Dungeon 40 – Covenant
by NavarThe sticky and goopy drool forced Lance’s eyes to snap open. How long did he sleep…? If he was drooling, it might have been for too long. To add insult to injury, he didn’t feel like getting up, despite multiple efforts to pull himself together.
Clearly, he underestimated how tired he was, and for a moment, Lance gave up, snuggling with his blanket. His suspicions were confirmed once he looked at the window and saw it was way past midday due to the sun’s position. Whoa.
“How?! I can’t be slacking off like this…”
Despite his words, Lance yawned and stretched his arms, cracking his knuckles. Well, at least he didn’t spend an entire day sleeping, for better or for worse.
Clutching his scar, Lance looked again at the city, breathing deeply. He regretted it as soon as he finished and coughed due to the smoke.
“Alright, that one’s on me,” he sighed, closing the window.
With that out of the way, Lance left his room, and went directly to the bathroom, yawning on the way.
Brian was ecstatic! It had been so long since he cooked breakfast! And it was an old family recipe: waffles. He fiddled around with the ingredients in the kitchen, mixing them in a bowl until they were done.
“Alright! I still got this, ha!” smirking, Brian put the mixture into the waffle maker and turned it on, whistling. Technology truly was wonderful.
To speed things up, Brian opened the fridge and took out some syrup, putting the bottle on the table. Nice! The fox continued to whistle while he prepared the table; putting plates and adjusting the chairs so they would be in their proper places.
He sniffed the air and licked his lips, the smell was intoxicating, and for a moment that felt like forever, he was entranced by it, only stopping to wipe off drool from his mouth and sat down, clicking his claws on the table as he waited for the waffles to be done.
Meanwhile, Lance had just left the shower and his nose was assaulted by the smell of the waffles. He blinked a couple of times and sniffed harder to confirm his suspicions. Once they were, he went to the kitchen.
As the auric Pokémon arrived, Brian stood up and took out the waffles, placing them on top of the multiple plates. Lance stared at his sibling, not saying a single word, but his somber look gave it away. It caused a shiver to run across Brian’s body until the fox looked at Lance.
“Oh, heya, shorty! Good morning!”
“Morning, Brian,” Lance yawned and sat down, still sniffing the air. “Waffles? I wasn’t expecting this, to be honest.”
“I think this should be great to start our day!” Brian beamed, giving him a thumbs-up. “That’s not all! I’m making bacon too!”
Lance took a bite out of the waffle and nodded, proceeding to pick up the bottle of syrup. “Grumpig bacon or Pignite bacon?”
Brian opened the fridge again, taking out a plastic bag with the bacon pieces. Even while sealed, they looked delicious. Of course, frying them up would be way better.
“The latter! I heard it tastes quite crunchy and smoky, so I’m trying it out!”
“I see,” Lance smiled. “Well, we both know you’re the better cook here, so go for it.”
Brian gazed at his brother and gasped, holding on to the frozen pieces of bacon.
“What? What is it now, Brian?”
“Dude!” he shouted. “You’re acting so… nice! You’re not grumpy or anything! What’s going on?”
“…Brian, can’t I be happy to have breakfast with my best friend? There’s literally nothing wrong with that.”
“Except this isn’t how you usually act… well, I’m glad anyway,” Brian smiled. “But seriously, what happened?”
“Scar forced me to go to a therapy session. It was… strange, because there were so many of my kind,” Lance shrugged.
“Your kind? Like, Lucario?”
“Yeah, I met this Riolu that… explodes.”
“…What?”
“His aura is explosive,” he explained, munching more of the waffle. “And a Lucario who’s so timid I barely even noticed he was there. Had to ask his name about… four times. It’s Jay, and he’s weird.”
Brian ruffled his mane and forced a laugh. “Ooooh, okay! I think I got what you mean.”
“Well, yeah. I’m not entirely sure it helped me, but it’s fine. I’m not going there anymore.”
“Gotcha.”
Just as Brian was about to prepare the bacon, they heard someone knocking on the door. Lance nodded to his sibling and went on to answer. On the other side, Meggie awaited, floating as she usually did, and with her arms around her back. She sported a smile.
“Hey, Meg. Nice to see you,” Lance got out of the way so she could enter, and afterwards, closed the door.
“Good morning! Ah… I was so tired from all the fighting we had to do!” Meggie explained, sitting on the couch and stretching. “What about you guys? Everything okay?”
“I’m fine, thanks for asking,” Lance explained, pointing to the kitchen. “I didn’t have breakfast yet, but Brian’s cooking. Do you want some?”
“Well…” She scratched her chin in thought, but stopped and cheered. The sizzling noise of the bacon cooking, topped with the scent, made her decide. “Sure! I’m hungry, and this smell is amazing!”
“Considering how Brian is the only one of us that can actually cook edible things, it checks out. Let’s go.”
Who knew waffles and bacon belong together? I wouldn’t!
Meggie chomped down on the crispy waffle, and then took a bite of bacon. Her eyes sparkled and she rubbed her cheeks, smiling brightly. She soon continued, taking bite after bite.
Brian had mostly the same reaction, and attacked the meal with ferocity. Lance was the only one who ate slowly, and made sure to chomp it properly. His friends seemed way too energetic for mons that had been in a death battle only a week ago.
“Oh! By the way, Lance…” He looked at his brother and smiled. “I’m throwin’ a huge party for us this evening! You’re staying this time!”
“Do I even have a choice?” he deadpanned, holding a fork in his paw.
“Nope!” Meggie snickered, having finished her meal, standing up. “Oh, I’ll make juice for us! What do you guys want?!”
Lance nodded. “Oran should be fine.”
Brian continued to smirk. “We’re gonna buy the stuff for it later, but yeah! We need to celebrate our victory, don’t you think?!”
Lance sighed, grasping the fork tightly. A party? The worst thing that could happen. Lots of Pokémon inside, drinking and eating. Lance could not dislike that more.
Which is why everyone was surprised when they saw that he agreed to the idea, even giving a genuine smile. Something… something was very wrong with Lance, but they assumed it was just the stress of the confrontation, and shrugged it off.
“That’s great, shorty!” Brian opened his mouth and smiled, his cheeks flushing red.
“Honestly, I could use a distraction,” Lance smiled. Meggie had finished making the juice and put it in a glass in front of the Lucario, who sipped it.
“No worries!” His brother drank a whole cup of the juice and licked his lips. “I get it. You got your closure, but… it’s not so simple.”
Lance didn’t reply, merely nodding and drinking more of the juice. Truthfully, he wanted to tell his friends about the real reason behind his new attitude, but just couldn’t do it. Not when he wondered what their reaction would be, especially after they finally made amends.
“Well, I guess we should be going out to buy our stuff!” Brian stood up, eating one last slice of bacon.
“You guys go,” Lance said. “I’ll stay here and wash the dishes, alright?”
Brian didn’t wait for an answer, simply nodding and dashing out of there with Meggie. Lance watched them go and sighed, looking down at his paw.
Don’t worry, guys. I’m… I’m doing this for us. For all of us.
After leaving the apartment, Brian and Meggie went downstairs and were met with their allies during that entire journey: Scar, Lilith and Max. From the look on their faces, they were waiting for the two.
Scar was the first to approach, sporting a smile. “Good morning. It’s a pleasure to meet you, as always.”
The fox snapped his claws and gave him a toothy grin. “No problemo! Oh, and don’t ask what problemo is, Meggie said it’s a human thing!”
He got a punch to his arm and yelped, rubbing where she punched him. Meggie rolled her eyes, but soon grinned to the other three.
“Oh, really?” Lilith asked, giving Meggie a hug. After she backed away, the bunny continued. “Are ya finally getting your memories back?”
“Not really,” Meggie shrugged. “I got a few dreams here and there, but other than that, nothing…”
“Excuse me,” Scar passed through them, heading towards the stairs. Before climbing them, he looked back. “Ah, my apologies. I just need to check something with mister Williams.”
Max waved to the Marowak as he went upstairs, and kept a grin on his face, looking at Meggie and Brian.
“So! What are you guys doing? Had enough rest?”
“We’re planning a party!” Brian said, nodding quickly. An idea came up, so he continued. “Meggie and I were about to go shopping, what do you guys think about going with us?”
Lilith and Max exchanged glances, nodding in acceptance. Brian’s reaction was to wrap his arms around Max’s shoulder and smirk.
“Well, what are we waiting for?! Let’s go!”
“Oh, right. Where are we going, Brian?” Meggie asked.
“The mayor opened up a mall here! Seems like they’re not as much of a prick as the one we had to take down…”
Max and Lilith stared at Brian, but he didn’t answer, and instead he ran off to the exit, screaming about the party.
Scar knocked on the door, and after getting the news that he could enter, went inside, only to find Lance cleaning the dishes and whistling.
“Mister Williams,” Scar said. “It’s good to see you. How are you doing?”
Without looking back, Lance answered. “Better now that he’s gone.”
The Marowak helped himself sit in one of the chairs, tapping his fingers on the table. Lance ignored that and continued cleaning the dishes, although he felt a sting on his heart, which made him bite his lower lip.
“Well, I’m glad you are alright.”
“Is this about our arrangement?” Lance asked, merely glaring back at Scar.
He let out a laugh, wiping down a tear. Of course Lance was as blunt as usual, Scar predicted that. After all, he was working with the Lucario for weeks.
“Correct. It is about our arrangement. Have you packed up already?”
Lance finished with the dishes and cleaned his arms with a towel, now looking directly at Scar.
“No, I didn’t,” he sat down. “I know you told me we were going today, but can you hold it off?”
“Is that so? Of course, but may I ask why?”
“…Brian is having a party. Normally I wouldn’t want to be in it, but somehow… I want to spend time with my friends.”
Scar nodded, closing his eyes. Lance had a point, and his well being was important for the Marowak. With all that, he agreed.
“Fair enough. We shall hold it off until tomorrow. But after then, no more delays. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“I understand your pain, mister–no,” Scar shook off his head. “Now that we’re on the next step of our journey, I’m going to ask you this: have you decided on an alias for yourself?”
“Percival.”
After hearing Lance’s answer, Scar stood up, giving a signal for the Lucario to follow him. Having nothing else to do there, Lance complied, and the two left.
Brian was a bit disappointed. He heard rumors about the so-called “mall”, but it wasn’t even finished yet! In fact, a few Machoke were carrying girders and positioning them to help with the construction.
“…Dammit! I was hoping it would be done!” Brian facepalmed, grumbling.
Lilith blinked. “Uh, since when is this thing on construction?”
“I dunno.”
“Guess we gotta do it the old-fashioned way!” Max grinned, patting Brian’s back.
“We go to the market? That… that’s too bad. I was hoping to get inside a mall! I barely remember what one looks like!”
“W-Well, sure, I guess,” Brian whined, drooping his ears. “And uh, I was gonna mention a train to you all, but this one I know for a fact it’s still under construction.”
“What’s… a train?” Max muttered.
“I almost got hired to work in building it, but I refused the offer,” Brian shrugged. “Anyway, it’s… it’s this transportation vehicle that doesn’t need monpower to run! Ain’t that cool?!”
“Ooooh!” Meggie gasped with her eyes sparkling. “I think I remember that!”
Lilith tapped her foot on the ground and pouted. “Anyway, since the mall isn’t built, let’s go!”
A cold and soothing breeze blew around Lance’s body as he left the building. He breathed in the air, forcing a smile on his face. Only a few hours until the party started, from the looks of it. He had to admit it, agreeing to such a thing was hard to do, but his friends deserved it after everything.
If only he could talk with them about the proposal. Lance was well aware of what their reactions would be, and elected to keep them in the dark. It was for the best, after all.
“What do you want to do, mister Williams?” Scar suddenly said, having left the apartment alongside the Lucario.
Lance did not turn around. No, he looked up at the sky, remembering his journey. It all led him to that moment, and he wondered how things could have been different. Was he making the right decision? Or was it another one of the failures he was so used to by now?
“…I don’t know,” Lance answered, still not looking at Scar. “Look how far I’ve come. From the day I moved out of my house, to now. I can’t believe it.”
His words sounded empowering, but he wasn’t looking like that at all, Lance trembled. Spending so much time thinking about the past affected him in a way that he couldn’t think of the future anymore, even after overcoming his abuser.
Scar seemed to share his sentiment, and walked to his side. “Are you having second thoughts?”
“Maybe. I’m not sure yet. For now, I’m just wondering things.”
Scar cleared his throat and began to recite something. “I’ve always viewed life from the side lines. Just watching it passing me by. In the past, too afraid to just let go and live. And lately too tired to try.“
This finally made Lance face him, with a confused look on his face, and with eyebrows raised. “What was that?”
“A poem! Seems quite interesting, don’t you think?” Scar smiled, offering a hand to him, that Lance accepted after a moment of hesitation. “Nobody has it all figured out, it’s fine to worry about what the future holds. But as long as you have conviction and will, I think you can do anything.”
Lance didn’t answer, now with the words inside his head. The future was always a weird topic to think about, and this was no exception. It was, after all, an unknown scenario, something he couldn’t predict. This scared him more than anything.
But those words Scar said… they were comforting, much like the Marowak, the only one who showed him support on the entire trip. He could trust him. Lance knew he could, Scar wouldn’t let anything bad happen to him. He was his mentor and friend.
“…I guess I’m just tired, and I need something to rely on, someone I can rely on.”
The sight of a Spinda passed out on the floor didn’t help Meggie or Lilith enjoy that new place they were in. Sure, Brian said they were buying things for the party, but this? This was just a bar.
“Sure this is the place?” Meggie sniffed the air, nearly gagging from the smell. She took a quick glance around, seeing several Pokémon drinking and talking, while the bartender, a Toxtricity, rubbed a cup to clean it.
Lilith covered her nose. “…Disgusting.”
“Don’t worry, ladies!” Brian beamed, wrapping his shoulder around Max’s. “We’re gonna buy somethin’ for the party, that’s all! Nothing to worry about!”
The Electivire nodded. “You two can stay outside, I can tell both of you don’t like this place, so we’ll handle things here. It’s probably not gonna take long, anyway!”
Before the two could answer, Max and Brian went right for where the bartender was, and the two girls decided to wait outside, for one reason or another.
Brian was used to the area, ao he simply sat down next to the bartender, flashing a grin to the Toxtricity, who ignored him.
“Come on, lady! I’m right here!” He continued to smirk, but the bartender didn’t look.
Max answered by tapping Brian’s back. “I think you’re doing this wrong. Also, aren’t we here to buy stuff for the party?”
“Well, yeah, but if I can score something, isn’t that a win, too?”
Toxtricity ignored them, continuing to rub the glass. “If you ain’t orderin’ anything, don’t bother comin’ here, fellas.”
“Be they botherin’ ye?”
A deep-voiced Floatzel said, sitting next to them. He quickly tapped the table, smiling. Brain pouted, but once he took a look at the water-type, he gulped.
Floatzel’s body was packed. His biceps looked like they could crush anything between them, while his legs were unbelievably thick. To make matters worse, that Floatzel had a few scars around his body, which made Brian gulp, smiling sheepishly.
“N-Nah! We’re just here to buy some stuff for our party!”
“Is that so? Shame this here be the first time we meet. I love parties,” he chuckled. “Name’s Dexter. Unless we’re dating, then it’s Dex. Say, aren’t ye a little too young fer this here place? ‘Ow old be ye?”
“I’m seventeen, I’m technically on drinking age. Isn’t it sixteen?”
“…Ye got me there, fella,” Dexter chuckled. “Well, if ye e’er need a drinkin’ matey, I’m ‘ere.”
“Sure…?”
Toxtricity came back, putting a few boxes on the table. Max nodded to her and slided in a few coins to pay for the drinks, before carrying one of the boxes around his chest.
“Come on, Brian,” he said, panting. “This is a lot, we should ask the girls for help.”
Brian picked one of the boxes, and regretted it soon enough, nearly letting it drop, when he saw Dexter picking it up for him.
“Seems such as yerself fellas need some ‘elp,” Dexter explained, smiling. “What do ye say about lettin’ me crash in with ye scurvy mon? An’ in return, I ‘elp ye carry them things.”
Brian raised a brow, making a mental note to ask about his accent later. He could understand it… barely. Max, on the other hand, seemed excited to have some help with the baggage and agreed right away.
“You know what? Sure,” defeated, Brian shrugged, picking up another box. “Now let’s go.”
“Nice! I think this here should be jolly.”
As they left, Brian smiled, now thinking of another reason why they should bring the mon.
Soon enough, they managed to prepare the area. Brian, having asked the landlord before, was finishing setting up a table on the roof of the condominium. He looked at the sky and smiled, seeing the starry sky. Oh, how beautiful it was! He could stare at it forever.
Brian went downstairs to pick up a grill, and was back right away. Now all that was left was Dexter to get them the coal.
His Lopunny companion also helped, putting the bottles of beer around the table, while picking one for herself and already taking a sip from the drink.
“Leave some for me, will ya?!” Brian snickered, taking a drop of sweat and panting. “Whoa it sure is hot today. Sheesh.”
“That might be me,” said a Floatzel, having arrived there, flashing a grin. “Seems like yer didn’t need me ‘elp after all!”
Lilith pouted. “Oh, we do. Come here and help with this! Lance and Scar are comin’ already!”
“What about the lass an’ the Electivire?”
“Dunno,” Brian shrugged. “Meg said she wanted some time to think and Max just kinda… followed her. Don’t know where they went, though.”
“Your accent is terrible,” Lilith rolled her eyes, drinking more beer.
“‘Ay, not me fault! Grew as a sailor an’ it just stuck with me,” Dexter rolled his eyes, opening a bag with his large arms, exposing the coal. He picked some of it up and put them as fuel on the grill.
“Oh, really?” Lilith quickly glanced at Brian. “Did ya invite him just because of that?”
The fox whistled, picking a chair and putting it in place. However, the bunny continued to look at him, as if trying to force an answer.
“Okay, okay, fine!” Brian finally shouted. “I just wanted to set someone up for my brother! That’s not a crime!”
“…Whatever.”
The Floatzel simply shrugged. “I feel flattered about that, Goggles, but we’ll see ‘ow it goes.”
“Goggles?” Brian blushed, looking at his forehead. “I’ll have you know my dad gave them to me!”
Lilith then smiled, sitting on a chair and extending her arm. Dexter, noticing this, didn’t reply, merely repeating her gesture, and grasping her arm.
For the moment, the fox forgot about the nickname and looked at the two with sparkly eyes. “Wait, are you two making an arm wrestle competition?! That’s so cool!”
“Again, ye flatter me~” Dexter winked to Brian, tightening his grasp on Lilith’s arm. “Okay, Carrot, show me what ye got.”
With a single, yet powerful move, Lilith put pressure on Dexter, and in shock, he saw his arm almost all the way down to the table, only inches from touching it. He knew it was close, and, to counter it, he pushed as hard as he could, managing to raise his arm and hers enough to get out of the danger zone.
“Huh? Seems like ya have some guts, kiddo!” Lilith grinned, not giving up either, and adding more pressure. The table cracked around their arms.
“I’m tough, ain’t I? An’ you’re not so bad yerself!” Dexter teased.
At that point, both of them had bulging arms, and were evenly matched, only to be interrupted by the sound of footsteps towards them. Dexter, still grinning, looked back and saw a Lucario right behind him. This distracted the water-type long enough for Lilith to win, pummeling his arm on the table.
The result was a shocked face from Dexter, who stared at his arm, and then at Lilith; the bunny, in particular, was grinning. He stood up and smiled sheepishly, offering her a hand.
“You’re really tough. I be likin’ that there, Carrot.”
She shook his paw. “Don’t worry, darling. I’m sure you’ll win… eventually.”
More footsteps, this time from a Froslass, an Electivire and a Marowak. With everyone around, the party could begin.
First things first, Lance walked towards his brother and, to the Zoroark’s surprise, he was smiling. Unfortunately for Lance, his smile came off as creepy, so Brian backed away.
“Oh, come on,” Lance rolled his eyes. “I’m trying to talk with you!”
“U-Uh, sure! I just got a little bit scared!” Brian clicked his claws, smiling sheepishly.
“Well, I think I should ask the biggest question right now,” the auric Pokémon pointed to Dexter, who was drinking a bottle of beer all by himself. “Who’s… that?”
Brian couldn’t help but chuckle and snicker. “That’s Dexter! When we went to get the drinks, we met with him. He offered to help us with the baggage and stuff, so I said yes!”
To that, Lance raised a brow, crossing both arms. Brian knew exactly what that meant: he wanted an explanation. The fox sort of hoped his brother would just go along with it, but maybe he needed to know.
“…I set him up for you,” Brian stated. “Figured you could use some company, don’tcha think?”
“Company?” Lance repeated, deadpanning. “You wanted to set me up for a date?”
“Seriously? That guy seems like your type! Y’know, big, strong, sharp fangs…”
The Lucario blushed, making a large pout, but, contrary to his expression, Lance’s tail wagged. “I-I don’t have a type.”
“Suuuure you don’t!” he teased, punching the Lucario’s arm. “Go get him, dude! You deserve it!”
Lance sighed, smiling to his brother. After his last relationship, Lance thought he would be done with it. But right then, his brother did a nice thing for him, like he always did. Now that he thought about it, Brian was always doing those kinds of things, ever since he got kidnapped. And Lance never repaid. At least until now.
“Brian… about that job offer you got. Did you take it?”
“Hm?” he tilted his head and looked away. “Not really. Don’t think I got the time for that kinda thing. We have a team to run!”
“Go for it,” Lance said, touching Brian’s shoulders with his paws. “You have dreams, don’t you?”
“Y-Yeah? I do, but like… you’re important to me!”
Lance was serious. He didn’t even flinch. “Brian, don’t give up on your dreams because of me. You deserve happiness, alright?”
“What’s this all of a sudden? You don’t… act like this.”
His sibling smiled. “Maybe I can finally move on…”
Brian was stunned. Right then, hearing those words? He never thought the day would come when he heard that coming from his sibling. And now that it finally happened, he couldn’t be happier. For himself, and for Lance.
He held back tears and nodded. “O-Ok! But really, go talk with the guy! I’ll be fine, okay?!”
The Lucario seemed to be content with that resolution and pulled in for a hug. His brother gasped, but didn’t pull away. No, they embraced in a long-overdue hug, not wanting to let go. Lance grasped Brian’s back, as did the latter.
“Thank you… for always being there for me,” he said.
“Always!” Brian replied. Even if he didn’t see Lance’s face, the fox knew he was smiling. And he was, too. “I… needed this. Thanks for being my brother. I know we have our differences, but I wouldn’t want anyone else.”
Lance walked away from his sibling and went straight to where Dexter was, sitting on a chair next to him. He quickly stared at the Floatzel’s muscular body, eyeing it up from top to bottom, and it made him blush. Dexter noticed it, but kept it to himself, merely flexing his bicep and waiting for Lance to say anything.
Well, the Lucario was thinking the exact same thing, so neither of them really spoke a word with each other. The awkward silence reigned on them, and apart from a few sounds of both clearing their throats, nobody talked.
“Okay, I think that’s enough o’ whatever this here be,” Dexter decided to speak something, and looked at Lance. “So, pup, yer brother said ‘e been settin’ us for a date. What do ye ‘ave to say about that?”
Talk about a weird accent, Lance thought, offering his paw to Dexter. “That is correct. I’m Lance, not ‘pup’.”
“I’m Dexter, an’ I’ll call ye whatever I want, pup. Anyway, tell me more about yerself. I can see ye like this.” Dexter bounced his pecs, causing Lance to stare at them again and stutter.
“U-Uh. S-Sure?” Lance, embarrassed and flustered, tried to keep it together by shaking his head. The blush faded away, and he could talk again. “W-Well, I like to read. Haven’t really been able to do that because of my latest mission, but I do enjoy it. What about you?”
The Floatzel sipped more of his drink and sighed, his whole body shivered with the delicious flavor of the alcohol, and he burped some of it out. Lance, annoyed, rolled his eyes.
“I’m a simple mon,” Dexter explained. “Like to eat, like to drink, an’ oftentimes I ‘ave a mission or two. Nothin’ major.”
Oh, so he was as simple as a mon could be. Lance raised a brow, snorting a bit. How long had it been since he had a chat and wasn’t fighting for his life? He sort of missed it, those kinds of conversations were the best.
“Okay, pup. Mind if I ask ye another question?”
“Go ahead, beefcake. I’m all ears.”
“Since yer brother wanted us to talk an’ all that stuff, ye like males?”
Of course that would come up. Lance nodded. “Yeah. I dated an Electrike a few years ago, but we broke up. Didn’t really have time for this dating thing after that.”
“Oh, that sucks,” Dexter sighed, offering a bottle of beer to Lance that he promptly refused. “Same fer me. Except me parents kinda… kicked me out when they found out, so I’ve been on me own fer a while.”
“I’m… sorry,” Lance’s ears drooped. “My family was always supportive, so I don’t know how that feels like.”
“Eh, I’ve moved past that,” Dexter shrugged. “‘Onestly it’s been years since I ‘ad any sort o’ ‘real’ relationship. I ‘ad tons o’ one-night stands, an’ while it did make me feel jolly at first, it stopped after sometime.”
Lance whined, like a sad puppy, and gazed at him again. His aura sensors twitched, and he felt Dexter’s emotions. They were… like his own. A broken soul, like him. Maybe he could help, somehow. Perhaps by changing the subject.
“…If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?”
“I’m nineteen,” the Floatzel snorted. “I know, I know. Don’t really look like, with me bulk an’ me ‘eight.”
“Well, I’m seventeen. And yeah, you look much older. Where did all that muscle even come from?”
“Parents were sailors, so I worked with them. After a while, they just… grew. Like this here thin’ ‘ere,” to prove his point, Dexter flexed his bicep, and Lance saw it bulge.
“W-Whoa.”
“Seems yer got a thin’ fer muscular mon. Can’t really blame ye. Most o’ the guys I ‘ad things with were the same way. All body, none really cared about me personality…”
“Well, I’m here to listen about your personality. Isn’t that the whole point of this conversation?”
“…I suppose it be,” Dexter drank more of the beer and sighed. “Alrighty, what ye want to know about me?”
Lance wondered. He barely knew this guy, and of course, he was trying to get to know him better, but the promise… the promise he made to Scar crawled inside his brain. He took a quick look around and, soon enough, saw the Marowak looking at the city. Scar glanced back, staring at Lance.
For the moment, he ignored. Ending the conversation there would be worse, if anything. “…What brings you to this town? You mentioned how your parents are sailors, but what about you?”
Dexter mumbled. “Well, after gettin’ kicked out o’ me ‘ome because of me parents, I went ‘ere. Figured a change o’ pace would be for the best. Wanted to escape that life, y’know?”
Just like him. Lance found that they shared similar stories, and smiled. If things were different, maybe they could be friends.
“I see,” Lance nodded. “It’s harsh, and I moved here for similar reasons. Wanted to make a name for myself and my brother.”
“Yer brother seems lovely, by the way,” the Floatzel chuckled, offering a beer to Lance once more. This time, however, the auric Pokémon took it.
“He worries too much about me, but… I understand it.”
“Gotcha. Are ye drinkin’ that there, pup?” Dex pointed to the beer on Lance’s paws. “Because I can still do it.”
Blushing, he nodded. “Yeah. Just… don’t call me pup.”
“Sure thin’, pup.”
Meanwhile, Brian picked some of the bottles for himself, and went on to Lilith’s side, smiling. The bunny was on the other edge of the table and accepted the drink.
The fox snickered and sat down, taking a sip for himself, and to top it off, he put a plate with a large piece of steak to eat. His mouth drooled, and Brian licked his lips.
“If you’re here to court me, don’t.”
“Sheesh, is that what you think of lil’ old me?” Brian drooped his ears. “I just figured we didn’t interact all that much and wanted to change that. Is that a crime?”
“Oh, alright. That seems reasonable. What do ya want?”
“Meg told me you’re an archeologist!” Brian said between bites on the steak he was eating, only giving enough time to swallow before speaking again. “How’s it like?! Do you go around tombs kicking mercs and all that?!”
So that was his question. Honestly, where did he even hear those rumors? Lilith sighed, munching on a piece of steak herself. “No. I look for old relics, and decipher language. I can write and read Unown.”
Brian tilted his head. “What’s… Unown? Can you eat it?”
“I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear that.”
“That’s fair,” Defeated, Brian shrugged. “Wanna tell me more about yourself? I’m curious about your background.”
“Well, aren’t ya a curious Litten?” Lilith smiled, and then looked at Brian. She munched on another steak and savoured its flavor before continuing. “I always enjoyed knowing about the ancient, about legendaries. For some reason, so few of them are left, and almost none of them even act anymore.”
“Oh, yeah. That’s a bit weird. I just thought they were… gone,” Brian whined. After the events in the Tree of Life, Brian wanted to meet more legends. But they just weren’t around. “Kinda wished I got to be friends with one.”
“Maybe they’re just hidden. The world has tons of mysteries, don’tcha think? That’s why you guys explore.”
“…I guess that’s fair. Thank you. You’re a nice lady.”
Meggie arrived just in time to see everyone already eating and drinking. To be honest, she didn’t remember her exact age, but then again, she was a scientist. Even so, alcohol might not be a good option for her. Well, there was food, so she settled on that.
She sat down and picked a steak, swallowing it down. To her surprise, Max seemed to have the same idea, but his plate was gigantic, almost as big as her head! Meggie didn’t want to comment on it, but couldn’t stop staring at the huge plate.
“What’s up? I like food.”
“W-Well, I didn’t expect to see… so much,” Meggie gulped, not really feeling like eating anymore, even pushing her plate away from herself.
“You’re gonna eat that, or can I do it?” Max asked between bites.
“S-Sure. Go ahead, eat it.”
Without skipping a beat, Max put all the meat on his plate and munched on it, not caring at all, even dropping some of it on the floor. Meggie was disgusted, and raised her brow. How could someone like that even be a professor? It just didn’t make any sense.
“Can I ask you a question?”
He burped and removed some of the juice from the meat on his cheeks. “Sure! What’s gotten you down?”
“Nothing. I just wonder if you acted this way when teaching.”
To that, Max shrugged. “Sorta? My students always liked me and I didn’t really bother to put up a mask of seriousness.”
“Why? Seems to me like you smile all the time. I just think it’s weird.”
“It’s wise,” Max stated, no longer grinning to her. “To smile, even in the face of adversity. It’s a thing I learned from experience.”
She almost fell on the ground, but floated right before it could happen, gasping.
“Oh by the way,” Max grinned. “Did you ever ask Xerneas to get your memories back? Thought that was your goal.”
“Nah,” Meggie shrugged it off. “It was, at first, but now? I… I don’t want to be defined by them. I want to make my own path.”
“Seems like a wise thing to do.”
After an unknown number of beers, Brian was more than happy to party! He felt better than ever before, and screamed some gibberish. Nobody understood, but they didn’t complain about it.
Quite the contrary. Meggie cheered for him, raising her arm to drink another sip of the alcoholic drink. She sighed, licking her lips. As for the others, Max was right on Brian’s side, drinking with him, while Scar ate a piece of steak in silence, and Lilith was passed out on the chair.
“I’m impressed!” Lance suddenly said, slamming a bottle of beer on the table and burping “Holy… something. It is good!”
“C’mon pup, don’t tell me this here be the first time you’ve ‘ad a beer,” Dexter pouted, pulling Lance closer to him in an embrace. “Come ‘ere~”
“W-Whoa, there!” Lance blushed, hugging the Floatzel as tight as he could. The soft fur warmed him, and he unintentionally barked, much like a happy puppy.
How long did he need… that? Meggie asked herself, only for her thoughts to be interrupted by Brian clearing his throat.
“Attention, party guests and voices inside my head!” Brian raised a bottle. “Today, we celebrate our victory against someone who hurt us!”
“And… we’re gonna sing a victory song!” Max cheered, also clearing his throat.
“Oooooh. Brian’s gonna sing!” Lance hiccuped, hugging Dexter. “He’s a great singer, beefcake!”
“I’ll be the judge o’ that, pup.”
The others turned their attention to the duo, and eagerly waited for the song to start. No instruments, so they had to use nothing but their voices. Normally, this would worry Lance, but at that point he was too drunk to care.
It started. Brian opened his mouth. “Somebody saveeeeeeeee me! Let your warm hands break right through!“
The audience nearly choked, Brian’s voice was too distorted and sounded too drunk for them to enjoy the song. Regardless, the two didn’t look like they were stopping anytime soon.
Max continued. “Somebody saaaaaaaveeeeee meeee! I don’t care how you’ll do it…“
After a small pause, the Electivire went on. “…Just stay! Stay! Come on! I’ve been waiting for you…“
“Ooooooooooh!“
“I’ve made this whole world shine for you…” As he said those words, Brian looked at his brother, and smiled at him.
“Just stay! Stay! Come on…“
The song ended. As expected, the two singers fell on the ground, passing out from sheer exhaustion and the drinks. Scar got out of his chair and checked on them, sighing in relief after finding out both were okay.
“This was certainly something,” he said. “They were too off tune, but the lyrics were enjoyable.”
Lance deadpanned. “…I kinda wanted to hear another song. Just one that isn’t sung by someone who’s drunk.”
“I’m with the pup. Anyone care fer an encore?”
“You want another song? Very well.” Scar cleared his throat and hummed a soft tune, adjusting his voice.
Meggie gasped. “Oh, I didn’t know you could sing! Then again, I don’t know everything about you…”
“The world now… changing everyday with my heart and each passing moment… I’ll always keep it with me, I’ll never let it go…“
Unlike Brian and Max, Scar’s voice was… soothing. As it traveled through the air and into everyone, they were relaxing, doing nothing other than enjoying the melody.
“The pain that I just could never hide… burning like a flame that’s deep inside… I know when…“
Lance twitched his ears. Somehow the lyrics were familiar, they almost sounded like a description of himself! For now, though, he just listened.
“I’m lonely, I worry. My troubles… they hold me. The only way to free them is to lean on me. When you said that… the word ‘free’… I finally could see the way to go without any haze… deep in my hollow abyss where I’d never leave… your light shined a hope in my heart!“
He was certain now. Those lyrics were talking about him, about Lance. The drunken haze faded a bit, enough to sober him up.
“Looking above at the great sky, dyed in a brilliant , cerulean shade! I’ll finally open up myself toward a brighter today! The world now… changing everyday with my heart and each passing moment… I’ll always keep it with me, I’ll never let it go!“
With that, the first part of the song was over, so Scar gestured for someone to bring him a cup of water, to which he drank in a single gulp. Now refreshed, he continued the song.
“The days, they go on, I cannot cope… Maybe there’s a light that I can hope… I’ll find a way!“
It was so soothing and relaxing that Lance’s tensions disappeared, like his anxieties and worries simply didn’t exist anymore. His back felt lighter, and he began to hum to the song’s tune. He smiled.
“If, into the dark, there’s a voice calling out to me, so gentle it heals my sorrow… I see you smile, shining brightly in the sunlight. Right then, I made a choice… that maybe I’d open up my heart to the comforting voice…“
“Amazing. You’re an amazing singer, Scar,” Meggie clapped her hands, and the Marowak nodded.
Scar now looked straight at Lance and gave him a smile of his own. “A soul without any darkness… with all the power to change the whole world… is standing right in front of me, before my very eyes…“
Lance stood up all of a sudden. “Looking above at the great sky, dyed in a brilliant, cerulean shade. I’ll finally open up myself toward a brighter today! The world now… changing everyday and my heart with each passing moment. I’ll always keep it with me, I’ll never let it go…!“
Scar continued to grin. “Together, we can call upon the light, this I know! A soft wind… sweet in fragrance like the blue sky, blows into my own heart…“
The song was over, and Scar sighed, drinking another glass of water. Everyone that watched him sing began to clap and cheer, and Meggie even requested another song. However, the Marowak had his eyes on Lance, and he knew exactly why that was the case.
“I suppose this party is over,” Scar said, looking back. “Anyone who’s not drunk enough can help me carry them to their rooms?”
Lance, Meggie and Dexter all raised their arms in response, and they prepared to clean everything up from the party. It was undeniably fun for all of them, and after a few minutes, they managed to clean the rooftop.
Only Lance was left now, and he stood on the edge, looking at the city. In his hand, he had a paper with an address belonging to Dexter. He looked at it and a single tear fell on the paper.
“A soul without any darkness, huh?” he looked down. “I doubt that. This is the real me, isn’t it?”
How troublesome. At the last moment, he was having second thoughts about the proposal. It played inside his head as he thought about it. That fateful day, where he was at his lowest point. He started to reminisce about it.
“Are you okay?”
That question. That damn question. Lance looked up, and Scar was right in front of him. The one who suggested all that, who played that stupid chess game with him, and who said he should try talking with his friends. There they both were, in front of the hospital.
His brain shut down all other thoughts and so, he said the only thing that seemed to matter at that point. “What do you think?!”
Scar didn’t show much reaction, other than a frown. “It… didn’t work out in the end, didn’t it?”
Lance began to shake. No, it didn’t turn out well, and he felt it in his soul. His sensors picked it up, and aura… aura never lied. He knew what they thought of him. How he was a monster. And they were right.
“They’re scared of me. My family, my friends…”
The Marowak crossed his arms. “I see. Well… it looks like you’re in the deepest pit of your life, aren’t you?”
“…Yes,” Lance couldn’t agree more. After everything, he was in a pit. A dark, lonely pit. With no way out, and sinking deeper each second.
Scar frowned. “Oh, I’m… sorry. I’m really sorry. This shouldn’t have happened. I really thought it would work, mister Wiliams.”
Lance created an Aura Sphere. That reaction was expected, but really, why did Scar think it would work?! His teammates would never trust him again. “Well, it didn’t. Now what?!”
The sphere soon faded into nothingness. Scar sighed, looking at Lance. He was on the verge of tears, barely able to keep it together anymore, and desperate. Desperate for something, anything that could help.
“Mister Williams… I have a proposal for you.”
He didn’t pay attention, too trapped in his own thoughts for it to matter anymore. It wasn’t until Scar called him again that the Lucario noticed.
“What is it?” In that moment… Lance listened.
“Join us, mister Williams,” Scar stated, smiling. “Join our cause, we fight for a better world. A world with justice, a world where we can all live in peace. Don’t you want it?”
Lance tried to say something, but was cut short by Scar. “I know you. You confided on me, I know your fears, your insecurities, and I know that this is the best choice for you, mister Williams.”
Each word stung. They made so much sense, but why? Why abandon everyone? His family… he couldn’t just leave them. And yet, he found himself… humoring the idea. This was exactly what he wanted, wasn’t it?
As he talked, Scar walked in circles around Lance, watching as the Lucario’s resistance slowly faded, and his worried look became a faint smile.
“We shall bring justice to the world, mister Williams. My team and I… we are searching for a way to bring back someone very important to us, and that will surely be of help. This is who you are. Accept it, and join us.”
His eyes widened after hearing everything Scar had to say. His trembling slowly diminished, until he calmed down. His tears, his frown… they all disappeared, leaving only the stoic look again.
Despite everything, Lance was still himself. “…I accept.”
A sudden gust of wind on his face distracted Lance from the memory, and he was back in the present. The sky above him was filled with thunder clouds, and a storm was approaching. How fitting.
“Well, there’s no going back now. I have to do this. For everyone.”
“Do what fer everyone?” a voice behind him asked.
Was he speaking out loud? Lance felt stupid. But he couldn’t let anyone figure out that, so he simply turned around, seeing Dexter again. The Floatzel was looking quite flustered, with his cheeks colored red.
“U-Uh, nothing. Just me talking about my motto.”
“Gotcha. Pup, I’ve been thinkin’ about somethin’,” he rubbed his arm and nodded. “You’re cute, I’ll give ye that there, an’ I’m in need o’ some money. What do ye say about me joinin’ yer team?”
“J-Join my team?!”
“I mean, why not? We’ll get to see each other again, an’ go on missions. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?”
Oh dear. Yes, the idea was good, but it came at the worst time. Him joining right as Lance left? Bad, really bad. Or maybe it was a blessing in disguise. Lance quickly thought of something.
“Sure. I would love to see you more often. I’ll tell the others about this, okay?”
“Really? Thanks, pup!” Dexter beamed, rubbing his head. “Yer a lifesaver! So… when can we meet again?”
“Meet me at the Hero guild tomorrow, midday. Is that alright?”
“It’s a date, then.”
Lance waved him goodbye and went back to his brooding session. He disappointed someone new right then, but… that was something his future self would have to deal with.
The sun shone brightly in a new day. As a matter of fact, it was early in the morning. Not many Pokémon were awake, other than a few merchants, and some exceptions.
One of these exceptions were Brian and Meggie, who dashed out of their apartment. They didn’t even stop to breathe, and walked in a rush, nearly knocking over a Nuzleaf. The fox apologized quickly and went on his way, holding a large paper sheet on their hands, not letting go of it.
“What the fuck is he thinking?!” Meggie shouted, floating next to Brian. “He’s an idiot or what?!”
“I have no clue! I-I just found this beneath my doorstep!” Brian shook the note, and tried to hold back tears, but was unable to. They fell on the ground beneath him, and he continued to run.
“We gotta find him, and fast!”
“I know, I know, I know!” Brian shook off his head, losing balance and falling straight into the ground, crashing against a cart with cabbages.
“M-My cabbages!” said a Tropius, gasping loudly.
“S-Sorry!” Brian didn’t give him enough time to react, he was already gone.
Their sprint continued, and on the way, they had to dogge cart after cart, sometimes hitting them, but getting out before the merchants noticed it. It all led to the city’s exit. The Zoroark stopped, finally catching his breath, and he saw it. His brother, on the other side, accompanied by Scar.
“L-Lance!” he shouted, gasping for air. “W-What are you doing? Aren’t we a team? What’s this all about?”
The Lucario turned to face him with no expression on his face. “Lance is gone. I’m going on my own way now.”
“The fuck is that supposed to mean?!” Meggie asked, pointing to Scar. “What did he do to you?!”
“He didn’t do anything. I am merely following my path. It’s for the sake of the world,” Lance looked down. “I am doing this… for you two. For the entire world.”
“I don’t care about the world! I care about my brother!” Brian snarled, creating a dark sphere on his hand, and looking at Scar. “You mother–”
He was interrupted by a sudden punch to his stomach, delivered by none other than Lance, and was strong enough to force Brian to fall down and get knocked out.
“L-Lance! What are you–” Meggie tried to resist, but she was hit by a metallic energy beam, and passed out as well.
Finally done with them, Lance walked away from his team, and next to the other three. He shed a single tear and bit his lip. It was for the best.
A few days later, a single boat arrived on an island with a forest nearby. Out of the vehicle came a Lopunny and an Electivire, who held a pokéball on his hand.
“Sure this is the place?” Max asked.
“Yeah, it is. Let’s go.”
The two entered the forest, ignoring how everything inside looked dead, and continued on their way until they came across a large, black crystal with vines surrounding it. Max stepped forward, holding the pokéball.
“Master Necrozma… we bring you a sacrifice, so that you can restore your power.”
A single vine pushed out of the ground and wrapped itself on Max’s free arm. He yelped, but didn’t pull back, instead glancing at Lilith.
A sacrifice? Why, I must thank you… bring it to me, now.
“H-How do we open this thing? Did the Froslass explain?”
“Apparently ya have to click on the button in the middle, and it opens. Go on.”
Max did as instructed and the ball opened, releasing a Garchomp. He fell on the ground and raised his head, staring at the two. With a snarl, he lunged on them, but vines grabbed his body before he could reach them.
This should be a nice meal for me. Yes… his light is quite delicious. Thank you, Necrozma removed his vine from Max’s arm and wrapped more around Garchomp.
“W-Wha?! Who are you? Where am I? Let me go!” he exclaimed, trying to release himself from the vines, but it was too late.
The vines glowed and penetrated Garchomp’s body. He screamed in pain as the vines began to suck on his life force, his very existence. It drained him, and he tried his best to escape. Flames, scythe, nothing helped. He was trapped, with nowhere to go, and forced to watch himself slowly die. As he did it, his body began to thin, never stopping.
It came to a point where Max and Lilith saw Garchomp’s bones. His ribcage, his tissues, it was all visible, and as he was being absorbed, the crystal began to glow. Garchomp, still holding onto his life, tried once more to escape his predicament, but failed. Necrozma threw the dead body on the ground with the roots.
Max was disgusted at the sight, but forced a smile. “…Mission accomplished?”
“Mission accomplished,” Lilith pointed out. “Master Necrozma, is there anything else you would like us to do? We will be on our next stage, so your resurrection… it draws near.”
Another root rose, this time around the bunny’s arm. She looked at it and smiled as well.
It pleases me that I still have followers, even after all these years. But there is a tiny problem. Once I’m out of this cocoon, I’ll be weak. I will require sustenance. In case any of your allies fails to provide me it… well, I’m sure you know. Perhaps a vessel should suffice.
“A vessel?” Lilith scratched her chin. “Well, this complicates things, but… I think our boss should deal with that. I’ll let him know.”
Ah, I see. Very well. I would hate to be stuck here on this island, so I have an order to you. Once he has found someone, bring me to your base. I’m stuck inside this crystal… but only this crystal.
“Understood. But… why not go out earlier? If the crystal’s the problem, then we can just move you now.”
Impossible. I’ll be drained of energy. I need to absorb the nutrients from this… island in order to sustain myself.
“Very well. We are at your service.”
Yes, yes. Soon enough, I’ll be free… and I’ll show the world… my everlasting light!
End of act 2
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