Subquest 001

X~OwO~Y

Pikachu couldn't help snickering at the awestruck expressions of the other pokémon at his trainer's display of strength. A can of Moomoo Milk of that size (if it hadn't been for its relative size compared to a Riolu's one) Ash could've lifted with one paw. After all, Pikachu estimated that the weight of that bin was like a Fletchinder's one and he had held the Fire-Flying Type perched on his forearm effortlessly.

...Should he tell them about the time Ash had carried around a Larvitar like Substitute-doll?

− Where are we bringing them? − The oblivious Fighting Type asked, still holding the bin up.

That seemed to snap Teide and Aso (if Pikachu had caught the name right) from their star-struck trance and the bird pokémon nodded. − Right. Do you capable males think you can pick up the other one?


Okay, now Pikachu wasn't laughing anymore. He, Lizard and Poccha were combining their strength to lift one Moomoo milk bin. This wasn't Fletchinder-rated weight, it was Talonflame's one!

The girls (Teide included) were trying their best to hide their mirth, but given their expressions, they weren't succeeding very well. Ash was still oblivious, so it was somehow worse.

Geothermic Village was a sight to behold, though. It reminded Pikachu of Enju City* with its ancient buildings dedicated to Ho-oh and the Legendary Beasts. Hotspot Inn looked even similar to the Bell Tower, but with less floors, about five. The Electric Type wondered how he hadn't noticed it while surveying from the treetops... perhaps the prospective had been too low to surpass the hills surrounding the village at the time.

There were a few houses that hosted some commercial activities (like a stand of Kecleon or one of a Kangaskhan), as well as private residences. None of them were taller than two stores, though.

− Teide-san? − Ash called hesitantly, shacking Pikachu from his fatigued reverie. The bird's attention focused on the Riolu instantly. − What kind of pokémon are you exactly? I've never seen one of your species before.

− Oh, I suppose it's not that strange. I'm the only one among my flock to have migrated here from the Tapupelago. I wanted to find a theater worth of my acting and dancing skills... And Lady Hekla was interested. My species is called Oricorio. Depending on which Nectar we consume, we can change form and Typing. This is my Baile Style and I'm Fire-Flying. − She gestured to her red-black plumage. − During kabuki performances I elect to use my Sensu Style, where I'm Ghost-Flying. I have other two forms, but Psychic and Electric Types aren't my style.

− Wow. − Both Pikachu and Ash breathed in wonder, though the former's one was more a wheeze than a breath. At the same time, Lizard seemed to cringe at the bird's pun.

− Do you think we have them back home too, Pikachu? − The Fighting Type glanced at the trio and did a double-take. − You okay there?

− Yeah, no need to worry. Is the dungeon much further? − The Mouse Pokémon asked with a hint of a plea.

− No, look: there it is. − Teide pointed with a wing to the side, where a huge crimson torii stood. Beyond it, there was the mouth of a cave that had one of the same transparent crystals from the Mines, but this one had a chord at Pikachu's height and from that hanged zigzagging pieces of white paper... That was something humans in the Tohjo region did around things to seal or worship. If he remembered right, the assemble was called shimenawa, while the paper were shide. Maybe in this village they followed a similar culture?

The group, in less than five minutes, reached the dungeon entrance and was assaulted by a train of vapor, probably coming from the hot springs that covered half of the floor. An assemble of pokémon was scattered around, either collapsed on a heap or tending someone else's injuries.

A Seaking was floating belly up in a pond, lazy strokes of the pectoral fins suggesting that it was still conscious, but resting in an odd position.

A Piloswine was buried under a pile of fresh ice crystals, probably trying to refresh itself despite the torrent air.

A Heatmore and a Lampent were sprawled far from the ponds and seemed to have a serious and deep conversation.

Last but not least, at the back of the chamber laid Entei, Hekla-sama, whose injuries were being tended by a Floatzel, a male judging by the marks on his back.

− Lady Hekla, − Teide called loud and clear, making several inattentive pokémon jump in alarm and get ready to battle − I come here bringing refreshments and news from your brother. Or, better, I bring the ones who bear such news!

The six dungeon residents looked at them, some weary, some curious and some excited. However, Hekla-sama remained stoic. At least on the surface. A quick glance to Ash confirmed that she wasn't going to react in any violent way since he hadn't tensed.

− Who are these youngsters, Teide? − her voice was a rumble, but not a threatening one.

− They came through the Obsidian Wall passage, directed by Knight Aparctias's indications. Four of them are part of two different Teams and bear a sealed letter from your brother. − The Oricorio gestured to Lizard, but upon noticing that the three males were still carrying the bin she made them put it down. They obliged with an audible sigh of relief. After a second of respite, she motioned the orange reptile to step forward.

− If I may... − Lizard began hesitantly, before Hekla's nod mad him continue. − Sir Aparctias along with this letter addressed to you, − he picked it out from his bandanna, − he also gave us a mission. An official S Ranked mission.

B~OwO~F

Lizard resisted the urge to gulp down as the Entei stood and calmly walked towards them, flanked by the Floatzel and the pear-shaped pokémon with the long grey muzzle. Ash and Pikachu hadn't covered its species during their exposition with the Pokédex yet, as unknown the lamp-like floating 'mon that trailed behind them was. He'd ask later.

The Lizard Pokémon stood straighter when the Fire Beast stopped before them and motioned for the Floatzel to take the offered letter. The Water Type turned the envelope around a couple of times, before nodding for confirmation of authenticity.

− Very well. − The Volcano Pokémon settled down, but in a position that let her pounce up whenever she desired. − Open it up and show it to me. If my brother went to this lengths, this must be of utmost importance. − The Floatzel obliged and the Knight read in silence, the only indication of her moods were the twitches of Ash's ears.

− ...Very well indeed. − she commented then, as she looked up at them. − However unfortunate, your arrival in this region has been providential. − She turned to the Onnagata. − Teide, go and call Asahi, Kilauea and Aso. The whole council is needed assembled soon. − The Fire-Flying Type bowed and flew off. − Riolu, your name is Ash, I gather? − The Entei gestured to the letter and the trainer nodded. − In the meantime can I task you to carry those bins of Moomoo Milk outside? We need them fresh to recover properly.

− On it! − The Emanation Pokémon saluted determinately and picked up again his bin, depositing it outside the dungeon, then repeated the same action with the one Lizard, Poccha and Pikachu had transported. All of that effortlessly. Whyyyyyyyy?

− Baitou, go outside and keep them cool. − Hekla ordered, so the Piloswine got up and obeyed. − Thank you for your help. − the Knight nodded to Ash once he was back. The Fighting Type just smiled in response. − The letter mentioned all your personal names, so it is only polite to return the favor. I'm Hekla, Knight of Collina Fornace and holder of its Embleteora. − She shook her mane, making an opalescent rock embed in the junction between her yellow crest and the gray plate gleam. − My Esquires are Marsili the Seaking, − she nodded to the fish pokémon inside the pond, who bobbed in greeting, − and Palinuro the Floatzel. − The weasel-otter grunted in acknowledgement. − You already met Teide the Oricorio, but I suppose that you also encountered Aso the Miltank, didn't you?

− Indeed. − Lizard answered. − She was the one who asked us to bring here the bins.

− Good. The rest of my council is composed by Baitou the Piloswine, Vavilov the Heatmore, − Hekla gestured to the pear-shaped pokémon he hadn't identified, − Tambora the Lampent, − the lamp-like pokémon waved, − Asahi the Hariyama and Kilauea the Magmar. They assist me in defending this dungeon and the village.

− Nice to meet you. − Pikachu smiled, bowing slightly in greeting as Ash echoed him. They were so in sync that Lizard wondered if they had a psychic link.

− It is indeed nice to know that Riolu and seemingly decent R&E Teams still exist in this land. − Palinuro agreed, still holding the letter, but not reading it. − May I ask you where you have been during the past six months? − The tone was accusing and borderline rude; however, neither Lizard nor the others took the bait, even if Fang bristled a little.

− Back in our home dimensions, where we have been abducted from, in fact. − The Totodile's response was amicable, but the sass was strong and subtle in this one. − And before you ask: sir Aparctias was there when we formulated this theory and he agreed with us.

− Not to disrespect our Lady's estimated brother, but how can we know that you didn't lie to both us and him? − This time the Heatmore politely rebutted but he had steel in his eyes.

− Their badges for one don't belong to our region. − Teide's cool soprano voice intervened, as she walked past the dungeon's entrance, Asahi, Aso and Kilauea trailing behind, while Baitou peeked from outside. − And second: both the Riolu and the Pikachu, who both don't belong to any Team, have the same accent that Lady Huma holds. Both their lines have a completely different dialect and therefore accent. All these evidences don't exactly confirm the dimensional travel, but support it. − She turned to Hekla, bowing. − I have gathered them as commanded, my liege.

− Thank you. Have you filled them about the situation? − The red-black bird made a so-so gesture. − My brother sent these Teams with a letter, which both informed me about the events that happened in his dungeon and requested me my cooperation for the S ranked mission he issued Team Purplewing and Bitefire to complete. − She summarized briefly.

− Which mission Lady Hekla? − Tambora requested timidly, flame behind her eyes flickering and her voice filled with hesitation.

− They were tasked to "liberate" my and Veena's Embleteore. − A chorus of protests was raised, but before anyone's voice could prevail, Hekla stomped loudly on the ground, silencing everyone. − Aparctias had attacked them unprovoked and so he had been justifiably defeated. The Piplup after the encounter had accidentally picked up his Embleteora, without knowing either its importance or curse. However, when a Raid threatened to swallow my brother the morning after, they didn't hesitate to jump in and save him. − The Fire Beast paused, leveling her council with a severe stare. − If they had been thieves, they would have vanished in the night and my brother would have been lost, with no one witness of their involvement. Instead, they helped and all they asked in exchange was knowledge about this place and our "legal system". Aparctias has even added that Poccha the Piplup had offered to give the Embleteora back to him. I believe that this is a testament of trustworthiness. − The Legendary stated, resolute.

A tension Lizard hadn't noticed in the air seemed to dissipate... at least until the Knight spoke up again. − However... − she paused and scanned the Teams and the guests. − Despite the need to save the Embleteore from the Darkness's grasp, I can not simply yield mine without witnessing the worth of whoever will carry it out. Thus my request... or better, mission: in order to gain the Embleteora ownership rights, you'll have to help us defend it during the next Shadow Raid.

This... could pose a problem.

P~OwO~W

Of course there had to be a swindle! It couldn't have been that easy! Poccha inwardly complained, while the girls and Ash flinched at the mention of the Raid.

...Probably because all of them had still the lingering trauma from the day before.

Thus, an idea was born!

− Lady Hekla, could we discuss the matter beforewing? − Poccha intervened before anyone could react. The Legendary gracefully nodded, so the Piplup tugged Rush along by the bag, prompting the others to follow him. − First of all, I'm not trying to chicken out, no offense Rush. − He whispered when they were far enough.

The Chick Pokémon blinked, then shrugged, while Lizard groaned in the background. − None taken, but what's the matter? − She asked seriously, sensing that he had a plan in mind.

− I was thinking that you girls, Ash and Pikachu should sit this one out. − He stated, already anticipating the indignant protests because he soldiered on, raising his wings to halt them. The aforementioned four stayed quiet, but scowls marred their faces. The Penguin Pokémon turned towards Ash. − Think about it: while the Persim Berries seem to work outside of a dungeon, what if they don't inside of one? − He asked seriously. − Plus, while the mock battle with Pikachu yesterday had been spectacular, your moveset is still severely lacking. You can't go in a battle with half an asset. − Poccha pointed out, making the Riolu pause. He seemed to reflect a bit, but at last, he deflated in resignation.

− You have a point, I guess. − The Fighting Type fidgeted uncomfortably.

− Pikachu and him I could understand, the latter for your reasoning and the former for not being part of a Team, but why not the two of us? − Fang gestured to herself and the Torchic.

− Point one: you already did a Raid and, while you and Rush slept longer than we boys did, you should allow us to get on pair with you. Point two: well... Is it selfish to want to try and protect your partner? I'm sure Lizard feels the same. − The blue bird gestured to the orange reptile, who hummed in thought.

− I can still battle, though. − Pikachu interjected, with a serious frown. − And before you'll say that I'm not part of a Team too, do I have to remind you that yesterday morning before dawn you told us about some of your missions? The ones where some of your allies decided to join you mid-dungeon? Or when you had to escort someone? You gave them temporary badges. − He stated, eyes dancing between the two males Team members. − I want to help too. − He added determinately.

The trio that had searched for help the day before (it seemed so long ago) exchanged glances that spoke loudly about the real motive: since the first Raid the others had experienced had also traumatized them, it was their duty to protect their partners from any kind of harm.

− Okay, I'm in. − Lizard decided at last, making Poccha smile in triumph, while the girls looked ready to protest. − Fang please, let us try at least. If it makes you feel better, you three could wait outside under the torii and jump in case of need.

Rush, beside the Totodile, clicked her beak in displeasure, but eventually turned to look at the other girl. − It's a compromise. − She ventured. The Big Jaw Pokémon grimaced, equally dissatisfied.

− Hey, we need the experience we missed by not joining yesterday's Raid! I can bet you're a level higher than me now! − Poccha pouted, inflating himself in mock-indignation. Rush just rolled her eyes in fond-exasperation. At the same time Lizard full-frontal assaulted his partner with the Growlithe-eyes-of-doom, making her yield easily enough.

− You are a menace. − The female Water Type sighed. − Com'on, we have to tell Lady Hekla about the plan. − She turned around and marched off, figuratively dragging the five back to the council. − We have come to a decision. − She announced.

− Namely? − Palinuro quirked an eyebrow, arms crossed.

− Since our partners fought alongside sir Aparctias and both they and Ash are still recovering from their injuries, Lizard, Pikachu and I will accept your mission. − The Piplup declared, making several pokémon of the council do a double-take.

− We need all the help we can get to fight off the Shadows! Why...?! − Vavilov bristled, puffing a tongue of flame from his gray muzzle.

− If the three of us would not be sufficient, our partner won't hesitate to help. − Lizard made a gesture towards the girls who nodded fiercely.

− Besides, sir Aparctias unknowingly gave us a clue that could give us an edge anyway. − Fang smirked like a Meowth who got the cream. − The presence of Legendaries and Embleteore fends off the Darkness, leaving just the Shadows. But what happens if there are two Embleteore in the same dungeon? − she gestured to her fellow Water Type who understood immediately.

Carefully Poccha extracted the rock from the bow tie and held it up for everyone to see.

− This... is indeed an interesting question. − Teide mused, amused by the analysis.

Hekla hummed, sounding like boiling lava, then turned to her Esquires. − What do you think?

Palinuro's weasel-like muzzle contorted into a grimace, while Marsili did a bubbled sigh.

− While not ideal, this tactic poses a still valid covered defense and gives us means to gather intel. Sir Byakko never relayed anything about having two or more Embleteore in a dungeon, probably because no one could have attempted it, from what we know. Moreover, if things get too heated we have a ready and trustworthy back up with experience. I think it can be done. − The Goldfish Pokémon reasoned with a deep masculine voice.

− I don't like this at all. But I guess that R&E Teams get to choose however do a mission, don't they? − The Sea Weasel Pokémon grumped annoyed.

− Excellent, you two spoke my thoughts exactly, even if in one case with more animosity than necessary. − Hekla threw a hard glace to the Floatzel, who, despite the Type advantage, shuddered at the scold. − Therefore, I bestow you with this S Ranked Mission. I hope with my faith in you would remain intact.

− You can count on us! − The trio of males declared as a sole pokémon, unwavering.

− But first of all? − The Miltank asked, eyeing the other council members. − You should drink the Moomoo Milk.

− Yes, please! − The Lampent cried in relief. − I did too much sauna for today. I feel like my flame is going to turn off for too much vapor!

− Well, there has already been the Raid for today, so maybe you can take a break. − The Magmar noted, looking around at the fresh battle marks scattered around the floor. The mention made the penguin flinch at the recollection of what the Riolu had said in the forest, as the Emanation Pokémon faltered too.

− About that... − Ash spoke up, raising a paw to draw attention to him. The council blinked at the hesitant intervention. − As we told Aso-san and Teide-san, I happened to feel the Raid this morning. − Everyone not part of a Team suddenly became more interested.

− Right, you said that you felt its Aura and which Phase it was. − The Normal Type nodded in confirmation.

− Yeah, well... I still don't know how to define what it really was, but I can sense the emotions within this "wrongness" that the Raids carry. − Ash fidgeted with his backpack straps. − The wrongness... wasn't really satisfied this morning. Not as much as it had been yesterday not long after Rush and Fang had saved Aparctias-sama. It's possible that there could be another Raid. − He looked up worryingly at Hekla, who stood slowly.

− If this corresponds to the truth, then we may incur in a double-Raid today. − She pondered, making several of her council tense, automatically setting Poccha on edge.

− Excuse me, what does this imply? − The Penguin Pokémon asked hurriedly.

− Many noticed that there has been always at least one Raid per day since the First Wave. − Marsili offered. − No one had figured out the pattern, until not long ago an unnamed Mighty Knight decided to make roll calls of whoever got taken and when in the dungeons where surveillance still stood. The days where Raids hit harder are the ones where no one or very few get taken by the Shadows. So if you say that whatever you felt wasn't satisfied, then...

− Then today there will be another Raid that will probably reach Phase Two. I hope that you three and your hypothesis will be enough to make us survive. − Palinuro growled, muzzle twisted into a grimace.

What have we done to deserve this?! We haven't jinxed us in any waaaayyyyy! Poccha inwardly wailed, feeling his soul depart from his body. (The tiny part of his mind not busy with that melodramatic act strangely wondered how would that feel to Ash's Aura Orchestra.)


Mission Description

The challenge has been issued. Now prove your worth.

Client:Hekla (Entei)

Objective: protect the Council and the Embleteora for 1 Shadow Raid

Place(s): Collina Fornace

Restriction: none

Difficulty: S

Reward: Embleteora

Wonder Mail M(S)M:

%∑12α 9$ α √!2●α₪!

!₪ 9●∑2α₪4 $! ●2∑√∑®


Do you wanna save the game?

►YES

NO

...φ

SAVED.


*Ecruteak City in the Japanese version. I noticed while checking for something else that I already used the English version in a previous chapter, but I'll edit that one soon.


EDIT: A friend of mine pointed out that because of the roles each magma-related dungeon had, the names should have been switched. So now Vulcano Fornace is Vulcano Fucina and Collina Fucina is Collina Fornace. Sorry for the confusion.


A/N. ThE hYpE iS oVeR nInE tHoUsAnDs. (This kind of style is annoying, but is the only one capable of conveying my inner turmoil.)

Right now, I'm typing the Author Note the night before the Direct, but I'm going to add a second part (like the meme "Before-After") with as-less-as-I-can-spoiler of my reaction/feels about what we'll see...

Whishlist: I need fossils, I adore those critters. ロ°")

And a Fire-Grass Type, I want to know what they would invent to achieve that combo. A pepper probably u_ù. AND Bug-Dragon Type. There's every combo with the Dragon Type sans that one!

And I crave to know if I preordered the right version of the 8th Gen games.

Post-Direct: I did choose right (or as I hinted the "One on the Left") version. Ahhhh, I want to know the bg of some of the things shown! Dx There are some features that need more details, so for them I'll maintain my reservations. But I love the new Pokémon! I can't wait for the opportunity to use them in M(S)M! What do you think? Review and share!

ANYway: this one feels like a filler chapter to me, probably because the action is going to take place in the following chapters, but I hope I didn't bore you too much. I admit that I got caught in worldbuilding and missed my self-imposed deadline of Ash's birthday (22nd May), but then they announced first the Nintendo Conference at E3 and then the Direct. So I felt like my muse was throwing me a lifeline and I had grabbed it with all my might.

(However, I also guiltily admit that I also added another fandom in my heart in the meanwhile... Though, can you blame me? The Dragon Prince is totally kickass!)

What do you think of the council? I absolutely love Teide: she's beauty, she's grace, she'll kindly reshape your face! (ΦωΦ)* Either that or she'll aggressively Flamenco towards you if you threaten her nàkama. xD

Thank you for all your favourites, follows, views and reviews, they always motivate me and my Muse to work hard. Type ya soon!

[L'assassin orange: Don't worry, no harm done! *thumbs up*

Thank you for your compliments, this is the kind of words that motivate me to keep writing! Hope you liked the council and Hekla too!

Fwahm: I'm glad that you liked M(S)M!

My story is a niche one, since not many are interested in the Mystery Dungeon saga. For now I'm fine with the followers and favorites I got, but maybe one day... A trainer can hope, right? ¯\_()_/¯]