The impact sent him sprawling onto his back. Rowan groaned as he felt something heavy resting on his weary body. Looking down he saw Chloe burying her face into his chest. His chest quickly became damp as she hiccuped.
"You know just because Sam healed me doesn't mean I'm not sore," Rowan sighed. Chloe ignored him and wrapped her paws around him, gripping him tight. Looking past her, Felix and the Lycanroc quickly caught up to her, standing over him.
"That was incredible!" Felix exclaimed. "I can't believe you pulled that off!"
"Yeah," the Lycanroc added. "You think quick on your feet. I'm impressed."
Reaching around, Rowan patted Chloe on her back as she sobbed quietly. Looking down again at her, he nudged her with his nose.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Rowan asked quietly.
"Y-you won!" Chloe hiccuped. "You beat an Arcanine on your first try… I can't believe it…"
"Then what's with the waterworks?" Rowan asked as he looked to the others for answers, confused.
"The first hit you took was really nasty," Felix explained. "Even from where we were, we could tell that Arcanine wasn't taking it easy on you. Wounds like that aren't something to mess around with."
As Felix went into detail, he could feel Chloe tighten his grip on him. Rowan felt guilty for worrying Chloe like that. Hopefully she would forgive him when she calmed down.
"Eh, I didn't have enough time for it to start to hurt," Rowan replied, waving a paw towards Sam behind him. "Sam fixed me up before I went into shock."
"Shock?" The Lycanroc asked, confused. "I didn't see any electric attacks, did you?"
Felix shook his head. "Some of the things he says don't quite make sense, you'll get used to it.
"Medical term," Rowan responded. "Never mind. I don't believe we met, I'm Rowan."
"Oh, I'm Myra," the Lycanroc introduced herself. "I'm a member of the team. Sydney and I were just spending the night in town before we returned to base today. Nice to meet you."
Eyeing the two of them, Myra smiled mischievously.
"So," Myra asked, struggling not to laugh. "Are you two going to let go, or are you an item?"
Chloe gasped and quickly scrambled off of him and onto her feet. With a good amount of effort, Rowan forced himself to his feet too.
"N-no!" Chloe exclaimed. "W-we're just friends, right?" Rowan nodded energetically.
"Uh-huh." Myra replied, eyeing him a bit differently than before. Chloe glowered at her.
"Enough!" Felix intervened. "Rowan's just fought an uphill battle. Let's go get some food and a place to stay for the night."
"Oh that's already taken care of," Myra replied. "We actually have a room reserved outside the training arena."
"That couldn't have been cheap." Rowan said.
"Oh hush, Fergus," Myra taunted. "It's just one night and our earnings are more than enough for it now that Tryst quit."
No matter how many times he went through it in his head, Sydney couldn't make sense of what he saw. Rowan managed to defeat Logan, a supposed veteran in the training arena. His lips curled in disgust at the plan's failure.
Every fiber of his being felt something was off about the Glaceon now. Rowan had used unconventional methods to win, not even firing a single ice based attack. If anything, he had proven himself to be quite the brawler despite his species.
Padding into the restaurant, he looked around for his contact before quickly finding them. Sydney released a small groan at the sight of Logan staring him down. The canine was not happy with him. Jumping onto the seat, Sydney sighed.
"I spent a lot of money bribing the ref to fudge the paperwork, even more to hire you. What happened?" he demanded.
"You said it would be an easy win," Logan growled quietly, staring daggers at him. "You set me up is what happened."
"You're mistaken," Sydney replied. "He's a new hire for the team, untested and with no history that I could dig up."
"You saw what happened out there!" Logan roared as he slammed his paw on the table. The restaurant went quiet as multiple eyes fell on them. "That pokemon knew what he was doing!"
"Calm down!" Sydney hissed, his eyes darting to each onlooker around them. "Don't make a scene."
The rumbling with the massive canine continued, but stopped yelling.
"You're going to pay me double, here and now," Logan demanded. "I was made a mockery of and I'm not walking away with the pittance you gave me."
"No," Sydney replied flatly.
"What?" Logan responded angrily.
"I paid for everything. You failed to uphold your end of the bargain. Consider yourself lucky I even paid you to begin with," Sydney replied, meeting his gaze with his own. Fear rose within him as Logan leered at him.
Logan's fur bristled and his growling turned into snarling. For a moment Sydney thought he would attack. However the canine eventually calmed down somewhat and stood up. Walking past him, Logan leaned over to him and whispered a warning.
"You better watch your back," Logan quietly snarled, his teeth snapping inches away from his ear. "This isn't over."
The sheer size difference between them was staggering. It took all his willpower not to cower before his intimidating stature. It wasn't until the Arcanine left that he finally exhaled, he didn't realize he had been holding his breath at all.
Breathing heavily, Sydney glanced around. Other patrons near him were eyeing him curiously while others were whispering to each other. The whole ordeal left him self-conscious.
Knowing Myra, she probably had told Chloe and Felix everything and he would see them at the room Myra had insisted on reserving. Hopping down from his east, Sydney left the restaurant after making sure Logan was nowhere to be seen.
Reaching up to the coin purse around his throat, he jingled the money he had left. If he used it sparingly, he could get by just fine until the next job lined up. Sydney felt relieved that he didn't have to part with any more of his limited funds.
Aside from the colosseum, this was the second largest building Rowan had seen so far. Craning his head upwards the roof of the building, compared to the colosseum it was much smaller by comparison, but was far more intricate with its designs. Pillars held up the open front with a single arch leading inside. It reminded him of Roman architecture on earth.
In the center of the foyer stood a statue of two intertwining Milotic carved in impeccable detail. Rowan circled around it in awe, it was so life-like it felt as though they could spring to life at any moment. Myra called to him from in front of the front desk.
"Hey champ, over here!"
Heading over, the attending Indeedee gave him a quick bow and led the group deeper down a hallway. Glancing to his left he noticed an open area with a large pool. Various pokemon were spending their time swimming and relaxing, most were predominantly water types. Around the pool itself were grass types, soaking in the sun's rays. A small family of Bulbasaurs, Ivysaurs, and Venusaurs were enjoying a late lunch.
"This room is yours," the Indeedee bowed as it unlocked a large door to their right. "Sun Stone Inn appreciates your patronage, please let me know if there is anything I can do to make your stay more enjoyable."
As the door swung wide, Rowan marveled at its luxury. The floor looked to be a polish marbled white with four beds along the far wall. Each bed was similar in shape, but seemingly made of different materials. Without hesitation, Felix lunged at the one in the far corner, eager to claim it as his. The sound that came from the cushions reminded him of straw.
"Oh yeah!" Felix crowed. "Daddy liiiiikes." The snake stretched himself over it, his head hanging off the side with a content smile.
"Um...Which one do-" Rowan tried to ask, but someone behind them cut him off.
"It's a pleasure to see everyone again."
Myra's sunny disposition rapidly became clouded. Rowan turned around to see an Umbreon standing behind them. Chloe pushed her way to the front of the group to confront him.
"Sydney," Chloe said sternly. "Welcome back, but you and I are going to have to talk."
The dark type nodded in agreement.
"And I can explain," Sydney replied. His gaze fell on Rowan. For a brief moment, Rowan felt his blood run cold as the pokemon looked at him. Something felt wrong with the pokemon.
"If it's about Tryst, then I apologise," Sydney said coolly. "He said some… things inappropriate about you and I may have gone overboard in chastising him."
"Bullshit, he knew what he was doing," Myra muttered to Rowan. "Watch out for him, he's more two faced than a Doduo."
Rowan frowned at her warning. So far everyone he met on the team had their quirks, but were generally nice pokemon. It was hard to believe someone even slightly foul would be on Chloe's team. Then again his instincts were screaming at him to be on his guard. Sydney's smile felt forced as he spoke.
"A-alright," Rowan gulped.
"Look," Chloe sighed. "Tryst was a fire type, we don't have one now and our typing for missions have been shot to hell."
"I don't see the problem," Sydney replied. "Our newest member here proved earlier today that typing isnt everything... isn't that right Rowan?"
"How did you know my name?" Rowan asked, unnerved.
"You were entered into the match as a potential member of our team. It's a simple matter to just get your name, I'm already a member after all," Sydney responded. "Besides, who doesn't know about the newcomer who upstaged 'The Regal Flame' in battle."
"I thought he looked familiar," Felix said as he rolled over. "He's a seasoned veteran in the arena,"
Rowan reflected on their battle. It was strange to have fought such a renowned figure out the gate. He smirked a bit, proud he managed to topple such an obstacle.
"I'm sure I entered Rowan into the beginners course," Felix said as he tossed an unwanted cushion onto another bed. "It's not like the organizers to make a mistake like that."
"Well perhaps you filed the wrong paperwork?" Sydney replied as he nodded to the room. "While I would like to spend the day talking about team matters in the open for everyone to hear, can we continue this inside? I'd like to relax."
Chloe and Rowan stepped aside to let him by, but Myra only took a half step, forcing him to squeeze by. Felix rolled his eyes at the Umbreon's suggestion. He knew the difference in paperwork required to enter in various matches.
The atmosphere felt awkward for a while. The tension between Myra and Sydney was apparent. Rowan decided to change the topic before anyone got upset.
"I can't help but notice there's only four beds," Rowan said, pointing to them. "And there's five of us."
"You're right," Sydney quickly chimed in. "One of us will have to share."
"Now wait a minute," Chloe interrupted. "There's a few hours of daylight left, we can ask for another to be brought in."
Myra smiled deviously. "Or, the new guy can sleep with me," she said with a wink. Chloe's jaw dropped. "I'm not opposed to getting to know our new recruit."
Rowan shifted uncomfortably. He wanted to object and lay with Chloe again, but he knew it could make him seem strange. Thankfully he didn't have to.
"Actually he's been sharing a room with Chloe for the time being," Felix laughed. "Sorry Myra, but you're gonna have to wait your turn to get one on one time with him."
Chloe mouthed a quick thank you to the Servine, collecting herself and reiterating her idea of getting another bed so no one would have to share or go without. Sydney's eyes narrowed at Rowan, only increasing his discomfort at their topic.
"I uh, I'll go ahead and go do that now." Rowan stammered, making a speedy exit. Myra watched him leave and waited for the door to close, making sure his footsteps receded before she asked her next question.
"So, Chloe," Myra said as she half circled her. "Rowan seems nice."
"He-he's a good friend," Chloe tried to explain. "And today he proved to be capable in battle. I'm just trying to make sure he doesn't want to leave us."
"Is that all?" Myra teased.
"Enough Myra," Felix sighed. "Chloe please just come clean about it so we can move on. They need to know."
Chloe nodded and began telling her ignorant members how they found Rowan and what had happened since then. Myra seemed doubly interested, but Sydney's lips curled in distaste, snarling at the thought of Rowan joining the team.
"Are you kidding me?" Sydney demanded. "Haven't you heard the stories? Humans enslaved our ancestors! And you want to bring one on board like it's nothing?"
"I don't know," Myra murmured. "There's a lot we could learn from him, besides he's a Glaceon now right? What harm is there?"
"He's a fake!" Sydney yelled. "A phoney! Why in Arceus's name would you trust him? He's lied to you before! What's stopping him from lying to us now?"
"To be fair, he literally died," Felix replied. "And I didn't exactly do him any favors. His first encounter with a pokemon was with me and I sort of….strung him up. Like a 'christmas tree' if i recall it right."
"If the situation were reversed, I think anyone would distrust others for a while," Chloe added. "It's not like he lied to hurt anyone, just to protect himself. Rowan even let us see his memories. You can lie about that."
"It's still unnatural," Sydney replied with a sneer. "The way you've been acting and how you're defending him, it's like you're going to tell me you want to mate with that abomination."
Chloe felt the blood drain from her face. Sydney, as usual, showed his incredible perceptiveness and hit the nail right on the head. Chloe stammered, trying to offer a feeble excuse, but came up with nothing.
"I...I do," Chloe confessed. "In the short time he's been with us, I can't think of one time I haven't wanted to learn more about him, to talk with him, to just...sit next to him. Everything he sees is new to him and takes everything in stride, no matter how much it might scare or disturb him."
Felix nodded, proud of her for being honest with herself. Myra stood frozen in surprise while Sydney bubbled with rage. Felix silently observed the Umbreon, his vines quivering in anticipation.
"He shows more concern for others than himself," Chloe continued. "When we first found him, he insisted on sleeping on the floor or in the common room but I refused him. He also refuses to eat more than a few bites, insisting we eat more in his place. Honestly it pisses me off but… it shows he cares, even if I don't agree with it."
"You can't do this," Sydney hissed through bared fangs. "That thing is not one of us. It's an abomination!" Chloe glanced at Felix as he spat venomous words at her. His usual smug demeanor was quickly melting away into a calm emotionless state, a clue to the oncoming side of him she rarely saw.
"You're crazy if you think for a second that I'll allow that monster to-"
Chloe yelled for Felix to stop but her voice fell on deaf ears. Felix snapped and in a single fluid motion, ensnared Sydney in his vines. Lifting the Umbreon aloft, he held him in the air and brought the struggling pokemon inches away from his snout.
"Maybe she didn't make it clear to you," Felix said quietly. "Rowan is not human, not anymore. We don't know why or how he got here but it doesn't matter. He is a Glaceon through and through."
"That doesn't mean shit," Sydney replied angrily. "Now release me, you bastard!"
"As you wish."
Without warning, Felix swung him towards the ground face first. Sydney yelped loudly at the sight of the rapidly approaching stone floor. Coming to a sudden stop, Sydney panted as he stared at the flooring that filled his vision, centimeters away.
"That's enough Felix!" Chloe cried louder, finally getting his attention. The Servine released him, letting the pokemon crumple to the floor. Breathing heavily, with a mix of fear and anger, Sydney gave him a vengeful glare as a veritable deluge of curses spilled from his mouth.
"Let that be a warning," Felix said, his voice devoid of emotion. "Run your mouth all you want, but if you think for a second that I'll tolerate you stepping out of line."
"I-I don't know what you're talking about." Sydney stammered, his fur stiffening. His anger waned for a moment, worried Felix knew what he had done.
"What's he talking about?" Chloe asked, giving the two of them a confused look.
"He…" Felix hesitated. He wanted to accuse Sydney of tampering with the training ground match but he had no proof. "His actions towards Tryst… He had no right to treat him the way he did. We lost a member because of him."
"I understand," Chloe replied, walking up to her friend. Trying to calm him down, she put a paw on his side. "But going so far to make a point doesn't do anything but generate animosity between us. Sydney has learned his lesson," Chloe said as she gave Sydney a glare. "Right?"
The moonlight pokemon nodded reluctantly, giving a snort. Mrya sat in her spot, a smirk on her face. To her, Sydney getting his just deserts was immensely satisfying and amusing to see. Nonetheless she felt compelled to at least try to break the tension in the air.
"Well, now that that's out of the way and we didn't make a mess of the room… Who's hungry?" Myra chimed in happily. "We still need to celebrate Rowan's victory!"
"That's right!" Chloe agreed energetically. "Let's go get him and go out to eat!"
Felix quickly returned to his usual self at the mention of food, much to her relief. Seeing him act so terrifying worried her. The only real problem now was Sydney.
"I refuse to break bread with that...thing," He spat as he brushed past them roughly. "This conversation isn't over."
Despite her pleas, Sydney left the room. Part of her was relieved when she failed, glad for the temporary break from the infighting. She would have to try to talk to him again tomorrow, preferably alone.
"You went overboard," Chloe whispered angrily, turning to Felix.
"Perhaps… But it was necessary," Felix whispered back. "Syd needed to be reminded of his place.."
"You guys suck at whispering," Myra mocked them from behind as they walked into the hall. Her voice returning to normal, she continued. "I don't know about you guys, but I enjoyed that little show. Let's go get some grub?"