CHAPTER 15

"Urrrrgh…" Graveler growled as he fell to his knees. "You guys are tough…but don't think that this means I'm coming in quietly."

"Hmph. Cocky as usual," Buizel said. "It's over, Graveler. Don't try to run."

Before anyone else could talk, a group of Magnemite hovered past Team StarStruck and surrounded Graveler. Graveler appeared as though he was planning to break free, but he then sighed in defeat and allowed the Magnemite squad to escort him away.

"BZZZZT. THANK YOU, EXPLORERS," Officer Magnezone said as he passed by. "I'LL HAVE A REWARD FOR YOU AT THE GUILD WHEN YOU RETURN THERE."

"Sweet!" Vulpix exclaimed. "Mission accomplished!" Rylan could tell just how excited she was; he had never seen such a happier grin on her face. When she said she loved being an explorer, she wasn't kidding.

"Great work, everyone," Buizel said, stretching his muscles a little. "I'm all hot and sweaty now, and I'm sure everyone's tired from that fight. Let's head back to the guild and get cleaned up."

"Say, we finished the mission awfully early," said Vulpix, looking up at the sky to see the position of the Sun. "That means we're going to have quite a bit of spare time today. What do you guys want to do?"

Rylan scratched his head. "What do you usually do with your spare time?" he asked.

Buizel and Vulpix exchanged confused glances. "We've never finished a mission this quickly," said Buizel. "We usually finish just in time for dinner, and bedtime is right after that."

"Maybe we could…" Rylan started.

"Hmm?" Vulpix asked. "We could what?"

"We could hang around and talk in our room or something. Maybe we could find something fun to do."

Vulpix's eyes lit up. "Interesting suggestion," she said. "I think that's a good idea, too. Buizel?"

Buizel blinked. "Umm… Sure thing," he replied.

"Now then, let's head on back," said Vulpix. "We wouldn't want to keep Officer Magnezone waiting."

The three exhausted Pokémon slowly made their way down the mountain path, going back the way they came. It took them much less time to descend the mountain than it took to climb, and it didn't take much stamina for them to walk all the way back to the guild.

Once the three Pokémon passed over the sentry post, they were permitted entry and eagerly walked inside.

"I'm bushed," Rylan said. "What's next?"

"Officer Magnezone is over there by the Outlaw Notice Board," Buizel said, pointing. The three of them noticed Magnezone hovering by a bulletin board covered in Wanted posters. Rylan had not seen this board before, so he took a good look at it as he and his team came closer. He noticed Houndoom on one poster, as well as some other Pokémon he didn't recognize. A fierce-looking Zoroark had been drawn on a separate poster. Rylan took a moment to look at his portrait.

Once the three arrived before Magnezone, he looked down at them.

"BZZT," Magnezone said. "THANK YOU FOR HELPING US APPREHEND GRAVELER. HE IS INDEEED A MOST VICIOUS CRIMINAL. PLEASE ACCEPT THIS ON BEHALF OF THE POLICE FORCE."

Magnezone handed Vulpix a rather large amount of gold coins Rylan did not recognize. He realized that it must be some sort of Pokémon currency.

"Let's see… According to guild rules, we are only permitted to keep 10 percent of the reward. The reward was 3000 Poké, so we keep 300." Vulpix took a few coins out of the reward money and made a separate pile on the floor.

"Poké?" Rylan asked. "That's an odd name for money."

Vulpix smirked. "Well, that's just what it's called. Now then… Rylan, hold out your paw."

Rylan did as instructed. Vulpix took a small amount of coins off of the pile and handed them to Rylan.

"What?" asked Rylan. "You're giving me some?"

"Of course," Vulpix said with a smile. "I feel that teams should split their reward evenly. You can use this 100 Poké as you see fit. Spend it or save it in the bank."

Rylan looked at the money he was now holding. Sure, it wasn't much, but it was at least something. As he stared down at it, he started to feel much less helpless. For the first time, he felt that he could actually survive in this world.

"Feel comfortable now?" Buizel asked, noticing how Rylan was reacting.

"Yeah…" Rylan replied. "Thank you, Vulpix. I just can't express how grateful I am for everything you've done."

"Don't worry about it," said Vulpix as she handed 100 Poké to Buizel. "Now let's report to Gallade."

"Report what?" laughed a voice from behind them. The three turned and saw Gallade approaching. "Well, well. You three have returned quite early. In fact, you are the second team to return today."

"Second?" Buizel asked, amazed. "But only the top-class teams make it back that quickly."

"It's always Team Tranquility who finish their missions first," Gallade said. "Those three are the best we've ever had here thus far. But just look at the three of you… I daresay Team StarStruck might be the next team to move up to the top floor."

Vulpix jumped excitedly and Buizel smiled.

"Don't let it go to your head, though," said Gallade. "Keep up the good work, but know that you still have a ways to go."

"Yes, sir," said Vulpix and Buizel. Rylan nodded his head.

"Oh, right. Here's the portion of the reward for the guild," Buizel said, handing the remaining 2700 Poké to Gallade.

"Much appreciated," Gallade said as he accepted the money.

"If I may, sir…" Rylan started. Gallade and the other two looked at him.

"Ask away," Gallade said.

"Why do teams only receive 10 percent of the reward?" Rylan asked. "I'm just curious."

"Oh, just think of it as paying your rent," replied Gallade. "The guild needs funding from its teams so we can afford food and supplies when needed."

"That makes sense," Rylan said. "Don't worry, I'm not complaining."

"Not complaining?" Gallade inquired. "That's a first for me. Even Vulpix and Buizel seemed shocked at first when we told them the guild takes most of the reward."

Vulpix and Buizel blushed.

"I don't care how much I have. I'm grateful that I at least have something I can use to get by in this world," said Rylan.

Vulpix and Buizel stared at Rylan for a moment. They had almost forgotten that Rylan came from the human world and had no resources at his disposal upon arrival.

Vulpix smiled at Rylan. Hearing him speak reflected just how much he had changed.

"I guess the saying is true," Buizel said. "You never really appreciate the things you have until you don't have them anymore."

"All right, everything seems to be in order," said Gallade. "You're dismissed."

"Yes, sir!" the three responded. Gallade smiled and retreated into the Guildmaster's room.

"Rylan?" Buizel asked.

Rylan turned to look at Buizel. "Yeah?"

"I…" Buizel started. He wanted to finish, but again, the words wouldn't come out.

"…Never mind. It's nothing," he finished.

"Okay, if you say so," Rylan said. Even though Buizel gave no words, Rylan could tell from the look on his face that he was warming up to him. And he was starting to trust Buizel more as well. Perhaps the two of them could indeed become friends.