Author's Note:
I'm not sure why, but something just feels off about the first part of this chapter to me. I don't know what it is, but hopefully it's not too distracting. Anyway, let's welcome Jolt the Shinx to Team Strength!
The yellow glow of my badge's teleport faded around me, revealing Brandon and Jolt waiting outside the guild. A moment later, Dusknoir emerged from a similar light. "It's good to see everyone made it back safely," he said. "Now, Crest, I believe you have the water float? Marill and Azurill should be waiting for us at the Kecleon market. I suggest we return their item to them before entering the guild."
"Yeah, I have it," I confirmed. "But what about Jolt?"
"Don't worry about him, I can take him to Chimecho while you see Marill. We can meet up in the guild later," Brandon explained.
"Alright then, I guess you aren't really going anywhere anyway," I agreed.
"We won't be gone long," Dusknoir added, "though please do let me know how Shinx is doing when we get back. I would hope his injuries aren't too bad."
"I think I'll be fine," Jolt explained, "but if the rest of you don't mind, I'd like to meet your healer sooner rather than later." It was easy to see why; Jolt had been leaning against Brandon for support since we got here.
"Then we'll leave you to that," Dusknoir agreed. "Come, Crest, we have an item to deliver."
The two of us walked down the guild's steps and into town. "Hey, Dusknoir?" I asked, "how did you know we were in Amp Plains anyway?"
"After your Guildmaster and I finished planning for tomorrow's explorations, I decided to check out Treasure Town," he explained. "I happened to run into Marill and Azurill at the Kecleon shop, and the Kecleon told me where you were. They do like to gossip, it seems. The brothers told me they were waiting for you to get back, so I doubt they've gone anywhere since I left."
Just as Dusknoir had suggested, Marill and Azurill were waiting for us by the Kecleon shop. "Oh, Crest, you're back," Marill said when he saw us. "Where's your Chikorita friend?"
"He's waiting back at the guild. We had another mission he needed to finish up," I explained. "But anyway, here, we found the water float."
"Wait, you really found it?" Marill asked.
"Wow, you must be really strong! You're not even scared of Electric types!" Azurill cut in.
I just laughed it off, saying, "Well, I did have a lot of help. My partner is a Grass type, after all.
"Now, don't go selling yourself short Crest," the purple Kecleon interjected.
"Yeah, it wasn't that long ago that you were too timid to even set foot in a mystery dungeon," the green one added. "Honestly, it seems like ever since you met that Chikorita you've been the best explorer in town."
"Is this true?" Dusknoir asked. "I had assumed you were more experienced than that."
"No, I'm still pretty new to exploring. I guess having a partner to work with really helped my confidence, even if I've only known him a short while," I explained.
"Is that really it?" the purple Kecleon asked. "Because you two are natural explorers. Remember when Drowzee kidnapped this little one? You tracked him down in record time! That's some impressive intuition."
"You're giving me a lot of credit for my partner's work. He didn't really 'track' Drowzee, he had some sort of vision that showed us where to go. We don't even know exactly what happened," I said.
That caught Dusknoir's attention. "Hold on, what's this about a vision?"
"Oh, that's right, I heard you were very knowledgeable. Have you heard of visions that are triggered by touching objects?" I asked.
Dusknoir appeared to get lost in thought for a moment. "The Dimensional Scream…" he said to himself quietly. "I think it would be best if your friend were here to explain his experience before I offer an in-depth explanation. Let us return to the guild for now, and I'll tell you what I know."
"The footprint is… is… um… hey, why are there so many feet?" someone called out from the underground sentry.
"It's Brandon," Brandon shouted down the grate. "I'm with an injured pokemon. Could you send Chimecho up here?"
"Oh, yeah, of course. But next time, one at a time on the grate," the voice called back. That seemed a bit silly to me. With my injuries I could barely stand on my own. It's not our fault the sentry got confused.
It wasn't long before a Chimecho emerged from the Wigglytuff-shaped tent in front of us. "Well doesn't this seem familiar," she said upon seeing us.
"Hey, this time it's not me. This Shinx is injured and needs a healer," Brandon explained.
"Of course, I'll help him into the guild," Chimecho responded. A moment later, I felt myself floating away from the ground. Chimecho must have been using Psychic to levitate me. Though, when I saw that the guild's only entrance was a ladder, I feared I would be trapped in there for a while. My fear let up a bit when Brandon climbed said ladder with ease. If a Chikorita could do it, then there was little doubt that I could too.
After descending one ladder, Chimecho brought us over to some sort of desk and began to look over my injuries. "So Brandon, how was your exploration today?"
"Some combination of eventful and terrifying," he answered. "Safe to say I hope tomorrow is a bit easier, though given tomorrow's mission I have my doubts."
"Yeah, I get it. Even I will be in the field tomorrow," Chimecho agreed. "But I'm not much of a fighter. Most likely I'll just be supporting one of the usual exploration teams." By now Chimecho had started using Heal Pulse to fix my injuries, so I really didn't mind that I had no idea what they were talking about.
"That seems strange. Besides Chatot and Wigglytuff, it seems like you have the most in-guild work," Brandon said.
"I do, but Wigglytuff wants everyone to join the search tomorrow. Apparently Diglett will be staying behind though. HAPPI doesn't want anything like our last exploration to happen again. They made a rule that at least one team member must be accessible at all times," Chimecho explained. Turning her attention to me, she said, "That should do it. You might be a little sore for a while, but that's as much as I can heal you. What happened anyway? Looks like some sort of bite, but I can't imagine a hostile strong enough to do that to you letting Brandon's team escape unharmed. Or did something happen to Crest?"
"I'd rather not talk about it," I answered.
"Crest is fine, he just went into town for something," Brandon explained. "We were attacked by explorers. They were territorial, to say the least."
"That's worrisome," Chimecho responded. "Maybe don't go back there, okay?"
That got a laugh out of Brandon. "I wasn't planning on it."
"What about me? I have nowhere to go now," I complained. Sure, Brandon didn't need to go back, but Amp Plains was my home. It was until today, anyway.
"Well, you don't have to go anywhere," Brandon answered. "How'd you like to join my team? We've been looking for new members for a while now."
"Wait, really?" I said excitedly. "Can I join the guild too?"
"I don't see why not. Brandon, could I see your badge for a moment?" Chimecho said, hovering behind the desk. After taking Brandon's badge, she appeared to enter something into a new one. "Do you have a name, Shinx?"
"Jolt," I answered simply.
A moment later she handed me the badge. "Alright then, Jolt. You are officially the third member of Team Strength. As for joining the guild, you'll need to talk to the Guildmaster. Brandon, could you help him with that? I need to finish dinner."
"Of course, we'll see you later then. Jolt, follow me down the second ladder. Don't worry, the ladders here are easier to use than they look," Brandon said. He led me to the lower floor, and we didn't go very far before stopping. "This is Guildmaster Wigglytuff's room. He's a bit excitable, but otherwise a good leader. Honestly, you need to be more careful around Chatot than Wigglytuff."
"Why is that?" I asked.
"Let's just say Chatot is the reason anything gets done around here," he answered as we entered the room.
"I heard that, Brandon," Wigglytuff said in response.
"Oh well," he answered nonchalantly. "My point still stands unless you're interested in proving me wrong. Anyway, I've found you a new recruit."
Wigglytuff perked up a bit upon hearing that. "A new friendly-friend? That's great! I take it you want to join the guild?"
"Um, yes please," I said nervously. Despite how casually Brandon spoke with the Guildmaster, I found it hard to not be formal around authority.
"Shinx, there's no reason to be nervous. Before you, Brandon was my most recent recruit. My rules are far too lax to be worth worrying over," Wigglytuff explained.
"Okay, so what do I need to do to join the guild?" I asked.
Wigglytuff smiled. "You've already done all you have to. I can handle the rest."
"You're unusually serious today," Brandon pointed out. "Not even going to pretend Chatot runs the place?"
"I have more important things to worry about than my image right now, especially around your team," Wigglytuff replied.
I was confused by that. "What are you guys talking about? You are the Guildmaster, aren't you?"
"I am, but usually I don't act like it. Before I go any further, could I get your name, if you have one?" he asked.
"My name is Jolt," I answered.
"Well then Jolt, welcome to the guild. Now, about what Brandon was saying. Normally, I act extremely cheerfully around recruits. I've built up a reputation for being childish and scatterbrained to protect the guild, and I would like to keep it that way. Most of the guild members don't even know I have a serious side, but both Brandon and Crest do, so I won't bother hiding it from you. You'll see how I normally act later, so please consider what you see then as 'normal' and don't let anyone know that I'm more than that," the Guildmaster explained.
That was a strange request, but I was in no position to refuse it. Not that I had any reason to refuse anyway. "I think I can do that."
"Thank you," Wigglytuff said. "Oh, and Brandon, I've noticed your Pokesh has gotten better. You've still got a bit of an accent, but it's perfect otherwise."
"Thanks," Brandon replied. "Hopefully Chatot agrees. I'd rather not get on his bad side again."
"No one would," Wigglytuff agreed.
We were interrupted by Dusknoir entering the room behind us. "Excuse me, Guildmaster, but could I borrow Brandon for a while? I'd like to discuss a recent exploration with him."
"Of course, friend!" Wigglytuff answered cheerfully, "As soon as we're finished up here. It won't be long!"
"Of course. Take your time," he replied before leaving.
"Well, I think we're done here anyway. We'll see you at dinner, Wigglytuff," Brandon said.
"Sounds good, as long as there are perfect apples," Wigglytuff agreed. As we turned to leave he seemed to remember something. "Oh, and Brandon…"
We stopped to listen. "What is it?"
The Guildmaster paused for a moment, as if to think, before saying, "Never mind, it's nothing. See you at dinner." I thought that was a bit strange, but Brandon didn't seem to question it. I guess he did say he was a scatterbrain.
We left the Guildmaster's room and immediately ran into Dusknoir and Crest. "Ah, Chikorita. Good to see you again," Dusknoir greeted. "I have some things I'd like to discuss with you. It's about your… special ability."
"Dusknoir wants us to take him to where I found you," Crest explained. "He thinks he might be able to piece together where you came from. Anyway, what were you talking to Wigglytuff about?"
"I wanted to join your guild," I answered. "After all, I can't exactly go back to Amp Plains after today."
"He also joined our team," Brandon added.
Crest seemed surprised by that. "Really? You couldn't have at least waited until I got back to join? This team was my idea, after all."
"Yeah, but you decided that I would be the leader," Brandon responded. "Which means it's my job to recruit new members."
"Well, you got me there," Crest conceded. "Let's just head to the beach already."
"Should I come with you?" I asked. I wasn't sure exactly what I should being doing as part of a team yet.
"I think you should join us," Dusknoir assured me. "We will be discussing something of significant importance regarding your teammates. It would be best if you knew what was going on."
Following Dusknoir's suggestion, the group led me out of the guild and down a long set of steps. At the bottom, we continued forward and followed the path to a small beach. "What are we doing here?" I asked.
"This beach is where I met Brandon," Crest explained. "He was washed up… somewhere over here, without his memory."
"Specifically, by this rock," Brandon pointed out. "Ever since then, we've been trying to figure out what happened. I still don't know how I lost my memory, or even how I ended up in the water in the first place."
"It is peculiar," Dusknoir said. "I thought perhaps there might be an island in the distance, or some other landmass you could have originated from. Alas, there's nothing out there. At least, nothing near enough to be noteworthy."
"So wait," I said, "Brandon just washed up here one day from nowhere?"
"It would appear so," Dusknoir confirmed. "But there are other questions that we can answer. Chikorita, your name is Brandon, correct?"
"Yes, it is. I've been told it's an unusual name," he answered.
Dusknoir thought to himself for a moment. "Perhaps it is, but I hear it's not the only thing unusual about you. Do you sometimes have visions when you touch things?"
"You know about my ability?" Brandon replied curiously. "Do you know what it is, or how it works?"
"I believe you have discovered for yourself how it works. Unfortunately, I'm no expert in your power. I do know that it is a form of magic, however," Dusknoir began.
This was about the point that I realized my new teammates were far from normal explorers. Sure, I could excuse amnesia, and even getting swept up by the ocean. But visions and magic? I was beginning to think I was in over my head.
Apparently Crest had similar concerns. "Um, w-wait," he stuttered nervously, "isn't magic supposed to be e-extremely dangerous?"
There was a brief silence as we all awaited Dusknoir's response. Eventually, he found a suitable answer. "I suppose magic is dangerous… in the same way that a weapon is dangerous. It is unlikely to do much of anything on its own unless you were to fall right into it, but it can be used against you." Crest still appeared uncertain, so Dusknoir tried a new analogy. "Think about your Bubble Beam. Sure, you can use it to fight, but that's not its only use," he said, gesturing around us.
It was then that I noticed the bubbles floating around us. It was a calming sight, especially when combined with the gentle waves against the beach and the colorful sunset in the distance. I pulled my attention away from our surroundings to find Crest blowing bubbles of his own, having apparently relaxed after Dusknoir's explanation.
"Magic can be used to fight, too," Dusknoir continued, "but it mostly does mundane stuff like this. Brandon's magic is nothing to be afraid of. There is one thing I should mention though."
"What is it?" Crest asked between bubbles.
"The magic Brandon can use is extremely rare among pokemon," Dusknoir answered. "In fact, the spell that grants visions of the past or future, dubbed the 'Dimensional Scream,' was developed by a group you've probably never heard of."
"Humans…" Brandon said quietly.
Dusknoir simply nodded. "That's right, though I'm surprised you know of them. Your magic is human magic, and your name a human name."
"Brandon's only memory is that he used to be a human," Crest said.
"Okay, but what's a human?" I asked.
"I don't know much about them," Dusknoir admitted. "They are not pokemon, or even monsters at all. They are a kind of non-elemental creature, or animal. I've never seen one myself, but they are said to resemble many Fighting-type pokemon, such as Tyrogue, and mostly lack notable combat abilities. Beyond that I've only heard rumors, most of which don't match our friend here at all."
"Well, at least we finally figured something out," Brandon said, staring into the water lapping at his feet. Beside him Crest was once again blowing bubbles. I couldn't blame them for being so quiet; what Dusknoir said was a lot to take in. At least the sunset was pretty, especially when reflected through the bubbles. "I'd forgotten how calm water can be," Brandon finally continued.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Just look at it," he answered. "The way the waves flow gently over the sand, or how the bubbles float in the air. It's nothing like how Water moves are used in battles, or the waterfall Crest and I explored a while ago. This is slower, but it's still flowing, it's still water."
Crest seemed to catch on to something. "But it's not like Luminous Spring was, either."
"Shouldn't the spring be just as calm as here?" I asked.
"It should," Crest answered, "but it isn't. We went there yesterday, and everything was grey. Nothing was moving, not even the water, and it was eerily quiet. I couldn't even use the spring to evolve."
"That's what happens without the time gears," Dusknoir explained. "Time stops, color fades, and nothing survives. If we can't catch the thief, that will eventually spread to here too."
That was news to me. "Hold on, thief? You mean someone has been stealing time gears?"
"That's right," Dusknoir responded. "And starting tomorrow, the entire guild will be dedicated to tracking him down."
"We have to catch the thief," Brandon said solemnly. "That world without color, like what we saw at Luminous Spring… I hate how clearly I can picture it. We can't let that happen."