Posted June 5th, 2024
Chapter Summary
Libra and A continue onward in search for Rosario, Hatchet, and potential mana artifacts.
But will what they find be worth it in the end, when the guilty will be punished?
Libra Lucario's POV
'High atop Needlemaw Peak, destiny called me to the belly of an ancient cave . Not just me, but the Frogadier by my side, A. I cant believe a Mana Temple before us: in all its grandeur, our League and others had searched far and wide across the Continent. One possibly built by my ancestors hundreds of years ago, and where 'the Master' awaited.'
'To be granted the privilege to set foot into such a holy place as a Sentinel, to fix the mistakes of Keepers was amazing. A was also allowed in, and even more fantastic somehow we evolved again just to handle Wicked Blow.'
'But I was worried about the voices from the mosque. Perhaps directly from the minarets where prayer was once called long ago, told us it was our duty. One that others failed. Some paid the price, in blood.'
Dear Aquarius of waters blue, what have we found ourselves in?
I opened my eyes from my prayer and stared at the obsidian black doors before us. We really could go inside for a first hand account of what lies inside a Mana Temple. A glanced up and down the structure before he returned his gaze to me. It was great to see him as a Frogadier again but we had more pressing matters.
"Let's go," I said.
He nodded. "We still gotta be careful."
With bated breath, I took my first steps into the Mana Temple. This mosque was huge on the outside and impressively massive on the inside. My eyes widened as I approached the red, black, silver, and yellow shards of painted ceramic of the Groudon mosaic. It was Primal Groudon, holy Taurus beneath. Beside it rested the green, and black shimmering markings of Zygarde. This artwork was gorgeous up close, every glimmering hue, and color on display.
Curious, on the dark beige walls behind were engravings in the shape of cobblings, bits of ore. Along the edges were patterns that reminded me of mountains and valleys, with muddy brown cave symbols every so often.
But we weren't here to gaze at the mosaic and other beautiful furnishings of the Mana Temple. We had a job to do.
A dull, dreadful aura crept over my whole body. From the eastern side of the doors. My nostrils picked up a faint, worrying scent. Carefully, I sniffed the air and took a few cautioned steps closer to the source. A followed, his webbed feet subtly squelching on the dry dusty tile.
We didn't have to look far for the source, as the two of us made it to a darker corner of the mosque. Even if it was strange, the messages… No, the warnings from the voices were true.
The price of blood was real.
My stomach lurched at the sight and scent of blue and green blood, still fresh as it painted the floor of a nearly empty room of the Mana Temple.
Empty except the four Pokémon that laid in a heap. No… Their corpses laid in a heap.
"Water's above." Turning away, I bit down on my paw to avoid vomiting and stumbled backward. It's been a while since death met with me, and I wasn't ready to meet it again.
The Frogadier behind me fell to his knees. A wasn't prepared either. Who could be? "No," his dampened voice warbled. "Say it isn't so Lord. Tides be upon their souls."
My heartbeat droned in my chest as I gathered the strength to glance at the bodies. A Joltik, a Dewpider, a Dwebble, and a Tarountula. White and black stripes on their scarves, with those two dark claws marks.
"Even those in Wicked Blow don't deserve death in such a place," A cried as he clutched his side.
What was sanctity when tainted by death? I held my tongue and gave them one last look over. Three massive puncture wounds pierced through each of their bodies. Clean and precise. If one could call a killing 'clean'.
As my eyes scanned the decorated walls around us the mosque rumbled. Once again, a bright yellow static crackled throughout the area, the aura of the powerful Pokémon even stronger than before. I shivered as the electricity finally finished its course and placed a paw on A-chan. That same Thunderclap.
If I shivered, A practically shook, his limbs trembling and eyes wide. The Frogadier grabbed my arm and sorta dragged me out of the room. Well, more like guided my steps. "Going," he explained in a weak voice. "Away."
"We have to find the status of the possible elemental key and lock of mana… Even if it's scary," I reminded him, my voice wavering with each word.
A blinked as we made toward the entrance of the Mana Temple. "Libra, you still aren't good at this."
"Good at what?"
"Keeping me calm."
On the left were a pair of sandy foot steps. We needed to go. "Here," I said and held up A's hand, I placed it in between my ears.
He patted my head and gradually stopped shaking. The Frogadier kept his webbed hand up there for a moment, his eyes locked on the path before us. "Fur is so therapeutic for us scaled-mon."
I grinned and wagged my tail for a bit. "Any mon who says they don't like head pats, is wrong."
"Anyway, we totally got this." A brought his hands to his scarf and triangular Gold-rank badge.
I traced my badge too. "Yep." There was a large room ahead. We took a couple of steps along the tiled floor, and I noticed smaller, more pointed footsteps also full of sand. The mosque wasn't some place to track dirt and debris through for crying out loud.
A and I wiped a bit of the sand on our feet onto a plain straw rug and hurried into the next room. Before us stood a massive set of sandy brick stairs, there was a portion that had smaller steps and then a different portion that had a slope. Each led up to a rest point, and connected to another set of stairs that led further up the Mana Temple.
I peered at the trailing ceiling above as I made the first move. The second my paw pads touched the brick stairs a jolt barreled through my whole being."You know how I said we got this?"
The Frogadier also held onto the side of the stairs. "Yeah."
"Well," I said as I took another step. "I'm sorry for lying."
"Lying!?"
I gripped onto the railing and stared at the next steps, my eyes wide. Small teal sparks trickled down the bricks and the second they stopped my heart once again sank into my chest. White lightning, no yellow lightning flashed before us, not a figment of my anxiety riddled mind but in the physical realm.
"Come on!" A called and pulled me up the stairs. I followed him step by step all the way toward the top. We stopped just before we could see the ground of the second floor. A shiver went through my spine once again.
This power belonged to a Pokémon. One with an extraordinary aura. A Myth or Legend.
While I stood locked with some sort of paralysis the stairs rumbled. Claws clattered gently on the path before us one step at a time. Who could it be?
One called a 'Master' by the Mana Temple voices.
A massive yellow paw graced the ground ahead, and then another. Before I or A managed to take a step back the Pokémon who's aura we felt finally was in view.
Zeraora. Not a small white one like Xuě, but the large yellow one; Master Zeraora.
"Greetings," their slightly deep, yet light voice called. "I sent my power as a message to come get you. I am certain both of you would recognize it."
The Zeraora's whiskers twitched as I glanced towards A.
Aura from all those years ago, even fiercer. They stood just above my new Lucario height, even taller thanks to the steps; firm lean muscles bound with energy and impossible strength. Holy Capricorn, such power. Water dripped out of the Frogadier's mouth while metal, probably tin and steel built up in my maw and arms. That's new. "Master Zeraora?" I asked.
"Do you wish to come up here?" Master Zeraora asked, tone deepening.
"Master Zeraora you're here?" I gasped before I sank to my knees.
A lowered himself down too. "It's really you, here in this Mana Temple?
They held their arms behind their back. "Yes, try not to be too frightened. I am not here to punish you, I am here to reward you and congratulate you."
I lifted my head as my ears perked up. "You are?" I asked.
"Why of course." Master Zeraora grinned. "For discovering your true calling as Guardians by venturing into this place."
"You want us to come up there?"
"There is an elemental key and lock of mana that is waiting for your proper eyes."
"I beg your pardon!?" My eyes shot open.
A pushed my shoulders back and forth. "Did you hear that Libra? It's actually here!"
"We're going to see it," I cheered, "maybe even secure it under League protection ourselves!"
The Zeraora before us cleared their throat and stepped to the side of the stairwell, an invitation to arise. "Well we can discuss your new status, and the mana artifacts as well, all you have to do is come up the stairs."
"Aquarius of Waters true, thank you for this splash of blessings and great fortune." I bowed.
A finished off the prayer. "May your waves inspire us all."
I took a glance down the stairs. Should we bring up the Wicked Blow Pokémon? "Excuse me-"
Master Zeraora tapped a claw as they gave us a bit more room. We gotta move.
"Okay let's do it."
We clambered up the final steps and made it to the second floor of the mosque. In the center of the room sat a small lectern. Up here was another mosaic, three of them all depicting Zodiac Taurus; this time there were Landorus designs along with the others. What a shame, the other half of Zodiac Taurus weren't represented here, rock-type Legendaries or Myths.
Further in the back I and A felt two faint auras. Before we got to check out more of the room. Master Zeraora snapped their claws. "In the presence of an elemental key and lock of mana, you truly have done your part as Guardians," they said, a soft smile on their maw.
"It's here!?" I nearly shouted. Where? I scanned left and right but didn't see it.
A stuffed his hand into his mouth to not yell. "Right in this room?!"
Master Zeraora nodded. "Yes, you two are Sentinels gifted with the ability to venture inside Mana Temples for this very reason. To protect one of the most sacred mana artifacts of all time."
"To protect them? Is that why we got like this?" A gestured at his new Frogadier body.
"It is a shame you and many others with dormant blood of the five Continents on the Celestial Hemisphere suffered such a fate," Master Zeraora explained. "Devolution is a cruel punishment, hatching in the Water Continent of the Terrestrial Hemisphere is not a valid crime. Especially since you decided to come back unwittingly, not to forsake the land."
I traced my chest spike and held out my paws. "And now?"
They spread out their claws, and a flicker of sparkling dust spiraled into their grasp. "The properties of the Mana Temple allow you to take in mana undisturbed from the Disruption and evolve once again. Although I am actually unsure how."
"What is the type of the elemental key and lock of mana here Master Zeraora?" I asked.
"Both are electricity."
"Really?" the Frogadier clapped his hands. "Then that means Rosario could have fixed it!"
"But this whole Mana Temple isn't Zodiac Capricorn themed at all." I rubbed my neck.
"Hmm?" Master Zeraora's whiskers twitched.
"Er, Electrical Legendaries and Mythicals, Capricorn is how we call them from the Water Continent Master Zeraora," A rambled. "Our names are Libra and Aquarius, of Team Blue Heroes, please forgive us for being so religious to others of honor!"
"Ah yes, the Zodiac naming culture. It is alright. How fitting that I was the Myth to find it here, in this Mana Temple dedicated to the earth and all ground energy."
"Ground…" I started, my eyes wide. "Just like the soaked ground that reflected your power all those years ago."
"You shall have to be specific to jog my thousand year memory, I am a tad seasoned."
The Frogadier rubbed his arms with a shudder. "Just like when we rescued Young Master Xuě."
Master Zeraora closed their eyes and whispered something to themself before they opened them. "I do not believe I saw you at that time. I have been more vigilant ever since, especially here in this Mystery Dungeon."
Oh right! "Have you seen a strange Pikachu with teal eyes and grey fur on their head?" I asked.
"Or an Axew with dark green stripes?" A added. "We got separated from them in Brittlesand Sierra and don't know where those two are."
Master Zeraora waggled a finger before they responded. "Before I give you an answer, I know they came into contact with those who have paid the price. I felt their energy." All grew silent for a moment, Master Zeraora ran a claw through their fur before they sniffed. "The voices of the Mana Temple mentioned the price of blood, correct?" they questioned, eyes narrowing slowly.
"Yes Master Zeraora," we replied.
"Well, I was one who brought this upon the land," they grumbled. "My justice."
Those who had paid the price? "Wait, Master Zeraora, what is your justice?" I gasped.
"Justice?" the Frogadier echoed, his orange eyes widening. "They were the one?"
They sighed softly, their brow furrowing slightly. "I did what I had to."
"You did?" A asked.
Master Zeraora crossed their arms as a crackle of electricity came off them into the air. "The guilty will be punished," they said, gaze firm.
"You really did that?" I questioned, and glanced at their claws. Those same claws…
"I asked them if they would leave Wicked Blow in order to tread the right path as Keepers," they answered. "And the four gave unsatisfactory answers."
"So you just did that."
Master Zeraora gritted their teeth, fangs gleaming."Being in Wicked Blow for any amount of time is the same as wanting a permanent Disruption. To aim to commit such actions in front of me, as a Myth under oath is to forfeit your life. You are lucky the ones you mentioned were not the same… Still foolish enough to punish."
"Master Zeraora…" I held my stomach as my tail curled between my legs. "You killed those four Pokémon."
"Of course, I gave them a choice," they said. "To repent or suffer the consequences. Unholy Pokémon of Wicked Blow, tarnishing the name of Single Strike Urshifu's technique. Bringers of the Disruption. I am not soft like you in the League or in the Sentinels Union."
A fidgeted, his gaze almost on the floor before he spoke. "I know they've probably done awful things, but they could have been rehabilitated."
"Do you know what the Pokémon of Wicked Blow nearly did?" Master Zeraora growled out the question, their roar shaking the room. "What these Pokémon could have done if I had not come here? Did you know what they were going to do?!"
"No?" I whimpered, my ears flattened. "Was the key of mana already unlocked?"
"What were they going to do?" A added in a borderline mumble.
"These Pokémon of Wicked Blow were going to further harm your companions here." They pointed to the side of the room.
There, low near a corner, lay Hatchet and Rosario. For a second my heart once again froze. What happened? By Kyrogre's Rings. But the Axew and Pikachu's chests slowly rose and fell, they were just knocked unconscious. Kyorge's Rings held firm. Still a small bit of blood stained their fur and scales. The same strong Aura of Master Zeraora was on their bodies, seeping out the incapacitating wounds.
Master Zeraora wiped their eyes before they spoke. "Wicked Blow was going to use the Pikachu and Axew's Ether Gem to do what they almost did."
"What did Hatchet and Rosario almost do?" My query came out soft… I believed in them but they still failed?
They poked out their claws. "That Pikachu almost changed the Gears of Mana inside both the elemental key and the lock of electricity."
"What!?" A-chan yelped.
"We told them the exact steps on how to secure the electric key and lock for Lugia's sake!" I groaned.
"After that, those in Wicked Blow were going to take that elemental key of electricity and unlock that Joltik," Master Zeraora sighed. "Joltik was a Keeper, so they'd stay unlocked unlike you Sentinels. What do you think would happen to you and the others of this land?"
A raised his hand to answer. "We'd suffer major setbacks in the Disruptions Rehabilitation, more bloodshed, and havoc."
Eyes narrow, they growled. "And much more, because of those Ether Gems ending up in the wrong grasp. These are pure collections of mana, which slept inside hidden Ether Shrines far into or above the earth. Ether Gems are used for a variety of Mana Artifacts. You need a Slate of the Forgotten, contact with an Ether Gem or an abundance of power, such as mine to reach an Ether Shrine."
"That's right!" I shouted, before I lowered my voice. "My apologies, Hatchet and Rosario do have two Ether Gems."
"What were they going to do with the gems?" the Frogadier asked, and ran a hand in his bubbles.
Master Zeraora took in a breath. "They were about to temporarily ruin the elemental lock and key of electricity, making it more difficult for us to solve this Disruption. That cannot be allowed, so as the ones deemed guilty, they were punished."
"I understand," I sighed. I still don't understand why they had to be so violent. But what can I say, I knocked out Wicked Blow Pokémon today with only a few questions asked. Am I really much better? Though the Rescue Team Federation is coming to collect them, alive.
Master Zeraora nodded. "It is regrettable that that happened."
"Thank you for sparing Rosario and Hatchet," A sighed.
"You may revive these two," they said before they let out a breath. "I wish to speak with them and unfortunately I do not have any Reviver Seeds on my person."
"Understood Master Zeraora," we replied.
Master Zeraora softened up and looked at us. "I never got the chance to say it before, but thank you. You and your other companions, who are also special mind you- saved Young Master Zeraora. My child… My daughter Xuě."
Special huh? Team Sharp Claw were called Fangs of the Fallen I suppose. I've heard about those three with the black testing swords just once, and it was alright. We can't celebrate without them being mentioned, I guess. "Your welcome, it was an honor," I replied as I bowed at the waist.
A also bowed. "Many thanks, we had such an incredible experience." The Frogadier crouched to the ground and pulled our Rescue Team bag open. I dropped down to stretch while he searched for the Reviver Seeds. I stood back up just as A held out the two yellow-beige seeds, spirals of green healing energy strong underneath the shells. Forcing me to waste such precious items and for what? These two are worse than the Team Sharp Claw from five years ago and then some. Can't trust Keepers to do anything.
We walked over to Hatchet and Rosario, and I grimaced as I stepped into something that didn't belong on the floor. For their sake I won't mention it. My only sympathy. Nevertheless I crushed the Reviver Seeds into the mouth of Hatchet and then Rosario.
Slowly the Axew and the Pikachu stirred awake from their slumber and I stepped away, nearly crashing into A. The Frogadier squealed as my paw stamped on his foot. "Libra!"
"Sorry." I tapped his shoulder.
With a cough, Rosario's dark teal eyes fluttered open while Hatchet sat himself upright.
"Hey guys," I said.
A held a hand over the two Pokemon's shoulders. "We finally caught up. Are you okay?"
"What?" the Axew flinched. He staggered upright and fell against the wall for a moment.
The Pikachu beside him also moved away, only to stumble on the floor. "Who are you?"
"It's me, Libra," I explained and held out my striped League scarf and Gold-rank badge.
"And how could you guys forget me?" the Frogadier practically shoved his scarf and badge into Rosario and Hatchet's faces.
Quick as the wind, I grabbed his arm and yanked it away. "You don't have to do that-"
"Aquarius?" Rosario gasped.
A groaned and backed away. "To you not quite." He fiddled with his bubbles before he pouted. "Eh whatever, yes we're here and well, we evolved."
Hatchet glanced over us and cowered down. "I can't believe it."
"What do you mean?" the Pikachu crossed their arms with a laugh. "Libra and Aqua -er A, were supposed to be this way; a Lucario and a Frogadier."
I cleared my throat. "That's not important right now. You two got knocked out by Master Zeraora."
"You are in my very presence at this moment," Master Zeraora said as they finally approached.
Borderline whimpering messes, Hatchet and Rosario shrunk even further against the wall.
"I'm disappointed in you guys," A put, his voice lowering. "How hard was it to follow some fucking directions!?"
The Pikachu opened their mouth but I held my paw in front of them. "No, I don't wanna hear anything. You're Keepers," I growled. "Rosario, all you had to do was secure the key and lock of mana that was right in your paws."
"Hatchet, if you didn't know, you could have locked it back too!" the Frogadier shoved the Axew. "All Keepers can secure the keys and locks, it only has to be the same type of Pokémon and elemental key of mana for unlocking someone."
I bit back a snarl before I spoke. "You point the key at the lock! Not at the ceiling, not at the wall, and certainly not at yourself!"
A slammed his foot down when Hatchet scooted to the side. "We also knew you kept on going on about ferals and how you don't care about your Keeper responsibilities. When we go back to the League you are getting a referral."
Rosario and Hatchet's eyes widened. "How-"
"Silence!" I growled.
The Pikachu and the Axew jumped further against the wall, their aura spiraling.
"Master Zeraora didn't even have to tell us," I explained. "We just know; what other reason would make you behave in such ways?"
Out of nowhere, Master Zeraora placed a claw on my shoulder and I sighed. Almost scared the daylights outta me! They then pointed toward the stairs. "Unfortunately I did have the displeasure of hearing all of their complaints, so yes, the Lucario and the Frogadier are correct."
Rosario flinched while Hatchet fiddled with his claws.
"I shall give them the slightest credit, they protected the elemental key and lock from the clutches of Wicked Blow."
As their cheeks flushed the Pikachu's ears folded. "Only barely."
"Yes," Master Zeraora said. "I am aware you two only won this encounter because you had the slightly strengthened power of boosted moves at your disposal."
"They did?" The Frogadier questioned.
"This Pikachu and this Axew have been unlocked by a curious force, and a nefarious force."
A curious and a nefarious force? What does that mean? "So they were unlocked?" I gasped. "I had a feeling something was off about them."
"I knew ever since Flight and Talon, of the Sentinels Union mind you, told me," Rosario sighed and waved a paw. "On a whim the Noctuowl and Dartrix took me through an Ether Shrine, and we found these cyan and magenta Ether Gems."
"Fer Mew's sake, I can't be, I-" Hatchet clung onto his chest.
"Be quiet," I barked, my throat raw.
Slowly, Master Zeraora blinked. "Only unlocked Keepers would be this sensitive in the presence of a key and lock of mana, especially one that corresponds with their elemental typing."
A rubbed underneath his chin. "So that's why they freaked out even in the Mystery Dungeons below Needlemaw Peak."
Instead of always having something to say, Hatchet and Rosario nodded.
"Do not think that being unlocked is an excuse for your behavior," Master Zeraora roared. Their sky-blue eyes gleamed like daggers. "I have watched you from the moment you stepped onto clay colored soil, even before the Mystery Dungeons. Those with a firm heart and mind shall remain stalwart even with aggregates in their presence." Master Zeraora paused for a moment. "Interference was only necessary once this Pikachu nearly acted out ignorantly! In all Mana Artifacts there are Gears of Mana, and they can be changed with just the pathetic will of a Pokémon and an Ether Gem they barely deserve."
Barely deserve? They paused for a second, and slowly the air chilled bit by bit. In their left claw an object came into view. Small in their massive grasp, a yellow jagged lightning bolt shaped metallic key and a similarly designed lock. The elemental key and lock of electricity. Mana key and lock right before my eyes.
Master Zeraora snapped their claws and the Mana Artifacts disappeared from view. They slowly turned over to the side. "For such actions I should have slain you right where you stood!" Before I even blinked, both Hatchet and Rosario had three sharp claws, bristling with the might of a Myth pressing against their chests.
What in Volcanian's depths is going on?
"Help!" Rosario screamed, tears streaking down their face.
Hatchet wasn't much better, sobs wracked his body. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he pleaded.
Master Zeraora stood over them with both paws extended, each of their blade-like claws pressed into flesh and fur. Bright teal and yellow ripples of energy pulsed up and down their whole body, primed to strike.
This flood of aura pierced through my being and I dropped to the ground. Oppressive power overwhelmed my senses almost in full. "M-Master Zeraora please reconsider!" I begged, stumbling to rest on my knees.
"How shall I reevaluate this Pikachu and Axew?" they asked, their tone dripping in seething rage. "HOW?!"
A coughed as he staggered up to a knee as well. "Perhaps we could have the Chief of our League, McBone Stoutland, contact you in the following weeks Master Zeraora?"
They flickered an ear his way and scowled. "What shall I be receiving? Worthy enough to spare the ignorant, disrespectful, and asinine from my judgment?"
"A report of improvement, in the matters which displeased you the most. And continual advances in areas that you are satisfied in," I added, my tail lodged firm in between my legs. Holy Volcanian, waters rush.
Master Zeraora let out a deep breath as they peered the four of us over. "I believe trust was placed into your League once."
"I apologize deeply for their actions," I cried. "They haven't learned proper protocol under direction of our Chief and Coordinator."
"Especially in our short absence," A said. "These two have had some troubling experiences recently, please forgive them."
Their whiskers flickered as they slowly slouched. "I shall not give you a reminder of what happened, so I shall have to have frequent meetings and catch-ups with those who have eyes on you."
"Yes Master Zeraora," I replied, so quickly I almost bit my tongue.
As I flinched they smirked a tad bit. "Now do not believe this alone is adequate for such selfish actions: aiming to unlock oneself before securing the Mana Artifacts."
"What do you desire Master Zeraora?!" A gasped as their claws sparked.
Master Zeraora leaned away and folded their arms behind their back. "What do I desire?" they asked back. Perhaps not a question for us to answer, but for them.
Hatchet and Rosario, now free from their massive claws, collapsed forward into stifled bouts of coughing and wheezing.
"Are you okay?!" I cried before I rushed toward them. They trembled in my arms, catching their breath gradually.
Rosario wiped their eyes and hacked up a bit of phlegm. "By Kyreum's frost no, not really."
"No," Hatchet sobbed. "This's unbelievable."
"I was never going to kill this Pikachu and Axew," Master Zeraora sighed, and once again materialized the key and lock of mana.
A held on tight to the Axew and the Pikachu as they stood. "You weren't?" he gasped, before he added. "Master Zeraora?"
"No, by the will and oath of Leader Cresselia and Leader Darkrai I was sent to fearmonger good behavior among Keepers."
I tilted my head."The will of the Legendary Dream and Nightmare Leaders?"
"Chief McBone read a letter from them a few days ago, before we went to Scorpio Sands," A reminded.
Master Zeraora grumbled, their fangs glistening with static. "Of course trying to misuse the artifacts in front of me is a serious offense and these two must be punished."
"My apologies." I bowed at the waist once again.
They placed the lock of electricity on the floor and then slotted the key of electricity inside, but didn't turn it. "I shall set the Gears of Mana inside to 'Neutral', this is compared to the 'Futurist' it once was. Also compared to the dangerous state 'Primal', the Pikachu almost changed it to," they explained. "But not lock back this elemental key and lock of mana."
So those are the names of a few of the states the Gears of Mana can go to. Leader Magearna mentioned a possible fourth though? I guess they don't even know it.
Rosario let out a deep breath as their aura flickered for a moment. "Thank you."
State reset of the key and lock of mana alone, and they felt better? Incredible.
"Master Zeraora?'' The Frogadier held his scarf. "You are not going to reset all the unlocked electric-type Pokémon of this Hemisphere?"
"No."
"I don't know much about this land," Rosario ran a paw through their chest fur. "But I don't want to suffer through this 'unlocked status' anymore… Master Zeraora."
If being unlocked is a sin that caused the Disruption then what is the point? How can being unlocked help the League? I sighed. "Forcing these two and many others, on our side, and the ones against us in Wicked Blow or otherwise, to stay unlocked is unfair Master Zeraora."
"I have not asked for your opinion in this matter," they growled. "Mana Artifacts are under my jurisdiction."
My vision went blurry as I took a step back, paws out. I guess they partially blamed us for this. No, not us, but me. I'm always such a failure, even in front of a Myth of great power. "Master Zeraora, my apologies."
Hatchet took in a shuddering breath, "I understand Master Zeraora. Please continue."
"I believe you both can learn to control your unlocked powers, emotions, and sensitivities," Master Zeraora said as they softened their tone, but it still chilled me. "Be aware of your overwhelming Keeper elemental-type presence, but I feel that you may find yourself in a situation soon that lets you focus on something else."
Rosario held their paws together. "Just like trying to find my… My friends, I will try."
"Perhaps you two shall be able to succeed like that one said."
"That one Master Zeraora?" the Pikachu asked.
"I believe it is time for me to leave this Mana Temple and this Mystery Dungeon," Master Zeraora said and stepped away. "There is another exit over this way." Their claw tips pointed to the far corner of the mosque's inner prayer chamber, toward an ornate. laborate golden and silver doors, smaller than the set at the front of the Mana Temple.
Without another word, we gathered our bearings for a moment.
I flipped open one of our Adventure Guide books to a blank page. Then I filled it in with my charcoal pencil. 'Mana Temple, at the top of Needlemaw Peak Mystery Dungeon, Floor 4. One dedicated to Legendaries: Groudon, Zygarde, and Landorus. Artifact Status: Present, Elemental key and lock of mana, Type: electricity. Custody: Pokémon of Myth, Master Zeraora.'
A glanced it over and flashed me a thumbs up. I closed the notebook and placed it down into the team bag gently. A clapped his hands "Alrighty let's get out of here."
With the others trailing behind us we went towards the exit. Wonder when I'll see one of these places again. Hopefully soon it's my job as a Guardian to go there and help Keepers so it should be soon.
We all stepped out of the area and back and into the mountain.
"Once this Pikachu and Axew take down a Head Captain of Wicked Blow, and I receive a good word from your administrators and those you come in contact with, I will return with what I promised and much more," Master Zeraora said.
What a hefty promise.
"Will I be able to lock the key and lock of electricity myself Master Zeraora?" the Pikachu asked, their dark teal eyes sparkling.
"By will of Leader Cresselia, Leader Darkrai, and Lady Arceus mayhaps," they replied.
Lady Arceus? "Thank you Master Zeraora," we said, Rosario and Hatchet even bowed this time.
"Let's really go," A added.
Once we finally stepped into Needlemaw Peak's sandy floor it happened in an instant. I fell a little, tumbling in my stride quickly. I glanced down to my arms and found two tiny spikes. "What? What just happened?"
"We're down again," A remarked, in a higher more familiar- No, no, nonononono!
I gasped as my heart raced. Before us a dull yellow wave of energy pulsed toward the earth. My eyes widened as I glanced toward the floor. I was a Riolu once again and A was back to being a Froakie. "You cannot be for real!" I screamed.
Hatchet sighed as he glanced up over us. "Oh wow, y'all don't get to be bigger anymore."
"Wow what a shame," Rosario shook their head. "That sucks."
"Why yes," Master Zeraora held a claw back toward the sealed cavern. The Mana Temple was gone from view. Guess it's only one way in. "Unfortunately you two have devolved again."
"How?" A cried, and ran a hand over the new dark blue markings on his shoulders and neck. "I mean I feel stronger, and am still at Frogadier height but why?"
"You are no longer in the presence of a Mana Temple. Thus you are not performing your duty as Guardians."
"At least it didn't hurt," I laughed with a grimace. My muscles flexed with each breath I took, and I ran a paw on my new patch of yellow and black fur.
"Wait a minute," the Froakie below me gasped. In his hands held a longer, more cape-like collection of white bubbles. "Why didn't it hurt this time?"
"Because you have received your true power from the Mana Temple," Master Zeraora said, "it can now be activated once you enter another Mana Temple again, thus no pain upon returning." They then hurried ahead, into another room of the Mystery Dungeon.
Guess they got tired of us. "Yeah," I sighed as I played with my extra small new tassels. "We can't stay like this forever."
"Back to the League," A groaned. "We've got lengthy reports to do, no thanks to you two."
"Why are you acting like you're better than us?" Rosario asked, their half heart, half slanted tail twitching. "Like seriously, you care so much about all this Keeper stuff when you aren't even Keepers.
"That's just how League culture is," I explained. "We all care about recovering and researching the Mana Artifacts, just like how we care about fighting Wicked Blow."
A pointed to his badge. "The Disruption was caused by Sentinels and Keepers and important positions not doing their job," he then glared at Rosario. "But the most important part was caused by Keepers."
"And y'all are drilling that into us because?" The Axew crossed his arms.
"You two will join the League and will have work to do work on one of our Rescue Teams," I said. "You should be prepared to be held accountable for all of your actions."
"Yeah yeah I get it," Rosario groaned. "Flight and Talon told me that-" The Pikachu's eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute, now that I think about it, how did you know about them?"
"Uh… We've met before."
"But they're in the Sentinels Union. Also, why did you call me a pathetic human? I didn't even tell you."
"You have the dark grey pattern on yur fur," Hatchet called. "Just like Kobi does, it seems like all former humans do."
Shoot, Leader Cresselia and Leader Darkrai told us all about your pasts, but not how to pull this off. I grimaced before I gave my response."Sorry about that, really. You know how I said you don't have the right to judge me as a Sentinel? I don't really have the right to judge you as a Pokemon trainer either or as a human, even if you're a Pikachu now."
"Really?"
"Yes. I'm sorry for losing my temper earlier after that Monster House," I said, before I held out my paws. "I shouldn't have said that. Can you forgive me?"
"Sure, you didn't really answer the question though."
"I'll tell you later." I waved them off, my ears folding.
"What?!" they groveled. "But I need to know! You're Pokémon…"
Hatchet, A, and I gave them a glare.
The Pikachu gripped their arm tight. "I mean in a good way! Please work with me here!"
I just shook my head and trudged forward. "We have to leave Needlemaw Peak and get back to Bristberg."
"It won't exactly be easy," A groaned into his small arms, hopping more and more to keep up.
Hatchet nodded. "Fine with me. I'm tired and need some rest."
"Okay," Rosario droned.
They and Hatchet fell in line behind me as we ventured through the sandy hallways. I held us higher up the Mystery Dungeon, my paws sore against the hardening stone. Eventually we made it out Needlemaw Peak. The massive clay, orange colored mountain range finally bested. I can't believe it. Right here in the Electro Sun Mountains, the elemental key and lock of mana was hiding just behind those walls. Ones carefully constructed and hidden via the ancients. Up Twistbolt Foot, up Brittlesand Sierra, lodged right up inside Needlemaw Peak.
We continued through the slightly twisting open air mountain pathways, all the while it seemed like those two were a bit comfortable. Like they forgot that they got us in this mess in the first place. So comfortable in fact, the Pikachu whistled. A long, ear-shattering melody, so high-pitched it nearly drove me insane.
"That's really loud," I said and gently nudged Rosario.
The Pikachu hummed before they stopped. "Sorry, forgot about the hearing."
"How do you forget?" I sighed.
Hatchet chuckled, before he patted their shoulder. "Rosario just isn't used to being a Pokemon yet, they're acting just like Kobi when she first came here five years ago. Not a proper Domestic yet, little Stray."
"Excuse me?"
"Ay!" The Froakie pushed the Axew to the side. "Don't forget, I remember what you said about us. Hatchet."
"Sorry," Hatchet held his claws close to his tusks. "I really shouldn't have said all that stuff 'bout ferals."
"And about Strays," the Pikachu spat.
"The item shipments weren't even here in the first place. Billy- and, no. Billard and Clarence were wrong."
"You'd say all sorts of awful things on the hunch of that?" A yelled. "Do you even know the name of the Rescue Team you are supposed to be joining?"
"Got no clue… I just got a letter tellin' me ta come to the Bristberg League from a 'Committee' or else."
"It's Sharp Claw," I explained. "Do you know who's on that Rescue Team?"
The Axew counted on his claws before he shook his head. "No I do not."
"What do you think they would do if they saw you?" The Froakie asked.
"You know they are over there, working hard," I growled, as my ears flattened. "And you took away their chance to recover some Mana Artifacts."
"Well uh-"
The entire mountain side we were beside rumbled. It seemed especially brittle and I wasn't exactly sure what was happening.
"I don't know," Hatchet said and rubbed the back of his head. "I hope they won't be too mad."
"What about you Rosario?"
"I'm sorry," the Pikachu mumbled. "For my friends I need to do better, I just don't know and-" The rocks shook again, the strong rumbling from the outside.
"What is going on?" Mana rushed into my whole body, my eyes wide.
"The mountain's collapsing!" A shouted.
I pulled Rosario and Hatchet behind me as my tassels flared. Aura! "What?!"
Large pieces of stone scattered about fell around us. Light from outside the Mystery Dungeon, bathing us and its warm glow despite the setting sun. "How did this happen?" A called through the cloud of dust.
Slowly it parted and I noticed three oddly familiar auras. Pokémon did this. The source of it all, three small figures.
Once they caught sight of us, one pulled out a huge bladed object. The three pointed boomerang thing was massive, much taller than the three Pokémon.
Are they brigands? Aura flooded to my paws. "Who are you-"
"Wait a second!" Hatchet yelped as he pointed a claw forward.
It's still dusty! I grumbled as I stared at them closer. The three Pokémon had on gear; scarves, and bags. Could still be Wicked Blow.
"Hold it!" one of them shouted.
More of the dust cleared and I saw the three striped League scarves and badges on them. Light blue, dark green, and grey: Bristberg League! They were a Treecko, a Charmander and a Totodile. "These guys are Team Sharp Claw!?" I gasped and nearly fell over.
"Team Blue Heroes! Why are you guys here?" Linus shouted. "Hatchet?"
"Linus?" the Axew shot toward him, as fast as he could.
"Can't believe my freaking eyes!" The Totodile cheered. "Libra, A-san, you guys look a little different."
The Charmander shot out a jet of steam and they jumped up and down. "Isn't it crazy how we met you here?"
A laughed as he walked over to the three. "Yeah that's wild!"
"Why did you guys fall?" I asked.
The Treecko pried himself off his brother, with a smile. "This glaive kept on shakin' as we got closer to you all."
"And he bashed it into the wall to see if this was a shortcut," Glade laughed before she swiped it from his grasp. "I'll do it better next time!"
I tilted my head. "Shortcut?"
"Linus said that we should split up from the others to check it out," Nevada added.
"Oh my!" Master Zeraora's voice echoed out from the pathway before us.
Nevada flinched and held onto Linus. "Who?"
In a flash, Master Zeraora shot over behind us. I thought they'd left, holy Lugia! They approached Team Sharp Claw and held their claws towards the three bladed weapon lying on the floor. It had holes shaped like Ether Gems in its 'handles', how interesting. "You have one of the Mana Regalia!"
"Wait?" the Charmander gasped, as Glade held onto their arm. Linus grabbed their other claw.
"Is that Master Zeraora!?" The three yelled.
"Yes," they replied, ears low. "Greetings Fangs of the Fallen."
"You wish to speak with us?" I stepped in front of them.
"I will keep things brief." Master Zeraora nodded. You three are performing your duties as Sentinels very well. Thank you for your service in the Wei Region with my child."
Team Sharp Claw bowed their heads. "It was an honor Master Zeraora."
"Regardless, you have one of the Mana Regalia, which can help solve the Disruption by returning stolen mana to the land from unlocked Keepers, like this Pikachu and Axew."
Linus's eyes widened. "That's why the glaive was drawn to that Starmie on the way to New Withered Savannah and even here?"
"Hatchet and… Whoever that is, are freaking unlocked?!" Glade shouted.
"I'm not a 'whoever that is' you idiot!" Rosario shot back.
"Then who the voids are you-"
"Shut up!" I roared. The Totodile and the Pikachu were quiet as red fighting-type mana swirled around my fists. Even Master Zeraora went silent. "Oh." Warmth flushed my muzzle as my eyes gazed over their figure. "My apologies."
"Do not fret, however you and your League companions must complete my mission if you wish to secure this." They held up the key and lock of electricity. Still as beautiful as the first time I saw it, a real bonafide Mana Artifact. "Defeat a Head Captain of Wicked Blow and conduct proper behavior."
"There's an elemental key and lock of mana here?" Glade gasped.
Nevada's tail flame shot out as they shook her shoulders. "That means there's probably a Mana Temple too!"
Master Zeraora cleared their throat. "I believe I've seen all I need to."
"You have?" A asked, his orange eyes wide.
"Farewell." Master Zeraora clapped their claws and launched up through the hole in the mountain in a teal blur of light. Such speed! Just as fast as they came, they were gone.
"Farewell?" I waved. I glanced back to Team Sharp Claw. What was previously four of us was now seven. Was it right to get Wei Forest vibes now?
Linus tapped my arm."What happened in those Mystery Dungeons?"
"You can ask later," I groaned. "We need to go to Bristberg."
"Could some of our team do reconnaissance? We did some back in NW Savannah so we figured we could do some here too."
A sighed as Rosario and Hatchet fidgeted. "We don't have that much time, but if you hurry."
"Sure thang."
"Let me call Chief McBone, now that we're leaving. Got a lot to report." I rummaged through the team bag and pulled out a large blue ball. The Connection Orb would be much faster than my badge. And with Team Sharp Claw here, mentioning 'the others', time was of the essence. We've got quite the work to do, and we're not even close to finished.