Chapter 14
Games?
"He's coming your way, Katara!" DJ shouted as a blur shot past him.
"I see him!" the Frogadier called back. She formed a orb of condensed water in her hands and threw it at the blur.
With a startled yelp, the blur was stopped in its tracks and sent flying through the air. Smashing to the ground the creature rolled several feet before coming to all fours. The Pokémon was long and weasel-like with beige fur, sharp claws, and bright blue eyes. A streak of brown ran from its snout to just before its tail and two streaks of the same color covered its eyes and traveled past its cheeks.
"It's over Liloone!" Katara shouted with DJ at her side. "Give up now!"
"Never!" the Liloone snarled. Without a moment's hesitation, he dashed to the side, attempting to break through the wooded brush and escape. He had just made it to the tree line when a flash of bright green shot out from the trees and flashed passed the Liloone. He froze for a second before falling to the ground, leaving a stoic, and slightly smug, Grovyle standing over him.
"Target neutralized," Leaf said, allowing his leaf blade to fade.
"Good job, Leaf," DJ commended, patting his teammate on the shoulder. "Katara, you call Magnezone and I'll find the stuff he stole. Leaf, are you okay with guarding Liloone until I find until Magnezone arrives?"
"It is no trouble, Alpha," Leaf said with a bow.
DJ rolled his eyes at his friend's antics, having grown accustom to his mannerisms. He closed his eyes and released a pulse of aura, allowing him to get a flash of the entire clearing. He had been diligently working to regain full use of his aura sight, but it had been slow going. Short bursts were all he could do without blinding himself due to his new sensitivity to aura.
"Jackpot." He made his way over to the tree and grabbed the bag, brushing aside the leaves that covered it. Reaching inside, he felt several orbs within its recesses. "One, two, three, and four," he counted. "That's all of them." He turned to inform his teammates to tell them when he saw both of them swiftly turn away from him.
DJ sighed. They all had been doing that for the past week. Ever since he came clean the team had treated him like glass. That he would just break someday and turn evil. They were constantly shooting him worried and cautious glances when they thought he wasn't looking. But he was and it hurt to see the small glimmers of fear directed towards.
This was one of the reasons why he did not tell them about what Glyph had said about what as happening to him. If he did, it would only increase their worry and potentially cause him to be locked away until something could be done to stop it. He did however tell them about the other legendaries, which was another part of the reason why he did not tell them what was happening to him.
When Tobias had been informed of the situation with the legendaries, his white face if possible became even whiter. He immediately called an emergency meeting with all of the teams that were part of the Gallade Guild. He informed them of them of the possibility that the legendaries had been corrupted and were dangerous. He also sent a message to the other guilds to tell them to be on alert as well. It was determined that the situation regarding the legendaries should be classed as a guild related problem, meaning that civilian Pokémon should not be made aware of these events and as such, the guilds would go about their business as usual. Some Pokémon were enlisted to attempt to learn the location of the corrupted legendaries however, though nothing had been learned.
DJ believed that everyone had enough to worry about without the added stress of one of their own potentially ending up like the legendaries they were trying to stop. He believed that the crystal Glyph had given him would keep him from falling over the line that would send him into the darkness that threatened to consume him. He kept it hidden under his power band, which he now wore as a scarf. He also had a bracelet on his right wrist which held his mega stone, though he still could not mega evolve.
Schooling his expression, DJ smiled widely. "I found the orbs," he called.
"Good work!" Katara said with a smile. "Officer Magnezone said he'll be here in ten minutes."
"Cool." DJ could see the a small level of guilt alight in her eyes, but said nothing. He knew that this would happen when he told his team about what was happening him and he had to deal with it. He had to.
-Legend-
Shortly after magnet area Pokémon left with the subdued Liloone, the trio returned to Miracle Town. However, when they arrived, the noticed something strange about the town.
There was an air of anxiousness in the air. Like everyone was waiting for something. Everyone was whispering excitedly with each other. From what the trio could glean from the broken whisperings there was something going to happen soon. Unsure of what was going on, the trio headed back to the their guild house for answers.
"We're back," Katara called as she pushed open the star emblazoned door.
"Hey guys!" Jet greeted, leading them into the sitting room. "How was the mission?"
"Meh," DJ said with a shrug.
"Meh as in good or meh as in bad?" Grace asked.
"Meh?" DJ repeated, a cheeky smile splayed over his lips.
Grace sighed and shook her head fondly. "What are we going to do with you?"
Despite her happy attitude, DJ could feel the concern echoing through her emotions. Through all of there emotions. DJ pushed these thoughts to the back of his mind and tuned into the conversation that was going on around him.
"...and everyone seemed to be waiting for something," Katara finished.
"Yeah, I noticed the same thing," Blitz piped in. "Is something going on?"
"I'm not sure," Asura confessed. "There has been a lot of talk in the guild itself as well, but no one's said anything."
"I wonder what's going on," Jackson said pensively. "Do you think Guildmaster knows?"
"Probably. He knows practically everything that goes on in the town," Asura said.
"Well, not everything." Everyone jumped at Tobias' voice. Whipping around, the saw their guildmaster leaning against the door frame, an amused smirk stretching across his lips. "Didn't you mother tell you it's not nice to talk about people behind their backs?"
"Didn't she tell you it's not nice to drop in unannounced?" Asura said in an unimpressed voice.
"So cold! Look how he treats his father!" the Gallade exclaimed dramatically, causing the entire team to sweat-drop.
"How does he lead an entire guild again?" DJ whispered to Blitz, causing the yellow mouse to crack up. Asura silenced the two with a sharp glare before addressing his father.
"Why are you here?"
Tobias sobered up rather quickly, his face once more becoming serious. "I have come for two reasons," he said. "First of all, I would like to congratulate you all."
"For what?" Tobias smirked at the question.
"For reaching the next level," he grinned.
"Wait, you mean..." The blade Pokémon smirked in response.
"As of now, Team Stardust is officially a diamond rank team!"
The team was quiet for a second as Tobias' words sunk in. Then all at once, the exploded in thunderous cheers.
"S-Seriously?!" Blitz shouted in disbelief.
"We made diamond!" Bertha cheered.
"Awesome!" Jackson cried.
"Yes, yes. Congratulations all around," Tobias said, smiling at the team's enthusiasm before becoming serious once more. "But that is not all I'm here for." The team quieted down and turned their attention back on the elder Pokémon. "I also stopped by to tell you that there is a meeting at the guild set for ten minutes from now."
"A meeting?" Blade asked. "Does this have anything to do with the excitement of the town?"
"Very astute observation, Blade," Tobias grinned. "Anyway, I expect to see you all there." Not giving them time to ask any more questions, the Gallade left.
"He never answered my question," Blade grumbled.
"Don't pout, brother. It's unbecoming of you," Drake said.
"Quiet, you!" Blade snapped.
"I guess we should go find out what this is all about," Asura sighed.
-Legend-
Ten minutes later, Team Stardust found themselves among the entirety of the Gallade Guild. It still amazed them just how many Pokémon were part of the guild. The entire front of the guild was filled to the metaphorical brim with Pokémon. Even part of the bridge that connected the guild to the town was full.
A dull roar encompassed those assembled as they spoke to one another. Everyone was in a state of either excitement or nervousness over what the meeting could be about.
"Wow. It looks like everyone's here," Blitz said in amazement from his perch.
"Is there a reason you're standing on my head?" DJ asked in annoyance.
"I wanted to see everyone," Blitz said as if it were obvious.
"Get off." Blitz huffed, but complied and hopped off the blue canine's head.
"Well, well, well! If it isn't Team Stardust," a familiar voice said. Turning, they were greeted with the sight of a Team Sunflare. Though they some of them looked different.
Collin, Max, and Kent, had all evolved to their final stage while John, Tyler, and Jesse looked significantly stronger. Their team exuded confidence. Not so much arrogance, more self-assured in their abilities.
"Collin," Asura said with a small nod.
"Geez, no need to be so cold, Asura. We're all friends here," the Blaziken said lightly. His gaze turned to DJ and his smile widened. "Hey, DJ. Looks like you evolved finally."
"Same could be said for you," DJ responded, high-fiving the fire-fighting type.
"We definitely have to spar at some point," Collin said.
"I couldn't agree more," DJ said with a challenging grin.
Katara just huffed at the two's antic's. "Fighting types."
"Hey, where's Michaela?" DJ asked, noticing the lack of Buneary among the team.
"She decided that adventuring wasn't for her so she decided to help Audrey out in the medical wing of the guild," Tyler answered.
DJ frowned when he felt a wave of unease emanate from the team at the, but didn't say anything. It was none of his business.
"I see you guys made diamond rank," John commented, noting their new badges that they wore. "Welcome to the club."
"You guys are diamond rank too?" Jackson asked.
"Yep, that makes three diamond rank teams in this guild."
"Three? Who is the other?" Leaf asked.
"That would be us," Garfield said as he and his team walked over to the two teams.
"Bro!" Blitz shouted as he leapt for the Raichu, only to meet said electric type's tail. The Pikachu slumped to the ground with a large red mark on his face. "Why?" he asked weakly.
"I see you all have made diamond rank as well. Congratulations," he said, ignoring his sulking brother. "It will be nice to not have all that pressure of being the only diamond rank on us."
"Aww, you evolved!" Katarina said, appearing in front of DJ, causing him to yelp. "You're not adorable anymore!"
"Sorry?" DJ said uncertainly.
"It's not your fault. It was bound to happen eventually," she sighed before a mischievous smile appeared over her face. "Though, you're still pretty cute."
"Uh..." DJ said dumbly, his face becoming red with embarrassment.
"And who are you?" Katara all but demanded, glaring sharply at the Zoroark.
"Oh, you don't know?" Katarina asked, amusement dancing in her eyes.
"We're Team Odd Squad!" Davis boasted, puffing out his chest. "The Gallade Guild's first diamond rank team!"
"Careful, Davis. Your ego is showing," Alex commented dryly. The Togekiss whirled around glared at the Ninetails.
"Shut up!"
"Why don't you make me, bird-brain?" Alex challenged.
"Bring it, fuzz-butt!" Davis shot back.
"Are they seriously diamond rank?" Max whispered.
"Yep!" Blitz chirped having heard the question. "Bro's team's the best!"
"And don't you forget it," Garfield said in faux arrogance.
"That may not be the case anymore. Afterall, we're all diamond rank now," John said smugly.
"Yes and we've got more experience," Kimberly said.
"By only a few years!" Jesse pointed out.
"Still more than you~" Kimberly said in a singsong voice.
"Guys, Guildmaster Gallade's about to speak," Grace scolded, pointing to the front of the guild.
True to her words, Tobias had just stepped out of the guild building. He stopped a few feet from the assembled crowd and smiled proudly.
"My fellow Pokémon, I am pleased to see you all here before me!" he shouted, gaining everyone's attention. "Now, I can tell that you all are curious as to why I have called you all here today. It is because I have momentous news!" The crowd immediately broke into excited whispers at that.
"Momentous news?" one Pokémon asked.
"Ooh, I wonder what it could be!" another said.
"Does it have anything to do with the legendaries?" another nervously asked.
"Now, now. Everyone please settle down," Tobias called out, silencing the group once more. "Thank you. Now onto the news. I am pleased to announce that the Grand Guild Games are set to commence in one month's time!"
"The Grand Guild Games?!" a someone shouted.
"Is he serious?!"
All at once, everyone began talking animatedly with one another over the sudden bombshell. everyone was all in various states of disbelief and excitement. It appeared that the games were indeed a momentous announcement.
"Can you believe it? The games are starting again!" Blitz said, even more hyper than usual.
"I know, this is exciting!" Bertha said, equally thrilled.
"But in a time like this?" Asura questioned with a frown. "With everything that's going on?"
"Oh, lighten up," Jet said, slapping Asura on the back hard enough to make the Medicham stumble. Asura glared heatedly at the Floatzel but he ignored it.
"Um,what are the Grand Guild Games exactly?" DJ asked, clearly missing something.
"They're a large competition that involve guilds from all over the continent every ten years," Katara explained excitedly. "Each guild competes in series of events and the guild that wins the most events wins!"
"Whoa, a competition with all the guilds? That's incredible!" DJ gasped.
"It's a decennial event, meaning they occur every ten years," Asura added, still frowning. "I still don't see why they'd start them up again with all that's going on right now."
Before anymore could be said, Tobias raised his hand, calling for silence once more.
"Now I know that some of you are concerned over the timing of these games," -Tobias sent a meaningful look at his son as he said this- "but I assure you there is a reason. As you all know the situation regarding the legendaries is considered top secret among all non-guild Pokémon for if they knew, there would be panic. As such, they must believe that nothing is wrong.
"Now the games have been a tradition that everyone knows about, including civilians. If the games were to not be held on their scheduled date, civilians would assume that there was something wrong and they would attempt to find out what," Tobias explained. "It is imperative that everything appear to be normal."
"I guess that makes since," Asura grumbled, crossing his arms.
"Anyway!" Tobias said suddenly, clapping his hands. "With that out of the way, all that is left is to choose those that will represent our guild at the games."
"Choose?" DJ questioned. "You mean we're not all participating?"
"DJ, use your head," Asura scolded. "There are over a hundred of us in just this guild. It would be unfair to those guilds with less members."
"Well said, Asura," Tobias said, causing the meditate Pokémon to blush and scowl darkly at his father. The blade Pokémon brushed it off with a chuckle and addressed the crowd once more. "As my son so eloquently put it" -another round of blushing for Asura- "everyone cannot participate in the games. In fact, those in charge of the games have stated a that the required amount of members that each guild can send in is six."
"Only six?" Jet gasped in surprise. "How is he supposed to only choose six of us."
Many began whispering among themselves, mimicking Jet's sentiments. They were all curious of who Tobias was going to choose to represent their guild.
"I will say this now," Tobias began, drawing everyone's attention. "I have considered everyone and how they would fair in the games. Let it be said right now, the games are not for those of the faint of heart. The tasks that you will be asked to preform in will be exceedingly difficult. As such I have chosen the six members that I feel will be able to handle such tasks."
There was no whispering now. Everyone was hanging onto Tobias' every word with bated breath. All of them anxious to here who would be chosen among them all to compete in the games.
"When I call your name, please step forward." Tobias cleared his throat and gazed stoically at them all. "First to join the group of six that will represent us is...Collin!"
"Me?! Seriously?!" Collin asked in complete disbelief.
"Lucky son of a..." John grumbled under his breath.
"Well? Get up there!" DJ said, shoving his friend forward, causing said fire-fighting type to stumbled slightly. Collin sent a heated glare at the Lucario, who looked away innocently, and made his way forward.
"The second Pokémon that will join Collin is..." Tobias began. "Kimberly!"
"Really? Awesome!" the Swampert shouted in elation before joining her fellow guild member next to Tobias.
"Next is...Sobek!"
An arrogant snort drew DJ's attention behind him. He turned only to be practically shoved aside by a large red Pokémon. Stumbling slightly, DJ glared at the retreating red behemoth and saw that it was a large intimidating Krookodile. The intimidation Pokémon shot the Lucario a savage grin before continuing forward.
"Who's that?" DJ said with a barely concealed growl.
"That's Sobek," Grace answered, not even bothering to hid her distaste for the ground-dark type. "He's the leader of Team Dark Fang, a silver rank team. They would be ranked higher if not for their...methods."
"Methods?"
"They tend to be over aggressive in their missions and on several occasions they were reported to have threatened their clients," Grace said, scowling at the smug Krookodile.
"Seriously? Why would Guildmaster Gallade choose a guy like that?" DJ asked.
"Probably because, despite his results, he is strong. Probably one of the strongest in the whole guild," Grace said with reluctant admittance. DJ wanted to ask more, but was cut off by Tobias beginning to speak once more.
"The next one to join these three is...Asura!"
Team Stardust's leader's eyes widened in surprise before he schooled his expression and walked forward and DJ didn't need his emotion sense tell that Asura was proud. Unlike him, DJ heard many mutters of bias directed towards Asura as he walked forward. It was evident that many thought that the Medicham was chosen due to his relation to Guildmaster Gallade.
Tobias nodded towards his son before turning back to the rest of the large group. "The fifth Pokémon that I have chosen is...DJ!"
DJ's eyes practically popped out of his head and his mouth hit the floor. Almost robotically, DJ found himself moving through the crowd before standing next to his team leader. After a second, Asura sighed and elbowed the Lucario.
"You're representing not only Team Stardust, but the entire guild. Close your mouth for Arceus' sake!" DJ's mouth snapped shut and a bright blush burned his cheeks. He was saved from further embarrassment when Tobias spoke again.
"And the final Pokémon that will represent our guild is...Veil!"
There was silence before several Pokemen began to shift the side as a small figure waded through the hoards of Pokémon. Before them stood a small purple Pokémon with diamond eyes and several other gemstones poking from their chest and back.
The gem studded Pokémon stared at them, or more specifically, DJ. The former human felt an involuntary shiver crawl up his spine from the Sableye's unblinking stare. Despite no emotion coming from their jeweled eyes, it still felt like the Sableye was staring into his very soul. Silently judging him and his worth. It was very unnerving.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the Sableye blinked and gave a very sharp-toothed grin to the Pokémon before them.
"I am happy to have been chosen to represent our guild in the games," Veil said. There voice was the epitome of androgynous. It was impossible to determine if the ghost-dark type before them was male or female.
"That is good to hear," Tobias said kindly before turning back to face the rest of the teams. "Let us all give a big round of applause to our six representatives!"
The teams roared in approval, their voice echoing through all of Miracle Town. Despite several Pokémon being disappointed or angry over Tobias' decision, the overall excitement won out. All of those chosen subconsciously stood a little taller as they felt the assembled Pokémon before them cheering for them.
"Yes, these six will most definitely do us proud in the games!" Tobias said, over the roar of the crowd. He turned and smiled at the six he had chosen. "I recommend you six take this time to train until the games. As I said, these games will be extremely difficult. You will be going up against the best that each guild has to offer not to mention the trials of the games themselves. All of you will need to be as strong as possible and you must train to do so."
"Hmph. Some of us will have to train harder than others," Sobek smirked, sending a meaningful gaze towards DJ and Asura.
Tobias' gaze swiveled towards the Krookodile. "There will be none of that, Sobek," he said with a tone of finality. "Like it or not, you six are a team for the duration of the games. Your failures are the teams failures. Your successes are the teams successes. You will not, and I repeat, you will NOT insult or belittle your teammates. Is that clear."
"Crystal," Sobek grumbled reluctantly.
"Good. I had my reservations about choosing you for the games and I will not hesitate to pull you out should you go too far, so I want you on your best behavior." Sobek grumbled loudly and averted his gaze.
Tobias gave glared at him for a few seconds more before nodding. "I expect you all of you be on your best behaviors. You are representing our guild so give them a good impression."
"Yes, sir!" they all responded.
"Good. I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavors. I expect to see you all in Gilded City for the games in one month." With that, the blade Pokémon turned on his heel and walked back into the guild building.
When Tobias was out of hearing range, Sobek turned to the other five and glared. "None of you better hold me back," he growled.
"Same could be said for you," Collin said with a glare.
"Hmph!" the bipedal crocodile huffed haughtily and stormed off to meet with his team.
"That guy gets on my nerves," Collin grumbled, glaring at Sobek's retreating back.
"Don't let him get to you," Asura said. "Like my father said, we are all a team, so we'll have to deal with him."
"Whatever. I'll talk to you guys later," the blaze Pokémon said before walking over to his team.
"Well, I better go too. The urge to rub this in Davis' face beckons me," Kimberly said with a mischievous grin. She gave the remaining Pokémon a friendly smile before walking off.
"We should head back too," Asura said. DJ nodded and made to follow his leader over to the rest of the team, but found his way blocked by Veil.
"Uhh..." DJ uttered, unsure of what to say. The Sableye's gaze was truly beginning to creep him out. "It's nice to be working with you?"
The darkness Pokémon stared at him for a few more seconds before they grinned widely. "Yes, it will be nice working with you. DJ the Lucario." Without another word, the Sableye seemingly disappeared into the shadows.
"Well that wasn't creepy," DJ muttered to himself before moving to follow Asura.
-Legend-
"I can't believe you two get to participate in the games!" Jet said excitedly once the team entered their guild house. "That's awesome!"
"It was a surprise to say the least," Asura commented dryly.
"Tauros crap. You two are like the strongest in the guild!" Blitz cried.
"There are plenty of Pokemen in the guild that are stronger than us," Asura denied.
"Well, they weren't chosen, now were they?" Blitz said slyly. "Between you and DJ's shining aura, we can't lose!"
"You do realize I can't control that, right?" DJ questioned.
"Details, details," Blitz said, waving off DJ's words. "There's no way our guild can lose!"
"Don't be too sure, Blitz. Each guild has their own aces," Bertha pointed out.
"That's true, there are others that are strong," DJ said, thinking about a certain Charmeleon. "If we want to win, we're going to have to train."
"Agreed," Asura said with a nod. "The other four chosen will most likely be doing the same. We cannot afford to bring them down."
"Speaking of the others, what do you guys know about Veil?" DJ asked.
"The Sableye? Honestly not much," Grace confessed. "I know he's part of Team Shadow Fall. As far as I know, there's only three of them."
"Seriously, only three of them in the team?!" Katara asked incredulously.
"Yeah. There's Veil, a Houndoom, and a Cofagrigus. I'm not sure of their names." Grace thought for a moment before shaking her head. "The only other thing I know about them is that they are a gold rank team." She pierced DJ with a calculating look. "Why do you want to know."
"I just wanted to know about my fellow combatants," DJ lied. In truth, he was still disturbed over the crypticness of the Sableye. Veil was an enigma, and an incredibly creepy one at that. His words, his stare, it all rubbed DJ the wrong way.
"Well regardless, they're a teammate along with Collin, Kimberly, and Sobek," Asura practically spat at the last name. "and we have to work with them if we want to win the games."
"Now all is left for you is to train," Drake said.
"Yeah, but I think my normal way of training will not be enough," Asura said.
"Asura?" Grace questioned.
"Up until now, I have been training by myself with the occasional spar, but I can't afford to do that now. Just look at DJ." He pointed to the Lucario as he said this. "He trained with Alistair and look how far he's come in such a short time. If I am to become more powerful, I'll need a mentor."
"That makes since," Jackson said. "but who will you train with?"
"I'm not sure," Asura confessed. "Maybe I'll ask father or-"
Whatever he was going to say was interrupted by the door to their guild house being smashed to bits with a loud crash. The team jumped in shock as a Medicham barged into their house and glared at their leader.
"Asura!" the Medicham shouted, pointing angrily at the other Medicham. Their voice was feminine and had held a commanding tone.
"MOTHER?!" Asura shouted in surprise.
"I just heard that your father has enlisted you to compete in the Grand Guild Games, correct?" she all but demanded.
"Y-Yes," Asura stuttered, still in shock over his mother's sudden appearance.
The female Medicham nodded her head, her eyes never losing their intensity. "Then you are in need of training. I shall be your mentor!" .
"Huh?!" Asura said, thinking he misheard her. He gave a yelp when he found himself suddenly slung over his mother's shoulder. "Ack! Mother! Put me down!"
"No can do, sonny boy! We only have a month to get you in tip-top shape and there's not time to waste!" she declared enthusiastically. With that she ran to the broken door and leapt through it. "Onward! To victory!"
"GAH! Grace!" Asura called out. "You're in charge until I get back...!"
Silence.
"Uh, what just happened?" DJ asked in utter bewilderment.
"I believe our leader has been kidnapped," Leaf supplied.
"That's his mother?" Bertha asked, slack-jawed. "How the hell is Asura so serious if his parents are both nut jobs?!"
"Now that's not very nice," Alistair said as he stepped through the broken doorway. "I take it Angela did this?"
"If by Angela you mean Asura's mother then yes," Blade said, clucking disapprovingly at the shattered remains of their door.
"Yes well, she can be...overzealous," Alistair conceded.
"We didn't notice," Jet said dryly.
"Anyway, I am here for a reason, so I'll get down to it. DJ." He turned to his fellow Lucario. "I have come to offer you my assistance in preparation for the coming games."
"Cool," DJ said happily. "I was going to ask you too so-"
"However!" Alistair interrupted. "I believe that a training trip is in order."
"A training trip?" DJ questioned.
"Correct. Like I am sure Angela is doing for Asura, I am proposing that you and I leave Miracle Town for the month between now and the games and train."
"So you would be taking DJ for the entire month?" Katara questioned.
"That's correct," Alistair said with a nod. "I believe that this would be the best way to use our time efficiently."
"So we'd have another missing team member," Grace grumbled. She noticed DJ's almost pleading look and sighed. "Fine. You can go."
"Alright!" DJ said jumping for joy.
"I warn you now, this training will not be like before," Alistair warned. "You will hurt. You will be pushed to your very limits. You may even curse my very name by the end of this training, but I promise you, you will be stronger."
DJ swallowed thickly, but didn't look any less as determined. "Say what you want. You won't scare me away!"
Alistair grinned wickedly. "Then let's get going."
"What? Already?!" DJ exclaimed.
"Of course. As I said, I want to utilize our time efficiently, so we must begin your training as soon as possible," Alistair said. "You won't need to bring anything, so it's best to head out while it's still light."
"Okay then," DJ said, his eyes regaining their determined fire. "Let's go then."
"Be safe, DJ," Katara said suddenly, wrapping her arms around her friend in a hug.
DJ was startled at first before he returned the hug. "I will."
"Make sure to come back strong!" Jackson said.
"We have a lot riding on you and Asura so train hard!" Jet added.
"We are expecting results, so don't slack off," Blade said.
"If you come back weak, I'll smash you!" Bertha threatened good-naturedly.
"Yeah, you better train hard or I'll shock you!" Blitz said, lightning sparking from his cheeks.
"You will be representing not only our guild, but our team as well. Do us proud," Grace said with a smile.
Both Leaf and Drake stayed silent, but nodded encouragingly at the aura Pokémon.
DJ felt his eyes misting a little, but quickly blinked them clear. "I'll make you guys proud. I promise!"
Katara relinquished her grip and smiled at her friend. "You better make good on your promise."
"Don't I always?" DJ asked cheekily.
Katara snorted and back away. Alistair came up and placed a paw on DJ's shoulder and smiled. "Are you ready?"
DJ smirked in response. "Do you have to ask?"
"Then let us depart." With that, the two Lucario left Team Stardust's guild house.