Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Guardians of Life and Destruction
Greetings, and welcome to another installment of PMD: GLD. On another note Happy Holidays! I also hope everyone had a safe and great New Year's Eve!
At the moment, I lay here on my bed battered and exhausted from the Christmas rushes at work, but happy that I got this chapter out today. Honestly, I'm grateful for a lot this past Christmas, even if the past year itself wasn't great.
Getting a new job. Finishing "Jak IV: The Avenging Angels" and being able to start on PMD: GLD. A group of awesome friends who helped me through a rather rough year, and other family related stuff that is going better now as well. I'm grateful for a lot of things this past year.
On that note, I'm hoping that at the end of this new year I can see the end of part one of this story, which I'm excited for. This story should be five parts, and should be fifty chapters per act/part. I'm looking forward to getting more stuff out!
Shoutout to those who reviewed chapter 10 when it went up the first time, which was Ways, and a new guest reviewer who reviewed this time around known as the nerfanator.
On a related note, I want to take a second and talk about something a lot of people have talked to me about, and what the nerfanator mentioned in his guest review.
A possible sequel to "Apocalypse: Dawn of the Dead."
Now, at first I was going to hold off on that idea for a few years, and wait until I knocked out my Pokémon story before delving back into COD fanfiction. But with Black Ops III, I've gotten quite a bit of inspiration for plotting my sequel of DOTD. Oh the ideas I have in mind…Muahahaha…
That said, it would be a second full-time story, while I'm already doing a full-time story at the moment. I keep updates reasonable with PMD: GLD, with an update going up every 2-3 weeks or so, but with me working as often as I do and with the family obligations I have to take care of on a daily basis, I don't think I can do a second COD story justice right now. Despite me having the basic plot worked out already.
So…we'll see. It's absolutely on the table, and if I can work out a schedule, a Book 2 is very likely. Especially given how awesome Black Ops III is already, and that's just with Shadows of Evil and The Giant, I can see more inspiration coming my way.
Oh, and I had the idea for a castle map for Book 2 as well, so I was a bit mad when I found out that was the first DLC. God I had so many plans for that map! Skeleton King boss battle while fighting undead legions of medieval zombies, anyone? While Hail to the King by Avenged Sevenfold played in the background? Too bad that idea got scraped with Der Eisendrache.
BUT I DON'T CARE.
IT LOOKS FUCKING AWESOME.
I may throw up a poll, asking people if they would be willing to put up with monthly or bi-monthly updates if I do attempt an Apocalypse sequel. If the response is positive, then I'll try and work out a schedule so that we can get the ball rolling again!
That said, PMD: GLD is my main focus. I've wanted to do this story for a long time, and Pokémon is dearer to me than COD. That said, I have juggled two stories before and it may be possible (with longer times between updates of course for the sequel story) to do it again.
So we'll see. For those of you really interested in a DOTD sequel, message me via PM or leave a review anywhere with your thoughts.
On that note, enjoy!
Chapter 11: Pokémon 101
"OOGA BOOGA BOOGA!"
"AGH! DON'T…DO THAT GRAVE!"
"Hehehehehehehehe…"
Riley began to calm his frantically beating heart while Spark collapsed onto his bed, shaking for a moment before he said, "Worst wake up call ever…of all time."
"I'm sure there are plenty of worse ways…Like being punched in the face or being hit with a Thundershock. Speaking of which, if you ever try it, I'm going to somehow convince Jet to flood the room to wake you up."
"Ugh…let's just get to the morning assembly."
The two tired rookies made their way to the morning assembly. As Delphox concluded the address, she added, "To conclude this morning address, I'd like to announce that due to some concerns I've had, I'm calling in some old friends of mine to keep an eye on the Guild for me in order to increase the security for the Guild. They will be monitoring things around Emerald City and the Guild itself and working with Grave to ensure that the wards around the castle are stronger than ever before they depart. If you do see any of our guests, please show them curtesy and respect, as they're old colleagues of mine. That is all."
Delphox ended the address with the morning cheer and the Apprentices scattered at her call. Riley yawned widely and Spark gave him a tired look of amusement, earning a shrug in reply before they heard a light chuckle from in front of them. The two rookies looked forward to see Delphox and Feren standing in front of them, with Delphox smiling at them and Feren looked even more displeased than usual.
"Wake up, you two. I have a special job for you both today," Delphox said with a chuckle.
"Oh really? Allllllll right, let's hear it," Riley said tiredly.
"Today you both will be going out into the field with Feren, in order to apprehend an outlaw that has evaded Captain Firefang and his officer's best efforts. An Ambipom by the name of Hansel who has robbed many Pokémon in the forests of Varos. Feren will accompany you to show you how to take on stronger opponents, as well as how to approach more difficult Mystery Dungeons. Hansel the Ambipom is hiding in a Mystery Dungeon known as the Riverside Grove, which is located near the middle point of the Great River," Delphox explained as Feren sighed. A Treasure Bag floated down from the stage and settled itself over Feren. Feren shot a look at Delphox, eyeing the Treasure Bag with distaste.
"You know the real reason you're sending me out there on an S-Rank mission with two rookies. I am not getting old. I can handle this on my own!" Feren harrumphed as Delphox laughed quietly.
"So you say. But you used to be able to hold your own against me, mister. Nowadays you can't even touch me in battle!" Delphox said teasingly to Feren, causing him to actually growl in annoyance.
"Enough! Come on, you two! We're leaving," Feren said as he padded towards the front door of the Guild with his nose high in the air.
"Keep an eye on him." Riley and Spark looked back at Delphox, whose smile faded slightly. "Despite what he says, he's getting old. He was in his prime back when I was still an Apprentice at the Dragonite Guild, and that was ages ago. He doesn't need protecting, far from it…but please watch his back, and in return he'll watch yours," Delphox said to Riley and Spark. Spark nodded while Riley gave the Guildmaster a thumbs up, and with that the two Apprentices headed off with Feren.
"I'm sure she gave you a speech about how old I am? Hmph! I can still out-battle all of you Apprentices with ease. Where does she get off…?" Feren muttered as Team Horizon caught up with the old dog.
"And you two! Prepare yourselves for a standard apprehension mission. I'll be waiting right here for you," Feren grumbled as he sat down off to the side of the Crossroads, grumbling to himself as Team Horizon stood there in silence for several long seconds, wondering what just happened.
"Well then…let's go," Riley said after an awkward pause. The duo made their way into the city, stopping by the Kecleon Shop, Sableye's Bank, and Kangaskhan Storage while they made their rounds. Spark made sure to purchase several different kinds of seeds for Riley to use. As they left, they bumped into Jet, who was walking by with a downcast expression on his face.
"Hey Jet. How's it going?" Riley asked the Buizel, snapping him out of his daze and getting a smile out of the Buizel.
"Oh, hey you two! I'm doing alright. Just walking through the city before heading back to the Guild. Enjoying the good weather today. You know we're supposed to get more storms this week, right?" Jet said to Riley and Spark, causing the Chimchar to sigh.
"Oh well. I guess I'll enjoy the good weather today while it lasts then," Riley muttered darkly.
"Come on, Riley. Cheer up!" Spark said bracingly. Riley managed a weak smile while Jet chuckled at the two rookies.
"So, what kind of assignments do you both have to do today?" Jet asked Riley and Spark.
"We're heading out with Feren to the Great River. We have to find a Mystery Dungeon called the Riverside Grove and find an outlaw inside of it," Spark said to Jet, making the Buizel frown thoughtfully.
"Great River, huh? Well, if Feren is going with you then you'll be fine. A lot of the Dungeons there are really rough. Even some of the more experienced Apprentices of the Delphox Guild are careful in those ones, so just be cautious. Listen to Feren and don't get in over your heads. OK?" Jet said to the two rookies, who nodded.
"Where are you off to today?" Riley asked Jet, making the Buizel wince.
"I've got Sentry Duty today, since Grave is going outlaw-hunting today while doing an escort mission. Hooray for me," Jet said with a sigh.
"Well, we get to spend the day with Feren. How can bad can Sentry Duty be?" Riley asked Jet, who shook his head.
"It's not bad. Just boring…so so boring," Jet remarked before he looked behind Team Horizon and smiled slightly. Riley and Spark turned around to see Eon and Snow standing behind them.
"Good morning, Team Horizon," Eon said quietly, his voice sounding oddly low this morning. His eyes were even half-closed and slowly drooping before Snow thwacked him on the head with her claw.
"Hey, wake up! No sleeping," Snow snapped at the Espurr, who blinked a few times. Riley could have sworn that the Espurr's eyes turned bright green for a moment before returning to their lilac color, but it was probably just his imagination.
"My apologies, Snow. I did not sleep well last night. I'll endeavor not to doze off again," Eon murmured.
"That's alright buddy. You two are heading out towards Cherrystone Town, right?" Jet asked Snow and Eon, who both nodded.
"Escort quest. Eon's tagging along because the Dungeon we're going in just past the town has a lot of fighting types. Delphox said she can handle the Guild by herself today, since Grave and Feren are out for the day too," Snow said with a shrug.
"I…Did not know Feren was also leaving. Otherwise I would not have volunteered to assist Snow. Hmm…No. It is too late to reconsider. I will aid you for the day, Snow," Eon said after a moment, earning an approving nod from the Sneasel. She looked at Team Horizon, sneering slightly before turning to Jet.
"You have fun on Sentry Duty. See you later," Snow said as she walked off with the Espurr.
"She's such a jerk," Spark said as he clenched his fists in anger.
"She's just trying to get a rise out of us. Let it go, Spark, because she's not worth it," Riley said dispassionately.
"And on that note, I have to get going. Grave's got to head out and I need to take his post. You two take care!" Jet said as he gave the two rookies a quick one-handed salute before walking off in the other direction with a grin.
"Come on, let's get this over with," Riley said with a grimace. Spark nodded, and with that the two Pokémon made their way back to the grouchy right-hand Pokémon of the Guildmaster.
"Took you long enough. What does your Treasure Bag look like?" Feren asked the two rookies. Riley took each of the supplies out of their bag and laid them out on the grass for Feren to look at. Feren nodded after a moment and said, "With the way you two are now, this will suffice. I'll share supplies with you if it's necessary."
"What kind of supplies did you bring, Feren?" Spark asked the old dog, who took off his Treasure Bag and set it on the ground before opening it. Inside were many apples, berries, and several blue round spheres. He picked up a shiny seed that was in a side pouch and said, "Standard fare. I added a Reviver Seed just in case the Riverside Grove throws any unexpected surprises our way."
"What's a Reviver Seed?" Riley asked the Furfrou.
"Reviver Seeds are considered one of the most valuable tools at an Explorer's disposal. It is a special type of seed that revives the user if they are knocked unconscious or perish within the depths of a Mystery Dungeon. With a Reviver Seed on your person, you don't have to worry about dying so long as you're inside of a Mystery Dungeon," Feren explained as he regarded the yellow glossy seed in his hands.
"Really? Why don't we just stock a whole bunch of these then, if they're that helpful?" Riley asked Feren.
"Because they're hard to come by. They are only useful inside of and can only be found inside of Mystery Dungeons, and are so sought after that it's hard to stockpile them for the Guild. This is from my own personal stash of supplies," Feren said as he handed the seed to Riley.
"Wait, why are you giving it to me?" Riley asked Feren.
"Because you will most likely need it more than me. I am considerably stronger than the pair of you, and as such have a less chance of getting knocked out during this trip" Feren replied matter-of-factly as he slipped the seed into Riley's bag.
"T-t-thank you, Feren!" Spark said, sounding surprised. Riley muttered a thanks as well, surprised that the grouchy dog would give them such a gift. Feren merely nodded and closed his own bag.
"Don't thank me. Delphox saddled me with you two for the day, so I'm merely doing my job as an instructor. Now, let's be on our way. We've got a few hours to trek before we make it to the site," Feren said as he picked up his bag in his teeth and swung it behind him, settling it on his back in a way that Riley blinked in surprise from. Here was a dog Pokémon somehow able to use a bag with straps. He ignored it and walked after Spark, sighing internally and thinking that today was going to be very long indeed.
Departure Way:
"Hey…Feren?" Riley said after some time down the road. The trio had been walking down the western road for about an hour or so before reaching yet another path that branched out in several directions. One rather spooky road led to Darkwood Barrow, while 2 others pointed towards The Great River and the Western Fields. The three Pokémon had just begun their trek down the path that would lead them to the Great River, when Riley asked his question.
Riley had taken turns watching the beautiful landscape around him and looking at Feren, who had noticeably relaxed during their trek. He seemed to be enjoying being out and about, that was for sure. The trio had walked in silence the entire time, save for when Feren told Riley to pick a few Apples off a tree next to the path.
When addressed, the dog Pokémon turned his head slightly at Riley and said, "Yes?"
"Can you tell me a bit about Varos…and well, Pokémon in general?" Riley asked the old dog, who turned to look at him with a glare before his gaze softened.
"Of course…You have amnesia. You wouldn't remember anything about the world around you, would you?" Feren asked Riley. Riley shook his head silently.
"Hmm…Where to start? Varos is one of the first regions to ever have a developed Pokémon city, as well as the first ever Guild. That city is Velarnia, the Great City of Stone, to the south. It stands to this day as a thriving center of life for Pokémon in Varos. From there, more settlements popped up over the years in the many different areas of Varos."
"Like?" Riley prompted as the group continued to make their way down Departure Way.
"How to explain it…Varos was not always a thriving continent like it is today. Of course, many years ago, there were some clusters of civilized Pokémon here and there on Varos living in small villages here and there. But other than that, the wild Pokémon ruled here. Over time, Explorers came to this land and settled here, specifically Velarnia, and from there they stayed for many years, developing the settlement. More and more of the land of Varos was explored, and as the settlement of Velarnia grew so did the occupants of the city, due to more of the native Pokémon warming up to the Pokémon that lived in the settlement. They began to coexist, and became friends and partners and from that the settlement became a town, and then a city many years later. Cooperation and unity as Pokémon developed in a community that allowed all of them to flourish," Feren explained.
"On top of that, many great Pokémon were present during this period, who helped spread ideas for growth and development. One of them was a great Explorer by the name of Gale the Strong, who befriended several leaders in the wilds of Varos and with their help, began the road system that you see today," Feren explained.
"Leaders?" Spark asked.
"Those who ruled the Pokémon in Varos before Explorers came here. Some of them were even legendary Pokémon. Wild Pokémon and those who had travelled to Varos became friends, and with their combined knowledge and cooperation made life in general better for Pokémon. They were particularly helpful during the creation of the road system in Varos by protecting workers and even getting the local Pokémon to assist them."
"With the road systems, more Pokémon of the Explorers were able to explore the continent to see what it contained. More and more Pokémon explored the land of Varos, and with that many places within the continent were developed into centers of civilization. No, we don't need it per say to be happy, but it does make life easier and more interesting than simply living in the wilds," Feren said with a shrug.
"Sounds like it," Riley said with a smirk.
"I can't imagine living in the Forest. I've been in the city too long, I guess," Spark said with a shudder.
"Well, you at least want to go out of your comfort zone though, Spark. You're trying to overcome some of your shortcomings and become stronger," Riley reminded the Pikachu, earning a smile from his partner.
"The times we live in now are some of the best to be alive in, and are the results of all of that hard work the past generations of Pokémon have laid down. Advances have been made in research and exploration that allow more of the world to be traveled. More progressive Guilds with more competent Guildmasters have been created, and more and more of the world is being mapped. We are living in a golden age of exploration," Feren said with a small smile that he hid a moment later.
"I'll say. It's so exciting! I can't wait to get stronger so I can go to the mountains up north or the deserts in the east!" Spark said excitedly.
"So, Varos is like a mishmash of different ecosystems? Spark mentioned a snowy mountain range the other day too, but there's also a huge swamp not too far from here as well. Sounds like there's a lot of different kinds of places here," Riley said to Feren.
"Yes, you could say that. In the center of the continent you can find Emerald City, which is surrounded by Emerald Forest. That forest, that we still happen to be in, is in the heart of Varos. Scattered throughout the land are variety of ecosystems that allow many types of Pokémon to live here…However, that also means that just about every kind of Mystery Dungeon can be found here as well."
"Don't the other continents deal with the same situation?" Spark asked Feren, who nodded.
"Yes. Mystery Dungeons can appear anywhere and often do. It's just something that we have to deal with," Feren replied. "With every Mystery Dungeon comes a different approach to traverse it. The depths and contents of them are ever-changing, as are what we know about them. It seems that despite our best efforts, we may never be able to unravel some of the secrets of the Mystery Dungeons of this world."
"So, are there any other places like Emerald City?" Riley asked Feren.
"There's a few cities here and there, but besides them, most of the settlements on this continent are small, though numerous. Villages and towns, nothing more than that. Pokémon can survive wherever they need to, of course. The main benefit of living in a settlement is just a greater sense of comfort and protection from the elements, usually. I know many Pokémon who live within the forest on their own, for one reason or another. I've debated it myself, once or twice, but despite everything, I could not leave the Guild," Feren remarked.
"Are there other Guilds on Varos, besides the Delphox Guild?" Riley asked.
"There's the Dragonite Guild to the north-northeast, in the badlands of Varos. Very difficult to get to, but I imagine as Apprentices of Delphox you'd be welcomed there with open arms. The terrain around there is dangerous, though, so I wouldn't recommend visiting it until you are much stronger. I know the Stoutland Guild in Port Steel, despite being a smaller Guild, is fairly popular as well. Port Steel is out in the east, and is where most Pokémon go if they need to travel to another continent," Feren explained.
"Further South is the Burning Kingdom, ruled by Queen Scarlet. Explorers are welcome there, so long as they meet with the Queen directly first. She came into power many many years ago, having been a forsaken princess from another land seeking to acquire a land to grow her kingdom. She naturally gained a group of followers, using her charisma and strength. Over the years, she claimed a vast section of the south of Varos as her Kingdom, and isolated herself from the others in the region, though she has offered aid in times of crisis."
"Have you ever met her, Feren?" Spark asked Feren, who nodded.
"Once, when I was younger. She was grateful that I had helped with a problem within her domain. She's old and wily, but someone I consider a friend. I should check in sometime," Feren mused for a moment before snapping out of his reverie.
"To the north is the Frozen Kingdom, headed by the Counsel of Frost. At the head of the Counsel is Prince Nerfoz, who rules the Frozen Kingdom with an iron fist and unquestioning obedience. Unlike Queen Scarlet, he remains isolationist in times of turmoil. The Delphox Guild tends to stay away from the Prince and his land, most of which is treacherous, cold, and houses some of the most vile Mystery Dungeons imaginable," Feren muttered, shivering slightly.
"You mentioned that the old Heatmor we talked to the other day helped stop the war between the Frozen and Burning Kingdoms. My parents never talked to me about the war, though. They always said I was too young to know about it…Feren, can you tell us a bit about it?" Spark asked hesitantly. Feren looked away from the two Apprentices, his eyes gaining a faraway look.
"The two Kingdoms went to war…many decades ago, the two sides of such power fighting for dominance over the other. No one from Varos was safe from their vengeance…their anger…" Feren murmured, shutting his eyes tightly.
"Feren?" Riley said quietly, surprised at the reaction they were getting out of the old dog. Riley was actually worrying about him, now, but Feren ignored him.
"The war…Imagine a war between Pokémon. We are powerful creatures, capable of many incredible things. Such a thing…it was unheard of before then. A war between Pokémon. The destruction. The carnage. The legendaries themselves that lived on this continent took notice and begged for the fighting to stop…Tales have been sung about the great feats of courage and daring during the war that took so many lives. One simple slight was all it took for discord to run rife through this continent. One tragic little accident was enough to set the fires of war burning…" Feren looked up towards the rising sun for a moment before looking back at the two rookies behind him.
So young. So full of innocence. They had to see the world at its worst…he envied them, in a way. Riley and Spark starred silently at the old dog who then seemed very tired, thinking of a time he'd rather forget.
"What do we do, then?...Answer me, you two." Feren asked the two Apprentices, who were silent.
"I…don't know," Riley admitted, while Spark just shook his head, unable to come up with an answer to Feren's question either.
"Exactly. But that is a time that has long since passed. We're in a time of peace, so to speak. The Burning and Frozen Kingdoms have been at peace for years now. Despite the scars the war left behind, the world has managed to move on…" Feren said in a low voice.
"Wow…So, what about Pokémon? Like, where do all of us come from?" Riley asked Feren.
"Now we're delving into mythology. Spanning back to the very moment of creation…In the beginning, there was nothing but chaos. Nothing but disorder…but from the void, came an egg. An egg that hatched into the being of creation, Arceus."
"Arceus?" Riley inquired.
"Arceus is all-creator. From Lord Arceus, space, time, and darkness were given form in the shape of three Pokémon that regulated these in Arceus's stead. One of them is Lord Dialga, who controls and regulates the flow of time from his place of power, Temporal Tower. The second is Lord Palkia, who watches over the flow of space from the Spacial Rift. As for Lord Giratina…Who knows? Giratina lurks within the darkness of this world, awaiting those who perish in this world…though that is simply legend."
"Huh? You don't believe that, Feren?" Spark asked the Furfrou. Feren shook his head in reply.
"No. Giratina is a powerful being, as strong if not stronger than the two dragons of time and space. That just doesn't seem to fit a creature of Giratina's background. He was one of the first three Pokémon created by Arceus. Why darkness? Why not something more, just as important as space and time itself? But that's just legend. Give me proof and I'll believe that it controls darkness," Feren muttered, shaking his head.
"From there, more and more Pokémon were formed. The world itself was sculpted by the Pokémon that Arceus created to fulfill certain roles. Some shaped the land and sea that we have today, while others helped sculpt the world into finer forms. I'm not an expert on mythology myself, though, so that's where my knowledge on the subject ends. I'm sure the Lorekeeper could indulge you in further details about the creation of Pokémon," Feren added.
"The Lorekeeper…" Riley muttered to himself before speaking up. "Hey Feren, can you tell me more about the Lorekeeper?"
Feren thought about it for a moment before he replied. "The Lorekeeper is one of the oldest archivists in the world. He and his brother, the Chaser, are bards of sorts, gathering legends and tales to spread knowledge and entertain Pokémon for generations. They are beloved by Pokémon all around the world for what they do. They were also present during the war, and have many songs and stories dedicated to them."
"Does the Lorekeeper…really know all about the world's past?" Riley asked Feren. The Furfrou looked at Riley for a moment before looking ahead once more.
"I sense there's a reason to this, more than simple curiosity. But the answer to your question is…sort of. He's incredibly knowledgeable in lore, especially regarding some of the legendaries in the world that are so rare that they have faded from even legends. He's the most well-versed historian in the world, and takes his role as a storyteller very seriously. As a result, he knows more about the world than most Pokémon alive, aside from the legendaries themselves," Feren said before he frowned in thought.
"Actually, Alakazam from Team A.C.T. is another individual who can also say the same thing. If I recall, his wisdom of the world is immense as well. Though I believe when it comes to the lore of the past, the Lorekeeper has him beat. I wouldn't mind seeing Team A.C.T. myself at the Festival of Heroes. They do their jobs well," Feren said appreciatively.
"Sounds like they're pretty awesome, just like the Lorekeeper," Riley said with a grin.
"They're one of the most respected Rescue Teams in the world. Of course they are," Feren scoffed in reply.
"Weren't you on a Rescue Team?" Riley asked Feren.
"Yes. Many years ago. But that is old life I'm not fond of remembering, so please don't bring it up again," Feren remarked, a slight undertone of coldness present in his voice. After a moment, he held up a paw to stop the rookies and muttered, "Wait..."
After a moment of silence, the two Apprentices heard the sound of screeching nearby before the treetops exploded in a shower of leaves and fire. A large red bird soared out of the trees about thirty yards ahead of them, blasting a stream of flames into the air with a screech as a large purple snake fell onto the ground. The bird swooped down at snake as it shot a series of purple needles out of its mouth at the bird, who dodged them as it began to glow bright blue. The bird slammed into the snake, sending it to the ground senseless, before it flew back into the trees with a triumphant screech.
"Odd to see a Talonflame on this side of the Forest. That poor Ekans never stood a chance," Feren said with a shake of the head, skirting around the charred formed of the unconscious snake. Riley, feeling bad for the poor fellow, dropped an Oran Berry next to the knocked out snake.
"Wow…Pokémon are incredible, that's for sure," Riley murmured, wincing as the burned and beaten snake twitched slightly behind them.
"You say that as though you aren't one," Feren commented dryly. Spark stiffened up as Riley felt a pang of fear roll through him, but Feren made no comment and the trio fell into silence once more. Feren broke the silence an hour later, as the trees began to thin out and the sound of water rushing in the distance could be heard.
"I'm surprised the Guildmaster has not checked in on me. Maybe she'll leave us alone so that we can get this over with," Feren said to the rookies behind him.
"She's just looking out for you, Feren. There's nothing wrong with that, is there?" Spark asked the old dog, earning a sigh in response.
"No…But I am more than capable of dealing with whatever nuisance has taken up residence in the Riverside Grotto. You two may learn a thing or two today," Feren remarked before they entered a small clearing. Riley and Spark both starred in amazement at the massive raging river in front of them, cutting through the land in front of them as white foam exploded against the rocks. Feren nodded and looked upstream.
"Our objective is up that way. I think we'll be there in just a few minutes, actually. The Great River itself runs all the way through Varos, ending at the Silver Coast. The river itself is a very useful mode of transportation further up the river. At this point, it becomes very rough, and then calms down again."
Feren then turned to the two rookies and said, "Come."
The group continued to make their way down the riverbank, appreciating the beauty and power of the river with awe in their eyes. They also spotted Pokémon popping out of the river every now and then.
"Hey look, Poliwhirl!" Spark said as he waved at a few blue and white Pokémon who were waving at the group. Riley smiled faintly at the display before he turned his attention forward and saw Feren ahead of them, sniffing the air.
"Hmm…This way," the old dog growled as he padded towards the trees further down the path. Riley and Spark followed Feren to a cluster of trees that Feren was now staring at intensely. Riley watched the trees with Feren, and noticed an odd shiver of sorts running through the air ahead of them.
"Most don't pay attention to them, but there are some signs one can look for to detect entrances to Mystery Dungeons. Seeing as how they appear without any provocation, it's a useful thing to be able to do. Faint shimmers in the air can be seen around their entrances. Distortions in space and time themselves…most aren't noticeable, but this one is," Feren said aloud as the group walked closer to the trees before they noticed a small dark path that led deeper into a nearby grove of sorts.
"Here we are. The Riverside Grove is just through here. Riley, you will lead the way, Spark shall stay next to you, while I keep an eye on our surroundings from the rear. Do not underestimate this Dungeon simply because there are three of us," Feren warned the Chimchar, who nodded before entering the Mystery Dungeon with Spark and Feren following.
As the trio walked into the Dungeon, a figure with two tails chuckled to themselves in the trees nearby. Next to it, several smaller figures landed on the branches next to two-tailed Pokémon, giggling as well.
"Well, looks like I've been found out. Can't let them find my stash, now can I? Hehehehe! Time for some fun, gang!" the Pokémon giggled before it leapt from the branch and dove into the Grove and entered the Mystery Dungeon. It was followed by several other Pokémon that laughed in reply and delved into the maze.