ALWAYS AUDACITY

CHAPTER X - Why am I doing here?

Robinswood's Square was already rammed by the time Sam and Aidan had got there. Pokémon of all different shapes and sizes were gathered around the foot of the Guild Tree, chattering amongst themselves at what the meeting was being called for. An update? A vote? The question ran through the crowd like wildfire.

"Damn it." Aidan hissed, "We'll never get a good view through all this.".

The little Froakie narrowed his eyes, trying to peer through the mass of people ahead of them. Sam could only feel a sense of surprise at that sea of Pokemon, so thick that he couldn't even see a few metres into the crowd's legs, nevermind the entrance of the tree itself.

He couldn't shake that feeling of being so… small.

I… I think I was taller as a human.

Frowning, he turned towards the frog, "Everyone wasn't kidding on Pokémon flooding in here. Think we can get round?"

"Agh, I doubt we can without taking time." He groaned, tugging at his mane. "That's if we don't get stomped on by accident!"

Stomped on huh? Then we just need some high ground. Sam began to peer deeper into the crowd, trying to not stare at the legs and instead through them.

Now… when I went through with Rex, I thought I saw- he saw the flash of dark wood in the crowd, complete with the crate's reinforcements. Bingo.

Flashing a little grin, he tapped on Aidan's shoulder. "Come on, I've figured out where we can go!".

With Sam leading the way for once, the two worked their way through the crowd, their voices still ringing above and around his head. Once they had actually cleared through the outer wall, he noticed that several of the Pokémon present were not that much bigger or smaller than himself, albeit many more were also a good bit bigger too regardless. That at the very least made it a bit easier for them to navigate their way towards Sam's target. A stack of wooden crates that had been gathering at the centre of the square.

As the Scorbunny grabbed hold of the first crate, his ears jerked back as Aidan quietly coughed behind him, arms crossed. "Yeah… Froakie aren't known for climbing."

Sam could only return a sheepish grin as he shrugged, "Eh… come on, I'll give you a hand."

It took a bit more effort than he thought to help Aidan up the crates. Grunting, he couldn't help but wonder why the hell Aidan couldn't make the climb. Only for the latter to assure him he could, but it wasn't easy over steep surfaces. Even with his arms aching though, it didn't take them long to reach the topmost crates, offering them a clean view of the tree's entrance even if a few Pokémon still blocked the view. Either way, it was better than fighting their way to the front.

"I take it back." Aidan moaned, rubbing one of his legs as he sat down. "I'd rather get trampled."

"Hey, we're up here now." Sam stressed, "Besides, we've got a good view from here."

"I suppose you're right." Aidan replied with a pant, settling down to get a good view of the tree entrance as he rubbed his head again.

Sam looked over at him, his gut tightening into a knot as he reached for the final crate. "Hey… are you ok-"

His hand touched something fluffy, "Oi!"

He recoiled hard enough that he could feel his foot slip off the crates. Gasping, he clamped his second hand down onto the wood. The brown, furred hand jerked away as a familiar rabbit looked down at him, face twisted in disgust. Sam's heart nearly exploded in his chest.

"You…" Alice growled, one coiled ear already twitching. "What do y-"

"Wait wait!" Sam yelped, replanting his feet with a crack and snapping his paws up in surrender. "Alice, don't punch my lights out!"

The Buneary seemed to stiffen, but the ear stopped twitching. In stark comparison, the Scorbunny almost melted with relief, his body shivering for a second. "I've already been knocked in the head twice now, I'd rather not have a repeat thanks!"

Only then did Alice finally seemed to relax a little bit, even if the one ear remained coiled in and ready to spring. The disgust itself faded away, and the corner of her mouth ended up twitching up. Sam blinked, his mind going blank. Wait… did she just smirk?

Her eyes drifted off him, and immediately narrowed. "Ah, you got another kid wrapped round your finger Aidan?" she questioned coldly.

"Last time." Sam growled, "Not a kid."

Aidan on the other hand glared at the Buneary harshly enough that he half thought he was going to claw at her. "Keep it up and I might push you off that crate Alice." He grumbled, still rubbing his head.

Alice only closed her eyes and jerked her head back and crossed her arms in such a way her very posture seemed to scream 'I don't give a shit'.

She didn't move from that pose as she spoke again, "Humph, maybe you shouldn't try hiding things as much like your rich family."

Aidan's eyes flashed red, a low growl rumbling up from within the frog's chest. "Don't compare me to my family you c-"

"Enough!" Sam snapped, that fire burning up in his chest as he stepped between the two. "Can we just agree to have a ceasefire until after this meeting!?" He glanced between the two of them, mentally begging them just to hold back, "Please?".

Eyes still fixed on the Buneary, Aidan didn't even glance over at the Scorbunny, lips twitching as if he was readying an attack. Alice meanwhile merely opened one eye, staring the Froakie down from her high perch. Sam himself only tensioned, ready to push them back down if they tried clawing at each other's throats.

But Aidan finally sighed, rubbing his forehead once more. "Alright, if only so we don't have to climb something else."

Alice merely looked away with little more than a grunt.

Legs shivering beneath him, Sam slumped against the crate, his ears drooping in front of his face. Damn… have I actually stopped fighting someone at least once since I've woken up?

…

Okay, stupid question.

Sam (and his ears) shot back upright as the sharp whistle pierced the air, his ears stinging from the call. Rubbing them, he looked back towards the tree, where standing at the entrance was the tall, red form of the Blaziken Rex. A few other Pokémon stood close by to his side, most notably a white and blue Pokémon that looked… like a Meowstic? He thought that was what they were anyway.

Sam had expected a few waves, or a warm greeting. But instead, each of the Pokémon up there looked… downhearted and depressed. Even Rex just seemed so tired, it was as if the entire world was resting on his shoulders.

This… doesn't look good…

The chatter faded away, as the crowd turned its attention on the Guild master. Sam glanced over at the two Pokémon by his side, Aidan's head was tilted to one side in confusion, whilst Alice was leaning forward, looking less angry and more curious.

The Blaziken took a breath, steadying himself, and stepped up towards the crowd. "Thank you all for coming at short notice." He started, his eyes drifting across the crowd. "I'm not one for speeches, so I will cut straight to the point. You are all aware of the resurgence of the natural disasters through the world, some of which we've already had to deal with here in the Sea of Wonders."

A quiet murmur briefly spread through the crowd, and Sam glanced down at Aidan, whose face was like stone as he watched the scene.

"I have just received word from the Council." Rex continued, holding up a sheet of paper above his head. "I won't sugar-coat what it says."

Closing his eyes, the guild master seemed to prepare himself mentally, before focusing once more on the crowd. "A massive earthquake has struck the Mist Continent… and Harbour Town was destroyed."

The crowd exploded, shouts and cries ringing across the square as one messy chorus, so incoherent that Sam could barely make out anything between the panicking masses and the Blaziken barking for some order.

"-at? How-?"

"-eed to get hom-"

"Oh for f-"

"Not again-"

Sam's head snapped side to side again, confusion gripping him. Adian's face now even more set, frozen in place. Alice's eyes widening, leaning forward… and one hand gently shaking.

Earthquake? A town destroyed? What the hell?! I know earthquakes can be bad, but a whole tow-

The scream slammed into him like a missile, crying out as the sound stabbed at his ears. Grabbing hold, he yanked them down, eyes squeezed shut as he tried to block out the scream. But a second later, it faded away, and his ears still ringing, he opened up his eyes to find one of the Meowstic's ears dropping back down. The crowd was more silent, save for a low murmur throughout the crowd. Rex looked back towards the white and blue mon; a 'brow' raised a touch. "Thank you Esper."

He turned back towards the gathered Pokémon. "I don't know all the details, but I must ask you all to remain calm."

What was left of that murmur faded away, clearing the air for the Blaziken to continue, "All I know is an earthquake struck the town a few days ago, and the other towns on the Continent, Post Town especially, are already working to try and help whoever is still in the ruins. Now, I know some of you are from Harbour Town, I've have already sent a message to the docks to clear you for a departure as soon as possible."

The crowd started to fall into worried chatter again, only for the guildmaster to raise his hands. "I have to ask everyone else to hold fire." Rex insisted, getting the settlers to once more calm themselves, "The last thing the Rescuers on Mist Continent need is too many teams to manage. If you wish to help, send supplies with those cleared to head there."

A few approving voices rose amongst the Pokémon, Sam couldn't help but agree with that approach himself. Every hand could help, but if there was so many scrambling to help, it could cause even more issues.

"Some of you probably don't remember the first disasters from 16 years ago, but many will know that the disasters never actually reached the settlements the last time save for minor incidents."

Sighing, Rex clicked his beak. "We don't know if this is a one-off event, but the Council and the different Continent leaders do not want to take any chances. The same goes with the Exploration Committee."

He opened up the letter in his grasp, took one glance through it and finally returned his gaze back onto the crowd.

"Therefore, the Committee has put through an organisational change to all active Guilds and Societies across the known world, as per the suggestion of the leaders of all five Continents, that all Exploration Teams are rendered reorganised and put under the direct monitoring of a new Emergency Body in response to the increase in natural disasters." He explained, "All Exploration Teams will be reformed as Rescue Teams, with their primary focus returned back to Rescue operations. Exploration will take a much more reduced role."

The crowd descended into a quiet murmur again, a few shouts rising up too little avail.

"Shit." Alice quietly said, leaning back on her crate. "No wonder they called the meeting."

Sam glanced over at her, "I thought these disasters weren't that big?"

"Well… I was wrong." Aidan said stiffly, eyes still fixed ahead, "Rescue Teams again… that's… interesting…"

Alice narrowed her eyes again, crossing her arms across her chest. "For once, we agree. And you've been living under a rock if you didn't think the disasters were big."

Sam slumped further against the crate, "Yeah… I suppose I have…"

That was when you had enough.

You drifted forward, silently towards the Scorbunny's side. You wanted to reach out, lay a hand on his shoulder. He shouldn't be here… not like this… not without… something…

All you wanted was to… help him…

The fur on the back of his neck rose up.

Withdraw! Withdraw Now!

A weight settled onto Sam's back, and his head snapped round, looking for whatever was there.

Nothing. Just a few more Pokémon looking past the crates. A Onix, towering over the bulk of the crowd, noticed, and narrowed their eyes. "Kid, what are you looking at?"

Sam hesitated, the weight fading away into nothing. What… what was that?

"Kid?"

Sam took a breath, and shook his head. "Nothing… it was… nothing."

"Whilst the Societies will focus on researching the disasters, the Guilds, including Robinswood Guild will need to stay on standby in case anything else happens." Rex continued, dragging Sam's attention back to the front. "I know some of the Teams here came to explore, but now, if you can assist us in these duties, myself and the rest of the Guild would be deeply in your debt."

The guild master crossed his arms, relaxing now the news was out, "Hopefully this will just be a one off false alarm, and we can all get back to exploring the Sea of Wonders fully, but in case it isn't…"

He let those words settle in, the low murmur rising up again as he glanced back more towards Esper, who stepped on forward herself. "Because of this, I've bringing forward the trials for new Rescue Teams to tomorrow." She explained, "So best prepare yourselves, we'll be starting early."

She stepped back, allowing Rex to take centre stage once more. "That is all. I wish I could bring better news, but I won't leave you all in the dark either. If you want to inquire me about anything, you know where to find me."

Rex turned, and walked on back into the Tree in silence. "Alright everyone!" someone bellowed, "Back to your business!"

The normal chit-chat once more resurfacing, the Pokémon slowly began to disperse, heading back into the trees, the town and across the square. Sam pushed himself off the crate. "Well… that wasn't exactly…"

"Pleasant?" Alice asked.

"I was going to say cheery but yeah, that works too."

She merely shrugged, "Well, it's about time we focused on dealing with this crap again."

Sam glanced over at her, still unmoving from her perch, before turning back to Aidan, who was now stroking his own mane again, his gaze focused on the stage. "Hey Aidan…"

Aidan didn't seem to react at first, at least, not physically,"If you want to bow out, I won't blame you." The Froakie stated, finally turning back towards him. "I know you didn't sign up for rescues."

Straightening up, Sam shook his head, "No, it's fine." He stated firmly, placing a hand onto his hip. "We're still helping people. I'm not buggering off now."

At last, Aidan's eyes brightened. "Well… thanks…"

"Eh, don't mention it!" The Scorbunny turned back towards his fellow rabbit, "So Alice, any pl-"

But he only found an empty space on the crate. Alice was already gone.

"…let's… let's just get out of here." Sam said, ears dipping, "Sounds like we've got a long day tomorrow."

You watched as the Scorbunny and the Froakie clambered down the from the crates, far more quickly than when they originally climbed up. Quietly talking between themselves, the two set off back down the paths towards the barracks.

You're lucky he couldn't see you. Only sense your presence.

That entity hung on you like a shadow, keeping you close as you watch the two Pokémon… the human included, depart. I can understand your desire to help him… but you need to restrain yourself. He can look after himself. We do not need to have him looking for something that doesn't seem to be there… no offense.

The presence shifted, I have been aware of these disasters myself for some time… I was around when the first wave plagued the world… right up until that meteor was blown out of the sky by the Legendary Sky Pokémon, Rayquaza. Well, the disasters continued, but not quite as intensely as before. But even then… other than one or two minor incidents, not one settlement was destroyed last time.

To have one be destroyed now… especially when coupled with Sam's arrival… this only confirms that this world is in grave danger. But from what? I do not know…

…I must investigate this… if there is any link between the old disasters and this new wave, I will find it. In the meantime, keep watch over Sam… and be wary. I cannot know for certain but… I sensed… no… I cannot confirm it. Just be cautious. I'll be here, if you need me.

The presence withdrew, and emboldened, you drifted down the trail yourself… after Sam…

Stars twinkled in the sky outside of the window, and the light had been dimmed down above their heads. A little bit of chit-chat still crept through the closed door, but otherwise, the barracks were increasingly quiet.

Sam was laid flat on his bed, his eyes fixed on the window. His mind deep in thought. He tried to process everything that has happened so far. What these disasters actually were, how violent they must be. He focused his gaze on one particularly bright star hanging out in the window, thinking on how distant it was from all of this… criminals murdering Pokémon out in the sticks… entire towns destroyed… part of him thought a world filled of Pokémon would at least be all cherry-cream puff.

He let out a sigh, he supposed that would be… too naïve. Alice might be still be an ass, but she was right about one thing. He had no idea what this world was really like.

"Hey, Sam."

He glanced over at Aidan, already settled in his own bed, hands resting on his stomach and eyes fixed on the ceiling. "How you holding up?"

"Fine." The Scorbunny replied, looking back at the ceiling above his bunk, "Just thinking."

"About what?"

"Well…" he hesitated, fiddling on the bed, "Everything. I woke up in a forest, with no idea how I got there. Only to find all this shit happening."

"It's been happening for years now." Aidan replied, "It's nothing new."

"That doesn't make things any better." Sam spat back, eyes flicking back over at the frog.

Aidan let out a heavy sigh, "Look." The Froakie rolled over to focus his attention on Sam, "The best we can do is just get through these trial's and try and help as many people as we can. Best hold back on trying to be heroes."

Sam chewed his lip, a debate raging in his mind. Should I tell him? About me being human? I mean, I can't keep quiet about this forever. Just to bounce everything off someone would be a big help.

"Yeah…" he started, "Aidan? Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

He opened his mouth, about the question at the tip of his tongue, at the ready. "Have…"

Something yanked him back, begging him to stop, seriously consider things before actually revealing who he was. No… he might not even know who a human is. And if he did, how would he react? For all I know, humans could be like demons or something to Pokémon!

And so, he shook his head. "…never mind, let's just focus on tomorrow."

The Froakie held his gaze on the rabbit for a moment longer, as if trying to encourage him to open up. "Well… alright then." Aidan replied, not waiting any longer, "I'm going to sleep. Night."

"Night."

It didn't take long for the entire barracks to fall silent, but even then, Sam didn't fall to sleep straight away. His mind still focused on the state of the world… and his place in it. He just wasn't sure if joining an explorati- no- a rescue team would answer all of that.

But I suppose it's a starting point.

Eventually, his eyelids growing ever heavier, Sam finally gave in, and drifted off to sleep…

From the darkness, the colours returned. Melding and shifting with the full spectrum as they flowed before him. I… it's the place again…

Am… am I dreaming?

The little star faintly started to shine amongst the colours, flickering in intensity. It's… it's you. What's going on? Where are we?

The light's flickering grew more erratic, as if blinking for attention. Sam tried to reach out, only find his body was once more gone. What? I can't hear you…

The star faded away into the sea of colours. N-No! Wait! Don't go! I need to know what you want!

The drowsiness returned, the lights beginning to fade away as Sam slipped back into unconsciousness.

He only had the strength to say one final thing.

Please… why… what am I doing here? Why…

And soon, the darkness brought him back into its embrace.