Author's Note: Whew, sorry this took so long to write, guys! Today was my first week of school, so I had a bit of trouble balancing my time. I'm sure I'll be able to find a good balance of schoolwork and writing eventually, however. New Chapters will probably be posted on Saturdays, or Sundays each week, if nothing pops up barricading that. It'll be something to look forward to at the end of a busy week, both for you and for me!
Chapter 6, Part 2
Drilbur Coal Mine
The Coal Mine was mostly empty-and peaceful. The bustling Mine had been replaced with a silent, peaceful place. The moon shined softly over the area, devoid of Pokémon, save for the great dragon that patiently stood near the entrance of the mine. The dragon's scales glistened in the moonlight. The dragon shook his head sadly, and prepared to re-enter the mine for the night. However, the dragon stopped, hearing soft footfalls in the night.
"Sorry for the wait." Charmander said, walking up to Gabite.
"I was about to depart for the night. I'm glad you're here." Gabite replied. "We don't have much time, so let's begin quickly."
"Right...whenever you're ready." Charmander said, preparing himself.
"You know to utilize the basic scratch attack." Gabite reported. "So, we'll build from there. Simply focus and listen to my instructions..."
The two practiced throughout the night, with Gabite instructing Charmander closely, not only on Dragon Claw, but on the latent draconic heritage the Lizard Pokémon contained within himself. Gabite told him about the Pokémon Charizard, and it's ability to transform into the fire dragon Charizard X, a state whose power rivals, if not surpasses, most Pokémon. Charmander was so interested in the fact that one day he might be able to turn into such a impressive and strong Pokémon, he lost track of time. Gabite got up, glancing over to the horizon.
"It appears we've been out most of the night." Gabite said, shaking his head. "I suppose I let myself ramble."
"It's fine, Gabite." Charmander assured. "I enjoyed listening to you."
"Truly? Well, I must say, you learn surprisingly fast, little dragon." Gabite said, smiling. "I didn't expect you to pick up Dragon Claw so easily...it's like you've used it before."
"I guess I just learn fast." Charmander said, shrugging.
"Aye, I suppose so." Gabite said with a nod. "But it's time you returned to the village, little dragon."
"Right, I'll see you around, Gabite." Charmander said, waving goodbye.
"Yes! Goodbye, little dragon!" Gabite called out.
As Charmander headed back to the Village, he glanced up at the stars. Charmander acknowledged how beautiful they were, and hurried back home. Climbing through the open window in Nuzleaf's house, Charmander sighed, realizing how tired he actually was, and he wanted to do nothing else but get some rest. Charmander curled up in his bed, and entered a peaceful sleep.
Serene Village
"Rise and shine, little sprout!" Nuzleaf's voice called out. "Don't tell me you overslept!"
"Five more minutes..." Charmander muttered, rolling over.
Nuzlead sighed, and left the room. Charmander continued to sleep, a direct result of his little training session last night. Charmander would have continued to sleep, if it wasn't for the fact that he immediately felt a sharp pain all of a sudden.
"Yow! What was that?!" Charmander shrieked, leaping up.
"Water." Nuzleaf said sternly. holding a bucket in his hands.. "Are you up yet?"
"Gah! Yes, I'm up!" Charmander said, angrily. "What was in that water, anyway? It felt horrible!"
"Did you forget that you're a fire type? That's natural." Nuzleaf explained. "Now, you should get ready for school. Take a few berries to have as a snack, you missed breakfeast."
Charmander stood there, soaking wet, as Nuzleaf left. Charmander shook his head, and followed Nuzleaf out. The Fire type dried himself, and took a few oran berries as Nuzleaf instructed. He grabbed his bag, and left the house.
"I think he enjoyed that a bit too much..." Charmander said, with a sigh. "I guess I really did oversleep. I'd better hurry to school."
Charmander walked down the path towards the village plaza. He waved hello to Kangaskhan, who was opening up her cafe. Charmander continued on down the path to the village school.
Village School
"I hope I'm not too late..." Charmander sighed, climbing the hill to the school. "I wonder where Squirtle and the others are..."
As Charmander entered the village gates, he was greeted by an immediate tackle hug from Squirtle. Growing used to such an impulse from the Tiny Turtle Pokémon, Charmander greeted him with a laugh.
"Man, I didn't think you'd be the type to oversleep, Charmander!" Squirtle said, still ontop of the Lizard Pokémon. "What happened?"
"I guess I was more tired than I realized." Charmander said. "You weren't worried, were you?"
"We weren't." Deerling piped up. "But it wasn't that late when we came back from the Coal Mine. Were you really that tired?"
Squirtle helped Charmander up off the ground. Charmander set his bag down, shaking his head.
"Well, considering how tough Gabite was, it is really a surprise?" Charmander said, sighing. "I probably needed a few more hours of sleep."
Before Deerling could respond, the morning bell had rung, with Farfetch'd descending the stairs to his desk. Deerling shook her head, and went back to her seat. Squirtle went back to his seat, with Charmander following. Farfetch'd glanced over the classroom before speaking.
"Good morning, class." Farfetch'd said, writing on the chalkboard. "Our lesson today will be a sort of continuation from yesterday."
Charmander listened attentively. The lessons went by relatively quickly, and before Charmander knew it, the final period, fifth period, had arrived. Farfetch'd led the class to a small clearing away from the desks, with a path leading directly into a forest. Charmander was unable to see too far down the path due to the mess of trees blocking his sight. Farfetch'd instructed the class to line up in rows, and once that was done, he began to give instructions.
"Welcome to fifth period, class!" Farfetch'd announced. "We're going to be taking a little field trip today."
Sounds of approval and applause immediately filled the air. Save for Charmander, the students of the village school celebrated the announcement happily.
"A field trip? What's that?" Charmander whispered to Squirtle.
"Huh? Oh, that's just when we explore a Mystery Dungeon." Squirtle replied. "Everyone goes on an adventure together, so it's tons of fun!"
"Oi, may I have your attention?!" Farfetch'd shouted. "You'd best listen to the instructions, students!"
The Pokémon stared attentively at Farfetch'd. Farfetch'd sighed before continuing.
"Now! We will be exploring the School Forest today." Farfetch'd announced. "Your job is to find and retrieve the flags we left on the eight floor."
"How are we going to form teams, teach?" Pancham called out. "With Charmander here, we have an extra Pokémon."
"That is true, three Pokémon is usually our norm of Dungeon exploration." Farfetch'd said, nodding. "However, I have already made plans to accommodate that."
Farfetch'd revealed a sheet of paper he was hiding within his wing. He held the paper in front of him, cleared his throat, and began to read the contents of the paper.
"Ahem...we will have two teams of three. Charmander, Squirtle, Goomy, you are Team 1." Farfetch'd announced.
"Alright! We're on the same team, Charmander!" Squirtle cheered. "This is going to be great!"
"Ugh, I'm with Squirtle again?" Goomy said, disappointed. "After what happened last time?"
"Aw, don't be like that, Goomy!" Squirtle said, crossing his arms. "I know I'm always messing up here and there, but this time will be different, you'll see!"
"Oh, I'll see alright..." Goomy muttered.
"Yes, and...Deerling, Pancham, Shelmet, you will be Team 2." Farfetch'd finished.
"What?! I'm with Pancham and Shelmet?!" Deerling said, shocked. "Surely there's a mistake here!"
"Well, uh...I worked hard on this list, you know!" Farfetch'd replied, embarrassed. "The least you can do is support me, Deerling!"
"Ugh...I guess I have no choice..it's part of the classwork." Deerling grumbled.
"Alright! We really lucked out this time, Shelmet! Deerling's on our team!" Pancham said, smirking.
"Hey, Deerling! Try not to hold us back, alright?" Shelmet sneered. "You just stay behind us and look pretty!"
"I'm going to be the one whose going to have save you two from a feral." Deerling replied.
"Ahem.." Espurr interrupted, approaching Farfetch'd. "Mr. Farfetch'd, I am to..?"
"Stay behind and support both teams with telepathy, Espurr." Farfetch'd replied. "You'll be helping me stay in touch with both teams inside the Mystery Dungeon."
"Understood. Good enough for me." Espurr said.
"Now that you have your teams, it is time to hand out the item boxes." Farfetch'd announced, pointing his leek at two item boxes next to him. "Both teams, please send a representative to get your items."
"I'll get ours." Pancham said, approaching the boxes.
"You don't mind if I get it, right guys?" Squirtle asked.
"I guess not." Goomy said.
"Yeah, go ahead." Charmander added.
Squirtle walked over to the item boxes, and dragged a bag filled to the brim with items to the two Pokémon. Goomy and Charmander peered into the bag, wondering what was inside it today.
"Four oran berries, a tiny reviver seed, a pecha and rawst berry, and a petrify wand!" Goomy announced.
"Hey, a tiny reviver seed?" Squirtle repeated in disbelief. "Aren't those rare?"
"Yeah, but not as rare, or strong, as regular reviver seed." Goomy replied. "These will restore our energy a bit if we're knocked out."
"I'm glad you remembered your lesson on items, Goomy." Farfetch'd said, nodding. "Now, these item boxes will help you complete the dungeon. Whenever you are ready, you may begin. The first team to return with their flag is the winner of today's little expedition."
"Easy. Let's go, team!" Pancham said, leading his team into the path, with Deerling following reluctantly. "See you back at the classroom, Team 1."
"Well, we can't just sit here. Let's go, team!" Squirtle said, putting the bag over his shoulder.
"Right...let's give it our best shot." Charmander added with a nod.
"Right." Goomy said. "I'll do my best to help."
As the trio entered the School Forest, Charmander immediately noticed the subtle changes in the color of the trees. They had entered the Mystery Dungeon.
