Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Guardians of Life and Destruction
Happy LATE Thanksgiving to my fellow Americans out there. And good Thursday evening to everyone else!
I really tried to get this one out yesterday, but for the life of me I couldn't, due to family and time constraints. Things aren't really improving on the whole family situation, so…let's just pray for the best…
Still, wasn't too bad of a delay, so I'll take it. On that note, I would like to say that I am now a full-time worker at my job and will have a bit less time to work on chapters throughout the week. However, I will try to work even harder on writing so that there won't be any kinds of delays. I'll just have to cut down on my time on the XBOX One or whatever.
On a totally different note, I will be trying to work on a map of the Varos region, showing the locations of the different Mystery Dungeons in the story. However, at this point, it's simply an idea in my head. I'm hoping to get a friend of mine to help me with this, though, so I'll update you all if this goes any further.
Anyway, shoutout to the reviewers of last chapter, which includes a new reviewer by the name of pokeball645, who reviewed back when I stopped updating a little while ago. Thanks for the feedback!
On that note, enjoy.
Chapter 9: On This Rainy Day
"BOO!"
"Aaaaaah! Don't…do that!"
"Hahahahahahahaha…no."
Grave floated through the wall and left Team Horizon alone to try and calm their hearts down. Riley and Spark made their way to the assembly a minute or so later, yawning in sync.
"Dismissed!" Delphox said to end the assembly a few minutes later, waving her wand and discharging a massive plume of flames to the cheers of the Apprentices. Delphox then made her way off of the stage and followed her Apprentices out of the front door, surprising Riley and Spark. They watched as an aged Treasure Bag floated from behind the stage towards Delphox, settling on her shoulder as she walked out of the Guild.
"Where's she off too?" Riley wondered, yawning loudly, before they heard a familiar voice clear his throat. Riley and Spark turned around to see Feren and all of his grouchiness.
"Instead of taking a Job from the Job Center, I have an errand I would like the two of you to complete today. It will likely take several hours to do, so this will be all that is required today, aside from your training with Atlas," Feren said to Team Horizon, who both nodded.
"To the south of here is a settlement known as Cherrystone Town. This assignment requires the two of you to head there and ask the Equipment Expert there about some of his wares. Inquire about possible shipments for the next two weeks, and if you see anything that may be of use to the Guild, please make note of it and ask him to hold it for us," Feren explained.
"Of use?" Spark asked.
"Special items, useful orbs, TM' s. Anything out of the ordinary. We have our own stockpile of supplies, and it's necessary to seek out anything that may prove useful to our efforts as a Guild," Feren explained.
"Oh, I get it now. So basically you want us to try and find any really good items and make a note of them, so if we need to buy them later, we can?" Spark asked Feren, who nodded.
"Just as the Mystery Dungeons we explore are ever-changing, so must our strategies and equipment if we're to stay prepared for anything. Besides, it's been some time since anyone's had a mission out in Cherrystone Town anyway. It would do the Guild good for us to be seen there again, even if it is in the form of two…green, Apprentices," Feren said after a moment, apparently trying to be polite this morning and use a word that wasn't insulting.
"You don't have to use politer words to not sound insulting," Riley thought dryly before he realized something in his half-awake state.
"So…you want us to just run an errand? That's all? That's…boring," Riley remarked, earning a scowl from the dog.
"Also, why can't you just go to Lady Dela's shop? She's an equipment expert too," Spark pointed out.
"Correct, but as you may or may not be aware, no store is quite the same as another. Lady Dela is adept at acquiring rare and useful items for her store, and we are well-acquainted with her as frequent customers. That said, Lady Dela does not have the resources this other contact of the Guild's does. Which is why we need to visit him and see what sort of wares he has available," Feren continued.
"That still sounds boring," Riley admitted, causing Feren to sigh in reply.
"Boring or not, it's one of the many things Apprentices are required to do from time to time. I can usually have Pann do errands for me, but since he's not here at the moment, that task falls upon you both," Feren went on.
"Who's Pann?" Spark asked Feren.
"He is a fellow Apprentice here who was sent on a long assignment to the west of here, in the desert area of Crag City. You'll likely not see him for some time," Feren explained.
"Now, I would recommend you mind your manners around this Pokémon. The Equipment Expert in Cherrystone Town is…paranoid, though given he is a veteran Explorer, that makes sense," Feren continued.
"Ooh…I wonder if he has any tips he can tell us," Spark wondered, sounding excited.
Feren nodded and said, "It's possible you may learn something from him. He was involved in ending the war between the Burning and Frozen Kingdoms. He's old and irritable at times, but very knowledgeable. That said, the job comes first. Be on the lookout for anything else suspicious or of note. Is that clear?" Feren said to Team Horizon, who both nodded.
"Then get to it," Feren said before he padded off towards the back of the Guild, leaving Riley and Spark alone.
"Well…looks like today is going to be a bit dull," Riley sighed.
"We just have to make the most of it. After all, we're still rookies. We can't escape responsibilities just because they're not exciting," Spark explained.
"I guess so. Let's go get prepped in the City and head out!" Spark said with a small fist pump, earning a look from Riley.
"…You're such a dork," Riley chuckled as he walked past Spark, who hung his head and walked behind Riley. The two rookies made their way to the Job Center, where they saw Jet and Ares standing next to the door of the Guild. The duo could see massive storm clouds in the distance, meaning that rain and lightning would be on their way.
"Looks like rough weather today," Jet commented as the storm clouds drew closer.
"Ugh. Rain," Ares sighed as his head drooped.
"Sorry buddy. Maybe we can pick another Dungeon to go to today?" Jet said to the Fletchinder, who shook his head.
"There's no point. It's gonna hit us if we're going anywhere but west, and there's no good jobs that way today. Let's just get going…" Ares said in a low voice before he noticed Team Horizon standing there.
"Oh, hey rookies. What's up?" Jet said cheerfully.
"We're on errand duty today. How about you two?" Riley asked Jet and Ares.
"Outlaw hunting in the Furious Jungle. We've got 3 B-ranked baddies to take down and apprehend," Ares remarked gloomily, still staring up at the storm clouds in the distance.
"Yep. Looks like we're in for a long day just like you guys. At least you'll be doing something interesting. We've got to ask a shopkeeper questions," Riley said to Jet and Ares.
"Oh yeah. It's been a little while since Pann left, hasn't it? He usually does those jobs," Jet remarked, putting a hand on his chin for a moment.
"Well, looking into the disappearances at Crag City isn't something any of us can do. Plus, he has family there helping him, so there's that," Ares pointed out.
"Right, right…Looks like we're not gonna be getting out of that rain though. Sorry Ares," Jet said as the clouds continued to come their way.
"Just…let's just go," Ares muttered before a voice stopped them.
"Ares, Jet."
All four Pokémon turned around and saw Eon walking towards them. The small purple Espurr took a moment to regard his Guild companions before saying, "There has been a great deal of lightning in the jungle that contains the Mystery Dungeon you two are heading towards. Please exercise caution when traveling there."
"Noted. Thanks Eon," Jet grinned at the Espurr, who then turned to Team Horizon.
"As for you two, please have a pleasant day. I am off to explore the Wild Canyon with Snow…it will be…interesting," Espurr said before he walked outside without another word, though his eyes did glow bright blue, causing the incoming rain to part around him as he activated his psychic powers.
"He's...weird," Riley remarked before they heard a growl from behind them. An irritated Sneasel brushed past them, grumbling to herself as she made her way through the rain and caught up to Eon.
"And now it's raining…because Arceus decided today was going to be an absolute drag," Ares sighed as the drizzle slowly approached the Guild. Ares, Spark, and Riley all took a few steps back into the Guild while Jet remained standing where he was, a small smirk on his face.
"Wimps," Jet teased the others, earning a dirty look from Ares that made his smirk turn into a wide grin.
"Why are you so happy?" Riley asked Jet, eyeing the downpour with displeasure as well. The rain was going to bother him, and that wasn't something he looked forward to.
"Me? I love the rain. Water types usually do. Especially one's with an ability that gives them a boost in the rain, like me!" Jet said as he swiftly kicked off of the ground and high into the air, rapidly twisting several times in the air before landing on the ground like it was nothing.
"Wow. That's Swift Swim, right?" Spark said excitedly, earning a grin in reply.
"Yep! It makes my speed go way up if I'm in the rain. I wish the same applied to poor Ares here, but that's the way it goes, sadly," Jet said as he walked back over to the others.
"Well…it could be worse. Charmander and their ilk have to deal with possibly dying from the rain. It just bothers me, and it makes it really hard to stay airborne," Ares admitted.
"Well, we better be off to the City. You two take care!" Jet said as he walked back into rain before he ran off to the city. Ares gave the rookies a one-winged salute before he flew off into the rain.
"Come on, Spark. Let's get this over with," Riley muttered as he walked into the drizzle. It was a sensation that Riley couldn't explain. It didn't…hurt, per say. But it bothered him. He felt his fur become slightly itchy and irritated and he felt cold.
Spark walked alongside Riley, looking at him worriedly for a moment before glancing back down the road. The duo saw Delilah, the Guild's Mawile Chef, standing at the Crossroads with a Treasure Bag of her own over her shoulder. She was talking to herself, though, as if trying to pump herself up.
"You've got this. Totally. You may be a bit rusty, but you've totally…got…this…I don't got this…UGHHH!" Delilah yelled out, stomping her foot before she became aware of Team Horizon starring at her.
"…CAN I HELP YOU!?" Delilah yelled, causing Spark to scream in horror and hide behind Riley, using him as a human-erm, Pokémon shield.
"Yeah, can you not blow my ears out? I think there's a few Pidgey ten miles away you may have slightly startled," Riley said sarcastically to the Mawile, who growled at Riley.
"Why I oughta-!" Delilah said before a purple ghostly hand shot out of the ground and clamped down around Delilah's left hand.
"Behave, you two. Arguing in public, while incredibly amusing, doesn't do anything other than make you look stupid," Grave said as he popped out of the ground.
"Did you just call me stupid!?" Delilah demanded.
"No. I said you were acting stupid. Big difference. Also, Riley, ten points on the sarcasm. Snow would be proud…OK, no she wouldn't. But still, kudos."
"Cheers Grave."
"Why do I feel like everyone's just lost their minds this morning?" Spark asked himself.
"Because when someone stays up until the dead of night writing, he stops caring about how silly stuff sounds," Riley remarked before Grave shot him a look.
"Now, can the two of you behave? I have a castle to look after, especially since Delphox is going out today," Grave said to Delilah, who sighed and nodded.
"Going out? Where?" Spark asked Grave.
"Hunting down outlaws in the Great Swamp. Word is a couple of really nasty ones have taken over the place, and have been robbing folks that go anywhere near there. She's going to sort them out personally," Grave explained.
"Wow. The Guildmaster herself going to take care of a problem like that?" Riley remarked in surprise.
"These guys are pretty tough. They're all three-star ranked outlaws, and on top of the huge storm system that's barreling through Varos right now? Delphox has her work cut out for her today," Grave remarked.
"You aren't worried?" Riley asked Grave, who smirked.
"Nah. Delphox is insanely powerful. She makes jobs that would give me and Atlas a run for our money an absolute joke. She's fine, trust me," Grave said reassuringly.
"If you're sure," Spark said doubtfully, worried about the Guildmaster. Riley and Spark bid the two Apprentices farewell and made their way into the city. They decided to ease off on the amount of supplies they would take with them, since they weren't going into any Dungeons today. Cherrystone Town, from the looks of the Wonder Map, was a few hours walk from the City. The only thing that would slow them down was the rain.
"If the rain comes down any harder, we may have to find shelter along the way until it eases up," Riley grumbled as thunder rumbled in the distance. Spark nodded, and with that the two Apprentices departed from Emerald City.
Departure Way:
Departure Way, as the name would imply, was the main road that led into Emerald City. It was a bright green path made of cobblestone that ended a mile from the City and was a dirt path from that point on. The dirt path that led onward was good and muddy at that point, however, and the rain was indeed a bother for the two Apprentices, but they both forged on towards the town.
"You think we're nearly there?" Riley groaned as a gust of wind hit the two rookies, who shuddered for a moment before running forward.
Spark shook his head and said, "I checked the map a few minutes ago. We're at least two hours away from the Town at our current pace."
Riley and Spark then looked up an arc of lightning raced across the sky, striking a faraway tree that exploded in a shower of sound and light. The tree burst into flames, only to be extinguished a few minutes later by the rain, which had been coming down in greater amounts. Riley and Spark huddled under thicker tree cover and waited in relative dryness for the rain to die down, which took some time. During that wait, however, Spark asked Riley a question.
"So Riley…have you…remembered anything? Have any of your lost memories come back to you?" Spark asked the human-turned-Chimchar, who shook his head.
"Nothing. It's been a week now and I don't remember a thing, Spark…what if they don't come back. My memories…Are they just gone forever?" Riley muttered to himself before Spark put a paw on his shoulders.
"We'll figure it out, Riley. Together. We're a team, right? We're going to keep searching for any clues to your past until we find out the truth. You just have to have faith," Spark said to Riley, who nodded slowly.
"But what will it take though…how much longer until I get some kind of clue? Some sort of hint…as much as I like being with Spark and the other Apprentices, this isn't my world…maybe Spark's right. In time…we'll find the truth together," Riley thought to himself, trying to shake himself out of his depressed stupor.
"Hey, looks like the rain is lightening up," Spark said after a moment. Riley looked and saw that the downpour was indeed lightening up. With that, the two made their way further down the road. Riley couldn't escape the funk he was in though. He could usually break himself out of feeling sad about his loss of memories and his current situation, but not this time…he wondered if it had to do with the rain gently falling on him. It just…felt not good. He couldn't describe what it was about the rain that bothered him, but it didn't sit right with him at all.
When asked, Spark explained that this was common with Pokémon who had weaknesses to certain elements. Spark had a dislike of being underground in any capacity, for example, while bird types had an aversion to cold. Even dragon types, which Spark explained contain some of the strongest species of Pokémon, had a disadvantage in cold weather. This wasn't even including types that they were weak against. When Riley asked what types the two of them were weak and strong against, Spark explained.
"You have a weakness to water, rock, and ground, All three of them are able to do serious damage to you, and our attacks won't be doing too much to them. And with me, I'm weak against ground types too," Spark explained.
"OK. But what Pokémon are we good against? I know there's the fire beats grass thing," Riley remarked to Spark, who nodded.
"Fire Pokémon have an advantage over grass types, as well as ice, steel, and bug types as well. I hear fairy types don't do much damage to them either. As for me, my electricity can beat water and flying types," Spark went on.
"Wow…are there Pokémon with no weaknesses at all?" Riley asked, earning a nod from Spark.
"I think there's a few. I know for sure there's an electric type Pokémon that can fly that is immune to ground attacks. Other than that though, no. Most Pokémon have some kind of weakness. I guess it's just how we're made," Spark said with a shrug. And with that the two fell into a comfortable silence, taking in the scenic forest view.
It was interesting, to say the least. The hike to Cherrystone Town was more or less a chance for him to see the world he was in and think. Of all the places he could have winded up, it was in the forests of Varos.
Upon reflection, Riley realized, it was a good stroke of luck that brought him there. It was possible that, had he landed somewhere else, he could have been far worse off. Here, in Emerald City, he had food and shelter and had made a good deal of friends out of the Apprentices and of course, Spark.
Yes…for now, this was OK. He was going to be OK…
"It stopped raining, Riley!"
Riley was snapped out of his reverie as he looked up, seeing the grey clouds above him but feeling no rain hit his fur. Riley let out a sigh of relief as the discomfort of the rain left him. He was still quite drenched, but the rain was gone and some weak patches of sun were bursting through the clouds.
"Come on, let's hurry up! That way we can get to the town before the storm breaks out again!" Spark said to Riley, who nodded and began to run alongside his rodent companion.
"Well…since this is the first time since this morning I've felt alright, I can finally try something out…" Riley thought to himself, a smile on his face.
"Hey Spark?"
"Yeah? What's up?"
"Knock Knock!"
"Huh? Who's there?"
"Dewott."
"Dewott who?"
"Dewott I say, Spark! Or else!"
"…That was terrible, Riley. How do you even know what a Dewott is?" Spark asked Riley, who shrugged.
"I didn't. I guessed."
"Why don't I believe you?"
"Because I'm too deviously clever for you. It's OK Spark, you'll be on my level someday," Riley said as he patted Spark on the head, annoying him slightly.
"Clever? No. Annoying? Yes."
"Dang, you're right. Hold on, let me try another joke. Knock knock?"
"…"
"Come on Spark, just hear me out."
"…Who's there?"
Two Hours Later:
Cherrystone Town:
"Knock knock."
"Riley…please stop."
"Do I have to?"
"I'll shock you if you don't."
"Fine, I'll behave."
"I think we're there, anyway," Spark said as they approached a dark red stone gate. A small rodent Pokémon was at the gate on sentry duty. After a quick talk with the Patrat, the two were allowed inside.
"I think I've been here before with my parents. It doesn't look like it changed a bit," Spark remarked, causing Riley to once again wonder about what happened with Spark's parents. He hoped it wasn't what he thought it was…though given that Spark changes the subject almost every time he mentions them, it made sense.
Riley felt a sense of peace as he stepped through the quiet little town. It was settled in the middle a large clearing in the forest next to a large river that ran through the eastern side of the town. Mountains were visible in the distance with snowy peaks. The houses of Cherrystone Town were a dark red color with green roofs, all stone. Houses were scattered through the town, all of them fairly small in size save for a few on the edge of the city that were much larger. A market of sorts ran along the length of the center of the town, which is where Riley and Spark headed to.
"It's so tranquil here," Spark said with a small smile on his face.
"Yeah. So different from the hustle and bustle of Emerald City," Riley remarked as he took in the view. Grass and rock types seemed to be in the majority here, as Riley expected from a place with the name Cherrystone Town.
"There's our target. Equipment shop dead ahead," Spark said as he pointed towards a large building a short distance away. Smoke trailed from the roof of the building while a strange looking red Pokémon stood at the stand, looking irritable.
"Wow…a Heatmor. I've only heard about them in the old stories about the war," Spark said in a hushed tone.
"We can ask him about it some other time. I say we do it on a day where we're not drenched in rain."
"Sounds fair."
The two rookies made their way to the stall, where they were greeted with a grunt and a, "You two seem too young to be here."
"…I can't come up with a snarky joke for that. So I'll just say hi," Riley said, raising a hand in greeting as the two rookies stepped under the overhang for the store.
"Mmmph. What do you two younglings want, anyway?" the Heatmor grumbled.
"We represent the Delphox Guild. Feren sent us to ask what sort of items you have for sale today, and to ask you if you had anything special coming in over the next two weeks," Spark said to the old Pokémon, who nodded warily.
"Ah…old Feren, eh? I was wondering when he would come calling again. It's been a while since the Delphox Guild sent someone to check in on me. Hah…Well, give me just a moment to check my records," Heatmor grumbled as he pulled out a large stone book. He opened it and scanned it, and after a minute or two the old Explorer said, "Here we are."
"So?" Riley prompted, earning a snort in reply.
"Kids these days. No patience. No respect," Heatmor grumbled. "Well, over the next two weeks we've got our usual shipments of berries and stones. A few TM's are coming in, but nothing out of the ordinary. We do have some special cases of X-Ray Specs and Scope Lens coming in for my store."
"What do those do?" Riley asked the old Pokémon, who smirked.
"And as always, the old has to pass knowledge onto the young. Hmm…Well, a Scope Lens will increase the likelihood that your attacks will land a critical hit on an enemy. X-Ray Specs let you see enemies and items nearby when you're in them Mystery Dungeons," Heatmor explained.
"Sounds handy," Riley remarked as Spark wrote down what the old Explorer said about his shipments, completing their mission.
"They're rare, in Varos. Items in them dungeons vary from region to region, and Pokémon have a hard time getting them. That said, they'll be on sale during the Festival of Heroes, so tell old Feren that so he can snag a few for the Guild then," Heatmor replied.
"Festival of Heroes?" Riley asked as Spark let out a gasp of surprise.
"Aye. The Festival of Heroes takes place here in just a few short weeks, too. A celebration of the heroes around us who protect this world and serve the common good. You two will like it, I imagine. Great Explorers from all around the continent will be there. You may learn something from them," Heatmor chuckled as Spark's eyes lit up.
"The Festival of Heroes is happening here? In Cherrystone Town?" Spark said excitedly.
"Of course. Every year the location changes, of course, but this year we were chosen to host the festivities. Team Inferno has already confirmed they'll be there, along with Team Tempest and Team Starstruck. Team Charm can't come, which is a shame, but we'll have the Lorekeeper appear this year too!" Heatmor said with a small smile on his face. It did his heart good to see kids, even those with no patience, eager to learn.
"The Lorekeeper? Who's that?" Riley asked Heatmor.
"The Lorekeeper is one of the greatest storytellers in the world. He and his brother, the Chaser, travel across the land, searching far and wide as they collect stories and ancient legends and then retell them for crowds of Pokémon. It's quite the experience," Heatmor explained to the two Apprentices.
"Sounds pretty cool," Riley said with a smile as Spark's eyes widened in sheer joy.
"Cool, possibly. Interesting? Absolutely. His tales always draw a crowd, and Pokémon come from all across the world to hear his tales. He's as famous as Team Charm! Some say he knows everything there is to know about this world's past," Heatmor said with a small chuckle, earning a surprised gasp from Riley.
"He knows…everything about this world's past?" Riley asked Heatmor, his mind racing at the possibilities.
"Well, the Lorekeeper isn't just any regular Pokémon. He's hundreds of years old, and has traveled the world many times over. He simply knows many many things about the world that a lot of Pokémon don't," Heatmor replied, causing Riley to look away.
"I wonder…if this Lorekeeper knows anything about why a human would turn into a Pokémon? Spark said this had happened before…maybe this Lorekeeper can explain why I'm here," Riley thought before he noticed Spark looking at him.
"Riley? Are you OK?" Spark asked his partner, who nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry about that," Riley said with a laugh, trying to brush off Spark's concern. Spark frowned, but didn't comment further.
"The Lorekeeper won't be the only thing of interest during the event. All sorts of games and shows will be going on, with a lot of tasty food there too! I'll be selling special wares during the event, myself! Hahahahaha!" the Heatmor laughed loudly before settling down.
"We'll be sure to let Feren know. He'll be happy to-"
"No he won't. He'll still be grouchy no matter what you tell him."
"…As I was saying, he'll be happy to hear that. Even if he isn't, he'll be satisfied that we completed our job anyway," Spark amended after a moment.
"Speaking of, you two should be getting back to Emerald City, if you don't have any more errands to run here. The roads shouldn't be traveled at night," Heatmor remarked.
"Why is that?" Riley asked Heatmor.
"Mainly due to bandit attacks in this area. Some say they attack from the trees around here, but no one can figure out what's going on. Though the sound of buzzing is always heard before the attacks…I suppose we'll figure this mystery out eventually," Heatmor said with a shrug.
"You bet. Take care Mister Heatmor! Have a good day!" Spark said to the old warrior, who smiled and waved to the children as they departed.
"Such good kids…I hope they'll be alright exploring like that. The world ain't safe anymore, I reckon," Heatmor said to himself before he got back to work.
Departure Way:
"So, Riley, what happened back there? When Mister Heatmor was talking about that Lorekeeper knowing everything," Spark asked Riley as the two continued their trek home. Riley knew they were getting close to Emerald City again, and was grateful for that, since the downpour was back. And with it, his grim mood had returned.
"Think about it Spark. A Pokémon that knows all about ancient lore and stuff? And who knows a lot of stuff Pokémon usually don't?" Riley said quietly to Spark, whose eyes widened.
"You think he might know something about why you're here, Riley? Why you became a Pokémon?" Riley nodded in reply.
"It's a lead, Spark. Maybe with his help we can get pointed in the right direction…" Riley replied before he looked up towards the road and saw a familiar figure walking ahead of them.
It was Delphox.
"Guildmaster!" Spark called out. Delphox looked back at the two rookies and smiled at them, slowing her pace.
"Good afternoon to you both," Delphox said cheerfully as Riley and Spark caught up to her. Riley suddenly felt a shift in the air, and realized that he was no longer being pelted by the rain. He felt better right away, and nearly sighed in relief. Delphox noticed Riley's expression, and said, "I used a Sunny Orb a few minutes ago. The rain shouldn't bother us for the remainder of the trip home. You should dry out quickly if you stay within the orb's field by me."
"That's handy. We should stock up on a few of those ourselves," Riley said to Spark.
"How did your day go, Team Horizon?" Delphox asked the two rookies lightly. She sounded rather cheerful for a fire-type that spent the entire day fighting outlaws in a rainy swamp, Riley thought to himself.
"Not too bad. We've got a list of items that old Heatmor plans on selling over the next two weeks, so mission accomplished there. He's also going to have a bunch of special stuff on sale during the Festival of Heroes," Riley said to Delphox, who nodded.
"As expected. Vendors always have to step their game up to make a bit of extra profit during events like this. I'm sure Lady Dela is making preparations to sell her wares at the Festival as well," Delphox mused. Riley then spotted a bit of mud on the Treasure Bag on her shoulder, and decided to ask Delphox about her day, as she just did to them.
"How did your jobs go in the Great Swamp?" Riley asked Delphox, causing the Guildmaster to smirk in reply.
"They didn't know what hit them. I managed to beat them quicker than I expected, and I spent the rest of the day in the Mire Village talking to the mayor, who was most grateful. It's nice being appreciated every now and then," Delphox said with a small laugh, earning two nods of agreement from Riley and Spark. Spark then handed her the note that he had written about Heatmor's stock, which she quickly read.
"Interesting. Scope Lens and X-Ray Specs…There's been a shortage of those for a while. We'll have to buy a few of those for…" she looked at the two Apprentices and smiled slightly. "Well, you two will find out about that soon enough."
"Find out about what?" Spark asked, his curiosity baited.
"She's not going to tell you. She did that bit at the end on purpose. Though I'm really curious myself," Riley admitted, earning a chuckle from Delphox.
"On that note, I do want to say thank you for running Feren's errands. While not always fun, they're important for keeping our Guild as well-prepared as possible. I prefer not to take chances when it comes exploring, you see, so I prefer to keep a supply of items on hand in case of an emergency. Or when I go exploring with some of the other Apprentices, for example," Delphox explained.
"You go exploring with some of the other Apprentices!?" Spark asked, sounding amazed.
"As much as I can. While I spend a lot of time meditating, I do try and keep up with my Explorer duties as well. Feren helps me balance out the two, and when I do go exploring it's usually with an Apprentice or two, if the job isn't really that difficult. Today was one of the times where I didn't take an Apprentice with me on the chance of the job being too dangerous. I was mistaken though," Delphox admitted with a laugh.
"Hey, it happens to everyone. Is there any chance we could go exploring with you one day, Guildmaster?" Riley asked Delphox.
"If you keep up your training and continue to improve, like Atlas tells me you have, then I'd be more than happy to let you both come exploring with me some time," Delphox said with a nod, causing Spark to leap into the air in excitement. Riley face-palmed at his partner's dork-ish enthusiasm while Delphox laughed quietly, and on that pleasant note the trio had arrived at Emerald City.
"According to Feren, this storm will be at its worst tonight. I'm glad none of you are on missions too far from the Guild today. Always factor in weather to your trips. It can either aid or hinder you," Delphox warned the two Apprentices as they approached the Crossroads. Feren was waiting for them there, and nodded to Delphox before looking at Riley and Spark. Spark handed Feren the note and he accepted it, scanning it briefly.
"X-Ray Specs, hmm? Interesting…Good work you two. Guildmaster, do you have anything you need to do in the city?" Feren asked Delphox, who shook her head.
"Not really. Or rather, nothing I can't put off until tomorrow," Delphox replied, winking at Spark and Riley who both giggled. Feren rolled his eyes and made his way towards the Guild.
"Such a sourpuss. Come on, you two. It should be dinnertime," Delphox said as she walked towards the Guild. Grave the Haunter greeted them as they approached, and together they went inside of the Guild for dinner. At dinner, Delphox made an official announcement regarding the Festival of Heroes.
"In two weeks time, the Guild will be taking a short trip to Cherrystone Town for the Festival of Heroes. Now, what this means for us is that we will be staying within the town and be there as their guests. You're to be on your best behavior..." Delphox looked at Grave at that, who chuckled at her in reply, before continuing.
"That said, it'll be a night for everyone to unwind. You've all been working so hard lately, and this event happens only once a year. Many renowned Explorers and Rescue Teams will be there. Also, representatives from the Expedition Society will also be in attendance. Once the event draws closer, we'll discuss more about how it'll go. Now…without further adieu…" Delphox trailed off before every Pokémon finished her sentence.
"DINNER TIME!"
Riley and Spark sparred with Atlas once again after dinner, though this time with Ares and Jet teaming up with them. Feren barked out commands from the side, and Riley ended up learning how to use a move known as Double Kick by the end of the night, thanks to landing the final blow that knocked out Atlas. Riding high on Riley's achievement of learning a new move, Riley and Spark went to bed in good spirits, after bidding the other Apprentices goodnight. With the thought of possibly finding out some answers from the legendary Lorekeeper, as well as feeling proud of himself for learning a new move, Riley fell asleep quickly with a smile on his face as the storm raged on outside.
If only he knew what came next.
Meanwhile:
Silver Shoreline:
Captain Ren eyed the black ocean in front of him with unwavering focus, his feet in the sliver sand. He was a Pokémon made of metal and darkness, cloaked in the colors of red and black while his hands, feet, and chest were covered in silver gleaming blades. The Pokémon had been waiting by the water's edge for the better part of the evening, unmoving and crouched down as he starred at the ocean. He was preparing himself for yet another suicide mission…not that it bothered him one bit. The massive amounts of rain pouring down around him didn't bother him either.
He knew that once a day, for roughly a minute, the path that he sought would become clear. The ocean before him would open up and reveal a hidden path. Yes…the path. The path that would further his goals. Goals that, the Bisharp too, wanted to see achieved.
For it would mean a new era in this world.
"Ren, this our first true step for this continent…Do not fail me," a dark yet gentle voice whispered in the Bisharp's mind before the connection was severed. Ren's mouth twisted into a horrible grin as he got to his feet at last, watching the water slowly shift in front of him. He cast a glance back at the shore for a moment before turning back towards the water, which had now parted in front of him and revealed a small dark path leading down into the depths of the ocean itself. Into a very…special Mystery Dungeon. He raised an arm, signaling to the Pawniards behind him, waiting silently like him. A dozen of his finest minions, ready to sacrifice themselves for the cause if need be.
"Stay close behind me and do not fall behind. Otherwise…You will be left to the Sharpedo," Ren said coldly to the Pawniards, who dropped to one knee. They knew the price of weakness in the eyes of their Captain was death, and would not give anything less than their best.
"Yes, Captain Ren!" the Pawniard replied.
"Then on that note…let's go," Ren said as he turned back towards the ocean and ran into the passageway, the blades on his body gleaming in the moonlight before he vanished beneath the ocean waves, the Pawniards following in close pursuit.
