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Guardians of Balance [Pokemon Mystery Dungeon]

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Chapter II.X - The Expedition
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    • POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON
    GUARDIANS OF BALANCE

    EPISODE II - DARK, WONDEROUS PAST
    CHAPTER X - THE EXPEDITION    ​

    From your position atop the wall, you watched the scene unfolding below you. Over a dozen Pokémon scoured the Temple grounds, inspecting the walls, the obelisk and even the floor, searching for anything that could provide some insight into the ruin. Anything they did notice was noted down, recorded, and safely stowed away for future reference.

    The first relief teams arrived shortly after the battle against Kain, allowing Sam, Alice and Kaliani to descend the mountain.

    Zeke meanwhile, didn't resist the restraints that were swiftly clamped round his legs, nor the muzzle. One of the arriving teams immediately escorted him back down behind Team Audacity and their charge.

    You had initially moved to follow, but the Shadow had soon made itself known once more.

    When it had finally processed the events that had transpired, the shadow somehow managed to darken beyond pitch black. This is disturbing. It finally said, An entity claiming to know the Guardians possessed the same Pokémon rescued from Broken Wood, wielding power unlike anything we have seen?

    The shadow seemed to shiver before you, The fact that regular attacks didn't work on the spectre himself despite manifesting as a Pokémon can only imply one thing. This Kain was a spirit of some kind.

    You felt your attention drift mostly towards the shadow now.

    I do have some knowledge of the subject, but it is scarcely studied. The shadow explained, Spirits have been reported to appear before Pokémon in the past. Or agents of spirits at least. It has been said they are often Pokémon who have died in the past, but have lingered on for some reason or another before moving on to the afterlife. At least, that is just one of many theories and stories. Some far more authentic than others. But I've never seen or heard of any spirit exerting its influence into the physical world.

    Some distant part of you may have shivered, another part might have scoffed. It was hard to work out exactly what all of you was feeling. But either way, you could tell the concern in the shadow's voice.

    A spirit persisting for centuries, perhaps even millennia… between that and his interest in the current events only further confirms that today's disasters are linked to the Guardians. There was a conflict between them and Kain. Perhaps they encountered their own disasters? And the one who could give answers has now gone to the wind.

    A flicker of confusion formed in part of yourself, and the shadow immediately noticed. This entity has managed to survive for centuries as some kind of spirit to possess one unfortunate soul. I doubt Sam killed him. Kain will show himself again, I'm sure of it. And speaking of Sam… his newfound power was… ominous.

    The shadow seemed to darken again, Same with Kain's power too. And strangely… both look familiar somehow. Kain's powers were warped and corrupted versions of conventional moves. It was as if they had been cloaked in shadow. Sam's power though was channelling some form of dark energy into his abilities… similar, but radically different.

    You could almost see the cold murmur from the shadow's words, Shadow Energy… and a Dark Power… where did I come across those before? Back in the Crater? Or during the Crisis? It involved… emotions… I'm sure that is part of it somewhere…

    You heard someone bark out in surprise. Towards the entrance of the temple ground, Rex and Esper had emerged from the arches and were making their way towards the centre of the ground.

    In the meantime, we should let the guild launch their own investigation. Without the means to access this 'Oracle', The Shadow motioned towards the obelisk, Our next best move is to wait on them. I must reflect on these Shadow Moves and the Dark Power. Once you have seen what Rex and Esper have to say… please keep an eye on Sam and Alice, I sense what anger they have towards each other between this reveal of Sam being human, and the events here will only intensify… you may have to step in to intervene again discreetly if all else fails.

    The shadow seemed to turn to go, Be wary Observer, I fear we may find ourselves off balance at the wrong moment.

    With those last words, the Shadow departed, leaving you to slowly approach the guildmaster…


    Rex could feel his feathers ruffle up at the sight of the obelisk, the smooth stone wall that once, according to Team Audacity, contained a strange mural. But with this so-called Oracle now inactive, they had no means of gleaning that information.

    He didn't doubt Team Audacity's report. If there was a way to access the mural, he would make sure to use whatever means the guild had to do so.

    No, that was not what put the guildmaster on edge. It was the power that the entity controlling Zeke had for a start. An entity that appeared to have existed for centuries, with dark powers that sucked all the strength out of its victims.

    But what really troubled him was the look on Sam and Alice's faces as they escorted Kaliani off Waterfall Mountain. How blunt and detached they were. How angry they were. How little they interacted with each other.

    He could already tell something had left them on edge before they departed Robinswood, but whatever happened on the mountain had only made things worse. Esper hadn't even been near them, having passed each other along different paths. But even she could still sense the tension between them.

    If they were vital in dealing with what may well come…

    He shoved the thought aside. He would have to try and get to the bottom of the problem as soon as possible. In the meantime, he needed to complete her inspection of the site.

    One of the members of Team RAY, a Rhydon, stood at the base of the obelisk, scouring every last inch of the surface. He noticed the two senior Pokémon approach, and turned to face them, "Guildmaster. Esper." He said in greeting with a bow of his head.

    "Rhys," Rex replied, returning the head bow. "Have you and the others been able to find much out?"

    The Rhydon frowned, "Not much. We've come across a few markings on the walls, but we doubt they mean anything."

    It was Esper's turn now to frown, "Nothing at all? No pictograms or symbols? No artifacts?"

    The Blaziken cast a concerned eye over at the young Meowstic. He tried to order Esper to stay behind and recover from the psychic backlash, and Mary attempted the same thing. But the leader of Team Spirit was not easily cowed, and even they had to relent from her persistence.

    Even Rebecca couldn't stop her. And that was quite the achievement.

    "Nothing we can see." Rohan admitted, "Maybe a Pokémon with sharper senses or something could spot something, but this place is bare."

    Rex turned his attention towards the obelisk, taking a few cautious steps towards it as Esper questioned the guildmember further. Apart from its height, and the bare wall itself, the obelisk appeared unremarkable.

    The guildmaster placed his clawed hand against the smooth stone, the material cool to the touch. Inert. Unresponsive.

    "Guildmaster?"

    Rex's eyes flicked towards Esper and Rhys, the two Pokémon staring at him. Raising a brow, he glanced back at the hand once more, before finally peeling it away. "Kaliani told me that the entity had activated the obelisk with her blood. Did anyone-"

    "I volunteered to try." Rhys admitted, holding up a scaling hand where a thin line was marked out across his palm. "Couldn't get the thing to fire up. I asked Axel too, being a flying type, but he couldn't get it to work either."

    Rex turned to face the obelisk, Curious… he pondered, scratching his beak. "I appreciate your efforts." He said, "We'll get ready to depart soon."

    "Not going to leave someone here?" asked the Rhydon.

    "There is not much worth we can glean for now. The dungeon will help keep this place isolated for now. Thank you, Rhys."

    Bowing his head, the Rhydon set off to join the rest of his team. Esper narrowed her eyes, staring at the blank rock feature. "If blood isn't what allows access to this device… then why bring Kaliani up here?" she asked softly.

    Rex directed his gaze upwards towards the top, clicking his beak as tried to peer at any finer details. "Perhaps it was a key." Rex mused, scraping a talon across the stone and leaving no mark. "Or rather, one half of one. Kaine must have had a hypothetical second half."

    "Then why not use Zeke?" Esper replied with a frown.

    "Perhaps that entity's act of possession caused issues. Either way, with it gone-"

    "Then we have no way of accessing this mural." The Meowstic finished with a faint hiss.

    Rex pulled his hand away from the wall. "Short of this… Kain returning, our only hope is that Zeke can recall anything about his methods."

    Esper's frown only deepened, "Sam and Alice are in a bad enough state as it is. Zeke is borderline catatonic. We're not going to get much out of him no matter what method we try."

    It was the fire-type's turn to frown now. "I know. But first Broken Wood, and now this. We need some answers. And whatever is plaguing Sam and Alice… is something we need to be able to try and support them with."

    The Meowstic suddenly looked nervous, "Thinking back on what I sensed, I noticed… a lot of anger. At the wider world and each other. A sense of betrayal. Rex…"

    She glanced round herself, making sure the other guildmembers were out of earshot before continuing, "Do you think Alice might have found out that Sam is human?"

    Rex softly thumped his fist against the obelisk. Little escaped Esper's notice. If she couldn't work that out from a glance… then wherever his niece found out about Sam's true nature didn't matter. "I don't know." Rex admitted, "Either way, our course is the same. We do what we can to help them get through this. And hope they work through their issues."

    He stepped back from the tower, shakingly letting out a breath of air he'd been holding in. "The events here just confirmed how important they are."

    Esper stiffened, "You are that certain? The disasters and the last few weeks are connected?"

    "Absolutely." Rex acknowledged, eyes narrowing as he looked towards her. "I have a feeling that what has happened here is just the beginning…


    When Sam and Alice emerged from Waterfall Mountain, several more Pokémon had been waiting for them. Zeke was swiftly restrained further before being placed within a specialised cage before just as quickly being carried away under the wings of a Corviknight. That had sent a few alarm bells ringing in the Scorbunny's head, until one of the other Rescuers explained that the cage was designed to contain electric types, even in the air.

    There had been another Corviknight on standby, but she only had enough space in her travel pod for two Pokémon. And so, without giving much of a chance for anyone to express their preference, Sam immediately volunteered to take the slow way back on the ground.

    Not that Alice complained as she and Kaliani had climbed onboard.

    The two members of Team Audacity had barely spoken since the battle at the temple.

    It didn't take too long for the Arcanine, Carol, to come back round on her return leg and carry Sam on her back towards Robinswood.

    And during that time, Sam turned inward, trying to think back on the confrontation with Kain. That ghost or spirit or whatever he was. He knew about the Guardians. He knew about Volcanion! And Sam was the one person who could even understand him!

    And the whole thing has left him with only more questions than answers.

    He nearly ended up thumping Carol's back in a blitz of rage, only just holding himself back at the last second. Still, he couldn't help but fume about the Oracle as well.

    Even if Kain couldn't give him answers, that thing might have been able to do the trick too! It could have given him an idea of where was from, or even find out what was causing the disasters. And yet, unlike him, Sam had no such luck accessing the device.

    He glanced at his hand, where a thin set of marks on the palm of his hand was already beginning to fade. Even his piss-poor attempt at trying to use his blood to reactivate the device failed miserably.

    Puffing out a breath of air, Sam tried to ease out his anger, and refocused on what he did learn. The temple must have been first built by the Guardians. Kain had known about them too. Volcanion might have been connected to them as well. But the biggest indicator was his dreams, how the castle in them had features not too different from those of the temple.

    I… I suppose that confirms it. He admitted to himself shakingly, Whatever I'm here for, it has to be connected to the Guardians.

    He frowned to himself, But how? And why? Damn it, I wish I didn't take out Kain like that.

    Sam was as much angry with himself, even with that power. It was… it felt like nothing he had ever had before. That sheer, unbridled energy that just surged through him, darkening his thoughts and empowering his every move. He… that went beyond anything he had mustered before.

    Did… did I just lose it with Kain? Like with Pyro Ball? He shook his head, Nope, that can't be it. Even Pyro Ball didn't feel like that. It felt… it felt darker than that…

    He was still trying to come to terms with it as Carol jogged into Robinswood, by which point, darkness was beginning to fall. He exchanged his thanks to the fire dog once more, before starting to make his way towards the tree. But he halted just short of the entrance, the tree suddenly feeling cold and unwelcoming. No one had come out to greet him, an odd occurrence to the Scorbunny. He had no idea he needed to see anyone, or just had some time to himself.

    If it was the latter, then going back to his and Alice's room was not the right call. His chest tightened at the thought of Alice. How she just tore into him. He couldn't stand that bullshit of hers! He might have been wrong to hold back his identity from her, but he wasn't going to put up with that attitude. Not yet.

    Instead, there was one other place he knew he could go. As what little sunlight remaining faded away, the former human headed through the town's streets towards the barracks, coming across very few Pokémon as he arrived at the large building, made his way inside, and onward to his destination.

    Aidan's old room had been left abandoned ever since Sam moved into the Guildtree after he and Alice had been accepted into the Guild. No one had wanted to move into the free space ever since the smuggler had tried to kill him and planted the seeds of an attack on Robinwood itself. The beds and drawers had been left untouched, without even an inch of dust.

    It worked for the night, he may have not had much of his stuff, but he still fell asleep with surprising speed.

    If he dreamed, he didn't recall it as a paw gently shook his shoulder. "Hey, buddy." Jack said, "Wake up."

    Groaning, Sam pushed himself upright, rubbing his eyes before focusing his gaze on the Butterfree. Of course Jack would be the one to find me, he lives here.

    "You holding up alright?" the bug-type asked, his red eyes dim with concern.

    Sam stiffened, hesitating for a moment as a knot formed in his stomach, "…not really." He admitted sadly, "What's up?"

    Jack's concern remained evident in his tone, "Rex has asked for you and Alice to come to his office. To talk about the mountain mission."

    His back creaking, Sam clambered out of bed. "I'll head up now." He replied quietly, already not looking forward to the prospect of seeing the Buneary again.

    With a flutter of his wings, Jack hovered in front of him. "If you need to talk… you know where to find me right?"

    His words were gentle, clearly intended to comfort the Scorbunny. Was it to do with Sam and Alice? The mountain rescue? Or something else?

    Sam merely nodded, "Yeah. Thanks Jack."

    With that, the Scorbunny pressed onwards, retracing his steps back to the tree. The sun still hadn't risen yet, but he knew it was only a matter of time judging by the faint orange smudge towards the east.

    The corridors of the Guildtree were silent, and this time, there was no one waiting for him outside. The doors themselves were ajar, allowing the conversation to seep through.

    "I told you everything I know." Alice explained, "He spoke gibberish the whole time, we didn't understand what he was saying short of a few words."

    "And that is all?" came Damon's voice, firm and sceptical, "You expect us to believe that this babbling baffoon travelled to what it claimed was a Guardian temple, accessed a strange device to try and learn the events of history, and then tried to kill you."

    "We've all heard and seen stranger things." Calvin grunted.

    "And this is not one of those cases." Damon responded coldly, "A possession gone too far trying to deceive these recruits."

    "You saw the bodies." growled the Charizard. "That was no trick."

    "Yet where is the evidence?"

    Must just be them. And Rex, I guess. And… Alice seems to have told a few details at least about what happened up there.

    Did she say that I was the only one who ended up understanding Kain? She might have said something about me being human? How would Calvin and Damon react to that?

    His fur going erect, Sam shook himself loose. No, she seems to be implying that we both heard bits and pieces. Well, whatever happens. I've gotta go in there.

    Rolling his shoulders, Sam pushed his way inside. Alice and Rex were sat opposite each other on the couches, whilst the representatives Calvin and Damon stood surrounding them. The four Pokémon turned towards him, "Ah, Sam." Rex said, "Good to see you. Please, take a seat."

    The Blaziken directed Sam towards the couch Alice was sat on, and with an iron lump settling in his gut, he sat down at the other end of the seat, away from the Buneary.

    Sam got a narrowed eye from Rex, before the debrief began. He found himself assailed with questions, not only from Rex, but the two representatives. Rex and Calvin asked their questions carefully and neutrally, whilst Damon's were blunter and to the point. The Scorbunny did the best he could to answer the best he could. How they navigated the mountain, their discovery of the temple, their encounter with Kain.

    "Did this ghost express knowledge about these Guardians?" Damon questioned, eyes narrowing. "Any peculiar details?"

    Sam's ear twitched, refusing to show signs of emotion, "We got bits and pieces." He said, "I swore he said Guardians a couple of times."

    "And this Oracle… did he explain how it functioned?"

    "Not really." Sam admitted, "Details of recording history, but that's it."

    It felt daft, holding back on information. But until he had a better idea of how to process everything, he didn't want to say much, especially in front of Damon. At the very least, his account seemed harmonised with Alice's. No one was questioning any holes in his story.

    So… Alice is saying we both heard bits and pieces? Ha, I suppose she is not entirely wrong. She did hear me talking to Kain.

    As the questioning finally ended, Rex scratched his chin with a narrowed gaze, "So the entity you faced… Kain he called himself, needed Kaliani's blood to access the Oracle. And whilst you didn't completely understand what he said, he seemed intent on killing other Pokémon. You seemed to suggest Sam, that Kain would try to force others to subscribe to his point of view, or get killed?"

    "Yeah." Sam simply said bluntly, shrugging at the words. "Like Alice said. We didn't learn much."

    "And these Guardians?" Damon questioned, arms crossed, "Did he say anything else?"

    Calvin rubbed his forehead, "He did know where to find the biggest set of ruins in years."

    Sam opened his mouth to reply, then hesitated. He hadn't revealed everything, he didn't want to start going through his newfound power. Nor did he want to go into how he understood everything Kain said. If he tried explaining what little he heard about the Guardians from Kain, no one would believe him. Not even Alice or Rex.

    And yet… maybe he could still lean into using a small segment of what he knew to test the waters.

    And so with a sharp sigh, Sam continued, "I'm… I'm not sure if I heard this right… but he did mention having known the Guardians."

    That earned a surprised look from Rex, and Calvin seemed taken aback as a little whiff of smoke escaped his nostrils. He could almost taste the dagger pierce him from Alice's direction. Calvin opened his mo-

    "The ramblings of an insane fool or liar." Damon declared harshly, clicking his fingers, "Not even the legendaries have talked about these Guardians, and you expect us to believe that he knew them personally?"

    Sam bared his teeth, unable to hold back his anger. "That guy was stupidly powerful! We're lucky to beat him! You have to believe us!"

    The Greninja's eyes went dark, "And I say again, where is your proof? An inanimate obelisk? The eyewitness report of a panicking, injured sailor?" He began to pace the side of the room. "This is mere fantasy."

    "For fucks sake." Calvin growled, "You've changed your tone on how dangerous this guy was."

    "I don't deny it's power." Damon countered, "But I won't entertain this story. More likely this 'Kain' was just a ghost – a powerful ghost granted – who happened to possess a missing rescuer and used an old ruin he found as part of some twisted game."

    "The obelisk flashed an image of Volcanion." Alice hissed, speaking up for the first time since Sam entered, "Shouldn't that concern you?"

    "A mythical who has recently emerged? Likely another part of this ghost's story to make it seem more relevant."

    Alice's jaw visibly clenched, whilst across the way, Calvin looked about ready to spit a fireball at him. Rex merely narrowed his eyes.

    Sam grinded his teeth, Fucking hell Damon… he thought to himself, seething at the Representative's nonsense. He turned towards Rex, "Guildmaster, you have to believe us!"

    "I do." Rex replied, barely glancing back. "Especially given recent events."

    Damon finally uncrossed his arms, leaning on Rex's couch, "The matter is dealt with. It is time. To move. On."

    "Even if you're right." Calvin barked, "It's not over."

    "As far as I'm concerned, it is!"

    Sam's mind raced, trying to think of anything to try and convince Damon of the truth. How dangerous Kain was, it can't have been over just like that! He sprang to his feet, "What about Zeke?!" he shouted, "Maybe he caught something from Kain!"

    Damon huffed in reply, "I doubt he'll offer anything worthwhile."

    "You'll be surprised how resilient our rescuers are." Rex replied coldly. "Sam and Alice here are proof of that."

    What little warmth Sam felt in his chest was quickly suppressed when Damon glared at the Blaziken, "An exception. I've seen little proof otherwise."

    Rex slowly rose to his feet, eyes flashing red as he stared down the water-type. "You might want to watch what you say." He growled, jaw tight. "More than a few might take offense at that."

    Sam's breath fluttered, his full attention focused on the two.

    The bang that rang out made him flinch.

    All eyes snapped towards the door, where Esper now stood at the threshold, a calm, unfazed look on her face. "Apologies for interrupting." She said, "But Zeke would like to speak to you."

    Alice blinked, "That's sudden."

    "I thought he was locked in isolation." Calvin said, a blank look on his face.

    "He was." Esper confirmed, "He insisted he couldn't wait."

    Damon narrowed his gaze, but the Meowstic beat him to the punch. "And before you asked, I personally looked into his mind. The presence that was there is gone. He isn't a threat."

    Softly sighing – in a manner that suggested to Sam that the Guildmaster was glad for her arrival- Rex nodded at her. "Very well. Bring him in."

    Esper pushed the door further open, allowing the Electrike to shuffle in. His legs were chained together, and a strange silver collar was fitted to his neck. "Don't worry." The deputy said, "He can't use his attacks."

    "I don't want to use them." Zeke said quietly, positioning himself in front of the assembled Pokémon. Rex sat more upright, directing his attention towards the canine.

    "Zeke… are you-"

    "No." Zeke interrupted the Guildmaster, "I'm not alright. But I need to tell you what I saw."

    Sam tilted his head, finding himself suddenly intrigued. "Like what?"

    Zeke actually turned his gaze away from Sam, seeming to shrink in the presence of the Scorbunny. Sam couldn't help but feel numb as the Electrike continued, "I… I think I could read his mind."

    "A psychic link." Esper uttered with brightening eyes.

    Calvin flashed a smirk at Damon, "Sounds like you've spoken too soon."

    The Greninja merely huffed in reply as Rex leaned Zeke's way. "Please Zeke, continue."

    "I didn't see much." Zeke admitted with a sigh, "I was barely… l-look. All I saw were these images of some kind of ruin."

    "Like at Waterfall Mountain?"

    There was a moment of hesitation, "Similar but… different. Kain… he planned to get there."

    Another ruin? Sam thought to himself, Why would Kain want to visit it? An artifact? More knowledge? It has to be a Guardian thing again, I'm sure of it.

    "That does little to further explain the ghost's agenda." Damon said.

    Zeke didn't seem fazed at that. "I… I think I know where it is."

    A faint crack rang out in the room.

    Well shit!

    "W-Where then?" Sam asked, his mind buzzing. "On the island?"

    "N-No." Zeke replied, finally directing his gaze towards Rex, "Can I look at a map?"

    Alice reached over the side of the sofa, "I've got my map, here." She laid it out across the table in the middle, on the side showing the wider region of the Sea of Wonders. It showed a large island to the west side of the map, along with a cluster of smaller landmasses towards the east. Most of them were unmapped. From what he had heard, most of the smaller islands hadn't been fully explored.

    Zeke shuffled forward, his eyes scanning the surface. "There." He pointed a paw towards some of the smaller northeastern islands. "It's one of those."

    "Are you sure?" Rex asked, leaning forward to inspect the set of islands, roughly five of them clustered together.

    He nodded, "They look a bit different… but yes… I'm sure of it."

    Sam frowned, trying to inspect the details of the little islands. But they appeared only as little blobs. "How would he even get out there…" he uttered, not really intending the question to be answered as he lifted his head up towards Rex. "Any idea what's there?"

    "We don't know." Rex admitted, "The best we have is just observations from offshore."

    Ideal place to hide something… Sam figured as he spoke again, "Rex, this had to be important to Kain. We have to go and check it out!"

    "I concur." Esper replied, "The fact that Zeke found this out just highlights it's significance."

    "And maybe we'll find out more about what was going on with this place." Alice admitted with a shrug.

    Damon grunted, "This is absurd. This outpost cannot fulfil all of it's requirements and search these islands at the same time. All on the word of one troubled Pokémon." He waved his hand dismissively at Zeke.

    The Electrike's head slumped down in shame, and Sam couldn't help but glare at the Greninja, "How abo-"

    Alice's elbow shunted him hard of the ribs, cutting off his words. The Buneary stared at him harshly, her coiled ear twitching. Damn it Alice…

    Calvin's lips tightened, "It is quite a reach Rex." He advised.

    Rex's claws moved to scratch his beak, only to stop short, his eyes brightening enough that the Guildmaster had suddenly become younger, "Remind me Esper, where have we been monitoring pirate activities?"

    Esper recoiled in surprise, but then, just as quickly, a faint smile formed. "On the east side, especially towards the northeast."

    Rex returned his own smile, "I believe the saying is our course is set."

    "Very well. I'll send the word out to the dockmaster immediately." Esper warmly replied, turning and walking out of the room.

    Wait a second… is Rex thinking of-?

    "What are you plotting Guildmaster?" Damon coldly questioned.

    "Fulfilling our requirements." Rex replied, "One of which is dealing with criminals, including any pirates who happen to be within our waters. And whilst the Guild is out in the field, we can do some survey work on those islands."

    Sam's heart soared as started realising what was happening, even more so as Alice stuttered next to him, "Your planning…"

    "Yes." admitted the Blaziken with a deeper smile, "You two best get yourselves ready. We'll be going on an expedition."

    Hell yeah! We can cover both bases like this! Sam exclaimed internally, resisting the urge to fist pump.

    And he had to fight his own smirk as Damon visibly shook to one side, "I struggle to…", he cut his words short with a hiss, as if realising he could talk his way out of this one.

    "Sounds like a brilliant plan Rex." Calvin replied with a toothy grin, "You don't mind if I tag along?"

    Damon spun on him, "You'd give up your responsibilities?"

    "Consider it one part of the job." The Charizard grunted, "You and the others can still check over the town, whilst I can see the Guild in action."

    He winked at the Blaziken, "Just like old times."

    "I'd be delighted Calvin." Rex replied warmly.

    Damon meanwhile sighed, "I will inform the other representatives of your decision."

    As the Greninja left the room, Rex turned towards Sam and Alice, "Take the time you need to sort anything out." He advised firmly, eyes flicking between the two, "We could depart as early as tomorrow morning."

    "You got it Rex." Sam replied, rising to his feet and moving for the door and sensing Alice moving to do the same, feeling a new warmth flow through his chest at the new possibility ahead.

    Neither noticed Rex's focus directly on them, beak closed tight. He started to reach back out, only for his eyes to flick towards Zeke, the canine's head still bowed towards the ground, no doubt knowing what state he was in. When he turned to look at Team Audacity again, the door was already swinging shut.

    His beak hanging open, Rex clicked it shut and turned towards the Electrike again. "Zeke… do you feel up for talking?" he asked.

    You caught a brief flutter of his thoughts, I just have to hope Sam and Alice are mature enough to work though their issues. Zeke is much more in need of help now.

    "I can offer an ear too." Calvin offered, his own features softening.

    Zeke shivered, his eyes finally drifting back up towards them, tears starting to form again. "I… I'd like that…"


    Twenty-Six Hours Later

    There were two things Sam was processing as he walked through the wooden gates. Firstly, how consistently amazed he was at Robinwood mobilising itself with such speed, even in the face of preparing a long expedition to distant islands.

    The second was how big the port itself was.

    The port was a fenced-off area a few miles away from Robinwood proper, nestled within a well-sheltered bay. Several wooden and stone warehouses were scattered all around him, with dozens of Pokémon scurrying between them, carrying supplies to head back towards Robinswood or towards the water itself.

    Off to one side though, Sam could see the darkened shell of one warehouse, scaffolding erected around it as a small team of Timburr worked on repairing and reinforcing the structure. The victim of Aidan's fire attack on the docks.

    Sam ducked and weaved through the crowd, his satchel tightly secured around his red jacket. The Scorbunny had elected to bring as much as he could in terms of his own gear. Fruits, some left over potions from Waterfall Mountain and… well, two things he had recovered from Broken Wood apart from his jacket and goggles.

    He flipped open the satchel to see the blue Guardian armband within it, its white striped tear and cross embroidered on the surface. If they found a Guardian ruin on the islands, better to bring something bearing its symbol just in case.

    Tucked in at the very bottom of the bag however was a small, metallic red cup, its only other distinguishing feature being a white circle on the side. It was another item he had recovered from the dead Mystery Dungeon. Much like the armband, he hadn't shown it to anyone, but the cup itself was even more of a mystery to the Scorbunny. He found no reference to it in any materials. So what was it doing all wrapped up in a chest within Broken Wood was beyond him. But again, he had a feeling it would come in handy.

    Sam cleared the bulk of the crowd, and found himself walking onto a wooden jetty, where the ships themselves finally appeared. Seven ships were tied up alongside a set of piers running into deeper waters. Four of them seemed to be fairly small, with a single mast and flashing a small red and white flag striped flag behind them. Alongside them was a larger, double-decked, double-masted ship with the same flag. Sam had to guess they were Robinwood's vessels.

    The other two sported different flags, a grey flag fluttered on another, more battered-looking two-masted ship. Whilst at the other end of the port was a gigantic three-masted ship, a large blue flag waving from the stern, with two visible decks, on par with the two-masted ships, though she was considerably bulkier in comparison. Sam hazarded a guess that it must have been the ship that the representatives arrived on. A Water Continent ship maybe if the flag was any indication.

    "Hey Sam! Over here!" came the big boom, enough that Sam and several other Pokémon dropped their heads in shock.

    In the direction of the red-flagged ships, Nia was bouncing up and down on the spot, waving for Sam's attention. Pokémon were moving up and down gangways leading on board three of the ships, including the larger one of the set. Sam bared his teeth, "Volume Nia!"

    The Noibat froze, her gaze snapping from left to right as a few of the dockworkers glared at her. "Sorry!" she whispered, a little too loudly.

    Sam jogged over to join her, "You guys got called up too?" he called out as he approached. It only became apparent until a few hours ago that not all the Guild could join the expedition. They could only get so many onboard the ships at once and others were needed to protect Robinswood. It boiled down to choice, skill or just having the luck of the draw.

    "We did!" Nia exclaimed with a massive grin, "Edward and Denver too. It's about time we all got back together again!"

    The brief thought of Alice crossed his mind.

    "Yeah…" Sam replied, "You can say that."

    The two started walking towards the trio of ships being prepared, their names now becoming visible on their sterns. The two smaller ships donned the names Penguin and Crow. The larger vessel meanwhile was christened the Red Kite. At least, it seemed to be named that because of the red stripes that ran along it's hull, making her look in far better condition compared to the grey-flagged ship. "And on an expedition too!" Nia cheered, "On ships! We're going somewhere no one has been able to map yet!"

    Sam eyed the Red Kite in particular; besides the red stripes, the vessel had been painted a warm, dark brown and it's sails were also dyed in a more reddish brown. At the front of the Kite itself, the figurehead resembled an angular-looking bird of prey. What species he didn't recognise, given the stylised form it had.

    It seemed like a damn fine vessel either way, the Guild must have been lucky to have it.

    "Should be quite the adventure for sure." Sam said with a small grin.

    "You can count on that!" Nia said, "We're going to be on the Kite for the trip out!"

    The Scorbunny felt a little bit more energised at that, "Should be comfortable at least."

    In truth, he wasn't sure if was going to be seasick or not.

    "Come on, we better get aboard!" Nia said, "Bruce and the others are already picking bunks- wait a second, where's Alice?"

    "Wait up."

    As Sam took one step onto the gangway, he turned to find Alice jogging towards them, her own satchel bouncing by her side. "Could have waited." She said with a bit of venom in her tone.

    Nia quickly rubbed her face, blinking all the while. "I thought you two were coming together?"

    "Not something we do everyday." Sam replied coldly, not feeling in the mood still to talk to the Buneary. She was still hostile towards him, and still feeling a spike of pain in his chest at her own rants at him, he wasn't ready to talk to her either. He turned to carry on up the gangway.

    That was when he felt her hand clamp down on his shoulder. "How about you cut the damn attitude?" Alice snapped.

    Growling, Sam shook her hand loose and spun round at her, "My attitude?" He questioned, "How about you start working on fixing yours before telling me about mine!"

    Nia had frozen on the spot, eyes snapping between them.

    Rolling her head sharply, Alice's teeth grinded together, "You're the one who can't control yourself! Did you realise how far off the rails you've been going!?"

    Sam couldn't stop himself, heat flushing through him, "Maybe if you acted less like a rotten bitch and tried to think about others more, you'd understand better!"

    Deep inside the Scorbunny, he felt like had suddenly stabbed himself in the gut. Or, rather, wanted to do so. Alice backed up an inch, a hiss of breath escaping her mouth. But then she recovered, glaring back at him.

    "Maybe this is just what you are. A liar and cunt who thinks he's important enough to try and dictate what others should do. No wonder Aidan took a shining for you."

    Anger rushed back through the Scorbunny again, with Sam stomping one foot forward and down hard enough that a brief spark flashed from beneath it. He could feel this sudden urge to lunge forward, and it took every ounce of his strength not to lash out at her.

    Nia's wings snapped forward, the little bat managing to squeeze between the two. "P-Please guys! Can you two just make up?!"

    Sam and Alice didn't respond, their burning gazes focused on each other.

    When Alice finally spoke, her voice was cold.

    "Long enough to get through this." She said, "Then I'm done."

    Nia's eyes went wide with alarm, "N-No!" she exclaimed, "You two h-"

    "One more time." Sam interrupted, unable to contain the venom in his tone.

    He felt a hollow mass reluctantly fade away, as some form of understanding settled between the two rabbits. They shared a nod, and Sam stepped aside, allowing Alice to stride past and ascend the gangway. Nia started to protest, and biting his tongue, Sam silently held up a finger.

    Nia clamped her mouth shut.

    "Don't ask about it." he quietly urged her, before turning and marching up to board the Red Kite.

    Nia watched the two rabbits go, shaking softly on the spot until the two vanished from sight. Only then did Sam and Alice vanished from view did she seem to steady herself, a new-found look. An alert, determined look. With a beat of her wings, she took to the air, flying for the Kite herself.

    None of the trio saw a certain Charizard watching them from a distance, his eyes narrowing before he himself began to move…


    Rex strolled into the harbour, making a deliberate effort to control his pace, "I understand it wasn't easy for you to ease the concerns of the other representatives." he said.

    "It wasn't a problem."

    The Mawile, Mary, walked alongside Rex almost casually, "Brooks was ecstatic at the pirate hunt. Triss took more convincing, but we've developed a good working relationship over the years, so she heard me out."

    The pair now strode onto the pier leading towards the three Robinwood ships preparing for departure. As they did, Mary's expression hardened, "I am worried about you leading the expedition." She said, "There aren't many who can handle running the guild whilst you are away."

    Rex placed his hands behind his back, "I would normally agree, but after the incident with Waterfall Mountain, I can't leave this expedition to chance."

    "Water Continent's neutrality offers me a lot of weight in easing disputes, but Damon has much more influence." Mary warned, "Without Calvin or you to counterbalance him, I doubt Brooks will be able to resist anything he pushes for, and…"

    She hesitated.

    "You don't have to tell me." Rex reassured her.

    "No, you should know." Mary countered, "Triss is worried that Sand trying to exert more influence in Mist. Grass may be a junior partner to Air, but at least it's still mutual partnership. Triss only has so much pull in trying to keep things equal between their two states, she may well be forced to follow suit with Damon."

    The guildmaster's frown deepened, "Why are you telling me this?"

    Mary flicked her gaze away for a moment, "Water's leadership believes in trying to maintain the peace, and a multinational approach to the Sea of Wonders is critical to that. If any continent asserts itself as the main entity here, it'll upset balance of power. Grass, Mist or even Water would be bad enough. But if Sand or Air gains the Sea? It'll trigger a massive escalation, and it'll drag all continents into conflict including Water."

    Rex stiffened at the words, unwilling to imagine the hell that would unfold. "And… what do you believe?"

    "Just in peace." She admitted softly, "Which is why I still feel that you are needed here."

    Good thing I have a contingency for that.

    Rex raised a brow, "Which is why I'll be leaving someone I closely trust to run the Guild in my absence."

    "I can't run-" Mary paused, only for a small smile to form, "Esper." She realised, "But is she ready?"

    "She nearly half runs the Guild as it is." Rex replied, "And she has the rest of Team Spirit to help her. Besides, they deserve the break."

    They stopped at the bottom of the gangway leading upto the Red Kite, the Blaziken crouching down to the Mawille's level, "Can I trust you to support her?"

    "As a representative, I can't influence Robinwood's internal affairs without the others." Mary admitted quietly, before giving a careful nod, "But as her friend, absolutely."

    The two bowed their heads at each other respectfully, "We won't be long." Rex said, "Take care Mary."

    With that, the Blaziken climbed aboard the vessel.


    Whistles were blown as the gangways were pulled aboard and the lines were cast off. Larger Aquatic Pokémon, consisting of a squadron of Sharpedos and a few massive Gryandos took hold of other ropes and worked as tugs, pulling the expedition ships away from the piers and towards open water.

    Only when they released their grip did the three ships unfurl their sails. The Penguin and the Crow released brilliant white sails, standing in stark contrast to the Red Kite's red ones. With the wind at their backs, the fleet accelerated, headed towards the east.

    Sam leaned against the railing at the stern of the Red Kite, his eyes fixed on the slowly shrinking landmass of the island he was leaving.

    The only one he had ever known.

    I'm doing this for the right reasons. Sam thought, We gotta follow all the leads we can. The disasters, Kain, Broken Wood, the Guardians… me…

    He looked down at the Guardian armband within his hands, the white symbol shining brightly under the sun. And yet…

    With a sense of hollowness at his core, Sam turned to his side, only to find the familiar shape he had subconsciously been looking for wasn't there.

    I've… I've never felt so alone.

    And so, we conclude what is essentially the first half of Episode 2 of Guardians of Balance. I hope you guys enjoy this!

    I'm hoping to try and make future chapters a little bit shorter, both to allow for quicker posts and to make it easier to work on edits.

    And this is the perfect stop over point, potentially, before the start of Mercenaries of Dawn, hence the shorter chapters will be a big help for writing both fan-fics. My question now of course, is what are you readers more interested in right now? The continuation of the GoB story with Chapter 2.11 as the team heads in the direction of pirates? Or the first chapter of MoD?

    Either way, GoB will still continue, and GoB and MoD will alternate chapters accordingly once GoB starts off, with MoD occassionly getting breaks whilst GoB gets to the relevent plot points. Let me know what you fancy.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Chapter II.XI - Realisation
  • Threadmarks
    • POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON​
    GUARDIANS OF BALANCE​

    EPISODE II - DARK, WONDEROUS PAST
    CHAPTER XI - REALISATION    ​
    [/CENTER]

    Four Days after Expedition Departure

    Sam swung the tent canvas aside and stepped out into the sunlight. He blinked, shielding his eyes from the bright rays. Gulls called out above his head and the whoosh of waves breaking resonated in his ears.

    We had walked out onto a wide beach, the white sand beneath his feet warm and soft. The deep blue water gently lapped up onto the shore to his left whilst to his right, palm trees several metres above his head, serving as the front line of a thick forest.

    Canvas tents of every size and colour dotted the beach, and from where Sam stood, he could just make out the masts of the Red Kite and her escorts sticking out from behind the tents. With no deep water by the island they had set up camp at, the ships had to anchor further offshore, leaving boats, swimming or flight as the only reliable means of reaching them.

    A groan rumbled out behind the Scorbunny, "Ar… why does everything have to be so bright?"

    Bruce stumbled out of the tent behind him, trying flutily to cover his eyes with a vine. Since boarding the Red Kite, Sam mainly hung around the boys amongst Teams Seekers and Active. And when push came to shove, the Scorbunny had ended up sharing a tent with Bruce.

    Sam rubbed the back of his head with a frown, "Water and sand." He said matter-of-factly. "You really don't like the sea don't you?"

    Grumbling to himself for a moment, Bruce squinted at the rabbit. "My family has lived in a forest since my great-great-great-great…greatgreatgreat-grandmother wondered in. We don't do oceans."

    "Maybe you should get some sunglasses." Sam replied with a chuckle.

    "How about we don't go near the ocean again after this?"

    "I hate to break it to you Bruce but we live on an island."

    Sighing heavily, Bruce's eyes began to widen as they adjusted. "You going to chat with the Guildmaster again?"

    "That was the plan. I'll catch you at the forward camp soon."

    Bruce nodded, pulling the vine away, only to wince and cover his eyes once more, "Got it buddy. We'll see you there."

    The two parted ways, the Bulbasaur stumbling towards the treeline and a path carved through the undergrowth. Sam meanwhile, made his way deeper into the camp.

    It had taken the better part of two days for the expedition to arrive at the first island in the micro-chain that Zeke pointed out, a relatively quick journey owing to the wind being comfortably at the fleet's back. Since the ships had weighed anchor, the Guild had descended on the island like a swarm, setting off on short journeys deeper into the forests. The aim was to investigate, map and survey the island for pirates, notable ruins, natural resources, potential new supplies and of course, any Mystery Dungeons that may have remained hidden.

    Sam and the other recruits had worked to help with that effort. Whilst they hadn't come across any Mystery Dungeons yet, they had been working on the outer edge of the forest, marking down what was in each specific area before moving on.

    Sam and Alice had made certain not to be part of the same team if they could avoid it. Not that it was too hard to do that. The island wasn't anywhere near as big as the one that Robinwood had been built on, but it was still big enough that it was taking time for the expedition to process even a small part of it, and the next islands were bigger than this one…

    Sam slipped between the tents, making his way towards the centre of the camp. He had been trying to stay on top of any updates, any hint of Guardian ruins or even just their emblem. And that meant staying in touch with Rex, figuring if anything major came up, he'd know.

    So far, Rex hadn't denied the Scorbunny access. If anything, he welcomed Sam's presence.

    Sam approached a lightweight gazebo. It had been erected on a small wooden deck with black canvas covering the top to serve as shade.

    Rex and Calvin were already there, the Charizard having put aside the sash that marked himself as a representative and now sporting a yellow armband in its place with the outline of a black sun in the centre. Thankfully, Calvin had been okay with Sam poking his head in too.

    The pair were leaning over a wooden table that was covered in half a dozen charts and maps, some of which had been freshly updated and others had carved pieces placed atop them. Team locations and landmarks, Sam guessed.

    "Maybe if we kept folks out at the camps." Calvin was saying, "Could speed up the survey."

    "If we had extra manpower perhaps." Rex replied, scratching his chin, "But it would complicate the logistics of keeping teams supplied which would defy the point. We would better make sure we've got the trails fully cleared through the forest, make it easier to navigate from camp to camp."

    "Might be a good idea to have someone get some touches put together then. At least we can keep the paths well-lit."

    "Good idea."

    The wood creaked underfoot as Sam stepped up onto the decking, bringing the Blaziken's attention to him. "Ah Sam, did you sleep well?"

    "Well Bruce didn't snore this time." He replied, managing to hide most of his chuckle. "He's already headed out. Nia and Dan will probably be doing the same."

    "I'll take that as a good thing," Rex replied, tone casual as he picked up another wooden piece and placed it on one of the maps. "Unfortunately, we haven't come across much in the night."

    "Not even made it a hundred metres." Calvin sighed, rubbing his forehead.

    Sam felt his face slacken, "You've gotta be kidding me."

    That had been the one bit of trouble. Whilst progress around the island's edge had been relatively straightforward, piercing the interior was a different matter altogether. He had heard how dense the jungle was, slowing the teams down. That had even been a few feral Pokémon hanging amongst the trees, attacking some of the guildmembers on the way through. Whilst no one had been hurt badly yet, it was probably already a matter of time until that happened, especially with some teams getting lost in the trees.

    "If we could just burn back-" Calvin started.

    "Cal…" Rex softly groaned.

    "I know, I know." The Charizard grunted, "Can't risk the fire going out of control and taking out any ruins."

    Sam looked over at the map, it had only been a few days since they arrived but progress still felt painfully slow. There could have been a Guardian site just a few metres deeper in the trees, and yet they could easily walk past it without noticing. He spotted the other islands of the chain amongst the charts, still unvisited.

    And yet we have to search this island first… how bad are the others going to be? I think anyone would kill to get out-

    He stiffened, ears twitching as the idea drifted into his mind. It was probably a bad one… but-

    "Any thoughts Sam?" Rex asked, jerking the Scorbunny back to attention.

    "S-Sorry." Sam replied, "I don't know about this island but… when do you think we could check out the others?"

    Rex raised a brow, clearly curious. "Already eager to leave this place behind?"

    He started to shake his head, only to stop. The truth was, he was just eager for some progress, some kind of change. He needed to know what the Guardians were. What they had done. And the more time they spent trying to clear a jungle, the longer it'd take to find anything. "Well… I'm just thinking. Could we like, divide and conquer or something?"

    The Blaziken huffed warmly, "Perhaps not quite like that. We need most of our people here, but we normally would send a ship to scout ahead of the main expedition."

    Sam rubbed the back of his head, eying the ships anchored offshore, "Then… why haven't we done that yet?"

    "You've got a pirate issue right?" Calvin asked bluntly, arms crossed.

    It was only Rex's calming hand that stopped Sam from jumping, "Don't worry." He reassured him, "I have already told Calvin about the Daywalker."

    Sam shook himself loose, "Ah…" he nodded towards Calvin, "Yeah, they seemed to have got pretty ballsy."

    Stifling a laugh, Calvin winked at the rabbit, "Right! You've got a potential threat to those ships out there."

    "The schooners." Rex started, nodding towards the two smaller ships, "They'd be the scouts, but they aren't equipped for a heavy fight, especially against anything that could threaten something the size of the Daywalker."

    "Then why not the Kite?" Sam questioned, waving a hand towards the larger ship and recalling how well it had handled under sail and seeing just a handful of the cannons she had aboard her. "She looks like she could hold her own."

    A warm smile formed on Rex's face, "She certainly would. But being between a brig and a frigate, she needs a large crew, and we don't have the manpower to send her out and survey this island at the same time. Even if we could-"

    "The two schooners won't be able to help everyone else stuck here." Calvin finished, "Especially if we've got to evacuate."

    Sam rubbed his forehead, softly groaning. The never-ending problem of manpower. He could already guess they would have had more if not for the representatives and Broken Wood taking some of that away. It was a pain in the side.

    That was when he caught the glint in Calvin's eye. "Hold on. We can't send the Kite or a schooner out on their own, right?"

    "That's right." Rex confirmed.

    "Then why not send both schooners?"

    Sam's eyes snapped towards the guildmaster, who was already casting an aside glance at the Scorbunny.

    "Think about it." Calvin continued with a smirk, "Send the Crow and Penguin ahead together. They can get away with much smaller crews and watch each other's backs."

    Sam chewed his lip, trying to imagine the two ships moving together, "I'd guess that would work for scouting. We could at least check the beaches out."

    Rex started scratching his beak again, "The Kite can remain behind and support the expedition – and defend it if needed."

    "Could she do that on her own?" Sam asked.

    "We can keep her manned enough to start fighting." Rex admitted, "The rest of the crew can quickly get back aboard from here if she needs to move."

    Sam nearly bounced as he rubbed his hands together, "I volunteer for scouting then!" he exclaimed, "We can head out, see what we'd expect and come back."

    Seeing Rex's raised brow at his enthusiasm, he quickly calmed himself down and rolled his shoulder. "I'm just… wanting to get to the bottom of this stuff. That's all."

    Rex stiffened for a second, before flashing a weak smile. "I know too well." He admitted. "And I do believe this is the best course of action."

    "Y-You do?" Sam stuttered, blinking.

    "Indeed. Audacity, Seekers and Active can go ahead on the Crow and Penguin, and I'll assign some of our stronger frontline teams to join you."

    "I'll make it easier for you Rex." Calvin said, cracking his knuckles, "I'll lead them. I've kinda been itching for some fresh air anyway."

    Calvin? We could do with the firepower but…

    The Blaziken frowned, "Calvin, I'd appreciate the help, but-"

    "Rex." The Charizard interrupted, "Screw the politics. I'm a Rescuer, and last time I checked, you outrank me. Put me to work."

    Wait. Is he talking about Rex being the Guildmaster? Or the actual ranks? Calvin's Master Rank right? So… what rank does Rex have?

    Sighing, Rex firmly nodded back. "Very well. I'll see if any of our Silver's are willing to join and contact the schooner captains, they might be able to set off today."

    "I'll get some supplies prepped." Calvin replied, nodding his head before hopping out of the gazebo and strolling into the trees.

    Rex turned towards Sam, "Before you go Sam… be careful out that. You're going to need to back up the others as best you can along with Alice."

    Sam stiffened, not quite wanting to hear or hear about it. He quickly shook his head, electing to change the topic. "There's one thing to worry about it…"


    "FUCKING HELL!" Bruce roared, looking a little more green than normal as the recruits started to push some of the longboats to the water. A few flying types flew above their heads, headed towards the two smaller ships. "Just when I was getting settled!"

    "I'll take it." Denver grunted as he pushed one of the boats into the water, "The bugs in that jungle are murder."

    Sam blinked, back pressed against another boat, "Err… Denver you are a bug type."

    The Skorupi's pincers snapped together, "No type can protect against those little bastards."

    Dan stumbled from around another boat, noticeable red spots dotted across his arm. "H-He's not kidding." He wheezed.

    Feeling a shiver down his spine, Sam promptly analysed his arms for any bite marks that had evaded his notice.

    "A Silver-Rank team will be following in behind us." Edward said as he trotted towards them, Nia and Alice following him from behind.

    That's good to hear. Sam mused to himself as his eyes shifted towards the Noibat and Buneary, the former hovering just behind her. Huh… Nia's been trying to hang around Alice a lot more since we've set off. I wonder why Alice hasn't thrown her off yet.

    The recruits started to gather around two of the boats, "Good. So…" Sam started, "We've got two ships. Who's going where?"

    "I'll go on the Crow." Alice simply stated, not even looking Sam's way.

    Not that he was in any mood to argue with her on which little boat they'd go on.

    "Right." Sam said, "Looks like it's the Penguin for me."

    Bruce seemed to recover enough to look more bewildered, glancing between the two rabbits. "Well… I heard that the Penguin is less… tippy? You don't mind if we-"

    Nia dropped down to the floor next to Alice, "You can sign me up for the Crow." She declared, bumping Alice's side with a wing. "And I'm not taking no for an answer."

    Sam nearly smirked as Alice groaned in reply.

    Looking even more perplexed, Bruce slowly nodded his head, "O-Okay… well if the girls are doing that, how about us boys go on the Penguin! Would make a change!"

    "Well…" Edward started, "It's a four-mon Silver Team, should be able to even things up."

    Dan shuffled on the spot with a visible quiver, as his gaze flicked between Nia and Bruce. "I-I-I… I don't know if it's-"

    Nia placed a paw onto the Morpeko's shoulder, "Go on Dan! Give it a try with the boys!" she flashed a gigantic grin, "Should be a new experience!"

    A fuzzy feeling formed inside Sam as Dan seemed to visibly relax at the bat's words. Nia is damn good to Dan.

    A hearty laugh rumbled from the camp, "Good job Team Iris is all girls then! Just don't start getting competitive! It's a team effort!"

    Calvin stomped across the beach towards them, two big satchels hung over his side… and alongside him walked Zeke. His chains had been removed, but the silver collar was still secured around his neck. Sam blinked, he'd heard of Zeke being bought on the expedition to help with the search. But it was the first time he had seen him in a few days.

    Denver snarled, "What's he doing here?"

    "Calm down Denver." Edward stressed softly, "He's not going to hurt us."

    "I'm only here in case I recognise anything." Zeke quietly admitted, "I won't get in the way."

    "He's been through a lot." Calvin said seriously, "Treat him as well as any other. Now if you don't mind me-" he patted the satchels, "I've gotta pass on these requests to the captains."

    With a whump of his wings, the Charizard flew up into the air, kicking sand straight into the recruits' faces. Sam quickly covered his eyes, gritting his teeth as the grains bounced off him. Edward hadn't been so lucky, the Skiddo coughing wildly out of sight. Blinking, Sam lowered his arm. The dragon was already flying towards the smaller ships, the sound of his wingbeat already fading away.

    "Team ACT my ass." Denver grumbled, rubbing his eyes, "At least take off away from all the sand!"

    "At least he's coming to help us." Alice grunted back.

    Sam frowned, "Look, we better get over to the ships. Won't want them to leave without us."

    "Yes." Zeke said weakly, "Lets."

    The boys started loading up onto one of the boats, the girls having to wait for Team Iris to catch up. As the Scorbunny took his seat, he cast an eye towards Alice, her back now turned as she leaned against their craft. She's all alone again…

    Sighing, he took one of the oars, and pushed the boat out into the water.


    The wind was still at the ship's backs, so the journey towards the next island was a much quicker affair once the Penguin and the Crow had brought themselves out into open water, a collection of islands now visible before the horizon. Rex had requested the captains to at least survey the edge of the largest island, which happened to be the closest one of the chain.

    It only took a few hours for the schooners to reach that island, but they couldn't get close. Waves crashed against towering grey cliffs, far too craggy and rough for the ships to approach. That left only one option, to circle around to a beach they could access.

    Sam leaned against the railing of the vessel, watching the coast as the Penguin slowly started it's search. But occasionally, he would turn his head towards the Crow trailing behind them. He tried to put the thought of her passengers out of his head, but it wasn't working.

    Not that he could move elsewhere, Bruce was still puking over on the other side of the ship whilst Dan tried to get the Bulbasaur to nibble on some bread chunks.

    Dry heaving was hell, apparently. Sam figured he'd let the Morpeko do what he could to help his teammate. Edward meanwhile was now browsing through some charts along with the navigator, Zeke was watching the shore from the bow, and he had no idea where Denver was hiding. And Al-

    Gah, fuck!

    He thumped the railing, unable to finally turn his attention away from Alice. Not even the thought of finding Guardian ruins or any clues was getting buried. Come on! Alice can't stand me half the time on a good day, why should I even bother with her? After the bullshit she threw at me. No won-

    "You look ready to fight someone."

    Sam jerked upright. "H-Huh?"

    Standing behind him was Calvin, the lean Charizard casting a wary eye on the Scorbunny.

    "Calvin!" Sam exclaimed, "I'm not planning on that!"

    "Bet you aren't." he gruffly replied, "But you're pissed, punching the railing and all."

    The Charizard walked over to join Sam at the railing, eyes flicking between the island and the following Crow. "How are you?"

    Sam tightened his grip on the railing, "Err… yeah. Just want to get started with surveying the place. Find what Kain was looking for, you know?"

    "And are you going to do that alone?"

    Flinching, Sam turned to fully face the dragon, his heart beginning to beat harder, "What's that supposed to mean?"

    A low deep rumble came from Calvin, encouraging Sam to sweep a foot back. When Calvin turned to face him, his eyes were narrowed, and a faint stream of smoke rose from his nostrils.

    "Let's say I can smell a mistake coming."

    And with that, Sam bared his teeth, his fists clenching as he fought to keep himself from exploding.


    On the Crow, Alice had found herself in a similar position to what Sam was in. She had positioned herself at the railing of the ship, albeit at the bow rather than the side. Behind her, she could hear the members of Team Iris talking amongst themselves, flashing whatever new possessions they got their hands on.

    But it was something else that surprised her entirely.

    "Make sure to keep those ropes tight!" Kaliani called out, hopping across the deck as she inspected some of the crew working on the deck. "I don't want the wind to blow us into those rocks!"

    Zeke's presence was something Alice could expect. But she didn't expect Kaliani to join them until the Trumbeak helped her and Nia onto the Crow. The girl had been through a lot, something Alice could understand. But as the Buneary saw her passing on orders from the captain, she realised this was the best place for her to be. She was a sailor at the end of the day.

    Alice watched the coast, wondering wha-

    Nia hovered in front of her, a bright smile stretched across her face. "Whatcha doing?"

    Alice recoiled, raising clenched fists. "Can you stop doing that Nia!" she barked.

    The Noibat froze almost comically in front of her, "C-Come on! You like my surprises!"

    "Not when they are non-stop!"

    The Buneary started to hop towards the other side of the ship's bow, trying to ignore the thud as Nia landed on the deck behind her. "Just tell me what I can do then!" she shouted, "You are so on edge! Like… more on edge than normal!"

    "Just sounds like another normal day to me." Alice grunted back, reaching the other end and leaning against the railing there. "It's none of your bus-"

    "IT IS MY DAMN BUSINESS!"

    The scream wasn't the loudest she heard, but Alice still had to retract both ears to cover them, the ship went briefly silent, a few members of the crew pausing to look their way, only for another deckhand to bark for them to get back to work.

    "Can you keep it down for one fucking minute!" Alice hissed, releasing her ears.

    "No!" Nia shouted back, managing to dial it down regardless. "Ever since the representatives arrived you've been so much nastier to Sam! And to the others!"

    Alice groaned and turned away as Nia continued ranting, "I'm trying to help you here!"

    "Yeah, that's what Sam offered." She growled back, "Then that liar just proved himself to be no better than anyone else."

    She clenched her fists, eyes focused on the water. That was who nearly everyone was. Another person to disappoint her and turn on her. No matter how nice they seemed to act.

    "You lost your parents to Dark Matter… right?"

    Alice's head jerked up, her legs suddenly feeling weak beneath her. Nia's words were soft, without any shred of anger, something that Alice wasn't prepared for.

    She turned back to face Nia, but instead of the bubbly Pokémon she recognised, instead, she looked much calmer and composed with her wings placed at her side. "H-How…" Alice started. "How did you…"

    Nia walked up to join Alice, "I kinda worked it out awhile ago. I saw how badly you reacted about Dark Matter when Edward talked about it, and there is that cursed rumour too – which is rubbish by the way!" She placed her hands on the railing, "And there's how much the guildmaster keeps an eye on you too, the same one who led Team STAR…"

    Alice could only stare blankly at the bat as she shrugged, "It wasn't that hard to connect the dots. I'm… sorry that happened to you."

    Taking a shaky sigh, the Buneary steadied herself against the railing. Of all the people to work out her secret… her past…

    "Nia…" she managed to utter, "You are officially scary, you know that right?"

    She pulled a sly smile at that, if only briefly, "Let's pull back a sec. You don't trust many people because of all the shit you've put up with? I don't know what has happened between you and Sam-"

    "I don't want to talk about it." Alice said quietly back.

    "Hear me out."

    For f…

    She couldn't bring herself to finish the thought, not with what Nia was pulling off now. She still suspected that Nia wouldn't back down. So…

    "Shoot."

    Steadying herself with a shallow breath, Nia got started again. "I'm going to take a guess. Sam didn't tell you something big about himself right? And you got mad at him because he knows about what happened to you?"

    "Get to the point." Alice bluntly stated, finally directing her gaze on the Penguin further ahead of them.

    Nia tapped the railing with a claw, "Okay. Let me put it like this. What if Sam was like you?"

    Alice's back stiffened, "The fuck?" she growled.

    The bat, still composed, raised her hands as Alice turned back to face her. "Seriously, did you tell anyone else about your past?"

    "No!"

    "Why then?"

    "Because it would get me or someone hurt!" Alice replied, clenching her jaw.

    That was when the coin dropped. Alice suddenly felt cold as the words left her mouth. Someone getting hurt…

    'I could be putting others in danger. I mean, what about Alice? She's been through so much… I don't want to throw her into another quagmire because of me.'

    Sam… you were being a fucking idiot so many times but… you were always…

    "Sam was probably thinking the same." Nia explained, "And that's not the only thing!"

    Alice tore her eyes away, back towards the Penguin. But Nia scrambled around to remain in her view, "You've had – what? – six years to work through what happened. Sam's had six weeks. He probably doesn't know how to fully talk about it."

    And Sam… probably wouldn't have to talked to Jack about it unless he felt like he…

    The realisation only made Alice feel even colder.


    Sam could feel himself burning up as the Charizard stared him down, both their nostrils flaring. If this had been over six weeks ago, Sam would probably have backed down or tried to ease the situation. But after fighting Greg and Kain, he didn't feel any fear of Calvin trying to fight him. He doubted it would end well, but he wasn't going to retreat here.

    "What's this all about?" Sam questioned.

    A sharp tooth poked out of the dragon's mouth, "Your attitude. And your partner."

    Groaning, Sam rolled his eyes, "Look, we agreed to call it quits after the expedition. Its for the best."

    Calvin merely grunted in reply, "Heh, so you think it's alright to keep barking down each other's throats?"

    For fucking crying out loud, what's his problem!?

    Fists squeezing even tighter, Sam's voice started to rise, "She was the one who blew her lid! Acting like a damn bitch!"

    "Oh yeah?" the dragon questioned, taking a loud step forward as he looked down at the rabbit. "And you think shouting back at her is going to help? Sounds you pissed her off!"

    "I tried to calm her down!" he snapped back, "And she ended up tearing me down for it!"

    Calvin seemed to darken and grow bigger before him, "And here you are, still going on at each other. It's like you're some old married couple!"

    Sam's eyes burned, "A-Alice isn't my concern anymore! I've got more important shit to deal with!"

    "Screw that! You do give a crap, so why are you being such an arsey little shit over it!"

    "BECAUSE I FUCKED UP!"

    The Scorbunny panted, his body feeling like jelly. Not from fear, but from the shout itself. He could feel a few stares from the crew working on deck, but they didn't stop working.

    The Charizard glared silently down at him as Sam felt the briefest flicker of a tear form, something Sam swiftly wiped away, "I kept something back about myself." He said quietly, throat sore. "And when she lashed out that I didn't trust her, I snapped."

    He turned away, directing his gaze back towards the trailing Crow. "I... I started driving her away. And every time we tried to reconnect, we just started fighting again. And I just keep…"

    Sam couldn't finish that sentence as Calvin started chuckling. "You're not pissed off at Alice. You're angry with yourself."

    Clutching the railing, Sam couldn't bring himself to look Calvin's way. He wanted to deny it, Alice had thrown no small amount of abuse his way. But it was he who got the ball rolling. He was so terrified of what response he would get that he would get that he failed to see what hiding the truth would have meant to Alice.

    "Yes… I… I pushed her away…"

    He turned to face the now smiling Charizard, "You meant for me to get angry…"

    Calvin gave a bemused flick of his wings, "Can't exactly beat pushing people's buttons until things click."

    "Did… was that something you worked on with Rex?" Sam meekly asked.

    "Worked with? More like something Rex learnt whilst playing hero."

    And then, much like it had for Alice on the Crow, the penny dropped.

    'You've always got to be some kind of hero, barging your way into other people's problems and trying to act like you are looking out for everyone!'

    He had thought Alice was going on about him headlong into danger despite her warnings. But she was not meaning that at all.

    "What are you thinking of Sam?" Calvin asked.

    Sam's body started to numb, his eyes fixed on the rocking form of the Crow.

    "I… I just kinda realised something."

    W…What am I doing?

    "And what's that?"

    Sam's next words were soft, and tinged with a bit of sadness. "I never had to-"


    "-go it alone."

    Alice's eyes were fixed on the Penguin, feeling low on energy. W… What am I doing?

    Nia leaned in closer and more into view, staring wide-eyed at the Buneary. "Wwwell?"

    She blinked back, feeling the chill fade away, "I… I just realised something. I'm… I'm going to have to talk to him when we get the chance."

    Rubbing her hands together, she finally looked back towards Nia with a small smile, "Thanks. I needed to hear all that."

    With a beaming smile, Nia bobbed up and down in delight. "Amazing! I knew you two would come around!" Before Alice could react, she had planted a hand into her back, "You two do get along!"

    "Get your hand. Off my back." Alice said bluntly but warmly.

    "Okay." Nia complied.

    Alice started to look back towards the front ship… but that was when she saw it, placed further past the Robinwood vessel.

    She frowned, "Wait. What's that?"


    "I'm guessing you figured out we were having a row?" Sam asked.

    "Saw the whole thing from a mile away." Calvin admitted.

    The two fire types were now leaning more casually against the railing, the rage having quickly faded away. Sam rubbed the back of his head, "I'm going to speak to Alice, sure." He stressed, "But… why are you so interested in us? I mean, we've just gotta be another team right?"

    With a huff, Calvin shook his head, "Let's just say you remind me of someone. Someone who recently… had a pretty nasty break up."

    "Break up?"

    "With a teammate. A partner."

    The Charizard sighed, rubbing his forehead. "It's not been pretty to watch. Not after seeing how important the bonds between teams are. I've felt it with Team ACT. I've seen it dozens of other teams, including Rex's."

    That perked his ears up, "Rex had a team?" He asked.

    Now he flashed a grin, "Team STAR." He explained, "Damn, you should have seen them, they were legends. There was only one Mon who inspired us in Team ACT more."

    Sam frowned, There was one Mon who was better than Rex and his entire team? Or, what? More inspirational?

    "And… who was that?"

    He only got a snort at that, "That would be a story for another time. The point is, never give up on your teammates. They are your anchor when the whole world turns against you."

    Is… is he talking about Team Warden?

    "I don't want you to lose that bond because of something stupid." Calvin stressed, "Cherish it. And together… I bet you two could take on anything."

    The Charizard smiled again as he patted the Scorbunny on the back, "I better get back to work." He said, starting to walk away.

    Sam couldn't stop himself blurting out the word, "Wait!"

    Calvin stopped to look back at the Scorbunny, "That Pokémon you mentioned, the one I reminded you of… who are they?"

    The smile shifted to something smaller, more sincere, as if the dragon was recalling a pleasant memory. "His name's Tobias."

    Tobias…

    With a mock salute, Calvin turned away again, "Keep up the good work – as a team – and who knows? Maybe you'll meet him one day."

    As he walked away, Sam spun on his heel to look back towards the Crow. Maybe… maybe we will…

    He closed his eyes. I've just gotta find out how.

    That was when the bell started ringing. "Sails! Straight ahead!"

    Huh?!

    Sam's eyes snapped open just as the crew ran into overdrive, responding to new orders being barked out. Instinct took over as Sam started running, headed for the ship's bow, scrambling up the steps to reach it. Zeke was trying to look over the railing, glancing back briefly to see who was coming. "There it is!"

    Sam could see the ship appearing from behind a cliff. It was too far for him to catch all the details, but its size was easy. A two-decker, with three masts poking out from it's deck, supporting black sails.

    Someone squarked out another panicked report, and he could hear Zeke hiss, but Sam's eyes had already drifted towards the top of the contact.

    Where a black flag adorned with a white skull and crossbones flapped in the wind.

    Sam felt his heart miss a beat.

    Pirates!

    Alright, and again, this took longer than planned, but the latest GoB Chapter is complete! This is a bit of a slower chapter, but not for much longer, as it sets the stage for the episode's main conflict. I hope it is enjoyable for you all again!
     
  • Threadmarks
    • neat.

    and the penny drops.

    pirates eh?
    Wonder how many are water types?
    the big ship draws everyones attention, while the rest are beneath the ship, filling it with holes?
     
    Chapter II.XII - Pirates!
  • Threadmarks
    • POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON
    GUARDIANS OF BALANCE

    EPISODE II – DARK, WONDEROUS PAST
    CHAPTER XII – PIRATES!    ​

    Sam tightened his grip on the railing, eyes fixed on the ship as it started to turn towards them. They know we're here!

    "She's coming about!" One of the shiphands shouted.

    Calvin's roar boomed across the deck, "Rescuers! Get over here!"

    Jerking to attention, Sam and Zeke shared a glance as they ran back down the ship towards the centre. Calvin was waiting for them, alongside a rather panicky-looking Dan and a seemingly recovered Bruce. It seemed as if the threat of attack had pushed down whatever seasickness he had been feeling. From further back, he could see the captain at the wheel, shouting for the crew to ready the cannons. With a practised sense of urgency, the crew scurried across the deck, shoving the weapons into position.

    As Edward and Denver scrambled from below decks, the Charizard directed his attention to the assembled recruits, "Alright boys, the wind isn't doing us any favours. We can't run until either the wind turns or until one of the flying types can get enough of a gust to turn us. The captain is going to turn us on for a broadside ahead of the Crow, try and keep him at a distance. But there is a good chance they'll try and board us. We need to keep them off the gun crews until we can break clear. Bruce! Edward!"

    The Bulbasaur and Skiddo almost leapt out of their skins, "Y-yeah Calvin!?" Bruce barked.

    Calvin pointed towards the railings, "I need you two to cover the sides for any water types coming up on us! Denver, I need you to be our fast responder. Sam and Dan, you both know electric moves, right?"

    Sam sharply nodded, not thinking about how Calvin knew that. "Got Electro Ball."

    "T-Thunder Shock!" Dan weakly replied.

    "Then you two head up front. Any flyers come in, turn them round-" Calvin squeezed his fist, "Or blow the bastards out of the sky."

    Can't argue with that! Sam flashed a thumbs up to that. "You can count on us!"

    That was when Calvin turned to the Electrike. "Zeke, I need you to help them."

    Sam's heart instinctively skipped a beat.

    Denver's eyes widened, "Are you fucking nuts!?"

    Zeke looked just as alarmed, "No no. No! I can't-"

    "That wasn't you Zeke!" Calvin barked, cowing the younger Rescuers in an instant. "You're a Rescuer, I trust you to be that!"

    "B-But…" Zeke blubbered.

    "Flyers leaving the pirate ship!" one of the crew members shouted.

    Calvin narrowed his eyes, "You want to keep Pokémon safe from harm? Then help us fight these pricks off, cos there's a good chance of more harm happening with one less fighter."

    Sam's eyes flicked towards the Electrike, his mind flashing back to the first fight he had against him in Broken Wood, how easily he electrocuted Aidan in that fight. The Scorbunny did beat him, but he knew Zeke had a lot of power in him. But with Kain… he knew Zeke was terrified of losing himself.

    He leaned into view, "We've got your back Zeke." He said firmly, flashing a determined look. "Trust me, I'll take any help we can get."

    Zeke finally looked towards Sam, properly, struggling to fight back tears. Terrified.

    But whatever he saw in Sam seemed to stabilise him. He narrowed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and turned back towards Calvin, lifting his neck to expose the collar.

    With a flash of white, Calvin's Metal Claw easily cut the collar loose, the metal fragments clunking on the floor.

    "What about you Calvin?" Bruce questioned, starting to back up towards one of the railings.

    The Charizard flashed a grin, "I'm going to have a scrap, buy you boys some time."

    With a whump of his wings, he shot up into the air, headed towards the pirate ship.

    "Mad bastard…" Denver grunted.

    "You heard him though!" Edward replied, starting to trot towards the starboard side. "We need to be ready!"

    "Hurrah to that!" Bruce cheered, taking his position on the port side.

    Whilst Denver grumbled to himself, Sam flicked his head back towards the bow. "Zeke, Dan, come on!"

    As they ran back towards the bow of the ship, Sam could only spare a brief thought back towards the Crow, what was going through Alice's and Nia's heads? Was the captain making a similar call?

    He wished he could get aboard the Crow right now, but he knew they didn't have that option. The best Sam could do now was try and defend the Penguin.

    Reaching the bow, the pirate ship had closed the gap, and now, Pokémon were approaching in the air and water, running on ahead of the vessel. Bruce and Edward could handle the water, but they needed a good approach to deal with the air. He shuddered, he wasn't an expert on dealing with air targets, and he didn't even need to look to know that Dan was never going to co-ordinate their attacks… so…

    "Zeke." Sam started, turning towards him with a firm look, "Can you take point?"

    The canine hesitated, but only for a moment, snarling as he looked towards the flyers. "Alright, on my mark!"

    An orange dart sliced through the air, forcing the approaching fliers to duck and weave to avoid the Charizard with some turning to take him on. Others closed in on the Penguin, almost all of them birds.

    Dan was shaking uncontrollably, his mouth trembling, "Z-Z-Zeke?"

    "Not yet."

    The birds were nearly on top of them, Sam's heart thumping harder in his chest, "Come on Zeke." He hissed.

    "Not yet!" Zeke barked.

    Three started to dive towards the ship, Sam sweeping his foot back to ready the Electro Ball. "Now would be a good time!"

    "Not yet!"

    He could start seeing the features more clearly now of the attackers, the leader, a Fearow, was starting to shriek.

    Blue energy crackled around the Electrike, his jaws snapping open-

    Sam recoiled as the blue beam of energy shot out of Zeke's mouth, too fast for the Fearow to react. In a flash of light, the bird was blown back, spiralling out of the air. His wingmates squawked, immediately trying to pull away.

    "NOW!" Zeke roared.

    Eying a fleeing Swallow, Sam booted an Electro Ball into the air. The orb raced after it, and with a twirl, the flying-type barrel rolled away, the attack skimming across their back. Sam growled as with a panicked flutter of their wings, the bird peeled away.

    A flash of yellow light erupted in the corner of his vision, another bird being blown out of the sky with the Thundershock attack.

    Sam gritted his teeth, glaring at the Swellow scurrying away. At least his attack run is ruined!

    "Here they come again!" Zeke shouted, "Sam, we'll fire first, you try and catch anyone evading us!"

    Snapping out of it, Sam readied himself for another shot, "Got it!"

    Another trio of birds began to dive, at them, coming from two angles to try and throw them off. But another blast from Zeke blasted one back, forcing their comrade to throw themselves aside to avoid them. Gotcha!

    Sam's next Electro Ball sailed straight into his target, sending them screaming into the water below.

    The rest of the fliers hung back, starting to circle the Penguin to try and find a fresh angle. "They're going round back!" Sam realised, ears going fully erect.

    "Go!" Zeke shouted, "We'll keep the bow covered!"

    "Y-Yeah! We'll… try!" Dan stuttered, trying to rile himself up.

    Sam nodded, sprinting back across the deck, past the cannons and shooting up towards the higher stern. The Dewott captain was at the wheel, still barking orders to his crew. Sam reached the rear railing, just as a bug type tried diving in. Another Electro Ball later, and the bug was sent reeling back, trying to keep himself in the air.

    Okay! Just gotta keep the flyers off us!

    Another bird flew overhead, a red band wrapped around them. One of the crew. Must be getting ready to get the gust going!

    "Surprise!" Bruce shouted.

    Behind him, a Squirtle had poked his head up over the side, only for the Bulbasaur's vines to wrap around his neck, "See ya in hell!" he exclaimed with a smirk as he flung the turtle away almost casually.

    Another squark came, and he turned in time to see the Swellow diving for him. Yelping, Sam dove aside, the air whistling as the flying type rushed by.

    Sweat soaking into his fur, Sam growled and pushed himself back up to his feet. "Buzz off!"

    Sam kicked off another Electro Ball, and this time, the Swellow wasn't ready. It struck them hard in the back. The bird's scream was swiftly cut off as he plummeted into the water.

    "Hold them off! We're nearly ready!" The Dewott shouted, his eyes fixed on the closing pirate ship. It was close enough now that Sam could now see the forms of Pokémon running or clambering across it, getting ready for their attack. "Starboard cannons ready!"

    Someone cried out, and Sam scrambled over towards the wheel to look down at the deck. A Lombre riding a pink Gastrodon had started sliding over the railing, the crew hurrying away from the deck.

    The Gastrodon's eyes widened in time for Edward's head to bury itself in them, and with a slimy pop, the slug and the Lombre flipped off the railing and back into the water. "We're clear!" he shouted, "Back on the guns!"

    Snapping to attention, the gun crews swiftly took their places, loading shot into the barrels.

    "Hard to port!"

    The captain started spinning the wheel, and with wood creaking all around, the ship started heaving over as she began to turn. Wind rushed above the Scorbunny, a pair red-sporting flying-types were beating their wings hard to try and add some extra speed to the turn. Sam struggled to keep his footing, one eye still on the sky if another flier tried to have another go at them.

    The Penguin creaked even more, juddering as its turn sharpened, the bow peeling away from the pirate ship and slowly exposing the cannons of the schooner. The enemy ship kept sailing at them, its bow remaining fixed on them.

    What the hell is he doing!? Sam snapped, He's gonna be a sitting duc-

    Four hatches in the bow of the pirate ship sprung open.

    He barely heard the shout. "CHASE GUNS!"

    Smoke and fire flashed from the guns, wood detonating and splintering as cannonballs blew through the Penguin like an angry god. Pokémon screamed as they took a face full of shrapnel or were blown into the air.

    One shot tore through the higher rear deck, Sam immediately shielded his eyes as he rolled back, debris whistling as she rushed past him. He landed hard on his back, the Scorbunny barely managing to keep his head from hitting the floor. His eyes snapped open to find the Dewott captain barely hanging onto the ship's wheel. He was wincing, clutching the side of his body, quickly becoming drenched in blood. Across the way, an unfortunate crewmember lay against the far railing, a grass type that sat unmoving.

    Moans and screams echoed across the ship, out of sight of Sam. He only just stumbled to his feet when the whole ship jerked underneath him. Crying out, Sam nearly faceplanted the deck. Holy- did they just ram us!?

    Gritting his teeth from anger and his aching arms, he picked himself up again to find the pirate ship's bow high above him, only just prevented from burying itself into the side of the Penguin. The schooner wheezed, water slushing against the hull. "T-There are pushing us aside!" Sam realised, the Penguin being turned to face the direction it had originally been travelling.

    His chest tightened as he spun back to face the Crow, the other schooner still sailing onwards.

    Into the path of the pirate ship's guns.

    "No!" Sam screamed, "Get-"

    Cannon fire roared as the pirate ship unleashed its broadside.

    The Crow nearly exploded as the cannonballs slammed across her side, punching through her hull in a shower of shrapnel and flame. Sam's words died, as all he could do was watch as the ship heaved and rolled, gaping holes emerging out of the smoke.

    "Alice!"

    Above his head, war cries started to boom, a bell ringing as the pirates prepared to board the Penguin.

    Sam snarled, readying a new attack, "Bastards! Come on! Come and get it!"


    Across the way on the Crow, Alice gritted her teeth, her head pounding and her ears ringing. She had been terrified about Sam being stuck on the rammed Penguin when the broadside hit, throwing the Buneary across the deck. Through the ringing, she could make out the agonised cries and the moans of the crew. The captain was trying to get further ahead, to try and avoid striking the Penguin by accident. But then that pirate ship had lined up for its attack, and the Crow didn't stand a chance.

    "Alice!" Nia shouted, "Alice!"

    Grunting, Alice tossed aside the plank pressing against her back and pushed herself back up. "I'm alright!" She turned to find the Niobat unhurt, lowering herself back towards the deck with a beat of her wings. She must have got above the cannon fire.

    The deck itself was ruined, covered in debris and blood from where Pokémon had been caught. We need to he-

    Over the side, a team of four threw themselves over the railing, all sporting black armbands or bandanas. An Ambipom waved one of it's tails threateningly in the air, "Kill anyone who resists!" he barked.

    Whilst a big Ursaring marched towards the rear of the ship, where a few members of the crew started to rise, the Ambipom, a Yungoos and a Minccino turned on Alice and Nia, moving towards them.

    Alice took a step back, one ear already hardening in ice, she had to hope Sam was fine and deal with these guys, and with a smirk, she had the ideal solution. "Nia? You know how we keep telling you to watch your tone?"

    She could hear Nia laugh as she floated past the Buneary, "Allow me!"

    Her ears perked up, everything seemingly to go silent.

    Alice covered her ears.

    Nia's ultrasonic scream somehow slammed into Alice's chest, even though she was behind the bat. A scream loud enough that she could see the waves punch through the air. The three pirates screamed, clutching their ears as they tried to block out the sound. The Minccino keeled over, banging her head against the floor.

    As the scream ended, Alice sprung forward, swinging her Ice Punch straight into the face of the Yungoos. As they skidded across the floor, the Ambipom shook his head, but his eyes were unfocused as he wildly threw a tail punch. Alice didn't even need to dodge it, letting her other ear glow white as she slammed the Rock Smash into his gut with a crack.

    The Minccino looked up in time for Alice's still ice-encrusted ear to smash her face in. The rodent's face slumped into the deck, unconscious.

    "Incoming!" Nia shouted as other pirates started throwing themselves over the railing.

    Gritting her teeth, the Buneary readied herself for the next fight, hoping that Sam and the others were holding out.


    Grappling hooks clunked against the railings, the larger ship reeling the stricken Penguin alongside. Even then, pirate Pokémon, all with black armbands, scarves or bandanas leapt aboard. Sam started to run for the stairs. Got-

    A Sandshrew crashed down onto the deck, claws glinting as he charged at the Scorbunny. Sam sprung back, avoiding the slashes. "Out of the way!"

    Roaring, Sam leapt back forward, trying to double-kick him away. The Sandshrew spun away, wincing as the kicks struck his back. It tried to swipe him again, but the Scorbunny was faster, leaping above the ground type. His feet connected at the back of the shrew's head.

    As the pirate collapsed onto the deck, Sam could see the captain watching him, pressing some kind of paste into his wound. Grimacing, the water-type flicked his deck towards the steps.

    Heart pounding, Sam swiftly nodded and leapt down the stairs.

    Denver shoved a Tangela into the railing, his stinger stabbing away at the vined Pokémon. "Fuck off!" he bellowed, lifting the grass type in his pincers and throwing him aside. "Sam!" he shouted as the Scorbunny landed next to him, "Bruce and Edward are struggling at the mast!"

    Sam didn't question the Skorpi, immediately jogging after the bug type. The Penguin was a scene of chaos, pirates and crew battled each other, trying to fire off whatever moves they could when they weren't fighting hand-to-hand. Sam ducked and weaved through the fights, fighting to keep his balance and not get trampled.

    Bruce and Edward were back-to-back, fending off a pair of rock-type pirates trying to batter them. Denver roared as he charged the one attacking Edward, pincers cutting at them. Sam pounced at the other, double-kicking the rock-type away.

    "Thanks!" Bruce shouted, "How many of these guys are there!?"

    "You can ask them!" Sam panted, backing up to join the other Rescuers. "Any idea about Dan and Zeke?"

    "Still at the bow!" Edward replied, the normally reserved goat scraping his hooves on the deck, "But there's so many!"

    "If we could get away from these bastards!" Denver snapped.

    One of the rock types lunged at Sam, only for Bruce's vines to wrap around their gravelly body and toss him across the ship. Sam couldn't help but smirk at the sight.

    That was when in the direction of the tossed pirate, a Krokorok's head poked up from the crowd. Growling, his arm snapped up, a metal object glinting in his hand. Sam gasped, it was a bloody sword!

    "Fire type at the mast! Kill him!" he roared.

    Sam recoiled, "Wait, wh-"

    Five pirates suddenly broke off from the main battle, charging for the Rescuers. Sam didn't think, immediately kicking away another Electro Ball. So close, two of the pirates, both monkey Pokémon, spasmed as the ball struck them. Denver immediately lunged forward, grappling two of the attacking pirates. Edward got the last, headbutting them back.

    "Sam!" Bruce roared, vines raised and ready, "We could do with that fire-type shit!"

    He gritted his teeth, "I can't just kick fireballs all over the place! I'll burn down the whole ship!" All it'll take is one rope catching and we won't have a Penguin left!"

    As the three pirates were shunted back, a much bigger Empoleon and Sceptile barged through, limbs already glowing.

    Sam's heart missed a beat, "Fuc – get back!"

    Denver and Edward's eyes widened as they stumbled back. Bruce growled as he stepped forward, leaf-shaped projectiles shooting forward from the bulb on his back. But the water-type snapped one fin up, the Razor Leaves helplessly pinging off the steel.

    Shit! Sam swept his foot back, feeling the heat underneath, he had to try and get a direct hit on them, or he'd-

    The Charizard slammed down onto the deck behind the two Pokémon. They started to turn, but too late, Calvin's hands grasping the side of their heads and with an almighty crack, slammed them together.

    "Now this is more like it!" Calvin roared with obvious delight as he tossed the two aside and his Metal Claws formed, "Come on lads!"

    With a whip of his tail, he sent two smaller pirates flying, before lunging at an attacking Carracosta, forcing them back and laughing all the while.

    "Another fire-type! Take out the dragon!"

    "Hate a little firepower?" Calvin snorted, his tail glowing blue as he slapped the Sceptile away. "You're lucky you're not getting a taste!"

    As the Charizard battered his way through the pirates, some of the shipmates rallied, falling in behind the veteran rescuer.

    "What the hell is with these guys and fire-types?" Bruce wheezed, finally stopping to catch his breath in the lull.

    Sam panted, leaning over as he caught his breath. "I'm asking the same."

    "Fire hazard?" growled Denver, eyes on the unfolding battle, ready for someone to come at them.

    He does have a point.

    "There's still too many of them." Edward said, trying to survey the deck, "We need an equaliser."

    Equaliser? Sam thought, back stiffening. We need a damn tornado! Could we break the Penguin free? He shook his head, No, the Crow would be a sitting duck! We need some more firepower!

    His ears went erect, Firepower.

    He looked towards the pirate ship easily overshadowing the Penguin… and the unfired cannons pointed right at it.

    "Guys!" Sam shouted, "I've got an idea! Cover me!"

    Bruce flinched, "Wha-"

    Sam was already atop the guns, hoping Calvin could keep the pirates busy for another moment. Alright! How do I fire this thing!? He scanned one of the cannons, trying to find anything that seemed obvious. Fuses!

    And there it was, a little dent to allow it to fire. Sam started to rub his hands together, feeling the heat rush through them.

    "Sam on your right!"

    The Krokorok's blade came rushing down at him, too close to dodge.

    With a panicked yell, instinct fired off the Protect, the blue shield blinking in between them in time for the sword to ping off. The Krokorok's surprise flashed before he slashed again, the Protect fading away. Sam tried to spring away, but his feet slid away underneath him and with a yelp, he fell to the floor.

    The croc roared, and the Scorbunny rolled aside, the sword impacting just inches away from him.

    The sword came at him again and again, keeping the Scorbunny stuck on the ground. He tried to look back at the others, but all he caught was a glimpse of Bruce diving away from an ice shard. Another slash came and Sam evaded again.

    The kick came flying into his gut, Sam barking out as his body spasmed. He tried to gasp some fresh air in, but with a crooked smile, the croc raised the sword again.

    FUC-!

    A dark projectile struck the pirate in the chest, sending him stumbling back. Rolling over, Sam eyed Dan standing at the bow, looking amazed… before screaming as another pirate attacked him. Hearing the growl behind him, Sam threw himself back onto his feet and fired off his Quick Attack, shoulder-slamming the returning Krokorok.

    The larger Pokémon stumbled back right into Calvin's grasp. He had a moment to start crying for help before the Charizard casually chucked him over the railing. "Go on! Light them up!" He bellowed, turning back to grapple with another large Pokémon.

    "On it!" Sam scurried back onto the cannon and rubbed his paws together, the heat building. Here goes nothing!

    "Fire in the hole!" he shouted with a final scrape of his hands, a tiny Ember emerging and striking the fuse.

    His ears rang as the front of the cannon exploded in smoke and flame, followed by the sound of detonating wood. The cannon jumped back, and unable to hold on, Sam flew off and slammed across the deck.

    As he stumbled back to his feet, he caught a glimpse of Calvin, the Charizard laughing as the smoke cleared, revealing a gaping hole in the pirate ship. "Have a piece of your own medicine!" he cackled.

    Out from the still battling Pokémon, the Empoleon charged, slashing his bladed wing across Calvin's back.

    The Charizard roared, spinning around and slashing at the water-type. A Panpour and Mankey leapt onto his back, clawing away at his face. Wildly shaking himself, Calvin shook them loose, only for a Toxicroak to smack a fist across his jaws.

    "Calvin!" Sam got back onto his feet, only for the Water Gun to strike his leg like a hot knife. Sam couldn't stop the cry, tumbling back over as he clutched his leg.

    The Mankey had got on Calvin's back again, the dragon getting punched in the gut by the returning Sceptile, followed by the Toxicroak again punching his face. Another bird came swooping in, slamming into the Charizard's back. Grunting, the Charizard fell to his knees, getting pounded again and again.

    Sam gritted his teeth, trying to rise to his feet, only for something to clamp around them and sweep them out from underneath him. Roaring, he struggled to break free, a Kingler hefting him into the air. Before he could do anything, he was hanging helplessly upside down.

    As he struggled to shake himself free, he could only watch as Calvin was forced down to the ground. So was Edward, a Machoke holding the Skiddo by the horns. Bruce and Denver were backed up against the far railing, surrounded by pirates. The ship spun around him, bile burning in the Scorbunny's throat. As the world steadied, he could make out a Marshtomp holding a panicking Dan, whilst Zeke, electricity crackling all over his body, was being forced over the railing by a Sandslash.

    Desperate, he tried to punch the claw, only for a wave of pain to flood up his arm. The Kingler could only laugh as he hefted the rabbit up higher into the air, "Just for you kid."

    The Kingler smirked, "Greg sends his regards."

    Sam's entire body froze, G-Greg!?

    And before he could do anything, the Kingler threw him overboard.

    And the last thing Sam saw was a blast of water rushing towards him…

    Sadly again, this took longer than planned to complete, but chapters which are mainly battles tend to be trickier to write anyway. Either way, GoB's story continues as the pirates make their entry into the story. I hope you guys enjoy this one!
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Krazyfan1 said:
    neat.

    and the penny drops.

    pirates eh?
    Wonder how many are water types?
    the big ship draws everyones attention, while the rest are beneath the ship, filling it with holes?
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Well, we can get a glimpse of the battle now.

    And yep, several pennies have dropped in the last chapter and this one.
     
    Chapter II.XIII - The Myth of Blackaxe
  • Threadmarks
    • POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON
    GUARDIANS OF BALANCE

    EPISODE II - DARK, WONDEROUS PAST
    CHAPTER XIII - THE MYTH OF BLACKAXE    ​

    Days earlier…

    Greg growled as the sword poked his back, making a deliberate effort to make it a rumble.

    "Go on big boy." grunted the pirate behind him, poking him again, "Get moving."

    A faint whimper came from the Swampert's side. "C-Come on boss…"

    The Marowak next to him quivered, instinctively rubbing the back of his neck, no doubt remembering how the bandit leader had crushed it. Rolling his eyes, Greg started walking down the ramp of the ship.

    It was midday, and ahead of them was a large town, composed of wooden structures that seemed to have been made from parts of old ships. An extensive dock was established outside, where not only smaller pirate ships were docked, but several other ships were currently being broken up and looted, likely to contribute to the building of the town. Greg could just make out an outer wall, that had also been built with stone alongside the wood.

    "How did these guys get this place built?" asked the Rattata as he stepped down to the ground.

    "Shipbreaking." The Pidgey replied with a snip, struggling to stretch his tied-up wings. "Are you blind?"

    "Shut. Up." Greg grunted, as another pirate, sporting her black armband, started to direct the bandits – and the crew of the Daywalker – to stand around a small clearing before the central building, a large three-story structure with a set of stairs leading directly to the second floor. He narrowed his eyes at the crew, fear written across their faces much as it had with his own. Whatever the pirates want with us, it can't be good.

    As the gathered prisoners were brought to a halt, surrounded by pirates from both the ship and the town, a Floatzel with a milky eye looked over them, his hand resting on an axe held at his hip. Didn't think anyone would get their hands on swords and axes. Save for those bastards on Sand maybe.

    With a sharp whistle, what little conversation between the prisoners faded away, and the Floatzel crossed his arms. He scanned them once more, causing the bandits next to Greg to start squirming. The Swampert merely held his gaze, refusing to be cowed by the pirate's display of power. He even started thinking of using an Earthquake, to try and escape.

    Instead, the Floatzel turned towards the building. "My lady!" He shouted, closing his eyes and bowing his head, "The prisoners are ready!"

    The doors at the top of the stairs swung open, and as the new Pokémon emerged, Greg swore he could feel his back twang.

    The pirate leader descended the steps, each footstep sending a faint quiver through the ground. She appeared insectoid in shape, but she was massive, her entire body armoured head-to-toe in beige and black rocky armour. At the ends of her arms, there were a pair of gigantic obsidian axes that didn't reflect any sunlight at all.

    And as she stepped onto the ground, showing her to be even taller than Greg was, he could make out her eyes, nearly completely white, save for a dark pupil in each eye.

    "I am Blackaxe." She said, her voice gravelly as she strolled towards the prisoners, letting her axes scrape across the dirty ground. "I'm the commander of these crews."

    Blackaxe… it can't be! The legendary pirate queen!

    Greg locked his jaw as Blackaxe started to pace along the line of prisoners. "Your ship and cargo now belong to Libertalia to do as we see fit. The question now becomes… what of you?"

    A weak sob broke out from the captive crew, but Blackaxe didn't acknowledge it, continuing her pacing. "I offer a place where you can become a free Pokémon, no longer tied to the manipulations of the Continents and their guilds. You will be able to carve out your own destiny, and share in the spoils."

    Some of the prisoners started sharing glances with each other. "You will need to prove this of course, but if you do… you will be welcomed as brothers and sisters." Blackaxe raised her axes in a somewhat welcoming pose. "If not… then fear not. Prove yourselves worthwhile, and I may be inclined to return you to the nearest safe port. But I do warn you… that is a fine line."

    Her voice deepened with those last few words, and Greg swore he noticed a pirate shiver at that.

    Blackaxe returned to her pacing, her eyes scanning the line of prisoners once more.

    And then she stopped, and Greg could just make out that the strange Pokémon had stiffened.

    "Come on out."

    Two pirates barged into the crowd, much to the surprise of the prisoners. With a stifled squeal, they dragged a Pignite out from the crew, throwing him down at the feet of the pirate queen. "Stand." She ordered, and fearfully, the fire-type scrambled to his feet.

    "Who are you?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as the quivering pig struggled to reply. "T-T-T-T-T-Trevor!" He babbled, his eyes wide.

    "And what do you do for your crew?"

    What's she up to…

    Trevor was still shaking, but managed to muster up a nervous smile, "M-Me? I'm the ship's morale officer! I help keep these weary souls in the best of spirits with warm bellies from rum and stew!" He patted his belly, "I-I can you a taster! If your lady would be so inclined…"

    Blackaxe turned away, and Greg could almost taste the sarcasm in her voice.

    "…the cook… perfect…"

    Then she spun and slammed her axe down on the Pignite's head.

    Someone screamed as blood splattered everywhere, the crew starting to panic and the bandits gasping in shock as Blackaxe yanked her bloody weapon free, allowing the cook's corpse to limply hit the floor. Greg himself flinched, not ready for that sudden a strike. The pirate whipped her axe aside and motioned her head towards the prisoners.

    A Vulpix was the next to die, a pirate stepping in from behind her and stabbing her in the neck with a knife, a faint gasp being all she could muster. A Salazzle clawed at her neck as it was slit with another blade.

    As a Simisear started getting stabbed, Greg saw the pattern. His eyes snapped towards his own bandits… towards the dark Marowak, unable to tear his gaze away… and unaware of the pirate approaching him from behind.

    Greg made his decision.

    The Swampert's hands were bound, but without hesitating, he grabbed hold of the Marowak by the head, lifting him out of reach of the stunned pirate and the startled bandits. And as if on cue, the Marowak knew what was coming. "No no no! Please! Not ag-"

    The skull of the Marowak imploded in the Swampert's grasp, the fire-ghost's body going limp. Should have stayed dead.

    As the bandits stared on, mouths agape, Greg curled his lip in disgust and tossed the body away. But as he did, he found Blackaxe's eyes fixed on him.

    Shit… here we go...

    On the ground, the last of the target Pokémon gasped his last breath, his blood mixing in with that of his peers. Whipping her axe free of blood, she turned towards the Floatzel. "Get them accommodated. And someone needs to get rid of this… trash." She motioned towards the bodies.

    "Of course, my lady." He replied, before barking his orders to the pirates. They sprang into action, starting to shove the prisoners towards the town. Another blade poked at Greg's back, shunting the Swampert along. Grunting, he started to move.

    Only for the axe to hang just short of his throat. "Except this one." Blackaxe growled, as the other prisoners were forced further away. Greg clenched his jaws, holding his neck back from the weapon.

    As the captives went out of earshot, Blackaxe leaned forward, peering down on the Swampert. "Who are you?" she questioned, voice deep.

    Greg croaked out a cough before speaking, "Why would you ask?"

    "You cur!" the Floatzel shouted, stomping over to their side, his eyes bloodshot. "You'll address her as Lady Blackaxe!"

    "Overruled." grunted the axe-pokemon, earning a surprised look from the Floatzel that she didn't even acknowledge. "Answer the question."

    Greg swallowed, keeping his heart rate down. "Greg." He admitted, "I'm… a vagabond."

    Blackaxe's eyes narrowed, "And where were you caught Greg?"

    "In the Sea of Wonders."

    The axe twitched a touch, "You ran out of road… didn't you?"

    Greg merely narrowed his eyes, resisting the urge to clench his fists. "You could say that."

    The pirate queen stared down the Swampert, her axe still hovering by his throat. Greg held his nerve, refusing to show any fear.

    Blackaxe swivelled the axe.

    And neatly cut the bindings off Greg.

    "My lady!" The Floatzel blurted out, "What are you doing!?"

    "Don't worry Ezekyle." She replied, "I will keep my eye on this one."

    She lowered the axe, and this time, Greg couldn't stop himself from letting out his held breath.

    "You may well have found another road." Blackaxe stated before turning, "Come with me… we have much to discuss."

    She started stomping towards the main building. Greg rubbed his wrists and feeling the eyes of the pirates piercing his back, he slowly shuffled after her.


    Present day...

    The sea of colours had returned, the soothing, rolling sounds playing within his head as everything softly shifted from one colour to the next.

    Sam groaned softly to himself, seeing the white star hovering in the distance, blinking once more.

    Great. This again? Come on… this is pointless…

    He had no idea what had happened. The last thing he knew, he was being thrown overboard. For all he knew, his friends were in danger! And here he was in another stupid dream!

    Can you get me out of here already!

    The star continued to blink… but it was getting brighter.

    "…please please please! Can you hear me! Oooohhh why does this have to be so hard!"

    That brought the Scorbunny out of his stupor. Whoa whoa… hang on! I can hear you! Can you hear me!?

    The star stopped blinking, only to start again, even brighter than before. "FINALLY! It's been so long! Do you know how many different methods I took to try and make contact again! It's normally a lot easier than this!"

    If he still had a heart, it'd have leapt for joy. Finally! Six weeks after arriving in the Pokémon world, the voice that first greeted him had finally reappeared! About damn time! But… who are you? Why did you bring me here?

    "Me? I didn't bring you here."

    Huh?

    "As for who I am… let me try something. It'd probably be better just to show you."

    The colours rapidly started to shift again, before focusing onto a solid, warm green, the star rapidly brightening to the point that it nearly blinded the Scorbunny.

    Instinctively, Sam shielded his eyes, trying to bloc- huh?

    As the light started to fade, he blinked, finding his arm now hanging in front of him. Mouth agape, he looked down to find that his Scorbunny body existed again. A quick pat over and running his hand over his head and past his ears confirming it wasn't a trick. He flashed a grin to himself, God… this is so much better!

    "Over here!"

    Flinching, Sam turned back to face the star, the sea of colours seeming less intense but no less vibrant as it faded away to reveal a new figure.

    A strange green… blob, with a tiny red hexagon on the body and a single little eye at the top.

    "Hi!" they exclaimed in a high-pitched, almost childish voice, the blob wobbling cheerfully.

    "Err…" Sam ears dipped as he tried to process the… thing in front of him. I… I have no idea what this guy is.

    "Hi…" He managed to say. "Err… who are you? What are you? Are you some kind of Pokémon?"

    "Yeah! Erm…" the blob suddenly looked confused. "No? Kinda? It's really complicated… how about you just call Squishy for now?"

    Sam couldn't stop himself from stumbling over his own words. "Sq… S-Squishy?"

    "Yeah! That's a long story too, been a while since someone called me that!"

    Squishy hopped over towards the Scorbunny, his single eye beaming. "I'm glad to finally meet you!"

    "Nice to meet you too…" Sam replied woodenly, swiftly shaking his head sharply. Come on Sam! Focus!

    "So… Squishy." He started, managing to recover, "Do you know why I'm here?"

    "To save the world obviously!" Squishy replied warmly.

    "Yeah… and… what I'm saving it from what exactly?"

    The little green blob froze. "Err…. Err…"

    Sam rolled his eyes, "Go on." He said, motioning with his hand to request the answer, "I can take it."

    "I… I don't know."

    Something snapped in the back of Sam's mind, the Scorbunny nearly lunging at the blob. "Are you fucking kidding me!" he shouted, causing the weird creature to bounce back. "I've been waiting six weeks for an answer to what I'm doing here! You show up and your answer to the question of, saving the world is: 'i dont know!'", pulling a mock accent as he finished his rant.

    Squishy blinked a couple of times at the Scorbunny, "In my defence…" He started with a slightly chipper tone, "I just woke up from a few hundred-year-old sleep about… a week before you arrived? I'm catching up as much as you are and I don't have a lot of cameras to look through!"

    Suddenly feeling lightheaded, Sam sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Okay… that'd explain a lot…" Wait, a few hundred years?

    "I can point you in the right direction to start looking though!" Squishy replied, hopping back over to his side. "The disasters, the guardians… your dream with the castle-"

    Sam nearly leapt out of his skin, "H-How did you know that!?" he cried, recalling the dream of the besieged castle, what little he did anyway.

    "I'm in your head dumdum!" Squishy bounced off the ground and before Sam could react, the blob was wobbling on the Scorbunny's head. "It's not that hard!"

    Gritting his teeth, Sam grabbed hold of Squishy and pulled him down, holding the blob in front of him. "I get it!"

    Cycling a breath in and out, Sam calmed himself down. "Okay… okay… so the Guardians and the disasters that have been happening... They're all related?"

    "I'm positive of that!" Squishy confirmed, "You'll need to follow that lead. And if my memory hasn't borked out, there is an old Guardian structure on this island!"

    Zeke was right! Kain was headed out here!

    Sam lowered the blob down to the ground, "Great then! Do you know where it is? Or what is in there?"

    "I think it might have been… an arcanum?" Squishy replied, eye clenched as if deep in thought, "Agh, if only I had a few more cells."

    "Cells?" Sam uttered.

    "Nevermind. Point is, I know its on the island, but where exactly? I don't know. But if you find that, I've got a feeling you'll start finding some answers. If not about what is happening right now, then definitely something on the Guardians."

    Suddenly, Squishy seemed to start fading, only to rematerialize, his eye widened. "Great. I can't maintain this for too long. You're going to have to go on without me for now!"

    Sam growled, "No! Squishy, you've just given the best help on this so far, how do I even find this place!?"

    Squishy was already beginning to fade, "Maybe ask some locals? They know this place better than any guild members!"

    The Scorbunny wanted to slap himself, "Where the hell am I going to find locals out here who want to help!?"

    The blob seemed even more delighted, "Maybe ask the one looting your stuff?"

    Stiffening, the Scorbunny could only cock his head. "Wait, looting-"

    The sea of colours suddenly went back, the Scorbunny falling into blackness…


    To the sound of gently breaking waves, Sam stirred.

    Shielding his face, he opened his eyes, trying to stop the sunlight from burning them out. He was lying on soft, warm sand and his fur felt mangy and clumped up from salt and beach.

    Groaning softly, Sam sat himself up.

    The ships were gone. The only evidence of their existence was wooden debris that lay washed up on the beach, from planks to barrels. Sam's heart sank as he started to scan his surroundings, hoping against hope that Alice or the others had managed to get away.

    He doubted they could have saved the Penguin, nevermind the Crow.

    No one he recognised appeared.

    God damn it…

    Something clunked behind him, prompting the Scorbunny to spin round, facing a line of tropical trees.

    He found himself staring at the back of a green monkey Pokémon about his size, with two leaf-like tuffs extending from its head and held in place by a stick. He had a rather familiar-looking satchel hung over his shoulder… and a certain red jacket.

    "Hey!" he croaked, getting to his feet, "What do you think you're doing!?"

    The monkey spun around, his eyes wide with alarm.

    Sam took a step forward, "Give me bac-"

    The Pokémon leapt away, running for the forest.

    "Oh no you don't!" Sam barked, sprinting after the monkey.

    Running into the trees, he chased the thief as he ducked and weaved through the foliage. As soon as he took his chance, the monkey started to ascend, working his way up into the trees. Unable to climb after him, the Scorbunny pursued him from the ground. Panting, Sam ducked through leafy ferns and hopped over fallen trunks, following him deeper into the forest and managing to keep his eyes fixed on his target.

    As the forest started to clear, the monkey started to jump between lower, thicker branches. Alright! Try this!

    Willing the fire within him to ignite, Sam shot an Ember away.

    The fireball struck the branch the monkey landed on, the Pokémon yelping in surprise as he was flung off the tree and fell towards the ground.

    Gotcha!

    Sam punched through another fern, entering a larger clearing in the trees, a pool of water sat off to one side. The thief winced, trying to crawl away from the trees. Rubbing his feet against the ground, the Scorbunny slowly approached, "I don't want to hurt you." He panted, raising a hand as he approached, "I just want my stuff back…"

    The monkey snarled at him, "Helping you outsiders! Not a chance!"

    Cocking his head, Sam narrowed his eyes, He must be talking about the pirates….

    "I'm not like those guys…"

    "I don't believe you!" He shouted back, pushing himself back to his feet, and pulling the stick from the top of his head.

    Sam swept his foot back, getting another pebble ready. "Alright… you're not giving me muc-"

    A squirt of water landed between the two Pokémon harmlessly, Sam twitched at the sudden sight. The monkey seemed equally as baffled, blinking at the sight.

    "Why is it that boys have to have a spat every ten seconds?"

    The voice came from the pool. But… there's no one there.

    That was when he noticed it, a shimmering patch of air that hung just above the water.

    A faint sigh came from it, "Boys these days…"

    The shape sprung out of the water, a blue Pokémon materialising as they touched down in between the rabbit and monkey. Sam nearly leapt out of his skin, almost seeing Aidan as a Froakie again. But his heart slowed as he saw the yellow fin atop her head, and she looked more like a lizard or a chameleon than a frog.

    "How did you get back so quick?" The monkey snapped.

    "Relax." She stressed, motioning for the monkey to calm down. "That doesn't matter, he's not one of those pirates."

    I knew it!

    Sam clicked his fingers, "Exactly! I'm not one of those guys! I ended up here because of them!"

    "We can't trust these outsiders!" Hissed the monkey.

    "Then why does she think I'm not a pirate?" Sam questioned.

    The lizard turned back towards him, her blue eyes looking him over. She seemed a lot calmer, but her big eyes seemed to suggest that her species was… less so? "Look up then." She replied.

    Sam stared blankly back at her, "W-What?"

    "Seriously. Look up."

    He started to look up, "What am I-"

    That was when he saw them, his heart nearly exploding in his chest as he gasped. He stumbled back, unable to tear his gaze away, nearly tumbling over.

    Hanging above their heads, were over a dozen bodies. Some were fresh, hanging limply from the tree branches. There was a Chimchar, a Salandit and a Typhlosion hanging there, deep cuts left open to fester. Some were older, starting to rot away into skeletons or starting to become bloated. Some unfortunate Pokémon, such as a Numel, had their heads mounted on spikes, and one unfortunate Flareon was fully impaled on a branch outright.

    Sam teared his eyes away and keeled over, desperately trying to stop himself from retching.

    "Because there are no fire-types with the pirates, remember?" The lizard explained, "They kill any fire-type they come across."

    "I… hells." Cursed the monkey, "I thought I nearly caught fire then."

    They… they all kill fire-types? Is… is that why they were so riled up at the sight of me?

    A surprisingly soft hand settled onto his shoulder, and Sam weakly looked up to find the lizard holding on to him. "Come on." She said, "Let's talk somewhere else…"


    The three Pokémon sat in a much smaller clearing, under the shelter of a much bigger tree with Sam's possessions now back in his hands.

    "I'm Kyra." Said the water lizard, "This is my friend, Denzel."

    The monkey sheepishly raised a hand in greeting. "'Ello."

    Sam quickly introduced himself, "Sam. I'm a Scorbunny from the town of Robinswood." He looked over the two Pokémon, "I haven't seen your species before."

    "We've known Scorbunny before." Denzel admitted, "But we're more obscure I guess." He rested a hand on his chest, "I'm a Grookey. Kyra is a Sobble."

    Grookey and Sobble… got it.

    Sam nodded back, "So… I'm guessing you guys live here?"

    Kyra and Denzel shared a glance between each other, before Kyra continued, "We're from the Wela Tribe. We've called these islands home for generations. No one else came out here until the Lady arrived with her pirates and started attacking our people."

    Cocking his head, Sam frowned back, "The Lady?" he questioned.

    "Lady Blackaxe." Kyra confirmed, "She leads the pirates here and started taking our people captive to help build her Libertalia."

    "Mainly after our fire-type chieftain went to greet her." Denzel said glumly, "And after she cut his head off."

    Sam leaned forward, processing the word, "Blackaxe… I mean, who is she? I mean, do you know anything about her?"

    "Not much." Denzel explained, "All we do know is she's a Pokémon unlike anything we've ever seen. One of a kind." He fiddled with the twig in his 'hairdo'. "I think she called herself… a Klevor?"

    Klevor? Never heard of that Pokémon... is she a legendary or mythical like Volcanion? He felt a slight shiver at the thought of another one. Volcanion was bad enough, a second...

    "She seems to have a bone to pick with other outsiders. And she really hates fire-types." Kyra added, "Why she does is anyone's guess."

    The Sobble leaned forward, "So what about you? You're not a pirate. So what are you?"

    "I'm a Rescuer." Sam explained, "Of the Robinswood Guild. It's on a big island… like, much bigger than this one. We came out to survey the islands and track down pirates like this Blackaxe to try and help people. They've been attacking ships going between the continents."

    That earned a few blank looks from the two Pokémon, enough for Sam to shuffle his feet. "Er… boats?"

    A light sparkled in Kyra's eyes. "Oh, boats! Got it."

    "The point is," Sam continued, "We can work together to stop these guys. But first I need-"

    The penny dropped; his heart clenching tight as he gasped. "The others!" he shouted, springing to his feet.

    "What?" Denzel choked, doing the same.

    "My friends! The other rescuers! Our ships, they got attacked by the pirates!"

    He glanced between the others, "Did you find anyone else on the beach?" he quickly asked, gathering his things. "Another rabbit like me? Or a bat or a reptile with a bulb on his back?"

    Kyra winced, "We… we heard there was a battle. That's why we came out here, to try and find out what was happening. But your ships were already gone. And me and Denzel have only found you."

    Sam clenched his fist, trying to control his breathing, Damn it… could the pirates have got everyone? Alice? Nia? Bruce, Edward, Denver and Dan? I saw… I saw Zeke getting thrown overboard and… wait… Calvin! He's a fire-type too! Did the pirates… I've gotta know!

    "Hey! Hey!" Kyra barked, grasping the Scorbunny's shoulders. "There are more of us out there! If any of your friends got away from the pirates, they probably got picked up and are already on their way to our village. We can find out there."

    "Yes." Denzel said, "The pirates will come back to search the beaches again soon."

    With a hiss of breath, Sam managed to get his heartrate under control. It frustrated him to no end, but he knew the two were right. He couldn't just start searching the forest randomly. He needed… needed to take inventory. Hope that some of the others got found by Kyra and Denzel's tribemon. Get somewhere safe, then work out the next best plan of attack.

    "Okay…" Sam slowly said, "Lead the way."

    Well hell... that was a new experience. I ended up getting on one of a roll last night with this writing. What was supposed to be just a thousand words max turned out to become the entirety of Chapter 2.13. All 4000+ words. Damn thing nearly killed me but I'm pleased I managed to get this chapter complete. After Chapter 12's events, I also felt that I had to get the rather significant Chapter 13 released sooner rather than later. And yeah... this Chapter should change things not only for Episode 2... but for the rest of GoB as well. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Chapter II.XIV - Partners
  • Threadmarks
    • POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON
    GUARDIANS OF BALANCE

    EPISODE II – DARK, WONDEROUS PAST
    CHAPTER XIV – PARTNERS    ​

    The three Pokémon worked their way through the forest, with the Sobble Kyra leading the way. She kept her eyes focused forward, moving through a trail that Sam could barely notice through the undergrowth. Both Kyra and the Grookey Denzel moved at a fair pace, forcing the Scorbunny to focus on keeping up rather than checking out his surroundings. He tried to spare a thought to the fate of his fellow Rescuers. He could only hope that they were either able to get away or were spared by the pirates.

    And if the bodies in the grove were any indication, Calvin was at the most risk of the lot. He was a fire-type like him. Like them. He was a powerful one too, would they risk capturing him?

    Sam had been lucky to have been thrown overboard, otherwise, he could have met the same fate as the other, if not at the hands of the pirates, then definitely at the hands of this Blackaxe character.

    He squeezed his fists tight at the last words he heard before being tossed into the water. Greg sends his regards… the bandit leader who nearly killed him three separate times was not only alive, but he was with the pirates. There was no doubt about it. They must have recruited him after taking the Daywalker, and if some random pirate recognised him…

    Do the pirates know who I am?

    The Scorbunny fought off a shiver, if that was true, Sam had an even bigger target on his back. Who knows what Greg had said about him? What about Alice? Would they recognise her too?

    He wanted to kick something hard, only the rapid pace of the two tribesmon stopping him from doing so. I need to try and find the others with the help of this tribe, then I can worry about the pirates.

    Kyra slowed to a halt as they reached a fork in the grassy trail, the Sobble frowning as she inspected them. Denzel stopped next to her, rubbing the back of his head, "You can't be thinking about that shortcut right?"

    "It would cut at least an hour, easy." Kyra replied, "And it's been checked before, all the traps were disarmed."

    "Only the ones we could find!"

    Biting his lip, Sam skidded to a halt next to them, "What shortcut?"

    "It's an old ruin." Kyra explained, "Well, more like a tunnel. It cuts through some of the hills near here."

    "And it's not often used." Denzel groaned softly, "It's not in the best condition."

    Sam couldn't stop his ears twitching. A ruin, could it be the one they were looking for?

    No… that's not what Squishy suggested. It was an Arcanum or something. But who knows what else they might have in there? Maybe there might be a clue to another ruin.

    He felt himself shrug, Besides, a shortcut is a shortcut. As long as it doesn't come down on our heads, it's worth at least checking out.

    "Well, if it gets us back to your village faster, I say we give it a try." Sam remarked.

    "And why am I not surprised." Denzel uttered as he moved ahead, "Come on, I know a quicker way there."

    The three Pokémon continued on their way, taking the left path. As they advanced, the grass gave way to beaten dirt and the trail widened. Denzel didn't move anywhere near as fast as Kyra did, but they still moved fast enough that it only took about ten minutes until they arrived. The trio emerged into a small clearing where a large, steep hill formed in front of them, covered in massive trees. But at the foot of the hill was a gaping hole, lined with stone bricks that almost reminded Sam of the temple at Waterfall Mountain, only that this brick was stained brown and green rather than the grey from before. The tunnel entrance was easily about eight feet tall and wide, more than able to accommodate all three Pokémon side by side.

    However, the tunnel itself was completely unlit, leading into pitch blackness.

    Pins and needles briefly flushed through Sam's arm at the sight, "Is… is there no quicker way?" he asked.

    Denzel halted at the threshold of the tunnel, fidgeting with his feet. "Yes… it's not great, I know."

    Kyra walked past the pair towards the side of the entrance, "It's not dangerous. Sure, only the rangers use it, but we've used it a couple of times before. Here."

    She pulled a large stick out of a rusty basket by the tunnel, one end wrapped in a greasy material. "Sam, you don't mind?"

    It took a couple of blinks before the Scorbunny realised what she was asking, "Oh, gotcha."

    With a quick spark, the touch lit up, sending a flickering orange light down into the tunnel. Sam carefully took the touch from Kyra, and with a deep breath, the trio slowly walked inside.

    The tunnel was silent save for the faint tap of their footsteps, not even the dripping of water or the whisper of wind. The walls themselves were remarkably bare as well and each time Sam felt his eyes flick towards them in search of some kind of marking, he instead found some crack or dent.

    "This place looks old." Sam said aloud as they walked onwards, "The Wela Tribe found this place?"

    "Our rangers did." Kyra explained, "They managed to get the booby traps disarmed only last year."

    Sam felt a small quiver in his throat, "Booby traps?"

    Kyra flashed a brief smirk, "Darts. Gravelrocks. Spikes. The usual."

    I'm not even sure what counts as usual with these guys!

    "We still have to be careful." Denzel replied. "There might still be some traps. You can't trust these old ruins."

    Sam's ears pried further as he tilted his head aside, "You make that sound like there are others."

    "There's a few of them scattered around the islands." Kyra said, "But the Tapus and Elders have declared them off limits."

    "Off limits?"

    She sighed softly, pausing for a moment before walking onwards, "I… never understood it. They have been around as far back as the Wela Chronicle goes, built by the 'Champions of the Gods'." She rolled her eyes at her words, "And so they didn't want us desecrating their works."

    Sam chewed on his lip, he had no idea who these Tapus and Champions were, and he had a feeling that his guesses could be wrong. Maybe these Champions were just Guardians by another name?

    "Even putting aside how significant the ruins are." Denzel replied, "We have no idea what kind of traps are in them."

    The Scorbunny slowly nodded as a light appeared at the end of the tunnel. "I… If we get a chance… can we check them out?"

    Kyra flashed a sly grin, "If you can help with Blackaxe's pirates, I'll be more than happy to show you. Keep the touch lit, we're only halfway through."

    Reaching the end, the three emerged into a large square chamber with beams of light shining down from openings high up the three-story-high walls. At the very centre of the room was a large pit, taking up over half of what the floor itself should be, but still leaving enough floor to leave a comfortably wide ring around it. On the far side of the room was another tunnel entrance.

    Sam whistled as he stepped forward, scanning the browning walls of the chamber. They were still bare, much to his disappointment, but even so, he couldn't help but be impressed with the actual structure. "Well… if this is just a shortcut, then the ruins should be quite the sight."

    Denzel rubbed his hands together with a tiny smile, "At least from a distance." He started making his way towards the right, "Come on, it is best not to stay here for too long."

    He started to follow, but the Scorbunny found himself gravitating towards the pit, unable to contain some morbid curiosity, if only to be distracted from everything that had happened.

    That was when he heard a whisper, causing his ears to twitch.

    That… that came from above…

    "Don't step on that-!"

    Sam's foot sank with a soft click.

    FUC-

    Something wrapped around his leg with a sharp whirl and whipped him off his feet. Sam yelped in shock, dropping the touch as his body raced towards the pit, "Sssssshhhitttt!!!"

    "Sam!" Kyra barked.

    His legs snapped up, and Sam's world spun upside down as he raced into the air. Only then did the loud ping echo as the rope finally ran out, leaving the Scorbunny dangling above the chamber. Groaning, Sam looked up to find him hanging half a meter below the ceiling, just below the reach of some old roots. His right leg was wrapped up in a tight rope, holding him in place.

    "…tile."

    Hanging just outside arms reach was Alice, the Buneary hanging upside down herself with her arms crossed.

    Sam's heart threatened to burst out of his chest, "Alice!?" he exclaimed, "You made it off the Crow!"

    "Only to get stuck here." She grumped with a bored tone.

    "Sam! You dead!?" Denzel called out from below, looking up in alarm.

    Wincing as the rope dug into his leg, "D-no! We're alright!"

    "We?"

    Alice looked down and slowly waved, "Heya.". She briefly looked back at him, "New friends of yours?"

    "You can say that." Sam said before shouting back down as he motioned with his hands, "Alice, that's Denzel and Kyra, Denzel Kyra, Alice."

    Kyra gazed up at the pair, "You came on Sam's boat?"

    Alice merely shrugged, "One of our boats, yeah."

    "You must have set off a leftover trap!" Denzel called out.

    Sam and Alice shared a glance, before looking back down at the Grookey, "No shit." They jointly said.

    At that moment, something dawned in the Scorbunny, "Wait a second… how long have you been up here?"

    "About half an hour." Alice admitted.

    He frowned, "Then why haven't you shook yourself loose?"

    "Because of the spikes."

    "Spik-"

    Sam snapped his head back down towards the pit, where jutting up at the ceiling, he could see the smooth wooden spikes nestled at the bottom.

    Directly below them.

    "Ah shit…" Sam muttered, suddenly feeling a lump in his throat. "Err… Kyra? Denzel? Please tell me you know how to… you know, get us down?"

    Denzel rubbed the back of his head, "I've heard of this trap before, j-just give me a sec!" He reached for the touch, only to recoil at the last moment from the flames. Sighing, Kyra scooped it up, "Just sit tight!" she shouted, "We'll get you down! Denzel?"

    "Right, there should be a side passage with the releases." He uttered, as the two tribesmon jogged around to the other side of the pit, "We'll be right back!"

    The two entered the second tunnel, leaving the two rabbits all alone.

    Sam sighed softly as he gently swung in the air, Great… walked right into my first trap. But…

    He looked towards Alice, her arms still crossed as she eyed the tunnel. He caused the rift between them in the first place the moment he held back on his human identity.

    I… I need to make things right.

    "I…" "I…"

    Sam's mouth clamped shut, finding Alice was now staring at him with her mouth agape.

    "Look-" "Look-"

    Their mouths worked in unison before they cut themselves off, and suddenly feeling cold, Sam started to motion for her to start first, only for Alice to butt in first. "Go ahead."

    Sam shook his head, "No, you-"

    "Sam-" Alice started countering.

    "I put you in this position," Sam replied, firmly holding his hand out to calm her. "You go first."

    The Buneary blinked a couple of times, before she undid her arms, closed her eyes and let out a long sigh. "I'm sorry."

    Sam's gut fluttered, "Huh?"

    Alice's eyes flickered back open, "I… I'm sorry that I tore you down the way I did. I know what it's like to try and hide something about yourself…" her breath went shaky as she tried to continue. "I… I should have realised what you were going through. This mess… it's my fault."

    "No Alice!" he exclaimed, shaking his head and instinctively reaching out with his hand for just a moment, "I'm to blame! I should have trusted you in the first place about me… of me…"

    His words died in his throat, the Scorbunny's chest tightening.

    "Being human?" Alice gently asked.

    He slowly nodded, "Y-Yeah. That." Sam replied, pulling a reverse shrug, this was a good start, he needed to keep this up.

    "I… I had no idea why I ended up here, with no idea of what this world was like. If I wasn't afraid of what would happen to me, I was afraid of what would happen to everyone else. When Jack blurted out about humans I…" he sighed, feeling himself tremble, "I just…. Thought I had an easy way to get answers. And after what happened I was… angry with myself as much as anyone else."

    Alice listened intently to Sam's words before she continued. "I get that." She replied, "Really. I do."

    She rested one paw against her shoulder, "You know what happened to my parents. The thing is ever since then I… never really had a lot of social contact."

    Sam slowly nodded back at her, "Because of the curse nonsense, right?"

    The damn curse. The theory that Alice had something to do with her parent's deaths during the Dark Matter Crisis. Something that had followed her wherever she went.

    "Right." She replied, "Every time I ever got close to someone... someone else would reveal what happened and just drive them away. Forced me and my uncle to move on. So I stopped bothering trying to have friends and…"

    Wiping her eyes, she forced herself to carry on, and Sam had to resist the urge to swing over to comfort her. "I… don't know how to have friends anymore. I don't know how to help people with stuff like that. I'm only really good at punching stuff."

    Sam managed a weak smile, "Well, seems like we're both learning… social stuff…"

    Alice half-snorted in amusement, "I suppose you're right there."

    She focused her gaze on him, "Sam… you're the first person I've hung around with a lot since my uncle took me in. I… it took someone we know shouting at me to make me realise how much that's meant to me."

    He nodded gently back, "I know the feeling. Someone told me the same thing."

    "Even if we drove each other mad with our promises to keep ourselves in check?"

    Sam tried to laugh, only for a cough to cut it short, "Y-Yeah! In hindsight… we shouldn't have tried to make that promise two days after we got given the Bronze Rank."

    It had been a spur-of-the-moment thing; Alice had her temper towards others and Sam had his hot-blooded nature. They figured they could try holding each other's worse impulses back by promising to do something to the other if they fell into that habit. Alice started punching people, Sam would have her do something daft. If Sam started getting himself into trouble, she got to punch him out of it.

    Alice returned a thin smile, "Probably not the most… mature thing we could have done."

    "Well, we have a good excuse for it." Sam admitted.

    The Buneary looked away for a moment, "How about we make a new promise?"

    "Like what?" Sam asked, frowning.

    She nodded at him, "No punches or pranks." She started, "Whenever we're alone or together… we keep in mind what the other will say. You keep my voice in your head… I'll keep yours in mine."

    Sam chewed on that thought, It… does make sense. It's simple and… well. It wouldn't be too hard to keep each other's thoughts on hand. We know each other well enough there.

    He returned the nod, "Alright." He said with a smile, "You've got a deal."

    She reached out for him, and with a gentle swing of his body, he grasped her paw with his own. "Partners?" he asked warmly.

    Her smile widened, "Partners."

    On cue, they shook paws, and didn't let go.

    Feeling a pleasant warmth in his chest, Sam looked back towards the ropes, "Well in case Kyra and Denzel can't find anything, any ideas? Could we try and grab the roots?"

    "Already tried that." Alice admitted, "They're too fragile, and these ropes are pretty tight."

    "Would be pretty hard to hang on." Sam realised. "Think your uncle would have given you a tip on how to get out of a spot like this?"

    "Probably, but he hasn't told me yet." Alice replied with a bemused huff.

    "You make it sound like he's a rescuer." Sam mused, tilting his head to get a better look at the rope wrapped around his leg.

    "He is." Alice replied, "Wish he was here right now."

    Sam grinned, trying to picture her uncle showing knots in front of a young Alice, "One of these days, you've gotta introduce us."

    Alice chuckled, "You've already met him."

    Stiffening, the Scorbunny frowned, "Eh? When? From walking round the tree?"

    Her chuckle deepened, "How else did you think I was getting special practice sessions?"

    "I don't fol-"

    The realisation struck him in the gut harder than one of Kain's attacks.

    "Shut. The fucking. Door!" Sam blurted out, "Rex is your uncle!?"

    He found Alice returning a deviously smug smirk, "Yep."

    Sam recoiled, nearly letting go of Alice's paw out of sheer shock, "Holy – how the hell did I not see that!?"

    It was true! Special sessions, the way the Guildmaster interacted with Alice… the way she reacted when he quipped about her having a boyfriend doing said sessions, it was so damn obvious and he never realised!

    "It just means the secrecy works." Alice replied, only for the smile to fade away, "Just don't tell anyone else. I don't need Rex to catch flak because he looks out for me. Even if Mum and Dad were his teammates."

    He sharply nodded back, "No worries, I'll keep quiet on it. I just… didn't expect that."

    Alice smirked again, "Alright, that's my second big secret… how about you share your… little fear?"

    "Little fear?"

    "You know, the one you've conveniently forgotten?"

    The warmth vanished, a new lump forming in his throat as he looked back down towards the very distant floor and the spikes.

    "Remember now?" Alice teased.

    Shivering, Sam finally tore his eyes away with a growl, "Alright, fine! I'm afraid of heights! I admit it!"

    For the first time, Alice giggled, and the sight of that alone forced the growl away and prompted a chuckle from the fire-type. "Haha… alright, that was kinda funny."

    Wiping her eyes again, a serious expression formed on Alice's face, "Back on humans though… if you want to talk about that, I'm all ears."

    "I will. There's a lot I've got to get off my chest since last time." Sam admitted, feeling relieved that Alice was willing to hear him out, "But first, let's focus on getting out of here."

    "I can get behind that."

    "Okay! We've got a plan!"

    Across the way, in a freshly lit chamber that had been formerly hidden out of sight along the wall, Sam could make out the green form of Denzel, whereas back on the ground floor, Kyra was waiting for them. "We found the winch for the ropes!" she called up at them, "Denzel is going to lower you down and then you can swing across to me!"

    It's a start! "Alright!" Sam shouted back, "We're ready!"

    "Just take it slow!" Alice added.

    "Ok!" Denzel replied, his form reaching towards what appeared to be some kind of wheel, "I'm going to start lowering yo-"

    An enormous bang, accompanied by Denzel's surprised yelp, "Gods no!"

    Before Sam could ask what was happening, that familiar whirl began to scream louder than ever. Sam could only look towards the wide-eyed Alice as he realised what was happening.

    FUC-

    The rope slackened, and the pair started falling… right for the spikes!

    They could only scream as they rushed towards the pit, Sam's eyes squeezed shut. Dang it! Just as he and Alice were back on the same page, they were going to-

    Wooden sticks snapped underneath him, seconds before they slammed into the barely cushioned floor with a puff of stale air. A pulse of pain ran through his body as he coughed. The hell!? I'm alive?

    "Alice?" he cried out, wincing as he started to push himself up.

    "I'm alright." She groaned, stirring in the corner of his vision. "What… what did we land on?"

    "How… oh… oh…" Kyra uttered from above, "Now that makes sense."

    Blinking, Sam finally sat himself up, expecting to find themselves amongst sharp stakes.

    Instead, they sat amongst twigs from trees. As for what they were sat on, they were on some multicoloured cushioning.

    No, cushioning marked with very detailed shapes.

    An illusion.

    Alice sat nearby, slowly looking on with a dumbfounded look on her face. "What kind of idiot puts in fake spikes?"

    Above them, Kyra's head poked over the edge of the pit, "That's… a really good question." She glanced over her shoulder, "It is fine Denzel! Just get some rope!"

    Sam turned back to Alice, still blinking at their surroundings with a blank look on her face.

    Still wincing from the pain, Sam pulled a faint chuckle as he realised one tiny detail. "You know… we could have cut ourselves free ages ago, and we'd probably been fine."

    The Buneary slowly turned towards him, still blinking.

    She visibly swallowed.

    Then squeezing her eyes shut, she started to snigger.

    Then came the laughter as she flopped onto her back. Unable to hold his mouth shut, Sam started howling with her, feeling all the strength in him fade away as he slumped over.

    For a moment, the worries about the pirates, the ruins, Guardians or just everything seemed to fade away, as Team Audacity laughed about the ridiculousness of the pit.

    Again, as partners.

    And so our heroic duo are finally back together again. It's been several chapters (and embarassingly several months), but it's finally happened. Stuff has been happening in real life, plus catching up with MoD and GoB and art projects hasn't helped. But either way, the chapter is complete again. I hope this serves as a nice short and sweet chapter that you guys can enjoy.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Neat.
    thanks for the update.

    i wonder if Sam can learn the "set self on fire" moves?
    might help the next time he's tied up?
     
    Chapter II.XV - The Tapu
  • Threadmarks
    • POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON
    GUARDIANS OF BALANCE

    EPISODE II – DARK, WONDEROUS PAST
    CHAPTER XV – THE TAPU    ​

    After Kyra and Denzel helped Sam and Alice back up – after the two rescuers had stopped laughing at least – the reunited Pokémon began to make their way through the second tunnel leading through to the other side. The two locals took point, making sure they didn't set off any other traps by accident.

    Team Audacity followed from further back and in a hushed whisper, Sam began to explain about everything that had happened to him. What little he knew about himself as a human, what he came across in Broken Wood, the dreams, the confrontation with Kain at Waterfall Mountain and finally, his encounter with Squishy just after being blown off the Penguin. There was no need to hold back information now that Sam and Alice were now on the same page again.

    That and to be honest, he needed to get everything off his chest. Alice didn't interrupt him, listening intently as they walked down the tunnel. When he finally finished, she slowly nodded and let out a quiet whistle. "That's… a lot…"

    Sam sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, "I know it sounds crazy. But I've not got much to go off."

    "I believe you." Alice replied reassuringly, a paw brushing past his arm. "Does anyone else know?"

    "Just you and Jack." Sam admitted.

    "And you think the Guardians are linked to the disasters?"

    "Positive." he replied, "Kain knew the Guardians, and he only showed up after possessing Zeke in Broken Wood."

    "And the earthquake happened not long after you found him." Alice growled, fist clenching at the memory. "Knowing how strong he was, I'd bet Kain set off the earthquake."

    Sam frowned, "I'm not so sure on that one, that could have been Volcanion or just the last push, otherwise Kain could have done that in Robinwood. But they've gotta all be connected somehow, and if the ruins here were built by the Guardians, we'll find the answers there."

    Alice rubbed her chin, "That's still a leap though. Zeke could have read Kain wrong. And this… Squishy whatever they are," She waved her hand in frustration, "Seems kinda clueless. I've never heard of a green blob Pokémon either. You sure he wasn't a Ditto?"

    Sam felt a slight quiver at the base of his skull as he remembered the blob jumping on his head. "Nope. I'm not sure he knows much himself. But he has been the best source so far, so unless we want to try Waterfall Mountain again, it's the best we've got."

    Nodding back, Alice turned to face the backs of the two tribesmon, the end of the tunnel appearing ahead. "Then let's find the others, then we can worry about the ruins."

    Sam flashed a thumbs up, "Sounds like a plan."

    Alice stopped in her tracks, turning towards him. "Sam, when we get back… we're going to need to talk to someone about this."

    With a frown, he stopped too, "Like who? Rex?"

    He knew he had answered his own question before Alice even nodded, "Just him. If there's anyone we can trust and make sense of this, it'll be him."

    Slowly, he nodded back, She's got a point. Rex has believed in us before, he might see something that both of us have missed.

    "Are you coming?" Denzel called out from the end of the tunnel.

    Sam sharply turned to face him, "We're right behind you!"

    The four Pokémon emerged back into the light on higher ground, the trees seeming less extensive than before. More than a few still looked like they'd fit in with a jungle, but others were now looking more like the confers and deciduous trees that he was familiar with. Kyra squirted a light Water Gun at the torch to smother it before placing it back into another iron basket by the exit. "Come on." She said, "Our village is not far!"

    Kyra led the way again, with Team Audacity and Denzel following close behind. The going was significantly easier with less foliage and debris to dodge, whilst also revealing a more defined path for them to follow. Sam and Alice focused on keeping pace with the Sobble, saving their conversation about humanity and the Guardians for later.

    As they reached the top of a small hill, a cluster of wooden huts hooved into view. They were positioned at the foot of a large wooded cliff, and Sam could make out the collection of small waterfalls that ran down the cliffs into a large lake at the edge of the village. Denzel let out a visible sigh of relief, "Finally." He breathed out.

    "Any chances that any of our guys will be there?" Alice asked, stepping up alongside Kyra. The Sobble shrugged, "Only one way to find out."

    They made their way down to the village slowly, as Denzel pulled out a short wooden flute and blew out a quiet tune. A distant tree rustled, and Sam caught a flash of a small bird flying out of it, headed towards the Wela Village. A safety measure, Denzel stressed, to make sure that no pirates were approaching their home.

    Indeed, when they finally arrived at the outskirts, their only barrier was a young-looking Sneasel, fiddling with his claws as he stepped aside to allow for the four to enter. "You are the last to arrive." He explained.

    "Good. That should be everyone accounted for from the village." Kyra mused, "Did they bring anyone else back in?"

    "From what I heard yes. A pair were making quite a ruckus near the village centre."

    Sam and Alice shared a glance, wondering who could have made it ashore from their ships. "Lead the way." The former said, and with Denzel now guiding them, they strolled through the village.

    The Scorbunny expected the Wela villagers to retreat inside their homes and indeed, some did do that, hushing their young kids into the huts. But others seemed unfazed, strolling through the village or carefully working on homemade materials, like shawls, colourful blankets and weaved baskets. Some watched with a wary eye, and one or two nodded in greeting. It certainly wasn't enough to make Sam feel uncomfortable. But he could tell that the Wela people were still cautious about their new guests.

    Alice leaned in as they walked, "You'd think the pirates haven't bothered them much." She whispered.

    He went cold as the memory of the dead fire-types reared itself again, "It might be because I'm a fire-type. The pirates kill them."

    Alice blinked, "W-What?"

    "I'll explain later." Sam replied as a clearing emerged. He hadn't had time to explain about Blackaxe and the pirate's antics yet, and he doubted he'd have time to fully do so now. "Looks like we're nearly there."

    The huts formed a ring around the core of the village, where one long building was set up at the far end from where the two rabbits and their guides had entered. Stone walls ran around the edge of the circle between the surrounding huts, and a single tree and flowerbed were positioned at the centre surrounded by another low wall. It was a little bit more lively here, as some tribesmon chatted with each other as they walked through.

    And at the base of the tree, standing alongside the wall, was the very familiar form of a Bulbasaur and a Skorupi.

    "Bruce! Denver!" Sam barked, quickly jogging on ahead with Alice in hot pursuit.

    Bruce's head snapped round as a gigantic smile of relief took shape, "S-Sam! You made it!"

    Denver managed a half-stifled laugh, "We thought you had it!"

    "I got lucky!" Sam cheered as he approached. A vine erupted from Bruce's bulb and casually whipped towards him, and with a practised aim, the Scorbunny delivered an impromptu high-five. "How did you two get away?"

    "We got cornered." Bruce replied, averting his gaze, "Calvin told us to jump overboard before the pirates got us. Got found by these Wela folks not long after."

    "Stop looking all guilty Bruce." Denver grumbled with a narrowed gaze, "We'd be in chains by now if we didn't run for it."

    "He has a point." Alice noted, stepping up alongside Sam. The Skorupi stiffened, only to click his claws sharply.

    "Hate to admit it." He grumbled, "But I'm glad you got off too."

    Bruce's eyes brightened before Alice could respond. "Alice!? If you got off, then so did Nia right!?" he leaned to look past her, "Where is she?"

    For the first time, Alice seemed to withdraw, her eyes flicking towards the floor. Sam honestly thought she was haunted by the question. "The Crow was sinking fast. I saw Nia get into the air as I was jumping off, but I haven't seen her since."

    Sam shivered as the words sank in, the Crow was gone. And the fate of the Penguin was a mystery. He looked over the others, seeing how Bruce slumped again. How uncomfortable Alice was. Even Denver seemed rigid as he looked towards the ground. It didn't take much to realise that he was thinking about Edward as much as Bruce was thinking about Nia and Dan.

    Kyra and Denzel stood off to one side, looking more uncomfortable as they watched the four. "We will just let the Chieftain and Tapu know you're here." the water-type said quietly, "We will… leave you to it."

    They started walking towards the long building, leaving them alone.

    "Damn… we're the only ones who made it?" Sam quietly asked, looking over the four of them. "What happened to everyone else?"

    "Calvin, Dan… Edward... and that Zeke guy too." Denver managed to say. "The pirates were all over them when we got away, same with the crew."

    "And Nia must have got caught too." Bruce growled.

    "If they got caught." Alice whispered, turning to Sam, "What were you saying about fire types?"

    The Bulbasaur blinked, "Whatcha mean?"

    Sam shuffled his feet, wanting to shrink away. But with a sigh, he explained what he heard of the pirates and their leader. Of how they arrived on the islands and attacked the Wela.

    And most importantly, on how they killed any fire-type they came across, bringing up the killing field he found.

    All three of his companions shared a look of pure horror, Bruce and Denver were both trembling. Alice herself seemed to instinctively move towards him, as to better protect him. She faintly cursed, as the gravity of Sam's words finally settled in.

    Bruce spoke first. "So… when the pirates made a beeline for you…"

    "They were aiming to kill me on the spot." Sam admitted with a weak shrug.

    "Ffffuck…" the Bulbasaur growled, "Then that means…"

    "All the other fire-types are dead by now." Denver said woodenly.

    Bruce's eyes widened in shock, "C-Calvin too? Not him! That guy is a legend! He's fought legendries and lived to tell the tale!"

    Sam sighed softly; he saw Calvin getting forced down by the pirates just before going overboard. Calvin might have not stood a chance. "I only got away because one of them recognised me, ended up giving me a message."

    "What do you mean?" Alice questioned.

    He locked his eyes on hers, "Greg's with the pirates."

    The Buneary's fists clenched tight, no doubt remembering the time they fought him. "Are you sure?"

    "He was specific."

    Denver stomped the ground, claws clamped together, "So this lady bastard managed to get her hands on the biggest set of muscles in the Sea of Wonders? Shit!"

    Sam flashed his teeth, "We've beat him before. We can do it again."

    "Barely." Alice reminded him. "And Blackaxe sounds worse."

    "Tell me about it." he admitted. Greg was a nightmare before. Blackaxe is going to be something else entirely, we need a lot more help.

    Alice's eyes brightened slightly, "Actually… it's slim, but I think Calvin might have a chance."

    "Huh?" Sam uttered. "How?"

    She nodded towards Bruce, "Calvin's a Team ACT member right? Then the Pirates would have to know that too."

    The Bulbasaur quickly began to nod as the realisation settled in, "You reckon they could have spared him cos he's famous?"

    "For ransom? It's a good bet."

    Realising she had a point, Sam rubbed his hands together, "Then there's a chance that Calvin's alive too. We have to believe that for now."

    "Doesn't change the fact that we don't know where these pirates are!" Denver barked, "The four of us can't take them all on!"

    "He does have a point." Alice acknowledged.

    Tell me about that one.

    Sam slowly started to pace as his mind started running through ideas, "That's something we can work on. We need to try and get back in touch with Rex and the rest of the expedition. Finding the pirate's base would be a help too. The Wela picked us up, maybe they can help us more."

    Alice's ear dipped slightly, "If we have to rely on the tribe… then maybe you need to be the one to talk to them."

    Sam stopped in his tracks. "W-what?"


    "And that's it." Kyra said, "These Pokémon are not linked to the pirates. If anything, they want them gone as much as we do."

    They sat around a firepit in the longhouse on cushioned mats, a small fire lighting up the interior. Across on the other side of the pit from the two younger tribesmon, a white, brown and red avian Pokémon sat cross-legged. The red feathers around her head formed what almost appeared to be a hat that shielded most of her face. The face of an owl.

    The Decidueye narrowed her eyes, "Are we certain that they can be trusted?"

    Kyra nodded back, "One of them is a fire-type and they all recognise each other."

    Denzel looked somewhat less certain, "I am wary as well Chieftain-"

    The owl huffed in amusement, "Denzel, you don't have to be so formal."

    Sighing, Denzel looked towards the pit, "Sorry, Odessa. I would be cautious. But there are a lot of reasons why they would be telling the truth. But even if they have no ill-intent, what about anyone who follows them? All our islands could end up being overrun!"

    He gritted his teeth, just as Kyra glared at her companion, "I think it's a risk worth taking. We are not strong enough to fight Blackaxe's pirates. If they can help us take back our home we should ask!"

    The chieftain raised her wings, motioning for the pair to calm down. "You are both right. But we will need to learn more about them to be sure."

    "I must ask." Came a deeper voice, "This fire-type. What species are they?"

    The three turned towards a small yellow orb that floated at the edge of the fire, the occasional flash of orange and white blinked across its surface as it spoke.

    Kyra frowned at the question, "He's a Scorbunny. Why do you ask?"

    The orb dimmed, if only for a moment, before it brightened as they spoke once more. "I… I'd like to meet this Scorbunny."

    The Decuideye straightened up, her beak clicking. "Face to face?"

    "At the shrine." The voice confirmed.

    Kyra's mouth dropped open. Denzel stared incredulously at the orb, "But Tapu! You rarely let us in! Now you are going to let an outsider enter from out of the blue?"

    The voice remained calm, "I have a theory. I'd like to be sure of it."

    Odessa rose to her feet, brushing some of her head feathers back for a moment as she considered the words. "You have not steered us wrong since I was still a chick." She admitted, "Alright. We'll be there soon."


    "I can't believe I'm agreeing with her so much, but she's right." Denver said, "These guys were shoving our faces in the dirt before they figured out we're telling the truth."

    "I'd probably still be stuck in that tunnel if you didn't happen to be there." Alice added. "You got off lucky. They're more likely to trust you being a fire-type."

    Sam found all three Pokémon staring at him. "Nope, come on!" he exclaimed, feeling exposed and shaky, "You know how hot-headed I get like on a good day! I can't represent us! Never mind the whole guild!"

    Bruce grimaced, "Well, we're not much better. And you're the closest thing we have to a leader."

    "L-Leader!" he spluttered, "When have I been that?"

    "Broken Wood." Denver said bluntly.

    Sam growled as a headache started coming on. Okay, maybe I did start bossing everyone about, but only because everyone was panicking or fighting amongst themselves!

    Alice patted him on the shoulder softly, "And besides, we outrank these two. So it'd fall to one of us anyway."

    A concerned look from the Buneary seemed to cement it. Bruce and Denver would never follow Alice's lead. But they would do so with him. He sighed, realising she had a point. "Alright… at least until we fi-"

    "Excuse me, you are Sam, correct?"

    Coming towards them was a strange owl-like Pokémon, her red feathers forming what looked like a weird hat on her head. Kyra and Denzel were at her side, looking somewhat dazed, even if they looked unhurt. Suddenly feeling on the spot, the Scorbunny mustered the best smile he could. "Yeah! That's me. And who are you?"

    His heart skipped a beat as the owl giggled at his response. "I am Chieftain Odessa. I would like to welcome you all to our village. I am sorry we could not respond any sooner, and for any mistreatment your companions may have suffered."

    Denver faintly grumbled behind him.

    Sam didn't initially reply, only for a kick to the back of his leg to spur him into speaking again, "Not a problem. You can't take any chances with the pirates. I'm sorry they've been gunning for you."

    Odessa crossed a wing over her chest, bowing her head respectfully. "Thank you. I would enjoy a pleasant conversation, but there are important matters to discuss. Kyra and Denzel will see that your companions are settled in their home, but Sam, I will need you to come with me."

    "What for?" Alice questioned firmly, stepping forward to place herself in front of Sam. "We've only got back together."

    The Chieftain placed her wings across her front, as if holding them together, "Our Tapu would like to speak to Sam alone."

    Alice's ears twitched enough for Sam to notice, She's already getting suspicious… okay, Rex would try and compromise, right?

    He rested a hand on Alice's shoulder, "I'm okay with speaking to your Tapu alone. But can my partner wait outside or something?"

    Odessa clicked her beak a couple of times, and Sam swore he heard a faint chirp as she thought it over. "Of course. She can wait outside with me. Is that fair for you?"

    Alice glanced between the pair, before finally nodding.

    Sam turned back towards Bruce and Denver, "Don't worry, we won't be long."

    Hesitating, Bruce cocked his head to the side, "Err… alright."


    Odessa led Team Audacity out of the village a short distance towards the cliff, where much to Sam's surprise, amongst the dozens of trees littering it, there was a set of overgrown stone steps leading up. "Be careful." The Chieftain advised, "The steps can be slippery this time of year."

    Slowly, the trio began to climb, following the steps along the gentler inclines of the cliff, staying close to the waterfalls. Occasionally, Sam could feel a few droplets of water hit him, and his feet would sometimes land in a puddle of cool water. No wonder the steps had moss and grass growing out of them.

    "Odessa." Alice started, "Who is the Tapu? I thought you'd be in charge?"

    "Of the Wela I am." Odessa replied, "But the Tapu are the spiritual leaders of the tribes. They don't govern, but they have served the Pokémon of these islands for centuries. We owe them a great deal."

    Sam's ears perked up at that, "There are other tribes? And more than one Tapu?"

    "Of course!" she replied, pointing towards one particularly wet step to avoid, "There are four, the Wela, the Kaheawai, the Hano and the Na'nuao. But we have not heard much from the others since the Lady arrived. Her boats have seen to that."

    The ship that took out the Penguin and Crow was just part of a fleet? He shivered at the thought. If the Red Kite had to take out more than one ship… it was going to be hell.

    They reached a small, grassy flat at the top of the steps, where a small cave opening waited for them. "Alice, was it?" Odessa said, "You can wait out here with me. Sam, the Tapu is just inside."

    It didn't appear to be a dark cave, he could see a fair amount of natural light through the entryway. Not that it did much to comfort him though. Behind him, Alice rested a hand on her shoulder, her coiled ear still twitching. "Sam… if you need help…"

    He looked back towards her, feeling a slight warmth work its way through him, "I hear you." He replied gently, "I'll try not to be a hero."

    That earned him a sly smile from the Buneary, and with a newfound burst of confidence, he entered the cave.

    He wasn't wrong, a large crack ran through the ceiling, allowing light to shine down from above. A stone path went on ahead of him, surrounded by a grassy field. At the far end of the cavern, a few metres away, was another tunnel opening. Frowning, he walked further in, his footsteps echoing through the chamber. What… what is this place? The Tapu's home or… something?

    Sam reached the threshold, leaning slowly inside. "Hello?" he called out.

    No answer came. Taking a deep breath, the Scorbunny stepped inside. Light still came through the crack to reveal a wooden platform and at the far end, what looked like an altar. It was made of a mix of stone, wooden steps and bright green leaves arranged in an arc and was easily taller than he was.

    He slowly walked towards the altar, his eyes flickering around him. He couldn't shake off a heavy feeling as he let his eyes scan the room. A familiar and cold feeling.

    This feels like Broken Wood. He realised darkly, When Volcanion showed up…

    "Are you the Scorbunny?" echoed a sharp voice from all around him.

    Sam jolted to attention, ears snapping around to try and find the voice. Is that-

    He gritted his teeth, "Yeah. Are you the Tapu?"

    "I am." Came the reply, still impossible to trace.

    Paws tightening, Sam found himself right at the centre of the chamber, eyes flitting left and right. "Why did you want to see me?"

    For a moment, only silence came.

    Then, from above, "To test you!"

    Sam's head snapped up just in time to see a yellow shell dive towards him, electricity crackling.

    Yelping, Sam dove away as it slammed into the ground, feeling fur sear from the power of the electric attack. He sprung back onto a knee in time to see the shell, covered with black, orange and white markings spring towards the altar.

    Sam went limp as the shell opened up mid-air, revealing a slim black and orange Pokémon. A brilliant orange plume rose from it's head, and as it touched down, a pair of icy blue eyes locked onto him.

    "It is time." The Tapu declared, and before Sam was even ready, they shot forward, part of the shell sailing down towards him like a scythe…

    I didn't get this chapter done as quickly as I hoped, but I am sticking to a new schedule to try and keep on top of my writing and art at a reasonable pace between the different fics. I did want to add more to this chapter, but I think some of those elements will have to be saved for the next chapter as I've been trying to stick to a specific word count for each chapter.

    Either way, I hope you enjoy this one!
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Chapter II.XVI - Understanding
  • Threadmarks
    • POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON
    GUARDIANS OF BALANCE
    EPISODE II – DARK, WONDEROUS PAST
    CHAPTER XVI – UNDERSTANDING    ​

    Come the fu- Sam rolled aside as the shell slammed into the ground he just was. -ck on! Not again!

    He managed to spring back up to his feet as the Tapu's icy eyes locked onto him. A clang rang out as a wooden gate slammed shut over the entrance.

    There was no way out.

    Electric bolts flickered around the Tapu, charging another attack. Heart pounding, Sam leapt aside as another flash of energy scorched the ground. He didn't even get a chance to catch his breath as another bolt came flying past him, forcing the Scorbunny on the defensive. Shock after shock forced him to evade, some searing his fur as they came far too close.

    Sam was still in mid-air as the Tapu blinked across the chamber. Something yanked the fur of the fire-type's chest and Sam gasped as he was hefted above the enemy Pokémon, stuck in it's grasp. "You are fast." The Tapu stated, almost casually as Sam wildly kicked his legs, "But how hard can you hit!?"

    He couldn't snap a reply before his face scraped across the wooden floor. Groaning, Sam looked over his shoulder to find the Tapu staring at him, the shell slamming shut and open as if egging him on.

    Baring his teeth, Sam ignored the pain running across his face and sprung up. He needed to take his chance now before the Tapu tried zapping him again!

    "Alright! Try this!" He bellowed and scraping his foot, Sam shot off a fireball. The Tapu didn't try to dodge, instead, the shell slammed shut and the attack splattered against it with a dull thump, leaving only smoke in it wake. Can't stay shut forever!

    With a growl, Sam fired off another trio of Embers, each one hitting it's target. Yet there wasn't a response, each fireball not even leaving a mark on the shell. On the fifth Ember, the shell blinked to aside, the fire ball sailing past. The shell opened back up, and Sam tried another fire attack, only for the Tapu's slim form to dodge it easily.

    This wasn't working, he needed another strategy and quick!

    He willed the Quick Attack to surge him forward, rapidly closing the ga-

    The Tapu blinked out of existence, and Sam could only gasp as he flew through empty air. Another Quick Attack!?

    As he touched down, Sam spun to find the Tapu standing behind him, the icy eyes still focused on him. "Speed alone will not save you."

    Heat surged from Sam's chest to his limbs and his vision briefly flashed red. Sam snarled as he leapt back at the Tapu, whipping his fist forward at the target.

    That was when his punch burst into flames, the attack rushing straight for the face. Instantly, part of the shell snapped round to counter it.

    The fiery attack struck with a boom, the Tapu faintly grunting as Sam felt the impromptu shield give slightly under his fist. He blinked, his eyes finally settling on his hand, still on fire. And yet, he felt no pain.

    F-Fire Punch!?

    From beyond the shell-shield, the eyes of the Tapu glowed brighter.

    "Impressive. And now!"

    The other shell half glowed bright yellow, and before Sam could even try springing away, it had sailed into his gut. He cried out as he was flung into the air. He could barely catch a flash of orange as the enemy blinked above him, grabbed his legs, and casually tossed him back into the ground. His back cracked as he hit the floor, all the strength suddenly fading from him. Weakly, he tried to get back up-

    The Discharge burned into him hotter than any fire, Sam could only scream as the electricity surged through him, his body spasming beyond his control as a million sets of teeth sank into him.

    He wheezed as the attack ceased, groaning as he weakly got to his knees. "Pain can be both a barrier and an ally." The Tapu continued, it's shadow forming over him, "But how will you use it? Surely you have far more to give dark one!"

    Another Discharge struck Sam hard, nearly biting his tongue as he tried to contain his agonised scream.

    "I ask you." The Tapu said as the attack stopped again, "How can you protect this world? Your friends? If you can't even defend yourself?"

    As the discharge impacted him once more, Sam felt a familiar, dark pulse run through him.

    Zech Vo. Tenari Ulay…

    And this time, he didn't wait, willing the power to surge through him. Howling, Sam slowly rose to his feet, the air darkening around him, pushing the power of the electricity away.

    "The Dark Power!" The Tapu declared with a surprised cheer.

    Sam didn't care, as with a final pained roar, the red aura flashed into existence around him.

    "At last!" The Tapu cried.

    Dark flames ignited around Sam's paw as it slammed into the Tapu's gut, the larger Pokémon buckling around his attack with a gasp, cutting off the Discharge. Grabbing them with an iron grip, Sam spun round and threw the Tapu across the chamber. As the Tapu barrelled head over heels and got back upright, the Scorbunny pounced forward, the dark Fire Punch intensifying, ready to put this bastard down in the gr-

    The dark red fist slammed against the sparkling yellow shield with an almighty boom, sending a wobble running through Sam's arm. That's not going to stop me b-

    "Cease, Sam! I yield!"

    H-Huh?

    Blinking, he found the Tapu looking back at him from behind the shell. Their eyes had ceased glowing, and they appeared a slightly warmer blue. "Congratulations. You passed."

    Sam's feet faintly touched the floor. He felt confusion flutter through him, the dark energy seeming more erratic around his arm. Anger retreated from his mind, and in it's place, the memory of the Tapu's first words came back to him. 'To test you!'.

    They… they were just…

    His body shaking, Sam took a deep breath, trying to calm that dark energy down. His chest clenched, as if the power was refusing to back down. Squeezing his eyes closed, he mentally pushed back, commanding the power to withdraw.

    With one final clench of resistance, it faded away, leaving Sam wobbling on the spot. His knees buckled, and Sam began to fall forward, only for something to grasp his shoulders. His eyes fluttered open to find the Tapu had caught him and slowly lifted the smaller fire type back to his feet.

    Sam planted his feet into the floor, feeling some strength return to his legs as he looked up towards the Tapu. "You… you were testing me?"

    "I was." They replied as something rattled behind him.

    "-get out of the fucking way, or I'll shove this ear right up… your…"

    Behind him, the gate rose back up, he found Alice and Odessa standing in the first chamber, the former's ear coated in ice. "S-Sam!" she barked as she bounced forward, eyes widening, "You're…"

    "I-I'm fine." Sam panted, raising a hand to reassure her. "Just another mad moment."

    "Bullshit." Alice hissed as she checked him over, then glared at the Tapu. "What the hell did you do to him?!"

    "Forgive me Tapu Koko." Odessa said nervously as she walked into the chamber behind them, "If I had known you would have tried this, I could have-"

    The Tapu – Koko – shook their head in response to Odessa's words, "It is fine Odessa. I intended to surprise Sam." They then directed their attention towards the Buneary. "I am sorry for the deception, but I needed to be sure of who Sam was."

    Tapu Koko's eyes lay upon Sam. "Human."

    Aches vanishing, Sam instinctively took a step back, W-What the fuck!? How? Alice's ears had coiled in, ready to strike.

    "Don't fear." Koko said casually with a bow of their head. "If I wanted you dead, I could have done so at any time."

    That didn't do much to ease Sam's concern, his ears erect as spikes as he stepped back forward. "But how did you know?" he questioned coldly.

    "All legendary and mythical Pokémon have the ability to sense the presence of humans." Tapu Koko explained, their arms - visibly attached to their shell – hanging at their side. "Most have a hard time doing so, and those that have honed that sense tend to not say anything as a private courtesy." His eyes narrowed slightly, "The fact that I am telling you this is an indicator how dire the situation is."

    A Legendary? So this guy is like Volcanion? He felt a weight shift off his shoulders, At least he isn't trying to kill us.

    "What? The pirates?" Alice asked harshly.

    Koko shook their head, "They are not the only problem, especially given when they have been encroaching."

    Encroaching? What? The village? Some tribal site? Unless…

    One of Sam's ears dipped, "Do… do you mean the Guardians?"

    Koko seemed to bob in the air more noticeably. "Yes."

    Alice slackened in front of him, visibly taken aback. Sam couldn't help but recoil, questions pounding in his head like ping-pong balls. How did the Tapu know about the Guardians? Him being human? What the pirates were upto?

    Realising he was starting to hyperventilate; he sharply shook his head to clear it. "T-Then that was one of the reasons why we came! We weren't just tracking down the pirates, but looking for Guardian ruins! We think they may be linked to these disasters around the world, plus a few other things."

    "Being attacked by a ghost calling itself Kain being one." Alice added.

    Sam didn't need eyes to see the surprise on Koko's face, as if they had seen a ghost. The expression along was enough to send a shiver running through the Scorbunny, "You… you know him?"

    "I have heard of him by reputation. Deities like ourselves did not tend to interact with the Guardians of Balance."

    "Guardians of Balance…" Alice murmured; eyes narrowed in thought. Sam didn't speak at first, trying to process the whole title. It was strange to think that they had a full title, even if he wasn't sure what it meant.

    "What were they?" Sam asked, feeling his attention focus onto the legendary Pokémon.

    The Tapu slowly turned away, floating across the chamber, "The Guardians were many things. An defending army. Illustrious scholars. Explorers of far-flung places. Saviors of those who cannot help themselves."

    Sam frowned, That's a lot of jobs… actually sounds like…

    His mouth nearly dropped open, "That's like the Guild!"

    Alice jerked back at his statement, "Come again?"

    "Think about it!" Sam replied, "Explorers is easy. Saviors? Sounds like Rescuers to me!"

    It made sense. The Guild itself did all these things. It defended Robinswood, made a note to gather knowledge, explored the islands and rescued those who need it. The Guardians could have been a Guild all of it's own.

    "In a sense, Sam is right, if under valuing who they were." Koko continued. "Especially around here."

    "Hold up." Alice raised a hand to stop him, "Around here? But the islands have only been here for six years. How did the Guardians set up something a lot bigger than the Guild?"

    The Tapu's next words bit into Sam hard.

    "What makes you think the islands are that young?"

    Sam felt a shiver run down his spine as the memory of the dream resurfaced, the ground cracking open as the castle was torn apart.

    The island sinking.

    His blood turned to ice. "They… they sunk…"

    Koko's gaze narrowed, then he nodded. "Centuries ago, the Guardians were masters of the old continent. They were the protectors of many of the clans and tribes that had existed there, the Wela were one of them, if somewhat more autonomous. Peace and prosperity reigned. And the Guardians put down any threats to the people."

    "What happened?" Sam quietly asked.

    "I'm afraid I don't know much." Koko admitted with a tinge of sadness. "All I gleaned was that the continent and many of the islands sundered and sank beneath the waves. The few survivors did not say much, other than how there was a great rebellion…"

    The Tapu froze in the air, "…started by one of their own."

    Holy…

    "They turned against each other?" Alice inquired with a twitch of her coiled ear.

    "I don't know the reasons." Koko replied, "Save that one Guardian turned on the others and attempted to destroy them, and in the resulting battles, the continent broke apart."

    That snapped Sam back to attention, "I've just realised… continent? I know the main island is pretty big, but it's still smaller than Sand even."

    "I remember the earthquakes." Koko quietly replied, their voice now dark. "They could destroy a continent."

    "And what continent was this?" Alice asked.

    The Tapu and Chieftain shared a glance, before the former finally spoke.

    "Fire Continent."

    Sam couldn't shake off the sudden hollow feeling with him, an ear dipping. Fire Continent…

    "Our islands were spared along with a handful of others." Odessa added, standing more distantly to one side, "But many others were washed away too."

    "The few Guardians that remained stayed only for a short while. We never saw or heard from them again."

    The revelation, even as basic as it was, something that still shook Sam to his core. The Guardians were far from a myth… and yet they tore each other apart. Was Kain responsible for turning that Guardian? Or was he someone else?

    "Wait." Alice continued, "If you knew the Guardians, how old are you?"

    "6,259 years." Koko stated without even hesitating. "Minimum."

    Sam blinked, scanning the whole body of the Tapu, finding not even one scuff there. "Geez, you looking good!"

    The Scorbunny grimaced at his own words, even when Koko merely shrugged at them. "Let us move on." They continued, "The pirates are not only threatening the tribes that entities such as myself are sworn to protect, it is the relics that are of great concern as well."

    "Relics?" Sam questioned.

    The Tapu rolled their shoulders. "The Guardians once had an agreement with the tribes of these islands to set up outposts, including the Temples here. Before they went into exile, they made sure to seal the few treasures and records they had left away inside."

    "It is a secret shared only between the Tapus and Chieftains like myself." Odessa added, "Most of our people see them as sacred, but the truth is, we feared the damage that could be caused if the secrets within are released."

    It didn't take much to connect the dots, "And let me guess." Sam said, "The pirates are trying to break the doors down."

    "Exactly." Koko confirmed, "Even us Tapus don't know what was stored inside. But the Guardians possessed many secrets. If they left something dangerous inside those temples and the Pirates got their hands on them… the results would be catastrophic…"

    Sam chewed his lip, finding the secrets of the Guardians suddenly seemed trivial at best and needless at worst. If there was some kind of weapon hidden in them, especially if Kain was searching for such a thing… he didn't want to think about what could happen.

    "Then we need to stop the pirates." Sam uttered, "Like, even more than ever."

    "We still need find the others." Alice stressed, giving him a thump in the side.

    "I know." Sam stressed, rubbing one of his ears. "We've just a lot extra to worry about."

    Koko floated towards them, "Then let me put it like this. We all want the pirates gone and to protect our people." They motioned with one of their shells, "Our goals are aligned. And I suspect if you want answers about the Guardians, or whatever you were looking for."

    Sam spotted Alice's eyes narrow. "There's one thing I don't get." She said "You sound like you knew the Guardians. Like you were there. Why not just tell us about them entirely?"

    Dang, Alice has a point. Sam realised, narrowing his own gaze.

    The legendary tilted their head, "You are right."

    Odessa's eyes widened as she turned towards the Tapu, her beak fluttering open before they spoke again, "But that is as much as I can tell any of you."

    Sam felt a little growl rise from his throat, "And why the heck is that?". Hiding infom-what was even the point of that?

    The Tapu didn't miss a beat, "The same vow I made to the last Master of the Guardians. Unless otherwise informed, I am honor-bound to keep knowledge of the Guardians a secret."

    Oh for the love of-

    "The Temples would be sealed for all, bar one and their companions." They tilted their head towards Sam, and the answer became all too painfully clear.

    Sam took a step back, "M-Me?"

    "Not by name. He requested to keep all temples, the Arcanum included, sealed until a Scorbunny not from this island arrived." The Tapu took in a breath, "I suspect that time is now."

    Sam felt his gaze drift towards the ground, his hand shivering. H-How did they know I would be here? They'd have to be looking into the future! That shouldn't-

    "I think it might have been… an arcanum?"

    The Scorbunny stiffened as the word bounced around again in his head. "Wait, Arcanum. You know where that is?"

    Alice, Odessa and Tapu Koko all looked over the Scorbunny, and in response, Sam could only rub the back of his head, "I kinda have a feeling that is gonna be the place we really need to worry about…"


    "The Vengeful was not able to salvage the first schooner, but the crew were able to tow the second into the harbour. Axel is already starting to survey the ship."

    Stood at the edge of a round table within the well-lit chamber, Blackaxe's form towered over her surroundings, her dark axes hanging at her sides. "What's his initial assessment?" she grunted.

    Ezekyle stood to one side of the table, a clipboard and quill in paw, "The ship's internal structure is badly straining. She's repairable, but it would take a lot of work."

    "Disassembly then?" Blackaxe inquired.

    "Possibly, the wood is of good stock. Oak and teak from the Sea of Wonders, and some cedar from Air. It would aid in the repairs to Vengeful and Chance. There is the second river boat being worked on too."

    Blackaxe seemed to chew on the thought, "Let Axel do his survey. Unless he finds a good reason why we should keep the ship, we'll break her up."

    "Of course, my lady." Ezekyle said with a bow of his head.

    "What about the crew?"

    Opposite the two pirates stood the hulking form of Greg, the Swampert had his arms crossed as his gaze flicked between the two. "Some of 'em are part of the Guild. The others will be coming for them."

    There was a slight glimmer in the pirate queen's eye, "Let them come. They won't be expecting the beacons or our defences."

    Greg glowered across the room, "Those gems? Sounds like a con to me."

    "They are authentic." Ezekyle replied. "You've seen how they've worked."

    "Not against a lot of them."

    Tapping the table with the tip of one axe, Blackaxe glared back at the pair, "It will work as long as it needs to. And if the guild comes, all the better. We'll make sure to roll out the carpet. And speaking of the guild…" she turned her gaze towards the Floatzel, "What of the prisoners?"

    "We have gathered them all outside my lady." Ezekyle replied, "One of them is a fire-type."

    "Then why isn't he dead?" Blackaxe growled, the air seeming to darken around her. "You know our policy."

    "Indeed, but the captain claims he is famous."

    Blackaxe leaned back, axes placed behind her back, "Is he now?"

    "That is what he claims."

    The pirate thought of this for a moment, before walking round the edge of the table. "Alright." Blackaxe stated, "I'll see them for myself."

    With Blackaxe taking point, the trio made their way out of the chamber and towards the building's exit. The pirate queen shunted her way out into daylight, to the very same clearing she had revealed herself to the crew of the Daywalker. As she descended the steps, she scanned the assembled survivors from both the Penguin and the Crow were lined up before the building.

    As Ezekyle and Greg kept their distance, the pirate queen paced the assembled mons, observing their flicker with a mixture of fear, worry, confusion and defiance as she gave her speech about their circumstances. She did want to give the crews, those strong enough to survive anyway, the chance to join the ranks of Libertalia. But she did knew some would try and break free regardless, and when that happened… well, the price would be high. She had little time for weak links.

    Soon, her pirates started escorting the crews away. But with a swift movement, she swept an axe towards the one clustered group of prisoners. "Except them."

    The group was forced back to their knees before the giant pirate. Amongst them were a Noibat and a Morpeko who were visibly close together, a bruised Skiddo… and held down by two pirates, locked up in chains and with a muzzle round his jaws, an injured Charizard.

    Nia stared up at the Kleavor, her eyes wide, "W-What do you want from us?"

    Blackaxe merely narrowed her eyes, "Information from you three." She waved an axe blade towards the three Rookies. "I know the rest of your Guild isn't far from here, I want to know more about them."

    Edward winced as he tried to look up at her, "We won't give up anything."

    "Maybe you won't." Blackaxe admitted with a grunt, "We do have… methods if you aren't feeling co-operative."

    She turned towards the chained Calvin, the fire-type glaring at her from underneath the muzzle. "Now you" Blackaxe continued, "are most interesting. You might not know this, but we've met once before."

    The Charizard stiffened, an eye narrowing as the Kleavor leaned forward. "Before you and your friends were Team ACT. I had to deal with a certain acquaintance of yours."

    Unable to speak, Calvin's narrowed eye sharply widened.

    "Now you understand." Blackaxe stated with a gravelly tone, her axe tapping the ground and where eyes glowing yellow. "I want to know all about him…"


    Kaliani hissed as she stumbled through the undergrowth, her muscles straining as she struggled to pull her left wing away from her body. Not from injury, but from the sheer amount of gunk and webbing that was stuck across her flank. That was twice now that the seamon had been shot down in the last few weeks. At least she got to walk away with a bumpy landing in the trees as she attempted to get clear of the Penguin when Calvin ordered the remaining crew to try and flee. She was battered, bruised and cut in places, but she was alive and awake.

    Lolo! Why did I have to fly so high! I was a sitting duck!

    With her beak, she shoved another big green leaf out of the way and into a narrow clearing. A slim stream ran from left to right, not even past her feet in height. Her throat burned as she stared at the water. She hadn't drank anything since she touched down a few hours ago, and the water seemed clean enough. Maybe… maybe just one sip…

    Something rustled from the other side. The Trumbeak's head snapped up.

    Standing on the otherside of the stream, amongst leafy ferns was the very familiar form of Zeke, his eyes wide with shock and alarm.

    Kaliani couldn't stop the gasp escaping from her mouth as she stumbled back…

    And so, this took far too long to complete, but the next chapter is finally out. I was going to get it out sooner, but IRL stuff, following up with several creative projects ranging from other art, following up with novel stuff as well as looking at creating a combat system for a roleplaying game. Then my laptop nearly ended up breaking apart in my hands so that took some of the wind out of my sails. And that's before having a few personal bumps in the road.

    Nevertheless, this is a bit of a slower chapter, but it does include some details I've been wanting to let out for a while. So I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Chapter II.XVII - Laying Plans
  • Threadmarks
    • POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON
    GUARDIANS OF BALANCE
    EPISODE II - DARK, WONDEROUS PAST
    CHAPTER XVII - LAYING PLANS    ​

    Sam stared at the ceiling of the hut, focusing his attention on the shadows flickering above his head from the fire that crackled over his shoulder.

    His mind kept drifting back towards that conversation back in Tapu Koko's Shrine. Hearing about the Guardians. About what the pirates may have been after. The legendary knowing he had been human.

    He was still reeling from all those revelations. It had been more answers than he had ever got before, and yet, it still left him with even more questions. Or at the very least, a ton of theory.

    When Sam had explained about the Arcanium, it turned out Koko had been aware of such a place, it has been part of one of the larger temples on one of the smaller islands nearby, on the borders of some of the Wela's land. And if the pirates were headed for it… it was even more imperative that they got there before Blackaxe's goons did.

    Koko had sent himself and Alice away, at least until they and Odessa could lay down some early plans and preparations, encouraging the pair to rest in the meantime and start fresh tomorrow.

    Still, it hadn't done much to ease things off for him.

    "Sam?" Alice quietly asked as a faint snore rung out from Bruce, sleeping in another part of the hut. "You awake?"

    Sam shuffled in his hammock, keeping his eyes on the ceiling. "Yeah, you struggling to sleep?"

    "Kinda." Alice admitted, her voice coming from behind him, "Just thinking on what the Tapu said."

    "Same." Sam replied with a sigh.

    He heard her hammock creak, "Like, how did this 'Master' know that you would show up here? I've heard of some Pokémon being able to see the future, but that's like, seconds or minutes."

    With foggy thoughts, Sam grimaced, "Yeah, that's well past my paygrade."

    That earned a chuckle from Alice, "I get that. Fire Continent? The Guardians being this proto-guild? If you told me I'd be hearing about this when we first met, I'd probably-"

    "Punch my lights out?" the Scorbunny replied with a smirk.

    The Buneary hesitated, "I was going to say that I'd violently tell you to piss off."

    "So punching me."

    "Grr, fine, that."

    Huffing with a flicker of amusement, Sam chewed his bottom lip, feeling another theory come to the front of his thoughts. He debated sharing it, only for a second, before he finally opened his mouth.

    "Kain was a Guardian."

    The other hammock creaked more sharply this time, "The fuck are you on about?" Alice questioned with a hiss.

    Sam sat up, his hands gripping the canvas, feeling his mind begin to race again, "You know what the Tapu said? About how the Guardians were betrayed by one of their own guys?"

    "Yeah." Alice grunted, sitting up herself to get a better view of him. "What about it?"

    Rotating himself round to look at her proper, Sam took a sharp breath in. "Kain said he knew the Guardians. And he knew where the Oracle was and he knew about the Temples here. Come on, it makes sense. How else would he knew about all that if he hadn't been one of them?"

    The Buneary stiffened, "It'd explain a lot… but if he did betray them, why?"

    That sent a shiver running down the Scorbunny's spine. Alice wasn't wrong. What made Kain try and destroy the Guardians? Was it tied to what he was looking for in the temples here?

    Sam gritted his teeth, Unless Koko decides to give up their vow of silence, the only way we're gonna find that answer could be in that Arcanium.

    "I guess we'll find out soon." Sam replied, "Hopefully Koko will have a plan."

    Alice shuffled back into her hammock. "After everything, there better be more of an answer." She uttered, "I'm gonna try and get some sleep. Night Sam."

    Sam laid back down onto his bedding, "Night Alice."

    A couple of minutes later, he heard Alice's breathing deepen and become rhythmic. And it didn't take long before Sam slipped under too.


    The sea of colour emerged much sooner this time, the colours smoothly shifting without pause. They seemed less intense than before, as if to make it easier to see the little green form of Squishy sat in front of him. "Hi!" they declared, "So you managed to work out where that Arcanum is?"

    Taking a glance down to confirm his body was still there, Sam directed his attention back on the strange Pokémon. "Seems like, I hope anyway." He admitted, "I'm guessing you aren't here for just a chat."

    The blob deflated slightly, "Afraid so. Whilst you were talking with the others, I couldn't help but listen in. It helped jog a few memories."

    Sam tilted his head, "Memories?"

    "Kinda? Memory works a bit differently for mon's like me. I had a feeling… that I knew this Master that the Tapu mentioned."

    "Master…" Sam rolled the word off his tongue before the realising clicked, "Wait, you knew him?"

    "Right…" Squishy replied, "Like I said, a feeling. He hadn't been in charge for very long, but he was smart. Like, he was the kind of person to make a lot of plans."

    The discussion with Koko resurfaced and Sam could feel himself stiffen, "Is it… is it possible he knew I would end up here? Like, me specifically?"

    Squishy started to wobble out a new reply, only to freeze as if hesitant. "I… I don't know. He could have."

    Sam felt a spike of annoyance rise up his throat before the blob shook themselves, "Anyway! Back to the point. You should find what Kain was looking for in the ruins, as well as a lot more about the Guardians."

    Nodding, Sam shuffled on the spot, feeling a slight chill spread across him. "Right… like, what do you think I will learn?"

    When Squishy spoke again, the childish tone was gone. Instead, they spoke in a quiet, stoic tone.

    "Well, you'd find out who I am."


    Rex's frown only deepened as he watched the sun dip below the horizon, trying to spot the signs of a ship emerging, or of a messenger flying towards them. But there was still no sign.

    As the sun finally vanished, he turned and strode back into the lightweight gazebo, now lit with lanterns to continue showing the maps. He knew sending out the schooners was a risk, and there was no point in calling them back so soon, but he did request the captains and Calvin send some form of message before the end of each day, to keep him informed of their progress.

    That hadn't arrived.

    It could have only meant one thing.

    Turning towards the camp, he blew a faint, but clear whistle.

    With a few moments, a swift looking Noctowl had entered the gazebo, "Do you need something Guildmaster?" she asked.

    "I need you to fly out after the schooners whilst it's dark." Rex started, "See if you can work out their condition, then report back to me."

    "Will do. I'll be back before daybreak." She turned and headed back into the camp, likely to gather a handful of supplies.

    The Guildmaster meanwhile turned back to face the centre table, "I know you are there Perry."

    The Corvisquire dropped down into the gazebo, flashing a smile as he entered, "Figured you'd need my help. Missing folks?"

    "Exactly." Rex replied, not sharing his smile. "I need you to get back to the mainland as quickly as you can, and pass on a message to Esper for me." He narrowed his eyes, "I have a feeling we are going to need some more support."


    The following morning, Sam, Alice, Bruce and Denver followed Kyra and Denzel back towards the Chieftain's hut, fully expecting a new plan to be put together to take on the pirates.

    What they didn't expect was to see two familiar looking Pokémon arguing in the village centre.

    "It's for your own good!" Zeke growled, keeping himself side on towards the Trumbeak that was trying to take a few steps closer.

    "Are you hearing yourself?" Kaliani cawed, "You went through a lot! I just want to help!"

    "And I'm telling you that you're only going to get yourself in trouble!"

    Denver stared blankly at the arguing pair, his claws clicking as if trying to process the squabble. "Err… that's the sailor that he kidnapped right?"

    "Yeah." Alice replied, "And looks like she still won't back off."

    Sam frowned at the sight of the pair, letting out a heavy sigh at the sight. He could understand why the two would be having a go at each other. Zeke was probably still feeling a complete mess after what happened, and Kaliani had gleaned enough of an understanding that Zeke hadn't been responsible. No wonder they were bouncing against each other so much.

    Bruce's vines soon sprung forward, slapping the ground between the pair, causing the electric type to flinch and the flying type's head to snap round. "Yeah." Bruce bluntly said, "Might want to cut that out."

    "You got away too!?" Kaliani exclaimed with clear relief.

    "Barely." Sam admitted as he strode to meet them, "Glad to see you guys made it too."

    Zeke bowed his head slightly in thanks, "Same here. I'm sorry I wasn't much more help."

    "Not much help my backside!" Bruce bellowed, "You took out like half the pirate fliers, you did a lot!"

    Sam couldn't help but feel sorry for Zeke as the canine's head dipped in shame. Geez… the poor guy still can't let himself feel good.

    "When did you even get here?" Alice asked.

    Kaliani looked somewhat embarrassed. "We kinda stumbled across this place in the night. Stayed the night outside."

    Huh, I'm not sure how we didn't notice something was up.

    "Excuse me." Odessa said, standing by the entrance to the main building, "We're ready to start discussing the plan."

    "What plan?" Kaliani asked, "We've only just got here."

    "Hopefully one to save our guys from the pirates." Bruce replied.

    "Amongst other things." Kyra said, walking towards the Trumbeak, "How about I fill you both in?"

    The assembled Pokémon walked into the building, the Chieftain leading them into an open chamber that was well lit with open windows built into the ceiling. An firepit, clear of any wood or flame, was at the centre of this chamber, with a large round table placed over it. Floating at the other side of this table, was Tapu Koko themself, the legendary inspecting a map stretched across the table. "Greetings." They said, "Did you sleep well?"

    Sam and Alice stepped forward, "Well enough, given…"

    Sam stopped mid-step. Behind Audacity, the other recruits, Zeke and Kaliani had frozen in place a few steps back. Wincing, Sam quickly waved a hand between then, "Oh, sorry, that's Tapu Koko, don't worry, he's friendly."

    That seemed to settle the concerns for the other guildmembers, as they were gathered around the table and got a view of the map. It was rougher and more hand drawn than some of the maps that the Guild normally utilised, but it did showcase not only the island they were on, but the other nearby islands too.

    "Sam." The Tapu started, "Would you like to set the stage?"

    Every eye in the room locked on to, and with an impromptu shiver, Sam leaned against the table. Welp, here goes nothing.

    Taking a breath, he got started, "Okay, we've got a few problems, but the obvious one is that the pirates have got a lot of our guys captive, and they're in danger every moment they are with them. Which by extension means the Wela too." He gave a respectful nod towards Odessa, Kyra and Denzel, who stood in a group at Koko's right side.

    "Yeah!" Bruce exclaimed, "We need to get them back!"

    "And push the pirates out." Kyra reminded him with a cocked brow.

    "Right." Sam admitted, turning towards the Tapu and Odessa, "You guys know this place better than us, any idea where the pirates are based?"

    "I recall someone calling the place Libertalia?" Alice said.

    "Yes, that is what Lady Blackaxe calls it." Odessa admitted, pulling out another map and laying it over the top of the islands one.

    It became quickly apparent it was a town map near the north-eastern edge of the Wela's island. Sam hadn't seen a map of Robinswood, but he did have a solid idea of the layout. Robinwood was built in somewhat like an incomplete spiderweb, with the buildings spread out into clusters that were connected with forest paths.

    Libertalia in comparison looked like a big block that had been divided into an uneven grid, many of the paths between the structures being at right angles to each other, all save for a winding road that ran along the outside, contained within what Sam had to guess was an outer wall. That wall went all the way round the edge of the town, save for the north-eastern side, where piers were marked out. He even spotted a tiny slither of land across the water that was also walled off.

    Alice winced, "That looks like quite the fortress. How tall are the walls?"

    "About six metres." Denzel replied. "And they have watchtowers along the walls, and they cleared the trees near the edge of the encampment.

    Now it was Sam's turn to frown as he looked over the map. They couldn't really go knocking on the front door, and trying to sneak over the wall would be tricky.

    "Can't we… I don't know. Swim in?" Bruce asked, his brow furrowed in thought.

    "I've tried that." Kyra admitted, fiddling with her head fin, "They've got Water-Types patrolling the bay, guards on the shore and their boats."

    "And going in from the air?" asked Denver.

    "They've got Flying types for that."

    Sam rubbed the back of his head, "Und-"

    "Ground types." Kyra interrupted.

    Balls.

    "So we can't sneak in or force our way in." Sam said. "And I'm guessing it's not that much easier inside?"

    Tapu Koko leaned onto the table, "Even if you got past the patrols and the outer wall, there are dozens to a few hundred pirates and their benefactors that are inside Libertalia, alongside Blackaxe and her lieutenants. And that is not the worst problem."

    They turned towards Denzel, who looked a little bit spooked. "They have some kind of… beacons. They are these towers that got erected not long ago.

    That caught Sam's attention as he returned a slack expression at the Grookey. "Beacons?"

    Denzel seemed to get that little bit more pale, "They tested one near another tribe's camp. It started glowing and then… we couldn't use our moves."

    The air seemed to go cold as Sam and Alice shared a glance, No moves at all? All our powers just… turned off? His foot began to tap, How can we even deal with that?

    Across the way, Denver's eyes looked cloudy, only to sharpen within an instant. "Fuck… those conspiracy nuts were right."

    Zeke leaned forward, flashing a blank look, "You know about these beacons?"

    Denver blinked as he realised everyone was looking over at him. "Shit." He replied with a sharp click of a claw, "I've only heard rumours about it before I left Sand. Something about there being some kind of tests for these amplifier devices. They like, could cause these weird effects all around them."

    "Like an Orb…" Zeke mused.

    Sam's ear went erect as Denver clicked his claws again, "Right! Like the Orbs but they'd cover a lot more ground! I just thought they were some hoax though."

    Kaliani shuffled on the spot, "So if they stop us using moves…"

    "Then it's like a beefed up Nullify Orb." Alice stated, "Overlap a few of them, and it won't matter if you take out one, the others can take up the slack."

    "Which is going to be hell if we can't use our moves." Sam grunted, tightening his fists. That base might as well have been impenetrable.

    A tentative vine rose from Bruce's bulb. "Wait a sec. Wouldn't that stop the pirates from using their moves too?"

    Huh, Bruce's right.

    "It would." Denzel replied, "Which is why the pirates carry swords and bombs."

    Ah… shit… I thought that one sword I saw on the ship was a one off. Sam bit his lip, "Then unless someone has like, swords on their body, we're in trouble."

    "Can't we use swords ourselves?" Alice said, "Even up the fight?"

    Another thought emerged in Sam's head like a lightbulb, "Yeah. If we get our hands on those bombs, we could blow the beacons up and get our powers back."

    "They aren't that big." Denzel stressed, fingers tapping the tabletop. "They won't bring down the towers."

    "Could take out what causes the effect. I heard they were built like Orbs." Denver said.

    "Should be pretty fragile then." Alice said.

    "But that depends on us getting close enough to blow the beacons in the first place!" Kyra warned. "And if we get our moves back, so do they."

    Sam bit his lip, his foot tapping becoming more pronounced. It sounded like they needed numbers or a heck of a lot more firepower. "What about the Wela and the other tribes? Hell." He turned towards Koko, "You aren't the only Tapu right? And you are all legendries. Together you could leave a hell of a dent."

    "Yeah!" Bruce exclaimed, "You are gonna have, like what, mastery over jungles or something?"

    Alice glowered back, "If it were that easy, the pirates wouldn't be here."

    The Tapu merely let out a very faint snort, more from amusement than annoyance. "We may be Guardian Deities, but compared to other legendries, we aren't that powerful. Whilst the beacons don't have an effect on our own moves, we would eventually fall to sheer numbers, even with the tribes fighting with us."

    That left only one option let, at least, that seemed obvious for Sam to see. He let out a heavy sigh, "Then we need to get in touch with the rest of the Guild."

    "Yeah, but how?" Bruce asked with narrowed eyes. "We don't have any communicators, and we can't just swim over."

    "Don't have a ship anymore either." Kaliani grumbled.

    Zeke flicked an ear, "Rex would have to start a search at some point, are there other ways to get a message out?"

    "Setting off a big bonfire?" Denver grunted half-seriously.

    "There's always the old light beacon."

    The conversation shifted towards Denzel, who was fiddling with the twig in his hair as he spoke. "It hasn't not been lit for years, but it work."

    "That only works at night." Kaliani blurted out, "And the pirates will see it just as easily."

    "Not if we block off the light from the direction of pirate town." Denver butted in, "Then just… I don't know, aim the light roughly where we can from?"

    Sam finally stopped tapping his foot, clapping his hands together in response. Finally, something good we could work with.

    "Alright. Then we light that beacon, get the Red Kite and the rest of the Guild here, then we can make a go for Libertalia."

    Odessa frowned, "I assume your Red Kite is a boat? The pirates have several, including their biggest, the Vengeful. Could yours fight them off?"

    Denver whipped his stinger tail behind him, "Edward wouldn't shut up about the Kite and it's guns, so yeah, she could."

    "Great!" Bruce cheered, "We've got a plan to get the others out! Bring Rex in, then kick Blackaxe off the island!"

    Sam opened his mouth to reply, only to catch a glimpse of the Tapu Koko looking over at him. Icy blue eyes narrowed, reminding him of the other problem. The one that really had Sam worried. Not only that, he had to explain the importance of getting to the Arcanum, but also keep his nature as a human concealed from the others.

    "There's one other thing." Sam said, "The pirates are breaking into a load of ruins around here."

    "Yeah? So?" Denver questioned, "Seems pretty pointless compared to kicking out the pirates."

    "The ruins could contain dangerous weapons." Odessa explained, "Something the pirates can use against us."

    "Enough that it could stop both the tribes and the Guild." Alice chimed in, enough for Sam to mentally sigh with relief for her throwing that in.

    Bruce looked somewhat conflicted, his eyes flicking around, "Like, what's the chance of them finding something?"

    Kyra shrugged, "Is it a chance you want to take when your friends are in danger?"

    The Bulbasaur looked towards the table, unable to answer. Kyra wasn't wrong, and Sam knew there was more than just stopping the pirates capturing anything dangerous inside, but also the possibility of answers about what was going wrong with the world.

    "So." Sam said, "We need to cover those ruins too. That gives us three jobs. One, get an idea of where we break into Libertalia."

    "Recon then?" Denzel asked.

    "Recon." Sam confirmed with a nod, "Hopefully we can work out where any prisoners are. Two, we get that light beacon back up and running. And three, we make sure the pirates can't break into the ruins." He rubbed the back of his head, "We're gonna have to split up."

    "That's risky Sam." Alice warned, narrowing her gaze from where she stood next to him.

    "I know." Sam admitted, "But we've got a lotta ground to cover and a lot of people to protect."

    "Indeed." Koko added, "With the villages to protect, the tribes cannot commit many warriors until we are ready for the attack."

    "So we get all three of those done." Bruce said, "And we can go after Libertalia?"

    Sam nodded back, "Exactly."

    "Then I'll do the recon." Bruce declared with a determined tone, his jaw set and his chest puffed out. "I want to see if everyone is alright."

    "There is a lot of ground to cover." Denzel admitted, "I can show you the way. And us grass types should blend in with the trees better."

    "I'll go with you." Zeke meekly said, "I'll blend in too, and if the flyers come in. I've got a better chance at taking them out."

    Denver clicked his claws, "You better keep an eye out for Edward then. I'll go for the light beacon. I helped fix a few lighthouses back home, I can get it working."

    Kaliani seemed more hesitant, her eyes flicking between the Electrike and Skourpi, "You will need someone who knows naval signals." She said, "I'll go with you."

    "I can guide you up the mountain paths." Odessa said with a hint of pride, "I've visited that mountain many times."

    Nodding, Sam turned towards Alice, "That leaves us to check out the main ruin then."

    "Sounds like a plan." Alice said with a smirk.

    "It's over on the next island along." Kyra said, "Mind if I tag along? I know where to look."

    Alice shrugged as the two rabbits shared a glance, and Sam returned the nod towards Kyra. "Sounds good."

    She would be a big help in finding the place.

    "That leaves my role." Koko said, a faint crackle of energy.

    Sam frowned, "What's that?"

    Koko tilted their head, "I need to speak to my fellow Tapus, in order to co-ordinate with the other tribes. Some of them… may need a lot of persuasion to join the fight."

    Nodding back, Sam looked across the room at the assembled Pokémon. "Sounds like we've got a plan then."

    The Tapu floated a bit higher, "Once we have completed our tasks, we should return here for the rest of the preparations."

    "Agreed." Sam said, turning to address everyone in the room. "Alright guys, we've got our jobs. Get what you need, then head out. We'll meet back here in a couple of days."

    With that, the Pokémon started filing out of the building, forming up into their groups for their missions. Sam started turning to follow them, "Sam, Alice, a moment." Tapu Koko asked, prompting Sam to turn back to face them, along with Kyra. The Tapu looked over them with a wary eye, "The pirates have been making significant inroads towards the ruins there with strange equipment, be careful once you are on that island."

    "We will Tapu." Kyra said with a bow of her head.

    "And Sam?"

    Sam perked his ears as the Tapu directed their attention towards him, "Whatever is in there… I do hope you find what you are looking for."

    He slowly nodded back, feeling the fire in his chest warm himself up, "I hope so too."


    From above, you watched as Team Audacity and the Tapu left the chamber, and as always, the Shadow was not far from you.

    "This Arcanum does seem most mysterious, do you think?"

    The shadow seemed to lean forward, as if to better inspect the maps on the now unattended table, "And with these new found individuals thrown into the mix, the plot thickens. But what is clear, is that regardless of what happened, it seems like the Guardians left some kind of artifacts behind with the intent they'd be used again. If not, why not simply just cast them out to the ocean? Perhaps they left a contingency in case something like Kain, or Kain himself, remerged."

    It was a good question, and the shadow drifted closer towards you, "Hold the course. Answers are coming. I can feel it."

    Again, it's been too long for getting this post out, but there have been a tonne of different events happening IRL which has been throwing me off. Either way, I hope you folks enjoy this chapter!
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • Chapter II.XVIII - Journey to the Arcanum
  • Threadmarks
    • POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON
    GUARDIANS OF BALANCE

    EPISODE II – DARK, WONDEROUS PAST
    CHAPTER XVIII – JOURNEY TO THE ARCANUM    ​

    Kyra took point as the assembled Rescuers and tribesmon parted their separate ways. Bruce, Zeke and Denzel were already scrambling towards where they had originally entered, headed back towards the jungle and Libertalia itself, whilst Denver, Kaliani and Odessa move towards the mountain, albeit on a path that ran more alongside it rather than up it. Kyra stopped for a moment, looking over the two rabbits. "So, you said the main ruin right?" she asked, tilting her head back to get a better look at the pair, "We can reach it within the day, but that seemed very specific."

    Sam merely shrugged; I suppose she must have connected the dots quickly enough. "That's kinda the aim. Might as well check the big one out first."

    It was a logical move, indeed, Tapu Koko hadn't raised an objection about that, so it must have been the correct place. The chameleon flashed a thumbs up, "The Grand Temple then, I know the quickest way, follow me."

    Kyra led them out of the village along a different path from the others, running towards the North East and rapidly descending downhill, almost as if the water type had plenty of experience in making her way down the trail. Even Alice, not normally one to go slowly, was struggling to keep pace with her own hops.

    Great! Sam sarcastically uttered to himself, huffing as he avoided the rocks that threatened to send him tumbling down the slopes. More running!

    Soon, they were amongst the trees once more, but not for too long, as the gradient became shallower and the path more devoid of features, apart from the leafy plants that flanked it. It was here where Alice finally spoke up, "This ruin, it's on another island right?"

    "That's right." Kyra admitted, "It was a neutral ground for the tribes, but the pirates have overrun it, cutting everyone but the Tapus off."

    Alice frowned, "Then how are we getting there? Is there a bridge?"

    "Just a short boat trip." Kyra replied without hesitation, "I normally swim across but… I don't think you two would like that.

    Sam felt a chill run through him, imagining a pirate ship as big as the one that attacked the Penguin and Crow coming out of nowhere. "What about the pirates? Aren't they patrolling the coastline?"

    Kyra flashed a smirk, "The coastline yes, but the channels between the isles are too shallow for their biggest boats. The smaller ones don't often move across either. The only boat that appears regularly is the one that heads up the island's rivers."

    That did little to comfort the Scorbunny, "And what if we came across the river boat?" He questioned.

    "Get to the shore as quick as we can." Kyra replied, her smirk disappearing. "It's not fast, we can get on land and into the jungle before they arrive."

    The fire-type bit his lip in response, I hope you're right.

    It wasn't long until they could hear the gentle lapping of waves, and Kyra pulled the two rabbits of the beaten track towards the source. Through the trees, Sam could make out the sandy white beach, pristine and undisturbed, through the breaks in the trees. He could even see a few palm trees leaning over the seafront. But as they passed a particularly thick brush, Kyra motioned them to stop.

    "Give me a hand with this." She asked, brushing some of the big leaves aside to reveal a long wooden craft, not made of planks but more like it had been hollowed out from a rather large tree. He quickly recognised it was a canoe, easily large enough to accommodate all three of them, and better still, it was even fitted with some kind of outrigger stabiliser. Huh… I wonder how I know that… old memory?

    He tried to focus on the thought… but just as quickly, it slipped away. Damn it.

    Together, the trio pulled the canoe free from the ferns and half carried, half dragged it towards the beach, with Sam and Alice lifting the front end up between them as best as they could. That was, however, when Kyra stopped pushing from the rear and scurried past them just before the edge of the jungle. "I'll check to see the way is clear, I'll be right back."

    The Sobble paused only at the edge of the trees, looking briefly from left to right, before she ran forward and into the water, her form immediately fading out of their sight before she even dove under the waves.

    Wiping his brow of the sweat forming there, he sat down next to the canoe. Alice came round the front of the canoe, panting lightly as she looked towards the water. "Any idea what we're going to find in the Arcanum?" she asked, taking in a longer breath to extinguish her panting.

    Panting slightly harder, Sam took a second to slow his breathing too. "No idea." He admitted, only to pause for a moment, the 'dream' from last night coming back into mind. "I did end up speaking to Squishy again last night though."

    Alice raised a brow at the words, crossing her arms across her chest. "What did he have to say then?"

    Sam brushed his ears back, "Not much, but it was interesting though. Turns out he might have known the Master."

    The Buneary huffed at that, "That what we calling him now, the same guy who predicting you were coming?"

    "I guess so." Sam replied, answering both questions at the same time. "He's not sure, kept saying his memory wasn't exactly in the best state. I'm not even sure he's amnesic like me."

    "Not exactly helping us out." Alice sighed.

    Leaning back, Sam felt a slight smirk coming on, "But here's the interesting thing. He also said we might find out who he is in the Arcanum."

    Alice's ear twitched as she looked back to Sam, her mouth dropping open for a second before closing, as if reprocessing the information. "Squishy is linked to the Guardians too…" she uttered in realisation.

    "Exactly." Sam replied, beaming as he clicked his digits, "Maybe whatever we found out about him ties to what Kain was after."

    "Maybe." Alice admitted, turning her gaze away and back to the water. "Let's just hope we don't set another Kain free."

    Deep down, a part of Sam knew it was a bit of a long shot, maybe Squishy couldn't offer every answer. But sometimes having that extra information was all they needed, at least enough to point them in the right direction.

    Sam got back onto his feet, "Let's just hope that the others have an easier time than us." He said, changing the subject, "Once we have the rest of the guild here and Bruce's team comes back with some intel, we can work on getting Nia and the others free. Bonus points if we keep any weapon out of the pirate's hands."

    "Agreed." Alice replied, nodding at his words, "Still got to get across the water first."

    Almost on cue, Kyra's form shifted back into view, the chameleon already out of the water as she walked towards them, her face tight, "I've got good news and bad news." She declared as she joined them.

    Already feeling some dread, Sam quickly spoke up, "I think we could do with some good news." He replied, moving to join the two girls.

    "The only boat out there is the river boat." Kyra said, brushing her fin back, "And with it behind a headland they won't see us for a while yet."

    "Yet?" Alice asked, her frown deepening.

    Kyra shrugged, "That's the bad news. It's waiting to move up the same river that leads to the Grand Temple and it's loaded with pirates. That means we're going to run into them sooner rather than later."

    "And they are right outside the temple then." Alice growled, her body shaking.

    Hissing, Sam grabbed hold of the canoe. "Come on then, let's make sure they don't get ahead of us!"


    The journey was thankfully short and sweet, the water was calm and only gently rocked the canoe as they paddled across. That didn't mean it wasn't tense or was relaxing however. Sam had gritted his teeth the whole time as he and Alice worked the paddles whilst Kyra operated the rudder at the back. His eyes also drifted towards the headland that the water-type had pointed out - the location of the river boat - hoping that someone didn't stick their head around the corner and spotted their approach.

    But no Pokemon appeared, and soon, the canoe slid to a halt on the far beach. Arms aching and sweat soaking into his fur, Sam helped the others pull the canoe up towards the edge of an even thicker jungle and covered it in leaves. "We'll have to go along the river, at least part way." Kyra explained, brushing her hands against her sides as they backed off. "The jungle is a lot thicker here than normal. And it's filled with really nasty bug-types."

    Sam frowned at her words, his mind easily drifting back towards the pirates. "But what about the river boat?"

    "If we stay low and stick to the foliage, they'll have a hard time spotting us."

    The two guild members shared a glance, with Alice cocking her head in response. "Not exactly got much choice here." She admitted.

    The Scorbunny rubbed his hands together, directing his eyes towards the headland. "Alright… might as well see what we're up against."

    Allowing Kyra to lead the way again, the trio moved for the headland, albeit at a much slower pace as they moved past the ferns. There was no trail to follow this time, and with the leafy plants blocking the way, the team had to make sure they didn't make too much noise. Sam's heart began to beat harder, he had way too much experience with plans going wrong out of nowhere. He really didn't want to take too many chances now, not this far from support.

    Voices began to rise as they reached the top of the hill at the centre of the headland, and Alice peeled back a big leaf to reveal the new scene. At the mouth of a narrow river, tied up to the end of a makeshift pier was a single boat. It was far smaller than even the schooners he had been on, no more than ten metres in length and about half as wide. Scattered across the deck was several wooden crates, more of which were being loaded by the pirates, most of who seemed to be water and poison types.

    What caught his attention though was the contraption at the back of the ship, a wheel that lacked an outer rim, where paddles took its place. For some reason, it seemed vaguely familiar to the Scorbunny, even if he couldn't put his finger on it.

    "Looks kinda advanced…" Sam whispered, eyeing a Quilliadin grumpily looking at a shape hidden behind the contraption.

    "I wouldn't know how it works." Kyra admitted quietly, her frown deepening, "That wheel on the back spins and pushes the boat forward.

    "First time I've seen it." Alice replied, "Maybe the pirates looted it off another ship."

    Sam flicked an ear as he leaned forward, trying to focus on the propulsion. "You don't think the pirates could have built this?"

    "Makes sense." Alice replied, her eyes narrowed, "I doubt they could have made this tech on their own. It looks like something you'd get back on the continents."

    Kyra's expression seemed blank, and Sam started to open his mouth to explain when he heard a new voice from below.

    "How do you get your hands on this kind of stuff?"

    Sam turned back towards the boat, realising it was the Quilladin that was speaking, focused on whoever was behind the wheel. "I mean, I know you didn't get the engine. But those orbs… that's something else. And the parts, we're lucky to find those on the trade ships.

    Then came an all too familiar voice. "I have my sources. You'd be amazed how many mons I can call on."

    Next to him, Alice stiffened. Sam himself could feel his hands shake as his temperature spiked. God no… not him.

    "What's wrong?" Kyra asked, frowning.

    "Sam…" Alice started, "Is that…"

    "And trust me, as long as I get paid, I always make sure to deliver, especially given how… unique some of my sources can be."

    The contraption groggily rumbled into life, the paddles slowly beginning to turn in rhythm. A blue form rose from behind it, wiping his hands as he smiled at his handiwork. A dark blue frog, his yellow eyes gleaming in the sunlight, didn't even turn to face the grass-type, almost as if putting himself on display.

    Sam couldn't hide his growl. "Fuck…"

    Aidan merely smirked, "Just get me upto that temple, and let me put these products to good use…"

    Okay, technically I'm still continuing with my Grand Tour fanfic, but I felt that it had been long enough that I needed to catch up with Guardians of Balance, so here I am! But it's also running slightly differently. I've recently been experimenting with making the chapters I write even shorter, with an absolute maximum of 2500 words, but preferably below 2000. That way, I can complete chapters much quicker, even if other projects take place, and frankly it feels more satisfying, and this is something I want to bring along with Guardians of Balance. In addition, I aim to have several of these smaller chapters link together in such a way that they would essentially serve as one combined larger chapter as needed. Hopefully, this should allow for quicker, more digestible posts for the fan-fic.

    I hope you enjoy this chapter!
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Chapter 2.19 - The Return of the Smuggler
  • Threadmarks
    • POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON
    GUARDIANS OF BALANCE

    EPISODE II – DARK, WONDEROUS PAST
    CHAPTER XIX – THE RETURN OF THE SMUGGLER    ​

    Days ago…

    Greg walked into the meeting room behind Blackaxe, making a note of the lack of features apart from the white lamps fitted to the walls, lamps that lacked flames, he realised.

    He didn't have much time to think about it though, as the pirate leader walked round towards the other side of a round table. "Tell me." She grunted as she turned to face him, "Where have you come from?"

    The Swampert narrowed his eyes, making sure to keep the table between himself and Blackaxe in case she decided to stick him with one of those axes. "Why would you want to know?" he asked.

    Blackaxe didn't show any reaction, merely placing her axes behind her rocky body. "Curiosity. My pirates have come from every corner of the world, but it's either because they are lured by the prospects, or because they have nowhere else to go." She tilted her head towards him, "I think you're the latter."

    Clenching his jaw, Greg briefly thought about it, he didn't expect to suddenly get pulled off to one side by the literal Pirate Queen herself. At best, he was counting on avoiding being thrown into another cell. And now he was getting questioned instead.

    Not like I've got much choice though.

    "I was just a thief on Grass." He explained, "When I was a Marshtomp, it was all I could do to stay alive."

    "Thieves don't get thrown into brigs that often." Blackaxe noted.

    "That was because of a fucking accident." Greg snapped, crossing his arms. "This damn shopkeeper wouldn't stay down for five seconds. How was I supposed to know his neck would break when I threw him against that counter! Didn't even get a chance to explain myself when this guy's bloody sister, the head guard of all people, decided she'd prefer my head on a platter than a prison sentence!"

    A rumble crept forth from the rock type, something that Greg could almost imagine was a sigh.

    "So you were left to rot at the hands of authority on your home continent." She stated.

    "Wouldn't put it like that." Greg huffed, "But yeah, ended up robbing enough caravans to get across to the other continents. But then all the agreements started creeping in. Air and Water agreed to send anyone like me back to Grass. And soon I couldn't get to Mist or Sand either. Getting to the Sea was about the only choice I had left."

    Blackaxe nodded, "And your luck finally ran out here"

    Greg went stiff at her words, "Yeah. Got caught by the Guildmaster from Robinwood, then somehow got my ass handed to me by this Scorbunny and his Buneary girlfriend."

    It was at that moment that Greg noticed something, a tremor that silently ran through the carapace of the pirate queen and a flash of white in her eye. "Fire types…" she seethed. "That guildmaster and those under his command will get what's coming to them…"

    The Swampert could only look perplexed at the queen, feel his brow squishing tight. He could already tell how pissed off this Pokemon was, if anything it almost sounded… personal.

    Extremely personal.

    Does she know that guildmaster? The Blaziken?

    He decided to take his chances.

    "Do you know him? That the reason you are out here?" he questioned, his voice deep.

    Blackaxe's eye dimmed, as if the anger was fading away. "I know everyone of importance in the Sea of Wonders. Knowledge is power as they say." She started to pace around the end of the table, her axes positioned behind her back. "I know those of importance on the continents too. The same Pokemon who want to take the islands for themselves are the same people who would drive people like us into the sea. We're not guilt free, I will not deny that, but they would rather see us rot and rip away our freedom, even when we tried to rebuild ourselves."

    Greg frowned at the words, trying to make sense of it. "What are you talking about?" he grumbled.

    "The elites." Blackaxe hissed, "They've always seen Pokemon such as ourselves as outcasts. Unworthy of being accepted into their structured societies. Their nations."

    That last word came out as more than a hiss than anything else, "For most, it's a way of slaving away to better their so-called superiors. For ourselves? It's to distract the masses, to give them a target to better enforce the elite's control. Their law and order."

    The water type's grimace deepened. He was screwed over by one fucking cunt of a guard. But this…

    "You saying that the same bitch who tried to have me hung is now supporting all these elites?" he questioned, "The governments?"

    "They are just one part of it." Blackaxe explained, ceasing her pacing and turning back to face Greg again. "But it's the business interests, the wealthy, the guilds. They would force us to the end of the world just to better control the masses."

    She finally motioned with her axes, spreading them out to her sides as she spoke. "That is the real reason why I created Libertalia." She explained, "A land of our own, free from the machinations of them. To carve our own destiny and to take what we want, when we want from those not of here. Here, we stand only bound to the contracts and codes we all stand by."

    Arceus damn it, she sounds like a damn fanatic.

    But even so… there was something more intriguing to Blackaxe's words. Even welcoming. A place where the guild or the governments of the continents couldn't reach him. Somewhere where he didn't have to watch over his shoulder all the time, or keep one eye open at night in case some backstabbing rat tried to kill him at night.

    He couldn't help but deny there was some kind of appeal to it. But still…

    "So, what?" Greg rumbled, crossing his arms, "Do you think that I'm going to join your band of pirates? This all sounds rather cushy."

    Unexpectedly, Blackaxe let out a deep, gravelly chuckle. "Oh, you don't have to. I did mean it when I would send you back to the nearest safe port once you have proven trustworthy." Her eyes narrowed, "But I think we both know you wouldn't last very long."

    Greg grunted in reply, keeping his mouth shut. But much to his annoyance, he knew she had a point.

    "You are wanted by both the continents and the Robinswood Guild, you lack resources. Even if you managed to stay free, it will only get harder once the elites tighten their grip on the Sea of Wonders. They are all playing against each other, even if they cannot take complete control, they'll get as much as they can. To deny their rivals if nothing else… but the frontier will be taken over with time."

    She swung her axes around from her back, tapping one of them onto the table. "But if you join Libertalia… I won't deny that it might fall. But there will be the chance that those like ourselves can turn round and tell the elites, nay." The tip of her axe sank slowly into the table surface, her eyes fixed on Greg. Hard enough that even he could feel his heart pound harder.

    "If you join us… I can at the very least promise you one thing. You'll live or die free. Would you at least consider that?"

    Greg chewed on the words, his thoughts a blur. His muscles clenched on and off, it was hogwash, it had to be, but the way she seemed to carry herself… the possibility of being free from laws of the continents… maybe he would still die at their hands, but to be able to go out on his terms…

    His chest rumbled as he ran the thought through one more time, then finally spoke.

    "…I'll stick around… for now…" he said, keeping his voice low.

    Blackaxe barely reacted, only for a single eye to brighten as if she was raising a brow beneath her carapace. "Very well. We could do some help in training… and negotiation."

    "You expect me to train some runts?" Greg scoffed.

    "To make them physically strong enough to handle a fight." Blackaxe explained, pulling the axehead back. "We have a tool that… will encourage raw strength. Not only that… I do have a contact that I have a feeling you already know."

    Behind Greg, the door creaked open, and the heavyset Swampert slowly turned round towards it. When he saw who was standing there, his fists automatically screwed tight, and it took every last inch of his self-control to stop himself from grabbing the bastard by the neck. "You…"

    Aidan merely tipped an invisible hat atop his head, the frog briefly flicking his tongue. "Greg, seems like we have a habit of meeting each other."

    "Scummy bastar-"

    "Calm down Greg." Blackaxe stressed, towering over the pair. "Aidan is a key supplier, and you will be working closely together in the next few days."

    Aidan pulled a frown, looking towards the rock-type. "What kind of job are you thinking about?"

    Blackaxe's eyes brightened, "Tell me… what do you know of the temples?"

    *****

    Sam watched as the riverboat chugged on through the jungle, keeping to the shadows of the trees. He had managed to keep his body from shaking with rage for the better part of an hour, but it was still difficult for the Scorbunny to hold himself together. Aidan… that bastard… I knew he had contacts in all sorts of places. But pirates!? When did he get hooked with these guys!?

    He had no answers as he hopped carefully onto another tree root, jutting out of the shallow water. Only guesses.

    Alice dropped down next to him, looking over his way. "Sam… we can't focus on Aidan."

    The Scorbunny's foot tapped the root, keeping his eyes fixed on the boat, it's little wheel spinning away effortlessly. He could see the pirates resting or working on their contraptions and weapons. Aidan himself sat amongst them, flicking the page of a notebook in his hand and scribbling down some kind of details within it. Finances? A kill list? It was a good question.

    "Sam…" Alice started to stress again.

    "I know." Sam replied, his face scrunching up as he ran a hand across the top of his head, pulling his ears back as he did. "You're right. We need to focus on the temple but… Aidan has to be doing something about it."

    "He did say something about that." Alice admitted, "He must have smuggled some kind of equipment in. Maybe the pirates haven't gotten into the Arcanum yet."

    "Let's just hope we can work out a way of doing so before that happens." Sam replied, looking over her way. "If Aidan can get in, we can fight through both him and all the pirates."

    "We need to get a lay of the land first."

    Ahead of them, the water stirred, and Kyra's head rematerialized in front of them, a firm look of worry present on her face. "I've tried to scout ahead as best I can." She said, taking care to climb out of the water without noise. "We're not far from the temple."

    That's handy to know. Sam thought, looking towards the murky water below. He had already had to slip through the water a few times, and he swore he could feel something try and wrap around his legs more than once. Still…

    "I'm guessing there is a catch though."

    Kyra slowly nodded, "Pirates. A lot of them."

    Of course there is!

    The Sobble took point once again, moving them away from the river front and deeper into the jungle, taking care to make sure the Rescuers didn't fall into the water as they did before reaching the foot of a hill that started rising away from the river. As they began to climb upwards, Sam wondered where the other Guildmembers were at, were Bruce, Zeke and Denzel near Libertalia now? Did Denver and Kaliani reach the top of the mountain? Was Rex suspecting something was wrong and was on his way? He had no way to be sure.

    When they finally reached the top of the hill, the trees had peeled away to reveal their destination. Sam's eyes widened at the sight, and he could see Alice stiffen at the view herself. A massive grey pyramid rose above the jungle canopy, easily towering upto 25 metres in height. It was no Guildtree, but it was still gigantic. The river seemed to run right towards it, only to disappear underground just short of it into a cavern that looked painfully tight for anyone to follow further. A combination of old stone structures and wooden cabins were scattered around the foot of the pyramid, likely serving as an encampment for the pirates.

    More pirates walked or worked around the site, including right across the pyramid's surface and the very top itself. Others were positioned by a makeshift dock down by the river, no doubt awaiting the arrival of Aidan and his cronies.

    Sam took a deep breath, instinctively rubbing his hands together, "Alright." He started, "Looks like we have got a lot to deal with…"
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Chapter II.XX - So... How are we getting in?
  • Threadmarks
    • POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON
    GUARDIANS OF BALANCE

    EPISODE II – DARK, WONDEROUS PAST
    CHAPTER XX – SO... HOW ARE WE GETTING IN?    ​

    From where they were standing, the entire temple complex might as well have been a small fort. There were no walls surrounding the place, but there were more than enough buildings and pirates patrolling around them and the pyramid itself to make an all-out attack hell. There were no trees and only a few bushes within the clearing that the structures were positioned in, making an approach even more difficult and exposed.

    "Kyra, have the pirates been at these ruins long?" Alice asked, her brow furrowed as she looked over the site.

    "They weren't even here last week." Kyra replied, her voice quiet. "A couple of scouts nearby, but that was about it."

    Sam's frown deepened; his hope was the pirates hadn't arrived in any real bulk around the arcanum. But with this many, they weren't getting close to the temple without a fight.

    In the corner of his eye, he could see the riverboat emerge from the jungle, steaming over to the dock below. "We better scout the place ourselves, come on, I think we can find out how they are planning to get in."

    The Scorbunny carefully moved ahead of the others, making his way downhill towards the dock. Aidan had to have been here for a reason, and he had to hazard a guess that it was the temple.

    "Wait up Sam!" Alice hissed, trading out her hopping for a jog to follow him downhill. "Are you sure Aidan even has a way of getting in?"

    "He broke Greg out of Robinswood." Sam replied, taking care not to disturb the vegetation as they moved down, "If there is a way of blasting open that temple, I bet Aidan would have brought it along."

    Once they reached the bottom, they stook to the trees, refusing to head out into open ground in broad daylight. Thankfully, the edge of the trees wasn't too far off from the pontoon that had been set up for the dock where the riverboat had pulled alongside, little more than ten metres away.

    Taking cover within a thick patch of ferns, Sam peered through as the pirates began to unload the crates from the boat. Aidan was already walking onto the pontoon, slipping his notepad back into a satchel. The Scorbunny narrowed his eyes as he watched the Frogaider move, his back straight and his chin lifted, as he if to say he was better than everyone else. A far cry compared to how Aidan had carried himself when Sam first met him.

    Hell, Aidan hadn't seemed half bad at the time. A few rough patches here and there, but he seemed to be an upstanding guy. Friendly, even charming. To see him now… was this what Aidan was really like under the surface?

    "Hey! Careful with that!" Aidan barked, his eyes locked onto a pair of pirates struggling with one particularly bulky looking crate, reinforced with iron bars. "Unless you want your boat to sink!"

    "S-Sorry!" cried out a rock type pirate, "Just heavier than it looks!"

    Aidan huffed in response, turning away from the pair as they got back to moving it with more care. "Idiots…" he uttered to himself.

    Sam grinded his teeth at the sight. "Bastard…"

    "You know this frog?" Kyra whispered. She had climbed the nearest tree and was hanging from one of the leafy branches directly above him. "What did he do to you?"

    Alice leaned out from behind the same tree, sticking to the ground with her eyes narrowed. "He's a smuggler back from where we came from."

    Sam clenched his fists, avoiding looking in the direction of his companions. "He ended up having Pokemon killed to cover for his operation. Tried killing us too."

    Kyra let out a faint hiss, "Doesn't sound much better than the pirates."

    "Took me too long to realise that his reasons for smuggling was full of shit too." Sam replied. He wished he could have seen signs that Aidan was willing to set entire docks on fire or getting Pokemon killed, perhaps he could have put a stop to his schemes before they happened. He struggled to stop his anger flaring up at the thought.

    "Already trying to boss mon's around Aidan?"

    Emerging from some wooden shacks, a very familiar looking Swampert marched towards the Frogadier, his jaw tightly clenched. "Greg…" Sam seethed, feeling his expression tighten more.

    "You know him too?" Kyra asked.

    "He's a bandit. He also tried to kill us." Alice explained. "He worked on Aidan's payroll… not sure how they ended up working together again though."

    "Greg didn't like Aidan much, at least from what I got from the big guy himself." Sam said, trying to prick his ears to focus on the conversation.

    Aidan glared at the Swampert, waving a hand towards the crates. "Do you want to explain to Blackaxe how the equipment I've brought got wasted?" he asked, "Then again, you've never had any delicate touch."

    "Don't push it Aidan." Greg growled, leaning back and making himself look gigantic. "You're not my boss anymore. You wouldn't want to tempt me."

    The frog only half-heartedly shrugged, "Given your track record? I'm not concerned. And besides, we both want to get into that temple. That is our job right now like it or not."

    Damn, I didn't think they hated each other that much. Sam thought to himself.

    Greg's jaw slackened only a little bit as he looked over Aidan's head and towards the cargo being unloaded, "You have a way of busting open the pyramid?" he questioned, "We haven't been able to find any doors and no one's been able to follow the river."

    Chuckling, Aidan motioned for a pair of pirates - the same ones he had just shouted at to stop. As they lowered their crate down to the ground, the smuggler reached through a latch on top to pull out a shiny red orb from within. It looked rather basic, not much different from the Orbs he had seen before, but at the same time Sam couldn't help but feel there was something more to it.

    "Scorch Orbs?" Greg questioned, "Why the hell are you thinking about those?"

    "Scorch Orbs?" Sam whispered, only for the memory to snap his back straight. Back at the prison, where Greg had been locked up… how Aidan managed to break him out…

    "Sam?" Alice asked, her hand reaching out for just a second. "You know about this?"

    "Y-Yeah." Sam replied, leaning back forward and pointing his ears straight at the criminals. "Rex reckoned Aidan used a couple to bust Greg out. They're rare, but nasty… I didn't think Aidan had any left."

    "How nasty?" Kyra asked, her eyes narrowed.

    "I didn't ask…" Sam said.

    "Scorch Orb?" faintly asked one of the pirates, a monkey that looked at the unassuming red orb with a scrawl. "Doesn't look like much."

    Aidan rolled his eyes and scanned the surrounding pirates, gently rubbing the red orb in his hands. Suddenly, he jabbed a finger at a Patrat, who had been walking off the boat with a small metal and wooden crate in his hands. "You! Keep that box up!"

    The normal-type nearly leapt out of his skin at Aidan's shout, "W-Wha-?"

    With a flash, Aidan chucked the red orb straight at the pirate, who with a surprised bark, spun the box round into the path of the projectile. The red ball clunked against the metal, but didn't bounce off, instead sticking to the surface. Whimpering, the chipmunk looked round to see the stuck orb, baffled at it.

    A quiet 'huh' came from above Sam's head, "Doesn't seem that bad…" Kyra started.

    And right on cue, with a shower of sparks, the metal suddenly glowed red hot and not even a second after that, the wood of the box burst into flame.

    Screaming, the Patrat leapt back, dropping the burning box.

    Other pirates turned to find out what was going on, but for Sam, he could only gasp as the Scorch Orb shrank, glowing a brilliant red as the metal of the container rapidly melted into a gloopy red puddle on the ground that bubbled and spat around itself. What little remained of the burning wood sank into that mass and out of sight.

    Aidan looked back towards the monkey pirate behind him, raising a brow, "Come again?" he purred.

    "Holy crap…"

    "By the spirits…" Kyra whispered. Sam looked up to find the Sobble clutching the branch she was on, her eyes locked onto the pile of molten gunk on the ground.

    Sam met Alice's eyes next, her expression dark. "Sam. We can't let him use those things."

    "I know." Sam nodded in reply… and yet still feeling confused, the way Aidan had casually tossed aside that Orb… he looked back towards the pirates. "I'm just not sure why Aidan would use one like that. I mean, they're supposed to be rare."

    And judging by the deepening frown, Sam could tell Greg had come to the same conclusion. The big Swampert swivelled on the crate that Aidan had recovered the Orb from and looked inside. Instantly, his face screwed up in a fit of anger. "What the fuck?" he snapped, "When did you get so many of the bloody things!? I thought you said they were rare!"

    He's got more of them? Sam shook himself keeping his gaze fixed on those pirates. How many did Aidan have? Did he just find loads of them? Unless… no. Rex said himself, the plans for Scorch Orbs were destroyed. Aidan couldn't have found someone still making them!

    With a smile that seemed to be a better fit for a sales mon, Aidan walked back over to the crate. "Trade secrets big guy." He said as he lowered the latch, before motioning for the pirates to start moving the crate, even more cautiously now they realised what was inside. The smile disappeared as the Frogadier focused back on Greg again. "I don't just have Scorch Orbs." He stated, "But I need a decent weak point in the temple. I don't want to waste my… merchandise trying to melt stone for hours."

    Eyes narrowed, Greg turned back towards the pyramid, "I've got some engineers looking around it now, but they're not having any luck with the walls and the top."

    "Show me." Aidan replied, rubbing his hands together.

    With that, Greg flicked his head dismissively in the direction of the structure, and together, the pair walked away from the dock, leaving the pirates there to keep unloading.

    Sam peeled away from the ferns, clicking his fingers to get the attention of Alice and Kyra before motioning for them to move away from the clearing. Once they had retreated into the shelter of the trees and opened some distance, Alice spoke up. "Any bets on if Aidan can get in there?" she asked, eyes narrowed.

    "I've been around here more than a few times… don't tell Odessa though, she'd tan my hide." Kyra admitted sheepishly, shaking her head and glaring back in the direction of the temple though. "I've never found a way in… but I've never seen anyone crazy enough to try busting down the walls."

    "If they get through them, we can't stop them from waltzing in." Sam stressed, automatically tapping his foot.

    It was true. There were too many pirates for them to fight directly. Stealth and surprise were their only advantages. But that would matter little if they couldn't find a different way in.

    "I'm not sure how Scorch Orbs are going to do the job" Alice said, resting her chin against her hand. "I doubt Aidan's got enough to melt his way in."

    "They might not have to." Sam replied, "Remember what Denzel said? The pirates have got bombs right?"

    The Buneary bit off a curse, "Then we need to wait until night and get in then. Kyra? Do you have any ideas at all?"

    Kyra started shaking her head, "I don't… although…" he looked up towards the tree canopy, clearly thinking. "I overheard Odessa once saying something about the roof of the temple. But I wasn't sure what she was meaning."

    Alice growled, rubbing her shoulder, "We'd be spotted well before we hit the top then! They'd to have torches there."

    Scratching his head for a second, the Scorbunny felt his eyes look back the way they came, there had to be a way round for sure. Some way of slipping past the pirates. Annoyingly, he almost wanted to pry Aidan's brain for a way past them. He did it with the guild bef-

    A lightbulb went off in his head, and Sam couldn't contain the grin. "What if we set off a distraction?" he asked, turning back to the others, "Something that ties them up for a while, like setting the riverboat on fire?"

    Alice's coiled ear twitched as a spark flashed in the corner of her eye, "That could work… but we'd need one hell of a distraction otherwise we won't have the time."

    Kyra flashed a cheeky, far too eager grin, "I've got a few ideas for that… I'll need some time to look around though, see if I can find what I need."

    Sam tilted his head with a frown, taken aback by the Sobble's sudden burst of confidence. "Like what exactly?" he asked.

    Her grin only got wider. "Let's just call it tribal secrets."

    A little bit more rapid fire this time, but the next chapter is now complete. I hope these shorter chapters are entertaining enough for everyone, and if you want a return to the longer chapters, please let me know! This next chapter might be a bit different, compared to the previous ones due to what is needed in there... but I'll see how that goes when I go round towards it.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • i wonder what those scorch orbs would do to a pokemon?
    such as a swampert...
     
    StolenMadWolf said:
    POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON
    GUARDIANS OF BALANCE


    ALWAYS AUDACITY
    CHAPTER VII – HAPPY FROG, ANGRY RABBIT    ​

    Jack led the way down the woodland track, taking the time to explain that whilst most Pokémon live in the square, others lived a little bit further out, including some of the Exploration Teams. Whilst there was still plenty to do for the teams back out on the Continents, as it turns out, many were pretty eager to get access to the Sea of Wonders and it's newly rising islands, and the same occurred with Pokémon heading out to start a new life. As such, once the rush hit, Robinswood simply wasn't ready to take up the demand. Some obviously went off to form up other settlements, Jack would explain, others thought wanted to remain in Robinswood, and set up shop in smaller cabins and barracks further out from the centre.

    The barracks that Jack led Sam too was the first one they came across, and was also the most well developed. It was made of the same wooden logs that defined the structures back in the square, yet at the same time was reinforced with a layer of cobble stone around it's base and came complete with plenty of windows and doors. "This place was supposed to be like a second inn or café." Jack said as he floated inside, "But then the demand crept in and several of teams decided to stay rather than move into the Guild Tree."

    "I'm not that surprised." Sam mused, glancing around the front room. Homemade tables, sofas and cushions were all scattered around the space, both on the ground floor and on a smaller upper floor connected via stairs. What should have originally been the counter with all of it's facilities now separated that part of the room with a kitchen of all things. A rather fruity aroma drifted up the Scorbunny's nose, and he resisted the urge to sigh at pleasant smell. "Actually looks… kinda homey."

    "Well you do often have to share rooms and the corridors can be a bit of a squeeze when someone big comes through, but it works. I would let you crash in my room but…" Jack looked away, the Butterfree somehow looking… embarrassed. "It's occupied."

    "Eh, don't worry about it. I'll find something." The Scorbunny put his hands on his hips, letting a little smile form, "I don't want to have to squeeze in with your team if I'll just get in the way." He added cheerfully.

    The Butterfree shook his head, "Oh, it's not my Team. They're up in the Tree."

    Now the smile transformed into a frown, "Then what are you-"

    "Papa!"

    Sam's head swivelled round to spot a little white Pokémon that looked like some kind of crystalline bug slide off one of the cushions, quickly scurrying over towards them. Jack's eyes lit up as he floated down in front of the Snom. "Hey kiddo! How was your day at school?"

    A fiery warmth surged through the Scorbunny's body, his lips pulling back into a gigantic grin of the sight of the little kid and his dad. Aww… okay, Jack's just got a lot cooler! Look at the little guy!

    "Went great pa!" the Snom exclaimed, almost seeming to bounce in delight. "I managed to puff out some Snow today!"

    "You did? That's so cool Kyle, well done!"

    Kyle giggled, before his little eyes drifted towards Sam. "Pa, who's that?"

    "Oh, that's Sam. He's just arrived today."

    Sam bent over and flashed a friendly wave, "Hey there little guy."

    The little bug's eyes twinkled, "A fire rabbit… cool…"

    One rabbit ear dipped a little bit. And… that word seems to be a family trait…

    "Can you do a fireball!?" Kyle asked excitedly, bobbing up and down in eagerness.

    "Err… I don't think that's a good idea." Sam replied sheepishly, "Being in a cabin and all."

    Eh… honestly I'm not sure if I can actually do another Ember yet… I think…

    Kyle deflated a little bit at that, before Jack touched down right next to him, "Don't worry buddy, Sam can probably do it another time for you."

    "Okay!", the crystals brightening back up. "I also found something really cool! Come and see papa!"

    "Cool! Let's have a look at it." Jack turned back towards Sam, "Hey, you don't mind hanging on-"

    "Oh, it's fine." Sam replied warmly with a flick of his wrist, "I can wait."

    With a buzz of thanks, Jack and Kyle disappeared off deeper into the cabin, leaving Sam on his own save for the few other Pokémon. The Scorbunny plopped himself down on one of the cushions, sinking into it. So… this whole world is full of Pokémon. Obviously. He tapped his fingers on the fabric. Question is… how are humans supposed to fit in? I mean, that was like my first thought. I'm human. But, well, look at me! He stared at the white paw doing the tapping, I'm a Scorbunny… but how do I know that? And what's with these disasters and the like? I mean, what's going on with all the politics and that? Sounds like a lot of stuff is going on right now.

    Grr… maybe I did get hit by a Confuse Ray or something.

    That was when he heard the shouting, his red tipped ears already perking up. Jeez… I've gotta get used to these ears. Pushing himself up, Sam relaxed a bit when he realised the voices were coming from a different corridor than the one Jack and Kyle had used… but they were getting louder.

    "I told you countless times, if you try and do that, you're going to get yourselves killed!"

    "We don't have to listen to you, this works for us!"

    Oh bugger…

    Sam approached the corridor, already sensing his body tense up as he gazed down it.

    A gathering of small Pokémon congregated within the wooden cut through. And by small, he really did mean Pokémon that were about his size. He could recognise a few species in the ground, but they all seemed gathered around two Pokémon who were staring each other down. A Bulbasaur on one side, their teeth bared and a pair of vines raised from the bulb on it's back.

    However, most of the Pokémon's eyes were fixed on a single Buneary. One paw rested on their hip as they stared down the Bulbasaur with narrowed eyes, and one ear was coiled in tight, almost twitching to burst free. "You're bringing all the wrong equipment, you think Oran Berries alone will keep you going?!" they snapped, speaking with an feminine voice, albeit one that belonged to a young adult than a kid. "They won't, they don't solve all your problems!"

    The Bulbasaur's eyes flashed red, "We've got healing moves for our team, something you can't comprehend!"

    The Buneary's ear twitched even more, as she took a step forward. "Yeah, I know you can heal yourselves and remove paralysis blah blah!" She snapped an arm up in disgust, "But you can only use a move so many times! You don't even have Ethers! What happens then!?"

    "Eh, we won't get to that point!"

    "Grr! This is the kind of cocky shit that will get you killed!"

    The curse made Sam stiffen up a little bit, but he could only roll his eyes at the mess in front of him. Ah… your typical 'my style is better than your style' argument. He leaned against the wall, figuring he could watch the scene unfold from a distance. To be honest though, I'm kinda agreeing with Bun-Bun here. Can't get too cocky.

    He shivered at the memory of that Swampert towering over him, and shoved it aside. Although I have no idea what an Ether is.

    Now the Bulbasaur was smirking back at the rabbit Pokémon, the vines pulling back a touch? "Oh really? Then why aren't you telling this to your own team? Oh wait, you haven't got one, because you spend all day just being some cursed freak!"

    The Buneary leapt forward fast enough for Sam to nearly jump, the grass-types eyes widening as it tried to pull itself back. But the rabbit was too fast as her paws grabbed hold of the still exposed vines.

    Sharply tugging them down and back, she yanked the reptile towards her, the rabbit's eyes burning as the Bulbasaur cried out with a yelp of pain. "What did you just call me you little punk!?" she snapped, pulling on the vines even harder.

    Okay, I change my mind, to hell with this!

    Sam shoved himself off the wall and got running down the corridor. The Buneary leaned in closer to the green Mon, the latter's eyes squeezed shut. "Go on." She hissed, "You can say it again."

    "Hey!" Sam barked, skidding to a halt next to them and grabbing onto other rabbit's arm, "How about-"

    His mouth slammed shut as the ear-turned-brick slammed into his face.

    Stumbling back, Sam landed onto his back with an almighty thud. "What th-!?" he cursed, rolling his jaw back into place. His entire face throbbed as he struggled to push himself back up. But now the Buneary was staring him down, mouth twisted into a surprisingly vicious snarl. She now only had one paw wrapped the grass-type's vines, the other pointed at him. "Stay out of this, I'm trying to teach this prick a lesson!"

    "Hel- a lesson!" Sam snapped, pointing a finger at the Bulbasaur, "You're hurting him! I think he's got the point!"

    The Bulbasaur rapidly nodded, eyes still clamped shut as the Buneary's gaze flicked between the two of them. "People get hurt all the time! Maybe this wi-"

    She cried out as the bubbles slammed into her back, her grip on the vines snapping as she shoved away.

    Too bad she now flew straight into Sam. He grunted once more he was whacked back onto his back, growling as the Buneary shook her head, her eyes now locking onto him. "Get off me!"

    He just realised he had her by the shoulders, and she had him by the arms. Sam flashed his buckteeth, "Get off me first!".

    Rolling back, he managed to slip his legs underneath and booted the Buneary in the best. Another yelp rang out as her paws lost their grip and she was flung away. Sam, a bit faster now, stumbled back to his feet. The other rabbit was also back up, tensioning up as both ears reeled themselves in. "Alright then, you want a fight!? I'll-"

    "Enough!"

    Pushing their way out of the crowd of small Pokémon was a little blue frog with what almost seemed like a mane of white bubbles. Yellow eyes locked onto the Buneary. "Alice. I think you've outstayed your welcome here." He coldly said.

    The rabbit crossed her arms, "Aidan, here to throw in a bit of Poke here and there, so you can worm your way deeper to turn these guys into losers huh?"

    The Froakie didn't even react, "They don't want you screwing them over and no one wants you here. Move on."

    Alice took one step forward, only for the entire group of Pokémon to take one step back towards her. The Froakie, the Bulbasaur… literally everyone in that group was now staring the Buneary down.

    Sam could see her quiver, the rage threatening to burst free… but something seemed to hold it back. Still staring them down, Alice took one step back. "Grr… fine. But don't say I didn't warn you. And Adian, I know you are just some slimy toad. I'm watching you."

    "Get lost Alice." Aidan grunted, little white digits clenching.

    Turning on her foot, Alice stomped away from the group. Sam flinched as she shoved him aside, his own ears erect. "What the hell is your problem?" he hissed.

    The Buneary stopped, not even bothering to glance back as one ear relaxed. "I'm just trying to keep these idiots alive. You want to help them to an early grave? Be my guest."

    And with that, she marched out of the corridor and out of sight.

    "Damn Adian… thanks! I thought she was going to rip my bulb off!"

    Still frowning, Sam turned back to find everyone now gathering around the Froakie, his face now completely transformed to have a big goofy grin. "Well, I couldn't let that happen huh? I'd still take a few extra supplies on hand, just in case."

    "Yeah… well, I suppose we can cough up a little more Poke." The Bulbasaur seemed to deflate for a moment before perking back up again, "Anything I can do? Seriously after that, I feel like I owe you something."

    The Froakie raised on hand up to his chin, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Hmm… you managed to get your hands on some rare gummis right?"

    "Err…" the Bulbasaur blinked, "Kinda? I was kinda saving them for-"

    "No fear! Save some for yourself!" Aidan exclaimed, patting the side of the Bulbasaur, "But how about we all put some of the others on the house for all of us, eh?"

    Immediately the other Pokémon jumped to attention, their eyes widening as they cheered. The Bulbasaur hesitated for a moment, before finally letting out a hoarse laugh of their own. "Ha, I suppose a few gummis can't hurt. Come on folks!"

    Sam couldn't help but let out a little grin as the cheering Pokémon made their way back further into the building, following up behind the smiling Bulbasaur. Well, what do you know. A few little words and all is right with the world again.

    "Hey, not bad there."

    He swivelled back round to find Aidan looking at him, a little smile on his face. "Good work on distracting Alice, I was having a hard time getting through everyone. You know, cos of the frogs legs?" He stuck one 'hand' out, "Name's Aidan. I think you're the new Scorbunny right?"

    A little bit embarrassed, Sam shook the hand, "Yeah, it's Sam. How did you-"

    "Oh, a few people were talking about you the other night. Especially the butterfly dude, he couldn't shut up about it."

    "Jack?"

    "Yep."

    The Froakie rubbed his hands together, "So, you all settled in?"

    "Not quite… I was just waiting on Jack to get back-"

    "Oh, looking after that little squirt of his? Good kid that one." The Froakie's eyes widened, "Hey, the last guy who was in my room just moved out. You can crash with me if you want."

    Sam tilted his head with a frown, "You're sure? I mean, I just turned up out of nowhere."

    Aidan merely flashed a grin back, "Eh, we get people like that all time. If the Guildmaster let you walk, I think you're fine."

    "Well… sure thing then." The Scorbunny replied with a little flicker of a grin. "What about Jack though."

    "Oh, he'll track us down. He knows everyone in here anyway. Come on, I'll show you way!" Aidan hopped past and down the corridor, and once more Sam was scurrying to follow in behind him.

    Sorry this took so long, again, I was aiming for a shorter chapter but as it turns out this one soon got longer than I was planning on!
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