Chapter 7
The day began with two little words:
"Get up!"
Rubbing the crust from his eyes, Char rolled onto his back and found himself gazing up at the face of a very cheerful Scyther.
"This is it! Today's a big day. Are you ready?"
"Ugh… you bet," Char said, trying to sound just as excited and failing.
"How long did we sleep, anyway?" Saura groaned, trying to raise himself. "It didn't seem long at all."
"About seven hours," Scythe said. "Team Remorse usually gets up at the crack of dawn, but I let you sleep in a little bit today."
Gee, thanks, Char thought to himself, rubbing a kink out of his neck.
"Pay attention to everything you see today," Scythe warned. "The routine I'm about to show you is something you're going to need to learn to do nearly every day you live with us. You can rely on me for now, but there will come a day when I won't be here to show you the way. So pay attention, and don't let yourselves become mentally lazy. Am I clear?"
"Alright!" Saura said, finally mustering his energy and jumping to his feet. "Our first day! Let's do our best, Char!"
… … …
"Wait, don't we need to, you know, get ready?" Saura asked as Scythe led the two newcomers down the hall. "We're just going to leave? Just like that?"
"First lesson," Scythe told them. "Prepare for your mission the night before. You may have noticed that I was gone from the den for a while last night; I was preparing for our trip. If you're going to learn to do things the efficient way – and the right way - you need to choose your destination, pack your bags, determine which teammates will join you, all before you retire for the night. That way, in the morning, you can leave immediately! The limited daylight is more valuable than you may think. Many teams take it for granted. Not mine."
Near the front door of Team Remorse's personal quarters, Scythe took a small, bulging bag which hung on the wall (somehow without cutting the straps with his blade) and tossed it to Char. It wasn't too heavy, but it sure was awkward and burdensome. Char needed a moment to find his balance as he held the bag.
"Here," he said. "This is our bag of supplies I prepared last night. As a Pokémon lucky enough to have proper arms and hands, you get to carry it for the day."
As Char struggled to get used to the weight of the brown, stitched bag, Scythe pushed open the team's stone door and proceeded out into the base. Shander stood right outside, reading a piece of paper affixed to the wall between two torches. Char noticed something funny about the torches: they were a deep orange color, rather than the usual yellow.
"Morning," Scythe said. "Daemon and the others already head out?"
"Long ago," Shander said, not lifting his eyes off the notice. "Basin Canyon is a long way. They've got a tall order ahead of them today. Of course, he wasn't too thrilled at how you so cleverly got out of the trip. Nevertheless, he wanted to wish Team Peanuts good luck on their first task."
At hearing the sound of their new team name, Saura frowned immediately. "Oh… you know what? I completely forgot about that," he said, his smile dashed.
"The name is brilliant, by the way," Shander said, casting a smile at Saura. "It's the best new name for a team I've heard in quite a while."
"Uh, okay," Saura mumbled. "If you say so…"
… … …
As they continued down the hall, Char noticed that all of the torches which lined the walls had turned this strange color. Is something wrong with my eyes? Char thought.
"Is it just me, or is the fire a different color today?" Saura asked.
"Good observation," Scythe said. "The flames turn different colors depending on what time of day it is. During the day, they're yellow to signify sunlight. In the evening, they turn red to warn of the coming night. They turn blue when the Watchers are out, then they turn orange in the morning to signify the all-clear. Our resident ghost Pokémon take care of the spell. It affects all the fire in the entire complex. Even yours."
Char glanced back at his tail, and indeed, his flame was the same orange color. He was curious to see what it would look like for his flame to turn blue at night.
"We call it 'spiritual fire,'" he further explained. "It doesn't create smoke, it doesn't burn air, and so we can use dozens of torches down here without suffocating ourselves. Interesting, isn't it?"
Coming to the first main chamber of the Gold Division base, Char found that it was a madhouse. Pokémon scrambled to prepare for the coming day, filling the caverns with a dull roar. A Sneasel rushed in front of Char, cutting off his step without even seeing him and almost causing him to trip backwards.
"You see? This is why our team gets ready the night before," Scythe said with a grin. "Otherwise, you have to deal with all this. You don't even want to know what Kecleon's shop or the cafeteria looks like right now. Meanwhile, we can just walk out the door."
"Ugh… you mean, we aren't going to get breakfast at least?" Char groaned, hoisting the bag. "I'm kinda hungry."
"I packed food in there," Scythe said. "We can all eat on the road. Now… today, we'll be using the northeastern entrance, since our destination is to the east… "
Char's vision was soon obscured by two green vines which hovered in front of his face. They mercilessly wrenched the bag from his grasp and set it on the ground.
"I'm hungry, too," Saura said, digging through the bag for the promised food.
Not able to blame him, Char helped Saura dig through the contents and soon found a pear and an apple. Saura ate the apple in nearly one bite as Char hefted the bag back onto his shoulder and took a bite of the pear. He was disappointed that the bag didn't seem to get any lighter.
On the way out, Scythe led them onto an elevator which was occupied by several other Pokémon.
"Hey, Scythe! Morning!" a Raichu suddenly shouted right next to Char. "I heard about your new apprentices. How're you doing with that?"
"Morning to you, Ray," Scythe said cheerfully. "I heard you were going to Blackriver City today, I wish you a safe journey. And these are my students right here, if you'd like to meet them. I'm just about to take them on their first mission."
"Oh, boy! I bet you're excited!" the energetic Raichu cheered, smiling at Char and Saura. "I've got a new teammate going on his first mission today, too. Maybe later you can share stories with him."
"The Vulpix, right?" Scythe said, raising an eyebrow. "He seemed a bit young and apprehensive. Are you sure it's wise to be taking him to Blackriver City on his first day of service?"
"Ah, I'm sure it will be fine," Ray said. "We're going to teach him that there's no reason to be afraid of everything all the time. Especially when you've got a team to back you up and all. Good luck on your mission, you guys! I'm sure you'll learn a lot!"
"Thanks," Saura said. "We'll do our best!"
"Besides, with a name like Team Peanuts, how can you lose?" the Raichu laughed.
A second time, all the color left Saura's face. His smile became a limp, broken frown.
"…How'd you know?" he asked sadly.
"Me? Oh, whenever a new team is formed, they announce it in the bulletins," the Raichu said. "I usually don't remember the names of new teams, but this one really stood out. Great choice, you two! It's a really memorable name!"
"Thanks, I guess," Saura said, looking away.
… … …
Moments later, they'd reached the final tunnel which led out of the base. A giant marking, something which resembled a Tauros footprint, had been embedded in the wall above the tunnel entrance. Char assumed it was to signify the north-eastern exit of the base. He remembered how Scythe explained that the way they'd entered the base in the first place had a security system in the form of a hallway lined with traps, so he expected another long, boring walk through a featureless tunnel.
Along the way, Char walked among many other Pokémon, both alone and in groups, who were also heading out for the morning. Many other teams passed by as he kept near Scythe. He was impressed by the sheer number and diversity of the division's members.
"You know, I had no idea that so many Pokémon opposed the Master," Saura said. "I thought everyone just did what the Master wanted or… you know… paid the price. If I knew that there were organizations like this, I don't think I would have been so afraid of standing up to him."
"Unfortunately, it's better that the resistance remains unknown," Scythe said. "If we caused too much awareness, we'd attract attention from the Master's forces. That's why we work in teams; teams can pass themselves off as small guerrilla groups without provoking the Master's wrath. That's also why we try to limit the number of team members who go on a mission at any one time. Too many, and the Master might consider us a threat, and decide to crush us with sheer strength."
"As if the Master were the only one with sheer strength," a new voice said from beside Char.
Char turned to notice a second team of Pokémon who now walked alongside him. The team was made up of a Luxray, a Machoke, and a Grovyle. The Luxray walked in front like the leader, eying the little ones amusedly.
"So, Scythe, these are the children you've taken under your wings," the Luxray said with a powerful and proud voice. "Very nice, very nice. Consider yourselves lucky."
"We know," Saura said.
"Let me introduce myself," the Luxray said. "I'm Kain. I lead Team Absolution. Our team has… very high standards. We like to consider ourselves at the level of Scythe's team."
"They're a respectable team," Scythe said with a nod. "One of the highest ranked in this division."
"Like you?" Saura asked.
"Well, we are known for our different strengths," Scythe said. "Kain and his team are known for their unrivaled strength in battle."
"And Scythe's team is known for their tactics," Kain added. "I'd give anything to know how that mind of his works. He and Daemon single-handedly took back Wraith Falls from one of the Master's best generals. And he still to this day refuses to tell anyone how he did it. But I take every opportunity I can to learn from him. You should be sure to do the same."
So, this Team Absolution must be another well-respected team around here, Char considered. I wonder if Team Remorse considers themselves their rivals.
"I look forward to working with you two," Kain said to Char and Saura. "By the way, your—"
"Yeah, yeah, we know," Saura said, rolling his eyes. "Our name is interesting. We've heard it before."
"Hmm, have I said something wrong?" Kain asked, looking surprised. He glanced back at the Machoke, who responded with a shrug.
Char nodded respectfully to the Luxray, hoping it had not been offended by Saura's remark, and their groups parted ways soon after.
Herring Forest
Before he knew it, Char found himself walking through a lush forest, surrounded by bushy shrubs and looming trees of all shapes and sizes. Tiny, annoying bugs buzzed around his head; he struggled to swat them away and still keep a hold of his bag. A calm stream ran nearby, reflecting the dim red light of the early sun…
Wait, what? Char realized. How… did I get here?
Char was looking forward to seeing the north-eastern entrance to the base, having heard that it was "even more cleverly hidden" than the previous one, but he found that he had blacked out. Char wondered if he was more tired than he realized.
"Did you catch that?" Scythe said. "We're out of the base. The north-eastern entrance isn't all that hidden, actually. It's only a cave hidden behind a waterfall. Thing is, nobody knows where it is, because whenever you leave, Gengar and some psychic Pokémon cast a spell on you that removes your short-term memory after about twenty minutes. You'll never remember where the entrance is."
"But you can still get us back, right?" Saura asked.
"Of course," Scythe said. "Though we don't remember the location of the entrance, there are a few designated return points in the general vicinity. If we arrive at one, Gengar will escort us back into the base, before removing our memories again, of course."
"Uh… where exactly are we going today, anyway?" Saura wondered. "What's our mission?"
"Today, we're headed to a place known as Jaded Woods," Scythe explained. "It's a mystery dungeon."
"An outdoors mystery dungeon?" Char wondered.
"Yes," Scythe said. "The spell that causes dungeons can occur anywhere, whether it'd be caves, forests, plains… anywhere. No location is safe from the curse. The best we can do is track them, keep a record of known dungeons, and prepare ourselves well for when we must enter them."
"So what's the mission?" Saura asked again. "I hope it's not too hard."
"Oh, I chose an easy one for your first day," Scythe said. "Hiding somewhere near this dungeon is a handful of thieves who are responsible for many stolen item reports in this past week. We have to track them down and bag them."
"WHAT?!" Saura nearly shrieked. "That doesn't sound easy at all!"
"Trust me," Scythe said with a smile. "You'll do fine. We can sneak up on them by navigating the dungeon. That's one good thing about mystery dungeons, at least: they provide shelter and stealth, especially from the prying eyes of the Master. Inside of a dungeon you can't be found or detected by your enemies until you exit. Once we're through, all we have to do is disable them and retrieve any stolen items we can. Otherwise, they'll just end up in the hands of the Master."
Char gulped. He didn't think that sounded too easy, either. He still wasn't very excited about having to fight something stronger than himself.
"Well, if you say so," Saura said, still looking unnerved. "As long as you back us up, I guess we'll be fine."
"Of course. I'm not going anywhere," Scythe said reassuringly. "But I'd like for you to learn some things today about navigation, so try to do what you can. But for now, relax and enjoy the scenery. Jaded Woods is still about an hour's hike from here."
Somewhere in the trees, a Spearow began its morning song.
Jaded Path
Once the forest was far behind, Char and his new companions traveled a beaten path which stretched through some untamed grasslands. No other Pokémon traveled the path but them, save for the occasional Rattata that dashed across the road.
Above all, Char was worried about Saura. His attitude still hadn't recovered from the last time "Team Peanuts" was mentioned.
What can I do to help? Char asked himself. Should I talk to him? Unfortunately, I can't talk about anything that he'd really care about, like when I saw Dialga. Not with Scythe around… even if Scythe does know I'm a human. Now, what kind of talk does that leave?
Glancing up ahead, Char saw the road lurch into a vaguely bridge-like formation; there was a muddy lump of road which just barely rose above a large pool of standing water. Noticing the water, Char was struck with something to say.
"Hey, Saura, I have a question," Char said. "This flame on my tail… if it goes out, do I die?"
Char was relieved to see Saura lighten up a little bit. "Oh, no," Saura said, shaking his head. "That's a myth. Actually, it's the other way around: if you die, the flame will go out. You can't do anything to put out the flame on your own."
"Odd," Scythe said with a smirk. "You don't know about your own biology, Charmander?"
"I guess I forgot some things when I lost my memory," Char said in defense, careful not to betray himself.
Scythe shrugged, apparently accepting the answer. Char eyed him even more suspiciously now; it was more evidence that maybe he knew his secret after all.
As they were crossing the pond, Char turned his attention to the stagnant, murky water which stood below them.
So, if I put my tail into the water, it won't go out? Char wondered. That might be interesting to see. Let's try it.
"Yeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaahh!"
Startled, Scythe and Saura both spun around to find Char sitting at the side of the bridge, his eyes full of tears. He squeezed and wrung his flickering tail with both of his claws, the bag carelessly tossed to the side. He grunted heavily, trying to swallow the pain.
"Oh, that's just beautiful," Scythe muttered.
"Whaa! Char, what'd you do?!" Saura cried, rushing to his side. "You didn't dip your tail in the water, did you? That must hurt!"
"It stings!" Char sobbed, grabbing hold of Saura's body for consolation. "You didn't say it would hurt!"
"Char, there's a reason Charmander try to keep their tails dry," Saura cried. "Try not to do that again, will you?"
"I don't think you have to ask him," Scythe said. "I think he's learned that on his own. Char… hold your breath. It will ease the pain."
Char did so, willing to do anything to make the pain subside. He held his breath tightly, squeezing Saura hard. He felt himself holding back the fire in his belly, letting it boil. The heat filled his body, giving him a small bit of comfort. His tail flame struggled and tried to restore itself to its former size.
"Ugh," Char groaned, releasing the breath and trying to return to his feet. "T-thanks."
"You're welcome," Scythe said. "I was once partners with a Charizard who taught me some things. Now… can you walk? Let's try to keep going. The rest of the pain will only go away with time."
Char found that he could walk, but only if he used Saura for support. Scythe gathered up the fallen bag and used the back of his blade to sling it onto his shoulder.
"I'll carry this for a while," Scythe said. "You can take it easy. Next time, try asking a few more questions before doing something that violates common sense."
Char only nodded, his face locked in a woeful cringe that wouldn't go away.
… … …
Char's breathing remained heavy until the last of the sting in his tail faded away and his flame had regained its usual flare. He was sure to take his newfound fear of water to heart; the memory of that particular, harsh surge of stinging was slow to leave his mind. He still felt scarred from the experience.
On the final leg of the journey, Char warily followed his teammates into a strange new place. It was a forest, but there was something sinister about it; it became strangely gloomy the farther they went in. Tree limbs sagged low, bringing many branches covered with curling leaves down to Char's eye level. The leaves were strange; they were covered in brown spots, and looked almost like they were halfway ‑ dead even on the tree branch. Tree trunks, although standing, were covered in rot. Char started to feel a little fearful.
"We're almost there," Scythe announced. "See, the curse of the mystery dungeon affects nature itself. This forest is caught in a state between dead and alive."
"This is so strange," Saura said, cringing as he glanced at the surroundings. "These trees are… decomposing. They look like they're about to fall on us at any time. Euugh."
"Keep your eyes on your path," Scythe warned. "These trees will stand. The wild Pokémon are more important to look out for."
"What kind of wild Pokémon?" Char asked, gripping the bag which Scythe had given back to him.
"Many plant-type Pokémon defend their territory in this place, as well as a few ghost-type Pokémon," Scythe said.
I hope they're weak, Char thought with a cringe. Even those ghost Pokémon back at the base were powerful. I wouldn't want to fight a strong one…
"The plant Pokémon should be no problem for you two," Scythe said. "The ghosts… might pose a problem. But that's why I'm here."
Soon, a dark, brooding feeling emanated from the forest beyond. The tree branches hung around awkwardly, almost completely lifeless now, and a dark haze settled over the canopy which filtered out a lot of the sunlight.
"We're here," Scythe said. "Take just a few more steps forward, and we will be ensnared in the dungeon. Are you ready?"
"We're ready," Saura said confidently, nodding with Char. "Let's do this."