Chapter 4: Geo

Geo led the two of them out of town. His pace was quick, but every few steps, he faltered. His breathing was uneven and strained.

"Geo, you're still injured. You need to slow down," Rea's voice was gentle.

Geo shook his head and grimaced. "No. Every second wasted is a second that Sneasel gets away."

Geo's eyes were fixed on the path ahead, his gaze determined and desperate. Soon, the sparse forest grew dense, and the group suddenly found themselves in a forest, draped in dense fog.

Geo slowed and began to look around. "This is near where she attacked me. Misty Forest."

A Mystery Dungeon. Rea's second time in one. She barely knew how to fight, and now, she was in a place where danger was everywhere.

Alex moved closer to her. "Don't worry, I've got your back." Rea smiled and stepped closer.

Geo shook his head and grimaced. "No. Every second wasted is a second that Sneasel gets away."

They moved as one, slowly and cautiously. Every rustle and noise caused Rea to jump, but Alex's presence kept her mostly grounded.

Suddenly, a Spinarak dropped from a tree onto Rea. She let out a startled yelp. The Spinarak let out a screech, and bit down on her head.

They moved as one, slowly and cautiously. Every rustle and noise caused Rea to jump, but Alex's presence kept her mostly grounded.

Suddenly, a Spinarak dropped from a tree onto Rea. She let out a startled yelp. The Spinarak let out a screech and bit down on her head. Instinctively, she rammed her head into a nearby tree. The impact shook her body, and she stumbled backward, dazed. The Spinarak let out a strangled cry and tumbled off her head, barely able to stabilize itself.

Alex rushed to her side, ready to help, but couldn't hide his chuckle fully. "You okay, Rea?"

"The world is spinning."

The Spinarak recovered quickly and skittered toward the two, ready to continue the fight. Then, it was sent flying into a nearby tree and knocked unconscious.

Geo stood behind where the Spinarak was, his claws glowing. "We don't have time to waste."

Rea shook her head, orienting herself. Alex just stared at Geo with awe.

"So strong," he whispered to himself.

Geo turned back to the path, leading them further and further into the forest. As they moved, the mist grew so dense that Rea could barely see in front of herself.

"Geo. What if Sneasel escaped? We may be wasting our time," Alex's voice was weary. They had been walking for a few hours now.

Geo stopped and looked down. "Dammit. You're right," Geo lifted his head and gave the two a sad smile. "I'm sorry. Let's head-" His sentence was interrupted by a shard of ice flying from the mist, barely missing his face.

Geo's eyes narrowed as he looked around, trying to figure out where Sneasel was. Then, he suddenly darted toward Rea.

"Get down Rea!"

Rea ducked to the ground as a shard of ice flew over her head. Geo launched a blast of purple, draconic flame at where the shard had come from. The blast erupted, but it missed its target.

Then, they heard giggling. They all turned and saw Sneasel emerging from the mist. Her giggle was full of malice. "Well, well, well. The big, angry dragon came back for his bag," she had it slung over her shoulder, flaunting it for them to see.

The bag itself was very worn, but Rea's eyes locked onto an object pinned on the flap: a small badge of some kind, a pink and white oval with wings.

Sneasel giggled again as she looked down at it. "Not sure why you want it that badly, though. It's kind of old and ugly."

Geo growled, that same draconic flame building in his throat again. "That bag is mine. You will give it back."

Sneasel grinned, falling into a battle stance. "Or what, dragon?"

Alex stepped up beside Geo, his psychic energy growing. "Or we'll make you."

Rea stepped up beside them, but her stance was cautious, even nervous. She wasn't ready for this, but she'll stand beside Alex.

Sneasel picked up on her fear instantly. She quickly dashed forward, her claws enveloped in shadowy energy. Rea, not sure what to do, just froze.

"Rea, focus!"

Geo's voice snapped her back to reality. She braced herself, bringing her arms up to block Sneasel's strike. With a dull thud, Sneasel's attack connected. Rea didn't falter, but she was sent skidding backwards. A dull pain spread through her arms.

Alex didn't wait for Sneasel to recover. With a shout, he sent discordant energy flying towards her. Quickly, Sneasel turned on a heel and jumped backwards, dodging the attack.

"Damn, she's fast," Alex said as he ran over to Rea's side. "Hey, you okay?"

Rea nodded, though the dull pain continued to radiate through her arms. She glanced down and saw that she was bleeding. "Careful. Her claws are razor-sharp."

Alex nodded. "Good to know. Now, we need to figure out how to hit her."

Geo eyed Sneasel warily. "We need to work together. She may be quick, but she can't dodge all of us." He then looked towards Rea. "You're inexperienced in battle, aren't you?"

Rea met his gaze and nodded hesitantly. "Y-Yes."

Geo turned his gaze back towards Sneasel, who was now preparing another Ice Shard. "Alright. When she launches that attack, do what I say, Rea. Understood?"

Rea nodded again, still hesitant. "O-Okay."

Geo then turned his gaze to Alex. "You do the same."

Alex nodded resolutely. "Got it."

Sneasel giggled again. "Plan all you like, fools. You'll never hit me. Take this!" With a wave of her arm in front of her, she sent several shards of ice flying towards them.

Geo growled, then launched a Dragonbreath, which collided with the Ice Shard in midair. Taking the opening, Alex launched his Disarming Voice, which Sneasel dodged by jumping back.

"Rea, now!"

Time seemed to slow. Rea knew that launching herself at Sneasel wouldn't do anything. A Tackle would just miss. Sneasel was too fast. Then, Rea's body moved on its own. She stomped the ground, causing a large rock to emerge. Then, with a shout, she threw the rock at Sneasel.

Sneasel's grin faded, and her eyes widened. With a loud thud, the rock impacted Sneasel's torso, sending her careening into the ground with a yelp.

Alex cheered. "Yeah! Nice hit, Rea!"

Rea just stared at where Sneasel landed. "I-I... I did it. I did it!"

Geo walked to where Sneasel lay. He grabbed his bag off of her and slung it over his shoulder. He carefully adjusted the badge and opened the flap. After checking to make sure everything was in there, he nodded. He then looked down at Sneasel, who was struggling to her feet.

"You're lucky everything is still there. I'm going to let you leave. I won't even report you." His face then softened slightly. "Turn your life around. It's not too late for you."

Sneasel scoffed, then stood shakily. "You think your little act of kindness is gonna make me turn my life around? Get real." She then turned her gaze to Rea. "This isn't over, Rea. Better sleep with one eye open, girl." She then turned and limped off further into the mist.

Geo watched her go and shook his head. He turned back to Rea and Alex, smiling. "Thank you, both of you. I don't know what I would've done if I had lost this."

Alex grins. "No problem! Not every day do you get to apprehend criminals."

Rea giggled softly. "Didn't we catch one yesterday?"

Alex's grin faltered for a second. "That's not the point! Geo got his bag back! Mission success!"

Geo laughed, the sound light and easy. "A success indeed. Now, shall we return to town? I owe you two a reward. I'll buy food for all of us."

Alex's grin widened further. "Now that's what I'm talking about!"

Rea smiled, before wincing and inhaling sharply. The rush of landing her attack and winning the fight had dulled the pain from Sneasel's attack, but now it returned in full force.

Geo knelt down and wrapped a bandage around her arm. "I'm not the Society's medic, but I'll do what I can."

"Thanks." Rea's eyes then wandered to the badge on Geo's bag again. "What is that badge for?"

Geo's expression darkened for a moment, before he let out a sigh. "It's... a long story. One that I don't like to share."

Rea nodded, a bit shocked at his sudden change of demeanor. "O-Oh... Sorry for bringing it up."

Geo shook his head and stood up. "Don't apologize. You didn't know." His smile returned. "Anyway, let's head back before it gets too dark."

The walk back to Lively Town was uneventful. The three walked in silence, all of them tired after the day's events. As the gates of the city came into view, Alex picked up his pace.

"Come on! The faster we get back, the sooner we eat!"

Rea shook her head, and Geo laughed. The three hurried back into town as the sun set. As they walked through town, the smell of cooked berries and baked goods wafted through the air. Rea and Alex's mouths began to water. They hadn't eaten since... yesterday.

As the trio entered Café Connection, Kangaskhan greeted them with a smile. "Hello! Welcome! If you're looking for drinks, I'm your gal. If you're looking for food," she then gestured to the other counter, where Slurpuff stood, decorating a cake, "my dear friend Slurpuff is who you need to see."

Geo ordered a Brown Gummi smoothie. Alex, after a few moments, ordered a berry medley cake and a Gold Gummi brew.

Rea stared at the two menus, paralyzed by choice. Smoothies, juices, teas, brews, cakes, pies, muffins. So many choices.

Geo chuckled softly. "Overwhelmed?"

Rea nodded, embarrassed. "I... don't know what to get."

Geo smiled gently. "For you, I recommend a Brown Gummi smoothie, like the one I ordered. Though you may enjoy a Black Gummi tea."

Alex grinned broadly "And as far as food goes, anything is great here. But if you're still unsure, we can share mine."

"That... sounds nice, Alex. And I'll get the Black Gummi tea."

Kangaskhan nodded and noted down their orders. "Alright! I'll get started on these right away! You three find a place to sit and relax; I'll bring your orders to you."

Geo thanked her, placed his Poké down on the counter, and led them to a nice corner booth.

"So Geo, what brought you near Lively Town in the first place?" Alex's question was sudden, but not pointed.

Geo stared down at his claws for a moment, then looked up, his gaze distant. "Wandering. I'm looking for my purpose."

Rea tilted her head. "Purpose?"

Geo sighed. "I'm looking for a reason to carry on. Something to keep me going. I had something a long time ago, but not anymore."

Alex nodded, then met Geo's gaze. "What if you joined us? Joined Team Tempest?"

Geo's eyes widened, surprised by the offer. "Joined you? You want me to join you?"

"Of course! You're strong and smart. You knew how to take down Sneasel. We wouldn't have been able to win without you. I'd be honored if you joined."

Rea smiled. "So would I. A-And if possible... I want you to help me learn how to fight."

Geo chuckled and closed his eyes. Then, with a nod, he opened them. "Very well. I'd love to." He turned to Rea. "And as for training, I'd be glad to help you."

Alex and Rea locked eyes and nodded. Just then, Kangaskhan arrived with their drinks and food. She set it down with practiced ease. "Enjoy!"

As she walked away, Alex grabbed his drink and raised it. "Welcome to the team, Geo!"

Rea and Geo followed suit and began to dig in.

The Black Gummi tea was dark and bitter. Rea initially had a hard time drinking it, but she quickly grew to love the deep flavors. As for the cake, it was very sweet and rich.

After dinner, the three headed back to the Society's HQ. Inside, everyone was heading to their rooms. The only Pokémon who seemed like they still had work to do were Blaze and Foli.

The two were talking on the first floor, discussing something quietly, when Foli noticed them.

"Hello! It's good to see you back safe," she slithered up to Geo. "I assume that Alex and Rea helped you get back what was stolen?"

Geo nodded stiffly, a bit surprised by Foli's energy. "Yes, ma'am. They were quite brave, facing down that thief."

Foli laughed. "'Ma'am'? Please, no need to be so formal. 'Foli' works just fine." She then turned to Alex. "I suppose he's joined Team Tempest as well?"

"Yup! How'd you know?"

Foli winked. "I have my ways. Now, we'll get our friend Geo his badge tomorrow morning. Good night, you three."

Blaze and Foli then headed upstairs. Alex led Geo to their team's room. Inside, the three settled. For Rea and Geo, this was their first night there.

As the night wore on, Geo and Alex had already fallen asleep, but Rea was still awake. She stared out the window, gazing at the near full moon.

"Why can't I remember anything?" That thought echoed in her mind. What was her past like? Who was she? She sighed, then closed her eyes.

For now, the only thing that mattered was the present. Helping Alex and Geo. Hopefully, her questions would be answered, but how soon that would be, who could say.

For now, all she could do was sleep.