Pokemon Mystery Dungeon

Shadows of Ganderosa

Chapter 23

The Royal Pain


"Please don't go!" Grace called through tears. I don't want to leave! "Stay with me!"

"I wish I could," Dillan stated. "But the doctor's coming in to look at you." Please no! Stay with her!

"I don't mind it." Grace said. "I just want you to stay here." I do, too! This is my dream, but why don't I have any control?

Dillan was silent. He felt his eyebrows come closer together as if he was thinking.

"Dillan." a male voice said. Dillan knew by now it was the doctor. Please don't take me away from her.

"I'm only going to be outside the room, alright?" Dillan told Grace. Dillan gave an internal sigh. Fine. At least show me why my sister is in a hospital bed.

"You promise?" Grace asked.

"Cross my heart." Dillan let go of Grace. "I'll be back in once the doctor's finished."

"Okay." Grace said with a sniffle.

Dillan felt himself break away from the hug. He turned around and saw the doctor standing there. What on Ganderosa? The doctor was changed. Through the blurred colors, Dillan could make out two red eyes.

"Sir, you need to leave." the doctor said. Dillan didn't listen. He didn't move. He just stared at the doctor. "Leave, now." the doctor ordered.

"What's going on?" Dillan asked. He was shocked to find he could speak for himself. Dillan tried moving his arm. It worked. He started squinting at himself. Dillan realized his blurry surroundings were starting to come into focus. His body began morphing before his eyes. His tan skin changed into blue scales. Dillan realized he was becoming a gabite again. Dillan turned to face he doctor. The only issue with that was the doctor wasn't there any longer.

Dillan looked in horror at the shadowy figure that was in front of him. It's limbs seemed covered in a fog. "J-Jake?" Dillan stumbled.

"Filth!" Jake regarded him.

"What's going on?" Dillan asked. He sounded fearful.

"Take a look at your sister." Jake said evilly.

Dillan turned towards Grace.

"Dillan, what's going on?" Grace asked. She was still blurred.

"Grace?" Dillan asked. "Is it really you?"

"Dillan," Grace said. "Where did you go?"

"I don't know." Dillan said. He walked closer to Grace. He felt a vine wrap around his ankle. It felt like sand paper. He felt his ankle pop. Dillan gave a cry of pain. He fell to the floor. He looked at the black tendril that held his ankle. It snaked its way into the fog.

"Dillan." Grace said. "You left me alone."

"I didn't mean to." Dillan said. "I don't know why I'm in this world, but I promise I'll get back to you."

"No, you can't." Grace said.

"Don't say that." Dillan said. "I will get back to you."

"Even if you did come back, you can't see me again."

"What do you mean?" Dillan asked.

"Why don't you see for yourself?" Jake said.

"No!" a voice called out. A flash appeared out of nowhere. Dillan shielded his eyes from the blast of light. "Don't show him that, snake!" I know that voice.

Dillan looked up to see Reya standing in front of him.

"Reya?" Dillan asked.

"Dillan," Reya said. "Touch your crystal."

"Foolish girl!" Jake shouted. "I'll have you punished for this!"

"Trust me." Reya said.

"Reya," Dillan said. "What's wrong with my sister?"

"You can't know!" Reya shouted. "Not in these circumstances! You're not ready!"

"Ready?" Dillan asked.

"Dillan," Reya said. "If you were to ever trust me before, trust me now." She pointed to Jake. "He is the Enemy!"

"I know that." Dillan said.

"Then don't let him tell you anything!" Reya said.

"Parasite!" Jake shouted. A tendril flew towards Reya.

"Reya!" Dillan shouted. He tried to get up, but his tendril kept him in place.

A shield appeared over the gardevoir. It blocked the second tendril on impact.

"Dillan," Reya said. "I'm beginning to give up on everything I believe in. I need you to listen to me when I say that this information needs to come from a different source. Trust me."

"Alright." Dillan said. "But what if I begin to find out on my own?"

"Use the crystal before that happens." Reya said.

"Dillan," Grace said. "Don't listen to her. She doesn't want you to know the truth."

Reya gave a shriek. Dillan saw her tuck her chest inwards. The shield fell. Reya got onto the floor. She began cradling her head in a defensive position.

"Reya!" Dillan shouted.

"Dillan." Reya said. She sounded strained. "I won't be seeing you again, I'm sure of that. Please, don't give up." Reya faded away.

"Now for you!" Jake shouted.

As much as I want the truth, I can't let the Enemy get what he wants. I need to trust Reya. "No." Dillan said. He put his claw to the green crystal. I hope this works.

"Run from the truth all you want!" Jake shouted. "It will catch you eventually! It always does!"

Dillan watched as a green flash emanated from his crystal. The dream disappeared.


Dillan opened his eyes slowly. He had his body faced towards the wall. He stared at it. Jake wants me to remember, but why? He felt his stomach rumble. Guess I'm hungry. He felt the rumbling increase. That's not right. He then felt his whole body vibrate.

"An earthquake?" Ryan shouted from above.

"Wake up, losers!" Dean shouted. Dillan looked down from the bed. Dean was shaking the frame back and forth very quickly.

"We get it!" Ryan shouted. "Knock it off already!" Dean stopped shaking the bed. Ryan hopped down from the top bunk.

"By the way," Dean started. "King Judah wants to talk with you two."

"Dean!" a voice whined. Dillan watched as Jess floated into the room.

"What is it?" Dean asked.

"Can I pleeease whack Sigourney?" Jess said.

"Don't you mean wake?" Dillan asked as he got up from the bed.

"Nope." Jess said with a wide grin.

"No." Dean said flatly.

"Then can I wake her up?" Jess asked.

"Whatever." Dean shrugged. "Just don't hit her."

"Yay!" Jess shouted.

"I don't think you should-" Dillan tried to say. Jess completely ignored him. She went straight to the north wall and passed through the cobble stone. "Do that." Dillan finished.

"You couldn't stop her even if you wanted to." Dean said.

"Can't you three keep it down?" Bolt called out. Dillan looked over at the pikachu. "I'm trying to sleep."

"We have a guild meeting." Dean stated. "Remember?"

"Yeah yeah." Bolt waved away Dean's comment. He rested his head back down on the pillow.

"Butterfingers." Dean said. Bolt didn't respond.

"Why do you call him that, anyways?" Dillan asked.

Dean laughed heartily. "Exactly what it implies!" Dean stated.

"It was one time." Bolt said as he stuck his paw in the air and brought out one finger.

"One time is all it takes!" Dean said.

"You say that every time." Bolt said as he got up into a sitting position.

"Let's get going." Wallace said as he got up from his bunk. "King Judah wants to speak-"

A scream could be heard from the next room. Dillan recognized the cream as Hazel's. The next minute, Jess was floating through the north wall into the boy's dorm.

"I'm not here!" Jess shouted excitedly as she flew behind Dean.

"What did you do?" Dean asked with a smirk.

"The ol' Devil's Scream!" Jess shouted with glee.

"Jeeze Louise!" Dean laughed. "You went that hard core?"

"She deserves it!" Jess shouted. "Ignoring me all the time!"

The door to the boy's dorm slammed open. A wet, black Hazel with blue feet was at the entrance. Her tail was the only thing that was left alone. and she looked mad.

"Jess!" Hazel shouted. "That's the last straw!"

"Jess isn't here!" Jess shouted. "Try again another time!"

"What happened to you?" Ryan asked.

"The Devil's Scream?" Hazel asked. "Really, Dean?"

"She had to find out sometime!" Dean laughed.

"Where is she?" Hazel asked. She stormed into the room.

"What's going on?" Adelina asked. She was at the front of the room. She stared at Hazel who began searching under each bed. Adelina looked worried. "Hazel? Are you ok?"

"I will be once I find Jess!" Hazel shouted.

"She's-" Ryan tried to say.

"What did she do now." Haily interrupted from the door. She took a look at Hazel and smiled slightly. "It's been a while since I've seen that."

"Yeah!" Hazel yelled. "Only it "use" to be Orion and "not" me!"

"Orion?" Dillan asked.

"He was a kid on our block when we were younger!" Dean said joyfully. "Guy was a jerk!"

"Reminds me of someone." Ryan said quietly to Dillan.

"Jess!" Hazel shouted. Jess came out of hiding and floated towards Hazel. Hazel looked at Jess for a few seconds and gradually forgot about her rage. She looked a little scarred.

"Yes, Sig?" Jess said with a smirk.

This is going to get out of hand with Hazel's fear. "Alright." Dillan said as he stepped up. "Jess, want something shiny?"

Jess turned to Dillan. "Ooh!" she shouted. "Where's the shiny!"

"It's..." Dillan tried to think of something to say. He tried to signal Ryan with his arm behind his back. He couldn't tell if Ryan knew what he was doing.

"Where's the shiny?" Jess asked skeptically.

"Here!" Ryan shouted. He got a hold of a crystal. "You can have it later if you leave Hazel alone!"

"Fine!" Jess huffed. Hazel eyed Jess as she floated over to Haily.

"What's going on in here?" Garth asked. Dillan's heart skipped a beat. Uh-oh. We didn't report to the main room. Garth looked at Hazel and his face dropped. "What happened?"

"Jess happened!" Hazel shouted.

"Party pooper..." Jess mumbled.

"Jess!" Garth snapped quietly. "Team Rapture is suppose to see the king any minute now! How is Hazel suppose to do so while she looks like..."

"A Devil's Scream." Dean said.

"The prank in Labensia?" Garth asked.

"Infamous prank in Labensia Castle." Haily corrected. "We made it up."

"You three?" Garth asked as he pointed to Haily, Dean, and Jess.

"No, Guildleader." Dean said. "Me, Haily, and Sig."

"You mean Hazel?" Garth asked. He shook his head. "Never mind. Hazel, try to wash up in the fountain outside."

"With water?" Hazel asked.

"I know it isn't ideal for fire types," Garth said. "But this is the king we're talking about."

Hazel gave a glare at Jess. "Alright, Guildleader." she said.

"Good." Garth nodded. Hazel walked out of the room, tracking blue paw prints where she walked. "As for you two," Garth addressed Ryan and Dillan. "Please wait for Hazel in the lobby. When she's done, report to the Guildleader's Room to see the King."

"Yes, Guildleader." Ryan said. He and Dillan walked out of the room. Dillan heard Garth say, "As for you. You'll be helping Wallace restock the Guild's food supplies". He also heard Jess moan loudly. Dillan smiled from that comment and walked on.


It took a few minutes for Hazel to finish. By then, Janette was already at the front doing paper work, Dean and Haily walked out of the guild for a mission, and Jess and Wallace were doing inventory in the kitchen. Bolt and Adelina were nowhere to be seen.

Dillan recalled what had happened a few days ago. I wish Hazel would tell me why she was so shaken up when the king was here. She said it was nerves because she was meeting with the king, but I know her better than that. She doesn't get nervous when it comes to something "guildmember related". I know something else was bothering her, but I can't put my finger on it. Her just brushing it off makes me feel even worse.

"Alright." Hazel said. She interrupted Dillan's train of thought. She walked into the guild, back to normal; but she was soaking wet. "Let's get a move-on." Team Rapture walked onwards into the Guildleader's quarters.

They entered the room to find papers littering the floor. King Judah was at a desk writing vigorously. Dillan noticed a bottle of ink and a feather were being used by Judah instead of a chunk of coal like he used to sign the Guildmember's Papers weeks ago.

"Pokemon who surrender to the ones they face are unworthy to call themselves loyal to the throne." Judah said.

"King Hardemlite Armadine." Hazel said.

Judah looked up from his paper and faced Hazel. "Hazel Prince." Judah said. Hazel didn't respond. He talked to Hazel with a peaceful calmness to his voice and body. "I've read all about your life and achievements. You hatched in Labensia Castle along the Red Strip's borders. Your father made assurances to keep you safe from the pokemon who lived in the Red Strip. Then, out of nowhere, your father lost his job and your family was plunged into debt. As a result, you moved to the Red Strip. Under normal circumstances, this would be a bad thing; but not for you. No. Do you mind if I call you Sigourney?"

"Hazel is just fine." Hazel said calmly. Dillan turned to Hazel. To his surprise, she didn't seem happy about what the King was saying. I thought she would be ecstatic about the king knowing about her.

Judah smiled. "My guess is that your father pushed you to be better because of where you ended up. First Place in the Guild's Junior Expedition. First Place in the anual Treasure Hunting competition. You were a star. Even though your parents couldn't afford a tutor, you studied from the books made available in your library. Hazel Prince, I am very impressed by your actions throughout your life.

"But then that tragic accident occurred."

"It wasn't an accident." Hazel said.

"You are correct." Judah said. "My apologies."

"If you don't mind, sire," Hazel said. "Can we get to the mission at hand?"

"One second." Judah said. He turned to Ryan. "Ryan Simon, correct?"

"Yes, sir." Ryan said flatly. He still seemed unsure about this mission and he didn't seem to like it either.

"You were adopted three years ago by the don't seem to have any information before then. Now why do you think that is?"

"My blood family hates me." Ryan stated. "Is it any wonder they would disown me as well? Erase all traces of me?"

"And what was their name?"

"That's not important." Ryan said. "Can we move on?"

Judah moved closer to Team Rapture. That's when Dillan realized just how small they really were compared to the dragonite. Judah was at the top of the Guild System; the king. His position allowed him to send Team Rapture to the farthest reaches of Ganderosa. On top of that, King Judah stood at a little over seven feet. That was two feet above Dillan. The gabite looked up at Judah. The king walked towards Ryan and leaned down.

"I don't like your tone, Simon." Judah said. "Care to address me with respect?"

"Yes, sire." Ryan said with pride.

"Good." Judah told him as he walked back. He turned to face Team Rapture. "Your adopted family tells me that you've been studying Ancient Ruins."

"Yes, sire." Ryan said.

"Why is that?" Judah asked.

"I didn't have any real reason." Ryan said. "I just felt like it."

"Everyone has their reasons." Judah said.

"Why are you asking us these things?" Ryan asked. "Sire?" he added.

"I wanted to know who I was sending into the field." Judah turned to Dillan. "Since your friend doesn't have a reason for what he does, let's move on to you, Dillan..." He trailed off. Judah looked at Dillan as if he was expecting an answer from him.

"You want me to give you my full name?" Dillan guessed.

"Please." Judah urged. "You didn't finish the Guild's sign-up form with your last name." Judah pulled a piece of paper from the desk and showed it to Dillan. Sure enough, there was only one name at the top of the form, "Dillan".

I could do that, tell him my name is Dillan Lambert. I've heard it enough times in my dream to remember. But if he has the resources like he's been demonstrating, then he won't find any records on me or my family.

"Sorry sir." Dillan said. "I don't remember."

"Amnesia?" Judah asked.

"It's true, sire." Hazel said. "He can't remember much."

"So you don't know your parents?" Judah asked.

"No, sir." Dillan said.

"That's too bad." Judah said. "Just another pokemon with no one to his name; no parents or siblings." Dillan looked down to the floor, ashamed of his lack of knowledge. He's right.

"Knock it off." Ryan said. Judah looked at Ryan. "Why do you have to make him feel bad? It isn't his fault."

"Watch your tongue." Judah ordered.

"Sorry, sir." Ryan said, though he obviously wasn't sorry.

"Anyways," Judah said. "I wanted to give you your orders for the mission ahead of you. If you would all give me your explorers badges." Dillan, Ryan, and Hazel all removed their badges (Dillan had some help from Hazel). Hazel then brought the badges to Judah. Judah took all three of them. "Now then, I think you'll find this part of the mission very intriguing." Judah went towards the desk and grabbed three black rolls of cloth. He handed one to each member of Team Rapture. Dillan knelt down and unraveled the cloth on the carpet. The cloth revealed a red, eroded "A" in the middle of a white circle that flared out at the circumference.

"Team Armageddon's flag?" Ryan asked.

"On the contrary." Judah said. "The one you have is a bandanna for your head. Hazel, yours is a scarf such as the one you have on now. And Dillan, you have a bandanna, also like the one you wear."

"Why do we have these?" Hazel asked.

"Like I said before," Judah said. "This mission is based upon stealth. I do not just want you to sneak into the guild. I want you to infiltrate Team Armageddon."

"I don't think having two bandanas is going to work, sir." Dillan said.

"Quite right." Judah said. "That is why I will also be confiscating your wears."

"You will?" Hazel asked.

"Team Armageddon has been here and seen you three gallivanting around town." Judah stated. "They have no doubt seen your gear and the symbol you wear. That is why you must not carry it with you."

"I get it, sire." Ryan said with an eye roll. He removed his arm band and handed it to King Judah. Dillan followed Ryan's example. Hazel stood there, looking at Judah with a look Dillan didn't understand.

"Hazel?" Judah asked.

"Fine." Hazel said. She took her scarf off and gave it to Judah. Judah took all three of the buffs and put them on the desk. Hazel took the new scarf and placed it around her neck. Ryan looked at his bandanna. He tried to put it on his head with great difficulty. Dillan stared at his new bandanna.

"Sir?" Dillan spoke up.

"Yes, Dillan?" Judah asked.

"What do these things do? What special powers do they give us?"

Judah thought about it for a while before saying, "Nothing at all."

"They don't do anything?" Ryan asked with shock. "You mean my speed is gone?"

"Well," Judah started. "We retrieved them from a Team Armageddon rally, so whatever they wanted it to do, it does just that."

"So if they poison us?" Ryan asked. Hazel froze. Her hands were rested on the ends off her new scarf.

"They won't be booby-trapped." Judah announced. "I've had them checked out. They should be fine."

"A-Alright..." Dillan said skeptically as he put his new bandanna on. Ryan managed to figure out his head-band

"Now, listen here you three." Judah began. "This mission is of top priority. The fate of Ganderosa as we know it hangs by the thread of this mission's success."

"That can't be correct." Hazel said. "All of Ganderosa?"

"Precisely." Judah acknowledged. "Think of it this way. We've been keeping this rebellion a secret. No messages are allowed to pass to nor from Alka's Islands. If word gets out about this uprising, we would have a panic. Some pokemon would be too scared to fight Team Armageddon while others would join that filthy group. I do not want to give Ignitus too much control over the fate of Ganderosa."

"So what are we going to do in the Alkan Guild?" Hazel asked.

"I want you three to go in there and kill Guildleader Zinclyde."

"How are we suppose to do that?" Ryan asked. "The Guildmasters aren't called "masters" for nothing. They're the best of the best. You expect us to take someone of that status and win?"

"Yes." Judah said flatly. "It is my understanding that you three took on the vigilante known as Arlon. Am I wrong?"

"Someone died trying to take down Arlon." Hazel told Judah. "Also, me and Ryan came after Arlon was weakened."

"I have no doubt you three can handle the job." Judah said again. He sounded a little more stern this time. "Now I want you to be ready to kill the Guildmaster. Not harm or defeat. Kill her."

"You want us to simply end another pokemon's life?" Dillan asked. He was very worried.

"You will end her life if you are given the opportunity." Judah told Dillan sternly. "Iris Zinclyde's hypnotic abilities are too great to hold back for fear of killing her. Do I make myself clear?"

This isn't right. How can he expect us to kill someone so easily?

"We understand, sir." Hazel said.

"Good." Judah told them. "Now, that is half of your mission. Your other half is to take out Ignitus Blaine."

"The leader of Team Armageddon." Ryan said.

"I told you about him yesterday." Judah said. "Your job is to cut off Team Armageddon's head. They need to be buried. Keeping Iris Zinclyde alive risks Team Armageddon making her their new leader. Now, this is the tricky part. You need to keep Ignitus alive."

"Stop right there." Ryan said. "This is the worst thing I've ever heard. You want us to kill Zinclyde, but keep Blaine alive?"

"Yes, I do." Judah said. "Is there a reason you continue to question my actions?"

"Well, yeah." Ryan said. "This is suicide. You're sending us in alone?"

"Not alone." Judah stated. "You will have the assistance of Bolt Raimi and Adelina Jennings."

Ryan was dumbfounded by the words he just heard. "You're dong what?"

"I haven't informed them yet because I need them to do another assignment before they assist you." Judah stated. "But they will assist you with your assignment."

"They are?" Ryan asked.

"Yes." Judah stated.

"You're being serious?" Ryan asked again.

"Yes, Simon." Judah said sternly.

"This changes things." Ryan announced. "Why didn't you tell us before?"

"I just decided. Garth is informing them of their mission as we speak."

"My king," Ryan said. "You are one-"

"Sire," Hazel cut in. "That is a wonderful idea. Thank you for your generosity."

"At least one of you knows respect." Judah said. "Now then, Adelina's team will be meeting you in Frost Island Village in two days time. They will help you with taking Ignitus Blaine from the Alka islands."

"And why are we keeping him alive?" Dillan asked. It wasn't like he wanted to kill Ignitus. In fact, he preferred they didn't. It was just that he wanted to know why they had to kill Iris and not Ignitus.

"Martyrdom." Judah stated. "If you kill Ignitus, his followers will herald him as a hero. If you capture the snake, you can make your position clear. Set an example for the peasants. Show them that we will not tolerate resistance or uprisings. Ignitus will be captured and locked away on Giratina's Isle."

"And killing him makes him an icon to the rebellion." Ryan said. "We understand."

"Good." Judah stated. "Now, you will meet with an informant in Frost Island's village. You will find him in a place called "Bubba's Fine Dine"." Dillan felt his mind switch gears at those words. His mind flipped back to a few days ago. Bubba's Fine Dine. I've heard that before. Dillan felt like vomiting. A voice seemed to flash in his mind. The voice said, "Go to Frost Island Village. There is a pub called the Bubba's Fine Dine. Go to the bar and ask for Trinity Fitz." Trinity Fitz. That voice told me to find someone named Trinity Fitz. I forgot about that dream. Who's Trinity Fitz?

Dillan felt the left side of his face ripple. The pain receptors in his scales sent signals to his brain. Dillan put his foot behind him for stability. He looked up and saw Judah was over him. He had his paw in a swiping position. Dillan felt the stinging pain from the slap.

"Why did you do that?" Ryan snapped.

"Snap out of it!" Judah commanded. Dillan stood up straight and looked at Judah. "Focus on what I am saying. Understood?"

"Yes, sir." Dillan said. He looked at Judah with a slight bit of fear on his otherwise calm expression.

"Now then." Judah said. "Go to the bar at Bubba's Fine Dine and ask for Hank Peterson. He'll update you on what happens next. Understood?"

No one answered. Everyone was rattled from the king's actions.

"Understood?" Judah asked again.

"Yes, sire." Dillan said. Ryan and Hazel followed his example.

"Good." Judah said. "Now report to the guild's doctor's office. It has come to my attention that there is a pokemon there who will take you to the Alkan Islands. Dismissed." With that, Judah went back to his desk. He sat down and continued scribbling vigorously on the paper. Dillan, Ryan, and Hazel exited the room and made their way to the doctor's office.


"I've said it before and I'll say it again-" Ryan started. Team Rapture walked into the doctor's office. Doctor Valentine the persian was at the front desk. He was sitting there attentively signing a piece of paper several times before moving on to the next one.

"We get it, Ryan." Hazel said. "And I full-heartedly agree."

"You think something's off about this thing?" Dillan asked. Hazel didn't answer she walked up to Dr. Valentine's desk.

"Hello, Dr. Valentine." Hazel said.

"Ah." Dr. Valentine said. "One second." He stamped the piece of paper one more time before looking at Hazel. "Hello, Ms. Prince. What brings you in?"

"Doc," Ryan began. "King Judah-"

"Doctor Valentine, Mr. Simon." Dr. Valentine said with an annoyed glance at Ryan.

"Whatever." Ryan said. "King Judah said that we'd find someone to take us to the Alkan Islands."

"And might I ask," Valentine began. "What does Team Armageddon want in the Alkan Region?"

"Wh-What?" Dillan asked. I thought only guildmembers knew about that.

"Why else would you be wearing their colors." Valentine said as he pointed to the new symbol Team Rapture was sporting around.

"Oh, yeah." Dillan said.

"It's confidential information." Ryan said. "Judah doesn't want anyone else knowing."

"Suit yourself." Valentine said. "I think you'll want to go into the patients room. Though, let me warn you. I don't think my patient is very appreciative of guildmembers."

"Who's in the room?" Dillan asked.

"You can't be serious!" Ryan said.

"I've been hearing stories about his adventures." Valentine said. "Don't disrespect him yet."

"Fine." Ryan said. He started walking towards the patients room.

"Who's in there?" Dillan asked.

"Who do you think, brainiac?" Ryan said. He opened the door and Dillan peered inside. There, Tracey was sleeping in a chair with her head on the empoleon's leg. Mr. Tracey looked at Team Rapture with interest.

"Come in." Mr. Tracey said. He can talk? Dillan was shocked to find Tracey's father could say more than "Die". He was also shocked to find Mr. Tracey's voice was different. He had a deep voice that was full of spunk. Dillan, Hazel, and Ryan walked into the room. Tracey perked her head up quickly. "It's alright, Tracey." Tracey's eyes set on Dillan.

"You." she said harshly.

"Hi." Dillan waved nervously.

"You know each other?" Mr. Tracey asked.

"They're part of the Guild, dad." Tracey said.

"A visitor is a visitor." Mr. Tracey said. "Why don't you three take a seat?" Mr. Tracey gestured to three seats along the right side of the bed. Team Rapture sat down in the chairs.

"How are you feeling, Mr. Tracey?" Hazel asked.

"Please, call me Tom." Tom said. "And I'm feeling fine now that I'm out of that dreadful place. I only wish I knew who got me out. Thanking them would make my day."

"That's good enough, sir." Hazel said. Tom looked at Team Rapture with confusion.

"Wait a minute." Tom said. "You kids saved me?"

"You don't remember?" Dillan asked.

"Well, I can't remember much after I entered that dreadful mystery dungeon. Yet, your faces do look familliar." What's going on? He's being so social. Two days ago, the only thing he could say was "Die". Now he's having a conversation with us. This is too strange.

"Mr. Tracey, we need to ask you something." Hazel began.

"Is it a favor?" Tom asked.

"Daddy," Tracey began. "Don't listen to them. They'll swindle you again."

"Hey!" Ryan snapped. "What's your problem?"

"My problem is with you guys!" Tracey said. "You're obviously here to get something from us as payment."

"Tracey," Tom began.

Tracey didn't listen. She kept going. "Why else would you guys be dressed like Team Armageddon sympathizers? You're obviously trying to get us to beg you to let us help."

"Tracey!" Tom said sternly. Tracey became silent. She continued to scowl at Team Rapture.

"Mr. Tracey," Hazel began.

"If you're not going to call me Tom," Tom said. "Then please call me Mr. Adams."

"Mr. Adams," Hazel began again. "We need to go to the Alkan Islands and we need a ride there. Dr. Valentine said you could take us."

"Is that all?" Tom said. "Now you're talking! I'll take you to the Alkan Islands and even farther! I could take you to Treasure Town if you wanted!"

"We prefer to stay inside of Ganderosa." Hazel said.

"Suit yourself." Tom said. He flung the blanket off of the bed and stood up on the left side.

"Dad!" Tracey said.

"I'm fine, Trace." Tom said. He started doing stretches on the spot. "In fact, I'm more than fine! I've been scheduled to leave this room later today, anyways. I'll be fine!"

"So you'll take us to the Alkan Islands?" Hazel asked.

"Sure I will!" Tracey's dad said. "It depends on where you want to land. You see, Most of the Alkan Islands are safe to land in. Though there are exceptions to everything. For instance. Some islands in the Alkan region are surrounded by glaciers. Those glaciers make it impossible to pass into areas such as Barnicade Island and the Glacier Plateau."

"We need to get to Alka's main island."

"The one with Alka castle?" Tom asked.

"That's the one." Hazel said.

"But first," Ryan cut in. "We need to go to Frost Island."

"That'll be difficult." Tom said. "Pretty much impossible."

"Impossible?" Dillan asked. "Because of the glaciers?"

"Because of the surrounding islands." Tom said. "That one specifically was chosen for the village because of how hard it is to get there."

"Dad, you can't go!" Tracey said.

"I do." Tom said. "These pokemon saved my life. It's the least I can do to repay them." Tracey looked at her father as though he was crazier that Jess. "Besides," Tom's face grew into a beaming grin. He set his right fin on his heart. "How often do I get to sail?"

"You don't owe them anything!" Tracey sounded very disturbed by the fact of Tom going with Team Rapture. "They owe us for what they did!"

"Not these pokemon, Tracey." Tom said softly. He walked around the bed to Tracey's side. He got close to Tracey. He stood above her by a few feet. Tom knelt down to meet the glaceon at eye level. He put his fin on Tracey's shoulder. "Please, Tracey. Let me do this."

"I can't." Tracey said sternly. She backed up from her father. Tom stood up. The glaceon looked at Dillan. He saw her icy gaze stare at him with anger. "You, gabite."

"Yes?" Dillan asked, wondering what would happen next. He felt the hostility build as though a chilly mist condensed the air, causing Dillan's scales to stand up ever so slightly.

"Fight me." Tracey ordered.

"I don't think that's-" Hazel tried to say.

"Shut it, charmeleon!" Tracey snapped. She looked Dillan right in the eyes. "You won't take my father away from me, too! If you want him, fight me for him!"

"Tracey-" Tom tried to intervene.

"No!" Tracey snapped.

Tom set his fin on Tracey's head. "Look at me, Trace." Tom said sternly.

Tracey drew back from Tom. "No!" she snapped again.

"Can you handle this?" Ryan whispered.

"What?" Dillan asked.

"I want to know if you can beat Tracey in a fight." Ryan whispered again.

"Maybe?" Dillan said with a shrug.

"Nice confidence." Ryan said sarcastically. He jumped up on the hospital bed. "Alright, Tracey." Ryan addressed the glaceon. "If you want to fight Dillan, I don't have a problem with it."

"Ryan," Hazel started. "Is this a good idea?"

"Trust me." Ryan said confidently.

"Stop talking about it!" Tracey snapped. "Let's just fight!"

"Right here in the hospital room?" Dillan asked.

"Of course not, you idiot!" Tracey told Dillan. "It's too enclosed!" Tracey gave a huff and left the room. Dillan turned to Hazel for her opinion.

"What are you thinking?" Hazel asked Ryan.

Ryan gave a smirk at Hazel. "Sometimes, pokemon need to fight out their problems in order to move past them. Tracey obviously has something bothering her. Maybe losing to Dillan will give her a push in the right direction."

"That's not how it works, Ryan." Hazel said.

"It worked for Bolt." Ryan told Hazel. He turned to Dillan. "Trust me on this one. At the very least, she wouldn't be able to stop us from going."

What other choice do I have? Based on Tracey's hate towards us, I think she would try and fight me if I said no. At least now I have a chance to help her.

"Alright." Dillan agreed. "I'll do it."

"This isn't a good idea." Tom said.

"I agree." Hazel said. "Dillan, you're out of your element against Tracey. She's an ice-type pokemon. You're not going to have a good match against her at all."

"You'll be fine." Ryan assured. "You've got your flame-thrower attack. As long as you dodge Tracey's Ice moves, you'll be set."

"That's not going to be easy." Tom said.

"Why not?" Ryan asked.

"Tracey has a move called Icicle Shards." Tom explained. Dillan recalled the ice that clung to his scales in his first fight with Tracey. It made him shudder. "She'll get the first move on you every time. Don't fight her. You'd just get yourself hurt."

"I have to fight her." Dillan said. "It's my only option."

"Fine." Tom said with a shrug.

"Man," Ryan said. "You're awfully calm for someone who knows his daughter is going to fight someone."

"Oh, I'm not worried about Tracey." Tom said. "I'm worried for you." Tom pointed a fin towards Dillan. He's that confident in Tracey's abilities? Dillan took an involuntary gulp. "Then again, Tracey would follow us anyways. I guess this fight is inevitable." Tom shrugged and walked out of the room.

"This is a bad idea." Hazel said.

"It's our only idea." Ryan told Hazel.

"He's right, Hazel." Dillan said. "I don't like it as much as you, but this fight might be our only way to keep Tracey from attacking us later down the road."

"You can't be sure of that." Hazel said.

"Maybe not." Dillan said. "But even if the odds are against me, I need to try." Dillan began walking out of the room to find Tracey. He felt his tail begin to shake uncontrollably. It'll be fine. You'll be alright. You can win this... Right?


Dillan walked out of the guild. Tracey was waiting for him outside of the gates. She was sitting down, staring at Dillan with eyes of pain.

"What took you so long?" Tracey complained.

"I'm here now." Dillan said. His tail was still shaking uncontrollably, though he didn't know why.

"Let's do this already!" Tracey shouted. She ran down the west street to take a position. Dillan went down the east street. He took five steps before turning around to face Tracey.

"Why do you hate the guild?" Dillan asked. He looked around. Ryan and Hazel were at the Guild's gates. Dillan also found Tom standing behind Tracey.

"None of your business!" Tracey shouted.

"We just helped you with your father." Dillan said. "Isn't that enough to convince you that we're the good guys?"

"Not a chance!" Tracey shouted. She got into a running stance as though she was about to charge Dillan. Dillan felt his body vibrate. He put his arms up in a defensive stance, ready to receive an attack.

"You're going to lose!" Tracey shouted. She began charging towards Dillan. Dillan planted his feet and drew his head back. He used a flame thrower attack on Tracey. Tracey began spinning as she drew closer to Dillan. It was as though she was on ice. The glaceon's tail became bathed in water. The water surrounded her as the flames hit their mark. Dillan watched as the water around Tracey extinguished the flames. Uh-oh. Dillan tried to move out of the way, but Tracey was too fast. Her aqua tail attack slammed into Dillan. He felt the energy of Tracey's spinning become infused with the power of her aqua tail. It was as if a mace hit Dillan in the ribs.

The gabite flew back from the force. He felt himself collide with the cobblestone path. Dillan felt a scrape on his left leg from the impact. He tried to get up. He felt his head spinning from the attack.

"Dillan, look out!" Hazel shouted. Dillan looked forwards to see a beam of white flying through the air. It was headed towards him. Dillan moved to the left and evaded the ice beam attack. He felt the chills coming off the white beam affect the air. Dillan gave a shudder. It was freezing.

"Just lose!" Tracey shouted. She ran up on Dillan. The gabite focused his energy into his fins. They grew into a dragon claw attack. Dillan rushed in on Tracey. The glaceon spun around. Five icicle shards flew towards Dillan. The gabite brought his fins up and attacked the shards. He managed to deflect three of them, dodge one, but the fifth one struck Dillan in the chest. He felt chills run through his chest. Dillan tried to ignore it. He continued to rush Tracey. He slashed at the glaceon. She dodged the attack and slammed her tail into Dillan's head. He felt the ground come closer to his skull. He collided with the earth. He looked up to find Tracey charging an ice beam attack at Dillan. The gabite slammed his foot into Tracey's leg. She was knocked off balance and fired the attack into the sky. Dillan stood up and faced Tracey.

"You're all the same!" Tracey shouted. "You say you guildmembers are good pokemon, but that isn't true! You helped my father and want him to repay his debt!"

"He doesn't owe us!" Dillan argued.

"Stop it with the act!" Tracey shouted. "You're just like the guildmembers in Harrier Town or in Lake Town! If I can't pay, then you'll come back for payment later in some other form!"

"We didn't help you for that reason." Dillan said.

"Then why ask now?"

"King Judah told us to."

"Liar!" Tracey began glowing. Balls of light began forming out of thin air around Tracey. They closed in on her as though they were attracted to her. Dillan looked on in awe. "You're guild took away my mother! I won't let it take my father, too!" Tracey's entire body flashed with a white light. Tracey ran towards Dillan and slammed into his chest. Dillan felt a surge of pain through his body. He flew through the air and crashed into a nearby building. He fell to the floor and blacked out.


"He's waking up." Hazel said. Dillan opened his eyes. He sat up quickly. He then felt a surge of pain in his chest. Dillan gave a sharp inhalation from the pain.

"Easy." Hazel said. Dillan looked around. Ryan and Hazel were near him.

"Where's Tracey?" Dillan asked.

"She's over there with her dad." Ryan said. He pointed down the road. Dillan could see Tracy and Tom talking together. Based on Tracey's cold expressions, the conversation was intense.

"Are you alright?" Hazel asked.

"My chest feels awful." Dillan admitted.

"I would assume so." Ryan said. "I mean, you got hit with a "Last Resort" attack."

"A what?" Dillan asked.

"It's one of the strongest moves out there." Ryan said. "You have to use all of your other attacks before you can pull off a Last Resort. That's the draw back. The good thing about it is Last Resort's power. That attack can win you a match if it hits."

"So I lost?" Dillan asked.

"Yep." Hazel acknowledged.

Dillan hung his head. "Then we'll have to find someone else to take us to the Alkan Islands."

"Not necessarily." Tom said. Dillan looked up to see the empoleon standing there. Tracey was behind him, staring at the ground as though disappointed. "I'll be taking you to the Alkan Islands.

"You will?" Dillan asked.

"Of course." Tom said.

"But I lost the fight." Dillan said. He was highly confused by what was going on.

"Don't worry about it." Tom said. "It was only a test to see if you could hold your own against my daughter!" Tom began laughing out loud.

"Yeah, right." Ryan said skeptically.

"Anyways," Tom said. "Now that we've proven Tracey can beat the strongest of you,"

"Hey!" Ryan protested. "You're saying that because I'm short, aren't you?"

Tom ignored Ryan's comment and continued. "Tracey knows that if she comes on the mission, she has nothing to fear."

"She's coming with us?" Ryan asked.

"I'm standing right here." Tracey said in an annoyed tone.

"Yes." Tom answered. "Tracey won't cause any more issues. She understands what needs to be done and she's even willing to help. Isn't that right?"

"Yeah." Tracey said as she rolled her eyes.

"Now what are we standing around here for?" Tom asked. "Onwards to Port Town!"

"Port Town?" Hazel asked. She reached into her bag and pulled out her map. "I've never heard of that town. Where is it?"

"Oh, you won't find it on any old map." Tom said. "It's a fairly new town that we made off the coast of the Alkan Main-land. It was created as a place to keep boats so we can sail out to the Alkan Islands."

"How new is it?" Hazel asked, clearly intrigued by the new town.

"Fairly new. It was made a few months ago. We don't have a guild yet, but we're slowly growing. Right now we have about five families living there."

"That is pretty small." Ryan agreed.

"Yes, but it's home." Tom said. "Now let's get going!" Tom began walking down the path towards the west. Tracey began following.

"Anyone else feel something weird about this?" Dillan asked.

"I've felt weird about this from the start." Ryan said. "This job isn't for guildmembers. It's for the Royal Guard at the least. Sending us feels weird."

"Those are our orders." Hazel said. "As much as we don't like it, and trust me when I say I don't like it, we have to follow what the king says." Hazel looked slightly disturbed about saying that, though Dillan didn't know why.

"Alright." Ryan said. He began running towards Tracey and Tom to catch up.

"Hazel," Dillan said. Hazel faced Dillan. "What's going on with you?"

"Dillan, I'll tell you later." Hazel said.

"Is this about Jake?" Dillan asked.

"No, it isn't." Hazel said. "As much as that thing scared me, it isn't Jake."

"Then who is it?" Dillan asked.

"Like I said, I'll tell you later. Right now, we just need to keep moving forwards."

"Alright, then." Dillan and Hazel began walking together. She said she was alright before, but now she says she'll tell me what's bugging her later. I wish I could get some solid answers, but it doesn't seem like she's ready to give any. I guess she'll tell me later, but when will that be? Will we have any time on the road?

Team Rapture walked with Tom and Tracey towards the unknown. What lied ahead is sure to be a challenge, but Dillan knew that whatever was to happen, Team Rapture would do what they have always done. They would take it on as a team.


(Author's Notes)

Hey guys! MasterKnight here! So, I said I would have this chapter out and I meant it! One of my reasons was that I didn't want you guys to wait two weeks for this, then have to wait even longer. Since I want to keep you guys in mind, here is this chapter! I would have shortened it, but there was a lot of information that needed to be addressed by Judah.

Thanks for reading this chapter! Hope you guys liked it! If not, send me a P. M. on what I can do better! And as always, I'll see you in the next chapter!