The sun rose anew on the horizon when the quiet whispers of past generations passed. On this fateful morning, Kippy awoke with little interruption or weariness.
Louie, in the adjacent room, had dozed off in his wooden chair; his eyes grew a deeper red as he realized the star was already edging close to late morning.
The two stumbled out of their quarters with similar, yet deeply contradicting thoughts in their heads. One was of wishing for the return of stability and order; the other hoping to escape this realm of existence. However, the only interaction that persisted was a momentary nod and smile before they sauntered off to the mess hall.
For the wall was too high; the bricks too sturdy; the supports too deeply rooted into the ground. It was hopeless for things to change. A ram was needed.
The two initiated their daily routine as it has been over the last week. Small talk occurred, but substance of any sort was clearly absent. The two were both biding time, hoping everything would resolve itself through little confrontation; subconsciously, they knew that conflict would be inevitable.
"Kippy...?" Louie finally said, interrupting each other's meal.
"Yeah, what's up?" he replied with caution, looking up to observe the apprehensive Pokémon.
"You know today's the bean division, right?"
"I suppose so," Kippy nodded to assure the Riolu.
"And you know how to get there, right?"
"I guess…?" the Mudkip was unsure why Louie was talking to him like a baby.
"And you also remember that some of the roots are deeply burrowed into the soil, so you have to dig a bit into the mud to thoroughly water them. Heh, you wouldn't mind that, right?" Louie chuckled to break the tension.
Kippy didn't get it, "um... why?"
"Because you're a Mudkip," Louie began, emphasizing the first syllable of his species. "Don't you like being in the mud?"
"Huh..." Kippy shrugged. "The few times I've slipped into the dirt haven't been too entertaining. I guess that's why my name forgoes the 'mud', right?" he punctuated his last word.
Louie smiled at the 'Kip, "that's true. I guess it's because you were once a human, and humans have, or I mean, had evolved to live without working in the mud."
The Mudkip nodded with little certainty, still questioning Louie's intention.
"Anyway, just brave through today in the mud, and for the next week or so, we won't have to be on the farm constantly."
Kippy eyed Louie curiously, "you mean I don't have to be on the farm constantly."
"That's true," Louie faced towards the floor with a frown. "Don't worry, I've been spending the time in the barn organizing for harvest soon."
"Oh, really?" a hint of sarcasm struck the Riolu.
"Yeah," Louie gulped. "Speaking of which, I asked you all this because I need to go there early today..."
"Any particular reason why?" Kippy asserted.
Louie paused to think over his reply, "just cleaning out the old filth..."
"I see..." Kippy's thoughts circulated his mind.
The line from the Voice yesterday resonated, brightened into a great light, in which it blocked out all other objects.
I trust you will make the correct decision, human.
"So, Kippy—"
"And you'll be gone all day?" Kippy interrupted with little concern.
"Yeah..." the Riolu wobbled his head, "how... how did you know?"
"Just a gut feeling," the Mudkip smirked.
The Riolu was suddenly unnerved. "Huh... I guess I'll take my leave," Louie rose from his chair and directed his body towards the exit.
Kippy felt as if his control slipped, "enjoy your cleansing...!"
Louie rotated his waist to glance at the being, "yeah... thanks..." he left the room with his shoulders and back slanted, and a heavier frown upon his face.
The Mudkip shook his head, feeling regret and guilt building up.
"Why... why did I say that?" Kippy voiced to himself.
The familiar weight returned, Kippy, it's because you realized you've been played all along.
"Played?" Kippy bonked his head on the table. "But by whom?"
Do I really have to state the obvious?
"But is it so obvious?" Kippy's voice grew stern and confident. "Because... Louie saved me from death, and he's fed me and has done his best to keep me content... why should I not trust him?"
It's all a ploy to trap you in this prison, to keep you away from your destiny. You felt the suspicion and deception in your visions; why would you dare doubt their validity?
"Or... they're wrong. And maybe you are too. Maybe you're trying to separate us for your own personal gain," Kippy quickly added. "To claim this land as yours."
Preposterous... don't beli-
"Or... you despise humans. You think of us as an ancient plague, still haunting you to this very day," the words felt as if they flowed through his mouth with little rhyme or reason. Yet, Kippy believed in them somehow.
Silence ensued for a moment. Wh-where did that come from?
The Mudkip paused to reflect over his statements, "a gut feeling..."
The feminine voice chuckled before entering a full whooping, Poor... poor little child... none of this matter. You don't have to believe a word I say.
"Then what?"
Go to the barn. Observe what your perfect pal is doing. Or can you not handle the truth?
The Mudkip was unsure how he should answer that last question, but his inner pride took over. "Fine!" Kippy announced to the surprise of the Voice. "I will," the Mudkip traced the Riolu's steps, edging towards the human-sized door. He suddenly paused in his movement.
It's alright to be frightened of Truth if you were a naïve child. But that's not the case, is it? The weight vanished once again. Kippy was none the wiser.
He gulped, "Louie... what have you done?"
"So... today's the day," Ethan licked his dried lips, his throat barely croaking out the words.
A shadow creeped out in front of him, "it would be far easier if you slept through the ordeal... but I've known you long enough to never expect you to do such a thing: you've never liked taking the easy route."
"Pretending it never existed will not save him."
"But neither will worrying about it change anything!" the voice rudely interrupted. "Snooping around where you weren't supposed to, and asking too many questions were what got you here in the first place. It'd be wise if you learned your lesson soon.
Ethan looked down, avoiding any sort of contact with the creature. He wanted to respond with a clever or powerful remark, yet his mind was far too bogged down. He would rather it all be over, a nightmare he would never have to inhabit again. "Ju-just... finish me. Surviving here is worse than living in Giratina's domain," Ethan spat out what saliva was left in his mouth.
"Be careful what you wish fo—"
"My end is nigh anyway; prolonging this only proves how much of a monster you are..."
"But I offered you refreshments, yet you refused! And I don't want you leaving so soon, or how will the Human continue? You haven't turned that selfish, have you?"
"I... highly doubt you'll let us go..." his voice was mellow, fading.
"Come on, if it wasn't for my brilliant plan, you'd be both dead and in the ground!"
"Whatever..." Ethan turned his face down, not wishing to communicate anymore.
"So what?" the sinister voice continued, "you going to develop psychic abilities on the spot and tell your friend to run away? You got an ace up your sleeve, Ethan?"
"What in the world is an ace or a sleeve?" Ethan retorted, "and I'm just praying. Praying to the law of the land that he'll see this great injustice, and that he'll correct his mistakes."
Ethan could hear a mocking snicker, "what makes you so sure he even exists?"
"He does. He absolutely does," Ethan was baffled, "I knew you guys were insane, but I didn't know it was this extreme..."
"Ouch, that really hurts Ethan, you know?" the mockery continued. "Maybe it's because we Dark and Ghosts types are slightly more pragmatic and less idealist than most Pokémon. But in all my years of living, and my talks with many about the topic, I've never seen nor heard anybody who truly interacted or saw evidence of this great 'Arceus'."
"Well... it's because you, along with all the others, are evil beings and heretics. Why would Arceus deal with your kind?" Ethan was boiling again.
"How could Arceus deal with someone so stubborn and obnoxious like you? Maybe that's why he won't help you!" the taunting ensued. "Maybe if you were just a teensy bit nicer, he'd lend you a hand—"
"Shut up. Arceus chose us to save this continent. Why would he abandon us now?" Ethan shook his head in disgust.
"The same reason you got here in the first place," said the voice. "If Arceus did exist, he must be a cruel being to put you through such strife with little preparation or organization."
"High words coming from the perpetrator," Ethan coughed out. "Besides, you're the one that coined the term 'Arceus' gift' anyway. How does that make any sense?" rolling his eyes, he snarled with great contempt.
"Funny you would bring that up. I merely used that term because it was the most readily usable, other than just saying Human all the time..."
"You could have used his name," Ethan shuffled in place.
"Buddy, you know the great havoc that would ensue if the Ghosts here were reminded of a human's name? They'd be running over the hills like the Great Awakening all over again," the voice paused suddenly. "When will it get through your great skull how lucky the both of you are?"
"The day you finally see through your hypocrisies..."
"HAHAHA..." a bellowing erupted from the darkness. "I have to admit, that was a good one."
"Answer the question, dimwit. Why would you use that term if you thought it was wrong?"
"To play with your silly head, of course. To make you feel all cozy and heroic inside before crushing it completely!" the last three words were accented.
He shrugged away the statements. "We are the fifth set of heroes; it is based off historical precedent we would run into trouble. You still haven't explained why you feel that you are right."
"Those books, they may be purely myths, legends. I don't see a meteor crashing down upon Awe, or the stealing of time gears, or a giant black hole swallowing the planet."
"Ask your friend Regret, then. See what he sees."
There was momentary silence. A deep sigh aroused, "humph... maybe I will."
"If you really knew those stories, you wouldn't be doing all of this... you would know you were wrong."
"Even if they were true, even if Arceus does exist, would he always be right then? Think long and hard on that question."
Ethan opened his jaws before promptly closing them; it was more difficult than he thought to respond. "Well... he's the divine creator. He doesn't make mistakes."
"Then why is there evil in this world? Greed? Hunger? Jealousy? Was that in all of his grand plan?"
Silence.
"All I know was that this continent was content and happy long before Empoleon and the monarchy. It was when there was free reign, control over oneself."
Ethan disregarded the leading statements, "if there is no Arceus, then why do we exist?"
"Maybe we just do. Maybe Arceus is dead."
"If you have no answer, then why do you expect others to believe in what you preach? You're nothing more than a heretic; stop pretending to be a wiseman."
"Because I think it's stupid to believe a higher being when I haven't an inkling of evidence," the voice paused. "Listen, you don't have to believe my perspective, but you have to realize that the possibilities are endless."
"Whatever..." Ethan bowed his head down, and the two mumbled to themselves.
"You know... I lied."
"Wow, what a surprise." Ethan rolled his eyes yet again.
"But really. I say Arceus' gift not to taunt you, but because I believe in Arceus. I believe in humans."
"Wh-what... are you even talking about...?" Ethan was dozing off at this point.
"You know—I've studied the ghost scriptures top to bottom, examining the atrocities humans have done. No being intervened; not even once. And did you know these humans mastered the ability to capture Pokémon. Doesn't that feel like a higher being, trapping and enslaving a 'lesser being' for its own intent?"
"You speak in useless riddles…"
"You understand right? These humans were once 'great' and powerful beings but torn apart by their greed and lust. And now their legacy brandishes our life with evil and strife. But we can change it."
"Placing blame on the humans will not save your kind…" Ethan was practically intoxicated.
"But using one will..." with certainity in his voice, he declared: "judgement day is here."
Exiting the farmhouse, Kippy's conscience weighed deeply on him. He approached the great dark red barn in the distance phasing on the horizon.
"Why do I have such a bad feeling about this..." Kippy muttered to himself. He felt the dryness in his mouth, the hollowness in his heart. Stumbling through the treks of mud and dirt, the Mudkip took a gulp of regret and acceptance.
Planting his stubby toes upon the entrance of the big door, the barn felt larger than it ever did. Piles of seeds and empty bags for harvest littered throughout the building. The place seemed awfully innocent and normal; nothing was technically out of place.
While he slowly creeped through the human-sized building, Kippy was circling his mind for possible excuses if he got caught.
Well, I'll just say that I got lost. But... I've been here for a week. Why would I get lost now of all times?
The Mudkip paused for a moment in his tracks to find a better alternative.
What about 'I just wanted to check on you'?
He thought it was an adequate response, but it could probably improve.
'Sorry Louie, I needed to ask you something' was eventually what Kippy decided upon before...
Suddenly, he tripped and fell to the floor in a great daze. Inching himself back up, he realizes his culprit was...
A pile of books...?
The Mudkip examined over the generic covers, but everything was so worn it was completely illegible.
A shame... but why would there be books in a barn?
Kippy attempted to scratch his chin with his right toe before regretting it. He stumbled around before repositioning himself, slightly worse for wear.
It's just a little bit farther to the door.
Marching through the rest of the paces, Kippy's acute smelling picked up an interesting odor. It was of iron, metal, and it had a great sting to its aroma.
I know what that is... but I just can't place my mind on it.
And there it was... the great infamous door standing in front of him. Whispers surrounded it, filling the air with suspense and grandeur. He had never realized it before, but the iron construction was so independent, and contrasting compared to the rest of the aesthetic.
However, what was notable was its color. The door sported a natural metallic style, yet at the bottom of its mechanism, spots of bold red were imprinted. The sting of iron grew stronger as the Mudkip edged closer, feeling his stomach grow pebbles.
It's now or never, I guess.
Kippy was still completely unsure what laid beyond this metaphorical gate of ignorance and knowledge, yet he was tired of being controlled. He stared down the door, biting his lips in anticipation.
First, storage.
The Mudkip felt his stomach inflate, water swelling up in his cheeks and nostrils. He was primed.
Second, stir the bubbles.
Tsunamis and whirlwinds circulated throughout the Mudkip's body, creating waves of water.
Third, rain havoc.
Funneling the currents through one center point, Kippy unleashed the hydro pump directly on to the metal door. It was a direct hit.
BOOM!
A giant crackle emitted the air, and a sharp ring pierced Kippy's ears. Pieces of iron shards littered the event, but the obstacle was no more.
Success! Now comes the easy part, right?
After Kippy mentally readied himself, his legs crossed through the debris and the broken mesh before a great dark room revealed itself. In it, a faint light bulb illuminated as the Kippy entered its range.
What is this...?
The floor was damp cement, cracked with time and wear. The usual light tone of its pigment was at times black as char and other times white as powder. A heavy weight fell upon the Mudkip's shoulders as his eyes scanned the foreboding room.
No... this can't be.
Towering bookcases ran in columns, shooting down in great lengths. The feeling of unease and mystery perpetuated the atmosphere. Series of fire lanterns gave visibility to the cold place.
Why would Louie be hiding this...?
He took two steps forward, examining the first few books on the shelves; they were all in human letters.
I can read all of these...
The first shelf was higher than Kippy's head, but he was able to awkwardly shuffle the closest book out of its position.
Here we go...
The title was easily readable: New System of Chemical Philosophy. The author was John Dalton.
So, that must be why...
Flashbacks of the previous days and Louie's out-of-place remarks made perfect sense now. His demeanor was due to this extensive knowledge of... humans and their studies.
But that can't be what the Voice was so anxious about. There must be more.
Stomping down the column, his eyes glued to the surrounding pockets of knowledge. Many of the books he vaguely remembered such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Squirtle or War Ponyta; others were completely foreign.
Suddenly, Kippy glanced over at a bookcase independent from the rest. It was far shorter than the others, and it looked relatively new compared to the rest.
Huh... I can't read these ones.
All the books contained strange prints that Kippy could not recognize.
This must be what the Pokémon use to write.
Passing over the texts that were completely illegible, he found a series of four books that seemed to have some sort of significance. Kippy quickly shuffled the first text out before studying the cover.
The top was written in the same language that Kippy could not comprehend, but under it were Unown letters that resembled English text.
Examining it for a good minute, he finally solved the puzzle.
It says: There and Back Again... A Human's Tale Vol 1.
The title intrigued him, yet he wanted to know more.
Flipping the book on its back, Kippy spent yet another few minute deciphering the short synopsis.
What...? The tales of Team Lightsaber, composed of a human turned Pokémon and his partner, who save the world from impending disaster...
Lightsaber... Kippy felt a close connection with the word, but his mind churned out nothing trying to investigate it. The Mudkip grumbled, leaving the book on the ground before clenching his teeth.
So, there is another human-turned Pokémon after all, and Louie knows it. He purposefully tried to hide the information from me...
Kippy took a large gulp, deciding if he should even bother continuing.
It can't get any worse, can it?
Louie had walked the gravel path to the lake many times before, but never had it been this excruciatingly burdensome. Dragging the full wheelbarrow, his pace quickened and slowed as his adrenaline grew and faded.
No more past. No more problems. No more resistance. Only peace and prosperity on the plantation.
The same thoughts were recited over and over in the Riolu's head, pressing him to finish the job.
Pippin would understand. He knew that sacrifices had to be made for the greater good.
He stopped all of a sudden, a glimmer of regret in his sullen eyes.
I left the sku—no matter, I'll just go and get them in the second batch.
He hurried along, marching toward the wooden boat on the horizon.
The stench of iron and filth grew ever strong until it completely masked the Mudkip's sense of smell from any other odor.
I got to find out what that is...
The 'library' of sorts wasn't particularly grand or spacious, but Kippy was fearful of any unwanted surprises. His pace was slow and deliberate, scanning the shelves for any peculiarities. Little did he know the danger came from below...
AHHHHHH...
Slipping forward, the Mudkip turned his face down to realize there was a giant pothole in front of him. Slightly above 7 feet in diameter, the darkness below looked practically infinite.
No... no... NO...
With one foot sticking out the edge, Kippy was unsure how to escape. He attempted to wiggle his way out, but his grip would loosen ever so slightly.
Agh... help...
The putrid fumes arising from the pit caused Kippy to grow unconscious.
Can't... hold on...
His legs grew tired from the tension, and soon, his body went limp. He fell head-first into the pit.
Louie paced back and forth, readying the boat for sailing. The first round seemed to have gone swimmingly, but he wished the whole process could be more efficient.
I need to keep track of time, so Kippy isn't too suspicious of me.
Carrying the 'luggage' onto the boat was especially tiring to the Riolu, and the stench...
Ugh... I guess I got to bathe in the water after this is all said and done. The lake doesn't seem particularly cold today...
Louie felt something reminisce, but he couldn't put his paw on what. He looked back toward the barn, and his belly felt tight.
There can't be anything wrong... can there?
Feeling consciousness once again, Kippy blinked twice before smelling the foul odor that perpetuated his entire body.
What in Arceus is that...?
Kippy's brain could hardly function with the adrenaline and the fear. His vision began to unblur finally, and he saw the top of the pit he had fell into.
Wow... that's a long way up. How am I alive...?
The Mudkip fidgeted around and felt a strange mixture of different objects, and the dampness.
What broke my fall...?
Turning his head to the side, he glimpsed at the clump of fluff. Visibility was dim, yet the Mudkip could make out a familiar feature. It was a...
HEAD! IT'S A MAREEP'S HEAD!
Kippy's heart raced, and his nerves were shot. He stumbled around in the dark, hopeless, and lost.
So, she was right. Louie is a murderer... But I've gone in too deep now.
Kippy slowly calmed, remembering he needed to escape from this nightmare still.
I can't be a mess right now. I need to get out first; there must be a way up.
Refraining from looking downwards, Kippy spotted a faint brown substance running up the wall.
A ladder...
Ignoring the pretentious thoughts in his head, Kippy remained vigilant and reached the rope ladder. Placing his first two legs onto the second rung, the Mudkip's doubt increasingly grew.
How is this supposed to work when I'm not bipedal...?
He struggled to grasp the tender rope, shuffling back and forth before gaining some sort of traction.
Don't look down... don't look down… AGH…
Kippy's stance became unbalanced, causing him to crash onto the ground yet again.
Crack!
Pieces shattered on the Mudkip's back.
What was that...?
Kippy stood back up, weary of the damage. He glanced around his surrounding and realizes the materials were...
Bones...?
He looked back and forth, stumbling around ever more. When all was said and done, his eyes glued to one object...
A skull.
His heartbeat quickened as he examined the object carefully. The top was round as an apple, and there were two indents at the top left and right. At its center, the bone went inward, forming a strange upside-down heart, and under it were the mouth and the myriad of teeth.
A human skull...
The Mudkip stood motionless, attempting to connect all the dots in his head; in the end, Kippy broke down in tears.
Why... I don't understand...?
A familiar pressure resurfaced his conscience. Truth had returned. Who's the monster now, Ar—Kippy?
"So, it's really true... he really is a murderer... a human murderer," he paused for a brief moment. "Do you know what he was going to do to me?" he voiced aloud, shuffling back and forth.
I'm afraid only Giratina knows, honey.
Kippy stood still as a rock, expressionless and weak.
Kippy, there is still time to escape—
"LADY!" Kippy physically broke. "I need a moment..."
I'm afraid we don't have much time. Louie will be back any moment...
The Mudkip visibly shook in frustration, "how am I supposed to get out of here? I can't go up the ladder..." Kippy nudged upwards toward the hole, slowly drifting away from reality.
I have a remedy.
"Huh?" the Mudkip felt as if hands had grasped his body, yet none were to be seen.
Hold tight.
Before Kippy could react, the invisible force propelled the Mudkip out of the pit in a quick whoosh.
"W-wow... that was amazing! A little warning would be nice though," a foreign smile appeared from the Mudkip.
Maybe next time... now before we leave, could you do this old lady a favor?
"What is it?" Kippy twisted his head.
See those fire lanterns near the bookcases?
"Yeah…?" Kippy had a feeling where this was going.
Kindly nudge one to rid of this plague.
"Will do," Kippy reluctantly turned his face toward the nearest lantern, watching the inner fire grow and decay in its container. "Be free..." he muttered to himself, shooting out a jet of water onto the string, cutting it cleanly in half.
The lantern didn't fall; instead, it hovered downwards like a graceful balloon before bursting into an explosion of fire and justice. The concrete was unaffected, but the snake slithered its way into the wooden shelves, transpiring into a great beauty.
Apprehension froze the Mudkip; his heart wished he saved the relics of his past culture, but his mind wanted nothing to do with the tools of a murderer.
Kippy, there is little time to watch the show; we must find refuge to escape from Louie.
The Mudkip snapped back into reality under the guide of the Voice. "Ye-yes... we must go," his legs began to move without Kippy's direction, but the destination was clear: Pontiac's Lake.
"That's all set!" Louie said to himself, admiring the great amount of 'luggage' he was able to place on one medium-sized boat.
"I just hope it doesn't slow the boat too much..." he scratched his chin, listing everything he needed in his head before walking towards the anchor.
Right before he was going to set loose the boat, he looked back towards the farm.
What a great day, isn't it...? I hope Kippy's doing alright.
Out of the corner of his eye though, he spotted a blue speck approaching him in the horizon. Soon enough the figure inched closer and closer before it was recognizable.
"Kippy...?" Louie yelled out, wondering why he was here of all places.
The Mudkip stood on a hill before he paused, realizing Louie's presence. His breathing was fast and irregular.
"What are you doing here...?" Louie asked, hoping to divert attention away from the boat.
"I should be asking the same exact question. What are you doing on that boat?" Kippy's voice was raggedy and harsh, yet nervous at the same time.
Louie gulped, "I just thought it was a nice day to go fishing..."
"Cut that crap out, I know precisely what you're doing... you're hiding the evidence!" Kippy was throwing accusations again.
"Come on, you got to be more specific than that!" Louie chuckled to himself, hiding his inner fright, but Kippy was not the least bit amused.
"You've killed Pokémon for your own benefit. You've hid who I truly I am... and you've killed humans...?!" Kippy's face turned slightly pink.
His jaw dropped, "I... whatever she did to you, it's not entirely tru—"
"Not entirely true? I've seen the bodies, the books, the skulls... how could you so blatantly misconstrue the truth?"
Louie paused before responding; he had to pick his words carefully. "Please, Kippy, I promise if you give me a few minutes, I can explain everything. I swear I've never seen a real human before, let alone kill one... you gotta trust—" he stepped towards the Mudkip, hoping to reconcile.
"No... no! Get away from me. Let me pass through the lake or I swear I'll hurt you..." Kippy was readying something.
"Come one... we can talk about this..." before Louie could finish, a funnel of water shot directly towards him.
"Aghh..." the blast was so powerful that it completely rendered the Riolu immobile, causing him to crash onto the floor.
The Mudkip was now inches away from the Riolu. "You'd stay down if you know what's good for you..." the Mudkip spat at him before the sound of a great splash occurred.
"Pl-please... don't leave..."
Crossing Pontiac's River was short and simple. The adrenaline and willpower of the Mudkip was at its peak, and his mind was set.
"Just a little further, and I should be out and in the clear right?" Kippy asked aloud.
Yes... you will meet the dungeon if you continue around 2 clicks down.
"And the dungeon won't be too dangerous?"
Nothing you can't handle if you dealt with Louie that easily...
"Alright..." the two stayed voiceless for the rest of the trek. Kippy was walking through grassy mountainous terrain, and it did a number on his heart. The fatigue and the hunger began to grow, but Kippy's sheer determination subdued it, at least for a while.
"Can you... give me any sort of supplies, like food or anything?" Kippy reluctantly asked.
Do not worry. Once you reach the first resting stop, there will be a statue of a Kangaskhan, and ample food inside of her pocket. All you must worry about is getting through the first part. I have faith in you...
"Okay..."
Soon enough Kippy reached a series of towering mountains, and towards the west, there was a gaping cave entrance. "I suppose that's the dungeon?"
Yes... now be careful. There's not much I can do if you were to faint in there.
"Won't you be guiding me?"
The voice paused momentarily. I'm afraid my telepathy will not function inside a dungeon. You must resolve any issues by yourself.
Kippy sighed, "if that's truly the case then, I'll do my best." Standing outside the cave, Kippy took a last glance back at the farm, now miles away. He remembered the first few days on the farm, living with Louie and being content. Moisture began to form around the edges of his eyes as the memories returned.
The pain will heal, I promise you. But the longer you stay, the longer you prolong it.
"Y-yes..." Kippy sniffled, before racing headfirst into the dungeon. "See you on the other side!"
"O-ow..." Louie groaned as he attempted to stand up. An odd feeling had grasped his mind suddenly.
Let your wounds heal for a moment; we still have yet time. The voice said.
Realizing the Pokémon behind the voice, Louie forced out his lungs. "TRUTH... Why have you done this? You foul beast, you've ruined everything! I knew you were low but turning my only friend against me is... is..." Louie tried to scream out, but his strength was too weak.
Quit your yapping, we have a bargain to make. You want your dumb human back, right?
"Wh-what...?" Louie slowly rose from the ground. "I'm not selling my land... I won't let you win-"
Not even to save him?
Louie paused for a moment, processing the words. "Fine... I'll listen, only because I don't have a choice."
Good...
Mount Abbey 1F
The dungeon was quite mild; the temperature was a bit warmer than Kippy's liking, but the dampness of the area was comfortable. The entire interior was made of cave rock, yet shining stones protruded from the innings.
So, this is what a Mystery Dungeon looks like, he thought to himself. It doesn't look so bad, but it'd still be wise to keep my guard up.
The floors of the dungeon spiraled up and down in a random fashion. Kippy had a hard time of keeping track of where he went and where he hadn't, yet an inner force allowed him to find his way.
Mount Abbey 2F
Although most of the dungeon was quite empty, the Mudkip faced a few Zubats and Rattatas every now and then. They were easily dispatched with a simple water gun or water pulse.
I wonder if Louie lied about the severity of dungeons to scare me... ugh... is there any end to his deception?
But the Mudkip had this weird suspicion as if the place were meant to seem innocent.
Something's still not right. I need to hurry along.
Mount Abbey 3F
By the third floor, the Mudkip was completely comfortable with his surroundings. It was as if he had done it hundreds of times.
However, at the time, Kippy's belly was bellowing, and there was little to find inside the cave to eat. Every attack, every dodge, the Mudkip's consciousness and spirit grew weaker and weaker.
Must go on...
By the last stretch, the Mudkip was composed of little more than just mind and spirit.
So, do you agree to leave and never come back?
"Yes... I shall," Louie grumbled to himself. "If only..."
Don't worry, I keep my word unlike you...
The Riolu hissed in disgust before staring at the plantation one last time. His heart ached, and his mind twisted.
Would you hurry along now?
"Yes... but give me a second; I have things I care about unlike you..." Louie spat out.
So be it...
The light breeze and the sounds of the splashing river culminated into visions of the past and of success. A faint smile appeared on the Louie's face before quickly fading away. Louie sauntered toward the river before diving into it.
Why aren't you taking the boat?
"It's best to leave the past behind."
Mount Abbey First Clearing
It was quiet as the farm when Kippy had entered a peculiar room. The inside was all cave rock like the rest, but the shape of the room was in a clean square.
"Hello...?" Kippy voice aloud, hoping to find the Voice again.
No response. The Mudkip slowly inched closer in the one-directional hallway before reaching a statue.
That's a Kangaskhan right?
The Mudkip hurried along toward the inanimate object, desiring the food and necessities the rock delivered. His mouth was slobbering, and his mind was absent.
At last...
Kippy jumped up into the pocket before grabbing an apple out of its pocket.
Time to ea-. Wait, why do I feel...?
SLAM!
Suddenly, Kippy's entire body was amassed in pain. His eyes were blind, and his mouth was mute.
What's... happening...? I can't move...
"Hold still buddy. This isn't your first time, and it probably ain't going to be your last..." the new voice was deep and masculine.
S-stop...
"Can't do that Human, now shut up! I got work to do..." Kippy could barely comprehend the words.
Ugh...
It was as if his mind was being sucked away like a vacuum. The memories, the knowledge, they slowly faded like books in a bonfire.
"Ow..." Kippy blinked his eyes twice, feeling consciousness once again. His blurry vision spotted a Riolu kneeling, staring at him with his dark red eyes.
"Hey Kippy... you feeling better now?" Louie pat the Mudkip softly.
Kippy took notice of him before wondering where he was. The area around him was cold stone, and there was an odd statue standing next to them.
"Yeah... but what happened? Where are we...?" Kippy wondered aloud.
"I have... bad news to tell you, Kippy, but first I need to know what you remember," Louie looked away with tears in his eyes.
"I—wasn't it the fourth day yesterday or something? I had finished my cycle of watering the Thompson berries before we both went to bed. But... wh-what is it?" Kippy stood back up with a sour expression.
Louie waited a few moments to reply, "the whole farm's up in flames. We had to evacuate..."
Kippy connected the dots: "so that's why we're here? But how did I get knocked out?"
"First... eat this apple, it'll make you feel better," Louie handed the half-bitten apple back to Kippy before he curiously chewed it. "And second, we got ambushed... a bunch of cave Pokémon attacked us before we were able to escape to here. You were quite injured, so we rested here for a few hours. Soon, we'll have to keep going."
Kippy continued to chew on the apple while listening to the apprehensive Riolu. "So, where are we going? And why can't we just rebuild the farm?" Kippy swore he could hear laughter somewhere.
Louie shrugged, "I don't really know. We just got to keep going until we find somewhere, I guess," the Riolu stood and pondered a second for the second question. "And... we can't go back. It's like a wildfire there, there's no salvaging that." Louie seemed extremely distant, as if he were hiding something.
"You okay, Louie?" Kippy finally asked, breaking the awkward silence.
"Yeah..." drops flowed down his face, but he tried to cover it with his paw. "Don't worry about it, just the pain of losing something you love."
"It's okay..." Kippy inched closer, wrapping his legs around the Riolu. "At least we got each other still, right?"
"Yeah, you have no idea..." Louie muttered, hiding a smirk behind his paw.
Author's Note: Thank you all for reading this far in the story. It's been an honor and privilege writing to you select few, but I've tried my best. If you have legitimately read through the last 25k words, I applaud and deeply appreciate you. Please feel free to contact me on DMs or anywhere you want; I'll talk to you about anything you want. Anyway, hope you all enjoy the conclusion of the "1st ark". And do not worry, there are plenty of backstabs and twists remaining, just you wait ;).