A New Reality

Inside one of the hideout’s corridors, an Orbeetle fluttered, pondering over the next victim he should experiment on. The Barbaracle approached him with a special present in his arms.

“A human?” the Orbeetle said, feasting his large green eyes on his subject. “Marvelous! We have a Cutiefly in the Victreebel’s pitcher!”

“Sauzor the Orbeetle, I showed the human to the boss,” said the Barbaracle. “She called upon you to convert this human into a Pokemon to give him strength. Then we will induct him as a new minion. Please take the human.”

“Verily, Barbaracle,” said Sauzor. “I shall take him to the Transporter. Psychic!” He focused his mind on the human and formed a pink force around him. The human was levitated out of the Barbaracle’s arms and followed Sauzor as he flied to the research lab.

The research lab was a room full of machinery dominated by the Transporter. It was a pair of machines connected by a long pipe from top to top. The walls were lined with preservation tanks which stored Pokemon organs. Three aides of Sauzor, a Gothitelle, a Solrock and an Avalugg, monitored the control panel of the Transporter.

“Behold, my fellow researchers!” Sauzor hollered. His aides gasped at the sight of a human paraded by Sauzor with telekinesis. “Today this human will become a loyal servant of Team Renegade!”

Sauzor went to the panel and instructed the Gothitelle to open the Transporter. She pressed a button on the panel and the door of the left machine automatically opened. Sauzor used Psychic to carry the human into the left machine. When the human was inside, Sauzer disabled his psychic hold and the human was freed from it. The Gothitelle closed the door by pressing the same button.

“Begin conversion!” announced Sauzor as he punched another, larger button. The Transporter’s lights started to glow and it began a low but loud whirring sound. The circular ceiling light shone a bright pink in response to the Transporter. The researchers watched it transform the human with unbridled glee.

“Sauzor! Sauzor!” One of the doors in the research lab opened, revealing a hurrying Metang.

“What’s the matter, Flux?”

“Subject 112 has escaped from his chamber and is going on a rampage!”

“SUBJECT 112?” bellowed the Orbeetle.

“Yes. He’s knocking out every Pokemon in the lab!”

“Sorry, Flux. Right now, I have an important matter to tend to. Please stop him!”

“Alright. I will-” Flux was grabbed from behind and thrashed into the floor.

Sauzor and his aides left the control panel alone to confront the perpetrator. When they did, the perpetrator hurled Flux at the Solrock aide and the two Pokemon fell to the floor.

He was a big and strong Rhydon, glaring at the researchers with red eyes as sharp as his large horn and baring his fangs.

“Now, now, Subject 112.” Sauzor tried to calm the Rhydon down. “I instruct you to please snap out of your bout of insanity. You have always obeyed us with diligence since your creation. Will you obey us right now? This isn’t a bad dream.”

“NOT A CHANCE, YOU BASTARDS!” the Rhydon snarled. “ROCK BLAST!” Stones manifested in his clawed hand.

The Rhydon chucked the stones at Sauzor. The Orbeetle was buried in a heap of stones, knocked out by the super-effective attack.

“Psyshock!” The Gothitelle tossed orbs of solid psychic energy at the Rhydon, but they could only brush against his thick gray hide.

The Rhydon targeted the Avalugg next. He raised his arm, encasing it in orange energy which made it look bigger. With a yell, his Hammer Arm came crashing onto the Avalugg’s back, flooring the aide.

The Gothitelle closed her eyes and clasped her hands, slipping into a Calm Mind to power up her psionics.

Slowed by the Hammer Arm, the Rhydon could not reach the Gothitelle before she opened her eyes.

When the Gothitelle made an outstretched hand to sic a Psychic on him, the Rhydon shielded himself with the fainted Avalugg’s body. The Psychic latched onto the Avalugg instead. She let go of the Psychic and teleported to the other side of the lab.

The Rhydon saw an Aggron horn in a tank nearby. He punched the tank, causing its contents to spill out.

“Not those jars!” the Gothitelle yelled, warping to the Rhydon. “You’re wasting Smite’s conquests!”

The Rhydon flung the horn at the Gothitelle’s head. As the Gothitelle clutched her head in pain, the Rhydon got closer and gored his own horn into the Gothitelle’s torso. Too frail to withstand the Horn Attack, the Gothitelle fainted on the spot.

The Rhydon paced toward the exit. The ceiling light started to flash in highs and lows, accompanied by a siren. The Rhydon stopped and turned to the Transporter. The lights of the right machine were glowing.

What’s this? the Rhydon thought. Another of their ugly contraptions? At least I can check this out. I’ve kicked the asses of every Renegade in the lab after all.

The whirring noise came to a halt. The door of the right machine opened and coughed out billows of steam. The Rhydon hid at the panel, believing it to be an attack. After the steam settled, he carefully made his way to the right machine and peered inside.

He found a Lucario. An unconscious Lucario sprawled on the bottom of the machine. A smirk lined the Rhydon’s face. I get a free super-powerful, Aura-manipulating, villain-thumping wolf? Yowza! He’ll make a great partner! The Rhydon lifted the Lucario and hauled him over his broad shoulder. He headed for the exit, walking as fast as his bulky body could.

Once he reached the corridor, a passing Scovillain detected him. The red head charged an ember in his gaping mouth while the green head turned to warn the other Renegades. The Rhydon grabbed the red head’s neck and twisted it toward the other neck. The Scovillain’s Flamethrower hit his own green head before he could cry for help.

The Rhydon race-walked to the window at the east end of the corridor as a Beedrill zipped at him like an arrow. The Beedrill drove one of his arm spears into the Rhydon’s jagged back. The Rhydon yowled and the Lucario fell from his shoulder, thudding face-first to the floor. The rock-type cursed as he retaliated with a Rock Blast which knocked out the Beedrill.

Amidst murmurs and footsteps from the other side of the corridor, the Rhydon picked up the Lucario and rammed his horn into the window, shattering it. With the Lucario in his claws, the Rhydon hopped out of the window and landed on the grassy outdoors with a thud. The Rhydon hung the Lucario on his shoulder and trod eastward, moving as fast as he could in a body that was burdened by its weight. He ripped every wayward branch and stalk out of his path.

He kept walking and walking, taxing his body in the inevitability of being outrun by the speedier members of Team Renegade. A grimace lined his mouth as he tore through the jungle surrounding the hideout.

Finally, he broke out of the jungle and reached the crystal-clear sand of the beach, heading for the sea. The Barbaracle coast guard spotted him from afar and charged.

Hearing the thuds of the Barbaracle’s stout legs, the Rhydon grasped some sand in his hand. The Barbaracle readied a Liquidation, manifesting long claws of water from his fingertips.

The Rhydon threw a cloud of sand right at the Barbaracle’s little eyes. The Barbaracle wailed as the sand dug into his eyes. The hand on his head curled into a fist and the Liquidation was extinguished before it could be used. The Rhydon focused on the coast and his eyes skimmed the edge of the water. A stray wooden boat lay to his left.

He hurried to the boat and first placed the Lucario in it. Then he gently pushed his hoof into the boat to check if it could withstand his weight. Once it did, he got on the boat and yanked its spare oar. He thrashed the oar into the water with vigorous intent.

Once the Barbaracle got over his irritated eyesight, he ran at the moving boat, only to be left gaping at the edge of the sea. The runaway Pokemon had rowed too far away for him to land a physical attack on.

Why can’t he swim?

The Rhydon heard a splash from behind him. Believing it to be the Barbaracle, he rowed faster, wielding the oar with more force. The boat allowed him to touch speeds which he could only dream of.

The Barbaracle was unable to catch up with the boat before tiring out from the constant swimming. He could only watch the boat sail into the horizon, cast as a tiny shadow under the setting sun. Disrespectful fool… he said in his mind to the Rhydon. There is a time when Team Renegade will need you. Don’t think you can get away with a lifetime of altruism…

---

The sky was clogged with dark clouds, choking all the moonlight out. The sea was a cauldron of large waves that cleaved the water like Sharpedo fins.

The Rhydon struggled through the foaming waters. He had been maintaining the strength that made him zip away from that horrible island, but the violent waves slowed him to a crawl and rocked the boat like a pendulum. He ensured to keep an eye on the Lucario, rested at the edge of the boat. He can’t afford to lose a valuable partner like him.

Powerful winds lashed at the boat from all directions. The Rhydon’s bulk and Rock typing allowed him to withstand the winds as if they were just breezes. However, the Lucario was shaken around in the boat, his Steel typing negated by his light weight. The Rhydon stopped rowing and grasped the Lucario by his foot.

A column of seawater flooded from behind the Rhydon, drenching him and the Lucario. His soaked eyes could not perceive anything. He felt wood slip from under his hooves. And then, water.

The Rhydon and the Lucario plunged into the sea. As they were pushed around by the currents, his eyes made out a silhouette of the falling boat and oar, gobbled up by the water.

Oh shit…

He held the Lucario in both of his claws as they were tossed around by the currents. He wished Arceus to bestow them with a miracle.

---

Breeze.

It was the first thing the Lucario could register. The gusts of the sea sent a chill rushing through his skin. The chill felt stronger than it should have been.

Temperature.

The Lucario realized he can feel. He was alive. Against all odds, he was alive.

It was not long before he felt seawater in his skin, irritating his nerves. A third feeling crept into his conscious.

Rancidity.

The overwhelming odor of seasalt bolted the Lucario awake. He stared at the empty sky and fluttered his eyes. Once his vision was clear, he looked around.

He was sprawled on a beach. There was a wall of sandstone beyond the beach. The sky was a warm hue of pink and the sun was half-submerged under the horizon. Was it dawn or dusk? The Lucario wasn’t sure. He let his body remain still for some time.

On instinct, he slowly raised his torso, clutching the soaked sands of the coast, and trudged his right foot toward his core. Once he got a hold of his balance, he brought his left foot next to his right. Inch by inch, he rose to his feet with trembling legs. The Lucario lowered his head to satiate the trembling.

He was in for a shock.

What he saw was a pair of black feet with three toes. His line of sight raised to his legs, which had also become black. A thick blue pelt surrounded his thighs. The Lucario could not comprehend his odd anatomy. Was it the fault of sea grime? He hoped his upper body was unscathed.

It was not.

His torso had a layer of beige fur. His arms and hands, just like his legs and feet, had blackened. A silver spike protruded from the position of his heart. A smaller spike was present at the back of each hand.

“What…” the Lucario mumbled. “What have I become?“

He sat on the sand and watched gentle waves skate under the ascending sun. This doesn’t feel right, he pondered, taking in the fresh breeze. But how? He closed his eyes to construct his thoughts.

Why is my body different? How did I get to the beach?

He explored his mind, but all he could find was a void.

Why can’t I remember anything? I must have had a life before this!

He kept his eyes shut and concentrated. He probed every vestige of his brain.

Where did I come from? What are my goals? My duties and pastimes? My strengths and weaknesses?

He found no answer to any of those questions. He held his head in frustration as he dug deeper into his mind.

Who are my parents? Do I have siblings? Friends? Acquaintances?

What is my name? Why can’t I even remember my own name?

Why?

Why is my mind a blank state?

The Lucario opened his red eyes and returned to the present.

That’s it. I’m just a nameless…thing.

He got up and turned around. The Rhydon who saved him lay on the beach with his jaws agape.

“Original One!” the Lucario gasped, running to the Rhydon. Wait, who is the Original One? Oh, forget it.

The Lucario knelt and observed the Rhydon. I don’t know what this lifeform is. It may look menacing, but I can’t let it die. His paw reached for the Rhydon’s wrist.

He held the Rhydon’s hand and pressed his thumb on the wrist. He identified the cadence of a pulse. Finally, he could recall something.

It’s alive! Thank goodness, he smiled. Now I should rouse it awake.

“Hello?” he whispered in the Rhydon’s ear. He waited for a reply.

“Hello?” he spoke normally to avoid hurting the Rhydon’s eardrums. “Could you please wake up?” He kept pleading, but the Rhydon never replied.

Only tactile stimulation is left, the Lucario decided. If that doesn’t work, then it should be rushed to a hospital.

Wait, how did I remember this information? Is my mind playing tricks?

The Lucario gripped the Rhydon’s hand, applying pressure to it. When that didn’t work out, he got up and pushed a foot against the side.

I think it’s strong enough to withstand a kick, he thought, noticing his thick gray skin. Here goes! He lifted his leg and delivered a restrained kick to the Rhydon’s side.

The Drill Pokemon slipped into consciousness and closed his mouth. He quickly got onto his hooves. “HOW DARE YOU ATTACK ME!” he roared. “I’LL SHOW-“

The Rhydon was immobilized by the sight of the Lucario he found, standing in front of him and pressing his paws against his head feelers. “Oh crap! I’m sorry, partner!” he apologized.

“Partner?” the Lucario asked, releasing his paws. “Why am I your partner?”

“Because I saved you from those organ-splicing Renegade assholes!” said the Rhydon. “They could’ve extracted your guts! You’re alive because of me!” He grinned and pointed to himself.

“Oh. Thanks for saving my life.” The Lucario gave him a gentle smile. “By the way, what are you?”

“A hero, obviously.”

“I meant what lifeform are you?”

“Is this a joke? I’m a Rhydon, not a gray Nidoking.”

“What’s a Rhydon?”

“A Pokemon, idiot!”

“What’s a Pokemon?”

“YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT A POKEMON IS?”

“Don’t be so loud!” The Lucario covered his feelers again. “Could you please speak more softly?”

“Your ears are at the top of your head, you ass-for-brains!”

“Huh?” The Lucario pulled one of his blue, pointy ears to his eyes. “Oh. Thanks for clarifying me.”

“Maybe that Orbeetle prick wiped your memories.”

“Memories? Wiped?“

“Yes. But let’s not dwell on that crap. First, I’ll tell you what a Pokemon is.”

“Go on.” The Lucario and the Rhydon walked across the beach.

“You know, everyone in this world is a Pokemon. I am a Pokemon and so are you. We all have powers with a smorgasbord of uses. Battling, exploring, building houses, cooking food. Powers help us in all of those, as well as countless other stuff.”

“What is my power?”

“You, a Lucario, have two types of power: Fighting and Steel. The former gives you awesome physical strength and martial arts moves. The latter lets you resist nasty types like rocks and ice. Hell, you’re even immune to Poison-type moves.”

“Poison types? Ah, I get it. They shoot poison?”

“You’re spot on. Also, you have species-specific powers. There are over 1000 species of Pokemon, and they-“

“Would you two please step off the beach?” The Lucario and the Rhydon saw a Crobat descend from the sky. He wore a black cap on his head.

“Hey, you!” the Rhydon snarled. “Why are you chasing us off? This ain’t some honcho’s territory!”

“The beach opens at 8 o’clock,” the Crobat retorted. “I’m the nightwatchman and you are disobeying the rules!”

The twosome were guided to the entrance of the beach and ordered to read the timings sign. After the Crobat left them, they strolled to the sandstone wall, which was as tall as an oak tree. Many entrances were carved in the wall, concealed by doors, and so were holes that acted as windows. Some doors had large signs above them, presenting themselves as commercial establishments.

“Damn, this is glorious!” said the Rhydon, amazed by the architecture and the golden sand. “The Pokemon here must be having one hell of a good life!”

“You’re right,” replied the Lucario. “It’s a beautiful neighborhood. Where’s all the Pokemon?”

“It’s early morning. Everyone must be still asleep, uh…” He turned to the canine. “You forgot to introduce yourself.”

Uh oh. He had to tell him his name. He can’t make up a new name on the spot. He had to be true to himself. How did he remember the hospital otherwise? The Lucario delved into his mind once more and searched for his name. Finally, he uttered it to the Rhydon.

“Surge? As in aura surge?”

Surge? That’s really my name? “Uh…yes.” It’s wrong and right at the same time…

“Cool name. At least you remembered something!”

“Thank you. What is your name?”

“Actually, I don’t have a name. Blame those Renegade bastards. They called me 112 or something. Luckily, I’ve already decided one for myself.”

“What is it?”

“Rhyzo. A badass name for a badass Pokemon!”

“Nice to meet you, Rhyzo.” Surge brought out his paw.

“Clench your paw. Let’s fist-bump!” Surge and Rhyzo jammed their fists together. They began to walk across the neighborhood, continuing to eye the sandstone dwellings.

“Hey, I’ve a big plan to tell you.” Rhyzo began.

“A plan? Alright.”

“I’ve always wanted to become a dungeoneer since I was a Rhyhorn.”

“What does a dungeoneer do?”

“Explore mystery dungeons. You get all sorts of cool stuff from them. Money, berries, ore and more. It’s more popular than any other job in this world.”

“You brought up some group called Renegade, right? Did they forbid you from becoming a dungeoneer?”

“Exactly! They rambled about dungeoneers being selfish, greedy, elitist and all that crap. In fact, they were describing themselves.” Rhyzo’s voice boiled with hate. “They forced me to train all day, never allowed me magazines, Holo Orbs or friends, never let me explore the outside world…because I was the heir of some ‘master’.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. You had a rough childhood.”

“Enough pitying! Then when I evolved, I tried to break out of that Pokemon-made hell. They captured me and locked me in some ugly tank. That’s when my top blew off and I finally left that cesspool for good. And saved you in the process.”

“Just now you were pouring out your motive. So what’s the plan?”

“We’ll become a dungeon team! We’ll become powerful enough to destroy Team Renegade! Every single one of them!” He punctuated his last words with a huge fanged grin.

“How does exploring make you powerful?”

“The strongest Pokemon in the world are dungeoneers. Team Evolution once defeated and rounded up that queenpin bitch Smite. I’m talking about a Scizor who reduced two entire prisons to rubble. Only the best dungeoneers can match Smite’s power.”

“Sounds interesting. But aren’t there elite dungeoneers who’ll take care of Team Renegade?”

“Nothing tastes sweeter than revenge. Imagine how awesome it would be to crush Smite into scrap metal. Or at least any Renegade. We’ll make them pay for ruining our lives! So, shall we form our own team?”

Surge blinked at his demands.

“Come on, Surge! I saved you after all.” Rhyzo stretched out his arm. “And you did the same by waking me up. That’s what dungeoneers do, right? Save and help Pokemon.”

This job sounds dangerous. Why is it so popular in the first place? Is it a celebrity position? If dungeoneers’ duties are to save and help Pokemon, I guess Rhyzo is right. He’s the one feeding my empty mind in the first place. He actually saved me from a lifetime of experimentation. Doesn’t that comply with the motto of a dungeoneer?

“It’s just a yes or no question! Why do you need to ponder about this?”

So how do I repay him? He sounds genuine, if a bit abrasive. I don’t have anything to give as a parting gift.

“Yes,” Surge relented. “It would be nice to help Pokemon.”

“Hell yes!” Rhyzo cheered. He and Surge shared a fist-bump. “Just like any other Lucario!”

“Do all Lucario become dungeoneers?”

“Not all of them, most of them. Lucario have a reputation for heroism. That’s why so many Lucario are dungeoneers. Including the leader of Team Evolution.”

“I think Team Evolution are inspiring many Lucario to take up that profession.”

“Yup.”

The two Pokemon arrived at the entrance of the neighborhood. According to a signpost, it was called Sunflove. Rhyzo was intrigued by one of the names written on the signpost: Beach Cave.

“Hey, Surge,” Rhyzo said, pointing to his targeted sign. “Beach Cave sounds like a dungeon. Shall we begin our career there?”

“As you wish,” a nodding Surge replied.

Surge and Rhyzo turned around and headed for the other end of the beach, where a small cavern waited for them. As they marched across the tranquility of early morning bathed in bronze daylight, the world appeared to stand still and witness their first steps into the profession of dungeon crawling.

The sun of their quest was rising.