Pokemon Mystery Dungeon
Shadows of Ganderosa
Chapter 16
Armageddon
Dillan opened his eyes. He was laying in a field of yellow flowers. The bright blue sky was cloudless. There were yellow hills as far as the eye could see. Dillan saw a town to the east. It looked pretty small for town standards.
"Hello?" Dillan called out. His voice echoed through the plains. "Is anyone there?" No response. Where am I? I don't remember this place. When did I pass out in the middle of a field? Dillan decided to think for a moment. He recalled that morning, picking a mission in Palando town. He remembered leaving the town for a place called the Shadowed Brush. He and Ryan got separated from the group. Ryan. Dillan's realization hit him like a cannon to the stomach. He felt very sick; sick of his actions and sick of himself. What did I do?
"Ryan?" Dillan called out. He looked around for any sign of the pachirisu. He couldn't find anything. He didn't see any evidence of his friend. It was just him. Where is he? The sky began to turn darker. Dillan looked at the horizon. He didn't see the sun. Clouds seemed to instantly form in the sky, shading the world below. Dillan felt something horribly wrong. He couldn't tell what it was. It was as if some primal feeling was telling him to run as fast as he could, but he didn't move. He felt something in the earth. It started to shake. Cracks began to form in the earth. Fire began to erupt from the cracks. The earth split open, engulfing half of the town in the distance..
Dillan started running as fast as he could to the town. He didn't care if it was three miles away or even fifty; he needed to help those pokemon. Someone could die. Dillan couldn't live with himself if he did nothing. He could hear the screams of pokemon reach his ears. Something had to be done. He ran and ran, not caring about his exhaustion. Fire continued to spew from the cracks, turning the flowers to ash. The flames lit the dark clouds, turning them into a shade of red. It spread its firey heat across the plains. Dillan looked at the sky. He stopped in his tracks. A gigantic shadow loomed over the remains of the town. Its red eyes casted a shade of scarlet on Dillan. It roared, making Dillan shake uncontrollably. Dillan didn't know how, but he thought this single creature was the cause for this destruction. This shadow made Dillan fear for everything he had ever cared for. Dillan looked at this creature. Fire filled the sky with clouds of ash. The shadow seemed to shrink into the town. Dillan watched for ten seconds. He tried to move, but he was too afraid. Fear seemed to petrify his muscles. As suddenly as the shadow came, the town was engulphed in a blaze. Dillan looked on with complete fear. The shadow came up from the town. It stared at Dillan and spoke.
"Rebirth." it said.
The shadow's very voice was enough to make Dillan fall onto his back-side. Dillan started clawing at the ashy ground behind him in an attempt to get away. He dared not turn around. He couldn't tear his eyes from the shadow. The shadow revealed a pitch-black limb. It flew to Dillan and smashed into the ground, a few feet from his tail. It punctured the ground, leaving a hole. Dillan watched as the hole began to get wider. It created a crack that made its way to Dillan. Dillan started screaming words that mashed together in an incoherent stream. Dillan tried to get away from the crack, but he could hardly move. It felt like the entire world was on top of his shoulders, pressing him to the ground. The crack came closer. Dillan gave one final scream of fear as the crack overtook him. The crack grew wider in seconds, revealing a fissure. Dillan began to fall into the fissure, staring at the endless void of darkness that consumed him. Not even his miracle sense could tell him what was in that void of rock and shadow. He just seemed to fall for all of eternity.
Dillan woke up screaming. Sweat covered his entire body. His head ached. He closed his eyes for only a second. In the darkness of his eye sockets, he saw that shadowy creature. Its limb was reaching towards Dillan. He opened his eyes in fear. The creature was gone. Dillan's breathing was wild. He looked for it frantically. He was on a path surrounded by trees. To his front was a thick forest. He saw a sign. It read, "Beware the Shadowed Brush". I'm at the entrance. Dillan took another look around. He saw Ryan. He was next to the eevee and the quilava from before. Ryan still had a slash across his chest.
"Ryan?" Dillan asked. His friend didn't respond. Dillan ran up to him. He checked for any sign of Ryan being alive. He put his arm under Ryan's nose. Ryan was breathing.
"What happened?" Adelina asked frantically. Dillan turned around to see Team No-name and Hazel coming out of the Shadowed Brush. Adelina ran faster than anyone else. She pushed Dillan out of the way and kneeled next to Ryan. "Ryan!" she screamed. Her breathing became quick. Saliva accumulated on her tongue. Tears formed in her eyes. "Ry? Can you hear me? Please, talk to me!"
Hazel gave a deep gasp when she saw Ryan's condition. Koa didn't look at the scene.
"What happened to him?" Bolt asked Dillan. Dillan didn't answer. He couldn't bring himself to say anything. He just stared at Ryan. "Dillan? Dillan! Dillan, look at me. I need you to tell me what happened, right now."
"Leave him alone." Hazel told Bolt sternly. She shoved him away from Dillan. Dillan looked at Hazel. She didn't have tears coming down her face. She looked calm. "Can't you tell he's not in it right now?"
"Oh, Ry." Adelina said through tears.
Hazel moved towards Ryan. She knelt down and started checking his body. Her paws stopped at Ryan's left arm. "He's poisoned." Hazel said.
"How can you tell?" Adelina asked.
"There's a puncture in his arm from a spine." Hazel said as she began to rummage around in her bag. She came up and had nothing. She cursed.
"What are you looking for?" Bolt asked.
"A pecha berry. I don't have any left."
"There should be one in our bag." Koa said.
"Where's the bag?" Adelina asked.
"I have it..." Dillan said slowly. He removed the bag from his shoulder and set it down. Bolt took the bag and started tearing through its contents; throwing cooking spices and battle items across the ground. He pulled out a pink berry and handed it to Hazel.
"Open Ryan's mouth." Hazel told Adelina. Adelina did as she was told. Hazel held the berry and squeezed its contents into Ryan's mouth. She waited a few seconds. "It's not working."
"Why not?" Bolt asked.
"He's not swallowing the juice." Hazel said.
"Does he need to be awake?" Adelina asked.
"That's one way." Hazel stated. Adelina nodded. Her fist began to glow. Strong smells began to fill the air. Dillan felt like throwing up. Adelina placed her fist under Ryan's nose. She kept it there for seconds before Ryan's eyes started drifting open. He gulped the juices sharply. He then began to cough.
"Wh-..." Ryan tried to say. His breathing became harsh. He started grabbing at his wound. "What... was that smell..."
"Oh, Ry!" Adelina said as she began to cry. She tackled Ryan in a saliva-filled hug. Ryan sharply inhaled from pain.
"Still hurt, Adi!" Ryan stated. "Still hurt!"
Adelina broke from the hug. "R-right..." She said as she sniffled.
"Is he going to be alright?" Dillan asked.
"He should be." Hazel said. "his wound looks bad, but it'll heal. He passed out from the poison, not from blood-loss, so he should be alright."
Ryan's eyes met Dillan's. Ryan gave him a look of emotional pain and confusion. Dillan stopped looking at his friend.
"What's wrong, gabite?"a cold voice asked. "Did you hurt your friend?"
Dillan jerked his head around. He scanned his surroundings, trying to find the source of the voice.
"Dillan?" Bolt asked. "What's going on with you?"
Dillan wasn't paying attention. He continued to scan his surroundings.
"You know, they're lucky." the voice continued. "They can feel the pain you bring them. If that's your worry, there isn't any reason to fear. I'll make sure none of you can feel anything; just like me!"
You're not real!
"Of course I'm not." Kieth said. Dillan faced his friends. He reeled back at what he saw. His friends looked at him with worry. Dillan was terrified that they didn't seem able to see the burned pokemon that stood behind Ryan, Hazel, and Adelina. "I'm in your head!" Kieth sneered. "At least, that's what the doctor told you."
You can hear my thoughts?
"Of course." Kieth went over to Ryan. He began to throw his heel towards Ryan's face. Dillan jumped up. Kieth's foot went through the pachirisu. Dillan stopped in his tracks, looking at the charred shiftree. "I can't touch them, gabite! I'm in your head, remember?"
"Dillan?" Hazel asked.
"I..." Dillan began.
"Dillan?" Kieth asked. "That's your name, huh? Well, Dillan. Go on and tell them. Tell them a ghost from your past is here! Tell them you're the only one that can see it!"
"I'm sorry." Dillan said.
"For what?" Adelina asked.
"Never mind that." Hazel said. "Do you three have a tent?" she asked the no-named team.
"We do." Koa said. He was eyeing Dillan worriedly. "Makeshift hospital, right?"
"Yes." Hazel said. She still sounded calm. "Can you and Bolt set it up?"
"Yep..." Koa said.
"Sure thing." Bolt agreed.
"Adelina," Hazel began. "I need you to make sure the two researchers aren't hurt."
"You have no need to worry." Adelina said.
Hazel stood up and walked towards Dillan. "Come with me." she whispered to him. Dillan nervously followed.
The two pokemon walked for about one minute. Hazel looked behind her to make sure there wasn't anyone following. She then turned towards Dillan. She looked very stern. "You need to tell me what is going on."
"What do you mean?" Dillan asked.
"You've been acting so strangely since we found you. You wouldn't respond to Bolt's questions, you acted as though something was in the trees, and you ran towards Ryan for some reason then stopped. What's going on?"
Dillan didn't know what to say.
"I do." Kieth said. "Tell her! Tell her you hurt your friend! Tell her I'm threatening your friends! Tell her you're losing your sanity!"
"Fine!" Dillan said. "I'll say it."
"Watching you suffer will be worth it." Kieth said.
"Hazel, I hurt Ryan."
"You-..." Hazel tried to say. "What?"
Dillan told Hazel about the fight. He told her every detail. He then told her about Kieth. He told her about how he's been seeing the shiftree.
"Dillan," Hazel began. "Hurting Ryan wasn't your fault. From your description, that lurantis used Swagger." To Dillan's surprise, Hazel sounded sympathetic.
"Swagger?" Dillan asked.
"It confuses an opponent as well as raises its attack. It's not your fault Ryan got hurt. Besides, you didn't hurt him too badly. He might have a scar, but it won't kill him."
"I should have realized something was wrong."
"Dillan. It wasn't your fault."
"Even if it wasn't, I can't forgive myself."
"Why?"
"So it doesn't happen again."
"But, it won't. Ryan and I be right by your side to help."
Dillan thought about what Hazel said. "How can you be sure you'll be there?"
"Because that's what an exploration team does. We stick together and help each other through our problems."
"How can you help me fight something that's not even there?"
"You need to rely on your friends to get you through your troubles."
"How would you know that?" Hazel bit on her lower lip. She seemed to want to tell Dillan something, but she didn't know how. "Hazel."
"Fine!" Hazel snapped. "I'll tell you; but you can't tell Ryan."
"Tell me what?"
Hazel told Dillan about her mother's death. She told him about the ghost attacking her. She told him about her father and how he killed a pokemon in front of her very eyes. Hazel's voice cracked during her explanation. She looked disturbed; yet relieved in a comforting way.
"I can't be around ghost-types." Hazel said. "Occasionally, they make me relive that night. I have to watch my father as he kills a creature to save my life. I have to see the image of my father with a fresh wound where his arm should be. Ghost types have an aura that reminds me of that night. I hate it. It didn't affect me as much when my friends were with me; when they knew what I was going through. I think what I'm going through is in some way the same thing that is happening to you. I have to relive my experience and you do as well. It might not be at the same extent, but you are reliving a pokemon that hurt you. Dillan, you just need to trust that me and Ryan can help you get through what ever is bothering you. Keeping it locked up doesn't help you; it hurts you. Please let us help you."
She's right. Even if it isn't the same thing, I can't deal with this alone. It won't help me. I need to rely on my friends; my teammates. But what if Kieth comes to me when I'm on the road to Castellum Town? What then? I would bring that up, but I can't let Hazel know I'm leaving. I'll have to play along with her for now.
"Alright." Dillan said. "I'll trust you and Ryan to help me."
"Good." Hazel gave a smile and a sigh. "Now then. We need to get back to everyone else. Those researchers might need help getting back on their feet."
"Hazel," Dillan began. Hazel looked back at him. "Why didn't you tell me about your past earlier?"
"I didn't want to relive it again. It hurts to see the scenes over and over. Talking about it use to be even worse; but this time, it felt more natural. It felt like I dropped a bag of rocks I've been carrying for a while. Now, I feel alright." Dillan gave Hazel a smile. Hazel tackled Dillan with a hug. "Thanks, Dillan. I forgot myself over the past week."
"In what way?" Dillan asked.
"I want to be a cheery pokemon. I haven't been that way for a while. I don't want to be the Hazel that's all doom and gloom. I want to be the Hazel that you met in Ferricia."
Hazel broke from the hug. She and Dillan went back to the entrance of the Shadowed Brush.
The tent was set up in the middle of the road. It wasn't the biggest tent. Ryan and Adelina were the only ones inside. Everyone else was sitting outside talking to the two researchers who had woken up while Dillan and Hazel were gone.
"And that's when we found a gigantic wailord that had ventured into the Mystery Dungeon to find its child." the eevee said. Dillan and Hazel walked up to the pow-wow.
"Hey, beautiful!" Bolt called out to Hazel. Hazel seemed to ignore the comment.
"Hi." Koa said to Hazel and Dillan.
"How's Ryan doing?" Dillan asked.
"Feeling better." Bolt said. "C. A. bandaged him up earlier. Right now they're talking in the tent."
"C. A.?" Dillan asked.
"It's a nickname for Adelina. It stands for 'Chef of Awesomeness'!" Bolt moved his paw through the air for dramatic affect.
"Based on Ryan's previous state, he's improving." Koa stated.
"Agreed." Bolt said..
"Hello, Mr. Gabite!" the eevee said. "I am Professor Leslie Bartholemuel of the A. R. F. M. D." Bolt started snickering, bringing attention to himself.
"Leslie?" Hazel asked.
"Quite." Leslie said with a scowl at Bolt. "Of the A. R. F. M. D."
"The what?" Dillan aksed.
"The Alkan Research Facility for Mystery Dungeons, otherwise known as A. R. F. M. D." Leslie told them. "Surely you've heard of my research regarding Mystery Dungeons."
"Professor Bartholemuel," the quilava said. She sounded quiet. "I don't think these travelin' folk know about your work; let alone anyone in Ganderosa."
"Poppycock." Leslie said. "Exploration Teams from all over Ganderosa know about the facts of the Mystery Dungeons; therefore they know my work."
"Sir, that was the work of you're pa and great-grandpa." the quilava said again.
"Too true; but I carry on their legacy." Leslie looked at Dillan. "I must thank you, good sir. If it wasn't for you and your little friend, me and my accomplice would have been as flat as a stunfisk."
"It was nothing." Dillan replied.
"Poppycock!" Leslie shouted. "Tell him, Ms. Remington!"
"He's right, ya know." the quilava said. "I'm much obliged to your good heart. By the way, I'm Nancy."
"I'm Dillan." Dillan said with a smile.
"Where is your friend?" Leslie asked. "I sure would like to thank him as well for saving my life."
"He's..." Koa began. "not able to talk at the moment."
"Oh? And why is that?"
"He wan poisoned and injured when he was helping you." Hazel said.
"Oh. Well, I am very sorry to hear that." Leslie said sincerely.
"Professor," Hazel began. "I want to ask you something."
"What is it, my fair lady." Leslie said.
"Are you a researcher in the field of Mystery Dungeons?"
"Indeed I am." Leslie stated. "The very best."
"Then can you explain to me what's going on in Castellum Town?"
"I'm afraid I do not know what you are referring to, my dear." Leslie said with a confused look.
"The Mystery Dungeon." Hazel said. "the one that's engulfed Castellum Town."
"What?!" Bolt asked with shock. "How? When?"
"My team just found out about it this morning." Hazel said. "The King issued a quarantine at Castellum."
"This is very troubling." Leslie said.
"You're the self-proclaimed top researcher on Mystery dungeons and you didn't even know about Castellum Town?" Bolt asked with confusion and worry.
"The Sir's been stuck in a Mystery Dungeon for four days protectin' me." Nancy proclaimed dignantly. "You can't expect him to know nothin' 'bout what's goin' on outside."
"Yes, but it was my fault we were in that dreadful position in the first place." Leslie told them half-heartedly. He stood up. "Aright, my good chaps. It's been a jolly good time, but I'm afraid that we will be needed once the King assembles an exploration team to explore Castellum Town."
"What's going on with Castellum?" Adelina asked. Dillan reared around to see the lickitung exiting the tent.
"C. A.," Bolt started. "You need to be calm when I tell you this."
"What's wrong with Castellum, Bolt?"
"It's b-been turned into a-a Mystery Dungeon." Koa said slowly and nervously. The words seemed to stick in his mouth while stuttering that sentence.
Adelina's face fell into a look of despair. "Has anyone made it out?" she asked in a soft voice.
"Only one family." Hazel said sadly. "They were the ones that told the King about the incident."
"I can't deal with this." Adelina said. She started shaking her head slowly. "This is too much for me."
"Addi..." Ryan said. To Dillan's joy, the little fuzzy pokemon walked up to Adelina. Ryan had a bandage wrapped around his chest, creating a mummy's tank-top. "They'll be okay. Trust me." Ryan looked very depressed, though Dillan didn't know why.
"I need to go." Adelina told Ryan.
"I know you do." Ryan said to Adelina.
"Bolt, Koa." Adelina said. "We need to leave."
"I know." Koa said.
Dillan was sad to see them leave; but based on the worried looks exchanged at the camp, he knew they would.
Leslie walked up to Dillan. "I must be taking my leave as well. Before I go, I want to give you the reward for saving me and my friend. Nancy," Leslie said as he turned towards the quilava. The quilava came over to Dillan with a parcel in its mouth. She set the parcel on the ground. Hazel picked the parcel up and set it in her wonder bag.
"This is for us?" Hazel asked.
"Thank you for your help, my dear. Now, if that is all, I'll be taking my leave." Leslie said. "Pip pip and cheerio." With that, the quilava and the eevee stood up and started making their way off.
"Wait." Dillan said. Leslie looked back. "Weren't you two hurt badly?"
"Oh, not at all." Leslie said. "My friend was merely incapacitated and I exhausted. Now then, good day!" The eevee turned away and walked off followed by the quilava.
"We're off, too." Bolt said. "It was fun, beautiful." Bolt took a bow. "You too, Sparky." He then turned towards Dillan. "You know, I haven't been able to talk with you, Dillan. Come to think of it, you don't even have a nickname. What to call you?"
"Bolt." Adelina told him sternly. "This is more important than your nicknames."
"Sorry." Bolt yielded. "I'll be off now, Slash."
"Slash?" Dillan asked.
"Yeah. Because of your fins."
"I'm not sure-"
"Bolt!" Adelina snapped.
"Bye, guys!" Bolt said as he ran down the path with Koa and Adelina trailing.
"What about your portion of the reward and the tent?" Hazel called out.
"Keep them." Koa said. With that, team no-name was gone.
"That was fun." Ryan said with a smile.
"They were a nice team, I'll give them that." Hazel said. "But Bolt creeps me out. He doesn't act normal when he talks to me."
"Ryan," Dillan began. "You and Adelina were getting along?"
"What in Ganderosa were you doing back in that Mystery Dungeon?" Ryan reared on Dillan.
"I-..." Dillan tried to say. He was shocked by the outburst, but he couldn't say he wasn't expecting it.
"Ryan-" Hazel said, but was interrupted.
"Hazel," Ryan cut in. "I don't mean to be rude, but I want Dillan to tell me what happened." Ryan turned towards Dillan. "So? What reason do you have for this?" Ryan gestured to his chest.
Dillan told Ryan what had happened in the Mystery Dungeon.
"So you're saying that the Lurantis used Swagger on you?" Ryan asked.
"Yeah." Dillan said.
"That's not possible." Ryan said calmly.
"Why not?" Hazel asked. "It's the only confusion move lurantis can know."
"What Dillan is describing isn't a Swagger attack. No, he's describing a Super Sonic attack. Swagger doesn't cause high-pitched vibrations. Dillan's story makes no sense at all because Lurantis doesn't learn Super Sonic."
"You're being harsh, Ryan." Hazel said calmly.
"I don't think I am." Ryan said. "I'm just stating the facts. Something doesn't add up."
The group sat in silence for what seemed like an hour, but was only five minutes.
Dillan broke the silence by saying, "I'm not sure what happened, but I'm sorry I hurt you. I truly am."
Ryan looked towards Dillan. He gave a sigh. "Yeah. I'm sorry for snapping at you. Even if your story doesn't make sense, that doesn't mean it isn't true. I should have thought about your reason for attacking me instead of assuming the worst." Ryan extended his paw towards Dillan. "Friends?"
"Friends." Dillan said as he stuck out his claw. Ryan took a hold of Dillan's claw and they shook hands. "Now then," Dillan started as he and Ryan ended their hand shake. "Should we pack up the tent and move on?"
"I can't go anywhere." Ryan said. "Not with my chest in this shape. Also, the poison's still left me drained. I'm going to rest for a little while." Ryan walked into the tent, leaving Hazel and Dillan alone.
Team Rapture stayed at the entrance of the Shadowed Brush for the rest of the day. They had decided that Ryan wasn't going to be in any condition to walk until the morning. Dillan and Hazel spent the remainder of the day wondering the path outside of the Shadowed Brush looking for berries. At the end of the day, the had six berries each; enough to last them for two days. They decided to call it a day and rest for the night.
Sleeping in a tent felt wrong to Dillan. He felt terribly exposed. He tossed and he turned. Dillan couldn't get himself to fall asleep, no matter how hard he tried. The sounds of the forest made it even worse. On top of that, Hazel's flame seemed to glow brighter than normal; but that could just be Dillan.
Dillan decided he wasn't going to get any sleep. He looked around the tent. It was pretty small. Smaller than any den I would make. Hazel was asleep. Her tail-flame flickered with each exhale. Ryan was sleeping on the floor as well. Dillan saw his objective. The Wonder Bag was on the floor next to Hazel. He crept over to the bag, being careful as to not make any noise. He slowly but surely made his way to the bag. He picked the bag off of the floor and slung it around his arm. He then carefully made his was towards the door to the tent.
The moon was shinning bright. Its light shot beams through the trees, illuminating the surrounding area. Dillan could see, which was the most surprising thing. He set the bag on the ground and started going through its contents.
It was the weirdest thing Dillan had ever seen. There were pockets linning the bag. When Dillan opened one of the pockets, it would expand to match the openning of the bag, revealing its contents. When Dillan tried to shut the pocket, its openning would shrink back down to the size of a pocket. Dillan searched through the pockets until he found his target. He pulled out the Map of Ganderosa. He shut the wonder bag. Dillan sat down and opened the map.
He looked around the map, not knowing where he was looking. He searched the contents of the map for the words, "Castellum Town". He couldn't find it. Dillan checked multiple times. He still couldn't see what he was looking for. His eyes made their way to the area of the map marked, "Kerroshia Territory". There were towns on the map labelled different things. Dillan didn't notice it before, but the strangest part was the fact that they had red "X"s over some of the towns.
"What are you looking for?" Hazel asked from behind Dillan. Dillan jumped and turned to see Hazel looking over his shoulder.
"I was looking for Castellum Town." Dillan admitted.
"Well, you're not going to find it on that map." Hazel said.
"Why not?" Dillan asked.
"Because that map is really old. It's practically a relic. See the towns with a red "X" over them?" She pointed towards the Kerroshia region.
"Yeah. Why are they like that?"
"Because this map is a war map. This map was made during the Great War of Ganderosa. There were two sides of that war; the Armadines and the Arvaines. Those towns have "X"s on them because those were towns that were attacked by a rogue general in the Arvaine Army. His name was Arthrax. He attacked those towns in a desperate attempt to leave the castle of Armadine open for attack. The castle deployed its reserve troops to help the innocent towns that were attacked, leaving the castle in a weakened state. The King of the Arvaines, Gunter Arvaine, used the opportunity to attack the castle, creating what we know today to be the Castle Ruins which is where Castellum Town is located." That's where I need to be.
Dillan's eyes fell upon another red X in the Alka region, right below Palando Town. The words below the X said, "Armadine Castle".
"How did you learn all of this?" Dillan asked.
"My dad taught it to me." Hazel told Dillan. "He said it was important to know your history. Castellum Town has a lot of books on the History of Ganderosa. It's sad that it became a Mystery Dungeon. All of those people lost their homes and a bunch of history as well."
Seems like luck has been against me, lately.
"I'm heading off to bed." Hazel said. "Feel free to take a look at the map. Just be careful with it. It's a family heirloom. I think my great-grandfather was a general of some sort. Served the country until he died."
"I'll be careful." Dillan said.
Hazel gave him a bright smile. She went back into the tent, leaving Dillan alone with his thoughts.
We'll probably go back to Palando in the morning. We should get there a little after noon. We probably won't take another mission based on when we get back. That'll leave me with the whole day to plan on how I'm going to leave. Dillan took a look at the gap between the Armadine Castle and Palando Town. It'll probably take half a day to get to the ruins. What am I talking about? The ruins are a mystery dungeon now. How am I going to get there alone? He thought about it. I might not be able to make it through alone, but I don't think I'll have to. Reya might be waiting for me outside of Castellum Town. If she is, then we can go through together. I need to make it there. I know this isn't my world, which means I'm here for a reason. I need to find out what that reason is. Based on the distance, I'll have to leave tomorrow night so my friends don't notice I'm gone.
"You are a sneaky gabite, aren't you?" Dillan turned around to face Kieth.
"What's it to you?" Dillan asked.
"You've been working with Reya." Kieth said.
"So?" Dillan asked.
"I just find it thrilling! You know, after Arlon took me away, he burned me to my core. It was the most excruciating experience of my life. I wish I could experience it again."
"What?" Dillan asked in disgust.
"I didn't know it then, but that single instance left my body in shock. I was in so much agony, that my mind simply snapped. It didn't like pain, so it made sure I couldn't feel any pain ever again. As a result, I can't feel anything. Doesn't that amuse you?"
"Should it?" Dillan asked.
"No. It should disturb you. Let me make something clear. I blame you for this lack of feeling."
"How does that work?" Dillan sounded repulsed. Kieth smiled like a maniac at the mere question.
"Simple. You were the most annoying thing. You were too innocent to be natural. I wanted to put the fear of arceus into you. You needed to understand your place. Arlon didn't see it that way, so he burned me. I will make you suffer just like I did until you can't feel anything anymore. Then, I'll leave you to rot in a cell for the rest of your miserable life."
"You aren't in my head." Dillan said defiantly.
"How is that possible?" Kieth asked with a grin.
"You know more than I do."
"Was Reya any less in your head when she visited you?"
"How do you know that?" Dillan asked.
"Quit being so naïve! I am in your mind, Dillan! Nothing in your head is beyond my reach! You are a simple pokemon who relies on others far too often. You're pathetic! That's all you'll ever be!"
"Leave me alone!" Dillan yelled as he slashed at Kieth. Kieth vaporized with the wind. Dillan looked around frantically for his target, but he didn't see him. Dillan was alone.
The night passed slowly for Dillan. Throughout the whole night, he felt as though he was being observed, like a bug in a jar. There was nothing he could do about the circumstance. All he could do was tell himself that his friends were near and he would be alright. With that thought in mind, he fell asleep; but it didn't last long. He went the whole night sleeping and waking up every half-hour only to feel as though he was being watched again. Every time, he would have to tell himself that his friends would help if he needed them in order to get back to sleep.
Other than waking up often, he was well-rested. Team Rapture packed up their new tent and moved on. Dillan was worried about Ryan throughout the walk. He was worried he would fall over from pain. Hazel had checked Ryan's wound before they left. It wasn't completely healed yet, but that didn't stop Ryan from walking. He seemed to be taking each step with as much vigor as normal; if not with more. That didn't stop Dillan from worrying.
Dillan started wondering about Palando Town. His mind drifted to the dream he had after he had used the Escape Orb. He wondered if the town being consumed by earth and fire had been Palando. He started worrying for the town. He knew it was pretty silly believing that something so horrible could possibly happen so quickly, but he couldn't help himself. The pokemon that caused it didn't feel like a dream. On the contrary, it felt more real than anything he could remember before. Those red eyes felt like hot coals burning their image into Dillan's brain. The shadow felt like the same darkness that shrouded his memories. The entire thing wasn't a pleasant ordeal. He wished he could remove the image from his head like everything else his amnesia had taken, but he couldn't. It seemed like it was the only memory that would stay with him until he died.
After a few hours of walking, Dillan saw Palando Town on the horizon. Nothing had changed. The earth was perfect. Fire hadn't consumed the town. There were no screams. Best of all, that shadowy creature wasn't there. Dillan felt at peace.
"What do you two want to do when we get into town?" Hazel asked.
"I don't really have a preference." Dillan stated.
"Personally, I want to go to the arena to get a good fight in." Ryan stated.
"In your condition?" Hazel asked. "Really?"
"Fine..." Ryan surrendered. "It would still be fun to watch some fights."
"I think we should take another mission." Hazel said.
"We just got back." Ryan pointed out. "Also, I'm in no condition to possibly help another pokemon, right Hazel?" he said sarcastically.
"Ha ha." Hazel said playfully. "Then what do we do?"
"We could hang out at a local diner." Dillan suggested.
"Sounds cool." Hazel agreed. Ryan nodded his head in agreement. Team Rapture made their way into the town.
After nearly ten minutes of walking around, Hazel pointed out a diner called, "Bob's Bar and Burgers". Burgers... Dillan thought. The word stood out to him like a painter's masterpiece. It sounded elegant and delicious. He started craving a burger. Team Rapture walked inside.
The interior of the diner was pretty nice. There were numerous tables where pokemon played a card game. Some pokemon were sitting at a bar in the back. The kitchen was near the front, away from the bar. There were also tables with pokemon eating while chatting or kissing affectionately. The place was made of wood with a cobblestone floor. There was a balcony where pokemon observed the new-comers in a stalker-like fashion. Dillan found that disturbing to say the least. There was no one at the front.
Dillan followed Hazel. Team Rapture sat at a round table with four chairs. Dillan heard shouting coming from a nearby table. Cards and coins were flying through the air. Dillan guessed someone had won a game with a big reward.
"So Ryan," Hazel began. "Yesterday, you and Adeline seemed to be close again. How did that work?"
Ryan looked like he was contemplating what to say. He thought for an uncomfortably long amount of time. He then said, "I won't tell you everything, so if things don't make sense or if you feel like something's missing, that's why.
"Me and Adelina use to be close friends. If I needed help, she would do anything she could. It was the same with me. I remember when she showed me her sword performance. It was really choppy; no pun intended. She was wild and uncontrolled. It was if she was using the swords as a weapon to destroy the berries. I told her she was doing it wrong." Ryan laughed. "She was so mad at me. Eventually, I told her not to be so wild with her movements. I said she needed to treat the sword like her friend instead of a weapon. She needed to get to know everything about the sword. For a whole week, she had an orange sword in her hand. It became a part of her. She learned to let it flow like the wind itself. I won't forget the look of excitement on her face when she perfected her sword dance. She told me I was the best friend she could have asked for. We were so close..." Ryan's smile faded. "I left a week later. I didn't tell her that I was leaving. She knows why I did it; but that didn't make it hurt any less. She was my best friend and I left without a word."
"Why did you leave?" Dillan asked.
"Please don't think of me as a bad pokemon. I didn't mean to hurt her. I can't tell you why. Bad things would happen if I do."
"Alright." Hazel said. "I understand where you're coming from. You think it'll hurt us or our relationship with each other. I completely understand. I understand because it's the same way with me." Hazel told Ryan about her fear of ghosts. She explained why she was afraid. She told Ryan about her reliving her nightmares when she sees ghosts.
"That's why you didn't do anything in Poltress?" Ryan asked.
"Yeah." Hazel said.
"Why didn't you say anything earlier?" Ryan asked. "I don't judge people because of their traumas."
"Telling people use to make me relive that experience. I told Dillan before and I was perfectly fine. I decided that this secret could hurt the team if it kept going. Also, keeping it a secret didn't let me be me. I'm usually a lot more cheerful, like when we met. I want to be me again."
"I would give a toast to the old you, but the waiter hasn't taken our order, yet." Ryan stated.
"I wonder what's taking them so long?" Dillan said.
Dillan looked around. He didn't realize it before, but pokemon were scowling at them.
"What's up with everyone?" Dillan asked.
"What?" Ryan asked. He and Hazel took a look around. They saw the scowling pokemon as well. When Team Rapture made eye contact with the scowling pokemon, they turned away and went back to their business.
"Excuse me, waiter!" Hazel called out to a pokemon. It came over to them. It was a pokemon with a white robe. It had a red face with a black, netting pattern on its skin. The pokemon was holding tray. It took a look at Hazel and walked away. "Mr. Waiter!" Hazel called out. The pokemon kept walking, not paying attention. "Really?" she said. "Whatever."
"Hey, buddy!" Ryan called out rudely. "Don't walk away from my friend! I'll report you to the manager!"
The throw looked at Ryan with a scowl and walked away.
"What's up with that?" Ryan said.
"I don't feel comfortable being here..." Dillan stated.
"Why?" Ryan asked.
"The waiters won't talk to us and we keep getting glares from other tables." Dillan said.
"I agree." Hazel said. "This place seems weird."
"Alright." Ryan agreed. "You guys just want to go and hang out at the guild?" Ryan suggested.
"Sounds cool." Dillan said.
Team Rapture got up from their table. They walked away towards the door. Pokemon continued to scowl at Team Rapture. One pokemon decided it would be a great idea to spit off of the balcony. The ball of mucus flew through the air and splattered on Ryan's head. Ryan stopped in his tracks. He turned towards the pokemon on the balcony. Two of them were smiling down at Team Rapture. They looked very amused with themselves.
"What are you two losers happy about?" Ryan asked the two pokemon.
"Let's just go, Ryan." Hazel said, urging Ryan to leave. Ryan gave a scowl at the two balcony pokemon as he turned to rejoin his companions. Team Rapture exited the building.
The exploration team walked down the cobblestone path.
"Why do you think they were acting weird around us?" Dillan asked.
"Honestly, I have no idea." Hazel stated.
"They needed an attitude adjustment." Ryan said. "I was about to brawl with that guy on the balcony. Did you see what he did?"
"Yeah..." Dillan said sadly.
Hazel noticed him. "What's wrong?" Hazel asked Dillan.
"Nothing." That was a bald face lie. The rude behaviors of those guys reminded me of that bully who attacked my sister. Dillan thought about how he wanted to see her again. Dillan couldn't hear her voice enough times. He loved her like family.
"Anyone hear that there was a parade?" Ryan asked.
"No." Hazel said. "Why?"
"Because of the road block." Ryan stated. There was a crowd of pokemon who were gathered around in the town square.
"How are we suppose to get through?" Dillan asked.
Ryan walked up to the group. "Follow me." Ryan said. He started walking under the pokemon; stepping on feet and fins in an attempt to get across.
"Ryan!" Hazel yelled. She took a hold of Dillan's claw and started pulling him along as she pushed through the crowd. There was shouting coming from the center of the crowd. Dillan could make out some of the things that were being said.
"... because they fear us! Why didn't word get to us sooner about the Mystery Dungeons spreading? They fear us taking a stand! They do not see the signs like we do! The apocalypse is upon us! He's seen it! The fire in the sky! The earth engulfing towns!"
Dillan stopped in his tracks. He looked at where the voice was coming from.
"They have hidden these facts from us!" the voice continued. "I said this before and I'll say it again!" Dillan started making his way towards the center of the crowd, towards the voice.
"Dillan!" Hazel shouted over the murmurs of the crowd. She followed the gabite.
"We will be oppressed no longer!" the voice said. "They tell you lies and lead you like children! They won't tell you the facts! Well, we're here to tell you that our organization is going to tell you the facts! The fact is that the government praise their oh-so-glorious Guild System like its a God-send! It isn't!" Dillan made his way to the inner ring of people. He found there was a wooden stage set up in front of the town square's fountain. The stage had three pokemon on it.
There was a pokemon that looked like a blue frog with a tongue spun around its neck like a scarf. Its chest was tan and so was its chin. The rest of its body was blue. The pokemon had sacks of water on its elbows and its knee caps. Its hands and feet were webbed. Its thighs were like sacks that ended at the knee caps. It then came to stick-like legs which led to its feet. Its eyes were white with red irises and white pupils. It had a symbol hanging from a chain around its neck. The symbol was a red, eroded "A" in the middle of a white circle that flared out at the circumference. (Greninja)
There was another pokemon that looked like a purple blob. It had black, marble eyes and a plain expression on its mouth. It had a band over its forehead like a fighter. The band had the same symbol that was on the greninja's chain. (Ditto)
The last pokemon looked like a black dragon. It had a tan stomach and red wings. It had two black horns on the back of its head. There was a flame coming from the tip of its tail. The pokemon was bigger around the waist. It had two straps coming from its shoulders that wrapped itself around the pokemon's chest making an "X". It had the same "A" symbol on the middle of its chest. (Charizard)
The greninja started speaking again. "The guildmembers don't seek to help you; they want to make you into a form of currency! They don't help you for the sake of helping you! They want to use you! They hide the most terrifying facts from you! They keep them right under your nose! It happened a week ago, yet the king hasn't informed you about it! Castellum Town has been turned into a Mystery Dungeon!" Whispers and worried glances were being thrown about the crowd. "Bob."
"Yeah boss, yeah." the ditto said. He took a hold of some papers on the stage and threw them into the crowd. Hazel caught one of them. Dillan looked at it. It looked like the quarantine note that was posted at the guild job bulletin board.
"Guildmembers have known about this! The king has known about this! Everyone who is part of the corrupt government knows, but does nothing! They wish to keep this information from you, but we have found the truth! Rise up against the oppressive rule! Protest in front of the guild! Make sure the king knows that we won't be oppressed any longer! For those who want to join the ranks of Team Armageddon, come forth onto the stage. For everyone else, spread the word! Let it be known that the people will no longer be kept in the dark! Let everyone know that the Mystery Dungeons are spreading once more!"
Some of the crown began to cheer. Other pokemon looked as though they were contemplating what had been said. Most of the pokemon left. About one fourth of the crowd created a line that snaked its way towards Team Armageddon's stage.
"What on Ganderosa?" Hazel stated.
"Who are they?" Dillan asked.
"I'm not sure."
"Hey!" Ryan called. Dillan and Hazel turned around to find the pachirisu. "Dean just passed me."
"What did he say?" Hazel asked with an annoyed tone.
"He told me that the Guildleader wants to see us."
"Why?" Hazel asked.
"He didn't specify." Ryan said. "Wanna find out?"
"Sure." Hazel said with a smile. Team Rapture continued on their way to the guild.
It was a madhouse. Pokemon were protesting all over the place. They held up signs that said, "Let the Oppression End!" or "The Guild can go to Hell!" The guild's entrance was surrounded. It took too much effort for Team Rapture to get passed. They were stuck at the gates of the guild's courtyard. Dean and Haily were standing there. They looked like guards.
"Hey."' Ryan shouted towards the two.
"Badges." Dean said.
Haily nudged him. "Dean." she scolded.
"Fine." Dean said. He pressed his hands together. A force field surrounded Team Rapture and the gate. The gate swung inward, allowing Team Rapture to walk into the guild. Dillan looked back.
"That team caused this?" he asked. "How?"
"The Guildleader is in his room." Haily stated.
"Thanks." Ryan said cautiously to Haily. Haily didn't seem fazed by Ryan's tone.
Team Rapture made their way into the guild.
Even as they walked through the lobby, chanting could be heard outside the walls. Team Rapture saw Janette standing by a door. Team Rapture walked towards her.
"I knew this would happen!" 'Janette said.
"What?" Dillan asked. "How?"
"The stars!" Janette said. "They didn't show last night or the night before that! No stars means that dark days are ahead of us!"
The door to Janette's left opened. Garth was standing in the doorway. "Janette." Garth stated. "Stop saying things like that. It helps no one. Not even you."
Janette held her head down in shame. "Yes, sir. Sorry sir."
"It's quite fine." the Guildleader said. He turned towards Team Rapture. "You three look dreadful. Won't you come in?" Garth stepped to the side and let the team inside.
The room was pretty big. It had a queen-sized bed at the back of the room. Next to the bed on either side were night stands. At the foot of the bed on the floor was a rug with the Ganderosan symbol on it. There was a map of Ganderosa hanging on the back wall. A fire place crackled as the fire licked at the logs. There was a violin on a stand near the door. Dillan was surprised to see it.
"Guildleader," Dillan started. "I didn't know you played violin."
"I do indeed. In my spare time, which hasn't been very much as of late." The four pokemon stood in the middle of the room. Dillan couldn't help but notice Garth's tail was swishing back and forth, just like yesterday.
"You wanted to see us?" Ryan asked.
"I did." Garth said. "I am sorry to say that you all have been charged with ten years imprisonment."
"What?" Dillan shouted. He and his teammates were very shocked. "For what?"
"Oh, I'm just joking!" Garth laughed. "I'm sorry about the scare! Being a Guildleader can be fun if you know how to use your position!"
"Sir?" Hazel asked.
"Oh, yes. Sorry about that." Garth said. "I just wanted to congratulate you on achieving a new explorers rank!"
"A new rank?" Dillan asked.
"You mean we've been promoted?" Ryan asked.
"Yep." Garth said. "Here's your new badges!" He pulled a box from under the bed and set it on the ground. He then opened the box. He revealed three new, shiny badges. They were silver with a white circle in the middle of it and yellow wings on the sides.
"We're at silver rank already?" Hazel asked. She sounded very shocked. "I never thought..."
"You guys have shown guts in the last few days." Garth said. "bolt told me that you saved two important researchers. Most importantly, we received a letter from the Kerroshian Guild last night. Team K. P. Sends their regards. You three did trusted your judgement and weren't afraid to call me out when I was wrong. You three deserve this."
"Sir?" Dillan asked.
"What is it, Dillan?"
"What do you know about Team Armageddon?"
"For one thing, I know that they're bad news. They don't like us guildmembers. They also like to rally pokemon against us. I thought they had disbanded months ago."
"What makes you say that?" Ryan asked.
"For one thing, the fact that they weren't active at all a few months ago. Now, we've been getting reports of protesting in front of guilds across Ganderosa."
"So they're not an exploration team?" Dillan asked.
"No. They're a group. They have stations all over Ganderosa. This time, they seemed to have found out about Castellum Town before we even had time to tell anyone. Now, they're spreading lies about us to the public. Because of this, I have one thing to tell you all. I've ordered a shut down of Palando's guild activities."
"You did what?" Ryan said.
"For your own safety, you are all to stay inside the guild's perimeter. Things are looking too violent outside."
"They're just protesting." Hazel stated.
"Wallace thinks otherwise." Garth said. "He's in the hospital ward at the moment, recovering. I don't suggest you leave this place until it settles down.
"Anyways, that's all. Congrats on the new rank!" Garth walked over to the violin and picked it up. "If you three don't mind, I think I'll play the violin. Feel free to stay and listen if you would like." Garth walked over to his bed and sat down. He set the violin on his chin and began to play a dreary tune.
Hazel picked up the box of badges and left the room followed by her teammates.
"What now?" Dillan asked. Team Rapture sat in the boy's dorm on the carpet.
"I'm not sure." Hazel said. "If we're confined here, than there isn't really anything we can do." "What's up with Team Armageddon?" Ryan asked. "What's their problem?"
"I'm not sure." Hazel stated. "Whatever it is, they don't like us very much."
"True that." Ryan said.
"I'm pretty tired." Dillan stated.
"You are?" Hazel asked. "It's only in the after-noon."
"Well, it feels like it's seven."
"Like it's what?" Hazel asked.
"Seven." Dillan said again. "You know. Like seven... Seven... Seven something. I can't remember the other part. It just feels late."
"Alright." Hazel said. "Suit yourself."
Dillan knew that wasn't the truth. It didn't feel late at all. In fact, he didn't feel like sleeping; though he knew he would later. He knew that he would feel tired when he was on the road to Castellum Town. It would affect him there. It wouldn't work. Nothing would work. He would be alone for the first time. He would have to rely on himself and only himself. He needed to; otherwise, he would fail. He couldn't fail.
"I'm goin to take a nap." Dillan stated. "See you guys when I wake up."
"You're serious about this?" Ryan asked.
"Yeah." Dillan said.
"Alright." Ryan shrugged. "Don't let me get in your way. See you when you wake up." Ryan got up and walked out of the room.
"Have a good sleep." Hazel said as she left the room.
Dillan felt the loneliness creeping in on him. This was the first step. Dillan knew from here on out, he would be alone. His shadow would be his companion. He would come back; he knew that. He would be back here eventually. For now, he needed to do things alone. He would probably have to lie to his friends. It may hurt, but it was necessary. It was something he had to do. He didn't want to keep is friends in the dark, but what choice did he have? If Reya was to get hurt because of his recklessness, nothing but pain would come out of it. He needed to play Reya's game in order to save her and help himself. It was his goal.
(Author's Notes)
Hey guys! I say this almost every (if not every) week. I wanted to say thanks to everyone who's stayed thus far. I wanted to say sorry to those in the UK. I do not think you say "Pip pip and cheerio" as well as "Poppycock". I wanted to add that to give character to Leslie. To anyone who I insulted with stereotypical dialogue, I apologize. It wasn't meant to offend anyone. Also, I have a tip if any writers who trusts me enough to give it.
Shout out to Boruto101 and Gamerj14! You guys made my day wen you followed me. I'm not even exaggerating when I tell you guys that seeing my story get follows or favorites or even views makes my day. It tells me that my work is appreciated. So, a special shout out to those who haven't followed my story. Even though you remain anonymous (you know who you are), you guys are awesome! :D
(Friendly Advice from me. Take it or leave it)
I wanted to give you guys who are writing some advice. Before I tell you this, I want to make it clear that I am not a great writer. I just started out and this is my personal belief. Take it or leave it, just don't tell me I gave you bad advice if you use this technique and are criticized over it. Now, I have been told that I build on characters that would only be shown once, and this is true. The thing I don't agree with is that this is an issue. Sure, it creates a little extra reading, but think of it this way. If Leslie (the researcher eevee) acted like everyone else, than he would be a bland character that was just introduced to create a mission for Dillan. No one would care about him. If this was the case for every character, than the world would seem fake. Nothing except the main characters feel real, which does not make a great story. By introducing character to characters that would only be seen once makes them feel realistic and life-like. It feels like someone you would interact with. Now, whether I portray this in my story through my writing, I can't say. I'm not the best judge of my own writing. I just wanted to say that for my own reason.
Thanks to everyone for reading the story! If you haven't been able to tell, things are going to get a little crazier from here on out. In the words of the pokemon announcer, "The journey continues". See you guys in the next chapter!
