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 8, a Keeper shall not disturb other Pokemon who assist in repairing the world's balance, especially Pokemon who work for a League, Rescue Team, Guild, Enforcers Squad, or an Expedition Society.
In a cluttered and darkroom, a set of grey blinds were opened. Then they were adjusted some more. Finding the lighting optimal, a Pokemon reclined forward in a chair to carefully open up a letter.
My Dearest Coordinator Granbull
We have managed to reunite with Spyla and Wally. The Skorupi and the Shieldon had a run-in with some higher-ups in Wicked Blow. A Krokorok and a Turtunator demanded to know where the nearest Mana Temple with elemental lock and keys were, but our Pokemon held them off in a draw.
However, we have not found Diamond and Chad yet. The two Keepers were in the Scarlet Cliffs Mystery Dungeon, and they looked for any sign of a Mana Temple. My Rescue Team, the Blue Heroes searched high and low but we have not seen the Wartortle nor the Pikachu at all. We had no idea of their possible whereabouts until we saw a large pile of debris on the cliff. There were some startling blood stains along the floor but no Pokemon remains to be found.
Team Blue Heroes will have to continue our search outside of the Mystery Dungeon, perhaps even outside of Red Rock City. I am personally requesting reinforcements from some good friends of yours. These Pokemon are Guildmaster Gallade and Guildmaster Dragonite from the Strike True Guild, in the City Hazeville on the Nebula Continent. Team Aegisdrip is willing to allow some of the Guildmasters' explorers to come and provide assistance.
I am sending this letter from the Redrock Mana Research League, under the care of Chief Centiskorch, it is a marvelous place. We will see you in about a week, take care now.
From Salamence, Captain of Team Blue Heroes.
A few minutes prior-
After receiving the order to get the Coordinator, Nevada ran down through the main hallway of the Bristberg Mana Research League. I have to hurry! They thought, quickly glancing behind them. They went past the watch room, the dining room, the kitchen, and the first set of stairs, but the Charmander still hadn't reached the office yet. Come on, I've got a long way to get to him!
The Lizard felt troubled that they had to use such a strong attack on someone that was just trying to become a member of the League. Nevada's calves began to ache from how hard they were running. And then Linus had used all his might on the Pikachu too, but he encouraged Voltaru to joke about being a monster. Whatever this combination of events did, it left them with some issues.
"Mon, if we didn't have to do the fast track exam then this wouldn't have happened," the lizard groaned, passing by the first floor bedrooms and bathroom. "Why in the world did Hatchet get so upset all of a sudden?" Nevada said aloud as they hurried up their desperate pace.
Voltaru had managed to survive the Charmander's Heat Wave, and then the Treecko's Energy Ball. This resilience confirmed the Pikachu was tough enough to join Team Sharp Claw on their next couple of missions.
The real problem was whatever was going on with Hatchet.
That Axew wasn't just some strange Pokemon who arrived in the League. Hatchet was the travel companion of Voltaru, and Linus's brother too. He was a Keeper, one who was dealing with something. His trauma, his terrible past, his inner guilt, and turmoil. Nevada knew this Keeper wasn't alright. But no one here knew about that
Normal Axew didn't do that just because something unexpected happened did they? Wondered Nevada as they finally made it to their destination.
The Lizard banged on the Coordinator's office door. "Sir Cooper!" They loudly called out. In the room, a chair crashed into some boxes.
"Y-yes, Nevada?" A deep flustered voice answered, more objects clattering on the floor. "I was working with some new techniques for mana tools, gimme a second." the Granbull added.
"A Keeper is acting violently strange, and another Keeper has sustained wounds from the Exam!" Nevada stepped back.
"Acting strangely?"
"Yes, one is,"
"What is these Keepers' relationship?"
"I guess they traveled here together, that's all I know at the moment,"
"Possibly a dream mark connection, what is the specific Pokemon who is upset?" The Coordinator questioned.
"An Axew,"
"Maybe they didn't remember there was going to be an Exam or a chance for the other Keeper to get hurt," He moved some objects, their weight slamming onto the floor. "Thankfully I've been working on a device especially for this. Unlocked Pseudo-Legendary dragon-type lines, like this Axew or anyone else,"
"R-really now? I-I I wOn't tell anyone else!" the lizard craked "If if-ii if you don't want me to," Nevada widened their icy blue eyes and held their tail.
"No, it's fine, when I'm ready I'll completely reveal it. The Committee was wise to ask me to start on this. Now you can tell anyone you want, just understand it may cause me a bit more problems."
Nevada took in a breath, "Pweh, alright," they sighed.
"Oh wait!" Coordinator Cooper suddenly exclaimed. "The Axew, they're on List A correct?"
"Yes, the Axew was requested to join us, the other Pokemon is a replacement for someone else on List A," The lizard's tail flame spiked, wavering. "The replacement is hurt by the way," They add
"You and Linus finished the Exam pretty quickly," The Charmander heard their Coordinator clearer, the door opening. The Granbull towered above them and gently closed his door. "Alright, I'll call over the kids to heal the replacement Pokemon," he held up a serrated sword that had jagged edges in the shape of a key with a long trigger.
Nevada nodded, "Understood," they said, dashing back down the hallways of the League, back towards the courtyard.
"Anabelle! Bernard!" Coordinator Cooper softly barked, walking into a laboratory. His children padded up to the door, each carrying a bottle. "Alright let's go help out one of our Rescue Teams." the Granbull explained.
Linus stood back when Coordinator Cooper, Anabelle, and Bernard arrived on the scene with Nevada. Voltaru, who was beside him, looked over at him in confusion. "What's going on now?" the Pikachu questioned.
The Treecko patted Voltaru on their back, trying to calm them. "Sir Cooper has come to stop Hatchet" He explained to the Pikachu. "His kids are also here, you've met them haven't you?"
"Yea, why are they here too?"
"They are here to heal you,"
"But should the Coordinator fix Hatchet first? They shouldn't get close yet,"
"Right!" Linus nodded. "Sir!" He requested.
The Coordinator first channeled his presence into the weapon, next the Granbull lifted the blade as he closed his eyes. Then he used his fairy energy and the instruments tuning to negate the extra mana from the Axew's 'draconic fury'. The sword had an aura of hot pink flames coming off the edges, starting from the hilt.
Hatchet's so-called draconic fury was causing his body to try to use all his moves at once. If this happened it would hurt everyone, including himself. I'm gonna tell everyone it was draconic fury, but it may be that he was unlocked. I need more proof before I decide to investigate further. Sir Cooper thought as his blade stopped glowing and he released the trigger. When he was free from his crazed state Hatchet shook his head, then his body went back to normal. Tired and low on energy the Axew fell on the floor, gasping with ragged breaths.
Meanwhile, Bernard and Annebelle carried over two parts of an organic healing solution; Oran Berry, Heal Seeds, Energy Seed, and Sitrus Berry all blended in two jars. They only approached the Rescue Team members when given the okay. The Lilipup and the Snubull placed the bottles at Nevada's claws. The Charmander went to work mixing them to rejuvenate Voltaru.
"You had a close call there Voltaru, I'm glad you didn't faint." Nevada tried to laugh, taking both jars of the drink that would soothe their wounds. "A-also I'm sorry that I hurt you, i-if you are mad or something you can take it out on me."
Voltaru shook their head and waved their arms at the Charmander, refusing such an offer. The Pikachu smiled weakly, giving a thumbs up. "It was your job so I'm not that mad Nevada," Voltaru then turned to Hatchet, who was across from Nevada's shoulder. "So what happened to you earlier?" the mouse asked him.
Instead of answering, the Axew grabbed Nevada's tail. Aaaaaah He has my tail! Why!? The lizard's face darkened in shock, eyes widening. The Charmander thrashed their tail to get it from his claw, nearly dropping one of the bottles. "D-do you mind?" The Lizard managed to squeak out.
"Woah, Hatchet what are you doing to them?" hurriedly questioned the Pikachu, moving to stand in between the Axew and the Charmander. "I passed the Exam, everything is okay," They explained.
The Axew opened his mouth to say something but no words came out. Hatchet's crimson eyes were empty, void of light. Then Coordinator Cooper and Voltaru felt his Keeper presence drastically morph from a bright flavor to a dull rough taste.
Linus saw the distressed look on the Keepers' faces and shoved his brother. "Ah, c'mon bud," the Treecko groaned in defeat as Hatchet didn't react. "You're the one who did something weird again," The Wood Gecko decided to let go and distanced himself, gesturing for the Coordinator's pups to go back inside.
Anabelle and Bernard were still wary of Hatchet and held their ground. Noticing this, their Father patted their heads. "I've got this, come here Hatchet," he commanded and the younger Keeper followed his order immediately. Then the Granbull closed his eyes slowly. He gently sliced an 'X-shaped cross on the Axew's lower back.
Hatchet opened his eyes and then whispered something to Sir Cooper. The Granbull nodded his head and walked away, his paws leaving pink traces on the stone. Now that I marked him I can monitor his mana levels. Now I hope his friend doesn't act up because we haven't made one for electric or any other negated types. The Coordinator thought.
Then Hatchet slowly walked over to the other Pokemon and then silently stood behind Linus. Then he took out a wooden cylinder and placed it into his mouth, before rolling it against his tusks.
Regardless of all that, Nevada finished getting the healing drink ready and poured it down Voltaru's throat. Like magic, the Pikachu's wounds healed instantly. "O-oh thank goodness, you had me worried," the Charmander held a claw to their scarf and badge.
"Look, I'm all better now," Voltaru waved. "Sure it was quite a shock but I'm glad this thing is over with," They lamented, opening their dimmed teal eyes. The Pikachu sighed, sitting up. "But that shit hurts like a mother fucker, you two sure are strong," They coughed, flinching.
"Why thank you, I'm glad I was to your liking, Lil monster," Linus, snarked. "Oh uh sorry, guess I shouldn't say that anymore," the Wood Gecko punched himself in the arm.
"Nah, it's fine, I don't care," Voltaru walked over to Nevada and grabbed the Charmander's claw. "I'm glad you were worried about me, despite that attack you did," The Pikachu explained.
In response to the compliment, the Charmander dimmed their eyes and tail flame before they looked down. "I-I had to be powerful enough to -" Nevada tried to murmur. "Nevermind. Thanks, Voltaru," The Lizard corrected themselves with a sigh.
Suddenly Hatchet then grabbed the Pikachu into an embrace. He buried his maw into Voltaru's chest. They were surprised, nervous, and flustered but weren't strong enough to pry the heavy Axew off.
Nevada avoided Hatchet's glance when they stood. I feel sick to my stomach. The awkward, tense pressure is too much. The Charmander thought, walking away.
"Oh uh, sorry Voltaru," Hatchet blushed lightly before he let go. His new teammate looked down, laughing nervously. Then they frowned and stepped away.
Voltaru's ears tilted as their slanted tail rubbed the ground. "Again it's fine, I'm just getting used to - '' the Pikachu cut themselves off. "Why did you change your presence? What happened to make you upset like that?" they fervently pressed on the Axew.
"I was kinda pissed at how these guys were treating you," Hatchet lamented. "Like a poor little lost stray or something," the Tusk Dragon added.
"What? They didn't do that!" The Pikachu stood upright. "You're the only one who thinks that."
Linus folded his arms. "Listen bud, why didn't you say anything?" The Treecko pointed to Voltaru. "They never complained, don't just assume because they are a stray they are helpless!"
"But you guys treated Voltaru like they were in your way instead of someone who could help you," the Axew shot back. "Voltaru what do you think, since you are the stray and all?"
"Well they didn't know how strong I was, it's kinda fair," The Pikachu answered, tilting their ears. Then they narrowed their eyes, "Why'd you freak out so damn hard?!"
"Uh, Something inside me got angry you got beat up that hard," Hatchet explained further. "Plus you were called a Monster!" He struck his brother with a closed fist.
Linus raised his hands defensively. "Well, I didn't know that infuriates you, rather why!" He put.
"Linus, you are the one who called them a Monster-" Hatchet tried to say.
"Shut it! No one besides you cares about being a Monster! It was me who was hit with those moves! You didn't even get hurt, not one bit!" Voltaru yelled, electricity sparking off their cheeks.
The Axew beside the two frowned, wagging his tail. "The word reminded me of trauma that happened in the past," Hatchet sighed. "It's strange but something I can't quite remember happened to me, it caused lots of problems."
"Whatever the flare-up in your presence was, I noticed it," Voltaru closed their eyes and suddenly growled. "I know the others besides the Coordinator didn't but keep it together okay!?" The Pikachu felt their fury rise with the disturbance in the balance. An awful pressure in the air made the mouse even more upset.
"Well, I-" the Axew tried to think of an answer but was cut off.
"You almost hurt everyone, also don't think of me or even treat me like some little lost stray either!" Voltaru stated firmly, growing even more frustrated.
"But you were a lost stray-" the Tusk Dragon was cut off.
"I'm not one anymore! You got it!?" the mouse yelled back.
Hatchet looked down in surprise. "I'm sorry, I'll do my best to not bother you or the other Keepers like that." he tried to offer.
"Whatever. Can we come inside?" The Pikachu questioned, rubbing their forepaws.
"Yes, now ya can come inside, and get a view of our facilities," The Treecko rubbed at his neck, helping the mouse Pokemon up. "Then y'all can meet the rest of the League Members." Then he grabbed their paw and led them towards the front chamber doors. "Voltaru, Hatchet, you just met earlier today right?" Linus asked.
The Pikachu looked over at Hatchet, and then back at Linus. They tilted their head, pulling their paw away. "Yes. We did," Voltaru murmured, twitching their nose for a moment.
"I should tell y'all tha story of how I found Voltaru," Hatchet laughed, adjusting his satchel. Then the Axew snickered. "You seem to recall what happened back in the Mystery Dungeon, don't ya bud."
Voltaru flushed lightly. "No, we shouldn't talk about that at all!" The Pikachu demanded, cringing in shame.
"Oh, why not?" Linus questioned.
"It's because I wasn't in the right mind after I woke up, I said and did some things," Voltaru decided to beat around the bush.
"Things?"
"Yes, things."
"Alrighty then,"
"Yep."
"Ya did some things."
"What a funny little stray," Hatchet thought to himself before waving his claw. "Nah, maybe t'morrow."
Linus pressed against the wall to have his badge detected and the numerous doors opened. "Well, Hatchet prolly didn't get a chance to tell you about his family," He started.
"His family? What about them?" asked Voltaru, stepping in through the entrance walkway. "We had to hurry through Spring Mountain Underpass after…. We... We first met." The Pikachu looked down, in regret.
"I'm one of his brothers," Linus grinned as he smacked the Axew on the back. "He stayed at home building with our family, he didn't want to be a city boy!"
"Wait, I thought only eggs could be what the Mother's species is, don't you mean step-brother?" Voltaru asked, just as the group made it to the first staircase and walked forward.
"Nope, our Father is a Sceptile," Linus said, leading them out the stairs and down another long hallway.
"Uh… that tall cool Pokemon, what about your dad specifically?" The Pikachu tried to air out a good question.
"This means that there is a chance for his spawn to be Treecko, no matter who his partner is," Hatchet replied, slightly winded from the blow his brother gave him.
"And a city boy?" Pondered Voltaru again.
The Treecko waved his hand. "Yea, he was so attached to the values of our village, but I hated that place," Linus explained.
The Pikachu behind him nodded. "Interesting, I guess Bristberg is a city. But-" They were about to start another round of questions again.
"Enough," Linus stated. "We need to get a move on," he glanced at a photo along the wall and hurried his pace.
Soon after traveling through a hallway on the second story of the Bristberg Mana League, Voltaru and Hatchet sat down at a table. They were in a room with a large rectangle window, numerous bookcases along the back, and left walls.
The Pikachu and the Axew stared at some posters, maps, and boards on a right wall before staring out a window. A river violently crashed outside, beautiful shades of blue flowing away.
After a short while, the Coordinator opened the door and someone new entered. "I am Chief Mcbone," spoke the Pokemon confidently, startling Voltaru and Hatchet. They turned to see who it was and were amazed. The Pokemon was a Stoutland with a long striped scarf that harnessed her body, a platinum badge hanging from her neck.
Chief Mcbone's eyes were fierce, before sitting down in front of her new League members. "Good day Voltaru, Hatchet, I'm pleased to formally announce you are members of the Bristberg Mana League," The Stoutland barked. "You will join the Sharp Claw Rescue Team with Linus, Nevada, and Glade. When time is right you both will have that Espurr and hopefully another Pokemon or two from List A on your team," Mcbone woofed, turning to the Granbull sitting beside her.
Coordinator Cooper handed the two younger Pokemon their blue, green, and grey striped scarves and bronze badges. He pulled out a bag bigger than Hatchet's satchel. "I will explain the items I just passed out and your first mission," the Granbull paused. "But before that, all of your teammates need to come here!"
Quickly the Charmander and the Treecko from before entered the room. "C-come on Glade we don't have all day," Cried Nevada. "Ugh, what do you want me to do this time?" They groaned.
The Wood Gecko narrowed his eyes and clenched his fist. "Let me do it, bud," Linus walked over to the door, pushing it wide open. "Get'cher ass in here you stupid gator!" He shouted as his Lizard companion fidgeted. "Yur lucky our Chief and Coordinator haven't got the heart ta smack ya!"
"You of all Pokemon know why I took my time, Linus!" A Totodile reluctantly dragged her claws into the room. She closed the door, shuddering when her eyes caught a glimpse of the Pikachu.
"Ah, you are Glade," Voltaru was a bit excited to see a new Pokemon. "You're a Totodile." They confirmed their memory.
"Yeah, and you're a Pikachu," Glade scoffed, walking towards Linus and Nevada.
"Wait," the Pikachu backpaddled. "I didn't mean it in a wrong way," they tried to explain.
"Well, I did! You might be a Keeper but you are still an electric-type dipshit." the Big Jaw Pokemon spat.
"Oh goodness," Chief Mcbone sighed, crossing her forepaws. "Air out all your grievances right now Glade, Linus watch her." She warned.
"You guys know I hate those bastards, all of them!" The Totodile snarked, crossing her arms. "After what they did...their whole type is filled with malice, they're no good."
Voltaru folded their ears and stared at Glade, their cheeks glowing. "I just met you and you start saying I'm a dipshit bastard?!
"You wouldn't understand what I've been through punk," Glade snapped back.
"Okay, right back at ya. I'm new here buddy, read the room," the Pikachu growled back.
"The hell did you say you little-"
To cut her off the Coordinator growled. He then grabbed a dry-erase marker. The Granbull started writing some information on a board and drew a picture. The large strokes resembled four Pokemon. Sir Cooper looked back at everyone in the room with a smile.
"My mate passed out a Bristberg League scarf and a Rescue Team Bronze Badge, you are to wear these at all times to officially be a member," the Granbull explained.
"Do you understand?" The Stoutland in front of the Pikachu and Axew barked before she placed her left paw on her neck."See I have a higher rank than you all because of my years of service and experience, wear it with pride, little Keepers."
Hatchet and Voltaru noticed the stainless metal finish of her badge and then looked at Coordinator Cooper, who seemed like he was beaming with pride. "I have a matching badge as well, kids," Then the two recruits gazed at his badge.
"Remember she gave you a command." glared at the Treecko who stood against a wall. Linus lowered his tail as his bosses waited patiently.
"Yes, Ma'am!" Hatchet and Voltaru said at the same time.
"Oh, well, in a League, you address all your supervisors by Sir," Mcbone stated.
Linus' quick-tempered teammate gnashed her teeth. "It seems like you two don't know how to respond," Glade said in a low voice. "Dumbasses."
"What was that Glade?" Asked the Chief, feigning ignorance to give her subordinate a chance to redeem herself.
"Nothing, Chief Mcbone Sir,"
"Thank you. After some aptitude move testing and training under my supervision, you two will head out on your first Rescue Team mission with Sharp Claw." The Granbull circled the black text as the younger Keepers looked back at their new Team.
Chief Mcbone licked her chops as her long tail wagged slowly. "You will be traveling to Midori Forest Mystery Dungeon and city," the Stoutland then shook her upper body. "As for what you are doing I'll let your teammates tell you," she stated.
Nevada's eyes widened when Linus patted their back with a hardy slap. "Go on Nevada, Hatchet and Voltaru want you to speak up and make them feel comfortable." He put firmly, a smirk on his round face.
"Huh? What do ya mean, 'make them feel comfortable' bruh?" asked the Axew was puzzled.
"You know, how you and Voltaru need to try to act like a Keeper around us," explained Linus.
Hatchet nodded. "Got it," he said.
"Wait, how do I act like a Keeper around you all?" Voltaru asked, folding their ears. "Is there something special I have to constantly be making sure I don't do or whatever?"
Everyone except Hatchet stared at the Pikachu. "You don't know? What are you, a baby hatchling? " Glade shot out.
"A baby hatchling, what? Is it wrong I don't know!" Growled back the Pikachu, their ears folding down in frustration.
"I can't believe someone who is a Keeper doesn't even know their responsibility!" Groaned Glade, which earned her a shove from the Treecko. "Keeper's Promises from the Sentinels code!"
"Ya know, Voltaru, Glade has a point," Hatchet started. "This is our responsibility."
"Damn, I just asked a question. I only just became a Keeper and all this," Voltaru put. "This is such a hassle," the Pikachu groaned.
"You think because you were a stray that means you can get away with this? I don't trust you!" Glade roared furiously, flexing her muscles. "Hatchet you should have told them!"
Hatchet clenched his fist and glared at the Totodile while his companion looked down. "Could you stop it, we had a rough start okay," The Axew requested.
The Totodile calmed down slightly, leaning forward. "Well, in a League all members are required to be aware and familiar with all of the Code," Glade turned to the Axew beside Voltaru. "Since you sounded so sure earlier, name all of them for us."
"Cut it out Glade!" Linus shot. Then he looked at Hatchet and Voltaru. "She's out of line but she is correct, you are a Keeper we are supposed to have our trust in, that you'll keep the promises," the Treecko folded his arms angrily.
The Axew nervously glanced away. "Number 1, a Keeper shall do everything in their power to protect the balance of the world's mana," he paused.
"Number 2, a Keeper shall not kill another Pokemon who hasn't attempted to disrupt the world's balance by spilling blood or any other treacherous crimes," he paused again.
"Number 3, a Keeper should follow over the actions of other Keepers, especially ones more powerful than them," Hatchet paused for the last time and fiddled with his claws.
"Really? That's all you remember?" Asked Linus, a blank expression on his face.
His brother looked to the left and right. "Uh- Well the village we lived at didn't have another Keeper who wasn't busy and-" the Axew was interrupted.
"Quit your complaining, I'll list the rest for you. Well, can I?" Glade asked for permission.
"Sure, go ahead and give all of us a refresher since you sounded so sure earlier," Chief Mcbone allowed.
The Totodile soon took in a deep breath and began to read out her memorized list of the Keeper's Promise. It took her many minutes but she finally made it to Number 12 out of 18 before she was cut off.
"Nicely done," Coordinator Cooper barked, "You can stop now please, we don't have much time," the Granbull sighed.
"Hmmph, I bet those so-called Keepers' couldn't dream of being this competent," Glade smirked and crossed her arms. She then pointed to the Axew and Pikachu. "Could Pokemon be as annoying and as detestable as you even try? Now that would be a sight to see!"
"Hey! If ya insult Voltaru or Hatchet like that again I'll blast you. And I mean it bitch," Linus raised his tails, poking the Totodile. "I'm fucking tired of hearing you run that stupid jaw of yours anyway."
Glade flinched with every jab and grimaced. "You don't even know this Pikachu, let alone ever bothered to mention Hatchet often," she grabbed his hand, pulling the Treecko closer. "You only care about them because it benefits you."
He hasn't? Thought the Axew.
"My brother and this Pikachu are nice folks who just joined our League to help us," the Treecko narrowed his brown eyes, breaking away. "Don't be such a hardass, they didn't do anything ta ya,"
Deciding to ignore the others, the Pikachu glanced at everyone. Voltaru closed their eyes and soon tasted the strawberry energy of Coordinator Cooper's presence. Then the mouse was able to taste a faint bit of another Pokemon's mana, one like mountain air.
Nevada knew they had to get going. "Hey uh, Glade why don't-"
"Nope!" The Totodile interjected fiercely, crossing her arms.
"Wh- why?" asked the Charmander.
"I don't wanna say anything," Glade explained.
"Y-yeah but-" the lizard tried to say.
"So, I'm not gonna do it," the Big Jaw Pokemon fumed. Chief Mcbone and Coordinator Cooper then stared at her. "Well, maybe later, not right now, anyway," She let her sharp teeth bask in the air, grinning.
"Wah?" Nevada was flustered, placing their palm to their face. "Okay, so in Midori Mori Forest Mystery Dungeon," They started. "We have to assist four Pokemon that are going to join our League,"
"Oh, wow, we get to save some Pokemon?" Marveled Hatchet. "Sounds exciting, doing a rescue."
"Yep," replied his brother. Then the Wood Gecko folded his arms. "Just not too exciting, don't want any problems."
"Isn't that kinda a big task for new members?" Asked Voltaru, their tail dipping. "I think we should leave this to someone more capable," the Pikachu felt like adding.
"It shouldn't be," stated Linus. "You belong to Team Sharp Claw right now, we are capable," he explained.
"Wait, they are going to join our League but need to be rescued from that Mystery Dungeon?" Voltaru inquired,
"Isn't that Midori Forest a relatively normal Dungeon for Pokemon our age," Hatchet asked."I'm a bit worried, did they walk into a couple of Monster Houses or something?" questioned the Axew, running a claw on his head. "Those Arceus-damn ferals must be overpowering those poor little Pokemon. All ferals in Midori Mori shall pay!"
"Woah, settle down, Pokemon shouldn't just blindly enter any Mystery Dungeon because they want to ya know!" Linus tried to stop his brother from going any further
"W-well they are on List B, the list of Pokemon that want or rather need to join as trainees," Nevada answered. "They seem to be younger than us. Around 5 to 3 years younger than our age for some of us. Considering we all aren't the same age and all."
"Ah, so there are two lists for joining," realized Voltaru. "But you guys said you didn't want more folks to help raise and train, so it must be small."
"Yes, their Guild is in good relations with us, but they still have to take an Exam. We can't just let Pokemon who were apprentices with no merit skip it, " replied the Charmander, their tail flame fluctuating. "Regarding the ready list, Hatchet and Kobi was uh, near the top of List A besides this one Pokemon," Nevada finished.
The Pikachu tilted their ears. "Wow, even more pressure," they groaned.
"Voltaru that doesn't matter, as a member of our Sharp Claw Rescue Team you will help us find them," Linus stated
"Who?" asked Hatchet.
"Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble, and Meowth; clients on various floors of Midori Mori Forest Mystery Dungeon."
"Then we take them back home after some business," The Totodile adjusted her cape ends. "We have to look at the time like right now we have to go help with dinner. See ya,"
The Treecko crossed his arms, at the Totodile across the room. Glade tossed her snout to the side, opening the door. "You two are new so you don't have to help today. Just watch and learn." Linus sighed, walking out.
Nevada rubbed their claws together, " I hope everyone enjoys it. Especially Astesia and CJ, I really want those two to like food this time, I'll use enough seasonings for sure!" the Charmander said excitedly, following their teammates
After getting out of the chair Hatchet put on his League scarf. He worked very hard to gain enough battle and journey experience to get to this moment so he wasn't going to neglect his recognition. The bronze badge clanked nicely in his claws, and he couldn't help but smile.
"You should put on your scarf and badge too, Voltaru," the Axew smiled. "Actually, I'll need your help," Hatchet admitted.
"Kay," Voltaru opened up both of the scarves, cradling one in their elbow while tying another.
"Oh, and could you put the bow facing forward for me while you're at it?" The Axew requested while the Pikachu beside him had the longer portion of the fabric hang out in front of them. Soon Voltaru did it the opposite way for Hatchet. "We are now part of Team Sharp Claw of the Bristberg Mana League."
"Yea, but we still have a ways to go," the Pikachu lamented. "We haven't even met every League Member yet."
In the afternoon, on the other side of the Continent far in the outskirts of Red Rock City, a small group of Pokemon headed southeast towards a desert. This desert Gemstone Valley Supercluster region. It was covered with blue-magenta sand and had numerous Oasis Mystery Dungeons. These gem-colored Mystery Dungeons hold entryways to the Tapu Valley, the domain of Tapu Koko.
The Pokemon was Team Blue Heroes and part of Team Aegisdrip of the Bristberg Mana Research League. Out in the Canyon area, a sand storm shattered tiny debris all around, making it nearly impossible to fly.
"It's so frustrating, where could they be?" Lamented the Team Leader. He was the Salamence who wore a saddle with two Pokemon on his back. "Did Diamond and Chad get captured or trapped somewhere else?" The Dragon questioned, folding his wings.
"I'm not quite sure Silas," the Comfey spoke up beside him. She was being carried by the Riolu, so as not to be blown away. "I spotted a village in the distance, maybe Pokemon living there will know."
"Lady Aerith, in this weather I can't sense any other Pokemon aura unless they are-" the Riolu shut her maw and held tight the Fey Pokemon when a powerful gust pelted the League Rescue Teams with clumps of sand and rock.
Once it passed the sky seemed to get darker, signaling the approach of nightfall. "Fred, do you have any ideas on how to bypass this?" The Riolu asked Fred, who hopped beside her.
"No Libra, even if one of us had any weather moves or abilities it won't work outside a Mystery Dungeon," the Froakie shielded his eyes, glancing up to Silas's saddle. "Wally and Spyla are resting under those Weather Capes we bought, I hope they are alright in this storm," the Bubble Frog worried. Then the group continued towards silhouettes of a settlement.
"Ok, we'll be making our way into the little village perhaps, Libra and Fred could go and ask around while we find somewhere for us to stay," the Comfey floated up towards the previously sleeping Skorupi and Shieldon. "Spyla?"
The Scorpion Pokemon rustled underneath the cover of the item, poking her head out. "Ugh, yes, Lady Aerith?" Spyla asked.
"I need you to hold me when we go into this village," Aerith requested as Silas walked through the village gate.
"Okay, I'll try not to pinch you," the Skorupi yawned before grabbing the Comfey with her tail. Delicately the Posy Picker Pokemon was held tight, Spyla's pincers gripping her tiny green body. When the wind blew, her flowers tickled the Scorpion's head.
The name of the village the Pokemon came to was Mohz Dunes. Wally and Spyla had to get off the Salamence's back and travel on the ground due to the small size of the corridors and walkways.
The Pokemon started with a random house and the surrounding houses. The Emanation Pokemon knocked on a door just as across a street her companion did so.
"Excuse, I know it's late, but have you seen any Pokemon wearing these scarfs?" Libra held her scarf to the Numel who opened the door. The Numb Pokemon stared at the fabric.
"Oh yea, Master Zeraora was looking for Pokemon who wear this pattern," they said nonchalantly.
"What!?" Panicked the Shieldon who was beside Libra. "Master Zeraora, the legendary who writes the Monthly Sentinels report!?" Wally could barely contain his excitement.
"Yep," the Numel responded calmly.
"You better not be pulling our leg," the Riolu barked as she stepped back. "We are serious, we can't find our League Members!"
The Numb Pokemon glanced down at the two foreigners. "I wouldn't do any of that sort," they stepped out their doorway. "If you really want to know, go to the motel and knock on room 4."
Fine with the information Wally nudged Libra. "Come, let's go get the others," the Shieldon requested. He then turned back to the Numel. "Thank you so much."
"You are thanking me?" They asked Wally.
The Riolu beside him bowed her head. "Yes, truly, thank you," she stated. Then the all League Members rendezvous back together. Libra and Wally explained the situation to the others and they understood their only chance for information was now.
Soon they stood in front of room 4, one of the luxury rooms meant for taller and bigger Pokemon at the inn of Mohz Dunes. "I'll do it for Silas," Fred approached the tall door and lifted his webbed hand.
"Go ahead," the Salamence allowed. Then the Froakie gently knocked on the door.
There was no noise besides the door when it slowly opened. All of the small Pokemon stood still in awe, fright, and anxiety as the Legendary appeared in the door frame. Master Zeraora sniffed the air, and their long tail swished before they studied the group's position. The Froakie and the Riolu stood in front of their injured companions and the Comfey while Salmance stood beside them all, straining his neck around a wall.
Master Zeraora took in a breath as they glanced at everyone's accessories, recognizing the Thunderclap Pokemon quickly stepped back inside the room and held up the shredded fabric of the Bristberg League scarf, bending down to get eye level. The Legendary beckoned forward, watching the Rescue Team slowly walk inside. Then the door was shut and locked. Tight.