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Chapter Text

Prologue 1 Plant the Seed

Mana. What was it? Was it more than a power source? Why did it cause Pokémon to behave like this?

They fought over it. Fought wars. They killed each other, just for a chance at more power.

Why?

I never imagined I'd end up this way. Caught in a world of strife.

And I was one of the many Pokémon who were the key to fix this. We're the ones who turned the gears of change. Together.

Rich dark trees surrounded me on all sides as I rushed down a corridor. Four floors down and I thought it was over! 

But of course it wasn't! If I wasn’t out of this Mystery Dungeon quickly, this mission would be another failure! 

This was a Mystery Dungeon in a mountainside forest, so as far as the eye could see, there were massive coniferous trees that stretched on for kilometers in an almost endless labyrinth. 

Normally I wasn't scared of this Mystery Dungeon, all of the Pokémon that lived here were usually the least of my concern. It was the outsiders who gave me a run for my money. 

As I ran my foot nearly tripped over a root buried in the soil and grass. My muscles and tendons loosened and I leapt into the air, far over the path before me, parallel to the swath of branches that hung low around me. "Let's try it fer old time's sake!" I reached out to them with my fingers.

And it stung. With a grunt I nursed my sore digits. "If only that wasn't an impenetrable Mystery Dungeon wall!" I groaned. "'S ain't fair!"

I supposed I was naturally a great climber as a Treecko. An escape into the thick brambles would be nice but wasn't an option anymore. 

"Mystery Dungeons were a double edge," my Captain's advice echoed in my head. "You found your foe easy in here. But just as easily your foe found you!"

There was a shrill cry that pierced the air. "She's caught me!" I gasped.

A volley of brown feathers struck the ground where I just was from a Gust of wind. Straight into the soil. Nearly took off my satchel too!

"You ain't getting away!" the Pidgeotto behind me screeched.

It was like a butter knife through my Pa's loaf of bread! The light-blue smoke of mana radiated off them stronger than any I've ever seen before. 

Mana was the power we used to access our full potential as Pokémon. We used it for moves, abilities and evolution all across the Hemisphere. But something's wrong with that Pokémon! 

This is the fourth outlaw I've run into today! But she wasn't on the bounty board! I took in a bit of the Normal-type Mana around me and thought of my options. Blend in! With a burst of white speedy energy, I shot through the air with Quick Attack to get a boost. With the new energy, I pivoted to the side and hurried down another gloomy path. 

I've got to get outta here! Captain Obstagoon told us to take as many missions as possible in this Mystery Dungeon and get rich quickly. 

But I'm in over my head, doing this by myself. I lost my Escape Orb in a Mystery Dungeon yesterday. Of course, I also don't have a badge that could warp me out of this Mystery Dungeon because Mercenaries don't have them. I wished I joined a normal Rescue Team or something anything but this!

"You think you can hide from me just because you are a Sentinel!?" the Pigeotto roared.

In this Hemisphere, everyone was either a Keeper or a Sentinel- both with responsibilities. 

"Keepers are supposed to monitor mana and each other! Sentinels are supposed to watch over y'all and set everyone straight!" I yelled back.

"You're just a weak, insensitive brat!" she taunted. "Can't sense my amazing, overpowering presence that leaves weak Keepers begging on their knees!"

Of course the Pigeotto's that type of Keeper! I opened my mouth but shut it as I heard the rustling behind me get louder. She's nothing noble like the Keepers in my family or in the Mercenaries, they'd never do something like this! 

But this was the real world. Sentinels and Keepers weren't always noble. None of them were. I knew it well.

"Just because you don't have a Keeper presence doesn't mean I won't find you!" In a flash, she rammed into me and knocked me off my feet. The Pigeotto's beak jabbed into my side with her Tackle and I cried out. 

"Take this!" With a grunt, I shot at her with a Quick Attack and barely pushed her talons off the dirt. She pulled me by my black, green, and gold flannel jacket- a type of uniform Mercenaries wore to distinguish ourselves.

Shoot! 

"You Mercs think you can take me now that I'm strong?" She held me down and spread her now glowing wings.

I struggled under the Pigeotto's grasp until I heard a whoosh through the air and ducked. "Nope!"

"I'm what a real Keeper looks like, little Treecko, unburdened by the chains of-"

"Enough!" a large brown and white figure crashed into the Pidgeotto with a torrent of huge rocks around them, sharp as a Stone's Edge."You disgust me! You terrible excuse of a Keeper!"

The stone shook the earth in a mighty boom and exploded into tiny pieces. Dust filled the air and my nose.

I scrambled backward to avoid the wave of boulders as they tumbled away from the two Pokémon. My savior was a Midday Lycanroc. 

They had on a scarf with blue, green, and grey stripes, an odd triangular Platinum Rescue Team Badge, and a grey saddle-bag.

With a gasp, the Pidgeotto collapsed to the ground. She remained still as the Lycanroc restrained her wings with some netting, then sniffed her. They saved me!

I slowly stood up. "Thank ya so much!" I cried.

"No problem," they replied with a grin and reached into their bag. Soon an Oran Berry and a small set of bandages fell into my hand. "What's your name, Treecko?"

"I'm Linus," I replied.

"So why were you out here, Linus?"

I peeled the skin off the Oran and took a bite of the Berry. "I was trying to leave this Mystery Dungeon when all of a sudden that Pidgeotto outlaw attacked me." I pulled back my torn flannel jacket.

"So you must be a Mercenary," the Lycanroc sat down. 

"Yeah, but I'm no good by maself."

"No good by yourself, eh? Well, I'm not good by myself either. That's why I'm in a Rescue Team."

I finished eating the Oran Berry and sighed as the healing properties went to work. The sting vanished, but the dull ache on my side still lingered. "What were you doing with your Rescue Team, Lycanroc?”

"We were researching the conditions of this Mystery Dungeon and others."

"Ooh, that's mighty swell!" I lit up. "I'va always wanted to just go researchin' and not worrying about getting requests worth the most poké."

"Yeah, we don't make much money in our Rescue Team," the Lycanroc sighed.

I glanced down at my side and applied the bandage to the wound. "Ya don't do requests or missions?"

“This was a request. There have been reports of a suspicious Pokémon nearby, so we League Pokémon had to split up to cover more ground."

"The League huh, I've always wanted ta join." 

"The town of Bristberg isn't too far from this Mystery Dungeon," they said.

"Ah, yeah. Bristberg," I sighed. My eyes slowly widened as I glanced at their triangular badge. "Hold yur Horseas, that mountain settlement has a League!" 

The Lycanroc brightened with a chuckle. "Oh, I forgot to mention it. I work on a Rescue Team for the Bristberg Mana Research League."

"So ya League Rescue Team Pokémon don't just research Mystery Dungeons! Ya also catch outlaws!”

"Yes. Could you write something down for me?"

"’Course." I watched as they pulled out an assortment of objects.

"This outlaw was one of the suspicious Pokémon," the Lycanroc got out a small notepad and charcoal pencil.

"How'd ya know that? Is it training from ta League?" I asked as I grabbed the pencil for them.

Their ears folded down as they prodded the Pidgeotto's side. "No. I'm also a Keeper, a Pokémon sensitive to the shifting of mana." 

"Uhuh. Ya can probably tell I'm a useless Sentinel."

"That's not true. Sentinels have provided stability and have been quite the force to be reckoned with."

"What'cha want me to write down?" 

"Another Pokémon outlaw clad in a black and white striped scarf." The Lycanroc looked side to side. "The scarf also had a patch of two black claw marks. A Keeper with a worrying presence. End."

I jotted down everything word for word and returned the notepad. "Hope ya ain't mind my Torchic Scratch writing."

"Don't worry. My Inteleon friend, a Pokémon with five fingers, has worse writing."

"If ya say so."

"These notes will be just fine."

I shivered as a brisk gust tore through the forest. "Do ya think we could head on out?"

The Lycanroc attached the netting on the Pidgeotto to something on their saddle-bag and stood up. "Yeah, the stairs are back this way." They turned around. "Let's get out of here."

We headed back through the hallway I ran through and went the other way, into a large empty clearing. Thankfully, the stairs were all the way in the back which meant I could finally leave!

"So those are notes for the League, huh?" 

"Yes, and any other organization who supports us. By the way, I'll need you to come with me for a more detailed report to the Chief if you don't mind."

"I don't mind, just wondering if y'all could tell my old boss I quit." I wrapped the flannel around my waist and followed the Lycanroc.

"Our Coordinator can arrange that," the Lycanroc explained. "Gonna hand in your last requests for the Mercs, eh?" 

I nodded.

"I remember when I handed in my last Expedition assignment, back then I was still supporting the League. I just didn't know it." They sniffed the ground as their tail raised.

"Our Mercenaries support your League… Do you think I could join you?" I asked as I took the first step up the natural Mystery Dungeon staircase, one made of dirt and lined with stone.

"With me?" The Lycanroc followed me up the stairs and we exited the Mystery Dungeon.

"Well, on any Rescue Team the League has." I pulled on my ragged flannel and looked at my satchel. "But I understand if you don't want another useless Sentinel like me."

"Linus, you aren't useless, normally I don't sense anything from Sentinels. And usually I only sense a regular presence from other Keepers. Well, not from that Pidgeotto, we'll have to figure that out later. But I sensed something special from you."

"Yur just saying that to make me feel better-"

"I'm dead serious. I'm especially sensitive to mana for some reason. There's so many things we don't know about Sentinels and Keepers. And having you along would be a needed addition. My teammates would agree."

In the distance there was a Boltund wearing a three-tone scarf like the Lycanroc, one who paced around the entrance of the Mystery Dungeon. "Are they with you?" I asked.

The Lycanroc gently nudged me. "Yeah, and soon you can too." 

"So can I join the League?" 

"Well, you'll have to pass the Entrance Exam." They added.

"Oh drat." I rubbed the back of my head.

"But don't worry, I'll get some help for you. It'll be a lotta hard work, as long as you do your best I know you'll do just great."

"My best huh? Maybe I could get my younger brother Hatchet and my younger sister Kobi to join me along with some other Pokémon. We could be Team Swift Claw!"

"I have a better suggestion." The Lycanroc wagged their tail as we approached their teammate.

"Oh yeah?" I smiled.

"Team Sharp Claw."

This was only the beginning. The beginning of our journey. Together.

Chapter Text

Kobi Espurr's POV

Why was I here?

Why was I a Keeper when others could also bear that burden just as easily?

I didn't want to go through those lands and fight all these Pokémon. I just wanted to learn about the land without getting my claws dirty. But to be a Pokémon was to fight. I knew it well.

Now it's time I stepped up to the plate. And deliver the world from our strife, but I need to learn more about what I'm capable of. Then I could really do it. Save the world, with them.

The dark teal mountains that made up the heartland always loomed over Hunter's Plains, the village I lived in. Previously I never had a chance to visit them myself- the Bristberg Mountains.

But now I finally got to take a trip into the town of Bristberg itself. And more importantly the League.

The League was one of the first buildings I've ever seen to be three stories and have so many windows. In our village, the biggest building was the Elder's meeting hall, a two-story one with only about eight. This thing had almost double that just on the entrance!

I still didn't believe it. This League was supposed to be this exciting place where Pokémon learned about mana and the intrigue of this world, dealing with requests and errands along the way in their research.

But Hatchet and I just stood in front of the front barred gate and waited. The Axew rang the buzzer only a few minutes ago.

I could have easily done it instead, albeit a bit slower, because I walked on four legs like a Skitty or Litten, not like the typical Espurr from what I've heard and seen. Not that I’ve ever been typical.

Not like what we're here for was typical either. We were both Keepers. Linus sent us a letter last week.

'Hey y'all let me tell ya something.'

'I quit being a Mercenary. Instead I joined the League. But it's not like that was easy, that Entrance Exam was no joke.'

'There were questions about all sorts of concepts I've never heard about but the Lycanroc who saved me asked a Squirtle and Pichu to help me out. I also got some assistance from a peculiar Lucario and Frogadier.'

'Anyhow with their help I passed the Entrance Exam this time so now I'm an official League member! I want ya two to come here and join Team Sharp Claw with me.'

'More details when you get there, love ya!

From Linus Treecko of the Bristberg Mana Research League!'

"Team Sharp Claw?" I asked.

"Yes," Hatchet replied.

"What's that?"

"That's what Linus wrote.” The Axew unraveled the letter.

"He wants us to try out for his new Rescue Team?"

Hatchet rubbed the back of his head just as the Treecko himself came out of the massive three-story building.

Linus ran through the cobblestone courtyard and stopped inside of a small tower.

The gates in front of Hatchet and I slowly parted and let us into the League courtyard. Linus poked his head out and the gates then closed.

"I'm so glad y'all could make it!" the Treecko sped toward us in the blink of an eye with a Quick Attack and nearly knocked me over.

I sat down on my haunches for a second to nuzzle against him. "Yeah mate, I haven't seen you in a long time."

"Howdy Linus." Hatchet patted his back. "So let's get started. What’re we here fer?"

As he said that, a Granbull walked out of the League building with a bundle of fabric in his arms. Immediately I tasted a soft sugary flavor all in my mouth. He’s a Keeper too. That must be how a fairy-type Keeper's presence was!

"Ah, Kobi, Hatchet." The Granbull smiled. “I'm happy to see you."

"Oh uh." I took a step back. Now he could taste Hatchet's presence and my presence. As a Dragon-type the Axew's had a strong sour flavor, but not like a sour berry. Keepers always gave him odd looks when they tasted his presence but this time was different.

This Granbull didn't mind Hatchet, but instead eyed me.

Linus ran up to the Granbull and held out a hand. "This is the League's Coordinator, Sir Cooper. He wants you guys to try out for the League and test out a new entrance Exam.”

"What about the old Entrance Exam?" the Axew rubbed his chin.

"It was a written and practical Exam." the Treecko sighed. "While it was mighty rough, I managed to pass this time with help from the other Rescue Teams."

"Yeah, you mentioned gettin' some help from the League before," I said.

"Don't tease us! The other Rescue Teams at the League?" Hatchet asked.

I shook my head. "He's not taking the mick Hatchet."

"It sounded like he was teasing! But isn't that kinda weird?"

"Who else would he get help from?"

Cooper extended a paw with a few cloths before he nodded. “Yes, with you two Linus could have a team.”

“Our big bro’s gonna have us on his team?” Hatchet grinned.

I purred at the thought. “And we can make that happen?”

The cloths were actually striped scarves, their blue, green, and grey lined fabric accentuated by a small dark brown wooden triangular badge. “Y'all gotta wear these to come with me!” the Treecko pointed to his head, where he wore his scarf.

I reached out for the scarf in the Granbull’s paw and Hatchet fastened it around my neck. “Come with you where?”

“A Mystery Dungeon!” Linus cheered and grabbed my shoulder.

“What?!”

Cooper chuckled. “You’ll go on a few different types of requests with him, and I’ll watch your progress to see if you are ready.”

Hatchet finally settled on a place to wear his scarf and we were back on the road, this time I followed Linus and Cooper through Bristberg.

There were all sorts of ice, fire, water, rock, and steel-types that roamed the streets of Bristberg at this hour of the day. This was incredible! I haven't seen some of these Pokémon in person in a long time. 

"So while we're heading to the Bristberg Lowlands Mystery Dungeon, you should tell your siblings about the League," the Granbull said.

"So like in the letter I sent, the League's full name is the Bristberg Mana Research League." the Treecko explained. "Right now we are researching the various conditions of Mana."

"But you're a Sentinel?" I asked.

"Yeah I thought that was odd too, but it's not like we can't feel the world's Mana shift, and can't see when an attack has too much or too little mana."

"An attack?" Hatchet leaned close to me.

The Treecko halted his gait a little. "Well, there were reports of outlaw Pokémon wearing black and white stripes. They attacked me and now they have been reported to target Keepers."

My blood ran cold. "They've done what?"

"Our League helped me deal with the one that attacked me but we haven't seen any more."

"Well," the Axew shuddered out. "She and I, we ain't seen any either."

"I wanted y'all to join the League so we could keep an eye out for ya," Linus sighed.

"We?"

"Soon it won't just be me looking out for you if you join my Team ya know."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, y'all two aren't the only other Pokémon the League has scouted recently." The Treecko said as we walked through the bustling cobblestone streets.

“Is that so?” I tilted my head.

"Then why can't those others join yer Team?" the Axew asked.

"Fer starters, right now I work with a Rescue Team called Team Aegisdrip. It's not my Team and secondly, those two, a Totodile and Charmander, aren't ready to join a Rescue Team yet."

"Why's that?" I questioned.

The Granbull in front of us cleared his throat. "They are dealing with some things at the moment."

"I hope they'll be okay." Hatchet murmured softly.

I nodded. "Make sure ta lookout for them."

"Will do, anyway, back to what the Leagues do and we are going to do." Linus said as we exited town and headed southwest. "We go make sure the conditions of Mystery Dungeons and the surrounding areas are safe."

"This has to deal with the powers we use, right bruv? I never quite understood them well." I sighed as I followed them.

“Yes, Mana,” the Granbull explained.

Maybe we’ll learn something about it today? Not sure how that’ll work in a Mystery Dungeon but I trusted the League. 

“Why are we going into a Mystery Dungeon?” Hatchet asked.

The Treecko smirked as we continued down the winding path.“Ya might not have realized it, but Mystery Dungeons have Mana inside them.”

“Wait what?!” I gasped. 

“Mana that belongs to the land itself is stabilized inside Mystery Dungeons.” Cooper pointed to the mountainside.


Linus tugged on his bag.“It's why Mystery Dungeon Pokémon live inside of them to keep ta balance of the mana in check." 

"In doing that some of them have developed a new culture." The Granbull explained. "One where they are extremely territorial and they may even speak a different language. But they're still Pokémon like the rest of us."

Coordinator Cooper took us down into a slight valley of the land, the gorgeous light teal Bristberg Mountains all around us. “Could you tell them what you are doing here Linus?”

“Today we are looking for a Pokémon who got lost on the 1st floor of Lowlands Mystery Dungeon here.” The Treecko reached into his bag. “It seems they are a Wooloo."


"Anything else?" My whiskers flickered. It was colder on this side of Bristberg.  

"Nope."

We headed further off the incline of the path into town and into the depths of the Mountain Range. Eventually, we reached a wide stretch of Mountain with a signpost in front of it. Bristberg Lowland Mystery Dungeon. 

Linus adjusted his Team bag and held out the request paper. Hatchet and I followed him toward the depths of the barely visible barrier: a darkened line of rock.

“I’ll be waiting outside!” The Granbull waved. 

"Alrighty lets get 'em done!" The Treecko stepped inside.

I shuddered as the path behind us vanished behind a wall of stone, and the sky grew dark. "This is- this is what a Mystery Dungeon is like?" I flattened my ears further. The path before us showed only one exit to the east. As my eyes scanned the ground I tasted something.

It was almost like a Keeper presence. But something was off.

"It'll be okay Kobi." Linus led the way into the pathway before us.

"Wooloo!" Hatchet yelled. "Wooloo, where are ya!?"

There was this awful feeling in the air. "What are you bloody doing?" I growled, as my hackles rose.

The Treecko shook his shoulders. "Hatchet don't yell so loud!"

"Sorry."

I flinched as we headed into another room, it was a wide expansive mountainside, but in the corner was a white ball of fluff. It was the Wooloo. There were no other exits besides a pathway beside us.

"Okay y'all now," Linus stepped forward and beckoned us. "Follow me."

With an exhale I padded after him.

Just as we made our move the Wooloo opened their eyes. "Get away from me!" they bleated in a soft weak voice and dashed toward us.

The Treecko stepped in front of me and held out his arms."Stay back!"

The second the Wooloo got closer a wave of terrible presence crushed my entire body. "Shit!" A sharp pain tore through me and I collapsed onto the floor. "What is this!?"

"They're a Keeper like y'all?!" Linus questioned.

"Kobi?" Hatchet groaned as he dropped to the ground beside me.

I nodded. "I- I can't move, that Pokémon."

"Somethin's-" the Axew coughed and held his chest. "Something is wrong with 'em."

"Darnit!" The Treecko glanced at me as the Wooloo blindly rushed at us, in a bright white light. "We're here to help you! We're from the League!"

The mana from their attack, probably a Tackle, grew further and further than anything I've ever seen. "You what?" the Wooloo skidded into a halt and slammed into Linus.

Raw energy exploded off them and filled the air with the scent of a harsh vanilla. Normal-type mana. "We're leavin'!" the Treecko yelled as he held onto the Wooloo, and crashed into the two of us. That same power hit directly inside my core and I couldn't take it. I turned away from Hatchet just before I threw up.

My vision went blurry as the Wooloo's presence slowly shifted brighter and then dropped a little. It still wasn't like a regular Keeper’s.

There was a clicking noise and then a flash of blue. "That was a mighty Tackle bud. Wooloo, are you doing better?" Linus's voice rang out.

"I'm so sorry!" the Wooloo cried. "I didn't mean it- I was just so scared."

The Treecko sighed."It's alright now, you're out of the Mystery Dungeon."

"No, but I hurt your friends too!"

"Oh shoot, Kobi, Hatchet!" Linus finally looked down at us. "What are you two doing!? Y'all okay?!"

My eyes lidded open. It was bright, like how it was outside the Mystery Dungeon. A shiver passed over me as I wiped my mouth with a paw and stood up. "No, I'm not."

"I." Hatchet grimaced as he also got up. "I ain't good either."

"Wooloo." While he staggered upright Linus held out his hand. "What happened to you?"

Their hooves clattered on the ground as they paced."You… you said you're from the League right?"

"Sir Cooper?" the Treecko asked as his Coordinator approached us.

"Who?"

"Yes, I'm the Coordinator. I need to know as well please." The Granbull spoke up and I shuffled away from him.

The Wooloo trembled as they looked at Cooper, and took a few steps back from Hatchet and me. They must have finally noticed our Keeper presences. "I was on a short little walk home from gathering items and… and I was attacked."

"I need to be able to help you further." The Granbull knelt down and gently handed them a biscuit. "Who attacked you?"

"Some Keepers," the Wooloo said. "Two wearing black and white striped scarves. They had something with them- but I couldn't see it before it was too late."

Cooper's ears raised but he lowered them with a sigh."It's okay now. Let us get you some specialized care on what to do with your presence from here on out." 

"Okay."

Cooper escorted us back to the League where he said he'd get some help for the Wooloo.

Linus, Hatchet and I stood in the courtyard as the sunset, the sky a bright pink-orange, the gray clouds framed it perfectly.

"So, y'all don't want to try out more of the new League Entrance Exam?" the Treecko asked, his hands tight on his bag. "We have much more ta go over so you can form a Rescue Team with me."

"I'm not sure if I'm cut out for this League stuff partner," Hatchet sighed.

I stared at the fabrics as Linus took each scarf from our necks. "Yeah bruv, I'll have to think about this. I'm more interested in safer research rather than going into these Mystery Dungeons and fighting."

"I understand. I'll just come visit y'all. I bet Scabbard and the others want me ta come back and visit." The Treecko laughed. 

"Yeah, I think we'll just spend time with the folks around Hunter's Plains." I walked toward the gate which surrounded and blocked the League. "I'll figure out some things and ask Ma and Pa what they know. Maybe I'll make a friend in the village!"

The gates began to part. "Alrighty, bye y'all!" Linus yelled.

"See you later Linus!" I called and I trotted out of the courtyard.

Hatchet waved his claw as the gate closed."Take care now!"

I never could avoid this, could I? 

Matters of the League.

Of the World.

And matters of my new family. Foolishly trying to make friends. 

But I'll figure it out, all the mysteries regarding Mana. No, not just me. We all will.

Chapter Text

Prologue 3- Harvest the Crops

Linus Treecko’s POV

I should have never gone home. Even though it was supposed to be a celebration because I passed the Entrance Exam, and worked at the League for nearly a year, AND finally made a Rescue Team. But I was wrong.

After that.

I just wanted to forget about it .

I couldn't be him.

The one who filled the hole left in her wake.

I’ll never come home again.

Sorry Hatchet, Kobi.

I failed you.

"Team Sharp Claw," I murmured to myself.

How could I keep my promise to that busy Lycanroc and all the others in the League? I tried to believe in myself and wanted to be a useful Sentinel. But no, I was just a solo rookie.

"Linus, you'll be with Team Aegisdrip,"  Coordinator Cooper explained. The Granbull gestured to the Pichu and Squirtle. 

"Glad you're joining the team!" the two Pokémon cheered.

I grinned and flashed them a smile. "I'll do my best!"

We spent about ten months together before things started to change.

One day the Coordinator brought a miserable-looking Totodile home. 

"Who's that?" I asked as I followed the Granbull toward the Med Bay.

Coordinator Cooper placed the Totodile down and ushered me out of the room. "Do not talk to her right now."

Just a week later, the Chief returned to the League with a frightened Charmander. 

"Is that-"

The Stoutland must have noticed the look in my eyes. "Don't say anything to them," she sighed before and shut the Med Bay door.

I held my chest and leaned against it. "When would I ever see those two again?"Maybe I'll ask Kobi and Hatchet to join me again? We went on one mission in the Bristberg Lowlands, and encountered a strange Keeper. The two panicked, and said it wasn't for them. Those Keepers really were sensitive, but something was wrong with that poor Wooloo, maybe I'll figure it out. Perhaps the Espurr and the Axew could tell me.

It's been about two months since I last saw the Totodile and Charmander. Team Aegisdrip took me on wilder and wilder rides.

"Hurry up Linus!"

"I can't go any faster!"

—

"You need to do more damage! Hit HARDER!"

"What, My Leafage ain't strong enough?"

—

"Why did you faint from those attacks?"

"The Special Defense Band wasn't the right gear?!"

Various scenarios repeated, usually in intense Mystery Dungeons, other times when we were outside trailing dangerous outlaws. Not the ones wearing black and white, as we at the League haven't seen them since my encounter. But our foes were still way over my head.

The Squirtle and the Pichu handled them like nothing. Those two were older and stronger than me, they even managed to evolve. 

All the while I barely got better. I was just there to hold the Rescue Team bag for crying out loud!

My ‘good times’ couldn't last forever. Not at this rate.

"I'm getting kicked out of the Team?" I gasped. "Is it because you've evolved?" 

The now-Pikachu rubbed the back of his head. "Yup, we need to get the others stronger too."

A Skorupi and a Shieldon of Team Aegisdrip were the ‘others’ in question, currently away and training with another Rescue Team.

"Sorry Linus." The now Wartortle patted me on the shoulder. "Maybe next time."

After Kobi and Hatchet left, I wouldn't be getting my Team. Not how I'd like it. I left the room. Tears of frustration clouded my eyes. "I hate it here."

"Team Aegisdrip just doesn’t want to be held back on dangerous missions," Chief McBone explained as we walked to her office. 

"I know. I'm just a weak and useless Sentinel."

The Stoutland shook her head. "That's not true." 

"But yur a Sentinel that everyone in the League looks up to as Chief,” I sighed. “The numerous other Sentinels are also doing their best at the League. And I'm the only one who held my Team back so bad I got kicked out."

Chief McBone let out a breath. "You need to change your outlook on League work, and especially on life. Linus, you have great potential."

"If I did, someone would want me."

"But someone does want to see you."

My eyes widened. "See me?"

We entered the room and there the Totodile and Charmander were. They sat on some low chairs beside Chief McBone's desk and fiddled with some scarves. Not just any! League scarves!

My jaw dropped. "What?"

Chief McBone gestured with her paw. "These two Sentinels are ready to meet you!"

I couldn’t believe my eyes! My chance to form a Rescue Team! This Totodile and this Charmander, I knew I felt something special about them!

"Howdy y'all." I ran over to them. "I'm Linus!" 

"I'm Glade," the Totodile said in a rough voice as she flinched away. 

The Charmander curled into their seat. "My name is Nevada." Their voice was soft yet a little deep.

I took a step back and bowed. "You wanted to see me?" 

"Yeah," Glade clenched her arm. "We'd like to form a Rescue Team with you."

Nevada nodded. “We heard you were also a rookie at the League too.”

"But you two still need to actually pass your Entrance Exam." The Stoutland stepped in between us.

"Wait, Glade and Nevada haven't?"

The Totodile's maw went a bit red, and the Charmander buried their’s in their claws.

I stepped forward and held out my hands. "Do y'all need my help?"

Slowly Nevada reached out for me. "Well, uh, yeah."

Glade looked away but took it as well. "Ugh, it's a pain to admit it but yes."

"Okay."

Glade, Nevada, Chief McBone and I sat in the second story by the window with a pile of textbooks. "Alrighty," I started, "so y'all need to understand the difference between normal League work and casual rescue team work."

"I don't understand, shouldn't all organizations look out for our duties?" Nevada fiddled with the papers. "I can't tell them apart!"

"And I don't even understand a freaking thing about those organizations to begin with!" Glade groaned.

The Stoutland shook her head. "Leagues were made specifically to research Mana. We still do missions and requests but usually they are also involved with Mana."

"Can y'all list areas of importance we in the League check in or for?" I asked.

"There's something in Mystery Dungeons." The Totodile said.

"Yes Glade.” Chief McBone nodded. “Nevada?"

The Charmander stared at a page. "Strange activities regarding mana artifacts?"

"Good,” I smiled. “Can ya’ll each name something related to the mana artifacts?"

"Keepers." Glade crossed her arms.

Nevada hummed in thought. "And our power."

My tails touched the floor. "But what about them? Keepers, and our power."

"Our power is kept in balance because of all Pokémon and their relationship with Mana." The Charmander answered.

The Totodile pointed to a page. "But Keepers could change that if they aren't careful. Although it's not like the average one can do anything so we're fine!"

“Can you explain what you mean by that?” I closed our book slightly.

“Keepers can use the elemental key and lock mana artifacts right? I’ve never seen them or heard anyone say they have, which is why no one’s probably done anything with them!”

"That's right!” I clapped my hands. “Mana has been properly balanced for centuries, so everything should be under control."

Nevada murmured. "Interesting."

Chief McBone got up from her seat. "However we don't know all of the details behind it. There is so much that all of us are trying to study and research together."

Glade rubbed the back of her head. "Aw shoot. I suck at this huh?"

"I'm sorry I'm not good enough." Nevada softly groaned.

"Don't worry, you know enough for the Entrance Exam.” I patted each of them on the back.

The Stoutland smiled at us from the doorway. “You think you'll be ready next week?"

"Yep!" the Totodile cheered.

The Charmander followed her. "I'll try!"

I had done small requests for the League for the past week to stay active when I received a summons.

"Y'all have something to announce?" I walked down toward the patio with the Chief and Coordinator.

Chief McBone and Coordinator Cooper padded beside me as their tails wagged. We opened the sliding glass door.

There, everyone was. Team Aegisdrip, Team Blue Heroes, and the newly formed Team Whitelight. Everyone except Team Vanguard, the Lycanroc’s Team, who was away doing research, sat around the variously sized tables. While two particular Pokémon stood in the center of the deck.

"Glade Totodile and Nevada Charmander have passed their Entrance Exams!” the Granbull cheered.

The Stoutland gave each a wooden badge. “They are officially joining the League!”

I ran up to the Totodile and Charmander with a Quick Attack, my arms stretched out. “That means!”

“Yep!” Glade grinned, her massive jaw wide.

Nevada’s tail flame whipped brighter. “We’ve made our choice!”

“To join Team Sharp Claw!”

“So you’ll pick out our first mission?” I asked, as my dual tails waved in the air.

The Chief placed a piece of paper in my claws. “Yes, we are off to the Bristberg Mainlands. There is a Mystery Dungeon with only two floors.”

“So this request is to deliver an item to someone on the first floor.” Nevada peered at the page.

“And the last one is a joint-request,” Glade pointed to the fine print. “We have to retrieve an item and reach the second floor.”

I adjusted my League scarf and hopped around. “I’ma so excited to go out with my Team, Team Sharp Claw!”

The Charmander groaned to themself. “Is it okay to mention that I’m a bit scared?”

“You don’t need to be. To be alone that is. I am too.” the Totodile looked away.

Nevada’s eyes widened. “You’re scared?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m here with ya guys,” I held out my hands. “Don’t think you’re alone!”

“Um, Linus?” the Charmander choked out.

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

“Yeah, thanks,” Glade said as she faced me. “You’re a good Treecko Linus.”

We sat in silence as the Stoutland approached us with something in her maw. She dropped it to the floor and sighed. “I have prepared your Exploration Bag.”

I tossed it onto my back, and smiled as the heft of the items inside comforted me. “Alrighty!”

Glade and Nevada nodded.

“Let's go Team Sharp Claw!”

We weaved through the quiet streets of Bristberg, the afternoon sky dreary with thick clouds. But that didn’t stop us as we reached the huge mountains in the center of town, that towered up into the heavens and even higher peaks.

“Here we are!” The Chief’s bark echoed through the narrow sections of mountain. “Bristberg Mainland Mystery Dungeon!”

“Follow me now y’all!” I fastened my bag straps and headed toward the darker patch of stone.

“Yeah!” Glade rushed through the boundary of the land and the Mystery Dungeon, with Nevada right behind her.

It’s so cool! Although we were on the infamous dark teal Bristberg Mountains, inside this Mystery Dungeon was bright, even with the clouds. “Let’s go together, careful now!” I called to the Totodile ahead of me.

The Stoutland behind us nudged the Charmander toward me. “I trust you know what to do?”

"Yes, we are going to give a Heal Ribbon to a Sewaddle and gather a Blast Seed for a Blipbug!" I scanned the room. 

For some reason there weren't any Mystery Dungeon Pokémon on the first floor at all, like something or someone made them hide away. If anything through the winding hallways and corridors we heard the rumbling of Pokémon above. Strangest thing I've ever encountered.

We entered a larger room with the stairs where a green and yellow Pokémon paced around back and forth.

"Oh, there's the Sewaddle!" I called as I noticed their features. Nevada pulled out the Heal Ribbon and Glade walked over to them.

"Here's the Heal Ribbon!" the Totodile wrapped it around the Sewaddle's body. "Er, whats wrong?"

They blinked. "Thank you for bringing this to me. As for my pacing, well, you guys aren't Keepers so you can't feel this but it feels like somethings wrong with this Mystery Dungeon. I'm not going to stay and figure out what."

I watched as the Sewaddle vanished in a ray of light and then sighed. "Whatever that means, let's be prepared."

The four of us walked up the staircase and  I could see the Blast Seed, it was right near the entrance to another room. "We're almost done!" I dashed toward it.

"Alright!" Glade cheered. 

Nevada yelped as I passed them. "Wait up!"

"You shouldn't run off so far ahead!" Chief McBone barked.

Right as I reached it a plume of purple smoke shot out from the hallway. I grabbed the Blast Seed and bolted backward with the added speed from Quick Attack.

Out came a Gothia, and a Stunky, but they couldn’t have been Mystery Dungeon Pokémon. Those Pokémon didn't live here!

"Outlaws!?" 

"If you know what's good for you, you weaklings will submit and join our fresh new world order!" the Gothia and Stunky yelled. 

"Team Sharp Claw, this is an unexpected test!" the Stoutland stood firm. "I'm right behind you! Do well!"

“Wait a minute,” Glade stepped back.

The Charmander beside her took in a deep breath. “It can’t be.”

On their necks was a sight that stopped me in my tracks. Black and white striped scarves, with two black claw marks in the center.

No, I can’t.

"Linus watch out!" Nevada pushed me out of the way of a psychic wave of Confusion. "We- we have to fight!"

I clenched my fist with a nod. "Right!"

The Gothia's attack wasn't like the Pigeotto's! It was normal!

"Are y’all Sentinels!?" I yelled as I shot out a burst of Leafage at him.

"Yep! But we aren't useless like you!"

“What!?” My leaves sliced right into the Gothia's side. "Your attack ain't glow like that Pidgeotto's!"

"What, you think every Keeper with us was unburdened like she was?" The Stunky rammed into the Totodile beside me with a Feint.

Glade stumbled to the side and shot a Water Gun at her. The pressure of the liquid sent the Stunky to the floor.

The Gothia blasted Nevada with Confusion, the Charmander gritted their teeth and fired back an Ember through the attack. He fainted from the heat of the flames, and left the other outlaw alone.

Through a slow limp the Stunky sprayed me with a sharp burst of Poison Gas, the potent toxic fumes choked my lungs and I sank to the ground. My vision blurred.  No! I won't let them get away! My legs flared but I propelled off the ground with one last Quick Attack. 

As soon as I knocked into the Stunky, she fell over in a daze. I slumped over.  "We did it?" 

"Don't relax just yet!" Chief McBone ordered as she rushed toward the outlaws, a net in her jaws.

"Let's help with tying them up," I said. Glade and Nevada came up next to me and held the links.

“Now you're done!” Glade smirked at our work.

Nevada finished their section and dropped the netting. “Yep, no more, uh attacks.”

Once firmly secured in the net, the outlaws had nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide. “Don’t-” the Gothia coughed. “Think this is the end!”

The Stunky slowly lifted her head. “We’ll rule the world!”

"Just who are you vile fiends anyway?" the Stoutland asked, with a paw on her Diamond badge.

Instead of an answer they just laughed.

I couldn’t believe it.

The cackles from the two of them echoed along the Mystery Dungeon, before Chief McBone growled.

“I asked you a damn question!” she bore her fangs, ice energy charged on the tips. “Answer it!”

The Stoutland stood right over them as the two outlaws sighed. “Fine, don’t think you can stop us just because you’ll know our name.”

“Just tell us who you are!” I yelled. “I’ve encountered only one of you before, and the League will always triumph!”

“Always?”

Chief McBone narrowed her eyes at the Stunky and Gothia. “Hurry up and say it.”

With a smirk the outlaws gestured at their scarves.

Then their eyes glew.

"Wicked Blow." 

That name.

That damn name!

Ruined not just my life.

But everyone else’s!

And of course that’s not all.

That’s not even close.

There was even more corruption out there, and I will punish them.

But I can’t do it alone, rather we can’t do it alone. Team Sharp Claw.

But we’ve got some help, the others at the League were right by our side. And everyone else who supported us. Even from the shadows.

Chapter Text

Chapter 1- White Lightning

Libra Riolu's POV

'Dear Master Dodrio.'

'Life in Bristberg was interesting. Well, from my perspective.'

Something crazy was always going on.

'There was something that made the Celestial Hemisphere special, and all the Continents within its boundaries special compared to the rest of the world.'

'It was the energy all Pokémon used to power their moves and evolve. This was called mana, the special thing was how each Pokémon had a different relationship to it. The relationship of a Keeper or one of a Sentinel.'

That same thing ruined my life.

“Now why was this so particularly interesting?” Master Dodrio had asked me in reply a few months ago.

'Bristberg was a town carved into and stationed around a glorious teal Mountain range. This town was nestled in the northern heartland of a Continent named Constellation. It laid far into the reaches above the equator of a Hemisphere distant from the chaos of the Sand, Air, Grass, Mist, and Water Continents.'

'
'Pokémon who called this Hemisphere their home were all put into two categories: Keeper or Sentinel. It was not just Pokémon conceived and hatched out of their egg in these Continents who were either a Keeper or a Sentinel. Every Pokémon who was from the other Hemisphere would also find themselves belonging to one of these classifications. Just like my teammates, our friends, and numerous other Pokémon found ourselves in.'

'We belonged to the League now.'

At least this group was our light in the darkness. Our chance to strike back.

'The League was a group of organizations all across the Hemisphere that hosted numerous Rescue Teams and had them go on specialized missions. It was similar to Explorer’s Guilds, Pokémon Paradises, and Expedition Societies.'

'But the state of Keepers and Sentinels weren't as cut and dry as the textbooks would like us to believe. Some Pokémon were somewhere between Keeper and Sentinels. Some felt others as Keepers did, others could never be sensed as Sentinels or somehow neither qualities. I knew there were some like that from the day I met one of those interesting Pokémon at the League.'

That interesting Pokémon was right before me: Linus Treecko. I mean there wasn't anything too crazy about Linus, as he hatched as a Sentinel. The Treecko wasn't super strong or a member who joined our League long ago. But there was something about him, a subtle, very faint energy. Not just him, his teammates, Glade and Nevada had this as well.'

“I'm not entirely sure it was aura, but A-chan wanted me to be patient. I have to thank you Master Dodrio, all of my classmates could sense aura because of your years-long training regime.”

'Glade was a Totodile and Nevada was a Charmander, both joined in to make his Team. Linus was captain of this Rescue Team. Currently, five years after he made it, the Team was Silver Rank. Which was decent enough for our League.'

'Of course, we in the higher ranked teams weren't told to treat him or his teammates differently just because they were Fangs of the Fallen.'

This land was as complex as the first edition of the adventure guide book from Lively Town's Expedition Society. We  barely made heads or tails of it ourselves.

'Fangs of the Fallen, another unique classification of Pokémon that this Continent had. Not much was known about it, like its existence in general, let alone what it even meant. The only detail we had was that it was something special that Legendary Pokémon called them and other Pokémon. However, Linus was not like me or my Froakie friend.'

'I had to get to the bottom of this.'

'Best wishes.'

'Libra Riolu of Bristberg Mana Research League in Constellation.'

Linus looked up at me the best he could and took in a deep breath. “So y’all are telling me ya feel something from me?”

“Yes.” I answered.

The Treecko looked away and rubbed the back of his head.

A-chan nodded. “I know it's weird like we aren’t Keepers and even they can’t feel anything from you three.”

“I see.” Linus looked down at his hands. “But I still have some questions.”

So why was he here?

A-chan, my Froakie teammate, and I had sat down at one of the tables on the second floor and were reading when he approached us.

"Hey Linus." the Froakie waved with a smirk.

The Treecko pulled up a seat and positioned himself across from A-chan and me. "Howdy Libra, A-san. How are y'all doing?" he asked.

"I'm doing alright." I closed my textbook and gave him my full attention. "Did you need something? You usually never come around us if you don't."

Linus gulped and leaned toward the Froakie. "Uh, is she mad at me?"

"I'm not mad." I clarified. "Just curious."

A-chan tapped my shoulder and shook his head. "Come on now Libra, take it easy."

"Fair. Continue Linus." I sat back.

"Well, ma younger siblings, Hatchet and Kobi asked about you two, so I thought I'd write up a letter 'bout our experience workin' together at da League." Linus explained.

"Hmm, the most notable experience we had working together?" the Froakie repeated. 

"Yes," the Treecko replied.

"Are you sure? It's a long story from five years ago." I reminded him.

A-chan leaned toward us."Oh, you want me to remind you of what happened back in our trip to Wei Forest too?"

Linus pulled out a pencil to jot down on some paper. "I'd love ta hear it again!"

A Pokémon like me needed some fresh air. Being in a Mana Research League shouldn’t mean I stayed indoors all day.

With a labored sigh, I opened a cabin window slowly to take in the brisk early morning air. The wind today was full of moisture but still light and breezy and reminded me of back home.

The wind was just like the Water Continent. "Salty waters, dusty skies, Water O' you sure our pride." I sang. My tail drooped as if I had missed something. Hmm, maybe I should have brought my harmonica. Maybe there's a spare in the cabin I could have borrowed.

I glanced over to the small cots and beds that were in the rooms behind me and stretched. In the beds lay a Froakie, a Treecko, a Charmander, and a Totodile. Only the Froakie, Aquarius, or rather I called him A-chan was part of my team, Team Blue Heroes. I’m not the Captain but today I was excursion Co-Leader with A-chan.

As for the other Pokémon, they were the recently formed Team Sharp Claw. They had done well on their missions around town for the last month, so now we ramped things up a bit.

I looked down at my paws and grumbled. So many things have changed since Aquarius, I, and others in our Team moved to our ancestors' birthplace, the Celestial Hemisphere. Unfortunately, I've been a Riolu almost the entire time. 

Today marked another year of working in the Constellation Continent. These lands held such boundless power in Mana and strife among Pokémon called Keepers and Sentinels, we didn't know what we got ourselves into. Mana was the energy in the Celestial Hemisphere that allowed Pokémon to use their moves and evolve.

A rustle of covers meant someone, probably A-chan, had woken up. I should have talked to him before the others were up too.

"Morning doggy," the Froakie smirked as he shifted in bed.

"Good morning," I replied and turned around, just before a pillow flew over my head. "Team Sharp Claw?!"

"Mornin' Libra." the Totodile piped up. "You dodged that pillow pretty well." 

"What?"

"You mean I dodged it well." the Charmander next to them yelped. "It was thrown back at me!"

“Back?”

"You started it." Glade climbed out of bed with a wild grin.

"Glade!" Linus yelled and launched out of bed with a Quick Attack.

The Totodile blocked the Treecko with a pillow that was tore straight through as his fist crashed into her side. "Oh?" she growled. "You want some too?"

I cleared my throat. "These aren't our pillows, I'll have to replace this one."

"Crap!" Nevada reached down to pick up their ruffled pillow.

"What a way to start a morning eh Team Sharp Claw? the Froakie chuckled as he stretched out in bed. "You're paying for it by the way."

"Sorry Libra, sorry A." The three apologized.

"It's time to head out isn't it?" I asked.

We cooked some breakfast, cleaned up and got ready to hit the road. Outside in the forest! I always believed Pokémon who lived or worked in a busy town or city needed to get away to experience some of the finer things in life. It's the same. No matter which Continent or Hemisphere you're in.

That meant going outside to a forest, a nice normal one. “My paw pads feel amazing out here." I grinned.

"The soft grass of the Wei Region beats the cobblestone of Bristberg any day." Linus joined me as I basked in the sun.

The rich scent of an untouched forest. Dirt, pollen, grass, and dew. There are Mystery Dungeons that have this sort of vibe to them, but it was peaceful out here in the stray lands. No bright street lamps. Sure we had our lanterns but they weren't bright.

Being far from so many city Pokémon's overwhelming Aura for kilometers was a plus too. I was the only Riolu here, so only I was annoyed by that part, even if A-chan could also somehow sense it.

Team Sharp Claw had never felt the concept of feeling the energies of others, especially when you don't want to. 

Half of the Pokémon in this Hemisphere seem to understand the concept though. Keepers. They're used to sensations. Well, not sensations, more like tastes. I wouldn’t know, I’m just a Sentinel. 

The skyline morphed from dark violet to a warm tangerine, while clouds slowly built up.

There was the chatter and chitter of far-off bug-types and flying-types. It continued as we ventured through a primeval forest, and followed the trail marks left by other Pokémon.

“I could get used to this." I grinned.

“We got up at the crack of dawn to get stuff done. You could get used to this?” A asked.

“Well, doing requests of the Coordinator isn’t a bad thing ya know.” I waved him off.

The Froakie narrowed his eyes. "But could this foray into the woods really help us find the answer to all of our problems?"

The majority of other older Pokémon in the League don't understand how it feels to have your progress stripped away like that, to upgrade, and then go get kicked back down. Devolution . A-chan, I, and two of our friends evolved but recently went back to our old forms, just bigger.

The path we took started to widen. I pulled out my mini-map and ran a claw along the chart. "We are headed downhill to Bilei Ye Forest, home to our requests," I explained.

A-chan and I were asked by Coordinator Cooper to watch over another Rescue Team on their first mission out of town. Our joint request was to enter Wei.

"Remember we need to gather some rare items for our medical department." Linus explained.

"Which ones again?" Nevada tilted their head.

"Balm Mushrooms, Golden Berries, and Revival Herbs." Glade listed.

Now those items could be found in the Mori Region which was closer to our base out in Bristberg. But to find the ripest and highest quality of these items we had to go to the Wei Region.

The slow light of the sun approached as we made our way toward thicker patches of grass. After we walked a while there were the treetops that came into view. Ones with leaves I couldn't see the color of began to cast their shadows over us. As we walked towards the areas with smaller vegetation and fruit trees the three on the other Team latched their lanterns to their basket straps.

“This is gonna be a long day.” A sighed.

“How can you tell?” Glade asked.

I pointed over my shoulder. “One quick glance at the type of Berries growing said it all.” Even in the dim light of early morning, I saw the first layer of fruit.

“I used to do this back home in my cousin’s orchard.” Linus called.

“What is it?”

“A large rotund Berry… Oran.”

The Froakie beside me shook his head. “There's a low chance that even Sitrus Berries grow there.”

“Ah mon,” Nevada groaned.

Glade sifted through the brambles and leaned her head back. “You’ve gotta be freaking kidding me!”

“The items the medical department needs aren't present there.” I patted her on the back. ”But you’ll figure it out.”

"If you run into any trouble, call us!" A-chan called out.

"Got it!" the three replied.

The Froakie watched the little Rescue Team take their request papers out. He took a couple of hops back and stared out into the distance.

I crossed my arms and tried to get a good map of the area. Looking at my compass and taking a deep breath, I decided to cleanse my mind and focus.

Toward the North, I stared at large pillars that took up the majority of the forest. In the fog of the dawn, the figures seemed like the legs of giants, moss, and odd gashes in the rock like the ragged fur and marks of battle.

Linus rubbed his chin as he paused through his search in the bushes."Those aren't mountains, are they?"

"They can't be Mon-made either, right?" Glade pondered.

“What are these?” Nevada asked.

"I heard those were formed out of quartz-sandstone," A-chan explained. "From rain and ice erosion after thousands of years."

"I see,” I replied. “Kinda like karst."

We walked further through the forest eastward as the sun continued to rise in the sky.

“I was wondering.” Nevada started to dim their tail flame a tad as we walked through some thick grass. “Why did you guys come on this mission with us?”

“Just to watch us like we're little hatchlings, that's why!” Glade laughed.

“The two of us are on the lookout for some suspicious events or figures that could be in the area,” I waved my paw. “League business.”

"Ooh, like busting outlaws!” The Totodile slashed at the air.

A waggled his finger with a laugh. “We weren't gonna do anything besides note our findings and make sure regular Pokémon are safe.”

Every time that little Team went to another section of the forest we trailed behind them. This led us towards the north near the faux karst structures. They still stood magnificently in the air, as the wind blew through the moss and other plant tendrils that clung to them.

"You should definitely be able to find the Balm Mushrooms here." The Froakie pointed at the thick shrubbery.

Glade peered at the leaves and lifted one to claw at the dirt. "Why's that?"

"With the lack of sunlight patches from all the quartz-sandstone pillars and tall thick trees, there should be all sorts of Mushrooms," Nevada said.

"Correct." A replied.

"Ah, there would be lots of dead plant matter, which is a perfect condition for growth!" Linus cheered.

"It's still really dark here so we have to be careful," I reminded everyone and stepped over a raised tree root.

Every time we got close to the quartz-sandstone, I felt a strong pulse of energy resonate in the area. It was like an approaching thunderstorm. Two distinct thunderclaps. I tripped and hit myself against a huge rock that was hidden by some brambles. The sharp pain had shot up in a line all across my front that made me limp a tad bit. "Damnit!"

"You okay?" A-chan asked.

I took in a ragged breath and tried to contain my impulsive growling. But I should be able to take it. "Y-yeah, I will be." I sighed. Again I got lost in my senses.

"Well, let's continue to patrol and inspect the area." the Froakie smiled. "Watch where you're going doggy!" He giggled before he patted my back.

We walked past some more quartz-sandstone structures again as we studied the area.

“Even though we’ve seen them before, they are just so awesome!” Glade jumped around and pointed at the towering formation.

“Don’t let them distract you now,” I reminded. “We need to leave before dark.”

“I kinda have da urge ta climb them.” Linus clenched his fists.

“Why?” Glade snickered.

“Ta use them as vantage points.”

“Don't!” I yelled.

“Why not?” the Treecko leaned away.

Nevada pointed at the towering rock. “Well, first of all, you can't-”

“True,” Linus sighed.

“Second of all I won't be able to go up there with you if anything happens.” I placed my paw down.

“Huh?” The Totodile beside us gasped. “You, of Team Blue Heroes legend wouldn’t be able to?”

“I, uh well, I feel like that would curse me.”

“Mew, or Arceus, or even Xerneas don't curse Pokémon over climbing do they?”

“Water Continent teachings," A explained and patted me on the shoulder. "Lugia, Manaphy, Kyogre, and others of blue have blessed us too much for her to do that.”

We continued searching for what felt like a couple of hours later and spotted the Revival Herbs. They were on the edge of the land and a Toxicroak's field of crops. 

"Look!" Nevada beamed and held their prize.

"That's great and all but be careful." A begged.

"Careful of WHA-" Linus tripped into his Teammates. As the three fell they got tangled up in the brambles and thickets. 

I ran towards the nearest picket fence and stared at it down. This fence was only a bit shorter than me, and I was nearly at a Lucario's height! The only good thing about Devolution I swear. I put out my arms when I spotted the kids. "You guys better get outta there right now!" I yelled. 

A-chan got beside me and started making a rope out of his back frubbles. The white bubbles were sturdy enough when chained together so he tossed them over the fence. "Here! Climb on!"

Those three stood still and slowly turned to face us. "What? Why?" they asked.

"It's clear as day!" I shouted as I waved my paws. "That sign says it's a tender season for the crops!"

"What's that mean?"

"Just hurry up and come here!"

“Alright!”

A-chan helped me hold onto them. "Tender means the crops are fragile," the Froakie yelled. "If you damage them you'll pay a crap ton of money!"

“We weren’t gonna damage ‘em!” The Treecko protested.

“Who’s gonna know?” The Totodile yapped.

“Nobody will know.” The Charmander replied.

“They’ll know.” A deadpanned, as he struggled with the rope. “They’re gonna know.”

"I mean there's a Toxicroak standing right in the field!" I growled and pulled the three over the fence. "And I'm not letting them take you to Wei Court!"

Unfortunately, I yanked them kinda hard and the fence buckled under our pressure. It collapsed off the cliff and took us with it. My eyes flashed before me as I pulled Nevada and Glade in front of me while A-chan held Linus. We screamed as we tumbled off a hill into another patch of land.

With a thud we crashed through nature’s netting and collided into a pile of dirt. Linus fell onto the grass first, with A-san and Glade right after him. A large dangle of vines, moss, and decrypt trees surrounded me as I came to.

“Look over there!” Glade yelled.

I whipped around my head in her direction. “What?”

“There are the Revival Herbs!”

I beckoned A-chan over. “Something was weird about this area.” I whispered.

“What’s up?” He whispered back.

“There was lots of Aura. Not just the pulsing sparks.”

“Okay, don’t let them get startled, but just stay on your guard.”

"Alright guys I know we are almost done but we need to not get ahead of ourselves," I said as we climbed out of the natural enclosure.

"Understood!" the three happily replied.

"Since we are taking a while in our search, I propose we head West," A said. "Then we can investigate properly."

"Sounds good to me." I stretched my arms and shifted my back around.

"Hopefully we can find the last item," Glade said.

With every step we took I felt more and more of the pulsing, it started to get stronger and stronger. Amidst the rustling of leaves and foliage from the new team’s search, a chill ran down my spine.

What was going on? Where are all these odd emotions coming from? Who am I getting these from and how? My nose twitched as I narrowed my eyes, and peered between the cracks.

"A-san! Libra!" Glade called and waved her arms wildly. "There's some Pokémon following us!"

"Get behind me!" The Froakie ordered Team Sharp Claw.

 The three followed as quickly as possible.

My feelers haven’t picked up anyone else nearby! "What?" I growled, and subconsciously I bared my fangs.

"Look out!" Nevada cried, and pulled me out of the way of something.

Where I once stood was a shadowy blanket and a ghostly orb, and energy flew every which way. It looked big but… The power behind them was weak. The only ones who could have done this were Pokémon nearby.

"Neheheheh!" A cackle erupted from the bushes. "Sorry~ We totally didn't mean to do that!"

Behind us was a trio of Pokémon, who wore purple, black, and red capes. A Gengar, a Dragapult, and a Midnight-Lycanroc. I don't understand, the three of them had flimsy, fraudulent auras for some fully evolved Pokémon. Something wasn’t right here.

"Travelers." The Dragapult's slimy child-like voice called. "We have some things to discuss with you!"

A and I stared at the scarlet, violet, and black colored patches on their coat and then over each of them.

"What is it?" I asked. "We've got some requests to do, so I'd appreciate it if you'd not fire attacks at us. Or it'll get ugly real quick."

"Have you seen any Legendary or Mythical Pokémon around here?" Asked the Lycanroc, as they stuck their tongue out their maw and slowly circled us.

"No."

"Well onto the next topic." The Gengar pointed their claws and bared their ghostly fangs. 

Really? Those little teeth? Nevada’s were bigger! Guess I haven't had a good enough workout- I'm ready to go wild!

"Froakie! Riolu! You are coming with us!"

"Excuse me?" A took a glance at me and questioned as he distanced himself from the Pokémon. "Why do you want us?"

I stepped forward and drew in a breath with a growl. "Answer him."

The Dragapult took that as a cue and leapt at me. They missed their swipe at me with a clumsy strike. "You two are a special pair! A pair we shall capture!"

"What's that supposed to mean!?" I pulled my arm back and collected fighting spirit into a red aura on it and landed a Force Palm on the Lycanroc's shoulder.

That'll do it! When it connected they staggered backwards and nearly collapsed onto the floor.

"You don't understand do you?" The Gengar crashed into me from below with a Shadow Sneak, as it knocked me off balance and somehow toppled me over. It’s still weak?

A hopped forward and sliced at the Dragapult with a precise blade of Aerial Ace wings, which sent them backwards into the air. The Dragapult quickly darted around us and fired out Dragon Darts at Glade and Linus. 

"Block them!" I ordered the two, as I got up and put myself in between them and the enemies.

The two complied and launched out a blast of Leafage, and a Water Gun at the move. It barely managed to destroy it.

On the floor, the Lycanroc struggled to get back up. "Foolish League slaves!" They cackled stupidly, and formed a Rock Tomb, directly over Nevada. "We know what you are!" The Lycanroc howled.

I sprang forward to push the Charmander out of the way but wasn't fast enough. The massive pile of stones crushed Nevada, and instantly trapped them.

"Nevada!" We all yelled as the dust settled.

"We'll get them!" Glade shot a Water Gun at the pile of rubble. Linus tossed a Mega Drain at the debris and pulled out the Charmander.

"Okay!" I replied. Below me, there grew a purple ring of energy. I rolled to the side to catch the Gengar.

“Watch out!’ I heard a warning from someone and my instincts took over and I dove to the side.

I took in dark energy and opened my maw, with my teeth hardened I used Crunch on the enemy in front of me. A jet of bubbles sped toward me, I let go to dodge a Bubble Beam from the Froakie. It made its mark, instantly doused the Lycanroc, and caused them to faint from the damage. 

The Gengar crashed into me with another Shadow Sneak and nearly knocked me over. At this range, I quickly landed another Crunch on them and they went down for good.

"Take this!” A-chan swung a blade of Aerial Ace at the Dragapult, which sent them onto the floor right into their buddies. “And stay down!”

I hunched over my knees and panted. "Ugh," I groaned. 

"Those three gave us- ah." The Froakie paused to wheeze. "Put up quite a fight yeah?"

"Harder than I expected."

Nevada’s warm claw pulled on my paw and beckoned me closer. “Is it over?”

"Yeah, you’re safe now. We pummeled those brats into the ground in no time flat right?" I stretched my sides as I handed an Oran Berry to them.

"Yeah!" Linus pumped his fist. "That was so awesome!" 

Just as I relaxed there was a squelching noise. "What in the world was that?"

"Look!" A pointed.

We all looked down at the Gengar, Lycanroc, and Dragapult slowly started to shrink. Their limbs
disappeared and their skin turned a light lavender.

"Ditto?" Nevada asked, their flame brightened.

"The Gengar, Lycanroc, and Dragapult were Ditto!" Linus gasped.

"Disgusting purple creatures.” I growled before I coughed. “The bunch of them."

Glade kicked one of them. “Thought they could trick us?”

Once she did that something black and shiny rolled out. Besides the three Ditto was a thin metal cylinder. It had a red and purple etching engraved in a serpentine pattern across every side with a glowing button on the opening seal.

"There's a scroll?" the Totodile stepped back.

“Let’s open it.” I offered and held up the scroll.

A grimaced as he opened the hatch to unfurl its contents. "I'm a bit worried about all those things the Ditto mentioned, seeing Legendaries.”

"What does it say?"

"It's in Constellation- let me see," the Froakie lifted the rich brown parchment closer to his eyes.

There was a whole list of Pokémon names, organizations, towns, and Continents but there were a few that stuck out to me.

'A Riolu and a Froakie in the Bristberg League are [PENDING], Sentinels- a threat to balance and order we believe our Eternal Lord had in line for Keepers and Sentinels.'

I grasped my scarf tight in my paw and took in a trembling breath. Pending!? “A-chan and I are a threat to the order of Keepers and Sentinels."

"Xerneas's sake." Glade took a step back. "What does that even mean?"

"I have no clue." I groaned.

"There's something else!" A-chan pointed a little bit below and my jaw dropped.

'The Treecko, the Totodile, and the Charmander trio of the Bristberg League are Fangs of the Fallen Sentinels, a threat to our mission on behalf of the Eternal Lord.'

"What is it?!"

I took a deep breath. "On the scroll, it mentions that you three are something called the Fangs of the Fallen."

The Treecko beside me gasped. “Glade, Nevada, and I are what?”

“We are not just Sentinels, but Fangs of the Fallen?!” Nevada panicked, as their tail flame heated up.

"Whatever that means we'll have to find out later." I held my chest and took in another breath.

“What? But that’s about all of us!” Glade grumbled.

“It’s important stuff the Chief and Coordinator haven’t even told us about and you want us to wait?” Linus grabbed A-chan's shoulder.

"Remember we just fought those Ditto?" I rolled up the scroll.

"Yeah," The Charmander sighed.

The Froakie padded the Treecko on the back. "The real deal could be out here nearby. It's not safe in Bilei Ye Forest without backup," he explained.

"We need to hurry!" I barked.

"But what about the Ditto?" Nevada asked.

"I'll tie them up and send out a request for someone to pick these guys up through my badge," I explained and set down my bag and rummaged for some Nullifying Net.

Glade rolled her shoulders as she watched me. "So your team or another team will come and grab the Ditto punks?"

"Yeah, we don't have time to take them back," I replied, as my ears twitched. Some leaves rustled in the wind, as they swayed back and forth in a dance.

“This net can only work when the target has fainted and a Pokémon has charged the gear-like device on the side in a Mystery Dungeon.”

I put the three Ditto inside and then pulled my badge off my scarf. 'Calling all, we have some Ruffians that need retrieving, three Ditto with a Null Net beacon attached to them in Wei Forest.'

After I finished the call I put my badge away and stared off into the distance. Something was out there. My chest ached without it. What was it?

"Libra!" A-chan put a webbed hand on my shoulder.

There was a concerned and worried Aura that flowed off him. He looked into my eyes. It’s only logical he would feel it too. If the others were here-

"Did you not hear me?"

"What?" I questioned, as my heart rate spiked. There’s another spark.

The Froakie took his hand off me and then pointed to the left. “Those three said they heard something suspicious in the bushes!”

I raced over to where the rookies were. “What was it?!” I grabbed the shoulders of the Treecko and shook him. I took a glance into the bushes. Then I felt it. One of the small and faint pulses.

“I-I heard someone, a young voice.” Linus trembled as my anxiety peaked. More sparks.

"One of the Ditto brats?"

"No, this sounded a bit older, and there was something else."

“What about them?”

“They were crying.”

A flood of malice swept through the area as sparks danced in my mind. Whoever those Ditto worked for drew near. There were so many powerful auras. Too many for us to handle, and there was only one choice.

“Come with me!” I shouted and trusted my instincts. I dashed forward and grabbed the rookies. On impact, we tripped into the leaves, and branches and found our world flipped upside down. There was a small hole. Of course, there fucking was.

“A-aquarius!” I cried out, as I watched the Froakie hesitate.

Then he leapt.

Before I knew it I was flat on my back. The pulsing began to beat like a drum when I came to, and we aren’t alone. There was the scent of blood, it was only a small amount but it was blood. I opened my eyes. 

The faint light of my lantern lit up our surroundings in a blur of oranges, yellows, and reds. A drip of water fell on my head. One after another the stream continued to flow. I felt no more fierce Aura. But what kind of Pokémon was down here?

“Is everyone okay?” A-chan groaned, and his ribbit echoed through the cavern. Or wherever the voids we are.

"Could be better," I mused.

The rookie Team stirred and staggered to their feet.

“Yeah, I think so.” The Totodile grumbled.

The Charmander next to her flinched as they leaned against the wall. “N-no, I wanna go home,” they cried.

"Don't worry, we'll get you all out of here." I coughed.

“Arcueness gracious,” the Treecko sighed. “That was…” He paused for a moment to cough.

“Quite a fall right?” A-chan hopped forward.

“Yes... Oh, wait!” The three lit up.

“Wait what?” A-chan and I asked.

“The crying!” The rookies ignited the fuel of their lanterns and the area lit up.

There was a forked path, one with black scorch marks along the floor and the faint sound of sobbing, the other with nothing.

A-chan grabbed my arm. “Libra-”

“Sorry.” I apologized, and cut him off.

He slapped me across the chest and I reeled back. “Stay focused.” the Froakie lifted his lantern to my muzzle. “You felt it too ya know.”

Loud thunder crashed. Lightning followed behind as a flash in my mind. The familiar tingle of danger. Aura. It's those Pokémon from before. This feeling sucked. A pressure in my belly and head that makes me want to run away. I hated it. It made me want to-

I needed to continue the investigation. 

I nodded as a residual throb of pain flashed through me, and I quickly made haste into the traveled path. The drumming inside my head grew louder with every little step we took. Soon we arrived.

Sounds of running water drowned out the panicked breath and crying sobs. I put my paw up to my temple. This was a passageway that held an underground river, a wide tunnel, and there was a bush to the wayside. A crackle of electricity whipped out of it. We need to wait. I took a single step closer.

When I did so a white snout stuck out from the leaves. I took a step back. The branches of the bush parted and out came a small white and grey Pokémon. Tears still dripped from their orange eyes as static filled the air. They were frozen, unwavering in thought. And so were we.

"It was odd… I've seen this Pokémon before in books. A feline-Esque Pokémon, one normally bright yellow and huge." I hummed as the thought bubbled in my mind.

"Huge?" Linus asked.

"Well, not this small." I whispered.

"These are familiar lightning bolt shapes on their muzzle and limbs. Along with the yellow teardrop-shaped crest on their head lit up." The Froakie gestured with his hands.

"You know what they are?" Glade leaned in close.

I nodded my head. "This is a Zeraora.”

The Zeraora held a shiny metallic scroll, with the visages and emblems of a ten-spoked gear.

"Could that be a mana artifact?" I questioned.

Time sat still as I focused on the target.

"What should we do?" Nevada begged.

"We need to practice our emergency protocol," I tried to explain calmly.

"That sounds good to me," A replied. "Listen up you three!"

"The first plan of action is to assess the situation, correct?"

"Yes!" The other Team cheered. 

"Wait, that was too enthusiastic!" A narrowed his eyes.

"What do we do when we see a Pokémon in distress?" I asked.

The Zeraora growled as their fur bristled.

"There are many options but we have to choose the one that works in this situation," A-chan reminded.

"Do you guys know what that is?" I took another step back to look at the younger Pokémon. 

I wasn't good enough. Wasn't fast enough. Team Sharp Claw had something special about them. I sensed it.

But I couldn't do anything.

Those rookies took another step too instead of an answer. One toward the Zeraora. One too fast for comfort. A wrong move. Sparks flew.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2- Thunder Echoes

Aquarius Froakie’s POV

I heard it again.

"Aquarius!"

Libra always yelled my full name when she was worried about me.

I didn't like it.

I never did.

Master Dodrio wrote out the last set of letters on a jade tablet and carefully passed it on an altar. "Legendary Pokémon cloaked under water were called Aquarius by the Ancients of the Water Continent."

"You're giving it to me?" I asked and held the ornately crafted material.

"Zodiac: every type has a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon named for it," our Master explained further.

"Our namesakes, I accept it," Libra said slowly.

"Very well." Master Dodrio stood up. "Now go and bless the Constellation Continent in their light. More importantly, find your new selves in the Zodiac."

I looked away.

Master Dodrio bowed his center head to us. "You don't have to feel pressured to bear these names if you don't want to. You can still honor the Zodiacs with your good deeds and aura's will."

But the others and I weren't like- Riolu, we weren't like Libra. "Am I worthy of a name such as this?" We asked.

No.

I asked.

This time I couldn't blame her when she called my name.

"Look out!" I screamed.

The light of the Zeraora’s attack lit up the entire cavern. Instinctively, I closed my eyes, and anticipated a searing pain to rip through my body, just as the attack flew past me and Libra.

We couldn't stop it. All three of Team Sharp Claw was struck by the Plasma covered Fists; they were knocked against the ground. 

My hands trembled. "By Kyogre!" I gasped. "Waters Ring, please keep them!"

"Team Sharp Claw!" Libra yelled, her pupils wide.

They each cried out in agony and they collapsed onto the ground, as Libra and I raced toward them.The Totodile fainted first, with the Charmander doubled over beside her, and last the Treecko who tried to hold out fell shortly after. Their scales toasted slightly with the glaze of raw electricity.

A shockwave and gust of energy from the attack struck the floor and paralyzed me for a brief moment. My skin shriveled up.

I regained control of my limbs and fell to the ground."Why? Why is this happening!?" I gasped.

"Calm down." The Riolu tried to comfort me. She trembled as her tail curled down. "I'm-I'm sure Team Sharp Claw will be fine. They'll be fine."

"You aren't doing a good job Libra!" I pushed her away.

"Sorry A-"

"Dangerous Pokémon followed us all the way down here for Volcaion's Depths! We can't deny it, they were probably the suspicious Pokémon we were looking for!"

Libra growled at the thought.

"Then there was a strange, powerful Pokémon who we found hidden away in a cave with an odd object."

"This was just yet another suspicious Pokémon."

"The ones chasing us and this one right," I pointed to the Zeraora. "Both might be possibly connected to something that not even the Chief could handle alone."

Libra gulped as her nose twitched.

"And now we have to pray for the best—our steps to be guided."

The Zeraora sunk back into the bushes for a moment, before they sniffed frantically. They sat still and continued to cry as their eyes darted across the room and their ears twitched.

"Just who are you?" I asked in a low quiet voice.

A low growl echoed throughout the cavern as the Zeraora got up. They stared towards the other side. On the other side was a slope that led into a pool of water. More specifically an underground river. 

The Zeraora’a tail-thing curled between their legs as their breathing grew more ragged and intense. Tears continued to fall from their eyes.

"It seemed like we scared them just as bad as they scared us," I said softly as possible.

"You are a Zeraora, correct?" Libra added, and placed a paw on my shoulder. 

"A small Zeraora!" I gasped.

The Zeraora cautiously eyed us, their orange eyes darting between us as their ears perked up, the Zeraora's breathing tense as they paced back and forth.

"A, can you do something?" Libra whispered, her tail low. "I'm not good with this."

"Oh right!" I lifted up one of the ends of my tie and showed it to the Zeraora.

On it, my Gold-Rank triangular winged League badge glistened in the light. "We," I paused to gesture at the Pokémon who fainted on the floor and Libra, “are League Pokémon.”

Zeraora's muzzle brightened a bit.


“You know what that is?” I asked. “We are Pokémon that help everyone across the Continent deal with various issues and requests!”


They held the scroll tighter as they nodded and their crying stopped.


Libra held out her paw. “Can we help you?”


“Yes.” The soft voice of the Zeraora slowly filled the room. They slowly padded towards Libra and I, as their whiskers twitched.

Oh no, they're so cute! "So why were you crying?" I asked as gently as possible.

Libra flinched and then I felt an approaching wave of fury from outside. It's those outside Pokémon! She growled and stamped her paws into the floor, which caused the stone to break.

"I was lost.” Zeraora started and their ears flattened. “Now I have to find my way back." They hissed.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I can sense our enemies approaching."

"You noticed it just like the two of us!"

"Yeah." the Zeraora nodded.

The vibrations of the enemy Pokémon pawsteps shook throughout the cavern and I glanced behind me.

“We first need to get out of this cave,” Libra said, as her tail slowly wagged. "Let’s go!”

I pulled my bag off my shoulder and dropped it to the ground. Libra and I can’t leave the rookies in this place nor can we let this Zeraora get caught by whoever is chasing us.

“Zeraora I need you to follow our lead okay!”

“Understood!” the Zeraora responded.

I took out our Reviver Seeds and tossed them at the rookie Rescue Team members. On contact the three woke up and stared at me in shock.

"Are you three okay? I asked.

"Maybe?" Linus rubbed the back of his head.

“Ugh, what’s going on?" Nevada groaned. "Was this a secret tunnel?”

The Treecko shook his head. "I don't think so."

"Woah!" Glade tried to get as far away as she could from Zeraora.

Her Treecko teammate gave her a glare and crossed his arms. "Where are you going?"

The Totodile crouched against a wall and pointed a finger.“T-that’s a beast of lightning! It attacked us!"

"Calm down guys," Nevada said as they stepped in between them.

“You three!” the Riolu in front of them barked. “You need to hurry. We are going to escape with this Zeraora!”

"Ah, okay!" Linus grabbed his teammate's claws.

Glade glanced at the Zeraora and then took a deep breath. "They're on our side then." She chuckled. "They're gonna tear the enemy to shreds!"

"No no." Nevada yelped. "We're gonna run away with them!"

A loud rumble shook through the area.


"We no longer have much time to waste." I shook my head.

“The brats are down here somewhere!” A snarky voice's shout echoed through the cave.


Another voice called out. “They’re in one of these caves with the one with the scroll!”

I stared at the cave in front of us and then considered our options. “What if we got them off our trail by going through the river?”

Libra stepped forward and peered into the water’s edge. “Glade quickly check what’s on the other side!”

“What?” she questioned. "But how will you-"

“It'll be okay!” I yelled. “Just go!”

"I'll trust you!" The Totodile ran before she dove into the river. Droplets splashed into the air as she propelled into water. 

"So why'd ya sent her?" Linus grabbed my frubbles.

"We sent her for one simple reason."

"Why?" the Zeraora asked.

"I wasn’t fast enough. Not yet anyway. Froakies aren’t known for our swimming speed. If only I was allowed to remain a Frogadier."

The four of us waited with baited breath. She didn’t return.

“Okay we’re going in, get ready!” I shouted, and surprised myself. I’m really loud!? There has to be something to help our resident fire-type. Maybe my frubbles can do something?!


“To escape those Pokémon we have to go through this river for a little bit, you’ll be okay Nevada?” I asked, holding the cream bubbles towards them.

“I’m sure I’ll be fine as long as it’s not too long, I think,” the Charmander took some of my frubbles.

I hopped forward into the pool. Everyone else dove in after me. The pleasure and relief I felt to be immersed in the water was astounding. It was like all the days stress and pressure went away. 

Legendary Aquarius's blessing tried and true. I felt relieved. The dark waters and equally dark passages were illuminated by our lanterns in orange spots. Not the time to be mesmerized. We weren't clear yet, I needed to see everyone safe. I swung my arms and legs quickly, before I flew out of the river. 

I landed next to Glade somehow. She laid on her stomach as she took in ragged breaths. The Totodile lifted her head to stare at me. 

Wordlessly I placed my hand on her shoulder and sighed. "It's going to be okay," I tried to reassure her. "Libra and I will handle all the enemies. Take it easy."

All of the non-water-types soon made it to the other side of the underground river. They rose from the water to take a breath of fresh air, and noticed the two of us.

"You made it!" I cheered as Libra emerged from the river, Nevada in her arms. She placed the Charmander down and the flame on their tail shot out. The Zeraora also followed as they exited the water. 

A green-webbed hand waved in the air.

"Linus needs help!" Nevada pointed to the river.

"Hold on!" I hopped over to the waterside and dove in.

"Alright Zeraora," the Riolu said as the group dried off. "We're going to stay with you until you find your way back."

They glanced back at her and their whiskers twitched. "You will?"

"Is that okay?"

I pulled out Linus. Quickly I pressed on his chest. A torrent of water came flooding out of his entire body and he took in a deep breath. He was awfully heavy compared to normal… The Treecko seemed to have absorbed too much water.

"Yes, I'm okay with that, I am a girl after all." Zeraora grinned.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Libra tilted her head.

“I don’t like to be called Zeraora. I mean I am one, but I have a name.” She crossed her arms.

“What should we call you then?” I adjusted my bag.

“My name is Xuě!” Zeraora answered with a smile.

Zway.

"Where are you from?" Glade asked.

“Uh, I’m not entirely sure, but I was named after the snow in Wei Tundra." Xuě explained.

"Ah, a Weian name!" Nevada cheered.

"Not too far north of here, but definitely not in this Mystery Dungeon." Libra nodded

"Okay Xuě, everyone let's go!" I called and hopped up. First, we needed to gather our bearings. The six of us looked up around the underground. The ceiling of the riverway was high enough to see an open cave by the shore. 

"There's a faint green light over there,” Glade pointed at the distant wall.

"What's that?" Xuě asked.

"Perhaps a gemstone?" I realized something after I saw the shimmering.

Linus moved his hand across in an arc. “Look y’all! That there’s a reflection of a shiny surface.”

I turned my head to the opposite side. “Wow.” I gasped. There were chunks of geodes and gems in a large section of wall. “Truly gorgeous.”

We stood still for a while to take in the sight. “Let’s head that way.” As the six of us got closer, the path began to branch and split off. Four different tunnels stood before us.

Libra shook her head left, I shook mine right and Xuě nodded up.

"Let's follow Xuě here." I offered.

The Zeraora brightened up by the mention of her name and all of us headed inside. Hopefully, it won't be too long. The walls of each path were studded with small bits of minerals that sparkled in the light of our lanterns. We continued inside, the size and variety of gems in the cavern increasing as the tunnel widened out. Soon we were in an open stretch of cave.

A powerful gust of energy filled my entire body and the path behind us was swallowed up by earth.

Linus pointed at the massive stones. "We're in a Mystery Dungeon y'all!"

"That's not good!" Nevada tapped the rock on with their claws.

Glade grabbed those same claws and pulled them toward her. "That's not good, what do you mean? It's awesome!"

The Treecko beside them shook his head. "I dunno Glade, this Mystery Dungeon might be harder than anythang we faced in Bristberg."

"Xuě are you familiar with Mystery Dungeons?" Libra asked.

"Yes, Master had me train in various Mystery Dungeons every day."

"Have you been in this one?"

"No, not this one." the Zeraora answered.

"Hmm." Libra tapped her paws. "Could you come here?"

Glade clung onto Nevada’s shoulder when Xuě walked over to the Riolu next to me.

"Masters Riolu and Froakie-"

"Oh you don't have to call us Master, you can call me A or A-san ," I explained.

"And I am called Libra," the Riolu said.

"Alright," Xuě said.

"If necessary, can you fight?"

The Zeraora looked up and then at her large fists. Her claws extended and sparked with electrical energy before she nodded. "I could beat up everyone chasing us."

I breathed a sigh of relief. Xuě was a powerful Pokémon, one with strength I could have never obtained. All I needed was to respect and trust her. She was a Zeraora after all, even if she was young.

Libra yawned."Okay, let's get going everybody."

We looked to the left and the right. I noticed paths that led out of the massive room. “What do you guys see?” I asked.

“Nothing on the right,” Nevada said.

“On the left, there’s a Crustle sleepin’ near the exit.” Linus pointed.

Libra's tail dropped. “So let's go ahead the other way.”

The second I stepped into the narrow tunnel there was a dark-grey and black Raticate that started to barrel straight at us.There were little pathways on the sides of the tunnel but they didn't stop at the ones closest to us.

Libra and I spread out in front of the younger Pokémon behind us. “You guys hit ‘em from back there!”

On cue Linus shot forward with a Quick Attack but bounced back.

"Get behind me!" I ordered and took the brunt of the Raticate’s own Quick Attack.

It sent me flat on the floor and knocked the wind out of me. “Augh,” I groaned dizzly as I staggered upright.

From beside me Nevada fired out a quick burst of Ember and Glade blasted the Raticate with a Water Gun. The bursts of flame and water were heavy and hard. But it wasn’t close to doing a thing to that thick fur.

The Raticate didn’t budge one bit after I swiped across their muzzle with a wing of Aerial Ace. I tensed up as the Riolu behind me growled. She hit the Raticate with a Force Palm. The red energy exploded in the air just as the Raticate swung around and Crunched on the Riolu’s arm.With a cry Libra kicked against the Raticate’s maw. They let go and she crashed into me. The Raticate snarled at us as they reared up for another attack, fangs marred in a dark mana.


“Xue, we need you!” I screamed, eyes wide. The second the words left my mouth the earth shook as a blue light shot through the tunnel.

With a roar the Zeraora slammed her massive claws on the ground beside the Raticate and teal electricity flew every which way. Amazing! She wasn’t a Mythical for nothing.

The Raticate stared at Xuě and scampered away into another tunnel, with their tail between their legs.

"That was scary." Nevada crept out from behind me.

I gently patted them on the back. "Sorry 'bout that, I'll try to keep you safe no matter what."

"Yeah that Raticate was tougher than what I could make a dent into," Glade sighed.

Libra sighed. "Let's hurry along."

I hopped after the Riolu, turning to the rookie Team and the Zeraora behind me. "She's right ya know, we can't keep everyone waiting." I grinned.

We walked around further through the Mystery Dungeon and I hoped we wouldn’t encounter another Pokémon. Libra and I weren’t strong enough to defeat just one of them on our own, I don’t want to imagine what would happen if we ran into two or three or worse, a Monster House.

"Look!" Linus pointed down a room entrance.

"We found a staircase of stone!” Nevada waved and I hopped over to where the Team was.

Sure enough there was a staircase that led up to the ceiling here, tucked away in a corner.

Glade grabbed my hand and led me closer to it. "There's all sorts of gem shards inside it!"

“Yeah.” I smiled as Libra and Xue caught up to us. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

All of us went up to the next floor.

"So Xuě, earlier you said you had to go back." I started as we made it to a long hallway stretch. "Where do you have to go back to?"

There were a few rooms that branched off from the path, and more bright gems along various sides. Some intensified inside one area that Team Sharp Claw ogled at. If this Mystery Dungeon wasn’t so dangerous I would have explored through every room.

The Zeraora flattened her ears and sighed. "To where Master Zeze, er Zeraora left me."

"Why did you leave where your Master left you?" Libra frowned.

"I-"

The rookie Team wasn’t behind us. I turned around and headed into one of those rooms and found them. Linus, Glade and Nevada each pulled on a crystal from a massive mineral deposit. "Hey, investigate the crystals some other time!"

The three jumped in their scales and hurried to catch up, as they nearly crashed into me in the process.

I rubbed my temples and sighed. "Sorry about them, continue?"

Xuě's whiskers twitched as she traced the pattern engraved in the scroll she held. "Master Zeze told me to hold onto the scroll for them."

"Why did your Master give you the scroll?" Libra questioned her.

"What does your Master look like?" I asked, and got a confused stare from them both.

The Zeraora glanced at the ceiling and rubbed her muzzle. "Uh, earlier I complained about not being taken seriously and doing anything important."

"So they gave you this scroll to take care of huh?" I smiled a bit.

"Yes, but I've kept it safe the whole time!"

"I see, now what does your Master look like?” I added.

“Master has the same features as me, but is yellow instead of white, they are also a bit bigger than you two." She gestured to Libra and I.

"Master Zeze said they would come back real soon and I was waiting by myself for a little bit before there were some big meanies who yelled at me.” Xuě explained.

Libra's ears shot up and she pulled out her journal. "Did you get to see those mean Pokémon?”

"They were all final stage Pokémon wearing black, purple, and red capes and they have big grey marks on their fur."

Just like those Dittos we fought earlier! "Is that all you know about them?" I tried to get more information. "What were they yelling about?"

"They were yelling about something called eturn-nitty, Wicked Blow and the scroll Master gave me," the Zeraora said, as she rubbed her head.

"You mean eternity?" Nevada asked.

"Yeah," Xuě replied.

The Charmander tilted their head."Who is Wicked Blow?"

"Master said not to talk about them."

"And to did our Chief," I reminded my fellow League members.

"At least until we get more solid info on them." Libra added. "Right now they are just a rumored organization."

Linus walked up to the Zeraora. "Do ya know what that them there scroll thingamajig does?"

"No, Master Zeze doesn't know either."

"Do y'all know what da gear means?" the Treecko glanced up.

"Sorry, we don't," Xuě apologized. "But-"

“Xuě can you show us something you do know?!” Glade jumped around.

"Hey," the Zeraora growled. "There are somethings I'm not allowed to talk about with you Pokémon!"

"Just settle down now." I stepped in between them. I sat with my thoughts as we calmed down. Eternity? I have no idea what that's supposed to mean. Wicked Blow… The Chief told us to be wary of them.

Libra sighed. "Back to what we're saying, we ran into some Pokémon working with the ones after you, they were weak Ditto so we were fine. However whoever they copied must have been nearby, so I'm glad we avoided the rest."

The six of us wandered around for a while and we headed up more stairs. An astonishingly bright light blinded my vision as we reached the top. We found ourselves in a rocky section of forest. I took a step to the side. There was a dirt path that led out toward a clearing and even further there were some more faux karst structures.

"We made it out of the Mystery Dungeon really quickly, didn't we?" Nevada asked as they cleared some brambles out of the way.

Linus scanned our surroundings. “Maybe it was just a small one."

"Now that we made it outside we can find Master Zeraora." I pulled out my map and stared at the darkened cloudy sky.

"How long were we in there for?" Glade questioned as she fiddled with her basket.

I closed my map. "Judging by the purple color of the sky its probably later in the day."

"Yeah." Xuě sighed. "And we don't have to worry about those meanies or getting lost in the Dungeon anymore!"

Libra took the initiative and walked forward toward the clearing."Where did you last see your Master?" the Riolu asked.

"I don't know, there were a ton of berry bushes around us though, I'll know it when I see it."

"Berries huh." Linus looked at the Zeraora. "Did you eat any?"

"Yeah, I accidentally fell in the brambles too so I probably smell like them.” She laughed.

Team Sharp Claw took out their baskets and shuffled around inside. “What are you guys doing?” the Riolu beside me panicked.

“Hey!” I grabbed their shoulders.”You’re going to mess with your requested items!”

"Just wait a second," the Treecko said as he beckoned Xuě over.

Nevada held a green and blue big round berry and took a chunk out of it.

Glade sniffed the berry while Linus took a bite of a piece. "Now uh Xuě, could you taste it?"

"Sure?" the Zeraora knelt down and took a bite. She hummed as the flavor, whatever it was probably jogged her memory. "Oh yeah I've had this before."

“We figured out what type of berry was near Xuě, it’s a Globe Berry!” Linus held up one of the berries.

"And what does that mean?" Libra asked.

"Those berries only grow in a certain part of Bileizhen Forest." Glade held up the fruit.

I tilted my head. "Yeah but I don't want you to go crazy and search the entire forest for them when we've got stuff to do."

"Ma cousin's have some notes about berry growth and the like in Heartland, and they have lists on ta Wei Region." the Treecko flipped through a small notepad.

"It says they grow on the far west, where we saw them earlier," Nevada said as their tail dimmed.

"Then somewhere near the large river that passes through and all along the nearby karst structures." Glade explained.

The Charmander beside them then brightened. "Oh but it mentions an exit of a Gem Cavern Mystery Dungeon and being close!"

“Ah, good work guys!” I smiled. “Let’s go find some then!”

We searched through tangles and bunches of thickets for Globe Berries throughout the forest. In our luck, we found a perfect patch of Golden Berries. They were on a little inlet in the middle of a river that passed through the forest.

"How are you guys gonna get them?' Libra stared at the small patch of land. "That's too far for me to jump for sure."

"I could do it!" Xuě smiled as her whiskers twitched.

"Sorry Xuě, we want to figure this out ourselves," The Treecko replied.

"Oh, okay, good luck!"

"Those berries're like big ol sparklin' jewels above this water." Linus peered into the rushing water as debris sailed by. He dipped his hand in and pulled it out. "But that currents really fast."

Nevada watched as their Teammate pulled off her basket. "Glade, are sure you can reach them?"

"If I can't do this then, we won't be able to pass our mission," Glade said as rolled her shoulders, and held out her claw. "And I don't want you two trying it and getting hurt."

The Charmander nodded and held onto her claw. "Okay, I believe in you."

"Ya got this." Linus patted Glade on the back.

The Totodile swam out of a deep stretch of water and returned with a large cluster of Golden Berries in her claws.

"That's how you get it done!" she roared and passed them to Nevada and Linus. Glade then flopped onto the floor.

"Woo hoo!" the Charmander cheered as they held up the gilded fruit. "We've got enough for the medical department!"

"I didn't know these grew around here, I better mark this on my notes for my folks." the Treecko behind them scribbled something on his notepad.

Glade staggered upright and grinned. "I'm good to go now!"

"We'll definitely find them!" the Zeraora pounded her chest. "Master Zeze, here we come!"

It felt like hours before a breakthrough. Libra and I couldn't find it.

"Can you feel those thunderclaps?" I asked.

The Riolu shook her head. "No luck with sensing Xuě's Master. Their aura should be powerful as a Mythical, no?"

Glade kicked a loose pebble. "Maybe they are hiding their aura or whatever?"

"Ugh, where are they? I can't even sense them." Xuě groaned.

There was something off while we ventured past tons of eroded dark, jagged pillars of quartz sandstone. As we wadded through another patch of Globe Berries I felt a tingling sensation around my body.

The earth was damp with rain water, but there were pockets of electricity. It must have stormed while we were underground.

"Oh look!" Nevada called out.

"What is it?" I asked.

"There's Master Zeraora!" the Team cheered, pointed up.

"Master Zeze!" Xuě called at the top of her lungs.

"Master Zeraora?" Libra gasped.

I expected to feel a spark or thunderclap like before, but there was nothing. The yellow Zeraora stood on top of the tallest quartz sandstone pillar. So high up.

"I wonder what they're thinking?" the Riolu beside me whispered.

I narrowed my eyes and strained as hard as I could at the Zeraora. Their eyes blazed an emotion unbeknownst to me. "Not sure, if only I could read minds."

Just as I said that a spark jolted throughout my entire body. It wasn't energy from a move but from a being. Bileizen Forest meant Lightning Rod Forest! That's why they're here!

"We have to leave." I sighed.

Linus, Glade, and Nevada groaned.

"I wanted to meet Master Zeraora," The Treecko lamented.

The Totodile sighed. "Oh well, we got to meet Xuě though."

"We get to go home and tell everyone about all the good work we did today." Nevada yawned. "But another Zeraora meeting wouldn't hurt."

"We need to thank you!" Xuě bowed. "You don't want to meet Master Zeze?"

"Well, are they going to come down?" I asked.

The Zeraora flicked her ears and squinted. "Probably not, they'll let you come up though."

Beside me, the Riolu folded her ears."W-we cannot go up there."

"Alright." The young Zeraora softly nuzzled against us."I'll never forget your presence! Master Zeze can feel it too!"

I flinched at the thought of getting close to them. “Best wishes Xuě," we all said.

She tilted her head at us with a grin. "Thank you! Goodbye.” The Zeraora raced off towards the pillars. Xuě bounced towards the base of one before she hooked her huge front paws in a section of the sandstone. Her claws pierced into the tower like it was a thin piece of wood!

The Zeraora then did the same with her rear paws, and before I knew it a crash of lightning lit up in the sky. A large chunk of earth fell apart and a massive plume of dust clouded the air. She blasted up to the top. There was a streak of teal electricity. 

"Had she been told to hold back? This whole time?" Well, there is no use dwelling on that, Libra would leave me if I spent all my time pondering it.

“Alright well that was something, let’s head on back before it gets too late,” Libra yawned, as she pulled her arms back and stretched. 

"Hey." Linus reached out to me, and tugged on my bag straps. "We have a question."

I palmed at my temples once the rookie Rescue Team surrounded me. "A question huh?"

"Y-yeah, uh well did we pass?" Nevada squeaked. 

"Don't worry guys, you got the required supplies so you passed." I patted Nevada’s back. "Let's just focus on moving forward with our experiences, life isn't going to get easier so you all need to be prepared."

“That’s the end of the story.” I finished.

The Riolu beside me nodded. “It’s been five years but I won't forget it.”

Linus stopped writing on his piece of paper and sighed. “Yep, and then after that, all Distortion went loose. I won’t hold y’all any longer. Thanks!”

“Bye!” I smiled as the Treecko headed out of the room.

Libra uncrossed her arms. “See you later Linus!” she waved.

Now we were alone.

“Before the Disruption hit we didn’t have to worry about all that.” I sighed.

I shifted in my seat and stared at my Platinum badge.  My fist tightened as I glanced out the window. The Riolu beside me also stared at the world beyond that pane of glass. “You mean what you said?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “Being prepared for the future. I never imagined it would be like this: the League’s, no,  the entire world’s new enemy- Wicked Blow.”

“Why did I have to be right?” It’s a question I’ve always asked myself, ever since we got back home to the League and every single day for the next five years.

Who knew those last few weeks would be the calm before the storm? The massive Disruption building up in the mana we use for power had finally taken its toll and became unbalanced due to those Pokémon after Leagues; Wicked Blow.


And they won’t be satisfied with that, not until they have full domination over the land. Not that we'd let it stop us. We of the Bristberg League would never give up. Even if it killed us. 

Just a few days prior~

The waves rocked us side to side, while the Wingulls', and Wattrels' cries filled the air. In front of us was one of the only indicators of land, a thin lighthouse that sat high in the sky. The visage of the beach blurred by the sea.

I've always been a sentimental Pokémon. Every important conversation, meeting, Mystery Dungeon, location, I take it all in and my thoughts occasionally brew on it. Some fade away by the next day, others take about a month or so. But there's some that stay for years. 

It's been a while since we've met Xuě but I always think about it, even after so long. And it seems like more and more Pokémon are asking us about our encounters that day.

I sat in a boat with Libra, and our former classmates: Yoshiko, a Groyvle, and Austin, a Charmeleon along with some other Pokémon. We headed back up from the Southern Region of the Constellation Continent, and came from a briefing when this question was pressed again. By the ones who requested the League on this trip, a Datrix and a Noctowl. Both wore black vests with a claw-like design on the front.

"A, Libra, Yoshiko, Austin, you all mentioned running into all sorts of Pokémon because of your League work correct?" the Dartrix asked.

I stopped gazing dreamily into the deep blue ocean's depths and tasting the salt. "Something like that, yeah," I replied, as I shifted my seat back toward the others.

The Noctowl continued flapping their wings, and shifted the rudder with their talons as they turned their head over at us for a moment. "We haven't been out much, what have you seen?"

"We've encountered a Mythical Pokémon before." Libra leaned back.

The Dartrix shot forward, as their wings flapped faster. "Really?" they asked. "Which one?"

"We've met Xuě Zeraora, the pupil of Master Zeraora." I grinned. 

"Mon, this blows!" Yoshiko crossed her arms with a pout. "You guys got to see all the cool shit without us! It should have been us instead of those stupid weak little brats."

Libra flattened her ears and placed her arm on the Groyvle's shoulder. "Do you remember why that is, huh?"

"Cause we didn't deserve to be weighed down by those guys when they were young?" Austin piped in. "Knowing they were too fast for me to catch them is why the Coordinator didn't put us together, right?"

With a shake of my head I kicked my legs out. "It's because you two don't have the patience to spend this long of a time with teenagers, maybe if it were for a couple of hours but we spend like two days with them out in Wei, alone."

"Well, we're doing some research on those words they called Team Sharp Claw, and trying to figure you two out more." The Dartrix took over. "We can pin-point yours and other immigrant Pokémon devolution to the Disruption."

"We're going to be sending out some thrilling new information in the coming week so look forward to it," the Noctowl hooted.

Austin rolled his shoulders with a sigh. "All this work will only be worth it if I can buy some high tier snacks and gear."

"With what the Expedition Society's projected payout I believe your Chief and Coordinator will be able to reward you handsomely. It's about the rediscovery of some artifacts."

“Really now, we get to do some big time League work too?” Libra asked, her tail wagging against my side and all over the place.“Mana research level stuff?”

"We've been doing that you stupid dog!" Yoshiko pushed the Riolu down.

"Shut up you ugly fat leaf!" Libra barked, and shoved back.”Let them finish."

Noctowl nodded. “In our research, we called in a special guest who wants to repay your League.”

“Ah.” I  pumped my fist and smiled. “So we can’t leave all the work to Master Zeraora and Xuě Zeraora. We gotta head back home to help our League!"

"I wonder what she's doing now?" Libra tilted her head. "And what was that scroll she was carrying, was it a mana artifact?"

Chapter Text

Chapter 3 Snow Continues to Fall

Xuě Zeraora’s POV

Snowflakes danced in the sky, as the chilly winds spreaded them far. Nevertheless, they were fated to come crashing down, their performance unimpressive until they piled up high enough. Only once you felt the brisk air, and stepped into the frozen ground then you truly understood the seasons’ change.

Wei Tundra Mystery Dungeon. It’s frost chilled my bones, and the wind tore my fur. But this is what we’ve searched for.

For the past five years. For five long years my Expedition Team and I tried to make a name for ourselves, researching mana away from the Leagues and other organizations. With my power and status I knew I had to pull my weight. Especially after the Disruption.

It’s been five long years since Master Zeze had spoken to me on good terms. I’ve finally grown to their height. And my confidence skyrocketed too. They were still stronger than me by a longshot, but I stood a pretty good chance if we had to battle. Unfortunately we Zeraoras still didn't see eye to eye.

It's all because of the Disruption that struck our Celestial Hemisphere five years ago, weeks after those five Pokemon from the League rescued me. All Pokémon could no longer evolve, their moves and bodies got weaker, and most importantly we lost the sacred elemental key and lock mana artifacts. 

This could have been prevented if those Leagues, Guilds, and other organizations across the Hemisphere were more vigilant. They needed to guard over wherever the key and lock artifacts were.

The Keepers and Sentinels who were supposed to be in charge of them didn’t value their roles enough. Pokemon in numerous organizations slowly caused enough chaos in the land to take the majority of the keys and locks of mana and misuse them. Thankfully not all of them had been ruined, some were warped away by Lady Mewtwo, Lord Mew, Leader Magearna, and even the Guardian Tapus.

But I never blamed the average Pokemon, they weren't strong enough, and the enemy couldn't be stopped alone. They barely even knew where a quarter of the artifacts were reported to be located in the first place. It was not easy for non-Mythical Pokemon, especially when they shackled their true power instead of embracing it. But it’s fair that they did that, they don’t understand the power they use fully. 

That Disruption was caused by Wicked Blow and other ruffians, who sought out not just power, but perhaps someone. 

Master wanted everyone they considered ‘guilty’ to be punished, this included too many victims of injustice…. I just couldn’t have allowed it. I've found my own way. I still had that metal scroll with the gears after all.

Our own way. My Expedition Society and I were out in the North of the Wei Tundra doing research on Ether. Well, regular Pokemon and all the League folk called it Mana instead.

Mana was the energy in this Celestial Hemisphere that allowed Pokemon to use their moves and evolve… Back when I was still young and unsure of the uses of my power it was disrupted. But now I knew, my power was needed to stop this from happening. I kept the scroll safe.

This Disruption harmed Keepers and Sentinels alike but not Myths and  Legends. My team had two Keepers and three Sentinels so I couldn't have forgotten about them. But something was special about the Sentinels of my team, they were just like that Riolu and that Froakie. I felt a strange energy from them.

That stupid Disruption prevented and in some recent cases undid evolution, and weakened elemental attacks of all. Especially for the Keepers that were permanently harmed. And all this just happened because the mana of the Hemisphere had been tampered with. But how did that happen?

I mean those bastards in Wicked Blow were behind it, or at least claimed to do it! Who could have allowed it!? Was no one watching their actions? Couldn't the Pokemon in this Hemisphere have prevented this? Is this really tied to those stupid key and lock artifacts?

My expedition crew and I along with lots of other Pokemon across our five Continents searched constantly for a way to return the Hemisphere to the way it used to be. 

Earlier today our team braved through the hailstorms of a Tundra Mystery Dungeon not to reach the other side but to find something hidden amidst the snow. The six of us sat on the highest balcony of a dilapidated, old building made of rich dark wood. This was a rooftop exit of it, there were numerous other wide pointed roofs, reaching towards the awning below like a staircase.

This wooden building was an ancient Mana Temple, one that was dedicated to that Legendary Pokemon Glastrier. At one point it held an object that both the Leagues and Wicked Blow still fight over; an elemental key and lock of mana.

Ones specifically of ice used to sit on a decorated pedestal in the center of a small prayer chamber. Used to being the key word, Pokemon in Wicked Blow had stolen it. I’m not sure why they think they could have more power without a hitch, but I had to ask. But there's something or somemon else out there I need to find before we go back.

"Xuě, this Mystery Dungeon run and exploration was a dead-end waste of time!" Passimian swatted my shoulder, and brought me back from my thoughts.

My nose twitched suddenly and I couldn't help but sneeze. Snow, my namesake, fell around all of us. "Guys, this expedition wasn't a bust," I replied with a growl. 

"What’s a bust?" Pangoro stuffed a bun ration into their maw, rolling up the map before them. "This place wasn't on the map by the way."

"It's a bust because we couldn't find the key and lock artifacts here though!" Cramorant shrieked into their wing. 

Lurantis shivered and moved closer to me. "There aren't any fresh traces of Pokemon here either!" Their leaves had started to lighten a bit with how little sunlight we were getting these last couple of days.

I stood up and stretched, taking a moment to peer below us. In the snow-covered ground there used to be clear imprints of our tracks, I barely noticed them now. 

"All we found was this abandoned temple, and glyphs of ice and snow inside," Sandaconda hissed slowly, coiling her body even further. "And it's getting colder." 

A chill blasted against my muzzle and I shielded my eyes. "Dangit! This stupid snowstorm is approaching faster than I expected, and there's still something really freaking odd about this area."

"Wherever you go we'll follow," Pangoro shoved a bun ration in my face.

I ripped off the wrapper and then stuffed the food into my mouth. "Let's go back down," I grumbled through bites, glancing at the massive structure of the Temple. It had a wide expansive sweeping roof, long shingles stemmed from the center, flaring like wings.

Soon we made our way outside on the ground level, all the Pokemon vulnerable to the brisk temperatures huddled beside the rest of us together. "Okay, now first we need to get out of this Mystery Dungeon, then I need to find whatever's bugging me," I said.

"Sounds good to me!" Cramorant squawked, picking up Sandaconda and carrying her off the ground.

I stood still as there was a break in the wind, my whiskers twitching as I felt an odd pulsing of darkness and the essence of fighting spirit. Not sure who that is. It can be dealt with later. We trudged through the arctic flatland for what felt like an hour or so. Mon it’s so fricking cold out here!

Eventually, as I was close to calling it quits getting out of the path of the blizzard I found something. My paw pads pressed up against an awfully hard bump in the snow. Suspicious.I swept the surface as clean as I could and noticed a square stone tile. One with a gear pattern! Noticing my efforts Pangoro, Lurantis, and Sandaconda helped me clear the surrounding area.

"There is something alluring about this slightly visible stone path in between the snow,” I rubbed my chin as the sky’s clouds started to darken. “Where did it lead?"

“That’s a good question,” Lurantis chirped.

"Is it another Pokemon, one with strength rivaling my own, trying to lure me? Or maybe it is the land itself?”

“Only time shall tell, we must continue our search,” Cramorant reminded me.

I scratched my ears with a mareepish grin. “Right.”

The thin line of the stone tiles wasn’t easy to follow, everymon of the Expedition Team had to act as a snowplow so we didn’t lose the trail.

“S-so what are we looking for Xuě?” Sandaconda hissed, spitting out a pile of sand. “I’m kinda freezing my tail off here if you haven’t noticed.” 

I watched as her sand spread into the air and then fumbled with my bag. "There should be another mystical building hidden around here, Master told me."

"What did they say Xuě?" Passimian asked.

"They mentioned something that might be nearby one of those Mana Temples, another building made by the Ancients, the chance of some clue of how to solve the Disruption inside."

Lurantis rubbed their claws together with a sigh. "Something that's not finding enough elemental keys and locks and restoring them?"

"I dunno, hopefully."

After a while of trudging blindly along a small stone pathway through the Winterland, all of our hard work came to fruition. There was an outline of a tall building in the frosty mist! “Guys look!” I pointed.

“Wooo!” Passimian cheered. “We did it!”

The expedition team and I  scoured the ruins of the stony building.

“It looks like a chapel.” Lurantis pointed at the remains of a few pews. Snow and the elements buried its former glory, just like the rest of the building’s wreckage.

Sandaconda dusted off a layer of flurries of large bell, one that sat cracked next to a dilapidated wooden platform. “I dunno, it looks more like a shrine to me.”

Honestly I don't care, it's just really cool! Unfortunately, the weather wasn't on our side, the snowstorm grew to insurmountable heights. Winds tore across the land, flakes of ice coating everything in its path. We poked and prodded at more old pieces of the structure, high and low but didn’t find much. More and more snow fell around us with each passing moment, not that’d stop me.

“Woah, there were sections of the stone walls, and ceiling that are somehow still up!” I yelled, pointing at the ancient foundation and structure of the building.

“Xuě that’s great but we need to get to some shelter!” Pangoro grabbed my shoulder. “The hail storm is taking Sandaconda and Lurantis out!”

Shoot! “I need to get them warm with my power!” I gasped, my breath forming into mist instantly. I slammed my claws to the ground and tried to draw in enough power. The two Pokemon weak to ice shivered next to me and my ears folded down. Damnit!

The bleak white torrent consumed us in the gale and hail. Crap it’s too much for them! All of a sudden as I channeled my electricity into heat the Earth itself attacked us for our transgressions. I felt my teeth chatter once the ground shook, the raw elemental energy easily overpowering me.

There was a loud rumbling as the stone circular area we stood on sank slowly towards the unknown. Then there was a soft whirring noise, and the ground below us was smooth and snow-free, warm too. Not sure what happened but okay. In the darkness I saw odd guidelines and designs sprawled out across the floor and along what could only be walls.

“Where are we?” Pangoro questioned, their voice echoing out.

“I don’t know,” Sandaconda huffed. “But this place is way warmer than outside and that’s for sure!”

With an eerie flicker, blue and purple colored lights began to turn on, illuminating the building in select pieces. Once enough of the lights turned it revealed an interesting sight.

There were gear symbols and markings of odd claw shapes on the far black walls, and the main room sat on a platform with a deep pit on the borders, towards the wall. 

"This is way better than that empty Mana Temple!" I pumped my fist, racing towards the first wall in our way. I placed my head against it and heard the slow pulse of electricity inside along with a faint tick. 

We walked forward through the dark granite maze and eventually found a gate resting near the ceiling up before us. 

"Well that's interesting," Passimian tried to pull and prod at the bottom of the gate. 

Off to the side, a large ceramic ball was sitting inside a huge bowl. It had faded green and red lights pulsating slowly.

“We better write this all down!” Cramorant pointed their wing at the oddities. “Isn’t this something that can help with the Disruption?”

“Yeah,” I sighed, taking out my notepad and charcoal pencil. In another room there was a large tall diamond shaped switch that sat slanted, it had a dull green and red beam of light coming off of it like the ball. “Doesn't it feel like we aren’t the first ones who’ve been here?”

“Maybe.” Passimian rubbed their head, placing her hand on the wall. “All the puzzles or whatever are already completed for us.”

In the last room there was a blue and purple stained glass wall. “A Mystery, ooo. Oh and I guess that’s the exit huh,” Lurantis chirped, their antennae drooping. 

In front of us was a set of stairs, similar to a Mystery Dungeons. The glass surrounded a statue of the strangest-looking Pokemon I’ve ever seen, like a Ryhdon and a Kangaskhan. When I, because the others were too scared, touched the surface with my claw the barrier instantly shattered. 

Small electric shards of now red and green glass flew into the air past me, and the statue's eyes flickered for a moment. Out came four small teardrop-shaped gems, their exterior a cloudy crystal. Cyan, Magenta, Green, and Red were each of the jewels colors, or maybe used to be. I wonder what type of mana artifacts these are?

“Uh…,” I questioned as they floated into my claws as a door opened up in the wall. It led outside, where it wasn’t completely white but there was still snow. “What just happened?”

Pangoro placed a hand on my shoulder and pulled me close, “Don’t know but we better hold onto those, maybe they could get their old shiny colors back!”

“Yeah, maybe first we could go back to Wei Tundra Township and go to the sauna or anywhere warm?” Sandaconda slapped me with her tail.

With a laugh, I flinched as the four gems seemed to phase directly into my body. “I don’t really know where we are but the weather is better now so we should be fine. Pangoro, can I see the map?” I asked, reaching out my paw. They handed it to me and we set out.

So it seemed we are near the base of one of the tallest mountains in the Region, not really sure if this terrain counts as a Tundra but whatever. We only had about an hour of heading southeast to get out of the wildlands. I don’t mind hanging around the stray Pokemon out here but my Expedition Team needed to rest after all our hard work. They aren’t Mythical Pokemon like me so of course, they couldn’t go for days without modern comforts in this harsh climate easily.

Suddenly as we made our way up the icy mountain’s base the snow started to slide. “Uh, is there a battle going on near the top or something?” Sandaconda asked, tongue thrashing about.

“N-no,” Cramorant replied, taking to the skies in a panic. “I think something else is shaking the mountain!”

“Xuě! What should we do?” Pangoro shook my shoulder.

Lurantis sharpened their blades. “What is this a Volcano or something?” 

"Xuě wouldn't take us to one of those so no," Passimian answered with a chuckle.

More clumps of snow crashed onto the ledge in front of us, my whiskers twitching in anticipation. Then the rumbling began. Shit. “It’s an Avalanche!” I screamed, turning around at the path behind us. “We need to head towards the bottom, quickly!”

I forgot what happened but as we were running I saw a large piece of mountain encased in the snow, that rolled towards us. And my body just flew. A fusillade of electricity launched out of me and I channeled it into fighting energy and boom.

A sea of snow and rocks engulfed me, covering me in white darkness as I fell. It cleared and below me, I saw the figures of the five members of my Expedition Society on the mountain. Phew, all of my Team had been kept safe. A sharp burst of pain brought my attention back to what was happening and my eyes shot open. I fell off the mountainside! I took a glance down to notice the forest of trees below me. “Okay, we can nail this landing,” I hyped myself up, as I took in a quick breath before slamming my forepaws out.

I pulled the energy of Aura Sphere out and a flash of teal lit up the area as I ripped through all the trees in my way. I crashed into the snow with a thud, sliding for a couple meters, taking down everything in my descent. Then I finally stopped. Ugh, I need to get out of here. I struggled upright against an almost fallen tree, my knees and thighs wobbling.Deep breaths and shallow breaths were the only sounds I heard besides the drumming of my heartbeat as I tried to reorient myself.

Something else crashed into me, and forced my eyes to shoot open and my claws to slide out; the feeling of another Mythical Pokemon nearby. A Spectral and Fighting presence… but from where? The saturation of trees covered the land in thick darkness, one I could barely pierce with my power, let alone make heads or tails of. If anything the elevation started to rise in the south so I'll go that way.

After a couple of minutes of walking, accidentally scaring away some Cetoddle, Bergmite, and white Vulpix strays I noticed something strange. There was an oddly dark shadow that seemed to follow me.

My whiskers twitched and I somersaulted to the left on instinct, dodging the oncoming ball of what appeared to be a Focus Blast. It tore through almost a dozen trees and melted away the snow, scorching the grass below. Okay, now I know a Pokemon was after me, and they're powerful too! I needed to be on guard and try to find out who this is.

My whiskers twitched again as I saw a flash of something dart out in front of me. "Augh!" I shouted, a strong attack nailing me in the belly. In the searing pain of the ghost-type attack I retaliated with a move I inherited from my Master, Plasma Fists. Take that! I punched back.

"Fuck!" my target yelled, their form becoming visible as electricity crackled. The Pokemon was a small ghost-fighting type, one of the only ones; Marshadow. They keeled over into the snow and hunched down in agony.

Sparks! That hurt! I sank to the floor but willed myself to stand, panting as the aftershocks of the attack battered my body.

Eventually, the Marshadow staggered forward, clutching the burn mark representing their wound. I remained doubled over, slowly trying to get up. They noticed my struggle and their orange eyes narrowed.

"H-how'd you like my Spectral Thief Zeraora?!" Marshadow mocked me, sticking out their tongue and blowing a razzberry. "I'd gloat about how pitiful you look Zeraora, but I have something I need you to do."

I barely held myself up. I think that Marshadow jerk broke something! "The name's Xuě!" I growled, my ears flat against my skull.

"Yeah yeah whatever, let me cut to the chase," Marshadow reached down towards the scroll on my side.

"Back off!" I jumped up and pushed them away with Brutal Swing. "You can't have this scroll!"

Their arms shot up to block the attack with a Drain Punch, my vitality sapped away on impact "Why's that!?"

"My Master entrusted it to me, they said it could help Pokemon!" I yelled.

They then rushed forward. "Don't you know we shouldn't infer with Keepers and Sentinels and their fight over the Mana Artifacts and Gears of Mana!?” Marshadow disappeared, dipping into the ground to attack with the Spectral Thief again. 

Like a flash of light, they reemerged right under me. Marshadow tried to strike again.“Give me all the artifacts you hold! Stop intermingling with destiny!”

“Never!” I punched down with my Plasma Fists, blocking the attack and catching them off guard. “Get out of my way!”

“Those Pokemon deserve to get out of their own mess, they did this to try and achieve our power!” Marshadow ordered, swinging their fist forward.

The Drain Punch hit me in the side and I went flying, crashing through a couple trees and then into a clearing. I managed to crawl off the ground and my ears twitched. There was a loud roar as the wind whipped up. Oh no, another attack! There was a shadow that darted around in front of me. Marshadow! I front-flipped and channeled darkness energy in my arms to use Brutal Swing, swinging and deflecting another Spectral Thief attack from Marshadow.

“Why are you so defiant!?” they yelled standing between me and the clearing. Wait! That clearing led to a cliff, it’s right into that blizzard, but more importantly the Wei Tundra Township. “Answer me!” Marshadow fumed, the top of their head and neck wisp-collar turning dark green as their fighting spirit flared up in a Zenith of power.  My eyes scanned the area behind Marshadow as they came at me one last time.

“I’m not like you, I’ve seen what those Pokemon are also capable of, they saved my life!”I placed my front paws on the ground and took in a deep breath. Then I jumped. Once released my electrical power produced a shock wave and a bright yellow hue, sending me soaring past Marshadow and into the abyss. A storm of snow blinded me as I barreled through the air. 

How long was I going to fall for? Was this what Master would have done?  Alone with my thoughts and the freezing blizzard, I finally crashed toward Earth. Instead of the pain of my bones breaking I found myself buried in a stalwart hill of snow, my injuries only mild after my cushioned slide across the ground.

“Ugh, what am I going to do?” I asked myself with a groan, climbing out of the pile of snow just to fall in again muzzle first. My arms and legs didn’t move the way I wanted them to.

Maybe I should just take a quick rest out here? Everything will be fine. Fatigue from today’s exploration and combat had hit me hard, I tried to get up but couldn’t.

As the ways of sleep dared to take me under a bright light came from the metal scroll slung across my front. Energy flooded into me like a spark of hope and I sat upright, pulling the object into my claws.“Wait, the real question is: what would those League Pokemon do?”

Chapter Text

Chapter 4 Sharp New Day, Sharp New Chance

Coordinator Cooper Granbull's POV 

A glimmer of sunlight crept through the blinds, and roused me out of the perpetual blanket of darkness that enclosed me. We were comfortable this way. Me and my mate. Sleeping in solid swaths of black. 

I blinked my eyes before rolling over with a heavy sigh. "Oh Mew, I need some coffee," I yawned. With a subdued second yawn, I fully willed myself to crawl out of bed to start my morning routine. The sky was barely blue… My early morning routine. For five years it's been this way, how long will we endure this Disruption?

The blasted Disruption took everything from me, from us. Especially Team Sharp Claw and long-gone Team Vanguard, those two groups of Pokémon lost so much, like many Pokémon across the land. My family even lost someone, my brother in-law.

I wasn’t fast enough, I couldn't mobilize a battalion to counter Wicked Blow's efforts, and none of the League Coordinators across the Hemisphere could. That Gardevior and Honchkrow leading the organization still remained elusive, and out of my reach! They allowed too many artifacts to be misused. Unfortunately Wicked Blow managed to harm an innumerable amount of Pokémon all throughout the land. And forced a dangerous near irreversible status onto them, disrupting the world's mana balance in the process.

Ever since those weeks after Team Sharp Claw passed their introductory request in  Wei Forest I've always required the caffeine boost to get me in top condition. Being the Bristberg Mana Research League's Coordinator I wasn't comfortable being anything less, and I won't be comfortable until I've found the mysteries behind every single Mana artifact. Every single one.

Number 1, a Keeper shall do everything in their power to protect the balance of the world's mana.

In a brightly lit office room, there was a single letter placed on a desk. The paper was unfurled gently, as the contents were very important. Though some of the words on the letter had been smudged the overall information was still readable. 

Dear Stoutland,

This isn't just a game we Mana Research Leagues can send our Rescue Teams to play in. There are forces of absurd power lurking around every Mystery Dungeon, city, and wildland. These Wicked Blow ruffians are searching for more powerful Pokémon to recruit into their nefarious group. They've even recruited some stray and feral Keepers, so it's important we keep Pokémon safe, as many as we can.

Signed, 

Centiskorch

"Oh dear, you've received yet another letter," I started, my deep and gentle voice reverberating throughout the room. 

The window beside me reflected my old Granbull self, nothing new there besides some more tiny white fur streaks. More than a couple months ago for sure. I remember having none before the Disruption five years ago.

My ears folded when there was a loud crash and rumbling downstairs. 

McBone, my Stoutland mate, glanced at me from her desk. "Can you check on them real quick?" she asked.

I shook my head as I spotted the figures far below us. A Treecko, a Totodile, a Charmander, okay Team Sharp Claw. Beside them was a Mienfoo and a Slowbro. The Slowbro had purple and yellow markings on him, which signaled he was one with poisonous powers. The two were prospective League Members, as long as they eventually managed to pass the Exam. It shouldn't be too difficult for Pokémon of their age.

Or so I hoped, since the prospects were just a couple of years older than Team Sharp Claw. They passed their exam five years ago somehow by the grace of Mew, I'd say. 

Thankfully the group of five was in the back practice field, not inside the League building. "Watch it or you'll never get in!" one of the Pokémon, either Glade or Linus yelled. Maybe it was both at the same time? 

Ah, Team Sharp Claw had trouble wrangling the prospects … I'll have to go check on them later. Back when those three were still teens they were like that… But these prospects have an added sense of urgency. They had a thirst for strength, to combat the horrors of the Disruption.  Well, at least I hoped so.

That encounter with Master Zeraora’s pupil, Young Master Xue, looked like it was the catalyst, even though I know those Mythical Pokemon tried their best to avoid us regular Pokémon. But we knew it wasn't their doing. Events across the Hemisphere all culminated in this matter, not theirs. We Keepers couldn't keep one another in check, we all didn't try hard enough to stop the Disruption from happening. 

It got Team Sharp Claw to sharpen up, once they realized what happened to their families and our Teams. Nothing was just a separate incident, everything was connected. 

Enough of that. I blinked to wipe the weariness from my eyes. I fixed my gaze on the supplies in the office room. With a fold of my arms I watched the river from the window.

“It’s the second letter from him this week,” the Stoutland barked. I glanced down at McBone again. She mulled over the contents of the paper at the singular desk.


It was the early hours of the morning, around seven, only about thirty minutes right after the post office delivered the mail. Bright rays of sunlight started to fill the dark blue sky, a lull of soft clouds slowly parting in the chilly breeze of morning. The post office was far outside the walls, over the mighty gates and fence of the League, past the mountains, across a wooden bridge over a section of the river in the town of Bristberg. 


I hope she is finding the information well. I began to pace around the desk that enclosed the other Pokémon, occasionally peering over to check on her progress. After a while I glanced out the window, taking in the view of the mighty river below them.

The Stoutland placed her paw at the side of her desk, and fiddled with the wide knob on the drawer. “I understand Chief Centiskorch is looking out for me," she started speaking. I immediately approached her right flank, my ears perked to listen closer. "But could he not act like we are hatchlings ?” she grumbled, then gently nudged the paper towards me, presumably careful not to damage it as she reached for a folder.

"That Centiskorch is just trying to remind us of the issues and threats housed above the Heartland," I waved my paw. "Honestly I'm worried sick myself, I can't bear the thought of all the horrors the Pokémon in our Rescue Teams could face without my guidance and-"

The Stoutland next to me shook her fur, the badges on her harness loudly clanking. Posthaste I shut my trap and sheepishly tried to calm my anxiety. Deep breaths Cooper, it'll be alright. They are responsible adult Pokémon, they aren't alone. Our Teams are strong. 

Once I settled down a tad she spoke again. “Why does he assume that I , as Chief of Bristberg Mana Research League, out of all Pokémon would be toying with my Rescue Teams?”


“Well if anything it was one of his Rescue Teams,” I rolled
up the message, placing it somewhere safe. “Some Pokémon from his League were the ones that had a major accident off the island to the north of their League,” I then explained.

“Oh, how unfortunate,” the Stoutland at the low-rise desk raised an eyebrow at the markings across another page. "Well, this reminded me of something that you played a vital role in," she turned towards me.

"It reminded you of what in particular?" my tail sank to the ground.

A dark image swept through my mind as I stood still, the memory of five years ago. When the Disruption began. A dark blue mountain top; thick grief, and rage in the air. The sounds of a congregated depression, flowing tears, and sorrowful hearts. Fourteen monuments, eight gravestones, and six sets of statues. The black wind slowly warmed up the remains before engulfing them in its shelter.

The frustration and wrath of hurt Pokémon. A glimpse of primary colors; red, blue, and yellow. The dread of knowledge, knowing that not even the law will save you. A flash of white. No, it won't save you. Black and white lighting struck the ground twice. Laws were made to kill you.

This fresh reminder of the past drowned out my thoughts. "Could," I let out a shaky breath, letting my insecurities resurface in full. "Could it be like Team Vanguard? How I failed them? How I allowed them to be hunted like ferals of the past? How-”

"No," my Stoutland mate moved closer, and placed a forepaw on my side. “Cooper?”


I let out a choked cry, tears ran down my muzzle as the grief swelled within me. “Yes, Laty-" I almost slipped up."McBone?”


“Don’t fret it, my dear,” McBone embraced me. “I was only going to mention that Sharp Claw and Blue Heroes are the only Rescue Teams we have stationed here at the League today."

I laughed a bit, "Aren't Libra and Aquarius the only ones from Blue Heroes today though?" I rubbed the back of my head with a sigh.

"Their teammates aren't too far away. Also Team White Light and Team Aegisdrip can be called back at a moment's notice."

"Well, Aries and Virgo are out doing a mission close by. CJ, Anabel, and Bernard are working in the Medical Bay with Astesia. But alone they do not count, do they?”  

"Nothing to fret over darling," McBone tried to comfort me. "Also, you meant Yoshiko and Austin right? Not Aries and Virgo?"

“Oh right, the Groyvle's and Charmeleon's chosen names." 

"Yes, all of those from the Water Continent and Air Continent have new names. Times have changed in these past five years, you have to remember Wicked Blow and the others aren't specifically on the hunt for our Teams anymore," McBone added. "They are allowed to choose how they'd like to continue forward and follow in Team Vanguard's pawsteps. But it wasn't your fault. How could they've known our enemies would be on them like a Houndoom?"

"But you know as the Coordinator I feel responsible for everything that happened to Team Vanguard and their families!” I lamented, as I tried to contain my terror. “I should have stopped them. I should have told them not to research any further. I should have just-”


“As Coordinator, you need to try and focus on right now,” the Stoutland below me stared into my eyes. "Can you do that for me, my love?"

"But, what should I do?” I whined.


“You are already doing something, your guidance has taught and strengthened the next generation,” McBone nuzzled her head into my chest. “We’ve got to earn our reputation back and prove to our League colleagues that we are capable and trustworthy."


“That’s right,” I brightened before placing a paw on her head, with a sigh. The pounding in my chest stopped, and my nerves calmed. “Not all is lost, we can still recover.”


“That’s right, Team Blue Heroes, Team White Light, and Team Aegisdrip are off right now to secure our glory-” the Stoutland tried to rant but I moved suddenly, and sent her to the floor. Her reflexes were sharp and she just stamped her paws down. “What’s wrong?”


“I should have sent some more Pokémon from Team Blue Heroes out there quicker,” I groaned. “At this rate, they won’t catch up-"

“They’ll be fine, I was contacted by ‘those shored in black’ who sent Austin and Yoshiko on a little errand. Anyway, it’s time for you to go check in on Team Sharp Claw,” McBone interjected before standing up and trotting towards the exit.

"Ah yes, our little firecracker of a Rescue Team!" I clasped my paws together. "How could I forget?"


“Those three did very well on their last mission,” McBone smiled as she stared at one of the large cork boards in the room. She walked over to read the papers attached to the board and sighed. “They went down to Legend Eclipse and handled that case in no time flat!”

A few days ago in the sloping brown hills of sand in the South, three travelers tirelessly continued forward through the desert. The three were a Treecko, a Charmander, and a Totodile, the sole members of Team Sharp Claw.


A rope was tied to each of their waists as they towed a sandy sled behind them. Cuts, bruises, and marks adorned their scales. All of them had patches and bandages on their limbs. On the wooden, there were two Pokémon seated in it.


These Pokémon had fainted. They were knocked out the entire journey and were tied up in thick rope. One had their maw bound shut with a caged muzzle, and they both had black mesh nets that covered their bodies.


It was clear and obvious from their attire what their allegiance was. No Pokémon in a League could mistake it.

Black and white checkered scarves,  emblazoned with two jagged claw marks of black, outlined in white meant that they were no ordinary criminals.


The two were members of Wicked Blow.

"That settles it, I'm going to need different Pokémon to help train the prospects dear," I opened the door. “Er, maybe you could go get River and Rio for me if you don’t mind.”

"I don’t mind, the Herdier twins should be on watch duty right?”


“Yes,” I replied.


"Ah, you're going to have Team Sharp Claw and Team Blue Heroes go somewhere?" McBone asked, following me into the hallway. "Isn't it time for a yearly progress evaluation? I need the rest of the teams to do theirs this week as well." 

"Those three more mature Teams should pass with flying colors, I'm more worried about Sharp Claw… The young Pokémon are what they call Fangs of the Fallen, whatever that entails."

"Hopefully we shall find out soon enough, but let's worry about what they shall do during the evaluation."

I sighed and rubbed my paws. "Yes, we'll go do some requests in the town to the southern Bristberg Mountains range, Navy Valley." 

"Why do you need the other team though?" 

"Those two wanted to see their growth the most so I'm putting them in charge." 

I went into the small classroom in another room to go and gather the required supplies. A vanilla folder, with a couple of sheets of paper inside. "Okay now to get Libra and Aquarius, then go check on those three in Team Sharp Claw."

Okay so where are those two? I made a quick round across the third floor, the floor we were currently on. Then I took a trip down to the second floor. This was where the bedrooms for the Rescue Teams are, a long hallway with numerous doors awaited me. Only one door was open, which  meant the Froakie and Riolu were inside.


“Libra, Aquarius, I have a request for you two,” I knocked on the door, before it opened. Once they were in front of me I realized my folly. “Oh, where are my manners? Good Morning!”


“Morning,” the Froakie gave me a wave, and adjusted his tie and scarf.


“Morning Sir. What type of request?” the Riolu yawned, as she opened out her paw.


“10,000 Poke, I’d like you to go with Team Sharp Claw into Navy Valley town for their annual evaluation, let them pick out some good requests and you be the judge of their growth,” I explained, and passed the folder to the Pokémon.

"I'll be down in the back practice field to settle down the prospects with them," I told the two, stepping back into the hallway. They each clarified they'll be there once ready so I hurried downstairs and out the patio. 

"Oh would you look at that," I heard Glade as she loudly scolded the prospects. "Wanna repeat what you said in front of the Coordinator?"

Oh dear, please don't be fighting amongst one another, please. I closed the door and rushed over, through the thin strands of fern grasses, and my body left a flattened trail in my wake.

The Mienfoo sheepishly rubbed the back of their head. "I said I forgot the difference between Keepers and Sentinels alright!" 

Oh Mew, please help them. I tried to appear as relaxed as possible once I made up to the five Pokémon in the field. "All Pokémon of this Hemisphere are one or the other, with a slight lean towards Sentinels. Ever since the Disruption it's been vital for every League member to know the difference, could you help them out?" I asked.

"Eer, what really is the Disruption?" the Slowbro blinked slowly. "All I know is we can't evolve anymore."

"The mana we use to power our moves and bodies has been altered as well," Glade added. "Come on, you guys should know this! Has no one taught you anything?"

I crossed my arms at the thought. 

Linus, finally willed himself to remind me he's Team Captain clapped his hands together. "You, Coordinator Cooper Sir, and Mienfoo are Keepers, you have mana presences and would be able to use the elemental keys and locks of mana that caused the Disruption."

"And we three are Sentinels," Nevada, the Charmander, said. "We aren’t able to sense presences, but we also don't have one. We aren’t able to use those specific mana artifacts but still feel their consequences. There are other artifacts we can use though, but we have to search for them." 

The Totodile placed her hands on the Mienfoo’s and the Slowbro's shoulders. "Okay, let me recap. The Disruption happened because the mana of the Hemisphere had been tampered with."

"But mana is what we use," Mienfoo crossed their arms. "How did Pokémon manage to alter it?"

"This tampering was caused by the misuse of the elemental key and lock mana artifacts. The keys and lock allowed a Keeper to unlock or lock a Pokémon that had the same type as the key they possess."

"Misuse of those artifacts is when too many Pokémon are unlocked and never locked back up again."

"Got it?" 

"But-" the Mienfoo started, as they noticed the Totodile's claws release.

"I think it's time for us to take over huh?" Rio's bark came just when I needed it, and River followed right beside her.


The two Herdier put themselves in between the five Pokémon.


"Huh?" the Slowbro asked. 

I watched as River smiled at them before he picked up the lesson plan from Linus. "Rio and I will help you with your League Placement Exam for now, alright," the Herdier explained.

"You will?"

"Yeah." Rio tilted her head at the pair of Pokémon. 

The Slowbro frowned. "But you two aren't even on a Rescue Team." 

"Yeah, what do you two know?" Mienfoo questioned.

My eyes widened and I turned. Shoot. I didn't think they'd aim so low! 

"Have ya got no manners!?" Linus yelled. Before I could blink he used Quick Attack to jump in between the prospects, and smacked both of them on the head. 

River sighed, as he lowered his ears. "We were on a Rescue Team, we unfortunately had to disband it after the Disruption and for the League's safety we cannot form another Rescue Team here."

"Oh, okay." Slowbro mareepishly rubbed his head. "Sounds complicated."

"It is," Rio growled.

"Sorry about that. Thanks again kids," I ruffled the Herdiers' heads before I stepped away. 

"See ya later Dad!" the twins called back.

"We're ready guys!" Aquarius called out. "Team Sharp Claw, you're coming with us!" 

Libra raced ahead of him. "Hope you're ready to show us what you're made of!" 

I always believed that this Froakie and Riolu pair had impeccable timing. The three mentioned Pokémon followed my gaze and flinched in surprise. 

"We're going somewhere with you guys?" Team Sharp Claw asked.

"Coordinator Cooper is coming along too," Libra clarified.

"Team Sharp Claw, it is time for your annual evaluation, and I'm having Team Blue Heroes do the examination for me," I explained. 

"Alright, we've got all our equipment with us, where to?" Nevada asked, and lifted up the exploration bag off their shoulders.

I rolled my shoulders in response. “We’re going out of town.”


“Awesome, no more Bristberg Mountain crawling!” Glade cheered.

We walked towards the side gates of the backfield. As a chilly gust of mountain wind rolled by, the six of us made it to the courtyard of the League Building.

"Um, Libra, A, which area are we going to?" Nevada questioned as the towering front gates opened. "Er, rather what's the general direction?"

"Just a little ways south," the Froakie grinned. 

"Yeah, but how far south?" Linus pestered, and reached up to tug on Libra's paw. "We just want to know what's ahead and all."

"You'll see when we get there okay." the Riolu shrugged him off. 

We made our way across the bridge and through the southside of town, passing all sorts of cozy cobblestone, brick houses and buildings. Then the six of us finally entered the wildlands, where strays and travelers roamed alike. After a short trip in the stony land we stood below us was a breathtaking sight. 

Dark aquamarine and blue stone reached deep into the depths of the land, peaks of lighter stone surfacing in random spots of the abyss. Where there are mountains, there are valleys just as well. The center was dotted with pallid specks of light from the settlement nestled inside, a multitude of pathways leading back to the heights of alpine beauties in the sky.

"We are going down into the Navy Valley everyone." I explained carefully, leading us down the mountainside.

Linus flinched and made sure he was as far away from the edge as possible as we got closer, and the others tread lightly. "Guys we've gotta be careful, but we can't let everyone take all the good requests first!" the Treecko shouted, as he pointed down at the congregation of Pokémon figures below.

"Woooh hoo!" Glade cheered once we walked past the gates and started heading down an elaborate set of large black granite stairs. "Evaluation let's freaking go!"

Down by the center of town, there were numerous building complexes, some stacked directly on top of each other while others sat in carefully placed rows in a narrow space that was flat. I had not been here in a while but every time I visited there seemed to be some odd-looking building under construction. Despite the frigid gusts of wind, there was a large number of Pokémon out and about, of all different types and species. 

Without a word Team Sharp Claw scouted the square for the Request Board and got to work. They've been to this town before but they followed McBone, and our Herdier twins around the whole time so I'm glad they took the initiative. 

"Okay, so the biggest Mystery Dungeon around here is called Navy Stone Valley," Nevada explained, shifting through a section of pinned requests.

Glade carefully plucked a claw full and showed them to her Team. "Okay so here's an outlaw request, for 500 poke, and a lost X-spec for 450 poke."

"I found another lost item request," Linus pointed. "It's a Twist Scarf and a Totter Orb for 950 poke."

The Charmander carded through the papers before stepping away from the board, and their eyes narrowed. 

I perked my ears up and then noticed something peculiar going on throughout the crowd. There was a Fidough who ran fervently after something, er someone. 

"Help!" he cried, "those Pokémon took my sister!"

Quickly, Team Sharp Claw shoved the various papers into their bag and watched as he approached. Nevada darted to the side and stared in front of Fidough. “There!” the Charmander yelled, “It’s Wicked Blow!”


Immediately the crowd of Pokémon scattered from the board and formed a path.


Libra and Aquarius stepped in front of Linus and Glade and I readied my paws as I scanned the area. There was a trio of small Pokémon wearing Wicked Blow scarves, black and white stripes! A Charcadet, a Finizen, and a Capaskid.


“I got you!” Nevada yelped, and ran forward faster than I could blink.

Agreen blur darted behind them, "Glade let's go!" Linus yelled. "It's time for our signature technique!" 

"What on Earth is that?" I asked, and stumbled backwards. "Guess I'll have to see."

Chapter Text

Chapter 5 Rise to the Occasion

Linus Treecko's POV

I used Quick Attack to dart forward in front of Sir Cooper and the others. We've gotta catch this bastard! "Let's show 'em what we're made of!" I yelled, smacking Glade on the shoulder. 

The Totodile flinched for a second but pumped her fist. "Yeah, grab 'em Nevada!" 

"I'm on it!" the Charmander replied, dashing forward. 

Okay, now where is that Fidough? The second I turned my head I saw him. "So what happened?!" I asked. 

The Fidough slowed down slightly and turned my way. "That big old Charcadet took my little sister!"

In the sea of Pokemon the bright red, yellow and black Pokemon with a small set of armor and flaming top bun stuck out like a sore claw. I've heard of the falling out of two talented Expeditioners from the Jovian Continent who are the evolved forms of Charcadet, Armorouge, and Ceruledge. Beside them was a rather large Capaskid and bulky Finizen.

The Capaskid was usually a small two-legged dark green Pokemon. But this one was a big fella! From what I saw from my cousins a while back Capaskid had a giant tooth, and spicy crest leaves.

The Finizen was a bottle shaped Pokemon that looked like a mix between a Seel and a Wailmer, with little white markings on them. I’d heard they are very intelligent and crafty so I’m not too thrilled to see ‘em working with Wicked Blow of all groups. 

All three of them wore black and white striped scarves with a similar toned claw mark of two. Arceus-damn Wicked Blow for sure! In the Charcadet's arms was a small Maschiff. She wriggled and fought hard, trying to claw her way out. 

"Hey! Get back here!" Glade roared.


“No can do!” the Charcadet laughed. “We can’t let our grunts do all the work!”


Grunts? Are these guys in charge of other Wicked Blow Pokemon? “What work?!” I yelled.


“Recruitment!” the Capaskid cackled.  “Our branch is looking a bit small, and is always in need of more Pokemon!”



“Especially ones like these!” the Finizen beside them gestured to the Maschiff. “Let’s ramp it up!” 

The three broke off from the normal streets. With the fire-type, and water-type paired up, heading into an alleyway. Just before we split away, Libra and A-san turned to me and nodded. I guess they'll chase the Capaskid? 

"I see 'em!" Nevada yelled, following suit.

"We're right behind you!" Glade called out, struggling after them. "I wish I was faster!"

Me too Glade, me too. Something else we need ta work on.

"Let go of her!" the Charmander growled, as they vanished out of sight, grabbing the Charcadet's arm.

Those guys sure are fast! We need to catch up! "Come on!" I squinted my eyes as the light of the back lanterns lit up. Navy Valley sure is a futuristic town, did those go automatically? Suddenly as they jumped over empty crates, and dashed across stairs I saw the Finizen pull something out of one of the bags they had and tossed it at Nevada.

"What in tha world!?" I yelled, watching them pull back and forth.

Suddenly there was a loud whoosh. Then I heard Neavda scream. I shot forward through the alley with Glade and saw the Finizen and the Charcadet shoving our Charmander friend past something. That something was a railing! They were pushed over the railing and towards the river below!

"Shit! Glade catch 'em!" I shouted, darting down to the edge of the river wall.  The pads of my claws had tiny suction cups that kept me attached to the stone and I held my hand out. 

Glade leapt into the river as Nevada fell and struggled a little bit in the fast current. As the Charmander reached the water, the Totodile caught them. With bated breath I watched as she held Nevada up, she propelled herself out of the river with a Water Gun.


She then Scratched the river bank wall to climb even higher. Then Glade threw Nevada towards me. I grabbed their claw and pried myself off the wall with a jump full of light, my Quick Attack flinging us way over the edge. 

We landed on the floor with a thud, my thick tails cushioning me from most of the pain. I let go of Nevada as Glade climbed up from the river and we lay panting for a moment.

"Oh wait!" I shot up, narrowing my eyes to see the faint flames of the Charcadet running past another building. "Come on!"

Nevada, Glade, and I ran after them as they headed downtown and toward a dark deep pit. "What's those bastards hit 'cha with?" I huffed as we trailed after Wicked Blow.

"An X-Eye Seed!" the Charmander grumbled. "Tried to freaking drown me!"

The Fidough from before ran up beside us with Coordinator Cooper and Team Blue Heroes. "Those guys are heading into a Mystery Dungeon!" he explained.

"Yeah!" Glade replied. "Doesn't look like the biggest one, this one is called Aquamarine Abyss right?!"

Nevada counted to three on their claws and shook their head. "Yup, it can lead to Navy Stone Valley though!"

"And I'm coming too!" the Fidough said.

"Are you sure?" the Charmander asked. "We can handle it for you, er-"

"My name is Hernando!" the Fidough barked.

The Totodile scratched her chin. "You know how to use your moves?"

"Yes!" 

"Have you been inside a Mystery Dungeon before?" Nevada fixed their League sash.

"Yes!"

He sounded determined enough, and was able to keep up with us. "Alrighty fella," I grit my teeth to steady myself as we got closer to the Mystery Dungeons entrance. "Ya can come with us, just follow our directions okay!?"

"I got it!" Hernando replied, running closer to me. 

Then without looking back we jumped inside the Mystery Dungeon. "Okay, ain't no turning back!" I yelled. A wall of dark teal earth slowly surrounded the area behind us, trapping us inside. Coordinator Cooper Sir, Libra, and A were right on our tails somehow.

Though we were inside a Mystery Dungeon called Aquamarine Abyss, the sky above was bright and cloudy. True to its name, the stone that made up the floor and walls had dark grey, black, and silver swirls and stripes in them, with specks of bright aquamarine gemstones inside them.


“Your evaluation is still in progress,” Libra said as we all got our bearings.


“These aren't  the requests you were asked of, nor is this the Mystery Dungeon you were assigned, “A-san added. “However this is an urgent mission involving Wicked Blow, and could be treated as Extra Credit for the evaluation.”



“Understood!” I clenched my fist. “We won’t let you down!”

And then there was a cylinder of a Pokemon that flew through the air, the shiny glow of steel on where I presumed the head was. Headed straight from the Fidough beside me!

"Woah!" I yelped, picking up Hernando, and launching out a Mega Drain to block whatever steel-type move it was. My eyes could barely see the glint of metal in the dim light of the Mystery Dungeon. It's too dark in here! "Nevada, I need flames!"



The cylinder then dug into the cave and re-emerged on the other side of the walkway. "I don't know if I can hit them!"

"You won't know until ya try!" I offered.

"Blast 'em now!" Glade called, when the majority of the Pokemon’s murky body seemed to be above ground.

"Here goes!" The Charmander stepped away from me and then fired out an Ember from where the steel came. The area lit up at that moment, as an Orthworm was revealed! They caught on fire instantly, a small blaze burning strong through their entire body.

"Okay this an Orthworm, a steel-type!” I yelled.



The Fidough in my arms shivered and pressed his head into my side. “Do you think you can put me down now?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. 

“Yeah, in a bit!” I replied. 

Glade stepped beside me and took in a deep breath, then shot out a Water Gun at the Pokemon. The high intensity of the spray startled them, but not dousing the fire. Then the Orthworm shook their body and slapped the Charmander beside me with a small but thick torrent of mud with Mud Slap, trying to snuff out their flames.



Nevada yelped in shock and nearly collapsed onto the floor. "Hang in there!" I put Hernando down before a burst of energy from Quick Attack sent me crashing into the Orthworm. I had to do something, even if they resisted most of my moves!  "Nevada I need you!" I called.

Nevada was finally able to wipe all the mud off their front and spat out a final Ember at the Orthworm. The Pokemon struggled through the heat before they fainted.


“Where are we going to go now?” Hernando asked, sneezing a bit before shaking his fur. 



"Through here,” I pointed at the straight opening in the room before our group. Just our luck there was a staircase leading down. "Next floor now y'all, come on!"

There was a Mudbray who stood in the room, a white and black scarf around her neck, and a rather large saddleback across her side. "You damn League brats!" I heard her shout loud and clear as she dashed forward, from my guess aiming directly towards Nevada. "Gamma 9 will reign forever!" 

"Not so fast!" Glade yelled, stepping in front of the weakened Charmander and taking the brunt of the Bulldoze. "You're dealing with me!" the Totodile then took in a deep breath and shot out a large Water Gun at point blank instantly fainting weak Wicked Blow ruffian. 

Just as we defeated her, two more Pokemon made their way into the room. A Nacli and another Orthworm, both wearing black and white scarves, albeit in interesting positions somewhere on their unique bodies. Wicked Blow bastards.

"How dare you!" the Orthworm said, crawling forward. 

"Your reign of terror ends today!" I yelled. "Ya should never try and hoard all the power in the world, especially when that means misuse the Mana Artifacts!"

The Nacli next to them dragged themself along the ground quickly. "You think you're better than us?” they asked, spitting pebbles. “All you do is hold yourself back! You're not after true power!"

Enough with that bouf-crap for Arceus' sake! "Alrighty let's go y'all!" I yelled, tossing out a Mega Drain at the Nacli. 

"Even me?" Hernando asked, moving from beside me. 

"Yeah, I'll grab ya when that Orthworm gets close!" I said, watching Nevada pelt the Orthworm with an Ember. 

The Nacli weakly stumbled forward and tossed out a white crystal mass of Salt Cure at Glade. Why would they do that? Wait, that Pokemon species we've fought before! They're aiming to drain her stamina with that sodium heavy attack! A small wave of pink speckled Fairy Wind from our Fidough client blocked the Salt Cure at the perfect time.

"Nice work Hernando! Gonna move you for a bit!" I cheered picking him up just as the barely conscious Orthworm set their sights on him. This Orthworm moved in close and captured me in a weak Wrap of their cold body. As they held me, Nevada was able to launch an Ember at them, their grip released and I jumped away from them as they fainted from the fire."You'll finish it?" 

"You bet!" Glade roared, shooting one final Water Gun at the Nacli, who fainted once the spray subsided. Finally all the Wicked Blow Pokemon in the room had fainted. 

I checked their belongings and then pulled out my Normal Rank Badge. After pressing on one of the wings a chime sounded. "Rescue Team Federation of Constellation Heartland! How can I help you?" a voice came out of the tiny speakers. 

"Team Sharp Claw down in Aquamarine Abyss Floor… Floor 2, heavy Wicked Blow presence in the surrounding area. Requesting retrieval," I replied, trying my best to speak quickly.

"Understood," the voice noted. "A unit will be on its way."

I put back on my badge and headed into the room to be greeted with more stairs leading downward. We hopped down them one by one. 

The Fidough narrowed his eyes before he raised his tail. “So you liked it when I put Wicked Blow in their place huh?"

"Ya, yer a great help Hernando!" I grinned.

"But what do you want me to do if we run into a Mystery Dungeon Pokemon who I’m strong against?” he asked.

“I want to see you give ‘em your best shot!” Glade said, rubbing his smooth head. “But you’d ought to wait for our instructions alright.”


“Okay,” he sighed.



“If any Mystery Dungeon Pokemon hit you, hit them back," I stepped into the next room. I scanned the area and noticed three branching pathways. “Let’s go!”



The whole lot of us ran down into a thin hallway, one that could only fit one Pokemon at a time. As Team Captain I’ll go first so we can save our client’s little sister. And fast. 

After a while the cave’s hallway started to widen. We had options, one pathway had three options, a path heading straight, and one left the other right. I decided on leading us through the left, the stone on the floor looked more traveled compared to the other side. 

“So do you know why those Wicked Blow Pokemon took your sister?” Nevada asked, just when I thought the silence was getting unbearable.



“Well, she and I are Keepers,” Hernando barked. "That Charcadet said they are looking for as many Keepers as possible to capture and use.”



“Use them?” Glade grumbled. “Their boss definitely means forcing them to join Wicked Blow and get in Pokemon’s way!”

"Like they did today. I heard from those other League members that you were supposed to go to the other Mystery Dungeon," the Fidough said.


“Yeah, that's true," the Totodile groaned.

"One good thing is this Mystery Dungeon has the freshest mana," Hernando grinned before suddenly his ears perked up. "Speaking of mana, did Wicked Blow capture Pokemon to mess with the mana inside of us?"

"Yes, even Sentinels have mana from our elemental type and have to take in the worlds to use moves, we just don't have presences others can feel," Glade explained. "But the world's mana was unstabilized after the Disruption, so we all aren’t as strong as we used to be."

"Some Pokemon in Wicked Blow are fine though,right?" the Fidough asked. 

"Only because some Keepers in Wicked Blow used those same Mana Artifacts on themselves to steal from the world and boost their moves strength at times!" I answered.

"They'll also use Pokemon to help Wicked Blow gain more power while everymon else suffers!” Nevada panicked, their tail flame bursting.

"Oh," Hernando let out a gasp. "So that's what those damn guys are doing."

I raised my brow at the Fidough's comment as we ventured into a large seemingly empty room. All seven of us spread out to cover ground more easily. We are wasting our time here! Stupid con'sarn Mystery Dungeon! 

If we ran we'd be out of here and into the next room in no time flat. I picked up the pace and dashed forward towards one of the exits on the top corner of the room. The second I reached the pile of dirt, I was immediately thrown onto the floor adjacent to it, my vision blurry and head spinning.

"Watch it Linus!" Nevada grabbed hold of my claw and pulled me off the floor. 

In my daze I noticed Glade approached me and grabbed my shoulders. "Try not to do that again!"

"Yeah yeah," I groaned. "Let's, let's keep going." 

"You mean step in Totter Traps right?" Hernando tilted his head as we walked through a winding pathway. "It's not his fault, that crap was buried deep."

"Yeah but he's Team Captain, he should know better than that," Glade jeered, clapping her claws together. She was right about the rushing part. I needed to be patient.

"You would have stepped in it too, you know Glade!" Nevada grumbled smacking the Totodile. They then glanced my way, flame dimming. "Let's change the subject."

"Yeah," I sighed, leading us up another set of Mystery Dungeon stairs and onto the next floor. "So what were you two out doing before Wicked Blow showed up?" 

"We've, well my sister, I and the other younger teens have been busy doing jobs around town so we don't always know what's up," the Fidough explained as we entered a new room. 

I ran my hand along the wall and sighed.I just noticed something interesting. The caverns down this deep were made up of a darker, and slightly harder stone than the previous floors, to make a dent in here you'd need a Blast Seed or powerful move. 

When we passed through a tiny, cramped room, a Patrat sank their teeth into me. It took all four of our stronger moves to knock out that hardy Dungeon dweller, and left me limping a tad bit. "It'll be okay partner, the mana in Mystery Dungeons can heal wounds with every step ya take!" I tried to ease my Team's and Hernando's worries.

When we made our way into an opening in the pathways it was a dead end room, but more importantly there was a Pokemon waiting for us. There was a jet-black Tarous, digging his hooves into the dirt. But more importantly there was a black and white striped scarf under his neck. Another Wicked Blow son of a Ditto for us to deal with. I'm so sick of 'em.


“Okay Hernando we- er I am going to need your help,” I whispered, holding out my arms to keep everyone back. “What moves do you know again?”


The Fidough tilted his head to the side. “Fairy Wind, Lick, Tackle and Baby Doll Eyes.”

"Okay," Glade squeezed in close. "Use Baby Doll Eyes first to weaken his attacks for us cause Black fighting-type Tarous hit hard."

"Got it! Here I go!" Hernando waited for my Quick Attack to tag the Wicked Blow member before afflicting him with the status, a pink set of rings circling him and floating away.

"You think that can stop me!? Think again!" the Tarous fumed, shaking side to side and racing forward.

Just as planned, that Pokemon turned around and tapped me with one fierce kick after another from Double Kick. It barely put a dent in my stride.

I smirked and snapped my fingers. Nevada and Glade stepped back and then dashed forward. The Charmander sliced at the Tarous with a Scratch while the Totodile followed up with another fierce swipe of her claws in Scratch too. To finish him off the Fidough jumped in with a burst of Fairy Wind, knocking the Wicked Blow grunt down onto the ground. 

In the next room there were some more stairs, and the wall beside it looked battered down by some Pokemon. "This should be the end."

"Oh wait!" Nevada waved their claws down at me. 

"Yeah?"

"There's a Seed on the ground over there, maybe we can use it on those Wicked Blow bastards!" they picked up the seed and clenched it in their claw.

"Will this be enough?" the Fidough beside us asked 

"Don't worry Hernando," Glade patted his head gently. "We know how to use what's given to us. What type of Seed is it?"

Nevada held up the item and brightened their tail flame. A green sprout drooped from inside the seed, a spiral imprinted onto the skin. "A Totter Seed. It causes a Pokemon to get confused and dizzy when eaten or the sprout bursts from pressure."

I placed my foot on the first stair step and pumped my fist. "Alright, here we go!" We dashed up the staircase and found ourselves in a dimly lit cave, one with two tunnels, one that led to the bright outside.  Next to it there was an upward sloped path that sparkled and shimmered off the torchlight of the area, shiny yellow-orange crystals studded the rich navy stone walls of the Navy Stone Valley Mystery Dungeon. 

As we headed outside we noticed a thin break in the rocks that led to a secluded area, it had a turn that possibly led to an opening so we crept through it slowly. "Let's stay cautious," I said as I leaned forward. Then I heard the voices of the Charcadet and the Finizen. 

"You think we'll get a bonus for getting this dark-type?"

"Well she's a runt so we'll have to change that."

"She's also a Keeper, Captain Oinkologne and Captain Hawlucha will make perfect use of her if we find that dark-type mana key."

"It's not on this Continent dude."

"Not yet."

The Capaskid mumbled something and they all burst into laughter. 

I can't wait to set these Pokemon straight. They could be productive members of society. Voidlands, if things went another way they could have been our Leaguemates! Now their best fate is ending up at the reformation guild in some months. Nevada tapped my shoulder. "I want to try and l lead," they whispered, holding the Totter Seed. 

Then the Charmander jumped through the passageway and we hurried in one by one. Immediately the Pokemon inside fell off their makeshift saddlebag seats and onto the floor.


"They found us!" the three Wicked Blow members shouted, before spreading out across the ground, blocking our way to the Maschiff. "Well come get some! We're vice captains! Gamma 9's forever strong!"

"Shut yer trap Wicked Blow scum!" I yelled, my voice echoing loud through the mountain.  

"Make me!" the Charcadet got up first and ran towards us, the Finizen and Capaskid following behind.

Nevada tossed the Totter Seed directly in between the Charcadet's eyes, the sprout bursting on impact and dazing the Pokemon. He turned to face the Capaskid beside him and bellowed out a whip of flames, encircling the Pokemon with the Fire Spin before collision ensued.

"Det' you idiot!" the Capaskid yelled, flailing around in the small fire. The Finizen turned away from us to try and put out the flames with a jet of water, failing miserably.

Now's my chance! I got beside the Finizen and launched out a Leafage, the thin burst of leaves cutting their skin.

"Here!" Glade yelled running up next to me. "Let me help you!" the Totodile fired out a Water Gun, drenching the Charcadet completely, the blow sending him tumbling over.

Capaskid pulled their head back and coughed a small Seed Bomb back at Glade in retaliation, the explosion of flora stabbed through the Totodile's scales, knocking her down. She groaned on the ground, struggling to rise. Drat, another one of those and she might faint!

Nevada rushed to the side to help her up before firing out an Ember at the Capaskid, fueling the flames around them further. But these guys weren't done. "Watch out!" I yelled, watching as the Finizen rushed towards the weakened Charmander in a watery cover of Aqua Jet. 

We have enough Reviver Seeds but getting enough to afford them again is hard! I should've told them to stop attacking and go eat an Oran to recover! These Wicked Blow vice captains are tough! 

Something unexpected happened. Just before the Pokemon rammed into Nevada, Hernando jumped in between them with a Tackle, neutralizing only some of the Aqua Jet, but taking part of the damage.

"No!" I yelled, racing towards the Fidough without second thought, a wall of flames from that Charcadet's Fire Spin burning through my scales instead of our client's body. I nearly sunk to the floor and collapsed as my vision blurred, all the grass mana I had inside me suddenly growing, my Overgrowth coming in strong.

That bastard! "Keep him out of this!" I roared, using the last of my strength to toss a massive ball of Giga Drain at the Finizen, which knocked them out and revitalized me. Their energy was now mine.

Glade grabbed hold of the Charcadet as he was caught off guard and shot him point blank with a Water Gun, finishing the Charcadet off. Then there was a whistling sound and I glanced behind the Totodile in horror.

Three, no four Bullet Seed Rounds were fired directly at her, the super-effective move sure to make her faint. "Glade!" I yelled, warning her of the attack. She slowly turned around and suddenly a huge fireball of Ember blasted through the Barrage and straight into Capaskid. Nevada staggered up triumphantly as the Wicked Blow Pokemon fainted, before crumbling onto the floor.

"Delieza!" Hernando barked. "It's safe now you can come out!"

"It is?" she questioned in a soft whine.

"Yeah," I followed the Fidough to the corner where his Machiff sister was. She looked at us and then crept forward, shivering all the while. "Don't worry, Team Sharp Claw took care of those Wicked Blow brutes, you can go back with your brother now."

Delieza sniffed my body for a moment and frowned. "Can you take us back into Navy Valley city?" 

"Of course we'd escort you," I rubbed my shoulder before heading back towards the exit. "It's down this way, my Team and League mates will come too."

We did it. We saved Hernando's little sister from Wicked Blow. My Team and I walked the Maschiff and Fidough siblings, all the way up towards the city and waiting by the request board. Thankfully Glade and Nevada managed to perk back up as their energy returned.  

A Dollive carrying a basket, one of the Smolive line appeared in the street waving his arms. "Hernando! Delieza! Mis amors!" 

"This Dollive is your guardian?" I asked the two.

"Yes, he's one of the adults at the orphanage we stay at," Delieza answered.

"Thank you so much League Pokemon," he held out the basket before shuffling around inside it. "I only have 300 poke, and some assorted Berries to share, is that okay?"

"Yeah," I watched as the two siblings snuggled up to the Dollive who then presented an Oran Berry, a Sitrus Berry, a Cheri Berry, and a Pecha Berry along with the 300 poke in three pouches. "Wow, that was mighty generous of ya!"

"My pleasure," the Dollive replied. "Take care!"

We waved the three off and placed our rewards in our nearly empty Team bag. "Remember we're still here," some familiar voices called out of nowhere and I almost fell over. 

It was A and Libra, oh and the Coordinator too. "Yes?" I replied, trying to compose myself.

"We've come to the agreement that you all have passed your evaluation," Libra smiled. "You've shown us your teamwork, willpower, and knowledge on proper League behavior."

Glade and Nevada both grabbed my claws "We did!?" they screamed, earning a wince from our superiors. 

"Yes," Coordinator Cooper Sir answered, clapping his paws. "We can go on back home to the League."

What? "But we didn't get to do our requests!" I looked down across the city. "I think we could do those before we came back."

"No, I have something I want to practice with you all, you may have passed the evaluation but you're still inexperienced," the Granbull patted my shoulder.

"But-"

"Hey!" another familiar voice called out. "There they are!"

"Huh?" I turned around and saw a Groyvle and Charmeleon heading our way. 

"Yoshiko and Austin of Team Blue Heroes?!" Glade yelled. 

"What are you guys doing here in Navy Valley?!" Libra questioned.

"That's what I wanna know," A leaned back. 

"We managed to catch up," the Charmeleon started, trying to catch his breath. "Yoshiko and I have some stuff we need to show you guys at the League."

"What? For real?" Glade sighed.

"Yes," the Groyvle narrowed her eyes. "The Chief called us to say that you will have a request in a couple of days."

"Who is the request for?" Neavda asked.

"The Committee, they would like Team Sharp Claw to escort one of their wards in a Mystery Dungeon. More details will come later," Yoshiko crossed her arms. 

"And on top of that Team Aegisdrip and Team White Light wants you," Austin added. 

"We're wanted now eh?" I smirked. "I told you we could do it, Team Sharp Claw will be the greatest Rescue Team since the-"

"Don't get full of yourselves now that you're busy," the two Pokemon grumbled. "If you want our respect then earn it!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 6 Navy Start 1

Glade Totodile's POV

Yoshiko and Austin really pissed me off. They managed to somehow avoid Devolution unlike some of their peers but decided to take out all their frustrations on us still. What are they even upset about? They didn't lose anything like I did. Like we did .  

"Let's get a move on, folks," Coordinator Cooper said and glanced up toward the path before us. I looked up as well. Right before us was the magnificent heights of the Bristberg Mountains: the teal, silver, and light blue sections of the earth shimmered in the morning sun. We then headed up the dark stone pathway out of Navy Valley City.

"You heard him Team Sharp Claw!" Yoshiko and Austin yelled, which caused me to jump back. Woah! Those guys are fricking loud!

"Whatever," I grumbled.

"Back off of those three, would you?" A-san tapped Austin on the shoulder.

The Charmeleon and Groyvle immediately flinched under their Teammates' grasp. "What? Why not?" 

Libra growled and held up the League evaluation folder, "Because they've earned it. Just because they look the same doesn't mean they are the same Team Sharp Claw from five years ago."

"You and every Pokémon that doubts them, best keep that in mind," the Granbull who led our group ordered. "Now let's enjoy our walk."

As we made our way out of Navy Valley City the sun was still high in the sky.  "This is good," I said as I grinned. "Judging by the horizon it's only around afternoon. I'm glad we didn't waste too much time out here."

Coordinator Cooper nodded. "We came here when the sun was a fair bit lower."

"The Time Dilation in that Mystery Dungeon wasn't so bad," Libra explained.

"O-oh no, that could have been awful!" Nevada panicked, and my mind went to work.

We didn't have to worry about lots of hours or days passing while we were inside. Only some Mystery Dungeons have heavy Time Dilation like that anyway.

If the Time Dilation were intense it would have to be marked in an Adventure Guide… Which we thankfully checked while at the request board down in Navy Stone Valley. 

The wildland in the rough mountain range between Bristberg and Navy Valley was always a good workout, but I hate when it gets too slippery for my claws. 

I had to dig my claws into the ground and hold Linus's hand for support, for Arceus's sake! If only there was a good river, I could just ditch everymon and swim back to the League.

Nah, Linus would be all whiny about it. And I don't want to leave him and Nevada alone with those assholes Yoshiko and Austin. We continued our way back northwest, the ground of the wildland path had more traction so I could relax a bit.  

Unfortunately, this traction was only because we were going to scale cobblestone stairs up the Bristberg Mountains.

Eventually, we reached the town of Bristberg and walked all towards the three-story League Building, which was on the west side of town. 

We stood in front of the towering gates of our Mana Research League, which every League in the Hemisphere had. We watched as the two watchtowers in the courtyard flashed green and the front gates and temporary airway barrier opened.

"Alright," Coordinator Cooper started as we passed the awning, placed our badges against the lock next to the metal doors, and got inside the building. "I'm going to check on Rio, River, and the Mienfoo and the Slowbro prospects."

"B-but… you said you were going to train us on something because we were still inexperienced!" Nevada added.

The Granbull rubbed his head. "Well, I didn't quite say I was the Pokémon that would teach you."

Linus shook a little in the warm air before he nodded. "Sounds good ta me, we'll be alright."

"Thanks, Sir Cooper!" I waved.

Libra and Aquarius took a step away from us. "We have to give Sir Chief McBone the report on the evaluation, though."

"Fair, I guess," Linus crossed his arms, and tapped the floor. "We'll hafta train with them some other day."

"Aw come on…" I groaned. 

Yoshiko stretched her arms and leaned toward the Treecko. "Well, now Team Whitelight was supposed to tell you brats something."

"Excuse me?" Linus and I shot back.

"Yoshiko, quit irritating them. Go get everything you wanted to show Team Sharp Claw," Coordinator Cooper sighed. "Austin, you know better as well."

"But it was the other Teams who said they were gonna do it, not us!" Austin waved. 

I stamped my feet on the ground and crossed my arms. "Sounds like you're scared!"

"Am not!" the Charmeleon grabbed my shoulders. 

"Then why do you still avoid us?" Nevada asked.

Yoshiko flicked the Charmander's forehead with her claw. "Because I can tell you're still full of yourselves," then she lowered her voice to a whisper, ”and I don't think we're ready."

"What was that?" Linus grumbled and moved in between the two. 

Somehow I hadn't noticed Granbull who disappeared during our conversation until he loudly snapped his claws upon his return. "Oh right, can you train with them later?"

"Libra and Aquarius managed to slip away to the Chief. And Yoshiko and Austin don't want anything to do with us," the Treecko grumbled.

"Okay, let's see-" Coordinator Cooper rubbed his head. 

"We of Team Whitelight will work on that, Sir!" Morág, a tall Pawinard, called from the hallway. 

"Oh, you guys are back!?" I jumped back and nearly crashed into Linus. 

Morág nodded. "We were talking with the Chief about our mission. The others are sparring outside, so it's just me and Devontay right now."

"Well we'll just take our leave-" the Grovyle and the Charmeleon across from us tried to leave the room, but were stopped. 

"No. I need you two, and everyone here, to come by and help us out," the Pawinard gently stamped her foot down. "It'll only be a moment."

"You had something you wanted to show us?" the Treecko beside me pushed me away from him. 

Morág leaned back, but the top of her head blade gently scraped against the wall and she hunched over. Wow, that Pawinard was still huge, definitely about a Bisharp's height… amazing! She was the captain of Team Whitelight despite suffering from Devolution.

"Oh hey, aren’t you gonna train us?" I asked.

"Not just me," Morág stepped back behind a wall to get something. "We all will!"

I narrowed my eyes as she returned with a crate. And behind her, Devontay, the Whirlipede, scuttled behind her. "Good morning everyone!" he smiled before bowing to us. "We are doing a bit of an experiment. Then we of Team Whitelight shall train Team Sharp Claw."

The Pawinard in front of us opened up the crate and allowed everymon to see inside. It was a pitch-black sword, with a dull silver curved arrow shape in the handle. "This, and countless blades just like it, were found by the Expedition Society over to the East of Pebble Creek. Ways to the South of the Wei Region."

I watched as Coordinator Cooper immediately flinched and took a couple of steps back before he took a deep breath and hummed. I wonder why they're showing us these blades since it looks like it's bothering Keepers.

"They found these odd swords inside of an underwater Mystery Dungeon," the Whirlpede next to her nudged the crate. "We were told that it might be related to the Fangs of the Fallen."

"That's what Team Sharp Claw was called," the Granbull narrowed his eyes. "Why do you need the rest of us?"

"To see who can get close to the sword, who can hold it, and who can swing it," Morág explained before she tapped her hand blades together. "Despite being from the Air Continent, Devontay, I, and some other immigrants in our League are Keepers."


Yoshiko folded her arms. “Whatever, don’t act like you Air Continent featherweights are better than us because you turned out to be Keepers!”


“Devontay and I never implied that you idiot!” the Pawnaird swung her blade-hands close to the Groyvle’s shoulder.


“Yeah yeah we know we know,” Austin blew a small cloud of smoke at Morág. “With the right gear and a little patience, we Sentinels could do a number on you guys. No matter how fast you are.”

“Anyway…” Devontay perked up at the mention of his name and wobbled to the side. "Coordinator Cooper Sir is also a Keeper, while Austin and Yoshiko are Sentinels. Team Sharp Claw are technically also Sentinels." 

"But those brats aren't regular Sentinels like us. They are Fangs of the Fallen, whatever that means," the Charmeleon sighed. 

"Correct, the Expedition Society and another partner of the League ran some tests on these swords," the Whirlpede continued. "They determined they are safe. But they need data from all sorts of Pokémon because this could be an ancient mana artifact."

Austin smirked when I made eye contact with him and walked up to Morág and Devontay. "Could I try first?"

"Sure!"

The Charmeleon reached into the box and heaved with all of his might but could barely hold the sword in his claws. He tried to grasp it in two claws and swing but couldn't move a muscle and dropped the sword onto the ground. 

"Heh, weakling," I said with a smirk. 

Austin snapped at me. "What was that?" 

Devontay shook his head. "Come on Glade, based on the newly translated mana scroll it should be different for each of us. The sword needs to be studied."

The sword slid towards Morág who then put her hand blades into their sheath and tried to approach it. When one of her three fingers got close enough to the sword she immediately collapsed to the floor.

"Woah…" Morág panted and tried to reach out again. The Pawinard couldn't get any closer so she eventually scooted back. 

Hmm, is it really that heavy or something? "I'll give it a go," I leaned down and grabbed the handle of the sword. It was oddly heavy and I had to grit my teeth to lug it off the floor. Then I pulled it off the ground, held it in both hands, and swung it slowly. "I-I did it!" That was, uh… underwhelming.  

"Hmm," Coordinator Cooper watched as I placed the sword back down in the crate. Then the rest of them tried to get near the sword, with basically similar results. 

"Okay," Devontay sighed. "We- we all managed to try it." 

"Now we need Libra and A-chan to try. Those two were called a threat to the balance of Keepers and Sentinels, so maybe it has something to do with these swords too." Morág held her chest. "Everymon in a Rescue Team needs to try it."

Linus and Nevada beckoned me over and I flashed the pair a thumbs-up. "Ya told them we'd be great!" I patted the Treecko on the back.

"Yea! Just because we're Sentinels doesn't mean we ain't gonna change the world!" Linus puffed out his chest.

The Charmander smiled and grabbed my claw.

"How'd you feel swinging that awesome sword, Nevada!?" I asked as I couldn't help but smile back.

"Today I feel more confident," Nevada pumped their fist. "Helping those Pokemon, passing our evaluation, and even swinging that sword! I feel like I really belong!"

"Fascinating…" Coordinator Cooper said from out of nowhere.I practically jumped backward. I forgot he was freaking here still!

Everymon else just looked at me like I was insane.

The Granbull took in a deep breath. "From both Team Blue Heroes' and Sharp Claw's reports those Ditto back in Wei Forest sounded particularly alarmed about the Fangs of the Fallen. However, you all could barely use the sword."

Morág closed the sword crate. "Still, you three could swing it. We couldn't."

"Does that mean we can take it out on missions!?" I wagged my tail as I watched her heave the crate.

"Unfortunately though if you took it with you then it would be a liability."

"We don't want Wicked Blow to steal it, because we don't know if any Pokémon could also be like you guys," the Whirlpede closed his eyes.

My jaw dropped at the thought. Could there be more Fangs of the Fallen? Those Ditto knew what we were, somehow, so it's not so Farfetch’d. Maybe that's why there are so many swords. But who made them ?

"Well,  if there is one thing we do know," Morág explained, “we know that whatever these different scrolls that other Leagues and Expedition Societies said were found outside our reach are related to mana artifacts." 

"It seems like Keepers and Sentinels can't reach them, only Legendaries and Mythicals can grab them," Devontay added. "Apparently, they did get help from one, not sure who though."

A scroll… one like Young Master Xuě Zeraora had was translated in order for Pokémon to find those swords. Interesting. "I can't wait to swing that sword with full strength," I smoothed down my scales. "And bash Wicked Blow for all it's worth!" 

"I think I can imagine it now!" Nevada joined me in the theatrics. "We'll put them in their place while you Keepers secure all of the keys and locks!" 

"Team Sharp Claw'll become pros in no time and maybe we'll be able ‘ta finish what Team Vanguard started!" Linus cheered. 

The Granbull took a couple of steps back. "I admire your enthusiasm and commitment to the League. However, don't get ahead of yourselves just yet. It was difficult to use the swords because you three aren’t strong enough yet," he gestured toward me, Nevada, and Linus. "You'll have to try it out after I deem you fit. I need you to be careful. "

"But when will that be?" Nevada's flame dimmed as they pouted. 

"Yeah! I don't wanna wait forever!" I yelled.

The Treecko beside us sighed. "Come on, we managed to get the light on the handle to flicker. We need ‘ta practice before it could ever really shine."

"Okay, okay," I sighed.

"Well, we're outta here," the Grovyle grabbed my arms and rubbed her knuckles against my head. 

I swatted her and she reached over to noogie Linus's head as Austin slapped Nevada on the back. Then the Charmeleon nudged me over onto the floor before he and his Teammate left.

"Stupid jerks," the Charmander next to me growled, before they helped me up. "Let's show 'em!"

I smirked as their flame burned brighter. "Yep. It's off to train with Pokémon that actually like us, Team Whitelight!"

All of us, minus Yoshiko and Austin, headed out towards the patio and then to the League practice field. The air was still fairly cold, so it was gonna be a brisk training session. I hope Linus will be okay.

On the left side, right next to the patio, were the Herdier Twins River and Rio. Coordinator Cooper split off from us as he headed towards those Pokemon.

The two sat in front of the outdoor whiteboards with Mienfoo and Slowbro sitting on little lawn stools with a small folding table and a couple of varying-sized textbooks. 

"How'd the requests go, Team Sharp Claw?" River stopped his lecture and called out. 

"Mighty swell!" Linus yelled back.

Rio tilted her head at us as the prospects turned to watch. "What did you guys do?"

"We escorted a Pokémon through a Mystery Dungeon," Nevada explained in their same quiet tone, only after we got close to the patio. 

"Can't forget how we saved that Fidough's Mastiff sister from Wicked Blow!" I shouted. "We beat the voidlands outta those guys, and they were vice-captains!"

The Herdier Twins wagged their tails as we passed. "Sounds good!" they barked. "Team Whitelight is waiting, have fun!"

"Will do!" I waved. 

We continued through the tall blades of grass, and the spectacular view of Bristberg Mountain as we got closer. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 7 Navy Start 2

 Glade Totodile's POV

Four Pokémon stood in the back of the practice field, right beside the various-sized Substitute targets, and brightened when they saw us coming. The Quilava and the Oshawott nuzzled up next to each other while the Luxio and Rowlet chatted. These were Morágand Devontay's teammates, of Team Whitelight.

"Howdy folks!" Linus cheered. "We finally made it!"

Nevada slowly nodded. "T-thanks for having us! We'll do our best!"

"It's time to learn some new moves and tear stuff up!" I patted my teammates on the back.

"Alright, our teammates will take it over from here. Here are some of the TMs Team Aegisdrip got from their missions," Morág pointed down to a box. 

Devontay smiled and gave a little bow to the best of his ability. "That Team is busy right now, so these guys are taking over the training. Please behave yourselves and learn well!" 

I put my arms behind my back as the Pawinard and the Whirlpede then walked through the practice field back to the League Building. 

Angel the Quilava opened the box and pointed inside. "Here, we have Brick Break for Glade, Solar Beam for Nevada, and Energy Ball for Linus," she explained.

Linus, Nevada, and I leaned forward to gaze at the TMs. The wind grew a bit intense and we shuffled back.

"First things first!" Kairiharu the rather big Oshawott shouted, and Nevada jumped into Linus's arms. "Use all of your current moves on the Substitutes!"

"Now now, my love, don't startle them," the Quilava sighed. 

"These three are fine, they knew they were going to be under the care of Team Whitelight," the Oshawott replied and lowered her ears. "But I'll relax and try not to get carried away."

"Kairiharu's just stoked to have some more competition, right~?" Ollie, the lanky Rowlet asked with a thrill hoot. 

That's weird. "Competition?" I asked.

"I ain't expecting y'all to think of us like that!" Linus panicked, and his eyes darted around. "I've gotta live up ‘ta that!"

"But- but what if we aren't good enough?" Nevada stepped away.

The Luxio, Enrique, padded up behind us and gently nuzzled Linus and Nevada. "Don't worry, just do your best!"

I crossed my arms and stifled a growl as he got close, but he remained an appropriate distance anyway.

Even if he's a fellow League mate, I still can't help it! I really hate that stupid side of me. He's not like them. Those are the only Pokémon I should hate. Wicked Blow.

"Hit 'em with everything you've got!"  Ollie cheered. "Then you can get some new moves!"

After we practiced all of our moves on the Substitutes, Ollie flew up to each of us and perched on our heads. "Alrighty, you three! We've figured out the best move combinations for you~!" they chirped. The Rowlet was still fairly thin even after Devolution so we didn't mind. At least I didn't.

I lined up in front of the medium-sized Substitute and smirked to myself. Ooh, I'm so fucking hyped!  

"Linus, you will swap out Leafage for Energy Ball! The rest of your moves are adequate for now!" Kairiharu ordered and gave the Treecko the Technical Manual.

Enrique picked up a similar green disk booklet in his teeth and passed it to the Charmander beside me. "I'd suggest exchanging Scratch with Solar Beam."

Angel walked on her back legs for a moment and gave me a red-colored TM. "Brick Break allows you to cover more Pokémon elemental type weaknesses. You would find yourself in a good situation to remove Scratch as well."

"Team Sharp Claw! We should activate the discs now!" Linus cheered before he flashed a smile. Then we broke them.

The soft bread-like taste of normal-type mana left me and the rush of strong thick fighting-type mana flooded my body.  "Let's go!" I roared and channeled Brick Break on my forearms before I chopped directly at one of the Substitutes. The attack sliced it clean in half.

Next to me, Linus dashed forward with his palm against his Substitute, and the green orb of Energy Ball tore the fabric.

"What the voidlands?!" I yelped as I distanced myself from the Treecko.

I glanced over to Nevada and saw their claws near their stomach, as green and yellow swirls of grass-type power spun around like Dragonair's Twister! Finally, after a couple of seconds, it fired, and the Solar Beam exploded the Substitute. 

The three Substitutes took only a blink of an eye and reappeared, their damage fixed completely. "Good work Team Sharp Claw," the Luxio purred. "However, there are some other moves we think you should try learning."

Nevada nervously glanced at Team Whitelight.  "W-what do you mean by trying to learn?"

I never really realized it but maybe we've neglected our true potential. I guess we aren't strong enough for everything that could come our way. I'm not strong enough to deal with them. The ones who made me this way.

"In the next week, we think you should learn and try using the following moves: Flamethrower instead of Ember. You're a big strong Charmander, ya know Nevada? You gotta have flames to match it. And Glade, those Totodile teeth of yours are made for bigger things. Learn Crunch instead of Bite," Ollie hooted. 

"Don't yell at me!" Nevada's tail flame sparked out.

The Rowlet darted away at that moment and landed on Enrique's head. "What's wrong?" the Luxio's ears fell as he spoke.

"O-oh, you sounded like h-him for a second," the Charmander grabbed Linus's hand and looked down. "But he's not here. Sorry for yelling."

Shit! Talking about Nevada’s species like that brought back some bad memories… That used to not be a trigger for them.  Wordlessly I placed my claw in theirs and they gripped it slightly.


“No no no,” Ollie hooted softly. “I’m sorry for saying it that way. I believe in you.”

"Those are obvious move upgrades, they allow you to unleash more of your latent power," the Quilava placed her head against the Charmander’s shoulder. "Nevada, though… We think you could benefit from trying out another long-range move like Heat Wave. We'll have to see if you can really work well with it instead of close combat."

"We'll have to see?" I asked, and folded my arms. "See after what?"

Team Whitelight exchanged some coy looks with each other and whispered something. "The coming week."

"Okay. Let's go!" Linus yelled and then he formed another Energy Ball and tossed it at a Substitute.

As we practiced the rest of our moves near Team Whitelight, I heard a little noise behind us and turned my head to get a quick glance. There was a Granbull who headed our way. 

"Hello. Team Sharp Claw, you have a request," Sir Cooper explained. "It's from me, 360 poke. Can you help teach the rest of the material with me?”

Nevada, Linus, and I looked up from our opponents. I groaned as I let the fighting-type mana leave my arms. "Gah, I wanted to test out my new moves some more!"

"All of you will be able to do so soon. Come on," the Granbull started to lead us back to the patio. "Even more importantly, though… you know how Team Aegisdrip helped you with your Entrance Exam?" 

"Y-yes, we definitely needed their assistance to pass," the Charmander next to me lamented.

"Yeah, I was a bit of a dumbass so I barely passed," I sighed.

Linus patted me on the shoulder. "I guess I'm also a dumbass, I actually failed the first time I took the exam."

"Oh right, that's why you didn't join the League right away!" I laughed. 

"Remember how Team Aegisdrip helped you all. Help their younger siblings, Mienfoo and Slowbro," Coordinator Cooper urged us.

"Y-younger siblings!?" we gasped.

"Yes," he answered.

"Those two?" I asked. "Why don't we know more about them? Like their names?"

"Their names are withheld for Disruption safety procedures, but once they pass you best remember them. Just as everymon did for you." 

"Understood," we all replied.

Soon we made it back in front of the prospects. "Okay, you two, feel free to ask us anything!" the Granbull explained.

"Keepers and the world's balance…” Mienfoo started to say, while they looked off to the side. “We as Keepers know what they are, but what do they mean to Sentinels?"

“Well,”  Coordinator Cooper sighed, “this was supposed to be a simple lesson, but I guess we can humor you.”

“Who really are Keepers?” Slowbro rubbed underneath his chin. 

“Keepers are Pokémon that are in tune with the world’s balance of mana,” Nevada repeated slowly.

‘“What does that mean?” Mienfoo grumbled. “There’s a balance to all this?”



“You all know that there is the mana that we use for elemental typing in our bodies and in our moves, right?” Linus asked.

“Yes,” Slowbro and Mienfoo answered.

“There is also mana, the same mana that is in the outside world, all across the Celestial Hemisphere,” I gestured to the sky.

“So the mana that is in the world is called the balance?” Mienfoo questioned. “How does the balance of mana really work with Keepers?” 

“The balance is something Keepers can understand in their body.” The Charmander started writing on the board. “How equal the energy of each elemental type is.” 

"What else exactly?" Slowbro tilted his head. "We know is that Coordinator Cooper told us he felt this terrible pressure in odd Mystery Dungeons before."

"Oh, and bad tastes from other Keepers' presences. What about mana levels by themselves?"

“We can tell if other Pokemon’s mana levels are unequal only if they are unlocked," the Coordinator explained.

"Unlocked means that someone used the elemental key artifact of one of their types on them, correct?" Mienfoo asked.

"Yes," Linus answered. "Now for the world's balance, it gets tricky, as there are factors based on where you are, either inside a Mystery Dungeon or just in a normal area."

"Inside a Mystery Dungeon, there is an average amount of mana pressure that we Keepers can feel,” the Granbull explained. “Normally it is firm, but if it is ‘crushing’,” he then paused. “Or too ‘loose’, this means the Dungeon is unbalanced."

“The unbalanced state of the world meant Keepers of Wicked Blow messed with the mana artifacts,” I pointed at the board.

"The artifacts…" the Slowbro grumbled and clenched his eyes in concentration.

Nevada sighed. "Don't fret about it, you'll search for them with the League in no time. Well, I hope. M-most Keepers don't know where exactly, it could be here or on another Continent."

"Oh, I see." Slowbro nodded. "Hopefully Keepers and Sentinels can work together and find possible locations for them."

"What are the locations called?" Mienfoo asked. "So we can go inside, go beat up Wicked Blow, and save the world!" 

"Mana Temples," the Coordinator finished wiping down both boards. "They are hidden away inside Mystery Dungeons.”

"What?!" those two Pokémon shouted. "Just like that!? In places, we go daily?!"

“Yes, Mystery Dungeons," Coordinator Cooper smiled. 

The pair of Pokémon finally closed their notebooks. The Mienfoo rubbed their shoulders while the Slowbro absent-mindedly picked at the shell attached to his arm.

"Team Sharp Claw, Cooper, just the Pokémon I wanted to see!" a muffled voice called out. 

I snapped my jaw shut as I realized the Pokemon. "Chief McBone!?" I gasped.

The Stoutland had a sealed letter tube in her mouth and then released it. "You can read the contents here. Team Sharp Claw and everymon should be aware."

Team Whitelight, as if on cue, rushed over to the patio and stood behind us. 

"Master Zeraora will reach the Mohz Dunes 'soon'. Estimated time is around one or so months of travel after going up through the Hunter's Plains villages to the west of Bristberg,” I listened closely as Sir Cooper repeated the information from the letter Chief McBone received. He continued. “They will be on the lookout for Keepers who don’t take their responsibilities seriously, particularly ones who should know better…" 

The Granbull glanced over at our shocked expressions. "That's definitely just a fear-mongering tactic, but we can never be too careful. Especially with Pokémon that have not received any education on proper Keeper behavior."

He watched as his mate pulled out another letter. "This one's for you specifically," the Stoutland said through the plastic tube in her teeth. So the Granbull took it.

Coordinator Cooper sighed as he read the contents of the letter and then looked toward us. "So the ‘Tiger’ of the Committee will be here in a few weeks, and actually wants to meet with me while Team Sharp Claw goes with that their ward to Brist Mountain Mystery Dungeon."

"Remember to use those tone inflections and speech patterns from the Legend Roche City," the Stoutland added. "Helps with formality, especially with Committee members and the Heads apparently. 

"I know there's definitely a reason, but why?" Sir Cooper asked, and his tail lowered. 

"When Chief Centiskorch used his regular Red Rock accent with some Committee staff members, they asked if the Committee would let any city slicker be Chief of  a League. When he used elocution from Lg. Roche, they praised him for his brilliant articulation."

"That's frankly asinine."

"And so is that supposed ward protection and assessment program the Committee is hosting. We know absolutely nothing about those Pokémon at the moment."

"I've never heard of this ward-business before… I need to have some Pokémon help me investigate, covertly. Lest what happened with Team Vanguard happens again.”

The pair looked back over to us just when I tapped my foot against the ground. "You all are now free to ask some questions," Chief McBone explained.

"Are we going to go somewhere on a request again?" Nevada chimed in with their claw raised.

“Well, at least at the place I told you I need you to escort a client through. Brist Mountain Mystery Dungeon."

"That never-ending maze?!" I groaned. "But we just went there last week!"

Coordinator Cooper chuckled. "Well, now we will have a guest in a few weeks. Where else did you think you were going? Especially with your countless regular requests, sparring, and helping the prospects in the next weeks?” The Granbull then walked over to us. “Your new Keeper teammates will arrive sometime in the next month. Understand, Linus, Nevada, Glade?”


I can't believe this! I sucked in my teeth. “But you only have us listed for some damn boring missions that are just outside of town!”



“Well tough shit,” Linus patted me on the head. “Just finish 'em’ like we always do.”



Nevada tugged on the Treecko’s arm. “Glade’s right, it’s so tiresome going to the same place doing requests over and over against mainly the same Pokémon day in and day out!”



“I need you all to prepare," Coordinator Cooper sighed. "Just as I will do my part, I need you to do yours.”

He's right. I need to become stronger. Not just for myself. But for everyone. Especially for Linus and Nevada. We don't know what'll happen with the Committee, Head Tiger, that ward, and Wicked Blow.  

Even then, there's always unknown wildcards that could get in our way. Whoever it is, we'll deal with them. It's who we are. Team Sharp Claw.

Chapter Text

Interlude 1 Part 1 War is Over

3rd Person POV

Celestial News Issue Number # 412

Jovian Continent Headlines. Expeditioner Jones Purrloin and the Admirals have discovered another ancient city's ruins, this time rumored to house shrines for the Mythical Leader Volcanian.

Nebula Continent Headlines. A new massive Mystery Dungeon in the Starry Outback has just been charted by the Strike True Guild's rising stars, Josephine Midnight Lycanroc, and Chiave Zoroark.

Twin-Star Continent Headlines. Tensions heightened as Master Arceus demanded all Enforcers' and Scholars' branches have additional members placed into individual squads to deal with the unruly Pokemon of the Mysterious Zone.

Constellation Continent Headlines. Palm Shore City Mana Research League broke records on monthly recruitment averages, over twenty and catching Pokemon of Wicked Blow Gangs, over fifty.

Uncharted Galactic Zone Headlines. ERROR [CODE DARK] 250637 FREQUENCY DENIED OR UNAVAILABLE. PLEASE DIAL AGAIN OR FIX THE CONNECTION.

The sounds of wind howling outside shook against the walls of the Bristberg Mana Research League. Chilled air-hardened the iron bars that lined the gate and fence on the perimeter of the building as dark clouds shifted in the sky above. The radars fastened to the corners of the towering barriers sat still amidst the wind. In the front courtyard, the watchtower remained firm, even as snow piled high on its roof.

With the early morning ending, it was time to get to work. If the machines and equipment couldn't make out any traces of importance outside then it would be up to the Pokemon of the League to discover it. The Granbull Coordinator understood this all too well. It was time for some mana research.

"Now that class is over I need you all to hurry. You need to get ready for Exploration inside a Mystery Dungeon," Cooper explained, opening the classroom door for Team Sharp Claw. "You'll be on your own with the ward, so ask me everything you need to know right now before it's too late," he reminded the three Pokemon. "I don't want anything going wrong and you all getting in trouble alright."

"Where are we going again with the ward?" Glade questioned. The Totodile then rubbed the back of her head. "I forgot after thinking about those important artifacts you mentioned."

"I suppose I could explain more," the Granbull sighed, as the four of them walked down the hallway. "You are going to Brist Mountain Mystery Dungeon."

"Ah yeah, that's right," Nevada perked up. "Aren't there multiple parts to it?" the Charmander asked.

"Yup," Linus nodded, turning to face them. "Mystery Dungeons like Brist Mountain are great," the Treecko rubbed his arms together. "They have numerous sections to it, this should mean there will be plenty of requests we could do while we give the ward an escort."

"Do we have to go to the one you choose, Sir Cooper?" Nevada glanced up at the Granbull .

"No, you all can pick from the three Mystery Dungeons that make up the Bristberg Mountain Range: the lowland, mainland, or highland," Coordinator Cooper waved his paw before entering a staircase to the third floor. "Now go and figure out what supplies you'll need to purchase while I go get ready for my meeting with Head Tiger, one of the League Committee Heads."

Cooper, Linus, Glade, and Nevada left the league building and entered the nearby town of Bristberg, a large settlement nestled in a range of expansive teal, aquamarine-colored Mountains. 


Pokemon bustled in the cobblestone streets as a gust of late Winter wind chilled the air. A few grass-types bundled up in long scarves and wooly coats as they tried to venture out in the town. Numerous water, ice, and fire-types enjoyed the weather as it was. Some flying-types stayed close to the ground for warmth, while ground-types and dragon-types remained mostly indoors, buried under blankets. Swarms of snowflakes and flurries flew in the cloudy sky, signaling an approaching storm. It wouldn't be best to stay out late today, the sleet fall would be torrential.

The League members' route had them headed towards a Cafe in a higher uptown district, so they had to trek to the other side of town. The southeast part of Bristberg, towards the reaches that lead to Midori Mori City. Then the four Pokemon headed up a long, narrow cobblestone pathway to the meeting place, named Indeedee Cafe.

"I almost forgot, Sir Cooper,” Linus started. “You were talking about the various important things in Mystery Dungeons. Could you tell us more about what to look out for?"

The Granbull rubbed his forepaws together and exhaled. "Oh right, most Pokemon don't know this, but Sentinels have an important job to do in place of Keepers."

Nevada grinned. "Really? What is it!?" 

"You have something of an artifact of your own that is usually inside of the hidden depths of a Mystery Dungeon to check on," Cooper shielded his eyes from a cloud of dust as some rocks crumbled from a hill above.

"Yeah but what does that really mean?" Glade groaned. "There are so many different types of stupid crap called artifacts." 

"Well, you are right, I wouldn't necessarily call it an artifact. Although it is an ancient device," Sharp Claw's Coordinator admitted, taking the Team beside some various stores.

"So what is it that we are dealing with?" Linus shivered, getting closer to the Charmander behind him.

"There is always a lever or wheel that is inside a Mystery Dungeon that controls the mana balance of the Dungeon," the Granbull coughed, placing his elbow over his maw. 

"Where is the wheel generally located?" Nevada asked as they allowed their Treecko teammate to snuggle up to them.

"It is hidden away, usually by a passageway to a secret room near the very top or very bottom of a Mystery Dungeon," Coordinator Cooper took the group out of the alleyway and pointed towards a building resting atop a small teal mountain.

"We're almost at the cafe!" Glade cheered, pushing past Linus and Nevada. "Race ya up the steps!" the Totodile dashed up the faded cobblestone pathway that spiraled up a mountain face.  

"Get back down here!" Linus yelled. "It's too cold for all that running!" the Treecko then took after her.

"Oh Mew," Coordinator Cooper chuckled, watching the two chase after each other. "Anyway in turn the valve or lever affects the pressure that only Keepers can feel and are sensitive to."

“I see,” the Charmander carefully followed him up the steps as it began to snow. 

Eventually, the two made it to the top, marveling at the grand view of the rooftops and streets below. Glancing behind them, the Granbull and the Charmander took in the foreboding jagged edge of the earth beside them, the Bristberg Alps southeastern slope, trailing into the frigid skyline above.

"But only you Sentinels can touch the artifacts and return them to their natural state…” the Granbull wiped his paws off on the doormat of the awning covering the cafe. "Or in the case of Wicked Blow or other ruffians, they change them off balance."

Glade, who was sitting on a chair at one of the outside tables, waved to the two of them and pointed to Linus. The Treecko was sticking to one of the cafe windows, one that had its blinds closed, trying to stay warm as a brisk bellow of air flew around the bend.

Their Charmander teammate waved back, hurrying up the pathway to help Linus. "Why would anyone do something like that in the first place?" Nevada dusted some snow off their scales, hugging the Treecko. "To go out of their way and be a jerk."

"Usually to mess with Keepers in Leagues, Guilds, and other organizations who try to go and follow them,” Coordinator Cooper reached forward to pat Linus on the head.  I’m going to go check if Head Tiger and the ward are waiting up there for us, sit tight and don’t cause trouble okay?”

The Granbull then gently opened up the door, the sound of a bell signaling his entrance. Team Sharp Claw glanced down at the townscape below, watching as all sorts of Pokemon peacefully went about their morning.

After a few minutes, Coordinator Cooper returned, carrying a bag of warm fried eggs inside some bread and a cup of coffee. "I'm sure the two will arrive soon, but now we have time to relax," he explained, patting the backpack on his side. Linus took that cue to reach inside the backpack and pulled out his folded Rescue Team bag.

"Can you explain the other artifacts, the ones in that Mana Temple?" Glade asked, through a mouth full of food. 

“You should let him explain what a Mana Temple is first,” Nevada waved.


The Granbull finished eating his breakfast and took a sip from his cup. “They are deep inside a Mystery Dungeon, either the very bottom for a descending Dungeon or at the top for an ascending one." 

"That's just like the wheel or levers we can use," Linus realized. "What else?"

"They can also be hidden away in smaller Mystery Dungeons," Cooper explained. "Finding a trap door or some sort of secret pathway." 

"Ooh," Team Sharp Claw gasped.

"There is one Mana Temple for each elemental type on every Continent," the Granbull scratched his chest fur. 

Linus crossed his arms. "So Pokemon built that many? What does that imply? That there could be eighteen keys on each Continent at a given time and we just don’t know?” 

"Don’t fret so much, that’s my job, remember?” Cooper sheepishly laughed. “In the Constellation Continent, there are currently only four elemental mana keys and four locks."

"Really? We have four of those things just freakin' lying around somewhere?" Glade roared.

"You know it's not that simple so calm down!" Her Treecko teammate pushed her.

"All of the pairs reported to be matching as of now, but that could change," the Coordinator sighed. "And then there are old Churches that look just like Mana Temples, but you know they aren’t."

Nevada tilted their head."How do we, as Sentinels in a mana research League, understand this?" 

"This is because only two or more Keepers can enter into an actual Mana Temple," the Granbull explained. "The pressure and lack of mana presence inside a Sentinel's body will not allow them to walk in."

The storefront door opened. "Coordinator Sir," an Audino waiter started garnering the attention of the Pokemon. "Your guests have arrived."

"Alright," Cooper stood up and waved his paw. Linus, Glade, and Nevada followed him through the Cafe. There was a small number of customers waiting in line at the counter, and an even smaller amount lounging around the booths of the warm and cozy shop.

The Coordinator and Team Sharp Claw gave their leftover food to one of the waiters to hold on to and finally made it towards the VIP staircase, one that led to the top floor. Once the four League members arrived the door was shut tight and locked. 

The view up at Indeedee’s Cafe was amazing, one was able to see almost all of the town of Bristberg and the green mountains surrounding the north.

“Hello, and good morning League Committee Head Tiger,” the Granbull called out to the Pokemon silhouette directly across from him. "It is I, the Coordinator of the Bristberg Mana Research League, Cooper McBone Granbull."


Sitting on the edge of the balcony fence was Head Tiger. They slouched backward with their legs wide open, under a purple and red cloak, their hot breath immediately forming steam as the freezing bursts of wind blasted through the mountain tops. Below the Tiger sat a much smaller Pokemon silhouette, one hidden in a purple and red-colored hood.  The League Committee Official, still while concealing themself reached down and pulled the cloth off the smaller Pokemon, revealing them completely. 

What kind of condition is that? Linus thought as his eyes drifted.



Nevada’s tail flame shot up and their face went slack. Oh wow, so unusual.



Glade jumped backward but clamped her mouth shut. The fuck is up with this Pokemon!



“Now, now,” Coordinator Cooper sighed. “Behave.”

The four League members managed to conceal their surprise at the Pokemon’s appearance, a ghostly pale Zorua. One with light grey fur, on his main body, white on his head fur tufts, and melancholically droopy yellow eyes. He brightened up when he saw the Pokemon standing before him.



"I need everyone, except the Granbull to leave,” the League Committee Head demanded in a low roar.


The three younger adults nervously looked up at their Coordinator. He sighed and shivered for a moment as he watched them head towards the exit. I need to be strong, they’ll be okay. Cooper thought before he took in a deep breath. “I know you all will do well out there, take care of each other," he pointed two of his finger paws to the side and waved, his team nodded in acknowledgment.  "If you need help don’t hesitate to call for Chief Mcbone or me with your badges.”


Linus waved his hand. “We’ve got it Sir!”



Team Sharp left the balcony, leaving the Granbull all alone with the two foreign Pokemon. “Didn’t you want your ward to go out with my Rescue Team?”



The cloaked Pokemon stared down at Cooper, their red eyes glowing through the darkness. “Why yes of course, Jin?”

“Yes, Head Tiger?” the Zorua replied.


“You are to follow all directions given to you by those Pokemon,” Tiger ordered the Zorua. “Under no circumstances are you to be disobedient.”

"Yes Head Tiger," he answered solemnly.

Cooper sighed as the little white Zorua left the balcony. "I don't want to talk for too long."

“My ward can stay with your Rescue Team the entire day or longer if they have to,” the Tiger replied.

What? The Granbull pondered as he tried to calm down his nerves. “So what have you summoned me here to discuss, Head Tiger?”


The Tiger sighed and revealed underneath her hooded cloak, she was an Incineroar with strange grey markings alongside her stripes. “I need your assistance in developing some tools.”


“What kind of tools?”


“Mana tools, tools that can control and limit mana. Specifically for unlocked Keepers.”



"Interesting." Cooper sat across from the Incineroar. "But first could I brief you on some of my equipment findings?"

"Why of course." Tiger placed her paws underneath her chin and stared down at the Granbull. "Go ahead, Coordinator of the Bristberg League."

Right outside the VIP staircase, Team Sharp Claw decided to take the leftover food and sit down at a table with the Keeper Committee ward. A strange white, grey, and red Zorua. Before they left, Coordinator Cooper signaled that the foreign Zorua was a Keeper and for them to be on the lookout. So the three had to do their best to make him as comfortable as possible.


“Now that we're free to speak, howdy there! We're Team Sharp Claw,” Linus waved to the Pokemon. The Treecko then tried his best to give a friendly smile. “My name's Linus, what’s yours?”


“Jin!” the Zorua gave a sheepish grin back. "If I may, my good friend, what Pokemon are you?"

"I am a Treecko, of the Sceptile line," Linus answered. "I'll admit, we've never seen a Zorua that looks like ya Jin. Is it albinism?"

The Zorua shook his head. "Do Zorua and Zoroark usually not look like this in this land?”

"No," Treecko replied.

“Who are these other Pokemon?” the Zorua gestured with his forepaws to the Charmander and Totodile, both scarfing down some of the remaining food. “I’ve never seen any of you guys from my homeland.”


The two Pokemon both paused awkwardly to wave before they continued eating.



Linus chuckled to himself. "That orange Pokemon over there is a Charmander, named Nevada, and the blue Pokemon, the Totodile next to them is Glade.”



“I see, I see, Nevada and Glade, interesting names,” Jin smiled, staring at the breaded eggs and wagging his tail. “Where I’m from they wouldn’t have names like that.” 

The Treecko smiled and tapped the table, signaling for his teammates to get ready to leave. “Welcome to Bristberg, and the Azulo Region Jin! Team Sharp Claw and I'll give you a little tour as we go to look for requests.” 

Glade and Nevada gave the last two breaded eggs to Jin as they got out of their seats. The Zorua took them happily, his ears curling down and his tail wagging in glee. 

"Unfortunately and perhaps fortunately, the board where most of the local job requests that don't get picked right away is on the northwest side of town," the stocky Treecko explained, walking up to the counter. Linus then got the clerk to get to his side and whispered something to her before they exchanged two bags.

While this happened Jin finished eating and nudged the remaining League Members with his snout. "So Nevada, and Glade," he started, continuously avoiding eye contact. "Could I know if you have any friends… in your group?"


“What’s that supposed to mean, Jin?” the Totodile tilted her head.

The Charmander was the first to answer. "In our 'group', the Bristberg Mana Research League, we have all sorts of Rescue Teams and some other Pokemon that work with us."



When Nevada said this, Linus waved and everyone followed him outside of the Indeedee Cafe. The winds from earlier were somehow less prominent, even as the sky grew more and more bleak, rich dark clouds swirling together. It was still cold, however, and the Treecko decided to get himself a coat from the clerk somehow. Linus then pulled the cloak on Jin's shoulders over his head, making sure others couldn't see him.

Then all four of them traveled back down the cobblestone pathway. They passed by an assortment of different Pokemon trying to brave the weather conditions, some Guild Members and some other groups, judging by their different patterned armbands and scarves. This caught Jin’s attention. "So you are Rescue Team Sharp Claw… could you tell me what the other names are?"



“The other Rescue Teams here at our League?” Linus repeated, trying to wrap his head around why this Committee ward would want to know before he gazed into his eyes. “We have Team Blue Heroes, Team Whitelight, and Team Aegisdrip as our other Rescue Teams.”



“Only those three?”



“Yes," Nevada added. "They are the only other Rescue Teams that are active at the moment.” 

"Active? I beg your pardon… Could you elaborate? I seem to not understand," Jin noticed the somber tone in the Charmander's voice.

"It sucks that some of our other League mates are stuck unable to help us because of the stupid time it takes for their injuries to heal, especially ones from Wicked Blow!" Glade complained, rubbing her arms. "Those bastards keep managing to cause too many damn problems for the Pokemon I care about."

I'd like for more Pokemon to come join our League quickly. The Treecko thought before he sighed. "Don't worry, we'll make them give back what they stole from us. They'll pay, one way or another."

The group walked closer to their destination, the Zorua noticing the relief oozing from them as they crossed a bridge that led to a street with wide open pathways and more prestigious establishments. “My friends, your status as a Rescue Team must really be noteworthy, especially to take on this journey with me.”

"Yep," the Totodile yapped. "We've been given the mission to take care of you until League Committee Head Tiger is ready."

"Tiger is not special, she's just one of the League Committee Heads," Jin scoffed. "Something in my heart hates when I call her by that moniker… Tiger."


“Let’s save all that stuff for later, we’re near other folks now,” Linus demanded, pulling the cloak further over the Zorua’s body. "The academy that's over there hosts a tutoring center for moves, they have lessons in the courtyard and can hear us."

"Right," Glade adjusted her bandages along with her scarf. "Committee Head Tiger told our Coordinator, the pink Pokemon called Granbull, Sir Cooper that we were to take you through the Brist Mountain Range."

"If I may, what are we going to do there?" the Zorua followed the three Pokemon towards the request board stationed by an academy.

“In the Brist Mountain Range there're things called requests for us ta do while explorin' the area,” Linus yawned.
       

“Requests?” Jin tilted his head.



“Yea, requests. They are missions where we as a Rescue Team go to the place or a certain location to deal with a problem or look into something for another Pokemon,” Nevada pointed to a slip of paper pinned down on the corkboard.

“We’ll be taking ya on yer first Mystery Dungeon trip today huh?” the Treecko questioned. 


“Yes," Jin nodded.


“Alright, let’s see,” Linus reached over to pat the Zorua on the shoulder. “You aren’t some kid so I’d assume you’ve used your moves before right?” 


“Yes.”


The Treecko looked over the board for a couple of minutes and then said, “That sounds like a deal, I've found some decent requests for us to take on, we are going to the Highland Mystery Dungeon."


"Alright! Wooo!" Nevada and Glade cheered in excitement and headed towards a path that led to the town gates. Then the group began to hike up the mountain steps. 

Eventually, they made it through the chilly weather and frosty path, which was too dangerous and slippery for other travelers who waited at around the middle point to the Mystery Dungeons. Team Sharp Claw decided to melt it with Nevada's Heatwave. Now traffic was clear and everyone went along their merry ways, thanking the Rescue Team with some spare berries.

"So pray tell my boon companions, what is this Mystery Dungeon place? Neither me or my fellow comrades from Hisui have never heard of such a phenomenon." Jin asked as the sky cleared up a tad bit as the four of them reached a higher elevation. They were almost at the entrance to the Mystery Dungeon.

"A Mystery Dungeon is a labyrinth that exists as a natural way to travel across each Continent," Linus pulled out his map. "Usually they are shortcuts that allow us to make it to places quicker or safer in some circumstances."

"You have more friends that look like weird Pokemon?" Glade asked excitedly. "Are they cool?"

The Zorua peered at her from his cloak and giggled. "I heard the same thing about my Sneasel friend, apparently the Committee Heads and staff think it's strange that she and her older brother are this light grey and purple color with dark purple claws."

"Woah, I'va heard that their shiny form could have their fur pink and feathers yellow but I'va heard nothing about light purple!" Linus panicked, suddenly beckoning for everyone to hurry towards the natural shelter as some sleet started to form in the atmosphere. "All that's from Hisui?"

Jin eagerly followed them up the mountainside and nodded. "Where I'm from this is commonplace, we are all normal."

"That's so freaking awesome!" Glade shouted as they made it to the top of the trail. "After this Dungeon run you've got to tell us more!"

"I'd like to know too!" Nevada smiled.

Stopping to rest and catch their breath, the four Pokemon finally sat down around the base of the Highland Mystery Dungeon. "Welcome to your first Mystery Dungeon, Brist Mountain!" Team Sharp Claw cheered.

"Before we enter we have to go over what we are doing here and what to expect," Linus grinned. "Are you ready?"

Chapter Text

Interlude 1 Part 2 Bury the Hatchet

3rd Person POV

A small envelope holds a letter.

Inside this envelope is a letter addressed to:

All requested Keepers to a League-Bound Organization.

Forwarded from:

The Chief of the Bristberg Mana Research League.

The Coordinator of the Bristberg Mana Research League.

All Rescue Team Members and other members of the Bristberg Mana Research League.

A new mandate from Tiger and Dragon of the Keepers Committee.

Attention all Mana Research Leagues, Rescue Teams, and League-Bound organizations located and stationed in the Constellation Continent!

All able-bodied and able-minded Keepers, of any status, Domestic, Stray, and Feral, shall go to any League or other League-Bound Organizations they were summoned to within two to four weeks of their agreed contract. If not, then the Wicked Blow Police Department will be called and the Keepers will be left at their fate. Other prospective League Pokemon must find their way to their summoned League as soon as possible, as Sentinels are always needed.

If any Keeper of a League or League-bound Organization suspects another Keeper from anywhere to be unlocked please alert the Keepers in the Chief or Coordinator position.

That is all for now, may the Eternal Lord grant you his power.

There was a forest to the northwest of Bristberg, the teal-colored mountain heartlands of the Constellation Continent. This entire region, named Hunter's Plains, had homes of various sizes sprawled about a vast distance, making it called a village. On the western side, the foliage blended into dark brown and orange-colored sandy bases of numerous mountains; this was considered the outskirts and less ventured side of the village. In the empty wildland, there was a shack nestled by a pond. 

This shack had two beds, a table, and some chairs, with a fire pit outside. Inside two Pokemon lay on each bed, facing the ceiling. An Axew and an Espurr, two Keepers the Bristberg Mana Research League needed. 

Two Pokemon that two humans, soon to be Pokemon needed. They were Keepers who the world needed. 

"Hatchet," the contralto voice of the Espurr said to the Axew across from her. "We need to start taking our Keeper responsibilities seriously," she then sat upright on her bed, brushing her dark grey-furred chest. "This means looking for things on our own, like Wicked Blow or the mana artifacts, we're Keepers just like the others in the League," the Espurr had the same grey fur on her muzzle, and snout.

"Yea yea I know Kobi," Hatchet, the Axew replied before he rolled over on his side to face her. "Living here and staying local isn't gonna cut it anymore," the Axew ran his claws over the unique thin dark green stripe marks on his torso and his head.

"It can be life or death when we make mistakes," Kobi explained, opening a small saddlebag with her forepaws. "Or if we don't understand our roles in society, to restore and maintain the balance."

"I've known this longer than you, we'll be fine," the Axew waved his claw. "Once I go get us some more seeds and berries it'll be okay to head out," Hatchet sighed, narrowing his light red eyes as he rummaged through his satchel. "We'll be fine."

The Espurr across from him sighed, closing her saddlebag. "Are you sure?"

"Maybe," Hatchet stretched. "Anyway with that new mandate, I guess we've really gotta play our part outside of the village."

"But y-... our parents never told me anything about that," Kobi groaned, gingerly dropping to the floor on all fours. "First Team Vanguard's mana artifacts research, and now this," she got up on a stool adjacent to the sole table of the shack. "Do I have to figure out everything myself?"

"You shouldn't have to, don't sweat it," the Axew turned to face Kobi. "Ma and Pa didn't tell me about mandates for League prospects, it was a Keeper from over the orange and tan mountains in the west,” Hatchet winced before yawning. "From New Withered Savannah.” 

"Oh," the Espurr on the table narrowed her eyes when her companion winced. "Hey," she faced the Axew. "What's up with you?"

Hatchet stared past her, and out the window. "I'va been having these crazy mood swings," he placed his arms under his chin. "And then way too many bad thoughts, what do you call them?"

"Intrusive," Kobi answered.

"Yeah, intrusive thoughts," the Axew looked down, his eyes darting left to right. "Could this have something to do with the balance?"

"Well the balance hasn't changed much since five years ago, during the Disruption," the Espurr grumbled, her tail lowering. "It's not the balance, it's you. Your presence is the thing that's changing day-to-day."

"Oh, it has?" Hatchet’s eyes widened for a second. "Well, I think this may have something to do with my dreams then."

"What do you mean?" Kobi blinked at her 'brother’."Nightmares or something?"

"No, much better than that; I had a Dream Mark," he explained. "It’s still a tad bit blurry right now, but this means I'm going to meet another Keeper soon!"

"Really, I remember you explaining those! I had one too!" the Espurr across from him jumped over to the bedside. "What's a Dream Mark look like for you?"

"First two days ago I saw lots of yellow fruit, like Pinap and Sitrus Berries," Hatchet grinned. "Then the next dream they came back, this time heaps of them were in the dream," he paused to open his claws, spreading his arms wide. "And then just last night there were these glimpses of a yellow Pokemon talking to me!" 

"Wow, I had dreams that started last week, first it was just brown and light blue blobs, some sort of strong breeze that felt so real," Kobi explained, brightening her eyes. "Then it became clear over the next few days it was a specific town, I understood it was a place with a massive river and tons of brown rocks," the Espurr put on her saddlebag. "Pebble Creek matching this description to the tee." 

"What about the Pokemon?"

"I know for certain they are a light brown rock-type, I remember the taste of each type of Keeper, rock-type is like cocoa," Kobi grinned. "Yours should be like a nice sour berry."

"I see, thanks for reminding me," Hatchet grinned before he reached over to pick up his satchel. "Anyway these Keepers are bound to help us and we will help them, which means we'll have to make sure it's safe for them."

"And that leads into your plans?" Kobi questioned, getting on the floor once again.

"Maybe, I'm planning on going back home to work on the building of the grain silo and the fruit preserve," Hatchet sighed.  "Then I'll head south through the mountainside little Mystery Dungeons to Ventura Woods before I reach the Bristberg Underpass and that Mystery Dungeon." 

"Mine is to hurry over to Pebble Creek," Kobi answered. "Then train the Keeper and then use Team Vanguard's research to look for the artifacts."

"Who are they, this Vanguard ya keep mentioning," the Axew placed a claw on Kobi's shoulder. "How'd ya get their research?"

"They were a legendary Rescue Team. Dad gave it to me," the Espurr narrowed her gaze, darting her eyes back and forth. "It's kinda complicated, Hatchet."

“What did you find?” 

"By reading their findings I found leads on two separate locations of some mana artifacts.”

“You said that they were nearby where you need to go and where I want to go, correct?” Hatchet rubbed at his arm strap.

“Yeah, one by Pebble Creek where I’m heading off to find the Keeper of my Dream Mark,” Kobi said as she used Psychic to pull out a dungeon map of the Continent from her saddlebag. “These three Mystery Dungeons are possible sites: Stoneskip Hill, Timberreed Seep, and Mist Ravine.”

Her brother peered at the map before tracing a line through the three dots.

“And the other in either Needlemaw Peak, Brittlesand Sierra and, Twistbolt Summit," the Espurr pointed. "They are Mystery Dungeons that count as the shortcut to Bristberg." 

"Alrighty, that sounds fine by me," the Axew laughed before leaning towards the window. "As long as you take me with you that is."

"Nope. Not gonna happen."

"Why not? There might be dangerous ferals!"

"Most of the time ferals don't approach me," the Espurr sighed.  "And I'm not going through too many Mystery Dungeons by myself."

"Exactly," her brother grabbed her foreleg. "I'm coming with you!"

"No, you don't seem to understand where I'm coming from, my Dream Mark is specific," Kobi growled. "It calls me to a town where I'll find another Keeper- your Dream Mark is vague, you can find plenty of yellow things on the way to Bristberg."

"But then why don't ya just come with me after you find your Keeper?" the Axew begged. "I can leave early and go through all across Hunters Plains fighting ferals and we can forget about those artifacts till were in the League-”

"I'm going to be researching Team Vanguard's findings, something you should be doing,” the Espurr sighed. "And teaching the Keeper I will find. You should try to do the same, not worrying about ferals."

"But what if Wicked Blow finds ya?" Hatchet pestered.

"Stop trying to change ta subject, you know both of us can't miss the appointment with the League!"

"But-"

"You've known how to read much longer than I have," Kobi grumbled. "The Wicked Blow Police will get us! Not just the normal Pokemon Police, we'll be treated like those bastards again!"

"Okay," Hatchet lamented. "After our family finishes that construction project I'll go to Bristberg, to tell them what you're up to."

"Thanks," the Espurr smiled, opening the front door. "I've got to leave right away so I can try and hurry back before the four weeks are up, take care now!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 8 Dawn Stone's Forge

3rd Person POV

Another smudged letter, this time attached to a clipboard. It was fastened to a low-rise desk for a Pokemon often close to the ground.

Dear Red Rock Chief 

Don't worry my dear friend. We have sent out our finest Rescue Teams to safely follow through with Pokemon requests far out into the land. Well, we are a little understaffed back at the base but we'll keep in touch. Also, I feel like one of the Keepers under me; Astesia is correct, and will we have more Pokemon to help keep the promises intact. I hope your subordinates are doing well.

Love Bristberg Chief 

Faraway in the human and Pokemon World, a Trainer was about to go through a transformation that would change their life for the better. In the Region of Johto near the tall peaks of Blackthorn City, Humans and Pokemon bustled about in their everyday lives.

Young Trainers preparing for a venture inside the depths of Ice Cave. Fans getting tickets to a Gym Challenge Match of an uprising star and Clair, the beloved Dragon-Type Gym Leader. Families going for a stroll on the nearby Route. All of these humans lived their lives with Pokemon right by their side.


But far away from the reach of the cityscape, there were three particular Trainers, atop a flat mountain surrounded by the hills. A Student, the Sensei who he was battling, and the Sensei who would judge him. They were all on a peak that hosted a battle ring. There were bleachers adorning the ring with Pokemon Trainers all dressed in teal, orange, and black sweatshirts, and joggers, the same colors the three Trainers also wore. One Trainer, an older man, one of the Sensei stood across from the middle of the ring where the other two stood inside, valiantly judging the actions of and inside the Pokemon battle. 

There was a frigid burst of wind as the younger Trainer, a novel student under the Ace Trainer Senseis', called out his last command.

"Typhlosion! Use Earthquake!" 

The Sensei judging the battle stepped back to glance over at his pupil, in his eyes: a rather short and oddly built, foreign young…wo... m- person. Still nevertheless, one of the judging Sensei's most promising students.

This simple, yet extremely powerful ground-type move is… my big shot. The student Trainer reasoned with themself. It was the only moderately effective attack that could have a chance in taking down our final opponent, Sensei's Furret. 

The Ace Trainer Sensei battling him, an older woman cautiously eyed over at her Pokemon, and her opponents before laughing happily. "That's your last chance huh Alola boy!?" the battling Sensei half-mocked. 

"You know it, Teach!" he cheerfully replied.  This has to hit! The student Trainer pleaded as the earth roared and shook under their Pokemon’s power.

"That's Sensei to you!" the judging Sensei called, jumping back from the ring. "Island Hopper!"

"It's Makkuro Teach!" the Ace Trainer student waved back. Noticing the lack of enthusiasm in the older man he backtracked."... er Sensei."

The battle ring rumbled as massive teeth of like jagged stones coursed towards their destination, the battle Sensei’s Furret. And promptly missed. "Ooh!" the students on the bleachers cried out in unison. Can we make it to the next turn?! Makkuro thought, gripping his belt, on it five Ultra Balls filled with fainted Pokemon. Not just any Pokemon, the Sensei’s grandaughter’s old team.

"Furret Roll Out once more!" the Battling Sensei called out without missing a beat. Her Pokemon let out a cry of joy and curled up in a ball before beginning to quickly spin.

"Typhlosion!" the student warned their Pokemon with a shout. Roll Out is on its second strike here. He refreshed his memory and tried to calm his nerves. The move shouldn't be able to knock out Typhlosion based on their stats. Actually Roll Out may not even hit, it's at a less than 90 percent hit rate… Wait!

"Typhlosion-" Before Makkuro could even make another command it was over. He lost. 

"Don't beat yourself up about this dearie," the battling Sensei said, sipping from a mug of green tea. The three Trainers were back inside the meeting room of the Ace Trainers School. "If we didn't have to abide by those darn regulations from the Indigo League, Elite Four, and Champion you would have passed on effort alone," she sighed, pushing aside some paperwork and pulling out a thick rectangular case. 

"You've done very well this semester," the judging Sensei handed Makkuro a mug of tea. "Now do be a dear and hand in your rental Pokemon, my girl," he opened up the case. There were ten round foam slots, a perfect shape for practically every type of Pokeball.

"I'm not a girl Sensei," Makkuro finished drinking from the ceramic mug and frowned, before grabbing the five Ultra Balls from off their belt and placing each one inside the box.

"Eh?" the judging Sensei glanced over at the younger Trainer. "Er, uh, thank you for letting our granddaughter's Pokemon battle with you and your Typhlosion. You girls could have been friends if she was still here."

"Sensei-" Makkuro shifted his stance, standing up taller and trying to suck in his chest. "I've been trying so hard to change just so all of this wouldn't happen."

"You young people need to learn how to accept compliments …" the battle Sensei rubbed underneath her chin. "Anyhoo, you can come back next semester to try at the Ace Trainer School." She then brought up a large container and a small duffle bag. "I want you to take these fair-well gifts as a token of our appreciation."

"Thank you," the young disgruntled Trainer took the items and waved, grabbing their backpack. "I'm off to plan for taking on something new," they made it towards the exit before opening the sliding doors. "See you later Sensei!"

"Take care now Island Hopper!" the judging Sensei shouted.

"Bye-bye dear!" the battling Sensei called out.

An early evening sunrise loomed over the windows and paper doors of a Minka, a traditional ancient Johto-styled house. "Hmm," Makkuro hummed in thought, sitting on a tatami mat with his laptop on a wooden slab. My folks and friends back home must be wondering how I'm doing. He realized as he checked the date. It's been three months since I left after failing the Poni Canyon Island Trial. 

"Alrighty, I'll tell them I didn't pass the Ace Trainers Exam but I'm okay," the said as they began typing out the message to their various group chats. Then he got up and started to sweep the hallway. "My roommates really need to help out more around here,” the trainer made it to the front room and stared at the spot beside the door; there were missing shoes, that usually filled the empty space. “We only get to live at this house to keep it tidy and neat."

When those two get back home from Azalea we can talk about what I should do next, either go through the Elite Four or back home.  “Which option allows me to help more Pokemon?” they said, staring at the now empty dustpan. Pokemon always need help… and so do I.

"I should check if Typhlosion is okay, he did really good in today's battle," Makkuro said as a dim light began to glow from around him. I’m fine.  They thought as they reached over to a Pokeball in their jacket pocket and opened the capsule. "Hey buddy," the trainer leaned upon the tips of his toes to hug his Typhlosion as he stood on the wooden floor. 

He’s fine. “I’m sorry for failing you again,” Makkuro cried. “Time and time again you always put up with me, especially when Decidueye couldn’t make it pass the border along with our other team members,” The Pokemon folded his ears down and embraced Makkuro as they buried their face into his fur.

We are fine. "When I finish these chores I can't wait to go find some Pokemon to help train with you!" The light from the trainer's body illuminated the entire room.

He was gone.

Just moments earlier in the world of Mysterious Dungeons, a decision was made. Floating off the eastern shore of the Grass-Continent of the Terrestrial Hemisphere there was a heavily fortified fortress. There were gold banners of a black branch with three main limbs sticking out and then one smaller limb fashioned like the thumb of a claw, each changing color every second. Deep inside the chambers, numerous Pokemon worked. They toiled all for their Leaders, Cresselia and Darkrai.

"It is time," Cresselia declared aloud.

"Really now?" Darkrai asked, blinking their eyes as they turned around.

"The Dawn Stone shall be the first to form," Cresselia explained, mulling further over a large clear stone. "The human is ready to be summoned."

"Nice," Darkrai smiled the best they could. "They need to be a stable force in the relationship."

"What about the other group?" Cresselia pondered. "Doesn't the Mjolnir need to have the hammer reforged?"

"The lightning that will be embedded inside will fuel the flames of change and their bond will be tested time and time again," Darkrai asserted. "I will order Zeraora to instill some advice and perhaps if necessary strike fears into their hearts."

"I see," Cresselia said. "Follow in accordance with the dream marks you sent to the one already here."

Darkrai held up a thin slab of pearlescent material and swiped upward. "The strength of the voltage will seem weak at first but then the current will realize its true power spirals within."

"Hmm, the scratched surface of the hammer is worrying." Cresselia tilted their head. "Also, the key-shaped hole needs to be filled or else it will overflow with mana."

"The lightning will also have a fragment that needs to be aligned." Darkrai scrolled to another page. "Only, it will be less visible until the moment is right."

"Ah, this is enough preparation." Cresselia floated back to their station. "Let us send a human to be this Pokemon."

"Let me find the right candidate for the Mjolnir," Darkrai offered. “It will be hard filling through all the possible contenders.”

"Very well." Cresselia used some psychic energy to lift some papers off their desk. "But both of the Pokemon; the Domestic and the one we need to summon aren’t ready to join the Mjolnir yet, either. "

In a mountainous forest, there was a stretch of dry land that declined towards a massive forest.  “Okay, it’s been about an entire two days since I left home,” Kobi sighed as she finished drinking from a stream, she then stared at the expansive bamboo forest before her. “I can’t afford to avoid Mystery Dungeons forever, unfortunately,” the Espurr sighed, looking down at her reflection. She never really realized how big she was, not until she got stares from almost every Pokemon she passed and couldn’t fit things made for her species. She was also not as normal-looking as a typical Espurr. Kobi had three claw-shaped scars on her left eye and stood on four legs.


“There are two Mystery Dungeons to get past Midori Mori City and to Pebble Creek. It will only take about a day, instead of three, the one I am in front of is called Bamboo Palace,” she flipped through her adventurer’s guide and sighed. “They haven’t updated this Mystery Dungeon’s stats in a while, I have no idea what I’m in for.”


The Espurr placed all of her belongings inside her saddlebag before she pulled out a Special Attack scarf and used Psychic to wrap it around her neck. Then she entered the gates, a row of bamboo appearing behind her, locking her inside.

Bamboo Palace Mystery Dungeon had a thick carpet of grass as the floor, corridors were lined with stalks that stood high, and almost endlessly into the sky. The walls were fashioned from tightly packed bamboo and dark brown wood. There was a thick fog that obscured details of view of anything not directly beside a traveler.


Immediately Kobi felt uneasy as if she was swimming in an ocean of air with every step she took. “Something’s wrong with this Mystery Dungeon,” she groaned, trying to regain her balance and enter the adjacent room. I know any other Keeper wouldn’t be able to stand this so I can’t imagine the ferals living here are doing well. the Espurr realized noticing the lack of other nearby Pokemon. Some could be heard scurrying around on the upper floors, the creaking of the wood evident as the sound of heavy paw steps.


She made her way into a hallway and saw that the grass was adorned with red tape and glowing yellow stones that lead her straight to a little hideaway hosting the stairs. A staircase made of bamboo somehow shined bright amidst the plume of fog in the area and called out to Kobi. Unfortunately, her first step towards the next floor was her last inside the Bamboo Palace, an enormous figure suddenly sped towards her.


What in the world!? The Espurr scampered backward from the path of the Pokemon, somehow through the toxic haze of the Mystery Dungeon Kobi was able to see who they were, a Bewear wearing a red cap and scarf with the infamous Pokemon Police symbol on them. Wait they have a Keeper presence? It’s so faint! Before she could even say a word to the Officer everything went black as she collapsed onto the floor. 

The tinking of a clockstone, the sound of papers being torn to shreds. Pokemon arguing over an out-stretched pile of journals and notebooks. Enough time had passed, she was ready.  Kobi slowly blinked open her eyes. Arceus damnit, where the bloody voids am I? She looked all around her, noticing her surroundings, some sort of front office, she was laying out on a chair obviously made for a larger Pokemon. “Eh, where’s my bag?!” the Espurr panicked, leaping out of her resting place, only to see her saddlebag sitting on a circular wooden table. Next to it was a note, an Oran berry, and an apple. She glanced towards the left and found a hallway that led into a room with a large windowed door, the exit.


Then the Espurr inspected her belongings and looked to see whatever this pitiful apology could ever say:  ‘When you first arrived in the Mystery Dungeon I noticed your odd presence right away and thought that you were a Wicked Blow member who was trying to conceal their identity so I was advised by my partner to act swiftly.’


So that Bewear bloke knocked me out cold tha second ey’ saw me, huh? Kobi thought as she felt her claws sink out in rage.

‘We checked your belongings and found nothing of that sort and in fact a letter of acceptance into the Bristberg Mana Research League along with research into matters we don't really deal with here at the Police Force. Sorry.’


Kobi placed the fruit inside her saddlebag and sighed as she quickly exited the Police Station. Once outside the door, she looked at the sign on the building. “Damnit!” the Espurr was now inside the massive city of Midori Mori, “This makes my plans bloody useless!” she growled, walking towards a large board with a map. Other Pokemon crowded around the area and blocked her sight so she used Psychic on herself to finally see.


Of course, she ended up vomiting in an alleyway about five minutes later, but it was worth it to figure out where she needed to head.  “It’s gonna take a whole day just to get through this place mon,” Kobi groaned, wiping her maw. But my real problem is what that note said... Is my presence really that suspicious? Something’s wrong with me too? the Espurr thought as she passed the pavilion of the Midori Mori Guild. I still have to keep going, I can’t leave the Pokemon of my Dream Mark all alone.

After traveling outside the city of dense woodlands Kobi checked her travel guide and found that she didn’t need to take any Mystery Dungeons to reach Pebble Creek, as either way it would still end up taking her the same amount of time, approximately two days.


"Hmm, I'm pretty sure, it looks like the place," Kobi purred to herself as she stood atop a gravelly hill before suddenly sliding down the small pathway, clearly meant for first form Pokemon. 

The Espurr yawned, glancing up and down from her map and the scene in front of her. It was a bowl-shaped town beside a wide river and stone-land, there was no mistaking it, this was Pebble Creek.

"After I find this Keeper, and figure out what they know then I'll have to test my merit as a teacher," the Espurr entered the town gates, making her way to a park of some sort. Tired, she then sat down at a low bench to rest and plan out her next steps.

"I wonder how Hatchet is holding up without me? Hopefully, he isn't flipping his maw on and on about ferals to all those poor folks over there at the village," Kobi sighed, stretching. "Or wasting time by going through every Mystery Dungeon he sees-Oh?"

The Espurr’s ears flicked at the sound of rustling when a sweet milky scent filled the air. There's another Keeper close by, which type of Pokemon can make this smell with their presence? She thought standing up, scanning her surroundings.

A Miltank and a Mudbray wearing red and brown armbands walked by and then the Miltank locked her gaze on the Espurr traveler. Kobi watched as the Miltank placed a hoof on the Mudbray before waving. "Stay safe out there, there's a new mandate that we have to follow!" She told the Espurr before heading off into a large building. "Check the bulletin board in the courtyard if you don't know, or just ask one of us!"

"Thanks!" Kobi replied just before the doors closed. "Will do!"

Those two must be from the Guild stationed here, how interesting. Kobi thought. How nice of that Miltank to care about the random Keeper she saw in her town. Hatchet would have been like 'Kobi ya gotta ask them their status! We can't just talk to or take care of anyone ourselves! Leave that to the Leagues!' She mused, putting away her belongings. Doesn't he remember that’s our responsibility too?

Ah, whatever. The weather is great over here, it must be whatever that river is called, perfect. It'll make tracing scents even easier. “I really did end up traveling almost all the way across the Continent, just a little bit more and I'd be in a different time zone," she fathomed, glancing at the sun.

The sections of town led down the mighty path of a river, while the other parts of the settlement were based on a rocky stretch of land leading to a valley. Alrighty' I need to be careful, I don' want to attract any unnecessary attention. The Espurr thought as she passed a Building with police insignia. Some of those blokes aren't worth my time, especially their Keeper officers.

Now to look for a rock-type Pokemon with a Keeper presence down by the banks. Kobi thought and began to walk down the dock and bridge that lead to the Riverbanks.

Now on the west outskirts of town, she had a far stretch of land to search through. The Espurr bent her nose to the rocky and sandy ground, beginning to check for traces of Keepers through the more popular side of the shore first. There's bound to be plenty of Keepers out of the crowds over there. She thought to herself. The secluded part on the very edges would come last.

After a couple of run-ins with other Keepers and just normal rock-types, she found it. A rich, thick chocolate scent amidst the salty river breeze. The Espurr knew it right away, the scent of a rock-type Keeper. Hopefully, they had mostly brown on them too. It, their Keeper energy was strangely strong as if she was bathed in the material which intrigued her. What could be the reason why this Pokemon possess such a presence?

A Rockruff. One with some grey streaks on their otherwise light-brown coat of fur. They were grooming themselves. Well, I think, otherwise, I think I'm going to have a problem. Kobi thought to herself as she got closer to the other Pokemon. She used Psychic to pick up a large number of pebbles and then dropped them on the side, causing the Rockruff to look up and tilt his ears.

"Ello, I'm Kobi, nice to meet you," Kobi started once she had eye contact with the Rockruff. They looked down at their compromising position, their belly was exposed and they jolted upright. The Rockruff sheepishly adjusted themselves, nearly falling over trying to sit properly on their haunches. The Espurr then realized her fault. “Didn’t mean to catch you off guard.”

"What, why is this Espurr talking to me!?" the Rockruff asked themself, looking back and forth between Kobi and the pile rocks she dropped. "Did you just tell me your name was Kobi?!"

They're definitely a former human, no hatched Pokemon would act like this. Kobi thought and smiled to herself. "Yes I told you my name," she explained sitting down across from the Rockruff. "Don't be too alarmed mate. We don't need any attention."

"Holy Tapu, I can talk to Pokemon now!" the Rockruff cheered, wagging their tail. "First I found out I'm a Pokemon."

"Yes," the Espurr acknowledged. "That sounds about right."

"Next I realize I'm a Rockruff,” they say before spinning. “Then I check and see I'm finally in a body that matches my gender! I’m physically more like how I want now!"

"You weren't before?" Kobi questioned, licking her maw. “Don’t be cheeky with me alrigh’,” she growled.

"Nope," the Rockruff stood up and studied her before suddenly stamping his paws on the ground. "Oh right!" he exclaimed. “I shouldn’t just tell that to anyone, I don’t know how receptive people... Er Pokemon are.”

Kobi hummed in thought. "Do you have any other memories?" the Espurr asked, scratching one of her ears.

"Yeah!" The Rockruff wagged his tail, leaning forward.

"Okay,” Kobi said as she stood up and stretched. "What else do you remember?"

"My name, my preferred name; I'm Makkuro!" the Rockruff smiled, tilting his head.

"That's a nice name mate," the Espurr replied. "Sounds foreign," she added.

Makkuro folded his ears. "You sound foreign!" he shot back.

"Where are you from?"

"The Galar Region."

Makkuro's eyes widened.  "That sounds familiar," he said, licking his chops.

"Good, follow me," Kobi said, walking back up the stony Riverbank.

"Okay, I don't have anywhere else to be or anything particular to do," the Rockruff sighed. "I feel like I can trust your judgment and I feel like you are like me: you want to help Pokemon."

"You can?" the Espurr lifted a paw in the air.

"Yeah," Makkuro said. "I can get that just by being near you ya know?”


“Really?” Kobi stared down at the Rockruff and couldn’t help but be a little overwhelmed. “You know, I think you’re something special


“Just don't do anything sneaky or I'll tell the Pokemon police!” Makkuro smirked at the other Pokemon’s reaction. “Or whatever they have!"

“You don't need to get involved with those folks," Kobi's tail pointed upward and her fur bristled. "They already don't like Keepers like me so they wouldn't like you."

"Really?" the Rockruff tilted his head. "Well, I guess my friends told me that too, but I don't know anyone else."

"I will not betray your trust,” the Espurr declared.

"If you say so Kobi,” Makkuro’s tongue lulled out of his maw as he panted.

Kobi sighed. "If I do, you need to strike me down instantly."

The Rockruff in front of her lowered his tail to the ground. "That sounds like a bit of an extreme measure.”

"We have extreme stakes here,” the Espurr walked across the first planks of a bridge. “Once I know a bit more about you I can adjust my plans.”


“What did you want to know?” the Rockruff questioned, following her. “I may or may not have the answer.”

“That’s fine bruv,” Kobi continued her trek, chuckling to herself. "Where are you from?"

"Hmm?” the Rockruff noticed he was being left behind and followed after her. “Oh, that's right, I used to live in Alola!"

The Espurr turned to the side. "What did you used to do in Alola?

"I...I used to train with Pokemon," Makkuro struggled to keep up with the other Pokemon.

"Were you perhaps a Pokemon Trainer?" Kobi asked, slowing her pace as they went downhill.

"Right!" Makkuro grinned. "Yeah, I was a Pokemon Trainer trying to take on the gym challenges!"

"But I thought you were from Alola mate?" the Espurr flicked her tail.

"I am," the Rockruff said.

"But didn't Alola decide not to have their Trainers go through the gym challenge?” Kobi questioned. “Did ya fancy the idea or somethin’?”

"I had finished most of the Island Trials but couldn’t get past this one part so my friends told me I should go train in Johto,” Makkuro admitted. “That’s the last thing I can seem to remember, everything else is a bit fuzzy.”


“Ah, I see,” the Espurr replied. Then she continued leading the way back. Makkuro’s gait and stride were fine, it seemed like had quickly acclimated to his new body. But maybe he practiced moving about before we met. I'll have to ask about it during battle training tomorrow.  Kobi thought.


Some time had passed until the two approached the active parts of the settlement. “Woah, all sorts of Pokemon have made their own place to live here!” the Rockruff barked, picking up his pace. "We get to see this Kobi!"


“Yeah, it’s amazing to see everything they have to offer here," she replied. "But remember we are supposed to be here too Makkuro, to these Pokemon, it is not a surprise."

"So uh, where are we exactly?" Makkuro looked back at her.


"Hmm I'll start big,” Kobi flicked her tail. “We are on the Constellation Continent of the Celestial Hemisphere."

"Do we have a Region name for this area?" the Rockruff asked.

"Yes, but in name only, the Azulo Region," the Espurr tilted her head as the pair made it into town. “Well, right now we are in a Pokemon Town called Pebble Creek. Also, we can’t talk about all that old Trainer stuff right now.”


“Aw, I guess Pokemon here don’t like it?” Makkuro whined. “But I just want the best for them!”


“Yeah, me too mate, instead we can talk about my plan,” Kobi explained. “Sounds good? We can chat about it later.”


“Well, I’ve got nothing better to talk about,” the Rockruff yawned. “So what’s this plan?”


“My plan involves following the research notes of the Vanguard Rescue Team to find artifacts around here.”


“What?”


“I guess I’ve got to teach you how this world works Makkuro,” the Espurr stopped to gesture to the various townsfolk. “We have a mission as Keepers to restore the world's balance.”


“Oh, is this Keeper thing like how I could taste all these strange foods?” Makkuro asked as he and Kobi walked under a storefront.


“Yes, it is!” her eyes lit up as she stared at Makkuro.


“I knew it wasn’t just anything relating to being a Rockruff!” he wagged his tail.


“Wow you are making this easy mate,” Kobi unfurled her map. “You, I and about forty-five percent of all Pokemon in this Hemisphere are Keepers.”


“So you all have these flavors, probably based on type or something?" the Rockruff questioned.

"Correct," the Espurr answered.

"Do you personally know them by heart?" Makkuro questioned.

Kobi narrowed her eyes. "By heart?"

"Yeah," Makkuro walked around the area. "Also how long have you been here?"

"I've been here for almost five years," Kobi sighed, picking up her belongings and standing up.

"So you haven't been a Trainer for so long, " Makkuro followed her towards a forest. Then suddenly he gagged and began to cough. “I’m tasting some more flavors again,” the Rockruff explained, sticking out his tongue. “But they aren’t right, not like yours or others at the shore.”


“Hmm, that is odd,” Kobi narrowed her eyes. “ I can’t seem to pick up anything myself.”


“Could you tell me what this means?” Makkuro questioned.

"Yeah, but you were asking about elemental-type flavors right?" Kobi questioned, flicking her ears. "I can explain that after we go over some battle basics. Do you want to do this?"

"I do!" Makkuro smiled. "Tell me about this Keeper stuff and let's have some fun!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 9 Let Sleeping Dogs Lie Part 1

Number 12 of the Sentinels Code, Sentinels who are strong enough and well equipped shall do routine checkups on at-risk areas in their communities. Whether it be Mystery Dungeons, Holy sites, dens of Strays, and or rumored gang hideaways.

Makkuro Rockruff's POV

The brisk wind rolled across the rocky hills of Pebble Creek, carrying the scent of river water and moist clay far across the sky. My paws made light imprints on the soft stone as we trek towards the gentle reach of the forest. It was almost late afternoon, so Kobi and I decided to talk to some of the Guild Pokemon to learn more about the area and our abilities before we headed out of the townscape.

A Miltank at the Guild said she was glad Kobi came back to see her with a friend. Am I already making friends here? Wow, I'm doing much better here than back home.

The Riverbank Guild has a machine called the Connection Orb, which another organization gifted them called an Expedition Society. The machine was a giant translucent blue sphere that had two tables, one low-rise and the other for a taller Pokemon. All I had to do was walk up to the Connection Orb and then it told me my four moves: Tackle, Bite, Dig, and Rock Tomb. Kobi's moves are Psychic, Payback, Signal Beam, and Dazzling Gleam.

Kobi had never heard of the Expedition Society or all of their feats in discovering all sorts of things. They must had been probably rather low-key outside of the reach of her old village. The Expedition Society wasn't bound to the Leagues or Keeper Committee but to another organization. What could that be?

Hints of the unusual taste of cold temperatures were washed out by the presence of the Nakagawa, a massive river that ran through this town, and all across the Continent. Out of all places to end up in this world of Mysterious Dungeons I believe this couldn't be any better. Well, besides a sunny beachside tropical paradise, akin to Hau'oli City in Alola. That would be preferable, but apparently, that's somehow to the north. The city is called Palm Shore, and it has an establishment Kobi called a Mana Research League.

Guild? Expedition Society? Mana Research League? Ai Tapu! So many Pokemon organizations, and apparently there are even more! Keepers, Sentinels, Wicked Blow, Mystery Dungeons, mana artifacts, and Rescue Teams. My head is gonna fall off trying to make sense of everything.

There are so many new things to learn about in this new world so I should just take my time and enjoy myself. "Ah, the freshwater breeze feels so nice against my fur!" I said to Kobi, as we started to go uphill. "Pebble Creek seems to be a great town to live in."

"Yeah," she replied, taking me further into the woods. "It's really good weather for a nice little introduction to the basics."


"I think I can still remember plenty of things about Pokemon moves, it should be easy!" I grinned, following Kobi deeper into a rather empty stony woodland.

"That's great," she finally stopped walking once we made it to an open stretch of pebble-filled grass. There were thick, large bushes surrounding almost the entire area and then a view of the river beyond a ley of trees.


Kobi then placed all of her saddle-pack down beside a tall stone. "But to use moves in this world is quite different than back home, we Pokemon have steps to using moves."

I sat on the ground, watching as the Espurr moved various sized boulders closer and closer to where we were stationed. "What are the steps?" I asked, feeling something had an odd taste in my mouth, like stale bread and bitter food. Again with the bad presences… But where are they hiding?

"Okay so first you have to draw in the specific type of mana based on the move you want to use," Kobi started, exhaling before she started to very dimly, but faintly glow. "It's easy to take in normal-type elemental mana first, which is why practically all Pokemon start out with a move of that type."

"Normal tastes like vanilla right?" I questioned, before trying to copy her.


"Yeah," the Espurr responded.

I took in a deep breath and felt the energy be drawn into my body. But then it kinda felt a bit odd, like all I could think about was vanilla. What's going on?

"Okay, once you've taken in the mana you then convert it into PowerPoints," Kobi said as her tail began to swish. She must be getting excited doing this training, it makes sense that using moves in a battle would be fun. I thought as I tried to follow along.  
 
"So the normal type mana I take in turns into Power Points so I can use it for Tackle!" I asked aloud, trying to have it make sense.
 
"Yeah! This next part should come easy, just let one of your moves fly out," the Espurr once again had a faint glow to her body. Was this normal? I thought.

"Really, just like that huh?" I questioned.

"It should be like riding a bike or skating!" she then jumped forward and slashed one of her claws at a rock, splitting it apart.

When she did it, her claws were cloaked in a black outline. "What type of move was that?" I ask, smashing into one of the smaller rocks. I cried out when my body just hit the stone and didn't break it. "What the Tapu!? Why didn't it work?"

"The move I used was Payback, it's a dark-type move," Kobi tilted her head at me. "That's crazy, why can't you use Tackle? You should have enough Power Points… what's going on?"

"I'm not sure… Did I mess up the steps somehow?"

"No, no, something going on-"

"Oh well, I can't even use a little attack, that's nothing new," I lamented, shaking my fur as I tasted the odd presence again. "Well, if you want to leave me while I figure this out you can."

The Espurr deflated. "No," she stepped forward. "I'm not going to just leave you Makkuro," she said, looking deep into my eyes.

"Why?" I turn my head away from her. "You can just find another Keeper to go with you and do research, someone who won't slow you down anymore."

"You and I share a Dream Mark," Kobi glanced at my paws. "I want to be there for you."

"We just met, you don't need to," I sighed.

"It's a cruel and dangerous world out there. I don't want you to face it alone without my help."

"But I can't even use the simplest of moves," I pried myself away. "How can I help you without being able to help myself?"

Before the Espurr could reply there was a bullet of water that landed on the ground, splashing my fur and even stinging me. "Wait, what was that?"

Then there was a dark purple dart that hit the ground beside Kobi. "It looks like Water Gun and Poison Sting!" she explained, grabbing up her saddlebag. Suddenly there was a rain of attacks that started flying out. "Look out!"

I cringed as small droplets cascaded into my face and chest. "Where are these enemies hiding!?" I snapped once a small purple thorn pierced my side. Then I rolled over to dodge a huge burst of water. Kobi and I were then pelted by small shots of Water Gun and Poison Sting for a bit before the rounds stopped. All of a sudden white threads of silk and web launched out in rounds from every direction, completely covering us.

"We've gotta break these webs Makkuro!" Kobi urged me.

"I'm trying!" I barked back, now trying to draw in chocolate-tasting energy. "Maybe my rock-type moves will work?"

"Maybe!" the Espurr used Psychic to pry strands off and Payback to slice them apart. Then the tiny Water Guns and Poison Stings start flying out again, riding on the lines cast by our enemies in the bushes.

I wrestled with the String Shot binding my right hind leg to the ground. "Here goes nothing!" I yelled before I tried to form Power Points again. Quickly, a rush of different, almost raw mana flooded into my body, I felt something like a move start to form. "Woah!" I shook as I started to get overwhelmed with power that clouded my vision.

"Makkuro you've gotta stop!" Kobi distanced herself from me as shards of translucent rocks shifted and crumbled in the air all around me. "That's not a regular move!"

"What's happening to me?!" I panicked as they grew in size, now forming into massive stones. I lost control as a bright brown light dazzled all around me. I strained my muscles to try and pull down whatever was happening. But I couldn't contain it, I failed, coughing up blood, and screaming out in pain.

Immediately it felt like I was floating in the air just for me to fall to the ground. The rocks around my body were glitching in and out as the brown light faded in and out in various luminosities. Then suddenly there was an extremely bright light that I felt inside my head that pulsed throughout my body. It made me sick to my stomach.

"Urgh, now what?" Kobi groaned, trying to not fall over. "Whose presence is this? It's so strong!"

"I have no clue, but those attacks keep coming!" I reply, getting bombarded with Water Guns. So whatever this is it must be another Keeper, either a good one or a bad one! I realized as I fell to the ground, holding my lower stomach as I kept taking in more energy. Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this!?

The radiant presence went in and out before there was a black bolt of lightning that struck inside the bushes. Then the thunder roared as crackles and flashes dashed across the stone, frying away the String Shot and stopping the rounds of attacks.

Then the ground shook as something akin to a meteor struck the space in between Kobi and I, sending us tumbling to the side.

A thick plume of brown dust clouded the air as chunks of stone crashed on top of us and the ground. After a long silence, I opened my eyes. Somehow I didn't pass out from the commotion. Neither did Kobi, I can hear the familiar sound of her Galarian accent through her mumbling. How did we make it? I have no clue.

Eventually, Kobi and I scrambled upright and we got our bearings enough to not lay face-first in the crushed pebbles. "Wha, what's happening?" I panicked, trying to see through the cloud of debris.

"I'm not sure," Kobi said, helping me off the floor and shaking her fur free of soot. "But, we've got to stay alert."

"Ah, right.. Ah-" I said as I sneezed. "Gah that stuff went straight up my nose!"

"Sorry," she stepped away from me to rid her coat of more dust.

The pressure from earlier came back as I felt another force of power try to make a way through my body. What is happening now? I thought, trying to shut it down. As I did, the enormous thick cloud of dust that surrounded us was blown away.

The Pokemon who had crashed into the ground was finally revealed. Standing before us was a Midday Lycanroc, one with a black decorated cloak and black satchel across their torso.

The Pokemon stared at Kobi and me before growling. "Who are you two and what are you doing!?" they howled before the pressure of presence increased.

"Us?" Kobi and I asked.

"Yes, you!" the Lycanroc barked at us. Their mighty presence continued to crescendo whilst their panting and shortness of breath started to sound aggressive. "Stop what you are doing right now!"

What the Tapu is going on now!? I thought, trying to settle down the rock-type mana within me. Finally, it stopped, and then a pressure released its grasp on my entire body. A wave of relief and exhaustion crashed into my body and I slumped onto the stone woodland floor, unable to support myself.

The Lycanroc studied the two of us for a moment, ignoring me and going towards Kobi. They got close to her face, snarling. "What the Vell do you think you're doing?!"

"Are you the Police?!" Kobi questioned, moving in front of my body as I coughed raggedly. She backed away to make sense of what the cloak, bags, and badge emblems read. "Wait no, that isn't their uniform!"

Who is this Pokemon? I thought, trying and managing to somehow stand.

"If I was with the Police, I would have already had you two on the floor, knocked out flat!" the Lycanroc barked.

'Well, who are you with then?" I questioned before I felt drained of all energy again. "If- if you don't mind me asking," I coughed.

The Lycanroc sighed and planted their claws into the earth. "I am a Guard of the Sentinels Union," they explained, before leaning forward. "Espurr! State what your business is!"

Kobi glanced over at me. I nodded at her to go ahead, so she tried to explain. "I was just trying to help this Pokemon here," she got closer to me and gave me a reassuring glance. "Makkuro can't use moves-"

"I'm not worried about what you are doing to that Rockruff," the Lycanroc growled.

"You aren't?" I asked. "Kobi's clear on that?"

"I'm not too concerned about that," the Lycanroc exhaled, flattening their ears. "I'm more interested in what Espurr's presence is doing!"

"Mine?" the Espurr questioned.

"Yes, yours!" Lycanroc yelled.

Is that why she was glowing whenever she used her moves? What could all of this really mean?

"But, how could that have happened to me, I never knew?" Kobi panicked. "How can ya even tell?"

"I can taste your unlocked presence," the Lycanroc roared, and giant jagged stones formed into the air all around us. "I'VE BEEN THROUGH THE WAR OF THE DISRUPTION! The black bells in my cloak are ringing, and they don't lie when it comes to mana!"

Unlocked presence? War of the Disruption? I scooted backward and held my paws over my head. "W-what does all of that mean?" I just wanted to help Pokemon, I didn't mean to cause any problems! My thoughts began to spiral.

"It means that someone has some explaining to do," the Union Pokemon gestured to Kobi. "Now."

"I never heard of any instruments like that, this must be a mixup," Kobi pleaded. "I can't be unlocked, I can't be!"

"Don't play coy with me," the Lycanroc growled, baring their fangs at the two of us."You're unlocked and so is he!"

"I am unlocked?" I questioned. "Is that why I can't use moves?"

The Lycanroc folded their ears down. "No, you being in this unlocked state does not mean you shouldn't be able to access any of your moves, however, that is not the problem here."

"But I need to be able to use moves to help other Pokemon and not be a burden!"

The Pokemon glanced over at Kobi and sighed again. "You Wicked Blow scum are so vile, finding and unlocking a Pokemon like this-" the Lycanroc then shook their head and sniffed the air.

"We aren't part of Wicked Blow, I promise!"

"Really now?" the Lycanroc barked. "Then who do you belong to?"

"I'm supposed to be with a League," Kobi looked at the crushed pebbles on the ground and sighed. "But I went to go get Makkuro first, I didn't want them to end up alone."

"Why would you forgo your League responsibilities for this Pokemon?" the Pokemon tilted their head. "How did you know they would be around here anyway? Wouldn't it be safer to come to get him with another Pokemon?"

"Yes, but Kobi had a Dream Mark that had me in it!" I explained, digging my paws into the ruined ground.

"Really, did you tell him what it was or are you bluffing?" Lycanroc blinked.

"Yes, after I introduced myself and some other things I told Makkuro about our Dream Mark," Kobi replied.
 

"You may not know this but certain Keepers, like me, can sense when one of us has had a Dream Mark," the Lycanroc sat down to stretch out their legs. "The bells will ring if the Dream Mark was true, it listens for whatever Leader Cresselia has shared."

What does all of that mean? Who is this Leader Cresselia? "Kobi?" I questioned. "What do I do?"

"Please tell them what I told you," the Espurr responded.

"This very stony Riverland, my brown body, and my rock-type presence," I stood up. "It was all foretold in the Dream Marks!"

"Hmpt," the Lycanroc took a second to glance around the area. I followed their eyes. They noticed the Riverbank peaking beyond the reaches of the forest. They tasted moist damp air, feeling the smooth stone beneath their paw pads. "The black bells are ringing," the Lycanroc sighed. "You weren't lying," they turned around to face Kobi. "Now then, Espurr, you said you are with the League?"

"Yes," Kobi used Psychic to reach into her bag. Then she pulled out various rolled-up papers, journals, notebooks. "Here it is, here is my proof."

"Really now, you must be so studious," the Lycanroc leaned down to study the contents of each note. "Well, I'll be. You are with them."

"Yes," Kobi sighed. "I'm with the Bristberg Mana Research League."

"What about the Rockruff," Lycanroc suddenly focused their attention on me. "Where does your allegiance lie?"

"Me?" I lifted one of my forepaws for a moment. What does this Lycanroc mean about allegiances? Why would that matter? "Why do you need to know?"

"Is there any other Rockruff in the immediate area besides you?" they lowered their eyes to stare directly at me. "The reason is, I have an inkling that you somehow are affiliated with Wicked Blow."

"Wicked Blow?" I tilted my head in confusion at the Pokemon's claim. "What are you talking about?"

"You could have easily just thrown off your black and white bandana for a moment now couldn't you?" Lycanroc got off the ground to gesture towards the bushes that surrounded the stony grass field. "Could that be why you two were attacked?"

"I don't even know what Wicked Blow is," I replied, feeling my tail wag fervently. "I don't even have any belongings with me, I'm from out of town!"

"You must be joking, you don't know about Wicked Blow?" Lycanroc scoffed, narrowing their eyes. "You are a Keeper with their mana controlling powers unlocked by a various mana artifact or some unknown outside force and you don't know."

"You mean the things you wanted my help to research?" I whispered to Kobi.

"Yes," the Espurr sighed, her tail sinking to the floor. "I've heard that if we find one of the key mana artifacts corresponding with an elemental type of your line we can reverse the effects."

"Somehow in one-way shape or form something happened to you two," the Sentinels Union Pokemon spoke up, startling me. "I can sense all. You can't hide from me! This power means you are unlocked. Show me your attempts at an attack right now!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 10 Let Sleeping Fogs Lie Part 2

Chapter Text

Chapter 11 The Future Will be Ours

3rd Person POV

Number 3 of the Sentinels Code 
Be wary of those who claim that matters involving the betterment of lost Keepers and research into all aspects of mana are worthless. Monitor their actions closely.

The Boltund smiled at Makkuro and Kobi as the two stared at them. This Pokemon did have the same exact designs on their black coat as Fang. The Lycanroc called themself a member of the Sentinels Union and declared the pair as unlocked Keeper miscreants. Even though the Boltund’s coat and their temper were smaller they too could be of use.

"A Defender of the Sentinel's Union eh? the Espurr noted.

"Yes, that was the title given to me!" they said.

"Interesting, so you are an equal to Fang then huh?" the Rockruff murmured.

"Why of course," Hunter prodded the side of the Lycanroc lying on the ground. "Fang!" they barked.

"Uh yes darling?" the Lycanroc asked, stumbling as they got back up. "I was just about to help train these two unlocked Keepers, but you stopped my fun."

"You went overboard," the Boltund got close to Fang's eyes. "These two told me they were scared!"

"And? It serves them right-" 

Hunter growled and tackled the other Sentinel Union Pokemon from the side."I can't believe you. That's not the kindness that Sir Cooper gave all of us long ago and you know it!" 

"I-!" Fang tried to explain.

"Don't tell me you forgot." Their partner's eyes pulsed with a jet black energy.

"Forgot what?"

"What's it like to be treated this way." 

Hunter’s paws tenderly rubbed against the Lycanroc's flank before they grimaced a bit and let go. "I gave you a reminder, do you understand now?"

There was a long pause as the crisp wind howled behind the four Pokemon, the sky had darkened slightly and the temperature was dropping slowly but surely. Fang may have had a relatively sturdy body, but their heart and mind could bend with ease. Especially the pressure they felt in their heart and mind, like a spark, traveled throughout their being.

"I'm… I sincerely apologize for my actions," Fang said as they began to prostrate themselves on the ground. "I acted out of… prejudice... Valid if I may, but undoubtedly cruel prejudice." 

"Hmm," Kobi narrowed her eyes. She stared at the Sentinel's Union Pokemon unfazed before walking away into some of the fried underbrush that surrounded them.

"I'm not sure if I forgive you just yet," Makkuro growled once he assumed she was out of earshot. "I mean you haven't even helped us with our problems, you've only yelled at us for having them!"

The Espurr eventually returned and let out a cumbersome groan. "Honestly, Master Fang I’ll be real. I prefer you over those Police bastards. They would have beaten us senseless. But you are only barely better than them as of right now, you need to prove it to me. No, to us, that you are willing to help us with our powers.”

"I understand," the Lycanroc said. They got up and sniffed the air. "I see you've met my mate while I was out,” they wagged their tail.

"Yeah, we have," Makkuro answered.

The Lycanroc grinned. “She's so cool, aren't they?"

"Oh, Hunter goes by she and they?" Kobi tilted her head.

"Yeah," Fang shivered as a dark spark lit up through their fur. "Does it surprise you?"

"Not really, I actually prefer something similar," Makkuro said as they stepped back.

“I see. Well then I need you to get used to mine, Hunter convinced me to try all three and it worked out fine!" the Lycanroc barked.

“That’s fine with me but I’ve got so many things to juggle around,” the Espurr yawned. “Gonna be honest I may just stick with one for now.”

The Lycanroc nodded. “No need to worry about me, use whatever pronouns you'd like. My wonderful mate will handle all of that, lest I get carried away.”

"So you mean you are an all, any type of Pokemon?" Makkuro tilted his head. "That's something, the no-nonsense and uptight Fang of the Sentinels Union is really progressive!"

"Makkuro mate, how do I put this er… The Pokemon outside of your 'village' are way more progressive than you've ever seen before," the Espurr beside them laughed.

"Ah right, I should take this new "city" Pokemon life into consideration," the Rockruff caught on.

Kobi rolled her shoulders and stretched backward. "I'd say they're more regressive in other ways too, don't get too swept away."

As if ignoring the younger Pokemon, Fang started singing a strange song."~Oh with such a fierce thunderclap and strong jaw-"

"Oh come on now, we do not have all day," the Boltund grumbled. 

“Sorry," the Lycanroc lowered their ears. "We should get going."

Kobi sneezed. "Get going where?"

"You two need to stay under our guidance as unlocked Keepers and there is no better place than the nearest Union hideaway," the Hunter adjusted their black cloak.

"Huh?" Makkuro puzzled.

"Just follow me," Fang began to walk out of the clearing. "We'll talk on the way there. Well outside the town."

As the four Keepers traveled outside the Riverland forest, they made it back into Pebble Creek. Hunter demanded the group stop for a little rest and a meal. "These two should at least have one last good taste of fun before we start the training," they explained. Much to Fang's dismay, the cuteness from Kobi and Makkuro swayed them too well.

Once outside of the town limits the Keepers finally saw the Sfumato Peaks. Steep grey and black mountains guarded the western side of Pebble Creek from the reaches of the stony hill land country beyond the boundary. The countryside consisted of rolling mounds of firm earth and kilometers of low elevation. 

Just outside the mountainside, there was a branching dirt pathway with two large stone and wood-based signs firmly planted in the center, one facing towards the Stfumo Peaks and the other facing away. The four travelers noticed that each board had the same names just different cardinal directions.

Fang and Hunter understood which one to follow and began to read the destinations aloud. "The North reads Palm Shore, where there appears to be some suspicious activity going on in the League. To the South: Saltwater Cliffs, a future destination of ours," the Lycanroc said. "One I'm not mentioning much further."

Noticing the anticipated stares of Kobi and Makkuro, the Boltund next to them further explained."Why? Sorry, but you two aren’t privy to this  at the moment."

"Alright, I suppose that's fair," the Rockruff lamented. 

"Now where were we? To the West: Pebble Creek, the town we were just visiting, the place we all met," Hunter read off the board before stepping away. "And finally to the East: Hillock Country, oh our Hillock Country, what a sight to see."

"We'll be heading off to the Hillock Country and depending on your progress we may take you with us to Saltwater Cliffs," the Lycanroc explained. "Do not disappoint our trust and faith in your capabilities in self-control."

"Master Fang I have no idea what you are talking about," the Rockruff beside them sighed.

"Why not?" Fang spat.

Kobi blinked. "Master Hunter, could you explain it in Constellation for us?"

"Sure," the Boltund nodded, taking the group to a secluded freshwater deposit nestled behind a set of hills.

"How is this an explanation?" Makkuro sniffed at the plants.

“We are finally out of the city limits so feel free to let it all out,” Hunter sighed as she noticed the unease of their three companions. “Then we shall return to the road.”

Makkuro screamed and buried his muzzle in a pile of pebbles as he felt a weight of pressure lift off his body. “Ugh,” he groaned. “I feel like I’m gonna lose my mind being around you two!”

"Who, me?" Fang questioned. "You two are the ones who haven't been turning down your mana presence!"

“I’m still not sure how to even tell when mine is off or on, let alone control it.”

“I’m sorry that our pressure seems to bypass our techniques because of your sensitivity, but please try to remember we feel yours,” the Boltund apologized.

“I’ll try to remember that, but I’m getting a bit bored,” the Rockruff said.

Then the four Keepers continued their departure further into the Hillock Country. The stony wildlands seemed sparse in vegetation at first but there were berry bushes and various thin trees. These plants grew anywhere where fertile soil and water met, so they could be stationed in interesting places along the hills.

As everyone navigated the steep and rolling slopes Makkuro stared at the satchels of the Sentinels Union Pokemon and sighed. It had been about two hours of travel at this point and everyone was getting restless. “Could you tell us more about the Sentinels Union and all your work?” he questioned.

“Not out here,” Hunter shook her head. “You’ll be able to know more about that when you are ready and certainly not outside of our base.”

Makkuro lowered their ears. “But just earlier Master Fang-”

“The only reason I told you guys all that stuff earlier is to make you understand my authority!” the Lycanroc in front of him fumed. 
“Aw.”

"Honestly I’m not worried about that right now,” Kobi walked over to a patch of grass and yawned as she stretched out before she continued following the others.

“You aren’t?” the Boltund questioned.

The Espurr stood up, shaking her fur free of stray blades of grass. “Yea,” she smiled. “I’m just happy to know we are coming with you all. Especially with Makkuro, the Keeper of my Dream Mark."

“Thanks for staying with me Kobi,” Makkuro brushed up against his companion.

"No problem, you reminded me of the important things in life after all," Kobi smiled. "It's the least I can do."

After about three more hours of traveling through the Hillock Country Fang, Hunter, Kobi, and Makkuro were in the final stretch. They were atop one of the tallest hills in the area, from where the silhouettes of bridges and other structures could be seen from far away in the distance, signaling a settlement.

Along the rocky hills dirt trail, small road signs had begun appearing. First, the group saw one that Hunter walked over to inspect and read. "The writing has faded after the decades but it says ‘Hillock Village twelve Kilometers away'."

The group then walked further along the path for a couple of minutes before they saw another sign buried in the hills.

"Trader's Outpost is four Kilometers away," Fang said after glancing over the sign. The four continued along the rough passage, occasionally stopping by some streams to refresh and soothe their bodies. 

Staring into the water, Makkuro couldn't help but let out a whimper. I'm not used to all this walking and I've slowed everyone down again. He thought, burying his head under the stream. Then the Rockruff suddenly lifted his head and shook their fur. I've got it!

Makkuro nudged his paw against the Lycanroc and the Boltund. "That Outpost, do you think it's a place where there are Pokemon who need help?"

"Need help?" Hunter questioned. "Well yes, but why do you want to assist them in particular?"

Fang laughed. "It's not those guys in particular, is it? What could you want from them?"

"I was thinking that maybe I could help them with something-" Makkuro tried to explain, feeling his words fall.

"That is a place we'll be passing by tomorrow," Fang answered. 

The Rockruff sighed. "Passing by."

The Boltund beside them walked back over to the dirt road and dug her paws into the soil. 

"Looks like we're ready to go," Kobi said as she walked up to her partner. "We'll get our chance."

Makkuro trailed behind his companions.  "But without my moves, I feel so useless-"

"Don't worry," the Lycanroc interjected. "We'll go by the area on our way to the afternoon practice site after our plans for the morning."

"And if we do good in our practices?" Makkuro excitedly asked.

"Will we?" Kobi added.

"You have another training after that one," Fang said. "Oh, and the last one is after dinner."

"What!?"

"I told you were going into our custody, and by proxy, that means we will mold you as we see fit. No matter how many hours of training, studying, and pain it takes!"

"Our stop is off the path so get ready!" Hunter explained as they led the group further down a rugged section of the hill. Kobi and Makkuro nodded and followed her carefully.

 The four Pokemon were finally heading north after two more hours of travel. The sky darkened into the evening purple-red hue and heavy clouds filled the horizon, only specks of starlight reaching through.

“I appreciate you taking us with you Master Fang,” Kobi said as the group neared the bottom of the slope. "I really mean it, thank you."

“Just earlier you said Hunter had to save you from me!” Fang gave out a flustered reply. “Are you starting to warm up to me?”

Makkuro smirked as he studied the older Pokemon's facial expression. "Ooh," they giggled.

“You are not some big bad wolf you know~” the Boltund beside them teased. “What you are is a big softy, a big softy who just needs some time, that's all.”

Embarrassed, the Lycanroc turned away. “Don’t try to change the subject Hunter, Kobi, what’s this about?”

"Well sorta. We are going to a building of some sort, right?” the Espurr questioned.

“Yes, it is our secret base," Hunter answered before she laughed. "Secret base, what a silly name! It is the Sentinels Union Branch Numero Seis.”

"Interesting," the Rockruff noted, finding his footing on the ground.

“Well I can’t wait to finally get some rest in a nice comfy bed," Kobi explained. "That's all, I'm beat."

"Ah, I see, and uh," Fang grinned stupidly. "That reminds me of a question I had. What I meant to say earlier was- did you expect her to set me straight?"

"Her sudden appearance was more surprising, I thought they were going to be like you," Makkuro shivered.

"What do you think Kobi dear?" Hunter questioned. "About me?"

"Honestly I don't know if I could take it, having to deal with another powerful Pokemon barking their head off at me, I might've lost it," Kobi let out a relieved sigh.

"I hope one day you can forgive her for all he's done today," Boltund nudged their partner. "They’ve got a lot of work to do."

Fang looked away.

The Espurr's eyes widened. "Oh and about your preferences, I was trying not to assume because Makkuro taught me a bit about pronouns earlier."

Hunter nodded. "Alright," she started."So you two will be okay?"

"Okay?" The two younger adults questioned.

"Don't phrase it like they have a choice in this matter,” the Lycanroc grumbled.

“What!?” Hunter, Kobi, and Makkuro said.

"You two are being placed under our custody for the time being as I'm sure you don't fancy the alternative,” Fang barked. “Going with the Wicked Blow Police force and being tried as one of those bastards."

“Why can’t you trust us, Master Fang?! Why do you assume we won’t be able to make it?” Kobi growled. “Why does everyone seem to not believe me when I say I want to help them!?”

The Lycanroc folded their ears.“I never said I didn’t-”

“Oi,” the Boltund between the three Pokemon caught their attention. “I have faith in you two, no matter what. I need you to keep your heads up and continue forward. You hear me?”

“Yes Master Hunter,” the younger Keepers replied.

Then Hunter nudged Fang. “You better give them a chance. It isn’t over till it’s over alright?”

“I will, I will,” they responded. “But you need to keep an eye on them too, I don’t want their powers to get out of control, I’m just following protocol.”

“Pissing them off is gonna make that happen way easier than just taking it easy now darling,” the Boltund growled.

“You’re too soft on them and you know it!” Fang protested.

“I’m not the one that gave in and bought them desserts after lunch now am I?” their partner questioned.

“Augh,” the Lycanroc blushed. “You’ve got me.”

"Yeah," the Rockruff scoffed. "We got it, anything is better than that torture we received!"

"Torture?"

"Fang!" the Boltund growled.

The Lycanroc clicked their teeth against their tongue. “Forget about it, I’m sorry.”

Then the group walked in relative silence again, the twilight turning into nightfall as dark clouds rolled out of the sky. Nocturnal Stray Pokemon began to peer out of their dens and started their morning. The northwestern side of the Hillock Country was filled with more and more tiny streams and ponds that branched from the Nakagawa River.

There were densely packed woodlands nearby where Pokemon made little stopping-posts and settlements. The red-orange hue of torchlights made their presence known from meters away but that wasn’t the Sentinel Union Pokemon and their students' goal.

As they neared the hideout, the temperature started to lower, as the breeze from a large section of the river below picked up. They started to walk uphill once again, this time there was a wide-open space instead of numerous little bumps and mounds in the way.

“As much as I don’t want to admit it you two worry me,” Hunter sighed. 

“Master Hunter, we do?” Makkuro questioned.

The Boltund shivered underneath her cloak before hurrying ahead. “Your mana presences are awfully strong for just some first-form unlocked Pokemon.”

"What?" Kobi panicked. "But at lunch, Master Fang told us a technique that would let us do it."

"You guys dealt with our pressure crushing you and making you uncomfortable and you didn't say anything this whole time!?" the Rockruff yelped. "Why didn't you tell us sooner?"

"There would be no reason to do such a thing. I don't want to make you feel guilty or ashamed of something you cannot control, especially something that happened against your will," Hunter explained before curling her ears. "I mean I believe you two when you said you didn't unlock yourselves with the elemental keys after all. You wouldn't lie to us, knowing the consequences?"

"I never told you that they would work for the two of you now did I?” Fang huffed. “I was seeing if the techniques we personally use could work for you guys but they don’t.”

“Are you saying that nothing will?” the Espurr worriedly pawed at some loose gravel.

"But how will I use my moves?" Makkuro panicked. "I can't stay like this forever!"

“No, not at all,” the Lycanroc backpedaled. “Only our studies regarding your training can really give us a clear answer."

"But Master Fang we need to fulfill our Dream Mark promises to one another!" the Rockruff said."Besides ours with you two, we have others! Kobi has hers to Hatchet and I have mine to Kobi!"

"You don’t understand, I’m not like you! I have to complete my research on the artifacts so I can understand-"

"Enough of that now," Hunter barked suddenly. “The staff waiting here are going to come out and check you Kobi, Makkuro, it is best not to speak.”

The two stopped their conversation and looked towards the Boltund. Below her was a steep hill with columns of rounded battlements along the roof. In the dead of night, it was easy for one to miss that it could be the entrance. 

Suddenly there was a low rumbling that shook the earth, nearly causing the Rockruff and Espurr to fall over. Then there were two dark figures of large Pokemon before them, their enormous bodies towering over the younger Keepers.

The dark figures then dashed around the group, a whirlwind of air closing in on the four. While this happened Fang and Hunter just nodded while Kobi and Makkuro tried to contain and control their anxieties. 

Just as quickly the two cloaked figures stopped. They stood by the "entrance" of the Sentinels Base, their current dissipating into the sky before they flash stepped and  teleported right in front of the Espurr and Rockruff. 

“We see you two are with Guard Fang and Defender Hunter and have passed our background check,” the concealed Pokemon spoke up after the Lycanroc and the Boltund presented two black envelopes to them.

Background check? Kobi and Makkuro both pondered. 

The figures then jumped backward, standing next to a stone wall along the ‘front’ of the hideout. “You may enter, but always know we are watching out for and over you, your safety and cooperation are important to the Sentinels Union, have a blessed night,” they said as the wall began to slowly open, brick by brick. 

They had finally made it to Sentinel Union Base Numero Seis. This building was built inside of an old fort that was stationed inside one of the deepest hills of the region. On all sides of the building were gold banners. Two large banners were at the entrance to the base while all the walls had four each. A black branch with three main limbs sticking out and then one smaller limb fashioned like the thumb of a claw. Each claw symbol changed color with every step the travelers took.

After a bit of walking, Fang and Hunter took Kobi and Makkuro down to the mess hall. The four rested their bodies on the table; the Boltund yawned, while the Lycanroc stretched out the whole time the younger Keepers beside them were struggling to stay away. 

"Oh, I forgot to tell you," the Espurr whispered.

"Forgot to tell us what?" Fang questioned. "It better not be something stupid."

Kobi sighed. "It's not it's not, it's just I'm tired because I just traveled from a village West of Bristberg for two days all the way to Midori Mori and then made it to Pebble Creek today."

"Wow," the Lycanroc sat upright. "I'll have to give you more credit, that's quite the lengthy journey!"

Hunter scratched one of her ears and nodded. 

Some Pokemon with black aprons opened the double doors from the kitchen and studied them before nodding, then they went back inside.

The Lycanroc and their companions sat in silence at the long wooden bench as the cooks in the room across from them labored away in the kitchen.

Soon their meals were placed on a large tray on the counter. This low counter had one of its shutter gates open, revealing a part of the kitchen to the mess hall. 

Tired, Kobi and Makkuro waited for Hunter and Fang to grab the food. The four then enjoy their meal of fried eggs, assorted Berries, toasted rolls, and a rich brown tea. 

"Alrighty you two," Hunter said in a hushed voice as the four walked through a dimly lit hallway after dinner. This corridor had numerous doors with different symbols on them, small drawers, and shelves lining the walls in between. The Boltund then placed her paw against the last room. "This is going to be your bedroom, here are your keys." 

She reached into their satchel to grab a pair of small keys, then dropped them in front of Kobi and Makkuro. 

"You have to share a room with two of the young trainees so please keep that in mind and good night. See you in the morning, bright and sharp," Fang whispered before walking away.

The Espurr and the Rockruff crawled into their room and immediately dropped to the wooden floor. Kobi took off her saddle pack and glanced over the area. There were two bunk beds, both of the bottom beds were empty as two forms above in the top bunks slept. Makkuro hopped into the one on the left while his partner made it into the one on the right. With their exhaustion taking its toll and a cold chill in the air it was time to relax. The two bundled up under the warm Dubwool fleece blankets and drifted off to sleep.

In the early morning at the Sentinel's Union Base, light gently started to come out from the sunroof, while Kobi and Makkuro stirred in their sleep. The two trainees, a Smeargle, and a Morepeko climbed out of their bunks and quietly inspected the Espurr and Rockruff resting below. Finding them suitable, the trainees left the room. More sunlight broke through the window on the ceiling as the hours passed and suddenly there was a knock on the door.

Chapter Text

Interlude 2 Part of the Test

Third Person POV

“This is the outside of Brist Mountain Highland Mystery Dungeon or just Brist Highlands for short,” Linus rubbed the shoulders of his coat. “Take in the sight for a moment as this sleet storm passes,” the Treecko gestured upwards.

The dark teal body of the mountains shimmered with the slick of the rainfall, just as some of the black and light aquamarine sections of rock reflected the bright beams of the sun.

“Excuse me but why are we waiting?” Jin asked.

“Oh uh, contrary to popular belief the weather outside affects the weather inside a Mystery Dungeon,“ Nevada explained.
“Speaking of Mystery Dungeons, we’ve gotta tell you about the most important part,” Glade placed her claw on the Zorua’s shoulder. “Look up there,” she pointed towards the peak of one of the mountains.

There were Pokemon who roamed around the mountain range, some flying and climbing around the particularly treacherous areas, one’s outside of the Highland Mystery Dungeon and on another one. 

“The Brist Mountain Peak Mystery Dungeon or the titular Brist Mountain is sacred and hallowed ground,” Nevada explained. “Even the most advanced Rescue Teams, Explorers, and Expeditionors only venture into that Dungeon with the utmost caution, for the Pokemon who guard the treasured depths inside are furious.”

“Oh my word, there are Pokemon up there,” Jin murmured while studying their motions. “The town Pokemon are surely hearty, braving those impressive cliffs like that.”

“The Pokemon on the mountain don't Pokemon that live in Bristberg.” The Totodile shook her wrists. “Well not inside the town, the point is they aren’t like us.”

“I beg your pardon?” the pale Zorua tilted his head. “They are not?”

"These Pokemon, well uh live on and dwell inside... Mystery Dungeons and are called carnal ferals," Nevada mumbled as the sleet started to slow down.

"Ferals? If I may, why do you classify Pokemon by a different name based solely on where they call home?" Jin watched as the sky cleared slightly.

Linus picked up the Team bag and passed it to Glade. "They are called ferals by some Pokemon, which I don't like by ta way, because of the sickness they get. It's from absorbing mana from inside the Mystery Dungeon when restoring their Power Points."

"Oh right," the Zorua said. "They probably don't go out and procure supplements."

"This sickness is often called Carnal Instinct, and there are five stages that have been researched on," the Charmander exhaled to defrost some of the ground. 

"All forms are dangerous and only the fourth and fifth are considered full-on feral Pokemon though." Glade grabbed Linus's shoulder and shook him. "But we need to do more research on the Pokemon here anyway."

"I know, I know," the Treecko explained.

"Even with all of our various journals, logs, and guides we still only know a little bit of info on about five or six species,” Nevada added.

"Oh, you are all compiling data on Pokemon you encounter?" Jin lit up. "I was familiar with some colleagues of mine who were tasked with that in my homeland!"

"Well, how do I put it…" Nevada brushed off their shoulders. "Our other Rescue Teams, cause the League has a few more, usually do it but we'd help pitch in occasionally. That makes sense right?"

"Yes, I seem to follow correctly," the Zorua acknowledged.

"Come on Mister Team Captain.” The Totodile slung the bag across her back. “We have to go inside to show Jin here more about the Dungeon!"

"Alrighty then let's head on in!" the Treecko nodded. "Follow me!" he then ran inside the entrance on the mountain face that led into the Mystery Dungeon. 

Once the four Pokemon entered the Brist Highland Mystery Dungeon a mysterious tune began to play. Then an odd natural enclosure of stones closed the opening of the mountain face. Inside the Labyrinth, the open reaches of the sky were visible, however, the majority of clouds were a ghoulish deep black, with swirls of red and purple mixed into some grey patches.

"Ugh." Jin grimaced, lowering his ears. "My companions, something is off  about this Mystery Dungeon place."

"It must be mana right?" Nevada questioned. "Remember we Sentinels can't feel a thing!"

The Zorua shivered for a moment. "Yes, it is as if a strange pressure is running through my body."

Linus patted him on the back and began to rummage through the team bag. "I see, so one of the requests from the board in town was correctly flagged.”

“What?” Jin squirmed as the Treecko fastened a blue hood tight against his head. “W-what is going on?”

"Do not worry, we'll help you deal with the status effects, please bear with us." Linus reached down to ruffle the Zorua’s chest fur and hug him. 

Jin dropped his ears. "My friends?”

“I’m so sorry, you’ve never felt this before so it’s scary,” Nevada panicked. “Pokemon in this Mystery Dungeon also are dealing with the same problem.”

“Which are?” Jin looked up at his companions.

“Because of the imbalance of pressure, you Keepers overall ability to move quickly is lowered, you all also have weakened physical defenses and special defenses to elemental damage," the Charmander noted.

"Really?" the Zorua narrowed his yellow eyes.

"But don't worry," Glade assured. "It says here in this exploration guide that says that ferals in Mystery Dungeons that have imbalanced mana pressure seem to always be absent from the first floor."

“Alright then, but what did you put on my body?"

“It’s just a Reunion Cape buddy.” Glade narrowed her eyes.

The Charmander beside the two knelt. “We need you to wear it so if we somehow get separated you get back to our side,” they explained. “Got it?”

“We need to hurry through the Mystery Dungeon to find the wheel, the solution to the imbalance now y’all,” the Treecko started to head out of the small room the group arrived in. There were two choices that the group could make and they did heads or tails on a poke coin to see which one.

Soon everyone hiked up the left hallway. The Rescue Team tried to run but forgot that it left their companion a couple of meters behind them before his cape teleported him back to their side. Linus, Nevada, Glade, and Jin decided to slowly and carefully navigate through the various winding paths and mainly empty rooms of the Mystery Dungeon.The Labyrinth wasn’t completely desolate; however, there were leftover items scattered around the mountainside. A Pecha Berry lay in one room, some coins rested on some rocks in another while there was a pile of Geo Pebbles seen from a hallway the group passed.

As for the environment of the Brist Highland, it had a dark teal base lined with grey, black, and light aquamarine stones. In narrow cracks of the boundaries of the Dungeon had realms and dens where feral Pokemon preferred to hide away.

The Team continued onward and saw small pockets of water that branched in between some rooms, while certain paths were cut off by thin ravines, and others twisted into dead ends. Very few signs of feral activity were present besides the sounds of scampering and the alarm calls that rang out in the distance.

Glade, Linus, and Nevada continued forward, eventually making their way into a large room with another branching pathway.

“Without many enemies in our way these first couple of requests should be easy!” the Totodile cheered.

“I’m afraid I still can not manage to comprehend what you are all referring to.” Jin pressed a paw on the Treecko beside him.

“There are missions for us to do inside of this Mystery Dungeon, otherwise we’d have fewer reasons to come in here,” Glade stepped away and pointed down towards an entrance into another room. “It’s a natural Labyrinth where if you aren’t careful the weather conditions, traps, or the Pokemon inside could put an end to your run.”

“My word!” Jin panicked. “If I may, with all of those forces to fear why would you League Members dare venture inside?”

“The missions aren’t just tests of strength or whatever, they are to help other Pokemon in the town.” Nevada crossed their arms. "Our first request was to check out the pressure of the Mystery Dungeon."

"It was?"

"Which is why we needed ya Jin," Linus added, ruffling the Zorua’s head. "Without ya here we'd hafta go and hire a Keeper mercenary from the groups that worked with our League before. And then they would tell us about the pressure and get a percentage of our request profits."

Jin calmed down slightly. "I understand that, but you mentioned more requests." he paused to dig at the ground. "What else could the town possibly require from you all?"

Glade stamped her feet on the ground. "In these specific requests, Wicked Blow caused all the issues! We're supposed to be the first ones to handle those guys whenever we get word of them!"

"Wicked Blow… What did they do here?" the pale Zorua pondered.

"If it's anything besides what's in our requests we'll hafta figure it out when we get on the next floor, not sitting here!" Linus sighed. "Up the stairs now y’all.

The four eventually found a room with an exit that appeared to be a portion of a stairwell, which was a natural occurrence. The Team and Jin ventured up the stone staircase to the next floor of the Mystery Dungeon.

Now on the second floor, Team Sharp Claw decided to rest a bit so that Jin could recover from his fatigue, the imbalance of pressure was taking its toll on the Zorua’s body. But Jin insisted that he was going to continue his journey with his new friends no matter what.

“Okay someone's lost item is on this floor and there seem to be gang members of Wicked Blow hiding around the next couple of floors,” Linus explained as he glanced over the lengthy request paper. There were two more pages of information that they had at this disposal thanks to the work of the Winter’s Reach League. “The reports speak of stolen goods that belonged to the town's Pokemon and attacks on them.”

“Egads!" Jin panicked. "That is what has happened!"

"We'll have ta see partner," Linus sighed. "Time's of ta essence folks, let's get a move on."

"Alrighty, let's go kick some ass!" Glade flexed her arms.

"Hey wait, we forgot about the ferals!" Nevada said while the Team continued through the large room they found themselves in before there was a light gust of wind.
“What about them?”

“You all know there were not any Pokemon that we encountered on the last floor,” the Charmander replied.

"Yep." Glade rubbed under her chin. "I didn't even get a chance to use my moves or anything."

"But that changes right now," Linus said. "Because the Pokemon living in here take in the mana directly from the Mystery Dungeon, I'va heard they have some interesting temporary abilities."

"Praytell, what about the Pokemon abiding in this place?”

"Guys we can't stand here and wait, we've gotta find our first item!" Nevada yelled.

"What was it again?" Linus asked, his brow lowering.

"You are the one holding the freaking requests!" the Charmander huffed. "It's someone's bundle of Warp Wands."

The four Pokemon were on the lookout as they walked through the next area. They had to check every nook and cranny of each room. Team Sharp Claw didn't want to come back empty-clawed on such a simple request. 

As the four Pokemon traveled across the mountain range, louder Pokemon calls and cries could be heard from within the Mystery Dungeon. The majority sounded like one-word commands, while others were intelligible chatter among a clattanoia of cries. Then the group finally saw one, a Pokemon that inhabited the Brist Highlands. There was a little Cubchoo that stumbled out of a den that spotted the group. 

"Alright now watch carefully before we act now everyone," Linus said. 

"Huh, woah!" the Cubchoo cried, eyes wide and scampered away, back into their little den.

The Rescue Team continued down a long winding pathway. Jin grumbled to himself as they walked down the narrow wedge of the mountain. "That was underwhelming,  you all said that we have to have the utmost care around these Pokemon?" 

Linus laughed before rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry about that, how bout next time you make the first move Jin?"

"That sounds splendid!" the Zorua cheered. 

Behind them, Nevada sighed. "It's our first time dealing with ferals inside an unbalanced Mystery Dungeon," the Charmander said. "We have to be aware of their new conditions, it's not a game."

“Let’s see.” Glade pulled out the Team’s adventure manual. "Well, ferals either hideaway more often or are extremely aggressive."

"What?" Jin questioned.

The Totodile closed the book and put it away. "Here's that encounter you wanted!"

On the other side of the room in front of the four travelers was a pair of Mankey and a Sentret. The fighting-types brushed some snow out of each other's fur. Not too long the normal-type noticed the Team and let out a loud warning cry. Both Mankey banged their chests and dashed towards the Zorua.

"I won't let you down, companions!" Jin used Bitter Malice on the bigger Mankey, as his large ghostly energy crashed into the Pokemon.

The Mankey stumbled backward and smirked before they Furiously Swiped at the Charmander in front of them. 

Linus hit the other Mankey with Quick Attack, while Glade swung her palm out and knocked the back the Sentret with Brick Break.

The larger Mankey jumped forward and swept out a Low Kick at the Totodile to their side, and knocked her slightly off balance. The Sentret fired out a Swift at Linus, the white and yellow stars homing in on the Treecko and crashing into him.

Beside them, the smaller Mankey slapped Jin on the muzzle with their palm, the Assurance shoving the Zorua over. But before the Dungeon Pokemon could see his full form Linus and his Team knocked them each out.

After they scuffled with the three ferals Team Sharp Claw and their Zorua companion finally entered the room they were looking for.

"Oh, here the Warp Wands are!" Linus pointed at some pieces of wood in the middle of the floor. They were bundles of sticks with curved ends wrapped in a mesh blue bag. "These belong to Mareep."

"Alright! Let's find the stairs!" Nevada cheered.

Jin decided to take care and lead Team Sharp into another room where they found a set of twisting walkways. "I am afraid I am not sure which route to pick," the pale Zorua admitted. 

"It's okay if it doesn't lead anywhere important, it just matters that you picked it," Glade said.

"Very well then." Jin sniffed the ground for a moment before he lead the group into another walkway.

Linus smirked. Trying to steal my thunder eh Glade? He thought as the group wandered into another room. In this open stretch of mountain, Jin spotted the stairs. 

Team Sharp Claw followed the Zorua up the steps and they finally found another one of their requests. Catch two Wicked Blow thieves and retrieve their stolen goods.

In front of the entrance to the third floor, there were two Pokemon, a Blitzle and a fairy Ponyta. Team Sharp Claw stood in their tracks and checked over their request papers. 

"Just fricking great," Glade mumbled, clenching her fists and trembling. "I just had to run into hostile electric-types again."

"Ah, you have an elemental weakness against them, but it should not be too troublesome with our companions," Jin said, as his ears folded down.

The Totodile took in a deep breath. "My family was targeted! You don't understand my hatred of our weakness, my weakness-" 

"Calm down," Linus commanded. "Focus on what's important here."

As paper rustled Nevada growled, the flame on their tail brightening. "Those two are known criminals of Wicked Blow, besides stealing they are known for all types of killing; including young children and crushing eggs."

The Ponyta and Blitzle had black and white striped kerchiefs on their necks, with two black and white marks. Unmistakable signs of their allegiance to Wicked Blow. The two gang members held some bags of treasure, their bodies partially hidden behind a wall.

"We have the upper claw, let's put offensive items to use." the Treecko rummaged through the bag. "Here Nevada," Linus handed the Charmander a Special Attack Band and a Violent Seed."

"Stand back." Nevada patted Jin as they placed the cloth over their head and swallowed the seed. "We can't have them see you."

The Zorua nodded and slunk to the ground. "Understood."

Without warning, Linus tossed an Energy Ball at the Blitzle while Nevada fired out a Flamethrower towards the Ponyta. The two Wicked Blow members looked up as the moves hurdled in their direction, surprise and fear etched onto their faces. As the giant grassy ball and fierce flames blasted against the Blitzle and Ponyta they collasped in a heap, fainted.

After they sent the Wicked Blow members back to town with the power of their Rescue Team badges, the group made their way through the rest of the Dungeon floor. They kept the secured items in a separate compartment of their bag and eventually found the stairs to the next level.

On the third floor, Jin and Team Sharp Claw searched for a Cutiefly from town who got lost after being sent inside as a dare. They ran into more and more ferals, some fleed immediately, while others became aggressive. When the group made it to the fourth floor they were ambushed by some weak Wicked Blow grunts, ones who had participated in illegal trade and theft and thought they could just rob any explorer they came across. 

Then they quickly found the stairs to the next floor. The group decided to rest at the entrance once they decided the coast was clear. Team Sharp and Jin exited the room, they felt a sharp chill around the bend. They entered what appeared to be an oddly pitch-black room.

"What in the world is going on here?" the Totodile groaned. "This could be the room where the last item is and it's dark."

Nevada patted the sash on their shoulder. "Don't worry, I can use Heat Wave and warm this place up-"

"No, that could be a Blast Seed trap or something, we have to be careful," the Treecko stopped them.

"What should we do then?" Glade asked. "Mystery Dungeons aren’t normally this dark!"

"Perhaps you could fashion up a torch so we can see what is directly ahead of us?" Jin suggested, rubbing his head against Nevada’s side.

“Sure,” the Charmander replied and took in a deep breath.

Linus took out a throwing stick and used it as a makeshift torch with Nevada’s help. There was the sound of rocks crumbling as heavy materials or Pokemon shifted in the corners of the room.

Glade grabbed a few more branches out of the bag and held it close to the Charmander beside her. “Just in case ya know?” the Totodile reasoned.

"My companions, I need you to stay alert," the Zorua said once the group finally ventured further into the room. "I'm sensing two Keeper presences."

“You know what to do.” the Treecko quickened his pace.

"Got it." Nevada moved in tandem with their teammates to shield the ward. "We're not clear yet."

In the near absolute darkness a giant shard of ice barreled straight at Linus, Nevada jumped forward and blocked it with Metal Claw. It shattered instantly. Two shards then aimed at the Charmander and Glade broke each of them.

"Wow!” A voice called out as the dashing of footsteps and flapping of wings filled the room. “Bravo little Sentinels!”

Shoot, how did they know we were here?! Linus’s thoughts spun around in his head as he tried to make sense of the situation.

"There is a Keeper among these Pokemon!” an icy voice of the foreigners called out.

“I am truly sorry my companions, I do not know how to turn my mana presence any lower! I am not aware of one either!” Jin yelped.

“This ain't your fight.” the Treecko clenched his fist. “Whoever these fellas are, we'll deal with it!”

The icy voice called out again. “We know you are from the Bristberg Mana Research League, but do not worry, we have worked with one of your Rescue Teams before!”

"It’s why we’re here!” the more gruff voice yelled. “You will engage in combat with us and we will see who is the strongest!”

“What?” Team Sharp Claw asked. 

Before the four knew it, a large green plant flew toward Glade. Linus pressed an Energy Ball against the stalk and knocked it down, just for it to swing back. When it hit him, the force knocked him this body away.

“Linus!” the Zorua cried out.

The Treecko was tossed aside, unconscious, leaving the torch behind.

Nevada and Glade changed positions, and lit up another torch as soon as their teammate went down. "Stay back! Just who are you!?" the two yelled as a figure got closer.

“Why should I tell ya?” one of the voices replied. “That’ll ruin the surprise! We slipped away from our Boss to see you guys after all!”

Dumbfounded, the Charmander's and the Totodile's jaws went slack. “We don't have time to play these games!" they snarled. "Tell us right now!”

“This isn't a game to us,” the other voice said. “After all, we captured four members of Wicked Blow just to ensure they would not get in our way for this very moment."

On the wall near the entrance, Linus finally opened his eyes, one of the Reviver Seeds in his stomach pouch emitted a light green smog. His teammates and his client were standing in the dark talking to two mysterious Pokemon, ones who had taken on Wicked Blow just as they did. 

“W-what in the voidlands is going on!?” the Treecko gasped as he tried to recover from his injury. He got up on his feet and blasted out a Dragon Breath toward the enemies. “Glade, Operation:Strike!”

The Totodile grabbed a Defense Scarf and chucked it at Linus. “Alright!” she yelled, and rushed forward. "We'll engage the enemy!”

Even in the darkness of the room, Linus’s attack made its mark, the blue draconic mist crashed into one of the Pokemon. The light from the Dragon Breath revealed the silhouette of both of the figures for a moment, one small bird and one tall bird.

There was another flapping of wings before there was a loud thunk. Small green and yellow lights began to illuminate different pockets of the cave in small sections as another chill blasted through the area. The two enemies were a fighting Farfetch’d and an Eiscue, both with dark grey markings on the feathers of their head and upper body.

"Very well, let us begin,” the Eiscue said as she recovered from Linus’s Dragon Breath, the light showed her as she stood back.

“It is not right to fight an opponent and not know their name, you know,” Jin spoke up.

The Farfetch'd slammed the base of his stalk against the floor. "'Cha right about that!” he shook his head, the odd grey feathers on it bounced in the wind.

“That doesn’t matter! Watch out!” Nevada stopped their partner before the enemy Pokemon waved around his weapon.

In the Charmander’s firm grip Glade sighed. “Very well then. We are Team Sharp Claw of the Bristberg Mana Research League, Linus, Nevada, and Glade are our names.”

“The name's Kenji," the Farfetch’d chirped. Before he lifted the huge leak had dragged along the floor. The Farfetch'd wore a plaid scarf around his neck, the colors were green, black, and gold.

"Plaid scarves? Three colors! League-Bound?" Nevada gasped. "You guys are affiliated with a certain group?!"

Glade crossed her arms. “Who wears those?”

"Answer our questions damnit! What organization do you work for?" Linus demanded as he steadied himself from the attack.

"I'm Kenji, I roll with the Black Clover Mercs!” the Farfetch’d explained before he rushed forward.

“And I am Algoa,” the Esicue shouted from across the room. "Also of the Black Clover Mercenary Group.”

“These Pokemon work with some of the fellows you would have hired?” Jin questioned.

Linus shrugged his shoulders. “I can't believe it, the guys that are attacking us are Keeper mercenaries!”

“If you are not our enemies and we are not trespassing on your land why do you wish to cause a commotion with a battle?” the Zorua asked.

The Eiscue was the first to speak. “To test out one of my hypotheses from another encounter we had.”

"I wanted to see if the rumors were true." The Farfetch’d pointed his huge stalk at the three.

"W-what rumors?" the League members asked.

Kenji laughed, and thrusted his blade at the pale-Zorua in between the Charmander and the Totodile. "That the Bristberg League is hardcore!"

Jin panicked as he saw the hefty shalk aimed straight at his head before Nevada placed their body in between it.

"Leave him out of it!" Linus shouted as he scampered upright and crashed into the Farfetch'd.

"Oh, I see." Kenji was crushed against the floor for a moment before he shoved the Treecko away. "Let's go!"

"You wanna see if it's true huh!?" Glade blocked his next attack and stood beside Jin.

The Zorua curled into a ball underneath his cloak.

A long kunai-shaped-blade of ice struck the Totodile in the chest.

"Are you sure about that?" Algoa said before another Icicle Spear stabbed her foe in the shoulder. 

When the last blade pierced her scales Glade cried out. She fell to the floor, and yanked out the sharp ice in her wounds. “Why don’t you come over here and fight me face to face?” SHe growled, teeth shining.

“As you will,” the Eiscue answered, and waddled forward. “I do warn you, I was trying to make this a fair fight, and only use my ranged attack.”

“Well, I don’t care!” Linus tossed an Energy Ball at Algoa. "You two need to get out of our way, we League members have important business to deal with!"

The Totodile shot out a Water Gun in the dark and soon heard a squawk of pain.

"What is going on?" the questioned Treecko as the lights danced and looked to his left and right.

The Farfetch’d then aimed his stalk at the Charmander and did a broad swipe, “Just a friendly competition!” This attack slammed directly into Nevada and sent them into the air for a moment. When the Charmander collided with the ground they only barely managed to roll to the side to dodge the Farfetch’d’s Night Slash.

“Why are you doing this in the middle of a Mystery Dungeon!?” Linus struck Kenji with a Quick Attack and darted back near Jin.

The Farfetch’d dusted his feathers off and swung his stalk in a circle.“We Black Clovers are having a friendly little test of strength!” he shouted.

Linus dodged the attack while Nevada launched out a Flamethrower and neutralized it, partially leaving Kenji wide open. The Treecko used this moment to fire out a Dragon Breath at the Farfetch’d. “That doesn’t answer my question ya bloodthirsty freak!”

The blue flames were once again partially blocked by Kenji’s stalk, some of the draconic energy scorching his feathers. He swung his blade again cackling all the while. “Oh come on now, it’s just a competition!” the Farfetch’d laughed. “Just like going out to the batting cage and doing the thousand pitches of death!”

“What are you babbling on about! You can’t call this a competition!”

“But we heard you League folk were tough as nails!” Kenji thrust his blade at the Charmander with Night Slash. The blow soared just over her shoulder and into the air. “Ain’t it true!?”

"Who said that we were?" Nevada questioned as they charged up their Solar Beam, a spiral of green energy forming on their belly.

“That’s right!” the Farfetch’d yelled as Linus moved towards his teammate. “Give me more! More!”

Meanwhile, the Eiscue slid towards Glade on a ramp of ice and water, crashing into her with a mighty Headbutt.

The Totodile shot back a Water Gun before Algoa summoned a vertex of water and Dove into the earth.

"I needed to test your merit as well," Algoa's icy-voice called out. Once the Eiscue reemerged from the rapid current she flew into the air at Glade. "If we clash five hundred times, who will be the victor!?" Algoa yelled.

Soon she collided with Glade and the impact sent the Totodile backward into the air. Which left the Zorua exposed. The Eiscue nearly dove at him

“Don’t you dare touch him!” Standing back up, Glade lunged forward and struck Algoa with Brick Break. “It’s me you want, not him!”

The Eiscue stood unmoving as her ice face slid clean in half. “I understand, he’s not with you,” she said. Algoa smirked before stepping away. “He flies the flag of those Pokemon.”

“What could you know?” the Totodile snarled, and moved in front of the Zorua.

Every second Jin still trembled under his hood.

With her true face revealed, the Eiscue created her Icicle Spears. Algoa rushed forward, and pelted the Totodile with numerous ice blades. “Are you surprised?”

Glade coughed after each dagger-like ice stabbed into her scales. “How are you so strong?” she mumbled, staggering upright and closing her eyes. The Totodile ran forward, jumping towards the Eiscue and slammed her massive jaw on one of her flippers. The dark-type energy of Crunch swam down the side of her body even as Glade still clamped down.

Unamused, Algoa looked down as rocks formed around her upper body. “Months of training and dedication, that is all,” the Eiscue answered before she managed to land a Head Smash on Glade. The extremely powerful attack threw the Totodile right into Linus.

The Treecko caught his fainted teammate and crashed onto the floor due to her momentum. He watched in horror as the moments passed, his opponent rummaging through the pouch on her side.

The Eiscue took out a small yellow seed and tossed it at the Totodile. It revived her on contact. Algoa slid across the mountainside and stood in front of them. Now all three were right by Kenji and Nevada.

“Stand up and fight,” the Eiscue demanded, pointing an Icicle Spear at Linus and Glade.

“What?” the Treecko furrowed his brow.

Algoa stared down at the two and sighed. “I request that you get up and strike me with your full power. Only then will I feel satisfied.”

“Why are you toying with us like this?”

“That was not my intention.” the Eiscue, dropped her spear and folded her flippers. “We are challenging you because we've worked with your League before.”

“Don’t you have better things to do?”

“I revived you to continue the test, nothing more, nothing less. I hope you understand it’s no hard feelings.”

Just as this happened Nevada took a nasty Aerial Ace to the face. “Don’t make me burn you,” they staggered back to their feet, wiping blood from their nose

"You're a Charmander, of course I want to see that!" Kenji shouted as he sped up his attacks. “Ever since I saw you on T.V I knew I had to feel how strong you were in real combat!”

What does that even mean!? Nevada’s tail flame began to flare out as they countered the mercenary with Solar Beam. "Q-quit it!" The Charmander demanded as Kenji slid back from the powerful blow. “Cut it out!”

"You don’t understand!” the Farfetch’d cackled, coughing and using his leek to stand up. “We have to clash, I have to fight you guys!”

“I said we ain’t got time for this!” Linus got up and chased Algoa.

"Oh so iconic, the Treecko is so no-nonsense!" the Eiscue squawked. "So incredible! It's just like the first Gym Challenge I saw!"

“What are you going on about!?” Glade growled trying and failing to push back against the ice-type.

“This is the only logical conclusion, Team Sharp Claw!” Algoa said, stepping back and forming more Icicle Spears.

Kenji brandished his stalk. “Bend to our will or accept your fate!”

"That ain't gonna happen ya idiots!” a voice echoed throughout the room just before there was a bellowing of wind and gust that filled the area.

There was a rumbling that shook the entire cavern floor, startling all six of the Pokemon. When it finished there was a tall black and white Pokemon that crashed into Kenji and Algoa. Team Sharp Claw and Jin took this moment to run back towards the nearest exit. “Hey League kiddos don’t leave just yet,” the Pokemon the mercs laid beside called out. “I’ve got a message for ya's.”

Clouds flew sporadically in the air but the figure spoke up again. “As you can see I’m here to pick up these two knuckleheads!” she started. “I’d let them continue their practice but we Black Clovers got some real shit to deal with in Tapu Plains!”

Dark plumes of dust and debris that swirled around the mercenary duo parted and allowed the Rescue Team to see who this Pokemon was. She was an Obstagoon, one wearing a cape and backpack, holding some sort of orb. “We’re going against some fucking Bounty Hunters working with Wicked Blow this time!” The Obstagoon’s large plaid cape blew in the new sudden breeze of frigid air. This fabric had the same colors and pattern as the scarves the Eiscue and the Farfetch’d below her wore.

The blinding wind died down and all was calm for a moment, then the mercenary boss crushed an Escape Orb between her paws, the black orb had a glowing blue center. "See y’all later, and watch yourselves League children!” Soon the three of them disappeared in a flash of light, leaving the Mystery Dungeon and their new rivals behind.

“Well that was certainly a sight to behold,” Jin said as he and Team Sharp Claw hiked around the other paths of the mountain in their desperate search for the stairs. They scoured the floor non-stop for about half an hour, the looping maze of rooms blending together in the worn-down minds of the Rescue Team members.

All the while the Zorua tried to keep his head up the best he could. “N-now that we have finished the requests from towns Pokemon-” Jin paused to catch his breath. “What are we to partake in next?”

“We’re gonna get out of here,” Nevada sighed. “Well if we can just find those darn stairs.”

Glade clicked her teeth as they found themselves at another dead end. “Don’t worry pal. We are going to restore the balance of pressure inside this Mystery Dungeon for Keepers like you and all the ferals living here,” the Totodile replied before she heard something fall onto the floor. 

The Zorua fainted.

“Jin!” Linus screamed involuntarily when he saw the younger Pokemon crash down in exhaustion. “No! Stay with me!”

The Charmander beside the Treecko grabbed his shoulder and held their claw out. “Deep breaths Linus, Jin is going to be okay."

“But I thought everything was okay and didn’t check on him enough! I failed in my duty!”

Glade dropped the team bag and started digging through its depths for an Apple through all their other items. “No, you didn’t. He probably just needs some food and more rest, for right now what we have in the bag should do just fine.”

The Treecko couldn’t stop the tears from running down his face. “But how could I have been so careless again!? I forgot that he’s a Keeper, his body is more delicate than ours! I should have been paying attention to all the signs! She would be so disappointed in me!”

The Zorua was tired, his trot had him lagging behind the slow pace of his friends. As much as he tried to downplay it or skirt around the issue Jin could not handle the Mystery Dungeon’s drain on his stamina, with his hunger setting in and the discomfort he faced from the mana pressure. He had silently growled in exasperation whenever the group had to fight off ferals and panted nonstop after their second encounter with Wicked Blow, on the fifth floor.

Slowly the ghostly Zorua came to, stirring as he opened his eyes and crawled off the floor. “Hello my companions,” he softly smiled before coughing a bit. “If I may, why are you all so gloomy and dreary upon my awakening?”

“Oh, Mew, I’m so sorry Jin.” Linus embraced him with a sniffle, before pulling up his jacket. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry as well,” Nevada held onto their tail. “I didn’t think this could happen but I was so narrow-minded.”

Glade picked up the Zorua and sighed, nuzzling her snout into his head. “To make up for having you faint on your first dungeon run I’ll carry you the rest of the way!”

"That is fine with me my friend!" Jin yapped, his tail wagging.

Team Sharp Claw finally made their way to the stairs and entered the last and final floor. Upon making it up the steps the group continued onward. They entered a long empty hallway and started to race towards the other side, which looked like a small room. The Totodile didn't slow down even as she carried Jin. She slipped and tumbled into  a wall adjacent to another walkway.

"Hey!" Linus called out. "Watch it, ya've got precious cargo aboard!"

Glade got up and stamped her foot. "Sorry, I just swore there was something there."

"Maybe there is," the Charmander behind them said as they stared at the wall.

A strange dent formed in the mountainside.The slab of rock disappeared and revealed a dimly lit passage. There was light peering from the ceiling, which stretched high into the sky.

"This must be what Coordinator Cooper was mentionin'," Linus said as he headed deeper into the tunnel.

At the very end of the walkway was a large stone pavilion in the room with a large circular object in the middle. Four torches of golden light illuminated the pedestal where the wheel rested. The large stone steering wheel had eight handles, each with a dimmed gem inside and a faint glow emitting from the barrel, where the spokes sat through.

"Alright let's turn this wheel and fix the pressure!" Glade placed her claws on the device and a ray of energy from the barrel bounced a light around the room. 

Linus and Nevada also placed their claws on the wheel and helped her turn the stone clockwise. The light grew brighter and brighter as each handle moved around the room.

Once the wheel could go no further all the gems on the handles began to twinkle as chimes and a bell played from behind the wall. Team Sharp Claw restored the balance of pressure inside Brist Highland Mystery Dungeon.

Chapter Text

Chapter 12 Sparks of the Forge Part 1

Third Person POV

Back off the Grass-Continent in the Terrestrial Hemisphere, the Sentinels Union Leaders were hard at work. Trying to facilitate Pokemon Resources to aid in the Rehabilitation, or the Disruption Recovery project.

"It is time again," Cresselia spoke up.

"Really now?" Darkrai asked, and wavered into the room.

"The Mjolnir has been separated for quite a while now," Cresselia explained. “The Dawn Stone has been together for about a week, and it has only been one week since the foolish decree of that so-called Committee of Keepers.”

"Trying to hide away the chessboard after disposal of some pieces huh, Queen and Rook? The rest too, the five of those lot know there are plenty of younger Pokemon who researched these war campaigns in and out, don't they?" Darkrai questioned. "Actually, isn't the group named the League Committee?"

"I don't care," Cresselia said, their eyes narrowed. "Those fools made them interchangeable at this point."

Darkrai rubbed their chin in thought. "When will our Sentinels tell their fellow justice striving Keepers, the ones in competent Leagues at least, to get their act together and stop them? Our dear Lady!"

"I'm not entirely sure, I know Lord Mew and the two Shamin are currently indifferent."

"Can't they hear all these prayers just like the rest of us?"

"Well, Lady Mewtwo, Lady Lugia, Zeraora, and Zarude to name a few on the Constellation Continent seem to care about the whereabouts and deeds of the powers at bay," the Cresselia sighed.

"Ah yes, Wicked Blow's Gardevior, and Honchkrow… Those faux heads are not unlike an unruly Hydreigon," Darkrai grumbled. "Hidden beneath the draconic shadows of the night."

Their sibling gave them a concerned look before gesturing towards the Mist Continent on the map.

"Ah wait, the Voice of Hope…" the Darkrai fumbled. "I need new metaphors."

Cresselia stamped their wings against a table. "Ones under our oath should strike them all down when they have the chance."

"Back to the Mjolnir… I feel we need a more pretentious name for their satellite pair. Nevertheless, there are Fangs of the Fallen in Bristberg and other Sentinels that are destined to assist in the balance as well," Darkrai picked up one of the sheets from the stack. "Everything according to her will… in due time."

"Yes, Our Lady in Galaxies above, Arceus. Her will shall steer their paths. They don't need our guidance," Cresselia waved one of their big arms. "Those Pokemon will be right where they belong."

"Understood," Darkrai phased back into the next room. "Make sure those under us get information flowing to our new Keepers, little breadcrumbs of inspiration."

"One the average calls 'Master' shall do our will, with whatever method seems fit," Cresselia chuckled softly. "They know not to cross certain boundaries of ours, they aren't rash."

A few hours later, somewhere deep in the human world, in the Unova Region, someone would gain hope. Someone in dire need of a change of pace could have a push in the right direction. All they needed was to go somewhere, a place where they had a purpose. They just didn’t know it yet.

Down by the Ocean, and the bay, in a densely populated woodland. In this massive reach of the forest, there is a wonderful nature trail with a view of a mighty river. The closest major city to the town was Virbank, in the Southwest of Unova. This city was home to the loud and chaotic Virbank Gym. 

People would travel hours from the reaches of the city to get away from the cloudy and smoky atmosphere. Others lived in neighborhoods close to these woods. One of these people needed a spark of change in their life. 

At the top of a hill, there was a rustic old stone platform where a person was standing alone. The person was a built young adult with reddish tan skin and jet black hair. It was a chilly day, so the person was sporting a dark grey jacket with bright yellow stripes. They had on light grey shorts, and black calf-length socks, with grey-yellow shoes. 

This person gazed absent-mindedly at the landscape and sighed. "I miss Bel," they lamented. 

There was another pavilion in view at the platform. One with a small number of people standing around inside, surrounding a large bulletin board. "Interesting," the person said as they stretched. "Might as well check it out." 

Then they carefully climbed down from the platform and made it back into the forest. The person followed the little markers along the grass and made it back towards a trail with a diverging pathway. "I miss the others too," they murmured to themself, pushing away a stray tree limb. "What am I gonna do?"

Nothing hid in the bushes or underneath any rocks. Surprise encounters just couldn't happen, not Pokemon ones anyway. There were no wild Pokemon that lived in this area as they didn't favor an odd pressure that occasionally washed over the land.

The sound of a weather bell echoed throughout the forest and surrounding trail, signaling the approach of foul weather.

"That Skitty," the person gripped at their shirt sleeve. "I want to search for him. I will go out to the nearby Route and out of town by myself to do that. No matter how long it takes, I will find him."

Soon the person placed a hand on their forehead. The inside of their head throbbed with fury. "The others too, those three need me just as much. I won't ever forget the times we had."

They stamped the first step of the stairs. "But I can't, I'm no longer a Pokemon Trainer."

If only Professor Juniper gave me a starter Pokemon on that day, maybe my life would be different. The young person thought as they saw some other adolescents and adults standing around the pavilion, various types of Pokeballs readied on their bodies.

As the person neared the top of the steps the bulletin board became closer and closer. Maybe I have a chance that she'll let me borrow one to go look for the rest of my Pokemon? They pondered, reaching the flat top. “Get it together Rosario!”

"I could find them and try again," Rosario whispered, walking past some other people. "I can go at it again! I'll surely get further in the gym challenge!"

Once in front of the sign, they leaned down to read the fine print. “Wait, they’re having a contest here? It is one specifically for Trainers who have less than five badges?” Rosario took a step back, and quickly glanced at the other people there.

Some of them, ones with higher-level Pokemon and Pokeballs scoffed and laughed at the sign, clearly, they were over-qualified and thus unable to compete. "I guess the rookies need a little motivation huh?" one teen noted with a sigh. "Sounds kinda boring but eh, whatever."

“The top ten trainers will win a trip to Sinnoh along with a 100,000 poke prize?!” the downtrodden person gasped, and ran down the steps.

Next to Rosario, a slightly younger teen waved. "I'm wishing good luck to everyone competing!" the girl called out once she had their attention. 

"Oh uh, thanks," Rosario shivered.

"Heh, but remember you've gotta get past me!" the girl grinned at them, before walking away.

The group's footfalls pounded down the rest of the trail path as the weather bell continued to toll. “It’s not completely over yet!" Rosario mused to themself as they hurried. "There’s one option I haven’t looked into yet!” 

Other people quickly traveled down back towards shelter as the wind picked up. "We've all got to get out of here!" one Trainer panicked.

"It's gonna freaking pour dude!" Another one yelled.

A flurry of Trainers dashed past the group. "We can't get our hair and new clothes wet!”

Rosario sighed in anticipation and took out the Pokedex in their pocket. It was slightly dusty but it would get the job done. "Hello?" Their voice rang out, a twinge of hesitation in it. No response but the sound of a dull drone.

Every descending step Rosario took off the ground, the cold air circled the bend. "Please pick up Professor!" they pleaded, holding their silver Pokedex.

"Damnit!" Rosario flipped close their Pokedex. "Maybe the service is bad out here because of the weather!"

Before raindrops fell Rosario made it back to their home in the woodland. Inside the log cabin, they were able to catch their breath. No one would be coming home for several hours, no one else had a Pokedex with the Professor's contact info. Rosario thought as they traveled all the way to their bedroom.

Once they got into the room, their feet felt unusually warm. Rosario looked down and noticed a faint light coming from their ankles. "Huh, what's this?"

The light started to overtake different parts of their body, causing them to look around frantically. Soon Rosario threw off their jacket and took a glance under their shirt to find out that their skin had the source.

"What, why is this happening?" they asked. But the light continued to cover their entire body. "Okay, what in the world is going on?!"

Then as soon as the overwhelming shine became a ray that blinded Rosario something called out to them. A voice from all around their surroundings. "Do not be afraid, my child, we have found a purpose for you in another world," a mysterious force sparkled in the air, filling the silence. "The transformation will only take a minute, then you will end up where you need to be."

Rosario wanted to shake their head and cry out but they found out that their throat felt like it was clamped shut. What in the distortion world is going on? They started to think. My purpose or some nonsense, what type of role would I have somewhere else?! How could this happen to me! Why?! I need to be here! This can’t happen to me!

"You will make a promise to those in need, each time without fail you will keep it. I will check in with you later on my child," the foreign voice tried to make it clear before they tapered off.

Wait! Bel and the others need me! Rosario thought. I can't go! I have to save them! If I can't find those four Pokemon then… Then my life has no meaning! Please don't take me away from them again! I'm sorry! I'm sorry. The worried thoughts flooded their mind.

When the whole ordeal had come to an end all that remained was smoke. Rosario had been taken from this world and was whisked away into one they weren't quite familiar with.

All the while their Pokedex rang. The silhouette of Professor Juniper glowed bright on the screen

Chapter Text

Chapter 13 Sparks of the Forge Part 2

Rosario's POV

I can't believe it. My last chance. It was stripped away. I just could have become a Pokemon Trainer again. Shoot… Man what am I saying. Did I even have a chance?


When I find however did this to me, I swear- Wait they said this is where I’m needed… I’m needed by someone, even if it isn’t those four… They’d want me to help them, no matter what.

Oh well, that's not important anymore. Just like… Wait what's going on? Something extreme is being barreled into me. Damn, it felt like a bolt of lightning struck me! This was unbearable!

Woah. Something strange ran haywire throughout my nerves. Now it's so sensitive and tingly. Agh! The pressure is gonna drive me to the brink of insanity! It’s too much!What in Kyreum's Ice is this? My limbs ached, felt tense, and were sore simultaneously. All the muscles and tendons in my body acted like they are being squeezed and compressed tight enough to shrink.

The pain came to a stop and my body relaxed during these moments of relief. But why did this happen? My nose feels strange as it takes in some smells and scents. It’s easy to tell I wasn't in my home anymore. For one, it’s not raining, and the air doesn’t hint that it has recently. I can’t smell rain. Nor the sea. Not anymore.

My whole body tensed as it was a locked spring. The skin on my face burned, then the sensation spread down to my chest, and soon all my torso ignited in irritation. It painfully pulsed its way through my shoulders. Then forearms, and hands. Finally, the bursts of agony traveled in my abdomen, it violently flared up down at my groin. Then settled down whilst the jolts maneuvered through my thighs and legs.

The pangs I had bravely endeavored ended. After it all, I felt soft and fluffy. Like my neighbor’s Pokemon. But why would my skin be covered in enough hair to be like fur? What is going on?

Hmm. I finally opened my eyes to see a strange smoke floating above me. Thankfully the thick fumes lifted with every passing moment. My surroundings were a forest. Like where I was earlier, how fitting. I was laying on my stomach, which felt different. Where am I?

In an area of dark orange earth. Underneath the shade of some strange trees. Once again I felt weird like my knees were hugging my chest. As if they were placed somewhere else. Strange. My heart rate soared. Keep it together Rosario, everything will be okay. "Okay, I should probably get off the floor," I reminded myself out loud in a somewhat different voice, it was much deeper than normal. My mouth and nose felt strange and felt odd as if they were farther away than normal. I ran my tongue around my teeth. They are all thin. Like I had way fewer molars and smaller canines.

Eh, whatever. I probably just need to drink some water. I glanced down to see two vibrant, plush yellow objects in front of me. Are these pillows or something? To get off the ground and take a better look at them I moved my arms. 

Kyurem's Gale? "These things are attached to me, what am I?!" All sorts of thoughts flashed into my mind when I stood up, then I felt a tang. It feels like my foot was standing on my back. Do I, do I have a tail? “What the?”

I looked down to see my foot, which is now a three-toed foot, no, a paw on top of a large rectangle of another limb. Is it coming from between my legs?  "Oh," I gasp. "That's different," I placed my hands, no wait, my paws through my fur, and feel something very interesting. It wasn't my tail. I tried to reach further before I realized something else.

My tail, or whatever was much longer than this. I can't grab it from here. It was not in sight. I kinda wanted to know what it looked like, it wasn't all be a thick square. So I leaned back and got a glance at my whole body. 

After I tried and failed to gain my balance I fell over onto my back. Two long yellow things with black tips loomed over into the top of my vision and so I looked down. They seemed familiar..."What am I?"

Yellow body, fur, new teeth, new knees, three-toes, rectangle tail thing, black-tipped things. "Wait, this is!"

“So I'm a freaking Pikachu in this world?" I sighed once I finally managed to pull my tail into view. A tail. Is in my hands. No, my paws. This tail was a Pikachu’s. My tail. I was a Pikachu.

“Why!? Am I a Pokemon!?" something on my face twitched. Whiskers? "Yep, I knew it. I’ve lost my mind," I groaned aloud, as I dropped my tail. 

It swept across the grass and rose. “Wait a damn moment,” I reached around to grab my tail and study it. It was thin and firm. My paws traveled towards the base and then all the way to the top. It’s so cool! Anyway, this long jagged appendage didn't have the default shapes on the end.

It was a half-circle on one half with a flat slant on the other half. It wasn't completely heart or flat so I wasn't about to complain. Didn't know that was an option. Sweet. 

"I hope Pokemon aren't gonna be annoying or whatever when I tell them I'm non-binary," I said, feeling my ears twitch. "These guys aren't too much like humans, are they?" I patted all across my body, ran my paws through every part. 

I had an unfamiliar body with parts that'll take time to get used to. But they are ones I'm finally okay with. "Maybe I can feel the way I want and be treated how I want in this body," I might as well start walking if I want to be treated by anyone, no one was here.

My new front and rear legs, er, paws were hard to coordinate even when walking slowly, so I walked on my hind legs alone.

Augh, man, what a pain. I had a much smaller stride than what I’m used to, but I think I can end up with a faster gait if I tried four legs… Ugh, so difficult. Since there isn't anywhere else to go I decided to head further on this dirt pathway.  "Oh?" I was surprised at my paw pads’ durability. It didn’t feel too strange when I touched the ground. 

The rich chalky soil I walked through was soon replaced with thick grass. The blades became taller and taller until they appeared to be stalks of some sort, so naturally, I lifted my head. When I did so I was able to see where my journey was taking me.

"So this leads to a hilltop with a gentle slope, that lets me get a nice view of where I am," I marveled at the fantastic change in landscape. There was a large reach of stones and rises that stretch far into breathtaking massive sets of brownish-orange mountains. They weren't particularly tall but still amazing.

I stopped. There was something odd. Like a powerful force that pulled at my core.

It urged me to venture up into those low rocky hills. Something that tasted like tea from Kanto, had an odd feeling of melancholy. Wait, why did I taste it? 

I really don't have many options to head towards, unfortunately. My tail flicked to the side when a strong breeze passed by, reminding me of my condition. My new condition is a Pikachu. 

"Since I transformed into a Pokemon, maybe a Trainer will find me. That sucks, I hope I… Don't end up with someone like me."

Being a small little Pokemon is not gonna help me become a better Pokemon trainer… But maybe, just maybe it could help with something. "Maybe I don't need to hide behind the name Rosario… Maybe I can be Haru like how I am online… Eh, it needs more Pokemon ring to it… Haru… Voltaru! That can work." Eh maybe not.

Begrudgingly, I took a peek back at the sandy forest. It was full of thick endless trees, high dips, and drops. I can't find an easy way through that one. 

This seemed like a fairly decent place to start looking for shelter, food, and or a friendly Pokemon. I began my search, heading deeper into the mountainside.

"This is the life those three must have had before me," I mused passing by the base of the mountain. "Bel was hatched in my home so he didn't."

I continued before I noticed a green feather on the ground. Unintentionally I found myself approaching it. My nose buried into the feather and a jolt course through my body.

A herbal scent washed inside my head. I needed to find the Pokemon! They could help me figure out where I am. But more importantly, I needed closure. Why am I here?

"Could it be?" I gasped. "Are they here too?" 

Chapter Text

Chapter 14 What Do Psychic Cats Dream Of?

Kobi Espurr's POV

"Don't tell just any random Pokemon you used to be a human or a Pokemon Trainer," I told Makkuro yesterday.

I remembered the look in his eyes. Confusion. "Sure," the Rockruff replied. "I won't."

I normally didn't use my powers to pry into others' minds, it's given me nightmares too many countless times. But when he answered, I had to know the truth.

Real emotion.

Makkuro said that, but they didn't understand. I read it myself. This Rockruff didn't know what happens when you mess up. I mean, how could they? I've told the wrong Pokemon. I just don't want him to make the same mistake as me.

I mean you got lucky and tell your best friend and his family, so why can't you tell his cousins? They are your other friends, right? They'll understand, right?

I was wrong.

“You’re a damn Monster!”

“It’s your kind’s fault our family suffered! Monsters like you don’t belong in this village!”

"You're worse than a feral, you're not worth being called a Pokemon you Monster!"

I heard it clear as day. I mean I was a Pocket Monster now, an Espurr. Espurr had terrifying psychic powers that had to be restrained at all times to avoid catastrophe. But that wasn’t the reason I was called a Monster. It was for who I was before, a Pokemon Trainer.

I was a great Trainer. So why? Why couldn't I get a chance to finally start my research into Pokemon Powers? I made it, I had everything ready to show Professor Sonia. So why was I sent here? To a place where no one appreciated my hard work. Everyone was always afraid of me. What I could do, what I'd find, what I'd say, who I could be. What I could become.

Even the first Pokemon who met me seemed to be scared. Maybe it wasn't fear, but instead, worry. I didn't understand and I still don't. I lived with Pokemon I never understood before my time with Hatchet's family in the village. My first Pokemon parents, that Espeon, and that Meowstic, just who were they? Why did they leave me after putting me through that?

When will I know?

When can I remember the exact details?

Why can't I?

All I remembered was the pain.

Swipes across my side. Psychic blasts in my face. Flames burned through my fur. Electricity crackled throughout my body. Again. Again!

Mother trained me day in and day out. I'm a threat, a monster. Why were they like this? They were the ones who welcomed me to this world, and I couldn't even understand a word they said. What were they really like?

Maybe it was I who was 'like this'. I was the one with strange grey markings on her coat, not them. Perhaps there's something special about them that they knew about.

The Keeper Police Pokemon in Midori Mori thought I was suspicious. They knocked me out on sight. They treated me like I was in Wicked Blow. Fang was furious that I tried to get into Team Vanguard’s research. That Lycanroc let out their bright presence to crush Makkuro and I on purpose. They thought I could have been a member as well. What would have happened if I didn't have my League acceptance papers? Who would come to help me?

The Disruption happened five years ago, only a couple months after I arrived in this world. I used to be able to sense regular Keepers when they were in the same room, now I can only sense them when they are right next to me. Before my senses dulled I finally realized the punishments of being a Keeper. Being in tune with mana.

One day I tasted an awful presence for the first time. The sins one must commit to get that way… I dread to find out. I was walking with Hatchet and when it hit me I vomited immediately. I was sick to my stomach. A crushing force gripped my body from all sides, more intense than any cramps I had as a human.

His parents told me to ask the elder for advice, as they didn't know much about Keepers. Strange, considering his father and older brother who moved out were the only Sentinels of his family. Why did his mother keep everyone ignorant?

Thankfully, the village elder knew everything. The dark-type Persian's words, I remember what he said as he responded to my questions.

"Why do I feel like this?" I asked. "We're not normal, everyday Pokemon are we?"

"You and your psychic-type parents are Keepers. I am also a Keeper," the Pursian mewled in a low raspy tone.

"I know that! What does this have to do with how I felt today?"

"You only felt this because you are a Keeper, the presence of an unlocked Keeper. One who had fallen off the path and sank into the depths of vanity."

I still remember our first conversation.

"Why did they treat me that way? You are just like them, tell me everything you know!" I demanded, trying desperately to hold back the tears.

The elder reached forward to comfort me."Your parents had a terrifying Dream Mark regarding you. It was a vision or prophecy of sorts. They saw a weak Espurr being killed by two claw swipes of a black and white beast."

"And?!"

"They asked me for advice. I told them to make sure the Espurr is strong, no matter the cost. But I never imagined this would happen, that they'd fall to the beast."

"Why? Why couldn't I understand them!? How could you understand me!? Who were those Pokemon chasing me? How did they find us? What is going on?" 

"I need you to take a deep breath, and calm down.” The Pursian requested. All that matters now is your safety … I'm sorry, young one, I'm so sorry."

They predicted the Disruption, but couldn't protect me from the worst of it; Wicked Blow. That beast was a group named after the signature move of Single Strike Urshifu, the same Pokemon that once saved my life. How ironic.

My parents were targeted. Like many others across the land. All of this was a distraction, for forces of evil to run unchecked. They managed to ruin enough of the elemental keys and locks of mana this way. All that power, in the wrong claws. Too many lives were changed, too many disrupted.

Is this what life here is like? What was going on? It hurts. For them to be snatched from me by the clutches of those black and white cloaked bastards. Wicked Blow.

Of course, they ruin everything. They even had some stock in ruining my relationship with Hatchet. But apparently, it doesn't matter to him, he still pretends like this never happened. Even though it's killing him.

Hatchet's presence, ever since that day. The day his ' friends' came back with Wicked Blow. Just to ruin his life. Mine too. I don’t know exactly what happened because I was knocked out, but somehow they had a strong essence of draconian presence. This was from two sources: Pokemon and something else. It hasn't been the same ever since. Hatchet has buried the memory in himself. He remembers it better than I ever could, so why doesn’t he understand?

Maybe this never would have happened. We could have all stayed friends, and no one had to get hurt. But I just had to be so naive after the town elder taught me how to understand and speak their language. Back then the only thing I wanted to tell them was that I was a Pokemon Trainer.

It's all my fault.

This was the wrong move. I got into a pretty nasty fight because of it. Then more despair followed.

Even more Pokemon came to hurt me, all because of what I said. Monster. A blade of grass and a wall of flames. The searing pain of ice and draco tainting me forever. Monster.

I got the scar above my eye from this. Monster. It still haunts me. Those blokes who claimed to be my friends because they were his "family". Monster. If they were, then why did they let this happen to us?

Why am I the Monster?

If I’m a Monster…

What are they?

Something soft, yet firm jabbed my side and I sprang awake. "Huh?" I questioned, my eyes slowly adjusting to the light of the room. The cold, moist air of the area conflicted with the scent of freshly polished wood. I could taste a soft milk chocolate, a warm familiar presence.

"Wake up ya sluggy Slowpoke," a voice said. It sounded like an odd mixture of Johtoian, Unovan, and Hoennian. Wait, this was Fang's voice! 

The room… That's right I'm in the Sentinels Union Hideout. Something something Numero Seis. There are six or more of these? It seems my Paldean isn’t completely rusty. "Oh," I started, crawling out of bed. "Good morning."

The Lycanroc wasn't the only one in the room waiting on me, Makkuro and Hunter were here too. Drat, I must have kept them waiting. "Morning… Kobi you worried me," the Rockruff sighed.

I couldn't help but grin. I'm in love with his little Alolan accent, it's my second favorite, right behind Kalosian. Unovan is pretty great too. Now if only some Kalosian girl would sweet talk me like that one summer in Lumiose-

"Kobi?"

I stared at everyone for a moment as I reoriented my mind. “I’m sorry.”

Makkuro placed one of his paws on my shoulder and took a deep breath in. “I called for you, but you didn't wake up.”

The others shook their heads at me before giving me some space. Hunter pulled something out of her bag and rolled it towards me. It was a black canister.

"Did I mess up your plans Master Hunter?" I asked, using Psychic to lift up the item and unscrew its cap. Inside was a small brush with even tinier bristles. On further inspection, it was a toothbrush. Next to it was a small tube of gel.

"Doesn't matter," Fang grumbled as they opened the door. "Go get ready for your training."

The Boltund beside them nudged them with their snout. "Don't worry I'll take care of it, follow me," Hunter wagged her tail and led us down another hallway.

Soon Makkuro and I found ourselves in the large restroom-like area of the base. There were sinks and stalls of numerous shapes and sizes for all Pokemon here. That's a relief, I was wondering how everything in the base was so clean and fresh. And I needed to use these facilities.

Quickly we got ready for the day and exited the room. When we did, Hunter and Fang were outside. "After a short breakfast, we are going to one of the training rooms for aptitude testing," the Boltund explained.

"Let's not waste time," the Lycanroc beside them said, stepping forward.

We followed them into the mess hall, and I couldn't believe my eyes. There were so many Pokemon. All elemental types and sizes worked for the Sentinels Union, and were stationed in this particular branch. How have I never seen any black-cloaked Pokemon before? Mon, I really should have traveled more.

"This is how the Sentinels Union looks during the day huh?" Makkuro asked, trying his hardest to stay behind us without getting squished.

"Yep," Fang answered as we moved up in the line a bit. "Bright and lively isn't it?!"

After getting our food, we ate. This was possibly the best meal I've had in my entire life! Eggs and berries again, but the chefs here must have put something into it. Makkuro looked like he was having trouble eating, but I could tell they were enjoying it too. It is hard getting used to being a Pokemon so I don't blame 'em.

"Okay everyone it's time to go to our morning training site," Hunter spoke, getting out of the bench. "It's outside of the base but we'll take the path through the caves."

"Ah, so we're getting a tour of another part, yeah?" I asked, following her and Fang.

The Boltund shook their head. "Not exactly, we'll just be passing through the courtyard."

And that's exactly what we did, Makkuro and I spent our first early morning here walking around a stony building. Not the best, not the worst. As we got further into the underground system the temperature dropped. A wind started to pick up and the sounds of rushing water grew louder. Soon we were right in front of a little hut. It was painted a light brown with shades of blue as the accent colors. Above a window it had a sign on it that read 'Waterfall Outpost'. "Here's one of those Trader's Outposts you were begging to visit Makkuro," Fang nudged the Rockruff. "There's a bigger one that's more active that we'll go by later if you can prove yourself to me."

When they said that they also glanced at me. I guess I'm being judged as well here too. To these guys I'm suspicious and probably their biggest target. Considering the knowledge I have and my unlocked Keeper status. It's gonna be a long day of training.

"As you two know your status is unlocked, we will have to rehabilitate you for public safety," Hunter barked as we stood only a couple meters from a massive waterfall. "Kobi, you need to work on sensitivity and control over mana presences."

She glanced to the left and we followed her gaze. There were other Pokemon here doing 'rehabilitation exercises' as Sentinels Union members watched over their progress.

"Makkuro, you need to control the connection between your unlocked mana and your Power Points," Fang said as they pulled something out of their bag. "To safely use a move."

Hunter also pulled something out of a bag. It looked like a set of small cylinders. "To solve these issues, we must prepare you."

"Prepare us for what?" I asked.

"Don't ask questions when you aren't ready for the answer," the Lycanroc in front us barked. “One step at the time, we can’t do all four at once right now.”

"What is the goal of your heart?" the Boltund suddenly questioned, pulling a small scroll out of her satchel. The dull bronze reflected the faint light from the torches and lamps behind us.

"Our hearts?" Makkuro and I repeated like a pair of Chatots.

Yes," they replied. "Is it one of peace?"

"What do you mean by peace?" I tilted my head.

Fang shook their head in disapproval. “That is for you, and you alone to decide.”

"Is the same true about your mind? If neither are true you will never succeed," Hunter declared. Their yellow-green eyes pierced me with such unwavering conviction. Is this true? How could it be? It must be.

If so…Why? This isn't fair! We haven't even done anything! I took in a ragged breath as I tried to process my thoughts and emotions.

"There is a long path to complete control," the Boltund sighed. "We didn't master it overnight or on first blush."

I need to calm down. A quick glance to the side showed me Makkuro was doing the same. Or was he already fine? I always have to hold Restraint, I must strive to be a better example. My body started to relax and the others noticed.

"That's right," Fang shook their upper body. "The only way to understand you need absolute control is through tranquility."

I tucked my tail against my leg and sat down, letting out a deep breath in the process. We can't let our powers win. Makkuro had already sat there patiently, their tongue idly rolling out. I gave in.

"Without a peaceful goal in your heart and mind there is nothing to override flare-ups in your mana," the Lycanroc explained. Then they finally pulled out whatever was in those bags.

Small wooden and metal cylinders, with tiny holes for air to go through. They seemed like a recorder or flute pieces. Are these for music-making?

In the other bag there were small bound leaflets. Beside the notepads were small whistle-like devices, but with circular ends, enough to fit inside the cylinders. These look kinda like mouthpieces or something.

"Today we are going to start your mana control training. We are going to use techniques from Shifu or Master Urshifu," Fang wagged their tail. "But first a little history lesson for our pupils here."

The Lycanroc then closed their eyes, I assume to remember the details. Soon their maw opened. "About fifty years ago these techniques were first crafted by two Elder Urshifu from the Jovian Continent: Shifu Yang and Shifu Shui, named after darkness and water. Their family members and other Urshifu, were asked to share and spread these techniques by the leaders of our Parliament…"

Makkuro and I stared back at them. "Parliament?" I inquired.

"Er…Oh and the other government officials from the other Continents. Nowadays the Mana Leagues and the Sentinels Unions deal with global information on mana."

I tilted my head as a purr of thought rumbled in my throat. Does this mean whatever form of Government Stella has can not be trusted? What happened? Was it what those blokes were talking about?

"Either way these techniques for mana control are breathing techniques,” Fang stood upright and took in a series of quick yet deep breaths. The Lycanroc used Stone Edge and carefully constructed a tiny balcony. These rocks were smoothed down before being connected to the ground and pointing towards the waterfall behind us.

Now that I thought about it, it had no makeshift railing or fence. Why does it kinda remind me of a diving board?

Fang took a couple of steps towards the edge before Hunter walked up to them. The Boltund ran a current of black lightning on the Lycanroc before they jumped straight into the waterfall.

"Master Fang!?" Makkuro barked, running towards the edge. "What are you doing?"

"Have ya gone mental Master Fang?!" I involuntarily gasped and ran over as well, trying to find the Lycanroc amidst the pouring current.

"Oh relax!" their voice echoed out. "I know what I'm doing!"

Once I peered further into the waterfall I noticed the dark brown tipped ears of Master Fang. They sat still against the pounding torrent of the water. Their maw opened in an odd strange pattern, as if they were chanting.

Master Hunter walked up the balcony and sat down. "Fang is practicing a high-level exercise, doing the breathing whilst under strain from natural elemental pressure."

"You want us to do that?" the Rockruff beside me panicked.

The Boltund shook their head. "No, yesterday we realized you two would not be able to do the breathing techniques right away, so we had to go retrieve these apparatuses to assist you."

I nudged one of the wooden cylinders. "You mean these?"

"Yes, decades ago other unlocked Keepers modified the mana control techniques so now everyone can use them," Hunter explained.

"Oh this should be a piece of cake then right?"

"No," the Boltund sighed. "We'll just show you."

Fang took that as a cue to get it out of water. I stepped away from them as they shook dry their fur and took off their cloak. Underneath their cloak they wore a black vest, black collar and black beads. I noticed a large diamond-shaped tag on the collar, it had the symbol of the Sentinel's Union on it. The claw with three fingers and a jagged thumb. After taking in a deep breath Fang gently picked up a mouthpiece. They attached it to one of the cylinders and then held it in their maw steady. I tilted my head in confusion when the Lycanroc closed their eyes.

Suddenly, like earlier with Makkuro translucent rocks appeared, this time forming a set of small hands. What is going on? These hands had five fingers, all resting above the barrel of the cylinder.Before I knew the rocky hands began to emit a soft brown light, I glanced back to Fang and then it hit me. A beautiful, melancholic tune arose from the cylinder and raw emotions enveloped my entire body.

The Boltund beside them picked up the metallic cylinder and hands made of black electricity crackled into existence. A harsh iridescent gleam of teal plasma surrounded the hands and fingers before the same tune played. The metallic cylinder gave it a different feeling in my belly but I'm not sure what.

"You played the same song?" Makkuro asked, curiosity dripping off his voice as he tried to contain his excitement, his tail quivering.

Hunter turned towards us and put away the cylinder. They bent down to reveal one of the lines on her scroll. It looked like a sheet of music but only had small dots on the paper. I guess the melody isn't long, but I don't know much about that kinda stuff.

Makkuro wagged his tail and pointed a paw at the lines. "So what is this for?"

"This is a modification of the breathing techniques," the Boltund hovered her paw pads over the scroll."You will use your mana to produce the melody from the cylinder instead of using your body as an instrument."

"Why music?" I questioned, staring at the symbols on the parchment and then back at the Sentinel's Union Pokemon. "How does this work?"

"If you want to learn then listen up!" Fang barked, sitting down directly in front of us. 

Their throat began to glow the same brown light, then they took in a deep breath. I stared back in shock when the melody from earlier came out crystal clear. How in the Distortion World did that happen? Did that while under the waterfall and every time they used a move?!

Makkuro and I sat in silence for a bit, trying to comprehend what just happened. All the while the droning rush of the waterfall in front of us continued strong, drops of cold fluid filling the air of the cave.

"The original technique was chanting out a specific battle cry with your mana," Hunter started to roll up the scroll. "But it was impossible for non-Legendary or Mythical Pokemon to use. Now it is 'Breath of Mana', use your breath to create the melody instead."

The Boltund stood up and stretched her back before nudging the instruments towards Makkuro and me.

"Let's try it out, Kobi," Makkuro smiled. "I've got to get this under control if I want to help anybody!" they pushed the mouthpiece into the cylinder with their paws and concentrated to hold it in their mouth.

I want to continue my research and then go to the League, this is just the road to it. I looked down at the parts and then sighed. "Eh, how bad could it be?"

Oh me and my big mouth.

No matter how Makkuro and I blew, nothing resembling what Fang and Hunter played came out. Was it my regular breath? Didn't they say we have to find it there first?

I guess every breath we took wasn't a 'Breath of Mana' or something. How was this supposed to work? I mean no intelligible sounds came from the cylinders or the mouthpieces when we blew and blew. But Fang said we had to train our lungs, chops, and mouth anyway. Not sure how that works but okay mate.

"Okay so you guys know how you have an elemental typing inside you?" the Lycanroc put back on their coat with the rock hands. Wait, they can just use their powers like that? Maybe I don't need to use Psychic and drain my Power Points anymore!

"Yeah," I replied, keeling over to pant in exhaustion. I steadied myself back up and then further folded my ears. "I've nevar gone a day without forgetting."

Makkuro looked hesitant for a moment, their ears folding in thought, before nodding. "I feel an affinity with the rocks around us and bits of the sediment."

"Good good. To get sound out you have to use the elemental mana of your type," Fang grinned. "It's similar to using a move but without converting it into Power Points. But remember you need that peaceful goal in your heart and mind to override your unlocked power."

"Wait," I panted. "But don't we need to override the powers only for moves, how does it work?"

They rolled their shoulder and cracked their neck. "Well you can use moves without the goal but to do the Breath of Mana you are suppressing your unlocked temperament. This is to safely use moves and your mana. When you utilize the breath thus and try to control your power you need to keep all three of the things I mentioned, especially the peaceful goal."

That's a lot to juggle but it boils down to one thing. Mana was connected to your state of mind.The two Sentinel's Union Pokemon played each note of the melody and wanted to see if we could find it. And by finding it they meant our mana would react to them and try to mimic their tones and sound. I believe it did as every time we tried for a split second I felt peace. But nothing was coming out of the cylinder. Drat.

"You have to teach your body how to utilize mana in your breath without converting it into Power Points," Hunter noticed the frustration on our faces. "Don't worry, the easy way to do it is learning how to sustain each note vocally. Then your mana can find it easier. "

"Singing lessons?" the Rockruff beside me sighed.

"If you want to call it that then yeah," she replied. "This is easier than just blindly yelling or belting our random noises."

"Aye, Tapu." Makkuro took in a deep breath.

We had sustained something that sounded like one of these notes for as long as we could. We held our breath. We kept blowing and blowing and blowing. Busted our maws on that mouthpiece.
Makkuro soon made a breakthrough. One of the notes from the Breath of Mana came out of the cylinder they were holding. It wasn’t as loud as the others but I saw the translucent rock hand move it's fingers to play.

"Wooo! I did it!" he cheered, dancing around the area. "Let's go!"

If this is what it takes to prove to everyone who said I couldn't and that I'm no good then I'll try and try again. Eventually after nearly blacking out, throwing up, and accidentally blasting a move out I managed to get out a note. It was only for about three or four seconds but it was solid. For me the hand was a soft purple and dark pink projection of light.

My heart beat in my chest fast and hard as I felt fur on my hackles rise. "That was awesome." I felt myself grinning hard as blood rushed to my muzzle. "So awesome!"

"That is enough for today. I didn't expect you guys to do this well, getting out one note on your first day," Fang barked, walking behind us. "You must become a practitioner of these beliefs: cleanse the senses along with your heart, forgo all biases, and sever all desires."

"A-and then?" Makkuro tried to catch his breath.

"You will be free from the influence unlocked power does to your mind."

"And to safely use our moves we need our mana under control," I reminded myself aloud.

"Yep." Hunter's tongue lulled out as they panted. "You need to be able to at least use Breath of Mana with the cylinders."

"Oh so only if we can get those stupid notes out, great," I groaned rolling over on my side. "For Zacian's sake just getting the easy one out took everything from me."

The two Sentinel's Union Pokemon retrieved all the cylinders and mouthpieces into their bags. "Alrighty it's time for us to take a little break." Hunter proposed.

"Where are we going?" Makkuro asked, shaking his fur free of water droplets.

Fang pointed behind us. There was a wooden bridge that led to the left and into a tiny cave-like structure. "We're heading out of the base for our next practice session. But before then, it's Trader's Outpost time! You guys get to go to the big shot one before I put you through the wringer!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 15 Fire to Wildfire, Rain to Rainstorm

Third Person POV

Within the tunnel of the Mana Wheel, Linus, Glade, and Nevada jumped for joy. "We did it!" the three cheered.

Jin, their traveling companion, wagged his tail. "I feel so much better now!" the ghostly-Zorua cheered. With that, another wall in the room had begun to open up, it revealed a pathway towards a stairwell.

"That's what I wanted to hear!" the Treecko said. "Everythin's starting to get swell and mighty!"

"So what are we to partake in next?" 

"I'ma not so sure yet, partner."

"The exit is right there," the Totodile behind Linus patted his back. 

The Charmander stamped their feet into the floor and pointed towards the light. "So maybe we could ya know, get the voi- er, veck outta here!"

"Fine by me but first let me ask the cute MVP." Linus gazed longingly at the Zorua slightly below him, a faint blush clouding his cheeks.

Glade dropped her massive jaw. "Are you freakin' serious?" 

"Glade, you don't understand the throbbing of heartstrings like we do," Nevada whispered. "I miss you Astesia."

The Totodile cringed before she could respond. "You know she doesn't care about you, right?"

An awkward silence filled the air. Jin took the moment to step forward and sheepishly folded his ears. Linus rubbed the back of his head. Some more time passed before the Totodile behind them groaned. Nevada suddenly clapped their claws in realization."Oh wait he meant Jin?"

The Zorua smirked once the Treecko in front of him facepalmed."I have been told I am quite the and I quote 'cutie' before on numerous occasions." But this is certainly different. He thought, his eyes narrowing. Jin smirked as Linus ruffled his head. A bit of pink flush made its way to his muzzle.

"Ya ready?" Linus asked.

"Yes!"

The Treecko adjusted his Rescue Team bag and stepped forward. "Yeehaw! Now we're good ta go!"

After a couple of harsh complaints and bickering, the four of them ventured up the stairs, and outside of the Bristberg Highland Mystery Dungeon. Once outside, they caught a glimpse of the Bristberg Peaks in the distance. Pitch black clouds swarmed the dark teal mountaintop. Hail and ice reigned supreme. A deep rumble echoed from its depths.

"If you look down here," Nevada said as they led the group down towards the mountain base. "You'll find that we are in the Tapu Plains region!"

Everyone followed the Charmander’s advice and took in the sight of the massive fields of multicolor grain that the legendary Tapu Plains hosted. The stalks of red, blue, yellow, and pink sparkled in the afternoon sun.Snow fell from the Bristberg Mountains as the four walked down a bridge to the grass-covered earth below. "Here is a rest stop called Prismacolor Plains, we can send a report to the folks who manage the request board in Bristberg," Nevada explained to their teammates.

They all still had further to head into the Midoriberg Mountain slope. This Mountain Range was to the Northwest of Bristberg, close to Midori Mori City on the East, and Tapu Plains to the North; it descended all the way towards the Tapu Valley Mountains and went down for kilometers. Close to what was also so far. A League that was hidden away in the shadows. But that wasn’t the destination, not for Team Sharp Claw anyway.

As they walked closer, Linus reached for the bag to ensure all the requested information was secure before nodding. "That's great-"

“There’s also a nice tavern here right?” Glade interrupted him with a shout, her tail wagging slightly.

The Treecko pushed her shoulder. “That ain’t important right now!” he yelled. “Wait till we actually reach the Boltund-gone place for Mew’s sake!”

For once there was a looming silence as the four walked through a dirt pathway beside some other travelers, the scenery becoming lusher with every step they took. Once the Rescue Team and the Committee ward found themselves nearing the final low green mountain base, beyond it held the settlement's small collection of buildings. In the warmer air, closer to the sea level, Pokemon of all types roamed.

The majority of buildings were newer, their slick profiles and edges made out of wood from Midori Mori's Forests and various metal deposits found in Bristberg's Mountains. To honor and pay for those materials the most profitable export of the land were the Berries that grew near wheat. Grepa, Leppa, and Cheri Berries to name a few.

Prismacolor Plains was a calm little place for travelers to rest, and also one of significance. This was one of the only places with a Police Department above Bristberg for Hundreds of kilometers. The surrounding Villages to the West and East were not under the watch of any major League-Bound Organizations, and thus danger could easily lurk around any corner.

After dealing with paperwork regarding the Wicked Blow grunts, and the requests at the meeting hall Team Sharp Claw followed Nevada towards a small shack that led underground. Before they all entered, the four reported their Mystery Dungeon run findings on their Rescue Team badges.

The Team and their charge walked down the steps of the shack and stopped in front of a hallway. There was a chalkboard with white, yellow, and blue writing on it: listing who was allowed in, the daily specials, opening and closing times, along with some ground rules. There were two Pokemon, a Noivern, and an Infernape who checked everyone's belongings before approving them for entry.

"Thanks for finding a decent tavern Nevada-" Linus started, as he managed to find seating that was low enough for his party.

"Woo! It's time for a fiesta!" the Totodile beside him cheered.

"I get it, I get it you're excited!" the Treecko sighed, catching the stares from other customers nearby. "But would ya stop interrupting ever' little thang I say!?"

The group paused their conversation for a Pansear waiter to take their orders before they continued.

"So," Jin started, slowly wagging his tail. "Today was an exciting and fascinating day. Who do we suppose was the cause of the pressure imbalance?"

"What caused it?" Glade reclined back on her stool. "That mana artifact device wheel thing, plain and simple!"

"I don't think it's plain and simple Glade," Nevada gently ran their claws against the wooden table.

Linus let his tails hit the floor as he moved the Team bag into his lap with a sigh. "Ya mean who sent their Sentinels, Who sent their Sentinels after the Mana Wheel and knocked the darn thing off course."

"I think those Mercenaries were the ones who did it," the Totodile beside him snapped.

"But why would they?" Nevada asked. "That would hurt their fellow mercenaries in the Black Clovers remember?"

"But those guys were trying to find chances to pick a freaking fight with us!"

"Let's get real guys, it was probably Wicked Blow," Linus grumbled.

The table’s drinks arrived. A small bowl of sake, red Cheri wine, hard cider, and rum mixed with berry-blend soda.

Linus continued. “The Black Clover Mercenaries are smarter than we think after all, their top mon has been working with the Bristberg League on things we don’t even know about.”

“How do you know about this?” Jin pondered. “Have you perhaps been acquainted with them in the past, before today’s impromptu meeting?”

The Treecko took a sip of his cider and grinned. “Yeah, six years ago, I worked with those guys for about a year before I joined the League.”

“O-oh right,” the Charmander beside him brightened after a swig of their rum. “I remember you telling us about that when Glade and I first joined.”

The quiet ambiance of the tavern filled their minds as they drank their alcohol and relaxed. Soon the Pansear returned back to the table with a Pansage beside them. In their hands were Team Sharp Claw and Jin’s meals.As they got through the majority of their food there was a rumble that shook the ceiling from above ground. Jin lifted his head from his plate and licked his maw clean. "Excuse me, my friends," he started. "May I tell you all something that I was just reminded of?"

"Go ahead," the Treecko across from him smiled, leaning forward to stare at him.

"Back in my homeland of Hisui I worked in an organization that I believe was quite similar to the Black Clover Mercenary Group in concept, it was called the Galaxy Corporation. My memory is a tad hazy unfortunately, I am under the impression my place of work was doing surveillance over the environment."

Glade hummed in thought. “So something like a Survey Corps, that sounds like work done in the Uncharted Galactic Region.”

“Speaking of work being done, what do you guys do with the Committee?" Nevada asked. 

Jin's eyes flew toward the floor and his ears perked up. “I beg your pardon? You are asking to know what the Committee Heads force their staff to make us do?”

The Charmander flinched in their stool and tried to backpedal. "I mean you don't have to tell us anything you are uncomfortable with or think will get you in trouble!" they panicked.

"No, it is fine my friend," the Zorua sighed. ”The staff, as you all should know longs for Keepers of the world to hold themselves to a higher standard. One that is free from the pressures of anything outside their decree, and not to house a deeper thirst for knowledge on what dwells behind their walls. Namely secrets of various mana artifacts and the truth behind unlocking.”

“Hmm, that’s interesting, not sure I understand how that follows their mission statement. So where do you and the other wards under their control play in ta this? What do y’all do in exchange for living with the Committee?” Linus clinked the ice in his glass.

"The only activities we perform are arbitrary and meaningless tests. Such arduous tests. We are never enough for what they need, whatever it is they are after."

"Tests?"

“Yes, but I will not go into detail to avoid worrying you all,” Jin curled his tail to the side.

Linus took a sip of his cider and crossed his arms. “Please go on, I’d to learn more about the Committee, just a little bit if you can.”

“No matter the time and place there is one sound that shall always haunt me. A tinkering of metallic machines,” the Zorua unconsciously bared his fangs. “Almost as if there are massive gears underneath the floorboards of the Committee.”


“W-wait, when did you hear these sounds?” Nevada whispered.


“This sound is one that lingers in between the shouting of threats and the beatings of me and my comrades."


“Your comrades? From the faraway land? Are they all strange colored Pokemon too?” Glade gently asked. “You mean like that Sneasel friend of yours?”

The Zorua took in a ragged breath. "Yes, her name is Toko,” he smiled faintly. “Our numbers are dwindling by the day, and none of us are the wiser to where they end up, not even the staff.”


“So some of you are disappearing they’re ending up free from all of those tests you are supposed to be conducting?” Linus finished his drink as the commotion above ground grew louder and louder.


“Yes, lest I speak too much, let this be known. The Heads only seek Eternity in the end, nothing more, nothing less,” Jin finished before solemnly dipping his snout towards his bowl of sake. He took small laps of the drink as his companions narrowed their eyes. Something or someone was coming. Everymon in the tavern knew it. The shaking had stopped for a reason.

Suddenly, the Noivern from earlier flew towards the center stage of the tavern and firmly planted her claws on the floor, all idle conversations and chit-chat dying down immediately. “Listen up, those damn Lizards are attacking Mercs stationed at the Mosque of Tapu Koko, and have stolen one of the treasures!”


Nevada’s blue eyes went wide and they held their chest. The Charmander looked at their friends and back at the others in the area.

There were some hushed whispers and growls from patrons in the tavern before the Noivern smacked her tail on the floor. “Anyone worth their salt will know what to do!” Pokemon cheered as they left their payments on their tables and rushed outside to the surface.Team Sharp Claw and Jin watched as the once lively tavern emptied out into just the workers and a couple older patrons. They then walked towards the cover of the shack.

“G-guys,” the Charmander breathed, squeezing tight onto Glade’s claw.


“What is it?” Linus tilted his head towards Nevada.

The Totodile in their grasp flinched as the grip got tighter. “You know who those Lizard bastards are or something?”

Nevada shivered for a moment and then let go of her claw. They took a deep breath and smacked their cheeks. “Yes, we need to leave, now!” The fire on their tail shot out.

“Got it,” Linus said before fastening up the team bag and patting Jin on the head. “Let’s go!”

The four of the scrambled towards the gates of Prismacolor Plains as the village’smon fought with and chased after Helioptile, Kecleon, Salandit, and Grovyle. Notably there were a couple of Charmander and Sobble that hesitantly gave out orders.

Soon Nevada, Linus, Jin, and Glade found themselves heading downhill. Beyond a stretch of plains just outside the settlement was large sections of rich green earth and teal towards a valley that led through the Bristberg and Midoriberg Mountains.

Unfortunately, behind them in the sky was an orange blur. Even as the team and the Zorua ran, they couldn’t outpace him, the Charizard and the Pokemon riding on him. As the Charizard landed in front of the valley, a Drizzlie, Helioptile, and Salandit hopped off his shoulders and back. All four of them wore orange and blue checked sleeves. These were marks of a Bounty Hunter.

"Well well well," the Charizard started before smirking. "What are you Bristberg League guys doing out here!?"

"I could say the same !" Nevada growled, their claws lengthening. "Get out of here and get on back home!"

The Charizard pulled back his wings, and fired off an Air Slash at them. Before the light blue crescents hit, Glade and Linus blocked the attack with Water Gun and Energy Ball. The combination of the water and grass-type moves crashed into the massive blades of wind and dispelled its power.

He jumped back and crossed his arms. “We’ve got a bounty on any information on you Pokemon from Bristberg. You knew this would happen eventually, Arizona," the Charizard said before his grunts charged at the two.

The Helioptile fired off a Thunder Shock at the Totodile while the Salandit sprayed out a Poison Gas over the Treecko. The four exchanged further blows.

Glade rushed at the Helioptile, with the red energy of Brick Break, once close she chopped them in the side.

Linus coughed as the toxic fumes entered his lungs before he launched forward with a Quick Attack.

Their opponents smirked as they shrugged off their blows before they fired back.

The Charmander glanced over at the looks of dismay on their teammates' faces and exhaled, their breath turning into steam as the snowfall and sleet became heavier. The plunging depths of the temperatures fueled their rage and frustration even more.

“My name isn't Arizona anymore, Seminole! That Charmander died the moment I left the tribe,” Nevada growled, and poked the Charizard in the chest.

Seminole lowered his head and snapped his fingers.

The Drizzlie beside him launched forward and punched the Charmander in the gut before shoving them away. “Yeah, he died right when our mother died!” she yelled.

“I wasn’t the one who killed her Ocala!” Nevada snapped back, staggering upright. “T-those other Bounty Hunters, ones from those rival tribes did!"

"It was to protect you wasn't it!?"

"No, M-mother gave me her egg. The last thing she did was plead with me to run away and keep the egg safe! It's all I wanted to do, why can't you understand that?!"

Nevada’s brother swung his claw at them but the Charmander struck back, blocking the attack. "Keep telling yourself that Arizona, we all know you were the one who got her killed!" the Charizard yelled.

Seminole reached past Nevada and grabbed Jin, which removed the Zorua's cloak in the process. "What's with this Zorua fella anyway?" he questioned with a snarl. "He's all white and grey!"

"You get your filthy claws off of our friend!" Nevada shouted, punching the Charizard in the maw with Rock Tomb.

The powerful rock-type move Seminole sent him stumbling backward, his eyes wide in surprise.

Nevada adjusted their sash and stood forward. “The two of you are ridiculous!”

Jin freed himself from the Charizard’s grasp with a yelp. “Nevada!” he jumped into their arms. The Zorua shivered in fear, while his tail curled between his legs. The Charmander quickly covered Jin back up as his trembling grew more intense.

"Oh wow, this-" Seminole growled, wiping the blood from his nose. "This is the first time you've hit me."

"Tell your grunts to put back the treasure of Tapu Koko!" the Charmander demanded, holding tightly onto Jin.

The Charizard looked down at his arms and slowly shook."It's not just a treasure, we Bounty Hunters were forced into taking orders by that Weavile for a reason. Who knows what Wicked Blow will do if we screw up?"

“Stop this madness and go back home!”

"Or what?" Ocala mocked. "The little bitch and his little friends think they are gonna stop the might of all of the Econlockhatchee Bounty Hunters?"

"What'da ya say bitch!?" Linus yelled when he was done fighting the Helioptile. "Don't ya know what Nevada’s done for so many Pokemon with us these past five years!?"

“Shut the voids up you stupid little grass eater!" Seminole yelled. “Go back to the inbred Ditto ranch where you belong!”

"You take that back!" Glade shouted, before she fired off a  Water Gun.

"I can't hear anything over that stupid accent!" The Charizard shot out a sweeping Flamethrower at the Totodile. The overpowering might of flames sent her falling back down. “Can’t believe you work with one of these Pokemon from those dirty beaches down south who can’t even speak ‘Stelliation properly!”

Glade channeled the energy of Water Gun all across her body as the fire encroached on her scales. "Stop talking shit about my friends!" the Totodile shouted once she suppressed the move from damaging her.

"You honestly think I care?” the Charizard reached into his pocket and shattered an orb.

On cue, four more Salandit and Helioptile grunts appeared. The four let out a haunting war cry and followed their coworkers into battle. Wasting no time, they launched off blasts of fire and bursts of electricity before they attacked Linus and Glade again.

"Gah dammit!" the two groaned as they were overpowered by the Bounty Hunters.

“Arizona is still the same pathetic little Charmander who could’ve evolved if he hadn’t been such a weakling!”

“Say all you want, Seminole, I just need you to leave, please,” Nevada begged, as tears formed in their eyes. The Charmander trembled and took in a gasp of air.“I-I’ve got a new family here in Bristberg, h-here at the League that actually cares about me, unlike you.”

“Oh that’s right, there’s that mercenary group hiding away in that town that owes us money,” Seminole laughed, as extended his wings. "They wear green, black, and gold, somethin' about clovers or some nonsense!"

“And I think it’s time that you face punishment for your crimes, Arizona,” the Drizzlie said. “You can’t forget that you let Mississippi die and let Dakota get captured. We haven’t seen them ever since you ran away like a coward!”

"You know what that means,” the Charizard roared.

Ocala tossed a barrage of Muddy Water balloons towards her sibling's feet, and nearly clocked them in the legs.“We're gonna make you play a game.”

“I told you two I didn't do it!" Nevada yelled. "The both of you shouldn’t be worried about that stupid lie as Keepers!”

"How would a useless Sentinel like you understand anything?" the Charizard fumed. "Don't make me laugh."

"Understand? What have the Bounty Hunters done in terms of research!? You don't even understand what the Leagues started to uncover and learn about Sentinels and different mana artifacts over these last five years!"

“Now now that's not important. It's a simple game, don't worry.”

“I’m gonna send my Bounty Hunter friends here to blow up the whole place,” the Charizard launched another Air Slash, this time aimed at Jin. “If those bastards don’t come running out, we'll scorch it to the ground!”

Nevada dived in the way of the move and took the full force of the attack. “I," they strained as the last Reviver Seed in the team bag revived them, trying to get back up. "I w-won’t let you get away with something like that!”

“What?” Ocala asked. “Don’t get so worked up little brother,” she reached forward, grabbed Jin and lifted him into the air.

The Zorua whimpered as the grip on his neck got tighter. “H-help me Nevada!”

“Put him down!” Nevada demanded, reaching forward.

"Calm down," Seminole chuckled. "We won't blow up the town if you meet us back at these gates in two weeks."

"What!?"

"If you don't agree right now we'll show you a demonstration on this little freak of a Zorua," the Drizzlie scowled, and her body began to glow neon green as she charged up U-Turn.

"Please don't!" Nevada fell on their knees. "I'll do anything!"

"That's right," the Charizard said before he grabbed them by their League sash. He built up fire in his maw as the Charmander swung around ferociously. "Beg for mercy, you're gonna need it Arizona."

The sound of a siren of Echoed Voice and Screech came from the town. The cacophony grew louder as it echoed across the mountains above the plains.

Seminole cleared his throat. "Hmmph, looks like our time here is running out."

"I don’t know what bind Wicked Blow has over you but why would ya do that to Nevada!" Linus yelled. "They're your little sibling and you treat them like that!"

"Not any longer," the Drizzlie said. "It doesn't matter what happens to this poor excuse of a Pokemon."

"You’ll pay for this! Don’t think you can get away with threatening to destroy the homes and hurt hundreds of Pokemon all over some nonsense!" Glade shouted.

"Quit complaining, you asinine fools! You can't even deal with my hunters," Seminole laughed. "Why do you think you can face me?"

"You keep calling Arizona these names and treating him like an actual two-spirit when really he's just a stupid confused little boy," Ocala threw Jin straight at the Charmander.

They caught the Zorua and helped him onto the ground. Nevada then pushed him behind their body.

"You can have your silly little fox back."

"Why'd you do that to him? He isn't even part of this, part of my mess," the Charmander growled. "And I thought I told you I'm not a boy."

The sirens of the Police Pokemon got louder as they approached the clearing from the distant slope. The terror of the Econlockhatchee Bounty Hunters was not going to last too long today, not in Prismacolor Plains anyway.

"You're not the same Pokemon you used to be huh?" Seminole questioned.

Nevada’s tail flame scorched through the air. “Of course not!”

"Really? Prove that by showing up by the deadline then," the Charizard snapped his claws together.

Without a word, his Salandit and Helioptile grunts suddenly unleashed their full strength. The four of them launched out a powerful spray of poison and a Discharge of electricity at Linus and Glade. Once the moves connected with the Treecko and Totodile, they were instantly knocked out. The Bounty Hunters faded back into the shadows, releasing a blast of toxic and static-filled mist.

Ocala took one glance at Nevada once their Totodile and Treecko friends fell onto the snow and smirked. The Drizzlie saw an opening. "Hmph, you're not a kid anymore huh?" she asked.

The Charmander calmed their nerves. “I’m- I'm not scared of you Ocala!”

She stared over at Nevada and smirked. “Oh? Think you’re too old to fear me? And all of my power?”

“What?”

"Know your place!" the Drizzlie jumped towards the Zorua beside them. When her limbs almost hit Jin Ocala tilted to do a feint. She pivoted to the left at the last moment, kicking her water-coated foot and tail at the Charmander, nailing them directly in the chest and in the crotch.

With a choked gasp, Nevada immediately collapsed onto the snow.  The Charmander clenched their teeth as they doubled over in agony. They struggled for a couple of seconds before they fainted.

While this happened, Ocala bounced off the ground, and flew high above the short tree tops. Seminole caught her before she hit the ground. The Charizard then took off into the cloudy sky, leaving the four, young but still adult Pokemon behind.

“Nevada?” Jin nudged the limp body of the Charmander. He received no response, he then walked over to Glade and Linus.

He pushed on their sides with his snout but still, the Zorua also got no response. "Companions?" Jin softly whispered. As his heart rate increased, dread set in. The Zorua's tail clung to his underbelly, and his ears folded back.

“Oh wait, the Coordinator mentioned something about their badges!” Jin pressed one of his forepaws into the triangle-shaped badge and waited. " Please pick up, please pick up someone. We need your help, I need your help!" The Zorua begged. Seconds passed as Jin continued to hold down on the triangular badge, the sirens and shouting of the Police Pokemon drew near.Just then, as a single tear fell from the white Zorua’s eyes there was a rustling in some nearby mountainside. "Huh?" he whimpered, and lifted his head.

A Stoutland was in view, she ran across the green mountain behind them, her brown and navy fur flew in the wind majestically. "By Mew! There you are!" she called out. The Zorua stood still as stared  into the Stoutland's determined black eyes and noticed the accessories adorning her body; a multicolor harness, with shining medals fastened to the front and a large saddle pack along her sides.

She landed across from the four Pokemon with a thud, and crisp snowflakes flew from her coat with every step she took. In awe stricken fascination, Jin asked "If I may, who are you?" as the Chief drew near.

The Stoutland hurriedly approached her Rescue Team and their new friend. She then dropped her bag to the ground just as the Police Pokemon were in an eyeshot. "Don't worry, I'm Chief McBone Stoutland! Chief of the Bristberg Mana Research League!" 

Chapter Text

Chapter 16 Feathers and Wild Breath

Rosario Pikachu's POV

Number 5, a Keeper shall not misuse the mana locks and keys, this includes unrightfully unlocking too many Pokemon or locking up any of different elemental locks.

Come on! Even in the body of a Pikachu, I can't give up on my goals. For their sake, I gotta try. I reasoned, strengthening my will. "I will find the Pokemon who has this feather, or at least someone! And they better tell me where they are or something!"

I headed further into the sandy area, clay-colored mountains growing closer from the distance. My hands and feet felt so weird in this sand urgh, the grains stuck to the fur and rubbed my skin."A single feather, a green one at that," I said as I ran down a small hill. Was it light green, dark green, or uh teal? I pondered, before heading higher up to another slope."What Pokemon has it?" I found myself questioning aloud subconsciously.

"Has what?" a voice above the trees called out. Before I could answer, a thick floral scent engulfed my entire mind. The voice continued."Perhaps all you yearn for, by chance?"

When I opened my eyes I found a clay pathway between some hedges. "If it lets me find them then I don't care," I replied, taking a couple of steps forward. The orange ground underneath was warm and soft, so I felt nice.

As I hesitantly continued onward I noticed more and more fauna and trees were hidden away. Were these always here? I got up on two legs and noticed another hill. Suddenly there was the sound of flapping wings.

"Come now," another ethereal voice demanded. "You'll miss your chance going at this rate!" 

I quickened my pace and practically launched myself off the hill, falling. Dirt and small rocks went flying as I crashed against the side, which only marginally slowed my descent. My body hit the ground and my face planted into some soil. The sting of the hard earth colliding with fur and skin made me tense up. Ow, that hurt. Way more than I was expecting.

A soft faded scent of smoke clouded the area. Almost like Virbank City… a nostalgic melancholy filled my chest, another reminder of the past. I slowly opened my eyes and was faced with an impressive sight. A Dartrix and a Noctowl stood before me.

Noctowl was so huge! Or maybe I’m just small. Both of them had a vest pitch-black fabric and a small pouch. There seemed to be something made of a matte black on the Dartrix’s side but I’m not quite sure. 

"Are you Rosario?" the Dartrix… The Dartrix asked me a question.

Did that Pokemon just talk to me? Oh wait, I'm a Pokemon now. Still insane. Wait a minute, how in Ultra Space do they know my name? "Uh-uh yeah," I answered. "How do you know my name, you're just a Pokemon."

"We are Specialists of the Sentinels Union," the pair of Pokemon said in unison as I sat back against a rounded tree stump.

"That doesn't answer my question," I growled. What is going on with me? I feel so agitated. Am I being messed with?

The Noctowl turned their head to the Pokemon next to them and then back to me. "The Sentinel's Union is under the influence and receives orders from Leader Cresselia and Leader Darkrai, how those two Legendaries know your name and more we cannot comprehend."

"Dream and Nightmare Legendaries command you?"

"Indeed," the Dartrix affirmed. "We've heard that you are looking for something to strive for?"

What? How did they know? "Y-yeah something like that," I replied. It won't hurt to talk to these guys I guess, they haven't attacked me for being a dumbass and tripping. Maybe Pokemon here are nice?

"Well, congratulations! By your presence you are a Keeper and there are many goals you can strive for," they said together, then Dartrix pulled out a book from their pouch. The Pokemon gently pushed it toward me.

"What?" I asked, crossing my shorter-than-usual arms. "Why am I a Keeper? What does this have to do with finding my Pokemon, the goal I’m striving for?”

The Dartrix folded their wing and flipped their feather curl. "To keep it simple, a Keeper is a Pokemon who is sensitive to mana and one responsible for using the artifacts that caused the Disruption."

"Not sure where that's my problem but okay." I shrugged.

"Even though you were not present during the events that started this mess you should care more." The Noctowl narrowed their eyes and firmly planted their talons in the dirt. "You’re suffering from this disaster as well."

My nose twitched in annoyance and I could feel my brows or whatever Pikachu had raised. "How? By being here?" The Dartrix leaned over to the side and whispered to the Noctowl, my tall ears shifted to try and hear but it sounded foreign. "What are you hiding from me?" I grumbled.

They turned their heads to me and put their wings on their chests before they sighed. Something jingled when they did that… little bells? Wait a minute, there's an odd claw shape pattern on the front of their vests. 

"Well our black bells confirmed it, Rosario," the Noctowl hooted in a low solemn tone.

Before I could even ask what, the two Pokemon zeroed in on me. Their soft plumage of feathers and impressive wingspans once again reminded me that these were still dangerous Pokemon I was talking to. Razor sharp manicured talons on their feet, strong big beaks belonged to the birds of prey. Is this how it felt to be them? Those four?

The Dartrix noticed my expression and allowed me some breathing room. "Most of the symptoms we've witnessed and felt are lining up: a strong presence. Destructive tendencies.Violent, aggressive, harsh, cruel, disrespectful natures."

"Now now before you get upset, and claim 'some of those you have to physically feel'… You can't hide your unlocked presence from us." 

Another random load of unnecessary boufshit from these birds."And? Do you Sentinel's Union Pokemon deserve my respect and best behavior?"

“You’re unlocked," the Noctowl emphasized the last word and stepped away from me. "This also makes you dangerous as you presumably have access to mana to artificially boost the strength of moves."

I shook my head, trying to find where this leads to me finding my Pokemon. "I haven't used a move ever since I woke up here man."

"Well it hasn’t set in completely yet has it..."

What in the world is going on? I should tell these stupid Pokemon off for wasting my time! “Do I look like I care?” I spat, and felt my ears pull back.

“My friend, why would we tell you something that you shouldn't care about?" 

"Don't talk to me like we're friends, you need to get to the good part and stop wasting my time."

The Dartrix snapped their neck to the side.“Very well then. Once the worst of the effects comes we will come to help you keep it under control, try your best to hold on.”

"Eh whatever.” I waved the Pokemon off. ”Who wrote this book?"

"Our Supporter Smeargles and our Medic Swadloons created this book and many of the other recently published ones,” the Noctowl explained.

"Pokemon make books of their own?" I marveled, picking up the small book and peering at its cover. It was covered in a soft yet hard blue material and bound by small yellow strings. I could read the title. It said World History in Galarian. “Hey, how on Earth could useless Pokemon like them make a book I can read?”

"Excuse me? What gives you that idea?” The Dartrix opened their eyes slightly. “Calling our Supporters and Medics useless!”

“I meant their species-”

“So? Don’t act like you know how many lives they’ve saved and battles they’ve won!”

"Well I mean-" I started before both Pokemon held a wing up to shush me. “Don’t you shush me!”

“Be quiet or you shall never find what you are looking for!” the Noctowl screeched.

“Give me one reason I should listen to you Pokemon!” I shot back, as an odd hot sensation popped in my cheeks.

“You know nothing!” the Dartrix brought their beak close to my head and looked me in the eyes. “You would rot for the rest of your days on this miserable land without our intervention! We of the Sentinels Union came to assist you! You must heed our words!”

I felt the fur, long thick hairs on the back of my neck stand up as they glared at me. “Fine.”

"Flight," the Dartrix called out. "Look at the top of their head."

Flight, I guess that's the Noctowl's name turned their head to lock their eyes on me. "Oh my!"

"What!?" I raised my hands in between my ears and the large tuft of fur. "What is it?"

“My partner Talon and I know what you are,” Flight somehow smirked through their beak.

“Y-you do?” I held my chest and the plushy short coat of fur. Damn smug bastards!


Talon, the Dartrix chuckled to themself before they waved one of their wings. "You're a human, a former Pokemon Trainer, we know it by the grey furs on your head."

"What the- Pikachu doesn't have grey fur!" I yelled. "I demand proof!"

Flight pulled out a small oval mirror and pointed it at me, and then I realized it. "Do you see your own face in the mirror?"

A Pikachu. One with dark teal eyes, and a large tuft of fur on their head. The top of my head was a striking dark grey… I couldn't deny my previous humanity. 

"Instead of giving you a lecture about the entire history of the world, we thought it would be better to give you a book on it," the Noctowl hooted before they flapped their wings.

"So this isn't a world I'm familiar with? But there are Pokemon here," I stared at the Sentinels Union Pokemon. Subconsciously my ears drifted back as dread started to kick in. What mess did I get myself in?'We live in a land blessed by Mana, a force that powers all Pokemon abilities and moves.'


What is this a fairytale? Sounds lame. "I don't care about all this mumbo jumbo, I just want to find my Pokemon!" I skimmed through the pages before I closed the book. 

"Hmm," the Dartrix cooed. "It seems like you need more inspiration.”

What? Who does this birdbrain think they’re talking to? "Inspiration for what?"

"What you're striving for obviously."

“If you know how to help me find them then spit it out already!”

“It’s not that simple-”

“Hey, I’m getting bored with all this talking, and Rosario is making it difficult for us to get anywhere,” Talon hooted impatiently. “Should we try the slate out?" 

I looked at Talon's side and noticed they had a dark grey square tablet on them. They flipped over from the matte side to a smoother side. There was a sword and shield symbol in the middle of the screen blinking every couple of seconds, flashing cyan and magenta light.

Flight took to the sky. "I have no idea what it will do."

"Me either,” replied Talon. “But maybe it can test Rosario here… and allow us to do some research. Something Team Vanguard couldn't find."

"Folks from Branch Numero Seis Six and Numero Trece Thirteen said that when it starts flashing you just need to tap it and everything should theoretically happen on its own. Not sure where they got that information from though."

"What's the worst that could happen?"

I lifted my head up and suddenly the two Pokemon were gone. Just like that, the book in my hands disappeared too. "Hey wait a second!" I scrambled forward. 

A thick plume of mist filled the air and then a strong gust of wind battered my body. I was able to resist them at first before suddenly the earth itself began to attack me. Roots and vines whipped in the air and struck the soil as the windstorm grew in intensity. I curled up in a ball and closed my eyes for a couple of seconds before it died down. I heard the whirring of machinery and slowly descended somewhere as if I was on a cable car or something. When I stood up I noticed that the area looked different.


I sat on the floor of a circular elevator, a glowing ring of cyan and magenta around me. There was a sword and shield symbol in the middle that ebbed and flowed with the light, the waves washing over me with every second. "Ugh, where am I?" I groaned.

In front of me was a large black-tiled room, there were all sorts of symbols and runes on various walls and surfaces of the area. 

Some looked like the sword and shield, others the claw thingies on Flight and Talon's vests. There is one other thing I noticed, clear and bright as day gear symbols and a constant rhythmic ticking sound.

"Guess I had to go forward?" with a shake of my coat I focused my attention on the center of my vision. There was a gated machine with a large bowl inside that sat in the middle of the room. Trying to head beyond that area was going to be hard because there was a tall ass metal gate that blocked it. It even went to the ceiling and other walls. On the huge gate was a wire or cable that directly connected to the gated machine.

There was a large switch that was atop the odd machine… Unfortunately out of reach for me. "Could you help me out?" I questioned.

"Rosario, it seems like this place was made for you," Flight tried to pull on the switch.

A large swath of cyan and magenta static current repelled them. The Noctowl fell to the floor in agony, and spread their wings out to minimize the effect.  

"Are you okay?" Talon flew down to console their partner. 

"You aight?" I asked them, my ears folded down in sympathy. "That looks like it left a mark." I had to admit I don't like to see these guys hurt, cause that meant they can't help me. 

Flight struggled off the ground and then pulled their static-filled wings back. Suddenly they sliced through the air towards the left of the room. "Yeah," the electricity and its current disappeared somehow.

You've got to be kidding me. "Just great, so now I've got to do everything myself huh?" I asked.

On the right side of the machine was a small box with a glass bulb, there was a lightning-bolt symbol on it. "Must be something electrical." I rubbed my head.

"Unfortunately it seems that way,” Talon sighed. “Now you need to get used to problem-solving and your natural Pikachu abilities.”

To the left was an odd floating platform, on it was a huge ceramic ball. On the ball were small gear symbols and in the middle ends there was a glowing cyan and magenta sword and shield.  How am I gonna connect and fix all of these things by myself? “Do I really have to use my moves?”

"It won't hurt to try them," Flight shivered. "It's the only way you'll be able to accomplish any of your goals you know."

I walked towards the large gate in the back and tried to squeeze through the bars. No dice. Going back to take a crack at the machine I tugged and pulled at the slightly ajar gate. I pushed and prodded the piece of crap with the bulb next. Nothing. What in Kyreum's Mist am I supposed to fucking do? "Gah, damnit! Pokemon are supposed to do work for me, not the other way around!" 

Talon flew over to the ceramic ball and landed next to it."Oh really?" 

"Of course! Why else would I be a Trainer?" I ran up to the edge to yell at them.

“Unfortunately there is no other way to reach the missing parts, power the machine, or turn on any switches,” the Noctowl above me explained. 

Something in me told me I can make it, I just needed an extra push. 

“You wish to find your friends correct?”

“My friends?" I questioned, tilting my ears. I don't get it. "No, I'm just looking for my missing Pokemon!”

Talon furrowed their brow. “Oh, so they weren’t your friends?”

Maybe they weren't. “I-”

“No wonder you weren’t successful, you needed to value your Team as friends instead of trying to win all the time.”

“But winning Pokemon battles is all Pokemon are good for," the words slipped out."I-if they can’t do that then-”

“You’re worthless!” the Dartrix cut me off. 

“Shut up!" Subconsciously, I tasted something like a sugar cookie as I willed myself to smack that smug look off their face. A rapid fusillade of energy moved through my legs and my instincts took over.

Suddenly I flew in the air, I somehow crossed the chasm. Instead of hitting the Dartrix, I landed next to the ball with a thud. But how am I going to get the ball across?

"That's it, you managed to use Quick Attack!" Flight cheered.

I just used a move… When I was upset… Is this- "I did?" 

“Rosario!" Talon hooted, flying back to the room, where I just was. 

"What do you want?"

"You only think Pokemon are worth something if they can help you achieve your goals, correct? You think clinging onto them will excuse your wrongs?" the Dartrix darted forward and nearly dive-bombed me. At the last moment, they turned away and brushed against my tail.

When they did a jolt went through my entire body. At the tip of my tail, a throb began to pulse. The tail also gained weight as if a metal or something filled it. It started to feel weird.“I just-”

“That’s exactly why the Great Betrayal happened! Pokemon in this world and yours have suffered because of fools like you!"

"I wanted to beat all the Gym Leaders and become Champion! I just wanted to prove to everyone that I could win, that I was as good as the rest of them!" Uncomfortably, my heavier than 'usual' tail twitched with my every word."I wasn't any different from other Pokemon Trainers!"

"You think because you were given authority to guide Pokemon you can just abuse it for your darkest desires?"

My tail continued to twitch and felt heavier by the second. This stupid Pokemon is pissing me off! I ought to launch this ball at them! Before I knew it when I tasted sushi or sashimi-like thing in my mind, my back muscles tensed.

My tail slammed into the ceramic ball with a metallic crunch and it went flying. "What the fuck are you talking about!?" I roared, as a rush of energy nearly engulfed me. "I never abused my authority!"

The ball crashed into the tiles, and even with all that pent-up force, there were no cracks or dents to be seen. "Ooh, a nice and sturdy Iron Tail," Talon had an expression on their face that looked like a self-satisfied smirk. Quickly they breathed out a whisper. "Down, don't let the full effects out yet," then they turned back to me and frowned, their wings soon covering their gaze. Are they embarrassed?

"Rosario. Are you sure about that?" Flight took over, and landed next to the switch above the machine, careful to avoid its wrath.

"How in Kyreum's Blizzard could you know anything? You weren't there when they left me!" I leaped up after them, tasting the vanilla cookie again. My Quick Attack let me reach the top of the machine somehow.

"There we go," the Noctowl called in a slow tone of realization. "They left you."

"Yeah, they did!"

"Why do you think that happened?"

“Because they weren’t good enough for me!”

"Have you considered how healthy your mindset and relationship with Pokemon is?"

"What? Of course not!"

"I see. Well, what do you have to say for yourself?”

With pure adrenaline, remorse, and rage I slammed my tail toward the Noctowl. How dare they! Subconsciously I felt the raw fish on my tongue and in my head, I used the steel-type move again.

They sidestepped and my Iron Tail collided with the switch beside them. Shit. It was harder than my attack. The sting and echo of shattering metal shook me to my core. Why'd it hurt? A slow rumble filled the air as the small machine gate lifted. 

Unfazed, Talon began questioning me again.“Were you good enough for them? Do you truly believe that?”

I opened my mouth to respond but couldn’t find my words. Why do these Specialists act like they know everything? It's not fair, we just met! How do they get in my head like this? I hopped down on the ground but, accidentally hit myself hard on the machine. A keen escaped my throat and I felt nauseous. One of them asked me a question, it didn't matter if I couldn't hear it. I couldn't answer as a pain traveled up my core, sending my head blazing. Kyreum's Ice. What is wrong with me?! The only reason they knew is that I told on myself. 

Everything has been my fault. It always has been. This Pikachu body couldn't tell a lie. It won't betray my inner thoughts. But this only happened in the presence of them and their slate, and something else has drawn me in. From those orange mountains. 

Whatever it is, I need to make it stop. The truth of my heart just thundered out, it struck whatever it could. Pokemon wouldn't want to be around me in this state… Not Bel. Not Gigi, not Francisco, and not Flora. Why'd you let me let you go?!

I don't even want to be around me. It's breaking me. “It’s true… You’ve got me,” I choked out through tears. “I’m nothing without them or with them. But that’s why I want to become a better Pokemon Trainer!”

Seconds felt like hours as those Sentinels Union Pokemon sat still.

Talon then bowed to me."Rosario, I’m sorry.”


“I extend my apologizes as well,” Flight added.

“We were so unnecessarily cruel with our tongues," the Noctowl and Dartrix said in unison. "Our Leaders told us about your past."

"It's okay," I sniffled. "I figured just as much."

"We had to make it known to you, the truth, you were hiding from yourself."


“Forgo your title as a Pokemon Trainer," Talon demanded. "That was the past Rosario.”


“B-but what else is there for me?" I cried, and pushed the ceramic ball towards the bowl. "What other reason would they have to see me?”

I let out ragged breaths as the ball sat snuggly inside the machine and then started to glow green and red. Only part of the gated machines turned off runes began to glow cyan and magenta. The last thing left for me was the electricity bulb.

The Noctowl on top of the machine came to my side and offered their wing. I shook my head and they kept their distance. Flight then cleared their throat.“Now that you have the chance to be in the same position as them you better listen.”

I nodded and tried to soothe my nerves. My hands sat on the lightning bolt symbol under the bulb  and my cheeks sparkled out. "Come on! I need it to come out! Just a little spark or something!"

“Your Pokemon companions are in this world.”

“They are?”

“Yes-”

“Where are they?”

“Let me finish what I was going to say, Rosario. Just like your companions this world is in trouble. You can only save them by defeating those who have captured them."

“Who has them?!" In my excitement a sour taste consumed me, and a flash of light crashed out of my body. The shocks were absorbed into the bulb and suddenly the ball in the machine started to spin. "I’ll go over there right now!”

“Settle down Rosario.”

My ears folded sheepishly, a thought spurring in my brain.“Oh yeah sorry, which move did I use?”

“Judging by the power and your-” Flight’s head feathers twitched. “That was a Thunder Shock alright.”

The orb sped up in intensity and a droning roar filled the room. The gate blocking the other half of the room fell. 

“I do not have the specifics, Pokemon in Wicked Blow have some of them."

"You cannot battle the Pokemon that hold them alone. You will need a Team to support you.”

"Who am I going to team up with?"

"You will not get a Team, you shall join one. But to do that you will need someone to help you meet them."

There was an odd glowing object that previously sat behind the gate. The bars obstructed the majority of the thing so I couldn't tell what was. But now I see that there was a cyan and magenta glass.

I stared at the switch that sat high up under the platforms that reached near the ceiling. "I can't reach that, can I?”

“We won’t know unless you give it a try,” Flight cooed. 

“Okay, maybe I can do it one go?” I made it as far back as I could and then took off in a running start. I overshot the first platform with my Quick Attack and smashed my head into the ceiling. A quick burst of pain rocketed between my ears, swarming my face."Shit!" In my agony, I couldn't have swung my tail at the switch nor landed on the platform below it. Below me waited a chasm of darkness.

There was a flash of green as I was carried up toward the floor. "I got you!" Talon cried, and gently placed me on the ground.

"I guess I need to train huh?"

Near the other side of the room, there was plenty of empty space for me to run and jump around. "Oh, wait. With my normal-type move, I can leap into the air again. That can help me stay on each platform, and control the distance." After a couple of minutes of trying to figure out my Quick Attack distance and quirly double jump, I tested how quickly I can use my Iron Tail afterward. "It can't go right away, seeing as the pause and shifting in the tastes or something. But I feel acrobatic!

"Rosario, I remembered something," Talon started. "I believe based on our Leaders temperament those four will not have the same appearance as you're used to seeing."

"That's fine, will they at least know it's me?"

"They will be able to feel your presence so yes."

"Once you get out of this shrine. While you and this other Pokemon grow there will be trouble along the way. This is why you will have a responsibility to those who will help you save them.”

"I got it!" In one swoop I dashed up the platform with Quick Attack, I jumped on one of the tiny platforms. I stopped for a moment and then took in a sharp breath. I fell towards the switch below me and swung my Iron Tail at it precisely. I rebounded off the next platform with another Quick Attack, successfully making it to the other side. 

Panting in exhaustion I lied on the comforting cool floor. Man, that was intense, I never want to play platforming games in real life ever again!

The gated room in the back soon opened. “Come on Rosario!” Talon called, and shot towards the room. “This is where the exit is!”

I got down on all fours and dashed towards behind them. There was a large square wall of translucent green and red glass or something that stood in front of a split circle. In my stomach, I could feel it drawing me near. When I got closer I noticed a small set of stairs and a statue of something. 

It looked like a mix between a Kangaskhan and a Ryhdon… almost similar to statues in older Pokemon Gyms. Anyway, with Flight and Talon, the glass barrier turned blue-magenta, then it broke. The tiny electrical shards blasted in all directions. Once we got closer the statue’s eyes emitted a bright light.

Soon I saw two small crystals floating in the air. One cyan the other magenta. Once I glanced inside I noticed they were dull.

“Oh, my word!” Talon gasped “The gems reacted with the slate!”

I took a look over at the Dartrix and their slate. The device now had a sword and shield symbol on it along with a map in the shape of a paw and three claws. "The slate called them Ether Gems and the Statue is called the Forgotten."

"Take these with you," Flight passed them to my hand. "Give one to the Pokemon who says they are heading to the League."

I held them up for further inspection. "What will these crystals do?" 

Talon's pupils widened and they flapped their wings. "I'm not sure, but we should get a signal when they light up again."

“How come?”

On the slate there were four gem icons: the cyan and the magenta have a '1' next to them with a little Chimecho symbol. The red and green ones were dim with a '0' respectively. Strangely a black staircase appeared, seeing as it was the only exit we headed on out of the place.

The three of us soon found ourselves in a sandy stretch of woods, the orange mountains I saw earlier right before us.

We traveled quite a distance… And something in that mountain called out to me.

That got me thinking back to what they said: I need to go travel with other Pokemon soon."What if I lose the Ether Gem or some bad guys steal them?"

"Oh don't worry about that, our slate somehow shows the location," the Dartrix beamed. "It shows it on the map of the four known Continents."

Fine by me I guess. "Every time I move to the left it beeps, why is that?"

"Maybe the gems want you to go westward? Our slate seems to want us to as well. Not sure why that is."

Flight ruffled the fur on my head. "Rosario, this is where you come in. We need you to do some research on the gems for a couple of days. We have to go connect our slate to the database and discuss with our Leaders in the meantime.”

"What's in it for me?"

"We'll also get in touch with the Winter’s Reach League and try to find your friends' whereabouts," Talon responded. " If we pester our Leaders we could even learn what they look like, and the biome of where they are on our Continent. You and others in your decreed pair were asked to test these gems out along with other Pokemon across the land."

I pouted and folded my arms. "When will these Ether Gems provide me with a reward? I don't want to lug them around for nothing and have you swindling my precious time!"

"If my hypothesis is correct this will only happen when you reconsider your relationship with Pokemon," Flight began to ascend into the sky. "Let's start with your fated partner, then work your way up alright?"

Chapter Text

Chapter 17 Into the Depths of Learning

Makkuro Rockruff's POV

We finally got to go to the Trader's Outpost! This was my chance! It was harder to keep up with Master Hunter and Master Fang than I thought. Doing all that Breath of Mana practice has worn me out pretty badly, but let's gooo!

I felt my tail wagging with every rushed bound I took. "Awesome!" my bark rang out through the cave. "I get a chance to help some locals!"

Master Hunter and Kobi glanced my way when I finished, smiles adjourned on their muzzles. “We'll have a bunch more chances when we’re free to work at the League eh lad?” the Espurr asked, slowing down so I could reach her.

"Yeah! Oh right, the League!" I gasped, darting around in a circle. "I don't know much about them but they are friends of the Sentinels Union right?"

The Boltund beside me widened their eyes and sighed. "You could say they are."

Ooh, that reminds me. "What's the difference between the League and the Sentinels Union?" I asked. "Kobi and my village hadn't had a chance to fill me in," I shuddered. My mood swung back to being upbeat. When the word village slipped off my tongue, I felt kinda bad for lying but I want to wait until the moment is right before I tell them I was a Trainer. 

"Sorry about that," Kobi apologized, a forlorn glint in her dark purple eyes. "I don't actually know the difference myself. I only just learned about the Sentinels Union.”

Master Fang curtly turned to glance at me. "The League is in the public eye while we tend to the shadows.”

“Why’s that?”

“The League just has to be. Unfortunately to get funding from-” the Lycanroc paused to stifle a growl in their throat. “Their sources. They have to be partially open with their recruitment and the information that the sources know they have. They get special requests from them too.”

Sources. Master Fang must be talking about the forbidden word, the Committee. The ones who had some part in taking out Team Vanguard. “Oh, so that means they can lie and pretend they don’t know certain touchy subjects right?” I added, lowering my tail to stare at Kobi’s saddle bag.

Like everything that the Committee did when they figured out what the Vanguard was researching, those Mana Artifacts. There's something more to them, a hidden property, one that must stir the pot. From how desperate Fang sounded earlier the Team was probably on the edge of discovery.

"Anything the source can't prove the League has in their possession or knowledge of," Master Hunter sighed.

"Really?"

"It's just what I've heard from the Palm Shore League," the Boltund replied. "But I've heard the severity of how much a League needs to hide is based on which one of the four heads has their eye on them."

"Oh, the Leagues sure had it rough don't they?"

"Yeah," the Espurr mewled slowly. "That's why we'll give them all the help we can!"

There's a fire building up in me! This is something that I wanted to do back home with my Team, I'll carry on my goal here! "I can't wait to use my powers to help Pokemon with those guys!"

"You have to keep your unlocked power under control first," Master Hunter sharply reminded me. "And manage to use a move along with everything else."

My ears folded down and I felt my stomach drop. Dang it, I sound like I'm getting over my head. "Affirmative," I managed to reply, the word low in my throat. As if it meant nothing, like it was expected, Master Fang kept their steady pace, leading us through the rocky passageway. Soon we found our way out of the tunnel and a larger cave opening. 

There it was, a light blue building akin to the small shack we saw earlier, the Trader's Outpost. From the open windows, I could see the few Pokemon inside. Well not all of them, as the shelves blocked part of their bodies. On this building, there was a wooden sign board outside that read "Cave Outpost". As we got closer I noticed the light brown accents of the Outpost matched the other one and the sign. 

Suddenly both of our Masters stopped dead in their tracks. "Don't mention anything besides being under our watch," the Boltund barked, eyeing Kobi.

"Better yet just tell them you're our apprentices," the Lycanroc beside her added.

Okay…Why does it feel so tense? This is just an Outpost, which you two said we could go to. Finally, we walked inside and I could confirm my suspicion.

Stationed in the center of the wall next to the entrance there it was. "I had a feeling in my gut a Request Board of some sort would be here!" I cheered.

"Yep, hi there folks welcome to the Cave Outpost, the biggest Traders Outpost inside Numero Seis Six!" out of seemingly nowhere a Pokemon greeted the four of us. This Pokemon was a Quagsire, wearing a black vest and cape with the Union claw symbols on it like Master Fang and Master Hunter had on, but they had a blue apron covering it.

I turned to the left to see the staffer greeting us. Behind them were numerous shelves filled to the brim with all sorts of useful items. Next to the staffer was one of the Sentinels Union Pokémon, a Primeape. They wore a black vest along with a cloak and cap and were browsing some berries. 

"Hi," I felt my eyes close as I wagged my tail in joy at the new Pokemon. Maybe I can learn something here!

"Well who are you?" she questioned.

"I'm Fang and Hunter's apprentice," I answered. Then I gestured to Kobi. "This Espurr is too."

The Primeape placed a branch of Cheri Berries and a bundle of Rawst Berries in their hand and turned my way. "Oh, looks like Fang and Hunter put the pounce on ya eh?" she beamed, pointing at the couple.

"What?" I asked.

"Think that means our training is gonna be brutal as apprentices," Kobi tried to explain. "Am I right?"

"Yea, good luck and best wishes!" Primeape grinned before smacking Master Fang on the flank. "Need more nerve on this lot ya hear!" 

What?

She then hit Master Hunter on the head. "We've gotta have more spark going after those blokes in black y  and white!"

I'm so confused.

"Got it for Xern's sake," our Masters growled, gleaming daggers at the Primeape. "Beat it, Fist!"

"Ya ya, just make sure to take a gander at the board will ya?" Fist waltzed up to the checkout, coins in hand. "Let 'em prove it to ya, that they can do it!"

“She has a point, somehow.” Master Fang padded up to look over each paper pinned onto the cork and grinned. "Think there'll be good for 'em?" they asked their fiancé.

The Boltund stared at two particular small pieces of paper and then went back to Kobi and me. "If not for tomorrow, then maybe once they have grasped the basics better," she replied.

"What are the requests?" Kobi asked.

"Retrieving a lost crate of scarves, orbs, and berries for one, the second is locating and capturing some suspicious Pokemon,” Master Hunter explained.

Suddenly there was a gasp from the other side of the shelves. “You’re taking them!?” Then came a waddling sound and my ears swiveled to the side. “You Sentinels Union mon are gonna do those?” a Ducklett wearing a yellow scarf asked.

I subconsciously felt my nose twitching as they approached Master Hunter and Master Fang slowly. “Yes, we are doing some, probably gonna try to do them tomorrow or later this week,” the Boltund answered.

They must be from town because they aren’t wearing a black vest or any jewelry with the Union symbol on their body. This Ducklett doesn’t seem to be under Fist either. “Those are the requests I sent out!” they cheered.

I grinned at Pokemon as I felt a rush of excitement blanket me."I can't wait to report on a job well done for you Ducklett!"

Ducklett waddled forward with an open beak. “I’ll be expecting it!” they squawked.

"We'll have to see when you'll be able to do these requests together with us," Master Hunter placed the papers in one of her bags. "Come now we have some training to do, we will talk about the scraps later."

Knowing that I will be able to help some of the Pokemon here I'm satisfied. With a long full gaze, I gave the Traders Outpost one last look as we headed out of the shop.

Instead of going back the way we came, we headed in a different direction, Master Fang taking us to the right further into the cave. 

"Alrighty now we are going to get ready for our physical training," the Lycanroc explained, taking us uphill. Once we got to the top I was able to see that massive river from before. The Nakagawa River in all its glory.

On the hill was a set of wooden crates with some odd bolts and belts attached to them, some crates had wheels on the bottom while others did not. Beside those crates were different colored and sized weights.”How are we gonna train now?” I asked, nudging one of the crates with my snout, filling its scent into my head.

Master Hunter pulled off the lid of one of the wooden crates, revealing a bunch of harnesses inside. "It's weight training while walking time! Since you, I, and many other Pokemon, don't have any arms and legs that can carry things I had to figure out a substitution."

"What's that mean?'' I asked, tilting my head.

“Yeah we can carry things fine with our saddlebags and I can use my psychic abilities. Oh and we can hold things with a hand of Mana," Kobi added.

The Boltund shook her head.“That’s not ideal, you are going to run certain distances wearing these crates, loaded with weights to train. Then I’ll be able to gauge your strength.”  

I folded my ears back at the thought. I guess being a Pokemon who helps save the world isn’t all fun and games. Kobi and I realized that to an extent yesterday but even in some resemblance of peace, we’d be instantly put to work.

"Don't worry it won't be too hard,” Master Fang tried to calm our anxieties down a tad, before smirking.”Well if you're in shape that is.”

Their partner then fastened an empty box onto the two of us. "Just the crate now, follow us!" 

Oh no, did I get put into a Rockruff body with puppy fat or something? “But-but what about using our moves safely? And figuring out presence sensitivity?” I strained to ask, trudging after the other Pokemon.

“You need to be at the height of physical fitness. If not, you better get to it," the Boltund stated, heading uphill along a stretch of rough stone. "There's no way you're going to get out of here otherwise.”

Then once we made it back around Master Fang added an orange-colored weight to our crates. The pressure on my hind legs, thighs, and back began as a light tugging but once we ventured off into a segment of bumpy paths it hurt. Aye Tapu! Adding insult to injury was my paw pads' lack of extra callus and durability which made them sensitive.

Another weight was added, this time yellow and my knees started to wobble as we slowly made our way around the lakeside. Ow. A whimper crept out of my maw.  We just had to have traveled slightly off-route, didn’t we?

“This is harder than I thought it would be!” Kobi practically said what I was thinking, her body deflated.

"Everything will be harder than you think. Especially making it into the League," the Boltund leading the way barked. 

Salty droplets of water gently covered my coat as we approached the water's edge, the softer ground catching the crates in its soil. "I-I never assumed it would be a walk in the park!" I replied, digging my paws into anything that remotely resembled purchase in the ground.

"But I have the acceptance letter?" Kobi tilted her head, the wind blowing across her fur. "How will getting in be hard?"

"Because unless you prove yourself with some sort of Act of Valor or whatever you're still going to have to pass their special entrance exam. And that exam is no joke."

After gaining traction and my footing I noticed my panting intensifying. "That means nothing!" I yelled, closing my eyes and pulling even harder. "We're Keepers, ones that were given power! We aren’t scared of some exams, especially ones made to see if we're capable of joining the League!"

I couldn't see it but I could tell Master Fang had a smile on their muzzle. "And then after that, you'll have to prove yourself to your new Rescue Team and upperclassmon."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You two will have to perform well on lots of requests. Oh, and because you are unlocked you'll be monitored closely by the Chief and Coordinator."

"We are probably going to end up doing something a bit more difficult in our work here aren't we?" I pondered aloud.

"Yeah,” the Lycanroc said, picking up their pace. “If you would like to be more than an apprentice- or rather your prisoner status.If you think you can keep up with us."

I shook my head with a groan. "Thank you for training and teaching us, but I don't want to join your organization. I don't plan on hanging out here in the shadows forever, I need to travel the world for myself and more importantly find a way to make my mark on the world."

"I'm going to decline on that, that whole staying at the Union thing," Kobi said. “I need to join the League. I know that's where Hatchet wants me to be and where he's going to end up. He'll never find me if I stay here."


“We get it, we get it!" both Master Fang and Master Hunter barked. "All right! Let's go, less talking, more running!“

Kobi and I continued exercising for what felt like hours. My bones and my body became sore, and my breath was ragged. But of course, that wasn't enough, it wouldn't be enough. Not yet. These Sentinels Union Pokémon are hardcore and we've always known that.

“Okay now it's time for some different types of training," Master Hunter removed the harnesses and crates from our bodies. "I can't do only one type or you won't be able to get stronger.”

"Master Hunter," I gasped as the harness was released. "Could- could we take a breather or something?"

"Tired already?" a new and unfamiliar voice called out. Immediately I snapped my body to the side, to see who was speaking.

"Huh?"

Across the strip of Riverview stone, there was a Smeargle, one with a grey vest on. She stood next to a Morpeko. "But we haven't even given you our welcome gift yet!" the Morpeko sighed, sparks flaring out.

Then a wave of four gentle pressures washed over me. They are Keepers with unlocked presences?! This is what it could feel like?

"What?" Where did these Keepers come from? They concealed their presence!?” And they were not alone, there were two other Pokemon. An Aron and an Impidimp… Now that I think about it, the first two of these Pokemon are familiar! 

"Wait, aren't those two our roommates?" Kobi gasped, her eyes widening as the group approached us. 

"That Smeargle and that Morpeko!"

Master Fang chuckled lightly.  "Unfortunately this is the way you get to meet with the actual apprentices."

"Yes, it is truly unfortunate," Master Hunter added. 

"Why is it unfortunate?" I asked. As if on cue the Aron charged at me with their steely Iron Head, the blow sending me flying. Agh, Tapu! That fucking hurt! Koko's Sparks!

"What the-" the Espurr who was previously beside me yelped as she was blasted with a barrel of electricity. 

I grit my teeth from the aftershocks and whimpered. My entire body must have been crushed into pieces of rock. Then I looked down… I was a whole Rockruff, nothing was broken off. Was that how a super-effective move felt from a powerful Pokemon? From my position on the ground, I noticed the Morpeko smirking, pumping their fist in celebration. 

Kobi rushed back to me, a light lavender-hued mist surrounding her body, in preparation to fire off Psychic. 

"No! Cease immediately!" Master Fang and Master Hunter ordered, halting all of us in our tracks.

I growled as a rush of energy built up in my body. The half-translucent rock that was forming, dissipated into the air right away. Ay Tapu, my mana struggled to work! "Why not?” I barked. “Don't want me to see if these guys can help?"

"This is not the place to test out your unique circumstances Makkuro," the Boltund sighed. "We are supposed to test your reactions to various elemental attacks and your resistances. Attention!"

The four Sentinels Union apprentices saluted our Masters with a hand of mana, four fingers pointed outward. 

I can't believe it. I jumped off the floor and ran up to Master Hunter. "Wait so these guys get to pummel us and we can't hit them back?"

"That's a load of fucking bollocks," Kobi spat.

"Aye listen! We had to go through this too." The Morpeko crossed her arms. 

"Not with your own moves," I watched as the Lycanroc grumbled, ears folding down in annoyance. Then they turned to the apprentices. "Who told you brats to sneak up on them?"

"Uh…." the Impidimp tried to speak up for his companions.

"Yeah, I thought so," Master Hunter growled. "Kobi, Makkuro you are allowed to strike back for every blow they deal to you."

"Got it," I replied, wagging my tail as I saw the expressions morph on the apprentices' faces. That look in their eyes, they know they've messed up big time. Quickly I slammed my body into the Morpeko, knocking them onto the floor. "No moves, no problem."

My opponent writhed out of my grasp and took in a labored breath, parts of their fur gaining a purplish hue. Oh no soon they'll be in Hangry Mode!

I grinned as Kobi raked her claws at the Aron's softer section near their shoulder. Then with a shove, she exposed their underbelly, before pouncing on their chest. In an instant, once her paws touched back on the floor as the Aron recovered, the Impidimp made his move. 

I noticed he was glowing a dark pink with some energy from some move, then he caught hold of the Espurr's flank fur. The Impidimp tilted her slightly, using her force against her, and slammed his foot, covered in darkness against her lower belly. Kobi immediately stumbled to the ground from the super-effective attack. She growled out a Galarian curse while I stayed close to try and assess the situation… That's it! Impidimp probably used Foul Play on her because she's so strong!  

Shit! I still had to wait for my next opportunity to strike! Who's gonna hit me?

The Smeargle picked up her red-painted tail with a sigh before quickly Sketching something into existence. 

Then it hit me. A concentrated burst of cold water blasted into me, forcing me to retreat out of its range. That was a Water Pulse, damnit! I felt the skin and fur practically ripping from my body. I shivered as I stood back, before shaking the droplets away, my paws scraping against the stone as the wind picked up. "We're gonna be watching you, outsiders!" the Smeargle growled, her crimson-tipped tail slowly turning a light fuschia.

"We've-" Kobi started, standing up beside me, "We've got all day."

"Hit me with your best shot!" I smirked despite regretting it immediately. "Show us what the Sentinels Union is made of." 

I lost track of the time. It was easy when your head was spinning so hard. Those apprentices, of Fist the Primeape, and Pride the Pyroar respectively beat the shit outta Kobi and I. They used every move they had on us, then lowered our natural defenses and raised their offensive powers to give us a true taste. We couldn't do much back to 'em without our moves but I know they felt the drive behind our will. That's what I want to believe anyway. All that's left was our tired breaths.

"Don't worry after you get a hold of your moves safely you can pay them back in full, with interest," Master Fang nudged me up from lying on my back.

Sounds good to me. I huffed as I rolled back over, stretching out my legs with a groan. “What are we doing next?”

“Are, are we gonna get a break?” Kobi begged, hissing as she rolled her shoulders and groomed her chest fur.

Once I looked to the side I noticed Master Hunter was writing something in a rather large notebook, jotting on a scroll of parchment. The Boltund sang softly in thought before finishing up something and promptly returned all the papers into their saddle bag. “Yep." They smiled. "It’s time for you to do some research for the League you care so much about."

Her voice was a spark of hope for us. “Wait, we’re going back to the base?”

“Yeah,” Master Fang replied. “Hunter and I have got to review your presence fluctuation, join in on a meeting with the Branch Sies Commanders, and then finalize our plans for tomorrow, based on your contingencies."

That's a lot of words just to say their schedule is loaded. "You'll be escorted into the Library by some more," Master Hunter cleared their throat, "upstanding members of the Sentinels Union."

Dissing Fist eh?

"What do you want us to look up while we're there? Oh, and is there a good book on the letters of the foot runes?" Kobi asked.

Oh great, now I can finally read stuff on my own, instead of being treated like a toddler! I was beginning to get fed up with all the patronizing and shit. Becoming independent sure is hard when there's stuff folks have to teach you the entire time. Stupid new body ugh.

Our Masters took us back toward the inside of the base. "I need you to know the truth, you need to find out about the Great Betrayal," the Boltund narrowed their eyes, the rich green hue wavering in emotion.


“The truth huh,” I replied, my nose twitching as I wracked my head.


“Will we still have time for our lesson?”

"Why do you need to know about the letters?” Master Fang asked me as we got closer to the base’s entrance. I nervously glanced back towards Kobi before I shivered.  “Oh wait, the village must have taught ya different ones than what we use here right Makkuro?"

Oh no…“Yeah,” I replied. No matter how hard I tried, no more words came to mind.

Kobi took that as an opportunity. “Why are the Pokemon involved in the Great Betrayal, something that happened so long ago, relevant to our work here today, dealing with Wicked Blow and recovering the keys and locks of mana?”

"Kobi, the Pokemon that were involved in it are also involved in the Disruption, everything comes back to the fight for a specific something,” as our paws treaded the tilted floor of the Sentinels Union base the Lycanroc managed to answer, shaking their coat. They lowered their tail as they continued wagging in what I presumed was thought.

I guess we’ll have to figure this out for ourselves. It may be a bit too painful for Master Fang and Master Hunter to talk to us. It’s also gotta be stuff the League needs help understanding since we’re allowed to study it on their behalf. What a stroke of luck for those guys, they’ll have us soon!

"Alrighty, we'll be off now," our Masters called out.

I tilted my head at the two Pokemon and grinned. "Bye!"

"See ya later!" Kobi meowed.

We walked for quite aways before rounding down a warm cozy hallway, before spotting another Sentinels Union Pokemon, there was a Malamar. She stood in front of the two beautifully elaborate decorated ajar doors, the banner of the Sentinel's Union claw, carved delicately into the wood. "Good afternoon, I'm Inkling, here to assist and watch over you two when you are studying in the library." the Malamar led Kobi and I passed the entrance.

“Inkling, we were told to study about the Great Betrayal," I started, as we headed towards a low table in the center of the library. "Is there anything else we should look into?” I sat on a small cushioned stool, one big enough for Kobi and me.

The Malamar brushed away their loose head tentacles and began carding through a book from a shelf. "I believe it would be in your best interest to learn about unlocked Keepers and Sentinels in full, that way you can be prepared." Then Inkling then passed the book onto the table.

"Unlocked… That's just like us," I sat down at the table, watching Kobi peer into the pages. 

"Sentinels could be unlocked too? They have finer control over the power and revert automatically though huh," the Espurr questioned, her tail flicking as she continued.

I hummed as the memory played in my head. “I mean, Keepers are the ones who can use the key and lock mana artifacts."

"Correct," Inkling chirped.

"I don’t believe anyone said they couldn’t use them on Sentinels, considering they go back on their own they are not as much of a pressing threat.” 

"Oh, there's so much information here!" Kobi flipped through more pages. "On pages 127-131, it mentions something else about Sentinels. Certain Sentinels may be able to use illusive color-coded collections of mana called Ether Gems to have access to something akin to unlocked boosted moves. But they need mana artifacts called the Regalia to utilize it in full."

What? The way the information is presented seems like it's mainly theoretical. "Uh excuse me Inkling. Do you have any more info about the Ether Gems?" I placed a paw on the table.

"Many Branches are currently working with some Slate devices to locate the majority of them and get some claws-on research done," the Malamar explained, eyes narrow. "Ether Gems were last documented a very long time ago, back when Mana Control Techniques was first discovered." 

We continued studying the text, trying to make sense of things Master Fang and Hunter mentioned yesterday and earlier today. There's so much, but we'll hopefully be on the road tomorrow and for the next couple of days. Kobi and I can't risk missing out.

"Oh right, here's your books on the footrune letters, and the Great Betrayal." the Malamar returned with some tomes in her grasp, placing the first in front of me and the second in front of Kobi.

That was strange… the cover of the book in front of me seemed to be in Galarian. Do all of them know?

“Okay, since we've got a bit of time I'll help you out with these, Espurr dear can you read the guide correct?" Inkling asked.

"Uh, yeah." Kobi lifted her head up from the book. "I can read 'em." 

The two taught me how to read and pronounce each letter. It was easy to understand somehow, it felt like my head was tingling the whole time. Then Inkling and Kobi told me a majority of words that would be important. Weird how the word "Rest Stop" looks nothing like how it does in Galarian but the word "Guild" does.

"Okay, now we've got time to learn about the Great Betrayal," the Malamar stepped away from the table. "Unfortunately I'm a tad bit uncomfortable speaking about this so you'll have to read it on your own."

"If we have some questions we can ask you?" I sniffed, noticing a melancholy wafting through the air. 

"Yes," she replied.

"Okay so…" 'The Great Betrayal was a war that started because of a conflict between former Pokemon Trainers and the groups they belonged to; Bounty Hunters, and Expedition Teams. These organizations eventually split apart into the numerous ones we have today.'

'These humans were called Monsters for their former practices and many were killed off. There was a force to save them led by a Team called Checkmate, that was on the frontlines.'

'This Team was headed by a Granbull and a Herdier couple, the McBone's, and it seemed that a large percentage of Team Checkmate were former trainers. Although these five are rumored dead, notable ones are a Torracat, a Hattrem, a Vibrava, a Cufant, and another Pokemon of an unknown species, one given the moniker Camouflage.'

'There was a cult dedicated to Eternaus, made from Expeditioners and Bounty Hunters that spread the campaign against former trainers. And then they thought that it was unfair that Pokemon had been forbidden to use mana artifacts to their full potential, and hiding away their real power.'

That sounds kinda like Wicked Blow… Except for the Eternaus part. Odd.  

Inkling, Kobi, and I found more books on each varying subject, trying our hardest to connect the dots. It was exciting to think about all the possibilities we have with the right knowledge at our disposal. Suddenly as we were about to crack open our sixth tome there was a knock on the other side of the table. 

"Hey guys." Master Hunter walked up to us, a small pouch through her teeth. 

Inkling retrieved the bag and set it down. "I assume you're ready?" she jingled the small materials inside, judging by the soft metallic sound, coins.

"Yeah." Master Fang made it to the chair adjacent to Kobi and me. "The most important training is coming up soon so we hurried over after we finished with our work."

"It's the training to help me use my moves!?" I asked.

"Yep." Master Hunter ruffled the top of my head. "But first some lunch, can't run on empty!"

We then circled around back to the entrance of Numero Seis Six. The dining hall wasn't as full as it was this morning which was great. "Could I try some different fruit?" I asked, Master Hunter as they picked up a tray. 

"Sure," the Boltund replied. "I'll ask for Razz, Aspear, and Leppa."

It's hard to go against my proper home training and just stuff food in my face, er muzzle but our lunch was so divine! After we got ready with other matters, we headed out to a different place to train. 

"Okay, I'll take Makkuro to help them work with mana to Power Point control. We will have this Rockruff here using a move safely by tonight so help me Xerneas," Master Fang licked their chops as they adjusted one of their bags. 

"And Kobi will come with me, we need to work on your presence sensitivity, and control," Master Hunter woofed gently, sniffing at something in the air. "It's a little odd how your friend here has a calmer presence than you, but it will no longer be an issue after we're done."

Deep breath. Remember to sever all desires, cleanse the mind, and keep a goal of peace in your heart. Everything is in my grasp. "Now, follow the steps Makkuro," the Lycanroc guided me. 

I drew in the mana from my surroundings, feeling a large palette of elemental types for me to choose from. Dark, Normal, Rock, and Ground are the types of my moves. "Hey, now when you want to use the move perform the Breath of Mana," Master Fang barked. 

"Let's go with Rock Tomb," I grinned, my breath already hitching in extersion. Master Fang, they're familiar with this kind of move too. The taste of milk chocolate filled my maw and the small translucent rocks appeared once again. 

Then suddenly they started to solidify. Saving the world, making my Pokemon and my Sensei proud, and seeing Kobi's smile. That Ducklett, they, and the others need my help. Peace. Peace. Peace!

"Augh!" a jolt of pain ran through my body. The rocks, well more like pebbles, were struggling to gain in size, to be a proper move. "Why does it hurt?" 

"I don't know! I think the reason you couldn't use moves was because you had nothing to control your boosted power and hold you back. Keep going!" Master Fang encouraged me. "You might have to weaken the strength."

Wait! Is my power too strong to contain in this one move? What if I, I separated the mana into individual rocks. One, two, three, four! "I can do it!" I howled out, my body cracking underneath the pressure. "I can surpass the limit!"

"GO for it!" 

Something inside me shattered. I screamed out in pain, closing my eyes… I couldn't take it anymore. Please. There was a loud crash on the ground in front of me. My eyes shot open. 

"Ay, that Rock Tomb worked!" Those were the last words I heard, before I collapsed. Succumbing to my fatigue.

When I opened my eyes I was sitting in my bottom bunk. Kobi sat beside me, a large smile on her face. "Hey, what did I miss?" I lifted my head up and yawned.

"You lucky dog you, we did it!" the Espurr hugged me.

"Did what?"

"You two are coming with us tomorrow afternoon," familiar voices echoed through our room. Master Fang and Master Hunter sat on the floor below us. "We're going to a seminar hosted by Leader Magearna down in Saltwater Cliffs, to learn about what they call the Gears of Mana."

"I see, this must be what all of us looking for," I replied. 

"Who?"

"The Sentinel's Union, The League, Wicked Blow, the… The source, and then whoever those Eternaus cultists are," I explained. "They are related to every type of Mana Artifacts aren't they?"

"I guess you've done your homework huh," the Lycanroc grinned. "I know you'll be excited to learn more with us."

"But I passed out-"

"You were clenching down too hard," Master Fang barked, nudging me over the head.

"What? But I was scared it was gonna overflow or something!"

"Don't worry about that!" Kobi sighed. "Yesterday I told you to let it fly out!"

The Lycanroc suddenly grabbed me by the scruff and carried me around the room. "Makkuro you didn't let out the right amount of mana to use Rock Tomb. You used the bare minimum and your body's supply was taken instead. No more holding back ya hear me!"

"Yes Master Fang," I groaned before they continued nagging me.

“We’ve all got more training to do," Master Hunter panted. "We allowed you to rest and recover after passing the most important part, using a move safely. But as you can probably tell there is still plenty of work to do.”

I climbed out of bed and shook my body awake. “Alright, understood!” 

“Cha,” Kobi followed. “I’m ready!”

We worked on gaining resistance against presences, by our Masters slowly releasing theirs on us. The feeling of being crushed still fucking hurt but apparently we made it to a bit less than half of their full presence without yielding. 

Kobi had to work on using her moves with the Breath of Mana and the difference was like night and day. The previously wide Psychics that couldn't tear through the practice substitutes, were now thin powerful blasts that went right through them.

Before I knew it was around midnight and Kobi and I crashed into our beds. Fist, Pride, and their apprentices would be joining us on our trip to Saltwater Cliffs.

It's morning. On this trip it seemed like we'll head into something called a Mystery Dungeon, where Pokemon would attack us on sight for trespassing. I'm a bit worried about that since Master Hunter said that they were a tad on the stronger side. Nevertheless, we continued onward through the rocky Riverland, noticing the dipping temperatures and fiercer gusts of wind. Suddenly I began to feel another crushing force, a presence.

"Halt, there's someone up ahead… Not a regular unlocked Keeper, their presence is too bright!" Master Hunter stood in front of us.

There was a small grey figure who stood in front of the Mystery Dungeon cave entrance.

"Not a regular Pokemon, could it be a Legendary or Mythical Pokemon?" I asked in a bark, accidentally too loud.

"Shh!" Master Fang and Kobi pushed me down.

"Makkuro you dumbass," Smeargle, one of Fist and Pride's apprentices chided.

"Excuse me?" I growled back. Who does she think she is?

"Huh?" the figure called out, turning to face us. It was a rare Legendary from Galar… a Kubfu. "Wait, was that accent I'm familiar with?" they asked, approaching us.

Wait that Kubfu has dark grey fur on their head, a former human. What are they doing out here?

"I'm sorry to bother you, I'm lost," the Kubfu lifted their paws in the air. "I have so many questions but specifically one for the Rockruff."

The Sentinels Union Pokémon looked at me and then back at the foreigner. "Sure, but try anything and we're through." Master Hunter suppressed a growl.

Then the Kubfu walked up to me and grinned. Finally, they asked me the question.  "Are you an Island Hopper?"

Wait. I haven't heard that since the day I became a Rockruff. Back in Johto. Wait a minute. What? What?!

Chapter Text

Chapter 18 Eternal Flame

Nevada Charmander's POV

A low soft tune filled my ears suddenly, waking me from my sleep. The notes danced slowly throughout the air, carrying their call far along the surroundings of the Pokemon playing it. A tear rolled down my face as the nostalgia hit me in full swing. That rich somber melody… It was a triple-barrel flute like the one Ocala used to play!

I glanced down to see my tail flame whipping around, but this wasn't my bed back at the League. It was back in the same half-flame, half-water-weaved bedding I got from our cousins. Back in my room. Wait, why am I back here?

I jolted backward and scanned the rest of my surroundings; my old evolution stone collection, Mother's Feather Scale, and Father's Thin Trident Spear, alongside some scarves and a woven drawstring bag.

Where are Linus, Glade, and Jin? And all the others back in the League? It was no use, I just had to see what day this was and how it plays out. I hopped out of bed and took a glance out the window…

There it was, the beauty of my childhood and early teenage years on full display. A field lush with rich golden stalks of wheat, with ruby and emerald strands that sparkled brightly within, as far as the eye could see. Glorious Tapu Plains, I haven't been here in such a long time.

I shivered and stepped onto my rug, trudging to the door. Once I stepped out I was greeted with a sight I haven't seen in such a long time. Ocala was back to being a Sobble, meaning she was shorter than me. My older sister stood in the living room, flute case in her claws.

"Ugh, morning," I tried my best to smile before the wooden floor boards squeaked. Only one Pokemon in this house could have that weight, a Charizard, Seminole's here.

"Ari-" I immediately shut down and filtered out my deadname from out of his maw. "Morning, scrimblo, we've got fucking a busy day today!"

"W-why is it gonna be busy?" I asked.

"A Sentinel like you should know already for Koko’s sake! Families from both sides are coming over today to talk about the concern about the war."

"Family?" My question came out slowly.

"Yeah family, scales, and blood," Ocala explained. "Dakota and Mississippi are set to arrive first."

Dammit, I really need to figure out when today is! "Dakota and Mississippi?"

"Yeah, I don't understand what those two-spirits meant with this new term "non-binary" and being referred to as “they” thing but when we talk again maybe I'll figure out how they work, along with how'd they get so strong." The Sobble closed her eyes.

I'm gonna ignore those comments… I don't feel like explaining the validity of our identities to Ocala and Seminole, at least right now anyway. "They are really strong? How tough are they?"

Our Charizard brother rubbed the top of his head and grinned. "Well see here, I’m stronger than Dakota but that Charmeleon is so great with strategies, just like Mississippi, the Drizzile. "Those two are gonna lead the Econlockhatchee Bounty Hunters group after… After she retires."

“Wow, that’s awesome! Those two will take Mom’s place as Leader!”

“Yeah, her place, hopefully soon.  I’d like for her to be here more often. To make up for the time lost,” Seminole grumbled, closing his eyes.

Ah, he wanted to avoid saying her title… our Mother. I remembered it now. He shouldn't be the only Charizard in the house. Mother should be here.

“Yeah, I miss her,” I sighed, holding my chest.

“Me too,” the Charizard slowly flapped his wings. “I heard the hatchling inside her egg should be coming out soon. That’ll get the Leader to finally retire. Then she’ll take her rightful place.”

Ocala held out her arms and rubbed them before yawning. “Yeah, we’re due a nice family Mystery Dungeon exploration with Dad too. He needs to assign a new mon Chieftain already!”

There should also be an Inteleon here too. Mother and Dad should be home. But they're so busy. Wait… Why didn't Seminole just say her name instead of being vague? He was the oldest… he still was the oldest. He hated having to raise us in her place. He would never call her Mother again. Or would he?

Well, that's what I want to tell myself. Our parents were busy.  One was the Head of Pokémon, One ran an organization, and both managed recon information. Those aren’t easy tasks. Especially when shackled under debt to… To whom exactly?

"You know what I'm going to ask before we head out don't you?” Seminole craned his neck to peer into my eyes.

"Uh… no?" I leaned away from him.

"You need to come train with us Keepers."

"No thank you."

"This is the last time you get to avoid my training,” Seminole grumbled.

I crossed my arms and stepped away from the Charizard."W-why?"

"The family needs you to toughen up. You're a Sentinel after all. Can't you just act like Ocala and the others?” he answered.

“But I don’t wanna train with you anymore!” I begged.

“What?!”

Oh no, he doesn’t like that! “I mean well, I not for a little bit, maybe when I feel better I would but-”

"Because of this, I won't help you with your problems!" the Charizard grumbled, folding his wings and ducking out of the house. "Since you're too good for my recently evolved Charizard training!"

Ocala shook her head and approached the doorway as well.

"You're gonna leave me too?" I asked, feeling my tail curl around my legs.

"I need to evolve before a war starts," the Sobble sighed. "You should try to get stronger and evolve too."

"But how?"

"You heard Seminole. He mentioned Dakota is smarter than him. Maybe she-"

"They," I corrected.

"Maybe that Charmeleon can help you,"  Ocala tapped her chest and leaned further on the door frame. "I'd go ask Mississippi for some advice. But after practice, I have to go to a meeting with Seminole and-"

Suddenly her tail slapped the door, and she nearly toppled over.

I ran forward to catch her and then noticed it. I didn't grab hold of her scales. My claws didn't feel anything. "Are you okay?" I panicked, my body feeling tense. What's going on? 

Oh right. This was a dream of the past. How silly of me, I thought I could change it.

"Yeah, it's just, my whole body has been feeling weird for the past two weeks or so," the Sobble assured me.

Was something weird going on? I stood still as I tried to process the words… Wait. She was set to have evolved soon. No, not just soon it would be today. The same day our cousins came over.

Shit. I now knew what day it was. Five years ago, only a few weeks before the Disruption started. It was the day that they would be taken from me. Everyone I held dear would forever change. Because I lacked the strength. To stop them. To stop Wicked Blow.

"Well I think that's a sign to get out of here," my sister grinned. "Have fun with Dakota and Mississippi for me!"

I didn't reply as the door closed, I just sank to the floor. I couldn’t believe this would be the last time my siblings wouldn’t hate me. The last time Seminole and Ocala would try to protect and nurture me, from whatever came our way, like proper older siblings.

Somehow everything changed, all around me were beautiful stalks of grain as far as the eye could see, and a glimpse into the depths of the mighty Tapu Valley. This was where our cousins wanted to hang out with me. On the edge of the world as we knew it.

At some point during my combat practice, something happened to me. I reached forward to swat the Charmeleon in front of me with a Scratch, their face reminding me of him. I missed and they danced around me.

My next opponent tossed a small burst of water on the ground to catch my attention. I snapped my head to the side. Once I saw Drizzile’s face all I could think about was her.

Even though Seminole and Ocala were not near me I couldn’t help but think of those two. How they made me feel useless, but how they used to worry about me. How they used to have wanted the best for me, but how they now tried to bring me down. I couldn’t do it anymore. My claws trembled as my pulse soared and I sank to the ground.

I really was just a weak little excuse of a Charmander compared to these guys. How would I be able to face them? The past blended with the future, or did I barely change? Why am I still here? I simply just cried, tears pouring down my face.

A warm claw patted me on the back suddenly. It belonged to a Charmeleon, Dakota. "Hey, it'll be alright bud," they rubbed my back and held onto me.

"But how will I be like you, a two-spirit who is trusted and honored by the Pokémon?"

Another claw touched me, well a hand-mitten. One from a Drizzile, Mississippi. “You believe you are like us, two-spirits?”

“Yeah,” I replied, taking a deep breath. “I also don’t want to be called Arizona anymore.” Two-spirit Pokemon of our lands, the Ama A-Tsi-Li didn't always change their name. They usually added one of the opposite sex. But there are other expressions our Pokémon honor too.

Dakota’s tail flame brightened as they hugged my side. “What would you like us to call you?”

The world began to morph all around me, the sky twisting into a mono-color visage, stripped of beauty and now infected with a paralyzing dread.

I sniffled and rubbed my claw underneath my maw. “Nevada.”

“Nevada.” Mississippi knelt down in front of me and smiled. “Do you know how strong you are?”

“How strong I am?”

"Yeah, you had the courage to face your biggest fears and recognize your faults before it was too late.”

“But the war is coming soon and I’m not a Charmeleon yet,” I grumbled, stamping my feet down.

“My child you don’t need to worry about the past,” another voice spoke up.

“What?” I asked, and looked around me. For a moment I honestly had no clue where I was. The view of a breathtaking large green mountain in front of me, and the rich scent of smoke in the air.

Then I realized I had something heavy in my claws. What was I carrying? I glanced down and felt my heart sink. It was an egg. Wait. I finally looked back up, towards the sound of the voice. A Pokemon stood in front of me, they were a Charizard. One with familiar deep cerulean eyes unlike Seminole's pale sky blue. This Charizard was my Mother.

Her large yet gentle claw sat on the top of my head. “Nevada,” the Charizard started, hugging me tightly. "I need you to take my egg for me, and go to your Father's auxiliary office in Prismacolor Plains.”

"But I need to be with you," I begged. One last time, please!

"Nevada it's too dangerous, there are rival Bounty Hunters working with this new nefarious organization called Wicked Blow after me.”

“I-” Oh right this was the past, at a time I wouldn’t know who they are.

“And I won't let them put a claw on you. This is why you must go," she explained, taking a deep breath.

"But-"

"I said go!" Mother demanded, a scowl fierce on her face. "I can't protect you and deal with those bastards at the same time my love."

I couldn't stop my eyes from watering as I tried to reply. "B-but, I needed you, and you weren't there. And, now this!"

"Please remember, no matter what I always love you." Then she knelt down and kissed the egg and my forehead. "I'm sorry for not being a proper Mother. I hope you'll forgive me. Take care, I'll see you soon."

I didn't know what this Nightmare had done to my reality. All I knew is that it wasn't supposed to end like this. Father was supposed to be here, where was he?!

Pokemon of Wicked Blow were in my path, but not just any. These were the ones who forced rival Bounty Hunters to go after my family, and now after me. Their eyes gleamed red as the sky darkened, thick black clouds looming overhead. This shouldn’t be happening! What is this nightmare!? Get me out of here!

I just needed to see Father again. Sure he sent letters to the League with pictures of Miami, my Sobble little sibling, and all sorts of items but that wasn't enough. I needed to hold both of his strong hands again, not just one weak hand. Especially after the threat my siblings gave me. I needed him.

“No, get away from me!” I yelled, clutching the egg tighter as I ran towards the Prismacolor Plains. But these were Plains of the past, a small developed area with barely any Pokemon. No one could have saved me.

One of the Wicked Blow Pokemon dashed forward, blocking my way through, whilst the others tailed behind. I held the egg closer to my chest as the shadowy Pokemon approached me.

"You know if you'd have evolved you could have stopped us?" One mocked, pushing me over. "Stopped us from killing the Leader of the Econlockhatchee Bounty Hunters. Your Mother."

"Father!" I yelled. "Please save me!"

The other took the egg out of my grasp and laughed. "He's not coming. You weren't strong enough, everymon else had to fight and pull your weight."

I reached for the egg but couldn't grab hold of it. "No, that's wrong!"

"But Dakota, that Charmeleon you hold so dear was quite the nuisance. Actually managed to kill some of our Hunters to try and save the Leader," one shadow circled around me, fangs glistening with some dark energy. "We killed them and captured your other cousin the Drizzile, Mississippi. We forced them into Wicked Blow as punishment. But all that your mother, that Charizard had to do was have everyone underneath her join Wicked Blow."

"What!?" I growled.

"Oh and stop protecting Tapu Plains, simple and easy. I mean she did owe us quite the poke so we were letting her off easy."

"Leave me alone, please!" I begged. 

"But it's too late for you," the fast shadow slammed my head back against the dirt and pressed a claw to my chest. The pain blurred my vision as I thrashed around, my limbs phasing through the Pokemon despite my efforts.

"Stop it!" I yelled.

"And your next of kin!" they crushed Mother's egg into the Earth, the soil underneath the eggshell fragments stained red with a sickening squelch and horrifying crunch. "You'll both get to join her!"

No! I want to live! I won't die here!

A swath of darkness surrounded me. There were also the vibrations of soft yet deep breathing beside me. I'm alive!

I opened my eyes and felt the embrace of a warm figure. "M-mother?" I questioned. Did she really crawl out of the flames? Did she rise from the ashes? When did I call her name?

"I'm afraid I'm not her," the figure suddenly left my side and warm light slowly filled my vision. "However, I can be if necessary Nevada." A heavy Bristbergian accent entered my ears.

I jolted upright, my head pressing into a soft object, possibly a pillow. "C-chief Mcbone!" I exclaimed, my cheeks heating up.

"Are you alright?" she questioned in a whisper, ears flat against her skull.

I sniffled and took in a shuddering breath. "No," I answered, wiping away the tears. "I had a bad dream. One about my family, and my Mother."

"Oh Mew." The Stoutland gave me some appropriate space, not moving a muscle until I seemed composed.

It was just a bad dream but I can't believe I just called her Mom! Argh, Spirit o’ Koko! I lay in a dark room with the Stoutland this whole time. What happened to me? "Where am I?"

"You've been out for the past day Nevada," Chief Mcbone explained. "I took you all to the Tapu Plains Clinic. Jin explained the situation to the Police Pokemon to the best of his ability before the others woke up."

"And now?" I asked.

"We are back at the League, in the med bay. Thankfully my younger children CJ, Anabel, and Bernard were able to whip up a brew that could get you up."

I sighed in relief and shuffled out of the warmth of the comforter and blankets.

"Sorry," a familiar Hunter’s Plains accented voice said. "We're all here bud."

“L-linus!” I gasped, pulling out of the sheets, and turning to his voice.

The Treecko rubbed the back of his head and sighed. He traced his fingers on his shoulders before reaching his hand. "I'm sorry," he choked, his low tone dimming my flame. "As tha Team Captain, I should've had us head on home as soon as possible instead of enjoyin' the scenery… I put Jin in grave danger, especially considering his unique status but more importantly I put you in danger. I’m sorry."

No he doesn’t understand, he didn’t do anything wrong! My siblings attacked. I could have stopped them. If I just wasn’t weak! It’s all my fault. I noticed the pause in his ramble as he shifted close to me. "Linus, it's my-" I started before suddenly another voice entered the picture.

"Nope, it's not your fault." My eyes shot to the side, actualizing the Totodile beside me.

"But-"

A claw gently yet firmly gripped onto my arm. "D-don't ever say that!" Glade cried, burying her snout against my chest.

"You were not privy to your siblings' whereabouts," Jin added from his ‘seat’ on the floor, then the Zorua from Hisui stood up. "Nevada you do not need to carry this insurmountable burden alone. I know you are not as they say you are, you are not to blame."

Tears pooled onto my face once I realized everyone was there for me. They didn't blame me for the encounter with my family's Bounty Hunters, nor the threat they placed on the town of Bristberg. No one here did…. Except me.

I cried. Long and hard, babbling incoherently away my built-up sorrows and fury to everyone willing to listen. “O-okay,” I sniffled, managing to find some shred of dignity.  “Let’s go.”

"Alright," Linus said, reaching forward to help me climb down from the massive bed.

"Woah!" I started falling towards the ground. I forgot how high up I was!

Glade rushed forward and stabilized my other side when I nearly tumbled face-first into the floor. "I got you!" She kept me upright for a moment.

"You always show such marvelous Teamwork!" Jin cheered, nudging me up.

I sheepishly rubbed my head.  "Yeah."

We then walked out of the medical bay, and into the hallway of the first floor. I glanced at Jin and noticed a gloomy look in his eyes. His ears and tail were still low. Is that just how Zorua from Hisui behave? Before I could do anything my stomach let out a loud rumble.

"Guess someone's hungry," a peppy voice came out of nowhere. I turned my head and around the corner near the kitchen was Chad the Pikachu from Team Aegisdrip.

Linus, Glade, and Jin followed me down the hall. "Yeah," I replied, patting my stomach.

Another Pokemon poked their head out, a Wartortle, Diamond also from Team Aegisdrip. "You guys don't have to worry, we'll cook breakfast, the Coordinator wants to talk with you," she waved.

Oh? "He does?" I asked, my eyes darting side to side.

The Granbull was sitting at the coffee table in the common room, a set of papers in front of them. "Yes, I want to apologize for the incident that happened yesterday." he started."I was so caught up in my conversation with Head Tiger and the discoveries that came along with it that I wasn't monitoring you all, despite your special status as Fangs of the Fallen, and a ward of the Committee. I'm sorry I failed you."

I just held a claw close to my chest before Linus squeezed the other one. "We'll manage to recover Sir," the Treecko explained.

"Alright, the threat that the Econ Bounty Hunters pose to the town of Bristberg and our League allies is significant," Sir Cooper pulled out a sheet of paper and flipped it. "But more importantly I want to learn about the Committee's influence and control over its so-called wards. What is the group's goal? Does it make you all this way?"

Woah! That's a vague albeit loaded question Coordinator Sir! Guess he needs to get straight to the point. Jin folded his ears at the mention of the Committee, but I felt relieved with the attention off me. "Our goal is to reach the requirements for his Eternal Will by any means necessary," the Zorua responded matter-of-factly.

"Not to rehabilitate the world's balance of mana and force all Keeper's to atone for their sins eh?" the Coordinator narrowed his eyes. "Why do they have you ignorant of the real world and Pokemon of this land?"

My eyes widened once Jin glanced over at Linus, Glade, and me with a slightly frustrated whine. "From whence they found me and the others I remained at the Committee, we were forbidden from venturing outside the Committee Headquarters."

"And in those Headquarters, you spent your time doing what exactly?"

"They only taught us information that allowed them to test our capabilities."

Coordinator Cooper glanced down at a pad of paper and held a pencil to the page. “I know this may be difficult but I’d like you to tell me what those capabilities entail. Because I know they are not how strong you are or anything related to Keeper senses, as that’s not the Committees’ goal now is it?”

“You are correct,” the Zorua replied. “Unfortunately the staff does not tell us everything.”

“Sadly I am aware of that, I want you to tell me what you do know, even if it scares or confuses you. I am here to help with that.”

“We all are,” Linus stepped forward and placed a hand on Jin, a warm smile plastered on his face.

Jin perked his ears up and shook his head. “The capabilities are to see if some of us from Hisui have the potential to turn into Ether Gems through terrible, terrible means.”

“What? And what do these Ether Gems do for them, why does the Committee want to create these Gems? Can’t they just find them?” the Granbull crossed his arms, his tail wagging, and his teeth clenched.

“I’m afraid I am not privy to such matters,” the Zorua started.

This time Linus stepped in. “Buddy remember we just want to know whatever ya know, only so we can help y’all out. Okay?”

“All they have said is that the Ether Gems are a mysterious collection of artifacts that power all others.”

The Coordinator hummed at the mention of ‘power all others’ and my flame started to pick up. Does he already know something about this? Was he just waiting for Jin to spill his guts about it before the rest of us get to learn?!

“But more importantly they have something to do with artifacts’ Gears of Mana,” Jin finished, immediately curling into a ball and deflating with a whimper.

My jaw just dropped. There’s something else regarding the artifacts? Are Mana artifacts powered by something? Why don’t they want us Leagues to find it for them? Is Wicked Blow after all this stuff too? I groaned and placed my claws against my head, trying desperately to figure something out. What are we going to do?

“What the voids does that even mean?” Glade shot out, filling the room’s silence.

Linus lifted his hand to push the Totodile but stared at Jin for a moment. “Ugh, I think we just need to take things one step at a time.”

“Yeah,” I sighed, adjusting my sash. “I- I mean we need to work on getting stronger before we can worry about that!” I forced a laugh out, much to my Teammates' chagrin. 

The Granbull took in a deep breath. He flipped over to another page on his notes and scribbled away, leaving the four of us in our quiet thoughts.

The small of batter, sweets, and pepper suddenly grew stronger in the air and I turned my head to the side. Plates of waffles, eggs, and berries on a cart came past our table by Team Aegisdrip. "You guys can eat over here or at the 'U' if you'd like," Chad reached over to pat me on the shoulder.

I shut my eyes as Coordinator Cooper stood up and approached the four of us. "Jin," he woofed slowly, the gentle warmth in the Granbull's words causing me to open my eyes. "I'm sorry." 

Chapter Text

Chapter 19 Dig Up the Mines

Hatchet Axew's POV

I can't wait for Kobi forever. I need to hurry on toward the League. But before I make my way to Bristberg I really ought to check on something. To find the stolen shipment of Heal Seeds, Empowerment Seeds, and some other items.

Billybob and Cletus, our Scovillain, and Artibax cousins said some ferals stole from the village a couple of weeks ago! Those two said it could only be ferals who could've done it. And I believe them, even if they say they don't even know what species or type the ferals were. I have to, cause ferals are way easier to deal with than Wicked Blow.

This sandy forest on the outskirts of Hunters Plains, how magnificent it was in the Winter. While there wasn't snow yet, the browned leaves danced in the wind, waving hello to me as I trudged by. 

It was a tad melancholic. Somewhere in my heart I it. Kobi left me all by myself. Well maybe it was my fault she left me, I don't see what's so important about Team Vanguard. I mean, what could I even do? I don't know anything to help anybody, especially all by maself and all.