly with the inhabitants. Arianne's Medical Bay gave free medical treatment to whomever needed it, only charging service for injuries with unreasonable causes—such as jabbing a berry into your snout to see how it tastes like from there. The Azure Inn and Nursery provided lodging and daycare for the Pokemon within Lucario Guild, gladly supporting families within Exploration Teams. The Aram Fighting Dojo taught student explorers the necessities of their trade, as well as providing Exploration Team members the chance to hone their fighting skills. The Expedition Hall, the jewel of the Lucario Guild, houses the rooms for exploration teams, and posts the wishes of travelers that have suffered less-than-good tidings on their travelers. In the center of this hubbub was the Guildmaster's Tower, where Guildmaster Lukas watched over his Guild, and ensured that all were treated fairly in his walls, while also housing the dangerous artifacts of the world within the lower depths. Lucario Guild, the pinnacle of the Equivos Region's three remaining Guilds, is loved by all.

In the beginning, there was only darkness. Darkness, and an Egg. From this egg came forth Arceus the Creator, and with his power, he created the elements of the world, and the hearts of our Mystery Dungeons. After this work, he created the first Legends and Myths, ordering them to use their own powers to organize the elements. Groudon, Kyogre and Rayquaza organized the land, sea and sky. Dialga, Palkia and Giratina stabilized the world's cosmic energies, bringing time, space, and the distortion world to be. From Xerneas came the first Pokemon, and with Azelf, Uxie and Mesprit, a select few gained willpower, memories, and emotions, creating the first civilized Pokemon. Reshiram and Zekrom gave Pokemon truth and ideals, to give them the will to grow strong. Yveltal came forth to bring an end to Pokemon when these ideals infringe on the good of the world.

300 years ago, three Pokemon clashed: Matheus Lucario, founder of our guilds and then Deity Elect; Laryon Lucario, the first Guildmaster of Lucario Guild and the Chosen of Arceus; Arthus Zoroark, the Usurper Pokemon, who strived to take the power of the Legends into his own claws, and take the life from this world. After a long and disastrous battle, Laryon stood victorious, and Arthus was taken into Yveltal's power, to die upon his awakening. Matheus was reawakened into the Legend he is now, and Laryon Lucario went on to found Lucario Guild.

Twenty years after that time, the legends Kyogre and Groudon fought, infuriated over the issue of land and sea. The continents Wayfare and Creation sunk into the sea, creating the Archipelago of Cretea, and the continents shifted. Laryon settled their dispute, and peace continued for many years.

In recent history, there have been myths and legends uncovered of a lost set of islands: The Forgotten Isles, or their proper name, the Tapu Islands. Past the Mist Wall surrounding our region, in the far south, these islands supposedly lie, with their four guardians, and two Legends long thought nonexistent: Solgaleo and Lunala, bringers of day and night. In the age of Laryon, an individual called Zacheus Incineroar supposedly came from the Tapu Islands...but he is our only link to such a place. All historians and explorers conclude that the Forgotten Isles are a myth, and nothing more.

A large stick jabbed at a map, pointing at the empty whiteness of the Mist Wall to the south. A Mienshao held the shaft, pointing it out to his students, all sitting behind wooden desks. He took back the stick, pointing it at the students. "Do not think they know everything however. I am sure that within time, the Forgotten Isles will be found once more."

This classroom lay within the Training Dojo of the Lucario Guild, temporarily converted for the purpose. The building was an upright triangle, the roof extending all the way to the ground. Along the walls were slots for the desks to be stacked, making a rectangular shape when finished. Several closets and cupboards sat against the walls, holding school supplies for Master Mienshao to use. The floor was marked with various remains of previously used moves, as the ceiling and walls did, through years of sparring sessions. Several training dummies were piled together, of varying sizes and shapes for practicing against different Pokemon. On the far wall, near where Mienshao stood, a chalkboard and Map hung, and just in front of it, Mienshao's desk, and in front of that were all the students...except one.

Mienshao looked at the single empty desk, in the center of the cluster. He looked to the sky, shaking his head. "Why does Sion have to be late?" He asked himself. Mienshao had a class of nine Pokemon: An Umbreon, a Luxio, a Hitmonchan, a Roselia, a Kirlia, A Geodude, a Snorunt, a Lucario, and a Zoroark. The Zoroark was not present.

The Lucario raised his paw, smirking slyly and looking to his peers. A small tuft of black fur poked from the normally smooth head fur, and his spikes gleamed more brightly in the light. His arms and legs were larger and more toned than most Lucarios, and he had at least one or two inches extra in height as well.

Master Mienshao sighed, pointing at the Lucario. "Yes Auren?"

Auren lowered his paw, peeved. "It's Ren, not Auren," he said, irritated.

Mienshao rolled his eyes, and said, "Alright, Ren, what do you have to say?"

Ren leaned back in his chair, the Luxio next to him smirking as well. "Me and my friend John were wondering why Sion has to come to class. I mean, with who he is, he doesn't belong here," Ren asked. The other students oohed, the sensitive subject touched upon.

Mienshao furrowed his brow, smacking his staff on his paw, the fur on them rippling. "What are you suggesting Ren? That we should kick him out because one of his grandfathers was Erik Zoroark, son of Arthus the Usurper? Erik did many honorable deeds." All eyes turned to Ren as he thought of his answer.

"Well, why should he come? He came here because his mom was running from something, and I think it might have something to do with that."

Mienshao tsked, looking to the sky once more. "Rumors are all they are. Sion is a perfectly respectable Pokemon, despite who he might be related to," Mienshao stated, giving Ren a warning look.

The Lucario hawed, leaning back in his desk, an arrogant grin on his face. "Just thought I'd point it out," he added, his fellow classmates in agreement. The door to the dojo flung open, a Zoroark haggardly panting, leaning against the door, his fur unkempt. He stood shorter than others of his species, his stature lower, and there seemed to be a small but noticeable shimmer in the air around him. In the fur next to his right ear was a short pencil, and his eyes were a bright blue, just like his ancestor's.

The students to see the latecomer, Ren standing up. "You came right on time, Illusion. We were just talking about your famous grandpa."

Sion held up his paw for a few moments, wanting time to catch his breath. "My mom needed berries for breakfast...I had to run down to get them...since she's sick right now...sorry Master..." Sion wheezed, leaning on the frame, ignoring Ren's comment.

Mienshao leaned the stick on the wall, walking to the Zoroark. "I can understand you being late Sion. Corinne hasn't been doing so well. Please, take a seat." Sion nodded, shuffling to the empty desk, collapsing to his seat.

Ren furrowed his brow, pounding his paw on his desk. "Why isn't he being marked late? He's no better than any of us!" Sion shrunk in his seat, looking away from Ren.

Mienshao stared crossly at Ren, pointing his finger accusingly. "You should be glad I let you off the hook at times too, Ren. If your father wasn't the Guildmaster I would mark you late every day," Mienshao warned. Ren muttered to himself, glaring at Sion.

Mienshao sighed, returning to the map. "Now as I was saying class, while many consider the Tapu Islands to be a myth, some do still believe that it can be discovered…" Mienshao continued speaking, going into one of his daily lectures to his class.

Sion listened intently, leaning on the desk, enthralled by Mienshao's descriptions. Ren continued to stare crossly at Sion, whispering to John Luxio. They nodded to each other, and Ren lifted the lid of the desk, taking a leaf of paper from within. He folded it up, then began to tear it into small squares, quietly as to not catch Mienshao's attention. He passed the squares to John, who proceeded to set his paws on the desk, scrunching the squares into small paper balls.

John shoved the balls to the edge of his desk, allowing Ren to grab one and toss it in the air. Mienshao stood distracted, now explaining advanced dungeon illnesses such as Discord, which confuses Pokémon's minds and prevents teamwork among them. Ren grinned, chucking the paper ball at Sion's head.

It bounced off his head, landing on the floor. Surprised, he looked to Ren, who sat attentively, looking at Mienshao, no paper balls present. Sion shrugged, going back into a comfortable position. He felt another paper ball, and turned to Ren more quickly, suspicious. He saw the hint of a smile on Ren's face, and a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Sion groaned quietly, looking back at Mienshao. He didn't want to miss Master Mienshao's explanation of dungeon exploration strategies, even with the annoyance of Ren. He heard the crumpling of paper to his right, and turned to it. A paper ball hit him square in the face, falling harmlessly to the ground.

Ren covered his mouth, restraining his laughter. The Geodude did the same, his eyes closing and his rocky body floating slightly above the chair. John buried his face into his paws, hiding a smile. Sion breathed in sharply, wishing for nothing more than peace. He turned back to Mienshao, bracing for another paper ball, the teacher absorbed in his work.

In the corner of his eye, Sion saw Ren packing tightly another ball, getting it ready to throw. The ball flew, flying straight toward Sion. Sion lifted his arm and swatted it away, the ball bouncing to Ren's feet. Sion made a satisfied smirk, glad to have ended that. The thought of calling Ren out for it crossed his mind, but he knew that Ren would deny it, as he usually did.

Ren harrumphed quietly, scowling. He was determined to not be beaten so easily. He looked into his desk, seeing what he had to use. He saw a sizeable stack of paper, a bundle of pencils, several textbooks, and the small Explorer's Guide that everyone had to have.

Sion looked over to Ren, seeing the Lucario folding another piece of paper. He quickly turned back to Mienshao, not wanting to be seen by Ren. He heard the whoosh of paper in the air, then felt the poke of a paper airplane on his side.

Sion swiftly turned back to Ren, seeing the Lucario twiddling his fingers, watching Mienshao. Sion groaned, looking to the floor and seeing the tiny airplane Ren had made. He picked it up gingerly and set it on the desk. He carefully unfolded it, seeing a message inside:

To: Illusion Zoroark, descendant of Arthus

Why are you here? You don't belong here. A villain has no place with heroes, like me. You'll never find anyone wanting to be in an exploration team with you. Not with who you have: nobody.

Ren Lucario

The paper shook in Sion's claws, the Zoroark staring in astonishment. He received many notes and exclamations like this from Ren before, but this was different. The descendant of Laryon had pushed this too far.

Sion crumpled the letter and threw it to the ground and stood up, jabbing an accusing claw at Ren. "If you don't want me here, then say it to my face!" Mienshao stopped midsentence, surprised that the normally quiet Sion would do such a thing. Ren was shocked as well, although in a different way; Sion had never reacted this way to his messages before.

Sion looked around the classroom, all the Pokemon staring intently at him. He stood erect, and took a deep breath. "I'll go out myself. Have a good day…especially you Auren Lucario." He faded from view, the illusory abilities of the Zoroark species in use. The class whispered to each other, starting new gossip about Sion.

Mienshao stood with his arms hanging uselessly, defeated, shaking his head slowly. He looked to Sion's desk, seeing the ball of paper that caused his negative reaction. He uncrumpled it, and quickly reading the message, looked up, his eyes focused on Ren.

Ren quickly recovered, high-fiving John Luxio. "About time he left. He shouldn't be here anyways."

Mienshao appeared in front of them, furious. He slammed the letter on his desk, the written details all visible. "This is not your first infringement of the school rules Ren. For the past twelve years, Guildmaster Lukas has provided sanctuary for Sion and his mother, and Mistress Lopunny has been kind enough to give them lodging since then. Why can't you give him the least degree of respect?"

Ren crossed his arms behind his head, closing his eyes arrogantly. "Why does it matter? I can act how I want. I'm going to be Guildmaster someday, and what you say won't change things," Ren argued.

Mienshao stepped back, feeling the soft breath of an invisible individual next to him. He marched back to his desk, sitting down. "We'll continue our lesson, but I expect all of you to treat Sion better in the future. He has been a wonderful student despite your misgivings toward him…especially you Ren. I expect you to go talk with your father about this after class."

Ren shrugged, looking to Johnson confidently. He whispered to his friend, "My dad doesn't do anything when I talk with him. No groundings, no curfews, no nothing. This'll be a piece of cake." Class continued, the atmosphere less relaxed by Mienshao's ever-attentive eye, now watching carefully to make sure that his law was followed. At the end of the day, the only Pokemon to be seen were Ren and Mienshao. Mienshao shook his finger at him, cross.

"I have talked to you about this too many times Ren. Just because Sion is related to the Usurper doesn't mean he isn't a good Pokemon," Mienshao explained.

Ren waved him off, walking toward the door, where the setting sun could be seen in the sky. He grabbed onto the doorframe and said, "We never know. Arthus was good before he turned into the Usurper. Sion might be the same way," he proceeded out, leaving Mienshao to wonder what would become of him.

Mienshao sat at his desk again, looking over his papers. Still looking down, he said, "You can come out now. Ren's gone."

Sion's body reappeared, his face crestfallen and his body slack. Dejected, he said, "Maybe he's right. I'll probably not be better than Arthus in the end. We can never tell."

Mienshao abruptly stood up from his desk, taking Sion' claws. He looked up into his student's eyes, seeing the sad but bright light of intelligence inside. He clasped his student's claws tightly, shaking them. "You are the best in my class Sion. The only thing Ren has against you is his ability to beat up dummies, both literal and figurative. You'd so far make a better Guildmaster than he'd ever be."

Sion straightened, his posture a little grander. "You really think so?"

Mienshao nodded. "Yes, I do. A teacher wouldn't lie to his students," Mienshao replied. He looked to the open door, the light of dusk stretching onto the floor. "You'd best go home to your mother. She is not too sick, is she?"

Sion shook his head, taking back his claws. "No, not at all. A sore throat and some weak limbs, that's all. Still though, better safe than sorry," Sion replied. He began going out the door, feeling better about himself. "I'll see you tomorrow Master. What will we be learning?"

Mienshao smiled weakly, going back to his desk. "Combat training," he replied.

Sion gulped, remembering the last time they had that subject. He was sore for the rest of the week.

Mienshao seemed to sense his unease, and held up his paw. "I'll make sure he gets paired up with John. Those two might seem like good friends, but I think it's a goon-to-boss sort of relationship. I hardly hear John say a thing next to him." Sion chuckled, going out the door.

"See you tomorrow," he finished, going outside, leaving Mienshao behind. The older Pokemon set his paws on the desk, his fur hanging over the edge.

"Given the right chance, he could be great. I wonder when that chance will come…"