Mana fills in on what Riolu missed last night as the guild members were saying their morning chants. Before Riolu could say anything, she kicks him and nods in Chatot's direction, who has just gotten everyone's attention.
"In the far east, there is a lake that is shrouded in mystery. As you all are aware, the Guildmaster and I wish to uncover this mystery, but as you know, only the chosen teams are allowed to journey to the lake with us. Guildmaster Wigglytuff decided last night that we will depart here in a few days to this lake and by that time, the selected teams will be picked." Mana and Riolu head to bulletin boards, crawling and pushing everyone out of the way. During those days, everyone will be gunning for those positions, taking the best jobs they can find and finishing them.
"Wait, Riolu. Let's do a lot of jobs that are located in the same area. They'll definitely be watching and observing us even if we've got a spot on the expedition," Mana says. She can't see Riolu and she certainly can't tell if he heard her, but finally, she retreats away from the crowd.
"Hey move outta the way, pipsqueaks! Comin' through. Move it or...just move it," A familiar voice echoes from behind the crowd and the pokemon suddenly back away from the voice. Riolu turns around to see Zubat and Koffing grinning and smirking. Their expressions falter when they notice Riolu.
"Ohoho, so you actually joined the guild!" Mana comes over, covering for Riolu and her expression causes both Zubat and Koffing to flinch.
"What are you two doing here?" "W-woah there. Me and Koffing are an exploration team. We were just lookin' for some jobs to do that's all," Zubat says, stumbling over his words.
"Y-yeah, we were just lookin' for some jobs. And just so y'know, we aren't the goodie-goodie team you guys seem to pretend to be, especially you." Koffing nods toward Mana, who hasn't once taken her eyes off the two pokemon. Zubat cuts in saying, "I mean, you're pretty cut out for this, but your buddy is a coward...n-not to be mean of course! B-but he ain't gonna make it in the near future, so you should probably find someone who would cover for you in dangerous situations."
Riolu looks down. While it is true that he has been scared and he has been too much of a coward, the thought of leaving the guild upsets him. It's because I met Mana that I've come so far and to quit now because these guys say I would never make it? I can't do that. My dream and my friendship... But, does Mana...? His question about Mana is answered when she steps forward angrily, fire igniting from her back.
"Riolu is my friend and he has grown since joining the guild. I will not let anyone tell him to quit because 'he's too cowardly'! I don't care what or why you guys are here and as much as I hate admitting that you guys are an exploration team, I will stand my ground about Riolu. So, if you're going to say something about him, then you'll have to talk to me about it." Zubat and Koffing share a look before speaking.
"We get what you're saying... But Riolu ain't cut out to be here. There are pokemon who are destined to be exploration teams, like you-" Koffing cuts in, interrupting his partner, "And those that are destined to fail miserably because they're not meant to exceed their limitations, like him. Look, Team Skull is destined for great things and Chief Skuntank is always right."
"Heh, that's right," Riolu jumps as a voice cackles behind him. A large pokemon walks past Mana and Riolu to stand in front of Zubat and Koffing. He looks down at the two rookies. "I'm Team Skull's leader, Skuntank. I hear you guys are goin' on an expedition? Keh, now they're sendin' rookies to do a pro's job?" Skuntank opens his mouth and something hits Mana. It's powerful blow (and stench) knocks her back with such ease and the Team Skull members laugh, knocking Riolu to the ground as they make their way to the stairs. Mana gets up, gritting her teeth angrily. I'll show them! I'm not some rookie who can be taken down lightly. The next time I see-
"Ugh, I really hope we don't see them for a while. Mana, we should forget about them and check the bulletin board for some jobs." Riolu grabs a couple from the outlaw section and compares the flyers with the ones on the other board. He rips off two more and smiles at Mana before passing by her. She follows him, keeping up with his conversation while still thinking about Team Skull. She thought that she and Riolu were working very hard to accomplish their goals, but to be blown away by a puff of air so easily? Mana grits sighs her irritation getting the best of her. She follows Riolu, her thoughts only on Skuntank and his followers.
Riolu and Mana both manage to grab the outlaws and hand the stolen items to their clients. One after another, they finish each of their missions and head up the stairs. Their once full bag is now almost empty because of the sleep seeds, blast seeds, and other items that were used during the fight. On the last floor, Mana and Riolu manage to defeat Corsola, giving her a nasty burn before she fainted. While Mana tends to the outlaw's wounds, Riolu speaks with Magnezone.
"Heh, helping someone like me? You must have some ulterior motive, otherwise you wouldn't be doing this," Corsola mumbles, flinching from the effects of the burn. Mana ignores her, getting up when the magnemite lift the pokemon up. They carry her away, Magenzone following after them. Both rookies head back home, where dinner awaits them ready to be eaten. As Mana listens to Riolu's excitement about taking down outlaws, the cyndaquil stares ahead of her, watching the sun setting and the colors beginning to disappear. How can I become stronger? Should I try out Marowak's Dojo? Will that really make me strong enough to stand up to Team Skull? Will it make her strong enough to protect what's precious to her?