Chapter 4

The Comfort of Home

"...And so that's what Electric-types are all about! Fast, fleet-footed, quick - just like lightning itself!" Tamara proudly finished, an eager grin on her face.

"...Okay, I see...So that's what Electric-types are mostly like. ...Remind me: how many types did you say there were again?" Arian asked.

"About eighteen. ...Well, eighteen discovered types at the least. We have a list of them back at home for you to remember," Elvira told him.

"This is all so fascinating…" the Riolu commented. "All different kinds of Pokémon, classified by all these different types...It feels complicated. But an enjoyable kind of complicated. Not like a maths equation that's impossible to answer."

"Oh, you're talking my language!" Tamara replied. "I hate maths soooooo much! And it's useless, anyway! Why should I have to know about algebra and matrices? What use are they gonna be in adult life?"

"Exactly!" Arian agreed. "Early maths is important, I concede. But eventually it reaches a point where you just wonder, 'Why? What's the point?' Maybe if you're going into super specialist jobs, perhaps. But not for most people. It's just endless hours of stress over nothing."

"You don't like maths, Arian?" Elvira queried.

"No. ...Not the complicated stuff," Arian replied. "I am quite good with the more basic stuff, though. Mental arithmetic, for instance."

"Hmm...interesting," murmured the Treecko, before pressing on with their trek back to her house.

The journey out of the Mystery Dungeon had been one to inform the resident amnesiac of their group. As they were leaving the grove, Arian feared having to go through the Mystery Dungeon again, but Elvira informed him that once at the grove, one could simply walk out of the woods as if the dungeon did not exist. However, to get back to the grove, one had to traverse through the Mystery Dungeon again. It was lucky they were wholly finished with Verdant Woods for now: Tamara had been found, she had reclaimed her locket, and they had gathered berries to replenish the food stocks in Elvira's house.

Then Arian resumed his inquiry about types to Elvira. Tamara, who was aware of his amnesia, was all too happy to help explain the classifications of Pokémon to him. After some explanation, the Riolu felt he had a better grasp of the topic.

As that conversation closed, the three exited the woods, and made their way back to the road. Mostly, Elvira and Tamara talked amongst themselves, leaving Arian to observe his surroundings. The green fields, the plethora of trees, the bright blue sea - all of it, he gazed at with wonderment. The view was enhanced greatly by the sun beginning to set, casting the scenery in an alluring orange glow.

This is beautiful, he thought to himself. Nice, rustic, unspoilt...Selenia's a nice country, alright.

"Whatcha thinking about, Arian?" Tamara asked, snapping the Riolu out of his senses.

"Oh! Um...just taking in all of this scenery," Arian answered. "It's beautiful here…"

"...You think? Here's a bit par for the course, really," the Pachirisu remarked. "I mean, it is beautiful, but...there's better. This isn't really anything to write home about in my book. ...Maybe it's because I've lived in it all my life. If I was from a desert land like Alba, I'd probably call this bewitching."

"Hmm...Well, look at it this way, Arian," Elvira brought up. "If this amazes you...then just wait till you see what else Ardalion has to offer. We'll see amazing sights together once we're mercenaries. We'll see all of those amazing places that Dad told me about when I was growing up."

"Ooh...not gonna lie, I'm a bit jealous," Tamara commented. "It sounds like a grand old adventure."

"...It does, doesn't it? I can't wait," Arian replied. "If Ardalion is as beautiful as you say, then I'm stoked to see the rest of it."

"And we will," Elvira promised. "...But let's focus on the goal ahead of us: getting home. Not far now."

It wasn't long at all before the trio found themselves at the crossroads where Elvira's house was located. They made their way up the hill to the front door, where just outside, Flora and Zenobia lay on the grass, taking in the sunset. They turned their heads to look at the trio, expressions brightening immediately upon the sight of them.

"There you are!" Flora exclaimed. "I was really beginning to get worried...What took you so long?"

"Sorry about that," apologised Elvira. "We had to scour every floor of the place to look for Tamara, and it turned out she was in the grove at the end. That's why we took a while. Plus, there were also some ruffians from the Thorned Roses there, and we had a bit of a skirmish with them."

"Oh dear! Are you hurt, Elvira? Arian?" Zenobia fretted.

"A few cuts and bruises," admitted Arian. "But nothing a few oran berries can't patch up. We're fine, really."

"I also got more berries for us," Elvira said, holding up the sack she had been carrying. "I'll make a berry stew tonight with some of them, and the rest of them we can stockpile."

"Ah, good. Our pantry was beginning to run low," Zenobia said. "This will save you having to venture into Verdant Woods for the next while."

"It will. Good thing Tamara had a bag with her, otherwise I couldn't have done it," Elvira replied.

"That was a stroke of luck, wasn't it?" Tamara said. "I guess it is true that you never know where good luck's gonna come from. Or as my granny used to say, 'You're better off looking at it than looking for it.'"

"What does that mean, Tamara?" asked Arian, a bit puzzled.

"Oh, it's something my granny used to say all the time," the Pachirisu replied. "It basically means that you're better off with something you might not need than leaving it behind. Like that bag. I could've left it at home, but I decided to bring it with me just in case. And what do you know? It turns out that bringing that bag worked out for all of us!"

"It did, indeed. I'll just go leave it inside first," Elvira said. "It's, er, quite heavy." Without waiting for a response, she went inside.

"And she's off," Tamara said. "Always keeping herself busy...Does she rest? Is that why she hasn't come out to visit us in a while?"

"Pretty much," Flora answered. "She's been looking after her mom since she broke her leg."

"...I wish she wouldn't forgo her friends for my sake," Zenobia said, her tone a bit mournful. "But she's been stubborn on that front. ...I suppose I can't blame her. After losing her father, she wouldn't want to forsake her mother's health either. But at the same time, I don't wish to be an anchor to her life. If only this blasted leg could heal sooner…" She gazed annoyedly at the cast on her leg.

"Hmm...I wonder…" Arian murmured thoughtfully. "...What if Elvira had someone to look after her mom for her? She mightn't have as much on her plate then."

Right as Arian said this, the Treecko herself reappeared on the scene.

"What's this?" she asked. "What's that you're saying, Arian?"

"...Arian was merely bringing up the idea of someone else looking after me so you don't overburden yourself," Zenobia answered.

"Oh no." Elvira shook her head. "I'm fine, really. I'm perfectly capable of handling Mom myself."

"...Maybe so," the Heliolisk acknowledged. "But Elvira...you shouldn't forsake your social life for my sake. While you were gone, Flora told me that you hadn't called into her or Tamara once in the past few weeks. It's because you busied yourself looking after me, weren't you?"

"..." Elvira didn't reply, but the guilt on her face told everyone her true feelings.

"You worry too much, Elvira," Flora replied. "Your mom doesn't need to be watched twenty-four seven. She needs help the odd time, but not every waking hour. And that's made her worry about you."

"...Really?" Elvira looked over at her mother. "Mom...is this true?"

"...Yes, Elvira, it's true," Zenobia answered. "I have worried that this want to stick close to me has acted as an anchor to your aspirations. I understand that it's because after losing your father, you don't want to lose me either. But at the same time...I don't want to hold you back. I want you to find happiness in whatever path you walk in life. Please, I insist - once this leg heals up, do not worry about me. Your happiness is more important to me."

"...Have you really been feeling this way, Mom?" Elvira murmured guiltily. "All this time…"

"...I'm thankful for you looking after me while my leg has been out of action," the Heliolisk continued. "You've done a brilliant job, Elvira. ...Maybe a little too well, however. You've certainly inherited your mother's overbearing attitude," she added, with a slight chuckle at the end.

"Your mom has a point, though," Tamara said. "Don't get me wrong; it's good you're looking after her. But…maybe you shouldn't hinder yourself for her, like she said. Especially when you've got these big plans with Arian, don't you?" She gave the Treecko a wink.

"What's this, now?" Zenobia queried.

"Well...Mom…" Elvira decided to take a deep breath and let it be known to the world. They'd discussed this in the grove, and she remembered what she had promised to Arian and Tamara. I will not let my fears hold me back any longer.

"...I've made a decision. I'm going to form a mercenary team with Arian."

Both Flora and Zenobia's eyes widened in shock at the news.

"A mercenary team?!" the former reacted. "Elvira, you...you're actually…"

"Yes, I am, Flora," Elvira said. "I've let my dad's disappearance and my doubts stall me for too long. But I won't let them shackle me any more. I'll take the first step, with Arian to help me."

"I'll be behind you every step of the way," the Riolu promised. "I'll be the best mercenary partner you can hope to have."

"A team...with him…" Flora looked warily at Arian. "Um, Elvira...I hate to be 'that' person, but...are you sure about forming a team with Arian?"

"...I am," the Treecko answered. "...Why? Is there a problem?"

"Well...a few things," the Petilil replied. "Like...is it true you're really a human?" she posed to Arian.

"Wait, what? H-How do you know that?" the Riolu said, taken aback. "I didn't tell that to you, Flora...did I?"

"I told her while you were gone," Zenobia confessed. "She was brimming with curiosity as to just who you were, Arian."

"I was. ...And...not gonna lie, some of the stuff you said sounds a bit ridiculous," Flora admitted. "Like, being a human once? Washing up on the shore just here? Losing your memories? I mean, no offence, but it doesn't exactly sound like the most believable story."

"...It's the truth," Arian replied, sighing inwardly in acceptance that his tale did sound a tad far-fetched. "I promise I'm not lying to you. Please...it's the absolute truth," he pleaded.

His eyes begged her to believe. But Flora still wore a skeptical look on her face, not entirely sure whether to trust the amnesiac or not.

"...Come on, Flora. Why not trust him?" Tamara encouraged. "He helped Ellie all the way through the Mystery Dungeon to help save me, and fought alongside her really well against those thugs. Yeah, his story's a bit patchy. But so what? What if it is real? If it is, then we shouldn't push Arian away. Imagine being in his shoes: all alone in a world where you know no one and no one knows you. Imagine being separated from your loved ones with no idea who they are or where they live. ...Someone like that needs help, Flora. Would you really leave someone in need like that by the wayside?"

"...I...N-No, I wouldn't," agreed the Petilil. "And you did save Tamara and help Elvira, Arian. ...But if you have amnesia, then why are you going and forming a mercenary team with Elvira? Shouldn't you find a medic or someone like that to help you regain your memories?"

"Amnesia isn't so simple a thing to resolve," Zenobia responded. "There's only so much a doctor or medic can do regarding amnesia. If it's not injury-related, then there's little they can do beyond that. ...But I must say, Arian...your case is most unusual. Normally, amnesia is caused by some form of brain damage, but...I'm not sure you have anything of the kind. When we found you, we saw no signs of trauma to the head. In that case, what caused your amnesia in the first place?"

"...I'm not sure," Arian replied. "...That's another mystery to chalk up about me, I guess. One I'll hopefully find out once I get going as a mercenary."

"...Yeah, that's another thing," Flora brought up. "I thought you couldn't - "

"There's nothing that says we can't still help people as mercenaries once did," Elvira interrupted, knowing what the Petilil would say next. "Dad started out his career as a mercenary helping people without being registered officially as one. Isn't that right, Mom?" She turned to her mother for that fact.

"...Indeed," Zenobia acknowledged. "Your father did just that. He was keen to help those around him, and helped them where they needed. His chivalry caught the attention of a passing group of mercenaries, who recommended he officially register. He did so, and with that, his tenure as the great mercenary began. ...I see no reason why you couldn't do the same. Being unable to register does not make you unable to aid others, as far as I can see."

"...Thanks, Mom. Good to know I have your backing," Elvira said gratefully.

"You're all too welcome, Elvira," the electric lizard returned. "...Setting up a mercenary team at last...It's an achievement worth celebrating. And there are few greater ways to celebrate than with a meal."

"...Of course. I'll get started on dinner right away." Elvira turned for the door, before remembering something at the entrance. "Arian, would you be willing to help me?"

"Yes, please," the Riolu answered happily. "I'd be glad to help." He followed the Treecko back into the house.

"...Elvira and Arian are getting on well," Flora commented. "...Maybe they will make good teammates, and I was being skeptical for nothing."

"I'm telling you, they work really well together," Tamara insisted. "Hmm...How long do you bet, Flora?"

"Bet? Bet what?"

"How long do you bet it'll be before Ellie falls for him?" the Pachirisu said.

"...Really? You really think Arian's gonna be a boyfriend to Elvira?" Flora questioned. "It's a bit early to be saying stuff like that, Tam. Elvira only just met him yesterday."

"I know. ...But the gears of love could be turning already in those two. Love works in mysterious ways," Tamara excused. "Doesn't it, Zenobia?" She turned to the Heliolisk.

"...It does, indeed," Zenobia agreed. "...I do think, however, that it is premature at this point to say that Arian and Elvira will become enamoured with one another at some point. It may be that way. But it's too soon to say for sure. It could also happen that Elvira will end up with another man, and Arian another woman."

"...You think so?" Tamara asked, failing to hide the disappointment in her voice.

"...All I'm saying is that it's not a guarantee at this point," the Heliolisk replied. "But who knows? It could happen, those two becoming a couple. If Elvira ends up happy with Arian...then I would support them to my fullest." She picked up her crutches, and managed to get herself to a standing position. "Would you two be willing to join us for dinner?"

"Of course!" agreed Tamara. "I'm famished after all that Mystery Dungeon exploring that I did today. I'd love a good hearty meal. ...What about you, Flora?"

"...I might as well, while I'm here," Flora decided. "Since you're offering a meal to me, I'll take you up on it."

"Splendid. I'll tell Elvira," Zenobia said, making her way into the house. "But please come inside. The breeze is becoming rather chilly." She made her way inside, followed closely by Flora and Tamara, who saw the Heliolisk's point, and went inside the house where shelter was to be had.


"...I think I'm noticing a pattern with your tastes in berries, Arian," Elvira said to Arian, as the two were preparing the berry stew. As they were doing so, the Treecko decided to cut a small portion off each variety of berry for her soon-to-be mercenary partner to sample. Of the six varieties she had chosen, Arian took quite a liking to the cheri, pecha and oran berries, found the chesto and rawst berries alright, and took a dislike to the aspear berries.

"Do you?" Arian queried.

"Yes. It might only be a hunch, but I think you tend to like the spicy and sweet berries and dislike the sour and bitter ones," Elvira surmised. "So you like spicy and sweet flavours...That's one more thing to write up about you."

"...I see. Well, that's good and all, but...let's not get distracted from making the stew." Arian's attention turned back to the pot, where their stew was bubbling nicely. "It wouldn't be good if it burned, especially after your mom wanted this to be a celebratory dinner."

"A celebratory dinner...No pressure there, then," Elvira remarked with slight sarcasm.

"Come on, Elvira. I don't think Zenobia asked for a fancy meal. This berry stew should do just fine," Arian replied, as he continued to stir the mixture.

"...Actually, that's pretty much ready," Elvira assessed, upon looking into the pot. "I'll just taste some to be sure." She took a nearby spoon, and brought the hot mixture to her lips. "...Mmm...it's nice. And definitely ready to eat. You go call the others, while I serve up here."

"Will do," Arian obliged, and left the kitchen to inform the other three of dinner being ready.

Once he'd left, Elvira couldn't help but relay the last series of events in her head. Do we make a good team? she thought to herself. Arian's dependable, and listens well. That's what you need in a partner. ...Yes. I think I made a good choice there. She allowed herself a smile at this inward victory as she laid out plates of berry stew for everyone.

"...Oh, this smells great!" Tamara chirped, as she came into the kitchen behind Arian, and in front of Flora and Zenobia.

"Indeed, it does," Zenobia agreed. "Elvira's cooking has been rather delicious over the past few weeks. I doubt this will be any different." She took her place at the table, along with the other four Pokémon in the room.

Immediately, Tamara picked up her spoon and took in a mouthful of stew.

"Mmm mmm mmm," she murmured. "This is tasty! Nice job, Ellie! And Arian, too," she added, making sure not to leave out the Riolu.

"It's nothing special," Elvira downplayed. "It's just a regular berry stew with what I picked in the grove in Verdant Woods. Not exactly what you'd prepare for a celebratory meal, to be honest…"

"Nonsense," dismissed Zenobia. "A celebratory meal doesn't have to be fancy. If anything, the fact that you and Arian made this stew together means more to me than any champagne or wine. Teamwork made this meal. And teamwork is the most important part of any mercenary duo. That's a fact my husband can attest to, along with his own mercenary partner." She sampled some of the stew herself. "Mmm...yes, that is quite nice."

"Hm? Elvira's dad had a partner?" Arian asked.

"Oh, did I not mention that?" Zenobia realised. "...I'm sorry I forgot to mention that. But yes, he did have a partner. Kallias worked with a Swampert that went by the name of Melchior. The two of them were the greatest of companions, and were rivalled by few others when it came to their teamworking prowess."

"They were amazing," Elvira continued, the shine in her eyes returning. "My dad and Melchior were two of the greatest mercenaries that Ardalion has ever seen. There are probably very few people who don't know who they are. They're that famous. They're also one of the only mercenary teams that have ever reached Grandmaster Rank, which is the greatest achievement a mercenary can ever hope to have. We still have the honours in the cellar, don't we, Mom?"

"We do. Your father was a humble man, but there were times he was willing to make an exception for an extravagant occasion," Zenobia replied. "Achieving Grandmaster Rank was one of those times. Few things rivalled the pride in his eyes when he received it. To think it's been nearly eight years already...time does fly by."

"...Grandmaster Rank?" Arian queried.

"...It's the system used in the guilds to measure the prowess of a mercenary," Elvira explained. "There are a number of distinct ranks, beginning at Normal and going as high as Grandmaster. Only a few have ever got as high as Grandmaster, though. You'd have to do something super exceptional to have even half a chance at achieving it."

"I see…So what about us? I presume we'd start at Normal Rank, would we?" guessed Arian.

"We would. Normal Rank is the lowest rank, and it's the bottom of the barrel, really, in terms of jobs. They're low-paying and fairly mundane. If you're looking for the excitement and adventure that being a mercenary's rumoured to be at all, then you probably won't find it in Normal Rank. But if we do enough jobs and work hard, then we'll be promoted to Bronze Rank. And from there, as we go higher up, we can expect more exciting and high-paying jobs, like outlaw catching and rescuing high-profile figures."

"...Okay, I get it. So if we want to make good money, we have to climb up the ranks?"

"That's exactly it. Though...I wouldn't want to be like one of those mercs that carries out their tasks purely for money and nothing else. I want to be a mercenary that helps people first, and looks for a living second," Elvira divulged.

"That's perfectly noble. And I feel the same way," agreed Arian. "Helping people matters far more than any payments. You could even say their gratitude is payment enough," he added.

"Maybe so," replied Flora. "But face it, guys, you can't exactly use that as a model. Otherwise you'll be flat broke and won't be able to afford anything."

"We know that much, Flora," Elvira said. "We're not saying money doesn't matter. Merely that aiding those in need is why we're doing this, not for the money. But of course we'll accept money, in order to make a living."

"People wouldn't fuss too much about giving payment," Tamara inputted. "They'd be grateful for any kind of help, especially in times like these. What with that brute Hinnerk ruling the roost in Ozerograd, things haven't been easy for us in town. The townsfolk would all be grateful if someone began wearing down the Thorned Roses at last."

"...There's that name again," Arian pointed out. "The Thorned Roses...who are they? I remember you said those two rogues we fought were a part of them, Elvira."

"I did say that," Elvira recalled. "...The Thorned Roses are the name of a gang. When Mitrofan rose to power in Selenia, it didn't take long for him to establish his control across the country. An ally of his, Hinnerk, took over Ozerograd - that's the town nearest to us, and quite a major town in Selenia - and now rules the area with an iron fist. He created this gang known as the Thorned Roses, who effectively help him to keep his power in check."

"They're a bunch of bullies, that's what!" Tamara voiced angrily. "They charge us sky-high rents in the town, far greater than the previous lord used to charge. But worse than that, there are regular cases of intimidation from them to us as we go about our daily business. I can testify to that, and I bet you all can too."

"...One of them checked me out one day," Flora said, her lip curled in revulsion. "...Disgusting. You couldn't pay me to go out with one of them."

"The merchants don't like them about either, and as a result, many don't come to town anymore like they used to," Elvira added sadly. "There are a few persistent ones, thankfully, and they're a lifeline to us. If not for them, some of us would not have access to basic commodities. And a number of luxuries would be out of reach, too."

"...They sound like a right nuisance, alright," remarked Arian. "Just like the kind of fiends that deserve a sound thrashing."

"We'll need to be careful, though, Arian," Elvira warned, having a feeling about where the human was going with this. "We're only rookies. We shouldn't do anything that would provoke them to seek us out. We're only two, and the Thorned Roses are a whole gang. We'd be massively outnumbered if they ever cornered us."

"...I see," replied the Riolu, realising his partner had a point.

"...You know, about that," Tamara interjected. "I've seen the Thorned Roses about our town, and...the other day, I couldn't help but notice something. I've noticed the same members on the streets around town every day, and it makes me wonder...how many members do they really have? Are the Thorned Roses truly as strong as they claim they are?"

"...That's...a good point, actually," Flora realised. "Could it be that behind all that intimidation is just a load of hot air?"

"That could be their weakness," Arian added, a hint of encouragement in his voice. "We could exploit that to our advantage, maybe!"

"Maybe," Elvira agreed. "But strength doesn't always come in numbers. We should never assume weakness because of low numbers. On their own, the members might well prove to be a handful, especially when you consider that we're still rookies. Those two rogues we fought today were most likely rank-and-file members of the Thorned Roses. We might be able to handle those, but I wouldn't fancy my chances against the likes of Hinnerk and those just below him."

"So...maybe not targeting them directly," Arian backtracked. "But...that doesn't mean we shouldn't help the townsfolk. Like Tamara said, they would appreciate any kind of help right now."

"Agreed," seconded Elvira. "Helping the people comes first for any mercenary. ...Of course, ousting the Thorned Roses would do a lot for them. But for us at least...it's a distant dream. Don't get me wrong; I want those brutes out of town as much as anyone. ...But we must know our limits in what we can accomplish. We're only beginners in this, after all."

"...Mmmm...I get your point," accepted the Riolu defeatedly. "...If only we could do more…"

"...If only we could," murmured the Treecko in disappointed agreement.

"...Hey, come on, you two," Tamara encouraged, seeing their downcast expressions. "Don't get down in the dumps. You're gonna become a mercenary team tomorrow. That's not the kind of expression to wear. You should be all happy and excited. Like the kind of excited where you can't catch a wink of sleep. Don't let the Thorned Roses get you down. Us townsfolk are stronger than you think. We've tolerated them for a good five years now. We can resist those brutes for a good while longer. Someday, their end will come. Don't allow them to stomp on your dreams."

"...Of course," Elvira said. "I said before I wouldn't let fears get in the way of my dreams. And the Thorned Roses won't bar my path either. I will become a mercenary and follow in my dad's footsteps!"

"I won't let fear overcome me either," pledged Arian, similarly to his now uplifted partner. "I'll help Elvira see her dream through. No intimidation from some gang is gonna stop me!"

"There, that's the spirit!" Tamara approved. "Just keep your chin up, and nothing will stop you both."

"Tamara is correct," Zenobia stated. "Do not let oppression from outside persuade you to leave your dreams unexplored. You have great potential within you, Elvira, and a partner willing to help you. You will succeed. I'm confident of it."

Elvira didn't reply immediately. Around the table were four faces looking at her encouragingly, who all supported her choice to become a mercenary. At that moment, a thought struck her, and she saw fit to voice her thanks to them.

"...Thanks, everyone," Elvira began. "It's all thanks to you, and especially to Tamara and Arian, that I'm about to finally become a mercenary. I was stuck in uncertainty before this, unsure of what I wanted to do with my life, and grounded by my fears. ...But after the events of today, and all of what you've encouraged me, you've helped me take the first step to becoming a mercenary at last. ...Truly, thank you, everyone."

"Oh, it's no problem, Ellie," Tamara brushed off. "That's what friends are for, aren't they?"

"And it's what family is for as well," Zenobia added. "I always thought that all you needed was a push. It would appear I was right."

"You were, Mom," Elvira replied. "Arian gave me that push by offering me to be his mercenary partner. ...I couldn't say no to that. So, really, the biggest thanks goes to him, I think."

"...You don't need to thank me too much," Arian said. "But I appreciate your gratitude. I guess...the debt I owe you has been repaid. You know, for saving me."

"...I suppose it is," Elvira noted. "...Thanks again, Arian, for giving me that push I needed."

"...You're welcome. ...Here's to great teamwork between us as mercenaries for the foreseeable future." Arian stretched out his paw to his partner, willing her to take her hand in his.

"Agreed. Here's to a bright future for us as a team," Elvira said, before shaking her partner's paw.

The handshake was a strong, confident one; one where both sides found the other to be trustworthy, one where no hint of deception could be seen at all, and one that, for Elvira at least, brought on a great sense of relief and satisfaction. After years of hesitancy, she was ready to move on and make the first step her dad always wanted her to make.

Zenobia felt this as well to a certain extent, as she watched her daughter shake hands with her partner. She had struggled to get Elvira out of her five-year long slump after Kallias had disappeared. That, she admitted to herself, was a failure on her part. But at least now that had passed, and Elvira had now found something to proceed in her life with, that path being the one her father had desired for her. Hopefully she'll be happy, the Heliolisk hoped. It'll be a tough job starting out, but...I hope to Arceus that it will work out.

"...Are we all finished?" Elvira suddenly asked, changing the subject back to dinner. Looking around at the table, everyone's bowl had been just about licked clean, and the pot was similarly running on empty. "...Okay. I'll clean up here."

"No, you shouldn't clean up!" Tamara protested. "This is your night of celebration! You shouldn't have to clean up after yourself tonight! Flora and I'll do it for you. You just sit back and relax, Ellie."

"Relax? But…" Elvira tried to counter.

"Let them do it, Elvira," Zenobia said. "You've worked hard over the past few weeks, looking after me and my broken leg and preparing all of the dinners in this house. You deserve a break from it all. Tamara is quite right; tonight is a night where you should not have to worry about chores. You, who has finally made her decision. ...I'm proud of you, Elvira, for dispelling your fears. So please, accept your friends' decision. They only want to help."

"...Okay, then," accepted Elvira. "Just put the plates in that cupboard, and the pot over there," she directed.

"Gotcha, Ellie," Tamara acknowledged, before she and Flora began clearing up the table.

Meanwhile, Arian walked over to the window.

"It's getting pretty dark out there," he noted, and indeed it was; the evening sun had mostly set, and it was now twilight. Night was soon to follow.

"Oh, it is," Flora remarked, taking her eyes away from cleaning the bowls for a second to confirm Arian's statement. "...That'll make getting home all the more difficult. What I wouldn't give to have night vision like a Poochyena or something…"

"...Hmm...you two should stay over for the night, in that case," Zenobia proposed. "Nighttime is a perilous time to be travelling, especially in times like these. It would be much safer if you spent the night here and returned in the morning."

"...Yeah, that'd be better," Tamara considered. "We'll take you up on that offer, if you don't mind."

"Not at all. It's no trouble," Zenobia brushed off. "There are spare bedrolls under the bed in the guest room. ...Could one of you fetch them?" she asked Elvira and Arian.

"I'll do it," Arian obliged. "In the guest room…" With this in mind, he went off to fetch them.

"Actually, another thing, if you don't mind," Tamara asked. "Could we sleep in Ellie's room?"

"Of course," Elvira accepted. "Arian, could you - "

"I heard that, don't worry," the Riolu called from down the hallway. "I'll bring them to your room." He continued down the hallway, turning into the guest room.

"...Hey, Mom?" Elvira said.

"Yes, dear?"

"...I never thought about it until now, but...I'm very lucky." She scooched closer to her mother. "I'm lucky to be surrounded by so many helpful people. Flora, Tamara, Arian, you...you've all helped me so much today. I really don't deserve all this…"

"Hush, Elvira." Zenobia pulled her only child into a hug. "Don't think thoughts like that. Just promise me one thing. Promise me that when you become a mercenary, you never forget the kindness that can be mustered by people out of reciprocity. If you are kind to others, they will return that kindness. Your father knew this all too well."

"...Okay, Mom. I'll remember that," Elvira promised. She remained in her mother's embrace until Flora and Tamara had finished cleaning and turned to see the mother and daughter hugging one another.

"D'aww," Tamara remarked. "The love of a mother and her kid…"

"You haven't really grown apart from your mom that much, Elvira," Flora noticed. "...Other teenagers wouldn't be as open with their parents as you are."

"...Open? Not really…" murmured Elvira. "I've brooded and agonised over what to do these past few years over whether to follow in Dad's footsteps or not...I should've talked to you more about it, Mom…"

"Don't be sorry," Zenobia replied. "It was partially my fault, not offering a clear solution. I myself was unsure of whether being a mercenary was what you really wanted. Children are usually clear about what they wanted to be growing up, but more often than not change their minds once they begin to mature. I thought it was another case of that. ...Mind you, there's also the matter of the Irian Guild being dissolved and the mercenary registry being wound up that created a snag in that plan. That hasn't made things any easier. And it certainly won't make things easy for you."

"Yeah...I can't imagine strutting the streets of Ozerograd calling yourself a mercenary openly is gonna do you any favours," Tamara added. "Perhaps it'd be better to keep that fact on the down low. The Thorned Roses definitely wouldn't take kindly to two self-proclaimed mercenaries."

"...I'll keep that in mind," Elvira decided. "I'll tell Arian about it in the morning."

"...Yeah, you go do that. Because I wanna get our girls' night started," Tamara replied. "It's been a while since we had a good chat together, Ellie. What do you say? Let's make up for lost time, the three of us."

"I don't see why not," Elvira agreed. "Your bedrolls are in my room anyway. Let's go there." And so the trio left for the Treecko's room. But no sooner had they left, than Arian took their place in the kitchen.

"...Elvira has good friends, doesn't she?" he remarked, having caught sight of her and her friends entering her bedroom.

"She does, indeed. And now she has another." Zenobia gazed at the Riolu. "It's good that we're alone...as I have something to say to you. A request to make."

"A request?" Arian queried. "...What is it?"

"...From tomorrow, when you officially set out as mercenaries...I want you to look after Elvira," the Heliolisk said. "I love her more than anything in the world, and I want her to be kept safe, especially in the dangerous world of a mercenary. But...I know Elvira well. She is well-intentioned and a good person - there can be no doubt about that. However...she can be headstrong and stoic, on occasion, and keep silent about issues that eat away at her. ...I still remember when her father disappeared. She barely spoke a word to me in the weeks that followed, and even once her initial sadness faded, she still mostly kept her problems to herself.

"The biggest problem for her was what she's been telling you; she was conflicted about following in her father's footsteps. But she kept those issues to herself for the first few years, and it took her some time before she spoke to me in length about her inner turmoil. ...That attitude of bottling things up inside...It isn't healthy, and I fear it may carry on into her life as a mercenary."

"...I see…" Arian murmured worriedly. "...What can I do to help?"

"...The best thing you can do is...be her companion, and give her your attention," Zenobia recommended. "Show her that you are there for her and will help her as any mercenary partner should. Both of you should confide your emotions in one another, and speak up if there are problems gnawing away at you. With time, hopefully Elvira will become more open to you and be more willing to share secrets with you."

"...Okay then. I promise I'll look after Elvira for you," pledged Arian.

"Thank you, Arian." Zenobia bent down slightly, and as best she could, pulled the amnesiac into a hug. "...I always wanted Elvira to have another companion. A sibling, to be specific. ...It's a shame Kallias and I could never manage another beyond her. ...And with him gone, Elvira's the only proper family I have left. If something happened to her, I…I don't know what I would do..."

"You don't need to worry, Zenobia," Arian said assuringly, looking into the lizard's eyes. "I'll keep Elvira safe. I promise," he pledged, a determined look on his face.

"...You are too kind. ...Elvira was truly lucky to find someone like you on that beach." Zenobia, after saying this, released her grip on the embrace with Arian. "...Well, Arian...what will you do now this evening?"

"...I might go to bed," Arian replied. "Today was a long day...and I learned a lot of new things." A yawn escaped him after saying this. "Yeah...definitely a long day…"

"...That's fine. I'll be reading in the sitting room if you need me," Zenobia informed. "Call if you need anything." She then headed out of the room with her crutches aiding her all the way.

Arian headed to the guest room, where he had woken up that morning. He got into the bed, and pulled the covers over him. He was tired and ready to go to sleep, but at the same time, he couldn't hide his excitement for tomorrow.

Part of a real mercenary team, he thought to himself. And with Elvira...the same person who saved me. This couldn't be a better way to repay her for that. It's helping her out greatly...and it'll do a lot for me. A job to find a place in this mysterious world, a world full of Pokémon...hopefully what I'm doing will teach me all about this world. The continent of Ardalion and all of the countries in it...what mysteries lay in this land for me to discover? ...I suppose I can only find out tomorrow.

This excitement about tomorrow kept Arian awake for a good few minutes, but eventually sleep proved to be a more powerful compulsion, and that overtook him. Soon, the amnesiac human was fast asleep.

Little was he aware...of the events that were to precipitate in his life in this world, beginning from tomorrow.


Notes

I originally wrote this as part of Chapter 3. But owing to its prodigious length as a result, I decided to cut it in two. And here's the second half.

Not really much to say here, just fluff between family and friends.

Oh, and also Arian and Tamara's rants about maths is a partial reflection of my own thoughts on the subject. Yeah, I never liked maths once I got beyond primary school, whereupon they throw the properly complicated concepts at you. I don't intend to make Arian a self-insert character, but I may occasionally throw in the odd opinion I have and make Arian have it as well.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading.