"Burn olierbos in the day

And you'll keep evil at bay."

-Old saying of the Sand Continent


He could feel a strange, powerful breeze pushing him, the world around him was grey. He saw a big flash of light coming from the distance, then a tremor. Everything was blurry. Incomplete. Like a hard to find memory.

Remember who you are. Remember your mission. Remember them. Remember me.


Chapter IV: Ordinary World I

-?-

After what seemed like an eternity of deep, semi willing sleep, he finally felt as if his weary body was prepared to awaken. He didn't remember his bed to be so… strangely comfortable. And… circular?

And why he felt like there was someone really big staring down at him?

When he opened his small, tired eyes, and tried to go to a sitting position, the first thing he saw was a scene from a horror movie. A grey scaled, one eyed… Cyclops, dragon mummy thing! It had wraps all over its quadruped body, only parts that were showing being its snout, one of its eyes and some of its chest and back. And it was inches from his face too!

"Mooooom! He's up!" She shouted, in such a loud voice that it almost made him get dizzy and fall back on the…

Nest? Bed? What even was he laying on? It was completely made of straws, in a circular pattern. Seeming almost enormous from his perspective. And so very comfy too…

"Wakey-Wakey, sleepy! Mama said you can't sleep past breakfast in your condition!" The unholy monster said, sitting right in front of his little straw bed.

"Five more minutes…" he muttered, in an almost hoarse voice.

"C'mon! That's like, the oldest trick in the book! We both know you want five more hours, lazy-head!" She said, nudging him with her snout.

"Where even are we… Last thing I remember was a really scaly hug, and a horrible sound of death and despair." He mumbled, eyes still closed.

"Hey! My snores aren't that bad!" She nudged him a bit harder, "and we're at my home! More specifically, my room!"

Mirari then nudged him even harder with her snout, making the small fairy-type turn over, a grumpy expression on his face "...You won't leave me alone, will you?"

She just sat there, with her playful and deceitfully innocent smile, "Nope!"

Lawrence groaned and got up, stretching his little members a bit and noticing the various wraps around him and the dragon in front of him.

Now that he could see her more closely, he could truly see just how many injuries the dragon had apparently sustained- he could barely see her grey and black scales, the heart scale on her head was also shattered in half, covered in bandages too, and of course, she had only one eye non bandaged.

He felt his heart stop if only for a moment, feeling extreme guilt as he remembered the events from the cave, "A-Are you ok?" he gulped, frowning at her.

She tilted her head in sincere confusion, before suddenly realising what he meant ,"Ah! Hah, Of course! That was nothing! I can take a lot more!" she held her head high, smiling.

Mirari then groaned a bit as she tried to move, "Owie… erm… could ya help me walk a bit? My awesome dragon muscles hurt! Hahaha…"

Lawrence could only stare awkwardly at the sheepish Jangmo-o.


-Oasis Village, Plaza-

The Kommo-o could see her house in the distance, one of her arms patched up, while she was carrying on her healthy arm what seemed like a bag full of things. She could see very few pokémon out at this time, most at school, working or in their homes. The plaza was simple in nature, using some stone slabs on the ground to help pokémon who couldn't handle the sand of the desert- most houses and shops being made of sturdy rocks to handle the strong winds, and harsh weather. In the middle of it all, there was a large fountain, always filled with pure water.

She winced for a moment, touching her wounded member, taking a moment to catch her breath.

"Mrs. Kommo-o!" She heard a high pitched voice call from behind her.

The large dragon turned around, feeling petit hands touching her, as if helping the much larger pokémon.

The owner of the voice was a small, yellow rodent with pink cheeks and black ears and tail. She had a tuft of fur on her head, and overall looked like a young child.

"Are you okay? I saw you yesterday looking all wounded!" The young female pokémon said, clearly worried.

"Little Pichu? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in class?" The older one replied with more questions.

"U-Um… I just wanted to see if you were okay… I saw you and Jangmo-o arriving yesterday, after that huge sandstorm, and did nothing to help…" the little pichu lowered her head, ears falling too, before she suddenly remembered something, soon looking up at Kommo-o once again, "and there was someone else, yes? Have you rescued somebody?"

Kommo-o silently looked down at the young pokémon, as if in deep thought, careful on what she was to say next "... Yes. Jangmo-o found them lost in the desert. They entered a dungeon when that big sandstorm came, and I saved them." She answered, not really telling a lie, but not telling everything either.

"Ah, I see! That was very kind of you, -o!" she smiled cutely "Do you need any help? Maybe I could help you carry this to your home! It's the least I could do!"

The older pokémon chuckled a bit, seeing how the bag she carried was almost the size of the little electric-type "I appreciate the offer. Here, why don't you carry this apple for me? It would help me very much." She carefully picked one of the many big apples inside, kneeling and offering it to the little one.

"Of course! I'll gladly do it!" the pichu picked the apple with her two little hands, stumbling a bit at first, before regaining her footing.

"Thank you, Pichu. You are far too sweet." she smiled kindly, getting back up and pointing to her modest, spartan house, made of resilient rocks "My house is quite close. If you would kindly follow me there."

The small one nodded, still carrying the (to her at least) huge fruit "Uh-huh! Sure thing." she huffed a bit, following the dragon-type, who was sure to walk slow so she would keep up, "Um. May I ask what's all that stuff, mrs. Kommo-o?"

She looked down at the yellow rodent as they walked, "It's just food. I had to resupply, since we now have a guest at home. You know who."

The pichu opened her mouth wide in understanding, nodding, "Aaah, I see! That makes sense! For how long they'll stay?"

Yet again, the dragon was silent, thinking what she was to say next once more, though the little pichu could hardly tell "...Not for long."

Pichu nodded, still stumbling to carry the apple, making the Kommo-o stop to help her regain her footing.

"You haven't answered me yet. Why aren't you in class right now?" Kommo-o suddenly says, almost making Pichu drop the apple.

The child remained silent, and Kommo-o decided to add, "I'm sure that elder Crustle would be very sad to hear that you're skipping his lessons."

That made Pichu sigh and look down, a few sparks leaving her cheeks and yellow fur, "I know, mrs. Kommo-o…"

"Then why are you here, little one?" She once again asked sternly, but kindly.

"... It's nothing, really. I swear…" Kommo-o could hear a hint of melancholy

The dragon could tell something was wrong, but knowing Pichu, she had no choice but to drop it. It was for the better.

"We're here." The older one broke the silence, Pichu looked at the big house, not noticing time pass on their little walk.

"Thank you for your help, little one. Would you like to come in and stay for dinner? My own little ones would most likely enjoy the company." Kommo-o gently offered, staying in the door.

Pichu pondered a bit, gulping and letting out a few more sparks, shifting nervously under the dragon's gaze, "U-Um… I…" she gulped once more, trying to say something "I-I… I… Think it's better if I go now, mrs. Kommo-o… I'm sorry."

Kommo-o seemed a bit disappointed, but still smiled kindly down at the electric rodent, kneeling and rubbing her yellow furred head with her big scaly claws, "You're a wonderful kid, Pichu. I want you to know that."

The girl blushes, not expecting this sudden praise from the intimidating and regal dragon, who decided to continue talking, "You should go to your house. Else you'll be pestered by more adults. If you insist on skipping class, then read one of those books I gave you. I'm sure you'll love them." Kommo-o smiled sincerely, getting up and winking at the small rodent, then she turned around, starting to enter her home.

Pichu was mute, completely frozen and speechless, until she noticed she was still carrying the big red fruit, "Mrs. Kommo-o! Your apple!"

The big dragoness stopped, turning around with her usual serious smile, "Ah. Keep it, little one. It's fresh and tasty. Consider it a proper reward for your kindness." Kommo-o nodded, and entered the house at last, leaving the Pichu by herself, staring at the gift with an unreadable expression.

Kommo-o tried to sneakily gaze upon the child, whilst staying hidden inside the house, peeking at Pichu, who remained in front of the door, silently looking at the fruit, and as soon as she was going to make a move, the Pichu turned around and left.

The dragon-type frowned, closing her eyes "Oh, Pichu…" the adult bitterly thought, watching the lone pokémon vanish in the sandy village.


-Oasis Vilage, Residential Area-

As the small pokémon made her way back home, she couldn't help but look back, staring at the house of the one pokémon she really cared for in this place. She was either indifferent, or actively disliked all others. And she was sure all of them shared her feelings.

She tried to busy her mind, walking through the sandy ground of the village. The houses around her were made of tough, simple stone- Not very artistic, but very practical in fending off the sand. The village itself was composed of about ten or less houses, all side by side, with stores and merchants in the plaza, all around a small fountain of fresh water, and an artesian well- both which were more than essential for any settlement's survival in the harsh deserts of the sand continent. Thankfully, Oasis village, as the name implied, was located between many of the watery blessings of the deserts.

Though for Pichu, it only meant she was bound to this cursed place if she wanted to survive. It was either living here, or trying her luck in the harsh desert around her. And as any electric-type, she hated deserts.

But the thing she hated the most was-

"Hey look! It's our favorite sparky!" A devilishly playful voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts. She felt her fur standing up, and her legs freezing, small sparks leaving her cheek.

She was suddenly flanked by a grinning darumaka, a sandshrew with a neutral, stoic expression and a lilipup that didn't seem like he wanted to be there.

"We missed ya in class, y'know! Why haven't you been going?" The fire-type said, clearly mockingly, faking kindness.

Pichu let out a few more sparks, but tried controling her emotions and remaining neutral and stone faced, "Shouldn't.. you guys be in class too? It's still ongoing…!"

The trio laughed, though the darumaka's laugher was the louder and more sincere one by far, "Teach said we should go home early! Just a few moments ago. Apparently there's like, another sandstorm coming!" the lilipup, a girl, answered.

"That, and we had to come check up on you of course! Our closest and dearest friend!" Darumaka, yet again, sarcastically said.

"Look… I just wanna go home. Please let me pass…" she pleaded, trying to peacefully pass by the fire monkey, only to have her paw viciously clutched, almost making her drop the big apple she carried.

"Why go so soon? Don't wanna share that big apple with your closest friends? It looks too big for such a small, pathetic little electric-type like you!" Darumaka threatengly opened his paw, as if expecting her to hand it over.

"No… This was a gift… I-I won't hand it over like the rest!" She said, trying not to raise her voice, but doing so anyway, her tail and ears up in a pose of anger.

"I get it! You wanna keep it all to yourself!" He laughed, pointing her as if proving her of a grave sin.

"You're just looking to join your scumbag of a father and turn tail. Or maybe you wanna join your mother…?" He taunted, blue sparks quickly left Pichu, much to the darumaka's amusement, since they were easily being absorbed by the sandshrew at his side, showing how futile her eletricity, intentional or not, was before his friend's lighting rod.

Pichu eventually, pulled her paw free, staring at the horizon rather than the other kids "...Just leave me alone. Please…" her voice cracked a bit, and before the trio could react, she went on all fours, carrying the apple on her back, dashing away, leaving small bolts of eletric energy through her path.


-Mirari's House-

The female dragon layed on her more cushioned straw bed, not very far from the fairy-type's, letting out a big sigh of relief, "Ah~ Just what I needed!"

The room around the seemed to be a strange mix of primitive and civilized- the walls were made of some sort of stone, as if this was some ancient hut, but there were well crafted furniture around them- from a beautiful, fantasy-like chest with various items inside, to a seemingly empty bookshelf, the various scrolls and books splattered around the surprisingly smooth floor. The single window in the wall being more than enough to illuminate the entire room.

The fairy, contrary to Mirari, was panting heavily, sitting beside her, exhausted, "Ugh! Seriously, I'm either far too weak, or you're far too heavy!"

"Or both. Probably both." She dryly concluded.

"Well, at least you admitted you're fat!" He snarked back.

She seemed taken back by that "Wha- No! I'm not a Snorlax, dummy! I'm heavy with muscles! And tough scales!"

He smiled, rolling his eyes, "Suuuuure you are. Next you gonna tell me you have big bones."

"Uh-huh! My bones are huuuuuge!" Mirari innocently agreed.

That made the togepi facepalm, "seriously, you can't take a hint! Having big bones is a lame excuse for being fa-"

Suddenly, the togepi felt a smack on the back of his head, making him fall face first into the straw they were on top of "Stop calling me that! That's mean! And wrong!" Mirari said, after tail slapping him.

Her serious expression soon turned into one of confusion, and then she started laughing, for when Lawrence got back up, he had straw all over his face, some even inside his mouth.

"Hahahahah! Y-You look like one of those electric Golem With that on your face! I'm s-so sorry! It's too good! Hahahahah!" She cackled, eyes closed and pointing at the fairy.

Lawrence coughed some straw, feeling flustered as he tried to wipe off those things from his face, somehow only making it worse, much to the dragon's amusement, who only laughed louder, almost falling backwards.

Her merry laugher was soon interrupted by a ball of straw, that exploded on her face, making her have to cough and recoil a bit, soon he was the one laughing and pointing at her.

"Gahahah! Now that would put an Alakazam to shame!" He chuckled, causing Mirari be the one to blush and try to remove the comically placed straw from her face.

And as the togepi kept laughing at the Jangmo-o, he failed to notice when she suddenly pounced on top of him, making them both roll on the ground, crashing through the bed they were laying on "Let's see if you'll laugh after I give you a beauty treatment!" she mischievously says, standing on top of the fairy, picking some straws that were now all over the small room, and pressing against his face.

"S-Stop! You're f-far too big, it's not fair!" He panted, trying to struggle and wiggle away from underneath the dragon, he had an idea that would either work in his favor, or doom him completely, "M-Mirari! W-Who's that big and awesome dragon l-looking at you disapprovingly?"

The jangmo-o flinched and quickly began looking around, "Mom I swear-" though she was interrupted by a blast of straw on her face once more, followed by a triumphant, "Gotcha!"

The duo were so focused on their little squabble, that they didn't notice the sheer amount of straw they were tossing on one another, and throughout the room. Nor the loud sound of footsteps approaching them.

"Little ones, why haven't you eaten breakf-" She stopped at the door, carrying two plates filled with colorful berries, watching silently as a small fairy and dragon fiercely threw at each other the smithereens of what once made a bed.

Eventually, Mirari was the first to notice her mother at the door, putting an end to the straw war, "M-Mommy!" She gulped, stepping away from the togepi and sitting on the ground, trying to seem composed, with two large, bushy eyebrows made of straw, as well as a huge mustache on her snout.

Lawrence also got up from the floor, staying up, embarrassed for having to partake in such a childish display, right in front of an adult, "U-Um H-Hi, Miss!" He nervously said, not noticing the huge straw afro on his head, nor the surprisingly well done samurott-like beard on his face.

The adult could only suppress her laugher at the scene, being caught completely off guard by the almost too good to be true sight, "I'll grab something to help clean the two of you…" she eventually managed to say, calmly to hide her true feelings, turning around and leaving the duo alone.

After she was gone, the two pokémon finally had time to look at one another, and to remember the little scuffle they just had, both snickering, then giggling and eventually merrily laughing it off.


-Oasis Village, Pichu's House-

A loud creaking could be heard as the small yellow rodent pushed the old door open, using the big apple she carried to force it open, resulting in her almost falling on her face as she entered.

"I really should get this thing checked out…" she frowned when she looked back at the aged door, suddenly having dark thoughts invade her mind "...Yeah, like anyone would help me..."

After sighing, she dusted off the big apple with her little paws, noting how her reflection could be see on its red surface, "This looks really fresh! And it's so big! Must be a really expensive meal..." she thought, before noticing how she was staring at herself, immediately taking her eyes away with another frown, shaking her body to free her from the annoying sand that got stuck on her fur, staring at the place surrounding her.

The hut looked ancient, barely having anything at all to furnish it, other than a small straw bed in the middle, and some books, letters and scrolls neatly stashed near the dark walls. The single window illuminating her surroundings somewhat poorly. Despite the condition of the old wooden structure, it did not let any stray grains of sand enter the home, which avoided further deterioration of the look and feel of this place.

Leaving the apple where it was, the electric pokémon made her way to the books, selecting a red one in particular, "There! This is the new one- 'Charaka Saṃhitā', I believe it was called." She opened the scarlet colored book eagerly, sitting where the light of the widow could properly illuminate the pages- being sure to pick up the apple and set it at her side.

The book's cover was simply a rainbow colored feather, surrounded by the red of the book, "The feather of Ho-Oh… Yup, this is it." She proceeded to open her eyes starting to viciously read the pages in front of her, "'The wisdom written within this work was translated from the scriptures of our ancestors'… Blah Blah…." She jumped the first few lines, ignoring their contents. At this point, she knew what to expect of them.

"'The great sages of the sand continent'… Hmm…" she kept skipping a few more lines "...'Pages lost to time'… 'Legends often told'… 'Humans'…" and when she started flipping the pages, her awareness of the world surrounding her had all but died- and with it, her anxiety and her worries- What mattered to Pichu now was the knowledge in front of her "...'Mend the wounds of those in need'... 'The path of the healer'... 'Blood'..."

"Hm...'The purpose of this collection is to encourage and further stimulate the love and passion for this noble craft'- Finally! I think this is it!" She gleefully stopped, and begun focusing even harder "'Cure and healing are not exactly the same, but both are essential to learning medicine as a whole'… That's fair enough. But it's still just a basic concept." She sighed and skipped some more.

"'The ideal medical student should be of a mild disposition, likes solitude, of thoughtful disposition, free from anger, of excellent character, compassionate, one fond of study, devoted to both theory and practice, who seeks the good of all creatures- Shucks, that's a lot of things! Um- I think I can kinda qualify for now…" She thought, with a huge sigh, before continuing to read the book.

"'...noble by nature, never mean in his acts, free from pride, strong memory, liberal mind, devoted to truth'. Erm okay, I really don't think I can be half of that, let alone it all… Wow, healers have it rough, If they really need to first be all of this before even learning... But at least I can try to be some of these things… Right? Mrs. Kommo-o wouldn't have given this to me otherwise..." She gulped, her heart beating faster, as if feeling some sort of unexisting, invisible pressure to succeed and to do good. Or else.

She closed the book, turning to take a big bite from the apple beside, only for her ears to move, her fur raise a bit, and her eyes shine as the fruit's juices reached her tongue, "Whow! Thich ich dehlichious!" She eagerly swallowed, with a huge smile.

As the young girl merrily chomped the apple, her mind would drift off the more she finished her meal, looking around, seeing nothing but herself in this dark place, Pichu's spirit's soon would turn back to her usual melancholic state.

After she couldn't really bite the rest of the fruit's leftovers, Pichu instead looked back at the book, thinking… before hearing the old door start loudly beating because of the wind, making her sigh, with her head, tail and ears down.


-Mirari's House-

"T-There! That should be all!" Lawrence sighed, quickly sitting on the ground, taking deep breaths, looking around the (mostly) clean bedroom.

Fast-paced clapping could be heard, as an all too familiar dragoness stared at him from the only bed that wasn't ruined, striking her frontal claws together while smiling at him, "Wowie! You've done that in no time! (Of course, mama helped, but that's not important!)"

The togepi kept trying to catch his breath, hiding his embarrasment, "Oh s-stop that!" He said, bashfully looking away.

"You should learn to take a compliment or two! Dunno what I would do without you here." Mirari giggles sheepishly "Since I'm all bruised, I'd have cleaned it all up at a slowpoke's pace! And since mama's cooking, she wouldn't be able to help out much!"

"Y-Yeah. I'm sure you would find a way." He dismissively replied, walking towards the resting Jangmo-o.

"Now, let's eat already! Dunno why you chose to do cleanup duty with your belly empty!" She cheerfully picked up one of the plates that were left on the nest, putting in front of her, while the fairy-type climbed up.

"Never s-said you'd have to wait for me." He sat on her side, a bit more cramped since he now had to share the nest with her, but still not enough to be irritating.

Mirari looked at him confusedly, still smiling, "Huh? That would be mean of me! Of course I'll wait for you! it would be unfair for me to eat and rest, while you do all the work and starve!"

He rolled his eyes, staring back at her "That's illogical. It was my choice to not eat, it was my fault for messing up your room anyway. I was just a guest, and look what I did!" he points to the now inexistent bed "Besides, I'm not that hungry..."

The jangmo-o surprises him by just staring at him with a blank expression. Her red eyes waiting for something to happen, her unnerving the togepi, until they suddenly heard a loud growl coming from his small stomach, "A-ha! Gotcha on that one!"

Lawrence feels even more embarrased, gulping and looking away, "W-What do pokémon even eat for breakfast? Don't t-tell me we'll be eating a grumpig or something!" that would be very weird, considering everyone outside those hellish dungeons appears to be sentient!

The dragon tilted her head, clearly very confused, "Uh? I mean, it's not unheard of, but not really what we do here! Berries, gummies, honey and whatnot are the things we usually eat…" Oh, thank goodness! Just thinking about the all blood makes me wanna vomit!

"But Lawrence, you're a pokémon too! It's impossible to not know what food is! Do fairies eat powder and makeup?" Mirari exclaimed. Lawrence couldn't tell if she was joking or not.

He chose to sigh and face palm with a frown, "I told you, I'm human! I have no clue what wacky rules you pokémon follow!"

She rolled her eyes, taking another bite of a pink colored berry, "Again with that? Look, you're just a togepi! It's obvious you just hit your head like, really hard!"

Lawrence was about to protest, before he heard another growl coming from his stomach, "C'mon, Lawrie! Eat up! You'll starve if you keep talking!"

The togepi decided to drop it, and finally have the courage to eat the berries in front of him. Even with his amnesia, he can't say he has ever seen any of these strange fruits. They were all masterfully cut, all colors of the rainbow present on his plate. Feeling adventurous, he picked the weirdest of the bunch: a spiky, reddish orange berry. He closed his eyes and took a bit…

The berry was soft, very, very soft… the taste was something else! It was very spicy, almost unbearably so… and yet, he couldn't help but find it delicious. He eagerly begun chewing it, proceeding to do the same with the other strangely tasty berries.

"Heh! You seem to like it! Mama blends berries like no other pokémon!" Mirari heartily exclaimed, still chewing her own berries.

After he swallowed his, he took a pause to smile back at the dragon, "Mhm! I never had something so tasty!"

They both merrily finished their meal, smiling all the way through, eventually, they heard loud footsteps approaching their location.

"Mama!" Mirari winced when she tried to get up and run towards the kommo-o, her stern gaze immediately making Mirari drop it.

"Hello, little one. Feeling better?" Kommo-o asked, in a motherly tone.

"Uh-huh! I'll be better in no time!... Just please, don't ask me to run!" She sheepishly replied, giggling in a sheepish way.

The big female smiled and chuckled, before turning to the togepi, "And you, little togepi. You seem to be finished with the straw situation. Congratulations, everything looks clean." Mirari's mother took a rather long look around, "Or at least as clean as Mirari's room can be."

"Hey!" The jangmo-o tried to sound offended, but she knew it was true.

"I wish I could clean more. I can't stand a messy place!" Lawrence said, huffing, still tired, looking at the many messy scrolls and toys just scattered around.

Kommo-o laughed a bit "Well then. I'll take your plates, little ones. Togepi, I hope you were satisfied. If not, I could always cook more."

Lawrence quickly shook his head and his stubby hands "Oh no! It was great, miss! I never had something so good!" He admited shyly, "O-Oh and my name's Lawrence, miss! N-No need to call me 'togepi'" He didn't admit it, but calling him that actually irked him a bit.

"I'm flattered. It is a pleasure, Law-rence. You may call me Kommo-o." She kindly replied, testing out his name as she spoke.

"A pleasure, miss Kommo-o! Thanks for helping us!" He extended his stubby hand, which made the kommo-o stare confusedly at the gesture, before slowly reaching out to shake it, a single claw almost dwarfing his entire hand.

Both dragons stared with a mix of confusion and bewilderment at the seemingly alien action, the togepi quickly sensing it, staring between them nervously, as if he had done something wrong, "W-What?"

Noting the gesture, as she was trying to think of a way to change topics, she suddenly remembered one thing, while she looked at the duo, "In this case, would you mind running an errand for me? Usually, I'd ask Mirari, but she's in a far worse state than you."

"Hey! That's not true, I can still totally-" she tried getting back up, only to fall flat on the bed, groaning and aching all over, "Owowow… A-Actually, I think I'll sit this one out. Let Lawrence stretch his muscles a bit, hahah!" Both Kommo-o and Lawrence couldn't help but stare at each ohter awkardly after that.

"Sure t-thing, miss! It's the least I could do after everything." He suddenly seemed to realise something, his eyes widening.

Lawrence then continued, before any of the two dragonesses could reply, "Um, miss she-dragon! H-Have you seen something I was holding? U-Um it was a thing t-that pokémon gave me before he…"

Mirari lowered her head when she remembered what happened, Kommo-o understanding immediately what he meant "Ah. I recall the item you refer to. I have kept it safe." she nodded, "In respect to Sableye, I have maintained it undisturbed. I suppose he chose to pass it down to you, for whatever reason."

Lawrence lowered his head too, remembering the very strange and scary events that transpired in that mysterious place, "I-I have so many questions! Who was that guy? What m-made him go mad like that?"

Out of nowhere, Mirari soon added, "And why the heck did he refer to little sandrop cave as 'crystal cave'?" She inquired, sincerely.

"S-Seriosly? That's the question that's burning inside your head? A perso- I mean, a pokémon went crazy and attacked us, then sacrificed himself, and you're worried about s-semantics!?" Lawrence stared at her, she stared back.

"What? It's a legitimate question! I don't know a single pokémon that would refer to little sandrop cave as 'Crystal Cave' or whatever…" Mirari grimaced, her head slightly tilted in confusion.

"Hm…. 'Crystal Cave', you say?" Kommo-o seemed to try and answer Mirari's seemingly simple thought, "It is quite strange. The dungeon popularly known as 'little sandrop cave' was formerly nicknamed 'Crystal Cave', for its many beautiful crystals."

"That's creative…" Mirari commented, rolling her eyes with a slight smirk, Lawrence merely nodded in agreement, more focused in mother's explanation.

"Though it was soon renamed, after the heroes of time, which were still apprentices at Wigglytuff's Guild, discovered a dungeon in their investigation for the time gears. They named it 'Crystal Cave', and so the name for our old dungeon was obsolete." She further explained to the two, whom were paying attention.

"Ah! I remember! It was during the time crisis! The great heroes battled the then villain grovyle, and thanks to the efforts of the brave leader, a former human, they managed to stall a much more powerful foe!" Mirari eagerly explained, Lawrence noting her sheer enthusiasm as she recalled the apparently historic events, telling them with such absolute glee and joy that it actually surprised him.

"Former… Human…?" Just two simple words, but the tone and context she used those stunned him, especially how boldly and proudly she said the word 'human', much different than when the Jangmo-o referred to the possibility that he could be one.

"Correct, though your retelling is still too basic and romanticized to be considered accurate, sweetie." Kommo-o chastised, as if this was a flaw she was trying to make Mirari realise and fix, "the crisis was about 15 years ago though. Maybe the poor Sableye was isolated for that long in the dungeon?"

"That certainly helps my theory. I better put it in the report to the guild." The kommo-o couldn't help but think, as the two kids pondered about the dark implications of a pokémon being stuck alone for 15 years or more in a mystery dungeon.

"Enough about that. I'll answer any question you might have later, little Lawrence. For now, I must resume cooking lunch." She sternly said, with that certain imposing motherly tone that screamed finality, "and you, Lawrence…"

He looked at Kommo-o, expecting having something to do with more cleaning, only for her to pick up a green, protective scarf, offering to him "...will deliver food to little Pichu."

Lawrence seemed a bit confused, not really sure of the context of the request.


-Pichu's House-

The small rodent often didn't remember her dreams, if she even had them, but this particular time, she had quite the interesting one.

The electric-type remembers floating through dark, endless nothing, feeling lost in the absolute blackness of the landscape surrounding her. Alone, cold and forgotten. Usually, these thoughts would not be alien to her, but on this specific time, she felt…

Before she could really process how melancholic her heart was, she was suddenly awakened by the sounds of knocking. Very different from the usual banging of the door, the creaking on the floor and the ever present howling of the winds. Which made her think, was a sandstorm happening? That would explain the various sounds around her.

Perhaps it was that mysterious benefactor that randomly delivered her food whenever she needed it? Though they usually just left it at the door. She chose to believe it was some sort of holy spirit, or even some miracle granting force. She made her way to the door, opening it carelessly fast, believing it to be just another supply or special meal deliver.

She did not, however, expect to see a bandaged, scarf wearing, very confused and tired togepi carrying the usual wrap with her special meals. Distraught and clearly having a hard time thanks to the sandstorm behind him. The little fairy was just about her height, which made looking at him all the easier, apparently he was carrying a singular plate, beautifully wrapped like a present.

"U-Um… Excuse me! You're P-Pichu?" He asked, almost screaming thanks to the howling of the sandstorm's winds, with a masculine yet very childish and high pitched voice. He seemed to be clutching around the scarf, which seemed to be intended to protect him from the sun only.

"Erm. Yes…?" Pichu replied, as nervous and unsure as the togepi seemed to be.

"Ah! So, I-I got this for you! It's from miss Ko- I mean, from someone that cares for you!" He stumbles on his words, offering her the present.

"Oh, um! I see! Thank you…" she stumbles back, picking the present from his hands, awkwardly staring at him, waiting for something.

Lawrence wasn't much better, but seeing that she wouldn't take the first step, he decided to say the first thing that came in his mind "M-May I enter a bit? I've been searching you for a while, and I could use a quick rest!"

Being stunned at the sight of an unknown pokémon her age on her door, acting so friendly and shy… And facing a sandstorm to deliver her food made her heart rate accelerate, for some reason. Unable to speak, she mumbled a yes, and nodded, stepping aside.

The togepi smiled bashfully, entering the house respectfully, though he failed to resist the urge to sit down and let out a huge sigh of relief "Uf. Thank you! I really needed that!"

She suddenly cringed, a dark thought invading her mind: "What if he's one of the kids that just wants to play another prank on me? What if this is just a rouse, and he's trying to take advantage of me to stay in my house? What if-"

"W-Wow! Your house is beautiful!" He said, interrupting her thoughts all of a sudden. If she had a drink, she'd spill it out dramatically at the remark, "I-I mean, it's way different than the other houses I saw." He completed his line of thought, she'd laugh had he not said it in a very serious and sincere tone.

"Very funny. Did you come here just to laugh at me?" Pichu replied, Togepi only looked at her with truthful confusion, "what's in the box? One of those jumping scary toys?"

"Huh? You g-got jack-in-the-boxes here?" He mumbled, making the electric-type stare at him, "I-I mean, no such thing! Miss Ko- someone that cares for you asked me to deliver your lunch. She said something about it being special?"

Pichu stared at the togepi with serious, judging eyes. Yet in his, she only saw innocence and… sand. Sand everywhere, actually, "You're all sandy…" Pichu decided to point out.

When he looked at himself, he opened his mouth in shock and embarrasment, "I-I know! God, I hate sand! It's c-coarse… and rough... and irritating and it gets everywhere!" He huffed, trying to shake some of it off.

The pichu giggled a bit at the scene, making Togepi get even redder in embarrasment. Feeling a bit more comfortable, she decided to clarify "... I sometimes receive food from an unknown source. Sometimes they're supplies- which I have to cook and such, other times, I receive already done meals. They are really tasty…"

He nodded, with his mouth open, "Ah! I-I see! So the pokémon of the village give you food?"

She quickly shook her head, "No. Or at least I don't think so. Pokémon here are awful…"

The togepi tilted his head, "Uh? Really? I haven't seen anything awful from the pokémon here!"

"Then clearly you're new around here." She bitterly shot back.

He looked down, before looking back with a weak smile, "T-Then that means I can't be all that bad, right?"

That, yet again, wasn't really the answer she was expecting. Despite all the doom and gloom she was preaching, Pichu couldn't help but let out a small giggle once more.

"Hah! That m-means you agree!" he pointed at her playfully, smilling more, "I-I'm Lawrence!" He offered her his stubby hand.

She almost choked as the fairy suddenly spoke out his name like that, a few sparks leaving her cheek cutely, "You're… A very weird pokémon, Lorence." she just stared at his hand, unsure what he wanted.

Then suddenly, she felt his stubby hand getting closer, and touching her hand, then shaking it. The suddenly, unexpected act making her heart almost jump through her chest, her cheeks shooting bolts of blue lightning, making her suddenly turn away nervously, looking away from the fairy, embarrassed, but… warm.

"It's funny. How the same action can have wildly different intentions, and wildly different reactions." She couldn't help but ponder, still feeling her heart beat faster and faster, a smile making its way into her face, "That blasted Darumaka offered me his paw as if to coerce me into giving him something, this togepi offered me his paw to… show friendship? Darumaka grabbed my paw to scare and taunt me, Lawrence grabbed it show trust. Daru-"

"H-Hey! I'm sorry!" She heard a squeak coming from behind her, "I-I'm not from around here a-a-and I didn't mean to offend you-" He suddenly halted as the electric-type turned around.

"... You didn't offend me. I'm… just not used to it, that's all." She tried to force a weak smile, "Erm. And your customs are weird. You're from another continent, aren't you?"

"... Yes. Definitely." Lawrence was a bit suspicious with that one, but Pichu attributed it merely to his own nervousness and embarrassment. Two things she could relate to very well, "And um. It's 'Lawrence'. Not 'Lorence' or w-whatever."

"Ah! Forgive me, Lawrence! Guess that explains your weird name and mannerisms!" She smiled shyly, happy to find out the 'truth', "there really aren't that many fairy-types around these wastelands. And certainly none as… affectionate as you."

He cringed and looked away bashfully, feeling his own heart hammering his chest, "Y-You got me. I'm definitely not from around here!"

"Huh! I've never seen a foreigner like yourself around here. Usually, they prefer staying in the big cities, or the more famous settlements." Pichu inquired, making Lawrence sweat bullets.

"I-I! Um… I-I…" it was physically painful for him to lie to an someone like that, but he was advised against telling the truth… So he had to carefully step in a grey area, "I… I'm lost. I got separated from my parents, and got saved by miss Kommo-o and Mirari while lost in the desert…"

"Oh! So you're the guest at her home! That explains those bandages!" Pichu nodded, while Lawrence internally breathed a huge sigh of relief, "you must have been through a lot... I'm sorry if I made you feel unwelcome before, it's just that I am not... used to sincerity, I guess."

"Nah, y-you're fine! I shouldn't have been so forward. It was not polite of me..." quick to change the subject, the togepi decided to capitalize in what she just said "And Y-Yeah! Me and Mirari entered a dungeon, and had to survive there until mrs. Kommo-o saved us."

She grimanced, listening to his story with interest, "I'm sorry. I hope you are ok now. Jangmo-o used to drag me to her little 'adventures' as well. Though now she has thankfully stopped. Erm, mostly… I think she did it to mess with me."

Lawrence awkwardly chuckled, "Hah… I can certainly say Mirari is… Difficult. And reckless. Unorganized. Stubborn. And proud. And rarely minds what others want." He had to take a deep breath, before continuing, "But. She is also the kindest per- pokémon I know! She doesn't hesitate in helping others when she sees they need it, and she genuinely has good intentions! (even if she sometimes doesn't show…)"

Pichu was dumbfounded at how honestly, kindly and confidently the little shy togepi defended his friend, and even still, he wasn't done "...So I t-think she meant no harm! By what I could gather, Mirari doesn't have many friends either. Maybe she was trying to get close to you?"

Pichu didn't expect that. She didn't expect any of that. Had this little pokémon told her that he was a fire-type, she'd have believed him after that. She had never seen such passion in a single speech in a long time, the last one being…

Pichu quickly shook her thoughts away. No, she couldn't dwell in it any longer… Not now…

"Hm. I guess I can see what you mean…" she pondered, looking down, now feeling bad for thinking that Jangmo-o had ill intent behind her… energetic behavior, "you talk like you know her all your life. You two must be really close. Or you must trust her a lot. Maybe both."

He blushed at that, unsure of what to say, he merely gulped and stayed quiet, Pichu doing the same. Both simply staring at one another, but when their gazes met, they'd look away, as if to hide the very obvious fact that they were looking at one another.

After a brief moment of more silence, Lawrence decided to break it at once, "U-Um! You see, I meant it when I said your house was beautiful!" He blurted out.

Pichu stared at him, confusedly "...You're joking, right?"

"N-No! R-Really! I mean it!" Lawrence replied.

"What's there to like it about this depressing, dusty cage?" She pressed on, not really annoyed like before, but rather intrigued.

"Um, I mean-" he got up and begun walking around, "sure it looks old and depressing! But I choose to see it not as it is! But as it could be!"

She looked at him, still not getting what he was on about. Noting her reaction, he decided to elaborate, "L-Let's see… There! Look at that!" He pointed to the only source of light in the house.

"...A window." Pichu answered, still not sure where he was going.

"Precisely! Now, currently there's nothing underneath the widow. But!" He looked around, before walking in the direction of a pile of books she was reading, picking one of them up, stumbling towards said the widow.

He huffed and placed the book underneath the light of the widow, seeing the color shine under the sun rays, "Now! Let's imagine a study table here!"

She put one paw under her chin, pondering deeply, picturing herself quietly reading a book in a simple, oval table under the light outside, "Huh. I guess a table wouldn't look so bad."

Almost as if seeing her lame, simple thought, he immediately interrupted "No! Not just a simple table! T-Think bigger!" She stared at him, silent with curiosity. Now seeing herself being dwarfed by a gigantic, oppressive table, struggling to read the book.

Lawrence facepalmed at that, trying to explain himself better, "Hmm… H-How about… An I shaped table… W-With… Three shelves!" He pondered, just slow enough for her to start picturing it all, "Then, on top of the table itself, you could have a painting on the wall! You could decorate the table with various books and notes too!"

She then started imagining herself, reading a book calmly, with at least three set aside on the table, with her various notes and scrolls either on the table, or in the shelves. A large painting of zapdos summoning thunderstorms at just nearby on the wall.

"You could even put t-tools for experiments, if you're into that sort of t-thing! Like, maps if you like history, berries and fruits for cooking or chemistry, o-or even medical tools or something!" Yet again, the ever evolving scene got even more serene, now she pictured her reading those medical books she was fond of, and actually practicing some of the recipes for potions, healthy drinks and cures using berries and herbs, while the sand outside blocked some of the pure light from outside, making for a painting esque scene.

She suddenly got so lost in the daydream she failed at noticing the togepi staring at her, "S-So? What do you think?"

A few bolts of electricity left her cheeks, as she shyly looked away, "I suppose… It's a very pretty sight. But I expect to see that in a guild or in one of those palaces of stories! How could I make this dusty house look like that, when I'm just a kid?" She soon lowered her ears and tail, looking down.

"Hm. I-I guess it is rather hard to do these things at our age… and size." He concluded, furthering helping Pichu's spiral into melancholy, "But!"

Pichu looked back at him, seeing him untie the protective scarf around his neck, holding it like a handkerchief.

"...We can still clean this place up!"


A/N: Recently, I've read all the wonderful reviews for this story, and saw the views and fav/follow count only going up- Which inspired me to finally kill this unannounced hiatus. Thank you so much for all the support, and starting from next chapter, I'll start adhering to all the constructive criticism- I just really wanted to get this chapter out to thank you guys for all the love, be it a review, a PM or a fav/follow! No matter how long it takes, the story will continue! Though don't worry, the next chapter will come out sooner than later! Thanks again for all the lovely support! I would love to hear more reviews from you all- especially since this will be a two-parter that introduces a new (and important) character.

Buronzu: I've been meaning to try and be more active and more detailed in describing the environment! I would love to hear more tips on how to improve on that regard! And yes, as this chapter shows, things won't be as desperate and fast as the previous chapters... At least for now. Crafting the foreshadowing and sprinkling it all around the story was one of the hardest- yet most fun things I did while planning the story! I hope you guys have fun with them too! Thanks so much for the kind words!

Miner 7365: Your through analysis greatly inspired me to continue on, thank you! Every single point is fair, and presented quite well! I appreciate the effort and energy you put in your review- it's very pleasing to see that sort of dedication, as the author! Hopefully, I can fix all of the problems you pointed by next chapter (because again, I kinda had to finish this one, just to post something to you guys!). I will not let the story fade away, don't worry! And I just might nag you on PMs if I need any help! And I hope all your doubts will clear up in time!

BradiLain: Even being quite brief with your review, one of the things that motivated me to continue with chap 2 and 3 was your always welcome insight! Thank you for all the kind comments, and I hope you like this chapter and pichu as much as you liked the other ones!

Next: Friendship and emotions bloom between two introverts! And who is that figure stalking around the village?