Chapter 3: Where an adventure begins.
They were hurting him. He didn't knew their names. He didn't knew their faces. He wasn't sure how many. Two? Three? Four? For him they just where shadows. Looking down on him. Hurting him. Calling him names. They were enjoying what they were doing. Every moment.
Mo cried for help. There were other Pokémon. He also didn't knew how many and who they were. Except for Aaron. They were just standing there. Watching what's happening with emotionless faces. Mo begged them to do something. And they still just watched.
Mo begged his tormentors to stop. To just leave him alone. And he cried.
Mo woke up in his bed. A pile of hay in the corner of his house. The sun was shining bright through his window. It was morning and time to get up. Also for Mo it was also now way to bright to go back to sleep.
He couldn't stop thinking about the things Adventurer Team Red said to him yesterday. It stayed in his head the whole night long. Him having potential as a fighter and Amy telling about her dream come true.
A dream. Mo always wanted to be someone who will have an impact on many Pokémon as possible. He wanted to be famous. Someone Pokémon all over the world would look up to and remember. In the end he never found his own place in live. He always had the feeling others were just taking advantage of him, looking down on him. Even though he was always dressed and hidden under fabric, he still sometimes had the feeling, Pokémon could see right through it.
Maybe, just maybe, what happened yesterdays was a sign. It was the first time standing up to a bully and dominating him. And there are free spaces in the ranks of the Adventurer Guild. Should he take the chance?
Not long after and after a quick bath Aaron arrived. They sat around a small table in the middle of the house. Mo's house was just one big room. All in one. There was all kinds of food on the table. Fruits, scrambled eggs and rice. So not much after all. But still some variety of fruits.
"So, Aaron. About yesterday.", began Mo. "Not about the kidnapping. Afterwards."
Aaron was eating a bowl of rice. Holding the bowl with his ribbons like hands while with his feet still on the ground. He looked at Mo while eating.
"I've got the offer to become an adventurer. What do you think?"
The Sylveon stopped eating. "If you want to." He continued eating.
"Do you think I'm really capable for this kind of job? I'm not sure myself."
"I ...", Aaron still had some rice in his mouth. He swallowed. "I don't know either."
"Also. About your job ...", Mo grabbed a banana. "Would you give up your current job and become an adventurer? Can you imagine that?"
Aaron started thinking. He then stared into his bowl. He then started eating again.
"They told me there are two place. There already is one waiting.", Mo started peeling his banana. "I really don't want to go there myself and end up with a bunch of Pokémon I don't know."
Aaron put down his bowl again, knewing what his friend had in mind.
"If I'll become an adventurer, will you join me?"
Silence.
Mo took a bite off his banana wich he put under his disguise.
"So?", asked Mo.
The Sylveon looked at him. His eyes started to wide and a smile appeared on his face. "Sure thing!"
"Fantastic!", rejoiced Mo. "I still only want to take a look and ask about joining the guild in their headquarter. Will you come too with me? You went there yesterday."
Aaron nodded.
Leaving Baram Town, the Mimikyu ridding again on Aaron. Aaron's work started again in three hours so they didn't had much time. Mo grabbed both of his friends ribbons with both hands.
There were many organisations of adventurers, rescuers, explorers and expeditioners all around the world. The Air Continent was once famous for their rescue teams during the time, were many natural disasters brought havoc and destruction. After everything went back to normal many rescue teams disbanded. There wasn't much need for them anymore. For Mo and Aaron it was also possible to join the Expedition Society. But their headquarter was on the other side of the sea. To much time and to much money to even get there.
The adventurer guild on the Air Continent was one founded by a young Feraligatr who used to be a member of a rescue team. He used to tell stories of that time. He later left the guild to search for his old partner. He was never then again since then. The new leader of the guild became a Bisharp called Hilarius. He was respected and feared by friends and foes alike.
Mo and Aaron arrived at the Adventurer-Guild-HQ. It looked like a Chinese castle made mostly out of dark and strong wood. The roof had a sapphire green colour with small golden figures of various Pokémon on it. It wasn't very tall, but wide. Near the entrance was a big board with lists of missing items and wanted lists of criminal Pokémon. On the other side of the entrance were two statues. An old statue showing a Feraligatr and a newer one of a Bisharp in a salute position. Under the statue of the Feraligatr was a text reading: "Our founder and legendary hero."
They approached the entrance door. So big, Pokémon of every size could go through it. Next to it was a big bell with the words "Please ring" written on it.
"Very impressive.", said Mo to Aaron. "Try invading this beast?"
Mo gave the bell a push. It make a loud ringing sound, so loud it almost hurted.
"I just wanted to say, watch out not to ring it too hard."
The door slowly opened. A Delibird appeared behind it.
"Welcome to the Adventurer-! What are you doing here again?! Didn't Team Red got your friend back yesterday?!"
Aaron looked embarrassed away. What did Aaron do yesterday?
"Excuse me. I'm his friend from yesterday. I was told two Pokémon could join the guild. We would like take the offer and form a team."
The Delibird examined the two friends and opened the door wider.
"Please, follow me."
Mo and Aaron entered the HQ, following the Delibird. They walked past a long corridor. The walls were decorated with maps, each showing different parts of of the world, especially areas from the Air Continent. They corridor was lighted by many candle holder, flickering in parts of the HQ with not many windows to the outside.
Mo liked this kind of creepy ambiance. It would probably look even better at night.
A group of three Pokémon with yellow scarfs walked past by them. A Mienshao, a Poliwrath and a Poliwhirl. All three of them gave them a questionable look while passing by. Maybe because then never saw them before, maybe because they knew what would happen to them.
"Do you all live here?", asked Mo the Delibird.
"We talk later.", answered the Delibird in a cold tone.
Mo looked at Aaron. "Was he like this yesterday?"
"Yes.", answered Aaron. "I told him what happened and you needed help right now. He then send Team Red to me."
The Delibird told them to stop. They arrived at an expensive looked metal door. Next to it a sign reading: "Guild Master Room".
"You stay here and wait. And don't touch anything!", said the Delibird and entered the room.
They waited for some time. Both didn't move or said anything. For Mo it felt like an eternity.
Suddenly the door opened again. A Bisharp came out, followed by Delibird. Guild Master Hilarius. He looked down to the two friends who were both visibly frightened by the Bisharp. No one spoke a word. Mo was hoping Hilarius would finally say something while also hoping Aaron would stay quiet.
"So.", Hilarius finally said in a deep, dark voice. "What do you think makes you the right material for an adventurer?"
Before one of them could answer his question, he continued: "Do you think everyone could just come in and become one just like that?! Do you?!"
"No?", Mo tried to answer.
"Then why are you here?!", yelled Hilarius.
Aaron looked like he was about to run away any second while Delibird just stood there like normal.
"Adventurer Team Red suggested it to me?", answered Mo.
Hilarius looked at them like he was about to freak out.
"Fight me."
Mo and Aaron very shocked.
"What?", asked Mo, not believing what Hilarius just said.
"I want you two to fight me. Here and now. Show me what you got."
Delibird backed up and took cover behind on the candle holders. Things were about to get serious!
Mo looked at Aaron. "I think today is a bad day. We should go now and forget what happened today."
Aaron let out a blood curdling scream as he shot his fairy wind at the Bisharp. Dust from the ground flew through the air and one of the candle holders fell on the ground, extinguishing the fire.
Mo couldn't believe what just happened. NOW they were in trouble.
Hilarius was just standing there, if nothing has happened. He stepped forward to the still prepared Sylveon and again looked at him.
"I hardly felt that.", Hilarius just said and gave Aaron a kick so hard, he slammed against the wall.
"Aaron!", Mo just shouted is terror.
Aaron was hurt, but was still able to get back to his feet.
Hilarius looked at Mo now. The Mimikyu knew he couldn't run away. Even if he wanted. But with the moves he knew he had no chance of dealing much damage.
Except ...
The Bisharp ran towards Mo and grabbed him and held him like a plush toy. Mo grabbed Hilarius' forearm, trying to break free.
"There is no use. You can't win.", said Hilarius as he started squeezing Mo with both of his hands. "This is not even my whole strength."
Mo began to glow as he released a thunder shock on the Bisharp. This took him by surprise as he gasped and let Mo go. Before even recovering from this attack, Aaron shot another fairy wind at the Bisharp. This was enough for him to fall on the ground.
"Are you okay?", asked Aaron Mo.
"Let's get the fudge!", Mo replied. For him, his adventure was now over and the adventurer guild dead.
"Not so fast!", said Hilarius, who was just getting up again. "You two ... I'm impressed."
The Delibird came back from his hiding place and helped the Bisharp back up.
"Team Red are no fools. I didn't see that coming from you. What's your names?"
Mo and Aaron were pretty surprised by this change of events.
"My name is Aaron and this is Mo.", answered Aaron.
"I didn't wanted to send you out into the world without making sure you are taking is serious and have the courage and the strength to fight."
Delibird quickly went back in the Guild Masters room.
"You two earned the right to join us."
Mo stepped forward. "Actually we wanted to inform us about the life of an adventurer first. Like, rules and privileges and ... you know."
Delibird came back with some papers and handed them to Mo and Aaron.
"It's all explained here. You sign the contract and become official member of the guild. You can then official and legally go on missions. We are not liable for accidents and get 20% of your payment. Of course we have rooms for more Pokémon as we take in. This can be your new home. If you want to of course. Rent is 5% of your payment."
Mo read the papers. Just like Hilarius and Team Red told him. Everything seemed right.
"I was told there is a third member.", said Mo to Hilarius and the Delibird.
"Alfons!", said Hilarius. The Delibird looked up him. "Go and get Charlotte."
With that the Delibird flew off, the way back along the corridor.
The Bisharp took a deep breath.
"Alright then!", he said and went back to his room.
Mo and Aaron were now looking at each other, still holding their papers.
"Well, that was a strange welcome to the family!", said Aaron. "Also I'm going to be late for work!"
After some time alone in the corridor, Hilarius called them inside.
They entered his room and found themself in a throne room like room. A big throne, fitting for a huge Pokémon at the end of the room with a wooden statue of a Totodile on the one side and another of a Charmander on the other side of the throne. In the middle of the room was a huge map with many details of the Air Continent. The room had no windows and was illuminated by a single lamp on the ceiling. Hilarius was standing by the table. On it a big wooden box and another piece of paper.
Aaron stepped forward to him.
"About the job as an adventurer. I'm still working at a construction side in Baram Town."
"You can work at two places at the same time if you want. As long you don't neglect your adventurer duties."
Alfons returned. "I have her with me!"
"Great. Now we can begin.", answered Hilarius.
At the same time a Komala, holding a log, rolled inside. It seemed to be asleep.
"This is Charlotte!", said Alfons to Mo and Aaron. "She will be the third member of your team."
Mo and Aaron looked at her in disbelieve.
"Is she alright?", asked Aaron Alfons.
"She's always been like this.", answered Hilarius for him. "She can't talk or at least we never heard her talking and she is permanently asleep. Somehow she still manages to recognize the environment and she can fight."
Charlotte rolled up to Mo and bumped into him.
"Now to the contract.", Hilarius poted to the paper.
Mo, Aaron and Charlotte took a look at the papers presented on the table.
"It's all explained on the papers I gave to you before. You just have to sign it and you three are officially an adventurer team." Hilarius then handed over the contract to the trio.
While Mo was still holding it, Charlotte pressed her left hand onto it, leaving a mark of it on it.
Mo looked at Aaron again. "Well. This our last chance. You can still back up if you want. I will not judge you. I know what you can do."
Aaron looked back at Mo. He then pressed his right fore leg on the paper, leaving a mark next to Charlotte's.
"Well, there is no turning back now anymore.", Mo thought.
He pressed his right claw on the paper next to Aaron's. This morning it was just an idea. They were just friends and one stranger. Now they were a team. Making their mark for the future.
Hilarius presented them the wooden box.
"By the power invested in my, I hereby declare you adventurers!"
He opened the box. Inside were three adventurer badges and three purple scarfs.
"Welcome to the guild. Adventure Team Purple."
Later that day, Mo approached Alfons.
"I have a question about our team. Who were our predecessors? What happened to them?"
Alfons sighted. "Long story short. One member got his head stuck in a crevice while on a mission. His partners couldn't get him out, so they decided to get help. There was an argument wich way to go out of the dungeon. While one managed to get back to us the other one got lost in the mystery dungeon. Making things worse HE forgot how to get back to the dungeon and in wich dungeon they were even in. After almost a week we found them, or at least what was left of the first one. The other two later left and we never saw them again."
"Oh, great.", answered Mo ironic.