Chapter Summary
Originally
Posted October 11th, 2025
Ported November 21st, 2025
Kobi and co flee from those four Pokémon wearing all white and claiming to be from the Committee. What else will they find on the run?
Kobi Espurr's POV
In daylight, the fluttering of a white cloth was a sign of peace. But the jagged spikes of ground that grazed the Midday-Lycanroc were anything but peaceful. “Retreat!” Master Fang called, their blue eyes wide. Right on our tails were four Pokémon: a Mightyena, a grey-Hippowdon, a Staraptor whom I thought was a Staravia at first sight, and a ghastly Oricorio. All four supposedly from the Keeper's Committee.
Next came a volley of Airblades from the Staraptor. Feathers Slashed into the ground, and one almost cut me through. “Pesky lot!” Staraptor spat, flying up before turning around. “Submit!”
“Hurry up, apprentices!” Master Hunter cried, dashing into the woods ahead, her electricity sparks lighting the way.
Apprentices? A beautiful lie no one had to tell me twice.
“Don't flee. We must know your intent, We're under orders from Blackthorn, Majesty, and Wyvern,” Mightyena said. “You travelers have a Legendary Kubfu with you after all!”
“My intention is to walk for three seconds without Pokémon coming out of nowhere!” Doran yelled.
Staraptor squawked. “But our Councilors have questions and we're supposed to find answers!”
Master Fang snarled. “Who are those three you speak of? Granting you the authority to hunt us down?!”
“We'll tell you if you cease your flight.”
“Cease
your damn fighting! Why are you attacking my apprentices?!” the Lycanroc asked.
It wasn't quite the black and white bastards in Wicked Blow, but being chased by the Keeper's Committee wasn’t much better. Rushing with Master Fang, Hunter, Makkuro, and Doran, my paws nearly slipped across the wet stone of Saltwater Cliffs. “What are we gonna do?!” I yelped. With a grunt I grit my fangs, it was claws out time.
“You can't run forever, colluders!” Oricorio shouted, his voice a squawk.
Oh yes, we can!
“Leave me alone!” Doran yelled.
“This leaves me no choice!” Hippowdon roared as she tore through the earth. That mighty Earthquake wasn’t just for show, if the winces from Master Hunter and Fang gave at these new tremors. I leapt off the stone with Makkuro and Doran just as the mighty ground-type move tore through below our paws.
“Nailed it eh?” Doran smirked, though they nearly stumbled.
I sighed.“Our luck's gonna run out if ya keep showing off.”
“Hey, let us have this,” the Rockruff said, nudging me.
“No fun Kobi, wah wah.” Doran mock-cried mere seconds before their fists jabbed nearly my shoulder and nose.
“Hey!” I batted my claws at the Kubfu.
Makkuro took that moment to leap and press his paws on their chest. “Also Doran, don't attack unless you have to,” he called.
“Kind of rude innit?” the Kubfu frowned. “Why is that?”
“Your Keeper presence hurts like crazy,” the Rockruff replied.
Doran groaned. “Still?”
I gritted my teeth as I spoke. “Hurts like all Darkest Day even after that training.”
“Oh come off it, really?”
“Yes really.”
“I gotta lock in, then.”
Further ahead, Staraptor tried and failed to jab at Master Fang, her talon tips glowing a faint red as they swung through the air. “Stop resisting!” Staraptor's words cut through the air with a piercing call, though her Close Combat missed its mark, barely grazing the Lycanroc's flank.
“Never!” Master Fang yelled.
Hippowdon harrumphed. “We just wish to know about that Kubfu!”
That Kubfu? I glared alongside Makkuro and the aforementioned Kubfu.
That damn Hippowdon! She's talking about Doran like an object, they're alive, jackass! Shields, all of them did!
“Not gonna happen!” Doran shouted, rushing right beside me and Makkuro.
“Submit!”
A bolt of black tagged just under my paws, and swerved near my muzzle. I took in a quick Breath of Mana, and light pink energy tore through the Dark Pulse. “Think ya can take me?” Mightyena asked, chuckling.
But the Mightyena's attack was not all gone. I gasped, and braced myself. But nothing could have prepared me. My Dazzling Gleam wasn’t strong enough! Shards sliced past my face. I lost my balance and crashed into the ground. Pain swarmed my body as I limped upright. Zacian’s blade, that smarts! Haven’t felt a super effective move like that in a while.
Mightyena also slipped a bit, staggering as shock flashed across his muzzle. “That’s such power!”
“You’ll pay for that!” the Rockruff next to me snarled, turning to Mightyena.
“No!” Master Fang ordered, stopping Makkuro in his tracks. “Just keep running!”
“You’ll succumb eventually!” Oricorio yelled and fired out a ghastly plumage. A chill ran down my spine, that Shadow Ball was heading straight at me! “We even have a little bit of info on an elemental key of mana, though we need to know about that Kubfu first!”
“The name's Doran, ya wankwad!” the Kubfu yelled, their cute ears juxtaposing their harsh words. “Second, ya can know me by kissing my-”
“Watch out!” I yelped, pulling Doran to the side.
“Huh?”
I pointed behind us, at a rather wide dip in the ground. “Ya nearly tripped, love.”
“You'll do worse than that when you face my Shadow Ball!” Oricorio yelled, gliding low in the air behind.
The Boltund ahead of us growled as she fried the Shadow Ball with a flash of lightning, her Thundering Fangs glimmering.“We don’t have time for that,” Master Hunter said, jaw still electrified. “Let alone to fight!”
“Too late!” Staraptor yelled, beating her wings just right. Four light blue crescents aimed straight at the Kubfu beside me. Quick as the wind the Air Blades got closer and closer, way too powerful for me to deal with, not at this range.
A tense feeling swam near my gut before a glimmering chunk of Stone’s Edge, slammed right against Staraptor's chest. A purposely boosted move? Though Master Fang hit her, they didn’t take out her attack. “Hit the damn thing! Parry it!” they ordered, voice hoarse.
“What was that?” Oricorio panicked, stopping in place for a moment, frantically flapping his wings to catch up.
“Fang!” Master Hunter called, a black current of static running across her body, green-yellow eyes wide.
As they dashed forward, the Lycanroc stamped their claws through the stone in front. “I know, I'm sorry,” they replied.
Just as the Lycanroc said that, Makkuro’s Rock Tomb crushed each and every one of the Air Blades nearing Doran, just in time. Translucent for a second, the pile of rubble closed in and tore through the light blue arcs, above the Kubfu. Doran had a silver glint to their paws for a moment, it faded like the pained feeling within me. “We’ve been training for this moment!” the Rockruff barked, his throat pulsing dark-brown with Breath of Mana.
“Thanks for that!” the Kubfu cried.
“Atta boy, Makk!” I cheered, glancing back to watch as Hippowdon, Oricorio, and Mightyena stopped dead in their tracks. Staraptor was knocked out on the dirt, eyes swirling and wings twitching. In one clean hit too. That’s our mentor, Fang wasn’t holding back against real foes like they were with us yesterday. Amazing unlocked power from a talented Keeper.
“This way!” the Lycanroc urged, sliding down a winding path, with numerous bushes and brambles, alongside tall trees all around.
“They're escaping!” Mightyena roared. “Flush them out!”
I scrambled after Master Fang and Master Hunter just before a thundering jolt shot through the ground. Hippowdon's Earthquake again! Huge jagged pieces of ground jabbed toward my body as I shoved Makkuro out of the way.“Brace yourselves!” the Boltund ordered. Mere seconds later a barrage of dirt, soil, and earth slammed against my side.
“GAH!” I screamed. The blunt impact of the Earthquake rattled me to my core and I saw stars .
“Kobi!” the Rockruff yelped before I flew past him, alongside everyone else.
“I’ll… I’ll be okay!” Though I said that it hurt when my skin bruised against the hard bumpy ground, and I yelped. Soon a gravelly scratching noise rang out behind me. “What in blazes?” I asked, my eyes wide. In front Makkuro slid down across a grey sled of some kind, reaching out with his muzzle at me. Was that Rock Tomb?
Absolutely brilliant!
The Rockruff's throat once again shone bright with the Breath of Mana, another Rock Tomb replacing the gradually dwindling one.“Grab on!”
“Okay!”
“Great idea!” Master Fang's strained voice cried out.
“Thanks Makk!” I called. His fangs gently gripped my foreleg and I pulled myself onto his makeshift sled.
Now for the Kubfu hurtling across the rocks beside us.
“Doran!” I called, holding out a paw. My light purple energy phased around them for a second only to snap.
Come on! Again, I tried my Psychic but it completely missed, grasping on air. “Damnit!”
“Where did you launch them!?” Mightyena's frantic voice echoed, further and further away.
Hippowdon's nervous cry bellowed out next.“I don't know!”
“We need to heal her first,” Oricorio demanded. Definitely talking about Staraptor.
The last voice I heard was Mightyena’s snarl. “But the Kubfu!”
The sharp jagged stone at the end of the hill was all that remained of the forest; the five of us zipped past. “Shit! We're getting close here!” Just before the end a yellow and brown blur caught Doran. “Master Fang and Master Hunter!” I cheered. The Lycanroc held on the boulder of their Stone Edge, while the Boltund leaned forward with the Kubfu’s neck scruff.
“Got you!” Master Fang called.
“C-cheers,” Doran groaned, barely hanging on, ears low.
With a shake and jolt our stone sleds crumbled onto the land. “Hah!” I shouted as I sprang off the Rock Tomb, rolling to the side alongside Makkuro. All four of my paws slid across the rocky ground as I landed, only tumbling a bit from the shift in momentum. When I finally opened my eyes I was met with a light blue sky. Only a few clouds rolled in from wherever, but more importantly, “we made it!” I gasped, pulling myself upright.
Of course the second I said that, I dropped onto the wet stone land again, my body barely agreed on that part. “Define made it,” Makkuro groaned, rolling over onto his side.
“It is simple, really, we do not have those bug’mon on our tails,” Doran replied. They wrung out the bag Fist gave them and then the Kubfu rolled their shoulders and ran a paw across their neck. Taking a deep breath, water and stone were the first scents my nose picked up, besides the four Pokémon around me. None of the smells or Keeper presences from the Staraptor, Hippowdon, ghastly- Oricorio, or Mightyena registered in my maw. Though to be honest I only tasted the four Keeper's Committee bastards when they were right on us.
“We aren't in the clear yet, look around,” Master Hunter said, ears erect and shifting with every raindrop that hit them.
The Lycanroc beside her put their snout to the ground and sniffed, their wagging tail slowing to a halt. “Those four may not be here but stay alert.”
The foliage thinned towards the bottom of the hill. If that wasn’t bad enough, a thick patch of storm clouds rolled right on in. In the distance to the left were some taller rock faces, leading up the path to the first hint of a waterfall, though it was hard to make out the sign postage guiding the way. Across to the right lead to the towering hillside we slid down, too steep for us to climb without gear, let alone with this pouring rain.
As we caught our breath the Boltund shook to free her thin coat from water and stretched, taking in shaky breaths all the while. “We need to keep moving,” Master Hunter all but demanded, snout pointed toward the falls beyond.
The subtle taste, the most residual hint of sweetness drifted from my throat. Dazzling Gleam's unlocked power, each of my moves as an unlocked Keeper dared flow from my lips as the mere idea of more danger crept up. I glanced to my left and right and found Makkuro and Doran similarly shocked, their eyes wide and ears alert.
What couldn't we sense yet again?
“Don't scare them dear,” the Lycanroc said.
“Sorry,” the Boltund quickly said, as her tail slowed.
“No, it's fine we’re ready,” Makkuro replied. Suddenly the wind was knocked out of me, and I scrambled in step alongside Doran.
Pushed me over! “Right guys?”
I swatted the Rockruff's side and walked at my own pace.“Yeah.”
“Ready as I'll ever be.” Doran proudly declared on the other hand
How're they spick and span after taking that big of a tumble? I leered over the Kubfu who once again had that incorrigible smirk. I swear to Zamazenta, I'll wipe that mug clean off!
“See Master Hunter, Master Fang, all good!” Makkuro said, reaching over at Doran.
“I'm proud of you,” Master Fang said, shivering underneath their cloak and vest. The Lycanroc gestured a wobbly foreleg at the Rockruff.
“Me?” Makkuro's strained voice replied.
“Yes Makkuro, in a pinch you managed to pull off not just one move, but two.”
“Oh yeah, I did!” the Rockruff gasped.
“And your presence didn't flare up and the moves were completely solid.”
“Though, it seems like you may be getting too comfortable, but nevermind that.” Master Hunter added. “Let’s go.”
Raindrops piddled and paddled along the bumpy stone hillocks all around as we took off at a rather less than modest pace. Master Hunter kept glancing behind the five of us as we ran.
“What’s wrong?” Makkuro asked.
“Can't be too sure they haven't revived Staraptor. And that Oricorio could easily change types with a pouch of nectar or-”
Doran's sigh cut her off. “They are gone mate.”
“Huh?” the Boltund questioned, both confused and relieved.
“I am Kubfu yeah, I can sense Keeper presences for kilometres.”
“Then why didn't you warn us sooner!?” Master Fang and Hunter both yelped.
Doran threw their arms up and huffed. “I couldn't have known if they were regular travelers or even wild mon based on them being Keepers!"
Quick as ever Master Hunter bit back. “You need to work on your presence self-awareness Doran."
“What do you mean?” Doran’s round ears flicked.
The Boltund sighed. “While you can tell if there's all sorts of Pokémon from far away, all sorts of Pokémon can feel you, too.”
“They can?” the Kubfu asked.
“As a Legendary, your fighting-type presence is strong and overwhelming,” Master Hunter explained. “Not just to Keepers, but to Sentinels as well, just on a smaller scale.”
“Hmm, I have to know, what do I taste like?” Doran pondered.
Wouldn’t you like to know weather’mon. My face blushed before I shook my head. “Whey,” I explained, hoping my cheeks went back to normal. “Like a protein bar or drink.”
The Boltund sighed. “How strong your presence is, and our attacks feel are the things we all have to juggle as we move forward with all of our work here in Saltwater Cliffs.”
“Ugh, my head is spinning, can we get a brief please?” Doran groaned.
“Alright everyone, we've got a big battle plan and itinerary ahead,” Master Fang said. “Getting a solid lead on Kanamori Leafeon, he's captured many Pokémon to work for him, including children.”
“Children?” Makkuro gasped.
The Lycanroc nodded.“We don't know all the details but yeah.”
Doran growled, clenching their fists.“Who is that bastard Kanamori anyway?”
“The cruel Squad Delta 21 Captain of Wicked Blow,” Master Hunter replied.
Master Fang continued. “Our finding of Ether Gems, found in elusive Ether Shrines is another goal in our grasp.”
“Why are we searching for them?” the Kubfu questioned.
“We need these Ether Gems to unlock the Gears of Mana Leader Magearna mentioned, Young Master Xuě's Mana Scroll, and further power the various Mana Regalia. Though we need the Slate of the Forgotten to activate the resting grounds for the Ether Shrine to let us inside,” Master Hunter explained.
The Lycanroc nodded. “If anything the most important thing for us in this region is a Mana Temple.”
“It is?” Doran asked.
“Yeah, Mana Temples are ancient buildings inside Mystery Dungeons and they can hold any one of the elemental keys and locks of mana.”
“Any? Have any of you lot seen these in action out on the prowl?”
“No, our information is based on the report from the first League who secured an elemental key and lock of mana during the Disruption.”
“Who did it?” Makkuro asked. “Someone like that would be awesome to study under!”
“That certainly would be brilliant,” I added. “We could learn a thing or three from such great trailblazers.”
Papa Meadow would definitely be pleased if I found something based on the notes he gave me like that.
“Who and where are unfortunately classified,” Master Fang said.
“Seriously?”
“Yes.”
Makkuro huffed. “How is information vital to ending the Disruption classified?”
“Safety protocol,” the Lycanroc started. “We just know they didn't find the ones housed on Constellation.”
“So Nebula, Jovian, or Twin-Star had better luck than us?” the Kubfu asked.
“Different forces bind the Mana Research Leagues there, they didn’t have a juggernaut like Team Vanguard, and thus less eyes on them.”
Doran snickered. “I suppose you made for a good distraction eh?”
“Excuse me?” Master Hunter asked.
“That's not funny, Doran,” I said.
“Sorry.” The Kubfu wasn't all laughs anymore. “Did not mean it as a joke or anything.”
The Rockruff beside me blinked. “Really, then what was that?”
“My observation, a blank statement. I do not have a clue of what happened with you and the rest of Team Vanguard, but having to fake your deaths, as some of your teammates died, is awful.”
“You three talk in platitudes too damn much,” Master Fang growled.
“Kobi, Doran, and I just want to know everything we can to help Pokémon end the Disruption, and that means using your Team's and everyone else's work,” Makkuro said.
“Just because my Team's knowledge was shared doesn't mean anyone has the right to know about our lives!”
But you're hiding from us! I jumped into the fray.“We don’t mean to come off-”
“Especially mind your word choices, you three,” Master Hunter said, a slight snarl peeking through her words. “You'll have to be patient as we process meeting Shara yesterday alongside
everything else that has happened on our trip from Pebble Creek. Saltwater Cliffs is a vast area that's currently a hotspot for our allies and enemies alike.”
I took in a wincing breath.“Sorry, I just-”
“Enough of this,” the Lycanroc ordered. “Look.” I and the others followed their outstretched paw. Rounded brown clay and stone structures poked through the horizon, blending into the darkening willowy clouds in the sky above. We had stumbled across a small village by the looks of it. A Chewtle and Corfish scuttled across the pathway before us, carrying a small basket, while the rest of the settlement was obscured by the hill. “Let's go around the outskirts for Doran. It's a bit difficult here to blend in.”
“Of course it is my fault.” The Kubfu crossed their arms for a second before they stamped the ground. “Would Pokémon know it is me?”
Master Hunter groaned. “I don't feel like taking any chances considering those Keepers from before.”
My nose twitched.
Made sense they don't wanna say the Committee. “Let's hide.”
Doran nodded reluctantly, normally bright brown eyes low. “Okay yeah I get it.”
Along the edge of town a few Pokémon spotted us but only managed to just call out simple “hail travelers”. I nodded my head and kept following with peace and safety in my heart. Really hoped that they can't sense my unlocked presence, that's also something we wanted to avoid. Though stopping for a nice warm meal would be great, that's what the lodge is for, wherever it is, if we can't even make it. Going on this trip I should have realized that we weren't going to have the finest accommodations considering we're going out in the middle of nowhere to look for mana artifacts.
But it's safer this way, less Pokémon to get caught in the crossfire. After walking a little bit longer we finally left the range of the village and Master Fang decided we were far enough. The Lycanroc shook their coat as the rainfall slowed and another chilly burst of wind came in. “I think I'm going to keel over for a second,” they groaned and dropped to the ground.
Master Hunter yawned as she leaned over for a second.“It was quite tense.”
“Did we do good?” Makkuro asked.
I followed up. “Yeah, did we?”
Doran rubbed their arms. “I tried my hardest not to fall apart.”
“The two of you did very well,” Master Fang spoke, standing up. “Though we weren't as close to the villagers as we could be if we had to walk in the street. Unfortunately if we were actually in the village that would not have been a passing grade.”
“And Doran you really have to work on your Keeper presence pressure. We need to settle down and teach you. You're doing the best you can for not having any sort of education on that front and having a chip on your shoulder, such a strong presence,” Master Hunter said.
“Gee, thanks,” Doran replied.
“Could have worded that better,” the Boltund groaned. “I really do think you're doing a better job than before as you would have scared all the villagers.”
The Kubfu smirked. “Suppose I can take that as a win. I will be their boss in no time.”
“Don't get your hopes up just yet,” I replied.
“Yeah, you’ll be the boss, if you can keep working on those punches!” Makkuro laughed.
“Excuse me, I am the Great Legendary Young Master Doran and you're just some want to be from some random village,” the Kubfu said, striking a pose.
“Okay? Lots of great Pokémon are from just some village,” I replied. “They don't need to be Legendary to save the world.”
Doran pouted. “Do you think I asked for all this? Not just being a Keeper but being a Legendary! I mean, Legendaries are Sentinels but we also have Keepers responsibilities as well.”
“That's true, however with enough training you can completely turn off your presence and if you feel like it, choose to not sense anyone.” Master Hunter added. “It's helpful in meditation and calming your own presence though I heard a lesson from someone that it isn't necessarily a good idea to do it often.”
“And who is that someone?” Doran’s massive eyebrows raised.
“Well it's not Master Zeraora or Young Master Xuě.”
“Was it Leader Magearna?”
“No, it was from Lady Zarude,” Master Hunter said.
Master Fang sighed.“We met her once as we had a meeting at the Sentinel Union base on her Domain in the southwest.”
“Our Keepers couldn't sense Lady Zarude and she couldn't sense us either. We were confused about that,” the Boltund explained.
The Lycanroc continued. “So Lady Zarude briefly explained before we left her hidden abode.”
Makkuro blinked. “Oh, so you actually snuck up on Lady Zarude.”
“Wow troublemakers huh?” I laughed.
Master Fang shook their head. “Don't…don't say that.”
Doran laughed. “I thought it was trouble, right?”
“I don't know, it depends on who you ask,” the Boltund replied.
“You shouldn't have said that,” Master Fang said, tone pleading.
“Oh whatever, it doesn't matter. The past is in the past, we make mistakes and we grow from them.”
Yep I had plenty and I'll do my best to fix them. And I'll help those who I couldn't. We continued onward towards the waterfalls as more and more creeks and rivers dispersed in the stony land. Unfortunately this meant we had to take a little dip in some water as the path grew far too steep to climb. A large channel ran across the ground flowing far from the mountainous hills above. Stone of greys, and browns, shimmered in the dimming light as we made our way off the beaten path. I had to be careful not to slip and I didn't want to get my bag wet.
Makkuro and Doran followed carefully behind me and the Rockruff yelped ever so often as he trudged in the cold water. Thankfully we finally passed the brook and made it to drier land.
Doran chuckled. “What is that? Afraid of the water? Do you not want to get your… Nah. I am not going to say that.”
“Going to say what?” Makkuro asked, shaking off the excess droplets.
“Do not worry about it,” the Kubfu said, shooing with their paw. “Little hatchling probably cannot handle feeling wet.”
The Rockruff shook his head. “Excuse me? You are always just trying to piss me off,” he spat.
“Go hike a leg then.”
“Doran lay off!” I called.
They spread their legs and crossed their arms, smirking. “Oh do not worry wee one, I will fill up when it's over.”
“What are ya on about now?” my anger burst through as Makkuro's muzzle bunched up.
“Get off my back Kobi,” Doran snapped, fists flashing red.
“Just answer the question mate.” I shot as a jolt spiked through my gut and I tasted whey. “Yer presence blows mon!”
The Kubfu turned away with a pout.“You're always on me ‘bout something.”
That Wydon accents’ turning Johtoian now? “Is literally not true,” I spat, making my way between the two.
“So what, you got notes on it or something?”
Leaning over me, Makkuro bit back. “You're the one who asked to come with us, Doran!”
The Kubfu lunged at me. “Make like you wanted and piss off!”
“Want to have some on the way down?”
“Knobhead!” Doran spat, throwing their claws.
The Rockruff beside me knocked me over, blocking them. “What'd you say?”
A dull impact sounded just as a jolt fired off in my loins, steel-type energy borderline drowning me. Doran's unboosted Metal Claw, mere centri from my whiskers.
“Doran!” I spat pushing the two apart. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
Doran pulled back their bloodied paw from the Rockruff's lower cheek. “I told you to lay off, you nagging sod!”
“Makkuro!” I gasped.
The Rockruff spit out blood, and gnashed his fangs. “Why'd you do that?”
I dipped my mind into Doran's for a quick sec.
Rage. What!? “I can't believe it, you actually tried to hit me,” I yelled, jabbing my claws against their shoulders. “It would’ve bloody smarted too ya damn jerk!”
“I am sorry, truly,” Doran said.
“By Tapu's horns!” Makkuro's seething retort came next, the Rockruff growling.“Sure you are, punk!”
“Makkuro!” I pushed him away. “Why are you getting so heated?”
“They f-ing punched me, what do you want?” Makkuro snapped, pulling away. “How else am I supposed to feel?”
Master Fang stepped in between us, my nose bashing their leg. “That's what I'm wondering!” They called, voice low. “I know Doran's presence hurts like a Ditto but come on.”
“S-sorry.”
On the other side, Master Hunter blocked off Makkuro. “You better be,” she put. “Your own presence is flaring up. Makkuro you showed us control, do better.”
“See,” Doran harrumphed.
“Shut it!” I yelled.
Master Fang growled. “And why are you so upset Doran? I know those bastards tried to go after you but we're done with them.”
“I told you I'm trying!” the Kubfu shot.
“You just tried to punch Kobi and ended up hitting Makkuro instead, how is that trying? Who are you even into?”
“Into?” I asked, my muzzle was earlier red from anger so a little blush was an added bonus.
Shocked, Doran’s whole face went cheri red. “Ugh-”
“You aren't off the hook with these outbursts and little bouts Doran!” Master Hunter shot, getting right up in their still red face. “Losing your cool means exposing yourself to the enemy out here. If you want to be like Young Master Xuě or anyone else, controlling yourself that's the first step, especially over stupid meaningless stick measuring contests!”
Doran let out a frustrated groan. “I have all these emotions inside me, how else am I supposed to let them out?”
“Antagonizing me is your idea of letting it out?” Makkuro asked. “You always have something to say, ever since we came to this city, why is that?”
“You get mad so easy. It's funny how you wanna play the noble hero so bad, to be honest.”
Makkuro growled. “I'm putting my life on the line to be here. We all are,” his voice dropped even lower, as if he were a Lycanroc himself. “
I don't see what's so funny.”
“Why can't I make a joke now?” Doran questioned. “You were all cool earlier.”
“Now is not the time,” the Rockruff stated, eyes narrowed.
“When is, during a quick tug?”
“Read the room!” I yelled.
Though their lips trembled, the Kubfu shrugged.“We're bloody outside mon, what do you want?”
“Do a comedy routine some other time, ya can't seem tha let it go! Playing too much, like we aint patient. “Got a bigmon thing eh?” I asked, my question a snarl.
Doran's eyes watered once again before they glanced at the ground. “Can't you see I'm just trying to find something funny to say?” they asked, voice breaking.
“I said I was patient love,” I added.
“Ah who am I kidding. For Ho-oh-s sake, I'm freaking out a little bit to be honest,” the Kubfu admitted, muzzle scrunched up as the wetness in their eyes broke.
My eyes widened and I gasped. “About what?”
Tears rolled down their cheeks, eyes reddened. “My life mate, what else?”
“But we're safe now, you just told us a few minutes ago,” Master Hunter added.
The Kubfu wiped their eyes, only for more tears to drip.“Are we truly?”
“Not really, but that's never stopped us before.”
“Who is ‘us’?” Doran shot.
Master Fang approached from the side. “You are with us right? The Sentinel’s Union, Branch Sies, Guard, Defender and apprentices fighting together to end the Disruption.”
“Yeah, I have nowhere else to go.”
I pawed at the ground. “This is what you wanted right?”
“I'm scared witless though, on a hair trigger and none of you feel a thing,” Doran sobbed. “Is like I'm going insane trying to be normal all the time. Also I can feel your presence fluctuations too, like a kick to the rear.”
“Shit, what is it?” Master Hunter asked, ears perked. “Hostiles again?”
“No, not that. A familiar sort of energy. I don't know what it is towards the waterfalls,” the Kubfu replied.
Master Fang's tail lowered as they stepped closer to Doran, their nose twitching. “Does it hurt?”
With a wince, Doran nodded.“Yeah, feels like me gut an’ bits are getting busted and the whole world is falling.”
I tilted my head.
I know unlocked Keepers are sensitive but this is extreme. Poor Doran, I’ve got no clue.
“Take a deep breath.”
Doran did as instructed and slowly I let out a sigh as well. With a slowing, yet steady breath Makkuro sat on the ground behind me. Muzzle softened, and massive eyebrows at ease Doran continued. “Ok, now what?”
“Put your mind on what you seek,” the Lycanroc continued, their black cloak fluttering in the wind.
Doran blinked.“What I seek, how deep should it be?”
“Not one goal, but more like an abstract,” Master Hunter added. Her ears curled down as she licked her chops and then spoke again, this time a query. “Not to pry but you wanted to get stronger like Young Master Xuě and find your Urshifu family members right?”
“Yeah.”
I flinched. Neither Urshifu Yang and Shui alongside any of their relatives knew of Doran. And these last couple days show that Doran's anything but a heavy hitter like Young Master Xuě. Though Kubfu don't have it easy like Zeraora, who were strong without evolution. Blasted Disruption.
“Is there peace inside that wish?” Master Hunter asked.
Doran nodded. “Can't say it's violent, anything but really.”
“Much better, your mind and heart need to feel just like you do right now.”
“Like what?”
“Tranquility.”
Master Fang tapped them.“You can open your eyes, Doran.”
“Right.” Doran breathed.
“How do you feel?”
“Hmm, woah,” the Kubfu gasped softly. “You're right, I feel great now! Full of beans!”
“Hold on, be still and slow down,” the Lycanroc demanded. “Getting too excited can overthrow that good feeling, we don’t want you to accidentally use a move.”
“My bad.”
“Now Doran, what did you actually feel earlier? The painful, overwhelming sensation.”
“Strong enough to impact your mind,” Master Hunter reminded.
The Kubfu shuddered in place. “A pulling, urging force inside me, and all over. It set me on edge like crazy so I tried to laugh it off at first but the second I got a reply I felt like it twisted your words.”
“An urging force?” Master Fang asked. “One that makes you uncomfortable could be in a numerous amount of things.”
I raised my paw and spoke. “We're not even in a Mystery Dungeon so I don't really understand if it's not a Pokémon.”
“Yeah, and I might need a refresher on some things if you don't mind,” Doran said as they wiped their nose.
Master Fang hummed. “Well it could be an Ether Shrine, even if it's high above or far below, as a Kubfu Doran could feel it.
“It could be Marshadow, or even Master Zeraora or Young Xuě, though I believe those three usually conceal their presences,” Master Hunter prompted. “Did you feel them before we were in their physical presence?”
“No, even though they are powerful Mythicals, their presences don’t hurt at all, only unlocked Keepers hurt me,” the Kubfu explained. “But it’s not as bad as this.”
“Or it could be a Mana Temple, likewise Doran could also feel it.”
“Wait, a Mana Temple on its own?” Makkuro asked.
The Lycanroc nodded. “Yeah even if there is no elemental key or lock of mana inside, the Mana Temple on its own can make a strong Keeper, such as a Legendary, Mythical, unlocked, talented or not, sensitive.”
“Wow, that's crazy. Have you two ever felt one?” I asked.
“Yes actually,” Master Fang replied. “I've been in a Mana Temple, unfortunately there was no elemental key or lock of mana inside. However, learning architecture was important.”
“Aren't there eighteen Mana Temples on every continent?” Doran reminded us.
“And there are five continents in the Celestial Hemisphere, Twin-Star, Jovian, Constellation, Nebula, and U.C Galactic, though there isn't anything involving the Disruption in that last one,” Makkuro listed.
“That is partially true. But there's only eighteen elemental keys and locks of mana, one pair for each type, yes?” I said, my tail twitching in thought.
“Why would there be that many extra Mana Temples?”
Doran crossed their arms. “Well I'm not exactly sure about that but we think it has to do with the truth about Elemental keys and locks of mana.”
The Rockruff hummed. “Maybe there used to be more.”
“Maybe indeed,” I replied.
Doran took a few steps back.“But why are there so few now?”
Master Hunter stopped in her tracks and turned toward us.“It's a great question. Also, I think we've managed to make ourselves quite a distance from the village,” the Boltund said.
The Lycanroc nodded. “We can catch our bearings.”
Master Hunter pulled out one of her bags and revealed a couple of metal trays. “Here's some rations, we'll definitely have to make a pitstop in a few hours to keep extra.”
After the rations we took some time for ourselves for a moment. Relief from all that constant pressure was nice. I waltzed up back to camp and sprawled out on my back. Aw, just what I needed. One by one my sore and achy joints popped as relief overwhelmed my body. A slightly moist thing- a snout brushed against my side. “Don't get too comfortable,” the voice, Master Fang's, said. With a sigh I rolled onto my belly and stretched again, my claws kneading out on the stone.
“So I know we just did our attacking drills yesterday but we'd like to see them again,” Master Hunter was the one to speak this time.
“Sure,” I said. “Just what are we gonna practice on?”
The Boltund glanced left and right, at a nearly barren stoneland.“Lets see, are there any large rocks nearby?” With this collection of trailing streams, I don't think we were in luck.
“Just aim at us,” Master Fang ordered, their voice deep and gravelly. “Sounds good?”
“I suppose that works.”
“Alright,” I replied. Interestingly, Makkuro and Doran said nothing.
“Remember, take in your Breath of Mana, strive for peace, and attack. I trust you understand the underlying parts?”
I nodded.
“Go!” Master Fang called.
Pulling in mana from the world around me, I fired out a Psychic straight at the Lycanroc and Boltund in front, just as Makkuro launched out a Rock Tomb, and Doran ran forward, the red glow of Rock Smash. Instead of blocking at the last second, the two just chuckled. The Kubfu's red-coated fist slammed into Hunter's shoulder, while the Rockruff's collection of stones crushed their flanks and my scatter shot of light purple energy hit Master Fang's chest. Each of our attacks knocked the two to the side with every hit, yet they were still standing. As the dust settled the Lycanroc's cloak once again fluttered in the wind. This time Master Fang's belled collar, the one with the Sentinel’s Union insignia chimed, one after another each tiny black bell echoed in the wind.
“Now that I'm finally feeling your purest attacks, I gotta say won't do,” the Lycanroc said.
“It won't do?” I asked
“Nope,” Master Hunter scoffed. “That attack won't break anybody. Everyone except yours, Kobi.”
“Really?”
“Well you're still gonna need to replace your moves anyway,” Master Fang said.
“And how are we gonna do that?” Doran questioned, nursing their sore hand.
“Feel all the mana around you. I want you to pluck the power as if you have spools of thread,” the Boltund explained. “You will weave those threads together. However, you must pick a certain amount of thread to use, we call these the limit. And that will be your four moves.”
“If my Psychic was fine then what should I change?” I asked.
“Payback, it does not suit you,” Master Hunter replied.
“What should I do instead?”
The Boltund gave a wide grin. “I shall give you a substitute. Remember those care packages we received?”
“From the Emboar and Empoleon after Leader Magearna's seminar?” I asked.
“Yep, here's a solution to your abilities weaknesses, some TMs.”Through a rainbow of shiny TMs, Master Hunter pulled out a black disc, then a red one. Probably a dark-type, and fighting-type move. “Go on you Kobi, Doran.” Their command broke my trance.
Doran and I pressed the respective TMs to our heads one way or another and took in the raw unbridled mana of our potential new moves. Bitter, dark candy, licorice flooded my mouth as dark-type mana ebbed into my body, fresh off a wave. Concentrated outside of me, an orb of power coalesced into a javelin of black before it fizzled away above my palate, no, my
palette, the collection of my possible moves. Groaning, Doran widened their stance as if they'd fall over and clenched their fists. “Woah,” the Kubfu gasped, hopping in place before they swung their arms out.
“Come at me,” Master Hunter ordered, suddenly dashing forward, with lightning charged in her Thundering Fangs.
Let's see if my Payback's really weak! With the Breath of Mana, I pivoted on my hind legs, and batted against the Boltund's shoulder. My blackened claws did nothing to stop them as their jaw clamped on my leg. Through the stinging pain, I swiped again with Payback, trying to pull away.
“That won't do,” Master Fang explained from the sidelines. “You have to use your real strength.”
A small surge of power buzzed across from me and Master Hunter let go, grimacing.“Like this!” Doran cheered. Must have been Rock Smash.
“Not strong enough.”
Quicker than I could see, the Boltund's maw flashed light purple, and snagged the Kubfu's leg with Psychic Fangs, dimming slightly as Doran screamed. “Kobi! Help!”
“D-Doran!” I gasped, bitterness in my mouth again. But this time my head throbbed for a second and I coughed, the Breath of Mana practically flying out.
“Ough!” Master Hunter stumbled back, still gripping Doran.
No, something else flew out my mouth.
“Yes, remember to keep your unlocked moves in control like that again,” Master Fang reminded.
“Let. Go!” Doran roared, instead of punching, their red-coated paws grabbed the Boltund's slowly lifting jaws and then yanked their head towards the ground.
Spitting, Master Hunter caught herself and stepped away, limping slightly. “Well done,” she said. “Even if you can see; I went very easy on you.”
“What was that?” I asked, tongue out.
“Dark Pulse, and Revenge.”
I let the energy of Payback flow out of my body, my legs tingling and my claws flexing. Overwhelming bitter tasting energy bathed my tongue. Dark Pulse fully replaced it and a cough erupted from my throat. I hacked again and spat out a black dart of energy, almost knife-like.
What really is a pulse anyway?
“What about me?” the Rockruff asked in a slight whimper.
Master Hunter chuckled. “You can manifest the power you seek from within.”
Makkuro tilted his head. “How?”
“Think fast!”
Before I could blink, a light brown blur blipped in front of the Rockruff. “Don't wanna get hit?” Master Fang asked, tiny, yet sharp Stone Edge's just above Makkuro's muzzle.
“Woah!” the Rockruff's throat shimmered for a moment as partially translucent pebbles bunched in the air from Rock Tomb.
“Block it!” Doran yelled.
Stones and rocks crashed into each other, chunks flying every which way. Makkuro gasped, his muzzle battered against by sharp debris.
The Lycanroc grinned. “Again! Put your whole body into it!”
“Come on Makkuro!” I cheered, sitting back on my haunches. “You can do it!”
Shattered stones pummeled the Rockruff again, this time instead of merely summoning rocks he flung his side at the Stone Edge fragments. The mana along his body was the white hue of Tackle, backed by emerging muscle and grit. Small yet mighty, the jagged pieces cut through Makkuro’s fur, knocking them down.
Normal against Rock? What's Makkuro thinking?
Once again, almost cheery, Master Fang began.“Try hitting me with your best shot!”
“My best shot huh?”
“While putting your back into it!”
Master Fang took off in an instant, first running away from Makkuro, all the while forming bits of their attack. The Rockruff huffed before he did the same, running away from the Lycanroc. Instead of white energy, dark brown energy swarmed Makkuro’s whole body, larger, sharper rocks now coming from him. In an instant they blipped out of the air. “Come on!” he yelled, taking in a deep breath. This time Makkuro's throat glimmered dark brown. Master Fang grinned as they too increased the size of their Stone Edge, just before the Rockruff leapt at them. As their bodies collided, Makkuro's boulders slid right into the Lycanroc's with a deafening roar, the new move blocking the weakened onslaught. The rocks partially went translucent for a second and weren't even close to stronger though.
“Woah!” Makkuro gasped, ducking under the cascade of pebbles, then dust clouded the area. All was still for a second as it cleared.
“Ahaha!” Master Fang's laugh called out, their blue eyes shimmering. “Now that was a Rock Slide.”
“It was?” the Rockruff asked, glancing side to side.
“Great show indeed Guard Fang,” a muffled voice called out from below.
“Wah!” We all scrambled away from the now murky, muddy void where the ground once was.
A spray of water jetted up from the narrow stream behind us. “I told you to wait!” a deep warbled voice put, annoyed.
Dark as midnight, a black cloak swept in front of my eyes. In an instant a Golurk and a strange three headed- pink-red Pokémon manifested right across from Master Hunter. The Boltund nearly fell over in shock, her nose buried in a scroll, yellow-green eyes wide.
“Wugtrio you know I hate delays so I had to get over here as fast as I could!” the Golurk said, her now soft voice echoing out.
Sighing, Wugtrio, that odd- Dugtrio-like Pokémon shook his left and right heads. “And with that you scared Defender Hunter.”
“Moon's sake, I wasn't expecting anyone to show up before we reached the lodge!” the Boltund yelped as she climbed up.
Now that I thought about it, these two new Pokémon were also sporting black cloaks, bags and vests, with beads on Wugtrio's rock base, and Golurk's massive arms. Definitely Sentinels Union Pokémon, with those three claw symbols on them.
“Who are you lot?” Doran asked, nose sniffling. “They aren't Keepers.”
“Well greetings all, Branch Catorce
Fourteen's Sentinels Medic Golurk and Specialist Wugtrio at your service!” Golurk spun around and did a little pose. Then she rummaged through her bag. “With research from all of the Numeros
Numbers, the time has come for you to have your very own Slate of the Forgotten!” In Golurk's hand were two matte black tablets, with a cyan sword and magenta shield on one side, and a glossy finish on the other, perhaps a screen.
My eyes lit up and I dashed over. “Wait, the mana artifact that allows both Keepers and Sentinels to find Ether Gems?” I asked.
To the side Master Fang shook their fur and cloak, tail slowly wagging as their eyes narrowed. “Where are our manners? Hello there, Medic Golurk and Specialist Wugtrio,” the Lycanroc greeted, taking one of the slates in their maw. Master Hunter took the second one.
“Yes, greetings Branch Seis, Golurk and I were very fortunate to find you out here, although it wasn't too hard once I felt a disturbance.” Wugtrio explained, his beads jingling as he moved closer to Doran.
“What?” the Kubfu gasped.
Before I could blink, Golurk had Doran in her grasp. “So this is the Kubfu we saw at the meeting in Elite Phase Inn!” she marveled, patting and lifting them.
“Oi, I'm not a pet!” Doran swung wildly, hitting nothing.
“Put Young Master Doran down!” Wugtrio shot a jet of water at Golurk, staggering her to one knee in an instant. “Though, you must be the disturbance as a Legendary Kubfu, as we Sentinels usually don't feel or taste any presences.”
“Oh,” Doran said as they climbed out Golurk's hand, blushing.
Master Hunter offered them her side. “Thank you for these Slates,” the Boltund said. “Let's see, how do we use them?”
“From Flight and Talon's attempt with Rosario, you first turn them on, using the touch of a paw or such you flip through the Continents, and select Constellation.”
“Wait hold on,” Master Hunter raised a paw. “who's Rosario?”
“That's the name of a Pikachu who helped Noctowl Flight and Datrix Talon of Branch Dos collect the first two Ether Gems,” Wugtrio replied.
I hummed.
That name doesn't sound like it fits a Pikachu, but what do I know?
“As you can see we've made some more progress as there are now four collected Ether Gems, noted by these four Chimecho symbols here and the ‘1’ listed beside them,” Golurk explained. Sure enough, on the side of the map screen glimmered a set of four bell icons cyan, magenta, red, and green: the color of each possible Ether Gem apparently.
Wugtrio continued.“The map shows the location of each collected Ether Gem so keep the map displayed. Supposedly the Slate should chime when you reach the area above or below an Ether Shrine.”
Golurk waggled a finger.“Now here's the tricky part, there's different puzzles inside an Ether Shrine, some with dangerous elements so take care to retreat if you get hurt.”
“Does that cover everything?” Master Fang asked, gently swiping their paw along the screen.
“Well no, we come with some more great news,” Wugtrio said. “Here in the Salted Hillock Country we've actually narrowed down the location even further on the nearby elemental key and lock of mana.”
“Based on Master Zeraora's insight it's the key and lock of flying,” Golurk explained. “It's down to three Mystery Dungeons, rarely versed but still.”
“Master Zeraora can tell?” Doran questioned.
“Yes, as Master Zeraora is highly in tune with mana artifacts, as they previously guarded various ones over the centuries.” Wugtrio listed. “The three Mystery Dungeons are in the Misty Timber Range, with Stoneskip Hill, Timberreed Seep, and Mist Ravine.”
“Wait really?!” I gasped.
I can't believe it!
“Oh? Are you familiar with this area?” Golurk asked.
“I thought you hadn't traveled outside of Hunter’s Plains Village, besides going to the Bristberg League, Pebble Creek and this journey?” Master Fang added, brow raised.
“No, I hadn't,” I replied.
“Tell us Kobi,” Doran said, placing a paw on my shoulder.
I dropped my bag onto the floor. “Through circumstance I happen to have some older notes from Team Vanguard.”
“The same notes that the police in Midori Mori didn't care for right?” Makkuro added.
“Yeah, mostly likely because no one wants to trek all the way out to Misty Timber, here.” I opened up one of my books and pointed at a page.
‘Team Vanguard finding 21- We believe there's a region in the southeast of Constellation where Wicked Blow and the Leagues had lost an elemental key and lock, particularly three dangerous Mystery Dungeons: Stoneskip Hill, Timberreed Seep, and Mist Ravine. Each stationed in the Misty Timber Range, though it's crawling with fierce ferals, Wicked Blow gangs, and even more.’
“I suppose you did mention having notes, and I did skim them, but this indepth?” Master Hunter gasped, eyes wide.
“How interesting, where did you receive this?” Wugtrio asked.
I nodded. “From my second Adoptive father, a Sentinel Sceptile from Hunter's Plains named Meadow. His family has a farm and construction business out in the village.”
“Second?” the Rockruff beside me questioned.
“Well yes, I first lived with my Meowstic Mother and Espeon Father for about six months, after I… when I emerged from the straylands. However those Keepers were-” a memory flashed in my mind, the pained face of an Espeon, the yowls of a Meowstic.
No, I can't! Gritting my teeth I finished. “Wicked Blow
took them.”
“How unfortunate,” Golurk said.
“Straylands?” the Kubfu whispered, brows perked.
“I was summoned about five years and six months ago,” I whispered back in Johtoian. Across from us Makkuro nodded. Then I continued in Constellation for the Sentinel’s Union Pokémon. “I am fortunate to have lived with Hatchet, Linus, and their family, especially Meadow and Iris.”
“Hmm, oh I believe-” Master Fang held their tongue for a moment. “Yes, one of Team Vanguard knew such Pokémon.”
Can't get read on who, suppose I could just ask Meadow myself but who knows how long it'll be until we get back home.
“Also I suppose the Hunter’s Plains- Bristberg area is relatively safe for young strays,” the Boltund beside them said, still glancing my way.
Golurk studied the page intently before she spoke. “Now why would a regular Pokémon like Mister Sceptile Meadow have such valuable information?”
“To keep Wicked Blow and everyone else off the trail,” Master Hunter replied.
“Brilliant idea.” Wugtrio gasped.
Master Fang sighed. “The majority of Team Vanguard had such practices, only using far removed non League, Guild, Paradise, or Society Pokémon to hold our most sensitive information, that we hadn't published yet.”
Golurk's yellow runes flashed for a second before the ground shifted slightly. A far off lightning strike. The rain from earlier picked up and the Pokémon below the earth definitely felt that too.“I think it's best we split,” she stated, shaking the droplets off her feet.
“Head toward the waterfalls, and keep a low profile alright?” Wugtrio's gentle voice pleaded as he practically swam across the ground. “We'll see you at the lodges later.”
“Farewell,” Master Fang called, beckoning with a paw.
With that the Sentinel’s Union Pokémon left, basically disappearing into the ground. I sniffled as Master Hunter put up her Slate of the Forgotten alongside all her scrolls. Before we continued upstream to the falls, Doran closed my books for me and rubbed my back.
Out here in Saltwater Cliffs there's so much waiting: the Lokix staffer from Leader Magearna's Domain mentioned that they specifically wanted Makkuro and I to find the elemental key and lock of mana out right, alongside whoever this friend of a future teammate is before we head to the Bristberg League. And now that we have the Slate of the Forgotten we could collect Ether Gems on the way and take down Kanamori Leafeon. With our luck, we could really find a mana artifact out here, but so could Wicked Blow or the Committee if we weren't careful. But that doesn't matter, I'll end the Disruption with these paws, soaked in blood if I had to. For their sake. All we had to do was lock enough keys. How many more?
We've made it to Arc 2/Part 2!
Another playlist
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL93-Dhnyik9YBIwrfTjDX1B5310yI2m5U&si=Mz7Yr_2SB_olNnk.
