Ash looked at his aibou as he climbed up the stairs, but not without a sliver of worry.

He hated feeling powerless. If whatever foe appeared, he would be relegated to the sidelines or worse to become a target, while his best friend could be beaten. Don't get him wrong, he was extremely confident in Pikachu's abilities, but anyone could be defeated if caught off guard. And this place was so strange... he could somehow feel it at the edge of his senses. Or maybe it was just the shock. Who knew for certain? Everything felt so different, even if he didn't remember how.

A subdued shiver shook him, making his back ache. Jumbled memories reminded him that this hadn't been the first time he had been badly injured, but right now he couldn't focus on anyone.

− You okay there? − Fang whispered, making him more alert of his surroundings. − Do you need another bite of Blast Seed?

− Oh, no... not yet. Thanks. − he murmured at the same time his partner called a "Clear!" from upstairs.

− Good, let's go! − Lizard (if he had heard the name right) encouraged, as the five started climbing the steps.

Even if tiring and somehow absurd, the forced moving was somehow letting him forget a bit about the injury and the situation, but purely because he had to concentrate in keeping on placing a foot before the other and sustaining his own weight. He didn't even have the strength to feel a bit pathetic.

− Heeere we go. I love and hate stairs at the same time. − the female Water Type commented as she and her teammate hoisted him up.

− How come? − the other female ex human inquired as she was scanning the surroundings.

− Love for the joy of the next floor, hate because I'm kinda a crocodile and my body isn't really suited for climbing. − she answered with humor while from behind a stalagmite Pikachu came out dragging something grey, white and aqua-green. Ash stifled a chuckle: his Totodile had been like that too.

− What's this? − Poccha asked in the meanwhile, as the Electric Type stopped before them.

− Believe it or not, it's Ash's backpack. And it's strange because contrary to the cap and the Pokédex it was nowhere near us when we were hit by the ray! − he answered bewildered.

− It's strange. And creepy. − the Charmander murmured and the Piplup agreed.

− Creepiness aside, does it have a blanket inside? − the Totodile urged, pragmatic and the yellow mouse hummed, unzipping the top and nearly crawling inside to rummage.

− Yep, why? − black tipped ears remerged, dragging along a Pidgey-colored blanket.

− Your partner needs all the help he can get to thermoregulate himself. Both the burn and the transformation are messing up his system. − she explained as the duo made Ash sit against a stalagmite nearby. The ex-human huffed at the strain, but let himself relax slightly as Pikachu wrapped the blanket around his shoulders with a worried gaze.

− Why didn't you tell me? − the Mouse Pokémon reprimanded his friend who ducked his head mareepishly.

− It's still... nothing serious, I would have... told you once... out of here. − he seemed earnest enough, so Pikachu just hummed in discomfort.

What can I even do with him? he thought in fond exasperation.

B~OwO~F

Hadn't they witnessed the shivers-wracking-spell, Ash's excuse could have worked on them too, but since they had, Team Bitefire was pretty unimpressed. Though, after a glance to each other, they didn't press the matter: it was still nothing serious and the symptoms could be treated easily (sans the scorch of course).

Besides, they couldn't have commented anyway because a happy shout interrupted the confrontation.

− I found some Gravelrocks and Silver Spikes! − Poccha jumped happily waving two satchels with his wings.

− I. Can't. Believe. It. − Fang gasped surprised in recognition. − They're ours!

− Really? − the Piplup handed them to the other Water Type who turned them around.

− Yeah, this silk is Caterpie's alright. − she hummed, then looked around. − Does this mean the rest of our things are scattered in this chamber?

− How so? You said you woke up downstairs. − Rush inquired genuinely curious as she carried under her wings a couple of Max Elixir and an Escape Orb.

− You see here? − the female Water Type put down her bag to show them the bitten thong. − Zenchou, our Absol teammate tried to stop somebody to take our bag. Probably during the transfer our items got scattered in this dungeon due to the fight. − she suggested, making Team Purplewing nod and drop the objects in the others' bag.

− What... do they do? − Ash asked, tilting his head perplexed.

P~OwO~W

− You can go and fetch your things, we'll take care of this. − Rush offered and the other team accepted with a nod, so she turned to the travelers from the human world. − Well, Gravelrocks, Geo Pebbles, Silver Spikes and Iron Thorns are throwing items. Usually they are used in situations when your moves aren't effective against your opponent or they're spent. − she began earning nods from their impromptu students. − The rocks usually have an arc trajectory and they're practically hissatsu, sure hit. Don't ask, I never understood it too. − she anticipated the incoming question. − Spikes and Thorns instead are linear throws and depending on the sniper they can be more or less accurate but more damage dealing.

− Seems legit. − Pikachu commented.

− Max Elixir are for replenishing the moves energy... − Poccha took over, only to be interrupted by Ash.

− Oh, we have... those too! − he seemed relieved to recognize something.

− Good then. − the Totodile and the Charmander came back, depositing on the center of their "circle" some orbs − We got back all or items, sans the most useful one right now − the latter added in bitter irony in an undertone − but at least these were spares.

− What do you mean? − Rush asked confused.

− A Heal Seed. − Fang gestured with her muzzle towards the injured, but then handed two ball-like yellow seeds to her. − By the way, here. This way we'll have four each.

− Wow, thanks! − the female Fire Type beamed, offering her bag, but stopped before the other could drop them inside. − Oh, these are Reviver Seeds: they're pretty handy if someone faints from exhaustion. The sprout is sensible to the energy levels of the Team whose bag are they in, so once one teammate strength drops to zero, they automatically send a burst of energy that brings up the downed pokémon. Done so, the sprout withers and the seed is no longer usable.

− Wow... − the yellow rodent breathed. − What about these orbs then? − he picked up a deep blue almost black one with a shining speckle of white light in the center.

− That's an Escape Orb. It can be used to be teleported to either one's base or the entrance of a Dungeon if you don't have a camp. − Fang explained, making the Electric Type frown.

− Then why don't we use it to go back home? − he asked.

− For starter we don't know where we are, so we don't know where it could lead us. I seriously doubt it could bring us home, seeing how we were dragged here from the start. − Rush reasoned and Fang nodded in agreement.

− I have that impression too. Till we'll escape from this dungeon, it's not safe to use it. − the others dipped their head in acknowledgement.

− Besides, we can conquer this dungeon, it's not that difficult! − Poccha announced proud, earning a chuckle from his partner.

− Of course, there's nobody around! − Rush's tease made the Penguin Pokémon deflate and pout, making the others laugh or snicker.

− By the way, those are Rollcall Orbs − he tried to regain some of his dignity, pointing to yellowish balls − when smashed they can summon all the teammates scattered around a floor. − he then gestured to a purplish one. − Last but not least that one is a Spurn Orb. It does the somewhat opposite, meaning it banishes the opponents in a room around the floor. It's a real lifesaver during a Monster House.

− Something like that actually exist?! − Lizard gasped, overwhelmed. − We don't have them back home!

− Yeah, our only hope was to have at hand a Petrify Orb to sneak past our foes! − the shock was so evident on the light-blue muzzle that Poccha gave her a sympathetic pat.

− Well, now we have it. Is there anything else? − Rush asked the Mouse Pokémon who glanced around, humming.

− That way. − he pointed to the wall at the left of the staircase. − There are tiny blue dots, probably large enough to be seeds. Then... nothing else. − the Explorations teams nodded in response.

− Towards the treasures we go. − the Torchic urged. − And so we'll test my Spiral Theory.

At the rearguard trio perplexed expression, Poccha explained the idea while Fang handed her partner their bag, so she could experimentally try and put on Ash's rucksack.

− Well, she does have a point. − Lizard commented afterwards. − The first floor was a clockwise closing spiral, while the second a clockwise opening one. − he traced the pattern in the air with a claw.

− So this one could be another closing one? − Pikachu followed the logic. − The tunnel starts in front of us and has a turn right at the end...

− Perhaps. How about we go and see? Though, I need somebody replacing me in supporting Ash, because the backpack is a little bit bulky. − the azure crocodile asked mareepishly.

− I'll do it, no need to worry. − the Electric Type neared his aibou who drew a big breath before being helped into a standing position between him and the Charmander, blanket hanging in his shoulders.

− But you have to tell us if you need to stop, okay? − the Lizard Pokémon warned earning a nod and a strained smile from the injured.

− I won't... back down just... now, you know. − he huffed as they went inside the tunnel, Team Purplewing on the front, trio in the middle and Fang as the rearguard.

− Just don't strain yourself. − the yellow rodent reprimanded and his friend nodded.

The walk after that was silent, shuffling of feet as the only noise in the apparently empty dungeon. After two turns right, the corridors became progressively shorter, ending in a simple room with the stairs on the right wall.

− Well, at least we can give this place the temporary name of Spiral Dungeon, can't we? − Rush half-heartedly commented, getting a snort from her partner. − Hey, it was a good one!

− Sure it was Rush. Keep thinking like that. − Poccha teased, making the Chick Pokémon pout. Meanwhile the supporting duo had let their charge sit against the staircase to let him rest a bit.

The female Fire Type ruffled her feathers and started searching for the seeds Pikachu had talked about.

X~OwO~Y

Feeling his head hot, Ash removed the cap and rested his furry nape on a cold crystal behind him, eyes closed. The coolness was somehow soothing...

Suddenly his ears perked at an unknown sound above him, so he cracked curiously an eyelid open, but there wasn't anything there. Frowning he closed it again and concentrated on his hearing. He was sure there had been something... Once more that sound. Was it... the whistle of the wind?

Trying to confirm his hypothesis, he raised his muzzle and took a deep sniff, trying not to upset his sore back. The air was indeed fresher...

− What is that? − Lizard asked, shacking him from his musing. He opened his eyes, blinking a couple of times then rubbing them to focus on the Charmander and Pikachu in front of him.

− Probably... the next floor... has got the exit. − the duo looked at him surprised. − I heard and felt... fresh wind upstairs.

Pikachu looked up, taking off the Specks then closed his eyes, sniffing and twitching his ears. A small smile painted the yellow muzzle. − Ash's right, I heard it too! And judging from my experience it should even be really close to the stairs! − he looked at them enthusiast. This way they could soon settle outside a camp and so help Ash get better!

− So your senses are sharper. Good to know. − Fang appreciated, making Ash smile at the praise.

− Got everything: a couple of Reviver Seed more and a Blinker Seed. − Poccha announced, handing one of the yellow ones to Lizard, but holding up a black fluffy thing. Probably the " Blinker Seed".

− You can keep it, we have a Sleep one. − the male Fire Type dismissed, so the penguin pocketed it into Rush's bag along with the other yellow seed. − So we're good to go. Since the exit is near, I think we could omit the scout phase. − he proposed.

− Uhhm, it's not really cautious, you know... − Poccha hesitated.

− If I prepared an ambush, I'd place it right before the exit... − Rush agreed.

− On the other paw we can't really avoid it if it's the case. − Lizard pointed out.

− Then how about we do both? − Pikachu stopped the incoming argument he had sensed coming. Being part of Ash's team for so long had made him perceptive about those things.

− How exactly? − the orange reptile frowned.

− We keep supporting Ash while I'll lend either Rush or Poccha the Specs. We all climb the stairs, but the three of us will stay few steps below, both in case there's no threat and they'll need our help pronto. − he pointed the glasses to the Hoenn-Sinnoh starters.

− This... this could work. − the Totodile tapped her muzzle, convinced. − And I could still be your rear-rearguard if anyone comes from downstairs.

− It's settled then. Ash, do you think you can manage the last sprint? − Pikachu crouched in front of his aibou who had spaced out a bit in the meanwhile. His eyes snapped on focus at the sound of the Electric Type's voice, but he needed a second to catch on the meaning of his words. The Riolu tried to wet his lips but then settled on nodding, putting back on the cap and trying to stand, immediately being supported by his friend and Lizard. − Here, lead the way. − the Kanto native mouse handed the Specs out, Rush coming forward to wear them.

She blinked a couple of times, adjusting the difference, then she straightened, as if ready to face the world.

− Let's go Poccha. Time to get out of here. − she declared. And the formation started climbing up the staircase as planned.


Do you wanna save the game?

►YES

NO

...φ

SAVED.


A/N. Happy 20th Anime anniversary! *\ (^ o ^) /*

(Of course I couldn't do an April Fools on such an occasion, it would have been below me!)

I know this feels like a filler chapter (basically it is), but count it as a preparation for the following part! ...I'm so obvious you all have already figured it out by now, haven't you? *sigh*

Anyway, the mystery deepens! Where did the backpack come from? *w* Who knows? Maybe just me and Arceus. And the culprit (but that's obvious xP). The inventory of the contents will be probably given next chapter, I still have to decide a couple of things beside the sleeping bag and the clothes changes.

I hope Ash didn't seem too OoC, but his injury has somehow to tamper his behavior. Any thought about it?

...Readers, I'm actually worried. Is my fiction that bad that no one reviews? Or you just don't feel like it? :°( At least I have follower more, so thank you very much anyway for the silent support!

I edited last chapter 'cause I notice only afterwards (always afterwards =_=') the typos. Don't feel shy to point them out, please! ;)

Thanks for reading and type ya soon!