I know it's been a few years, and honestly, it hasn't seemed like that long. I've been busy working constantly, and I just started working less hours, so now I have time to work on my hobbies and I feel much happier. I recently got my motivation back so I'm going to upload the next few chapters for anyone who's still reading this or anyone that's new. I just started getting back into Pokemon so I've been working on this a lot lately. I have a lot of plans for this story, so hopefully one day I can finish it!
Chapter 2: The Leaf Stone's Power
RIVER'S POV
It had only been a few days. Now here he was again, back in the Guild as if nothing had changed.
But a lot had changed - too much for him to handle.
As Pokemon went back to their daily lives, checking out the rescue missions board or talking with their friends at the table, he looked over his shoulder to see if Daisy was still there. He really wanted to talk to her; he just wanted to be with her. After hearing the shocking news in his dream and how things were about to take a turn for the worse - again - he wanted nothing more than to just spend time with the one he loved. Maybe it might've made things at least a little better.
But when he turned his head, a disappointed look crossed his face. She wasn't there. Probably gone to talk to old friends or something. He didn't really have anyone to turn to, suspecting Team Waterfall was gone because of Shade's death and River's return to the human world. Maybe not, if Blast was still here. Why would he leave? He didn't have what it took to survive by himself alone. Harsh, but it was the truth. Still, his shoulders slumped as he thought about the fact that Team Waterfall could possibly be no more. And if Blast was still here, he didn't want to be in a rescue team with his only partner being the cowardly Squirtle.
"Um, River?" He was cut off from his thoughts when his best friend spoke from beside him.
River sighed, exasperated with Dustin for wanting to come with them to the Pokemon world. He had no idea what he was doing, and when he did, he would instantly regret ever coming here. "Yes?"
"Do you want to start a rescue team with me?" Dustin told him. "I mean, I don't know much of how it works, but..."
"I was in a team back when I was here before," River explained. "Team Waterfall. I have no idea if my partner's still here, but if he isn't, then you can just start one with me, I guess." Truthfully, I don't know if I want to be in a team with him... I want someone more experienced.
Dustin stared around the Guild, eyes wide in awe. "This is so cool! Maybe you can bring Team Waterfall back, even if your partner isn't here, and we can have that as our name. It sounds dope."
River rolled his eye but let out a chuckle. If any Pokemon heard him use that word, they would probably stare at him like he had two heads. "Don't use that word here, Dustin."
Before the Arcanine could reply, the Guild leader walked up to them, fire bursting from his nostrils. He's so different from when I first came here. River started to reminisce about when Golden was just a little Charmander still being cared for by his mother. So much had changed since then.
"I've come to tell you that Blast left," Golden muttered. "You're going to have to find a new rescue team."
River stared at him in shock. "What?" He blinked. "Did he at least leave with someone else? How could he survive out there by himself?"
"I don't know, and it's not my concern," Golden said bluntly. "I've talked to Team Skittle, and they said that they're more than welcoming to allow you to join them if you'd like."
Ruby and Sapphire? No way. Not Sapphire. Daisy wouldn't be happy if I joined their team.
"He's already in a team with me!" Dustin cheered, without even waiting for River to respond.
Yay...great. Yes, Dustin was his best friend and under any normal circumstance, he'd be cheering alongside him, but here he was back in the Pokemon world knowing that more and more tragedies were going to occur. And Dustin didn't even have to think twice about coming with them.
"I... I don't think that's a good idea." Golden glared at Dustin for a moment before turning his attention over to River, his expression lightening for a moment. He must not like the guy. I mean, who can blame him? There are six humans now, one of them that shouldn't be here in the first place. "River, I think it would be best if you join Team Skittle."
River noticed Dustin's face fall beside him. "But why?" the Arcanine asked.
Golden ignored him and continued to look at the Buizel to see what he would say.
"I guess I could, but is there a problem with me being in a rescue team with Dustin?"
The Charmander did nothing but narrow his eyes. "I'd rather you not, that's all. I hope this won't become an issue. So, are you going to join Team Skittle?"
He's much more strict than Flame... River thought, missing the Charizard more than ever at this point. "Um, yeah, I guess." I guess I have no choice, since he, for some reason, won't let me be in one with Dustin?
"Good. You can go ahead and talk to them now." Without another word, Golden stalked off, probably to bother some other Pokemon. River really didn't like his attitude.
"Wait!" Dustin called, but Golden was already long gone by the time he'd said that. "What about me? I still need a rescue team..."
River let out a sigh. "I'll help you find one. I don't know why he didn't pay you any mind. I'm sorry, Dustin, but I don't think he likes you very much."
Dustin's face fell as he began to pout in a childlike manner. "Well, I'll get him to like me one way or another!"
With the way you're acting, good luck with that, River wanted to snort but kept his mouth shut as he gazed around the room. "Well, I guess I have to find Team Skittle..." he murmured quietly, not expecting Dustin to overhear.
"What's with the depressed look? Do you not like them?" Dustin asked curiously.
"It's a long story, and I don't really feel like telling you right now." River sighed, and before the Arcanine could respond, he was already walking away to look for Daisy once more. Screw Golden and his orders; he may force me to be in a rescue team with Sapphire, but he can't force me to talk to her.
Unfortunately, the Umbreon was nowhere to be found, and River felt a pang in his heart as he felt himself wishing she was there by his side, even though he'd just seen her hours ago. He'd already greeted most of the Pokemon he knew by now and was just aimlessly standing by.
Being at the Guild was much more different now than it was before, and River wasn't sure he liked it.
"How about instead of lazing around, you go find your team and look for a rescue mission to do?" The blunt voice of Golden nearly made him flinch in surprise as he spun around to meet the angry gaze of the new Guild leader.
River bit back a retort, realizing it wouldn't make much sense to talk back to the one in command. "Right. Sorry, Golden," he muttered, spinning around and stomping off. In that moment, more than ever, he wished Flame was still there. How could she have raised such a rude Pokemon? I don't remember Golden ever acting like that when he was younger...
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he found himself standing before the familiar Espeon without even planning on it and luckily had stopped himself from bumping into her just in time.
"River," her glum voice spoke cooly, flicking her tail in greeting.
Well, it's better than her snapping at me, he thought, slightly relieved. "Hey, Sapphire... Golden told me I should join your rescue team if that's okay with you guys."
Ruby shrugged, casting a glance at her partner. "Why us? Aren't there any others that you can join?" She spoke nervously as if secretly hoping River would walk away and leave them alone.
River shrugged. "He seemed adamant about me joining your rescue team; I have no idea why."
There was a light scowl on Sapphire's face, but she quickly replaced it with a neutral expression as if it was never there. "Arceus, I hate Golden sometimes. Fine, you can join us, I guess - just don't expect us to get along."
River's face fell. And there she is. He found himself wishing Team Waterfall could come back, and even missed Blast's silly voice despite how cowardly the Squirtle always acted. How would he be able to survive having to deal with Sapphire this entire time? Shade should still be there; his calm personality and sense of leadership always seemed to relax tense moods and stop arguments. Without his partner, he didn't think he would ever feel complete at the Guild.
"There's a mission at Smoky Woods that Golden told us to go on," Ruby muttered, sounding as if she'd rather stay at the Guild than go back on any missions. "It's...not the easiest."
"What do you mean, Golden told you we should go on it? Guild leaders aren't supposed to tell us what missions we can and can't go on!" River told her, surprised.
Sapphire snorted. "There's no rule regarding that, River. Flame never did anything like that - but Golden isn't Flame."
I really don't like him being our leader, River thought, feeling troubled. "Fine. What is it?"
They headed up to the board, noting that there were hardly any Pokemon up there. A lot of rescue teams must still be taking a break after the aftermath of the battle with Darkrai. River wasn't sure if he could blame them.
"It's a young Nickit - he was cornered by some Machamps in Smoky Woods, and they don't seem too keen on letting him go. I'm surprised he's still alive - they kidnapped him for a reason, though, and apparently they have some beef with his mom, according to the letter." Sapphire showed him the piece of paper as he read through the sloppy, rushed handwriting.
"That's a pretty tough mission," River mentioned, crossing his arms. "Are we able to choose who we go with, or did Golden pick that for us, too?"
Sapphire shot him a glare. "We're going with Team Meteor and Team Rock."
"Well, at least he put us with a Master Rank team," River muttered. "That's certainly helpful."
"Golden knows what he's doing, River," Ruby told him. "I understand he's not Flame, and his way of leading is a lot different than hers. But that doesn't make him any less of a leader."
River frowned, realizing she was right. The only reason he felt such contempt for the Charmeleon was most likely because he was still shaken over Flame's death, and wasn't ready for her leadership to truly be over.
"Well, he told us to leave instantly, so what are we waiting for? Let's go find the other teams," Sapphire said calmly, stalking off without making sure the two were following.
Ruby and River exchanged a nervous glance, clearly thinking the same thing: this was going to be an interesting rescue mission.
The air was calm and quiet, not a breeze to be found as they walked through the woods, a silence surrounding the three teams. River found himself next to Rin, the Eevee who he'd gotten along well with before the battle with Darkrai, and he was grateful to be by her side.
"Doesn't feel good to be back, does it?" Rin asked him, shoving him lightly. "There's a different feeling in the air, and not just because we have a new, entirely different Guild leader. The battle changed all of us."
Sapphire, who was walking rather quickly up front, spun her head around to glare at the two. "Can we stop talking about the battle for five seconds, please?"
After that, the silence started up again. Team Rock was chattering amongst themselves but seemed to be ignoring the other two teams like they weren't there. Hopefully, they'd be intelligent enough to know to work together when the battle arrived - they were Master Rank, after all.
As they stepped deeper into the woods, River felt a chill run down his spine. There was something different in the air - something more tense, and he wasn't sure if it was just his imagination.
Smoky Woods had always been creepy, but it seemed to be even more so now. He shivered as he recalled his dream from that night. Darkrai having the power to possess Pokemon was one thing, but now there were four Pokemon that had the capability of possessing anyone. How would he know who to trust? And how could the humans put a stop to it?
A quiet wailing in the distance broke the silence, tearing him from his thoughts. Instantly the group perked up, staring further into the darkness.
"You think that's the Nickit?" Flight, the Starly from Team Rock, whispered.
The wailing seemed to sound louder after every second passed as if the Pokemon was headed straight towards them. River took a step back, stepping closer to Rin. Oddly, he felt as if this was much, much worse than the mission they were focused on.
He heard a familiar laugh - a laugh he'd heard before, but couldn't remember where. Sapphire's eyes widened in shock as if she felt the same way.
It was at that moment River knew. One of the four is here, and they're watching us.
DUSTIN'S POV
The Arcanine stared down at himself, still in complete shock at what had happened during the day's events. He still couldn't wrap his head around the fact that there were multiple dimensions, that he was no longer a human, and that his friends had been keeping this secret from him. A lot of Pokemon were staring at him, probably wondering why he kept gazing off into space, but Dustin didn't care. If anyone had been through what he had just experienced, they would be doing the same thing.
What a great friend River was for leaving him surrounded by all these unknown creatures - all he knew was that he was supposed to find a rescue team, and apparently, his only friend couldn't be in one with him. Fantastic. What was he to do?
He noticed eyes glaring at the back of his head and felt his fur begin to prickle as he turned around to see Golden. Wow. He really must not like me.
Shivering, Dustin began to walk away as far as he possibly could from the Guild leader. Unfortunately, he had his head turned to the side so he wasn't watching where he was going - and found himself running straight into a Persian.
"Watch where you're going!" the Persian, seeming exasperated, snapped at Dustin with so much fury it seemed as if he had fire in his eyes.
Flinching, the Arcanine flattened his ears in embarrassment. "S-sorry-"
"No, I'm sorry," the other Pokemon muttered, looking down at his paws. "It's been...not a great week for me, not since Darkrai made my partner disappear. Now I don't have a rescue team and I don't know what I'm gonna do. If I don't find someone, Golden is going to make me leave and I'll have nowhere to go..." He trailed off, looking at Dustin's surprised face. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to tell you all my problems. You probably don't care."
Dustin let out a shaky breath, relief flashing through him. It was as if fate had brought him a rescue team partner. "No, this is perfect, actually - I was actually just looking for someone to start a rescue team with. And, um, I'm sorry about your partner. But if you want to, I could join your rescue team so you won't have to leave."
The Persian's eyes, which had seemed so dark just a moment ago, began to shine in the room's dim light. "Really? That would be amazing," he purred. "You don't know how happy you just made me! By the way, my name's Zap."
"I'm Dustin," the Arcanine said with a smile. "It's nice to meet you."
"So," the Persian began as they padded off to find Golden, "you don't mind keeping the rescue team name that I had already, right?"
"Well, what is it?" Dustin questioned.
"Team Bolt," Zap answered, a proud look on his face. "I was the one who came up with it all those months ago." His face fell as he seemed to reminisce on past moments. "I had a Dragonite and a Totodile on my team - Rocket and Dew. Both of them are gone. I never would've thought I'd lose them the way I did."
It seems as if there's been a lot of tragedies in this world, Dustin thought to himself uncertainly. Is death that common here?
He opened his mouth to ask Zap about the Darkrai who'd made his partner somehow disappear - but then thought better of it, realizing it was probably too soon to ask that kind of question.
"Where the hell is Golden?" Zap grumbled. "I swear to Arceus, I can never find him anywhere. It wasn't like this when Flame was still our leader."
"I literally just saw him; he was glaring at me. I don't think he likes me very much," Dustin responded.
"He acts like a grump to everyone and I don't know why. He never used to be like this."
"Well, maybe it's because he lost his mother," Dustin said obviously. "Flame was his mother, right?"
Zap nodded. "Right. I guess that makes sense." He still seemed uncertain but quickly changed the topic. "So, are you ready to go on your first mission?"
Excitement prickled at Dustin's paws. Although he wished he'd be able to go on his first mission with his friends from the human world, he was still looking forward to going with his new partner, who seemed friendly enough.
DAISY'S POV
Daisy stood next to Fuse and Silver, who were chatting about the current rescue missions posted on the board, finding that she didn't have the energy to join in on their conversation. A sudden weariness flashed through her as her eyes drooped. She found herself looking around the room for River, craving his comfort more than ever.
"Daisy?" Silver glanced at her friend worriedly, snapping the Umbreon's attention back to their conversation. "Are you okay?"
"She's probably tired," Fuse pointed out. "I can't imagine what it must be like to travel between worlds."
You have no idea. "I'm fine, guys," she replied with a sigh. "I was just looking for River."
"He's already out on a rescue mission," Silver told her. "I'm surprised he doesn't seem to be as tired as you are. I figured you guys would want to rest on your first day back, but he seemed to be ready to get moving."
Daisy's eyes flashed with surprise. "We've hardly been back for more than a few hours, and already he's on a mission? What rescue team did he join?" And how was Silver aware of this before me?
"Golden made him do it," the Poochyena muttered. "That Charmeleon's definitely been taking advantage of his new role by bossing everyone around and assigning them to missions without letting them pick. And he also made him join Team Skittle."
Daisy frowned; the new Guild leader was a lot different than how Flame had been, and she wondered how well the Guild was going to run under his orders. "That's not going to go well...not with the way Sapphire has been acting. How could Golden think that would be a good idea?"
Silver shrugged. "Who knows? Hopefully, we can at least request to go on missions we want. I don't feel like going on any tough ones right now, not for a while, at least."
And all I want to do is stop the possessions so everything can go back to the way it should, the Umbreon thought. She couldn't care less about simple missions. Her face fell as she wondered why River left without saying goodbye, then reminded herself that he was probably too busy greeting everyone.
RIVER'S POV
River stood frozen in his spot as he heard laughter ringing in his ears again, this time sounding louder and more familiar.
"You think those are the Machamps we were looking for?" Flight looked over her shoulder at them, seeming even more confused once she noticed the terrified look in their eyes. "Guys, hello?"
Exchanging a knowing glance with Sapphire, River started taking a few steps forward, his heart racing as he realized how close they were to one of the four. This is only my first day back and already they've made an appearance...do they know the humans came back?
Moments passed, and the laughing stopped. There was nothing but silence as the rescue teams stared at each other. Then came the wailing again, startling River so much he almost fell backward.
"Instead of standing around terrified, why don't we check it out?" Onix from Team Rock growled, beginning to move without waiting for a response.
Uncertainly, the other rescue teams followed his lead, Mercury the Crobat flying ahead to check what was going on. A few moments later, he zipped back with confusion in his gaze. "I don't see anything."
"That's strange," River murmured. "The laughing sounded so familiar..."
They continued their walk deeper into the woods, each step giving River more and more fear about what was coming. Finally, they reached the clearing with the river he remembered all that time ago, where he was when the Guild got bombed.
That was when he saw the little fox Pokemon trembling underneath a bush, with three huge Machamps guarding it. His heart sank when he noticed how strong they looked. He also noticed something next to the Nickit as well - some kind of green stone.
The Machamps turned around instantly when the rescue teams appeared from the cover of the trees. They glared menacingly at them. "What do you want?" the biggest one asked.
"We're here to rescue the Nickit," the Onix said proudly, lifting his head.
"Well, good luck getting past us," one of the Machamps sneered. "We may be outnumbered, but I guarantee we're stronger than all of you combined."
Before anything else could be said, Onix immediately hit the Machamp with a Rock Slide, starting the battle. River stayed next to Sapphire's side; although he didn't want to, he knew it was better that they stick together. One of the Machamps charged toward the two Pokemon, and River braced himself for an attack.
Luckily, Sapphire jumped in front of him, powering up a Shadow Ball, which hit the Machamp right in the face and sent him flying.
"Thanks," River muttered, feeling embarrassed for being so afraid. He wasn't quite used to being back as a Pokemon yet.
He aimed a Water Gun at one of the Machamps who was in a fight with Onix, Flight, and Mercury. The Machamp simply shook it off and glared at him in fury. Did that really not do anything? River thought fearfully, as Ruby flew towards the enemy and tried Ancient Power.
The Machamp flinched, seeming to get angrier and angrier by the second. Before he could do anything, however, Sapphire had charged up a Psybeam, which sent him straight into the river.
"Wow, you're strong," River told her in amazement.
Sapphire rolled her eyes and whipped her head around to see if the last Machamp was still there. Luckily, the last one seemed to be fainted in the bushes, with Rin and Blizzard proudly standing over it.
"That was easy," Onix grunted. Flight flew beside him, flapping her wings happily.
River looked over at the Nickit, who was staring at them in wonder. "How did you defeat those guys so fast?"
Sapphire shrugged, smirking in amusement. "We're just strong, I guess. What's that green thing next to you?"
Nickit frowned, sweeping the stone closer to him with his tail. "I'm not sure. It's something I found in the forest. I was going to bring it back to my mom, but then these Machamps attacked me."
Rin seemed to gaze at the stone in admiration and took a few steps closer to it. The others watched her in confusion. "What are you doing, Rin?" Blizzard asked.
"I don't know. It just seems like me and this stone are connected somehow," Rin muttered. The Nickit's frown grew wider as he grabbed the stone with his teeth in defense.
Sapphire took a step closer as well, and then her eyes widened in shock. "That's a Leaf Stone! It's used to help certain Pokemon evolve. Rin, if you used it, you would become a Leafeon."
Rin nodded with amazement, not taking her eyes off the stone, which seemed to be emitting a strange green glow. "I wonder why I feel so connected to it. I've never thought about evolving before now."
"Nickit, I think you should let Rin take it," Sapphire told him. "What would be the point of you having the Leaf Stone?"
Nickit looked uncertain for a moment, then slowly dropped the stone at his paws. "Yeah... I guess you can have it. I just thought it looked cool..."
"Rin, do you really feel ready to evolve?" Blizzard questioned nervously, as if not ready for her partner to change.
Rin looked at her partner reassuringly. "Don't worry, Blizzard. I'll still be the same Rin I always am. I just know in my heart that I'm ready to get stronger." She gave Blizzard a comforting lick on her head, then took the stone from the Nickit.
At first, nothing happened. Then there was a powerful glow that seemed blinding to look at. River had to turn away and face the opposite direction.
Almost as soon as it appeared, it was gone. River glanced back to see a whole new Pokemon gazing at them in happiness: a Leafeon.
"It's still me, guys," the Leafeon spoke. Her voice sounding exactly like Rin's seemed to calm the group down, especially Blizzard, who seemed the most shocked out of everyone. "This is who I truly am."
"I never knew you wanted to be a Leafeon," Blizzard murmured. "Whenever we talked about what kind of eeveelution you wanted to be, you never said anything."
"I thought I wasn't ready. But I always loved nature," Rin replied. "I knew in my heart a Leafeon would've been perfect. Thank you, Nickit." She dipped her head to the young fox.
Nickit didn't speak; just stared at her in awe. "What just happened?"
"Would you like us to take you back to your mom, young one?" Ruby asked gently.
Nickit nodded, his eyes flashing with relief as he jumped to his paws. "I can't wait to see the look in her eyes when she sees that I was rescued by the Guild!"
River admired the young Pokemon's energy, and was relieved when he realized he hadn't been hurt by the Machamps. "Maybe when you're old enough, you can start your own rescue team," he said.
There was a gleam in Nickit's eye that told River that was the right thing to say.
As Nickit led the group of rescue teams to the home where his family resided, River couldn't shake the feeling that there was something watching them.
As they arrived back at the Guild and the group pushed open the door to let themselves in, River frowned when he realized how empty the first floor was. He took note of Golden speaking with Nick, Tackle, and Sky. I wonder what that's all about. The Charmeleon seemed stressed.
He looked around to see if Daisy was there, and his heart sank when he realized the Umbreon was nowhere to be found.
Sapphire and Ruby had walked off to the elevator, probably to head to their room. River was not looking forward to spending the nights with them. It felt incredibly awkward being in their rescue team.
Team Rock went off to tell Golden that they had achieved their mission. River looked around anxiously for something to do. Finally, he noticed Dustin and Zap talking in the corner of the room and walked over to greet them.
"Oh, hi River!" Dustin said cheerfully. "I finally found a rescue team to join!" He nudged Zap cheerfully on his shoulder.
"That's good," River said, relieved it ended up being easy for his friend to find someone. "How's your day been going?"
"Good," Dustin replied. "We're going on our first rescue mission in the morning with Team Vine." He angled his head to where Golden was standing. "Golden's really bossy and mean, though. I can't tell if he hates me or if he's like this with everyone."
"I think he's just really strict. He wasn't like this before," River muttered.
Zap gave River a polite nod to say hello. "How was your rescue mission? You had to rescue a Nickit, right?"
"It went well," River answered. "We returned him safely to his mother. It was pretty easy, actually. Also, Rin found a Leaf Stone and became a Leafeon."
Zap looked at him in surprise. "She just casually found a Leaf Stone in the middle of the woods?"
River shrugged. "The Nickit found it. I'm not sure how. Anyways, have either of you seen Daisy?"
Dustin shook his head, frowning. "It's almost nighttime. Most of the Pokemon are already in their rooms getting ready to sleep."
River's shoulders sank, but before he could respond, he heard loud footsteps headed towards him. He turned around to meet the glare of Golden.
"Don't you think you guys should be headed to bed right now instead of standing around talking?" he growled, not even bothering to ask River how the mission went. "Especially you, Zap and Dustin. You have a mission first thing in the morning."
Zap and Dustin looked at the ground, ashamed. "Yes, Golden," Zap muttered quietly, before heading over to the elevator with his tail down.
As soon as the two had left, Golden stared harshly at River. River shifted uncomfortably, realizing that the two of them were the only ones left in the room. "I'm watching you, River. If you and the other humans do anything out of hand... it will be taken care of." For a moment, his eyes flashed red. The sight of it chilled River to the bone and made him freeze in his spot. "I will see to it that you no longer have a home here."
Before the Buizel could muster up a response, he turned and walked away. River's jaw dropped in astonishment. Golden's eyes had flashed red. Red, like he was being possessed by something. Could it be that the four had taken over their own Guild leader?
