CHAPTER 10

Aggron looked out the window in his chamber and examined the Sun as it began to set in the sky. "They're late," he murmured. "I hope they're all right."

There was a knock at the door. "Come in," said Aggron. The door opened and Gallade entered the room.

"Guildmaster," he said, "I have unfortunate news. The entire guild has been searched from top to bottom, and Rylan is nowhere to be found. I fear he may have left us."

"He's quite the rebel," Aggron said.

"Where do you suppose he could have gone?" Gallade asked.

Aggron sighed softly and closed his eyes. "My guess would be that he snuck out to assist Vulpix and Buizel."

"Are you going to administer punishment upon his return?" Gallade asked. "That's against the rules, after all."

Aggron shook his head. "I shouldn't have the authority to administer punishment. I… I've been too harsh with Vulpix and Buizel."

"What do you mean, sir?" Gallade asked. "You are a very disciplined leader, and I've never met a Pokémon with as much wisdom as you."

"Wisdom…" Aggron laughed. "Gallade, they're still very young, and they're just rookies. I was a fool to just send them out to Oscuro Canyon without considering the consequences. It's easy to get lost there if you don't know your way already, and they've only been to the outskirts of the canyon once for a minor mission. Just look at the time." He pointed out the window. "Dinner has come and gone and they still haven't returned."

"I understand. We have to trust that they're alright," Gallade said.

"…I still have yet to inform the guild of the disturbance," Aggron spoke. "I suppose I'm just too tense from all this worry. I don't want anything to happen to my guild or its members, but I'm supposed to be more than a leader; I'm supposed to be a friend. Friends don't keep secrets."

Gallade nodded. "I agree. You should tell the other members of the guild about the disturbance first thing tomorrow."

"In the meantime," Aggron instructed, "send our best team to Oscuro Canyon to retrieve Vulpix and her team. I'll administer a more fitting punishment to them when they get back and send a more advanced team to retrieve berries for Chansey."

"Yes, sir," Gallade said, taking his leave. He gently closed the door and headed straight for the stairway.

The guild was divided up by exploration rank. As such, the more advanced explorers were given rooms higher up in the guild, excluding the Guildmaster. There was only one team at the top, however. Only one team who joined Aggron's guild had managed to overcome enough odds to reach the highest rank possible. Gallade knew that they were more than capable of finding Vulpix's team.

Gallade reached the top floor of the guild and arrived at the one occupied room, giving a swift knock to the door.

"Yes?" said a voice from the other side.

"My apologies for disturbing your sleep," Gallade said, "but there is an urgent mission that requires your skills. That being so, I am authorizing you to leave the guild past curfew tonight, should you choose to accept."

"Oh, no trouble at all," said the voice. "Please elucidate."

"Vulpix, Buizel, and our newest recruit, Rylan, are most likely lost, and we need help finding them. They were assigned to a mission in Oscuro Canyon and haven't returned since they left this morning."

"Hmm… Oscuro Canyon?" the voice asked. "That's no place for a Starting Rank team. And surely, the Guildmaster knows of the disturbance, does he not?"

Gallade wasn't surprised that this team was already aware of the disturbance.

"The Guildmaster is quite troubled by worry," Gallade explained. "I must admit, looking back on his decision to send the three out to that place to retrieve berries… One time would be enough for any explorer. I should have convinced him to rethink his choice of punishment."

"Oh, we all make mistakes, sir," said the voice. "Don't worry, I shall wake my teammates, and we will bring our comrades back before you know it."

"Thank you so much," Gallade said. "Good luck."

"Thank you, sir," the voice said.

Oscuro Canyon certainly did seem like an easy place to get lost in. As Rylan and the others progressed through the canyon, they soon felt as though they were going in circles, even going back the way they came. Night soon fell upon the land, presenting the canyon with the reason behind its name. It was pitch black within the canyon walls, though they could rely on Vulpix to provide fire as a light source.

"How do you even know we're going the right way?" Buizel asked.

"I don't," said Rylan. "It's hard to see anything in this place."

Vulpix grew tired from walking and producing fire, and sat down. "Let's rest a minute," she suggested. Buizel and Rylan acquiesced, feeling rather exhausted as well.

"I don't even know why we're out here anymore," Buizel groaned.

"Berries," Rylan reminded him.

"That's not quite what I mean," Buizel said. "This place is a maze. We can't fly, we can't climb up the canyon walls. Surely this would be a fitting site for explorers with more experience, but we've never been inside the canyon before, and it certainly didn't help that Houndoom brought us here."

Rylan closed his eyes. Houndoom brought them there, so it would make sense to look for Houndoom and ask him to help them. Then again, he was chased off by Magnezone, so that possibility was likely gone.

"Where are you going with this?" Vulpix asked.

"I think something's wrong with the Guildmaster," Buizel said. "Something must have clouded his judgment when he assigned us this penalty mission."

"I agree," Vulpix said. "We've been trying to find the exit for hours… Wait!" She jumped up, renewed confidence glimmering on her face.

"What is it?" asked Rylan.

"We're MIA, right? Missing in action! They have to send a team out here to find us!"

"I forgot about that," Buizel responded in surprise.

"How long do you think it'll take, though?" Rylan asked. "This place is huge, and I don't think they'll find us right away-"

"Good evening," said a calm voice.

Startled, Rylan jumped. He turned around and saw three Pokémon standing there, smiling down at him and the others. Buizel's face lit up instantly.

"Team Tranquility!" he said excitedly. "Best team under our Guildmaster!"

The lead Pokémon bowed. "It's a pleasure to know that you beginners recognize us," he said. "I'm Slowking. These are my team members, Jynx and Bronzong."

"Nice to finally meet you guys," Vulpix said happily. "I've seen you a few times during meals but haven't been able to get up the courage to greet you."

"Aww, they're so cute!" Jynx giggled delightedly. "We'll gladly talk to anyone, sweetums. No need to be shy."

Rylan looked at the three of them. They definitely came off as impressive. With the exception of Aggron, he had never seen such a look of dedication in any Pokémon's eyes. Their gear and badges definitely reflected their experience as well. Bronzong was harder to read, however. He hadn't said a word since his team arrived.

"Excellent work, team," Slowking said. "Now then, we must return to the guild. Bronzong here will teleport us."

"Wait," said Buizel. "If I may, I'd like to ask you something."

"Absolutely," said Slowking.

"Is the Guildmaster feeling out of sorts?" Buizel asked.

"I recall Gallade telling me that the Guildmaster is rather worried by something," Slowking replied. "I have a good feeling I know what is troubling him."

"What is it?" Vulpix asked.

"There is a…rather unfortunate disturbance sweeping this region," Slowking said. "I would tell you about it, but I believe the Guildmaster wishes to get it off of his chest himself. Besides, you three have had a rough day. You need your rest first."

"You're right," Vulpix said. "Thanks for your concern."

"The Guildmaster has been hiding something from us?" Buizel whispered to himself.

"Aww, too cute," Jynx said. "Buizel thinks we can't hear him."

"Uh-!" Buizel gulped. "I didn't mean any-"

Jynx smiled. "Oh, we know you meant no disrespect to the Guildmaster."

Buizel sighed, embarrassed.

"Now, let's get going," said Slowking. "Bronzong, would you do the honors?"

A deep, soothing humming sound reverberated from within Bronzong. Moments later, the six Pokémon became engulfed in a bright light, instantly vanishing on the spot. As the light faded from around them, they looked around and found themselves just outside the guild. They had returned at last.