Chapter 10 – Departure

Boy…what a day yesterday was.

This was Arian’s prevailing thought as he sat with Zenobia at the kitchen table in Elvira’s house. The Treecko herself was preparing a healthy breakfast of porridge with a serving of berries.

It was the morning after Hinnerk had been toppled by them and Team Sandstream, and Arian sat at the kitchen table, in slight disbelief that the events yesterday transpired as they did. He would’ve thought it a dream, were it not for the aches and pains that told him otherwise.

And the day hadn’t ended with Hinnerk’s fall. There was still much to be done regarding the rest of the Thorned Roses, and that was to be sorted out once Melchior, Team Sandstream, Team Elpis, and the group of volunteers from Ozerograd Quay marched up to the main town.

Luckily for them, the news of Hinnerk and Mikhail’s defeat led to great fear and morale loss within the Thorned Roses, after the Zangoose had informed everyone of what had happened down at the old town. By the time the convoy reached the new town, most of the gang had either fled or surrendered immediately, especially upon seeing Melchior. There were a few stragglers, but they soon came to heel after being defeated by the Swampert and Team Sandstream. Team Elpis got in a few opponents to defeat as well. Once these dissidents had been rounded up, they were thrown in the jail cells along with Hinnerk and Mikhail.

The townsfolk were incredibly grateful for all of what the motley brigade did to remove the Thorned Roses from Ozerograd, and swarmed them with gifts and compliments. It took some time for the praise to relent, by which time the sun had begun to set. Elvira requested permission from Melchior for her and Arian to return home, which the Swampert gladly allowed.

“I’m not your superior yet,” he had joked. “You don’t have to ask permission for everything, with the position you’re in now.”

When they returned home, Zenobia greeted them warmly. Weary but triumphant, Arian and Elvira told her everything over a dinner cooked by the Treecko. By the end of it all, Zenobia was just as elated as the rest of the townsfolk that the Thorned Roses were gone, and was overflowing with praise for Team Elpis (a name she approved of, when Elvira told her they had solved that morning’s debate). The duo went straight to bed after dinner, content with their accomplishments that day.

Now it was the next morning, and the three were conversing over what had gone down yesterday.

“It’s hard to believe…” commented Zenobia. “To think, the Thorned Roses are gone, and Melchior is back…”

“I know. It feels like a dream,” Arian replied. “But that happened, alright.” He paused as he dug into some porridge.

“And it’s great that it did,” Elvira added. “I didn’t expect to see Melchior again. It’s been a long time. It never occurred to me that the Chief Lillian was talking about could’ve been him.”

“Same here,” the Riolu seconded. “…You know, not gonna lie…I totally thought the Chief was going to be your dad.”

“Really?” Elvira was surprised to hear this. “That’s what I thought too!” Her mood then dampened slightly. “I guess I raised my hopes too high, then…”

“…Oh.” Arian’s mood followed suit, realising the disappointment his partner probably felt.

“Cheer up, you two,” Zenobia encouraged. “Even if it isn’t Kallias, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a relief to see Melchior again. You always did think of him as an uncle of sorts.”

“An uncle?” Arian queried.

“Yes…sort of,” Elvira replied. “Melchior’s not my uncle by blood, of course. But he’s spent so long by Dad’s side that he’s nearly part of the family. He was always kindhearted, and always attended my hatchdays when Dad would come home to celebrate them. But whereas Dad was talkative and a cracker of jokes, Melchior was more calm and reserved. Dad said once he was glad he had him by his side, to keep him a bit more grounded.”

“He’s been a great friend to all of us,” Zenobia continued. “He was the best ‘mon when Kallias and I were married, and he’s been a great source of support all these years. We would all be worse off without him.”

“So a dependable ally, then,” Arian said. “…That’s good. We can never have too many of those.”

“…Mmm…” murmured Elvira, in a somewhat doubtful tone.

“Elvira?” Zenobia frowned, puzzled over her daughter’s change in mood. “…What’s this, all of a sudden?”

“It’s…to do with yesterday,” the Treecko sighed. “When we were down at the quay, I asked Melchior if he knew where Dad was. They went away together, after all. And given how close they were…surely he knows what happened to Dad. But for some reason, he struggled to give me an answer.”

“Really?” The Heliolisk’s brow furrowed.

“Mmhm. I didn’t bring it up last night because I didn’t want to bring down the mood,” Elvira explained. “I…I’m glad to see Melchior again. It’s a huge relief to see he’s still alive. But…” Her expression grew worried. “…I don’t want to believe it, but it’s almost like he’s hiding something about Dad’s disappearance. …Why? After being such a good friend to us…why would he hide the truth about Dad from us?”

“…Maybe he’s afraid to tell it,” Arian pointed out.

“Afraid to tell the truth?” Elvira said, turning to her partner. “Arian, what do you mean?”

“When you were pressing Melchior about your dad, I could feel some of his emotions,” the Riolu elaborated. “The two most prevalent ones I could feel were…fear and shame.”

“Fear and shame?” the Treecko repeated. “…But why? Why would Melchior feel that way?”

“Hmm…” Arian considered this. “…I’m not sure. I don’t know what exactly happened that would make Melchior feel this way. But…maybe that’s it. Maybe it’s the truth. When it comes to the truth about revealing what really happened to your missing partner’s daughter…can you blame him for feeling like that?”

“True,” agreed Zenobia. “Telling a truth like that is never an easy thing. Kallias has had to inform several people of the ultimate fate of loved ones of theirs. …He told me it’s the worst duty of a mercenary, to have to do that. In light of that, I can understand Melchior’s reluctance.”

“…But if that’s true, then that’s a truth he’s been sitting on for five years,” Elvira said. “Why didn’t he tell us in that time? Why must we be kept in suspense? I’ve had to deal with this for five whole years…!” Her voice grew emotional. “I have to know what happened to Dad! I have a right to know! Why is Melchior keeping the truth from me?!”

“Elvira!” Arian cried out, fearing his partner would burst into tears at any moment.

The Treecko heard her partner’s yell and realised she was getting worked up.

“…I’m sorry,” she apologised, the light sniffling afterwards implying she had indeed been close to tears. “It’s just…if anyone knows anything, it’s bound to be Melchior. I just couldn’t bear the thought that he could be keeping the truth from me…”

“…I don’t think he means it in a bad way,” Arian said. “I mean, there’d be huge red flags if Melchior was meaning to keep the truth from you. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to tell you. I think what it might be…is that he’s afraid of your potential reaction. Maybe he’s afraid that you might shun him if he tells the truth.”

“…You really think that?” Elvira said, cocking her head in what seemed like doubt.

“I think,” Arian emphasised. “Look, you know Melchior better than I do. Maybe what I’m saying is a load of crap. And I’m not saying that he’s right to keep the truth from you. Of course he should tell you. But y’know…I think we should understand things from his point of view. Also, he’s also our strongest ally, and we’re on a high note right now. If you are going to ask him that…maybe it should be when we’re out of town? I feel now might not be the best time to bring it up. I know how you feel about your dad, but…”

“…I see what you mean,” Elvira replied, though not entirely happy with this. “…I suppose I’ll go with it. But I will get an answer out of him. I need to know what happened to Dad.”

“…As do I,” murmured Zenobia. But before she could continue that line of thought, a knock sounded on the front door.

“It seems to be every morning these days,” the Heliolisk murmured. “Could one of you answer it?”

“I’ll get it,” Arian volunteered, and walked to the door. Opening it, he smiled warmly at the sight of a familiar face.

“Hey, Lillian!” he greeted.

“Hello, Arian,” the Sandslash returned. “I presume Elvira’s with you?”

“Yes, she is.” The Riolu turned his head. “Elvira! Lillian’s here!”

“Oh, she is?” Elvira happened to be walking up the hallway to the door. “Good morning, Lillian.”

“Good morning to you too, Elvira,” Lillian replied.

“So what’s on the cards today?” Arian asked.

“Well…the Chief sent me to fetch you two,” the Sandslash answered. “But there’s a bit more to it than yesterday. …You two obviously want to join the Irian Guild, right?”

“Of course! We’d love nothing more!” Arian eagerly responded, before parking his elation. “…Why? Can we not?”

“No no, of course you can!” Lillian quickly corrected, realising the potential confusion of her question. “It’s just…there’s a matter the Chief’s slightly concerned about regarding this.”

“And that would be…?”

Lillian looked around her, as if to check that no one was listening in, before giving her answer.

“The Chief would like you to travel to our guild’s secret location. But you see…it’s some way away from here. If you were to go there…it would mean staying there, and being separated from your mother. That’s what he’s worried about; he wanted to know if you would be alright with that.”

“Separated from Mom…” Elvira murmured, ruminating on this. Of course she wanted to join the Irian Guild; that was a given. But reality hit her that if she took up the offer, she probably wouldn’t see her home or her mother for a while. Did she want that…?

“Go, Elvira.”

“Hm?” The Treecko turned around to see Zenobia behind her. “Mom?”

“Don’t worry about me. It was always your dream to be a part of the Irian Guild. The opportunity’s before you. Take it, please,” the Heliolisk insisted. “Flora and Tamara can look after me, if I don’t look after myself. Besides…it’s not as if my broken leg will last forever. The time will fly, and in a few weeks, I’ll be better again. In the meantime, you follow your passion with Arian and be a mercenary.”

“Okay, Mom,” Elvira said, now more confident. “I will. But be safe. Even if the Thorned Roses are gone from town, that doesn’t mean danger isn’t around the corner.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be alright,” assured Zenobia. “I can’t do much with the way my leg is, anyway. I won’t get into any dangerous scrapes that I can’t handle.”

“I’ll miss you,” the Treecko said, before embracing her mother in a hug. “I’ll write to you. I don’t know how often, but…the Tropius Carriers are still running. I should be able to write letters.”

“Do that. We can keep in touch that way. But…if you are going to go into hiding, then we may indeed not see each other for a while. Keep yourself healthy, and don’t forget the morals your father taught you.”

“I won’t,” vowed Elvira, still clinging tight to her mother.

“Good. And Arian?” Zenobia’s words drew the Riolu’s attention. “…Look after Elvira, will you? Watch her as any mercenary partner would.”

“I will. You have nothing to worry about, Zenobia,” Arian pledged.

“…Excellent. Farewell, you two,” the Heliolisk wished. “May the Creator guide your sense of justice, and watch over you.”

“Goodbye, Mom,” Elvira returned.

“Goodbye, Zenobia,” Arian similarly responded, before adding, “Thanks for letting me stay in your home.”

“It was no trouble, Arian. Now go, and be the best mercenaries you can be.”

“We will!”

And with that, Team Elpis left the house, closing the door behind them.

“…Yes…please be safe, you two,” Zenobia said, as she went back to the living room. She looked again of that painting of her family, and her gaze drifted to Kallias.

“…Watch over them, my husband. I know you always wanted to see Elvira go out into the world. And now it’s finally happened. Our little girl has left home…”

---

“Your mom’s really nice,” Lillian complimented, as the trio walked down the road to Ozerograd. “You’re really lucky, Elvira. To have one of the biggest heroes in Ardalion for a father and a really nice mother…I’m jealous!”

“Well, you’re not so bad yourself, Lillian. Your parents are just as nice,” Elvira returned, remembering the kindness Caitríona and Conall showed them when they met.

“True. I guess we both got lucky. …A shame not everyone can,” she then added, slightly downcast.

“Mmm. I remember Dad telling me once that it’s one of the ways outlaws come to be,” Elvira recalled. “Bad parenting results in the fostering of a bad attitude among children that starts out as bullying on the school playground, and develops into vandalism, robbery, assault and other crimes as they become adults. It’s one of many theories developed by mercenaries and lawmakers when considering problems of delinquency and crime.”

“…Interesting,” Lillian commented. “I think that’s a good way to look at it. Some mercs say it’s a good thing we have outlaws, as they essentially give us a job. But that’s a load of raiméis. Mercs would still be a thing, with or without outlaws. And wouldn’t it be better if we didn’t have to fight outlaws? I’d feel sorry for anyone who grew up in bad circumstances. I wouldn’t be surprised if most of the Thorned Roses were like that.”

“…It’s sad when you really think deep into it,” Arian replied. “A lot of the time, it’s just them being dealt a bad hand in life. I don’t think criminality is something woven into them. Crime’s like a drug; they’ll do it once and become hooked on it. Then they do more, and more, and more…and can never get enough. Just like drugs. And then you end up with people like Hinnerk and Mikhail.”

“…Huh. I never thought of it like that,” the Sandslash said. “I suppose you’re right. But just like with addiction…they can kick the habit, if they have the will to.”

“That’s right,” Elvira concurred. “And we as mercs should help them become rehabilitated, if they can be redeemed. There are some like Hinnerk and Mikhail that have no hope. But not all outlaws are the same. Some have it in them to give up crime and live a normal life. …Maybe some of the Thorned Roses might realise the wrongs of what they’ve done and say goodbye to a life of crime,” she added, though in a somewhat doubtful tone.

“Hopefully. …Boy, we got a bit off topic there, didn’t we?” Lillian mused. “What were we talking about at the start?”

“Parents,” the Treecko said.

“Ah, of course.” Lillian’s gaze then fell upon Arian. “Arian, what about you? What about your…” She faded out the question at the end in realisation. “Oh, sorry. I forgot you had amnesia…”

That news had been imparted yesterday, when Arian explained to Melchior and Team Sandstream how he and Elvira formed a mercenary team together. As a part of his conversation, he revealed his amnesia, much to the surprise of those who heard his tale. However, there were civilians in earshot, and the Riolu wasn’t comfortable revealing that he was human, for fear of disbelief among them and his newfound allies.

“It’s fine,” Arian assured. “It’s not a big deal.”

“…But…aren’t you curious? Wouldn’t you want to know who your parents are?” Lillian queried further. “If I was in your shoes, I’d be going mad wanting to know that.”

“…Well…I would like to know one day,” the Riolu admitted. “But it’s not my biggest priority right now. I’d sooner rather get into being a mercenary and help people out than have half my mind focused on finding out who I am all the time. Maybe I’ll find out one day. But for now…we’ve got more important things ahead of us.”

“…Good point,” the Sandslash agreed. “…Maybe when you find downtime in your missions, you could use the time to start looking for clues about yourself.”

“…Maybe. But where to even start? I wouldn’t have the first clue where to begin looking…”

“Sorry to interrupt you, Arian,” Elvira intervened. “But we’re here.”

The outer walls of Ozerograd came into view. Thankfully, the circumstances were more favourable this time, and all three could comfortably walk through the gates without having to put on an act of capture like last time. Instead of Thorned Roses, two regular townsfolk stood guard, in place of knights that would normally be there. Two of them, a Furfrou and a Swoobat, smiled warmly at them.

“Hey, there’s our heroes of the hour!” called out the Furfrou. “Thanks for kicking those thugs out of town!”

“No problem!” Arian returned. “Just doing what’s right and just.”

“Good for you. You’re doing the Creator’s work, you mercs,” praised the Swoobat. “Come on in.”

“Much appreciated,” Elvira replied, as they passed through the gate and into town.

Compared to yesterday, the atmosphere was far more amicable. The dark, foreboding feeling of the day before had been replaced by a much more jovial and celebratory atmosphere. And instead of the sight of people being evicted like yesterday, there were people happily waving at the trio from their homes, which they moved back into following the flight of the Thorned Roses. Unfortunately, some homes had been ransacked, and a number of valuables had been pilfered as the rogues made their getaway. It was regrettable, but at least the townsfolk still had a roof over their heads.

Eventually, the three reached the main square, where a number of townsfolk were gathered. As they got closer, Arian realised he recognised a number of them.

“There they are!” called out Flora.

“Arian! Elvira!” Tamara said.

“Hello, you two.” Elvira smiled at them. “How are you doing?”

“Pretty good!” The Pachirisu beamed. “Better than yesterday, at any rate.”

“You can say that again…” murmured Flora. “Those Thorned Roses left a right mess in our shop. A lot of our bouquets are ruined. So…that’s annoying.”

“Oh. That’s…not good,” Arian lamented.

“Could be worse. That’s what Mom and Dad keep saying, anyway,” the Petilil muttered, with a light pout. “Still…petals are such a pain to clean up…” She was about to continue, but a peppy voice cut her off.

“Look, Daddy! It’s them!”

“That voice…” Arian, looking over, saw Iona coming over to them, and eagerly gesturing pointing them out to Rosa and an unfamiliar Whimsicott.

“Hello, Iona,” Elvira greeted.

“Hi, Elvira and Arian!” the Flabébé cheerily said back. “Daddy, these nice people saved me when I was lost in the Meadow!”

“So you two saved my daughter…” A smile crossed the Whimsicott’s face. “Thank you both, for helping her when I couldn’t.”

“You’re…Iona’s dad?” Arian asked. “But wait. Weren’t you…?”

“Kidnapped by those thugs?” the Whimsicott finished. “…Yes.” A dark look came into his eyes. “They accosted me a few weeks ago and threw me into the town jail because I couldn’t pay the rent. I was frightened, because I’d heard what that Seviper was saying about being sacrificed…But thankfully you kicked those Thorned Roses out of town before anything could happened. You and those other kids, led by Mud Bomber Melchior…”

As if on cue, the Swamper himself showed up onto the scene. Flanking him were Ishmael and Axel.

“Oi! They’ve come!” Ishmael called. “Y’alright, mates, after that scrap?”

“Couldn’t be better,” Arian replied.

“Yes…” Elvira certainly felt a lot better. With the Thorned Roses out of town, it was like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. A genuinely good feeling had come over her – something that had been few and far between in the last five years.

“That’s certainly good to hear.” Team Elpis drew their attention to Melchior. “I’m glad you’re doing well after yesterday.”

“It feels strange,” Elvira murmured. “It’s been ages since I’ve been able to walk through the town without a single Thorned Rose glaring a hole into me.”

“It’s great, is what it is!” Tamara piped up. “And we couldn’t have done it without you!”

“Yeah!” Iona seconded. “Three cheers for Arian and Elvira!”

Cheering and applause went up amongst the crowd. Team Elpis, taking in the acclamation, felt a bit overwhelmed by it all.

But one feeling lasted among both of them.

It was good to help these people, to free them of their suffering. Now they don’t have the Thorned Roses stomping over their lives anymore.

“I still can’t believe that you two managed to defeat Hinnerk,” Flora added, once the cheers died down a bit. “To think, all it took was two rookie mercs like you…”

“That’s not true,” Elvira denied. “We could never won without the help of Team Sandstream. There’s no way we could’ve won without their help.” She nodded to the Ground-type trio in acknowledgment.

“And if Melchior wasn’t there, then we wouldn’t be here either,” Tamara added, pointing to her and Flora. “If he wasn’t hiding down at the quay, we would have been killed. …Thank goodness he was there. Thanks so, so much,” she professed to the Swampert.

“Don’t mention it,” Melchior replied. “Your safety is all that matters to me.”

“Ah…so this is the great humbleness that Team Marshwood are renowned for,” commented a nearby Persian. “Kind gentlemen to all they meet – barring outlaws, of course,” he added with a slight snicker.

“Yeah…Bit of a shame Fernblade Kallias isn’t here,” another townsperson, a Leafeon, added. “…Oh well. Even one half of Team Marshwood is more than welcome help. And besides, Kallias’ daughter’s here. That’s something, at least.”

Arian suddenly realised where this conversation could head. Knowing how Elvira felt about being mentioned in the same breath as her father, he attempted to change the subject.

“So…Melchior,” he asked. “What’s all this about…you know…what you want from us?” He would’ve stated the reason explicitly, but the horde of townsfolk reminded him of their need to keep their operations covert, and so he changed tact mid-sentence.

“Ah, yes, of course,” the Swampert began. “Your efforts yesterday were exemplary. They more than showed your capability as a team, in both teamwork and fighting skill. While both are still in their youth and not fully developed, I believe that with refinement, your skill could be enhanced and your potential could be unlocked. You’d be vital allies to have by our side.”

“We’re glad to hear it, Melchior,” Elvira replied. “But…what does this have to do with what Lillian told us earlier?”

“I’m getting to that. Team Sandstream is but one of a few teams I have managed to recruit for my cause. I want you two to join the rest of them. This success here in Ozerograd…it’s a great victory. But we must not rest on our laurels.”

“Yes,” said Elvira in agreement. “This victory here could easily be overturned by Mitrofan bringing his own forces in to take over, and then we would be back to square one. We have to make it mean something,” she added, remembering what Ishmael had said down at the quay yesterday.

“So…where are the rest of the teams you’ve recruited?” asked Arian.

“Well, about that,” the Swampert began. “I would tell you the location here, but…”

“Confidentiality,” Arian interjected in understanding.

“Yes. Confidentiality,” Melchior confirmed. “My humblest of apologies to you all,” he said to the nearby townsfolk. “Please understand. The fewer that know, the better.”

“We get ya, Melchior,” replied a Crawdaunt, the same one from the day before. “It wouldn’t be good if Ol’ Mitt found out. Words have a way of travelin’, so to speak. But if he comes knockin’ here, let me tell ya, he’s got another thin’ comin’!”

“…You have determination, Egon. But don’t let it get to your head,” the Swampert advised. “You and the other volunteers need to remain vigilant on other matters, like seeing to Hinnerk and the other Thorned Roses who are locked up.”

“…I’d be tempted to starve ’em to death for all they did to us,” Egon muttered. “…But we’ll do it. We’ll see to it those snakes don’t escape. I’d bet a thousand Poké they’re thinkin’ up somethin’ to get outta there.”

“…In case they do, I’ll remain here for the next few days. Most likely a week, at most,” Melchior declared. “There’s still some more matters to investigate in town. While I stay here, I would like Team Elpis to travel to the Guild’s current headquarters. As for its exact location…you’ll be escorted there by Team Sandstream. They know where it is.”

“Us? …Okay. Sure thing, Chief,” Axel obliged.

“Great!” Lillian responded eagerly. “We’d be all too happy to, Chief. I’d love to show them around the Guild.”

“Don’t worry, Chief. We’ll get ’em there safe as ‘ouses,” Ishmael vowed. “We’ll do it, or my name ain’t Ishmael of Team Sandstream!”

“Thank you very much, you three,” Melchior complimented. “Now then…I believe that’s it.”

“Actually…there is something,” Elvira brought up. “Melchior…can we talk? Alone?”

From the tone of her voice, the Swampert knew immediately what she wanted to speak to him about. A sigh escaped him.

“…I’ll have an answer when I return to the Guild. I promise you, Elvira; I will not put it off any longer than that.”

Elvira considered his offer. “…Okay. But…please. Please have an answer by then.”

“…I will. I swear on my rank as Grandmaster.”

“Eh? ‘S all this about?” asked Ishmael, confused by the exchange.

“It’s…a private matter between them,” Arian decided to say. “For Elvira’s sake, I’d rather not say what it’s about.”

“I was just about to ask that,” Axel lightly grumbled.

“Well, you heard him. Let’s not bring it up,” Lillian said. “It’s between them, not us.”

“So…anyway. Will we go? Elvira?” Arian checked with the latter two. “Is everyone ready?”

“…We have to go get items first,” Elvira said, after a quick look in their bag. “We’ll stop by Conall and Caitríona’s before we head out. Then we’ll leave town.”

“Come on. We’ll bring ya there,” Ishmael offered. “Gotta fill ’em in on what we’re doin’, anyways.”

“…I guess we’ll be off, then,” Lillian said. “We’ll see you whenever you come back, Chief.”

“I’ll see you then. Good luck!” wished Melchior, as the group of five walked down the street that led to the merchants’ quarter.

Once they left, he turned back to Egon and the volunteers by the Crawdaunt’s side.

“Well, there’s more to be done. The town’s still a long way from being cleaned of the Thorned Roses’ influence,” Melchior said to them. “Meanwhile, I’ll keep digging about those missing people that Team Sandstream were investigating.”

“…As much as I hate to say it, Melchior…” Iona’s father brought up. He paused, whispering something to his wife, before she and Iona disappeared into the crowd. “I think it’s a waste of time lookin’ for older folks. There’s me and the recent crowd thrown in, but the older lot…I think they’re long gone by this stage.”

“…I am aware of that.” That was a growing possibility Melchior was reluctant to admit. “But that’s not the most pressing question. What I want to know is…

“What happened to them to make them disappear as they did? Whatever did the Thorned Roses do?”

---

“So that’s everything, is it?” Arian double-checked, as the fivesome stood in front of Ozerograd’s northern gate. “We got our items, we said goodbye to Zenobia, you all said goodbye to Caitríona and Conall…Is that everything?”

“I believe it is,” Lillian answered.

“Right, then. Let’s not waste time dilly-dallyin’ ‘ere,” Ishmael declared. “Let’s go.”

And so the two teams walked out of Ozerograd and into the Selenian countryside, along that same road to the old town that Arian, Elvira and Lillian had travelled the day before. The scene was much the same as the day before; the weather was bright and sunny, Lake Lazurny shone a bright azure, and it was a warm day with little to no chance of rain.

…Maybe that last one isn’t such a good thing, Arian thought, inwardly grimacing as he was reminded of what Elvira said to him in Cyan Cove. It’s not a good idea to dwell on such thoughts. …Hmm. Maybe a change in subject would be nice.

“So where exactly is the Guild’s secret location?” he asked Team Sandstream. “We’re out in the open, and I don’t think there’s anyone around that can listen in.”

“Hmm…” Ishmael looked around them. Trees dotted either side of the road as they approached the crossroads to the old town. “Let’s just get past this part, then I’ll tell ya.”

They did so, travelling the road to Iria, as indicated by the signpost at the crossroads. Past this point, the treescape continued for a short while, before eventually, it gave way to grassy plains and rolling hills, of which a single defining road weaved through them.

“Okay…now’s a good time,” the Krokorok determined, after searching the surrounding area. “It’s in Kamengrad.”

“Kamengrad?” Arian tilted his head. “Where’s that?”

“It’s a town to the northeast of here,” Elvira explained. “It’s the main settlement in the Karstlands. …Which is a fairly rural region of Selenia filled with karst, limestone rock. It’s quite a sight, and quite a unique area not just in Selenia, but in all of Ardalion. There are flora completely exclusive to the Karstlands, unusual rock formations, and even more subterranean features. I’ve been there a few times. It’s a nice place.”

“Sounds interesting,” the Riolu commented.

“It’s a geologist’s wet dream, is what it is,” Ishmael opinionated. “If yer interested in rocks, there ain’t nowhere better in Ardalion to study ’em. There’s an info centre and everythin’ about erosion and perm…perm…shit, what’s it called again? When water passes through somefin’. Whatever that’s called.”

“Permeability?” Elvira guessed.

“Yeah, that,” the Krokorok confirmed. “…Must’ve done yer ‘omework when ya were in school, didja?”

“Er, yes?” the Treecko replied. “…That wouldn’t be a problem, would it?” A slight tone of defence entered her voice.

“Oi, I ain’t teasin’ ya!” assured Ishmael. “Just curious, is all. Sure wasn’t like that when I was a tyke…”

“Yeah, I remember,” Lillian added, with a chuckle. “You and Axel would always fall asleep when we were being taught. Unless it was about the dynamics of battle, you boys really couldn’t give a damn about anything being taught to you. And when you didn’t sleep, you were among the worst behaved in the class.”

“That’s because our tutors were so boring!” Axel complained. “I don’t know how you could stay sane while they rambled on about maths or grammar or any of that boring stuff! Can you blame us for getting up to mischief?”

“‘Sides, it wasn’t like we laid a finger on anyone,” defended Ishmael. “Our pranks were ‘armless. It’s not like we bullied no one. We ‘ave standards, y’know!”

“Standards, eh?” Lillian said. “…And that includes punting a spitball at the archdruid?”

“Wait, what? Spitballed the archdruid?” Arian double-checked, in slight bemusement at what he was hearing.

“…W-We’ve learned since then,” Axel murmured, in what sounded like shame at an old memory.

“Yeah…Learn from yer mistakes, innit?” Ishmael was quick to add. “We were stupid, we learned, and Ol’ ‘Mon Ran forgave us. ‘E did ‘is job. Good on ‘im! And good on us for learnin’.”

“…Come on. Don’t leave out parts for Arian and Elvira,” chastised Lillian. “Like when, for that, you two had to do a month’s worth of chores for that.”

“Oh no, please don’t tell them that, Lillian!” begged Axel.

“Oh? But Arian and Elvira would be so interested in hearing about it…wouldn’t you two?” the Sandslash asked Team Elpis.

“Er…hmm,” Arian considered. On the one hand, a tale to pass the time while they travelled would be nice. But on the other, the pleading look on the Gligar’s face and a similar expression on Ishmael’s made him reconsider. It’s just a story about their past life, he thought. It’s not like I’m dying to hear it.

“…Maybe another time,” he answered, to mixed reactions.

“…Phew. Thanks, Arian,” a relieved Axel praised.

“Spoilsport,” pouted Lillian. “Hey, Elvira, what about you? Don’t you want to hear about these two getting punished?”

“I…think I’ll side with Arian on this one,” Elvira answered. “Better to not create divisions between us and our new allies.”

“Good on ya,” praised Ishmael, before turning to his partner. “Y’know, I like ya a lot, Lill, but…yer as bad as yer mum sometimes when it comes to sharin’ embarrassin’ stories…”

“Like mother, like daughter,” the Sandslash said proudly, getting over her prior disappointment. “The other villagers did always say I was exactly like her when she was young. And they said the same about you two.”

“Yep…sure got that a lot,” murmured Ishmael, with similar mumblings of agreement from Axel.

Arian was admittedly a bit curious about the mention of ‘villagers’, and wanted to ask further about their past. However, this line of thought was halted when Elvira did.

“Here we are.”

“‘Here we are’?” The Riolu looked ahead of him. For a second, he thought they had arrived in Kamengrad. But as he gazed at the scene before him, he suddenly realised what he was looking at.

“A Mystery Dungeon?”

That, it seemed to be. The same opaqueness in the entrance, as seen with the previous three dungeons he’d been in, was present. But this time, given it was in broad daylight and shaded by trees or a cave’s darkness, it was far more obvious on this occasion.

“It is,” Elvira confirmed. “Rolling Hills. A Mystery Dungeon that lies on the road to Iria and Kamengrad.”

“Let’s not dawdle,” Ishmael said. “Let’s ‘ead in. The sooner we get to Kamengrad, the better.”

“Got it, Ish,” Axel obliged.

And with that, the two teams headed in.

---

Rolling Hills

1F

Once more, Arian found himself in the enigmatic labyrinth of a Mystery Dungeon. At least it’s getting familiar by now, he thought to himself. This is, what, my fourth one?

“Okay, time to find those stairs,” Ishmael began. “It’s a big room, this ‘un. Let’s explore each exit, and mark the ones we’ve been to. And the two of ya’ll be in front explorin’ each room.”

“Us?” Arian asked.

“Yeah. After all, the two of ya need the experience of searchin’ Dungeons,” elaborated the crocodile. “We’ve been through plenty of ’em, but yer still startin’ out.”

“Don’t worry, though. We’ll help you out whenever you need it,” Lillian reassured.

“You probably won’t need our help, though,” Axel added. “If I’m gonna be honest, this Dungeon’s not that hard. You’d probably be just fine going through it on your own.”

“Yeah, we’ve been through ‘ere plenty of times,” Ishmael elaborated. “The wild Pokémon are easy stuff for us. Ya’d be just fine. But we’ll help ya out if yer ‘avin’ trouble.”

“Good to know you have our backs,” Elvira said gratefully. “Thanks very much.”

“No problem,” Lillian replied. “Now then…which path?”

“That one,” elected Arian, picking the path nearest to them.

“Alright then.” The Sandslash was at the back of the cavalcade, and on the path they were going down, she marked an X with her claws where the corridor began. “Okay. On we go. Lead the way, Arian.”

The Riolu did just that. It wasn’t long before the path ended in a T-junction. Arian suggested going right, and so they did.

They encountered a Gloom. Arian readied a Metal Claw, and struck the Weed Pokémon. Unfortunately, the attack didn’t do as much as the Riolu hoped.

“Arian? Leave this one to me,” Axel, who was behind Elvira, requested. Team Elpis obliged, wondering what the bat was going to do.

Arian was quite surprised, therefore, when Axel unleashed a duo of diagonal slashes on the took the Grass-type down in very little time.

“There,” the Gligar said. “Aerial Ace saves us once again.”

“Aerial Ace? …That was the move you used, right?” Arian checked.

“Yep. We bought a TM for it a while back, and it’s been an asset to me ever since,” Axel elaborated.

“A TM? …What’s that?” the Riolu wondered.

“…Oh right. Amnesia,” the Gligar reminded himself, as they continued down the corridor. “TMs stand for Technical Machines. They’re discs on which certain moves are stored, like Aerial Ace. You can get more diverse moves through them rather than just the moves you learn through getting stronger.”

“I…see,” Arian said.

They stopped the conversation briefly as they came to another room. A quick scan of it revealed no stairs. The path ahead of them was where Arian chose to go. As she did before, Lillian marked an X at the room’s exit.

“You can sometimes find TMs in Mystery Dungeons,” Elvira went on to say, as the trio continued down their chosen path. “Some merchants base their whole business around selling TMs, and make quite a profit. …Do Caitríona and Conall sell them?”

“They do, if they find one,” Lillian replied. “They sell for a good price. …But on the flip side, that does mean rookie teams will have to save up a bit before they can comfortably buy them. So keep that in mind before you go splashing out if you see any. They’re not unaffordable, but…they can be pricey, especially the more powerful moves.”

“…Okay. Got it,” Arian replied.

They travelled on a bit more. A few ferals got in their way, namely a Weepinbell, a Combee and a Stufful, but with the help of Team Sandstream, Team Elpis was easily able to dispatch them. All the while, Arian was learning new things about the Pokémon he faced thanks to advice and information from his two partners. Be wary of Weepinbell’s ability to inflict status conditions, male Combee couldn’t evolve, and physical attacks weren’t optimal against Stufful due to their Fluffy fur. They were fortunate to have the trio by their side, who knocked out the ferals with relative ease when Arian and Elvira struggled on their lonesome.

Eventually, they came to another room. And in it was the one thing they were looking for.

“The stairs!” cried Arian. “…Will we go up?”

“Yep. Ain’t nothin’ interestin’ on this floor, least from our lookin’ around,” the Krokorok summarised. “Come on. Let’s go.”

And so the quintet ascended the stairs.

---

Rolling Hills

4F

The two teams continued their way through Rolling Hills. As they did, Arian and Elvira could both see the experience Team Sandstream had at dealing with Dungeons and when fighting ferals, at least in this particular Dungeon. They seemed to know their type advantages well, and dealt with the wild Pokémon efficiently. While it couldn’t be called the skill of hardened veterans, they had evidently been in the mercenary business for some time to know their stuff.

Not to mention, they were amicable, and shared their findings with Team Elpis, allowing them possession of some of the money and items on the floor. They were also quick to offer advice and aid whenever Arian or Elvira made a mistake.

This was the case on the fourth floor when Arian got a face full of Sleep Powder from a wild Morelull and fell right to the ground. While Axel made quick work of it with Aerial Ace, Ishmael took to giving the Riolu a Chesto Berry, and the problem was rectified in no time at all.

“…Nnngh…What time is it…?” Arian mumbled sleepily as he woke up.

“A time when ya shouldn’t be snorin’ like a wild Grumpig,” Ishmael replied. “Get up, mate.”

“Snoring?! I do not snore!” the Riolu protested, now wide awake and infuriated by the Krokorok’s dig at him.

“…Sure ya weren’t.”

“I don’t snore! You’re having me on!”

“…Okay, okay, ya got me. Just messin’ with ya,” the sand crocodile snickered, ruffling Arian’s fur on his head and withdrawing his hand when the latter growled at him, having gotten to his feet. “Sheesh, ya ain’t a Grumpig. Like a Mightyena when yer riled up.”

“…I’ll…probably get what you mean at some point,” Arian said, still unsure about the exact species Ishmael was referring to. As well as that, he was still cross at the Krokorok, and remained that way for the rest of the floor.

“…That’s why it’s always good to have berries on hand for this kind of scenario,” Lillian went on, choosing to gloss over the squabble between Ishmael and Arian. “Status conditions are a menace, and really hinder your ability to fight. Just take your fight with Hinnerk as an example. If he wasn’t paralysed, he might’ve been able to make a comeback. But he was, and so he lost. Keep in mind, though…that the same could be true for you two. Being poisoned or paralysed or burned can be the decider between victory and defeat.”

“…I understand,” Elvira replied, recalling a similar lesson from her father when she was younger.

“Me too,” Arian seconded, as they walked on, with the continued tactic of him taking up the lead.

“…Ah! There’s the exit!” Ishmael said triumphantly as the group strolled into another room. “Let’s go up. No point hangin’ ’round this floor any longer. Come on, I wanna get movin’.”

“Well, let’s not delay, then,” Lillian agreed, as the group headed up the steps.

---

Rolling Hills

Rest Floor

Arian was quite surprised at the sight that greeted him. Instead of the labyrinthine layout that would normally greet them as they climbed the final stair of a floor, he was greeted with somewhere very different to what he was expecting.

“…Are we out of the Dungeon?” he asked, looking around him. The area looked normal – no sign of any maze-like structure to it. Instead, ahead of him lay what looked like a well-travelled path – or rather, two of them. A divergence to the path lay ahead, with two distinct paths creating a Y-junction. Where the path split, a signpost lay, along with…something that made Arian blink as he tried to assess what it was.

Is that…a statue?

“No,” Axel answered. “We’re on what’s known as a rest floor. …It’s what it is; a place to rest and gather your bearings after a Mystery Dungeon that can make your head spin. There’s no ferals here or anything; you can rest easy on this floor.”

“Good. Because I could use one,” Elvira brought up. “Can we take a rest? Even just a short one…”

“‘Course!” permitted Ishmael. “Yer still gettin’ into dungeon delvin’. Better take yer chance here ‘fore we press on. ‘Sides, we got some stuff to store, so we’ll do that while you lot take a breather.”

The Krokorok walked over to the peculiar statue that Arian noticed. Now that he had a closer look at it, he realised it depicted a large, bipedal creature with what looked to be a pouch at its stomach area. Curiously, Ishmael then put a few items into the pouch area, before turning back to the group.

“Ishmael?” Arian could not contain his interest. “What did you do with that statue over there?”

“Oh, that? It’s a Kangaskhan Rock,” the crocodile replied. “Ya find them in rest areas like this ‘un. It’s where ya store items ya find in Dungeons that ya don’t really need. They’re moved into storage, where ya can get ’em again from Kangaskhan’s. That’s a shop that’s everywhere, so yer stuff’s safe with ’em, and ya’ll find it in most places.”

“…Um, what?” To call Arian confused would be an understatement. “I’m sorry, but…you might have to break that down for me.”

“…Tell ya what. Try it out for yerself,” suggested Ishmael. “Ya got items on ya?”

“…Yes.” The Riolu held up his team’s bag as proof.

“Go over there and store somefin’.”

“…Okay,” Arian obliged, getting up and walking over to the statue. It was huge, more than seven feet tall, and towered over him. What did Ishmael call it? A…Kangaskhan Rock? Is that what it’s a statue of, then? A Pokémon called Kangaskhan? Luckily, the pouch part of the statue was low enough for him to put items into. Looking into the bag, he searched for something they didn’t need.

Hmm…maybe this oran berry? …We have a few. We can part ways with one. He took the berry out of the bag and placed it in the statue’s pouch.

“…Nothing’s happening,” he remarked, after a few seconds.

“Walk away and come back to it later,” Axel told him. “It’ll probably shock you.”

“Oi, El,” Ishmael then asked Elvira. “Does it get tirin’, teachin’ ‘im ’bout simple shit like that?”

“…Hm? Oh, erm…no, I wouldn’t say that,” the Treecko replied. “We all have to learn how to be a mercenary, and we all have to learn about things like Mystery Dungeons and the Kangaskhan Rocks. I’d argue that Arian’s questions aren’t too much different from the average beginner mercenary. I’m still learning things myself, even though Dad did teach me a few basics when he was still around.” She then passed a water canteen to Arian, who sat down beside her and took a swig of the refreshing liquid.

“Still…must be a pain, losin’ yer memories like that,” sympathised Ishmael. “Innit, Arry?”

“…A bit. All this stuff is so strange…” Arian answered. “Even if I didn’t have amnesia, I’d probably still be asking questions left and right. It’s…so foreign to me.”

“…Poor thing…” murmured Lillian pityingly.

“But that’s why I’m so grateful to all of you for helping me become accustomed to everything,” Arian thanked. “Without you all, it would be a lot harder getting used to all this. Thank you all, really.”

“Hey, no problem! We’re happy to help!” Axel responded. “That’s what being a mercenary’s all about!”

“‘Sides, yer friends and workmates. We wouldn’t leave ya hangin’, would we? It’d go against everythin’ my folks taught me,” Ishmael added, before getting up from where he was sitting. “…Right, I think it’s time to get movin’ again. Ya need more time, or…?”

“No, we’re ready,” Elvira said, following suit. Arian did the same, followed by Axel and Lillian, and the quintet resumed their journey to Kamengrad.

But as they began their walk, Arian was suddenly reminded of something.

“Oh yeah! The rock!” he recalled. He walked up to the statue’s pouch, only to be stupefied by what he saw.

“The oran berry! …Where did it go?”

“…Knew ya’d be like that,” Ishmael chuckled at the human’s bewilderment. “It ain’t gone, mate. It’s been put into storage, is what’s ‘appened to it.”

“Put into storage…?”

“Yes,” Lillian confirmed. “You’ll be able to get it later, at Kangaskhan Storage in Kamengrad. I know it sounds unbelievable…but it’s true.”

“…I’ll take your word for it. If it is…that’s amazing, that this rock is able to do just that…”

“Anyway…to get to Kamengrad, we’re takin’ this path,” Ishmael directed, pointing to the right path. Now that they were closer to the signpost, Arian could see why.

← Iria

→ Kamengrad

…On we go, then.

---

Rolling Hills – Eastern Path

7F

And so Teams Elpis and Sandstream progressed through the second half of Rolling Hills. Following on from the previous floors, the group of five stayed together, and were able to make quick work of the ferals there, which adding to Stufful, Morelull, Gloom, Weepinbell and Combee, were also Ledian, Furret, Audino and Pineco. Arian found that he was typically favoured for any Normal-types, and did a good job at using his Force Palm to dispatch them. At least I can show them the Hinnerk fight wasn’t a fluke, he thought.

It was beneficial for him, too, as he was getting more in tune with using his moves. Throughout the Dungeon, following advice from Elvira and Team Sandstream, he made sure to diversify his move usage, so as to hone Metal Claw and Quick Attack and not rely on Force Palm all the time.

He also got to try out a blast seed on a wild Ledian, loaned to him from Team Sandstream’s inventory. It was quite an experience, biting into the seed, feeling the fiery hotness of the seed heat up and expelling flames from his mouth like a Charizard. The Riolu had a good giggle after that.

“That was fun!” he laughed. “I want to do it again! Do you have any more?”

“…Nope, sorry,” apologised Ishmael, after a quick examination of their bag. “Yer gonna ‘ave to wait.”

“…Bummer.” Arian’s disappointment was evident.

“You’ll get your chance,” Lillian assured. “Blast seeds are plentiful, and they sell cheaply as well.”

“Really? …Well. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for them.”

“Heh,” Ishmael chuckled. “Better watch out, El. Ya mighta just found a pyromaniac as yer partner.”

“A pyromaniac that isn’t a Fire-type? …Sounds difficult to imagine,” Elvira remarked. “But I don’t think Arian’s like that. He’ll probably get used to them over time. …It is certainly an experience, alright, especially if you don’t know what blast seeds are…”

The floors were scoured for the stairs, and many items found their way into both teams’ bags. Money, berries…and to Arian’s delight, a blast seed on the seventh floor, which he promptly used on a wild Gloom. The Grass-type stood little chance against that, and a Bite from Ishmael finished it off.

“Don’t go using those too often,” Axel warned. “You might need one in a pinch.”

“Okay, okay, I get your point,” Arian assured. “I won’t overuse those. I promise.”

“…If you say so…”

The rest of the floor yielded no difficult challenges for the group. Arian was paralysed by a Weepinbell’s Stun Spore at one point, but a cheri berry Elvira had picked up earlier saw that problem taken care of relatively quickly.

Before long, the group found the stairs, in a room south to where the prior incident occurred.

“There it is,” Axel said. “Finally, we’re finished with this place.”

“Oh, this is the final floor?” Arian asked.

“Yes. Kamengrad lies just beyond here,” Lillian informed.

“Great. …One step closer to the finish line,” the Riolu replied. Relief came over him at the thought of finally belonging to the Guild. Now Elvira’s goal – and more recently, his, too – would be realised.

Well, Irian Guild…here we come. I hope you’re ready for us.

---

Meanwhile…

Some distance away from the rural towns of Ozerograd and Kamengrad, stood the main centre of Selenia. The tsardom’s capital city, Iria, stood proud and tall on top in a prime defensive position near the coast. It began as a fortification five hundred years ago against attackers, and developed into a major centre that would become Selenia’s capital.

Iria Castle was a distinctive part of the city, visible from most parts of Iria. Since the city’s founding, it had been the central Selenian government’s location, and all manner of laws, statutes, amendments, legislation and acts were passed and repealed within its walls. Within the castle, many a ruler was born, raised and taught.

And even when the trend was bucked in more recent years…the position of Iria Castle as the centre of government and the leader’s home remained.

Right now, a servant was making his way to the throne room. He was a Marowak, though a more uncommon variant that was black and had a dark pattern on its skull. He carried the signature bone possessed by most of his own kind. But as well as that, he carried with him a scroll of paper – specifically, a report to inform his leader of.

He entered a hallway that lay before the throne room. In this room lay a number of paintings. Each depicted a past tsar of Selenia, and below each painting was a plaque dedicated to each tsar and the years they ruled for. These varied – some had lengthy reigns, while some reigns were nipped in the bud before they could get going. The species of the leaders were also diverse – few specific species were favoured, and consistency in this regard didn’t last for long throughout the years.

Notably though, there was one detail missing. The second last picture, prior to the throne room’s entrance and before the current leader’s portrait, was absent. A blank wall lay where it should have been, and no plaque lay below it either.

The Marowak was unbothered by this, evidently used to the sight. Guards who stood in front of the throne room parted to allow him entry. The Ghost/Fire-type knocked on the door of the throne room.

“Enter!” called a voice from within. With entry granted, the Marowak opened the doors, and walked into the throne room.

The throne room was where the Marowak’s leader currently was, sitting on the red-and-black throne in the room as his predecessors once did. He was an intimidating figure; a huge, Steel-type Pokémon with black and grey armour plating, and two spiked horns atop his armoured head. Sharp claws and fangs were visible, and a thick, black tail swung behind him in expectation of the news his servant was to inform him of. Along with that, his armour had a fair few gouges and scars, implying that he had been in his fair share of scraps.

He was an Aggron. A certain Aggron that had become infamous among the Selenian populace once his name was brought up.

Art by HelloYellow17.

“Master Mitrofan. I bring news,” the Marowak spoke.

“Speak, Nikita,” commanded Mitrofan. “What news do you bring me?”

“…Unfortunately, I do not bring you good news, Master,” Nikita replied. “I have a report from Ozerograd regarding events that happened there yesterday.”

“Ozerograd?” the Aggron inquired with a furrowed brow, feeling as though he knew the answer to the question already.

“…Hinnerk’s been defeated, and the Thorned Roses have dispersed,” the Marowak informed, reading from the scroll he carried.

“So it’s finally happened.” Mitrofan curled his fist “…Tch. Hinnerk was always arrogant and full of hubris. The likes of him have no place in a lordly position like he was. He belongs in hell’s inner circles, that brute,” he growled. “What became of him?”

“…Regarding that, my master,” Nikita continued. “Hinnerk isn’t dead. Rather, he’s been imprisoned and locked up in the town’s jail, along with other captured members of the Thorned Roses.”

“I beg your pardon? Captured?” The Aggron sounded shocked to hear this. “How foolish! Do the townsfolk really believe they can restrain him? He’s a dastardly criminal who’ll easily find a way to escape! If he can escape the confines of the Irian dungeons, then a town jail would be child’s play for the likes of him! What motive would they have, anyway? He subjugated them for five years! And yet now they baulk?”

“There’s a good reason for that,” Nikita responded. “The townsfolk were not behind this. If left to their own devices, they would no doubt have had him murdered. But the influence of another had a hand in this.”

“Well, spit it out! Who was it?”

“It sounds unbelievable, but…” The Marowak took a breath, knowing that this would be monumental news to his master.

“…Mud Bomber Melchior has returned.”

“…Melchior?” If Mitrofan wasn’t focused before, he most certainly was now. The mention of the Swampert’s name made him sit bolt upright with rapt attention.

“Indeed, Master Mitrofan.”

“…So Melchior was the one behind it all, then…” Mitrofan contemplated. “…Unsurprising. Given their history, he’d be all too happy to defeat an old enemy again and liberate Ozerograd from his control. And in line with the mercenary’s creed, he would never kill unless in self-defence. …But how strange. Melchior only? No Kallias?”

“No, Master. It was only Melchior that appeared in Ozerograd. Fernblade Kallias’s whereabouts are still unknown. …But about Melchior, Master,” Nikita continued, looking down at the report once again. “The report here claimed that Melchior himself did not defeat Hinnerk. It was in fact a group of self-proclaimed mercenaries influenced by him that brought Hinnerk to his knees. A group of five, to be exact.”

“Mercenaries?” The word drew the Aggron’s attention. “…Was any info amassed on them?”

“…Some information, yes,” confirmed the Marowak. “Three of them were apparently part of a group Melchior sent to infiltrate the Thorned Roses. A Krokorok, a Gligar, and a Sandslash. Looking into it…I think it’s highly plausible that’s the same Team Sandstream that applied to the Guild not long before…the events of five years ago occurred,” he finished, choosing his words carefully.

“…Mm, yes,” Mitrofan lightly growled, as if in remembrance of a bad memory. “…Team Sandstream, hm? Yes, that would match up with the report,” he murmured thoughtfully. “…No doubt they were among those in the Guild who dared to side against me. …You said there were five that defeated Hinnerk. What about the other two?”

“…The other two were harder to determine.” Nikita looked back at the report. “They were natives of the town, and don’t seem to have any previous experience as mercenaries. They were a Riolu and a Treecko.”

“A Riolu and a Treecko?”

“Yes, Master. While we didn’t find out too much about them, their names were recollected. The Riolu’s name is Arian, and the Treecko’s name is Elvira.”

“…Arian and Elvira…” Mitrofan processed the two names. Then he stopped, when he realised something.

A Treecko named Elvira? Could it be?

---

Thirteen years ago…

“And here she is! My little pride and joy herself!”

“A Treecko? …I see she takes after you, then.”

“Not completely. There’s some traces of her mother in her, too. …Say hello, Elvira.”

“…”

“Don’t be shy, Elvira. I know Mitrofan looks big and scary, but he’s a good man. He won’t hurt you.”

“Elvira, is it? It’s very nice to meet you.”

“…Hi.”

“…A quiet one, are we?”

“Don’t worry about her. She’s just shy around new people. She is only five, after all. Plus, this is her first time coming to Iria. She’s probably just overwhelmed by all the new sights.”

“I see. …I wonder. Will she take after you in more ways than one?”

“Oh, I hope so! There’s definitely an adventurous spirit in this one, if you’d believe it. She and a few of her friends snuck into Verdant Woods to explore it a while back.”

“Oh my. Exploring a Mystery Dungeon at so young an age…Was she alright?”

“Of course. I found them and got them out. But her mother nearly had a heart attack when she found out. A few years was taken off her life, she keeps saying.”

“As any mother would say in her place. …On that note, where is Zenobia?”

“She’s meeting Paulina. Paulina’s looking for advice for the wedding, and wants someone who’s been through the song and dance before. …And that’s why Elvira’s with me. But I think she’ll get bored if we stand around talking for too long. You know what children are like.”

“Heh, true enough. I won’t keep you, then. Oh, but before you go…have a bit of money. Get Elvira something at Slurpuff Sweets.”

“Sweets?”

“Yes indeed, Elvira. Consider it a little gift from me. ..You’ll accept it, won’t you, Kallias?”

“…I will. It’s a special few days, after all. She’s entitled to a few treats. …Elvira, say thank you to Mitrofan for the money.”

“…Thank you, Mit…Mitro…Mister. Misterfan?”

“Mitrofan, dear.”

“Okay. Thank you, Mit-ro-fan.…Your name’s weird.”

“Hah! A witty tongue as well. She definitely takes after you, Kallias.”

“Indeed. And I’m proud of her for it. …Come on, Elvira. Let’s go get you some sweets.”

“Yay! Sweets! Come on, Daddy! Where’s the sweet shop?”

“…Hm. What a lovely child. …And an adventurous sort? …Hmm…We may well see her at the Guild, once she becomes old enough.”

---

“…Group of volunteers was established in the town to clean up after the Thorned Roses, so to speak. But the potential is there for a militia…one that could rise up in rebellion against you, Master. Should we try and…”

Nikita had continued speaking as Mitrofan became lost in thought. But he drifted off when he realised the Aggron wasn’t fully attentive.

“Master?”

“Hm?” Mitrofan came back to his attention. “Pardon me. I was considering something else. What were you saying, Nikita? Something about a militia?”

“…There is a possibility that the volunteers organised in Ozerograd could rise up against you, Master Mitrofan,” the Marowak repeated. “Should we try and organise to break Hinnerk and the Thorned Roses out of – “

“No,” Mitrofan interjected, his answer immediate and firm. “I won’t ally with him any longer. He’s a menace to society and no longer has a place as an ally. If he escapes, which he most likely will, I’ve every intention to see his demise come to fruition. …What a nuisance. Now another pocket of dissension opens up. Curse him!” Enraged, he slammed his fist on the throne’s armrest.

“There’s no use wallowing in regret, Master,” Nikita replied. “We can only look to the future. Yes, it was regrettable that Hinnerk allied with us. But it’s not like we had much of an alternative, given the people he allied with.”

“You have a point, Nikita,” Mitrofan said. “Let’s forget about mistakes. If Ozerograd becomes a threat, I’ll see to the end of any rebellion they dare to muster against me. Selenia must be ruled by someone, and I daren’t have it be anyone who wishes for an olden time when the Ruslans ruled this country. A tainted bunch – that’s all they are!”

“Quite right, Master.” Nikita was vocal in his support. “We’ll quash any dissenters. And I’ll stand by your side against any who dare cross your path. Until my dying breath, I’ll be with you. Name a task, and I’ll see it done!”

“I appreciate your dedication, Nikita.” The hardened look on the Aggron’s face faded slightly. “I do have a task in mind. Prepare the training grounds. I need to keep my wits honed and think of a plan to deal with this new development.”

“Consider it done, Master.” And with that, Nikita headed away from the throne room, leaving Mitrofan alone with his thoughts.

Elvira…Kallias’s daughter. Becoming a mercenary, just like her father. …In another reality, I would’ve welcomed this news. But now she’ll be my enemy, backed by Melchior of all people.

His thoughts drifted to the Swampert.

He won’t forget what happened five years ago. He, with his upstanding morals, would never forget it. He would understand my situation. If only he was willing to hear it out…

But five years does a lot to fester hatred. And the fact that Kallias isn’t with him is strange. Could he be dead? What happened on his end, I wonder? At least it means one less personal enemy to deal with. Tch. And also one less that didn’t join my side all those years ago…

It’s a damned shame, the Aggron lamented. If only events could have happened differently…then these unfortunate circumstances would not have turned out as they did.

But enough lamenting on the past, Mitrofan thought to himself, as he rose from the throne. Nikita’s right. I must press on, regardless of my previous mistakes. Perhaps a bit of dummy thrashing will put these thoughts of mine at bay. And with that, the Aggron began his walk out of the room.