Downtime with Team Paldea/Pokepals
A Pokemon Scarlet and Violet/Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Fic
Sneak Preview of the Paldean Explorers-Verse
Written by MegaSalamence64
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Author's Note:
Hey Guys, MegaSalamence64 here, Welcome back to the Next Chapter of Downtime with Team Paldea.
Nothing really much to say another then Enjoy! ;)
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Arven Chapter: Cooking up some Stories
Continuity: Takes place during the Guild's Expedition to Fogbound Lake, Before Team Pokepals arrived at the Base Camp at Foggy Forest
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World of Mystery Dungeons, Grass Continent, Entrance to :
"Whew, By golly, I reckon we're finally through…." Said Bidoof as he looked back to his fellow members of the Wigglytuff Guild (Said Members present with him being Brionne the Nurse of the Wigglytuff Guild and the newest set of Apprentices who's team name is Team Pokepals with said group consisting of Piplup, Chimchar, Juliana the Sprigatito, Arven the Quaxly, Nemona the Fuecoco and Penny the Eevee) as) as they just finished getting out of the Craggy Coast and now at the Entrance of a New Dungeon, Mt. Horn.
It was the Most Recent Expedition of the Guild and the location of Choice was the Fogbound Lake, With Everyone of the Guild Chosen to come along as well (Much to the Relief and happiness of Team Pokepals whom doubted they'll be picked after a Rather infamous Incident with retrieving Prefect Apples form the Apple Woods (That was sabotaged by a rival exploration Team) causes them no dinner for the night as well as an Earful form Chatot) with the Eight Pokemon being one group to venture to the mysterious lake marked on the map.
"It wasn't easy dealing with the Pokemon there but we're no doubt in the Clear now!" Said Piplup as he looked back to the group as no doubt Nemona getting them TMs the other day have helped them a lot.
"Yup! Just a little more and we'll be at the Camp soon! Let's keep it up guys!" Nemona added on with a smile, The Student Council President turned Fuecoco continued with a large grin.
"Agreed…." Said Arven as he looked back to his Friends, The Former Human turned Quaxly admitting a sigh of relief as Juliana looked back to her boyfriend, The Sprigatito that was once a human nodding in agreement at this.
"Plus we didn't have to deal with Stuntank or his cronies form Team Skull as well so there's that…" Juliana admitted with a small smile, abit one of relief then joy given how the Toxic Stunk Pokemon and his Buddies (Koffing and Zubat) aren't around them right now as they were the very reason She and her Friends were unable to deliver Prefect Apples form Apple Woods in the First place due to the Three Bullies sabotaging them (Something that brought very unpleasant memories for Penny due to how much Stuntank reminded her of the very bullies whom made life hell for she and her Friends in Team Star, The Very actions they did reminding her of the Hell they suffered form them (Especially when they took the credit and gave Chatot one of the Prefect Apples they stole, Which is a very common thing her bullies would do which is to steal she and her friends' homework and passed it off as their own)
While it wasn't as bad due to the Guildmates helping them by smuggling dinner for them as part of a personal code they share to watch out for each other (As well as of all things, Apples on their Beds after they're sent to Wigglytuff's Room for their Punishment and return back to their rooms afterwards*), It still left the Group with a rather bad experience that they can't forget… Penny especially having an even worser opinion of Chatot for how he acted being just like when the Former Director of the Narjanja academy and his staff were apathetic to their plight of being bullied (Which she often admitted to Juliana and Nemona how lucky they're to be enrolled the Year after the Bullies fled the Academy with Arven only spared due to not being an easy target like she was)
And no doubt while they may have been allowed to join the Expedition anyway due to Wigglytuff's choice to take everyone along, The Tension was high between the Two Explorations teams and no doubt if the last thing Team Pokepals (Penny and Chimchar Especially) wanted is to run into Team Skull throughout the trip with the Three Bullies still rubbing them over their failures as extra salt in the wounds.
"And the less we say about those three the better…" Said Penny as the Human turned Eevee said to her Friends, no doubt wanting to not bring up Team Skull as Piplup patted her on the Back in sympathy with Juliana doing the same,
No doubt even he doesn't want to think of Team Skull right now, Especially with how they picked on Chimchar and Penny a lot as well.
"Plus, We're not quite close to the Camp yet… So there's also that we have to worry about…" Penny continued as the Eevee let out a sigh at this.
"Well, Let's check the Wonder Map at least…" Said Chimchar, who's also not wanting to think of the three Posion Type bullies as well as he took out the Exploration Map of the Grass Continent, Which he unraveled and shown them their current location on it,
"So looks like we're here now after passing that Craggy Coast… So I guess this place must be next where we are…." He said while pointing at the Mountain they're at via the Magic of the Wonder Map as Brionne then looked at the Mist covered Forest some distance away.
"So once we make it past here, We'll be at the Base Camp as well!" He continued as he then looked to Brionne as the Medic of the Guild remain Slient.
"You ok Brionne?" Questioned Chimchar as he and the rest of Team Pokepals looked towards the Sea Lion Pokemon whom quickly noticed their concern
"I'm fine, Nothing to worry about…" She said to them
"Well, If I recalled correctly… That Mountain is called Mt. Horn…. And it's a place Bug Types love in habit as well.." Brionne continued as she turned to Chimchar and Nemona before turning to Juliana. "And that means for you Juliana, You need to be careful here, Stick by Nemona and Chimchar's side whenever possible at least.
"No Problem Brionne," Said Juliana with a smile as no doubt while she's more used to her new Sprigatito body, She's far form ready to take on Bug Types on her own, As being a Pokemon is still vastly different form being a Trainer despite how easy Nemona has gotten with her Fuecoco body (Then again, Pokemon do love to battle a lot, So maybe Nemona's Natural love for Battles just happen to synergize well with her new Pokemon Form as well?)
"Well that settles it, Let's climb that Mountain N-" Said Nemona as she was ready to enter the Dungeon (Much to Arven and Penny's Dismay)…
*Growl…..*
..When A Sudden Growl escaped Bidoof's Belly as he blushed modestly.
"Sorry Guys, That was me…." Bidoof chuckled back as similar growling sounds were soon heard form the others.
"On Second thought, Why not we have Dinner First instead?" Said Juliana as Nemona turned to her friend, The Fuecoco blushing at this.
"We'll have better chances tomorrow morning at least…."
"Yeah, That works too…" Nemona admitted as Arven remained slient as Brionne was taking out some Apples form her Treasure Bag.
"Hey wait Brionne, I got an Idea…." Said the Son of Professor Sada to her as the Quaxly then took out some Mushrooms form Team Pokepal's Treasure Bag.
"How so?" Brionne questioned back to him as Arven turned to Juliana and Chimchar.
"Juliana, Chimchar, Mind lending me a hand?" He said to his Girlfriend and their teammate as Juliana smiled back to him.
"Eh sure, Why not?" Chimchar answered back as Arven smiled back to him, No doubt he never gotten the chance to do so due to Chimcheco being the Guild's Cook, but it's about time to cook.
"So what's up with Arven?" Piplup questioned as Juliana smiled back to him
"Well, you'll see!" She said as no doubt it's not sandwiches, but Arven's up to whip up a feast with what they do have with them right now.
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A few minutes later:
While he wasn't used to his hands being Wings, Arven was able to cook some of the Mushrooms and Berries they're able to find with Juliana's help (Nemona would for sure make more then a Fire if he asked her to help him with it) with cutting the Food up with Chimchar helping light their fire as well and setting up a sort of stove to cook the berries and Mushrooms.
Juliana admitted using her Claws feel very natural to her as she helped slashed the berries and mushrooms up while Arven realized being a water type, he doesn't have to worry about being burnt as badly as he thought.
The Couple were able to do tasks better as Pokemon much to their relief.
"This is Great Arven! We're getting better in our Pokemon Bodies!" Said Juliana as she smiled back to Arven whom did the same.
"Sure did Juli! I'm just happy I can cook again after so long without doing so…" He said as the two Pokemon briefly shared a kiss (That Chimchar fortunately never saw since it'll be awkward to explain to him even if he now knows they're a couple now)
With some Naci Salt and Smoliv Oil that he gotten the Day Before the Expedition (Which was on sale at the Kecleon market), Arven was able to make some Grilled Berries and Mushrooms which the Group soon ate for Dinner as he, Juliana and Chimchar served them.
"By Jolly, These are Delicious!" Said Bidoof as he finished off his meal. "I Never knew you can do that with Berries and Mushrooms!"
"Well Chimecho's Cooking is good, But this is just as great as her's!" Said Brionne as Piplup and Chimchar finished their share as well.
"Well Arven! You food is great as always!" Said Nemona with a smile as she ate her share already, Her Fuecoco body no doubt helping with that as well.
"It's no sandwiches, But they're good…." Penny added on with a smile towards Arven as Juliana smiled back to him while slowly eating her berries and mushrooms as well.
"Thanks guys…" Said Arven as the Quaxly smiled back to them, Blushing as Juliana gave him a small snuggle form this, The Couple showing their affections much to Brionne's amusement as well.
"So, Now that we eaten, Shall we get ready to sleep?" Piplup questioned as Nemona just shrug a bit.
"Well, How about some stories before we call it the night?" She questioned back to her Guildmates and friends.
"Well it won't hurt…." Said Brionne with a shrug.
"Yup, Yup! I'm got a lot of stuff to tell at least!" Said Bidoof as he smiled back to the Team of One Pokemon and Five Human turned Pokemon.
"Plus, Let's just say our first days of the Guild can be chaotic to say the least…"Admitted Brionne with a smile at the past.
Brionne and Bidoof soon explained some of the Stuff that occurred before Team Pokepals joined the Guild form Brionne's intial days as the Medic of the Team to Bidoof's Various errands as well as the time the rest of the Guild saved him form being robbed by a Rouge Expedition Team named Team Rouge and eventually encountering Jirachi whom he wished for a buddy after deciding not to ask his original wish of becoming a great explorer.
"Well, I suppose that make sense why you're so eager about us…" Juliana admitted with a tone of Surprise at Bidoof's words when he ended his story
"Yup Yup! Being the newest apprentice was nerve wrecking to say the least!" The Bidoof admitted with a chuckle of joy. "I was so happy to see new apperentices I can be friends with as well!"
"Even with Cyclizar and Bisharp as fellow Apprentices around, I never feel like I can be friends with them but you guys are like a dream come true for me!" He continued as he turned to Team Pokepals.
"So what about you guys? What stories do you guys have?" He questioned as Juliana, Arven and Penny looked back to Nemona before turning back to the Bever Pokemon and Brionne
"Well remember the Waterfall Cave Expedition the other day?" Said Penny as the Two Guildmembers nodded back in agreement.
"Let's just say we learnt something odd about Nemona there at least…." Arven Admitted as he let out a sigh at this.
"And it involves Grimy food as well…" Juliana continued, as she began to explain an interesting tale of what happened during Team Pokepal's First official Expedition….
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During the Waterfall Cave Expedition:
"Man these guys keep coming!" Said Arven as the Quaxly swiped an Aerial Ace attack with his wings on a Lotad.
"I agree! We may run out of Oran Berries and Heal Seeds at this Rate!" Said Penny as she fired another Shadow Ball form her mouth at a Pack of Surskits as Juliana fired some Bullet Seeds form her Mouth as well.
"Don't give up Guys! We can do it!" She said as Juliana then shifted to swarming her Foes with Leafage, Blinding the Barboaches nearby with it.
"Well it's easier said then done but sure!" Said Chimchar whom just emerged form the Ground via Dig and Slammed his claws onto a nearby Grimer, Knocking it aside.
Meanwhile, Piplup was fighting Tangelas with Brick Break and Peck, Unaware of them was ready to toss a strange Pile of 'Food' at him.
"Piplup duck!" Said Chimchar as he quickly lunged towards his Friend, Knocking him away in time before the Grimy food could hit him…
Unfortunately, this may turn out to be a bad idea as Nemona just blasted a Whiscash aside with Disarming Voice, the Human turned Fuecoco barely able to get away as the Grimy food was heading straight to her mouth.
'Oh No… OH NO!' Said Arven mentally to himself as fear crept up to him, Juliana and Penny as they saw the Purple Sludge of 'Food' already heading straight for Nemona's Mouth.
Flashes of a Strange Pink Pokemon and Toxic Purple Mochi being fired by it entered their mind when they saw the sludge flying towards Nemona whom wasn't able to react in time to close her mouth or dodge it in time.
"Oh no…." Was the only thing on Juliana, Arven and Penny could utter with a tone of dread (As well as the Concern of Piplup and Chimchar's Faces) as the poison pile of sludge soon fell into Nemona's Mouth, The Human turned Fuecoco already degesting it as they looked in horror at this.
Nemona's Eyes widen as she ate the Grimy Food, her mind quickly shifiting focus form other things as her body started to shake violently as well….
TO PURELY FIGHTING THE OPPPOSING POKEMON AHEAD OF THEM.
"LET'S DO THIS!" Roared Nemona as started to blast her foes with Flamethrowers, Snarls, Disarming Voices and Stomping Tantrums as the Fuecoco was
Nemona herself is known to be married to battles when she was a human (To the Point of being Alsexual towards romance as well)
"Ok, What just happened?"Chimchar admitted in Shock as he and Piplup can only react in stunned silence at Nemona's Little Frenzy, The Champion Ranked Student turned Fuecoco still continuing her Attack as she unintentional burst down several walls of the Mystery Dungeon, No doubt most of her foes already knocked out in her rush to attack them…
To the Point she even broke down some walls as well of the Dungeon just to find more foes to battle as well.
"It's a Long Story Chimchar…." Said Juliana as she felt a sense of relief that the Grimy food like a certain Mochi, Seemed to not effect Nemona at least (Or if it did, Didn't cause what she feared would happen) as Arven rushed up to her with some degree of relief present in his and Penny's eyes that Nemona's likely still herself as well.
"But we should get her before she caused more problems at least…." Said Arven as he rushed to his Girlfriend. "Let's hurry and get her before she gets herself in trouble!"
"No need to say things twice Arven!" Penny added on as She and the Paldean Couple of Juliana and Arven soon followed suit after Nemona, Much to Piplup and Chimchar's surprise before the Former broke the ice.
"Let's go!" Said Piplup as the Former Human turned Penguin Pokemon quickly followed his fellow Human turned Pokemon as Chimchar soon followed behind Arven and Penny as well form this.
Unaware that Nemona may have helped make things easier to find what they're about to discover as well….
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"Wait Really?" Brionne questioned as she and Bidoof looked back in Shock at this turn of events, As Nemona simply shrug back to her.
"You have eaten Grimy food Nemona, And you DIDN'T SUFFER ANYTHING NEGATIVE AS WELL?" She questioned in shock at this as no doubt Grimy food is often a last resort item for exploration teams in long dungeon, which does more harm then good when eaten, So hearing a Pokemon that managed to eaten Grimy food and just felt an increase surge of Adrenaline is unheard of for her.
"Well, I have an Iron stomach at least… I Can eat most things and not get poisoned or go sick form them…." Answered the Fuecoco with a shrug as she recalled the time when she ate strange Mochi and the only thing she suffered form was just an increased desire to battle, No possession or anything strange whatsoever for her at least.
"It helped save our hides before once to say the least…" Said Juliana as she banished the memories of said event as while Nemona's Iron Stomach may have spared her form what happened to Arven and Penny, She and the Latter two would rather never ever want to think of that moment for as long as they could (With Arven and Penny swearing to never eat Mochi ever again afterwards)
"But we rather not talk about it…." Finished Juliana as Piplup took over,
"And that's how we found the Giant Jewel we tried to pull out, only for it to eventually flood the area and send us to the Hot Springs where Mr. Torkoal is at as well…" Said the Human turned Piplup as
"By Jolly, That sounds crazy!" Said Bidoof as he was shocked by this, unable to think of anything else to say about how Nemona was able to eat Grimy food and not feel sick the moment the pile of sludge was in her belly.
"Either way, I Rather you try not to eat Grimy food as much as Possible despite this Nemona…." Said Brionne with a sigh, "Sunflora and I already dealt with Loudred many times when he was reckless in dungeons, I don't want to deal with you about this ok?"
"Eh, Sure…." Said Nemona as the Sea Lion Pokemon felt a sense of relief form this.
"Shall we continue?" Said Chimchar as the others did so as well, Telling Stories as they ate their meal.
The Conversations soon continued as the Group of Eight soon decided to call it the Night as they fell asleep,
Soon ready to scale the Mountain to reach where the Rest of the Guild was as well…
Where the Mystery of Fogbound Lake is larger then they thought….
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*Yeah, For those whom seen the PMD Retold Series (Basically an Series of Videos of Explorers's Story with more scenes to flesh out the Cast even more), I'll be adding nods to it in the Paldean Explorers-verse as well
I won't spoil the scene however but all I can say is that scene may make Chatot less of a Jerk at least.
Here's the Link to it: www. youtube watch?v=vw4YG-bCrtY&t=1119s
Author's Note:
Yeah, This Chapter has some stuff I'm Explain:
The Brionne In this Chapter: First off, The Brionne with the Group is an OC Addition I made for the Wigglytuff Guild,
She's their Nurse/Doctor to say the least, Healing any Wounds of any of the Rescued Pokemon that needed help during rescue missions.
Basically, Juliana, Arven and Nemona (Who got turned into a Sprigatito, Quaxly and Fuecoco for the Paldean Explorers-Verse) won't be the Only Post Gen 4 Pokemon in the Paldean Explorers-Verse at least!
I'll try to avoid adding so many New Pokemon at least for the Paldean Explorers-Verse at least, But the General Idea is that Most of the Species form the original Explorer Games would be kept the same as they are, But only a few Pokemon whom species would be altered for this Story however but those would be at best Minor Characters so don't worry about it.
The other Two Members are a Cyclizar and Bisharp if you're wondering (Bisharp Is basically an Idea I had with Wigglytuff's beliefs of no Pokemon being Truly Evil (Save for the Darkrai in Explorers as well as both the Malamars in the Anime and Peacharunt) so let's just say Bisharp's inclusion is going to be an interesting one at least as well)
That Said, I do plan for at least Three OC Teams for the Big Paldean Explorers Fic at least, So there's that.
(Their focus would mostly likely be moreso for the Post Game/Darkrai Saga of Paldean Explorers but they'll be introduced in the Main Story/Primal Dialga Saga however)
Nemona's Strange Reaction to Grimy Food as shown during the Waterfall Cave Flashback: Well, To Allude to Nemona's Iron Stomach in my Stories, I decided to include some side effect that things that would normally posion others just give her an Intense Sugar Rush (Don't worry, I won't Flanderize Nemona's Entire Character to be about her Iron Stomach however but do expect her to have a weird sense of taste in my stories however)
Let's just say the Paldea Explorers-Verse is connected to a One Shot Story of mine as well, (Now Those whom Read said One Shot should now that the gag of Nemona's Iron Stomach originated form there also gave her a Sugar Rush there but that's all I'm saying about it), But rest assured save for the Gag, Reading that story isn't completely needed to understand this one (And by extension the Full Paldean Explorers once Mermaid Legends is done)
Likewise, I make sure the Running Gag isn't used too often as well for those whom aren't a fan of them.
Similarly, Let's just say Nemona in my fics has Yor's (From Spy X Family) Posion Immunity at least for my Fics when it comes to eating things at least, So she got only the Benefits form the Grimly food
(And Yes, There's actually an IQ Skill called Survivalist that negates the effects of Grimy Food in the Canon Explorers Games, So if this was a Game, Nemona would actually have this IQ Skill as well by default)
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Now for what this Chapter represents:
Like how Nemona's Chapter is focused on Battling and TMs (Again, Nemona's still operating like she's a Trainer so TMs for herself and the other would be on her mind), Arven's Chapter is not only about his Cooking but also some stories with the Group plus Bidoof and Brionne as well.
Plus since they're a Couple in this Story, Juliana also helped Arven out with the Cooking as well.
It's not much for this chapter but I do hope you enjoy it at least…
Next time for Penny's Chapter, Let's just say it's a topic I'm sure many of us would know resonate with her, a lot….
Especially with three Bullies we really hate as well *Cough* Team Skull *Cough*…
Still, Chimchar would also be the focus as well for Penny's Chapter so there's that!
But For now, That's all for this Chapter folks!
Next Chapter would be back to Mermaid Legends of Paldea so stay tune for that! ;)
Take Care, Stay Safe, Watch your Health and See Ya! ;)
-MegaSalamence64