Chapter 29: From Gloomy Woods to Windmill Forest!

"...Sooo…" Justin taps on his chin, raising his brow at Sylock. "How did you move so fast?" The Blaziken looks at him, expressionless. "You told me you don't have Speed Boost, and yet you zip through those Greninjas like those cars at Majestic City."

"Did he now?" Courtney says, looking at the Blaziken and keeping his arm resting on her neck. "That explains why you overused your Rune…"

Justin, Ramon, Ada, and Mesmeren give Courtney the look of perplexion. "His Rune?" they say at once.

Sylock signs at the Lopunny, to which she looks at the group afterwards. "His Rune, Blaze Booster: It makes his Blaze ability stronger and has him move faster."

"That...wasn't quite the confusing part, but thanks for explaining it," Ada says in a blunt manner.

Courtney raises her brow. "Then what in tarnation are y'all confused about?"

"Rune, fam: What is that?"

Ramon nods. "I'm with Justin on this: What exactly is it?"

Courtney snaps her fingers. "Ah, that. Well, it's a pretty darn complicated thing because of how it relates to the Magic typing, but I'll do my best to explain it." She looks ahead at the near dark, grassy road. "Rune is a special kind of power naturally gifted to Intellicates and Transvians. It's a skill that allows us to either power up our abilities and moves, use powers that aren't normally possible for a Pokémon, or a lot more I'm still trynna learn about."

Everyone stares at the two in awe. "Whoa...That sounds interesting." Ramon gets close to Courtney and Sylock, his tail wagging.

"No cap," Justin agrees.

"I-I...wasn't even aware that Intellicates have those kinds of powers," Mesmeren mentions, poking her fingers together.

"Figured. Many Intellicates, and even Transvians back then, weren't aware of their Rune skill." The pathway starts shifting towards the left, to which the group turns. "Some of us can even die without ever discovering it. It's that much of a mystery."

Ada folds her arms, caressing her chin. "So Rune usually becomes the stuff of myths because of not knowing about it?"

Courtney points towards her. "That and because of its negative side effects once someone discovers it. I'll get to that in a second."

Justin rolls his eyes. "Figured there'll be a downside to something as good as Rune."

"Life™."

"DUDE!" Both Courtney and Justin snicker at each other while Ada and Sylock give the two poker faces. Soon the pathway shifts to the right, the group following along.

"But anyways, just because many of us don't know about our Rune, doesn't mean it's impossible to discover. Cuz there are ways to discover it. And once we do, we can name it however much we see fit." Courtney smiles, looking at the Blaziken. "Ain't that right, Sylock?" Sylock smiles back.

"Hmm...I wonder why-"

"I wonder why they're not used as often," Ramon says, interrupting Mesmeren. He blinks for a moment before looking at the tapir, lowering his ears. "Ugh, sorry...That tends to be a habit of mine, apparently."

"I-It's okay. We were thinking about the same thing, anyways." Mesmeren smiles in a meek manner, holding her hands behind her back.

Ada shakes her head. "You really do need to address your habit there, Ramon."

"I'll try…" The Zorua whimpers.

"And fam, didn't you hear what the rabbit girl said? Not many Intellicates know about their Rune, hence why it's not used as often."

"Right. But I was referring to an Intellicate discovering their Rune...Why don't they use it as often?" Ramon tilts his head.

Courtney snaps her fingers again. "Glad you asked: The negative effects." She then points at Sylock, giving him the spotlight. "Remember when this guy vomited out blood like crazy?" The four raise their eyebrows at the Lopunny.

Sylock widens his eyes and grits his teeth, spasming his hand. "WHY DID YOU HAVE TO SAY IT LIKE THAT!?"

The rabbit smirks. "Just messing with ya. But in all seriousness, Sylock was experiencing the downside of using Rune: It can hurt an Intellicate and Transvian after being used." She displays a straight look, glancing at the group. "The more they use it, the weaker they get. Until eventually...they die from it."

Mesmeren gasps, covering her mouth. Oh gosh, she thinks, both her and Ramon's eyes widen from the answer.

Courtney gazes at Sylock, caressing his back. "...That's why I was concerned about him overusing his Rune."

"...I see, then." Ramon looks ahead at the dark road, the rustling grass crunches into the land of sound. "Rune must be more of a last resort thing, then."

"You're catching on, ain't ya?"

Ramon nods. "It makes the most sense."

Ada slips her hands into her jacket's pockets. "Have you discovered your Rune, Courtney?" she asks, everyone bringing their focus to the Lopunny.

Courtney gazes at her hand for a brief moment before shaking her head. "Still trying to discover that myself..."

"Discovering things about yourself...I know that too well," Ramon adds, sighing afterwards. "Although, finding out what my Rune is can be added to the list of mysteries about me, too. Haha..."

Mesmeren looks off to the side, shrugging. ...Wondering what's mine, too…

"Hmm..." Ada shifts around in her pockets. "You mentioned Rune relating to the Magic type: Care to elaborate?"

"Not gonna lie…" Courtney laughs nervously. "I forgot about that very important detail."

"Damn…" Justin shakes his head.

"All I remember from Forest's Wizlore book is that Rune was used as evidence to Intellicates connecting with the Magic typing. The details were so long and drawn out, I slept through most of it." Courtney scratches the back of her head. "My bad…"

"Really now?" Ada gazes off to the side, raising her brow. Do Intellicates have magic blood within them or something?

Courtney then stops in place, the others looking at her with perplexion. "Whatchu stopped for?" Justin asks.

"There's just...one thing I want to address." The Lopunny gradually glances at Sylock's left hand, her eye twitching at the blood leaking out of it. The burnt leaf barely clings onto the hand, the char slipping off from it. "That has been bothering me for some time now. Please let those two heal it." Courtney points at Justin and Ada besides her, the rest of the leaf disappearing afterwards.

Justin and Ada look at the Blaziken's hand, blood seeping out of the punctured holes. "Yeesh...That looks disturbing," Ada comments.

"I still have no clue why you stabbed your hand, fam," Justin says to Sylock, raising his brow. "But yeah, I don't mind healing it."

"Same here," the girl agrees. Sylock looks at the two before bringing his hand away from them, glancing. "Um…?"

Courtney smiles at the Blaziken. "Hey now. They're not gonna hurt ya, and haven't been for some time. It'll be fine." Sylock gazes at the Lopunny, the rabbit giving him a reassuring nod. He then sighs and shows his left hand to the two. "Thanks, Sy."

Justin and Ada lay their hands onto Sylock's as it glows blue. "We ain't gonna Ruine your hand, pal. Trust me," Justin says with a wide grin. Courtney, Ramon, and Mesmeren snicker from the joke while Ada and Sylock roll their eyes. "What? You gotta give it to me on that one."

"No, I will not credit you for that awful joke," Ada states, glancing at the boy.

"I second what she said."

Justin raises his hand up and down as the teens heal Sylock. "Typical jealousy of my humor, I see."

"More like overconfidence defying reality."

Justin's eyes widen, the two finishing healing Sylock as they bring their hands away. "Damn, Ada. Didn't have to burn me that badly, haha."

Ada smirks after folding her arms. "You'll still sleep at night with two eyes closed. You'll be fine."

Ramon looks up at Sylock's left hand, blood no longer seeping out of them, but the punctured spots are still there in the form of scars. "Hey, why didn't the magic healing remove the scar marks?" he asks the two teens.

Sylock rubs his hand, the group continuing to move forward. "Sorcerous can heal others, but at the cost of having scar marks left intact depending on the wound. Such as if the wound was a cut. The only downside of having this kind of healing powers," Ada answers.

"I see...There's also another thing I want to ask about Magic type."

"Go ahead since it's going to take us a while to leave, it seems." Ada looks up, blinking at the light slowly dimming itself. "Well, maybe we're almost out of it. Who knows."

"So it has something to do with the Oran Berry earlier. You were able to lift that with your magic: Is that another gift from being born with a Magic type?"

"Yes: Sorcerous can lift any object with their magic. As long as they're small and don't require too much energy, no one should have any issues carrying it."

Ramon blinks in surprise. "Really now? Sounds convenient."

Justin grins. "You have no idea how many times I do this to brush my teeth and take out the trash at Synchronic Village." The boy snickers afterwards. "It's hella convenient, fam."

"Interesting."

"Although, there's something I want to correct myself on: Sorcerous can lift a large object like a car. But that requires too much energy to pull off, hence why Sorcerous rarely lifts up heavy objects."

"S-So if your kind can carry large objects, d-does that include a building?" Mesmeren steps in.

Ada shakes her head. "I don't believe a single Sorcerous can lift those kinds of tall objects. Probably with a Spell in their possession they can, but I have no clue. I just know that minor tall objects can be lifted with magic."

"M-Makes sense, I guess?" Mesmeren looks at the ground. "This Magic type has some odd complexities to it. M-More than any other typing..."

"Agreed…" Ada takes her hand out of her pocket, casting her purple claw over them. She gazes at it with mystique. "I wouldn't be surprised if there's still things I don't know about the Magic type. About us Sorcerous…"

After Ada's claw fades away, Courtney turns her attention towards the Zorua. "By the way, who was that mystery fella you mentioned earlier?"

"Hmm?" Ramon blinks for a moment before gasping. "Oh right: He's this...Lucario named Travis who wanted me dead because I ruined the Prospective Institute, according to him."

"H-He's very terrifying," Mesmeren comments, shaking within seconds.

"Huh. I see, then." Courtney looks ahead, continuing to aid Sylock. "I've heard of that institution and its downfall. I wonder why this Travis fella suspected you of being the cause of it." Sylock places his finger against his chin, staring down at the Zorua.

Ramon looks ahead as well, the woods becoming more enlightened. "He told me about hearing rumors of a Pokémon surviving the incident. And since I was the only one who escaped the institute..." He sighs, lowering his ears and closing his eyes. "You get the idea."

"What the-" Courtney pauses for a moment, raising her brow. "Isn't that pretty damn extreme to conclude?"

"You're not lying: I was thinking the same thing when I confronted him about the constant chasing." Ramon whimpers. "...I kind of feel bad for him despite the many times he wanted me dead."

"In what universe, Ramon?" Ada glares at the Zorua. "Why pity someone who wants you dead?"

The fox yelps from the glare before shaking his head. "I mean, I'm not saying I would want to befriend him or excuse his actions. Not in the slightest after the many times he tried to kill me." He looks off to the side. "I just...more so understand his anger and sorrow. He's a close friend of Dr. Yvonne, and his death must be too much for him and his other friend, Noctis."

"Noctis?" Ada, Justin, and Courtney ask.

"Yeah. I'm not sure what species he is, but it looks like Project Transvian was formed because of him."

Courtney scratches the side of her head. "'Project Transvian?' Was this Yvonne fella trying to revive a dead group or something?"

"Yes. Ada has his journal." Ramon looks at the teen as the group reaches a part in the pathway that has a corner. "Show it to her."

The girl nods and reaches inside her inner jacket's pocket, taking out the familiar brown journal. She hands it to Courtney, who then looks through it. "It should be on the very last page," Ada says.

Courtney reaches the Project Transvian page, eyes widening at the sight. "Excuse me: THIS WAS AN SUCCESS!?"

"The crazy part is: I have no clue where this Transvian Pokémon is." Everyone turns to the right. "I don't know if this happened before or after the incident...But either way, it's all so...confusing." Ramon frowns. "I wish I could remember exactly what happened there."

"Interesting…" Courtney closes the book and hands it back to Ada. The teen returns it back into her inner pocket as Courtney thinks to herself. "Hmm...This could mean we have a modern day Transvian living out there."

"Sounds dope, honestly," Justin states, his hands behind his head.

"Agreed. Hehe."

"Wait a second." Everyone stops in their tracks along with Ada herself, the teen stroking her chin with intrigue. "If the project was a success, with there being rumors of a Pokémon surviving the incident on top of Ramon being the only one escaping the institute…" She turns towards the Zorua. "Could you be that Transvian?"

Ramon stares at Ada for a moment, uncertainty flowing into the air. "I'm not sure..." He then looks back at the pathway ahead of him. "There could be another Pokémon out there that survived the incident and became a Transvian. Which would further my confusion on why I was there, if that's the case…"

"I see."

...What type of Pokémon am I? Ramon thinks, sighing to himself as the group continues moving forward, turning at another corner to their left. Courtney quickly gives others a glance, jolting her eyes all over the place.

Mesmeren blinks in perplexion. "Hmm?"

"Alright good, we're still together," Courtney mentions, Justin raising his brow at her in response.

"Uh...aight then?"

"Although, it's mighty weird to see these woods get brighter. This may mean we're about to leave it, finally."

"Speaking of the Gloomy Woods," Ada turns her attention to the Lopunny. "Tell me exactly what happened to it and how it became this way."

Courtney remains silent for a brief moment, gripping her fist while staring up. "I'll...do my best to summarize it." She takes a deep breath before exhaling. "Long ago, the Gloomy Woods used to be calm and peaceful. Defects, Intellicates, Faults, literally anyone can join in and have a wonderful time together. Forming fonder memories and stronger bonds…" Courtney grimaces. "The woods used to be called Gleeful Woods due to all of that positivity."

Ada puts her hand against her chin. "I see."

"The name came from a man called Mr. Tranquility, sometimes called Tranquility. He's the founder of Serenity that no one knows much about. The only thing we know was his goal to bring peace and prosperity to the village, which led Gleeful Woods to become the way it was."

Mesmeren pokes her fingers together, staring up at Courtney. "So the Pokémon here used to be kind and peaceful?"

"Yeah. I even befriended some of the Defects during my youth. The time I used to be a Buneary…" Courtney grips her fist, shaking her head before releasing a sigh. "Things used to be fine and dandy until Tranquility left Serenity. Many crimes and awful acts from humans ran rampant throughout the village...It was insane."

The Zorua's eyes widen upon hearing the very word 'humans', keeping his gaze onto the Lopunny. Courtney continues, "So many people and Pokémon died over those heinous behaviors. And this is what unfortunately led to the Gleeful Woods going through the chaotic roots: Defects becoming more violent against each other, some were abandoned by their trainers, and...and just..." Tears start to form from the rabbit's eyes, her arms shaking. "I...I remember the last time I tried to chat with my Defect friends and…"

Courtney gasps from Sylock's sudden hug, his arms wrapping around her. Everyone stops in their tracks as this happens. Courtney looks at the Blaziken, tears sliding down her cheeks before she hugs back. "Thanks…"

"Courtney, what happened to your friends?" Ada asks.

After Sylock releases the Lopunny, the group continues on walking, with Courtney keeping the Blaziken's arm on her neck. "...They were killed by another Defect that was strong. Right in front of me," Courtney answers, touching her face.

Mesmeren strokes her chest, whimpering. "M-My condolences to them, Courtney." She lowers her ears.

"Same here." Ada sighs.

The Lopunny wipes away her tears, taking in deep breaths. "At least Serenity went back to its peaceful state after Forest and Mokuri arrived. Sylock and I even helped the two, including fighting off those many criminals like I told ya about yesterday."

"Yep, you did," Justin confirms.

"While we got Serenity back to normal, we...couldn't do the same for Gloomy Woods. There was so much wrong with it down to getting lost easily and almost dying to strong Defects, as we all have experienced not too long ago." Courtney groans in melancholy, shaking her head. "Hence why the name changed from Gleeful to Gloomy Woods."

Ada tilts her head, raising her brow. "Is there not a way to return Gloomy Woods back to Gleeful Woods?"

Courtney gives her a firm head shake. "In the worst case scenario: Gloomy Woods may just...remain this way forever."

Justin slips his hands in his pockets, shaking his head. "Damn…"

"I-I wish the woods didn't b-become that way..." Mesmeren holds her hands together, staring down at the ground.

Ramon slowly looks off to the side, lowering his ears. ...Humans caused the Gloomy Woods to become this way. He glares at the grass. It's...hopeless trying to defend them, huh?

At long last, the light shines more on the group, all leaving out of the Gloomy Woods' entrance. The sun provides them with its familiar array of light, displaying the trees ahead along with a concrete path that leads around the woods. To their right is a gray building, surrounded by iron gates from afar. Some guards are outside of the building, squinting their eyes and jotting around.

Justin points at it. "Yo, what's that building over there?"

"That there is the Serenity Vicious Center," Courtney answers.

"The what now?"

"Serenity Vicious Center: It was built in response to the many violence happening in Serenity back then. And now it's serving a different purpose to both control the violent nature of Gloomy and 'correct any criminal's behavior,' as they put it."

"Uh huh."

Sylock looks at the center, glaring with fury. More like a waste of everyone's time, he thinks, looking away afterwards.

"Hold up-" Justin stops in his tracks, everyone following suit. "This path goes around Gloomy Woods. Does it take us to Glory Pride?"

"Nope: It cycles back to Serenity."

"What the-" Justin slams his hand against his face, shaking it. "Bruh, we could've just went through this path instead of going into the woods."

"...Yeeeaaah." Courtney laughs nervously, scratching the back of her head. "Something told me at the back of my head to leave to the left of Serenity. I...guess I was too eager to go to Glory Pride that I didn't really think about that. My bad."

"Hey, at least we're out of the Gloomy Woods. So we can continue moving forward in peace," Ada chimes in. "...I hope."

"You better hope, fam. Because I'm not sure if I can handle Walking Simulator 2...or 3. 4? Shit, I don't know how many times we've walked on foot, but it's a lot!" Justin pouts, folding his arms. Ada, Courtney, and Ramon look at each other before snickering.

"You have a point there."

Everyone then looks at another path next to the first, the path leading to some windmills from afar. "I feel like this should take us to Glory Pride, though. So let's follow it."

Justin snaps his fingers. "Right behind ya, Carrots."

Courtney turns towards the boy. "Please don't call me that."

The group walks on the path, leaving the center behind. The pathway twists and turns at every angle, the group passing by multiple trees as the sunlight guides them. Eventually they come across a sign nearby one of the trees, pointing forward with the following words: 'Windmill Forest.'

As the name implies, a couple of windmills are placed randomly throughout the forest. Some normally lie within the grass while others are on the boulders. However, those very windmills have parts attached to places it doesn't belong in: Blades striking the ground, rocks, and some of the trees while the poles stick on top of the trees, even to the point of pinning them down.

The gang eyes the entire forest in perplexion, Sylock freeing himself from Courtney's aid to touch his hilt. Courtney places her hand onto her hilt, looking around frantically. "What in the world happened here?" Ada asks, glancing about.

"Y-Yeah…" Mesmeren gets close to Ramon, holding her hands together. "There's windmill parts everywhere…"

"Whatever happened here is something faaar from good news." Courtney glances around as well. "Be careful, y'all."

Ramon lowers his ears, looking down at the group. Wouldn't be surprised if humans were the cause of this forest's destruction…

"H-Hey, Ramon…" The Zorua turns towards the Drowzee, the tapir tapping her fingers together. "Are you alright? You look down, so…"

"Hmm? Oh, yeah. I'm alright."

"PLEASE GIVE IT BACK!" a unknown voice says from afar. The group looks ahead at the voice's location, four figures being at their view. They walk close to the figures, seeing them being composed of four Pokémon: A brown bipedal creature with gray scythes, a huge bipedal creature with silver armor, an brown avian creature with red outer feathers, and a grayish-green bipedal dragon with protruding tusks on the side of his mouth. The Kabutops, Aggron, and Pidgeot toss around a green wristband over the Axew like a ball, snickering and cackling along the way.

The Axew jumps up over and over, panting after his last leap of faith. "Just...give the...wristband back." The laughter continues from the three Pokémon, the Axew resting his hands on his knees. "Please!"

"Kabu," the Kabutops says, smirking as it twirls the wristband around.

"Hey!" Courtney shouts, catching the four Pokémon's attention. "Give his wristband back."

"Or what? Small Pokémon don't deserve to own something like we tall ones do," the Aggron says with menace, slamming his fist against his hand. "Get lost or we'll pummel ya!" The Pidgeot and Kabutops glare at the group, grinning.

"I ain't gonna repeat myself: Give it back. Even by wild life standards, it ain't right to toy with another Pokémon like that." Courtney grips her hilt.

The Pidgeot snickers. "Heh, right or wrong has no place in the wild, Lopunny. We saw this wristband, we like how it looks, therefore it's ours," he says in a cocky tone, looking at the Aggron. "Think we should beat em up, eh Aggy and Kabi?"

"Yeah," the Kabutops agrees, stretching his arms out before the three approach the group.

Ada turns to Courtney. "I'm not sure what they're saying, but it looks like they want to fight."

"Yep. You're sure right about that." Courtney gets her sword out, Sylock following suit. "So much for peace." She sighs, shaking her head. Ada turns back to the three Defects, slowly summoning her claws.

"I see, then…"

Courtney takes a quick glance at Sylock. "Think you'll be alright?" Sylock looks back at her, simply nodding. "Gotcha."

Justin casts his blades while Ramon gets in front of Mesmeren, all glaring ahead in preparation. The Axew rushes to a nearby tree, hiding behind it in safety and watches the conflict.

The Kabutops surrounds himself in water while the Aggron's claws glow white along with the Pidgeot's wings. The three charge towards the group, the bird being in front of the two. Ramon casts his Dark Pulse, readying to fling the dark ball until Justin and Ada run in front of him. The teens collide their Magic moves against the Pidgeot's Quick Attack, pushing it back. The bird flies against the two Defects, the two dodging out of his way before shielding from incoming swords.

"Huh!?" The Kabutops stares at the Lopunny in front of him, his scythes clashing against her sword. Courtney glares at him, further bringing her sword down until she flips over him. She then twirls around and kicks the Pokémon's head, the creature groaning in response. "AH!" He slides across the ground as Courtney lands with grace.

Sylock slashes the Aggron, the Defect using his Metal Claw to counter Sylock's sword. His legs then get coated in a dark red aura, Sylock swinging them towards the Aggron. The Aggron groans, blocking the kicks before Sylock blows him back with Flamethrower. "Gah!" Once the flames die down, the silver biped notices the lack of Sylock's presence. "Where did he-" a High Jump Kick is plunged right into the creature's face, blowing him back from the group. Sylock lands on the ground, stroking the grass beneath him.

Kabutops gasps in shock before yelping to the sound of Courtney's Quick Attack behind him. "Never get distracted during a fight," she says before smirking. Just when Kabutops is about to turn around, Courtney swings her red aura leg at him, sending him flying off to the Aggron's direction and crashes into him. The wristband drops along the way, being in the middle. The Axew watches the fight, eyes widening at the grace movements coming from Courtney and Sylock.

"Whoa…" The dragon's tone is that of a loyal yet child-like manner, his hands gripping onto the barks with intrigue. He takes his attention to the Pidgeot getting pushed back by the teens, the bird zipping around with Quick Attack only to be hit by Ada's Enchantment Claws. He flies back into the air and soars down, using his Quick Attack once more. Justin twirls around and smacks him away with his Sorcery Blades, the Pidgeot squeaking in response.

"Man I've seen Pidgeys using Quick Attack better than you," Justin mocks, chuckling afterwards. The Axew stares at the boy. "Even a Magikarp can attack faster than that, fam!" The dragon chuckles softly at the boy's mockery, covering his mouth.

The Pidgeot rolls around, groaning before getting up. He growls, flapping his wings at a rapid pace and building up the wind in front of him. Justin and Ada look at each other before nodding, the two dashing towards the bird. The Pidgeot flings his Gust at them, the wind charging at lightning speed. Ada extends her claws and slashes the wind apart, Justin jumping over her before firing his Mystical Projectile at the Pidgeot. The bird squeaks and flies back, flailing all over the ground before colliding against the other two Defects: All groaning in pain.

Justin lands on the ground, jumping in ecstasy. "Holy shit, that was so badass, dude!" He brings his fist up, waiting for it to be bumped by Ada. Ada sighs in relief and gives what the boy wants, giggling.

"Honestly, it was."

The dragon looks at the four, both he, Ramon, and Mesmeren are in awe by those effective teamworks. "...Amazing," the Axew says to himself, getting from behind the tree.

Courtney and Sylock walk over to the group, all taking their gaze onto the three Defects. The three eye the group, receiving gruesome glares and warning summons of moves. "Th-These guys are tough! Let's get out of here!" the Kabutops suggests before the three scurry away.

"Told y'all I wasn't going to repeat myself!" Courtney shouts at the Defects, sticking her tongue out playfully while waving. The Lopunny then looks around, raising her brow. "Uh, where's the Axew's wristband?"

Justin looks over at the wristband nearby, walking towards it. He picks it up. "Found it."

The Axew rushes over to the boy, smiling up. "That was really amazing what you and the others did!" he says, holding his hand out.

Justin waves his hand up and down. "Ah, it was nothin'. Just us helping an fella out, that's all." He hands the wristband to the dragon, the Axew wrapping it around his right wrist afterwards.

"I see." Everyone gets close to the two, the Axew stares at the group around him. "Genuinely thank you all for helping me! This wristband means a lot to me, so I didn't want those three Defects to steal it..." The Axew looks at his wristband, sighing.

"You're welcome!" Ramon says before lowering his ears, laughing in a nervous manner. "Even though Mesmeren and I haven't done anything to help there…"

"O-Our apologies." Mesmeren whimpers, stroking the side of her arm.

The Axew nods. "It's fine. It was only those three Defects that the four took care of with ease."

Justin snaps his fingers, displaying his usual finger guns and wink. "Hell yeah, dude." Sylock cringes at the gun wink combo, his face scrunching up as he shakes his head.

"I'm very grateful for you all's help, in all honesty." The Axew then presses his hands together and bows. "My name is Roan and it's a pleasure meeting you."

"Call me Courtney, not Carrots," Courtney says to Roan, the Axew raising his brow at her.

Justin chuckles. "Fam, you're acting like I'mma keep referring to you as that."

"Just making sure, that's all." Courtney frowns.

"So yeah, that's Carrots-"

"HEY!"

The Axew snickers as Justin continues the introductions. "And I'm Justin. Nice to meet you, too." Everyone else introduces themselves to Roan, with Courtney elaborating on Sylock not chatting as much.

"I see, I see. Such an intriguing bunch you all are," Roan says.

Yeah, I wouldn't say that, Sylock thinks while glancing off to the side.

Yeah, I would say that, Nomar says inside of Ramon's head, his snickers echoing throughout. Ramon smiles, nodding.

"We're quite diverse, I'd like to think," the Zorua mentions. "So I can see that."

Ada looks ahead of the path, the road leading up to a lake and cabin from afar. There's also dark clouds shrouding from above, becoming a sore thumb in an otherwise sunny sky. "Anyways, as much as I like to continue chatting, we should be going." She folds her arms, staring at the path with mystification. "I...assume that's Lake of Purity, right?"

Courtney looks at the path as well, raising her brow. "I...think so, too?"

"I-I mean, there's a lake and a cabin over there. So p-perhaps it is the Lake of Purity?" Mesmeren follows, remaining close to Ramon. "Although if it is, then...why does it look like a storm is about to happen?"

Ada caresses her chin, glaring. "I was thinking the same thing, too…Doesn't sound quite like the name suggests." She looks at the group. "Let's be careful while on our way there." She then looks at Roan. "And you take care too, Roan."

The group nods and walks along the path until Roan says, "Hey, wait a second!" He catches up with the group as they turn around.

"Is something's the matter?" Ramon asks, tilting his head into curiosity.

"No. It's just that: I want to travel with you."

"Oh?"

Roan looks at the ground for a moment, inhaling the air before exhaling. He nods. "I believe after seeing the way you four fought, you'll help me find my mentor."

"Mentor?" Ada asks, raising her brow while folding her arms.

The Axew shows them his wristband. "This is his wristband, and I wish to return it to him. We got separated after a ugly hurricane in Windmill Forest while we were training." He looks down. "Since then, I made it my task to find him…" He then gazes up, lowering his brows and forming his fists. "And with your strength and courage, we can find him together. Even train with each other so that I can become strong enough to defend the weak!"

Everyone blinks at the Axew for a moment, unsure of how to stomach such an situation. "...Well-"

"Also I have nowhere to go and I think traveling with you all would make me feel less lost," Roan says, interrupting Ramon.

"Okay, that's a more understandable reason," Justin states. "Cause we're lost too, fam. Let's be lost together!"

Ada smacks the boy from the back of his head, the boy groaning and rubbing his head in response. "Justin! That wasn't called for, you know?"

Roan snickers. "No no, it's fine. I appreciate his sense of humor." He then scratches the back of his head. "Although, that was kind of rude. Didn't know searching for someone close isn't a good excuse to travel with others…"

Justin is about to say something, but then looks at the ground. He puts one hand in his pocket while shrugging. "Yeah, I guess I went a bit too far there. My bad." He stares at the Axew. "Just thought it was weird to travel with someone because of a crazy backstory like that. But then I thought about why Ada, Ramon, and I are traveling and...Yeah, it was uncalled for, on my end."

Ada nods. "We're looking for our friends and family, too. And in Ramon's case: Recovering his memories."

"Memories?" Roan looks at the Zorua. Ramon shifts in place.

"Yeah. I have amnesia and...don't really know why I was in the Prospective Institute only to be chased by this Lucario for causing its destruction."

"Prospective Institute? A Lucario chasing after you?" Roan walks around the Zorua, tapping on his chin in mystique. "Hmm...Very interesting, Ramon."

"I'll tell you all about it on our travels." The Zorua looks ahead at the path before moving forward, Mesmeren following along.

"...And what perhaps the other three are traveling for?" Roan asks Ada.

"Well Mesmeren is lost just like you so that's why she's with us."

"And I want to participate in that tournament in Glory Pride City! Which is exactly where we're heading, by the way." Courtney raises her arms up in excitement as the group moves forward. "And my friend Sylock is coming along to support me, too!"

"I see I see!" Roan smiles, folding his arms while closing his eyes. "I believe I'll get along with you all just fine."

"Since you enjoyed my humor, I believe it." Justin smirks while Roan snickers, Ada rolling her eyes in response.

"You're so silly, Justin," she says as the group passes by a sign.

The sign reads, 'Now entering Lake of Purity.'