OBSTRUCTION — SEGMENT 01

Chapter 5.1

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Obstruction

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Sarfallinus looked horrified. Slowly, he put his hands behind his back, staring down at the Poke’mon very intently.

 

“Estaloni…take note.” He said, the Ledian taking a notepad and ink pen. “Now, Team Azure…I want you to be very clear…”

 

All around, the Arceali Guild members stood, staring at the Riolu and Plusle that stood before the guild master. Everyone had worried looks on their faces.

 

“What happened up on Windscorch Mountain?” Sarfallinus asked at last.

 

‘…Deep breaths in. Deep breaths out. In. Out. In…….out.

 

Did he plan this?

 

No. Now isn’t the time. Vizon is…Vizon had been…’

 

Avery clenched his fist and answered in a loud voice.

 

“We found the hideout of the pickpocket gang quickly. Mostly Taillow and Venipede. We worked through the hideout, taking them out, and apprehended their leader. They called him ‘Bossman’, he’s a Hoppip. We sent him to the dungeons, he should be there now. Going through, we got to an outdoor area where we saw Marill, our target. I went to untie her after telling her we were from the guild, she said she had the map…and a Dragonite attacked. If Vizon hadn’t pulled me out of the way I would have been flattened under him. He demanded the map, and Marill gave it to him. I was sure we wouldn’t be able to beat him, and I wanted to at least get Marill back safely, so I refrained from attacking. But Vizon…”

 

Avery winced, the cracking sound of the stone under Vizon’s head replaying in his mind over and over.

 

“…Vizon tried and failed to retrieve the map. He…he was wiped out with one attack.” Avery lowered his head. “…He told me to deliver the message that ‘Xamao is back’.”

 

‘In. Out. In. Out.’

 

“…I apologize for failing the primary objective.”

 

Sarfallinus nodded, gritting his teeth as he was told the story.

 

“Forget the primary objective, Team leader…Avery.” Sarfallinus huffed. “Anyone would have lost in those circumstances…against Xamao.”

 

“The wounded dragon…” Avery heard Nivanee’s voice from behind, the Eevee’s face taking a serious look. Sarfallinus shook his head, taking a piece of parchment from Estaloni and unfurling it, showing it to all the guild members.

 

 

---

WANTED

 

DEAD OR ALIVE

 

“The Wounded Dragon”

 

XAMAO

 

12,000,000 p REWARD

 

For conspiracy with the GUILD OF THEIVES. Crimes against fellow Poke’mon. Thievery. Robbery. Acts of Violence. Destruction of Property. Cause of Fear and Distress. Brother and Co-Conspirator to Suspected Theive’s Guild Operator DESHUUNA (evidence pending)

---

 

“…” Avery stared down at the paper with trembling paws as the words morphed and transformed in front of him. His eyes stung.

 

‘Vizon was…hurt. I don’t even know how badly he was hurt, but he was hurt.’

 

“…Did you know…?” Avery mumbled, his voice taking a bite of accusation, glancing up at the Guild Master. “…D…did anyone know that…that he’d be there…?”

 

“No, not a clue.” Sarfallinus said seriously. “I was serious when I said this was a softball, Avery. I had wanted to test your spirits with a hard mission. I wanted to make you stronger, not…break you. I put you on a mission with a known blowhard and weakling as the target, to see if you had the resolve to do the work here. On the honor of my father’s grave I’d not knowingly put you two in grave danger by putting you up against a criminal of Xamao’s caliber.”

 

Estaloni nodded solemnly. Sarfallinus pinched between his eyes, shaking his head.

 

“And now…Xamao is back. All these years of being in hiding and he’s back again.” He grumbled. “Estaloni, we need to get a letter to Olistia immediately. She has to know of this. And that he has the map.”

 

Vizon squirmed hearing that last part.

 

“…Alright.” Avery lowered his gaze again.

 

‘At least he wouldn’t do that…’

 

Avery wanted to ask about the map, ask what was on it, why its retrieval was left up to his team at this guild rather than the elites. But, at the end of the day, Avery knew that they were new recruits. They were one-pronged. ‘Hero of Arceus’ or not, they were at the bottom rung. The guild would tell him and Vizon if the map was important.

 

“…What do Vizon and I do now, Guildmaster?” Avery was trying to keep his voice level.

 

‘I’d…I’d felt so confident. Bringing Bossman in made me feel so…so confident.’

 

‘Before, it was ‘Team Azure never loses to bad guys’. And now…’

 

The guild members all looked up at Sarfallinus who only crossed his arms, brow furrowed as Avery hung his head low. At last, the Infernape sighed a deep and rumbling sigh.

 

“Avery, now, pick your head up. What’s that look for?”

 

Vizon’s ears perked, hearing Sarfallinus’s voice. The biting edge had now softened to…something else.

 

“…we failed the mission, sir,” Avery said quietly. “…The document was clear. Our primary objective was to bring the map back. The hostage was secondary.”

 

Avery hadn’t noticed the tone shift. He was…thinking. Lost in his own head.

 

“We failed the primary objective. I was…”

 

He bit his tongue.

 

‘I was hoping to get your respect.’

 

“And on a personal….” Avery was heaving deep breaths, trying to not fall apart. Keep professional. “…On a personal evaluation, sir, I…didn’t try to retrieve the map when it was stolen. Vizon stood up to an insurmountable threat on behalf of the guild. I did not.”

 

With another sigh, Sarfallinus knelt down, his frown lighter than before. He looked into Avery’s eyes, the heat of his flames coiling around the room.

 

“Avery. I don’t care what that piece of paper said. Some map can always be retrieved. You saved someone today. They’re safe, thanks to you. The both of you charged into what seemed like great danger where most Poke’mon would turn and flee and cower.”

 

He lifted his hands, laying one on each of their shoulders. Vizon lifted his head softly.

 

“That is what makes you members of this guild. That…that is why…”

 

A small smile formed on Sarfallinus’s face.

 

“I’m proud of you.”

 

“We’re happy to have you, Team Azure.” Someone behind them said.

 

Everyone softly laughed, stepping in closer. A warmth filled the guild hall.

 

‘Don’t cry. Don’t break.’

 

“…Thank you, sir,” Avery said softly. His voice wasn’t staying as level as he wanted it to. He had to do something to lighten the mood. Otherwise he’d just break down. Think of…something-

 

“…Does that mean we can have a better bed?” The Plusle asked, with a little crack in his voice, and an attempt at a joking smile through emotion. Vizon beamed softly, Sarfallinus nodding with a smile of his own as he stood back up.

 

“We were caught off-guard by your inclusion, you understand.” Estaloni explained with a smile of his own. “We’ll make some arrangements. After getting this report up to Olistia.”

 

“Aye. Until then, guild, ya’ll know when curfew is.” Sarfallinus eyed all the members with a warm glance. “Guild…dismissed.”

 

“AYE!” They all cheered in unison. WIth that, Sarfallinus and Estaloni returned to the Guild Master’s office, leaving them all alone. Vizon let out a deep sigh of relief as the guildmates began to mingle.

 

‘…Caught off-guard, he says, when they had two other recruits lined up…’ Avery thought wryly. He felt in such better spirits now that he knew that it was over. At least, he hoped it was.

 

‘…Breathe out.’

 

Avery slumped to a sitting position on the floor, all the tension let out of his body in one moment. There was…still people he wanted to talk to, to get to know. There were things he could do now that he was off duty.

 

But he just…had to calm down. Keep calm. Stay calm.

 

He could hear voices around him, guildmates talking to one another…making plans. Vizon sat down with him, leaning against him with a yawn.

 

“Oh boy…I thought that’d never end…” The Riolu whined quietly. “I’m just ready to relax. Guild work is fun and all but I’m beat…”

 

His ears flicked as the sound of soft, pattering footsteps came up from behind.

 

“Hey~!” A familiar, bubbly voice spoke up. Nivanee’s. Avery could see Vizon’s body stiffen to stone. “Really happy to hear how well you did! You’re doing very well for your first day!”

 

Avery turned his head, and carefully pushed himself to a stand to greet her.

 

“Ah, hey, Nivanee…! I’m still on the boat that I would have preferred our first mission not be crashed by…y’know, a famous criminal, but…everything leading up to that point felt pretty good!” He paused, then frowned. “…Except fainting. And being poisoned. Those weren’t great.”

 

“Oh yeah, I remember how many times I’ve fainted! Ohhh and poisoned…” Nivanee shook her head. “And burned and paralyzed, confused, cross-eyed, frenzied, put to sleep and…well a lot happens out there! Oh, actually, here, you can have this!”

 

She nosed into a satchel hanging on the side of her body, pulling out a pink Pecha berry in her mouth, depositing it in Avery’s hand. Avery looked down at it, then up at her in surprise.

 

“A little ‘good job’ gift from me!” She offered. “If you eat that when poisoned it cures you instantly!”

 

“Oh, are you sure-? I really appreciate it…! Thank you!” Avery smiled a little. She’d taken this in her mouth. Avery figured that he could definitely use that to tease Vizon later. “But…jeez, that is a lot…I don’t even- w-wait, paralyzed??”

 

Avery stiffened.

 

“That…that sounds…that sounds horrible-! You’ve been paralyzed before??”

 

“Mhm, paralyzed! Could barely move, most of the feeling in all my limbs completely numb after taking thousands of volts of electricity! It sure hurt! Really bad!” Nivanee laughed sweetly despite what she was describing. “It wasn’t so bad! Even without the right berry I could just walk it off! Fighting when mostly numb feels really weird!”

 

Avery’s jaw dropped. He looked down at his hands in abject horror.

 

“E-elec…c…can I do that to people??”

 

“Mhm! You sure can!” Nivanee confirmed with a nod. “It’s like being set on fire but way worse because it’s all inside your body! But it’s just temporary! Perseverance is always key! Just don’t give up!”

 

She giggled again, Vizon just staring at her dreamily.

 

“I-” Avery stared at my hands as if they were, currently, now, on fire. “Ah- uh-“

 

‘Oh my God??????????’

 

As he stared down at his hands, Avery glanced over at Vizon, who was still seated on the ground, lost in his lovey-dovey world as he stared at the chipper Eevee. In an attempt to change the subject to something less…morbid, Avery stepped over and cheekily nudged the Riolu

 

“Hey, come on, Viz. What’re you still sitting around for? It’s rude not to greet someone when they say hello, partner~” Avery’s voice had so much teasing edge to it, he almost broke out into a fit of laughter. Vizon’s body shuddered, his hair standing on end. He looked as though Avery sent a hundred volts through his body. Shaking, he turned his head toward Nivanee, looking into her warm and sunny smile.

 

“Guh…goo…good…even…ning.” He stammered.

 

“Good evening, Vizon!” Nivanee sang, bouncing softly, tail swishing gracefully. Vizon’s cheeks puffed as he folded his arms, standing up, trying to maintain his composure. Nivanee, for better or worse, seemed to not notice anything amiss. She continued, keeping up the friendly atmosphere. “So! Now that we’re after-hours, are you going to get up to anything tonight? I might pack it in early, I feel tomorrow is a ‘bright and early’ day~!”

 

“Oh, uh…no plans but that might change.” Avery replied.

 

“Oh, no plans? Well, you know, Kippy and Gani usually go out after work!”

 

“Oh, really…? I’ve…been wanting to get to know guild members, so…if they wouldn’t mind tagalongs I might…?” Avery explained. “Though, uh…to be honest, I’m really new to the city. So I don’t really…know what there is to do here, heh…”

 

“If you want to learn about the city, Kippy knows a bunch of good places!” Nivanee offered, helpfully. She turned to Vizon, who practically melted under her gaze. “What about you, Vizon? Are you from Arceliaze?”

 

“I uh…b-y-yeah…yeah I am.” He was sweating, reeling from the attention. The Eevee nodded encouragingly.

 

“Then, yeah! Vizon can help, too! We all always help one another in the guild!” She said, merrily. Avery had to admit, he was already feeling that. Unlike his Riolu partner, he was feeling more and more relaxed around the senior guild member.

 

“I think going out might be a good idea to get our mind off of today. Or…mine, at least.” Avery nodded. “So maybe I could ask those two about the city if they don’t mind me going with them tonight.”

 

“Oh they surely won’t! Janus and I used to go with them on nights out all the time!” Nivanee said. Then, she got a thoughtful look on her face, changing the subject suddenly. “Say…what are you going to be up to tomorrow? Just doing your mission?”

 

Avery blinked, curious where she was going with this.

 

“During work? Yeah, I guess it’d just be whatever Sarfallinus says…” Avery said. “…why do you ask, Nivanee?”

 

“Oh! Well I was thinking…” The Eevee began, her expression brightening. “…maaaybe I can tag-along with you on your next mission!”

 

Vizon wheezed.

 

“I always love going with new teams on their missions to show them the ropes!” She continued. “I had a bit of an urgent mission today so I couldn’t today, but maybe tomorrow?”

 

“Oh!” Avery stiffened a little, himself. “I mean…what about your sister, Janus? Would she be coming too…? 

 

“Oh no worries about lil’ sis Janus! She’s always off doing her own missions, always a bit scarce, I’m sure she won’t mind!” Nivanee assured, nodding. Avery was a bit unsure, but nodded anyway with a smile of his own.

 

“Well…If it’s still in the cards for you tomorrow, I think that’d be really helpful, thank you…!” Avery agreed, Vizon giving a shaky nod as well. “We’ll have to make it up to you sometime.”

 

“Ah, good! I’m looking forward to it! I’ll be sure to clear it with Sarfallinus first, then our joint operation will be official!”

 

“Y-yeah….that sounds fun…” Vizon stammed, crossing his arms, utterly flustered.

 

“Well, goodnight!” Nivanee called back to them both as she made her way to the Guild Master’s office. “And see you tomorrow, ok? You did wonderful today!”

 

“Bye…” Vizon murmured, weakly waving as the Eevee left. The moment she was out of earshot he relaxed, shoulders sagging. “Hah…that’s never going to be easy…”

 

Avery looked up at him…and smirked, waving the pecha berry in his face.

 

“…This was in her mooooo-ooouth~“

 

Vizon furrowed his brow at the berry.

 

“Gh…c’mon, Avery, whatdya take me for? Some kind of creep that’d think ‘oohhh I ate a pecha berry she had in her mouth that counts as a kiss oooo’.” Vizon shook his head, though his cheeks were still flushed. “Gimme a break…”

 

“I mean, you did go completely catatonic during the conversation there, so you can’t blame me!” Avery said with a little chuckle, putting the berry back in the bag. “Do you want to try going out with those ‘Kippy’ and ‘Gani’ guys? Or are you too tired for that…?”

 

“At this point I think I’d fall asleep in the middle of doing anything with anyone else…” Vizon sighed, stretching. “You can hang with them if you want. I’m going to bed. And I’ll dream of a much better bed than what we have.”

 

He chuckled, making a move toward the dorm hall.

 

‘Oh, I’d be going alone…?’

 

Avery shifted a bit.

 

‘..but…I did want to get to know Kipunna and Ganisus. So… ‘

 

“Alright. I’ll see if they’re up to anything, and I’ll join you when I get back. Have a good rest, okay?” The Plusle’s smile softened, and he reached up to put a hand on Vizon’s arm. He tried for his shoulder but the Riolu was too tall and Avery’s arm too stubby. Vizon smiled, wrapping his arms around Avery, snuggling tight and nuzzling into his partner’s neck.

 

“G’ngiht, buddy. See you later tonight.”

 

Avery hugged him a little harder. A little longer.

 

“… See you tonight. Feel better, okay?”

 

Avery watched him go as they separated. They’d only been together two days, and one day as a team, but…separating already felt unnatural to the Plusle.

 

‘It’s fine! We’re teammates, but we don’t have to do everything together.’

 

‘In…out. Breathe. Okay.’

 

He steeled himself, and began looking through the guild to find Kipunna and Ganisus, hoping to catch them before they leave. As Vizon walked off, Kipuuna and Ganisus stood by the exit. Kipuuna was counting money and making suggestions while Ganisus barely paied attention.

 

“Bread shop? Theatre?”

 

“Uh huh…”

 

“The bar in south market?”

 

“…..”

 

“Ganisus, hey, stay with me.”

 

“What?”

 

“Bar on south market?”

 

“Oh yeah whatever you say, buddy.”

 

Avery furrowed his brow, overhearing the two. Reluctantly, he stepped up, trying to inject himself into their conversation.

 

“Uh, hey guys…!” He said, suddenly feeling…a lot more awkward. This seemed to be something they did quite a bit. He felt a pang of worry that he’d be intruding. “Nivanee told me that you’d be going out. I was…wondering if I could join. If not, that’s okay! I just… Want to get more used to my guildmates and the city.”

 

“Huh?”

 

The both of them turned to Avery, eyebrows raised. Ganisus seemed to lose interest almost immediately, eyes wandering again while Kipuuna had a thoughtful look on his face.

 

“Oh…you want to come with us on our nightly excursion, Avery?” Kipuuna asked, lowering his map. “I admit, ever since Nivanee stopped coming I kinda got used to it being just Ganisus and I so…my itinerary typically accommodates two people and-“

 

“Yeah whatever, he can come.”

 

Kipuuna jumped at Ganisus’s interjection, staring at him. Avery brought his hands up at once, feeling more and more out of place.

 

“Oh, no no, I don’t have to come if it’s better for just the two of you. I don’t want to intrude or anything! I just…”

 

‘Come on, be more confident.’

 

“If you can fit me in I’d love to come, but otherwise we can wait for another day…!”

 

“Mmhhh…well…” Kipuuna squirmed, looking away while Ganisus only stared at him blankly.

 

“Kipuuna…c’mon, man.”

 

“Ganisus this…” Kipuuna paused, stepping closer to him. “…our thing???”

 

“Since when?” Ganisus asked. Not even huffing or annoyed. The Shinx was simply…monotone.

 

Before Kipuuna could answer there was a shout from behind.

 

“HEEEY, WE DOIN’ STUFF?“

 

“Oh perfect…”

 

Lahnae came bounding up to the three. Excitement filled her eyes. Avery flinched, shooting Kipunna a look of apology. He turned to Lahnae, smiling with a bit of awkwardness to it.

 

“Well, Kipunna and Ganisus were going out. I was just… Wondering where they were going. I kind of needed to unwind a bit myself, but I don’t know the city.”

 

‘How can I bail him out of this…?’

 

“If you’re busy, Kipunna, I could go with Lahnae, maybe?” Avery offered.  Kipuuna’s face had a deeply pleading look as he pressed up against Ganisus…the Shinx not responding to the gesture.

 

“That would be most appreciated.” Kipuuna said, trying to keep his voice measured.

 

Ganisus let out a breath.

 

“Lahnae’s cool.” The Shinx drawled. Lahnae took no notice, whipping her head around to look at Avery with an excitable smile.

 

“Oh yeah we three can show you the city, Avery!”

 

“You can show him the city!” Kipuuna cried, bailing out hard. “Ganisus and I…are busy!”

 

“Tch…alright, your loss.” Lahnae tutted, turning to Avery with a smile. “Soooo, rival, how was the first day on the job?”

 

Avery huffed softly. He’d been looking forward to getting to know Kipunna, but…it was probably for the best that it wouldn’t be under…these circumstances. Maybe another day.

 

“…I mean…you kinda saw that whole…heartfelt moment I had in front of everyone, heh…” Avery scratched his arm awkwardly. “Mission went pretty well up until a Dragonite dropped out of the sky and took the map. I don’t even know what was on the thing. But beating up a gang of pickpockets felt pretty good! There were a lot of tables and chairs and stuff that got absolutely smashed!”

 

Avery paused.

 

“…Though I would have liked to take some of that furniture for our room since…we literally have just a ratty ripped mattress in ours and, uh, that’s it.”

 

“WHHHHAT?? Ratty ripped mattress?? That SUCKS, dude!!” Lahnae was dumbstruck at the idea. “Dude, we should fix you up with at LEAST a blanket and pillows. You want some spares I got? I’d get you a bed but, hehe…no money.”

 

“Man, I’d really appreciate that,” Avery said with a little sigh. “Vizon went to bed already. Estaloni said that they were taken off guard by us joining suddenly which is why we have the broken down thing, but…I mean they were preparing that team we fought with the Mudkip and Rattata, so I’m not sure. But thankfully, he said they’re working on getting us a better one, so hopefully we won’t have to stick with the old one for too much longer.”

 

“Well, to be honest, Sarfallinus was probably planning on failing those guys you fought in that case.” Lahnae pondered. “Probably didn’t have the ‘touch’ he talks about sometimes…like, me an’ Loshjno scraped by the tests…I think I outright failed the IQ test. But he still let us in!”

 

“He did…? But, I dunno…he said they were really promising candidates…!” Avery said with a little laugh. “I felt a little bad, honestly, they seemed like they worked really hard to get where they were, only to be taken out right at the end by some upstarts with letters.”

 

Avery straightened up, deciding to pivot the conversation while the night was still young.

 

“But-! I’m…y’know, an amnesiac, new to the city, what’s good to do here?”

 

Lahnae closed her eyes, clicking her beak. deep in thought. Then she leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eye.

 

“Weeeell…we could always tail Kipuuna and TOTALLY CRASH what he and Ganisus are doing~!”

 

Avery furrowed his brow a little.

 

“I mean…Maybe? I dunno, Kipunna really seemed like he wanted to be alone with Ganisus tonight…Don’t you think he’d get mad if we tailed him?”

 

“Well duuuuh he’d get mad but he’s ALWAYS hogging Ganisus to himself!! Like he used to go on these nights out with Nivanee and her sister whats-her-name but now it’s just them two! Like c’moooon!!” Lahnae flapped her wings, her face looking some mixture of excited, annoyed and cheeky. “I love the girl but Nivanee’s a draaaag to hang out with and Ganisus is COOL!”

 

“…What’s-her-name?” Avery repeated, tilting his head. “You mean Janus, Nivanee’s little sister? And…Ganisus? He seems really spaced out to me. Not a bad thing, just…I didn’t think he’d be your type to hang out with.”

 

“Pshhhhh that’s just because he’s stuck with lil’ Mr.’Rules, rules, rules’.” Lahnae laughed to herself. “Anybody would be spaced out when shacked up with a stick in the mud like Kipuuna. Nah, I knows a TROUBLEMAKER when I see em…”

 

“…A troublemaker?” Avery said, eyes wide. “Ganisus? Really? I mean I don’t know these guys that well yet, but…really?“

 

“Oh SUURE! I’d probably have to hold him back like ‘nooooo Ganisus don’t throw rotten fruit at The One Truth we’ll go to jaaaaiiiil!!!’ HEHEHEHE.”

 

It was clear Lahnae didn’t really know where she was going with this. She looked at Avery, huffing at his lack of finding this amusing.

 

“Alriiiiight, fine. We don’t have to INCITE him or anything! I just know where it is they hang out every night.” She smirked. “You wanted to get to know them better didn’t yooouuu? If you want we don’t have to go right away. We can muck around the city first. Let’s just do SOMETHING. I’m BORED and Loshjno went to the clinic for a checkup tonight and I GOT NOBODY TO DO STUFF WIIIITH.”

 

“I mean, yeah! We can go and do stuff in the city! Honestly, I did want to hang out with you since…y’know, we’re rivals and everything. Maybe we could get some training or something in, I dunno! Though I feel like I’d be behind you right now in terms of that, since…y’know. I’m new.”

 

“Psssh, naaaw, you’re not behind! Hey, you’re 1 to 0 for mission completion! Or at leadt 0.5 to 0! That’s better than us, BUT WE’RE GUNNA GET BETTER!“

 

Lahnae excitedly grabbed Avery’s hand with her wing, roughly tugging him forward towards the guild exit.

 

“C’MON, RIVAL! LET’S MAKE TROUBLE! TEAR UP THE TOWN! LOOK OUT, ARCELIAZE, THE RIVALS ARE COMIN’!“

 

“Ohhhmygod-” Avery squeaked, stumbling after her.

 

‘Trouble? We were going to get into trouble??? I mean-‘

 

‘Okay. Okay! Sure!! Hero of Arceus getting into trouble!’

 

Avery was quickly led along by Lahnae, out into the city. Lahnae, meanwhile, was giggling like crazy to herself, an excited energy radiating off her as she led him up the stairs, bursting through the doors out of the guild. The night had fallen upon Arceliaze. The sounds of the city were quieter. The city was bathed in a soft magenta light as the blue moon and the massive red planet mixed their colors high in the sky. Torchlight adorned the streets, lighting the beautiful architecture.

 

“Alright, so!” Lahnae said, bouncing. “I know of a few places~! I go to a garment shop…a raffle house…uhhhh…abilities shop…oh hey, there’s cute restaurant, suuuper tiny! Uhmmm…”

 

She trailed off, thinking hard.

 

“That’s kinda all I know! Loshjno is better acquainted with a lot of the little stuff in Arceliaze! He reads brochures and pamphlets all the time so he learns about cool stuff and takes me everywhere! Buuut…what sounds fun to you?”

 

“…I mean, I don’t really know how much money will take me anywhere…what can five hundred of these get you?” Avery took a coin out of his bag, showing it to her. “And…also…what…is the currency called? I’ve seen it written as P, but…is that what people say? Like if I go into a shop and say ‘what can I get for five hundred P’ am I gonna look dumb…?”

 

“Huuuh?” Lahnae tilted her head, confused. “I just say ‘coins’. I heard some people say ‘P’ and that seems to satisfy everyone but it just makes ME laugh.”

 

She snickered immaturely, taking a moment to recover before continuing.

 

“But WOW, 500 coins? I’m sitting here scrabbling by on 100! Pshh, you don’t need MONEY to have fun! Just going out and being out and hanging out with friends is enough!” Lahnae nodded to herself, marching forward, no destination. “So where to, Avery? Or…RIVAL!!”

 

“Hmm…” He tilted his head with a little grin. “Well, what’s that raffle house you mentioned? Can you get prizes there? Because I don’t know about you but after being surprise attacked today, I’m feeling pretty lucky.”

 

Her eyes widened.

 

A smile crept across her face. Wider. Wider.

 

It was as thought Avery had said some magic activation word.

 

“Finally…” she muttered. “You…I like.”

 

She quietly squealed.

 

“Best. Rival. EVER. LET’S GO!!”

 

Without a moment’s hesitation, Lahnae pulled Avery deeper into the beautiful streets. Just before they reached One Truth Square, she pulled off into another, smaller plaza, surrounded on all sides by buildings, with lanterns hanging above. A small noise permeated the area, with a few poke’mon walking to and fro between shops and restaurant stands.

 

“This place….” she began. “Feels secret. Like people come here but it still feels like a place special to me. Is that weird? Feels weird. But I stand by it.”

 

 

She lifted her head, looking at a stand nestled right in the corner of two enormous buildings. An iron fence surrounded the area in front of the stand, with multiple tables and a fluttering multicolor awning over the whole space. A Braixen stood there, color signs and spinwheels festooning his counter.

 

“I basically NEVER get to show this to anyone.” She admitted. “Everyone is always like ‘buhhh lahnae, you should SAVE your money’, and ‘mnyehhhhh lahnae, raffle houses are a waste of time and money’, and ‘bleeeh, lahnae, I hate fun and guild members should give up their souls and hate living’. Ugggh as if I’m being STUPID…so I usually just only ever come by myself since nobody else…but THAT DOESN’T MATTER cuz my COOL RIVAL wants to come!”

 

She bounded toward the stand merrily, Avery in tow. The Plusle, meanwhile, was still looking around at the city as she dragged him along, especially taking in the difference of the nightlife. It was absolutely stunning like this…he’d never seen anywhere like it.

 

‘Well, obviously.’

 

He stopped in front of the raffle house…and his eyes went wide. This was a place of betting, a casino…and it looked flashy.

 

“…Hoo boy.”

 

A few Pokemon milled about the area in front of the stand, sitting at the tables, playing games either with one another or with staff members. Avery could see tickets changing hands and money even more so. Despite it being such a small nook in this Plaza it had a palpable energy of fun and chance. Multi colored Flags fluttered between ornate spiral pattern pillars, lanterns given colored glass to bathe this small area in a brilliant multicolor hue.

 

“Howdy, Lahnae!” The Braixen on the other side of the counter cheered, pulling Avery from his thoughts. “Feeling like a winner? Who’s your friend??”

 

Avery squirmed.

 

‘This isn’t my money…so I’m going to stick to a budget of fifty. Just a tenth of what I have. That’s reasonable, right?’

 

“Hi, uh…I’m Avery! I’m kind of new here, so Lahnae’s showing me around. What is this place…?”

 

“S’raffle house! A place of fun and fortune!” The Braixen explained, motioning behind the pair toward the tables. “Take a seat, we’ll have a time! What’s y’alls budget?”

 

“I’m feelin LUCKY!” Lahnae shouted with an excited hop. “I’m putting HALF OF WHAT I GOT ON THE LINE.”

 

“How much is that?” The Braixen asked.

 

“Er…50.” The Torchic admitted quietly.

 

“That works! We got low bet games for you.” The Braixen didn’t miss a beat, taking out a stack of thick cards. “How’s about a white card? Only 10p for a spin! Check the prizes!”

 

Avery blinked, looking over at one of the signs on the side of the stand. He stared, letting the letters slowly morph and adjust into readable text, eventually finding a wood sign for ‘White Card Prizes’:

 

---

WHITE CARD – 10p A GAME

1 – X || 2 – X

3 – 100p || 4 – 50p

5 – Apple || 6 – Oran Berry

7 – 200p || 8 – X

9 – X || 10 – X

11 – X || 12 – Reviver Seed

13 – 300p || 14 – 400p

15 – X || 16 – X

17 – X || 18 – X

19 – X || 20 – 1000p JACKPOT!

---

 

“Hm…well, ‘ve kind of got a pool of my and my partner’s money, so I’m not going to risk too much of his share,” Avery said with a little chuckle. “I’ll take five white cards then, see what I get…!”

 

“That’s the spirit! Let’s see how you fare!”

 

Lahnae did the same, purchasing five White tickets from the Braixen. With tickets in hand they both sat at the nearest table, the Torchic bouncing with excitement and impatience, a huge smile on her face.

 

“Come on…come on mama…” Lahnae chanted to herself. Avery clutched his tickets tight, watching what happened. First came the silver tickets spin. Many Poke’mon at the tables, many dressed in ornate clothing, leaned forward in anticipation as the Giant Wheel was spun. It spun once, then twice, all the Poke’mon holding their breath. On the final spin. A bunch of Poke’mon groaned while others gave an accepting sigh.

 

“Green card spin!” The Braixen called, a bunch of lower market Poke’mon shuffling to gather their tickets as the richer Poke’mon had their silver tickets punched. Whilst the spins continued a staff member approached Avery and Lahnae with a tray.

 

“Totter pipe? Perhaps an X-Eye smoothie?” The Charmeleon asked, a wood pipe with seeds stuffed in the end on his tray along with a few colorful smoothies.

 

“One, please.” Lahnae requested, taking the cup. “Avery, do you drink?”

 

Avery blinked, looking at the cup.

 

“…Drink? I mean, I don’t…really know. Never have before, as far as I can remember.” He took the X-eye smoothie, and looked at his bag. “Oh, how much is it going to be?”

 

“It’s complimentary to raffle players, no extra charge.” The Charmeleon replied happily. A cheer erupted as the final green card spin’s results came up, Poke’mon banging on the tables, spilling their drinks. Lahnae laughed, sipping her smoothie as the Charmeleon moved on.

 

“Now THAT’S a payout! Everyone’s a winner!” The Braixen shouted as the staff punched the green cards. “Folks, ready your red cards!”

 

Ecstatic Poke’mon, who had just won the green card spin, quickly took out their red cards, along with a few poorer looking Poke’mon. Many of them puffed on pipes, a smoky haze across the area as the wheel spun.

 

“Exciting, huh? They sometimes get bands and specialty bars and food out here.” Lahnae said, sipping again. “This is kind of my…escape. Nice, loud, alive…secluded enough to be secret and unseen but alive enough to not be lonely. Absolutely my jam. This is where I go when I need Kipuuna or Nivanee off my back for five seconds.”

 

“Are they on you a lot?” Avery asked, taking a little sip of the drink. He didn’t want to go too overboard…but the drink did taste pretty good. “You seem like a real go-getter. Kipunna, I don’t know too well, but…Nivanee’s on you a lot? She seems pretty kipper and laid back to me.”

 

Lahnae snorted, taking another sip of her drink.

 

“Don’t get me wrong…I love em’ to bits. I know they’re just looking out for me. Nivanee nags me about how to run my team, Kipuuna nags and scolds me for failing missions and pushing my team…I just don’t want to be stuck doing baby jobs all my time here at the guild. Like, sure, do enough baby missions for enough years and you’ll probably still graduate. That’s good enough for Kipuuna but…”

 

She shook her head, pausing as a bunch of disappointed shouts erupted from the crowd.

 

“It’s the guild. The guild, you know? This isn’t a place of people doing the bare minimum. II’s a place of legends, something Poke’mon across Arcea aspire and look up to!! If the Poke’mon of Arcea look to the guild and see a middle-of-the-road, competent but unadventurous bunch of teams what would they think? That’s not the guild man…”

 

She took another sip…a chug. She swallowed hard.

 

“Me and Loshjno…we haven’t succeeded at a mission…in forever. Maybe years? I can’t remember…” She grumbled, looking off at the raffle wheel as the blue card raffle was spun. “And I don’t CARE. I see pamphlets and tabloids say I’m an embarrassment and I DON’T CARE. They say…”

 

Lahnae grit her teeth, so subtly that Avery almost didn’t notice.

 

“…that I’m everything wrong with the modern guild…and I DON’T CARE!! I’d rather fail for a hundred more years than ever quit and take EASY MISSIONS! After all, that’s…”

 

She furrowed her brow, looking to Avery with a serious, determined expression. The fire blazed in her eyes.

 

“…that’s our dream, me n’ Loshjno’s. I’ll always just try harder, no matter what.”

 

She was quiet a moment, smiling when the cheers of the blue card holders erupted.

 

“Watch close. We’re up next!”

 

Avery was going to respond, scooting a little closer to her as she spoke. But the subject changed so quickly, and he redirected his attention up to the wheel.

 

‘… She hasn’t succeeded in a mission in months…? From the sound of it, it’s because she tales harder missions than she can handle. Having people talk down to her, including tabloids…it must hurt a lot.’

 

Avery stared at the wheel, his mind flooding with thoughts.

 

‘We must have a lot of eyes on us at this guild. Lahnae taking missions she knows she’ll probably fail because she doesn’t want to undersell herself…that takes guts.’

 

The wheel spun…

 

17, nothing

 

Lahnae chuckled, shaking her head.

 

6, Oran berry

 

15, nothing

 

1, nothing

 

“Well…” Lahnae smirked, watching the wheel do its final spin. “For what it’s worth…an Oran berry is good enough.”

 

The wheel spun.

 

Spun.

 

Slowed. Slowed…

 

And landed on…

 

7.

 

200 p reward!

 

Avery couldn’t help but let out a cheer on the last spin, pumping his fist up. Lahnae’s eyes widened, a smile spread across her face, a bunch of Poke’mon whooping.

 

“Eeeey!” Lahnae laughed, waving her tickets. “We came around in the end…!”

 

“Y-yeah! One fifty coin profit…!” Avery looked at her with a little grin. “… Okay. I’m not dropping below five hundred again but…if you’re willing to put in another five whites I’ll do the same. Tempting fate, all that.”

 

Lahnae’s head whipped around to look at Avery. Stare at him.

 

“Tempting fate…?”

 

She stared. Then she laughed. Laughed a merry laugh. It wasn’t her normal laugh, it was a genuinely ecstatic and thrilled and overjoyed laugh.

 

“We NEVER quit while we’re ahead!” Lahnae cheered, happily bumping against the Plusle. “Arceus those words, those sweet words! Somebody taking a RISK. Somebody saying YES! HAVING FUN! Going for it, bravely! Dauntlessly! Somebody just…just coming with me…!”

 

Her voice died off, her smile still wide.

 

She sniffed.

 

“Just…thanks.”

 

Avery smiled a little at that.

 

“I’m not one for getting people mad at me- heck, Vizon’d kill me if I turned up with my five hundred gambled away. But…yeah. We’re ahead.” He elbowed her. “…We’re rivals, right? Can’t have one of us going too soft.”

 

Lahnae’s beak wobbled. She closed her eyes and…leaned in to hug him tight.

 

“I have…the best rival. Ever.”

 

Avery’s eyes went wide, lifting his arms up from the hug…but he hugged her back, patting her a little bit.

 

“Hey, takes one to know one, right?”

 

With a nod, Lahnae quickly pushed away.

 

“RAFFLE MAN!” Lahnae roared out raucously, fire of determination in her eyes. “I’LL TAKE TEN ON WHITE!”

 

 

Avery looked back at the wheel, and then to Lahnae as she bet.

 

“…Ten on white,” He said, bringing his arm up, with another sip. If they lost completely off this, at least he’d be bringing back fifty.

 

Lahnae grinned as Avery took the tickets, having the time of her life, a look in her eye like he was the first friend she’d had in years.

 

But not friend, obviously. Rival! But what’s the difference?

 

Tickets in hand, they both sat down, watching the other Poke’mon as they took tickets of all sorts of colors.

 

“Arceus this is fun. I feel electrified. I feel GREAT.” Lahnae giggled, looking over at Avery.

 

The Poke’mon began to clear, the first gold card spin beginning.

 

“So, what would you feel like doing after this?” She asked, getting comfy and scooting closer to the Plusle. “The night is young and I feel PUMPED.”

 

“I mean…depends on whether we leave here with a profit or not, yeah?” Avery said with a little chuckle. “If I’m out of here with an extra hundred and fifty, then that’s an extra hundred and fifty for us to spend, yeah? We could go shopping for stuff to give us an edge, maybe get something good to eat…”

 

He paused, thinking of something else that’d help…and that she’d probably like.

 

“Maybe we could even try training a bit!”

 

“Oh! Yooo, you still wanna train? We could do the Throh-Sawk dojo at the guild if we’ve got time!” Lahnae was bouncing at the idea, grinning wide. “Heck, if we win this next one we’re GOING to that restaurant and I’LL PAY!“

 

She bounced again, giddy, watching as the other Poke’mon won or lost their prizes. Eventually, Lahnae gave Avery a sideways glance.

 

“And hey…Avery?” She began, pausing at actually saying his name. “I always got your back. If you need anything…I GOT you!”

 

Avery grinned a bit, and…tried to flex his arm a little. It was short so…it may not have worked as much as he’d have liked, but the message was clear.

 

“Same for you, Rival.”

 

At last it was time. The wheel spun for white. Lahnae choked down the last of her smoothie, now swaying from the X-Eye seed. Avery perked up, turning to the stand, watching the big wheel with interest.

 

‘Here we go…putting my faith in this. Ten tickets…At least one of them has to have a prize, right?’

 

10, nothing

 

“C’mon…”

 

15, nothing. 17, nothing. 17, nothing.

 

“C’mooon….”

 

10, nothing. 8, Nothing. Poke’mon all around were squirming, looking uncomfortable or defeated. All except one. Lahnae’s eyebrows were furrowed, concentrating hard. Her look of fiery determination never faltered, not once.

 

8, nothing

 

She didn’t blink. She didn’t cringe or cry out. She didn’t yell or sigh.

 

17, nothing.

 

She just stared intensely. And kept determined.

 

7…200 p

 

Her eyebrows raised. She leaned forward.

 

One last spin…

The wheel spun…

spun…

hypnotically spun…

until at last…it…finally…slowed down and landed on…

 

The crowded erupted into frenzied cheers.

 

The Raffle Man rang a bell.

 

The stomping feet shuddered the lamps. The chairs.

 

Lahnae cheered!

 

20.

 

“JACKPOT!!! That’s 1000p!!!!” The Raffleman shouted!

 

Avery’s jaw dropped.

 

‘This…this was…this was…’

 

He turned and stared at Lahnae.

 

“O…one thousand-?” Avery squeaked. “W…we got…we got the…”

 

He stared at the wheel.

 

‘J..jackpot.’

 

The feeling of elation was immeasurable.

 

“HAAAAH!!!” Lahnae screamed in joy, shaking Avery like a ragdoll. “That’s it! That’s the one! That’s what I’m talking about!“

 

She laughed in pure joy, hugging onto Avery TIGHT and POWERFULLY, SQUEEZING.

 

“THIS is what I’m talking about!”

 

Chapter 5.1

~

Obstruction

~

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