Chapter 3 - The Academy
By the time Caleb and Alex reached the base of the Rainbow Mesa, the sun had fully set, and dusk was well underway. Stars began to appear and twinkle. Caleb and Alex walked through a small town scattered along the river, with booths and stores lining the sides of the road. Huts could be seen scattered behind the booths, while a few small sandbars in the river pointed to aquatic homes for those who needed them.
The darkness crept in on the town. As Caleb and Alex walked around the mesa, a set of great wooden doors stood open in the exact center of the front side of the Rainbow Mesa. A Combusken stood outside the doors. It looked up at the stars, gauging the time. She turned to a set of orbs on each side of the door, opened her beak, and blew a ball of fire at each of them. The orbs began to glow with orange light, as if they had been filled with fire, spreading bright orange light across the path that led to the doors.
"Hurry, Alex. If she closes those doors, we'll have to wait until the morning to get in!" Caleb grabbed Alex's arm and broke into a run. Alex stumbled, but raggedly reeled after him. Alex tried to run as well, but it was all he could do to barely stay upright, dragged by the strength of a fighting-type.
"Wait! We're here to join!" Caleb yelled at the Combusken. She turned to look at the young Machop, half dragging an Abra by one arm. The Machop was dressed for travel, with his shoulder bag and canteen hanging from his shoulder. The Abra had no such gear. Before she could ponder more, the two Pokemon reached the doors the Combusken was about to close. The Abra nearly fell over, panting, while the Machop stood tall.
"We're here to join the Academy! Can you let us in?" Caleb asked. "You didn't close the gates yet, so you're still open, right?"
""You should come back in the morning. Tomorrow's the application day, so come back at sunrise with all the other recruits. Besides, Recordkeeper Metang has already left for dinner, so no one's here to do your processing and paperwork. There's an inn run by a Cincinno down the road if you need somewhere to stay the night," the Combusken said. She started to close the doors.
"You don't get it! We need to join as soon as possible! Alex here is a human, so we need to join the Academy so he can find his role!" Caleb said.
The Combusken froze. Her facial expression flashed from confusion, to disbelief, to shock, and ended on uncertainty. "The Abra is a human? If that's true, you should come in." The Combusken stepped aside to let Alex and Caleb pass her.
Behind the door was a large round room. Crystals and orbs lineed the walls, glowing the same orange as the two outside. There were desks on the ground of various sizes and heights. The Combusken closed the door after them.
"I'll fetch Deputy Raticate. Abra, if you are human, he'll get you enrolled and started at the Academy. If not, you'll be kicked out for lying. And that's not entirely metaphorical. You don't want to get on his bad side." The Combusken awkwardly left the room, leaving Alex and Caleb alone.
"Am I really that special? That Pokemon looked almost scared that I might be a human," Alex asked.
"Lots of Pokemon have weird ideas about humans. She probably thought you were going to capture her or something. I'm more confused about the deputy. Did she say that their deputy was a Raticate? Those are super common, and not even that strong. Why would the greatest Pokemon organization have something so weak as their second in command?"
A voice started shouting from around the corner. "You have ten seconds to apologize for that insult, or I will make you regret it! Judging Pokemon's abilities by their species is not tolerated here!"
Alex saw the Combusken come back into the room carrying a glowing crystal on a stick. With her was a Raticate, which only came up to the Combusken's waist. The Raticate dashed across the room to stand in front of Caleb in less than a second, continuing to shout.
"I said you have ten seconds to apologize! Do your ears work, kid?" the Raticate bellowed.
If he were taller, the Raticate would have his face directly in Caleb's. But with the height difference, the Raticate had to glare up at Caleb's face. It didn't make him any less intimidating, however.
"Woah! I'm sorry! I didn't think that Raticate could be tough like that! I won't think that again!" Caleb said.
"Good! Don't forget it!" the Raticate said. Lowering his voice slightly, he continued. "I am Deputy Raticate! You will address me by my name and species or sir at all times! Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Deputy Raticate!" Alex and Caleb answered in unison.
"Now you know basic protocol! Don't forget it. Now, human, what is your name?" Deputy Raticate said. He stared directly into Alex's eyes, allowing no escape.
"I-It's Alex, sir. Caleb chose it for me." Alex said.
Deputy Raticate turned. "Do you claim to be human as well? I haven't heard of two humans pairing up before, but whenever you show up, all other rules fall to shambles anyway. So, Caleb, are you human?"
"I'm not, Deputy Raticate! My parents knew one though, and they decided to give us all names. I just met Alex today, and he doesn't remember anything, other than he used to be human. I was travelling to join the Academy, and he was on the road unconscious.."
Deputy Raticate stared at Alex and Caleb, studying them. "You two are either telling the truth, or the best liars I have seen in years. We're going to have a talk with Principal Blastoise, and a psychic to ensure you are telling the truth. If you are lyingI'm going to be very displeased, and you will no longer be welcome in this Academy. Recruit Combusken, you are dismissed!" he said.
"Understood, sir!" the Combusken said. She walked back down the hall she had brought Deputy Raticate from, taking a long look at Alex and Caleb.
"Citizens! Follow me!" Deputy Raticate said, walking toward another hall. He started climbing a set of low stairs at the end of it. "Hope you like stairs, because we're going all the way to the top." Alex and Caleb looked up at the long climb ahead of them. Alex's legs were sore from the miles he had already walked, and if the Academy filled the entire Rainbow Mesa, that meant he would have to climb all the way to the top on these stairs.
How did I teleport earlier? If I could do that, this would be much easier. Before, I was panicking, and my Abra body worked on its own. Besides, even if I did teleport, I need to know how to aim where to go. I hope this Academy can teach me how to use this body, Alex thought.
Alex groaned. "Deputy Raticate, I don't think I can make it that far. I've been walking most of the afternoon. If I know how to teleport, I could do that. But I don't think I can make it up the whole way. I'm tired from walking for the last four hours. Is there another way up?"
He fiddled with his hands. The staircase was wide, built directly into the stone and clay of the mesa. One side of the staircase had shorter stairs than the other. Alex realized it was to fit the many different sizes and shapes of Pokemon.
Deputy Raticate was already counting up the stairs. "Get a move on! The Principal needs to see you two!"
"Come on, Alex, you can do this!" Caleb said. He started climbing the stairs, but looked back at Alex. He took a deep breath and started climbing.
The first set of stairs took them from the purple to the blue layer. The colors were barely distinguishable in the flickering light of the lamps on each landing. Alex managed to walk the first flight unassisted. By the third floor, he was lagging ten steps behind Caleb. Alex stopped at the end of the fourth flight of stairs and leaned on the wall, gasping for breath.
Deputy Raticate bounded down and glared at Alex. "Get moving, Abra! Are you worn out already? What kind of hero are you, who can't even walk up a few stairs? Get moving!" he yelled in his characteristic bellow.
Caleb descended the few stairs he had climbed to the top floor. "Hey, Alex is doing his best! It's not his fault his species is weak!"
"What did I say about stereotyping? Next time, you'll be doing pushups!" Deputy said.
"I-I'm fine. I'll get going again." Alex trudged to the stairs, his legs shaking on every step. Celeb walked beside him.
On the fifth floor, made of orange clay, Alex's legs gave out. His legs splayed in front of him, and his tail dropped down the top stair.
"I'm sorry I'm so weak, Deputy Raticate. I can't walk anymore." Alex whimpered.
Caleb pulled on Alex's arm. "Come on, get up! We're almost there!" he pleaded.
Alex painfully stood up. He leaned heavily on Caleb. Alex's legs burned more than the hot sun had, and his legs trembled like he stood in an earthquake, threatening to fail him again. Something was wrong. Weren't Pokemon supposed to be stronger than this? Caleb barely seemed out of breath, yet Alex could barely stand.
"Machop! Get your friend off the floor and carry him up these stairs. Show me your strength and endurance!" Deputy Raticate barked.
Caleb walked to Alex. "Hey, do you think you can get your arms around my neck? I can carry you on my back If you can hold on. I'll grab your knees to support your weight."
Alex's eyes burned. He was too weak to even walk, forcing Caleb to cover his weakness over something as mundane as stairs. Losing to wild Pokemon might be forgivable, since he didn't know how to fight. But stairs? This was something that Pokemon at this Academy probably dealt with every day. And here he was, sprawled out on the floor from a half day's hike and four flights of stairs.
Caleb knelt in front of Alex. Alex put his arms around Caleb's shoulders, linking his fingers together for better grip. Caleb then stood up, grabbing the back of Alex's knees and lifting his whole body in a piggyback hold, except Alex was the same height as Caleb, making it more awkward and unbalanced. Alex's tail pulled them back, necessitating Caleb to bend forward to keep from falling on his back and crushing Alex. Caleb began to walk, moving slowly under the extra weight and strange balance.
"Good, you're moving. Meet me at the top of the steps and catch your breath. I will alert the Principal of your presence. When he is ready, I will get you." Deputy Raticate ran up the stairs, as if he hadn't been dashing up and down the same stairs as the two potential recruits for the last fifteen minutes.
"I'm sorry." Alex said. "I'm a failure of a hero. Can't even make it up the same stairs as the rest of you…"
Caleb tested their weight on the first stair. He pushed slowly, ascending the first step while being careful to not tip backward. "Don't be. The Deputy is being way too harsh on you. We've gone up, what, fifty feet? I'll bet there's lots of Pokemon that can't do that without taking a break. Four hours ago, you couldn't even walk!" Caleb kept climbing, slowly becoming more sure in his balance. "So what if you couldn't walk this? I bet most Pokemon that can teleport would just do that instead of walking, but you did it the hard way."
Alex's breath hitched. "B-But what if we don't get in? I'm slowing you d-down. How can I help you when you're the one carrying me?"
"Don't worry about that right now." Caleb said. "We're about to meet the Principal of the Academy! I've been waiting for this for years! You'll learn how to help Pokemon by using your brain instead of your muscles like me!. I know you'll find your own way to contribute to the world."
"I hope so." Alex said. He leaned forward and grabbed harder around Caleb's chest, squeezing his bag, which Caleb had shifted to his front.
Soon Caleb and Alex reached the top of the stairs. Caleb lowered Alex's legs to let him stand on his own power. His legs still hurt, but the pain was tolerable.
Deputy Raticate was waiting for them in front of a large set of double doors.
"Principal Blastoise has been notified of your arrival. Follow me, and don't forget who you're speaking to. Principal Blastoise has been leading Pokemon since before your parents were hatched." Deputy Raticate pushed in on one of the doors, and they all entered the room.
The Principal's office was more comfortably furnished than the rest of the building. Bookshelves lined the walls, and a large rug softened the rock floor. A desk with a few books and papers was illuminated by two orbs. Unlike the crystals or orbs lit by Combusken, the two on the desk shone with a steely silver light. Behind the desk sat a Blastoise. His head was pockmarked with age and hundreds of battles, and his shell contained further elements of wear.
Deputy Raticate stopped just before the desk. "Principal Blastoise. I have brought the two Pokemon I reported to you. These are Alex the Abra, and Caleb the Machop. What are your orders?"
Principal Blastoise stood up, looking at Alex and Caleb. "Interesting. Two Pokemon with human names show up right before the gates are closed. Unique name aside, what is so important that you couldn't wait until tomorrow, when new applicants are recruited?"
"Alex is a human! I found him under a tree with no memories in the forest east of here. You should let us join so we can find his destiny!" Caleb said.
"Know your place, Machop! The Principal 'should' do nothing. It's his choice to admit you, not yours," Deputy Raticate said.
Principal Blastoise paused. "A human, you say? Alex, is this true?"
"I think so, Principal Blastoise. I woke up in a forest and teleported away when I first saw Caleb. He found me again on a big rock later. I don't remember anything before that, but I know that I'm supposed to be a human, and I don't belong here."
"Interesting. Deputy, have you seen anything to prove or refute this claim?" Principal Blastoise said.
"Principal, the Abra has not used any psychic powers, even when collapsing from exhaustion. Something is strange about him, any way I look at it. I advise a psychic to check his mind and see if he has the Dream," Deputy Raticate said.
"Very well. Bring Psychic Musharna here to my office. She should be visiting to assist with assessments tomorrow. Bring some food up here with you. These children seem hungry from their long walk," Principal Blastoise said.
"Understood, Principal." Deputy Raticate left the room, biting a small cord to pull the door closed behind him.
Principal Blastoise looked at Caleb. "I can see your expression whenever my Deputy speaks. I'm not going to apologize for his behavior, or ask you to forgive him. He is effective at what he does. His strictness and attitude keep the Academy in order and maximize effectiveness. Deputy Raticate can tell exactly what an individual Pokemon is truly capable of, and gets them to perform at their best. When Alex fell and couldn't stand again, he immediately changed tactics. His insults are no worse than an angry client you will eventually deal with. Am I clear?"
Caleb opened his mouth to protest, but Alex grabbed his shoulder before he could speak.
"It's okay. He's right. Don't risk not joining the Academy because of your pride," Alex said.
Caleb relaxed. "If you say so," he said. He looked up at Principal Blastoise. "I understand, Principal Blastoise."
Principal Blastoise spoke again. "Now, you must be tired from that hike and those stairs. Deputy Raticate likes to see how well potential and current recruits handle those seven flights of stairs at once, even though most of us use the elevators if we're going from the bottom to the top. Before you sit down, however, let me take a look at you." He walked around his desk to look at the two more closely. Alex's legs twitched in pain as Principal Blastoise walked behind them.
"Alex, do these markings pain you?" he asked, brushing his back with a claw. "It looks like a burn or a scar, but unlike any pattern I've seen before."
"Not really, Principal Blastoise. I didn't even notice them before Caleb pointed them out." Alex said.
"Curious. Perhaps they are a clue to your past. But that clue may be unnecessary if Psychic Musharna is able to unlock your memories." Principal Blastoise said. He walked back to his side of the desk and sat down heavily on a sturdy stool built for his size.
"You don't need to keep standing on my account. Please, sit down," he said. Alex and Caleb sat down onto the bare carpet, craning their heads to see the Principal towering over them.
"Alex, do you have any questions? Human or not, this must be confusing for you," Principal Blastoise said.
"You said a psychic was going to check for a Dream. What does that mean?" Alex asked.
"Every time a human is brought to this world in the body of a Pokemon, they always have a vision where they are counseled and interviewed. The interview asks questions of the human, and their answers determine what species of Pokemon the human becomes. Allegedly, it's quite distinct. If a psychic can find memories of the Dream in your mind, that's proof that you're human, and not just delusional or suffering from amnesia. Even the humans with no memories have the Dream detectable by a skilled psychic. In any case, the amnesia you have and no knowledge of how to use your Pokemon powers would make you a good candidate for our beginner's classes. Of course, if you're lying, Psychic Musharna will detect that as well, and you will be barred from joining due to your deception," "Principal Blastoise said.
Alex fiddled with his hands. "I don't think I'm lying, but I can't remember. I'm here because Caleb says this is the best place to start to find answers, and I don't know any other options. This does sound like the biggest place around, which means that this probably has the best resources though." Alex said. "What is the Academy, anyway? Caleb made it sound like it's both a school for learning, but it's also a guild for exploration and rescue. Is this for Pokemon wanting to become craftsmen... Craftsmon? Or something else?" he asked.
"Both and more. Once a month, we accept new applicants to our Academy. We have classes for everything from enchanting to survival skills. Beginners start in classes to teach them basics that make a foundation for their lives. Math, reading, survival, and so on. If Pokemon choose to stay, they can learn trades like weaving or medicine, and can take those skills back to their homelands. Or they can travel and share it wherever they go. The other route that Pokemon might take is to study survival and battling and brave the Mystery Dungeons, or just explore in general. That path is limited to the best and strongest at this Academy, however. You aren't going near even a basic Mystery Dungeon until you are proficient in battle and survival," Principal Blastoise explained. "If you have further questions, the orientation tomorrow will answer in more detail. Now, I think we have enough time for one more question before Deputy Raticate and Psychic Musharna return. Do you have any other questions?"
"Umm, why do I and Caleb have unique names, but everyone else seems to go by their title and species? Don't you and Deputy Raticate have names?" Alex asked.
"Names are mostly a human convention. In this world, knowing one's species and title tells you more about an individual than a human style name. In places where there are multiple members of the same species, a nickname might be chosen, but it's more common to refer to ourselves and others by species and profession," Blastoise said. He glanced forward. "Ah, I think I hear the two we are waiting for."
A small bell rang above the doors.
"Enter," said Principal Blastoise with a loud voice.
The door opened, and Deputy Raticate entered, followed by a Musharna floating in the air. Deputy Raticate had a harness on his back, which made a flat surface for him to carry a pot, five bowls, and a small basket.
Psychic Musharna began talking as soon as she entered the room.
"An Abra? Is this the Pokemon you said claimed to be human? Those are weaklings, teleporting away at the first sign of danger, and sleeping the day away. Why not a Riolu or Charmander? Even a Pikachu helped quell Kyurem years ago, so I've heard."
She had a raspy voice, as if she spent her days doing nothing but speaking a constant stream of complaints.
"Yes, Psychic Musharna," Deputy Raticate said. "Please test the Abra for the Dream. His species is irrelevant to what he can accomplish." His voice had lost much of the bark that had been used on Caleb and Alex.
"You do know that I'm not a formal member of your Academy, and you have no authority to order me around? Trying to be my boss, well I never! For all your worship of humans, you don't understand hospitality," Psychic Musharna complained.
Before she could continue, Principal Blastoise spoke up. "Psychic Musharna," he called in his deep, calm voice. "Will you sit with us and have some dinner? I believe I smell potato and bean soup, and some maize bread in that basket Deputy is carrying. Perhaps after you eat, you could do me a small favor and check this child? Of course, you're free to return to your quarters and eat something non perishable instead."
"Well, fine. But there had better not be too many beans in this soup. It disagrees with me. You know that, old turtle."
"Of course. Would you prefer to eat first or examine this child's mind?" Principal Blastoise turned to Caleb. "Don't look so offended. When you're as old as me, everyone is a child."
"Fine. I'll check the kid." Psychic Musharna said. She turned towards Abra, pink smoke extruding from her nose. "Do you know the manners for a mind scan?"
"Um, there's manners to it?" Alex asked.
"Of course you don't know. What are they teaching you these days? I'll just have to do it myself. Ahem. First, as a psychic, I am obligated to keep any and all secrets I find in your head to myself. Absolute confidentiality is a must, unless you have threatening thoughts toward yourself or others. Second, don't fight me. I'm going to be shuffling through your mind, helping you remember thoughts, feelings, and memories that you may have forgotten about. Don't try to figure it out until I'm out of your head. In the meantime, just relax and let it flow. Any questions?" Musharna asked.
"Uh, no I guess." Alex said nervously.
"Good. You're already sitting, so just relax. Focus on your breathing, that helps most Pokemon. You're smart enough to do that, aren't you?" Marsharna moved closer. The pink smoke began to fully surround her, and a tendral inched toward Alex's face.
"Just relax, it will be over soon," Psychic Musharna crooned in a singsong voice.
Alex took a deep breath in, smelling some of the sweet smoke coming from Psychic Musharna, and everything went black.
Good. You're here. That means you can remember this when you wake up. Musharna's voice came into Alex's head. I'm going digging. You'll see and hear old memories as I find them. Don't focus on any one thing for long, let the images flow.
I'll try. Alex thought. Sensations bounced across his awareness. Sand in his toes, a burning sun. The crunch of salted nuts in his mouth.
This is odd, Abra. I'm not seeing anything from before today. With amnesia, there's still hints, eddies of blocked memories. Your mind is empty, bare. Not that you can't think, but you somehow have knowledge of speech and reason with no memories of how you got them. With amnesia, I can push against walls and blockages to try to break things free, but you're empty. There is one small area here, but it has a strange presence attached to it. I haven't seen this psychic signature before. Well, I'm not leaving empty handed. Prepare yourself, and relax!
A pressure built up in his consciousness. There was a feeling of pressure, but no physical pain. Psychic Musharna was putting a lot of energy into doing… something. Colors flashed in his mindscape, as his world felt like it was being squeezed.
Almost there, child. Deal with it a moment longer. The flashing colors and waves of pressure increased, then shattered in a soundless crash. A glimpse of colors, with a voice, echoed in his mind.
Welcome to the world of Pokemon!
I'm glad to have finally met you.
I've seen what I needed. You have the Dream, placed by something as powerful as one of the Gods. Perhaps a Uxie could restore your memories further, but it's beyond mere mortals. Now, I do believe there is food for me…
A savory smell wafted under Alex's nose. He groaned, opening his eyes.
"Are you all right?" Caleb said. Caleb was holding a bowl of soup in his hands. Alex looked around and saw everyone staring at him.
"I was worried that you didn't wake up when Psychic Musharna did. Did everything go all right? Was Psychic Musharna able to find the Dream?" Caleb asked.
"I think so. I remember some kind of interview with someone. He said I needed to protect this world from disaster," Alex said. "I couldn't remember that when I was in that forest."
"I told you, he clearly had the Dream," Psychic Musharna said. "But he doesn't seem to have any memories in his mind. I've never seen anything like it. The few books I've read that discuss human minds don't talk about what they look like when their memories are sealed. His mind is unlike any I've seen before. I've seen amnesia before, and you can usually find twisted bits of thought or memory, but this Abra's mind is completely clear of any memory. Perhaps a Uxie could unlock his memories, but it's beyond my power." She floated to the desk, where Deputy Raticate had placed the food. "Now that I've done my job, I'm going to have this food, like you promised."
Alex took the bowl of soup that Caleb was holding out for him. The bowl, like the pot and Caleb's canteen, was made out of hardened clay. The soup wasn't hot enough to burn his fingers, but it was just hot enough so the warmth penetrated his hands and soaked into his bones. Caleb grabbed the basket, which was covered by a small cloth, and passed it around. The basket was filled with small yellow biscuits or rolls. Each Pokemon took a roll with their bowl of soup. Alex waited to see how the others ate, trying to understand the customs of eating. There was no silverware, so the Pokemon simply tilted their bowls back and slurped the soup, chewing on the chunks of potatoes and beans. Caleb dipped his biscuit into his soup and ate it, dripping with the broth. Alex sniffed his soup, smelling earthy spices that gave this a hearty, home-cooked smell. Alex held his bowl in one hand and his biscuit in the other. He followed Caleb's example and dipped his biscuit in the soup. The sweetness of the corn contrasted with the spiciness of the soup, warming him from the inside out.
"Your cooks are as serviceable as ever, Principal Blastoise." Psychic Musharna said. "It's better than the mush they serve in town."
"Thank you for your generosity, Psychic Musharna," Principal Blastoise said. "You've read many of the stories of the humans. Have you ever heard of one being marked or having strange scars when they arrive? "
"None of the well-known heroes have been said to have any remarkable physical features about them, beyond their unusual strength. I have heard of some exiles having distinct scars on them, supposedly as a warning to others. Many of those are closer to legends for exaggeration, not accurate history, however," Psychic Musharna said. "I will look in my books for ideas before I examine him tomorrow. One of your researchers may also find a meaning or pattern to his markings."
"Hmm, we'll have to come up with a story for them then. If the academy and all of our clients know of a human with strange markings on his back, they'll all be paranoid. It will probably lead to nasty rumors. I won't be able to help Alex with that, otherwise I'd be showing favoritism." Principal Blastoise finished his bowl of soup. "Psychic Musharna, you may go as soon as you finish your meal. I will have some things to say in private to these two new recruits."
"Yes, you will have to orient them to this great Academy of yours. Make sure that these two learn their manners to be acceptable in society." Musharna used her psychic powers to drink the last of the soup, and floated out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Feeling self-conscious, Alex quickly ate the rest of his food. He had been the last to start eating. Placing his bowl on the table, Deputy Raticate spoke to Principal Blastoise.
"According to the Code, we must accept these two as recruits and train them and assist them in whatever goal the gods have set up for them. Is there anything else the code requires of us?" he asked.
Principal Blastoise pointed to one of the bookshelves and said, "Alex, bring me the book on the second shelf titled 'The Code of Adventuring Teams'. It should have a red binding on it."
Alex stood up and walked to the bookshelf that Principal Blastoise was pointing at. Dozens of books, in many styles and materials, were carefully organized on the shelves. Alex looked at the covers filled with strange runes in a language he didn't recognize.
"Principal Blastoise, I can't read these covers. Could you point out which book it is?" Alex asked.
"Can you read any of those books? They are not all written in the same language. Are you able to read the Unown script on the farthest right book?" Principal Blastoise asked.
Alex used his finger to guide his eyes across the shelf. When he got to the last one, which seemed to be bound in wood and painted blue, he saw other strange runes on it. He couldn't recognize these either.
"I'm sorry, principal. I can't read this one either. Is that going to be a problem for me? Do Pokemon here already know how to read? "Alex asked.
"That's somewhat unusual, but not an issue. Reading and writing is one of the first things that the academy teaches any Pokemon. It's unusual that you wouldn't recognize Unown writing, because we got that language from humans . Though, I've always wondered where the Unown come from. They built the humans language, yet are illiterate themselves. One of the gods has a sense of irony, I suppose. In that case, bring me the book third from the left. It's a rather thick one, there's no mistaking it," Principal Blastoise said.
Alex found the desired book and carefully pulled it out. The cover was bound in some kind of leather with few embellishments. Alex carefully carried the heavy book to Principal Blastoise's desk. Alex had to lift the book almost to his head level to place it on the desk made to fit the principal. Principal Blastoise opened the book, using a single thick claw to turn the pages. The pages themselves were rough and yellow. The ink was uneven in spots, causing some words to have splotches or incomplete letters.
"Deputy Raticate, you've always been very knowledgeable of the Code. Which section contains the obligations of guilds to humans?" Principal Blastoise asked.
"What is the Code? Is it a list of laws?" Alex asked.
"The code is a set of rules that the five continents have agreed on to make the rescuing and exploring organizations consistent. It was created in a collaboration between the different organizations on each of the major continents, including a human who had memories of working in a large organization. This makes it so that if one adventurer hears of a rumor or treasure on another continent, he has to act in accepted ways to find and keep that treasure. It ensures that guilds do not abuse or mistreat their recruits. Mostly, it regulates the guilds and elevates them to being more than just mercenaries. In this situation, it tells us what we do for humans that have been brought to this world. More than one human has behaved dishonorably and thrown villages and towns in chaos. This code exists to protect you, as well as to protect us from bad humans," Deputy Raticate said. He jumped onto a clear part of Principal Blastoise's desk, which seemed set aside for him if Principal Blastoise needed his help.
"The section on humans and how guilds are to treat them is near the back of this book," Deputy Raticate said, turning the pages with a paw. "Here it is. 'It is a duty of a rescue or exploration guild to accept humans and their partners whenever they appear. They should not get overly special treatment, though most humans with our partners ascend the ranks more rapidly than native Pokemon. Some guilds may consider holding advancements more often than typical if the team has proven themselves capable of higher responsibilities. The guild should use their resources to help the human on their quest, if they have one. If there is no imminent threat, the human may instead use their knowledge, memories, and intelligence to teach their guild new technology or skills that they retain from the human world.'
"It goes on for a few more pages, but that's the gist of it. We are to accept this human and his partner as full members in our Academy. And if there is a threat against our world, these two are to receive our support to stop it," Deputy Raticate said.
"Sounds reasonable." Principal Blastoise said. "Alex, you said you can remember your Dream. Did it say what kind of disaster was coming to this world, or any clues about the danger?"
Alex thought. The memory of his Dream was perfectly clear in his head, as though Psychic Musharna had strengthened it somehow.
"Not really. The voice said, 'this world is heading toward disaster, and I need you to stop it.' It didn't say what kind of disaster it was going to be. All it said was that I need to watch and pay attention to the world. I'm not sure how that can help, but it's all I know." Alex said.
"Deputy, has there been an increase in the number of disasters or needed rescues recently? Or anything else that would point toward disaster or instability?" Principal Blastoise asked.
"Nothing immediately comes to mind, Principal. The number of reported Mystery Dungeons hasn't increased, and the existing ones haven't grown, either. There is the occasional earthquake or volcano and Calm Bay was recently damaged by a hurricane, but that's within expectations for the actions of the gods. I will increase intelligence operations to attempt to track down any threats, in case there's one we missed," Deputy Raticate said.
"Good. Now, you two, I'm going to offer some advice, but there's a secret attached to it. I need you to not be spreading this around. It's not inherently dangerous, but it could make our work more difficult. Do you understand?" Principal Blastoise asked, turning to Alex and Caleb.
"I will," said Alex, with Caleb agreeing.
"This advice comes from personal experience. Once, many years ago, I was a partner to a human. I was a Squirtle then, returning from a day of foraging, when I found a Charmander unconscious on my way. He was a human, and after many adventures, we saved the world from a meteor."
Alex and Caleb's eyes widened. Someone had been through this before!
Principal Blastoise continued. "But, we had difficulties on the way. At one point, we were exiled from society, forced to travel to the ends of the continent as refugees. I have three pieces of advice for you. First: Alex, don't brag that you're human. Pokemon will put extreme expectations on you, ones that you may not be able to fulfil. Keeping it secret is mostly impossible, especially since Caleb introduced himself as escorting a human at the gate. The rumors are already probably flowing down in the dining room. Some may expect you to invent some new thing or be smarter than anyone else. Don't let that pressure overwhelm you. Second: Alex and Caleb, rely on each other. The gods that bring humans here nearly always arrange for a partner to guide and assist the human. When Taylor was pelted with rocks, I protected him. But in a frozen forest, he warmed me. That's the way it is for any team, but it's more than that between a human and their partner. You will have to rely on each other emotionally as well. That takes a great deal of trust, which is not easily gained, but nearly impossible to lose."
Alex remembered being carried up the stairs. One day, he would have to do something similar for Caleb. He needed to become strong before that happened.
"Last: don't expect to take it all on by yourself. Pokemon help each other. No matter what stories you hear, the heroic duos of the past didn't defeat legendaries on their own. Taylor and I didn't actually beat Rayquaza, only gained a tiny amount of respect from him enough for us to talk. Rose and Luka didn't exterminate Dialga, only weakened a crazed, weakened form of him long enough for Temporal Tower to realign. Every heroic group has had a Guild or town supporting them in their quest," Principal Blastoise finished.
Alex felt the weight of responsibility weighing heavier and heavier on him. Fight gods? How could he do such a thing? Even as Principal Blastoise tried to reassure him, Alex remembered the voice in his Dream. Something massive was going to happen, and an Abra and Machop were at the center of it. His stomach twisted. At least he had finished his food, because now Alex had lost his appetite. Realizing that Principal Blastoise was talking again, he tried to listen.
"-them to one of the guest rooms. Place them with the other applicants in the morning. We may be able to head off the gossip directed at Alex if the Academy members don't know which new recruit is human. They'll find out anyways in the long term, but if we can take some of the suspicion off him early, it will let the other recruits get to know him on more equal ground first."
"Understood, Principal Blastoise." Deputy Raticate hopped off the desk. "Follow me."
"Wait! Principal Blastoise, you said that you used to be partnered with a human. What happened to them?" Alex asked before leaving the room.
""Zachary? I'm sure it's exciting to think of meeting him, but he died decades ago. Blastoise simply live longer than Charizard," Principal Blastoise said, a faraway look in his eye. "Go. Get some sleep. You have a long day tomorrow."
Back in the hall, Deputy Raticate spoke to them. "Congratulations, Abra. You've passed my little test. You demonstrated determination to continue through pain, and beyond what your body expected of you. Now, we will take the elevator"
Raticate stopped by an open shaft that led vertically up and down the mesa. A gate stretched across the opening, preventing Pokemon from inadvertently falling down it. Deputy Raticate pulled on a cord, which rang a bell above their heads.
A voice echoed from the bottom of the shaft. "Coming up!" it yelled. Alex noticed a series of ropes around the sides of the shaft start moving, and heavy breathing echoed up rhythmically in time with the movement of the ropes. After a minute, a Pokemon rose into view, pulling down on the ropes even as the platform he stood on rose. The Pokemon was taller than Alex and Caleb, with brown, leathery skin. Its head was almost hidden behind its huge shoulder muscles. The Gurdurr wrapped the rope he was holding around a cleat on the wall, then turned to the three.
"Deputy Raticate," he said, saluting the Deputy. "Where am I taking you and your guests?"
"Yellow floor," he said. The three climbed onto the platform. Alex saw multiple ropes around the edges of the platform, keeping it steady and level. There was a thick rope embedded into the center of the floor, which matched the one the Gurdurr was pulling.
"New recruits? Aren't applications tomorrow, Deputy Raticate?" he asked.
"That is classified information at this time, Hoist Gurdurr. Bring us to the dormitories." Deputy Raticate said.
"Yes, sir," Hoist said. Alex saw him put his feet in rope loops on the platform before taking the main rope in his hands.
Hoist noticed Alex looking at the device. "I bet you've never seen one of these before, have you? There's a wheel up top that this rope goes around, and attaches there in the center. It makes it so that I can pull down here," Hoist said, demonstrating, "And the platform goes up. It works in reverse, too. So when I let this rope go up, the elevator goes down. Pretty nifty idea we got from a human years ago. Lets one strong Pokemon like me move a bunch of other Pokemon or supplies without having to use stairs." he said.
"Amazing!" Caleb said. "I knew humans were smart! This makes a lot of things easier!"
"That it does," Hoist said. He let the rope slide slowly through his hands. They stopped two floors lower, where the yellow clay reflected brighter in the orb-light. "Here you go. You need me anymore tonight, Deputy?"
"Nothing beyond your usual duties." Deputy said.
"Alright. I'm taking a nap then. I'll still be able to hear the bells if you need me, though." Hoist replied.
Deputy Raticate went down a hall, rows of identical doors on each side. A panel of rock next to each door held a unique symbol for each. Raticate headbutted open one of them.
"Here's where you'll be sleeping tonight. If you get cold, there's blankets in the cupboard. Get some sleep, I'm waking you up for a long day tomorrow." Deputy Raticate then left, leaving the door open so that light from the hall could leak into the room.
There were two sets of wooden bunk beds along one wall. The cupboard that Deputy Raticate had mentioned was built into another wall. Beyond that, the room was small and bare. Spartan arrangements, meant to house small to medium sized Pokemon for a night.
"Wow! We're finally here! I knew we would get in, Alex!" Caleb said. "Look! They even have mattresses, not just piles of straw or leaves like most Pokemon!"
Alex looked at the beds. Sure enough, a thin mattress covered the bed, protecting them from the bare wood. Alex took a blanket and carried it to one of the lower bunks, not trusting his aching legs to climb a ladder. Caleb did that same thing to the other bed, choosing the lower bunk. Once they were situated, Caleb closed the door, letting the room reach full darkness.
After Alex and Caleb had laid down and gotten comfortable, Alex spoke up. "Caleb?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you sure I can be a legendary hero, like the ones everyone here idolizes?" Alex asked.
"If your Dream says you're here to save the world, then that's what's going to happen! Alex, if you couldn't help us in some way, you wouldn't have been chosen to come here. Even if you can't do anything now, the Academy will teach you all you need to know. And if you have more questions, you can ask me! Or even Principal Blastoise, since he's seen all this happen before!" Caleb said.
"I guess so. Thanks, Caleb." Alex said, then rolled over and fell asleep.
A/N:
I know this chapter was a lot of exposition, but I feel like this is where the story starts to become its own unique story, not a copy of another PMD story.