Chapter 12 - Deepening Mysteries

It was sometime in the afternoon at this point as the members of Team Revolution drew highly close to Sacreca Town. Sounds of some kind could be heard from somewhere in the vicinity as the group all drew closer to the outskirts of Sacreca Town. They were rather upbeat notes traveling through the air.

"Huh, I wonder what that is?" quizzed Susanshi, listening in. "Whoever's playing that...it sounds really good."

"Wait, is that a musical instrument we're hearing?" wondered Leo.

"It would seem like it," replied Susanshi. "But where's it coming from?"

"It sounds like it's coming from...the...right!" announced Leo, listening carefully to pinpoint the source of the song.

Turning to the right, the trio spotted somebody sitting on a lone, isolated tree stump, where the song was originating. As they ran over to the spot, the figure's identity became clear: Alex. He was sat on the stump with a metallic object to his mouth. He was exhaling and inhaling at it to produce a joyous, catchy song. His eyes remained closed in focus, so he did not notice the company.

"Hey, that's a harmonica!" announced Susanshi.

"Oh, so that's what one looks like!" said Leo.

"Hmm... He's not bad, I'll give him that," uttered Tokot.

Soon, the tune was over, and Alex opened his eyes, holding the instrument down away from his face.

"...Oh, it's you three. You're back...and in one piece," he said.

"Alex... You're really good at that," complimented Susanshi.

"You really think so? ...Thanks," replied Alex, lacking enthusiasm as normal. "I come here from time to time to play. It's sort of my...private spot. Oh... I see you've brought something back with you."

"This thing? Oh yes, it was at Aqua Falls," said Susanshi. "Do you maybe happen to know what it is?"

"...Nope, not familiar to me," replied Alex. "Well, I was about to head back to the EA... Come along...if you want."

He then took his harmonica, which was made from a stainless steel, bearing ten separate holes on the front to form notes, as well as a carved inscription on the top reading "Presto's", up to his bandanna, and appeared to hide it inside it.

"Huh? Where'd you put it?" asked Susanshi curiously.

"In my bandanna," replied Alex.

"I get that, but how?" questioned Susanshi.

"...There's a pocket built into it. I keep it in there all the time," explained Alex.

"Ah, makes sense," said Susanshi.

Alex then stepped down from the stump and headed at his own pace towards the site of the town. Susanshi, Tokot and Leo followed behind him. Alex soon looked over his shoulder at the trio, who were stood rather close to his back.

"Um... Not so close," he muttered.

"Oh, sorry," said Susanshi. "Back off a little, guys."

She and the other extended their distance away slightly.

"Yeah, that's better..." said Alex, before turning back around.

"And what's his problem?" whispered Tokot to Susanshi.

"I'm guessing he just doesn't feel comfortable enough with us yet," replied Susanshi.

"Sure is an odd one, isn't he?" commented Tokot.

"Uh, I think you should keep your voice down..." whispered back Susanshi.

Alex did not appear to react to the remark given by Tokot.

After a while, the quartet had finished making their way through the town and were back at the entrance grounds of the EA building. The scene was relatively quiet, as not many Pokémon were about, most likely due to many of them being away on Explorer duties.

"Ahhh... It's nice when it's quiet," commented Alex. "Oh, there's Lisa over there."

And indeed, there was Lisa, standing at the fountain, along with three other Pokémon.

"Who's she with?" asked Susanshi.

"Those are her friends," replied Leo. "That's Team FemDragon, Lisa's previous team. She was once their leader, before Alex appeared."

"Makes some sense, I mean, there wouldn't be enough room for him," noted Susanshi.

The group all walked up to Lisa and her intimates.

"Lisa, I'm back," uttered Alex.

"Welcome back, Alex. Oh, and Team Revolution's back. Good to see you're safe and sound," greeted Lisa. "Oh? What's that you've got there?"

"No idea," said Leo. "But Susanshi found it in the caves at the falls."

"Hmm, it looks interesting," commented Lisa. "Can't really say it's familiar to me though, but it must be of some importance or value if you found it so far out the way. Oh, Susanshi, I have to introduce you to some more Pokémon. These three fellow Dragon-types with me? They're some of my closest friends."

She proceeded to announce the other Pokémon within the area. One was a Deino, a Pokémon lacking visible eyes, wearing a pink bow in its black hair, as well as the exact same tattoo seen on Lisa and Alex on the base of its neck.

"This is Laura, a Deino."

"Oh, hello there. You seem like a nice girl," greeted the Deino.

"Um... How can you tell?" Susanshi asked, looking puzzled.

"I can smell you. You smell like a Piplup," said Laura. "Everyone has their own unique smell. That's how I get through life. Ah... Would be nice to see though, but I don't really fancy being an ugly Hydreigon just to do so. Seriously, you seen those things? Yuck!"

"Hehe, I think you're just fine the way you are," said Lisa with an uplifting tone. "Anyway, this is Melle."

She was now referring to a Gible, a Pokémon of rather pudgy stature, with stubby arms and legs, and a wide, gaping mouth of many teeth, followed by a thick yellow headband. The same tattoo could be seen on the left side of its singular fin, located on top of its head.

"Does anyone have something for me to chew on?" asked the Gible. "How about the diamond thing the Piplup's holding? It looks nice and tough."

"Um... I don't think it's on the menu," stated Susanshi, looking slightly scared.

"Oh, don't worry about Melle. It's just a habit of hers," mentioned Lisa. "Don't be afraid of her, she's nice, honestly. She's quite the artist, believe it or not. It was her who designed our tattoo."

"Interesting. Goes to show, you shouldn't judge using first impressions," Susanshi analyzed.

"Exactly. That's how me and Alex got on so well, after all," spoke Lisa.

She finally turned attention to the third and final FemDragon member.

"And this is Sarah. She's basically the wild one."

"Huh? Wild? Like, no way!" denied the Pokémon, a Dratini.

This creature was all body, no arms and legs, with a purple bandanna around the neck and the tattoo near the end of its tail.

"Yep, it's like her to deny it," said Lisa.

"Lisa, you ain't got the right to put me down like that," huffed Sarah.

"But I wasn't, I was... Never mind," Lisa hesitantly said. "But there you go, Susanshi. Team FemDragon. We've been together since we were all young. Heck, even long before we had the hope for the chance to be Explorers. And here we are today!"

"Those are all good backstories, and I can't wait to hear more of them, but we have our finding to identify," Tokot rudely stated. "So, step aside, you're wasting time."

He then turned around to face Susanshi, pointing directly at her.

"Look at poor Susanshi! She can barely hold that thing any longer! We really should get going now! Bye!"

"But...this is no problem..." muttered Susanshi.

"Shh! Just get inside," whispered Tokot quickly, approaching Susanshi's back and pushing her forward.

"Oh? Going so soon?" asked Melle.

"Yeah, we, uh, we need to meet Master Eag. Where is he?" asked Tokot.

"Inside the EA, as usu-" replied Lisa, before being interrupted by Tokot:

"Alright! Thanks, now off we go!"

"Ah, he's at it again. So sorry, Lisa," sighed Leo, following Tokot as he guided Susanshi towards the EA building.

"Well, that was short," said Laura.

"Aww, I was only just planning on biting down on that diamond," said Melle, disappointed. "Now it's gone..."

"Relax, I'll find something else for you," claimed Lisa, expressing slight awkwardness.

"Girls, that Charmander is, like, totally insolent," commented Sarah.

"I figured that out for myself a while back," said Lisa.

She then performed a shrugging motion.

"Ah well, it's boys. What do you expect?" stated Laura.

"Hey, where's Master Eag?!" shouted Tokot with himself, Susanshi and Leo now within the entrance foyer of the EA building.

"Huh? He's upstairs," replied a random voice from nearby.

Without giving and sort of thanks, the trio made their way towards the stairs and up to the second floor. There, various Pokémon were gathered, chatting and such. At the back of the room, near Alenia's office, was a second flight of stairs. Upon climbing these, the team reach the third floor, and the highest point of the building. There, looking through a large circular window in the front, Master Eag stood with his back turned towards the trio. He was staring down at a clipboard, which he held in his wing.

"...Right, the wanted poster's ready. Time to post it downstairs," he uttered to himself.

"Master Eag! Master Eag!" called out Leo as he and the others walked up to him.

"Oh? Team Revolution, is that you?" wondered Master Eag, not turning back.

"Yes, it's us," replied Leo. "We're wondering if you could help us. Do you know what this thing is that Susanshi has?"

"Well then, allow me to see," said Master Eag, finally turning to face his guests.

It took just one quick glance at the jewel held by Susanshi, and his attitude changed instantaneously. Now he appeared startled and concerned.

"What?! Why do you have that?!"

"Um... Master Eag, is everything OK?" asked Leo.

"No, of course not! You've ignored my orders by going to Aqua Falls!" shouted Master Eag.

"W-what? But...how did you know?" asked Leo.

"Oh, nice going, Leo. You've busted all of us!" snapped Tokot.

"That thing you have with you... You shouldn't have that!" exclaimed Master Eag.

"Aha! So you DO know what it is!" stated Tokot.

"No! No more! Give it back!" barked Master Eag.

"Huh? I'm seriously confused right now," muttered Susanshi.

Master Eag, now showing some anxiety, spread his wings and proceeded to force the trio to move towards one of the doors in the area.

"M-Master Eag, what's going on?" asked Leo.

Rather than respond, Master Eag opened the door and led them all inside, before entering the room himself and shutting the door. Inside was a desk at the back, much like Bevscot's and Alenia's own offices, along with many rows of filing cabinets lining the sides.

"Uh, Master Eag, why did you bring us into your office?" asked a confused Leo.

"I can't just let anyone hear me on this!" responded Master Eag. "What you have there was supposed to stay hidden! Especially with the current situation at hand!"

"Master Eag, why does it need to stay hidden? Vascious might be after this, so isn't it best to keep it safe?" suggested Leo.

"You don't get it, do you?! Sacreca will be doomed if it gets into the wrong hands!" yelled Master Eag.

"Master Eag... You should rest. You're not yourself," said Leo, trying to calm the agitated Braviary.

"I don't know how you figured out how to get it, but going to Aqua Falls when clearly informed not to? That's very serious!"

"But there was no one at the falls. No real danger at all," claimed Susanshi.

"Doesn't matter! Rules are rules! Now, hand it to me! I will return it to the Waterfall Caves myself!"

"N...no, Master Eag. I don't want to return it..." muttered Leo nervously. "It might be best to keep it here. That way, if Vascious were to return to Aqua Falls, he'll be stuck searching for something that isn't there."

Master Eag took a moment to think to himself about the current situation.

"Wait, maybe I am just overreacting... They've found the Aqua Fragment by accident, yet they have no idea what to do with it. If it stays that way, then maybe it won't be so troublesome. It might even delay Vascious for a while... Yes, I can take advantage of all this. Very well, I know what to say."

"You... You have a decent point. I am sorry. I panicked," he then told the trio, finally calm. "OK then, I'll forgive you this once, but only under two conditions. You are to hide what you have. Just keep it safe and forget about it for now. Got it? You must protect it at all costs!"

"Oh, sure thing, Master Eag," agreed Leo.

"Secondly, I need you to listen to me, because I'll only say this once: don't go wondering off. Perform only tasks from the job list. You're meddling in areas that you shouldn't be meddling in. If you favor your lives, just stick to the jobs. I'm doing this for your own good. If something were to happen to you, or any young Explorer for that matter, then things will get very ugly for myself and Mayor Gordon. Understand?"

"Y-yes, Master Eag. Sorry for any trouble," shuddered Leo.

"Good, I should hope you keep your promise. OK, you're dismissed," said Master Eag, trusting in the words given to him.

"Thank you, Master Eag," Leo said as he bowed. "We can hide this thing in my house."

He and the other team members proceeded to walk out of the office, making their way back down into the entrance foyer. Once there, they stood before a trio of corkboards hanging on the wall next to the assembly hall doors. Various pieces of paper were attached to the corkboards by tacks. These papers featured details of jobs and tasks.

"Humph! Surely you're not listening to Master Eag, are you, Leo?" questioned Tokot. "I don't want you quitting all this now! It was YOUR idea to defy Master Eag in the first place!"

"As much as I'd hate to disobey Master Eag a second time, we don't really have a choice," replied Leo. "We already made it your duty to try to defeat him. We should probably find a way to get to the Ruins of Wyste. Whatever that voice Susanshi heard is trying to lead us to, it could be important to the mission she has. Maybe a way to stop Vascious before he does...whatever he wants to do."

"Of course," agreed Susanshi. "I'm not really comfortable with the way Master Eag was reacting, but this is the only other clue we have. So, I guess it's already settled then. We go...to the Ruins of Wyste."

"But first, let's go put this jewel away," requested Leo. "Let's go to my house. Grenouille stays at home for much of the day, so she'll look after it for us."

"Good idea, Leo. Let's get it there quickly before it attracts too much unwanted attention," said Susanshi.

At that moment, Andose, the Raichu, turned up holding a piece of paper. It was the exact same piece of paper Master Eag previously had attached to his clipboard. Andose, without making any interaction with Team Revolution, attached the paper to the first corkboard, using two tacks to hold it up by the top corners.

"Well, that's done now," he said to himself. "I sure hope we catch him soon."

He then walked away, paying no attention to Team Revolution, although he did briefly lay his eyes on the mysterious jewel.

The paper he had posted was a wanted poster, featuring a crude drawing of Vascious, along with the words "WANTED" on top, with "Dead or alive. 1,000,000P reward, courtesy of Master Eag, mayor Gordon and the SPF".

"A million PokéDollars... Man, that sure is a lot," Leo commented, inspecting the poster.

"Well, whoever drew THAT ain't gonna get his art diploma any time soon," commented Tokot. "Wait... A million PokéDollars?! Ka-ching! Think of what all that would do for my family! Guys, consider me in, let's get going! The ruins aren't gonna explore themselves!" He thrust his arm into the air in excitement.

"Heh, bring money into it and that's it, no stopping Tokot," said Susanshi.

"That's the spirit! Come on, let's go drop this thing off at my house, then we'll see about going to the ruins!" repeated Leo.

With spirits as high as ever, the trio marched their way out of the building. Soon after, they walked past Lisa, Sarah, Laura and Melle, who were still stood at the fountain. There was an unusual absence of Alex.

"Oh hey, where are you headed next?" asked Lisa.

"The ruins!" announced Leo, still walking.

"The ruins? Well...good luck there," said Lisa, appearing to pause for a brief second, as if she was having a quick thought to herself.

A mild amount of time later, and Leo, Susanshi and Tokot stepped into the house where Grenouille was.

"Grenouille! I need a favor!" announced Leo as he walked in, along with Susanshi and Tokot.

"Oh, welcome back, Leo," greeted Grenouille. "What can I do for you?"

"We want you to look after something for us," Leo replied.

"And what would that be?" asked Grenouille.

"This." Leo pointed at Susanshi and the mystery jewel.

"What in the world is that thing?" quizzed Grenouille, completely baffled by what she was presented with.

"We're not exactly sure, but it could be important later," stated Leo. "Just let us keep it here and make sure no one tries to take it."

"OK, dear. Just pop it down somewhere," offered Grenouille.

"If you will, Susanshi," said Leo.

"Oh, of course," obliged Susanshi.

She walked over to the side of one of the beds, the same one she had previously slept in, and laid the jewel down at the bottom of the left bed, and finally pushing it underneath.

"So that's done. Now we're going," said Tokot.

"Oh? But don't you kids want some lunch? I'm sure you're hungry," said a concerned Grenouille.

"Well, a snack would be nice, but... What we need to do next is of utmost importance," mentioned Leo. "So, thanks but no thanks."

"Are you perfectly sure? I mean, I don't want you to go hungry far away from home," said Grenouille.

"I'll be fine," claimed Leo.

"...OK, you get going then," said Grenouille, still appearing worried.

"Time to go, guys," declared Leo.

"Yes, but... How will we get to the ruins?" asked Susanshi.

"Hmmm... Let's see..." muttered Leo, reaching into his bag and pulling out the map.

He glanced down at it.

"The Ruins of Wyste are found on a lone island off the Southern Coast, which is southeast from here."

"Well, it's a start, but how will we reach the island?" Susanshi wondered. "I'm sure not all three of us can swim all the way there."

"I...have no idea," sighed Leo.

"How about we ask around town? Maybe somebody will offer to take us there," suggested Susanshi.

"Worth a shot. Let's do it," said Leo. "Bye, Grenouille."

"Take care, you three," responded Grenouille.

With that, the trio headed back outside.

"Well then, shall we?" asked Leo.

"Where shall we start?" pondered Susanshi.

"How about at the EA?" suggested Leo.

"Not a bad idea. Let's go," obliged Susanshi.

They were quick to return to the site of the EA. They spotted Lisa, Melle, Sarah and Laura still stood together at the fountain.

"Hey, Lisa! We need some assistance!" called out Leo.

"Oh, I'm glad you guys are still around," said Lisa. "What do you need?"

"Lisa..." Leo began to say, now stood in front of her. "Do you know the Ruins of Wyste? We need to go there, and it's very important."

"The ruins? Actually, I wanted to ask YOU something as well," spoke Lisa. "Listen... I'm sorry if I'm going to be getting in the way, but... Well... ...Me and Alex may want to go to the ruins with you."

"Huh? Why?" questioned Leo.

"Well, for one thing, we've never actually been to the ruins before, and I've promised Alex that I'd take him there one day. All part of the geology thing, really. Not only that, but I'm really curious about what it may have to tell about the past. Plus, I feel kind of bad for letting newcomers such as yourselves put your own safety and enrollment on the line while I did nothing. You're about to do it again, so... I want to go with you, just to make sure you're OK," detailed Lisa.

"Lisa, we don't need your help. We can look after ourselves. No need showing this concern," announced Tokot.

"I'm naturally worried for the welfare of others, so I can't help that," replied Lisa. "We're coming with you, no exceptions."

"Uh, thanks, Lisa. But what about yourself? I thought you didn't want to risk getting into trouble," recalled Leo.

"I had a thought about it, and I've decided: it's worth getting into trouble for the sake of all of Sacreca," said Lisa valiantly. "This Vascious character sounds like nothing but trouble. Whatever he plans to do with my, no, our home, I won't stand for it! I want to assist in bringing him to justice! I don't want to back away for the sake of my reputation with Master Eag and everyone else. In fact, this can further increase it. You three, despite being still relatively new to the Explorer scene, clearly have an ambition greater than I could ever comprehend. So, whatever it takes, me and Alex will help you! That's the pledge we shall make to you!"

"Wow Lisa, that's so... Just wow," responded Leo in surprise. "But you know what? We could use your help. You know how to look after yourself more than we could look after ourselves."

"Oh please, I can look after myself just fine," stated Tokot.

"Then it's decided," said Lisa. "Now, please wait here while I get Alex. He's in our dorm room right now. He said he needed some time to himself."

"Sure thing, Lisa," said Susanshi.

"I'll be right back. Stay here."

Lisa made her way into the EA building alone.

"The ruins, huh? I wonder if you'll find anything good there," commented Laura.

"I sure hope so too," replied Leo.

Meanwhile, Lisa was traveling up the stairs inside the EA building that led to the second floor. Next, she made her way up a second flights of stairs, located right in front of the first set. She was now on the third floor, the location of the target dormitory.

Lisa opened the third door on the right side, next to Master Eag's office, and entered. Inside was a room stuffed with multiple bunk beds on the sides, and many more pairs of blankets and pillows of different colors in the back. There, in the back corner, on a blue blanket laid next to a red one, was Alex, his back turned.

"Alex?" Lisa called out to him.

In response, Alex, showing surprise, appeared to hide something underneath his pillow and turned back around.

"W-what is it, Lisa?"

"Remember when I said I'd take you to the ruins one day? Well, that time's now!"

"Oh, really? Thanks, Lisa... Although it seems so sudden..."

Alex made his way over to where Lisa stood. Before so, he grabbed hold of an Explorer bag that rested on the red blanket.

"Team Revolution will be coming with us," mentioned Lisa.

"That's fine..." replied Alex.

"They're waiting for us outside. Let's go back to them."

Minutes later, both Lisa and Alex returned to the entrance grounds. Lisa was now wearing her bag around her shoulder.

"We're back, guys," announced Lisa. "So, as long as there's nothing you have yet to do here, we can head off."

"Oh, yes, we're ready to depart," confirmed Leo. "But we don't know how to actually get to the ruins. Do you by any chance know how we get to the island it's on?"

"Luckily, yes," replied Lisa. "We've been to Southern Coast a few times already, and we know this Drilbur who lives there. He's a sailor, and I'm sure he'll be more than happy to escort us there."

"Ah, excellent! That makes things so much easier for us!" cheered Leo.

"A Ground-type being a sailor? That's...pretty unusual," commented Susanshi.

"Maybe, but he's the best sailor I know," stated Lisa. "In fact...he's the only one I know."

"Then it's settled! We meet this Drilbur and ask him to take us to the ruins!" announced Susanshi. "Lisa, lead the way!"

"Onward! To adventure! To greatness! To mystery!" exclaimed Leo.

"Yeah, very nice. Come on," said Tokot.

"Well, I'll see you girls later today," Lisa said to Melle, Laura and Sarah.

"If you find anything I can chew on, be sure to bring it back!" requested Melle.

"Good luck out there, Lisa" wished Laura.

"We'll probably be doing some missions of our own or something," said Sarah. "I ain't the leader here, Laura is, so it ain't my decision."

With the group of five now all set and ready, and with the well wishes, they departed, heading towards the west of town and moving out south, where Jade Meadow stood. Along the way, Susanshi took her thoughts to her mind again:

"The ruins... Why am I being led there? What could possibly even await me there? I can only imagine... Well, I just hope it'll give me a lead at last. But now, all I can do is hope..."