Ch.19: A Thief Surviving in the Streets! Dreams and Riches in Sight!

The food market was crowded with Pokémon, buying small portions of groceries for future meals. It was all they could afford to put food on the table. Fortunately for a certain crafty Dewott, money wasn't an issue anymore.

A Bronzong manning the fruit stand had just finished attending to a customer, handing them a bag of various fruits. He waved them off, hoping they have a wonderful day, before turning to his next customer. "Hello, how may I…" His eyes immediately narrowed upon seeing the figure in front of him. "Oh…you."

Tony smirked. "Well, is that how you greet all your customers? Seems like a bad business decision."

"Sapienti…came back to steal more of my products?"

"'Steal' is such a strong word. Do I look like a dishonest kleptomaniac to you?" The Bronzong's glare told him he wasn't in the mood for jokes. "Well, I see I'm not particularly wanted here. Oh well, I'll just carry on with my errands and I'll be out of your…metal, I guess."

"Sorry street rat, but you know the rules." He slammed a sign down on the counter, which stated in bold, red letters 'No Money, No Service'. "Now hit the road. You're holding up the line."

The Dewott glanced over his shoulder, see the other villagers waiting in line. They didn't look impatient, but the chatter of their conversation was obviously not welcomed. He chuckled, grinning casually. "Are you insinuating I don't have money? Such a bold claim, but…" He held up the sack of bits and shook it, ringing that, oh so delightful, jingling sound. "Can't deny me service now."

He glared. "…what do you want?"

"I'll take a crate of apples. Oh, and a bag of oranges. And a bundle of bananas."

The Bronzong used his psychic power to lift the items into view. He jotted down some numbers to give the total price. "Fifty-five bits."

He dug through the bag to collect the bits. He retrieved a gold and bronze bit, which he slid onto the counter. Strapping the bag to his waist, he grabbed the crate from the psychic hold and placed it on the wagon he brought along with him.

The wagon contained other items, such as a bag of vegetables and some meat. There was extra room for the two other items.

As he grabbed the bag and bananas, the Bronzong asked, "Where did you get that money?"

"I earned it, what do you think?" He set the items down and grabbed the handle of the wagon. "Some of us have jobs too." The Bronze Bell Pokémon glared suspiciously as the Dewott gave a mock salute and left. He groaned and attended to the next customer.

Tony kept an eye out in the crowd, making sure he didn't run into the treasure hunters. He could sense the magic aura off three of them earlier. He'd rather not get into a fight with them. Then again, it's not like he had anything to worry about. He escaped his previous victims before, he can surely elude these bunch.

He turned a corner and walked down a vacant section of the village. The locals of this streets must be busy or sleeping in. Perfect, a little privacy. He sat down, legs crossed, and opened up the crate of apples. He took one and rubbed it against his vest, admiring himself in the polished reflection.

He took a juicy bite out of the apple and ate quietly, adoring the sweet taste filling his cheeks. He was going to be eating well for at least a week. Two weeks, if he's lucky.

He went for a second bite when he heard shuffling nearby. He looked pass the wagon and saw the little kids from before, running up to him.

"Hi Mr. Tony!" they greeted enthusiastically.

"Hey squirts," he casually greeted back as he bit down a second bite.

"Whoa!" the Whismur awed. "That's a lot of food!"

"Did you steal those travelers' money?!" Teddiursa asked.

Tony smirked. "Of course I did. A master thief like me can steal anything. Those guys were easy to pilfer from." Got to give the Umbreon credit. He made my job difficult. He gestured to the food. "I'll be eating healthy for a while."

"You're so cool, Mr. Tony!" Panpour cheered.

He held his chin with a sagely, yet arrogant grin. "Well, I don't mean to brag, but…" His moment of boasting stopped when he heard their stomachs growling. He narrowed his eyes. "Have you three…been eating well?"

Teddiursa shook his head. "No…our parents don't have enough money to buy groceries. We've been trying to earn more money by doing more jobs."

"It's not enough…" Whismur admitted.

The thieving Dewott stared at them sympathetically. He then smiled generously and reached into the wagon. "Hold out your hands."

"Huh?"

"Just do it."

They did as asked and suddenly found meat, vegetables, and fruits in their arms. They looked up at the older Pokémon with wide eyes as he offered a friendly grin. "My treat to you."

"W-W-We can't take this!" Panpour protested.

"This is your food!" Teddiursa shouted.

"Yes, my food to do as I please. Now I want to give it to you three. For your families. Can't have you runts starving on the streets." He shrugged. "Besides, I got plenty of money left. I can buy more groceries any time I want."

If they weren't holding all of this food in their arms, they would have tackled him into a hug. Instead, they pushed their heads against him affectionately. "Thank you, Mr. Tony!"

He ruffled their heads. "Eh, no thanks needed. Now run along and get that stuff to your folks."

"Okay!" Smiling and laughing, they ran off to their homes.

Tony chuckled to himself, delighted to have brought joy to their day. He wasn't a heartless thief by any means. He cared about those he was close to. If anyone in the village needed his help, he was on the case.

He took a few more bites out of his apple until he was left with nothing more than the core. He tossed it onto the ground lazily and reached for the money sack around his waist. He wanted to count the remaining bits to make sure he didn't overspend it. He still needed to purchase the medicine for a certain sick patient of his.

He pulled the bag open and scooped up a handful of bits. There was still a decent profit to use. He pretty much stocked on food for the next week. After he sets the money for the medicine aside, he can use the rest to buy new bedsheets and blankets. The ones at his hut were withering with holes.

He dumped them back into the bag and was about to seal it shut when he took notice of an orange glow inside. At first, he assumed it was a copper bit reflecting from the light of the sun, except he was in a decently shaded area. Added to the fact they don't reflect that much light in the first place.

Curious, he reached in and picked the item out, twirling it between his fingers. An orange glowing key. The impressive shine and smooth surface gave it the appearance of glass. He ran his finger along the middle, captivated by the delicate craftsmanship.

"What is this?" Well, it was a key, obviously. The real question is its intended purpose. You don't keep a key in your possession unless it's meant to lock and unlock something. Though, it didn't look like a typical house key. And it was way too fancy to be a plain ol' key for a chest.

Then again, it could just be an old artifact. He did pilfer it off of a treasure hunter, so it could be something made from an ancient civilization. And since he can't identify the origin of this key, it was useless to someone like him.

…or is it?

As he examined the key, his lips curled up, a single thought echoing in his mind. I wonder how much I can sell this for.

An uncomfortable, awkward silence permeated the motel room of the Ravenfield gang. After getting over the initial shock, they got their room keys and dashed straight to the privacy of their temporary quarters.

The room had two beds, which they intended to share. The blankets and sheets were old, but clean, nonetheless. Between the beds was a nightstand with a candle lamp. They had one bathroom near the front door, a desk set off to the far end of the room, and a miniature fridge to store any food they needed cold.

Gwyn was sprawled out over the bed while Ella sat at the foot of it. Wes sat at the desk chair with his forelegs hanging over the back. Flint…well, safe to say he needed to relax.

The Flareon, his mind wound up at their current dilemma, paced back and forth in a panicked state, muttering incoherent nonsense to himself. His brother could tell he was listening off over-the-top consequences that could be brought on by this tragic turn of events. It was a…he wanted to say coping mechanism, but that wasn't the right way to describe it. This was doing more harm than good to his state of mind.

Wes cleared his throat and raised his paw sheepishly. "Now Flint, before you go off the deep end, I…"

"WHY DID THIS HAPPEN?!" he shouted to the ceiling, fortunate that no one else apart from the manager could hear him. He collapsed to the ground in a fetal position, his nerves twisting into an unbearable knot. His eye twitched while his teeth chattered. "Promised…hold on to key…now lost it…"

The gang looked away, finding it hard to watch the Flareon acting so fretful. Gwyn pushed herself up and whispered to Ella, "Not to sound rude, but…is this normal?"

"Err…only when he overthinks it. Can't blame him, though."

"Should, uh…we do something?"

Ella jumped off the bed and laid down next to the Flareon. She gently placed her paw on his head and rubbed him soothingly, whispering, "There, there…calm down. Take a deep breath…"

Wes hung his head guiltily, feeling greatly responsible for the loss of the Key of Earth. Tooting his own horn saying he was theft proof and look where it got him. So this is what people mean when they say karma is a pain. It did not feel good, no it didn't.

He promised Randolph he would keep the key safe by any and all means necessary. This could have all been avoided if he didn't blindly throw it back into the one item that got stolen from them. He should have noticed.

He looked up as Ella was finally getting his brother to calm down. He jumped off the chair and walked up to him. "Hey bro…you, uh, feeling alright?"

He sat up and pinched between his eyes. "…s-sort of…sorry I broke down like that…" He slapped his cheeks to invigorate himself. "I must look like an idiot…"

"It's no trouble." He sighed. "After all, I'm the one that loss the key."

Flint shook his head. "It was an accident. They always happen, even to you."

"Well, this accident has now put the world's life in peril."

"Kind of an exaggeration, don't you think?" Gwyn chirped in, rolling over onto her stomach and propping her head up in her folded arms. "It's only one key. There's still nine more to retrieve. As long as all ten are kept separated, we're golden."

"See?" Flint asked with a smile. "No end of the world yet."

He sighed. "Even so, we can't let it out of our sight. The moment Tony finds out what that key is for, he's going to be stealing more than money off strangers. Or worse, he could end up trading it."

"I wouldn't worry too much," Ella replied with a smirk. "It may be a sacred relic, but it's still a key. Who in the right mind would trade anything for a key, especially in this village?"

Wes scratched his head. "Good point. It doesn't have much value in appearance."

"Tony obviously lives here. I say, we rest for the day and hunt him down in the morning," she suggested as she punched that pads of her paws.

"Aww, too bad," Gwyn muttered. "I kind of liked him…up until he robbed us, but still. He seems like a nice guy."

Flint glared. "'Nice guys' don't rob folks in broad daylight."

She flipped onto her back, staring at him upside-down. "Wasn't it you who told me not to judge a book by its cover?"

"This is different. We actually know the book we're reading. It's the tale of a lone thief who robs innocent travelers of their money so they can live in their own form of paradise. Tony is no exception."

"Well, have you ever heard of a plot twist? I read plenty of my mother's old novels to know there's more to a character than meets the eye. Maybe, just maybe, Tony isn't a bad guy," she insisted.

Flint sighed. "Gwyn, I know I said be more trusting towards the public, but it's kind of obvious he didn't care about committing a crime."

Ella crossed her forelegs, then looked at Wes. "Well, what do you think, Wester? You ARE the one he robbed." Flint and Gwyn faced him as well.

He shrugged innocently. "Well…you two have good points. But that doesn't change the fact we still need the key. We're just gonna have to confront him personally and settle this there."

The Espeon pressed her back against the wall coolly. "Well, our only advantage is that he'll remain stationary in this village. He doesn't seem to have plans on moving out yet."

"So we can still catch him in the morning," Flint finished.

"Right!" Gwyn cheered. "Then we can get this whole thing cleared up and have a good laugh about it!"

Ella patted her head. "Stay positive, silly cat."

Wes crossed his forelegs, tipping his hat down over his eyes. "Still, I'm curious about something else." He looked up with narrowed eyes. "It's about those thugs we bumped into."

"Wes, I think we have other things to worry about than them. The key is our main concern," his brother reminded.

"I know, but…well, Gwyn might be on to something. I don't know if he's some petty thief or some heroic bandit, but he clearly doesn't enjoy their company." He glared. "They're obviously not with each other, so they're likely adversaries."

"What are you getting out of this?"

"I'm only saying, I don't want the key falling in their hands. I'm not sure what Tony will do if he figures out the purpose of the key, but I'm not too keen on learning the motives of those brutes. If they're cruel enough to mug a village of its hard earned goods, getting their hands on a reality warping idol isn't an image I want to picture in my head."

Gwyn sat up, growling angrily. "I'll stop at nothing until I get that key back!"

"Our only solace is that everyone here is in the dark," Wes reminded. "The Desert Beast Pirates caused us enough trouble. We can't have more competition in our way."

Flint looked down for a moment, then nodded. "Good point. We find Tony and make sure that key doesn't end up in their pockets."

Ella chuckled, leaning back in the bed. "Relax, they're just chumps living off stolen goods. They can't do any harm to us."

The Flareon sighed. "After having a gun pointed at my face, I rather not risk the odds."

Wes snickered and patted his brother's back. "I can kick their butts for you if you want."

"You can do that IF we're in danger," he replied with a smirk.

"Yay!"

Gwyn stretched before jumping off the bed. "Well, I'm gonna take my turn in the bathroom and get cleaned up." She sauntered over to the bathroom and headed in. She poked her head out, saying, "I know he robbed us, but maybe he's a nice guy and doesn't want to show it." With that, she sank back in, closing the door. The sound of water running could be heard.

Flint rubbed his forehead. "I turned her from distrusting to too trusting…"

"Not bad for someone who lived in solitude for ten years," Ella joked lightly. "Still, how are we going to get the key back from Tony? The moment we ask for it, he'll get suspicious."

"Could say it's a house key," Wes suggested.

"I have never seen a glass looking house key in my entire life," she argued in a deadpan tone.

Flint groaned, throwing himself onto his bed. "This is ludicrous…I knew something bad was going to happen coming here…"

"You don't have to keep reminding us," Wes stated, then muttered under his breath, "The last fifty times were enough."

"I'm sorry, but the Fire Zone has always been full of petty criminals like that deceitful Dewott. I can't stand people like that. They're…They're…"

"Like me?" the Umbreon finished, raising a brow.

The Flareon stopped cold. "…Wes, you know I trust you…"

"I know, but what makes me different? I steal on impulse, too. Only difference is I'm a kleptomaniac while others here do it out of survival."

"Are you saying you're not angry?"

"Oh, I'm ticked off, believe me. I'm only saying you shouldn't be getting so worked up over this." He closed his eyes. "We'll just confront Tony to try and negotiate with him. If that doesn't work out…" He flashed a toothy smirk with a fierce fire burning in his eyes. "All bets are off!"

"You're awfully calm about this…sort of," he muttered.

"I had to learn from experience. I've handled all the thieves that stole from me before. This time won't be different."

Ella smirked. "Just like when you said you wouldn't get robbed?"

"Quiet you!" he shouted, pointing intensely at her.

She laughed. "Chill, mate. I get it. Shouldn't be too hard to find him."

The bathroom door opened. "We could ask the locals about him." They turned and saw Gwyn walking out, hair drenched and frizzy. She was wearing her pajamas, which was a blue cotton long sleeve shirt and matching pants. She dried her head off with her towel. "They ought to know where he is during the day."

"He seems to be well known around here…" Flint rubbed his chin, then raised a brow as a thought came to mind. "He said there's a local doctor here. He's bound to know him, or at least his place of residence."

"You really think a doctor is going to give confidential information like that?" Ella asked.

He shrugged. "It's a small village. Not like it'll mean much."

"Best place to start," Gwyn added.

Wes nodded. "Alright, guess that's our plan for the morning. Let's get rested and ready for the morning."

"Oh come on, man! It has to be worth something!"

Tony has been standing in the trading hut for nearly a half hour, trying to convince the shop keeper, an Octillery wearing a bowtie, to take the stupid key he has been trying to pawn off.

He tried every way to make it seem like it was worth the bargain. The key to a locked chest full of untold riches, a magical item that can grant the user three wishes, something to hold up the short end of a table; anything to make a quick bit. However, no matter what angle he went at, the pawn shop owner wouldn't buy it. His keen eye for detail told him that it was nothing more than a glass key.

"For the last time Sapienti, it's useless. Unless you have the lock for it, it has no business collecting dust in my hut."

He slammed the key down and stared him down in the eye. "I can sense magic energy around this stupid thing! It has to be worth something for that!"

The octopus wouldn't buy it, rolling his eyes in response. "Right, sure, magic energy." He snorted. "Please, I wasn't born yesterday."

"But-"

"We both know you're the only one out of the two of us who can sense that freaky energy. I can tell a scam when I see it."

He grabbed at his whiskers and yanked on them to keep his frustration in check. He released them and took a few breaths before saying, "I'm…not scamming you. This key, right here, has earth magic seeping off it. I make legit deals to my clients."

"Really?" the octopus challenged with a raised brow. "Just like that time you gave me that 'time stopping' amulet when it was just a tiny sundial on a string? Or that combat knife you said allowed the user to pass through walls? Not only was it a fake, you also gave me a useless dull knife."

He shrugged with an exasperated frown. "So I gave you fake stuff. Big deal."

He staggered back when the Octillery shoved him roughly. "You're always trying to pull a fast one on me, Sapienti. I run a successful shop here and I don't want it tainted with your presence."

The Dewott smirked. "Successful? Are you going senile already? You couldn't sell water to a dying Magikarp."

The octopus glared, then pointed out the door. "Leave, now."

He raised his hands innocently, eyes closed. "Fine, fine. Your loss." He walked out the door before poking his head back in. He dangled the key mockingly. "But the moment I sell this for big money, you'll be swimming in a sea of regrets. Have fun with your dust." He slipped out, laughing.

The Octillery groaned. "What is wrong with that kid?"

Tony pocketed the key and grabbed hold of the wagon. One last stop before he went home. He maneuvered his way through the few Pokemon on the streets, as the rest were beginning to turn in. The sun was nearly under the horizon by now.

"Yeesh, how long was I in there?" He picked up the pace, bolting straight for the pharmacy building. "Hopefully she can hold out for a little longer."

He took a few shortcuts around the village before ending up at the building. He made his way inside, wagon in tow. He kicked it into the corner of the room before walking over to the front counter.

The room was designed to be a waiting room, with the front counter having a storage room in the back. Tony glanced to the side briefly, spying the stairs leading up. He's been here enough times to know they led to the examination room, where the doctor gave tests or, in a worst case scenario, surgery. And, if memory serves, there was also a bedroom for the good doctor, as this building acted not only as his place of work, but his home.

He rang the bell impatiently. "Yo, Pops! Get out here, will ya? I'm here to pick up my mom's medicine!"

"Just a minute, Tony," a male voice called from the back of the storage room. "I'm just finishing up with inventory."

The Dewott turned around and leaned against the counter, elbows supporting him up right. In boredom, he reached into his pocket and pulled the key out, examining it once more.

Piece of junk is useless to sell…why would they have something like this? He bounced it in his hand. They could have a locked box. Where there's a locked box, there's bound to be something valuable. He shook his head. Well, at this point, they'll be on their guard. Best if I just wait and hope some poor sucker takes this.

He bent his head back as the doctor emerged from the back. He was a Hypno, probably in his mid-forties. He wore a long sleeved, white buttoned shirt with a deep purple vest with white vertical lines running down the body. In the pocket on the left side of his vest was a pocket watch, with only the silver chain hanging out. He wore gray pants and black dress shoes.

He had his face buried in a clipboard as he checked off the list of items he surveyed. "Good evening, Tony. How was your day?"

"Eh, nothing much, other than stealing some bits off some travelers." He dangled the key in front of his clipboard. While he couldn't see the key, he could very well tell what he was doing. "And I pilfered some weird looking key off them, too."

"Do tell," he muttered as he flipped through pages.

"I've been trying to get rid of this damn thing all day. But no one seems interested in taking it." He pulled it away from his face and stared at it. "I mean, sure, it isn't much, but you'd think someone would appreciate the design and buy it for, I don't know, five bits, maybe." He pocketed it.

Just as he did, the Hypno lowered his clipboard. "Perhaps this is karma saying 'Stop antagonizing travelers'."

Tony rolled his eyes. "You're a real funny guy, Morgan," he sarcastically stated.

The Hypno sighed. "Tony, this habit of yours needs to end soon. I keep offering you work here for a reason. It's less of a hassle than constantly avoiding travelers."

He shrugged. "I do a lot of odd jobs, but they don't give that satisfying flow of bits I want." He turned himself around and slammed his hands on the counter. "I can't take care of myself and my family on ten bits a week."

Morgan leaned forward, resting his chin in his cupped hands. "Pray tell, how is stealing considered the honest route?"

"I didn't say that. I'm smart enough to see there's the safer path and the progressive path." He crossed his arms. "If I have to bleed every traveler of their money dry to survive in this world, then I'm taking the risk."

"Dear boy, there are certainly better ways to go about this than living the life of a con artist or petty thief. Take it from me. I've seen the harshness of this world in my day. I took a path similar to yours before changing my ways to the hard, honest road. And look at me now. Sure, it's not much, but helping the people of this village is something money can't overshadow."

"I'm not you, Pops. You're one of the wealthier residents here." He walked over to his wagon and snatched a banana. "You don't know how hard it is to make sure food is on the table every single day." He peeled the banana and took a bite. He swallowed, adding, "There have been times where I had to starve for a day, maybe two, just so my family stays on their feet. I sacrifice my food for them."

The Hypno sighed, scratching his chin. "Yes, yes, I'm well aware." He glared. "But how long do you intend to keep this game up? Sooner or later, you'll need to rethink your position in life. Living off stolen goods won't get you very far."

The Dewott turned away with a sneer. "Don't worry, it won't come to that. As soon as I make enough money, I'm leaving this place for a much more suitable home." He ate the rest of his banana and tossed the peel into the trash. "After that, I'll find a job to support my mother and sister."

Morgan narrowed his eyes. "You're a stubborn dreamer…" He reached under the counter and pulled out a paper bag. "Here's your mother's medicine. Make sure she takes two every eight hours."

Tony nodded. "Is the-"

"Yes, I have your sister's vitamins in here, too. Remember, two every morning."

He walked up to the counter and paid for the medicine. "You've been a big help to my family, Pops."

Morgan shrugged. "I'm a doctor, it's my job." Tony walked away from the counter and placed the bag in the wagon before grabbing the handle. "Before you go…" He flexed his fingers, trying to find the words. "I…uh…" He shook his head. "Just…take to consideration what I said."

The Dewott's eyes narrowed. "Sorry, but I don't see any other way."

"There's always another way." He chuckled. "I was a lot like you when I was around your age."

He raised a brow. "You were a thief?"

He waved his hand. "No, no, nothing like that. I mean I was stuck in my own way. I only saw the world in black and white. I never considered the gray area that went blind to me for all these years." He folded his arms and supported himself on the counter. "Sometimes…life takes you by surprise."

Tony blinked. "You're a weird guy, Pops."

He chuckled. "Maybe I am." He narrowed his eyes on the thief. "Still, instead of seeing the extreme option, consider one that fits your needs. Something beneficial that doesn't give you a negative stance to the public. I've lived on this planet far longer than you have. Don't repeat the mistakes I've made along the way."

The Dewott narrowed his eyes, shoving his hands into his pockets. The Hypno was a strange, odd man. When he turned up in these parts, it came as a surprised he was a trained medic and surgeon. The villagers needed someone like him to help with their wounded and sick.

Still, he always came off as suspicious to the thief. Not the kind of suspicious where he needs to constantly look over his shoulder to make sure he isn't planning to drive a blade into his spine. He could see the kindness in his eyes whenever he spoke with a patient or friend. No, by suspicious, he means he's mysterious.

Everyone has their own background and history. Whatever he did in his time must have been bad. He stated on occasion that, in his youth, becoming a doctor was the last thing on his mind, whatever that meant.

His kindness and words seemed to always run around the thief, as he didn't want those thoughts to enter his heart. Though, every so often, they would crack through his shell and barely graze him.

Being a thief was all he knew. Even at a young age, it was like second nature to him. Constantly stealing and pickpocketing off strangers for the thrills. Now, it was the instinctive drive to survive. It wasn't something he could forget. No one has tried to stop him, to see a different viewpoint. Maybe that's why he liked hanging out with the yellow humanoid. Who knows?

He looked at the ground, contemplating his thoughts. Thievery was the only way he can get by for now. There wasn't another way. Becoming a treasure hunter would certainly help, but that meant competition with other hunters, having to actually find a damn treasure, and hoping it wasn't already raided out. A journey without a destination was not what he had in mind. People say it's all about the journey, not the destination. In his eyes, if there's no goal that'll better his life, there's no point.

He took a deep breath and sighed. Morgan was usually right. Must come with age. But, at the moment, there was no alternative that will help him.

He turned to the Hypno and said, "I'll…think about it. But no promises. I still don't believe there's an alternative. If I'm not there for my family, then there's not much I can do." With that, he stepped out of the pharmacy.

Morgan sighed. "Believe me, kid…I know the feeling…"

The sun was dipping further down into the horizon, the sky mixed with the lightest of orange across the horizon. Lanterns hanging from some huts were lit, allowing residence who were still meandering in the darkness to find their way.

Tony made his way down an empty street before coming across a hut, his home. Just like the other huts, it was wooden with a cloth roof pitched up. Though, to give it some flair, Tony's sister added a handmade welcome mat that read, obviously, 'Welcome' in bold, black letters. The front door possessed a name plate made from a sheet of scrap metal, the family name etched into it.

He knocked three times before saying, "Cheri, open up."

He heard scampering from the inside and a thump against the door. He could guess it was his goofball of a sister placing her ear against the door, as she would normally do. "Name!"

He smirked, placing a hand on his hip. "Sis, really? Now?"

"I said name!"

He shrugged. "Tony Sapienti."

"What's the password?"

He chuckled. "The password is, if you don't open up, you're not getting dinner."

It didn't take much persuasion after that for his little sister to comply. He could practically hear her stomach growl violently at the thought of no food.

With that, a clicking sound could be heard and the door flung open. Tony spread his arms out as an eight-year-old Pikachu jumped into the inviting hug and snuggled against him. She wore a ragged cerulean blue dress. There were patches of green that were sewed in to keep it in the best of conditions for as long as possible. In this house, you needed to learn to improvise.

Cheri finished her snuggle attack against her brother and smiled brightly. "How was your day?"

"Oh, you know, busy as usual." Holding her in his right arm like a piece of luggage, which made her giggle, he dragged the wagon inside and kicked the door shut behind him. "Did you clean the house like your big brother asked?"

She nodded. "Uh huh! Shelves were dusted, floors are squeaky clean, and ash has been dumped out."

"Atta girl!" he praised, ruffling her head.

They were cut off by a loud cough. They turned towards a Raichu who was laying on the floor. She wore a white nightgown, having no need to where casual clothing since she was restricted to her 'bed'.

She laid on a number of blankets to make the hardwood floor comfy and a few pillows for her head. She was wrapped in a blanket. One thing that stood out was her cheeks were red from a flush of heat to her face.

Despite her weakened state, she worked up the strength to direct a kind smile to her son. "Tony…you're back. How was your day?"

"It was fine, Mom. But more importantly, how are you doing?" he asked with a level of concern in his tone.

"Not bad, but not great. Just weary from all these headaches…"

He immediately reached into the wagon and pulled out her medicine. He handed it to Cheri. "Get a glass of water for her and have her take two of those." She nodded and ran over to their kitchen.

Aside from the exterior walls, there were no other walls to divide the house up. It was like one big, circular room. Everything was easy to access, from the kitchen to what they claimed as the family bedroom, which had two more 'beds' similar to his mother's. They had little possessions, ranging from family photos to kitchen equipment. It wasn't much, but they got by fine.

He walked over to the kitchen unit and started unloading the groceries into the fridge. He frowned as the power seemed to flicker, meaning it was running low again. "Dang it…" He set the stuff down and reached behind the fridge.

Cheri finished filling a glass of water from the sink and ran over to her mother. She sat down and held out the two pills. "Open." The Raichu chuckled before doing so. She dropped them in, then lightly tipped the water into her mouth. The ill mother swallowed the pills and gagged in disgust.

"Oy vey…Morgan, are you trying to make my life miserable?" she lightly joked. "Call me a stickler, but these aren't very…'a-pill-ing'." She laughed quietly.

Cheri groaned. "The puns…they hurt…" she whined softly.

She stifled the last of her laughs. "Sorry sweetie."

Tony shook his head with a light chuckle. He grabbed two wires and focused his magic on them. For a split second, his fur color turned much lighter, glowing with a static appearance. A surge of electricity coursed down his arms, traveling into the wires. He let the electricity flow for a few moments before attaching the wires back together.

He stood up and opened the fridge. This time, it lit up with light. He reached his hand in to feel for cold air. He smiled in satisfaction before placing food inside. Once most of it was away, he shut the door and brought the leftover food to the counter.

He pulled out a cutting board and knife, saying, "Who's up for homemade stew?"

Cheri raised her hand and waved it frantically. "Oh, me, me, me! Can it be Bluk berry stew?!"

He shook his head, smirking. "Last time I added Bluk berries, your teeth were stained for the whole day."

She pouted. "I can brush my teeth AFTER, you know."

He chuckled. "Well, sorry sis, but I don't have Bluk berries. It's Oran berries and vegetables."

"Aww, Oran berries again?"

"I thought you love Oran berries."

"I do, but that's all we've been eating!" she complained.

He sighed, rubbing his head. "Cheri, you know I add those to help with Mom's fever." He smiled, an idea brimming in his mind. "How about this? You eat the stew and I'll give you a little something I snagged this morning."

Her eyes sparkled in wonder. "Really?! What?!"

He winked. "One whole chocolate bar."

She squealed and ran over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "YAY!" She jumped up and down. "Quit standing around and make dinner!"

He smirked. "I thought you didn't want Oran berry stew."

"What~?" She scoffed with a wave of her hand. "I LOVE Oran berries!"

"Heh, right," he scoffed back, playfully ruffling her head.

"Hey!" she laughed. "Quit it!"

Their mother chuckled. "Oh, you two are 'berry' sweet to each other."

Her children glared lightly. "Mom…"

She snickered. "'Pecha' didn't expect that one." She patted her stomach. "Though, seriously, can you please get started on dinner, Tony? I'm, hehe…'Starf-ing'." They glared deeper. "Alright, alright, that was the last one, I promise." She chuckled before closing her eyes a bit to get a little rest.

Cheri rested her forehead against the counter. "Arceus, that's annoying…"

Tony chuckled, patting her head. "Eh, you know Mom. She cracks out bad puns to ease herself. As long as her spirits are high, I can put up with it." He shoved her away. "Now go play with your toys or something. Dinner will be done in a half hour." She nodded and ran over to her 'bed'.

The Dewott pulled a large pot out and set it over their wood burning stove. He poured broth into the pot. He opened the stove hatch and flicked an electrical spark into it. The wood heated up before brightening in a magnificent blaze. He shut the hatch and placed carrots, potatoes, and Oran berries on the cutting board. He twirled the knife in his hand, then chopped away at the food.

He pushed them into the broth, then began stirring with a wooden spoon, letting the chunks spread out around the stew. He tapped the spoon against the rim before setting it down. He'll let it cook before coming back to it.

Cheri grabbed a puzzle from a chest and dumped the pieces out. It was an activity she had grown used to doing in her spare time. It was calm and relaxing for her. She immediately searched for and grabbed the four corner pieces and spaced them out from each other in a rectangular shape. A few pieces she instantly recognized were placed with the appropriate corner piece.

Tony dusted his hand off and sat down next to his mother. He placed his hand on her forehead and frowned. She still felt pretty warm. Hopefully the medicine will kick in soon.

He sighed, then smiled jokingly. "You know, I'm pretty sure it's the mother's job to watch over her children when their sick, not the other way around."

She was still barely awake, evident from her chuckle and response. "Well…guess we know you'll make a great father one day, if you ever decide to get married…"

He shook his head. "And worry about you? I rather stay here and look after you and Cheri."

She smiled. "You're a good man, Tony…much like your father…"

This led the Dewott to sneer a bit. "Please don't compare me to him…"

Her smile flipped upside down. She turned her head and looked into his eyes. "Sweetie, I know your feelings towards him are a little…harsh, but he's a good man."

"No parent should just leave their family without question or reason and expect me to just…deal with it." He sighed. "We've been having trouble staying on our feet ever since he left. I have no reason to respect him…"

His mother sighed, almost regretting that she brought up her husband. True, he left without informing her why. It has been hard for her to find proper work to keep their original home. That's why they had to move here. It was the only place they could stay where they could afford their home. Tony made good use of his magic by providing for their power. They mostly worried about food to eat.

Then things took a turn for the worse when she started feeling sick last year. Sometimes it passed, then it would come back weeks later. It has been hard for her to get work done these days. Tony, being the oldest of the family, stepped up to fill in the role as homemaker and worker. Cheri, emulating her brother's actions, stepped in to help, too.

While they did a good job, the Raichu couldn't help but worry about the deeds her son has committed to even get money. He would occasionally handle deliveries, but, roughly five months ago, she learned of his alternative method of money making, one she greatly disapproved of.

She called him out on it, but he was stubborn. No matter how many times she scolded him, he would go right back to stealing the next day. It was a dishonest action that he did to help support them. There were times he couldn't afford medicine and had to resort to stealing more money or the medicine itself. Morgan let him off easy the first two times, but, after the third time, he kept a tab on the medicine he took, which the Dewott would have to pay off every so often.

She pushed herself up with some strain, then looked at him at eye level. "Tony, I'm upset with him too, but…he was always a mysterious man, even when we first met. He had his reasons for leaving, I'm sure…"

"Doesn't excuse him for leaving us to provide for ourselves…" He held up the money bag. "I'm going to get us out of here and make it back onto the high road."

"Tony…"

"I'm serious, Mom." He jumped to his feet. "Think about it. Us, living in a nice, spacious home with our own bedrooms. Buying a variety of new food to explore and taste." He kneeled down and placed his hands on her shoulders. "That's what I want for this family. I want us to live better than this. This environment is not healthy for you."

She rubbed his arm with a motherly expression. "You're a determined man, but you're still so young. I don't want you to live your whole life as a criminal just for me and Cheri."

"I'm not going to. I just need more time to make up some money. We can leave and afford a new house, better than this hovel."

"But how far are you willing to take this?"

He narrowed his eyes, glaring at the floor. "Any extreme necessary."

She shook her head disapprovingly. "Sweetie, I have long gotten used to your thievery antics and, to a degree, they are admirable acts…but any extreme? What do you mean by that? Are you willing to mug somebody? Harm them? Even kill?"

He clenched his teeth uncomfortably. "I would never do that…"

"Then what is your limit?"

He pinched between his eyes and groaned. "I just…I just want you two to be happy. I'm not going to stop robbing people until I've made enough money to get us proper care. No more ragged clothing or roofs, no more replacing floorboards and walls, no more coughing on ash…" He trailed off and rubbed his head.

His mother only sighed and laid her head back down. "I trust your judgement…but please don't do anything you'll regret. It'd break my heart if you did something cruel and…evil."

He held her hand with a tender smile. "You have my word. I'll care for you and Cheri for the rest of my life if I have to. I won't traverse that unforgiving road to make it happen."

"I know you won't…" She yawned tiredly. "Boy, I'm raring for bed."

He chuckled. "Not yet. You can go to sleep after you had your dinner. You need to keep your strength up."

She rolled her eyes with a smile. "Whatever you say, sweetie."

Some time passed after their conversation before the stew was finally cooked to perfection. Satisfied with the taste, he poured the contents into three individual bowls, then added spoons to them. He carried them over, one balanced on his head, and passed out the meals.

"Get them while they're warm."

Cheri ran up and grabbed her dish. "Mmm, yummy." She glared playfully at her brother. "You promised a candy bar, mister."

He snickered. "Did I?" She pouted with an upset grumble. "Kidding, kidding." He reached into his pocket and handed it to her. "Don't eat it all in one go."

She swiped it with a cheeky smirk. "Heck no!" She ran over to her bed and set her dish down. She tore the wrapper off with her teeth and took a large, loud bite of the chocolatey confection.

Tony rolled his eyes before setting his mother's dish down in her lap. She pushed herself up and grabbed the spoon. "Looks delicious as usual," she complimented as she scooped out a spoonful.

"Careful, it's hot," he warned as he blew on his and took a bite.

She blew on it herself and took a bite. She hummed in content as the delicious stew bombarded her taste buds with flavor. "I feel myself getting better already."

Tony smirked. "My cooking isn't that good."

"I beg to differ!" Cheri interjected, taking a spoonful of the stew. She smacked her lips together and smiled widely. "Yum! Although, next time, maybe you could…"

Her older brother shook his head, chuckling. "If I find some at the market tomorrow, I'll buy Bluk berries for dinner."

She let out a tiny 'squee'. "Yay…"

He smiled at his family and raised his spoon. "To the Sapienti family, for another fine tomorrow!"

His mother and sister smiled back and raised their spoons. "Here, here!" They clinked them together and laughed.

Right on the edge of the village was a large hut, five times bigger than any hut around. Inside was a gang of dangerous criminals, known to us as the Anguis Organization.

They were dining on goods from the markets, which were 'generously' given to them as payment for their…'protective' services. Out of everyone that ate in this village, they ate like kings, filling the villagers with envy. Not much they could do, though. Anyone who opposes the Anguis Organization would not live to see tomorrow.

As they ate their food, two in particular were in the back, facing a mirror with a golden rim. The two thugs that tried to mug Team Ravenfield. They both seemed extremely nervous about something. And they should be. They were prepping to contact their boss.

"He's not going to be happy when he hears we've failed…" Pinsir warned his partner.

Dusclops clenched his shaky fists. "We don't have much choice. Just be glad he isn't here in person. That is when we should panic." He unclenched his hand and gently pressed his fingers against the mirror. "Contact Count Aeternus."

He took his hand off, leading to a ripple across the mirror. Smoke swirled from within before presenting the image of a grinning figure, squatting in a chair like a goblin stalking its unknowing prey.

His hands were folded together as he chuckled sinisterly. "Ah, my loyal subjects…"

They bowed to him. "Count Aeternus, sir!"

"Rise." They straightened themselves up. "What is the purpose of your call? I take it that you've finally got that Dewott to listen."

"Err…not quite, sir," Pinsir revealed cautiously. "We've been trying to plead with him for over a week, but nothing we do seems to persuade him."

Aeternus' grin dipped down a bit at the news. "Is that so?"

Dusclops felt beads of sweat dripping down his face. "B-But we will get him to see our way soon enough! We only require more time!"

"Time…" This came to him as a joke, as he found himself throwing his head back in a fit of laughter. "You want MORE time?! HAHAHAHA!"

The thugs were heavily confused, the only action they could take was laugh along with him, only with panic and nervousness filling it. "Y-Yeah…m-m-more time-"

They jumped as he slammed his fist against his desk. "I gave you dimwits enough time as it is!" he scolded fiercely. "You can't handle one measly Dewott, can you?!"

"Sir, with all due respect, he's simply too cunning," the Stag Beetle Pokémon pleaded. "He blocks out our requests without a care! Threats on his life, his family! Nothing!"

The count paused for a moment and folded his arms in thought. "All you've been doing is threatening him? And he doesn't listen, eh?"

They gulped. "Y-Yes sir…"

The figure rubbed his chin at this revelation. "He's a stubborn one, that's for sure. But his power would be perfect for my empire…" He flashed a cruel grin. Well, guess we're gonna have to take things in a new angle.

"Alright boys, I'll give you one last chance. I expect results this time, too." His grin grew. "No fear, no hesitation, and no second guessing."

The thugs looked at each other, puzzled. "We, uh…don't follow, sir."

"Invite him here tomorrow for a friendly chat…with me."

They gasped. "You can't be serious!"

"If I am going to get this Dewott to see things my way, then I need to show him what happens when you make an enemy out of the Anguis Organization." He snickered. "If he doesn't, then…"

"Y-Y-You'll…k-kill us?" Dusclops stuttered worriedly.

He waved it off. "Far from that. No, if he doesn't listen after speaking with me…" He raised his finger and pointed it like a gun, aiming to the side. "…he'll be the one hitting the floor." A yellow beam fired from his finger. A scream could be heard off screen, making the thugs flinch. He blew on the smoking digit. "Get the picture?"

"But…you said you wanted this guy on our side…"

"I'll take my time to persuade any magic user to see things my way. If they still refuse, they aren't worth my time. Killing them doesn't concern me. I've already got a sizable number of them by my side." Yellow energy floated in his hand, taking unusual shapes in a solid form. "We gave him a chance…now it's his turn to decide his fate."