Slowly Pikachu peeked from the ledge of the stairs at the floor around him, finding a scenery similar to the chamber he had been before. Same crystals (just a little bit more), stalactites, stalagmites and pillars, bare floor, something inanimate black on the furthest corner, an entrance to probably a tunnel and... still no one around.
The Mouse Pokémon sniffled the air, but there was no smell, neither lingering or new, so the cave -the dungeon- hadn't been lived in by anyone for a long time.
Nodding to himself, he turned around, looking at the waiting group at the base of the stairs. − All clear! − he whispered, making a "com'on" gesture. Downstairs the five nodded and started their ascend, so the Electric Type hoisted himself up and wandered around a bit, investigating the surroundings till he reached the black thing on the floor. It was a pair of glasses.
Pikachu picked them up and turned them around in his paws, observing them: they looked oddly familiar to the ones Squirtle wore, however there were semicircular patterns on both the lens, almost as if the glass had been cut from an old radar screen.
Curiously he put them on and looked around through the tinted lens, startling a bit when he saw the bluish outline of something on the wall where before there hadn't been anything. Quickly he took off the gadget and the silhouette vanished, surprising him. Slowly then Pikachu lowered and raised repeatedly the lens, confirming that it was the glasses fault. − Okay... − he breathed, leaving them on and focusing on identifying what he was looking at.
It was tall approximately a paw from the ground where it lied and large about 3/4 of his tail. Glancing around to check if anybody was arriving (there wasn't), the Electric Type scurried near the wall to see if anything changed and was yet again surprised when he noted that he had gained a better perspective. As a matter of fact now he could see the shape of the upper surface: it was tablet-like with the shorter sides narrower than the central part. That silhouette... was familiar!
− Everything's okay? − Pikachu jumped and whirled around, barely stopping himself from instinctively shocking the source of the voice, which would have been a very bad idea since who spoke had been Poccha. The male Water Type startled too, but recovered quickly hearing hie sniggering partner behind him.
− Yes, sorry. − the Mouse Pokémon scratched behind his ear mareepishly, then frowned, noticing a yellowish outline around the newcomers. Raising the glasses it vanished. What was that? he thought, raising an eye ridge.
− Where did you find those? − Rush asked curiously as she too frowned, probably trying to recognize the object.
− They were lying in a corner. Do you know what they are? − Pikachu asked, showing her the thing.
− Mmm... Did you see anything strange around when you wore them? − the Chick Pokémon hummed, looking up at him.
− Yes, on that wall there's what I think is Ash's new Pokédex. − he pointed behind him with a thumb. − And... Both it and you had a colored outline around. − he added perplexed.
− Oh! You're lucky then! − Rush beamed, excited. − They're X-Ray Specs! It's an item that gives the ability to see objects and pokémon through the walls of a dungeon! Sunflora lent us one once: items are identified by blue, enemies by red and allies by yellow. − she explained as behind her at last the Tohjo starters arrived on the floor supporting Ash.
− So on this floor there's really the Dex! − the revelation filled the yellow creature with excitement: this way at least they could explain things better to the Teams!
− You mean the thing you mentioned? The encyclopedia one? − Poccha wondered and Pikachu nodded. − That could be useful!
− Very much, yeah. Hey Ash! − the Kanto native rodent trotted much more relieved towards his partner who looked at him with a small strained smile and curiosity in his eyes.
− What is it Pikachu? − he asked a bit subdued. The Electric Type slightly frowned but let it pass.
− We found our Pokédex! It's somewhere on this floor! − he announced, surprising his aibou who made a wider smile.
− That's great!... We have to... search for it then. − Ash agreed easily to the implied request.
− How did you... Oh they are X-Ray Specs! − the Charmander interjected, marveled. − Do you see anything or anyone else?
Pikachu shook his head. − We're alone. − the statement brought relief to the listeners, so he dared to ask an idea that had just popped up in his head. − ...So maybe I can run there, grab it and come back in a flash.
− Eeeh?! Why? − Poccha startled.
− You hinted that dungeons are like labyrinths, so maybe the route to the Pokédex isn't the same to the exit or the stairs. And I don't want to... − he trailed, looking at his best friend with a pointed look. Realization dawned on the exploration Teams members' faces, who nodded in response, understanding the situation.
− You don't want... what? − the ex-human boy asked oblivious of the exchange. That itself was worrying: Ash wasn't that oblivious in situations like this, he at least would have been able to sense the concern directed towards him by his starter. So this only steeled his determination more.
P~OwO~W
− Nothing, don't worry. − Pikachu reached out to pet his friend's head and ruffled the blue fur, making him pout.
− It's not fair! ...I usually... do that! − the Riolu playfully protested.
− Well, we're almost the same height now, so get used to it! − the Electric Type shot back, making Rush smile. Once Grovyle had done something similar to her, so it was pretty nostalgic.
Fighting a sigh, the female Fire Type intervened. − We can accompany you. Since we don't know who generally inhabits this place, nobody should wander around by themselves.
− I agree. We can wait here in the meanwhile, so we won't lose each other. − Fang caught up the message and her teammate nodded.
− If we find the stairs too, we'll come back to guide you. − Poccha concluded, folding his wings and nodding sagely.
− A thunderbolt... will be enough... − the Fighting Type drew attention to himself. − You could leave... signs on the dirt... in the crossroads and we'll... follow them. − he swallowed. − This way... we'll be quicker.
A wave of worry washed over all of them, if the troubled looks were anything to go by. The Riolu was gradually looking worse and that involuntary comment about being quicker... There wasn't much time.
− Okay then, we go. Shout or use a loud Fire move if you need help. − Rush recommended and Lizard nodded in response.
− Oh, can you leave us a couple of Reviver and Blast Seeds then? Just in case. − the Totodile asked, stopping them.
− Of course! − Rush hurried towards them, letting his partner transfer two of each in order to split in half the reserves between them.
− Thanks! Good luck! − the impromptu trio nodded and not without reluctance Pikachu lowered his X-Ray Specs down and darted into the corridor, Team Purplewing hot on his tail.
The path had an abrupt turn right, after which there was another straight walkway. They ran along that in silence, the Mouse Pokémon on all fours ahead of them, attention focused on his right where probably was located the outline of the object. As they turned right once again, Poccha couldn't help to blurt out.
− This is too strange! There's nobody around and the dungeon is made by only tunnels! − he still kept running.
− Why? How is it usually? − Pikachu asked curious.
− There's at least 3-4 territorial pokémon and the planimetry isn't usually like this! This almost seems like a crescendo spiral! − Rush commented as another turn right brought them to another longer corridor.
− You're right! We're running in spiral! − the Water Type realized, glancing over his shoulder to look forward again.
− At least we won't have to leave landmarks then. − Pikachu commented in a distract mode as his eyes flickered to his right and faltered in his run, only to accelerate.
− What was it? − Rush worried.
− They made Ash sit. − they turned another corner and this time he kept his head pointed to the right. − If Rush's hypothesis is right, we'll have at least two turns to reach the Pokédex. − he changed subject.
− Okay. − was Rush's only comment, then she eyed her partner who grimaced in worry. They knew the pain of the unknown while a friend was injured. Silence was the only right answer now.
Another corner, another tunnel.
− Still no one? − asked the Piplup halfway.
− Not a soul. − confirmed the waymaker. − We're nearing the Dex, just this turn!
As a matter of fact the next hallway at the very end opened into a chamber.
− Yosh! Up ahead! − Rush cheered, accellerating.
− Wait for me! − the Water Type whined, clearly at the end of his running stamina.
They busted into the room in a rush and skipped to a halt in its center to catch a breath.
Stairs.
− Well, at least *pant* you were right Rush. − the penguin Pokémon rested his wings on his knees. His friend hummed in question so he elaborated. − It really was a spiral.
Meanwhile Pikachu had reached a stalagmite to pick up a red-black device before coming back to them. − Here, this is the Pokédex. I'll call the others. − he left it in Poccha's care then stopped at the entrance of the room. Taking a deep breath, sparkles soon cracked on his cheeks, then a loud thunderbolt echoed in the corridor. The Mouse Pokémon kept it on a bit, till he glanced to his left and nodded. The electricity vanished and after few tense seconds, he relaxed, sighing.
− Ash heard me. − he responded at the silent inquiry.
− They're moving? − Rush asked and Pikachu nodded.
− Ash even waved at me! − he sat down hard. − I swear, my end won't be because a Legendary smites me, but because I'll worry about him too much!
− "A Legendary smites" you? − Rush chuckled while her aibou was observing the item. − How come? Since you came from the human world, they should be pretty reclusive. We ourselves, apart from a couple of encounters that were the very reason I became a pokémon, had to search for the others in the further depths of certain dungeons! − she commented. The Electric Type snorted.
− Normally you'd be right, but since we began our journey, Ash has been a Legendary magnet. I wouldn't be surprised if we've encountered the whole lore up to now.
− "Whole"? You're joking right? − Poccha raised his head from the device. − You couldn't have met...
− Arceus-sama? − Pikachu interrupted, shocking the duo. − Mmh hu, we even ended saving His life. Though at first He did want to smite us... − he paused at their incredulous stare. That could have explained the "smite" thing... − Forget it, it would take too long to explain the whole thing. − he turned around and silently observed the other trio advance in the dungeon.
B~OwO~F
Lizard had to admit a thing: Ash's endurance had been freaking awesome.
He had managed to wait till the second his partner had vanished beyond the corner to let his legs shake uncontrollably, then, unable to support his weight anymore, he had dropped down heavily, surprising both Team Bitefire members so much that they lost their grip and he fell on his knees, curling on himself by wrapping his arms around his torso.
− Hey, are you alright? − Lizard demanded, trying at least to keep him upright. Shivers were wracking his body.
− C-cold... − the newfound pokémon chattered, but seemed still stubborn enough to bite back a whimper.
− Since when did you feel it? − Fang inquired, while feeling his forehead. − He's burning up! How didn't Pikachu notice it? − she kneeled to place her bag in the ground and search for a remedy.
− I-it was... in the c-corridor... it c-comes in... waves. − the blue furry managed to explain.
− Darn, I forgot about the faulty thermoregulation on the first days after the transformation! − she cursed, then she perked up as she found what she was looking for. − Here! Can you take a little bite of it? But you must only chew it, not swallow. − she instructed and the patient complied, taking a third of a Blast Seed, and munched slowly. Gradually the shivers toned down and the breath became less ragged.
− How...? − Lizard quietly muttered.
− I had the same problem the first days. He's burning up because of the scorch, but his body is going awry because it isn't still used to this form and metabolism. To sum it up, it's a mess. However seems that my remedy worked for him too. − she explained, tucking the leftovers two thirds of the seed inside the bandages on Ash's chest, to make it immediately accessible.
− Okay, but why a Blast Seed? − Lizard insisted.
− Honestly, I dunno. I can only speculate it has to do it lets you breath fire if you gulp it down. Perhaps the substances in the seed mixing with the saliva tell the brain and metabolism to shut up and drive. − Fang shrugged, then addressed Ash. − If you feel better, you can spit it on the ground or gulp down to do a firework for fun. Either choice warn us.
Ash nodded, then tentatively swallowed. Hearing the motion, the duo moved away from in front of him to the sides as a mini-flare was coughed from the Riolu's mouth.
− That was odd... − the blue furry murmured as the Lizard Pokémon patted his shoulder.
− Fire's not so bad. − he consoled with a smile.
− Says the Fire-Type-fire-resistant. − the Totodile playfully flickered her friend's muzzle who cringed. − Anyway, this is only a temporary countermeasure, we need a blanket and ice to do anything remotely more effective.
− Ice? Here? I don't think we're in a cold region from the air temperature. − her aibou hummed.
− We could find someone... able to do Ice Beam. Once we did it... with a Glaceon on a river... for Meloetta. − Ash seemed more alert now and was less curled on himself.
− Who for whom? − Lizard asked bewildered.
− Uhm... Glaceon is the Ice Type evolution... of Eevee, while Meloetta... is a Legendary from Unova. − the former human frowned pensive.
− I'd really want to know the story behind that after we're out of here, however we have to focus on the problem here: your idea would be good if I couldn't only use Ice Fang. I doubt you want to be nibbled. − the males snorted in amusement.
− We can try if we find... a canteen or something to contain water. − Ash suggested, only to perk up and straighten, turning to the entrance of the chamber. Alarmed Team Bitefire stood up, ready to face any opponent, but no one was there.
− What's up? − Lizard whispered.
− Pikachu... − the Riolu smiled and raised a paw to wave. After a second stopped, nodding. − He gave the signal.
− We didn't hear anything... − Fang pointed out wary. The injured looked up at her surprised.
− Oh. Perhaps Riolu... can hear things better? − he offered as unconsciously his ears flickered when he tried to stand, prompting the duo to support him. The idea made sense...
− Okay, he's your partner after all, you know better. − the Big Jaw Pokémon smiled and the trio started advancing.
− Tell us if you need to stop, okay? − Lizard said to their charge who nodded.
− I'll do my best!
P~OwO~W
Arceus-sama? Really?! Rush's mind was still reeling the notion, however the time-traveler shook her head and began looking around in order to see if there were any signs of the passage of pokémon residents. Meanwhile Poccha was back examining the Dex and Pikachu was on look out, so the Chick Pokémon's back was covered enough.
The crystals were everywhere, but the ground was clean, no dust or scrapes. It was almost unreal and slightly creepy. The Fire Type circumnavigated the staircase (which was attached in the middle of the wall near the entrance so it hid what was beyond) to see the hidden corner... and was taken aback in finding a red and white cap of all of things.
Perplexed, Rush rolled it over then picked it with her beak from the white brim, facing an overturned "U" on red background.
Suddenly she felt the familiar sensation of a dizzy spell then freefall as a bright flash blinded her.
There was a tower, a high one judging from the blurred little lights under it, and the sky was dark enough to be just past twilight. The focus of the scene was on the top, where there were four protagonists: a blur similar to a Garchomp, another similar to a... Politoed? Croagunk? No, it was too little, perhaps a pokémon she had never saw, a Pikachu (full color and details) and the last person was more like a silhouette, more defined but totally black sans for a red and white chap, the same one she had been holding, placed on their head. That shape... a human!
The cap-wearer was near the blurred Garchomp, almost sustaining it, while the Pikachu and the frog-like shape started running towards them. The Electric Type had a bright smile on his face... until the roof of the tower crumbled under his paws and the Mouse Pokémon fell. The human turned to the sound and a shout made by a familiar voice echoed inside the vision. The next thing she knew, before anyone could have reacted, the cap-wearer had launched itsefl after the falling Electric Type without hesitation. Hadn't it been a Dimensional Scream already, Rush would done its namesake in horror and terror. During the fall another particular had gained color: two brown orbs painted in steely determination, as their owner finally reached the Pikachu and encased him into its arms, twisting in the air so the human could shield with their body the impact with the ground. A "Pika-pi!" answered the previous call of the human in the meanwhile, disbelief horror terror and recognition crystal clear in that single word that sent shivers down the time-traveler's spine.
They were gonna die. Or at least the human would.
Had you blinked and you would have missed it, because the next instant a red comet shot from the ground and intercepted the falling bodies, catching them, then depositing them safely on the ground after a long arc. The curtain of fire quenched, revealing another colored element of the vision: a pokémon clad in red, black and white feathers with ribbons of fire from its wrists, red beak and blazing blue eyes. It stood proud as it released the human who promptly thanked, receiving a nod in response, before it leapt away on a nearby roof, joining a human blur.
As the Dimensional Scream started to fade an orange light enveloped the savior revealing a pokémon she knew very well, awestrucking her.
"Arigatou, Mega-Blaziken!" was the last shout she heard as she returned to the real world.
Poccha was getting the hang in handling the item: he had found the list and the pictures of pokémon he already knew and now was searching for his and Rush's species entries, but still no results. However a loud gasp and two thumps drew his attention, making him notice that his aibou was nowhere to be found.
Fear struck him so he loudly called for her, drawing Pikachu's attention too.
− What happens? − he asked the Water Type.
− Where's Rush?! − the Piplup gripped one of the yellow paws in demand, but the other didn't seem to mind as he scanned around. Was the Creepy Voice back and had it abducted his partner?
− There. Behind the stairs. − while he was pointing, the male of Team Purplewing was already running and reached his aibou on a heartbeat, Pikachu hot on his heels.
The orange pokémon was sitting on the ground, staring into space, beak open in bewilderment. In front of her strangely there was a red cap.
− Rush! Are you okay?! − the Penguin Pokémon shook her, awakening her from whatever daze had fallen upon her. Wait, daze...?
The Fire Type swallowed hard, then looked at their new acquaintance.
− Is this... Ash's hat? − she asked and the yellow mouse nodded, picking it up then looking up and around.
− How did you know? − he asked curiously.
− Have you ever dealt with high tower with this hat on? − she asked instead and Pikachu visibly flinched at the mention, alarming Poccha. Just what... Seeing that reaction, Rush relaxed deeply as she sank on the floor, laying down completely. − So it was the past. I don't know if I should be relieved or terrified by the knowledge.
− What do you mean? − this time it was Pikachu's turn to be astounded.
− That now I understand why you'll die of worry before be smitten by whoever Legendary. Just by seeing it I think I lost a couple of days of my life. − she chuckled bitterly.
− You had a Dimensional Scream? − Poccha finally asked, making her partner look at him, nod and hum in discomfort.
− Sorry, what? − Pikachu asked again, clutching the beret.
− It's a gift my friend has. − the Piplup explained, letting said friend recover from the traumatizing vision. − By touching things or people, sometimes she can glimpses of either past, present or future. I guess this time it was the former. − a nod in confirmation.
− Your friend is crazy, how... − Rush halted her incoming rant, closing her beak with a click. − No, I can't say anything, otherwise I'll be a hypocrite. − she sighed again.
− You mean you really saw what happened on Prism Tower? With Garchomp? − the yellow mouse asked hesitantly.
− A Garchomp was there as were you, a frog-like pokémon and a human with that hat. So I guess so. − she closed her eyes, shaking her head, only to leap up and ruffle her feathers. − It was as if I was watching from an outside perspective the Tower of Time fall all over again. − she commented eliciting a shudder from Poccha. What in Lord Dialga's name had happened in the past of the duo from the human world?
− Why did you see it then? − Pikachu asked honestly perplexed. − Does this Dimensional Scream have a purpose?
− Usually it's needed to save someone or help in a quest. I didn't see anything that could be... Wait, can you check Blaziken on that Pokédex? − she abruptly changed subject, startling the two males.
− I tried, but I still haven't found either of us! − Poccha protested.
− Here, I'll do it. − exchanging cap for Dex, the Mouse Pokémon pointed it towards Rush. The second later an electronic voice recited a description of a Torchic. Afterwards, clicking a couple of buttons, the image changed into a Blaziken. − You wanted this, right? − the Chick Pokémon scanned the info, finding quickly the tag "Mega Evolution".
− What's this? − she pointed with a feather. Apart from showing that stunt, the vision had to have a purpose like Pikachu had pointed out.
− Mega Evolution? Oh! It's a phenomenon some human professors had started studying recently. Some final stage evolutions are able to step further, given certain conditions. Blaziken for example can become this. − the Electric Type explained, clicking the link and bringing forward the same black-red-white pokémon she had seen. − They are 100 times stronger than before and this "transformation" is only temporary.
− Awesome... − Poccha breathed.
− Yep, I think this is why I saw what I saw. Perhaps this Mega Evolution thing is important. − Rush hummed in thought.
− Pity we can't still evolve, I wanted to see you like that Rush, you'd be awesome! − the Piplup candidly commented, making a wave of embarrassment wash over the Torchic.
− Poccha! − she reprimanded, eliciting a laugh from the two males.
− Wow, at least you're enjoying yourselves. − the voice from the other Fire Type made them all peek from behind the staircase, letting them see the arrival of the rearguard.
− Lizard be nice! − Fang admonished as the two trios joined one another.
− Sorry, sorry. − he grinned mareepishly.
− Oh, Ash, here. − the male Water Type put a cap on the Riolu's head, engulfing it a bit into the cloth. − Rush found this too.
− It feels familiar... It's a bit too big though... − he tried to adjust it by blowing at its brim but it kept falling forward.
− We'll fix it later, probably it's because you're different in size. − Rush took the brim into her beak and circumnavigated the neo-arrived group to put the hat backwards in order for it to be more stable. − Now, that's better!
− Uhm! Thanks. − the Fighting Type nodded, smiling.
− We have the Pokédex too! − the Penguin Pokémon pointed at the item.
− Good, we'll look at it after getting out of here. − the Totodile promised. − Can you keep it in your bag?
− Of course, it's mostly empty anyway. − Rush shrugged and let Pikachu put the device into her bag.
− Well then. Everybody's ready? − the Big Jaw Pokémon asked earning five nods. − Nothing else on this floor? − she asked the Electric Type who did a quick look over just in case, then he shook his head.
− Just us. I'll go and scout again then. − he proposed, obtaining general consensus.
− Okie dokie. Say a word and we'll cover your back. − the Chick Pokémon reassured, making the yellow rodent smile as he climbed the stairs.
However, no one of the vanguard trio had managed to notice or realize that the hat hadn't been in the room before they had entered and given the signal...
Do you wanna save the game?
►YES
NO
...φ
SAVED.
A/N. It wasn't a year, see? xD
Well, considering I wanted to post this chapter on my birthday I tried to speed up the writing process, hope you liked the surprise!
So, here. I tried to make them share a few elements of their original worlds between Teams, so they know each other better. They aren't done yet, of course, there's a whole adventure to let them familiarize. u_ù
I know that there hasn't been much action yet, but I promise you that there's a very good reason for this and if the next part isn't too long I may add the Final Floor of the Dungeon. That will be interesting.
(By the way, Pikachu didn't feel Ash's burning forehead because he had ruffled only his fur and he was higher than that spot, so it was kinda insulating... Does this make sense? ^^')
Any thoughts so far? I'm kinda driving blindly without feedback, so I don't know if I'm writing this story badly or without making sense, so please review! \(^¬^)/
Oh, and about the popping out of nowhere cap/Pokédex... I'll leave you to speculate a little bit more! xD
By the way, in the meanwhile I joined a few fandom if you aren't following my other stories (and if you are, I think you've already noticed ^ε^') and... I still find myself affected by the HetaOni adaptation of "Hetalia: Axis Powers", so probably in the future you could find some unintentional references, hope they won't be too intrusive. :3
Thank you to all who had and will read/fav/follow this story, you really make my day!
Next chapter will be soon, I don't know when yet, but surely something on April 1st (no Fools, just for the event) will be updated.
So type ya soon!
[Rockster: Yo! Welcome back and nice name! No need to worry, I understand the problem, before joining FFN I didn't know which nick choose too. ;)
So for your question: what Ash actually remembers are the movie events, all the Legendaries during the series and his pokémon, even if the memories are kinda broken because the humans, some of the geographical references (anything human related) and his background in Pallet Town had been edited. So he has only some flashes sometimes as you saw for the Meloetta reference. Oh, and another thing has been edited is his human appearance. Regarding knowing about "what happened" with the MCHB, he had just guessed from Pikachu's behavior, because this time it had been the trauma that made him forget... Am I making any sense?
Living Pokédex indeed, but now they get the visual reference! Don't worry, this is not just for Author convenience, there's a reason why it appeared on this floor, but for now I'll leave it as a mystery.
Don't worry about it, everybody makes mistakes!
The moves are already kinda planned, but you already got two out of three! And I'm very sorry for your Game Boy, we'll honor its memory!
The point in XY story is set right after the last episode of the series and before the start of XYZ if the design of the Pokédex was any indication. I didn't want Puni-chan to interfere with the plotline, but wanted to get that Dex. It gives the Game Boy Advance vibe I loved so much! 3
Thanks for your rambling and your review and hope you liked this chapter too!]
Edit: Corrected some typos and covered a major hole that was in the draft but somehow I missed it. Ooops, sorry! ^^'
