The tent was surprisingly furnished for something put up in a few seconds. It had bunk beds, and two tiny chests for each team to put their items in. Chester excitedly hopped onto one of the top beds, kicking his feet and laying his arms behind his head. Row slowly waled over to the bed under him and sat on it.

"So... I guess we just get settled in?" Row gently patted the bed, feeling its middling level of softness.

"Fine by me." Fernand stretched his arms over his head as he walked over to the other bunk bed. Samuel was quick to rush over to claim the bed below, doing so by lying right on top of it with his arms crossed. The Tyrouge shrugged and climbed up to the top bed and sat over the edge.

"So what now?" Row asked to no one in particular, "Do we wait to be assigned somewhere?"

"I dunno, they seemed pretty tired." Chester said, waving his feet around slightly. "Let's just relax for now." A low sounding rumble emerged from his stomach. He blushed, removing his arms from behind his head to use them to cover it. "Heheh... excuse me." He said.

"Sounds like snack time, huh?" Row joked, reaching into his bag. He made sure to pack a couple of apples for the trip, as well as of course a few sweets for himself. "Want one of my apples?"

"I'm good," Chester replied as he pulled out an apple of his own, "I just hope I don't get sick of these." He chomped down on it, "Mmph, don't think I will though."

Fernand raised his hand, "I like to pack protein bars instead."

"I have more peppers." Samuel said.

"...More?" Row was incredulous.

After a few hours, the guild leaders finally awoke and called for a meeting. They all gathered around as Mister Messa began speaking.

"Alright," he began, "We've already decided on who will go where." He pointed to both Team Hero and Team Buster, "You four will go to the oasis." He then pointed to Team Trouble and Team Beauty, "You four go to the ruins."

"What about the cave?" Chester asked, raising his hand.

"Later." Messa continued, "Now remember, if you discover a Place of Power, immediately report back to us!"

"How will we know?" Row asked.

"You'll know." Messa replied ominously, but returned to a more upbeat tone. "Now everyone, move out!"

Chester quickly turned and began his fast march forwards. Row however was quick to grab hold onto his back, "We have to go with the others."

"Aww, I was gonna wait for you guys..." Chester pouted.

Samuel huffed, "I wouldn't have waited." He walked by the two with Fernand tailing behind.

"Yeah, but you have me so we're waiting." Fernand said, giving a thumbs up to the other two.

The trek to the oasis wasn't perilous, but certainly annoying with the hot sand still stinging their feet. Except for Samuel, who was taking the heated ground in stride. The polar opposite was Chester, who looked like his feet are seconds away from bursting into flames. It was a massive relief when they finally reached the oasis and its soft cool green grass.

The oasis in general seemed refreshing enough, with its tall thin trees and clear blue water. However the far more interesting point was a deep hole located in the far back of the oasis, with a natural staircase of dirt going down.

"A... cave?" Row peered down into the hole, unable to see within.

"I'm thinking underground watering hole." Chester knelt beside him and peered in as well.

"Oooo, I'd love to see one of those!" Fernand leaned forwards to stare into the hole.

Samuel pushed past all three of them, "Enough. We're wasting time." He stomped downwards, leaving the rest behind. Chester looked back at the others, rolled his eyes, and quickly followed him.

"Hey," Row turned to Fernand, "Does Samuel usually act so... abrasive?"

Fernand gently rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah, but-" He paused and looked down the hole, confirming that his friend was out of earshot. "He's been on edge ever since a few months ago. You know how Charcadets use big pieces of armor to evolve?" Row nodded. "Well he comes from a really big family of Armarouges, and apparently they're holding back his armor."

"Holding back? Why?" Row asked.

"He didn't say, but I think it's because they don't think he's ready for it."

"Ready?" Row shook his head. If there was anyone ready for a big suit of armor it was Samuel. Then a realization hit him, "Wait, did they mean ready in the attitude sense?"

Fernand sighed, "I've been trying to tell him that, but he won't listen. He joined up with the guild because he thinks if he gets to the top and gets..." He scratched his head again, but more forceful this time, "I dunno a medal or something, then they'll have to give him his armor." He sighed, his arms going limp, "So I just gotta... keep him on track. Even if it hurts me." He then stood upright and crossed his arms, "Alright, let's get going. Knowing Sam he's probably already three floors down."

"And knowing Chester he's close behind." Row chuckled as he began walking down...

UNDERGROUND WATER SPRING

1BF

The cave was blue. Very blue. Water trickled down the smooth walls and drained into the many cracks into the floor. The air itself felt like swimming through a pool, to the point Row felt his lungs hurt after taking a deep breath. And beyond the moist surroundings, there were a lot of knocked out Goldeen and Feebas lining the halls.

"Yup, Sam's been here." Fernand poked one of the unconscious Goldeen. "Guess all we gotta do is follow the mess."

The two walked through the aquatic halls, stepping into the big chambers and taking notice of the sheer amount of K'O'd Pokemon. Even some Rhemoraids were laid out with large lumps on their heads. They quickly walked down the stairs in the hopes of catching up with the fighters below.

3BF

Chester grabbed hold of a Feebas, who was still trying to use its body to slam right into him. With sheer force he hurled it into the ground, cracking it even further and knocking it out.

Samuel meanwhile, had two Qwilfish in his grasp and was slamming them together over and over before tossing them at an approaching Goldeen. All three wild Pokemon were out cold.

"Come on, you gotta be getting winded!" Chester playfully yelled as he dodged the charge of a Rhemoraid. "They're all water type and everything!"

Samuel huffed, "A minor inconvenience." A nearby Goldeen squirted a beam of water at him, causing him to flinch. In a rage, he dashed towards recklessly and launched the poor fish into the wall.

And while all this was going on, Row and Fernand watched from a nearby doorway. Their jaws dropped as they watched the brawl unfold. Row gently rubbed his forehead, "They're really going at it..."

"I've counted a dozen already. We gotta pull them back." Fernand took a deep breath, "Hey!"

The two fighters break their stances and turn to stare at the waiting two. "O-Oh hey Row!" Chester chuckled, "Sorry, got carried away! Sammy here-"

The Charcadet loudly sputtered, "Sammy?!" He paused, "Actually, I'll let you have that. You amuse me."

Chester grinned, "Sammy here was getting attacked by a whole bunch of wild Pokemon! I jumped in and we fought them all off!" He suddenly raised up his fists, "I was like-" He punched the air, "And he was like-" He made explosion sounds with his mouth.

"Ok the amusement has passed." Samuel placed a hand over the Chespin's mouth.

Fernand laughed, "Well at least you guys had fun. But we gotta go, don't want anyone to think we've gotten lost."

"Hmph, fair. Onwards." Samuel began walking out of the room and down the rocky hall. Fernand quickly ran to catch up to him, leaving Chester and Row with each other.

"...So how was Fernand?" Chester asked.

"He's fine. I can tell he has a lot to deal with Samuel." Row answered, staring at the knocked out Pokemon.

"Oh, like a little voice at the back of his head?" Chester pondered.

"A conscience." Row added.

"Yeah that!" Chester patted his friend on the back, "And you're like my conscience as well!"

Row let out a little chuckle. Being a little voice in the back of this Chespin's head sounded a lot better than the far more combative Charcadet.

"Come on Chester," Row said, "We gotta keep up with the others." He gave his friend a small smile, which Chester responded with an even bigger grin.

5BF

The four of them continued their trek down through the dungeon. Water Pokemon continued to swarm them, and they were quickly dealt with. Row managed to faint a good many of them with his thunder punch, which Samuel took notice of. He would take a few pauses to watch him fight, which made Row feel incredibly weird. He really should've said as much, but he kept it to himself. There were far more pressing matters anyways.

Like finally reaching the bottom...

9BF

The bottom of the dungeon revealed a massive pool of clear, glittery, shallow water in a very large chamber. The beautiful blue walls curved upwards and seemed to shimmer with tiny crystals. The ceiling was covered in stalactites that occasionally dripped water back down to the pool.

Chester and Row stared in awe at their surroundings. They ran to the center of the pool and just soaked in the sight. Chester took this opportunity to flop onto his back, letting the water soak into his grassy body. He let a satisfied sigh, "Now this is the life!"

"What, getting wet?" Samuel stepped up beside them, looking up at the ceiling. A drop of water hit the top of his head, making him growl.

"Aww don't be like that Sam!" Fernand bent down and splashed a little bit of the water, "I can see this being a nice vacation spot!"

*ROAR!*

All four of them went silent.

"...Please tell me that was one of your stomachs." Row asked, nervously shifting to a more ready stance.

"Nope." Chester replied, getting up by Row's side at the ready.

"Nuh uh." Fernand also replied, as he standed behind Samuel.

"Oh come now!" Samuel shouted, "Look up!"

Everyone collectively looked up, finally seeing the approaching threat. A large long shadow crept along the ceiling, swimming around the sharp rocks. Suddenly, it descended rapidly downwards causing everyone to scatter. It landed with a massive splash, sending water all over the chamber. When the water cleared, the figure was finally revealed:

A large Gyarados. One with glowing red eyes. It flicked its large long body around, continuing splashing around the water.

Row stared in shock. This was nothing like the weaker Pokemon that were encountered on the way here!

But before he could think any more, a loud battle cry came from Samuel. He quickly charged forwards recklessly and plowed right into the Gyarados. The large Pokemon roared in pain as it recoiled backwards. Samuel fell to the ground, water lapping up his legs and he gasped for air.

"Sam, don't!" Fernand yelled out, but his words were ignored as the Charcadet charged forwards again. The Gyarados dodged the charge, and responded with a watery charge of its own. Samuel let out a scream as the Gyarados made impact, sending him straight into the ground.

Fernand quickly went to his ally's side, "Sam!"

"I'm fi-" Sam suddenly yelped out in pain. The Gyarados let out a roar as it began approaching the downed Pokemon.

"Row!" Chester commanded, "I got an idea!" He gestured over to himself. Row quickly headed over to him.

"Ok you got that thunder punch, and you got yourself a flying fish. You see what I'm saying?" Chester pointed towards the Gyarados.

"Is that your idea?" Row said.

"Nope, my idea is throwing you at it!"

Before Row could say anything, Chester grabbed ahold of his friend, and with an amazing force tossed him towards the unaware Gyarados. Row, thinking quickly, extended a lighting infused fist. His fist made impact with the back of the wild Pokemon, causing sparks to fly and the Pokemon to roar in pain. Row managed to land on his feet, while the Gyarados flopped in the air away from the other team. The Ralts was amazed that the silly idea actually worked.

However, the Gyarados was quick to recover. A combination of being struck by lightning, and having Pokemon constantly charge at it, resulted in the Gyarados losing what little patience it had and it started to trash about. Row raised his arms in defense as the Pokemon struck him, causing him to slide backwards while remaining standing.

"Good block!" Chester grinned. He summoned up a vine whip, tugging it between his hands. "Don't got a good grassy punch, but I got this whip!" He dashed forwards, dodging the thrashing Gyarados to strike it on the side. The Gyarados growled, and thrashed towards him. Chester quickly blocked, but still found himself blown backwards by a good amount.

Suddenly, from behind the Gyarados came Fernand, who readied a body slam right on top of the fishy Pokemon. The Gyarados was slammed right into the ground paralyzed.

"Everyone! Beat em up!" Fernand cheered.

All three fighters ran right up to the Gyarados and began pummeling it. Thunder punches, whips, and even swift chops were delivered one after the other leaving the Gyarados covered in brusies and scratches. The Gyarados tried to finish its thrashing despite its paralyzed state, but by the time it finally got a movement in, its body was too far damaged to be much of a threat. With a roar, it shot upwards, only to fall back down creating another massive splash. It finally came to a rest on its side, its eyes swirling.

"Is it out?" Chester asked, looking eager for more.

"Yup think so!" Fernand clapped his hands together.

He and Chester both jumped into the air to deliver a massive high five. But while they were celebrating, Row noticed something dropping right out of the mouth of the Gyarados. It landed onto the ground with a clatter, and he walked over to pick it up.

A crystal? A weirdly yellowish one. And not only that, but as he held it Row began to feel strange. It was like this crystal was somehow giving off an emotion. Specifically... fear and anger.

A loud grunt from his side brought him out of his thoughts. It came from Samuel, who had managed to pick himself up and was limping towards Fernand.

"Sam, what are you doing?!" He gasped, running to his ally.

Samuel growled, "I'm fine."

"No you are not!" He suddenly scooped up the Charcadet like a Kangaskhan scooping up her baby. "Come on, lets get you to base."

Samuel weakly struggled to get out of his grasp, but couldn't. So instead he turned to look at Row and Chester. "None of you witnessed this!" He yelled.

"Jeez..." Chester rubbed his neck, "You'd think that he'd be a little appreciative of us saving him."

"At least he has Fernand. Speaking of." Row suddenly pinched Chester on the arm.

"Ow, what the-"

"Next time at least let me get a word in. Team attacks are something that both parties should be informed of." Row leaned in, "So says the little voice in your head."

"Aww I know, I just got too excited is all." Chester laughed, "Now let's go back. We may not have found a place of power, but we totally got a fun story to tell!"

Unfortunately, leaving the dungeon meant being in the hot sun and sand again. Thankfully, the sun had gone done meaning that things weren't quite as hot. Didn't stop Chester from groaning as he walked across the sand, as did Row.

As they approached the camp, Mister Messa and Miss Daisy were visibly sitting in the center talking to each other. Messa noticed the approaching teams and called them over.

"Welcome back!" He said happily, "Found any-" His mood quickly shifted when he finally took notice of Samuel. "Oh no!" He moved so fast it was like he teleported, "Quickly, I must tend to him!" Fernand handed off his ally to Messa, who zipped towards their tent.

"Poor thing..." Miss Daisy nervously fidgeted with her arms, "Can you three explain what happened?"

Row raised his hand, "I can." He then gave a quick recap of what went down, with one additional note at the end:

"I found this crystal." He pulled out the Crystal and handed it to her, "It came from the Gyarados. And... it feels angry. Scared too."

"That's... concerning. Thank you for sharing." Miss Daisy walked over to a big box and carefully placed the crystal inside. "I'm sure Mister Messa knows who to bring this to."

Fernand yawned, "Alright, I think I'm good for the day. That and I gotta make sure Sam isn't causing any problems. He never did take injuries well." The Tyrogue waved to the other two and went into the tent.

"We should join him, I'm feeling pretty tired." Row said, stretching his arms over his head.

"Eh, I'm feeling fine." Chester placed his hands on his hips, "I wanna wait for the others to come back and see what-"

"M-MISSTER MESSSSAA! MISSS DAISSY!" The voice of Cheese cried out.

"Cheese?" Miss Daisy ran up to him. The poor Seviper fell flat onto his front while panting like crazy. "What happened? Where's the others?" She asked.

"They..." He gulped, "They've been captured!"