Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon. I only own the characters and story, unless otherwise stated. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Kira panted heavily as she sat up, a hand over her pounding heart. She found her breathing to be quick and her heartbeat to be even quicker. She hurriedly looked around, expecting to find herself back in Swanna's Café, only to recall she was no longer there. She hadn't been there for the past week or so, but it was always the same troubled dream that made her forget she was here instead of there. She quickly shook her head, taking several deep breaths to slow her heartbeat and breathing.
"Same dream as last night?" a Swoobat asked from above, looking down at her with a faint smile. "I know the feeling you get when you have the same nightmare over and over. Trust me when I say it's hard to let go, but you've been here quite a while now. If you're still struggling to let go, maybe you should go out for a walk or something. That'll help to clear your head."
"Thanks, but you know Duke would never let me out of his bloody sight," Kira said, looking away from the bat-like Pokémon. "Besides, I still don't have a lay for the land. The only things I know are the beach, half the town, and this cave! Where would I go?"
"Take yourself on a tour of the land," Swoobat suggested with a light chuckle. "If Duke wakes and gets worried, don't you worry about him." Swoobat sighed lightly before stretching its wings wide. "You know, the sun's gonna rise any minute now. I think leaving would be best. The sunrise from Sharpedo Bluff is an amazing sight to behold!"
Kira sighed lightly, nodding as she stood and looked out the entrance of the cave. She wasn't used to going anywhere without someone either following or leading her, but Swoobat was right when he said it was probably a great time to get a lay of the land. With a light sigh, she started for the entrance of the cave, then waving to Swoobat as she left.
As Kira slowly slid down the cliff and to the main trail, her thoughts drifted back to the challenge she was given and the Pokémon who had helped her come so far. Audino, according to Jamie whenever she visited, was doing just fine, as to be expected from him. Swanna had returned to her café without trouble, and was back with a booming business like normal. And Sage? She hadn't heard anything about Sage since he had left for the Infected. She was sure he was fine, but she couldn't help but worry.
She shook her head as she followed the dusty trail through the winding and dark forest. The forest itself wasn't really inhabited by Pokémon, but there was the occasional traveler that would cut straight through the forest, often startling her as they stepped on leaves or snapped a stick or something. Kira, on the other hand, preferred to stay on the trail so she didn't get lost. It was just a safety response to her fears of being unable to find a way back, but perhaps that was why Swoobat wanted her to walk around without some sort of guide. It would make sense if he wanted her to get used to the land so she wasn't dependent on others.
"You realize how silly that thought is, right?" she mumbled under her breath, silently chuckling to herself as she continued to walk under the moonlit forest. "Just because he wants you to get a lay of the land doesn't mean he wants you to be independent. He obviously relies on the other Swoobat in that cavern for help, so why would he just send you out?"
As she tried to think, she noticed the ground turn to stone, a sign that she was coming closer to town. She slowed, but she didn't stop. She was curious to see the rest of the town, as she had really only seen several shops at the entrance, but she knew there was more. Hurriedly, she shook off the fear that held her back and pushed herself through and into town. Since it was almost sunrise, most of the shops were still closed, although they were now being set up and opened.
Kira silently walked through town, looking at the wide variety of Pokémon as they set up shop. She noticed two chameleon-like Pokémon setting up a shot full of items, while she also noticed a Chansey, while still half-asleep, caring for several eggs. In all, the town was so diverse, but there was this cold chill about it that she couldn't shake. She wasn't sure what it was, but it felt like there was something going on that she couldn't quite remember.
Silently, she walked around, watching as Pokémon would set up shop, enter or exit the small town, or just come by for a small chat. All through it, that cold shiver never left, crawling on her back like some sort of insect. Shaking off as much as she could, she continued to look around, only to be stopped by a clawed hand on her shoulder.
"Ahoy, Kira," Sage's voice chuckled lightly. "Fancy meeting you here in Treasure Town, but then again, you were headed here anyways from what I recall being told." He chuckled and turned her around, crossing his arms. "You wouldn't happen to be looking for the tournament I told y'all about, huh? I was wondering if you'd enter or chicken out."
"Actually, I was just walking around," Kira explained, looking up at the taller canine. "But now that you mention it, maybe that's what I keep getting this cold shiver down my spine. Do you really think I can enter into such a tournament? I mean, I'm rather weak compared to most Pokémon!"
"This tournament isn't all about strength," Sage laughed, moving into a crouching position. "The tournament is split into three sections. The first section is where the most powerful Pokémon duke it out. The second is the intermediate course where mid-evolutions and others can fight for practice or training. Finally, there's the little league, which is just basic training and all that dung. Personally, I'm aiming for the top, so I'm gonna destroy those pathetic "champion" Pokémon. You? I think your better suited for just the intermediate. I know you're strong, but you have so much further to go before you're on par with a Pokémon like me."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Kira sighed lightly before looking to the sky. It was starting to get brighter, which actually worried her. "Do you think you can bring me along so I can have a go at the tournament? I need something to do while Duke tries to do whatever he's doing."
"I can bring you along, but don't waste my time by losing before the semifinals," Sage laughed. "Cause if you do, I will personally make your life a living hell." He smirked lightly before standing and turning around. "Now let's hurry. The tournament closes in about an hour."
Kira nodded lightly and followed after him, lowering her head as she tried to think. She knew she was supposed to be looking for a lead to Necrozma, but that could wait for a day, right? The first two days here, they had done nothing but research what could have been useful, although they found nothing. Maybe a small break from the worries of the world would allow her to relax and get stronger. If she even wanted to stand a chance against a powerful beast such as Necrozma, she knew she had to be even stronger than she currently was.
Shaking her head, Kira glanced around as they started to walk through a nearby town. She hadn't seen the town before then, but it mostly reminded her of the housing part of Esperanza Village. Then again, they also had shops in that part of town, unlike this place. Kira hurriedly shook the thought off as her shoulder was grabbed by Sage, then looking up to the Lycanroc to notice him smirking.
"I was told the arena wasn't going to be anything special, but goddamn they did a fucking good job," he said, then turning her to look at the massive black stadium that was at the end of the trail. "They did this exact thing last year. Fuck, they're good at hiding the stadium until they need it to be seen."
"That's because they have Pokémon like us working 'round the clock to keep the tournament safe," a Zorua chuckled as she padded up to them. "Howdy! I believe you must be Sage, former champion of the ring. Mister Kiminari has been awaiting your arrival for over a week. Are you signing up now, sir?"
"I am indeed, and so is the Snivy beside me," Sage responded, crossing his arms with a growl. "And you can tell Kiminari to eat ass. That bastard is the reason I lost last year, throwing in those fucking Infected right as I was about knock out Lucario."
"We know," Zorua responded as she turned, starting towards the arena. "I am very sorry about his behavior, but even we have no idea what came over Kiminari during that battle. He just told us to unleash the final enemy, and it's not like we can a-"
"Do I look like I give a shit?" Sage growled, cutting off the pup. "I just want to get into the tournament and screw over those Pokémon again. And tell your boss he can unleash those Infected again. I'm gonna kick their asses again, just like last time."
"With all due respect, he won't listen to me," Zorua mumbled. "I hate to say it, but Kiminari is growing worse and worse every day. Ever since that last tournament, he's grown so much worse. I think... I think he might have been infected by them."
"So they can spread the virus?" Kira suddenly interrupted. "I mean, their names would suggest such a thing, but I wouldn't think it possible. I came across one, and I'm still fine. Does it happen rarely? Or is it something genetic?"
"You ask too many questions," Sage told her. "During battle, it doesn't matter what your opponent can do to hurt you. What matters is if you can last long enough to take them out or if your strong and fast enough to them to pulp before they can even register what you're doing."
Kira nodded and looked away, rubbing the back of her neck. She was so confused, but, well, she had been confused since she had woken in that forest. Every waking moment was spent wondering what was going on and how she would save her world, and yet this is where she was. Maybe following the flow would be the best thing for now. She hurriedly shook her head and looked up. By that time, they were at the entrance to the stadium, which also likely served as the admission.
She fell behind Sage as he moved his claw to motion her to stand where she was out of sight. While she was curious, she trusted that he was doing so to protect her from something. After a moment, a loud thud echoed out, then followed by Sage chuckling and allowing her to move out from behind him. As she did so, she noticed he had his hand raised, which had slammed into some sort of metal wall, which he threw away without any problem.
"If it isn't the big boss himself," Sage chuckled as they managed to get a look at the Pokémon who had likely thrown the metal wall, an Aggron. "It's so great to see you again, Kiminari. How's the wife and kids? Right, forgot they were brutally murdered by that Infected who held a grudge against them. Sorry, not sorry."
"Still the same rude-ass I met thirteen years ago," Kiminari responded. "I thought I told you to stay away and deal with your own life? You aren't welcome here, Sage. I told you that when your title was taken last year. So why don't you go off and bother some other poor unfortunate souls, eh? You're wasting precious time we don't have."
"If I'm not mistaken, sir, there's still half-an-hour until the tournament even begins," Zorua said with her loud and squeaky voice. "I know you two don't exactly have the best relationship, sir, but Sage is a valued member of our community, even if he is a bit offensive. Without him in the tournament, I don't think we'll have enough funds for next year."
"Are you seriously trying to bribe him in with the tournament that I have been putting together for decades?" Kiminari growled. He feel silent for a moment before sighing and crossing his arms. "As much as I hate you, Sage, Zorua brings up a great point. Without you, this tournament really doesn't have a purpose. I guess I could allow you to enter, on the condition that you never mention my wife and child again."
"It wasn't even my fault that happened," Sage responded, taking several minutes to think. "Duke, that Pidgey from Esperanza Village, was their Guardian at the time. Because he failed to warn them, I was thrown into prison. If anyone is to blame, blame him. And if you think you can't, well, he's the one who brought this Snivy here. Now, let us push things to the past and let bygones be bygones. It's great to see you again, Kiminari, even if it won't last very long."
"Are we seriously still talking about this?" Kira yawned as she was mentioned, stretching because she had been straining to watch from behind Sage. "Can we please just get into the tournament before I'm dragged away? I want to participate, and I really don't want Duke to find me before entering."
"Already too late!" Duke screeched as he landed behind her, his feathers all ruffled. "What the hell are you doing out here, Kira?! I thought we agreed to continue looking into you-know-what until we had a lead! Why are you here when we could be trying to save your world?!"
"Calm down," Sage said as he turned and glared at Duke. "I think she deserves a break from such a rough time, Duke. If she wants to participate, then she gets to participate. We're a country of freedom and battling, ya freak. If you can't take that, go back to whatever hole your parents came from."
"Besides, she's already been registered into the tournament, Mister Duke of Esperanza Village!" Zorua laughed, looking up to Kiminari before glancing back at Duke. "And with the tournament about to start, I'm afraid there's nothing we can do to now remove her in time for her to enter the stadium as a viewer. So, as you should have guessed, please go and sit in the stands while the final preparations are completed." She then looked at Sage and nodded. "Please show Kira to her preparation room, Sage. I will come get you when your tournaments begin. We have the beginners to get through, so make sure to get your rest in as well!"
"Thank you," Shade mumbled, then grabbing Kira's hand and leading her away from the three. Once they were far enough away, he let out a breath he had probably been holding since then. "Fuck those three. Well, Zorua's nice, but she's still a weird one. I can't believe Duke is even here, and Kiminari expects me to just pretend his family didn't throw me in jail? I fucking hate them both."
"Well, I can't blame you there," Kira responded, sighing lightly while trying to make sense of all this. "I don't get most of it, probably because we've been talking about it for only fifteen minutes, but I understand that your relationship is on thin ice, right? Man, this is such a weird day. First I wake up and I'm sent to visit the town and tour around, and now I'm here preparing for a tournament which I'm sure I'll lose."
"Don't think so negatively about how these events will take place," Sage said, stopping and glancing behind them before he continued. "If you think negative, negative results will happen. If you want to win, you have to know that you are better than them. You have to think like a winner, not like someone hoping to be a winner."
"For a guy who swears every chance he gets, you're pretty charismatic," she replied jokingly. "But... thank you, Sage. I've usually been the one to keep smiling, even when I was on the brink of death. I guess not much really changes, whether it be life or death or not."
"And I regret telling you anything," Sage then hissed, turning away and continuing on the way that they had been headed. As they neared a large tent, Sage sighed. "Keep your head down, and stay in your room. If someone starts to talk to you, just push them away and slam the door on them. This tournament attracts some unwanted Pokémon, Kira. Some of them even more so than others."
Kira nodded, looking around as Sage pushed open the entrance, allowing them to both enter. The inside of the tent was, as she had expected, split into three portions, which was then split into thirty-two rooms each for the contestants. Kira broke away from Sage, heading towards her own section while he headed for where the experts were at.
It took her quite a while, but she eventually found a room with her name on it. She pushed the door open, finding that the room was nicer than she had thought. The inside was like some sort of nature trail, designed specifically for a Pokémon like her. She walked in, closing the door behind her as she gazed around. For a group of Pokémon who were just getting paid to make other Pokémon brawl, they were rather caring about their contestants. Then again, she was sure that they needed to be to not get sued or stuff like that. She really didn't care, so she left it at that, simply jumping into a nice and bushy tree to relax.
What felt like hours flew by like wind, until Kira eventually heard the door to her room open. She peeked her eye open, noticing a rather familiar Pidgey standing in her doorway. She sighed and jumped down, crossing her arms as she glared at Duke.
"I thought you had to be in the stands?" she asked him with a slightly sassy tone. "Why are you here in my room, Duke? I would have thought that you'd like to avoid me after that little mess that happened at the entrance."
"As much as I hate Sage, I can't risk losing you," Duke said, having ignored her question. "The winner of your section gets a single wish granted to them by Jirachi, who is apparently sponsoring the entire thing during the remainder of the festival, which will begin tomorrow. I want you to win so you can save your world, Kira. I just came to give you luck, kay?"
Kira softened lightly and chuckled, then walking over and hugging him tightly. She heard him squawk in surprise, although he didn't pull away from her. "Thank you for the support, bro," she whispered, closing her eyes and yawning. "But for now, I think I need to rest up. If the battles begin tomorrow, then I really need rest. It isn't even noon and I already need to sleep."
"It's actually almost sunset," Duke laughed as he managed to get out of her grip. "Kiminari had to kind of delay the tournament. Apparently, a thunder storm rolled in, and he doesn't like "unfair" advantages. By tomorrow, the storm will have passed, so that's why it's later than the normal schedule." Duke then began to hop away, looking back at her once with a faint smile. "Don't fail me now, Kira. You've come so far since you've woken up. I believe in you."
As he left, Kira closed the door and headed back to her tree. "He's really nice, but he needs to learn to knock," she said to herself as she used her vines to pull herself in the tree. If it was already sunset, where had the time gone? She shrugged it off. After all, she needed to be ready for tomorrow. Tomorrow was another day.
Input: Hello. If you are reading this, then it means you have finished Chapter 3: Treasure Town. While not as exciting as most the others, I hope you have enjoyed this chapter. If you notice any errors, please inform me and I will fix them as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please ask me and I will try to explain them to the best of my ability. Thank you for reading.