In this world, whether we like it or not, some Pokemon can't keep their promises. It's not the end of the world if they don't, either; Mystery Dungeons will still form, and the world's balance will eventually be rebuilt. Well...not without some cooperation between Pokemon. Again, to make life easier, it would be best if all promises were kept...especially a Keeper's.

Number 14, Keepers shall not base the worth or talent of another Keeper by birthplace, whether the other Keeper is a Stray, a Feral, or a Domestic from another town, city, or Continent.


A large brown cardboard box holds an envelope covered in plastic.
'Important, urgent messages inside, read right away!'

Inside this package is a letter addressed to:

The Chief of the Bristberg Mana Research League.
The Coordinator of the Bristberg Mana Research League.
All Rescue Team Members and other members of the Bristberg Mana Research League.


A new mandate from Tiger and Queen of the Keepers Committee.

Attention all Mana Research Leagues, Rescue Teams, Explorers Guilds, Paradise Ranchers, Expedition Societies, and all other Sentential Code bound organizations located and stationed in the Constellation Continent!

In four weeks, approximately twenty-eight days all undesignated unlocked Keepers in this land are to be executed. Keepers found unlocked in any of the mentioned organizations have twenty-eight days to make one of three choices.

Leave the Constellation Continent and live under the rule of the Nebula, or Jovian, or Twin-Star Continent.
Head into a Committee run Keeper Rehabilitation Center or other property.
Be sentenced to death for crimes against the world's infinite eternal balance.

All outside Keepers, ones not linked to the previously mentioned organizations, will either be deported to the mentioned Continents immediately or slain on the spot if they refuse. Be sure to go into local villages and outskirts to warn uninformed Keepers.

Thank you and may the eternal Lord smile upon you.


In a field of open grass in Pebble Creek, Team Deliverance began to spar. The Pokemon who worked in the Lumber Yard were too busy with their loud labor to care about the slight commotion in the backfield.

Kobi launched out a wide wave of light purple and pink energy towards Mari. The Buneary took the Psychic and shook her fur before smiling. In a flash, the Espurr who had hit her was Headbutted hard into the dirt. They both grinned.

Ivan coughed up a large sphere of ice that shattered against Hatchet's scales. The Axew staggered onto the ground and lay shivering for a moment. Angered the Tusk-Dragon got up and ran forward, grabbing the Snom, lifting him off the ground, and slamming him back down. Ivan didn't flinch. Not one bit.

Makkuro leaped into the air and used Bite on Paola. Unfazed, the Dreepy simply shook him off and rammed her tail into him with a draconic charge. The puppy couldn't see straight after the Dragon Tail and decided to turn around to flee.

Xiao cut at the Pikachu in front of her with a sweeping X-Scissor, a spray of blood flying out as the mouse used their arms to block. Voltaru leaned forward in surprise, shedding tears from the pain. Toughing it out they then pulled back their paws to try and let out a Thunder Bolt. Unfortunately, the strand of electricity barely connected with their target's body, leaving the Fomantis only lightly jolted from the spark.

The eight Pokemon continued to exchange blows with one another.

Kobi launched a Signal Beam.

Ivan let it graze his shell and used Infestation towards Voltaru.

Paola hurled out a Shadow Ball at the Espurr Team Leader.

Hatchet shot out a Dragon Pulse at Mari.

The Buneary took it and Double Kicked Makkuro.

Voltaru used Quick Attack to bash at the Snom in retaliation.

The Rockruff dropped a mass of Rock Tomb on Xiao.

Again and again, the Pokemon from Bristberg and the Pokemon from Palm Shore clashed. But the feral Pokemon couldn't be beaten. No matter what the other four did.

"I'd… I say we're done for now," Kobi said as she stretched on the ground. "We blew plenty of steam off, yeah?" She asked everyone as she cracked her neck, flexing her limbs.

Mari hopped close to the Espurr and smiled. "This was nice, hopefully, ye loved my performance," the Buneary nuzzled against the Restraint Pokemon. "You're the only one who stood a real chance Kobi."

"I-" Kobi blushed at the warmth of Mari's body . "Thanks, Mari," she managed to get out.

"The rest of you have some work to do," Xiao crossed her arms. "Don't be upset though, we have more experience than yeo, that's all," the Fomantis explained.

Voltaru nodded as Ivan helped them onto their paws. "I'm done," they explained before shaking their fur. Suddenly the mouse grew further upset. "Where's Hatchet? He's the one who started all this!" The Pikachu shouted.

The Snom beside them sighed. "Now, now bratan, calm yer self," he requested. "I will go buy you some vodka- I mean cider when this is done."

"Fine, it better be great Ivan," Voltaru relaxed as they brushed off their overcoat. "I'll be waiting."

"One of you launched him by the canal over there," Makkuro pointed far behind one of the Lumber Company's buildings. "I'll go over there."

Xiao followed him towards the low canal's edge. The Fomantis then nudged Hatchet, who was buried underneath a large patch of stalks. "Yeo notice annathin' different bout us now?" She cleared some of the foliage and climbed out of the shallow pool of water.

Makkuro flinched when Hatchet splashed him and Xiao. "You gonna be okay?" The Rockruff barked as he moved to the other side of the canal. He sniffed while the Domestic Axew grumbled to himself. "Hatchet… you don't have to answer me but ya ought to answer Xiao," the puppy reminded him.

"Nothin' besides that their tough freaks, nothing more nothing less," the Axew said in between his teeth as he walked past the two. "That's all."

"Excuse mea?" The Fomantis stared down at Hatchet. "What the voidlands did you just say?"

Makkuro shook his head and panted as he trotted back to the middle of the field. "Hatchet," he whimpered in frustration.

Kobi and Voltaru tailed the Pokemon and glared at their Domestic teammate. "Fix your presence!" The Espurr demanded, growing restless. "This shit is pissing me off!"

Hatchet crossed his arms and stared at the ground when his Pikachu partner placed a grey paw on his shoulder. "Answer her damnit!" They demanded, their cheeks sparking in fury. Voltaru continued to glare in disapproval, their teal eyes darkening with anger.

The Tusk Dragon clenched his fists and seethed in place, slipping curses and slurs under his breath. "Stupid strays- butting in," his head throbbed as his scales grew warmer by the second. "- I don't give a Raticate's ass- 'Boltundgone mess."

Kobi flanked him on the other side. "I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that, are you still trash-talking your teammates?"

No response besides muffled expletives came from the Tusk Dragon. "These damn,- bitches," he spat. His body briefly flashed light teal, orange, purple, and lime green; all energies of different types of mana that he had unlocked inside.

"Now what!? We don't have time for your little games!" yelled Xiao as she edged closer. She got up right to Hatchet's face and extended her blades again. "I swear to-"

"Don't make me fucking repeat maself ya damn animal!" The Axew shoved Voltaru away and pointed a claw at the feral in front of him. "I said that you're worthless monsters! Your mere existence is a disgrace to Keepers everywhere! Just because you are stronger than me doesn't mean anything! It means shit!" Hatchet yelled before he unleashed a large torrent of purple energy. It was in the shape of a broadsword and it extended from his arm. He thrust forward with Poison Jab, aiming for the Fomantis.

Shink~

"I want my brother back. I'm bloody tired of you breaking all these codes," a voice rang out loud and clear. Instead of Xiao, Hatchet's mana boosted blade stabbed into someone else. There was a grunt before the Axew had realized what had happened. He stabbed Kobi. "I'm so bloody tired of your unlocked rampage shite," she continued, coughing up a bit of blood, the Poison Jab taking effect immediately. "And I'm so fockin' bloody tired of your pisspoor beliefs!" The Espurr's body suddenly flashed black with the power of Payback as she gave out retribution with a mighty swipe of her claws, the doubled punishment sending the Tusk Dragon into the sky.

When he finally fell back down onto the earth he fainted from exhaustion instantly. Everyone on Team Deliverance stood in silence as their team leader used Psychic to pick Hatchet up. "Come on, let's get the hell out of here," the Restraint Pokemon growled, limping back towards the tourist district. Voltaru, Makkuro, Ivan, Mari, Paola, and Xiao followed her.


A while before Team Deliverance set out for Stone Creek~

In the early afternoon, Pokemon worked. Deep within the bright caverns of a Mystery Dungeon off the wayside of the Nakagawa River. The different Pokemon were fitted up with pickaxes, shovels, and other types of mining gear of all sizes. They shared one thing in common, their debt to a Wicked Blow gang leader named Kanamori Leafeon. The debtors were forced to wear a red and white ball and chain brace fastened to their limbs and or torsos. And they continued their labor.

One of them was a Buizel, with blue-magenta eyes, and three cream spots on their back. They bashed at a large chunk of a geode that they had exposed after digging through a glimmer in the cracks of stone for hours. Next to them was a Patrat, and an Abra both working to mine out sizable chunks of material.

"I can't believe I'll be stuck doing this my entire life," whined aloud the psi Pokemon, weakly flailing her arms. "My species doesn't even have a high affinity for this type of activity!" Abra moaned.

"I wanted to go to the New Withered Savanna, far south of Bristberg!" Cried Patrat, tossing his shovel to the ground. He fell onto the floor, pounding his paws against the stone. "They were waiting for me! All of them, they, they must think I'm dead!"

Lua, their Buizel workmate tilted their ears. "It'll be okay, don't worry guys," they stated, rubbing underneath their neck tube. "We don't need any more noise, ruining the others' concentration ya know? Especially mine, I'm kinda having fun here."

"Don't think that just because you are a Keeper that means you can boss us around ya know!" Patrat sneered, picking back up his axe. He tested the wall for any loose areas and began to tinker away. "Just kidding Lua! I know ya mean well," the Pokemon then lowered his tail. "It's-, just so tiring, it feels hopeless."

Abra managed to break a large protrusion of yellow ore into some small pieces. "Ha, this crazy- I mean cute Buizel likes doing all this ridiculously terrible labor!" She pocketed the largest stones and laughed. "Don't you boy?" The psi Pokemon grinned wildly.

"He said he goes by they! Or whatever," Patrat corrected incorrectly. "Mining isn't completely terrible ya know? It's something to take your mind off the stress of Mistah K El Leafeon. Right?"

"Ugh, you two," the Buziel sighed. "Abra, I'm just using this to get stronger, I used to have bigger muscles," Lua explained. "I need to have impressive gains and be swole, ya know?" They flexed their biceps before their ears twitched again. "Did you hear that?"

"Hmm, no idea what you are talking about~ But these special balls and chain devices limit our strength soooooo much," Abra flirted. She then noticed the sound of a certain Seedot's tottering paw steps and teleported directly in front of the Buizel.

"Lua!" Seedot, called out, bouncing into the Abra. "Oh uh sorry," she mumbled, rolling past the psi Pokemon.

"Beat it you dumb Seedot!" Shot Abra. "Can't you see I'm working here?" she said, clinging her arms onto Lua's.

"That wasn't cool Abra, play nice," the reluctant Buizel waved their free arm. "What's wrong Seedot?" They questioned.

"I can't! I just, I can't do it!" The acorn Pokemon panicked. "It's too hard! I need Lua, another Keeper to just, uh ya know hear-"

Abra produced a small wave of psychic energy in warning at the acorn Pokemon despite the chains. "He doesn't care about your stupid plight!" She yelled. "Especially not another Keeper's, you lowlife!"

"What? Don't call a Keeper a lowlife! All Seedot did was just bump into you!" The Buizel lowered their ears in confusion. "And I thought I told you I'm not a boy! Knock it off, please," they requested.

"But you sound kinda like one," Abra giggled. Lua frowned and shook their head. "Sorry, it's a bit hard even with that strange extra circle on your back," the psi Pokemon explained.

"Okay, Patrat please remind Abra, and also please make sure Seedot and her don't fight," the Sea-Weasel placed a paw along the wall. "You told me you're trying to get it right, ya know?"

"Fine, fine, but I can't control them," Patrat shook his head. "See you don't understand, the pressure from Mistah K is messing with her head buddy," then he pressed his shovel under a mound of rock to pry it apart. "An' his Mon won't let us get a break."

"Yeah, we'll never end up with enough poke to get free!" The psi Pokemon across from him wailed. "We can only afford the basic, dull meals from vendors with our sales!"

"These gemstones that we have right now don't cut it anymore!" Seedot yelled. "We'll never be able to find the best, high-quality ones that make a profit with this equipment and time frame!"

Lua sighed and began to chip away at a large red gemstone, feeling their patience waning.

"Please Lua!" Seedot nudged her head cap into the Buizel's side. "You must understand-" Before the acorn Pokemon could say anything else she was interrupted by a deafening shatter. Seedot looked to her side to see a pickaxe was buried inside a massive ore deposit, her Buizel crush's paws gripping the handle tight.

"Guys!" Lua shouted, echoing throughout the cavern. All eyes were on the Sea-Weasel after they broke apart the entire stone in one go. "I've heard you loud and clear! We are much stronger together than apart."

"Okay," lamented Abra teleporting back towards an orange crystal mass. "What do you want us to do?"

"I have some resources that can bypass Senor Leaf," the Buizel explained, gathering up the scattered gems.

"What do you mean buddy? You don't have enough ore in sales to cover your debt and today's payment!" Patrat fumed. "What resources could you manage to have that Mistah K won't take!?" He questioned before breaking through some dark stone with his shovel.

"Hey," Lua's ears twitched again. " I know I don't look very bright but there is one resource I know that can help us."

Seedot leaned forward, almost tumbling into some open ore. "What is it?"

"The shopkeepers."

"How? You got some special deal that will have them pay your debt and arrest Tree-san?" The acorn Pokemon got excited. "Are they your friends or family?!"

"No, I can tell them to be on the lookout for specific Pokemon based on their uniform," the Buizel explained, dusting off the scarf on their waist.

In the background, flapping grew louder. "Who would wear uniforms as a Pokemon?" Abra questioned.

Patrat folded his arms. "Getting on full clothes every day is-"

"Their uniforms are just a scarf with the Sentinels Holy Trinity," Lua made some line gestures with their paw.

Seedot stood on the tips of her toes, staring off at the entrance of the room. "What- hey, uh-" the acorn Pokemon tried to speak up before a loud chant was heard.

Suddenly a Golbat, a small flock of Swoobat and Noibat used a cacophony of noise-based attacks on everyone. "Ah, watch out!" The Buizel dove to take the brunt of an Air Cutter that was aimed at Seedot.

After the blades of wind sliced into their fur, the Sea-Weasel tumbled on the floor in pain. They watched as Abra was hit with a Poison Fang, Patrat was Bitten, and how Seedot tried and failed to proc off a Harden. We can't fully pull off any of our moves, what are we gonna do!? Lua panicked as they lifted their pickaxe. "We'll have to try to-"

Before the young Pokemon had time to do another action a beam of Electricity hit all the feral Pokemon. At the front of the room were Froot and a Probopass. "Come on, you lot," the Compass Pokemon yelled. "You are free to go up the stairs, out the Mystery Dungeon, and get to the Market," her distorted crackling voice growled, as she made sure all the enemies were subdued. Then the Breloom beside her tried to figure out the situation.

Many minutes later Froot walked behind the four shaken-up prisoners and swung his tail against the walls of the corridor every step he took. Soon the entire group made it outside the cave. Kanamori had his Pokemon collect everyone's pickaxes, shovels, and spades.

Then the prisoners went out to the Market of Stone Creek and headed towards the jewelers and smithers. All of them separated from one another, soon a Talonflame that followed Kanamori's orders patrolled the sky.

A brightly lit stand, one covered by thick purple curtains, there were four Pokemon. One stood behind a counter, almost taller than them. Two of the three other figures stood while one sat on the counter. "Wow, the size and structure of these gems are so valuable!" started a Carbink, hopping and turning about. "I'd say these are worth 1200 poke."

"Woah, was it because I used fewer swings and a better technique?" Lua asked, their two tails wagging with glee. The Buizel had a rutsack with their daily ore deposits and crystal finds displayed out for the three smith workers.

"I dunno," spoke up an Impidimp. "But ya want these coins in ya pocket don't ya buddy?" He smiled as the Sentret beside him began to unlock a specialized deposit box.

"Yes, yes I do," the young Sea Weasel nodded and agreed to the exchange. Their tails wagged, as a load was lifted off their shoulders from just a simple sale.

Now is my chance! I could use all of this money to get on Kanamori's good side! Lua thought as they walked towards the food district of the Nakagawa River. The Buizel passed by many little dining stands and booths with Pokemon of all different sizes and types lined up or enjoying their meals. "Beat it you feral runts, I don't serve your kind!" They heard a Gigalith staffer yell at a Mankey and a Togepi who anxiously stood at the side of the counter.

Lua scoffed, turning around. "I'm not giving a Pokemon like that any of my hard-earned money. She probably wouldn't help someone like me either," the Buizel still had the shackles and chains from earlier on their body. These damn shackles. That damn Leafeon.

"Who would want to help someone who is on the wrong side of Kanamori Leafeon of Wicked Blow?" They asked aloud as they ventured down to the more low-key side of the bank. The restaurants on this side weren't as popular but that didn't mean the food wouldn't taste just as good. Hopefully.

"I could help you if you are interested in a bite ta eat kid," a deep voice called out. Lua looked up and stared face to face with a Thwackey. The big Beat Pokemon waved one of his drum sticks at them and grinned sheepishly. A sign above the booth said River Chow Mein.

The Buizel reached forward and looked at the menu, it had chow mein with different toppings and fried rice with a variety of ingredients. All fairly large proportions and perhaps a bit expensive, but the Sea Weasel could sense something special about this shopkeeper. They weren't sure what and decided to order.

"Hmm, uh I'll try the River Chow Mein please," Lua requested, adjusting the scarf on their waist.

"Alrighty, It'll be done in about a couple of minutes my good friend," Thwackey rubbed under his chin, patting the counter. Next to his paw was a large ceramic jar, with a round knobbed lid askew underneath some papers. "That'll be 550 poke, ya wanna pay now or after it's ready?"

Lua stared at the warm orange eyes of the Beat Pokemon and felt a familiar connection. "I'll pay now," they reached into the bag they clutched tightly and slid over 750 in poke. "I, I have a favor to ask if you'd be so kind," the Buizel finally muttered as the cook continued to fry up noodles, vegetables, and eggs.

"Yes, what could it be," Thwackey simply glanced at the countertop before surprise lit upon his short muzzle. "My friend," he stared at the extra coinage in utter shock. "What's all this then?"

"I saw you don't get many customers down here. And I also liked the vibes you give off, so I wanted to ask you for some help," the Sea Weasel explained, a knot of anxiety forming in their stomach.

"I'm all ears, my friend, you seem to be troubled. What is the problem?"

"I'm in debt to Kanamori Leafeon," Lua gestured to the balls and chains on their limbs. "He makes us wear these when we are not on board."

The Beat Pokemon stood in place, his body beginning to shudder. "K-kana-mmori Leafeon?" He lowered his usual chipper tone, his tail sinking to the ground.

"Yes, but I'm not gonna ask you to try and fight any of his mon or whatever," the Buizel cleared up.

"Oh, okay, because he's torn through some poor shopkeepers before, that's what happened to some folks all over the upper banks about a week ago."

The large pot of noodles stopped boiling. "All I need you to do is tell a Mana Research League-"

"At least eat kid, tell me the rest later," Thawackey interrupted the young Pokemon.

"Okay," Lua quipped before closing their eyes and bowing their head. "Dear Lugia, thank you for the food."

For a peaceful couple of minutes, the Buizel ate a hearty meal. Once the wooden bowl was more than halfway empty the Shopkeeper tapped the counter to continue the conversation. "Do you know who and what they are?" The Sea-Weasel gulped down a large mouthful.

"Those Pokemon that work with and for Keepers to restore the balance ?" Thwackey asked for confirmation.

"Yes, the League Pokemon wear scarves that have three colored stripes on them. Along with a triangular badge, I need you to be on the lookout for them."

"Okay, if I see one of them what do you need me to do?" The Shopkeeper began to clean some utensils.

"Tell them that you know where a Keeper named Lua Boey Buizel is headed," the Sea-Weasel Pokemon placed a paw on their chest.

This shocked Thawackey. "That's ya full name?" His ears twitched. "Ya got a family name?"

"Yeah, my Ma and Pa are, or were rather famous for their studies Before Disruption," the Sea Weasel slurped up their food. "Also if they don't recognize my name, tell them I'm supposed to be in the Bristberg Mana Research League."

"Ah, next I could give them info about whatever boat Kanamori has," the Beat Pokemon rubbed under his chin. "It's probably the only wooden vessel on the Nakagawa of that size. Where is it headed?"

The Buizel tastes the familiar scent of Froot and decided to change up their wordage. "We are going to the Nation of the Lung, ya know?" Lua shoveled as much of the remaining noodles into their maw and coughed. "Bound for Vega but I'd say we're due for Neo Post."

Thawkey noticed the Brelooom and pounded the counter. "Got it, why don't you get on outta here." he waved his paw. "Go on, scram. I'll take care of it, don't worry."


At around the same time~

A group of Pokemon walked over a wide bamboo bridge above a declining mountain stream, Four of them, to be exact, hurrying down these wooden planks; A Treecko, a Charmander, a Poochyena, and a Totodile. Based on their garments, the Pokemon were all from the Bristberg Mana League.

Their status made traveling across the enormous stretch of trail something interesting. Most shopkeepers would give them a slight discount, as the four's presence alone would lower the crime rate. Normal thieves didn't bother tussling with any Pokemon tied to such a powerful organization like the Committee. Unfortunately, that wasn't always the case when it came to lodging.

"Arg! Why in the voidlands is this one here!" A Bewear roared, pointing at Ars with his massive paw. "Don't you know you're not welcome here!"

"Me? I'm just with the Mana League," she whimpered as her hackles rose.

"The fuck did you say, you piece of shit!?" Glade hissed at the clerk, sharpening her claws. "Don't you know she's a Keeper!? Put some respect on her name!"

Bewear slammed one of his forepaws into the reinforced wall behind him. When the steel echoed and rumbled across the room, the Charmander beside Glade held onto her claw.

A wooden picture frame with an Officer certification had a bright red set of letters shook and nearly fell off its bolted down stand. 'Keeper' it read, "You didn't think I wouldn't realize? You little bitch!" Bewear boomed.

"Call me whatever you want asshole!" the Big Jaw Pokemon snarled. "I'll take you on, I don't give a damn about your shitty fucking paper!"

"Back off!" Linus held the Totodile from attacking the employee. "Hold a moment!"

"He's a Keeper too?" The Poochyena noticed the light scent of the Bewear's presence, folding their ears. "What do you have against us?"

"Posers like you bunch always bring trouble! Especially walking around with these stupid scarves!" The Strong Arm Pokemon began to get close to the group. "Always stealing our work! Ya damn brats!"

"I know you are with the Police, specifically the Wicked Blow Processing Center but please understand," Team Sharp Claw's Treecko Leader stood firm.

"Understand what!?" Bewear shouted back.

"Do not think lightly of those who follow the Sentinels Code," Linus turned around, heading out back the door.

Some folks didn't want to be in the same place as their so-called rivals or competitors. Despite trying to be for the better good, with a focus in Mana Balance Control, the Leagues couldn't help but make all sorts of enemies. The four Pokemon just went to another inn stationed on the bridge.


"We finally made it, mon that took forever!" Linus cheered as he plopped down under the shade of a Cheri Berry Tree. This blossoming tree was in the Strong Will Guild's courtyard. "Nevada, could you go and get the sentry for us?" he asked, unpacking some fruit to eat.

"Yeah," the Charmander replied, hustling over to the large metal door.

Ars lay next to Glade on top of a little bench under a canopy. "I never would have imagined it only took about this long to reach Midori Mori," the bite Pokemon panted.

"Yeah, but last time we took the Mystery Dungeon route and it took about twice as long," the Totodile ran a claw through the Poochyena's fur. "But this time we didn't have to go and rescue some new members"

"The sentry on duty isn't Roxxy or any Electric-type, thank Mew," Nevada came back to their teammates. "Not planning on making any moves or picking fights huh gator?" They teased Glade.

The Totodile crossed her arms. "I don't wanna show off that side of me in front of Ars, even if that mutt is here I won't act up!"

"A mutt? What Pokemon are you calling that?" The Poochyena beside her asked, stepping onto the floor.

"Roxxy's a Jolteon, a part fox- dog Pokemon, an Arceus-damn mutt for Mew's sake!" Glade yelled. "Folks mistake you for one but-"

Soon before she could continue a large door opened and an Aromatis came out. "Really now, well it's time to put that to the test," she sneered.

Ars nudged her head against her companion as she got onto the floor. "Glade, I think you should maybe stop," they suggested.

The Big-Jaw Pokemon looked in the doorway. "Oh fuck me," she cursed.

"Well, I wonder what this sentry could mean," Linus rubbed the back of his head. "Come on, let's go."

"W-what?" Glade nearly fell over on her snout when she opened the Guildmaster's business room.

Right in front of the desk stood Roxxy. That pain in the ass, odd shiny Jolteon. The Totodile thought. Next to Roxane was a new face, a Trumbeak. The Bugle-Beak Pokemon shook his head to and side, flapping his wings in surprise. "Oh wow, hello Pokemon of the Bristberg Mana Research League!" He squawked with a shrill voice.

The four League members grimaced, covering their ears the best they could.

"Inoade, you're blocking their view, ya loud birdbrain," Roxxy nudged him with her snout. "Sorry guys, I'll go get the Guildmasters-"

"Goodness now, let's get right to business Team Sharp Claw," Lucky suddenly jutted upright from his reclined seat.

"Wah!" Nevada jumped onto Linus in surprise. The Treecko just held the Charmander wordlessly and let them get down.

"Parker and I have asked Roxxy and Inoade, two of our best sentries to come along to Lauderdale Marsh," the Aura Pokemon gestured with his paws, as he did so his purple eyes darted from Pokemon to Pokemon. "Good afternoon!"

"Good afternoon Guildmasters," Linus and his team greeted him back. "I see we have your Pokemon coming along, any reason why?" The Treecko questioned as he gave the Trumbeak a wary glance.

"We have them here today for a couple of specific reasons," Parker leaned forward in her seat, finally coming into view. "We found out the name and species of the Pokemon causing problems in the town," the grey Charmeleon explained.

Glade clenched her fists against her sides. "W-who is the Pokemon?" She barely managed to bridle her frustration.

"A Hitmonlee, one named Marshall, they apparently go by many names," the Charmeleon pressed her claws to her face as her tail waved. "Seems to be holed up in an area they deem to be completely their's," Parker's orange eyes studied the League Pokemon's reactions.

"If I may, what type of environment is the area?" Ars gently asked, placing a forepaw on the Totodile beside them. "And also how does the Hitmonlee act?"

"Extremely violent towards anyone who trespasses in a Mystery Dungeon called the Decrypt Manor," Lucky shared, sifting through a stack of documents. "Like its namesake, the Mystery Dungeon is stationed entirely inside a large building, presumably with something valuable held inside."

"What could be so valuable that Marshall will attack anyone who tries to enter?" Nevada questioned.

The Lucario sighed as he placed down an envelope. "We aren't completely sure about this, but we have some other things to do in Lauderdale Marsh when we get there-"

"Hold up, we haven't told Sharp Claw our course of action," Parker coughed. "Sentries," the Charmeleon ordered.

"Guildmaster Parker?!" the Trumbeak and the Jolteon replied immediately.

"Now now, settle down," the Charmeleon rubbed at her armband. "You two are allowed to speak ya know."

"Very well," Inoade nodded. "Roxanne let me explain to our distinguished guests what our calculated pathway is," the Bugle-Beak Pokemon chirped.

"Pathway?" Linus looked over at the Trumbeak. "I'm not sure I completely follow what yur getting at."

"Yes, the directions we will take to reach our destination," Inoade proudly beamed, extending his wings, smacking Roxxy on the snout. "You may not be aware but to reach the Town quickly we will have to travel south of Midori Mori and take on the Mizu Mori Mystery Dungeon."

"Then- the, er eight of us will have to continue west. The forests down there are vast but lessen up as the air gets moist," he paused, sharply turning to the side, jabbing the Pokemon next to him on the shoulder. "Or was it more moist?"

Furious, the Jolteon beside him placed her paws around his torso and pushed him down. "Just let me explain it to them!" Roxxy growled.

"It's all the same," Glade sighed. "We have places to be, don't we?" The Totodile furrowed her brow.

"She does have a point, come on everyone we let's move out!" Lucky suddenly jumped out of his chair and bolted out the room.

Parker fell onto the desk and groaned. "Give me a break mon, I haven't had my first cigar yet," the Charmeleon's protest continued as she hauled some bags off of a shelf. "I say we get something to eat before we head out. Who's with me?"


After catching some brunch, the Pokemon of the Bristberg Mana Research League and the Midori Mori Guild began their departure. While they walked to Mizu Mori Mystery Dungeon the group tried to come up with a name for themselves.

"How about the defenders of justice?" Asked Nevada.

"Too corny," Linus waved his hand. "We need something with more passion, more 'ompt'."

"I have a suggestion!" The Trumbeak who was flying above everyone began to caw. "As we are all noble, talented, and dare I say dashing Pokemon working together to quell and soothe the destruction born from a Keeper. A Keeper without a proper home! What a sad story! Thus we should be known as the ELEgant-"

"Shut up Inoade!" Roxxy fired out a warning shot.

The Trumbeak narrowly spun in the air to avoid the blast. "Hmph!" he protested. "Not a milliliter of culture in you!"

After several hours of no good ideas, the group made it towards the wooded entrance of Mizu Mori Mystery Dungeon and sat down to catch their bearings.

"What do you think about the Rangers?" asked Lucky.

"That sounds kinda cool!" Ars replied as they and Glade trudged out of a thicket with some berries.

"Nah, that's already another organization's name, one from the Nebula Continent I think," Parker yawned before sneaking away from Lucky's side, she quickly reached into her bag. "I'm just going for a-"

Lucky reached over to yank her tail, causing her to tumble and drop the cigar in her claws. "Don't think you can get away with smoking just cause we are outside Parky," the Lucario wagged his tail when he knelt by his partner.

"Ugh," Parker let out a sigh when her cigar was kicked away. "Please just this once," she pleaded.

Roxxy sniffed the air and sighed. "I always hate when you bring these focking things with you, Guildmaster," the Jolteon growled. "I thought you said you were quitting."

"It's not tobacco, why do you care so much?" Questioned Glade. "Actually why are you always trying to smoke anyway Guildmaster? It makes you look like a damn low mon or something."

"Glade dear, what is a low mon?" asked Inoade.

"Some other word for a low-life er somethin'," Linus waved his hand.

"No, it's not!" The Totodile protested.

"You called Guildmaster Parker a low-life for smoking?!" Ars panicked.

"No! That's not what I said!"

The Charmeleon grumbled to herself as she got off the grass, wiping dirt and mud from her scales. "Lucino, I swear if you dare do that again-" Parker growled before she roughly held onto the Lucario's arm.

The Flame Pokemon exhaled and let go. Lucky giggled. Parker blushed when she remembered the younger Pokemon were around. "Kids, it's a fire-type thing. A grown fire-type thing, you wouldn't understand."

"No, you don't understand! The biome here is really delicate!" The Aura Pokemon barked. "We don't need any sparks or embers starting a wildfire."

Amid the Guildmasters argument, Nevada held up the charcoal and incense-filled cigar paper and studied it. "This, this looks kinda tasty." the Charmander piped up.

"What?" Almost everyone shouted.

"See what I mean?" Parker laughed and patted her thigh. "I think we should head on in, time for us to go for a Dungeon run. In and out, let's go!"


"When will we know we are heading in the right direction?" asked Linus after the group made it out of the Mystery Dungeon. A couple of sunrises had passed, a dark and dreary night engulfing the land. "Like we don't want to end up at one of the highland beaches or the Riverland," Beside him, Nevada carried one of the collected branches to use a torch.

"Well, when we see more bodies of water," Parker explained, standing in place to let Lucky and Glade check their position. "When the weather changes from scattered showers to almost constant downpours," she gently used Fire Fang on the wood to light it anew. "We know to keep west."

"Sentries!" The Lucario called out in a shout. "Sitrep and Conditions!"

"The perimeter is clear," Roxxy yapped as she padded back to the group with Inoade. "We should have uninterrupted travel for a long time."

"Mostly just stray and or traveling Pokemon, no one suspicious spotted," the Trumbeak confirmed.


In a new warm humid morning, the Pokemon witnessed the pattern of the weather. They walked downhill by a large stream for several minutes in a torrential rainstorm only for it to end in the blink of an eye. Then the clouds cleared away and a wave of heat sweltered into the area.

"Aye!" Glade suddenly shouted as the top of a building was made out above some treetops. "It's the watchtower! We're in the town limits!" She cheered excitedly.

"Oh wow, something gets you this riled up?" Linus laughed before his Totodile teammate raced towards the entrance. Soon the whole group made it through the gates and was able to see what the forest hid away so quaintly.

A large town built on wooden rafts and logs alongside various inlets with buildings connected by different boardwalks. There were small boats and ships docked in the middle of the settlement, and small bridges connected to ramps on various scattered inlets and islands. Storefronts and businesses were desolate besides the stalks of cattails and cypress trees that rested next to them in the swamp.

Lauderdale Marsh looked like a Ghost Town. But that didn't deter the Brist-Mori Task Force, the group name as Ars suggested.

"Oh, feliz dias!" A voice called out just as there was a loud on the boardwalk. There was Garchomp with a white coat and white hat. She waved her arms at the eight Pokemon. The mach Pokemon was next to a large white and grey building, one with a large green ring symbol hung on it.

"Dr. Garchomp!" Glade shouted, leaping into the water and swimming over to the Garchomp. Left behind everyone else walked over to the Clinic entrance awning cover. "It's so fucking-" the Totodile received a smack on the head.

"Watch your mouth!" The Mayor demanded sternly.

"I mean it's so great to see you!" Glade cheered, hugging the tall dragon.

"Aha, I've missed you too, I'm sorry for the last Mayor's actions," the Garchomp held onto the Big-Jaw Pokemon. She pressed her rough skin into the Totodile "I, I should have tried to check up on you more often! Your family meant so much to us and-"

"It's okay Doctor," Glade smiled. "It would have probably not helped me, I wasn't ready to face the town for a long time. But with my new family by my side, I can toughen it out."

"I see some of these Pokemon must be your family, what's your Team's name?"

"Team Sharp Claw, we are of the Bristberg Mana Research League Doctor," the Big Jaw Pokemon replied as she saw the Sentries and everyone else.

"Hello Guildmasters Parker and Lucky, hello everyone else," Dr. Garchomp waved once the others made it up to the building. "Let us go inside, come along now."

The nine Pokemon sat down in the wide front room of the Clinic. "Okay, Brist-Mori Task Force, I'll get right to it," Dr. Garchomp stood in front of the group. There was a Delphox right next to her who carried a clipboard full of notes."The Decrypt Manor Mystery Dungeon is the source of our problem and solution," Mayor Garchomp started.

"How so?" Asked Lucky. "Please explain every detail, Dr. Aguilera," he lowered his ears.

"Just Dr. Garchomp is fine Guildmaster," the Mayor glanced down at papers that the Delphox held. "There is a strange sickness that Pokemon get when they try to go to the northside of town without going through the Mystery Dungeon," she explained.

"And Marsh along with all the ferals don't allow anyone to get through the Mystery Dungeon, correct?" Parker added. "The Hitmonlee is becoming carnal right? As a Keeper that is forbidden."

"Yes. But any Pokemon that enters the Labyrinth and doesn't go to the final floor will get sick," Dr. Garchomp sighed. "Even those just trying to collect materials or train, which is how about eighty percent of the town fell ill."

"So no one can get through the Manor and to the northside of town.. is there another way or bridge somewhere that bypasses the sickness?" Glade chimed in. "Maybe swimming through the water or something, enclosure in water always freaks out Mystery Dungeon boundaries?"

"No, we've tried ideas similar to that. We just need to subdue the Stray Keeper Hitmonlee and clear the Decrypt Manor Mystery Dungeon," the mach Pokemon adjusted her hat. "But we also need to figure out the secret inside the building, it could hold the cure."

"Can we go right now?" Linus asked. "All eight of us could easily take them on."

"It isn't that easy," the fox Pokemon growled.

"The number of Pokemon that don't have some form of carnal sickness making them a bit feral allowed on each floor is lowered by two each floor," Dr. Garchomp sighed. "But no matter what the final floor is bound to, only two Pokemon are allowed in at a time."

The Mayor paused as some rumbling was heard in the distance. "Which would be fine but the ferals in the Mystery Dungeon are just ruthless as Marx to all trespassers-" There was a loud crashing and shattering of glass upstairs. She placed one of her arms on top of her head. "They pose a threat to our regular townsfolk. And our limited Rescue Teams are a bit busy dealing with a new case of wondering criminals that escaped- so we need you."

"To make matters worse-" the mach Pokemon gestured to the fox beside her.

"My kits went to go plead with Marx about their sister-" the Delphox said softly, almost in tears. "I best not say more."

"The Hitmonlee became terribly irate," Dr. Garchomp then closed her eyes in frustration. "The Keeper destroyed the entire bridge to get to the Decrypt Manor and then the only bridge to get to the northside of the town!"

More crashing could be heard from upstairs. "Oh no! Our table! It's broken!" There was a loud cry and then more various loud noises were heard above the group.

"Camilla, could you go check on those cabrones en mi estúpido familia," the Garchomp paced around the floor as the Delphox quickly ran up stairs. "Ai! No se por que ellos están actuando locos."

"So what is the job you want the Brist-Mori Task Force to focus on first?" Parker rubbed her temples.

"Sorry about my crazy family, they are all trained Medical Staff but they can act up when I'm not down their backs," the Doctor grumbled.

"It's fine, there are so many complex problems here, Mayor," the Charmeleon waved her claw.

"Let's go on outside," the Mayor punched a button on the wall. "I've got to take you where you are needed."

"If we can't go into the Mystery Dungeon what are we going to do?" Lucky questioned as the group headed to the boardwalk.

"Well, I need you all to assist a certain family," Dr. Garchomp explained, taking everyone towards the northwest side of Town. "They are rebuilding all the lost infrastructure and need your assistance," The group made it to an inlet with a wide dirt road.

"Ah, we have to work on a new way to the Manor before we can start our research and dungeon run," Parker stated. Then the Charmeleon stared at the open sky. "Where are they?"

The mach Pokemon beside her pointed downhill. "The family is on the other side of this slope," she told the Pokemon.

"Who are they?" Glade nervously tested her footing on the sandy soil.

"We're going on ahead, Guildmasters, Bristberg," Roxxy and Inoade both explained.

"Yeah, yeah, tell us the conditions," the Guildmasters agreed, giving the go-ahead. "Now I'm interested, tell us, Mayor," Lucky wagged his tail, poking Parker in the side

"I believe you'll know it when you see them," Dr. Garchomp smiled. "They have a Keeper that kept her promise."

"We have one too!" Linus, Nevada, and Glade all countered back, hugging onto their Poochyena teammate. "You're gonna have to be more specific!"

Ars blushed and wagged her tail as everyone else laughed. "Who'd she keep her promise to?" They asked, following the older Pokemon off the gritty land.

"Oh," Mayor Garchomp couldn't help but grin as she stepped back. "You're clever, knowing it was someone. I've got to head back to the Clinic mi amore."

"But who was it?" The bite Pokemon further pressed.

"Who do you think?" The mach Pokemon stood at the edge of the trail towards the boardwalk.

The Poochyena tilted her head. "Glade?" She tested.

"You got it!" Dr. Garchomp cheered before she ventured out of sight. "Have fun!"

If it was Glade, then this must have been.. just before the Disruption, but what happened? Ars pondered as they walked back to their team.