Chapter 18: A Slow Turnaround

Ezera disembarked the drednaw, stepping on the shore outside Fentil Village. The gurdurr they needed to give the parcel to supposedly worked at a logging site in the area, but the commission page contained no specifics as to where it could be found. He opened the Wonder Map, double checking his direction. Walking into the village sounded like a decent start.

‘How would Litleo approach this?‘ Ezera pondered. He pictured her curtly asking everyone for information. ‘Right, questioning. It wouldn’t hurt to ask one of the locals if they know where the site is.’

He arrived at the village grounds a few minutes later. A lingering firewood aroma hung in the surroundings, with quietness continuing to be the norm if he remembered the last time he was here. Not many pokémon walked about even with the sun soon approaching its midpoint in the sky. To sit in his room, being this casual…

Ezera refocused his drifting thoughts. ‘Right, a course of action.‘ Finding a lone pokémon would be ideal for talking. He could knock on the doors of the cabins until someone answered, or check the tents. ‘I’d rather not intrude though…‘

His eye caught the researchers from Bubula Academy strolling further ahead. They stopped near a fenced home, engaged in conversation and not looking in his direction. ‘Huh, wonder what they’re doing here.‘ Ezera walked toward them.

“This place is perfect, Orbeetle! Look at them all, so blissfully unaware. I can imagine how it will go already,” Sling remarked, leaning on the wooden fence. The fence groaned from the weight, creaking loudly.

“We’re trying to keep it that way as much as we can. The intent is to preserve,” Orbeetle explained, plucking Sling’s paw off the fence. “I will admit that it looks promising however…”

“All we need to do is find a candidate!”

“Hi there!” Ezera called out.

Sling and Orbeetle spun in his direction. Sling instantly grinned, while Orbeetle’s eyes went wide open. The researcher whispered something in Sling’s ear.

“Relax. We were simply discussing what we’ve found so far, right? Helloooo there, Axew!” Sling said, cupping his paws and leaning down. “I don’t think we’ve been formally acquainted.”

“Um, you can call me Ezera,” Ezera said, backing up. Sling’s face was too close for comfort. The sharp, glinting eyes from the shell peered right through him.

“What- what do you want?” Orbeetle grumbled.

Sling sleazily smiled, easing back to his normal posture. “Try not to take offense to my flying companion. He gets nervous around unfamiliar pokémon. It’s quite sad.”

Orbeetle buzzed up and down in front of Sling’s face. “Would you shut up?!”

“See what I mean?” Sling said, waving him away like a fly. “How may we be of service?”

“Er, right. I guess I wanted to know how your research has been coming along. What are you doing out here?” Ezera questioned, exchanging glances between the two. He couldn’t imagine much happening in this sleepy place.

“Reuniclus wanted a field study on the aether here,” Orbeetle answered quickly.

“It’s been slow, but we are making progress.” Sling adjusted his cape. “Yes… much progress. In fact, we might be ready to share soon. Would you like to help us?”

“Ah, sorry. I can’t. I’m in a bit of trouble so it’s probably not the best idea,” Ezera said.

“What a shame, maybe it’s for the best. I feel you would be better off watching our work first hand,” Sling said, grinning as he finished.

Ezera crossed his arms. ‘This dude is a little off.‘ “Also, do you know anything about a log camp near here? I have to go there but I’m not one hundred percent sure where it is.”

“We do not. You could try asking that delcatty over there. She so kindly helped us with our question.” Sling pointed to a delcatty several feet away. The cat basked in between rows of planters filled with assortments of flowers.

“What’d you-“

“Sorry, but Sling and I are busy. We have more area to cover. And more measurements to take,” Orbeetle blurted out.

“We do? I’m so bored as it is. My afternoon nap-” Sling began.

Orbeetle comically tugged on Sling’s arm to take him further into the village. “Goodbye!”

“Oh, uh, alright! Good luck with your research!” Ezera said.

“Hoohoo, thank you very much,” Sling replied, slowly going along. “Best wishes with your work too. We’ll be seeing you very soon.”

‘Scratch that. Both of them are a little off.‘ Ezera shrugged and made his way to the delcatty. He squeezed through the petals and stems carelessly growing out of the planters, trying not to get whacked in the face or sneeze in the process. ‘Someone is seriously neglecting their job to trim these.‘

Delcatty laid flat on the grass. The lower half of her body pointed straight up, tail swishing as she soaked in the sun. Bits of white dappled the edges of her lilac fur.

“Excuse me, do you have directions for a logging site around here?” Ezera queried.

“You’ll want to speak to Breloom. He handles that crew,” the elderly delcatty answered, not batting an eye.

“Where can I find him?”

“That’s the kicker, you just missed him. He left a few minutes ago.”

Ezera facepalmed. “…You’re kidding me.”

Delcatty peeped one eye open. “If you’re quick, which you should be since you’re young, you can catch him by following the line of rainflowers west of here. You’ll know it when you see it.”

“Rainflowers?”

“You’ll know it when you see it.”

“Could you descr-“

“You’ll know it. When you see it.”

Talk about rude. “O-okay. Uh, thanks, miss.”

“Ah, youngsters these days…”

Ezera left delcatty to her sunbathing. He exited the village and kept an eye out for the rainflowers. “You’ll know it when you see it,” he repeated to himself. “Gosh, would it have been that hard just to clarify a little bit…”

He quickened his pace to a jog as the land’s color shifted from green to gray grass. ‘If Medusa turned scenery to stone, this is what it would look like.‘ The sparse shrubbery dwindled out until only plain, flat grassland remained. A light pink tree line dotted the horizon in the distance. After jogging a few minutes, Ezera’s feet began protesting against the coarser quality of the soil, prompting him to stop and catch his breath.

On his left, bluish anemones stretched on and on into the land in a long trail. Their six, skinny petals drooped downward, as if rejecting the sky. The stems were hunched over as well, contributing to the sad looking line of flowers.

“Are these it?” Ezera muttered. Despite their appearance, he couldn’t help thinking they were cute. He reached out and picked one. He tried to unfurl the petal to see the inside, but its stiffness meant it would snap or crumble if he forced it. Ezera simply stored it in Litleo’s bag. He squinted, spotting a green mushroom cap moving in the distance. ‘Could that be Breloom? Perfect!‘ As Ezera sprinted toward it, a nasally voice cried out.

“Please don’t take my stuff!”

‘Thieves? I better prepare,‘ he thought. A part of him also groaned inside. ‘I never realized how much fighting actually happens in the pokémon world.‘ He kept one hand in the bag, tiptoeing toward the noise. In the patch of land without any flowers, a hitmontop and tyrogue circled Breloom. Hitmontop spun on their head in a blur, kicking dirt up everywhere.

“Hey, what’s going on here?” Ezera shouted, clutching the bag tight.

Hitmontop stopped spinning and landed on his feet. “Eh? Whot’sa guild member doin’ out ‘ere?”

“We doin’ improv now?” tyrogue asked.

Ezera slightly eased up. “Huh?”

Breloom whirled around, breaking out of the quivering stance he was just in. “Woah, easy there, guildie. You got the wrong idea. Nothing’s happening here.”

“But- you just shouted at them not to take your…” Ezera faltered, seeing no items on the pokémon or in the vicinity. “I’m confused.”

“We’re rehearsing, see?” Breloom retrieved some papers set off to the side. He held them to Ezera’s face. “Part of a show for our next gig at Kaiyo Town.”

Ezera couldn’t read the words, but it seemed genuine enough. ‘Thank goodness! No fighting!‘ He closed the satchel and sighed. “I see. Listen, I heard you know the way to a logging site. Can you help me?”

“Whew, I thought we were in trouble for a ‘sec. Sure, I run the crew. What do you need with us?” Breloom asked, wiping his forehead.

“I have something to deliver for a gurdurr.”

“That so? I could take it off your hands and give it to the big fella for you.”

“That’s okay. I’d rather see it done personally.”

Breloom turned to his buddies. “We’ll have to pick this up later. My house?”

“Fair o’nuff. Meet you then,” hitmontop replied, fist bumping him.

“Sorry for interrupting your practice,” Ezera said, watching hitmontop and tyrogue leave.

“Think nothing of it. I always spare some time before work to rehearse. I’ll clock out earlier today to make up for it,” Breloom stated. “It’s this way to camp.”

Ezera and Breloom trekked until the rainflower trail thinned out, making small talk in the meantime. The smoke from the logging site made itself visible up ahead. Thwoks and thwacks increased in volume the closer they drew to the main part of the camp. Piles of lumber stacked in rectangular crates littered the place. Straw beds surrounded some extinguished campfires, making Ezera question what the standards for fire safety were.

“Lots of wood you got here,” Ezera said.

“Mystic Fane is full of them,” Breloom replied, turning his gaze to the dark tree line where pokémon were working. Various shades of pink and purple leaves reflected at them. “We operate on the very edge of the dungeon, where the wilds don’t go. We leave them alone, they leave us alone.” He jumped atop an empty crate, balancing his feet on the edges. He scanned for the gurdurr, finding the muscular pokemon loading a chunky log into a crate. “Gurdurr! You have a present!”

Gurdurr sauntered over to Ezera and Breloom. Sweat glistened over his entire body. “Haha, I assume it’s here? My ear muffs? I can work in peace at last.”

Ezera frowned and fished out the parcel from Litleo’s satchel. “That’s what’s in this? Couldn’t you have gotten a regular courier to give this to you?”

“No way! If delivery ‘mon found out what was inside, they might’ve taken it themself! I trust you guildies have integrity and won’t do such a thing. Seems I was right, haha!”

‘I’m feeling used right now…‘ Ezera handed over the parcel to the gurdurr, trying not to touch the muscular pokémon’s sweaty hands. Gurdurr handed his reward in turn. “I’m all done here. Thank you for the guide, Breloom! I’ll keep a lookout for when you come to Kaiyo Town.”

“Don’t miss it!” Breloom exclaimed.

Ezera waved and hiked his way back. ‘It really was that simple. My first solo commission is done. Granted it was… annoying to a degree, but I’ll take that as a win.‘ He ran to tell Litleo the good news.

---

Litleo awoke from her nap having no idea what time it was. The damp cloth over her forehead and eyes masked any concept of it, and she couldn’t take it off per Indeedee’s instructions.

“If I come back and it’s not on your cute face, I’ll… I’ll do something awful! Believe it,” Indeedee had said.

Out of respect for treating her and not the horrible acting, Litleo kept the cloth on. Only, the boredom of sitting in the infirmary started getting to her. She sat up and switched to lay on her right side, making sure to keep the rag on her head. She relished the coolness of the bed before it disappeared. What else could she do to occupy herself? More napping?

“Hey, I’m back-! Oops.”

It was hard NOT to know who that voice belonged to, since she had no choice but to get used to it.

‘…I can’t believe I’m thinking this, but thank goodness he showed up.’ Litleo halfheartedly lifted a paw. “I’m not asleep,” she explained. “You’re not interrupting anything.”

The crinkling of sheets told her Ezera climbed on the nearby bed. “Why the towel on your face? You having a spa day?”

“I’m not supposed to take it off. Indeedee says it’ll maintain my temperature after whatever-” She stopped as parts of the mulch flavor came back up, and swallowed it. “Ugh, disgusting medicine she made me drink.”

“That may be disgusting, but you know what’s not? I managed to finish the commission without a hitch!”

Litleo imagined Ezera grinning like a madmon. ‘He’s like a little kid with candy. I’ll give it to him this time.‘ “Nice job. How’s it feel to be accomplished?”

“Pretty good,” he replied, rustling through her bag. “I brought you something.”

Litleo’s breath momentarily caught. Her thoughts immediately drifted to when she received the scarves. ‘What could he possibly bring me? Why?‘ It was a good thing this rag covered her face.

“…What is it?” she cautiously asked.

“It’s a flower,” Ezera went on.

Litleo kept her tail still and peeked out of the cloth. “A what?”

“Yeah. It’s-” He paused to look around. Once sure no other pokémon were listening, he resumed. “It’s a thing humans do when someone’s in the hospital. You give them flowers. It’s meant to say get well soon.”

She had to see this. Litleo fully lifted the cloth off her face, squinting to adjust to the light.

Ezera dug out a singular flower. Its blue petals were a tad smushed from the other contents in her bag, but it retained its droopy shape for the most part. He placed it at her paws.

“That’s… interesting. Thanks,” Litleo remarked, raising an eyebrow. “Are you trying to say something about me with this kind of flower though?”

“Heh, now that you mention it-“

Indeedee happened to step in at that moment. “Litleo! Do I need to glue the cloth to your face? What did I say about taking it off?”

Litleo froze and placed the rag back on.

“That doesn’t change anything, missy!”

“I’m gonna go grab the letter book,” Ezera whispered, sliding off the bed.

“Good idea,” Litleo whispered back.

Indeedee started going into a rant while Ezera slipped past her. “You should hope not to get sick after…”

After Indeedee’s lecture, Litleo and Ezera spent the remainder of the day studying. When they were done with roll call the next morning, the pair reported to the mess hall’s kitchen for cleaning duty. While not in terrible shape, food stains and grime splotched the apricot tiles. Certain areas of the grout were dark, especially near the open coal stove. On the far end, light from compact rectangular windows revealed dust gathering around the pantry.

Rapidash approached behind Litleo and Ezera, bringing along a not-so-enthusiastic elekid. Elekid carried a clipboard and an hourglass. “Alright dears, this is Duraludon’s assistant. He will be overseeing you until time is up or you finish here. Is this clear?”

“Got it,” Ezera answered.

“Then here is your supplies. Good luck,” Rapidash said, levitating two buckets and a pair of sponges forward. She left the kitchen after whispering something to the elekid.

Elekid pulled a stool from the mess hall, muttering something incoherent. He sat down and checked his clipboard. “Become Duraludon’s assistant they said, it would be helpful they said,” elekid muttered. He looked up and flipped the hourglass. “Begin.”

“At least it’s not Gana’s room. I cleaned it once, never again,” Litleo commented, limping inward.

“What did you do to warrant that punishment?” Ezera asked, tossing her a sponge. He lugged the bucket of soap to the right wall.

“I tried pocketing an extra fifteen Poké from a commission. I didn’t think Watchog would notice or actually count every single one.”

“Woooow, I can’t believe I work with a thief!”

“You’ve seen how much they take out of the pay. Fifteen is nothing!” she said, scoffing. “It was the one time anyway. I wasn’t going to do it again.”

“Mhm, sure.”

Litleo stared at the sponge, realizing a predicament. Because she was down a forepaw, she had no way of dipping the sponge into the soap. ‘Unless I use my mouth,‘ she thought. Litleo peeked at Ezera busily scrubbing away. ‘This is nothing. If I really wanted to, I could dip it. But…‘

“Ezera. Could you help dip my sponge for me?” Litleo asked. “My one paw isn’t going to cut it.”

“Oh, sure thing,” Ezera replied. He came over and soaked the sponge in the soap. “Just one thing. Who are you? The Litleo I know doesn’t ask for help.”

“Why is it that anytime I do something different somemon has to make a comment about it? It’s so old.”

“Can you blame us?”

“Yes, I can.”

Elekid cleared his throat extra loud.

“Just so you know,” Ezera said, returning to his spot, “it’s a step in the right direction.”

Litleo got the hint he meant things other than cleaning. “Like I said, I’m taking it slow.”

They fell into a pleasant quietness, minus the sound of sponges scraping against tile. Litleo took to the floors while Ezera worked on the counters and equipment. Their arrangement of Ezera helping out with Litleo’s sponge continued, and he didn’t complain about it. A few hours later, Elekid flipped the hourglass a fourth time. “Axew, you’re done. You’re free to leave.”

“That’s it? Really?” Ezera said from a corner. He got up off his knees. “I could stay a little-“

“Go,” Litleo interrupted, shaking off the tiredness in her paw. “Doing more commissions will be better for you. And I don’t think Rapidash will approve of us both not working multiple days in a row. Take my bag again.”

He pointed to her sponge. “Well, what about-“

“It’ll be fine. I’ll manage.”

“You sure?”

“Shoo, Ezera,” Litleo insisted, flinging water droplets at him even though he was on the other side of the room.

“I’ll see you later tonight!” Ezera said, walking out.

“And not any earlier.” Litleo glanced at the remaining section she had to clean. ‘Only a few hours left…‘

---

‘Maybe I can check in on Dewott if he hasn’t gone anywhere. I’ve never talked to him during the day,‘ Ezera mused, taking Litleo’s bag from her quarters. He went back downstairs, pushing on the revolving door to the commission center. Inside, he saw Dewott slinging on a backpack and Watchog peering over him. ‘Speak of the devil.‘

“Hi Watchog. Hi Dewott,” Ezera said, waving briefly.

Dewott waved back.

“Ah, Ezera! Perfect timing,” Watchog greeted. “Rapidash wanted me to relay some information to you.”

“What about?” Ezera asked, stopping to stand next to Dewott. ‘I hope I’m not in trouble.‘

“It recently crossed her mind that with the latest reports you’ve been bringing back, venturing alone is unadvised for Fledglings and Apprentices. Since most of the teams are already working in groups, that leaves you as the exception. She would like you to work with Dewott until Litleo has recovered. Dewott has no assigned team, so this arrangement should be beneficial to you both, as she put it.”

Ezera’s shoulders un-tensed as he breathed out. “Funny how that works out. I was looking for you, Dewott, actually. Wanted to know what you were up to since we only talk during dinner and that’s not much time to… hang out, so to speak.”

Dewott blinked in surprise. He made a forward motion with an open paw before pointing both paws down, and then pretended to pick at his digits. “Applin was supposed to go with me today to pick a special fruit. He’s feeling sick, sadly.“

“No doubt worrying what he wants to cook for this year’s founding feast,” Watchog surmised, turning his back to file some papers away.

“What’s that?” Ezera inquired.

“The guild’s founding day is coming up. Naturally, on that day we have some games and a special dinner to celebrate it.”

“It’s part of the reason why Applin wanted this fruit,” Dewott signed.

Ezera tilted his head. If Applin wasn’t here, then that only meant- “Am I going with you instead?”

Dewott nodded, snaking his paw along the top of his other paw. “I know the route well enough. We should be in and out quick.“

“Well, alright. Rapidash’s order aside, this’ll be fun, won’t it?” Ezera’s tail wagged a bit. Yesterday’s commission wasn’t hard, but it was boring being by himself. Now he could learn from Dewott and improve himself at the same time! ‘Thank you, fate.‘

“I’m glad you think so,” Dewott signed, eyes lighting up.

“I will mark you helping out Applin’s fruit search on your records, Ezera,” Watchog added, deftly pulling out a thin file from the cubbies. “Should you finish early, feel free to ask for a commission.”

“Wait, you mark what we do everyday?” Ezera said, distracted by how tiny his file was. It made sense given he recently joined, but seeing how filled the others were… ‘I have a long way to go.‘

“Of course. How else would we monitor teams for performance and promotions?”

“Am I doing well so far, at least?”

Watchog examined the papers maintaining a neutral expression. “Let us say you should keep working hard, good sir.”

“Are you ready, Ezera?” Dewott signed.

“Er, yeah. Later, Watchog,” Ezera replied, trying to make sense of that answer. Was that a good or bad thing?

Watchog curtly bowed. “Adieu, adventurers!”

Dewott led the way, hiking behind the guild’s lake. To Ezera’s surprise, a wide valley greeted them as they diverted from the river streaming out of the lake. At least, it seemed wide, since light fog settled over most of what they could see.

Ezera stuck close to Dewott, feeling uneasy hearing only their light footsteps. Being so alone and immersed in nature took a new meaning when battling could be a possibility, and he’d had one too many for his liking these past few days. Conifer and fern-like trees grew all around them. Their tips disappeared into the mist, not allowing anyone to see their height. Faint sunlight pierced through in certain areas and tinted the environment a gentle yellow.

Ezera used one hand to pull his scarf up and ignore some of the stinging pine smell. The other pulled out the Wonder Map from the satchel. He zoomed in on the general area; The valley spanned the space between the coast and Verdan Forest, running up to a river that divided it between Bubula Cove. With Ezera’s limited knowledge of the alphabet, he could make out ‘*is*ii *alle*‘ on the map.

‘Common sense tells me it might be… Misty Valley, but spelled weird. I think that’s a good guess.‘

“What are we searching for?” Ezera asked, stowing the Wonder Map.

“A Micle Berry. It enhances the flavor of everything in a dish even though it tastes plain by itself,” Dewott signed, on the lookout.

“Wow. I could use something like that at home, no wonder you call it special.” ‘Even though I don’t actually cook, Mom could at least use it…‘ he randomly thought. “I’m assuming it’s guarded heavily or in some hard to reach place?”

Dewott shook his head. “No to both. A select few trees in this valley grow them,” he signed, poking his paw in different places and raising one higher than the other. “The route we’re taking will lead us to one. Which should be…” He inspected the base of a tree, running a digit on the groove of the bark. “This way.“

Dewott did this several more times as they broke away from the path. Eventually they came to a steep gnoll shrouded in mist. A tiny opening had been dug below at its base, just big enough to fit Dewott’s size.

“The fog is too thick to climb over. We have to make it through this passage,” Dewott signed, checking the inside.

“The passage is kinda small, no? We aren’t going to get caved in or anything?” Ezera said. This hole bordered on the list of things he’d like not to get stuck in.

“Applin and I have gone through before. It’s safe.” Dewott set his backpack down and hauled an orb out. “I’m going to need you to take the lead momentarily. I’ll hold the Luminous Orb so we can see in there. If we encounter any burrowers, just say we’re passing through. They won’t mind.“

‘Take the lead?‘ Ezera thought. ‘This is low stakes. What am I worried for?‘ “Uh, alright. Shall we?”

Ezera entered the dark tunnel. His feet made contact with the cold, mushy dirt, no doubt thanks to the surrounding fog. He waited for the Luminous Orb’s light to reveal the way forward. Ezera shared a brief nod with Dewott, then continued. Luckily, his horn didn’t brush the ceiling while standing at full height. He relaxed slightly, even if roots and different sediments were potentially waiting to drop on their heads. It was a miracle how it didn’t fall to the ground already.

At a couple instances they encountered tunnels going across their direction, but Dewott signaled to ignore it and stick to theirs. Ezera’s apprehension turned out to be unfounded as they made it to the other side peacefully. Here, the fog dispersed, displaying the small grotto in full view. The little cave wasn’t natural, Ezera could see. The formations and carvings inside were too symmetrical. Ferns and shrubs enclosed the outside, all growing in messy forms. At the center of it all stood the same type of tree they’d passed on their way here, except the difference laid in its leaves’ dirty white color. Its tip threatened to touch the ceiling of the grotto.

“Is that the Micle Berry?” Ezera pointed at the yellow fruit dangling near the middle of the tree. “How are we going to reach that?”

“In these cases I usually lift Applin up. I can do the same to you,” Dewott signed, looking at him.

“O- oh. If you think you can do it, sure.”

Dewott hoisted Ezera into the air with a light grunt. The berry was now a foot away from Ezera’s face. He stretched his arms, still off the mark by a few inches. The thought crossed Ezera’s mind that he probably looked like a baby being carried around right now.

“Uh, I’m gonna need you to jump, Dewott,” Ezera stated, ignoring the awkward picture in his mind. “On three. One… two… three!”

The jump gave Ezera the needed height to latch his hands on the berry. The branch fwished as he tugged on it, successfully acquiring the fruit. Dewott set Ezera down and held the Micle Berry to the light.

“Perfectly ripe. We’re right on time before Kecleon’s suppliers,” he signed. “We can go.“

“That’s those general merchants, right? Something tells me they’ve got a monopoly on most things…” Ezera commented. He neared the tunnel ready to leave. He glanced behind, noticing Dewott linger about. Dewott’s gaze roamed over the grotto, like trying to find something playing hide-and-seek.

“What’s on your mind?” Ezera asked.

Dewott turned to him. He slid his paws on each other then pointed his thumbs upward. “On second thought, I want to tidy this space up.“

“Tidy it? Do you mean gardening?”

“Yeah. Applin told me this spot used to be highly maintained. I know no ‘mon will come here or see it, but I think since we use this berry often, it should look cared for. For respect.” Dewott hesitated his next sign.”I don’t mean to make you clean it with me, you did just clean our messy kitchen.“

“Hey, I’m not complaining. I like your thinking too.” Ezera warmed up his arms by doing air circles with them. “This is why I tagged along. We can’t be buddies if I don’t help out, right?”

Dewott gave him a tiny smirk and unclipped his scalchop. He used Razor Shell to slice the edges of the shrubs, trimming it into neat forms. Ezera collected the cut trash and placed them into an empty compartment in Dewott’s backpack.

“I’ve been meaning to ask, are you wild?” Ezera said as they met up at the backpack for a third time.

Dewott paused, then signed, “I used to live in Bubula Lake. It’s not a mystery dungeon or a town.“

“Huh, an in-between place. Maybe it’d have been simpler to ask where you’re from.” Ezera marked that mental note for future reference. “Anyway, I still have a burning question…”

“What do you want to know?“

“Where did you pick up sign language? I’m curious where you got it from.”

Dewott smiled. “It’s a big thing for us at Bubula Lake. I’m sure you know voices don’t travel well underwater.” He moved his arms like a wave, then tapped his mouth and put one arm below the other. “For the water-types living there, we need to be able to speak below the surface.“

Ezera was visibly shocked by that info. He assumed water-types could easily speak… something underwater, or had better ears than most. But it made sense if they were built the same as land dwellers. “What about the pokémon who don’t have arms or hands to sign?”

“We… make it work the best we can. Anyway, me using one scalchop is why you’re asking about being wild, right?“

“Well, kinda. You don’t have to say anything.” Ezera realized his error. “Or, I mean, sign… anything.”

“It’s a common question. You’re okay.” Dewott cast his gaze to his feet. “My scalchop was taken. That’s the simplest way to put it.”

“What? Really?” Ezera mentally smacked himself. That’s the best he had to say? “Is there no way for you to get it back?”

Dewott played with his scarf, approaching the bush he’d been working on. “I would have to go home. That’s not a place I can go back to so easily.“

Ezera thought about the guild being a fresh start for everyone who joined it. ‘Everyone has something, I guess. Same goes for me.‘

“What about you? Any cool stories from home?” Dewott continued after making the bush a perfect square.

“Mm, like what?” Ezera said, picking up the remains. How the heck was he going to tell a story that didn’t reveal anything about being human? ‘Although… would it be a bad idea to tell Dewott?‘

“How about the first thing that stands out to you?“

“Let’s see… uh, when I was little I used to dance a lot. My dad would record on his cam- er, he’d watch me all the time and laugh. I could never get him to join me, even now. It was always me and my mom jamming out.”

“You dance? Are there any techniques you want to teach?” Dewott signed, grinning.

“Right now? Nooo thank you. I never said I could dance WELL,” Ezera declined, shaking his head vigorously.

“Still something. You don’t dance anymore?“

“I’m too conscious about how I look. My dad would probably lecture me for it too. I hate it when he does that. He’s a good guy, don’t get me wrong, it’s just sometimes his ideas don’t mesh with mine.”

Dewott’s face scrunched up after Ezera spoke. “Fathers can be tough. Mothers too.“

“Seriously. They say they mean well, but damn is it hard to agree sometimes.” Ezera quietly sighed. ‘Like our last argument. We left things on a bad note. I wonder if after that walk I… no, I went to bed. Where’d walking come from?‘

Instantly a wave of vertigo hit him. Ezera staggered and fell onto his butt. He clutched the sides of his head, willing the ground to stop moving. ‘Ow, owwww! God, it feels like I just exited a spinning ride. What gives?‘ Slowly, his bearings went back to normal.

Dewott leaned down on one knee, backpack at the ready. “What was that? Are you tired?“

Ezera touched his forehead. He could think about it another time. For now, he had a day to get through. “I… don’t know. Just a dizzy spell.”

“Are you hungry? Do you need water?” Dewott signed, increasingly worried.

“I’m okay. Really.”

Dewott remained unconvinced, motioning him to stay. “Alright, but sit there for a moment.” He stood up, shading Ezera from the sun.

“We could move to the grotto so you don’t have to eat all that sunlight.”

“It feels nice. Don’t forget I’m cooped up in the kitchen most days.” Dewott appeared ready to sign something else, but instead placed his paws awkwardly by his side.

“I saw that. What?” Ezera encouraged. 

“Plus, it’s the duty of the taller ‘mon to make sure the small ones know their place, no?” He fake crushed something in the center of his paw.

“Are you bullying me right now?” Ezera deadpanned.

“Sorry. That wasn’t a good joke.” Dewott looked away. “I have a… loose side I don’t show to many. It gets me in trouble more often than not.“

“Don’t worry. I wanna see more of that side from you.” Ezera held out his arm. “Help me up, please?”

“I see why Litleo’s taken a liking to you,” Dewott signed after pulling him up to his feet.

“Hmmm, she doesn’t make it easy. What do you mean by that, though?”

Dewott hid his mouth in his scarf. “You’re easy to get along with. I feel like we’ve been friends for a while.“

“I would call myself more awkward than anything. You’re friendly too! Give yourself some credit,” Ezera commented, dusting himself off. “This took a lot quicker than I thought. We’ll have time to take a commission.”

“I haven’t done one in forever, admittedly.“

“We can do easier ones if you prefer. I’m still learning how to do things without Litleo supervising me. Or, did you want to lead? You have the higher rank after all.”

“I’ll follow your choices. I can’t be a leader. Taking leadership…” Dewott frowned and shook his head. “I won’t mess things up for you.”

“No problem. Whatever you’re comfortable with,” Ezera reassured. Here was his next chance to prove he was capable.

“Thank you.“

“Mhm. Let’s hurry back. I want Watchog to say good things about me next time I ask how I’m doing…”

---

“What a relief. It seems to be healing properly. I’m glad you didn’t exert it during your cleaning,” Indeedee stated, gingerly resetting the cast on Litleo’s paw. “I don’t know what Rapidash was thinking having you participate, at least now.”

“I’m not against it. Lying down for hours would probably be the end of me,” Litleo said, eager to leave the infirmary bed behind.

“It’s your choice if you want your end to be down here or upstairs. And yes, by that I mean you are clear to rest in your room. No more staying under my watchful care.”

“Are you going to miss me?” Litleo asked, lifting her hurt paw up and down.

“Nope! You’ll be here again soon enough. Hehe, you can’t escape this nurse.” Indeedee motioned to the flower at Litleo’s side. “The cutie has taste.”

“It’s just a flower,” Litleo replied, keeping her tone as neutral as possible.

“Not a flower, a rainflower. These are special because they only open up when it rains.”

“I can tell a lot of thought went into the name.”

“I’d like to see you try naming something new.” Indeedee grabbed the rainflower, holding a cup of water in the other hand. “They say you can trick it to open, by timing drops of water to hit it like rain…” She tipped the cup, allowing small drips to hit the petals.

“Why do we-” Litleo started.

“Shh-sh! Watch.”

Suddenly, the flower’s faded blue became a vibrant azure. Its petals unfurled to reveal a pure white center. Each color brimmed with life, a stark contrast to the lifelessness it exuded before. Litleo sat in stunned silence.

“With any rough exterior, they have things to like on the inside,” Indeedee said.

“A nurse and a poet, aren’t you clever,” Litleo managed to say, still taken in by the colors.

“Just doing my job,” Indeedee said, letting Litleo hold the rainflower in her mouth. “Cherish it. It’ll wither soon.” She picked Litleo up and placed her on the floor. “Take extra care of yourself.”

Litleo waved with her tail and hobbled to her room. She dragged some pillows off the counter- she wouldn’t be able to hop up there anyway- and created a bed to sit on. She dropped the rainflower on the other end. Her eyes fixed on its mesmerizing blue. It faintly smelled of fresh earth, the kind that only arose after rain hit the dirt.

There had to be something more about this “rainflower.” Something about its appearance was too familiar.

Litleo breathed in deep, rolling onto her back to stretch her legs. Her leg with the fractured paw resisted against the movement, earning a wince.

‘Petrichor. That’s the term to describe the smell of rain and dirt.’

Litleo let her legs fall. How did she know that? And why? ‘Would I ask Reuniclus something like that?‘ A dull ringing formed in her head. ‘Ugh, now? I thought this went away!‘ She had to think about something else. Unfortunately, her mind immediately went to Ezera.

I brought you something.

It’s a thing humans do when someone’s in the hospital.

I’m not gonna burn you. I wouldn’t do that.

Litleo arose, grimacing. ‘Stop! Why-‘ The ringing grew louder.

Do you not trust me?

“Agh…” Litleo muttered. ‘I do, it’s just… You behave too much like him.’ The parallels were too similar, and that’s why she tried to convince Ezera to change. Although, she knew it was a futile attempt. A guy like him wouldn’t change on that deep a level. ‘I don’t want to go through it again, yet I still travel with Ezera.‘

Which meant only one thing— she needed to face the facts. For all her best efforts, she’d somehow managed to care again. ‘I can’t lose another…‘

Friend. The word seemed so foreign. After months of trying to keep everyone at bay, Ezera would be the one barging in.

Litleo focused on the rainflower. The ringing intensified even further. A headache wracked her mind and her surroundings doubled in number.

‘I have to get to the bottom of this! What am I supposed to see?‘

The headache turned into a splitting pain, forcing her breath to come in quick bursts. If she looked away now, it would mean losing her one chance to find a solid answer.

‘Damn it, tell me!‘

A series of images flashed through Litleo’s thoughts, all gone too quick to make any sense of them. Things, places she didn’t recognize. Voices. One figure stood out among them- a furret. And a grove!

‘This is the day Rockruff and I went on the unrecorded commission!‘ Litleo remembered. Tiny bits trickled back to her. ‘We met a furret wanting an escort in the lower part of Kaiyo Town. I don’t know where, but at the end of it we came to a grove.‘

As quick as it came, the headache and ringing started to subside. Litleo held on to the fleeting memories, trying to recall one last detail. The final picture in her mind rested on a familiar azure flower. ‘That grove had rainflowers.‘

She opened her eyes, not realizing they had closed. She steadied her breathing, tail swishing in anticipation. ‘I can’t pin down why these episodes happen, but at least they give me solid leads. I’ll have to tell Ezera about the memories when I’m better.‘

This was it. Another piece to the elusive mystery. After her paw healed, she was going to have her answer, no matter the cost.

‘I’m coming for you, Rockruff.‘

---

“Has this trip yielded anything for you, Guildmaster?” Reuniclus asked, waving down a drednaw.

“Nothing my gut didn’t already know,” Sirfetch’d replied, burying his feet into the warm sand.

“I operate quite a bit on hypotheses. I’m afraid I don’t know much about ‘gut feelings.’ What does yours tell you?”

“That our illustrious guild will be tried in the days ahead. I might have to call some old friends.”

“That seems more like a general appraisal rather than a feeling, Guildmaster. I was hoping you would be specific about what is to come.”

Sirfetch’d let out a hearty chuckle. “Oho, as great as I am I’m flattered you think I can tell the future!”

A fond smile hit Reuniclus’ lips. “In any case, I am sure these books I’ve rented from the academy’s library will provide some much needed answers.” A grimace set in, replacing the smile. “I hate to say this, but what if Eternatus was never slain? First a dynamax, and now a random mystery dungeon. The similarities are uncanny to the Days of Ruination. I struggle to understand why else the aether would act up.”

“Hrm, all tales that have been passed down claimed Eternatus was killed. Do you mean to say they’ve been revived?”

“That begs the question, why? Or if they weren’t killed, why leave them alive? The three pokemon who supposedly bore witness to Eternatus’ death are now all missing or forgotten.” She floated to the water’s edge, dipping a hand into it. “I must admit, the situation seems… convenient.”

“What you say has merit. Maybe we should reach out to the other continents.”

“Hullo, chaps! Sorry for the wait. We’ll take you to Kaiyo Town now,” the drednaw said as he approached the sand.

Sirfetch’d brought his shield closer to his chest. He gently rustled the two items hiding on the inside of it- A Quick Claw, and a key. “And if they don’t have answers, the day which I was warned about might finally arrive,” he muttered.