"What? But we're already strong and you want to get stronger?" Mana nods, not looking at her friend. She can see why he's confused... But doesn't he realize we're not that strong? We've had to use a lot of items just to make it out of the dungeons, we've had to rely on their effects to defeat outlaws, so how are we able to protect ourselves against opponents stronger than us?
"...Like Skuntank." "Huh, did you say something?" Riolu glances down at her, his confusion growing. She'd been acting strangely ever since the encounter with Team Skull, but even the other members are starting to notice Mana's change in behavior. Riolu tries again.
"Mana, why do you think we need to become stronger?" It takes her a few minutes to respond, but Mana finally looks up at Riolu. "Because-"
"Alright guys. Guys, quiet down!" Mana and Riolu turn to face Chatot's wrath as he hurls a gust of wind their way. When everyone quiets down, he too, settles down. His right wing points away from the group as he explains.
"Today we are here to welcome our new allies. They will be joining us on our mission coming up soon. I hope you all will greet them properly and treat them with respect. Come on down please," Chatot calls, looking up towards the ladder. A foul stench crosses paths with the members of the guild and following after that stench is Skuntank and his followers. Mana's eyes widen and Riolu points at Team Skull, his words caught behind his throat. Skuntank looks down at the pipsqueaks in front of him and smirks. Putting on his nice guy act, he says, "I'm Team Skull's leader, Skuntank. This is Koffing and Zubat. It will be such a pleasure getting along with you guys. A real pleasure." Skuntank smirks evilly at Riolu and Mana. Chatot looks back and forth, confused.
"O-oh, so you've already met Team Skull? That is a surprise indeed." Chatot looks around at everyone. "However, they are not here as apprentices or new members. Instead, they have offered to help us in our mission, offering their advice and guidance. It is very rare to find such great help so I would very much appreciate that you all giving them a warm welcome. Phew, I think I've said all there was."
"He basically just repeated himself though," Corphish mumbles, shaking his head. Croagunk snickers quietly while Sunflora glares at them. Everyone goes their own separate way, leaving Mana and Riolu alone with Team Skull and Chatot.
"Keh, looks like we'll be roomies for the next couple of days." With that, Skuntank and the other two leave the guild, taking the stench with them. Riolu turns to Chatot. "W-why are they joining us? Don't you think it's strange they wanna come now or even a little suspicious?" Mana narrows her eyes, ignoring her friend's and Chatot's argument. It does seem suspicious that Team Skull wants to go on the expedition now...but why? What are they planning or scheming? Are they going to sabotage the mission... or is there some other reason...?
"You are overreacting! How dare you say somethin-" Mana interrupts Chatot, pulling Riolu away. She says, "I'm sorry, Chatot. Riolu's a little stressed out from all the excitement, that's all. He'll be fine!" Mana drags him out of the guild, ignoring his complaining and comments about the conversation she had interrupted a moment ago. Even if they are scheming something, there's no way Chatot is going to believe us. He's too focused on how good an exploration team they are to even realize the truth.
Finally, she stops in front of the Marowak Dojo. Letting go of Riolu, she faces him. "Riolu, only we are thinking that Team Skull is planning something. No one is going to believe us no matter how many times we try to tell them, so we have to prepare ourselves for them and for the mission coming up. That's why we need to become stronger. This place is going to help us," Mana turns away from Riolu. He looks up at the dojo, his shoulders drooping a little.
"Mana... how is this place going to help us?" "Because, this dojo is filled with all types of pokemon from all different levels and all we have to do is beat them to get on to the next floor. If we want to, we could try going to the areas that have a huge disadvantage towards us or we could choose one that we are at a disadvantage... I-I mean, I know it sounds really confusing, but you could ask Marowak about it. He explains it better than I do," Mana mumbles, looking down at the ground. Riolu is quiet for a moment, letting Mana lead the way into the dojo. He listens to Marowak's explanation of the rules, nodding and asking questions as he goes. As Mana and Marowak talk, it's Riolu's turn to think. If we can become stronger... No, I feel stronger as it is so why do we need to become even more strong? Does it have something to do with Team Skull or is there another reason? Riolu looks at Mana's back, his thoughts drifting. If he is willing to grow with Mana... Then maybe it is a good idea to become stronger.
"I understand why you are frightened; witnessing your precious friend falling right in front of your eyes unleashes a certain feeling in you. It must have been an unknown feeling because you are still too young, but every pokemon experiences it and they, too, are afraid that it will change them in the future."
Riolu gasps, Kangaskhan's voice coming back to him. He looks down at his paws, remembering something. His legs begin to shake as he remembers when he had first learned force palm. That's right. I wasn't able to save Mana from Kabuto and I couldn't do anything when she was hurt so bad. It was the first time I ever saw her cry and the first time I ever saw my best friend... Riolu shakes his head fiercely, refusing to let any tears fall. He clenches his paws and opens his mouth.
"When do we start?"