Row stumbled into the restaurant with a blindfold wrapped around his eyes, with Chester following behind making sure he didn't run into any walls. The Ralts grunted as he tried to walk forwards in a straight line towards wherever he was being guided towards. He should've asked this before, but when a very energetic Chespin practically begs you to walk somewhere blind for a surprise you can't say no. Row couldn't at least. Finally, after nearly tripping over himself, Chester held him in place in front of... something. Row could make out a distinct sugary smell.
"Annnnd..." Chester grabbed hold of the blindfold and tore it off after a few tugs. "Surprise!"
Now Row could see clearly. And he saw a big white and green striped frosted cake in front of him on a table. There wasn't any writing on it, but there was a dozen unlit candles.
"For our one week anniversary!" Chester cheered as he sat himself down by the table.
Row shook his head, "...One week?" He said in disbelief.
"Give or take." Chester said, waving his hand a little to establish his uncertainly.
Row stared at the cake and got lost in his thoughts. The last few days really were a blur... From the initial meeting to that fight in the basement, it felt like it only lasted a few hours. And yet, it also felt really good. Meeting new Pokemon, getting into intense battles, and especially helping others made for a great experience. A smile slowly grew on Row's face as he pondered this, and a call from Chester brought him back to reality.
"Hey, what's on your mind?" He said, pulling up a plastic plate in front of him.
"Nothing." Row sat in the seat in front of him, pulling up his own plate. It was pink, with a jJgglypuff silhouette in the center. "Did you buy these yourself?"
"Yeah, Bandy had some. All my birthday's had silly plates like these so I figured I'd share the experience." Chester moved his gaze to the cake, "It's already been sliced, just use the little scoop thing to get a slice."
Row noticed the handle sticking out from the bottom of the cake. Grabbing it, He pulled out a fairly big slice of cake and placed it onto his plate. The inside of the cake as it turned out to be weirdly pink with multicolored sprinkles.
"Got a fork?" He asked.
Chester slid a plastic one towards him. Row grabbed it, then stuck the whole slice of cake on it before cramming it into his mouth. Two chews, then a big gulp to finish it off. Chester stared amazed.
"How... Why do you do that?"
"Do what?" Row said obliviously.
"Nevermind." Chester said back, grabbing his own slice. "So... I got some news. It's not much but it's something you'll want to hear."
Row tilted his head, what could he mean?
"First I wanna ask. How's the memory thing?"
Row sighed, not having forgotten about his seemingly nonexistent memories. "Nothing still."
"Darn." Chester said, forking up a piece of cake and eating it. "See, after we came back from that basement I thought about asking Mr. Messa something." He gulped down the food in his mouth before continuing. "So while you were busy talking with Ms. Daisy and getting the reward, I went up to his office to tell him about your whole problem and if he could help."
Row's eyes lit up, "You did?!"
"Yup! He said he would try and find out if there's anyone in the region who knows you. Also said he'll have an answer by tomorrow."
Row knew he shouldn't get too excited, but thinking about finally getting answers made that impossible.
"Chester, thank you!" He said happily.
"The least I could do, friend." He winked. "But I couldn't settle for just the least either! Soooo..."
Chester pulled out a big box from seemingly nowhere and plopped down a plain cardboard brown box with a lid on it.
"So remember those scarves we wore during the big test? And how everyone in the guild seems to have their own little accessories?" Chester said eagerly. He nudged the box closer to Row, clearly wanting him to open it for himself. Row, shrugging, grabbed the box and opened it. Inside were two small purple scarves, with darker purple stripes lining one end. "Ta da!" Chester cheered, "Our own pair!"
Row was speechless. He pulled out one and gave it a look over. Good quality material it seemed. With a smile, he tied it around his neck. Chester did the same, even lightly batting the flowing end to make it look like it was being blown by a stiff breeze. "So what do you think?" Said Chester.
Row grinned, "They're ok." He did look a little puzzled, "But... we haven't really started being rescuers yet, or explorers..."
"I like to plan ahead." Chester winked.
The two had a laugh as they both reached for another slice of cake.
After having all of yesterday to themselves, they were now back in meeting room at the HQ. Instead of Team Buster, they were now seated with Team Trouble. Said team was currently arguing, as they have since they arrived. It had been 20 minutes.
"So is that why you don't wash our bedsheets?" Pepperoni said, an angry look in his eyes.
"That's your job!" Cheese sputtered, clearly trying to shift blame.
This continued for another few minutes, with them arguing about random things like who'd go shopping that afternoon and what to have for dinner. Team Hero could only watch, their expressions taking form of pure pain, as this endless argument unfolded in front of them. Thankfully, salvation arrived in the form of Daisy coming into the room and whacking the chalkboard.
"Attention!" She said, looking very displeased. "Goodness, you two need to stop with that!"
"Sorry." Team Trouble said in unison, looking pensive.
Miss Daisy nodded, "Now onto business." She turned to the chalkboard and began drawing a picture of a Staryu. "Team Hero's job today is to help the Staryu's with their water park for the day."
Row tilted his head, "A what?"
"Water park! It's a little away from Vairfew, but it still counts to your initiation. And Team Trouble will assist you." Daisy smiles, "Figured you'd might enjoy a simpler job after your last one."
"Yes please." Row rubbed his back, still somewhat feeling the soreness.
Miss Daisy nodded, "That is all. Team Trouble can lead you to the park. Good luck!" She bowed gracefully before leaving the room.
Row and Chester looked over at their guides. "So-" Chester opened his mouth, only for the Zangoose and Seviper to talk to each other.
"I know what you're thinking, but I want to take the donphan this time." The Zangoose said, crossing his arms.
"But what if the new guys wanna go on the nature path?" The Seviper responded, using his tail to point to Team Hero.
"No, you want to take the nature path! You always take the nature path!" Pepperoni grunted.
"But I-" Cheese spoke but was interrupted by-
"SHUT UP!" Row screamed.
Chester jumped, his body pushing his back into his seat. Pepperoni and Cheese both gasped. Row paused, wondering where did that outburst came from. But with all the eyes on him, he decided to keep the momentum going.
"WE'RE TAKING THE DONPHAN!" He yelled out.
"O-Okay okay." The Seviper looked quite scared, "C-Come on Pep, let's show them the way."
"R-Right."
The two made their way to the door, with Row and Chester following behind.
Chester looked at Row, "You're getting kinda bolder aren't you?"
Row shrugged, "I think being with you is affecting me."