Dungeon 001

Fang rolled in her sleep, away from where she had been resting curled on Lizard. It was funny how neither of them knew of this occurrence, because every time the Fire Type had stayed in the base to be ready the next day for an early expedition (apart from the first night only when she had been a pokémon just for few hours and this is a story for another time) the Water Type had sought the nearest source of warmth in her sleep, Lizard being the only available, and rested on or around it, only to roll away (still asleep) at the break of dawn, unconsciously satisfied by the warm rest. At the same time the Charmander wouldn't be roused by both movement because even an earthquake wouldn't be a sufficient wake-up-call for him.

It was a shiver, as usual, that woke the Big Jaws pokémon up and made her curl on herself, just to note, sleepy, that she wasn't laying on her hay bed. Confused the Totodile frowned, trying to remember something in the back of her mind. …A dream perhaps? There was Zenchou too and the three of them were inside the Team base… They were sleeping, then she had heard a sound of a battle, like something yanked between two opponents, one of them being the Absol… Then silence again and warmth and sleep…

Fang hummed as she creaked an eyelid open to scan the area around her. There were strange transparent colorless crystals on the walls and ceiling that gave a pale white light from their cores. She hadn't ever seen something like that in her life, but considering that she had the memory of only a year, it wasn't saying much. Slowly she stood and stretched a little, then went to observe curiously one of the quartz-like crystal. It was cool under her paw and the light didn't weaver when she knocked its mineral case. She tried then to pry one loose, but rapidly she discovered that they were fused with the walls, so she gave up and went back to scan the room.

It was as big as the inside of their base with some crystal stalagmites emerging from the floor. And of course there was Lizard in the middle of the room. Having her share of waking up in strange and unknown places, she couldn't be startled anymore by something like that, so she calmly reached her partner and shook him awake.

– F've more min'… Fang… – he mumbled, burying his muzzle under his folded arms.

The Water Type slightly smirked, then chomped the air above his ear in a Crunch, having little effect on his friend. She sighed deeply and mustering the tiniest stream of water she was capable of, she "fired" it directly on the head of the other. The result was instantaneous.

– Gurgl! What, who, how, we're under attack! – he screamed jumping in the air and frantically searching his attacker. Fang just stood there, sighing and shaking her head.

– Lizard, that was me, calm down! – his friend eyes zeroed on her, stunned.

– What? Why did you do that? – he asked her.

– You wouldn't wake up and we kinda have a problem. – she gestured around the room, making him notice where they were.

– We're in a Dungeon! – he shrieked. – How did we arrive here?

– I have absolutely no idea. – Fang shrugged and sat down folding her arms. Seeing her like this, Lizard unconsciously calmed a little and sat beside her.

– How do you manage to be this calm? – he asked and she grinned.

– It's not the first time I woke up in the middle of some strange and unknown place. In comparison you're an amateur. – she smirked in mock-superiority, making him smile and forget the majority of his panic.

– Eheh, you're right… – he paused then asked. – Do you have any idea of which Dungeon is this?

– I've never seen those crystals before, so nope. – she shook her head.

– Shared dream? – he suggested.

– Nope again. I woke up shivering as usual. – that statement caught his attention.

– "Usual"? You never told me! Next time we go to the Kecleon Market we'll buy you a blanket! – he declared crossing his arms.

– There's no need! I sleep well all the night, it's only early in the morning that I feel cold! – she tried to make him change idea, slightly embarrassed by his caring demeanor.

– You're not going to make me change idea! – he stood and pointed towards the only room exit – Now the only thing to do is explore!

Fang sighed with a slight red muzzle, but she got up too and decided that she would check the rest of the room first. As a matter of fact it had been a good idea, because behind one of the stalagmites she found their bag, opened and with its contents scattered on the floor.

– Found the bag! – she called while picking up the items. There were very few in comparison of what she had checked the night before, but at least all the berries, the apples and the exploration team badges were still there. As the Totodile put the bag strap onto her shoulder, she sighed. No throwing items and seeds… Her thought halted when she sensed something protruding from the thong on her scales, so she put the bag down again as his teammate joined her. The Water Type examined the strap and she found the cause of the imperfection: there were biting marks on it. Zenchou-shaped ones.

– Is there all? – meanwhile Lizard asked. She shook her head and showed him the band.

– I think that Zenchou tried to stop somebody from taking it. The marks are pretty deep and forceful. – she elaborated at his confused expression.

– So we had been… – the Charmander started to say, but a loud frizzle and a thunderclap echoed into the room from the ceiling. They had just the time to raise their muzzles to see what was the cause that a shadow double their size was thrown rather violently to the ground on the other side of the stalagmite in a showers of rainbow sparkles.

Startled, the two jumped back, then after a silent second they peered cautiously over the crystal. All they saw in the dim light was an unmoving mass in the center of the room. Sensing no immediate threats, the Team Bitefire came out their hiding place, carrying their bag with them, and approached the shadow just to discover that it was made by a pair of pokémon.

– A Pikachu and… What is called this one? – Fang murmured, observing the new arrivals from a certain distance.

– This looks a bit like the statue that Alakazam showed us, you know, the one given to the Teams that reach the Lucario Rank. – Lizard answered quietly, nearing the two a little more.

– The one above our Diamond Rank? – he nodded, so she hummed – Maybe this is their pre-evolution… – finally they reached them and as one pokémon they gasped, coming in full view of an enormous burn mark on the back of the unknown pokémon. Said pokémon was gripping like a lifeline the Electric Type safely encased into their arms who had his muzzle buried deeply into the black and blue fur of the other. Luckily (depending on which point of view) both of them were unconscious and laying on the Pikachu's right side.

– We need to do something! – Fang was the first to shake away the astonishment and crouched down near the back of the blue-black pokémon, rummaging into the bag in search of the Rawst Berry.

– What can I do? – Lizard asked as he kneeled beside her. She passed him the berry while she fished out a shed Sandshrew scale from the hidden medical-tool-pocket inside the bag.

– Here, smash it into a jam while I check them for less evident wounds – the Totodile gave him the scale too and gently moved the unconscious pair, trying to pry the burned one from the Pikachu, but she was unsuccessful: their, no, his grip was like iron (after living for more than a year as a pokémon she had learned to distinguish gender by the odor).

– I never saw something like that. – the Fire Type shuddered as he chopped and squashed the fruit with a Dragon Claw on the scale. – Even if I'm usually the one that gives them…

– I know. – she answered curtly, so focused on her task that she almost missed his guilty expression. Only "almost" because she couldn't avoid to catch his wince at her answer – Ah, shush, we both know that you don't do it on purpose, moreover your burns are so faint that don't even leave a mark on my thick scales! Moltres, Charizard and Groudon's ones were definitely worse. – she dismissed, as if nothing had happened. Then she huffed, unable to do anything about her charges. – Nothing, they won't move!

– Cover the burn anyway, maybe if we soothe the pain, this pre-evolution's grip would lax a bit. – he proposed, trying to hide a grateful note in his voice. His eyes still showed a glint of guilt, but he passed her the jam without any other word.

– I hope so, but it looks like this one is trying to protect the Pikachu, if the burn is anything to go by. Till… He's sure his friend is safe, I'm almost certain that he won't let go. At least it's what I would do. – she smiled softly at him, spreading gently the mushed berry on the burn.

– Do they have other injuries? – he asked then, eyeing the two.

– Not ones that I can see. This one probably took all the hit for the other… – she paused briefly, putting down the scale. – Done. Now let's try to separate them. – Lizard nodded and went to the Pikachu's side, ready to pull. – At three. One. Two…

A strange squeaking sound above them prevented the duo to do anything because the next thing they knew was that the Dungeon forecast announced more pokémon-rain.

P~OwO~W

The never-ending well continued to run around them as they continued to fall for how long only Lord Dialga and Lord Palkia knew, however only one thing was certain: the landing was going to hurt. A lot. That was Poccha's thought as he was almost squeezing the life out his partner who, after finally emitting a sound in the form of an ears-splitting-screech after being frozen, was silent again, most likely because she was using her beak to hold onto his blue feathered collar in order not to get separated from him.

If there was one thing that Rush missed from being human, having hands was certainly the answer. Not that in this case they would have been helpful anyway, but at least this was a distracting thought from the situation they were in. Bunnelby's burrow? Her three head-feathers! This was a pit! And what the Temporal Tower was a Bunnelby? It was as if the Voice had wanted to send them directly to the bottom of the World Abyss for their battle with Lord Giratina, but it had forgot to set the correct exit so they were falling directly in the real core of the world.

Having both of them their eyes shut they didn't notice how gradually the tunnel was shifting from a vertical angle to a more safe and less-likely-to-break-their-necks-slope, which after few seconds they started to slide on. The bird-like 'mons yelped at the change (Rush's one being more muffled by the other's feathers in her beak), but they couldn't do or think anything more because the 45° inclined surface suddenly disappeared from under them and they fell again…

Just for few meters.

Solid unmoving ground beneath them was finally a blessing, even if they rolled roughly on it because of the fall inertia. As the world around them continued spinning but nothing was really moving anymore, Rush released the almost ripped feathers of her friend and stood shakily, free from the grasp of the wing-fins of the Piplup, trying to regain her footing. Obviously she didn't succeed, too disoriented from both the fall and the roll, so she propped her forehead on something nearby, probably the wall, to keep on standing up and to reduce the spinning.

Differently from her, her teammate dealt with his own dizziness in another way, namely rolling over, burying his head between his fins and laying on his belly, whishing strongly for a Persim either Berry or Band.

– P-Poccha, are you alright? – the Torchic asked, rubbing her forehead against what felt like glass, to ease the sick feeling.

– Ask me when my stomach has settled down. – was the muffled answer beside her. – You?

– My head is still spinning… – Rush replied. – It's even worse than being awaken up by Loudred!

The Piplup groaned in agreement as slowly the dizziness subsided, making them sigh in relief.

– Excuse us… exactly who are you? – a young male voice asked behind them, making the explorers jump. The Fire Type whirled around, leaning then heavily to the wall as a wave of dizziness hit her again, while the Water Type raised his head suddenly only to regret his action and cling his beak closed with one of his fins.

The room was lighted by some strange crystals similar to the ones in Crystal Cave Dungeon, but certainly more transparent and colorless. Few meters from them, there were four pokémon, two standing and two on the ground. The formers were between their team and the latters, as if trying to shield them, like their confused but tense expressions suggested. The defenders were a Totodile and a Charmander, while the prone forms were a Pikachu and a Riolu.

The Torchic hesitated at first, but being the only of the two able to answer she replied. – Team Purplewing, Gold Rank from Wigglytuff's Guild, near Treasure Town… Who are you?

– Team Bitefire, Diamond Rank from Central Town… I'm Lizard and she's my aibou Fang – the Charmander gestured towards the Totodile, who nodded in response.

Poccha from where he laid, pale and still holding his beak, tried to say something only to come out like a indistinct muffle, so he gestured towards the four and send a glance to his friend.

– He's asking who are the two others… Oh, by the way, I'm Rush and he's my aibou Poccha. – translated the Chick pokémon.

– We… don't really know. Few minutes before your arrival they rained down from the ceiling like you and… – begun the Lizard pokémon, just to be interrupted by his own friend.

– Not exactly like them, – she was frowning, probably recalling the events – the first two arrived with a boom and a shower of rainbow sparks. – she then glanced at Team Purplewing – They instead came out from a hole in the ceiling that had opened with a strange metal sound. – she pointed up, only to gasp due to the missing hole. – It was there!

– The creepy Voice must have already closed it… – Rush said horrified, scanning then the room and trying to sense its presence, unsuccessfully. – It didn't follow us…! – she didn't know if she was relieved or disappointed by this. Relieved, since she was scared of that presence, but also disappointed, because it hadn't deemed them worthy to pursuit further.

– "Creepy voice"? – asked curious the Charmander.

– Yes, we were exploring a Dungeon when a creepy voice in an empty room told us that we were gonna fall into a "burrow" and it depended on us if we would ever come back home… Its presence was so ominous that I still feel the chill… – the Torchic shivered in emphasis – Poccha tried to use an Escape Orb, but I think the hole beneath us opened before it worked… Are we still in World Abyss Dungeon? – she asked a bit faint.

– We don't know. – the Totodile smiled sympathetically. – We ourselves were sleeping in our team base before awakening here. However judging the bite marks of one of our teammate on the exploration bag, we were abducted too. As for them… – the female Water Type turned towards the duo on the ground – They're too unconscious to ask now.

– Besides the canine one has a huge burn on their back. – the male Fire Type added, moving from his position before the injured.

– Canine? It's a Riolu, isn't it? – Rush frowned, taking few instable steps towards them.

– Oh, so that's how their species is called! – Lizard realized – Is it the pre-evolution of a certain Lucario? – dumbfounded the Chick pokémon nodded and stopped near her partner, eyeing him warily. He was less pale than before and he wasn't fighting so much with his stomach anymore, but he was resting quietly on the ground.

– Better? – she asked him and he nodded slowly as per not risking to upset his stomach more.

– Lift up? – he pleaded, making her slightly smile and carefully help him stand, acting as a support. They reached the other pokémon calmly, then the Penguin pokémon laughed mareepishly. – Adrenaline, rough landing and wild rolls weren't the best for my stomach…

Fang chuckled. – Don't worry, it happens to the best of us! By the way, what are you? – she asked curious.

– A Piplup! A Water Type! – he exclaimed outraged, almost forgetting his previous predicament.

– Never saw one of you or a Riolu. We just knew of Lucario because of an exploration rank and some stories from Alakazam. – Lizard supplied, nearing the Pikachu's back while his partner did the same with the Fighting Type's one. Carefully they tried to separate the two, but the grip of the Emanation pokémon was like the iron one of his evolution. – No such luck. – he sighed, addressing his partner.

– Like I said, he's trying to protect their friend. – the Big Jaw pokémon replied, slightly smug.

– Have you tried to wake them up yet? – Poccha suggested. Lizard shook his head.

– No, not yet – he gave the signal to his own teammate, who gently began to shake the Riolu, trying at the same time not to cause more damage from the fore-mentioned burn.

– Excuse me… – the female Water Type called. – Could you wake up?

X~OwO~Y

Pain.

Exhaustion.

He didn't really want to wake up, but a nagging feeling was creeping at the edge of his conscience, like he was missing something… Someone!

With a start he opened his eyes, searching frantically for his friend in the dim light that luckily wasn't strong enough to hurt his sight. A warm breath against his chest halted him from his quest and he gazed down, feeling for the first time that his heavy and stiff arms were cradling a yellow fuzzy body. Relief washed over him replacing the terror, but the apprehension was still there, so he gripped the friend's shoulders and tried to shake him awake.

– Pikachu! Pikachu! Wake up, please tell me you're ok! – he called, then clenched his teeth and one eyelid, as his movements upset his sore body and pained back, but he ignored them when the Electric Type stirred.


– Ash… – the Mouse pokémon groggily came to his senses, trying to remember anything and flinching when his best friend's scream rang again into his ears, replayed by his memory. His eyelids shot open to find black and blue fur in front of his muzzle. In fact he was practically buried in it! …then he realized that a pair of thin but strong paws were on his shoulders. Puzzled Pikachu raised his head and came nose-to-nose with an anxious Riolu with unusual brown eyes (instead of the normal red ones), which promptly became wet and relieved.

– Pikachu, I'm so glad you're ok! – the Fighting Type hug him, burying his muzzle in the crook of the neck of the Electric Type, tense muscles trembling from pent-up worry.

The Mouse pokémon hesitantly hug back, even if just to calm the other pokémon down, however his attempt went straight out of the window as, when he touched the blue-black 'mon's back with his paws, the other yelped loudly, pained. Startled, Pikachu let go and rolled away from the other's grasp which had become worryingly weaker, just to stand up and see what the matter was.

The Electric Type smelled Rawst Berry on his paws, as well as burnt fur and skin… The same horrible reek (sans the berry) he had smelled before the flash! Scared almost to paralysis, Pikachu scanned the place they were in to find his trainer, but there was only a cave with some pokémon, no Ash in sight… But this Riolu was injured!

The rational part of his mind told Pikachu that maybe they had been separated by the flash, so he had only to search him. …Yes, Ash is strong, I can spare a second to help this Riolu… No, he's injured too, I can't abandon him! As this internal debate went on in the fraction of a second, his body went on autopilot and gently moved the Fighting Type on his belly, easing his breathing pattern by lifting his muzzle a bit, in order to make his airways linear from the mouth and nose to his lungs. The Riolu's pained gasps slowly became less labored and in the meanwhile Pikachu could only stare in horror at the jam covered back of the Emanation pokémon. – W-what happened? – he asked terrified to the other occupants of the cave.

– We hoped you could tell us… – answered a Charmander beside him, tentatively stepping closer. – You and the Riolu – the world seemed foreign on his tongue as if it was the first time saying it – fell down from the ceiling unconscious. Fang and I treated the wound of your friend, but he didn't let you go till now. – the Fire Type gestured to the other side of the Fighting Type towards a Totodile who nodded, so he assumed the name was hers.

Pikachu looked again at the lupine pokémon beside him in shock. He had been with him from the start? The last thing he remembered (apart from the scream, of course) was that he had been wrapped in the arms of his trainer. Human trainer. And now at his awakening he had been hugged by a Riolu on the verge of panic who was injured in the same place his friend had been. Warily Pikachu crouched down and sniffed Riolu's fur, just to get the confirmation…

Ash! But how… – the Electric Type was lost and confused, but at least he didn't have to find his friend anymore. Recollecting all his wits, he observed the injury better and cringed at its extension. It was a miracle it wasn't too deep. Pikachu took a fortifying breath, then sat beside the head of his partner. – How do you feel? – he asked him quietly, managing to do so only because the burn had already been cared of.

The human-turned-Riolu chuckled hoarsely, cracking an eyelid open to look at him. – I'll be fine… No need to worry… – this made the Mouse pokémon smile a bit, remembering Dawn signature catch-phrase.

– I'm sorry to interrupt, but… It's dangerous to stay here. – A female Torchic spoke up, redirecting the attention from the pair to her. – Till now we were lucky, but in a Dungeon anything could happen. Above all if we stay too much on the same floor. – at this last phrase the Totodile, Fang, and the Charmander visibly shuddered, then nodded eagerly.

– Ok, we wrap him up, then we go. – the female Water Type announced while a Piplup, who was calmly supported by the Torchic, was guided towards the chamber exit.

– We stay on watch in the meanwhile. – replied the female Fire Type, while the Kanto and Johto starters carefully helped Ash in a sitting position. The ex-human managed to did so only clenching his teeth and shutting his eyes, but didn't protest. The Electric Type watched tensely as the duo bandaged the torso of his friend, who relaxed slightly once the ordeal was finished.

– Here, if you're able, eat this. It'll replenish your energy. – Fang placed an Oran Berry in Ash's paws and Pikachu nodded his thanks. However the Fighting Type attention was on them instead of on the berry. He was staring at them, confused and with a semi-open mouth, as if trying to make sense of what was happening.

– Speaking pokémon…? And you too, Pikachu, how could… I understand you more clearly now? – his voice was still pained and it broke sometimes to make him catch a breath, but his tone was unmistakably surprised and confused. However his unusual lack of panic or excitement for this occurrence was a sign of how much pain he was feeling. Suppressing a surge of worry, the Electric Type forced a smile.

– You're a Riolu now, that would work. – he picked one of the black paw of the other (the one without the berry), and showed it to him. Quiet and toned down surprise was shown on the blue-black muzzle as a "Oh" was exhaled. – Now eat the berry, it'll make you feel better.

Numbly Ash nodded and slowly ate the fruit while some of his pallor vanished, consequently making the Mouse pokémon relax a bit. He turned his attention to the starters. – Thanks for your help.

– That was nothing. – the Charmander blushed while the Totodile put away a cream colored scale in a bag, after packing it with the leftover bandages.

– Yeah, it's okay. – Fang's namesakes shined while she grinned, then she curled her lips in a curious but hesitant expression – Say Pikachu… Your friend… – she began making him tilt his yellow head – Was he a human? – she blurted encouraged.

B~OwO~F

– You thought so too? – the reply came from Rush instead of the Pikachu, startling her. Fang turned her head to look bewildered at the female Fire Type just to see her equally surprised expression. Wait, is she… she thought, unconsciously mirroring the same idea that the other pokémon had.

– Y-yes, he was… How did you know? – the unwilling staring contest was broken by Pikachu's answer. Said pokémon was staring at them wide eyed. Fang laughed mareepishly, scratching her scaled cheek.

– W-well, it's not too difficult if you know what to look for… – the Totodile replied, undecided how to approach the subject.

– Above all if you had kinda the same experience. – the Torchic had mercy and answered directly the question.

Your partner was a human too? – Lizard and Poccha exclaimed at the same time looking at each other from different sides of the room. Luckily the male Water Type seemed to have recovered from his dizziness and nodded at the male Fire Type, who did the same.

Ignoring for a moment her friend, Fang turned he attention to the Electric Type. – When did the change happen?

– I don't know, but… – he hesitated, then winced probably at the memory, – Before passing out we were shot a Mega-empowered Hyper Beam… Ash was still a human and took the hit for me. – at this point the Mouse pokémon started shivering, – He was covered in strange discharges that weren't electrical, then he… – his voice halted from distress, but before anyone else could try and reassure him, he was automatically caught in a weak embrace by the Riolu who till that moment had stayed silent in order to listen.

– Shh, I'm here… It's okay… – Ash murmured, as his friend clung to his front bandages crumpling on himself.

– You could 've died and it'd 've been my fault! – was Pikachu's muffled cry against his chest.

– Don't be silly… it could never… be your fault. …Whatever happened… it's obvious it… had been my choice. – the Riolu said calmly, panting and laying his muzzle on the top of the other's yellow head.

Hearing those words stung a chord inside Fang and a brief glance at Rush confirmed that the same had happened to her.

– Ash, was it? – Fang whispered and the Riolu looked at her and subtlety nodded – If it wasn't important, I wouldn't ask in a moment like this, but… You don't remember what happened before waking up here?

– No, should I? – he asked naïvely, tilting slightly his head.

– What else don't you remember? – Rush pressed, wide eyed, taking even a step towards them.

– W-what do y-you mean? – Pikachu peeked at the Torchic from the cocoon of his friend's arms, hiccupping a little.

Knowing where the other ex-human was going, Fang answered for her. – Who your parents are, where were you born, who are your friends… – she trailed while the Riolu was thinking. Anxiously the girls and the Pikachu waited, while Lizard and Poccha were watching confused the exchange. Just before the answer, realization dawned on their face and their breath hitched.

– …No, no I don't. – Ash became paler and unconsciously hugged tighter the Electric Type, who was paralyzed by the revelation.

– And him? – Lizard quietly motioned towards the Mouse pokémon.

– Pikachu? He's my first pokémon and best friend! – the Riolu expression became more lively and his smile radiant, even if tainted by pain. – We've traveled together for years!

– H-how long Ash? D-do you remember how we met and became f-friends? – the Electric Type seemed frightened to death with tears in his eyes. His friend raised an eyebrow, disturbed by his state, then seemed to measure carefully his words.

– …Not the precise count, no. However I'm certain that when we met… you almost despised me. Yet, after a wild chase from… a flock of Spearow and seeing Ho-oh soar in the sky… you began to respect and trust me… We've been friends since then. – Ash smiled reassuringly and petted the head of his partner. – You think that with everything… we did together, I could possibly… forget about it? – he asked determined, his smile more radiant.

P~OwO~W

The whole "it's impossible to forget my best friend" made a lump in Poccha's throat. Why for this human-turned-Riolu and the Pikachu had been possible, but not for Rush and Grovyle? What was different? The way they were turned pokémon? They both had took a hit for their best friends! But from the sound of it the new duo hadn't been in a Time Tunnel, so it wasn't quite the same. The bond that they shared? He remembered the lonely and longing feeling on the Grass Type face during that dawn on Sharpedo Cliff and he could still feel clearly the injustice for the whole situation. It was that that moved him to ask his question.

– So… you remember all about Pikachu and the rest is empty? – his voice was quiet and slightly shacking, but if Rush had noticed something, she'd remain quiet. Ash's face scrunched in thought.

– …No, I recall some other familiar pokémon… but otherwise it's all empty… – the Fighting Type seemed to deflate at his own statement and rested sadly his head on the top of his friend's.

– Hey, cheer up! At least you remember something! – the almost constantly optimistic Rush smiled without a bit of the sorrow Poccha had felt, making Ash glace at her puzzled. – I don't know… Fang, right? – the Torchic hesitated, eyeing the Totodile who nodded at the right name. – But I've lost the memory of my human life too. When Poccha found me, I remembered only my name and the fact that I was human. Not my purpose, not my previous best friend, nothing. – Metaphorical fire then began to burn in her eyes. – But I didn't back down, I didn't give up because I got somebody to rely on. – a glance was thrown in the male Water Type direction who blushed slightly. – So… If you're able, we can try to escape from this Dungeon and learn what happened in order to find a way back home! – the female Fire Type concluded determined, but still with the softness she usually deserved for the injured ones. The Emanation pokémon stared at her with partially opened mouth then nodded, encouraged by her determination. Trembling he coiled his legs under him then tried to stand up with the help of the Pikachu, who steadied him entirely during the process, but not without the assistance of the Team Bitefire. They were taller than the Mouse pokémon so more fit to carry the Fighting Type whose species generally was higher than all of them… Or maybe not.

Rush didn't know if it was for the burn or the transformation, but Ash swayed a lot once on his feet, unbalanced… But her first impression hadn't been generated by this occurrence.

– Try a stance on your toes. – the Electric Type suggested restlessly, incapable of doing anything besides maintaining his friend's equilibrium from the front. The Fighting Type shifted slightly and raised his heels, becoming taller than before, so more difficult to keep in place, but this seemed to work. The swaying stopped and after a second of stillness Ash sighed, relieved.

– It works…! – he smiled at his yellow friend who forced himself to imitate him while he looked up at the ex-human. The Riolu was indeed taller than them, but Rush's first impression found confirmation: in confront of the average Emanation pokémon height, this one was practically a runt.

– Good, now try to take a few step. – Fang encouraged from his right side, while Lizard was helping on the left. Hesitantly the Fighting Type obeyed, succeeding only because he was heavily propping on the two.

Ok, this will take a while. Just hope the Wind wouldn't ambush us… The Chick pokémon suppressed a sigh then glanced at the corridor that at the end turned on the right. No crossroads for now, which was a good sign because at least the local pokémon wouldn't be able to surround them, as the room they landed didn't have other passages. – We'll make way, okay? – she suggested to the other exploration team that nodded appreciatively.

– Thanks! If we encounter hostile locals, at least we'll have a chance to fight back without risk to harm further Ash. – agreed the other Fire Type as they entered the tunnel.

– I'm sorry… to be a burden… – the very same injured one apologized, a little ashamed, while he was almost dragged by Team Bitefire. His Electric Type friend, without any room to help, could only walk between the three and the vanguard with a helpless expression on his face at his words.

– Don't be ridiculous, we four are part of Exploration Teams, rescue pokémon is part of our job! – Fang mock-scoffed with proud tone.

– So it is exploring new places! – added joyfully Rush.

– Discover treasures and wonders! – was there a Poké glint in Lizard's eyes? The female Fire Type must have imagined it.

– And reveal ancient and legendary mysteries! – concluded an elated Poccha next to her. The female Fire Type smiled softly at the implied reference to the Relic Fragment and its related story.

– Seems fun…! – Ash tiredly smiled at their enthusiasm, earning a worried glance from his own partner who seemed to file it for later argument because he then turned to them.

– Why did you choose to be part of an Exploration Team? – Pikachu asked curiously.

It was my dream! – both Poccha and Lizard exclaimed at the same time, just to chuckle when they realized the occurrence. Rush smile turned into a smirk when she acknowledged a perfect opportunity to tease her best friend and light up the atmosphere.

– Yeah, Poccha had always dreamed to be part of Wigglytuff Guild, but back then he couldn't summon the courage to try. It was because he found and convinced me to join it with him that he succeeded! – the male Water Type began spouting, embarrassed and indignant at the statement, making the others snigger.

– You had to say it, hadn't you Rush? – the Penguin pokémon pouted, glaring at his nàkama.

– Hey, there's nothing wrong… in finding strength being in company… of somebody else. True courage is shown… in time of need and it often is… when you have to protect somebody you care. – Ash smiled sincerely, still a bit pained, but the effect of his words remained, making Poccha marvel at their trueness. However before anyone else could comment about this, a flick of a yellow tail lightly hit the muzzle of the Fighting Type.

Baka, you know that exist other ways to save people than the ones you're thinking about, don't you? – Pikachu sternly commented and the Emanation looked mareepish.

– What do you mean? – Lizard asked curiously, confused by the exchange.

– That he risked his life. Today hadn't been the first time he pulled a stunt like that. − grumbled Pikachu with the tone of someone who wasn't keen on explaining the details. So the group proceeded in silence, turning right at the tunnel corner. The corridor was straight like the previous, without any crossroads till its very end.

B~OwO~F

Fang, during their walk in silence, had been mulling over the whole situation: it couldn't be a coincidence that three humans-turned-pokémon had met here, in the same unknown dungeon, showing up at the distance of few minutes. Wait, "humans-turned-pokémon"...?

Before she could realize, the Totodile had mumbled. − So it was him who Zenchou was talking about!

− Sorry, what? − the other Water Type's voice shook her from her thoughts and she looked up, noticing the looks of the others on her.

− Uh? − she replied confused.

− What did Zenchou say? − Lizard prompted from the other side of their charge.

Catching up, the Big Jaws pokémon "Oh-ed". − Before going to bed yesterday, he mentioned having a strange feeling he had felt only in two occasions before: my and Gengar's turning into pokémon. Since this third feeling was more similar to mine, I just thought it could have been referred to Ash... − she explained, gaining surprise.

− Who's this "Zenchou"? − Pikachu asked, interested.

− An Absol. He helped us avoiding a catastrophe that could have destroyed our world. − the male Fire Type supplied and the others nodded, knowing well the ability of the species.

− Moreover I think that all of us being here couldn't be a coincidence: what are the chances that this kind of premonition was made just before both our exploration teams were abducted? The two have to be connected. − Fang put in words her train of thought.

− They must be. Now that I think about it, the creepy Voice that made a hole under our feet did imply a quest, since it told us our staying time depended on me and Poccha. − Rush started walking backwards to look at them, as if completely confident that her partner would warn her in case of an attack.

− What else did it say exactly? − the Charmander inquired, curious.

− It mentioned something delirious about a white Bunnelby's burrow and that he had done a lot of work, probably to corner us. − Poccha shivered a bit.

− What's a Bunnelby? − the Totodile asked warily, as confused as the other team who shook their head.

− It's a Kalos native pokémon. Normal Type, it looks similar to a Buneary, but its ears are more muscular. − Pikachu suddenly explained. − It uses them to dig its burrows. As for the white... Probably the shiny is that color. Usually they are gray and brown. Whoever said that to you knew this. − the Electric Type concluded, nodding to himself.

− How do you know this? And what's "Kalos" and "Buneary"? − Lizard asked bewildered.

− Well, Kalos was the region we were in before and... you don't really know a Buneary? − the Mouse Pokémon frowned.

− They look... a lot like Spinda... Azumarill, Whismur... or Wigglytuff? − even if weakened, Ash managed to huff out, keeping walking along them.

− Oh. In our region there mustn't be any then, we never heard of any of them or somebody like your species or Poccha's. − Fang acknowledged.

− A Pokédex would really be helpful right now, the professors must have known situations like this could happen... − Pikachu sighed.

− What's a "Pokédex"? − this time Poccha asked.

− A pocket-size electronic device which works as an encyclopedia about pokémon. It gives names, Types, a brief description and it's consultable as a guide for learnable moves. However... − the Electric Type's eyes shadowed and, after a side glance at his partner, he looked away. − It's probably still back in Kalos anyway, so it doesn't matter.

X~OwO~Y

Ash could be called many things: dense, naïve, simple-minded or sometimes even dumb, but since he woke up, he could tell (even through all the pain and memory loss) that there was something wrong with his aibou. Being this gloomy didn't suit him. At all. So the new-Riolu had figured it had to be his fault.

− Pikachu... I'm sorry... − he managed to wheeze, making the Electric Type whirl around, but he still kept walking.

− What for? − the Mouse Pokémon asked, taken back.

− I'm... hurting you... − he murmured.

− That's not true! It's just... − Pikachu hesitated. − I hate seeing you like this. If we're here and you're this injured, it's my fault. − his ears dropped.

− Just because... I shielded you? − the Fighting Type swallowed at the tiny nod of his friend. − ... Even though... I don't remember... I'm sure I did it... because you were in danger. − he paused to regain his breath and determined looked directly into the chocolate eyes of the Electric Type. − You're my best friend... I don't want to lose you.

− Don't you think it's the same for me? − Pikachu suddenly snapped, angry. The fury and the meaning made the new pokémon start, then look at his feet guiltily.

− I didn't ever thought... about it. My first priority is that... you're safe, then... I think about me. Maybe because... deep down I know... you won't be alone. − Flashes of pokémon danced in his mind, so many he lost the count around 40. − The others would need... a leader and often... you're better than me in these things. − Ash beamed a pained smile.

Pikachu didn't respond at his declaration, but he could tell his eyes were becoming wetter. However before he could say anything, someone cut in.

− ...You mean that he won't be alone even if you vanish? − the Torchic (Rush he believed was the name) quietly asked from the front, still walking backwards. The Emanation Pokémon looked at her and nodded. − I understand you. − the ex-boy stared at her in surprise as she skipped absent-mindly, looking at the crystal-covered ceiling. − Even ceasing to exist for somebody else's wellbeing, it's not a bad way to pass away. Above all if you know that somebody will keep living and somehow also live for you, by remembering you. − she smiled at him, perhaps a bit sadly. The Piplup (Poccha?) was pointedly avoiding to look at the Fire Type and Ash wasn't the only one who noticed: Pikachu's eyes were darting between them and for a fraction of second the grip of the Totodile tightened on him.

− Hmp. True, − Fang gently agreed, a hint of melancholy in her voice. − doing a sacrifice that huge for someone else is demanding and could hurt both you and your friend, but after all since it's done in bona fide it's worth it. − no one of the duo from Kanto missed the understanding glances exchanged between the two ex-humans.

− Though if it had been done without keeping it a secret from said friend to share the weight and not suffer alone, it would have been better. − the Charmander (whose name the duo from Kanto hadn't catch yet) grumbled so offended that it was unmistakenly fake.

− I couldn't have said it better. − Poccha sniffled, trembling a bit.

− Says the partner who, when the disguised Darkrai had separately and secretly convinced both of us to sacrifice ourselves, didn't utter a syllable. − Rush mock-scoffed, counterfeiting offence with her beak risen and eyes closed. A second after she peeked through her left eyelid at the Water Type, only to half-smile and nudge her friend comfortingly.

− Touché. − the Penguin Pokémon sniffled again and nudged back, starting a sorta of shove-war.

The sight made the witnesses laugh, momentary forgetting the angst, as they turned once again the corner. The tunnel once again was empty and turned to the right. Were they going back to the first chamber?

Ash shivered a bit, biting back the pain on his back. He really hoped they could escape soon.

P~OwO~W

Another empty hallway? Where is everyone? Poccha thought looking at the path in front of them as he scratched his head with his wing. The second later found him tumbling because he was subjected to another playful shove from his partner, who then stared at him perplexed as he laid on the ground.

− Poccha, what are you doing down there? − she asked curious.

The male Water Type jumped up, indignant. − You pushed me!

− Of course I did, otherwise you wouldn't have fallen first. − the Torchic said in a tone of seriousness and no-nonsense.

− Then why did you ask? − her partner asked disbelieving.

− Because. − she shrugged unconcernedly and took the lead, leaving behind a stoned penguin. He robot-like turned to the four witnessing the event and pointed his wing to the female Fire Type, silently conveying "do you believe who I have to bear?".

They sniggered, but kept walking, prompting Poccha to drop the act and join his friend on the lead.

− What was that for? − he whispered her.

− Comic relief. We all needed a laugh. − Rush whispered back, shrugging, making the Penguin Pokémon smile.

That crazy three-feathered head...

The group of six went on, this time in comfortable silence, staying alert and wary only for the surroundings. Four turns right and progressively shorter corridors after, they finally reached another chamber, which probably stood at the center of a spiral.

It pretty much looked like the one they had arrived in, though it differed for one thing, the sight every dungeon explorer craved: the stairs.

They stood in the furthest right corner of the chamber, leaving bare room in the middle... apart from the scattered objects around, but nobody in sight. Team Purplewing tensed: usually it meant a trap that leaded unfortunate or naïve explorers to a Monster House. Poccha raised a wing, halting, and peeked at the ceiling: usually the foes appeared from there...

Nobody at all. Ghost Type then? the Penguin Pokémon guessed, since they could phase through objects. Quietly and slowly he reached for Rush's bag and picked a couple of Iron Thorns, ready to Fling them. At the same time his partner beside him started building a Flamethrower and held it, nodding at him.

As a sole pokémon the duo jumped in, rushing at the center then leaned against each other ready to face whatever foe would have rained down...

After several seconds where the only sound was the crackle of Rush's fire, nothing happened.

− What was supposed to happen? − Pikachu dared to ask after such anticipation.

− A Monster House. They're chambers were there are several scattered objects which work as a bait for unfortunate explorers. Usually they jump down from crannies on the ceiling. − Lizard explained in the background, as Team Purplewing slowly eased their stance.

− There's... nobody here though... − Ash observed.

− It happens even that sometimes. Probably they're the remains of an old battle and the winners didn't bother to gather them. − carefully Fang dragged their charge forward while Rush let go of her fire, extinguishing it.

− Shall we pick them up then share them outside the Dungeon? − the female Fire Type suggested.

− Yeah, after all you're our line of defense now. − the Big Jaws Pokémon agreed, stepping into the room.

− I'll help them. − Pikachu announced dashing forward then picking up some berries.

− Thanks! − the Penguin Pokémon beamed and begun his share of work, while Rush (still a bit wary) stood on look out at the center of the chamber, in order to act as a sentry for either an eventual Monster House or pursuers coming from the tunnel.

So far nobody was in sight.

X~OwO~Y

Pikachu put the berries in the bag, watching the slow progression of his aibou through the room with the corner of his eye.

The rare times Ash looked so frail were the ones when he had been in a life threatening situation, so an unsettling feeling pooled at bottom of the Electric Type stomach every time he checked him, above all since he was in a body that didn't belong to him. Sure, it had happened already once that the boy had been turned into a pokémon (a Pikachu thanks to a witch's spell), however it had been temporary and he had been in good health, so it was different.

The Mouse Pokémon quietly sighed and dashed to reach a strange looking seed. What use did it have? He shrugged and took it along with a couple of a different variety.

− This should be all. − he dropped the three items inside the Chick Pokémon's bag and swept his sight around, nodding in approval.

− Good, we need all the berries and seeds we can. − Rush nodded her thanks and casually walked backward towards the stairs. Was it a habit of hers or was she just wary?

− Just in time! − the Charmander cheered (he hadn't caught his name yet) − Do you think you can manage to climb up? − he asked the neo-Riolu.

Ash hesitated, taking a deep breath of air. The following blinding smile manage to quell Pikachu's anxiety. − I'll do my best!

− Then I'll scout upstairs before you climb: I'm tired to be a sitting Ducklett! − Pikachu declared, jumping on the first step.

− A what? − Fang frowned, confused.

− Basically a Psyduck, but slimmer and bluer. − Ash snickered at the Mouse's description. − Anyway, I'm the fastest right now and I need to pull my weight. I'll be right back. − the yellow fuzzy saluted and sprinted up, without giving the five time to protest.

It was his turn to protect his partner.


Do you wanna save the game?

►YES

NO

...φ

SAVED.


A/N. It's already been a year? Holy Arceus! Gomenasai!

I hope Ash and Pikachu weren't OoC, however I thought that considering the circumstances their behavior had to be a little altered.

I decided to "save" here because the entire dungeon would have been too long and I wanted to post on November 23rd!

SUN, MOON, DOKODA?! (=where are you?!) [sorry, I'm learning Japanese, something is slipping in... (^w^') ]

Besides, while I'm here being a sitting Ducklett (like Pikachu felt) waiting for the dawn, I thought I could update something related. Hope you've enjoyed it! (n_n)

There should be other two parts of this dungeon, past will be discussed and plot things will be hinted.

So, write ya next time (hopefully not next year)!