A few days had passed ever since Rei and Akari were sent to that investigation. In that span, Rie still hadn't figured out Baby-Doll Eyes, much to her chagrin. Both Rei and Akari had also managed to do quite a lot of research tasks for the Pokédex, along with the disguised Zoroark helping Akari at night with some of the wisps, which in turn allowed them to see Pokémon Rei had never come across before.
They had also trained Mime Jr.'s resistance to fire, and now he didn't immediately lose when an Ember hit his face, which everyone was happy to hear, along with all of the Pokémon's endurance and abilities.
Buizel had learned the move Water Pulse, and Rie had the basics of Iron Tail, all thanks to Zisu's help.
The fact she had learned a steel type move rather easily while she still couldn't manage Baby-Doll Eyes bothered the normal type greatly. However, during some of his training sessions, he had the feeling someone was watching him while he didn't look.
In his free time, Rei had also perfected his tea-making skills, and he had tried crafting again, which didn't go as smoothly as making tea.
The skill he had spent a long time working on had been talking. Now, Rei could speak more than two, badly pronounced words!
Now it was four badly pronounced words, but that was still an improvement.
In short, they had been quite busy these days.
That day started as the last few had. Rei woke up, prepared some tea, heard Quilava mutter something about not finding the best nickname for him yet, and waited for Akari to come knocking on the door.
Today, however, was different.
"Seriously, it's going to be so good!" The fire type mused.
"We believe you, but can you please stop saying that every five seconds?" Luxio sighed.
"Never!"
Rie rolled her eyes.
"Rei! Are you awake?" Akari called from the other side. "Come on, time for another day!"
Without wasting any more time, Rei and his Pokémon were out of his headquarters, with the girl in front of them. The Pokémon gave a quick hello to each other.
"Good morning! Have you slept well?" She asked.
Rei nodded.
"That's good to hear! Come on, it's time to go see Commander Kamado!"
Rei nodded and turned to follow the girl. However, before anyone could even move, a voice interrupted them.
"Mornin', sleepyheads!"
Turning around, they found Arezu standing next to an elderly human, waving at them in front of a building Rei hadn't noticed before.
It was mostly white with a few pictures of scissors being displayed, along with other utensils which were unknown to the Zoroark.
The group walked closer to them and Arezu excitedly smiled. "You'll never guess what!" She exclaimed. "I'm gonna start working at the hairdresser's shop! Now you two will be able to try out my own original hairstyles! Isn't that super exciting?"
"Can I get some braids?" Luxio asked.
"I don't think you have enough fur for that." Rie sighed.
"She's right, but I'm sure you'd look sick with those!" Buizel added.
"Wait, but what about your task as being Lady Lilligant's warden?" Akari asked.
The warden smirked. "Oh, I'm still gonna be Lilligant's warden and all. I'll be burnin' the candle at both ends, but I can make it work, don't you worry!"
Both her and the other human looked at each other before nodding with a smile. "Anyway, come on over to the hairdresser's whenever you two want!" Arezu finished. "I'll give you a killer hairstyle!"
I like my mane as it is, thank you. Rei thought.
"We'll do that. Thank you, Arezu." Akari nodded, Rei doing the same.
"I am pleased you have found a worthy successor for your establishment, Edith." A new voice spoke.
Everyone turned to see Commander Kamado walking towards them. Arezu widened her eyes as she suddenly grew nervous. "Mister Kamado! Sir, errr… so about that whole Ursaluna situation…" She stuttered, but Kamado interrupted her.
"If you are to work at Jubilife Village, you are family to us, no matter who you are or where you're from. Welcome, Arezu." He simply spoke.
That seemed to be enough for Arezu, as she smiled and gave a nod.
Without wasting a second, the commander's head turned to Akari and Rei. "Rei! Akari! You two will come with me. To Prelude Beach!" He ordered them.
"May I ask why, Commander?" The girl asked.
"You will see once we arrive. Come on!" Kamado urged.
"Goodbye, Rei! Goodbye, Akari!" Arezu called, waving goodbye at them, something the two mirrored.
"Isn't that Prelude Beach the place where they found you, Ocko?" Luxio questioned.
"It is!" Quilava replied for him. "I remember it as if it were yesterday…"
"What are you talking about?" Pikachu asked.
"How me and the Poke-human met!" The fire type replied.
"You found him on a beach?" Buizel raised an eyebrow.
"Was he taking a bath?" Mime Jr. innocently added.
"No, we weren't." Rie deadpanned. "It's a long story."
"Well, whatever it is, let's see what this Kamado guy wants from us." Luxio shook his head as the group began following the Commander.
Once they arrived at the Beach, they found it wasn't as empty as they had thought at first. Quite a few humans stood next to a small ship, talking to each other and a few members of that merchant guild Volo was part of.
Unsurprisingly, Alec was also there. Ever since they had come back from walking around the Mirelands with him, it seemed he was always wherever they went. Though, so was Volo, so no one gave it much importance.
"These people have just arrived here in Hisui. They will live together with us in Jubilife Village." Kamado told Rei and Akari, walking closer to the group of people.
"When we of the Galaxy Team first arrived in this land, we came ashore on Prelude Beach." The Commander spoke loudly, causing the humans to stop talking and look at him. "It is where everything began. This is where a new life for all of you will begin as well."
The people began muttering indistinct words as one human wearing purple colored clothes stepped forward. "We've heard the Hisui region is inhabited by many powerful and frightening Pokémon…" He said.
"We've also heard the Galaxy Team knows a great deal of Pokémon and uses their mysterious powers to help Jubilife Village grow." Another human added.
All Pokémon turned their head to Rei with a small smirk. "Like having a Pokémon in their ranks?" Luxio commented.
"Indeed, you have both heard correctly!" Kamado nodded before he gestured to Rei and Akari. "And the reason such tales have reached your ears is largely thanks to these two members here, Akari and Rei, two of our recruits." He looked down at the walking Pokémon. "The only two recruits that have such an ability with Pokémon as to afford letting their partners walk alongside them."
A few amazed murmurs echoed along the crowd. "However, they are not the only ones that deserve credit." The Commander interrupted. "Through the combined efforts of all our team members, let us continue to develop our village and thrive here in the Hisui region."
The same purple clothed human from before nodded. "We look forward to doing our part, Commander."
"Now, Alec. If you would, show them the way to the village."
The doctor nodded. "Yes, Commander." With a wave to the group, the beach was emptied in no time, and now it was only Rei, Akari and the Commander.
"The advancement of our understanding of Pokémon thanks to the Survey Corps has expanded the areas where we can operate safely. This is what allows us to welcome in newcomers like them." Kamado explained, before the beach fell silent once again.
After a while, Commander Kamado turned to look at Akari and Rei. "Rei. Akari. You truly love Pokémon, don't you?"
Rei almost laughed at the question. He ultimately decided to just nod.
"I do too, Commander." Akari mirrored his gesture.
"Hmm…" Kamado hummed. "Pokémon have done grave injury to many of our fellows in the Galaxy Team, and yet you both still find love for these creatures in your heart…"
"Hey!" Every Pokémon exclaimed in unison.
"I suppose it's a necessary quality for one in the Survey Corps." Kamado continued. "Always remember this, though: Pokémon are terrifying creatures. It is imperative that we study them and learn all that we can about them, whether we wish to live alongside them… or not."
Rei frowned. What are you implying with that?
"And be warned… As the leader of the Galaxy Team, I am prepared to make harsh decisions in order to protect Jubilife Village." He added, glancing at the three Pokémon next to Rei, who squinted defiantly at the Commander.
While that was happening, Akari looked off to the side, clearing her throat. "Commander?"
Both Kamado and Rei looked at the girl. "Alec is coming."
Looking at where she was looking, Rei found out that, indeed, the doctor was walking towards them. "Commander Kamado, Leader Irida has arrived." He told them.
"Good. I believe I know what she's here about." Kamado replied, looking back at Rei and Akari. "As for you two, follow me to my office."
Sharing a confused look and a shrug, Akari and Rei followed after the commander as they walked back towards the village.
"I don't like those last sentences." Pikachu commented.
"Good, I'm not the only one." Rie replied.
"If he thinks he's gonna force me to do whatever he wants, he better prepare himself to get soaked." Buizel added.
Rei couldn't help but agree with them. The way Kamado phrased those sentences… it made it seem like a threat. At least partially.
After a long while of thinking and walking, the group entered Kamado's office, where Irida was waiting for them, along with her Glaceon.
With a quick wave from the leader, Kamado walked next to her, eyeing the two Survey Corps members.
"First of all, I commend you both on your successful research of the Pokémon living in the Crimson Mirelands and the Obsidian Fieldlands." The Commander said. "Having said that, your next orders are to begin the Survey of the Cobalt Coastlands."
"A new area?" Quilava asked with stars in his eyes.
"Ugh…" Pikachu grunted. "New area, new noble to fight…"
"I will let you know in advance that there are no nobles in the Cobalt Coastlands." Kamado kept speaking.
"Oh, would you look at that!" Luxio smirked.
"Allow me to explain." The Pearl Clan leader interrupted. "We did have a lord in the Coastlands, until a few years ago, a tragedy took him from us."
Akari gasped, while Irida's face fell downwards. "Now, we've had reports of people seeing strange, shadowy figures on the island the lord used to call his home."
"We have also received word from both the Security Corps and Supply Corps." Kamado added "It seems some of their members were attacked by a ghost while out gathering materials around Firespit Island. Moreover, our mysterious wandering Zoroark may be tied to those attacks, though there's little proof for that claim."
"Something tells me he's not." Rie deadpanned.
Glaceon raised a brow, and the normal type immediately looked away.
"These are serious concerns, and moreover, my clan just can't tolerate this desecration of our late lord's seat! Normally, I'd entrust this to our warden in the Coastlands, but her situation is… complicated." Irida hummed.
Kamado then nodded, looking back at Rei and Akari. "I trust my intentions are clear by now. I hereby order you to investigate these reports!"
He then gestured to Alec. "Alec will be there as well, doing his own investigations, so make sure to speak to him if you find anything else related to the Zoroark."
The doctor nodded.
"I'll meet you in the Cobalt Coastlands. I do love it there. It's a beautiful area." Irida commented. "Oh, and I know this must be a bewildering situation to be dropped into. I'm sorry, Akari and Rei…" She apologized.
"Think nothing of it. They are both talented and hard-working members of the Galaxy Team. I'm sure they will sort things out." Kamado replied.
"Indeed. They both quelled the Lord of the Woods. I've seen both their strength and their kindness firsthand." Irida smiled.
"There's no need for compliments, leader Irida." Akari sheepishly said. "It was just the right thing to do, right Rei?"
He nodded with a smile, which Irida mirrored. "Well, I better set off now. Goodbye, Rei! Goodbye, Akari!" The leader exclaimed, walking away with another wave, her Glaceon following after her.
"I better follow her! See you soon, you two!" Alec added, going after her.
"More investigations?" Mime Jr. asked.
"Looks like it." Luxio sighed.
"I swear, I'm going to need my title changed from 'Akari's partner' to 'private investigator'!" Pikachu rolled his eyes.
"At least we aren't hunting for any Zoroark today." Rie spoke.
"I don't know if that's a good thing or not…" Quilava shook his head.
"Akari. Rei." Kamado's voice snapped Rei's attention back to reality. "Before you go, visit Captain Cyllene's office. She will give you all the information you need for this trip. And good luck."
With that, they all walked down the stairs towards the captain's office, finding her scribbling something in a paper, just as last time. Her head raised upwards slightly, just enough for her to look at them.
"Hmm, I had word you would come." Cyllene said, finishing her writing and putting the paper aside before starting her search for another one.
After a while, she took out a clipboard, looking at it before glancing at Akari. "Once again, Akari, this is information you already know. Would you like to skip it and wait outside?" The captain asked her.
"Negative, Captain." The girl replied.
"Good." With that, the captain's eyes fell on the clipboard, as she prepared to tell them about the next area of Hisui.
More region for Rei to explore. Which new Pokémon would he find? What more would he learn?
He just couldn't wait.
Cyllene cleared her throat before reading the paper. "As you know, the next area for you to investigate will be the Cobalt Coastlands. It is farther afield than the Crimson Mirelands, and the path is long and trying."
The captain left the paper on her desk. "Due to all these reasons, this task is something reserved for those of Third Star rank, a title you, Rei, still do not possess."
Rei visibly deflated.
"However…" Cyllene continued, making Rei perk up. "I believe that you have been quite occupied these few days."
She paused, looking for something under her table. "Show me your Pokédex, if you may."
Rei didn't waste a second in taking out the big book and handing it to Cyllene. She picked another star sticker and put it on Rei's Pokédex. "You have made quite a lot of progress. You have earned yourself a star."
As she said that, the captain handed the Pokédex back to Rei as he smiled in delight. "With this, you are officially a Third Star member of the Galaxy Team, which means there will be no problem with you going to the Cobalt Coastlands."
She took something out of her satchel, handing it to Rei as well. It was another crafting recipe.
"Great Balls?" Pikachu asked out loud.
"I think they are stronger Poké-balls. They have less chance of letting a Pokémon escape from the inside of it." Rie hummed.
"Wait, there's more types?!" Quilava exclaimed.
Rei simply shook his head and stuffed the paper in his satchel, nodding at Cyllene. "Now, you know your mission. Investigate Firespit Island!"
"Yes, Captain!" Akari nodded.
"Yeah!" Rei added.
With that, they left the Galaxy Team hall and went to get themselves ready.
"Alright, Rei! Let me say, the Cobalt Coastlands are mostly water and sand, so you should be ready for… you know… lots of saltpeter."
Rei tilted his head, not understanding. "Just… try not to fall into the sea. Your… hair won't like it."
"What is she talking about?" Rie asked.
"You don't know what happens with fur and sea water?" Luxio asked.
"We come from the Icelands. Do you think we know?" She deadpanned.
"Oh, right! Well, basically sea water makes your fur be really ruffled and ugly until you wash it off with regular water." He explained.
"It's really annoying!" Mime Jr. added.
"I guess what Akari is trying to say is that since Rei has a lot of fur, it's going to be a pain to clean properly if he falls into the water." Quilava guessed.
"Bah! I can just spray some water on him!" Buizel suggested.
"Can you stop saying that?" Rie frowned.
Rei didn't exactly get what they meant by 'making your fur be really ruffled and ugly', but knowing the amount he had, just on his head, he decided not to get wet today.
"Kay." He nodded.
Akari did the same. "Now, would you like to buy some supplies, or should we set off? It's not an easy path, so we may take a while to reach the Coastlands."
Rei thought for a moment before checking his satchel. It was good enough, so he simply shook his head and gestured towards the gate, perhaps a bit too eagerly.
"Alright! Setting off it is!" The girl chuckled, following after him.
As they were about to move, however, someone bumped into them. It was Captain Zisu, who was looking around restlessly. She seemed nervous about something, which only became worse as she realized Rei and Akari were there.
"Oh! I-I hadn't seen you two here!" Zisu stuttered.
Rei and Akari looked at each other for a second. "Captain, are you alright?" The girl asked.
"Huh? Oh, yes, yes Akari! Don't worry about me!" She quickly replied without even looking at her.
"This is concerning." Rie sighed.
"Why does she look so nervous?" Mime Jr. wondered.
"Why are you nervous, captain?" Akari asked.
"Nervous? Me? You must be imagining things, Akari!" The captain chuckled uncomfortably, her eyes falling on Rei from time to time.
That was starting to make him nervous. She doesn't… She can't know! It's impossible! But why is she this nervous around us?
Could someone really have… heard me?
After a minute of tense silence, Zisu finally sighed. "Okay, fine. Listen, don't tell this to anyone, okay?" The captain whispered. "I'm worried because one of my Pokémon is missing, and I can't find it!"
"That it?" Rei raised a brow, mentally sighing.
Phew.
"No. The missing Pokémon is Zoroark. And as you already know, Rei, it's not the friendliest of the Pokémon at my disposal." Zisu added.
Rei widened his eyes. Scar is missing?!
"Oh. I see now." Akari mumbled before she seemed like she had an idea. "Wait. Could your Zoroark be responsible for all those traces we've been finding these days?"
Everyone turned to look at the girl with an amazed face. Rei didn't like pinning the blame on Scar, but it was better than getting found.
"It's not possible, unfortunately." Zisu sighed. "Zoroark has been gone for only a day, while the traces are older than that. Unless it's escaping without me realizing, it's not our culprit."
Akari's face twitched. "So there's another Zoroark…" She whispered as she apologetically looked at Rei.
"Well, she tried, at least." Luxio grinned.
"I implore you, don't tell this to anyone. If you see anything noteworthy, just find me and tell me. It's not the first time that happened though, so don't be worried." The captain told them. "Now, I'll go look for Zoroark. Stay safe on your mission today!"
"Goodbye, Captain!"
"Bye!"
And with that, the two were left alone again.
"I'm sorry my attempt at taking the blame off you didn't work." Akari said, rubbing the back of her head.
"It okay." Rei smiled. "Thanks."
"Well, now without further ado-!"
"Psst!"
Akari was interrupted by someone calling them. When they looked, the person responsible seemed to be a human adult neither of them had seen before.
He was peeking his head from behind a house and was motioning them to go there.
With a confused look, Rei shrugged and began walking towards the figure, with Akari carefully following behind.
Once they reached the man, they stopped in front of him with a confused look as he turned to look at them with a dead serious face. Rei couldn't shake the feeling something was… off about the man. It was a sensation he could swear he'd felt before, somewhere.
"Rei and Akari, right?" The man asked, with a gruff voice.
"Uhh, yeah?" Rei replied.
"Who are you? I am not sure I've seen you in the village before…" Akari added, her tone suspicious.
"Just… a passerby." The man replied, rummaging through his bag in the search of something.
"This guy is giving me bad vibes…" Pikachu muttered. "And I feel like I know these kinds of vibes from somewhere…"
"I'm not the only one, it seems." Quilava replied, fur bristled.
Just, who was this man?
His outfit wasn't too out of the ordinary for any villager. It was mundane. Too mundane.
Almost as if he wanted to go unnoticed.
Upon closer inspection, Rei found that the clothes were weird in some places, and looked a bit too unnatural, like when he-
…
Like when he first tried to turn into a human.
At once, he realized what that weird feeling was.
He was about to say the name of who he thought this man truly was, but what if he wasn't a Pokémon? What if he was just a weird man? He could be in deep trouble.
"Argh, where have I put these darn sacs?!" The man suddenly groaned as he (unsuccessfully) looked for whatever he was still looking for.
Okay, I think it is him.
"Rei?" Akari asked when he saw him intently looking at the man.
He took a deep breath and prepared himself for the worst.
"Scar?"
"Rei! What are-?" Akari flinched as she heard him speak like that, but stopped herself when she looked at the man.
At once, he had stopped searching in his bag and slowly lifted his head to look at Rei.
And then smirked.
" Took you long enough. " Scar told him.
"What?!" Akari yelled.
"Hey, can you tell your friend to keep it down? Speaking like this is already dangerous enough. I don't need anyone to hear her."
Akari looked between Scar and Rei for a while, before she finally settled on the latter. "What's going on?"
Rei pointed at Scar and looked at Akari. "Zisu's… Pokémon."
Akari suddenly widened her eyes. "N-No way! That's… Zisu's Zoroark?!"
Scar rolled his eyes. "Scar to you, lass."
That made Akari flinch.
"What the heck?! That looks so real!" Luxio exclaimed.
"How?!" Rie added.
"I've been practicing for a long time. Far longer than your friend over here." He explained, going back to searching inside his bag. "Finally!"
Without a warning, Scar tossed them both a weird rock and a sac full of something. "I've managed to find a way out of the village and found those. Thought they'd be more useful to you than they will be to me."
"That's two rocks and two sacs." Pikachu deadpanned.
"They are supposed to help with Pokémons' strength. Don't ask me how."
Scar then looked at Akari. "Those things'll help your Pokémon."
Akari was still a bit shocked, so she could only nod slowly.
"Okay, now I gotta go before Zisu gets the whole village's army looking for me. Good luck, and if you need talking lessons someday, just come and find me."
And with those words and a wave, Scar walked away from the group, leaving everyone stunned silent.
"I swear, what even is going on in this village?" Akari muttered, storing the two objects inside her satchel.
"Didn't know… he do that…" Rei added, following suit.
"That was cool, not gonna lie." Buizel spoke.
"He looked a bit scary though…" Mime Jr. added.
"Okay, leaving this aside, can we get back to our mission?" Akari nervously said. "I think I had enough encounters with human Zoroark for a lifetime."
Rei began laughing uncontrollably before he managed to calm down and motioned Akari to keep going.
They had a long trek ahead.
It took them quite a bit of time to get to the camp in the Cobalt Coastlands, but once they arrived, it seemed the professor was waiting for them, as when Akari and Rei both got there, he was already there to guide them.
With a simple hand gesture, Laventon brought them forward. The moment Rei could see the landscape ahead, he immediately gasped in shock.
Before him, Rei saw a huge empty area of grass extending to the sides until he couldn't see anything anymore, and in front of him, a seemingly endless body of water stood.
The sea.
He seemed to be standing at the top of some sort of elevation, which was basically what gave him the opportunity to see everything from that angle.
Rei simply stood there for a while, mouth agape, taking in the views from something he had never seen before.
This charade is really paying off…
"Wow… This is…" Rie tried to say, but words didn't come to her mouth.
"Even for us, this looks kind of impressive." Luxio added.
"Ah, the Cobalt Coastlands!" Laventon exclaimed with a smile. "A simply lovely corner of Hisui! Sea and sky as far as the eye can see!"
The professor took his 'camera' out. "What types of Pokémon await us here, I wonder? Water type? Or perhaps flying types? Oooh, I simply cannot wait to study them all!" He excitedly squealed.
He then turned towards Rei, Akari and their Pokémon. "Now, I'm sure you're just as excited as I am to research this area's Pokémon, but let's not forget that you've a mission to accomplish!"
"I… believe you're the most excited one out of all of us, professor…" Akari chuckled.
Laventon rubbed the back of his head sheepishly before putting the camera away. "Anyway, any questions before you get started?"
"Yes! What about Firespit Island?" Akari asked.
"Hmm… As far as I am aware, Firespit Island is an offshore volcano. You'll need to cross the sea to reach it." The professor explained. "I'd advise you both to speak to a fellow called Iscan. He's one of the Diamond Clan's wardens and will surely help you find your way."
"Kay!" Rei said with a nod.
"We'll do just that!" Akari added.
A wave later, and the two humans began their walk in search of the warden.
"Impressive place, isn't it?" Akari smiled looking at Rei. "A bit more time looking at the landscape and your jaw might have unhinged from how much your mouth was open!"
Rei rolled his eyes with a smile of his own.
"It's been long since we were here…" Pikachu sighed. "This place never disappoints."
"I just wanna jump into that sea!" Buizel shouted eagerly.
"That's gonna have to wait." Luxio told her. "Look over there!"
Everyone's heads (except Akari's) turned to look forward, the girl only doing it after each Pokémon she was surrounded by did it.
Standing a few steps ahead was Irida, who was looking at the sea, deep in thought.
Rei and Akari looked at each other before resuming their walk. Once they were just a small distance away from her, the group stopped.
"Leader Irida?" Akari asked.
She simply raised one of her fingers up, hushing Akari. Then, after a few seconds passed, Irida took her flute out and played a melody with it. It was one that Rei had never heard before, but that didn't mean it wasn't beautiful.
Once the show was over, Irida once again left the flute back on her satchel, and without even turning her head, she spoke to them.
"I do love the flute." She said. "It feels as if its tones carry to the very ends of space…"
"...Okay?" Quilava muttered.
Then, the leader turned and finally faced them, a determined expression present on her face. "Alas, I am here, and so are you. So now, I'm going to focus everything I have to battle you!"
"H-Huh?" Akari mumbled.
"Yeah!" Rei exclaimed.
"Why are you accepting a match this sudden…?" Rie deadpanned.
"Erm, leader Irida, I believe we should-"
"Very good." She interrupted Akari. "You who have seen the vast space beyond the rift and you who accompanies him, here I come!"
The moment Irida finished saying that, two Pokémon appeared from behind her. Her Glaceon partner and another Eevee.
"Why does everybody here have an Eevee partner?!" Rie exclaimed, making most of the Pokémon laugh.
"Oh! It's you!" Glaceon exclaimed when she recognized them.
"You know them?" The Eevee asked, unfazed.
"I have fought that Eevee before. They are tough opponents."
"Oh, thank you!" Rie replied. "You were tough too!"
"Can you shut it and get on with this?" The Eevee interrupted.
Wow, rude.
"So a two-on-two battle!" Irida exclaimed. "Who will you battle with?"
"Me!" Rie yelled.
"No way!" Quilava interrupted. "You battled her last time! My turn!"
"Hey, what about me?" Luxio whined.
"You're not very effective against ice. Let me handle this." The fire type replied.
"Fine…"
"Hmm, how about you, Mime Jr.? Would you like to battle this time?" Akari suggested.
"Yes! Woohoo, my first real fight!" He excitedly hopped next to Quilava, who was already ready for the fight.
"Alright, let's see what this leads to…" Buizel said, sitting down.
"Are you ready?" Irida asked.
"Yeah!"
"We are!"
"Then, let's begin!" The leader shouted, raising her hand. "Glaceon and Eevee, Baby-Doll Eyes!"
"This has to be a joke." Rie frowned.
"Don't interfere, Rie!" Luxio shouted.
It was too late, however. Both Pokémon were already performing the move, leaving Quilava and Mime Jr. reluctant to go for them.
That was a grave mistake, as Irida didn't take too long to bark another order. "Glaceon, Ice Beam! Eevee, Quick Attack!"
The two attacks connected and sent the two Pokémon tumbling back a small distance.
"I believe it's our turn now!" Akari shouted. "Mime Jr., let's try that strategy again!"
Rei looked confused, but Quilava immediately widened his eyes.
"NO!" He yelled. "Don't you dare use that move on me again!"
"Mime Jr., Confusion! Aim it at Quilava!"
"Sorry!"
With a quick move of his arms, Mime Jr raised Quilava off the ground as he panicked.
"Rei, your turn!" Akari shouted.
Rei understood her intentions. "Quilava, Flame Wheel! Glaceon!"
"O-Okay!"
The Pokémon began spinning in the air as he was engulfed in flames.
"Mime Jr., now! Launch him at Glaceon!" Akari ordered.
"On it!"
The small psychic type once again moved his arms as Quilava was sent towards Glaceon at an alarming speed.
"Glaceon, dodge! Eevee, Quick Attack and throw that Pokémon off course!" Irida called from the other side.
Just as Quilava was about to hit the ice type, she got out of the way, just as Eevee ran towards him.
"Mime Jr., get Quilava out of the way!" Akari yelled.
Another movement of his arms and Quilava was raised upwards, the opposing Eevee missing completely and falling to the ground with his face.
"Mime Jr., get Quilava to connect with Glaceon!"
Rei stood in shock as the psychic type began floating the fire type all around the area, desperately trying to hit the Glaceon while she dodged.
She was visibly getting more and more tired.
"I don't know what this is, but it's working! Keep it up!" Pikachu yelled.
"I think Quilava is going to have serious stomach problems…" Rie said.
"Bah, he can handle that." Luxio waved a paw in dismissal.
Finally, after who knows how many attempts, Mime Jr. finally launched Quilava at the right angle, hitting Glaceon and sending her flying, and leaving Quilava gasping as he gagged.
"I hate Akari. I hate her so much…" The fire type groaned.
"Please, don't throw up your lunch again! We can't afford to lose you!" Buizel laughed.
"That was… quite a strategy." Irida commented. "You must have really trained to perform it!"
Akari and Rei shared a quick glance.
"Yeah…" Rei spoke.
Irida looked at them with a deadpan. "You didn't train it at all, did you?"
Both shook their heads.
"Well, that's still impressive." She shrugged. "Eevee, Quick Attack that Mime Jr.! Glaceon, get up and use Ice Beam on him too!"
"Ha! You wish!" The fire type exclaimed.
As the Ice Beam made his way towards the psychic type, Quilava placed himself in front of him, throwing a bunch of embers that melted the attack.
"Watch out, Mime Jr., confusion!" Akari called.
"More Embers!" Rei added.
The dashing Eevee was stopped just mere inches from the psychic type's face, and then thrown back while Glaceon was kept at bay by the fire coming from Quilava.
It was a really good strategy. Quilava made sure that Glaceon didn't come anywhere close to them, managing to hit some of the attacks even, and Mime Jr. stopped any and all attempts from Eevee to get them.
However, it didn't last too long.
"I can't… keep doing it!" Mime Jr. huffed. "This Eevee is really strong!"
"Just a little longer!" Quilava exclaimed as he hit Glaceon again.
"I…"
Irida's Eevee was too quick for the tired Mime Jr. to stop. The Quick Attack connected and the little Pokémon was sent flying.
He was out.
"Curses!" Akari muttered. "Why is it always my Pokémon?" She huffed, recalling the psychic type.
"Hey, I'm not the only one wondering that!" Rie added.
"Tsk. Doesn't feel as good when the opponent is just a kid." The Eevee scoffed. "Let's see how much of a fight you put up, fire boy."
"Fire boy?!" Quilava exclaimed.
"Look, there you have your new nickname, fire boy." Luxio laughed.
"I'll kill you if you ever call me that again." The fire type groaned as his cheeks grew red.
"Focus on the battle!" Pikachu interrupted.
Quilava barely dispelled the Ice Beam from Glaceon before he retaliated with a Rollout attack. The attack didn't connect, as Eevee tackled him out of the way.
"This is looking grim!" Rie winced.
"Yeah, he's getting his ass kicked!" Buizel added.
"Hey Rei, how about you start giving orders again?" The fire type shouted as he dodged two more attacks.
Rei had forgotten he was supposed to be leading him.
He quickly tried to come up with a solution. Glaceon seemed by far the most worn down of the two, but Quilava couldn't get close without getting thrown off course by the Eevee.
He had to choose whether to keep trying to get Glaceon out of the fight, or switch targets.
He looked around the area, trying to come up with something.
"Quilava, Rollout!" He yelled. "My mark, turn!"
"Okay!"
The fire type curled into a ball and headed straight for Glaceon. As expected Eevee ran towards him with a Quick Attack.
"Now!"
With a surprisingly fast reaction time, Quilava suddenly changed his direction, hitting the unsuspecting Eevee fully and sending him flying.
"Now! Glaceon!"
Another change of direction, and the fire type went straight for her.
Irida tried to scream something, but Quilava was faster, and he hit Glaceon, knocking her out.
"Way to go!" Rie exclaimed.
"Nice one there, fire boy!" Pikachu added.
Quilava groaned.
Eevee jumped back on his feet, wincing from the pain. "Ouch…" He muttered.
He then looked at the unconscious Glaceon and then at Quilava. "No way I'm fighting alone! And after that hit? Screw this."
And he stood up and walked next to Irida.
The leader sighed. "Ah, now I feel better… A bit at least."
"Yeah? We don't! Get those berries running already!" Eevee yelled as Irida gave her Pokémon a pair of Oran berries.
"I don't like that Eevee." Mime Jr. said groggily as he woke up.
"It'd be weird if you did…" Rie muttered.
Irida looked upwards. "The world is vast and big… and I am small within it."
She then turned to Rei and Akari. "Allow me to heal your Pokémon."
After that was settled, Irida put the remaining berries and potions on her satchel and turned to look at the two Survey Corps members.
"Alright, with you, I believe I can be frank." She said.
"What do you mean, leader Irida?" Akari asked.
"I can't afford to look weak in front of the Diamond Clan's leader or your Commander, but in truth…" A deep sigh escaped her lips. "I sometimes wonder how I've ended up with the burdens I bear…"
Once again, Irida's gaze fell on Rei and Akari. "You see, we have a warden in the Coastlands, a lovely woman called Palina." She explained. "But she tends no lord or lady, and she will not raise a successor to fill the late lord's empty seat either. Some people have started to question her worthiness as a warden at all!"
Her face filled with determination. "But Lina, this is to say, Palina, she's very dear to me, no matter what anyone might say. We were both in the running to become leader of the Pearl Clan. We strove to surpass one another, but… she taught me a great deal too."
There was a pause as Rei, Akari and their Pokémon all shared a confused glance.
"Having said this, I have a favor to ask of you." The leader finally said.
"Of course! What is it?" Akari asked.
"Please, help her raise the Pokémon she looks after into a true heir to his father, the late lord!"
"Wait, we have to be babysitters now?" Luxio whined.
"At least it's now for you!" Pikachu added, giving a side-glance at Mime Jr.
Rei chuckled at the electric type and nodded. "Sure."
"We can do that!" Akari added.
The leader nodded. "With the help of your strength, I think our late lord's heir would grow into a worthy successor. And if he succeeds, it should silence Lina's naysayers."
"We are honored, leader Irida, but are you sure that such a task is fit for us?" The girl asked.
"I think she doesn't want to be a babysitter either." Buizel commented.
"I don't know of anyone I'd trust more to help with this than the people who helped the Pearl Clan by quelling Kleavor's frenzy!"
Akari nodded too. "Very well then."
Irida turned to look behind her, her gaze looking at something in the distance. "You'll be able to find Lina up on the headland. Head down this hill, and you should see a slope leading up onto the ridge."
The leader then turned back to them. "This is all. I have to go, but I wish you good luck."
"Bye!" Glaceon said.
"Whatever. Let's get out of here." Eevee added.
And they all disappeared from their view.
Akari sighed. "Alright then! Let's go meet this 'Palina', shall we? We'll meet with 'Iscan' later."
Rei nodded, and the two headed down, towards the sea.
They encountered yet more new Pokémon, and Rei was fascinated. Really, it was amazing to see how much he had been missing out.
Before they started going for their objective, however, Akari took Rei just next to the sea, to Ginkgo Landing as she called it.
The feeling of the sand on his feet was something that he would never forget.
"This is… very cool." Rei muttered. "Don't you think, Rie?"
The Eevee was too busy rolling around in the sand. "It's so warm!"
He frowned. "I'm not brushing any of that sand off you."
His frown deepened as he realized that Quilava and Luxio were doing the same. "From neither of you."
"I think I can tell what you're saying without needing any translation." Akari laughed, her gaze looking away into the horizon. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
Rei followed suit, admiring the landscape again. "Yeah."
"Maybe we could rent a boat someday and go sailing. I'm sure you'd like it."
"Sai… ling?" Rei asked.
"Yes. Riding a boat." She explained. "I suppose you haven't seen one of those either, hm…"
Suddenly, she was interrupted when something bumped into her leg. The two turned to look at it and saw a small spherical Pokémon shaking the sand off them and looking up at Akari with curious eyes.
The girl immediately squealed in awe. "A Spheal!"
She proceeded to crouch to the little Pokémon's level and grabbed them in her arms, hugging the 'Spheal' tightly. "You're so cuuuute!"
"Hey, I'm your partner." Pikachu rolled his eyes.
Rei could see how the small Pokémon didn't quite understand what was going on, but still appreciated the affection they were being given.
Rei then felt something bump into his leg too. Another Spheal, and just like the other, they looked up at him, this one with a pleading look.
He rolled his eyes and crouched, giving them a few pats on the head.
Before he realized, there were at least ten Spheal surrounding them, all wanting affection, the ones that had already received it instead clapping their hands excitedly.
"This situation has gone out of control!" Pikachu laughed as he looked at the amount of Pokémon.
"Pass 'im!" Luxio exclaimed.
"Catch!" Buizel added, launching one of the Spheal towards him.
The electric type caught him in the air, and the Pokémon clapped his hands as he laughed. "Fire boy, your turn!"
"Call me that again and the Spheal is coming back to you at mach 5!" The fire type groaned.
"What is a 'mach 5'? " Mime Jr. asked.
"It means he's going to throw the Spheal at him very hard." Rie told him.
The group stood playing with (and petting in Akari and Rei's case) the Spheal for a long while. Time seemed to fly as they did that.
"Hey, wait a minute!" Akari suddenly said, comically dropping the Spheal she had on her hands. "We are supposed to be on a mission!"
"You're right!" Rei exclaimed, forgetting to catch the Spheal his Pokémon had passed him as she flew past him, letting out a squeak when she hit the ground.
"Hey, that was the best pass I'd ever given and you just missed it?!" Quilava shouted.
"Let's get on topic please." Rie rolled her eyes, turning to the Spheal she had been talking to. "I'll be back!"
"Okay!" The water type replied with a clap of her hands.
"Come on, we'll have time to play with the Spheal after we're done!" Akari urged, making Rei raise an eyebrow at her.
"You started." He flatly replied.
"I don't know what you're talking about!" The girl cheekily smiled. "Now come on! Let's go!"
The disguised Zoroark only rolled his eyes as he and the Pokémon followed after the girl.
The group made their way along the coastline, and found the slope that Irida was talking about. It was a long but not too harsh slope that led to the top of the cliffs, and Rei could see it was full of life.
All sorts of Pokémon wandering about, all of different shapes and forms. Some ran away from them, others tried to attack them (keyword, tried) and others simply greeted them, with a wave or even by walking to them and saying hello.
Most Pokémon were new to Rei, and so, Akari was kind enough to tell him the names of those Pokémon that picked his fancy.
After a long while of observing the different Pokémon while walking, it was finally time to meet Palina.
They arrived at a flat grassy area, which gradually turned into stone the more they walked. Rei could see they were on the top of the big cliffs he'd seen from the camp, and he decided not to look down or get too close. He doubted he would survive that fall.
"Careful, Rei. Don't fall off!" Akari warned.
"Woah, what a tip…" Pikachu rolled his eyes.
As they approached the end of the cliff, they saw someone standing there, looking at the sea, accompanied by two other Pokémon.
"Look, Rei." Akari told the fake human. "Those are Growlithe."
The two and the Pokémon approached the person, looking at them. It seems to be a woman wearing the Pearl Clan's outfit, with some sort of goggles hanging from her neck and some sort of hairpin shaped like a butterfly.
She looked a bit… extravagant. But again, didn't everyone he met?
However, when Rei and Akari were about to talk, one of the Growlithe turned around, their eyes perking up immediately.
"HALT!" The bigger Growlithe yelled, making everyone flinch, and some of them (Pikachu) even fell to the ground.
Without even looking back, the woman raised one of her fingers to her mouth, shushing the Pokémon. "Hush now. Settle down." She told the Growlithe, making them do just that.
After a few seconds, the woman then turned around, facing Rei and Akari.
"I'm Palina of the Pearl Clan. Who might you be?"
So this is 'Lina', huh?
"We are Akari and Rei from the Survey Corps. We are here on behalf of Commander Kamado." Akari said.
The warden closed her eyes and nodded slowly. "Ah, so you're those children from the Galaxy Team…"
She then smiled at them. "I heard how you aided Kleavor and Lilligant when none other could quell their frenzy. Your strength must be amazing, and yet, you both have such gentle faces…"
"Poke-human, dispel your illusion. Let's see if she says the same after seeing you without it." Quilava smirked.
"So what brings you to the Cobalt Coastlands?" Palina kept talking. "We have no lord here, much less a frenzied one for you two to quell!" She added with a laugh.
The warden then looked away, her face saddening. "Our previous lord was… swallowed by the waves. He was rescuing his young pup that had been swept out to sea and ended up giving his life to ensure the pup's safe return…"
Quite everyone in the cliff gasped at the story. "Oh no! That's horrible!" Akari added.
There was a pause before the warden looked at Akari and Rei again. "If you were to guess, which of these Growlithe would you say is the previous lord's child?"
"Well, the big one, obviously!" Pikachu exclaimed.
"Yeah." Buizel added.
"I don't know… It looks like a trick question to me…" Rie hummed.
"Really? I think the trick is thinking it's a trick question when it's not!" Luxio added.
"Yeah, he's right." Quilava added.
"I think Rie is right!" Mime Jr. cheered.
Rei decided to do the same. "S… mall." He mumbled.
"Really?" Akari raised a brow. "I would think it's the bigger one…"
Palina chuckled slightly. "That's what everyone would say at first… But no."
"DANG IT!" Pikachu groaned.
"Told you." Rie smirked.
"I don't know what's worse. Being wrong or your smirk."
The warden then points to the small Growlithe. "This quiet, skittish Growlithe is the child of the previous lord, as Rei has guessed."
Said Growlithe turned to the group, giving a small bow. "Greetings…" He mumbled.
Rei and Akari waved at him.
The warden once again turned to the two humans. "I've no doubt this little one has the potential to be a fine lord, but witnessing his father's demise has left deep scars in his heart…" She explained.
It was then that Rei noticed that while the big Growlithe seemed to be fine, in a straight posture and guarding the warden, the smaller Growlithe was instead more slumped, his head hanging low, saddened.
"Poor thing…" Rie muttered.
Akari too looked at the Pokémon with a saddened frown.
Palina sighed. "There are those who expect me to train him more strictly and force leadership upon him before he is ready, but I could never bring myself to do that."
Her face fell to look at the Growlithe. "No matter what the rest of the Pearl Clan says, my mind is quite made up. I'll stay by this little one's side and let him live his life as he pleases."
So this is what Irida meant…
Rei frowned. Are they really expecting the poor Growlithe to get even harsher training after losing his dad?
"They really don't take into account his feelings, do they?" Luxio sighed.
"Guys, remember what Irida told us? We're supposed to help her raise the Growlithe." Rie deadpanned.
Silence fell over the group.
Oh.
Akari too seemed to have realized what they were supposed to be doing, and flinched slightly.
"So, now that you know our situation, might I ask your purpose in coming to the Coastlands?" Palina asked.
"Well…" Akari began. "We're here to help the lord."
"Ah, did Irida ask you to interfere, perhaps?" The warden hummed. "I appreciate the kind gesture, truly, but I'm afraid this matter simply does not concern you."
"I see…" The girl sighed.
"Welp, mission failed." Buizel frowned. "Let's go home."
"That's not the only reason we're here, remember?" Rie reminded.
Oh right!
"Fire… spit Island?" Rei asked.
"Oh, of course!" She widened her eyes. "We're also here to investigate Firespit Island."
"A survey of Firespit Island?" Palina seemed surprised. "I see… There are rumors the place is haunted by strange shadows."
She looked out into the sea, prompting Rei and Akari to do the same. From there, they could see the giant island and the volcano spurting hot lava to the surface.
Imposing…
"You'll need the aid of a Pokémon known as Basculegion if you wish to cross the sea, however." The warden explained. "You should speak to Iscan, a warden of the Diamond Clan. He should be able to help you."
"For the love of Arceus, I'm going to crash out." Buizel groaned. "Can't we just swim?!"
"All the way to the island? Are you crazy?!" Pikachu exclaimed.
"We'd exhaust ourselves and drown, Buizel." Rie sighed. "Not all of us are water types."
"Yeah! Some of us are fire types!" Quilava added.
"You're just a bunch of cowards."
Akari didn't understand the discussion, but Rei's unamused expression already told her everything she needed.
"There's definitely something strange happening out in Firespit Island. Those shadowy figures are concerning, of course, but then there's also the odd lightning that came from that rift in the sky." Palina thought out loud. "And of course, the rumors about that Zoroark…"
Rei tensed up slightly.
She shook her head. "Lightning is a sign that the heavens are angry… I worry that we may have offended almighty Sinnoh somehow…"
There was a small whine coming from the smaller Growlithe, which caused the bigger one to cast him a quick worried glance.
"In the past, the Pearl Clan and the Diamond Clan were locked in conflict over which side revered the true almighty Sinnoh." Palina told the group. "Even if we've reached an uneasy peace, the true almighty Sinnoh must be angered because there are still those who worship a false image of it."
"I don't think… lightning works like that." Quilava sighed.
"Maybe it does?" Mime Jr. asked.
"Trust me, it doesn't." Rie sighed.
"Ah, but I digress. I do apologize." Palina finished. "Iscan lives in Aipom Hill, just past Ginkgo Landing. I imagine you'll find him there."
"Thank you, warden Palina." Akari nodded, with Rei doing the same.
"Goodbye." The big Growlithe said.
"...Bye" The smaller one muttered, making all that could understand him a bit sad.
"Good luck." Palina waved them goodbye.
And with that, the group left the cliff and headed towards Aipom Hill following Akari's direction, though no one could shake off the poor state of the Growlithe.
"Poor Growlithe… Losing his father because he saved his life…" Akari sighed. "I can't even imagine how he must be feeling."
"Ye…" Rei added. "I know how being forced into being someone you don't want to be feels like."
Rie nodded slightly.
"Well, whatever you've said aside, I'm sure you must know how it feels to be forced into a position you don't want to be in, hm?"
The disguised Zoroark deadpanned at her. "That's exactly what you just said, isn't it?"
"Yes."
The girl let out a quick laugh before turning forward again. "Maybe instead of teaching you how to talk, I should be the one learning to understand you all, huh?"
"That would be crazy if she manages to pull it off." Buizel nodded.
"You really think she can? I'm not very sure she's smart enough." Pikachu huffed.
"You know I can still understand you're making fun of me, Pikachu, right?"
The electric type widened his eyes and huffed again, earning a laugh from the rest of the group.
According to Akari, Aipom Hill wasn't too far from the entrance of the Cobalt Coastlands, so they only had to reach the camp and then keep walking forward.
They talked a bit during the journey, fending off any Pokémon that wanted to attack them and greeting any Pokémon that wanted to say hi to them.
As usual, there were many unknown Pokémon to Rei, including one that he had only seen once in the entire Coastlands. It seemed like a small bipedal blue and black canine with a pair of black appendages hanging from the sides of their head, and whoever they were had their eyes fixed on Rei and his Pokémon as they passed next to them.
As Akari pointed out, that was a 'Riolu' and it was a rare Pokémon to see, especially in the Coastlands. Apparently, they were supposed to be from the Icelands, which was a surprise to both Rei and Rie, who hadn't seen one of them ever.
However, as they kept walking towards their goal, Rei heard something coming after them, and when he looked back, he saw the Riolu following after him, trying to hide behind rocks, grass, or trees.
"What is that guy doing?" Luxio asked.
"I don't know, but we have other stuff to worry about." Pikachu replied.
"Umm, Rei, have you noticed there's…" Akari mumbled, looking at the Pokémon.
"Yeah, yeah." He told her.
"And you… don't mind? You're not going to ask anything?"
He shrugged. "Maybe… later."
"Oh."
After that exchange, they finally passed the camp, and kept walking forward, arriving on a slope that led them upwards.
And as the group walked upwards, they came across none other than…
"I'm actually just going to kill this guy." Buizel groaned loudly.
Volo was waiting for them on top of the hill, accompanied by his two usual Pokémon and a new one. A small plant-like Pokémon, a Budew, according to Akari.
"Why, hello there, Rei and Akari! Fancy running into you out here!" He smiled at them.
"Are you kidding?!" Pikachu yelled. "You're everywhere! Stop following us!"
"I wish he could understand us…" Quilava groaned.
"Hey, we aren't following you!" Gible exclaimed.
"Do you see each other often?" Budew asked Togepi.
"More times than I would like to admit." The fairy type mumbled.
"Oh, Togepiiii~" Rie cooed.
"SILENCE! Call me cute again and you will suffer the consequences!"
Akari sighed. "Volo, why are you everywhere we go?"
The merchant seemed surprised by the question. "Me? I'm just on the hunt for some plates!" He chuckled. "By the way, how is your plate hunting going?"
"Meh…" Rei said.
Oh right. The plates.
"No need to be humble! I know you've already gotten your hands on four plates! That's very nice work!"
"How did you…?" Akari began, but stopped herself. "You know what, I don't even want to ask."
"I swear, it looks like he's stalking us…" Luxio spoke.
Not being able to understand the discussion, Volo continued. "You gain plates when you quell frenzied nobles and or they recognize you as worthy of bearing, isn't that right?"
Rei nodded.
Volo then closed his eyes, deep in thought. "The way you've been collecting those plates… It reminds me of the ancient hero. The one who's said to have battled against almighty Sinnoh…"
There was a small pause in which no one said anything.
"You know, I've been wondering…" The merchant suddenly talked. "The 10 Pokémon that are said to have followed the ancient hero, their powers are supposed to have come from almighty Sinnoh itself."
"Yes?" Akari said.
"If so, why would they seek to challenge almighty Sinnoh along with the hero? Perhaps we'll get some answers as we gather all the plates?"
"They fought because it was cool, probably!" Luxio exclaimed. "Who would miss the chance to fight a god?!"
"Hopefully you, Luxio…" Rie scowled.
"Yeah! The god will be all for me!" Quilava added.
"Shut up, fire boy. It goes for you as well." The normal type told him
Quilava looked like he was about to say something about being called 'fire boy', but ultimately let it slide.
"Well, no matter the answer, let's all do our best to find more!" Volo smiled. "But please, don't overexert yourself! I'd hate for something to happen to two of our guild's loyal customers!"
"Don't worry, Volo." Akari rolled her eyes.
"Well, I must bid you farewell. I have to resume my merchant duties!" He said, before his eyes wandered behind the group and to the Riolu. "Ummm, have you noticed the Pokémon following you?"
"We did. We are just waiting to see what that Riolu is doing." Akari replied.
"I see…" The merchant laughed. "Well, goodbye!"
"Bye!" Gible excitedly waved.
"Farewell." Togepi added.
"Goodbye. Hopefully we'll see each other soon." Budew told them.
"Oh, don't worry. We will." Buizel rolled her eyes.
And with that, Volo and his Pokémon disappeared from their view, leaving Rei and Akari alone with their Pokémon again.
"Why is he everywhere?" Akari asked.
"I dunno." Rei replied. "Don't like it."
"Yes, me neither." The girl sighed. "Well, come on! The warden must be close to us now!"
True to her words, the group arrived at what seemed to be a small tent house with a fireplace a bit separated from it. The fire was still burning, so whoever lit it up had to be somewhere near them.
"This should be the place…" Akari mumbled.
"There's no one here, though…" Pikachu said.
"Maybe… inside?" Rei suggested.
"You're right, Rei. Let's knock on the door."
With that, the girl walked forward and placed herself in front of the door, giving it a few knocks.
Rushed footsteps could then be heard inside. "Do… Do I have a visitor?" A voice asked. "I-I'll be right out! Give me a moment!"
Both the girl and Rei shared an unsure glance. Maybe they weren't at the right place?
After a few seconds, the door slid open, revealing a man wearing the Diamond Clan outfit. He had a few satchels strapped and a small bag too, along with some sort of cylinder on his back.
"So umm…" He mumbled, rubbing the back of his head. He sounded nervous. "I'm Iscan, of… of the Diamond Clan."
Silence fell over the area.
"I don't think this warden is fit for his title." Quilava deadpanned.
"Why?" Mime Jr. asked.
"Are you seeing him?" The fire type muttered. "He doesn't even look sure of his name."
"Let's not judge people by their first impressions, okay?" Rie said.
"Tell that to Akari." Pikachu replied, pointing at the girl.
Rei glanced at the girl, who was (unsuccessfully) trying to hide her disappointment at seeing the warden and his antics.
"He… Hello, warden Iscan." She spoke after a while. "We are Akari and Rei, from the Galaxy Team."
The warden looked at the two of them, and noticed something. "Two Galaxy Team members with… Celestica Flutes? And walking Pokémon?"
He then widened his eyes. "Oh, you must be those two members. T-The ones that have quelled the nobles. Akari and Rei, you said?"
Rei nodded.
"I see…" Iscan mumbled. "H-Have I done something to warrant your visit?"
"You are a warden! You are ten times more important than us! You shouldn't be asking that!" Pikachu yelled.
Akari shook her head. "No, warden. We are here for other reasons."
Rei could swear she sighed.
"Well, sudden visits give me quite a shock. I do hope you'll give me advance notice in the future." The warden sighed.
Then, everything fell silent again.
After what felt like hours, Iscan spoke again. "So, um… Why are you two here?"
"Firespit… Island." Rei said.
"We need Basculegion's aid to reach Firespit Island." Akari clarified.
Iscan widened his eyes again. "You… You want to go to Firespit Island?"
"We have to investigate strange phenomena that's happening there." The girl told him.
"Yeah." Rei added.
The warden looked a bit unsure, but shrugged. "W-Well, if you insist, then you'd probably need Basculegion's favorite snack. That should help him warm up towards you."
"Did… Did he just say that we have to buy a noble's trust with food?" Buizel stammered.
"Yes. Yes he did." Pikachu sighed.
"Well, that's better than by fighting him, don't you think?" Rie groaned. "Or would you prefer that?"
"Duh?!" Both Luxio and Quilava exclaimed.
"I'm starting to regret ever setting out on this journey. The part where we met you two, especifically." The Eevee frowned.
"Woah, what the heck, Rie?" Luxio exaggeratedly whined.
"Not cool!" Quilava added with the same tone.
Rie groaned again.
"Is… Is your Eevee okay?" Iscan asked.
"Ehh…" Rei spoke. "Maybe?"
"Back to the topic on hand." Akari interrupted. "How can we get that snack for Basculegion?"
Iscan looked down, sighing. "That's… More than a little difficult. More like an impossibly high hurdle. Or… really just impossible, if I'm being honest…"
"He's starting to get on my nerves." Pikachu groaned.
"But why is that, warden Iscan?" Akari asked, her tone betraying her exhaustion
"I-I'll tell you. I… I have all the materials, but… but then you…" He bit his lip. "Well, you see, this next part is something I could never manage, but…"
"SPIT IT OUT, DAMNIT!" Quilava shouted, making Iscan flinch.
"Ahh! Okay! Okay!" He yelled. "You need to catch a Pokémon that appears only at night!"
"WHICH POKÉMON?!" The fire type kept shouting.
Rei and Akari shared a glance.
I can't believe it's Quilava the one asking questions instead of me.
"Y-You really want to know?!" The warden stammered.
"Yes, warden, we would love to know." Akari sighed.
"You really don't value your own life, do you?" He exclaimed.
Rei raises a hand to his face. "Ugh…" He mumbled.
"Warden, please, we've dealt with worse things. Tell us which Pokémon we need."
Iscan's mouth trembled. "It's D… D… Dus… Dusclops…" He stammered. "Even saying its name fills me with dread…"
Everyone's face turned into a surprised one.
"A… Dusclops?"
Iscan nodded. "Yes… The materials for the food… have to be imbued with flavor by Dusclops' Dark Pulse. That's the only way you can make Basculegion's favorite food, you see."
Talk about a picky eater… Rei thought with a roll of his eyes.
"I heard that if you look behind their bandages, you'll disappear forever…" Pikachu gulped.
"I heard they can suck anything they want into their bodies…" Luxio added.
"I've heard they can suck the soul out of Pokémon…" Rie shook with fear.
"You're just a bunch of cowards!" Buizel scoffed. "I've seen scarier stuff!"
"No you haven't…" Quilava trembled.
"They sound scary…" Mime Jr. hugged Pikachu a bit tighter.
Surprisingly, he did the same.
They had to catch a Dusclops to make that noble's dinner? Perfect. Rei could think of tenths of things better than to willingly seek a Dusclops.
But what could they do? They'd have to deal with it and convince one to help them. Maybe it was because he himself was a ghost type, but all the rumors surrounding the Dusclops kind were never too scary in his opinion.
"We do it."
All heads turned to him almost immediately.
"We what?" Akari said.
"We do it." Rei shrugged. "Not hard."
"Ocko, I get you're a ghost type too, and all, but ARE YOU INSANE?!" Luxio exclaimed.
"You're seriously going to go on the hunt for a Dusclops?!" Pikachu yelled.
"I hate to side with him, but it's an official mission." Rie mumbled. "We have to do it, whether we like it or not."
"You do not hate siding with him, Rie." Quilava deadpanned.
"Shut up."
"W-Wow! Is everyone in the Galaxy Team like you?" Iscan asked, astounded. "Your nerves aren't just steel. They are… titanium…"
Akari was about to reply, but instead stopped herself. "Yes! Everyone!" She said instead.
You were about to murder me a second ago. Rei thought.
"It's… positively frightening how, umm, fearless you are." The warden sighed. "D-Dus…" He groaned. "Agh, I can't say it! Well, the Pokémon has only one eye and can be found wandering around Deadwood Haunt.
Woah, that name inspires such a big amount of confidence.
Rei turned to Akari. "Hm?" She raised a brow. "Oh, Deadwood Haunt is the part of the map that looks like a hand. Don't worry, I know where it is, and there's a wrecked boat to signal we're there."
Rei nodded.
"I… I try very hard to avoid those one eyed Pokémon, so I don't know much about them… Sorry I can't be of more help."
"No problem. We'll handle the rest by ourselves." Akari nodded.
With that and a wave, the group all left the warden's home and headed back to the camp. If they had to wait until night, they would wait there until the sun set and go back.
On the way there, however, they realized that the Riolu was still following them. So, before any of his friends could nag him about Rei speaking for everyone when saying they would go for the Dusclops, he turned around to look at the Riolu.
He heard a small gasp before his small head hid behind a rock. With a roll of his eyes, he walked towards the small fighting type, causing him to gasp again as he saw Rei's head peek over the rock.
"What are you doing?" Luxio had walked towards him, having noticed the Riolu. "You can just ask to come with us."
"Shut up!" The Pokémon replied. "I'm following you because this guy over here has the weirdest aura I've ever seen!" He added, pointing at Rei.
"Aura? What are you talking about?" The electric type asked.
"You wouldn't know! It's our thing!" The Riolu told him. "What I mean is that he feels weird!"
The fighting type then proceeded to jump onto Rei, touching various parts of his body, fully concentrated.
Rei immediately grabbed him and got the Pokémon off him.
"Rei, what's going on here?" Akari asked as she walked closer, the rest of the Pokémon following after her.
"Says… I feel… Weird." He told her, pointing at the Riolu.
"Why do you speak like that? You're so weird!" He whined, trying to break free from Rei's clutches.
"That you feel weird?" The girl asked. "Is that what the professor meant when he talked about Riolu's 'aura powers'?"
"Wha?"
Akari smiled. "Riolu and their evolution Lucario have a strange ability that allows them to feel other Pokémon and humans' emotions."
"Huh?!"
Really?
"Yes! At least the human that doesn't feel weird knows something!" The Riolu exclaimed, giving up on trying to escape. "Your aura is so weird and soothing at the same time! What are you?"
"Soothing? " Pikachu raised a brow. "Him? Maybe you should go get your powers checked."
The Pokémon looked at Pikachu and frowned. "I don't like your aura."
Rie laughed.
"Hey, what does that mean?!" The electric type exclaimed.
"So, Rei. You know why that Riolu is following you?" Akari asked.
He turned to look at the girl. "Says… aura… weird and soo… soot-ting?"
She tilted her head slightly. "That your aura is… soothing?"
He nodded.
"Huh… Wouldn't expect that from… you know…" She stammered.
"Me… neither."
He then looked back at the Riolu, a smirk crossing his face. He looked around the area, making sure there was no one close that could see them.
"You want to know why my aura is weird?" He asked the fighting type.
"Yes! I-" The Riolu widened his eyes. "Wait, huh? You're talking to me?!"
Rei smirked. "Rei, are you going to…?" The girl beside him asked, to which he nodded.
"I'll show you, but promise you won't panic." He whispered.
"Hah, panic?! I'm a warrior! I don't panic!" The Riolu proudly exclaimed.
With that, Rei left the Pokémon on the ground before giving the surroundings one last glance.
He uncasted his illusion, the human in front of the Riolu disappearing and being replaced by a Zoroark.
The fighting type's mouth was open agape as he stared down at Rei. "You… You're a…"
"I thought you were supposed to be keeping it a secret." Rie sighed.
"He just wants to show off." Pikachu rolled his eyes.
The Riolu still didn't seem like he could process what he was seeing. "You're a Pokémon… training Pokémon? With a human? Is she your partner?"
"Sort of." Rei replied, casting the illusion again. No yells meant no one had seen him. "Why do you mind so much though?"
The fighting type then looked away. "Well, I uhh…"
He took a deep breath. "I always wanted to have an adventure and fight alongside a human that was of pure heart…" He spoke. "And I thought I had found one! But then you turn out to be a Pokémon! I can't adventure with a human that's not a human!"
Rei flinched back slightly. Pure heart? I swear, if this has to do because I'm the 'chosen one' I'm going to get very angry.
"Who do you mean?" Mime Jr. asked.
"Your friend over here!" The Riolu exclaimed, pointing at Rei.
"And can't you just… come with us?"
That made the fighting type perk up. "Huh?"
"Yeah. What's stopping you?"
"Well… Uhhh…"
"I'm pretty sure none of us knew that Ocko here was a Pokémon until he caught us." Luxio told him. "Well, except the Eevee."
"Really?" The Riolu exclaimed. "You wouldn't mind?"
"Well, according to Akari, I can carry up to six Pokémon with me at the same time, so yeah. You'd be the fourth one." Rei explained.
The Riolu looked down in thought, before a smile slowly began to make its way to his face as his tail wagged slightly.
"Yes! Oh, finally! I'll be able to have an adventure with a human!" He cheered. "Or… well, not a human, but close enough!"
"Well, in that case, welcome to the team, Riolu! " Rei smiled, taking a Poké-ball from his satchel. "I'm going to need to catch you first, though. Do you mind?"
The fighting type shook his head excitedly. He was all too eager to finally be part of a team. With that, Rei dropped the Poké-ball onto the Riolu's head, as it opened and the Pokémon was caught inside.
The device immediately let out a puff of smoke. Riolu was now officially part of the team!
"A new member, I see." Akari chuckled. "I suppose he joined voluntarily?"
"Yeah." Rei replied.
"Off topic, but has everyone noticed how everyone that joins is a guy?" Buizel asked. "The only girls here are Rie and me."
"Totally!" The Eevee replied. "We should get another girl to join us before the boys overpower us!"
"Atta, girl!"
Rei rolled his eyes and made a mental note before releasing Riolu into the air.
The fighting fell to the ground with a heroic pose he had obviously been rehearsing for a while before smiling like a little kid. "I've waited for this for so long!"
"Well, congratulations! Happy to help!" Rei chuckled.
"Now that you're here, you need a nickname!" Luxio exclaimed. "Almost everyone here has one!"
"Two Pokémon have a nickname, and one is posing as a human. " Pikachu deadpanned.
"Oh! Oh! Yes, yes! I want one!" The fighting type yelled. "I actually have one already!"
"Really? " Rie exclaimed. "That's faster than our fire boy here."
"Rie, I'm going to do very bad things to you." The Quilava almost growled.
"What's your nickname?" Luxio asked.
"Aaron! My father said it's a nickname for a hero!" The Riolu said.
"Well… That's an unusual nickname, but hey! We're not here to judge!" Pikachu chuckled. "Welcome to the team, Aaron!"
Various greetings and waves were exchanged as all the Pokémon said hello and introduced themselves to the new member of the team.
"I'm starting to seriously consider the idea of learning to understand Pokémon." Akari mumbled. "I feel left out."
"Ask… Scar, maybe?" Rei smiled.
"The scary Zoroark man in the alleyway? No, thank you!" The girl laughed. "Though, maybe I should… If you go look for him for some talking lessons, maybe I can follow you."
Rei chuckled at that too.
After the greetings, it was time to finally reach the camp, so Rei and Akari told their Pokémon to get up and ready themselves.
Suddenly, Rei heard something behind them, and he whipped his head immediately. There was nothing.
"Rei?" Akari asked. "Is there something there?"
He shook his head, turning back forward. "Nah."
Akari casted a quick glance at the spot Rei just looked at before shrugging. The group started walking towards the camp, as the Pokémon talked with Aaron.
Out of nowhere, the Riolu's ears perked up as he looked back.
"Watch out, Rei!" He yelled.
But it was too late.
Rei felt something round hit the back of his head before the feeling over his whole body went numb and the world around him turned black.
The last thing he heard was Akari shouting his name.
I'm so sorry for the wait. I just grew a new hyperfixation and lost motivation to keep this story up and running. In all honesty, I don't think I am still as motivated as I was when I started (I finished this chapter just because I saw it was already 8k words out of the 12k it has now), but I'll try to give you guys updates from time to time.
Anyway, a new Pokémon joins the team! I feel like it was a bit sudden, but I still think it's a good addition (I love Riolu, so there had to be one here by all means). Oh, and also, what could have happened to our protagonist? I wonder what that round thing was...
As always, hope you enjoyed and see you next time!