Chapter 35: Memories and Missions

"WAKE UP! IT'S MORNING!" Loudred yelled.

"Ugh…" Carlos opened his eyes, his ears ringing. "Already? Awww…"

"You blathering idiot!" Chatot's voice echoed down the hall. "We have a princess here! Keep it down!"

"A princess?" Loudred yelped.

"Yes, a princess!" Chatot yelled.

The rest of the conversation was lost as Carlos sat up, groaning as his chest ached with the effort. Princess? Oh, yeah… Carlos rubbed his head, yawning.

"Morning, Carlos," Sandra greeted, sitting up.

"Morning, Sandra," Carlos replied, stretching. "What happened after I passed out?"

"Princess Sunburst chose us over Team Shell Shock to escort her home," the Eevee replied. "Isn't that exciting?"

"What? We're taking her home?" Carlos asked, shocked.

"Yep! Only when you're fully healed, though." Sandra reassured.

"Whew!" the Pikachu sighed in relief. "So, how long will that be? Until I'm healed, I mean."

"Chatot said two or three days," Sandra replied.

"I'm fine with that," the Pikachu shrugged. "We could probably do a couple of basic missions while we wait."

"That's what I was thinking," Sandra commented, giggling.

"Great minds think alike," Carlos said.

"Great? I'm not great," Sandra argued.

"Yeah, you are! You're a great friend and a great explorer, Sandra!" Carlos pointed out. "If it weren't for you, Lucar and I might not have had this much fun! At least, that's what I view it as."

"Even when Jealousy got you sent to prison?" Sandra challenged playfully.

"Not entirely enjoyable but, hey, I'm still here." Carlos said. "Every road has a few bumps. I bet it won't be the last."

Sandra couldn't help but laugh. He always sees the bright side of things, she thought. I'm glad I'm with him. He looks so cute when he smiles and—huh? Did I just…?

"Uh…Sandra? Are you okay?" Carlos asked. "Your face is red."

"I'm fine," Sandra squeaked, blushing furiously. "Just fine, honest!"

"If you say so," the Pikachu said, not entirely believing her.

"Are you two having fun without us?" a voice asked, startling both of them.

"WAAAH!" Sandra screamed, diving behind Carlos. "Lucar! Don't do that!"

"Do you enjoy scaring people, Lucar?" Carlos asked. First he scared me in Labyrinth Cave and now this. What's gotten into him?

"A little bit," the blind Riolu replied. Sandra's crush is getting more complex, he noted. She still won't completely acknowledge that it's true love, though.

"So, what's on the agenda today?" Zuzu asked, smiling at the startled looks on Sandra and Carlos' faces. "I couldn't resist, honest!"

"Neither could I!" Luv cried, bursting out of bed.

"What is with everyone?" Sandra demanded, fur bristling from fright.

"Nothing~!" Zuzu and Luv sang cheerfully.

"So, what are we doing today?" Lucar asked again.

"I can't do any big or major missions until my wounds are healed." Carlos said. "That doesn't stop me from doing basic missions. I was thinking you, me, and Sandra could bring Blackie on a mission so he can get used to fighting."

"I guess we may as well," Sandra muttered. "What about Michael?"

"He's still too young but his time's coming up, too," Carlos pointed out.

"So, that's the plan? Then we better wake Blackie up and find a suitable mission for him." Lucar commented.

Sandra gently shook Blackie, who awoke with confusion. Joy and Michael ended up waking up, too. After explaining the situation to the Raichu, Carlos grabbed the Treasure Bag and prepared to head out the door. Suddenly, Joy stopped them.

"Wait! I have something for you, Blackie." Joy dug through a small chest of belongings she had retrieved from her home the day she had joined Team Legend. "Aha! Here we are!"

"Huh?" Blackie stepped forward. "What is it?"

Joy turned around and began wrapping a piece of fuzzy red fabric around his neck, a smile on her face. "It's a present for you, Blackie."

"A p-present?" the black Pikachu repeated. "For me?"

"Yes, you!" Joy nodded. "Awww! You look so cute!"

The Raichu pulled away, revealing the item to be a red scarf. It was wrapped around his neck with the ends dangling in front of his chest. Blackie touched it gently, staring at it in awe.

A present… I don't think I've ever gotten one before, he thought. At least, I don't think I have. "Thank you," he said.

"I'm glad you like it so much, Blackie." Joy replied. "That used to be my son's before…"

"Before what?" Blackie asked.

"Oh, not now," Joy said, blushing in embarrassment. "Maybe I'll tell you later. Just know that this is a very special gift. Take care of it, Blackie."

"I will!" Blackie nodded. This scarf is special to Joy. She's been nice to me since the day we first met in Beach Cave. I won't let anything happen to it!

"Now then, run along and help Carlos with missions. You'll do great," Joy encouraged, smiling.

"Right," Blackie said. "Thanks again."

"Of course, Blackie," the Raichu smiled.

The black Pikachu joined Carlos and Lucar, waiting patiently for Sandra. The Eevee sighed, smiling nervously.

"You guys go ahead. I'll catch up at the crossroads," she said.

"You sure?" Carlos asked.

"Yep! I'll be there!" Sandra promised. "I just need to figure something out first."

"Okay," Carlos said. "Let's go, guys!"

The trio headed out the door and down the hall, leaving Team Legend's room behind. Once she couldn't see her teammates any longer, the Eevee sighed. She turned and looked at Luv.

"Could I talk to you, Luv?" she asked.

"Sure," the Piplup nodded.

"Alone," Sandra added.

"Okay," Luv nodded again. "Where?"

The Eevee led Luv out of their room and into one of the empty rooms nearby. Turning to face her, Sandra tried to think of the best way to ask Luv about what she saw on the other's back during the fight with Gabite. Words refused to come to her, though.

I'll just wing it and see where it lands me, she decided. "Luv, do you have something on your back?"

"Huh? What?" The Piplup yelped, flippers clapping against the blue cape on her back. "How did you…?"

"I saw something under your cape during our fight with Gabite. Luv, is something wrong?" Sandra asked. Maybe this isn't a good idea after all.

"…I give up," Luv muttered, lowering her flippers. "Sandra, there's something I didn't tell you about my story. You know, about my family's death."

"What is it?" Sandra asked. "If you want to, you don't have to tell me. I won't pry."

"No, I have to get this off my chest." Luv said firmly. Taking a deep breath, she looked at her teammate. "After my family died, I tried hunting down the Feraligatr that ate my brother. I managed to find it and fought it, but I lost. It decided to mark me instead of kill me, though."

Turning, the Piplup pulled her cape to the side. A long pink scar cut across her back, the feathers refusing to grow on it. It looked at thought it was inflicted by a claw. Sandra gasped, just barely restraining the urge to reach out and touch it.

"That had to hurt," the Eevee whispered.

"It did," Luv nodded, tears springing up in her blue eyes. "The Feraligatr… He told me that he'd kill me next time we met. I was so scared. I didn't want to die, so I fled. After a while, I guess others figured out it was odd for a Piplup to know Earthquake and spread rumors about me."

"That's why Thrax wanted you," Sandra realized.

"Yeah," the Piplup nodded. "My life's just been one disaster after another. It's horrible!"

"Joining us wasn't a disaster," Sandra pointed out.

Luv smiled. "Yeah, you're right. It's probably the best thing that has happened to me since my family died. I'm glad I joined you guys. You're like a second family to me now."

"I'm glad we could help you," Sandra said. "You know, my sister went missing. Her and her teammates on Team Yami-Hikari. They've been gone a long time."

"Where do you think they are?" Luv asked.

"I don't know," the Eevee admitted. "But I'm not afraid. My sister's strong and so are her teammates. Wherever they are, I bet they're just fine. And when my sister returns, I'll prove that I can be just a good of an explorer as she is!"

"Wow!" Luv cried. "That's so cool! I just know you'll achieve that dream!"

"Not if what Horus says is true," Sandra muttered.

"Horus? Who's that?" Luv asked.

"He's the leader of Team Raptors, one of the best exploration Teams out there." Sandra explained. "Carlos and I met him at the Hot Springs. He told me that if I didn't conquer my fear of water, I'd never be a great explorer."

"You're scared of water?" Luv asked. "I could help with that!"

"I don't know," Sandra replied. "I just…don't like water. I nearly drowned in the river near my home when I was a cub. My sister saved me but I never got near the water after that. Going through mystery dungeons full of water is a nightmare but I've managed it. Carlos gives me courage."

"I bet you can be a great explorer, even if you're afraid of water." Luv declared.

"I hope so," Sandra sighed. "I'll keep your offer in mind, though. There may be an event in the future that will need me to go through water."

"Okay!" Luv nodded, smiling. "We better get back. Carlos, Lucar, and Blackie are probably wondering what's taking you so long."

"Oh! I almost forgot!" Sandra cried. "Thanks, Luv!"

"Just don't tell anyone! About my scar, I mean!" Luv pleaded. "I want to…tell them on my own."

"I won't tell," Sandra promised.

"Thanks," the Piplup said.

"No problem. See you later!" Sandra bounded out of the room, allowing Luv to head back to Team Legend's room.

Treasure Town crossroads…

Sandra skidded to a stop at the crossroads, panting for breath. "Sorry that I'm late, guys!" she apologized. "I had to ask Luv about something and I lost time."

"That's okay," Carlos said, smiling. "We picked out three missions for us to do. We have to arrest a Wingull on the second floor, deliver an Oran Berry to a Starly on the third floor, and escort a Riolu to the fourth floor."

"Sounds pretty easy," Blackie commented.

"You'd be surprised how seemingly-easy tasks can become difficult challenges if you're not careful." Lucar warned. "So, are we ready to go?"

"Yep! Let's move, team!" Carlos cried, walking toward the beach.

When the four members of Team Legend reached the entrance of Beach Cave, they were met by a young Riolu with red ribbons tied around her ear-like aura sensors. "Hi! You came!" she cheered, skipping over. "My name's Lola! Let's have fun with this, okay?"

"Okay, but you better stay close." Carlos suggested.

"Okay!" the young Riolu nodded, smiling.

With a nod from Carlos, the five Pokemon entered the mystery dungeon together. On the first floor, Carlos picked up 43 poke right away before moving aside, allowing Lucar to hit an oncoming Kabuto with Force Palm. It was out right away. Going through a few corridors and an empty room, they encountered a Corsola. Before Sandra could strike, Carlos stopped her.

"Blackie, you try," Carlos said.

"Huh? Me?" the black Pikachu squeaked.

"Just hit it once, Blackie. You'll be fine." Carlos promised.

"O-okay," Blackie nodded, swallowing back his fear as he aimed a weak Thundershock at the Corsola. It collapsed. "I did it. I did it, Carlos!"

"Not exactly," Lucar cut in as the Water/Rock-type got up again. "One more time, Blackie,"

"Okay," Blackie nodded, firing another Thundershock at the Corsola. It passed out, defeated. "There! Did I do it?"

"Yep!" Sandra nodded. "You won, Blackie."

"Yay!" the black Pikachu cried.

Continuing on through the floor, the group soon found themselves caught between a Shellos and a Shellder. Sandra knocked the Shellos out with Shadow Ball, leaving the Shellder to be electrocuted by Carlos' Thunderbolt. Reaching the next room, they headed down the stairs to the next floor.

On the second floor, they came face-to-face with the criminal Wingull. Carlos nodded to Blackie, who understood and prepared to attack. As one, the two Pikachu unleashed their electricity upon the criminal. Wingull screamed in agony, flapping his wings in a desperate attempt to rip away. Lucar ended the fight with Force Palm, knocking it out.

"Mission 1 complete!" Carlos cried, pointing their badge at Wingull. The Water/Flying-type vanished, being teleported back to the Guild.

Wandering the floor in search of the stairs, Blackie managed to defeat a Shellder all on his own with Thundershock and Grass Knot, which he was shocked to discover that he knew. In another hallway, Lucar and Lola teamed up to defeat a Corsola. Entering the next room, Carlos defeated a Kabuto and picked up an Oran Berry before descending deeper into the mystery dungeon.

On the third floor, Carlos picked up a Blast Seed and kept his eyes peeled for the wayward Starly. Sandra quickly located him, allowing Team Legend to deliver the Oran Berry he wanted. The Flying-type had been very grateful.

"Thank you so much!" the Starly cried.

"You're welcome. Mission 2 complete!" Carlos held out his badge, teleporting the Starly back to Wigglytuff's Guild. "Now we just need to get Lola to the next floor and we're finished for the day."

Continuing onward, they ran into a Corsola and a Kabuto in the halls. The two Water/Rock-types were easily defeated by Carlos and Blackie's teamwork. Blackie was getting better at control Grass Knot and was beginning to remember how to use Dig. Entering the room with the stairs in it, Sandra tossed a Shadow Ball at an advancing Kabuto and followed the others down the stairs.

On the fourth floor, Lola smiled and faced her escorts. "Thank you so much, guys! I wish my big sister had been here!" she giggled. "I'll see you back at the Guild in a bit, right?"

"Right," Carlos nodded, holding out his badge. "Mission 3 complete!" The Riolu vanished in a flash of light. "I guess we're all done, guys. Let's head ho—"

"Wait!" Lucar interrupted. "Listen!"

The group fell silent, listening. Then they heard it. There was the sound of wings flapping quickly, along with a loud buzzing noise. A pair of voices reached them, obviously arguing. A pair of Pokemon were fighting in the next room.

"Shouldn't we leave?" Blackie asked, suddenly scared.

"Not yet," Carlos replied. "Let's check it out, but stick together and stay quiet."

"Right," Sandra nodded.

The four Pokemon snuck through the hall and into the next room, sticking close to the walls. Upon seeing who was fighting, Carlos nearly gasped in surprise. The arguing Pokemon, who were now engaging in battle, were a Venomoth and a Yanmega. An all-too-familiar Yanmega…

"It's mine, you overgrown dragonfly! Find your own treasure to steal!" the Venomoth yelled.

"I'm too lazy at the moment," the Yanmega replied. "So I'll just be taking yours!"

"Not a chance! Silver Wind!" the Venomoth cried.

The Yanmega dodged it, racing forward with a burst of speed and hitting the moth-like Pokemon with Night Slash. The Venomoth gasped, coughing heavily as the wind was knocked out of him. The Yanmega smirked, reaching down to steal whatever treasure the Venomoth had stolen…only to be hit with Tackle and sent flying backward. He crashed into a wall and groaned, slumping to the ground.

"I'm really outta shape," the Yanmega coughed. "I guess jail really takes your edge off. Crud…"

"Hah!" The Venomoth snatched up his stolen treasure, smirking. "I win! You lose! And to think you were a great criminal once! What a laugh! I should just—AAAAH!"

Carlos didn't hesitate to electrocute the Venomoth, ending his chatter. The Yanmega dared to look up, only to laugh as the Venomoth collapsed, smoke rising from his burnt body.

"Hah! Vengeance did me justice!" he laughed.

"Buzz?" Carlos piped up.

"Eh? Hey!" The Yanmega succeeded in getting airborne and flew over to the group. "I never thought I'd be seeing you again! I still have to thank you for breaking me out of jail like that."

"No problem…?" Carlos replied awkwardly. I forgot about that. Not only did I destroy the prison but I let almost all of their prisoners go, too.

"Carlos, do you know this guy?" Sandra asked.

That aura, Lucar thought. Could it be…? "Carlos, is this the same Yanmega we defeated before?"

"Yeah," Carlos nodded. "Guys, meet Buzz. He helped me escape from prison when Jealousy framed me."

"You let him go?" Sandra cried.

"Not just me," Buzz chuckled. "He let out almost all of the prisoners. Officer Pyro's already working on rounding us all up again, though."

"Look, Buzz, we don't want to fight." Carlos said.

"I'm not looking for a fight. I just wanted something to do." Buzz replied. "I'm off to find somewhere else to go. Maybe we'll meet again one day, rookie."

"Carlos," the Pikachu corrected.

"Okay then, Carlos." Buzz nodded. "You can deal with that guy. All these rookie criminals think they're hotshots. Peh! They know nothing about our line of work!"

"Sorry to interrupt your rant but do you know where Dusk might be?" Carlos asked hesitantly.

"You let Dusk out too?" Sandra cried. "Carlos, he kidnapped me and tried to kidnap you!"

"I know but I had to!" Carlos argued. "It's in the past, anyway. I'm sorry, Sandra."

"…It's okay," the Eevee replied. "At least you're safe. That's all that matters to me."

"Thanks," the Pikachu smiled.

"Dusk? The Banette?" Buzz asked. "Nope! I haven't seen him around. Sorry."

"That's okay," Carlos said. "Thanks, anyway."

"I'm out of here. See you later, roo—I mean, Carlos!" With a burst of speed, Buzz shot down the nearest corridor and out of sight.

The group was silent until Carlos sighed, pointing his badge at the unconscious Venomoth. "Mission 4 complete," he said, watching as the Poison/Bug-type was teleported away.

"We better get back to the Guild," Lucar suggested.

"Can we not mention Buzz to Sheriff Magnezone?" Carlos asked.

"Sure," Sandra nodded. "He helped you escape prison. We may as well leave him alone now. He didn't hurt us, after all."

"Thanks," Carlos said, smiling. "Let's go home, guys."

"Yeah," Blackie nodded, clutching one end of his new scarf.

Holding up his badge, Carlos teleported them all back to the Guild. Their clients waited for them, giving them their rewards for helping them. The Starly gave them a Reviver Seed, Lola gave them 150 poke, and Sheriff Magnezone gave them a Reviver seed for Wingull's arrest. Sheriff Magnezone was surprised to see they had captured Venomoth, too, and gave them quite a rare item for the extra trouble.

"BZZZT! I HOPE THIS WILL SUFFICE! DESPITE BEING A ROOKIE CRIMINAL, VENOMOTH WAS QUITE ELUSIVE! WE THANK YOU GREATLY FOR CAPTURING HIM! BZZZT!" Sheriff Magnezone said.

Carlos picked up the strange item Sheriff Magnezone had rewarded them with. It was shaped like a mask with wing-like decorations on the sides. It was gold in color and was very beautiful. The Pikachu had never seen such a thing before.

"What is it?" Carlos asked.

"BZZZT! THAT WOULD BE A GOLDEN MASK! IT INCREASES THE CHANCES OF RECRUITING ENEMY POKEMON INTO YOUR EXPLORATION TEAM! BZZZT!" Sheriff Magnezone explained.

"You're kidding!" Sandra cried. "Aren't these really rare?"

"BZZZT! INDEED! USE IT WELL, TEAM LEGEND! THANKS AGAIN! BZZZT!" Sheriff Magnezone and his Magnemite officers left, taking Wingull and Venomoth with them.

"Is this really that rare?" Carlos asked.

"Yeah! We better keep it safe." Lucar commented. "Some Pokemon will stop at nothing to get their hands on one of these. We're lucky to get one from the sheriff."

Sandra yawned. "Let's get dinner and go to sleep. I'm tired."

"Right," Carlos nodded, slipping the Golden Mask into his Treasure Bag. I better keep this thing really safe. I wouldn't want to lose something this rare.

Once he was certain it was secure in the Treasure Bag, Carlos led his three teammates downstairs to reunite with the other members of Team Legend before dinner. He never noticed Sunburst watching him from her temporary room, a small smile on her face.

He is indeed the one, she decided, retreating to her room for the night.