Updated July 20th, 2021
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 12, Keepers shall respect all reasonable demands or requests of all Ferals. Including ones with Carnal Sickness 5-3.
Another letter, this time sealed in a glass tube to keep all information dry. A Pokemon places their paw against one end and opens the tube before they grab the edge of the paper in their mouth. The Pokemon then places an object on each end of the letter before reading.
Dear Chief Mcbone Stoutland
Yes, my subordinates are doing fine, it seems we have spotted some of your Leagues, Rescue Teams. The Blue Heroes and part of the Aegisdrip in our city. They'll probably visit us tomorrow once they rest up, then your lovely mate Cooper will probably get a letter personally for him. I mean you could always read it first but he usually explains the details clearer. It makes sense he decided to put himself as a Coordinator since he has opposable thumbs. He also knows how to twist words well, make them easier to digest and all.
That reminds me. You always have been such a feisty Chief, prone to such an iron will and harsh stubbornness. I guess you do have some more Keepers that should be under you, and not knowing where they are is nerve-wracking. We've been relatively fine and pray you will stay that way too.
Signed Chief Leonard II Centiskorch
Spring Mountain Underpass F 1
With wonder and awe, the Pikachu and the Axew gazed up at the grey-blue structure that was the Spring Mountain Underpass. It began at the low rise of a partial cave, the entrance of the Mystery Dungeon. The beautiful stone glistened in the morning light and led into the sky. All sorts of Pokemon called out to each other and scurried about. Their daily lives revolve solely around what this Mystery Dungeon can provide.
Curiously there was a mixture of gravel, pebbles, and fragments of stone on the far side of the passage. The Keepers noticed that travelers had caused some strange markings at the roof of the pass, along with the rubble.
"I wonder who did that?" Hatchet pondered aloud as he compared the sections of rock.
His Pikachu traveler shook their head in a panic. "That looks scary! I don't wanna know!" They explained.
"What?" The Axew replied. "Whoever did prolly ain't here, it's fine bud,"
Once Hatchet and Voltaru completely entered into the Dungeon's depths there was a mysterious barrier that blocked the way they came. Spring Mountain Underpass was a mixture of archways, tunnels, and open stretches.
The Dungeon floor was a gentle light grey stone, the walls stretching into the sky.
Most importantly this was a place ripe with feral Pokemon that have varying levels of Dungeon Sickness. This made them Carnal. They were a threat.
Soon the entrance clearing vanished behind stone blocks, bricks, and wedges. No backtracking would be allowed, not now.
Voltaru ignored this and took in the new surroundings. This seems familiar… Hey, wait! They thought. "I don't think we can climb these walls, there must be some ladders or stairs for us to get out right?" Hesitantly the mouse put forth a suggestion.
The Pikachu hoped for confirmation. They had a pleasant melody playing in their head as they thought of a blurry, fond memory. I have dealt with caves and unique environments before! This is just like… just like that cave. They thought.
"The only way out of each floor is a staircase of progression, you're right! So let's go!" The Axew started before he dashed forward towards a thin walkway. "Voltaru, seem uneasy about Mystery Dungeons, why is that?"
"Oh uh-" They looked up at the question to find that the Tusk Dragon left them in the dust. But the Pikachu was slightly nervous when they tried to follow Hatchet, a look of worry on their muzzle. "Wait up! Gah, seriously?!" In a passing turn, their teal eyes glanced at each unchanging repeating patterns and markings on the walls.
Thankfully the Axew stopped to go and repair his bag, which let his Pikachu companion reach him. "Oh sorry about that," Hatchet's voice rang out. "So about earlier, ya know anything specific?" He added while Voltaru caught their breath.
"Well, I really don't remember the details," Voltaru answered when they felt right before the two suddenly had an unexpected guest. There was a Geodude with an angry look on their face, charging at the Pikachu. "Oh shoot,"
The Rock Pokemon crashed into Voltaru with Take Down. Instantly, the feral smashed against the mouse's body- but the Pikachu stood firm. The Geodude used their arms to move backward before they winced at their self-inflicted wounds.
"Wh-what do I do?" Voltaru gasped after they recovered from the attack, their chest bruised from the mighty blow. "Hatchet. I think I need help,"
"Come on Voltaru," their arm was tapped by Hatchet. The Axew waited with an annoyed expression on his face. "Just hit 'em with something, we've gotta deal with this kid," he stated.
"But I-" Tried to reason the Pikachu before the Axew stepped in.
Hatchet took the initiative and ran forward, using his superior physical strength to pick up the enemy Pokemon. The Tusk Dragon then slammed the foe onto the stone floor; the Reversal shattered the enemy's hide and remaining will to fight. Geodude fainted.
The mouse seemed uneasy when an Aron noticed them enter into the room and dashed forward running right into a Yungoos who started to quarrel with it. They then turned around and headed straight back for the travelers.
"These Pokemon, can we really battle them? I don't want them to get really hurt," Voltaru asked when they stopped to stretch their arms. "But I'd like to gain some experience… What's the right word?"
"Uh, you haven't battled recently so yur going to fight again," Hatchet offered up an answer before he leaned forward in an action stance. "Ya sure are interesting,"
"Again? Yeah again," the mouse affirmed. "But I… don't want to fight," They nervously looked away from the approaching ferals.
Hatchet put his claw on their shoulder and pointed to other Pokemon that had dashed on into another part of the floor, far down another winding pathway. "We are not like them. They are ferals. We have a higher purpose as Keepers,"
Voltaru nodded their head and tried to muster up some determination. "Why's that!?" they asked as the ferals were right upon them. "Wow, they are so fast!" The Pikachu narrowly dodged a Bite from the Yungoos. The Aron narrowed in on the mouse and snickered.
"Listen we fight! Pokemon are born able to fight," Hatchet then grabbed the Yungoos that almost bit Voltaru.
The Axew lifted the Loitering Pokemon off the ground before he slammed their long body back into the mountain. Hatchet then took a Tackle from the Yungoos and then he returned with a quick Poison Jab. Quickly the Loitering Pokemon lunged forward with a Super Fang, which struck the Axew on the arm.
"Fightin' is what Keepers do!" He yelled through grit teeth to warn the mouse. "Like it or not that Pokemon is gonna attack you!"
The Pikachu remembered their current condition and folded their ears. "Is that a Rock Tomb?" Their eyes widened. "Woah, it's so freaking big!"
"Of course it is! Do something!" the Axew hollered back impatiently as he yanked away from the Yungoos and opened his maw. He shot out a beam of teal energy at them. The power of the Dragon Pulse caused the Loitering Pokemon to faint.
But Voltaru wasn't as fortunate and couldn't get out of the way. Quickly giant boulders fell from the sky. "Ya!" The Pikachu took a direct hit from the Aron's attack and crumbled to the ground. "Ugh, that really hurt, it should have missed me," They groaned.
"Ahaha, ya aren't too bright," The Aron laughed at the pitiful sight. "Your move runt,"
"M-maybe I should just worry about myself," Voltaru sighed to themself and closed their eyes. Soon they felt a surge of power to push away the rocks. "To keep promises I have to fight!" The Pikachu smashed through the boulders and swung at the Aron. They slammed their Iron Tail like a blade.
The attack struck against the Pokemon's body and sent him flying into a wall. The feral was exhausted from the damage and fell back onto the mountainside.
What happened!? Okay, what should I do? What move, what moves can I do?
The Pikachu's thoughts went wild. They opened their teal eyes. "Huh?" Voltaru sat in a dazed worry before being dragged away.
"You fainted that one," Their Axew companion said in a deadpan voice. "You're really a piece of work bud,"
"I did?"
"Yep, I don't know what experience level you thought these ferals have here, but it'll be plenty," Hatchet began as the two exited the room. "Remember other Pokemon aren't completely feeble or harmless. Fight back, don't just stand there,"
The Pikachu pried themself out of the other Keeper's grip. "They will be okay?" They finally questioned.
"After what? You, just standing there? Sure. Not after you hit them,"
"You sure it's alright to hit these guys?"
"Yea, it's fine bud, they are just stupid little ferals what are you so worried about?!"
"I have memories of needing to protect Pokemon, no matter what I did we couldn't get stronger," Voltaru explained with a nervous tilt. "No matter what,"
"Ah, that's interesting, was it a baby Pokemon or some with low stats that constantly needed yur help?" Hatchet asked the mouse beside him when the two of them walked up to a small grey staircase, climbing into the next Mystery Dungeon Floor.
Spring Mountain Underpass F 2
Voltaru shook their head once they ventured forward out of the staircase. "No, I don't remember any more details of the past, unfortunately," The Pikachu lamented and their tail dropped onto the floor.
"Well that's a bummer," The Axew adjusted his satchel. "Shoot me any more questions about Pokemon's resilience here," Then he began trekking through the Dungeon floor.
The Pikachu walked silently behind the tusk dragon and noticed their previous injuries began to feel less and less sore. "Well, would I…-" the stray spoke up.
"Hmm, would you- what?" The more seasoned traveler encouraged it. "Need to rest?"
"Wait no that's not it," The mouse clarified. "Rather, would we be able to do anything worse than faint a Pokemon with our normal moves?" Please don't tell me I can cause another Pokemon to die… I don't want to do that. They panicked internally.
"Not at this level. Our experience levels aren't enough, these Pokemon are all about our strength," The Axew waved his claw. "Well technically we could, but that is against the Sentinels Code we Keepers follow. Something everybody should follow. All Pokemon." The Tusk Dragon added.
"Ah, I see, kinda like an honor code among Keepers," Voltaru said.
"No it's one of our promises," Coldy spat Hatchet. "Do not kill a Pokemon who has not tried to do serious harm to another or destroy the balance," Hatchet finished. "Ferals are right to try and attack anyone who enters a Mystery Dungeon. We foreigners often break many rules and have committed such unspeakable crimes," He looked back, across this shoulder to see Voltaru right behind him, a determined expression on their face. I didn't mean to come off that way but I hope this new Keeper can pick up on the things I say quickly. The Axew wondered to himself.
When passing by a sleeping Blipbug, the Tusk Dragon picked up an Escape Orb. The Axew nodded to himself, placing the item inside his satchel. This bag had lots of room so it was best to collect everything the pair saw in the Dungeon.
When they were in the room with the stair leading to the last floor, a Skiddo leaped at Voltaru. It was a brave Tackle from the Pokemon, and the mouse understood what their friend meant.
"Go away Skiddo, we aren't here to fight you and your friends," The Pikachu had taken damage but felt a tremendous amount of guilt. "I know we are kinda scary but we aren't going to harm you all," They pleaded gently, shaking their fur of debris.
The Goat Pokemon blankly stared at Voltaru before she bent her head down to bleat out a cry. She lunged at the Pikachu with a Headbutt but the mouse Pokemon was quick on their paws and dodged it. Voltaru countered with a swing of their slanted tail against the shoulder of the Skiddo. The appendage was rock solid but not as dangerous as regular Iron Tail.
"Did you hear what I said? Stop it, we are just trying to go to Bristberg!" Voltaru yelled, teeth bared, and sparks shooting from their whole body. Some of these stray blasts managed to hit the other Pokemon. The timid Skiddo trotted back for a moment, fear deep in her eyes as she pulled out a Vine Whip from her back.
The dark green tendrils swiped out faster than the Pikachu could see, striking their chest causing a bit of fur to fall onto the ground. "Agh fuck, that kinda stung, listen Skiddo-"
"Don't bother talking to it, that feral can't understand us, she's a type one, they are barely even Pokemon," Hatchet snarked "Just push it or something,"
"Why would you say that?" Voltaru yelled back. "She is clearly a Pokemon!" They patted the goat's flank.
"Well uh, that Skiddo just has Carnal Sickness that won't let it talk and all," Hatchet stepped back.
"I don't care what Carnal Sickness these Mystery Dungeon Pokemon have! They should have their opponents' respect!" The Pikachu yelled. "Wouldn't that be a code of honor among us Keepers? Hmph, some Keeper you are," they folded their ears.
"Well, you don't understand where I'm coming from, you're just a stray so don't act like you are a great Keeper yourself bud. Matter a fact I'm the one who-" the Tusk Dragon cut himself short when he saw something. "Whatever, go get that box for me?" The Axew pointed across the floor, to the other side of the room.
"S-sure thing," the Pikachu replied quickly before they grew restless at the goat they wrestled against. "Just, just go and find the exit while I get this okay?" Voltaru growled, trying to subdue the enemy so they could concentrate on peace.
The mouse gritted their teeth, pushing the Skiddo away in a Quick Attack. The young goat fainted. "Sorry," Voltaru apologized once the Pokemon fell.
The Pikachu raced across the mountain ground. They didn't notice they dashed past a Pokemon, a Sandshrew to reach the treasure. "Got it!" Voltaru used two forepaws to hoist the box into Hatchet's satchel. Then the mouse noticed the other Pokemon. "Oh sorry, shoot," They apologized.
On the cold stone, the sandy mouse stirred. "You, who are you-?" the Sandshrew questioned. Voltaru's long ears shifted down to take in the soft voice.
"A Rescue Team? Or an outlaw?" They gently asked, their eyes barely open. A dry feeling enveloped the whole room.
The Pikachu tilted their head at the question, peering down at the Sandshrew. "A Rescue Team, we aren't here to cause trouble," Voltaru calmly responded.
"Ah okay, take care, don't stay any longer,"
"Yes, I'm just collecting this item, and we'll be out of here,"
"I'm going back to sleep now, goodbye,"
"Oh, well farewell then Sandshrew,"
"Farewell traveler,"
The Pikachu walked back to the other side of the room, peering into an offbeat road and finding it was a dead-end. See! It wasn't that hard to treat these guys with respect, even if they talked or didn't. They thought.
Fwee!
Hmm? The mouse twitched their ears and turned to the noise. It was towards Voltaru's right. Oh, he must be over there. Then the Pikachu had to travel out of the room until they heard a different sound. A muffled cry that became clearer as they ventured down a broken path.
"Hey! Voltaru," Hatchet called and beckoned with his claw when he saw the mouse from a corner.
"Huh," The Pikachu finally saw him down a small corridor.
The stairs were beside a small brook that led far off. "We finally made it out of Spring Mountain Underpass, so now we are near the city limits of Bristberg!" The Tusk Dragon cheered as they entered the light.
Spring Mountain Underpass Top F 3
"Wow the air tastes so good around here and it's a pleasant day, it's not hot or cold," marveled Voltaru, wagging their long tail. The Sun's rays shone brightly on the pairs' scales and fur respectively while a faint breeze passed by them.
The Axew walked behind the Pikachu as they explored the peak of the Mystery Dungeon. "Yea, we still have to go through a few more floors to get into Bristberg," Hatchet stated.
"Oh, the town gates are right outside? Didn't realize this was a different part of the Dungeon," the mouse Pokemon tilted their head in wonder. they stared at the stone ground. Strangely it too was littered with all sorts of gravel.
They walked down a pathway and then turned down the hall to a much longer stretch. This led to a room where there was a Minccino and a Bagon, who immediately began chasing after the two Keepers.
Hatchet decided to deal with the Bagon when he opened his maw and fired out a Dragon Pulse. The extra powerful attack caught the Rock Head Pokemon off guard but didn't finish her.
"I'll show you!" she cried. With frustration, the Bagon blasted back a Dragon Rage, a dark blue ball of dragon fury in fire form. Which couldn't do any more damage to the Axew than any other Pokemon.
"You stupid feral, you've made a big mistake," Hatchet launched another Dragon Pulse. This fainted the enemy instantly. "Know your place," He growled.
Whilst this happened the Minccino caught up to Voltaru and launched a barrage of attacks. A Double Slap to the forehead, to the left shoulder, and then an extra painful hit to a hind leg. Fed up with the pain and the smug expression on the other Pokemon, the Pikachu countered back.
"I'm a Pokemon too ya know!" The mouse yelled before they threw their body forward at a breakneck speed. This Quick Attack wasn't enough to deter the enemy, however. "What?! You want some more?" Voltaru raged.
The Minccino got down on four legs and let out a deafening Growl. It only further boosted their aggression. The feral Pokemon leaped forward again. Another torrent of Double Slaps battered against Voltaru. But this time, they blocked the full brunt of each hit with their arms and tail.
Once the last move thwacked against their side the Pikachu opened their arms. A ball of electric energy grew onto their tail. Quickly the mouse channeled an electric current into their paws.
"Take this!" They shot out a crackling ThunderBolt at the feral, which instantly caused them to faint. "aNd StAy down!" Voltaru's voice crack squeaked in triumph.
"Nice! It's annoying to fight in so many battles," The Axew beckoned with his claws. With the Pikachu following, he ran down the mountain and checked in every room for the stairs. "I know we've been at this for a long while but we ought to not waste time Voltaru!"
"Yeah, okay! Found the stairs, I can see it over this river, we have to go around the other side!" They replied.
"Ah okay, I'm gonna go pick up that poke and seed lying on the ground," Hatchet stated.
After some more run-ins with ferals, the Axew and the Pikachu made it completely out of the Mystery Dungeon.
Spring Mountain Underpass Top F 4-5
Outside there was a brown chest that appeared to be in the shape of a Kecleon Head. The yellow mouse stared at it for a moment. Pikachu then sat down to catch their breath.
Voltaru sat on the dirt next to their Tusk Dragon companion. The mouse picked away rocks that were lodged in their paw pads before brushing their ruffled fur.
Meanwhile, Hatchet diligently organized the items in his satchel. Once he was finished he rubbed his tusks and rose off the ground. "Well, now we have to just go down this slope. Apparently next we just follow the end of this river," he spoke up "Hopefully, it's not on the other side of this gate,"
The Axew stared up at the large settlement and pointed at the skyline. "The only problem is, I don't know what side of Bristberg we are on,"
"This gate says we are on the south side of the city," piped in Voltaru, looking at a board with a large drawn-out compass of cardinal directions. Good thing the bottom direction was circled, instead of being it just saying something like 'South Bristberg' on the sign. Thought the Pikachu. I think I have to learn to read again, ugh.
"Oh great, thanks, Voltaru!" Hatchet began rummaging through his bag. "I know you are tired but we still have to be ready for the League introduction." He opened up the satchel and held out a quick dosage of caffeine for them.
"Are they going to give me a test or something?" Asked the Pikachu.
"Probably. Say, how 'bout I give you this Energy Seed?" the Axew offered to his partner.
"An Energy Seed, what would this do? Would it heal me again or something?" the mouse questioned.
"Not only healing," Hatchet excitedly held the seed in the air. "It'll make you feel like you can take on the world!"
"Woo, gonna knock 'em out of the park!" The Pikachu jeered "Sure. I'll take it," they crushed the seed in their jaws, careful to chew the thick shell entirely.
Beyond the Bristberg City sign, there was a set of dull teal mountains, these encircled the entire settlement at variations of height. On every side except the south, there was a grassy Riverland that was bordering the vast chunks of earth.
Voltaru kept at the pace of their partner, sheepishly glancing at all the buildings, establishments, and lodgings, the two Pokemon passed. With a map of the city in his claw, Hatchet was able to find the right way.
The Pokemon they walked past did not say much to them because they were young adults with an exploration bag. In this town. The citizens knew it is common for all sorts of travelers and explorers to come in and there are Pokemon ready to deal with any troublemakers.
Soon they were on a bridge that was high above a quaint river, the wind gently rolling across the dark blue water. The Pikachu shook their fur and nodded to themselves as they approached a great gate with the Axew. There was no doubt about it, this was the Mana Research League of Bristberg.
Hatchet was surprised that he and Voltaru made it to the League so quickly. It only took the pair a couple of hours to get here. The Tusk Dragon understood if they didn't go through the Spring Mountain Underpass it would have taken almost half a day. When I first met Kobi she probably would have insisted we don't go in a Mystery Dungeon. I'm glad this Pikachu was cooperative and kinda reliant on my guidance. He thought.
The massive gate had two fairly large radar disks attached to the top pole on each side, pointed in opposite directions. Beyond the iron bar fence, there was a courtyard that was a wide cobblestone path that led directly to the front entrance.
"Don't worry, someone will come to tend to us soon, Voltaru," the Axew decided to comfort his companion. Hatchet did not want to see them embarrassing him and themselves.
The courtyard had two small rooms, with a porthole and a latch door. This is where two dog Pokemon, a Lilipup, and a Snubull came out and approached the Keepers from the other side of the gate.
"Good day travelers and welcome to the Bristberg League," the Snubull barked cheerfully, her tail wagging. "We have Hatchet Axew and Kobi Espurr…. But no Pikachu are among the current list of expected Pokemon,"
"Do I have to leave?"
"Not yet, since one of you is here it's okay," Started the Lillipup, his narrow eyes glancing over at the Pikachu next to me. "Is your name Hatchet, Axew? If not-"
"Why yes, I'm Hatchet Axew, Kobi Espurr is unfortunately busy out of town securing and confirming something important," the Tusk Dragon confirmed the dog Pokemons' statement.
Voltaru folded their ears down while the puppy Pokemon began to sniff at them through the bars.
"Ah, I see, to do that you must have come here with any other Keeper, using this Pikachu as a replacement for the Espurr," the Snubull understood, putting a forepaw on the Lilipup.
"I'm guessing that you are just like my Father so you must be one of the new Keepers. Is this correct?"
"Yes," the mouse answered. "I am, well, rather I was a stray Keeper."
"I see. Can you tell us your name so we can call an examiner?" The Lilipup, nudging the Fairy Pokemon with his head. "I believe their team may be a good match for you two. Well right now anyway."
Once questioned the Pikachu tilted their head and then responded with their new name. "I'm Voltaru Pikachu, and uh before any questions I would like to be referred to as 'they'."
"Ah okay, that's cool. We've got no problems with that." Lillipup tried to ease tensions. "Anything I'm missing before the exam?"
"No, you did well," Hatchet stated. "Well how do ya feel Voltaru?"
The Pikachu peered at their companion, then back at the Pokemon behind the fence. "I'm not really sure."
"If it makes you feel any better one of the Pokemon who will administer your test is also non-binary," replied the pink fairy type, before she stepped back.
"Oh!" Voltaru smiled, "That's interesting, I can't wait to meet everyone."
"That's great to hear!" The Snubbull beamed. "By the way I'm Anabelle and this is my older brother Bernard,"
The puppy Pokemon shook his forepaw before getting up off the ground. "Good luck on the test Voltaru," the Lilipup began to trot away.
"They won't need luck, I can already tell they've got it, Bernie!" Anabelle wagged her tail and ran about.
"Thanks, Bernard, thanks, Anabelle!" the Pikachu grinned nervously.
The two young dogs walked away from the fence and into the League Building. Then the gate opened and everyone was allowed to walk into the courtyard. Alone for the time being Hatchet and Voltaru waited on the stone for a couple of minutes. The Pikachu mumbled something to themselves while Hatchet filed his tusks. He could tell the longer they waited, the more nervous the former stray got. Which was natural. I'd be freaking out too right about now. The Axew thought.
"Don't worry they won't make the test super hard or crazy long, it'll be okay," Hatchet tried to ease the Pikachu's nerves.
"Yeah but, I don't remember so many things, I can't pass a written exam!" They angrily replied, their ears pricking back up.
"It probably isn't gonna be a written exam, this is a League, not a University."
"Ah well, that makes me feel a lot better since I'm strong. This should be a piece of cake!"
"That's the spirit, get ready cause here they come!"
There was a loud set of machinery whirring, multiple titanium doors slamming open at the front door then out came a lanky Charmander and a stocky Treecko. Both were wearing matching scarves that had the same badge on them.
Hatchet smiled once he recognized the Treecko. One of his siblings moved to Bristberg six years ago. The Wood Gecko pointed to the Pikachu beside him before setting his eyes on the Axew. His whole face lit up for a second but then he gave the Tusk Dragon a smirk. Trying to play it cool eh? I didn't know he worked at this League on a Rescue Team. the Axew thought.
"Howdy folks and welcome to the League," the Treecko gently introduced himself with a wave. "I'm Linus, the leader of Team Sharp Claw," his brother and his companion just nervously glanced up.
"Now let's get to business," Linus used the baritone in his voice to focus their attention. "Pikachu, yur named Voltaru, correct?"
"Oh uh, yes Linus, er uh, Treecko," Voltaru stammered in surprise.
"Are ya willing to go through a special fast track exam?" The grass-type folded his arms. "We are kinda pressed for time cause we didn't expect someone like you."
"Well I am a stray from the wilds," The Pikachu explained, their long ears folding back. "I haven't been to a school around these parts or anything,"
"Hmm, a-are you a good fighter?" Nevada chimed in. "We'd rather Hatchet bring another capable Keeper, not someone we have to spend training."
"Umm, I'm not really sure about that.," Voltaru murmured, their ears folded. "Sorry,"
The Axew in question widened his eyes, "Hey, don't say that bud," he felt bad. "You fought well against those ferals, but ya need some work,"
"I can see that you seem to not be sure about many things, Voltaru. We'll help change that attitude," the Wood Gecko adjusted the bandana on his head. "Once you join the League, regardless of if you pass or fail."
"Wha?" stammered the mouse Pokemon, their tail twitched in confusion as they attempted to process every word.
"This exam will be a test of endurance and resistance," the Charmander hastily explained, "if you don't like it I don't know- then what to do!"
Voltaru stared back at the "Hmm, I'm thinking. Let's see-"
The lizard's tail flame quivered, "w-would you rather go on set of explorations in a Mystery Dungeon or- "
"Nah, I'll just take whatever the fast track exam is," the Pikachu responded.
"Okay then," the Treecko turned to his fellow examiner, "ya know what we need to do Nevada." Hatchet's brother finished, crossing his arms.
"Yep," the Charmander shook their head and approached Voltaru. "I am Nevada and I will administer the Entrance Exam with Linus today, s-sorry in advance."
"No need to be sorry Nevada," Voltaru assured. "Wait, Linus is doing something too? Can I back out?"
The Treecko stepped forward and furrowed his brow. "No, ya can't just wuss out now bud," he crossed his arms as his brown eyes darted back.
"Really? Well, I guess I should keep my word, well, this promise. I have to start small." The mouse lamented.
Hatchet looked up. "Yeah, hehe, that's the spirit Voltaru!" the Tusk Dragon said before he gave a thumbs up.
Nevada cleared their throat and sighed. "Y-you were warned, it would be treacherous," the lizard's eyes switched to a more serious glint.
"Step back over here Hatchet, we don't need you getting hurt," Linus beckoned forward with his hand. The tusk Pokemon gave his Pikachu companion a worried glance. Begrudgingly he stepped far into the soft plush grass of the lawn.
"What? Why would I need to?" Hatchet gruffly shot out, turning to the side. His brother just stared at him blankly. "Is something gonna happen?" The Axew sensed an enormous amount of power about to be released from the lizard Pokemon and fear crept into his mind.
"Now!" The Wood Gecko commanded.
"Got it!" Nevada replied and stared directly at Voltaru. "Alright," They told the Pikachu.
Silence overcame the two as they stood still...Then without warning the Charmander opened their maw and sprayed out a Heat Wave. The orange fire and flames scorched Voltaru instantly.
The fire-type stopped spewing the attack after a few seconds and grimaced back. They held their chest in exhaustion and their tail lowered. "Oh, no I hope that wasn't too much… Oh," the lizard slunk down.
As they dropped to the ground the Pikachu cried in agony. "Ahh, shit!" Parts of their previously soft, plush, yellow fur tinged in the flames.
"Hrag," the mouse took in a sharp breath. "Step 1 hurts way more than I expected."
This Stray, I promised them everything would be okay; here they are getting blasted with such strong moves. They are in real pain, these are powerful Pokemon, from respected lines. Hatchet thought
Then they stand up and shake their whole body, and amidst the attack. Voltaru's teal eyes brimmed bright with determination. "Damn this is how fire-type moves feel," they coughed out, steeling themselves further. "So this is a bit of their pain! N-now I see!"
"Going on about others' pain-" Linus simply bent down after he noticed the mouse still standing. "What are you? Some sort of monster?"
"Yea, maybe, I dunno," the Pikachu laughed before they coughed. "Nah, probably not."
Monster... No, no I didn't bring a monster to the League! Hatchet's eyes trembled with a mix of emotions. "Y-you can't-" The Axew relapses into despair once his brother smirks.
"You should know," the only indication that a move was used was only a green blur. A sphere sliced in the air towards the Pikachu. "The only Pokemon that survive in these League are the monsters, Hatchet," Hatchet could have sworn he heard the Treecko say.
"But-" at the remark, the Axew panicked and fell backward. "No, Kobi," He whispered to himself.
"Let's see how you handle this, you monster!" Linus taunted, just before his palm connected with the mouse's chest. He had launched Energy Ball from point-blank accuracy,
"Haa!" Voltaru cried in pain and doubled forward from the blast. They clamp their eyes shut when they are pushed slightly back. When their Axew partner fell, the mouse looked down in horror as there was a splatter of blood.
The Pikachu was torn up by the Wood Gecko's attack powerful waves and fell to the ground. "Urgh… I'm no monster," they groan as they sustained damage. "S-step 2." Then they are silent.
Linus waited for a moment then he looked over at them got on his knees in front of Voltaru. Nevada walked closer to the Pikachu and watched their every move. The examiners stood beside the mouse and concentrated.
"Hey look," the tall lizard noticed the slanted tail sink to the ground. Voltaru began to speed up their heart rate. Their ears twitched and the Pikachu sighed. In those brief moments, the move's aftereffect subsided.
Voltaru, the former stray, was still conscious. Their teal eyes stared directly at the two proctors as they lay dazed. "What now?"
"Aye, they are still up," Linus marveled, "Voltaru handled our moves well!" He looked back over to his brother. The Treecko touched Hatchet's shoulder, he did not respond.
"Ah good job, you didn't faint!" The Charmander congratulated. "I'll call over Anabelle and Bernard soon to heal you."
"Oh that's great," Voltaru sat upright. "Awah, that was scary. Wait, is it over?"
"Yep," Linus smiled brightly, "when we said it was going to be fast, this is what we meant."
"You're stronger than you thought you were," sheepishly reminded Nevada. Then they looked at their Treecko teammate and nodded. "We hereby declare that Voltaru has passed."
The mouse pumped a fist in the air. "Yes!" Then they held their chest. "I did it, Hatchet! Thanks for believing in me!"
"Buddy, look! This crazy Pikachu passed the exam!" Linus shook his brother's shoulder again. "Hatchet?" The Axew's normally white sclera went pitch black and his pupils dilated. "Nevada!" The Treecko stood back. "Go get the Coordinator!"
"Okay!" Without skipping a beat the Charmander sprinted back inside the building. "Coordinator Cooper!" They cried out. This left Voltaru and Linus alone with the distraught Axew. The two traded questions and tried to ease the situation.
These Pokemon… they hurt my friend! In Hatchet's maw, a pool of teal energy brewed violently. These bastards! The muscular Tusk Dragon's claws sharpened. Voltaru isn't a Monster! They were tinged purple with a bright poison. The Axew's body was filled with orange energy and then his thoughts whirl into a storm. I felt like I was bound by a Steelix like I was paralyzed by an Arbok's Glare, it hurts. My world spins violently till something forces its way out of my body. Then the anger shuts down.
"You need not be angry, my dear Axew," a fierce voice commanded Hatchet to relax. All the moves forming on Hatchet's body settled down and he dropped onto his knees. When the Tusk Dragon's colors returned to normal, tears filled his eyes. "That's right, good job, I know it was hard little Keeper,"