Leaving the cool shade of the forest, I'm starting to feel a little more oriented to my situation. Skitty is still excitedly telling me about the epic highs and lows of being an explorer and a member of the Exploration Center. It sounds very exciting - discovering new lands, helping those in need, bringing criminals to justice, etc. etc., although to be honest I am still having to put a lot of thought into how one properly walks on four feet. But, like Skitty said, I'm sure I'll get the hang of it soon enough.
"I was actually running an errand for the Exploration Center when I bumped into you!" she tells me. "I was supposed to be collecting berries for future expeditions, but I'm technically not coming back empty-handed, so I think I'll be alright." I nod absentmindedly, looking all around. We're now on a path leading towards what looks like a small town; there are several small buildings and stalls, and Pokemon of every type milling about, appearing to be conducting their business, going to work, and making small-talk.
It's quite a sight - I may not have my memories, but somehow I know where I'm from it's different. There are Pokemon around, but living with humans, and certainly not manning their own shops and using their own money.
The most impressive thing about the town, however, is the massive set of trees looming in the background. The main path leads to it, and, even from this distance, I can see what looks like small dwellings built directly into the trees and on some of the sturdier branches, as well as various ladders and bridges connecting them.
Skitty cuts into my thoughts, "Well, here we are! This is Bedrock Town!" I see a well-decorated sign welcoming travelers in, referring to Bedrock town as 'the sturdy foundation for the world-famous Exploration Center!' "There's all kinds of great things to do around here!" She continues. "There's some shops, that's a training arena…oh! Over there you can learn new moves…" moves? That's right! I guess as a pokemon, I might know a move or two…how do I figure it out though? I'm not terribly familiar with the moveset of this type of Zorua, but I get the feeling I won't know anything as interesting or powerful as Volt Switch or Leaf Blade.
"—but first we need to get you healed up" I realize Skitty's still talking, "you still look kind of battered." Sure enough, I do notice a few furtive stares in our direction...well in mine anyway. Based on the quizzical looks, you'd think Skitty was parading an actual human in all its glory through the town-ha! If only they knew! They seem nice enough though, several greet Skitty as we pass through, and she gives cheerful replies to all.
After passing through the various stores, stalls, street performers, Skitty stops at the base of the trees.
"Well, here we are, the Exploration Center!"
I thought those trees were immense from the entrance of town, but they are truly magnificent. I can't even begin to imagine how old they must be. The first thick branches must be at least 20 feet from the ground, some bearing the weight of those structures visible in the distance. Panels have been directly nailed into the trunk, serving as ladders to the buildings, and rope bridges span between trees and branches. Scattered throughout are all kinds of banners, fairy lights, and ornaments. A sense of community seems to emanate from the very leaves.
"It sure is beautiful, huh?" Skitty says, breaking me out of my trance "to be honest, I was a little overwhelmed when I first moved here. Don't tell anyone, but I've felt queasy a few times looking down!" She says, leaning in and whispering. "I can't wait to show you around and introduce you to everyone! But first, healing."
Yes, healing indeed. Skitty has been so kind to help and bring me here, but my head is still pounding, and I'm aching in muscles I didn't know I had (I suppose, up until today, they were muscles I didn't have!).
"Come on, this way" Skitty says, guiding me to a thick patch of leaves hanging down against the trunks of the two of the front-most trees. Pushing the leaves aside, Skitty reveals a large space between trees; the gnarled roots bordering the space mark the entranceway of what must be the whole Exploration Center. Passing between trees, it's like entering another world. While the town itself was bustling, it was sleepy and quaint in comparison to here; it's clear this is where the real life of the community is.
From the inside, one can see the huge trees actually form a large enclosure, and the few structures visible from the outside are just a fraction of the whole Center. The ring of trees surrounds a huge courtyard dotted with all kinds of stores, impromptu battles, and even a small stage with someone giving what looks like a lecture. Looking up, the bridges continue cross-crossing between trees, forming a net-like pattern under the canopy.
"You should see your face!" Skitty throws a mock shocked expression my way, "But I get it, it is an amazing place!" Skitty says looking a little proud. If this is the Exploration Center, I guess Skitty trains somewhere among the trees. Does she live here too? I'm busy imagining life in a treehouse when a voice calls out.
"Hey there Skitty-cat! Welcome back! Who's your little buddy?" A tinkaton calls out from behind some kind of reception desk hewn from a huge tree stump; the center has been carved out so she can stand in the center, receiving people from all directions.
"Hey Tinkaton! This is Gwen, I found her in the forest, we're just heading to the doctor."
"Nice to meetcha Gwen, put 'er there" Tinkaton says, sticking out her hand. "Nice to meet you," I say while giving it a shake and eyeing her imposing hammer. "Ah, keen eye you have, that's my pride and joy—she's head of the Complaints Department" she says with a wink. Her jolly spirit and less jolly hammer make a perfect team for reception; I feel welcomed yet warned to keep in line already.
"We'd love to stay and chat, but I think Gwen needs some help." "No problemo, I'll just let the medical wing know you're on your way then." "Thanks Tink! C'mon Gwen, it's this way." Tinkaton beckons a nearby pidgey wearing a little hat while waving us away. They talk for a moment, then he darts into the trees. I gawk at the courtyard and arboreal city as Skitty guides me to a large wooden panel laying by one of the trees. A series of ropes are tied to each corner, then knotted off together above the whole thing. I can't quite tell how far up it goes.
"Ok, stand on this panel here and wait for the magic to happen!" Skitty says while tugging a string. "What do yo-WAAA!" suddenly we're going up, swaying gently above the ground as we slowly make our way towards the lower bridges and branches.