"Since it has the ability to pass through the floor, it sounds to me like you are dealing with a Ghost-type Pokémon!" Glace said.
The sky was still covered in grey rain clouds as they discussed Raphi's dream.
"You have a point… However, if I remember correctly then there are over a dozen Ghost-Pokémon with red eyes. Furthermore, we don't know if it just exists in my nightmare or – if it's real – where it is located." he argued.
"Whatever it is, you'll probably find out more in your dreams at this rate." She smiled optimistically and continued to lead him through the woods. "We're almost in Roverside City, hurry up!"
Finally. "So: What exactly are we going to do once we arrive?" Leafeon asked while he surveyed the surrounding area.
Glace gave him an inquiring glance. "Isn't it obvious? We need to accept a mission in order to gain money to restock our items – we don't have much Oran Berries left. And we might even find some clues and hints on the way!"
There were less and less trees as the duo reached the outskirts of Roverside City.
"Wow, that IS a large town!" Raphi marveled at the buildings next to the path.
They mostly contained two- to three levels max and were constructed out of stones and logs. To prevent the structures from collapsing, they were tied together with nets as well as ropes. The entrances had either no door at all or were concealed by leafy curtains or a broad wooden plank. Some houses exhibited a sign over the front doorway, mostly saying 'Hotel' or 'Hostel' and the name of the Pokémon that owns the place.
Glace led him crisscross through the slightly sandy streets, stopping after a few minutes at a big black board on the market square. Different missions were listed on wooden plaques that were suspended on iron hooks.
"Huh, tough luck! Most of them are for higher ranked teams only." She inspected the assignments fit for bronze-ranked Pokémon. "Ah, this one sounds promising! We would have to research and explore Mt. Dice with Professor Marshtomp and his assistant Cranidos – that shouldn't be too difficult. Supplies are provided by the client… excellent! And the reward is really generous too: 250 Poké for each of us! It's amazing that it hasn't been taken by another team yet! What do you say Raphi?"
"Okay, I'm in." Seems easy enough. he thought and grabbed the plaque. "Let's do it!"
"Awesome! In order to accept this mission, we first have to register at the bar nearby." Glace looked at the signs on the buildings near the job board. One of them displayed 'Braixen's Tavern' in bright yellow colours. "That has to be it!" she said and pointed at the entrance.
Raphi nodded wordlessly and followed his friend inside.
The structure consisted of hard clay with the occasional wooden plank for better support. Stumps were used as chairs and stone slabs as tables. As usual, there weren't that many customers in the afternoon: A Pangoro and an Ampharos were talking about the wonderful future of their relationship in the lounge while a Ludicolo and a Spinda received a load of Drinks from a Scrafty.
The owner, a female Braixen, noticed the two newcomers and leaned over the counter to greet them. "Hey there, welcome to my tavern! What can I get you? Kasib Berry Juice is todays special and very popular amongst my guests…"
"Thank you, but we're not here for the drinks." Glace paused as Raphi consigned the piece of wood. "We're here to take on this mission!" she continued.
I really should put out on a sign saying 'Paying Customers Only'… Braixen imagined regretfully. "I need to see your guild badges first. Please show them to me."
They both did as they were told and revealed them to the Fire-type Pokémon.
"Good, everything seems to be in order." The bartender eyed them critically. I thought nobody would ever dare to pick up the assignment… But hey, I've been wrong before. They look determined though, especially the Leafeon. Let's hope that the recent rumours aren't true – it would be a waste of potential… She dipped her paw into a bowl of red wax and marked the small plank. "Very well then: Take this plaque with you to Professor Marshtomp. He is currently staying at the 'Dodrio Bros. Hotel' - it's just down the street and then to the left. Good luck on your mission!"
The team straightened their bags and thanked the friendly owner.
You'll need it. She sighed as they left the tavern.
…
"This is the place." Glace looked up the facade of the timber construction. The sign hung lopsided above the entrance and some of the letters weren't even readable anymore.
As expected, the interior wasn't in the best shape either: The lobby consisted of a few brittle logs serving as seats and a long mossy stone table in front of a Dodrio.
His middle head spotted the guests and then pecked the others. "Guys, wake up! We have customers!" he whispered nervously and cleared his throat. "Good evening, travellers! How may I – Drake - assist you? We have-"
Before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by his left head: "The name" - he paused for dramatic effect - "Is Iosefa – and it is my pleasure to welcome such a lovely couple as you to our humble establishment. We would be honoured if you would decide to spend the night in these halls – we still have a charming room for two available at a solid price!" he proclaimed and bowed his head in devotion.
"HEY! It was my turn you idiot!" Drake snarled and leered at Iosefa.
"Absolutely NOT! What are you, retarded?! You're just jealous of my fabulous introduction!"
"Oh, really? Do you want me to give you the middle head, you wannabe receptionist?!"
"Say that to my FACE!"
They continued fighting while the third head dedicated himself to their confused customers. "Please accept my sincere apologies for the behaviour of my other heads – they always tend to exaggerate…" That's why we don't have many guests that stay longer than one night… "Anyways, I am the hotel keeper Donovan – how can I help you?"
Raphi hesitated slightly before he answered: "We are looking for Professor Marshtomp and his assistant Cranidos – we were told that he resides in this facility."
"Ah, yes, the Professor! At the moment, he's upstairs in 'Room 4' – you can't miss it!"
"Thanks!" Not wanting to spend any more time than necessary in front of the scolding Dodrio, Raphi hurried up the stairs and was closely followed by Glace. Who cares about my many type disadvantages, I prefer them over extra heads! Ugh, forced social interaction… He shuddered at the sheer thought.
When he knocked on the makeshift door, the team heard a voice from the inside: "Cranidos, please answer the door for me!"
A few seconds later said Pokémon appeared behind the plank and greeted them.
"Hi there! We're here for the exploration-mission!" Glace said and held up the plaque.
"Really? Great!" Finally! "Professor! There's a Leafeon and a Glaceon who want to accompany us on our journey to Mt. Dice!"
Cranidos got pushed aside as a Marshtomp emerged from the back of the apartment. From Raphi's point of view, he looked like the stereotypical absent-minded professor. This picture was further strengthened by the many sheets of paper scattered on the floor behind him.
"Perfect! Now we can finally begin with our research!" The excitement in his voice was obvious. I thought nobody would ever show up and that we'd have to do it ourselves in the end! "Let's leave immediately!"
