(MAJOR UNDERHERO SPOILERS) After traveling through the timeless void, Mouse and their campanion, a talking "magic" hilt named Elizabeth IV fall through a portal leading to a world where monsters (Pokemon) roam. After defeating the Puzzleman, Mouse and Elizabeth travel the vast void until they fall into a world unfamiliar to them. Mouse's appearance changes drastically as they journey to become a true hero, and find a way back to the Chestnut Kingdom.
"I'm not surprised you would come all this way for the little kid." Stitches said. "I remember seeing how devastated you looked when they said good-bye."
"That's because I never got to say good-bye." Grey sighed. "We just... let Puzzleman take them to Fate knows where."
Stitches sighed. "Young Princess... it wasn't our fault, and certainly not yours, that he took those two out from our realm." Oaken quietly held and tightened his friend's hand in comfort, as the monster king spoke. "We didn't let him take them. Neither of us could have known, not even you."
Grey nodded and made it seem like she felt better, but she was still hurting.
A few minutes later, Mr. Stitches lead the two kids turn after turn, and the duo wondered what was down the other corridors. "So, princess, bitten any king's fingers lately?"
"You're still upset about that?!" Grey asked. "You had me locked in a cage and poked me! You were being very annoying!"
"Why is there so many branching paths?" Oaken asked.
"To trap trespassers, and send them back to the start. Very convenient portal system." The stitched monster said. "T and I made all these branching paths to make sure we don't be disturbed when one comes across this place."
"How do you know where to go?" Grey asked.
"Follow a set path with special paint, and soon, the paint isn't needed and it's as simple as walking in your home." Stitches smiled. The trio soon heard the sound of keys loudly clacking and machines whirring.
"How goes the search, hun?" Mr. Stitches asked as he leaned against the door frame.
"65% close to Masked Kid 745 and Elizabeth." T. bur replied, not taking his eyes off the screen. "I'll stop soon, and let the machine continue the search on it's own while I sleep. I'll need to feed it more of 745's DNA to keep the search going."
"I almost lost them once, I'm not going to lose them now!" The shark said.
"What do you mean by that?" Grey asked.
T. Bur looked at the princess in disguise, and shook his head. "It's time you and Oaken got some sleep, Princess." He puts a fin on her shoulder as he passed her. "You'll need all you're energy tomorrow morning."
"What it because of the accident...?" Grey asked.
"That's a discussion we want to have, when we find the kid and Elizabeth." Stitches said, following the shark.
That night, Grey and Oaken slept in sleeping bags in a spare room. However, Grey's dreams were less than hopeful. She opened her eyes and found herself in a vast white wasteland. Nothing but floating appearing and disappearing blocks and a massive stary void could be seen ahead of her.
As she started walking, she could hear whispers all around her.
"Hello...?" The princess turned, only to find no one. As she resumes to walk, she smacks into an invisible wall.
"Ow..." Grey groans as she rubs her nose. "Guess I can't go this way, anymore."
She places her hands on the invisible wall, pressing on it, and banged her fist as hard as she can. No dent.
"If I can't get passed this glass wall, maybe I could find the end." Grey decided aloud. Keeping her hand on the wall, Grey walked along the wall to the end.
Despite being a sturdy wall, she could hear a shrill scream clear as day! She looked in the direction of the scream, and she felt her heart drop to her stomach...
It was Mouse and Elizabeth facing off against what she assumed was a more demented version of Puzzleman. Her blood felt like it froze when she saw her friend's own streaming out their wounds, leaving dark indigo puddles as they stepped.
"Green Boots! Green Boots- I mean, Mouse, I'll be right there!" Grey shouted. She turned to run, but slammed into another invisible wall.
"Ow..." Grey whimpered, covering her nose. But as she turns to the left, she jumped as her hand met another wall. "You gotta be kidding me..." Turning again, and the same thing. The princess started breathing heavier as her heartbeat quickened.
In a panic, Grey started slamming against the walls from all directions. Grey felt powerless watching Mouse get weaker and weaker. And the Puzzleman set a blast of energy through the poor kid's chest.
"MOUSE!" The disguised princess shrieked at the top of her lungs.
"NO!" Grey woke up in a cold sweat, waking Oaken with her shout.
"Huh?! What's happening?! A-are we in danger?!" But when the former hero say his friend, his expression softened. Slowly and quietly, Oaken scooted closer to Grey, and remained there until Grey calmed down.
When her heart stopped racing, she sniffled, and rubbed her watery eyes.
Meanwhile, Mr. Stitches found himself back at his crumbling castle, kneeling before the masked kid who bested him.
"Oh, who am I kidding?" Stitches sighed.
"End it, child." He's accepted his fate. "The responsibility... is now yours."
This kid will be the new evil leader.
"At least I can finally... rest."
But to his surprise, the kid dropped the hilt, and they too, fell to their feet, and cried.
"No..." Mouse sobbed.
Elizabeth looked at her substitute hero with remorse. "It's alright, kid. It's over..." She sighs. "I'm sorry I made you got hrough this."
"W-what?! NO!" Mr. Stitches stammered. "NO! NO! NO! YOU HAVE TO!" He could feel the blood drain from his face. "You will doom us all!"
The hilt rolled her eyes. "Come on, dude! Give it a rest. Don't you think the world would have ended by now?"
"...You do not... understand..." Stitches's heart was beating out of his chest.
"You useless fools." A familiar voice growled. That voice shook the monster king to his core.
"Who the-"
Before Elizabeth could finish, Puzzleman appeared before everyone! "Do you have ANY idea of what you have caused?!" He growled. "The unbalance YOU have brought to this world!"
"Y-YOU?!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "You are behind all this?!"
"OF COURSE I WAS!" The dice head snapped. "I've been trying to guide you all this time, and you do exactly the opposite! YOU ARE WORTHLESS!"
Realization hit T. Bur like an out of control carriage. "You must be the one that has been poisoning Stitches's mind for all these years! I KNEW he wasn't mad!"
"So the hero cycles are your doing!" Princess Cereza glared through her mask.
"The destruction of the world..." Elizabeth thought aloud. "That was just a lie, wasn't it?"
"A... lie?" The not-so mad king felt like he was going to vomit from this realization.
"This runt has ruined everything! Hundreds of years of harmony, gone..." There was a collective gasp as he teleported between Mouse and Stitches. "Just so you could feel like a little HERO?!" Puzzleman grabbed Elizabeth, summoning the blade, "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT, KIDDO." And plunged it right into Mouse's heart.
Silence...
The demented game host pulled the sword out, and everyone watched as the child fell to the floor, surrounded by their pooling blood.
"Look at what you've done, Salle... All this, because you couldn't finish them off." Puzzleman sneered at Stitches.
"Th-they weren't supposed to be the-"
"And yet, you allowed them to do it, anyway." Puzzleman snaps his fingers, and everyone in the arena was slain with a crack of thunder. Stitches felt frozen and helpless. "Now, I'm going to have to start all over..."
Stitches heard one last thunderclap as he woke up. He panted as he looked around. His shark husband turned to face him.
"Another nightmare, dear...?" T. Bur said in a groggy tone.
Stitches nodded. "Felt just as real as the others."
The shark put a fin on the burlap king's back. "Wanna talk about it?"
"Puzzleman murdered Mouse... right in front of us..." Stitches murmured. "He used Elizabeth to pierce their heart... I couldn't... I couldn't do anything! I just... watched..." He sobbed. "I feel like we failed the-"
T. Bur stopped Stitches and held his hands. "That is enough!" The shark said sternly. "We've come too far to feel like failures." Stitches held his husband close. "We will find 745 and Elizabeth... and we will find them alive."
"You're right, babe." The burlap king smiled, and nods. "I'm really glad you didn't listen to me."
Bringing this up again, cuz I'm going through art block.
Characters available: Mouse (main Masked Kid), Princess Cereza, Grey Kid, Oaken (Hero), Mr. Stitches, Macho Poncho, Hati, and Skoll.
I'll do other Underhero characters, (on the OG universe or my version.) But please keep the brush requests Underhero related. I'll make an acceptation by doing UH ocs.
I WILL NOT be doing the snot brush (that's gross), any asks for the snot brush will be ignored.
Mouse followed the two large Pokémon to their home. A huge old temple. Hati and Skoll walked up to two large statues, two large wolves wielding a sword and a shield respectively. and bowed before heading to a smaller room that served as a kitchen. Mouse had no idea why the twins bowed to the statues, but bowed anyway, wanting to pay respect.
While Hati cut meat down the middle, Skoll rinsed out rice until the water was clear.
"Ever had curry?" Hati asked, as she took out the bones from the meat. Mouse shook their head no.
"Whatever Mouse's diet was before I met them... It barely looked edible."
"And by the looks of you, little Eevee, you were barely fed." Hati noted. "My brother and I will make sure to add some meat to your bones. The last thing we want is a starving apprentice." Mouse listened intently to their mentor, as she finished preparing the meat.
"It's Slowpoke Tail. Humanely harvested from the local populace or donated from Slow tribes." Skoll said. "Thankfully their tails do grow back quick after the cut."
"You eat your own people's tails?" Elizabeth asked, a slight unease in her voice.
"Only donated sources or to stave off hunger." Skoll added. "The base of the Slowpoke's tail numbs itself before the cut."
"The Slowpoke species is a calm and peaceful group." The Zacian said. "But their evolutions are nothing to sneeze at!"
"We'd talk about their culture, but we've got a meal to make." Skoll smiles as he grabs a pawful of berries from out of a create full of other colorful berries. "By the way, what's your nature?"
"Nature...?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yeah, your personality. It's a big indicator on what flavor you like." Skoll answered. "I'm a bold nature, for example. I like sour tasting foods. My sister's a mild nature, she doesn't like sour foods at as much as I do."
"I much prefer dry foods to sour." Hati added.
"Mouse is pretty shy." Elizabeth said. "That's all I know."
"Sweet curry it is." Skoll nods. "Thankfully, these Grepa berries are sweet, sour, and dry without one flavor overpowering the other." Mouse slowly walks up to the berry create and picks up the same berry that Skoll took for the meal. "Fancy a snack, small one. I'm assuming that's your first Grepa berry?" The tiny Eevee nods. "Have a bite then! There's plenty to snack on."
"Don't let them eat too much, Skoll." Hati woofed. "They need room for dinner."
"Relax, sis. It's just one berry." Skoll smiles as he chops the berries.
Mouse lifted their mask and took a bite from the yellow fruit. There wasn't much juice in it, but there was a fine mix of sour and sweet flavors in the flesh.
"The kid rarely takes that mask off, huh?" Hati asks.
"Mouse's mask is special to them." Elizabeth said. "I never saw their actual face."
To Hati, that statement raises more questions.
"Why do you keep it on, though?" Skoll asks. "Some sort of protection thing?"
"Yes, it hides their face, mixed that with their small size and timidness, makes people think their fully harmless." Elizabeth explains.
"Do all the kids-" Before Skoll could finish, his sister cut him off.
"I don't want these two overwhelmed with questions." She said.
Mouse curiously watches their two new mentors cooking the curry, the meat frying and the sauce mixing, it all fascinated the tiny Eevee. Once the meal was prepared, Hati portions out three servings of curry on a bed of white rice. The siblings had their heads bowed for a few moments, and then began eating. Mouse picked up their fork, stabbed it into the meat and a couple of rice... Mouse couldn't tell which was better, this curry or that cafe sandwich.
When dinner was done, Hati took the dishes and cleaned it in the sink.
"Mouse...?" Skoll said to get the tiny Eevee's attention. He moved his head, motioning them to follow.
Mouse was led down a corridor and stopped at an empty room. "We usually use this room to house guests. But since you'll be training with us, it'll be your room."
There were a few empty storage boxes and a soft-looking nest.
"If you need anything from me or my sister, our room is near the statues in the front." And with that, Skoll leaves Mouse and Elizabeth alone. The tiny Eevee slowly approached their new nest, took off their pouch, and laid down next Elizabeth right next to them. Mouse yawned and lay their head down. "See you and your friend tomorrow, little one."
When the door shut, Mouse looked at their paw, and noticed the numbers 745 branded on the back of their paw.
"Never noticed that on your hand. Or... paw in this case." The hilt noted. "Well, good night, Mouse. Tomorrow, we start our training." Elizabeth yawned.
"G-good night..." Mouse murmured. They took a deep breath, and fell asleep.
Meanwhile, in Hati and Skoll's room, the twins set their rusted sword and shield next to each other. Hati was the first to sit down in her nest, and Skoll laid in his own across from his sister.
"You sensed it too, didn't you?" Hati asked. Skoll turned his head to his sister's location. "That little Eevee and their companion aren't from this world."
Skoll paused for a moment, and nodded. "The way the hilt spoke about their homeland certainly sounded different."
"And what Elizabeth said, makes me wonder if they were intentionally mistreated, or if that's all that was available back home." Hati noted. She yawned. "We can talk to those two about their home more tomorrow. Good night, Skoll."
"Night, Hati." Skoll laid his head down and went to sleep.
That night, Mouse had another dream. in that dream, Mouse was trying to swim against a current. The darkened waters soon overtook the small masked kid, the water got over their head, and they sank. As they were sinking, bright eyes casted a light upon them, making Mouse shield their eyes. Puzzleman took his hat off and it hovered under Mouse, and created a vortex. Mouse tried to fight back and swim faster, but the whirlpool was too strong. Behind them was a bright radiance. Mouse looked back as they heard it call their name.
"....Mouse... ...Mouse..."
It started out muffled and slowly got more clear.
"Mouse... Mouse...! Mouse!"
Mouse woke up with a start. They saw Hati standing at the door.
"Ah! You're awake!" She said. "Come on, were going to get breakfast. And then we can get you geared up."
"I think we're fine with the satchel Mouse already has." Elizabeth insisted.
"That satchel looks like it'd fit a Lucario than an Eevee." Hati replied. "We're going to get a more suited pack for you, and power enhancing items."
Mouse put their pouch on and followed the Zacian outside. The trio ordered breakfast at the cafe, and went to a fancy looking building. The outside was adorn with crystals.
"This is Yamadori's boutique. The Pokémon specializes in fitting Pokémon of all walks of life with items of many kinds." Skoll said. "He made me and my sister our gear to hold our sword and shield." Both siblings gestured to their old and rusted looking tools.
"No offence, but why do you have those old things?" Elizabeth asked.
Hati smirks. "You two will see soon enough during training." The wolf-like Pokémon let out a small yip to alert the store owner.
A bird-like Pokémon with a bare spot around his neck strolled out to see their customers. "Well, if it isn't the children of the guard." He smirked. "What honor do I have serving you two?"
"We're actually here for our new apprentice." Hati said. She moved to the side to show the shy Eevee.
The Fezandipiti's eyebrows raised. He slowly approached the kid, so they weren't scared off. Quite the odd mask they have. He thought to himself.
"Certainly the smallest Eevee I've seen." Yamadori said aloud. "What kind of gear are you looking for?"
"Just a new fitted satchel with a sword hoister, and items for an Eevee, Dori." Skoll answered.
Yamadori observed Mouse, the tiny Eevee cautiously watched the large bird. His eyes focused on Elizabeth, who was also watching the bird warily.
"I do have a satchel for small Pokémon, I just to add the hoister as requested." Yamadori explained. "I just need to get the kid's measurements." The bird grabbed a measuring tape. "Take off that satchel, for proper measurements."
Mouse nods and took the pouch off, and stood tall. The tiny Eevee froze when they felt the strip go around their waist. Why am I so nervous...? They thought.
Yamadori scrunched his face when he measured the Eevee. "When did you say you received this Eevee as your apprentice?"
"They were assigned to us yesterday." Skoll said. "We don't know where they come from."
"We'll tell you when we know you better." Elizabeth said. "We just met."
"Fair point." Hati nodded.
"Okay, I have some idea of the satchel strap for you." Yamadori said as he gathered up the measuring tape. "Which evolution is the kid looking to be?" Mouse just shrugs. "Makes sense, that's a big decision for Eevee. I'll get the satchel, but first, I need to perform an aura reading."
"Aura reading...?" Elizabeth repeated.
"Yes, right this way." The Fezandipity leads the group to the back outside to a crystal clear pool with a sparkling blue gemstone in the middle.
"Simply touch the surface of the water." Yamadori said.
"Touch the water... That's it?" The hilt asked.
"That's it." The bird nodded. Mouse slowly stepped up to the water's edge, raised a paw... and splashed at the water! Wiping their paw, Mouse watched as the ripples run along the water's edge.
"Ah, not that quickly, little one..." Yamadori said. "You'll need to keep your paw there for a little longer." Mouse raised their paw again, and slowly placed the pads on the surface.
This time, the ripples were different. Once the ripples reached the blue gem, it shined bright. and the ripples returned to Mouse.
"Keep still, kid." Hati said calmly. "Just close your eyes, breath, and relax." Mouse took a breath, as instructed. Why do I feel nervous? Mouse thought.
As this was happening, Yamadori placed a pure white cloth on top of the water.
"Your aura is..." The cloth turned a very beautiful shade of purple. "A royal purple." The Fezandipiti fished the cloth out of the water, and carefully rung it out.
Yamadori tied the purple scarf around Mouse's neck, it was loose enough for them to breath, but secure enough so it doesn't fall off.
"That aura cloth will slightly boost all of your stats." Yamadori lead the group back in the building, and picked up what looks to be a freshly made belt.
"This belt is the smallest I could find." The bird said, carefully wrapping the strap around their waist. "The belt should be good until they reach their adolescence, which may not happen in a long while."
"They're almost an adolescent!" Elizabeth huffed loudly. "They're ten."
"I've always been smaller than children my age." Mouse signed. This made the Fezandipity raise his eyebrows in surprise.
"Well, then, if that's the case, it'll still be good until they reach their initiation." Yamadori said. "Asuming they still want to be part of a rescue team."
"Which is in...?" Elizabeth asked.
"At least in five years." Hati said. "Last year, my own child had their initiation with their teammate, and they both passed with flying colors."
"If Serlo didn't have a bird as a teammate, they'd just barely pass." Skoll quietly joked. Unfortunately for him, Hati heard him, and nipped his cheek, making Skoll yip.
"What happens if you don't pass?" Elizabeth asked.
"Then you forever lose your chance." Skoll sighs. "The Exploration Federation only accepts strong willed Pokémon. One large slip-up could cost you the whole exam."
"Our job, as your mentors are to train and prepare you for your own exam." Hati explained. "Normally for an Eevee like you, you'd have a Pokémon with you that'd match the type you'll become." Hati gesgures her head to the outside. "We can continue this talk as we walk." The two warriors and Mouse make their way to the exit.
Skoll looks back at the pretty bird. "Thanks for the help, Dori. See ya!"
"Anytime you two, anytime." Yamadori waves as the group leaves.
Snow crunched underfoot as Grey and Oaken wandered through the Long Woods. Every breath the two kids took were visible puffs. And the snow seemed endless. Although monsters have joined the side of good, the real threat to them were Zompos, zombie moles who live underground, and only fight when they're disturbed. Unfortunately, the only way to get rid of them is to whack them with a huge hammer. The only one who has a big mallet was Oaken, given to him by Bachi in case of emergencies. But the merchant knows that the disguised princess would make better use of the weapon than him.
Grey gently kicked his toes to the manor steps, knocking the snow off his red boots. Walking inside, ghosts were hovering back and forth with underhero business or hanging out with friends. The human children waved to the specters passing by. Oaken felt chills down his spine and looked at the ghosts nervously. He knew they're harmless now, mostly, but ghosts always made him anxious. He wasn't sure why.
Back to treading through the snow, now was the time to really be careful.
"Watch the ground as you step." Grey warned. Oaken nods. "If a Zompo pops up and grabs you, whack it with a hammer!"
"And if you get attacked?" Oaken asked.
"Toss it to me so I can whack it, of course." Grey answered.
"Right." The brown-haired boy nodded. "Um... Hey, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get the name Grey?"
Grey paused for a moment, thinking back on his first battle with Mouse and Elizabeth.
"Hold it right there!" Grey Kid snapped. He held his rapier to Mouse's throat. "You are the one who took the legendary weapon of the hero! Give it to me, immediately!" Mouse gulped, feeling a shudder go down their spine.
"Ah! Do you know what this means, kid?!" Elizabeth asked. The smaller masked kid tilted their head in confusion. "You have a rival now!!! You're one step closer to becoming a true hero!"
"SILENCE! I'm no one's rival! You're not strong enough to even be called MY rival!" Grey sneered.
Elizabeth was clearly amused by this kid's attempt to be tough. "He's so full of himself, too!" Elizabeth joyful demeanor changed, as she sobbed happily. "I'm so proud of you, kid."
"Enough!" Grey snapped. "You will give me the weapon or you will die here!"
Elizabeth scoffed at this. "Sure, bring it on, Grey Kid. Let's see if you're 'worthy'." The hilt then proceeded to laugh.
"Um, excuse the intrusion, but are you perhaps... fighting, by any chance?" A chubby ghost asked.
Grey, unphased and unmoving just shouted, "Stay out of this, you blob."
"Just like I thought! AHEM!" The ghost turned to the ghost party and shouted, "YO! YOU GUYS!!! THERES A FIGHT OVER HERE!!!"
A huge cluster of ghosts gathered and started chanting "FIGHT!" over and over. Grey lowered his weapon and groaned with annoyance along with Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth called me Grey Kid when I blocked their path, and... I guess the name stuck." Grey explained.
Suddenly, a hand popped out of the ground and grabbed Grey's ankle. The Zompo emerged and groaned, holding on to Grey's leg with both claws. Oaken grabbed his hammer and slammed it on the zombie mole. The undead creature let go, leaving a scratch in the process.
Grey and Oaken ran for the trees as the monster was dazed. Sitting high in the branches, Oaken and Grey were able to catch their breath. Blood was dripping from the Grey Kid's wounded ankle. He noticed this and wrapped a bandage around it and downed a potion.
"Thank Fate those things don't carry a deadly virus." Grey sighed. He looked at his bandaged ankle. "Think it'll leave a scar?"
"If it's deep enough." Oaken said, scratching the back of his neck. "... Do you... want a scar?"
Grey smiled and nodded. "They're cool! It shows how tough you are, and that you're a survivor."
"I never thought of scars like that before." Oaken said. "I always thought they were just marks, not a symbol of bravery."
"Whether it's surgical or from a fight, all scars have a story." Grey though aloud.
Grey got up on the branch he was on and looked around, trying to remember the path he took for the icy pond. "This way!" The Grey Kid pointed, then he started jumping off branch after branch, and motioned Oaken to follow. The scarfed boy did, the best he could. I was never good at climbing trees. He thought to himself. Maybe I did when I was the hero. But, I don't want to think about that. I make a good living with Mr. Bachi and I don't want to ruin it with unwanted memories.
As Grey jumped off the last tree, landing on his feet, and Oaken fell on his face. Thankfully, the snow cushioned the impact. He got up, wiping the snow off, and followed Grey to the lake.
Bright flashing lights could be seen and blaring music was heard as the duo got closer to the Oblivion Party.
"I'm sorry, kiddos, but only ghosts and bats are allowed in this party." The bouncer ghost said.
"Princess! Oaken!" Bella exclaimed. The little candle held by a disembodied hand flew over to the ghost. "You can let these two in they're my friends!"
"We're not here to party," Grey waved his hand. "We just need to pass by to the lake."
"Permission to pass, granted!" The ghost moved out of the way. "The lake is dead ahead."
"Thank you." Grey bows his head. The two children walked past the flashing lights and blaring music. Some ghosts were chatting happily and loudly, and others were singing horribly.
Grey steps on the lake, and immediately starts slipping!
"WHOA!" He shouts as he falls on his hands and knees as he tries to pick himself up, to little success.
The brown-haired boy hops down, and the same thing happened! Except Oaken falls on his butt. "You- whoa..." Oaken tried to stand up as he spoke. "You fought Mouse and Elizabeth here?! How-?!" He feel on his face.
"I d-didn't have this hard a time when I was here ab-bout almost year ago...!" Grey said as he slid to the other side of the lake. He sighed with relief as he got back on the non-slippery ground.
"Grey! GREY!" Oaken screamed as he slid towards the Grey Kid. Slamming straight into him. "Sorry..." The former hero chuckles sheepishly.
"It's fine, wasn't the first time you fell on top of me, I don't think it'll be the last." Grey got up and dusted himself off.
"R-really?" Oaken looked at the rogue in surprise.
"Yeah." Grey said. "But, that's a story for another day." The disguised princess started walking to the mausoleum.
"How do you know that T. Bur and Stitches are under there?" Oaken asked, following him.
"Best to search the obvious spots first." Grey replied. "If they're not here, we search under the bleachers near the ice skating rink." He clears his throat and speaks firmly. "This is Princess Cereza Castana, sole heir to the Chestnut Kingdom. I have a guest, Oaken the former hero."
The kids waited... and waited... and waited...
"Maybe you didn't say it loud enough." Oaken suggested.
"Oh, maybe they're not here." Grey sighed. And as the two were about to leave, there was a loud rumble and stone grinding noise as the stone coffin moved to the side, revealing a set of stairs. The grey hooded child looked closely down the stairs. He heard a door open, followed by a voice.
"Princess?" That familiar voice... That voice belonged to the once evil monster that used to terrorize the Chestnut kingdom. Of course, that was not of Stitches' choice, as he peered out of the stairwell. "T. Bur knew you'd be coming."
"I found his encrypted note." Grey nodded.
The patched up monster turn to Oaken. "I just didn't know you'd bring the former hero."
"I didn't know it was a crime for my friend to make sure I didn't get hurt." Grey smirked. "Though..." He shows the former evil beast his bandaged ankle. "Too late for that."
Mr. Stitches stepped out of the way, gesturing to the stairs. "We have a lot to discus. T. Bur suspects he's close to finding the kid and Elizabeth's location."
Grey and Oaken walk down the stairs, followed by Stitches as the grave slowly shut, as if it never moved.
The group were teleported to a huge tree out in the middle of a dense forest.
"Where are we now?" Elizabeth asked.
"My home, we're close to Purity Forest." Ivy answered. Mouse walked up to the edge of the deck. And quickly back up, realizing that they were very high up! "If you want to get down on the ground, I recommend my pully system." The Ogerpon smiled. "It can hold up to 350 pounds."
"Luckily, my little hero is light as a feather." Elizabeth smirked, She then looks at Typhoon. "And how do you get up here, assuming you're too heavy to ride the pully system?"
Typhoon simply extended his wings. "I'm assuming your little hero doesn't have wings of their own." He smirked.
"Mouse can't fly but they can glide with their hoodie." Elizabeth then realized that Mouse wasn't wearing their hoodie, therefore, they can't glide. "I forgot..."
"Hey, if you're looking for outfits, I know someone who can fit the little Eevee with something." Ivy said as she got on the pully.
"Yeah, Mouse keeps moving me in place to make sure I don't fall out." Elizabeth explained. "And a proper pouch would be nice too, so it's not so heavy on their back." Mouse slowly walked up to the pulley as the Ogerpon lowered the trio, and Typhoon carefully jumps off.
"Hey, if not too painful, could you tell us where you two came from?" Ivy asked.
"Oh, we're from the Chestnut Kingdom. And Mouse used to be a soldier for this guy called Mr. Stitches."
Typhoon looks like he's deep in thought. "I don't believe I've heard such a kingdom."
"It's a..." The hilt chose her words carefully. "Faraway kingdom." Elizabeth hates lying, but she can't exactly tell the truth either.
"And you said Mouse used to work for this Stitches guy as a soldier. Like... as a soldier's apprentice?" Ivy asked.
"Yes..." Elizabeth lied. "Mouse and I were on the opposite sides of our kingdom's conflict." That was not a lie. "And by some struck of fate, I ended up in Mouse's possession."
"I see..." Ivy nodded. Once the pully touched the ground, she lead the Eevee hilt duo off. "I'll have to take you to the Guild and talk to the chairmons about your apprenticeship."
"Will you be Mouse's mentor?" Elizabeth asked.
"That decision isn't up to me." The Ogerpon shook her head. "It depends on what evolution Mouse chooses."
"I may need a refresher on what Mouse would become." Elizabeth said. She couldn't outright say that she didn't know what an Eevee could become.
"Eevee can evolve into 8 separate Pokemon. Vaporeon, a sleek and talented swimmer if Mouse choses a Water Stone. They tank heavy hits and deal that damage back, using mostly special water type moves. If you want a Thunder Stone, Mouse will become a Joteon. They're faster and strike with powerful lightning conjured from the sky. Flareon, a bold fire type. If Mouse touches a Fire Stone, Their physical attack will be boosted, and become magically defensive. But what if Mouse doesn't want a stone, what if they want evolve during the day? Then, wearing a Sun Ribbon, You'll become the clairvoyant and strategic Psychic Espeon. Espeon's opposite is the night owl Umbreon. You'll need to wear a Moon Ribbon, and you'll be more physically and specially defensive thanks to the moon's light. Lefeon, the grass type evolution occurs when you battle close to a mossy stone in a lush forest. That's one of our chairmon, they're a physical fighter. If you fight near an icy stone in the snowy mountains, you'll become a Glaceon, and love the cold. And with that new appreciation for the cold, you can use that to your advantage and create blizzards to fight. The last known method of evolution is the fairy-type, Sylveon. Using a Fairy-type attack, and great affection Mouse will become a magic using warrior. They may look cute, but that's only to let your guard down, and they strike!"
"That's... quite a lot of choices." Elizabeth said, bewildered.
"I had a hard time choosing whether I wanted to evolve via Water Stone, or wait and evolve during the night. You can obviously see which option I went with." Typhoon voiced himself as an example.
"What about sword wielding Pokémon?" The hilt asked.
"Well..." Ivy thought. "very few mons can use swords in battle."
"We'd appreciate it if we could get a sword wielder as Mouse's mentor." Elizabeth voiced.
"That's something I'll have to talk to the chairmons about." Ivy said. "Come on, the guild conference isn't for another month." She leads the duo to hop on to Typhoon. "You two scared of heights, or flying?" Mouse nodded no.
"We don't get motion sick easily." Elizabeth added, as Mouse was helped up on the Umbergia's back.
Typhoon took a few leaps before taking off. Mouse clung on to him, and grabbed Elizabeth to make sure she didn't slip out.
"You two have never gone flying, before, huh?" Ivy laughed.
"We- we haven't!" Elizabeth answered. "Mouse, I think we're good to look at the ground." Shakily, Mouse slowly crawled across Typhoon's back, and looked down. The trees were tiny, and the Pokémon were even tinier! They did glide, and jumped long distances, but never really flew. It made Mouse want to spread wings for themself and fly anywhere they wanted.
"Where are we heading again?" Elizabeth asked.
"Purukin Guild." Ivy replied. "I need to have a talk with Chairmon Rose about your apprenticeship. And since you said Mouse battles with a sword, I'll talk with Rose about getting them a sword user."
Typhoon landed carefully and he trotted at a brisk pace, approaching the stairs of a tall cliff. Mouse carefully jumps off, when the Umbergia started walking slower, and trots up to a grate. And when Mouse stepped on the grate...
"POKEMON DETECTED!" A mysterious voice shouted. Mouse jumped backwards startled.
"What Pokémon was it!?" A second voice bellowed.
"It's gone now, but it was an Eevee. An Eevee I've never seen before." There was a low rumbling under the ground, and a Diglett with a small tuft of light-colored hair pops out. "An Eevee with a horned mask!" Mouse quickly backs away, tail tucked between their legs. "Oh, I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to frighten you." She said.
"It's okay, Ruby." Ivy reassured her. "I think the kid is just shy."
"Oh! Well... You don't need to be afraid, Digletts pop out of the ground all the time." Ruby said.
"RUBY!!! Who are you talking to?!" The loud voice asked.
"Oh, uh, I'm talking To Ivy the Ogerpon and Typhoon the Umbergia." Ruby responded.
"I don't see any masked Eevee on the bounty board, so, I guess their safe." The loud voice said.
"Later, and good luck!" Ruby said, as she burrows under ground.
"This way." Ivy waves her paw. She leads Typhoon and Mouse down the ladder.
Once they were all down, Mouse looks in amazement as Pokémon of all kinds were gathered together and chatting. I made Mouse think of the Stitched Castle lobby. They hoped that things are better since they and Elizabeth left. Ivy was actively looking for someone.
"Chairmon Rose!" Ivy rushes up to a white Leafeon with orange leaves and bumped heads.
"How was the report?" Rose asks.
"So far, nothing out of the ordinary." Ivy shrugs. "Oh, by the way, I have a request to ask."
"Anything!" Rose purrs.
"I have an orphaned masked Eevee looking for an apprenticeship as a rescuer." Ivy explained.
"Oh. Do they know what route they want to go?" The Leafeon asks.
"They're dead set on wanting a sword wielding Pokémon as a mentor. As far as evolution goes..." The Ogerpon said. "They're not certain yet."
"Are they a warrior variant?" Rose tilts their head.
"No... They seem like a normal Eevee." Ivy looks at the shy Eevee. "With a unique coat variant."
Rose looks at the Eevee. "You good with a sword?" The tiny Eevee nods. They grab Elizabeth as a blade appears. The white Leafeon's ears perk up in surprise. "Go find Hati and Skoll. Those two were looking for someone to tutor in sword battling."
"Find the crowned warrior twins! Got it!" Ivy nodded. "Lucky you kiddo, you get to train with a Zacian hybrid." She leads Mouse and Elizabeth down the lower levels.
"Ivy, I need to find Mystic and-" Typhoon said.
"Go on and find her. I have business to attend to after talking with the hounds anyway. See ya later, Ty." Ivy waves.
"See you, Ivy." Typhoon dips their head as they take their leave. Ivy searches for the two warriors.
"Skoll? Hati?" Ivy shouted as she looks around the guild. "HATI!" Mouse flinched when she yelled. "SKOLL!"
"What's with all the shouting?" A large red wolf asked.
"Skoll! There you are!" Ivy said, her tail wagging. "There's someone I really want you to meet. Where's your sister?"
Skoll points to a bulletin board. "She's checking the wanted posters."
Another wolf, a blue one, scanned the bulletin board for any dangerous criminals.
"... Clawitzer causing underwater shockwaves, Scovillain unlawfully burning crops... Oh! Seismitoad flooding towns after breaking a dam." The wolf whispers to herself.
"Hati! Hati!" Skoll called for his sister. The wolf turned her head around, meeting her brother's face.
"So... remember how you guys were looking for an apprentice?" Ivy smiled.
Hati tilted her head. "Yes...?"
Ivy shifted to the side, presenting Mouse. "Meet Mouse! They're looking for a swordsmon teacher."
Hati and Skoll look down at Mouse, who. "They don't look like a warrior hybrid."
"They don't need some fancy genes to use me!" Elizabeth stated. "Mouse, show them!" Mouse sat up and pulled the hilt out of the belt strap, and a white blade appeared.
Hati and Skoll stared in absolute shock. "Where did that kid get that weapon...?" Hati whispered to her brother.
Skoll shook his head. "Even if they don't have any of our kind's DNA, it'd be cruel to deny them training."
"Even behind that mask, I can sense the heart of a hero beating in their tiny body." Hati commented. "Very well, little Eevee. I'll take you up on your offer. Do you have any parents we can talk to?" Mouse looked down, the blade retracts.
"I don't think they have any parents." Ivy said sadly.
"I'm the closest thing to a guardian for Mouse." Elizabeth explained.
"I see... I'm sorry." Hati said softly. "I am Hati. And this is my younger twin brother, Skoll. We're warrior variant Mightyena."
"Will we be living with you then?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, you'll be living in the guild's orphanage." Hati explained.
"But, if you want to stay with us, you can." Skoll suggested. "We have a guest room, but you and your hilt friend should be pretty cozy."
"I'm Elizabeth by the way." The hilt introduced herself. "And on behalf of Mouse, we thank you for your generosity. We wish to stay with you two."
Hati grabs the wanted poster of the rogue Seismitoad and took it with her, leading Mouse home.
"Good Bye, Mouse and Ellie! And good luck!" Ivy waves.
"Bye Ivy, we hope to see you again." Elizabeth called back.
Grey and Oaken started searching the castle to see where Stitches and T. Bur could have gone to.
"Besides, I owe it to them, do you know what stitches said after he and T. Bur left?" Grey asked.
"Not that I can remember..." The former hero scratched his head.
The duo took an elevator down to the cloning laboratory. It has since been converted into research lab and infirmary.
Grey went down to T. Bur's office and speed read the files and notes. Thankfully, they have a skeleton key for the whole castle. But still no closer to the two's whereabouts.
What were they missing?!
"Your highness?" Grey's head whipped up to see Frankie. "No such luck?"
Grey shook their head. "Not even his files say where they went. Oaken is someplace else looking and I doubt he's having better luck."
Frankie looked around and whispered to Grey and hands them a small black key. "Professor T. Bur told me not to give it to you unless you need it. But since you're looking for the little masked kid and Elizabeth..."
Grey takes the key and looks at it. I've never seen this key... They thought.
"Where does this go?" Grey asks.
"This way, princess." Frankie leads them to a messy room. There was a desk with papers scattered across the top. Grey carefully scanned the whole desk, for any crease.
Their gloved thumb glossed over a keyhole on the side. Grey took the key out of their pocket and slid the key into the slot. They and Frankie heard a click, and a tiny compartment opened. Grey opened it more and revealed a small hard drive.
"Want me to set up the computer for you?" Frankie asked. Grey nodded. Frankie started up the computer and entered the password. Grey gently pushed the drive in it's port, and a window opened up, revealing binary code. Something the princess can't read.
"Great..." The grey hooded child huffed.
"Not to worry, your majesty. I can translate this code, but it's going to take some time." The lizard reassured them. "I suggest waiting with Oaken for a bit."
Grey nods and and joins Oaken outside T. Bur's office.
The former hero looked up from file searching, and sees the princess. "Still no lead?"
"Actually... I think we just might have one." Grey smiles.
"Wait, really?!" Oaken's eyes widened, as Grey nodded yes.
"Yes, but it's going to be a while. Frankie is currently translating the binary code." Grey explained. "And we should wait a while. Fingers crossed it tells us about T. Bur and Stitches' current location."
Suddenly, loud grumbling came from Grey's stomach. "It is around lunch time anyway. Let's head to the mess hall and see what's being served to day." The former hero offers.
Grey wanted to decline and wait but eating something was the best option. "I'll be able to think better after a good meal."
Up to the cafeteria, it was loud with chatter from monsters as they ate with an acquaintance, a friend, or a significant other. Since she took charge and turned the minions around for the better, the food got a drastic improvement from the gross slop that was served previously! Well, the food wasn't that bad, but the cooking was still in desperate need of improvements.
Seems like the lunch choices were a verity of soups, tomato with a side if grilled cheese, potato, chicken and dumplings, and seafood. Oaken got himself a bowl of tomato soup and grilled cheese, and Grey got some seafood with a slice of bread. Looking for a place to sit, the disguised princess started walking towards Macho Poncho.
The pudgy masked kid looks up from his potato soup, and waves to Grey and Oaken. "Hi, Princess, Oaken. What are you guys doing here?"
"Finding Green Boots and Elizabeth." Grey stated.
Macho tilted his head at this. "Who's Green Boots?"
"Um... 745." Macho continued to stare at Grey. "The shy masked kid. I never got to know their name."
"Oh! You mean Mouse." Macho said. "I knew about Elizabeth, only by name, but I had no idea that the smallest and quiet kid would be her new chosen hero."
"To be honest... I've had dreams about a masked hero prophecy." Grey said.
"I don't wear a mask." Oaken said, pointing to his face. "And I don't think I wore one before I died."
Grey shook their head. "I wanted to tell you when you were the hero, but I knew I had to keep quiet. Don't tell a soul, my aunt said."
"Nurse Lillie knew?" Macho asked.
"She was the only person I told." Grey nodded. "But I haven't told her about the Grey Kid thing."
"How much did you know about... Mouse, right?" Grey had a moment to remember the name.
Macho nodded. "I only talked to them a few time, but never really got to know them." The chubby kid sighs. "Which makes me feel bad. I wish I spoke to them more before this whole dead hero thing. How close are you to finding Lord Stitches and T. Bur?"
"Hopefully once Frankie comes back with the decoded message, we'll be closer." Grey said.
Oaken dipped the grilled cheese into the tomato soup, and ate it. Grey poured a small pepper packet into their soup, mixing with a spoon and took a bite of the soup with a shrimp piece in it. The grey hooded child knew that there was more work to be done now, but they knew their belly would thank them for filling up, before they continued the search. Macho continued chattering with the princess in disguise and the former hero.
As Grey scraped the last of his soup with his bread, Frankie came running in with a piece of paper. "Your majesty! Your majesty!" Frankie panted. "Grey!"
Grey turned in their chair, facing the lizard. "What is it, Frankie?" Frankie had her claws to her knees as she handed Grey the paper.
"Princess Cereza, if you're reading this. It means that I'm close to locating Masked Kid 745 and Elizabeth. Mr. Stitches should still be with me. I knew you couldn't wait for our heroes to return home. You can find us in our hidden laboratory on Long Woods. You may bring one guest, but I'd prefer if you come alone.
-T. Bur.
P.S. I recommend going at night, where visibility is limited. And proclaim your name, and the name of your guest if you bring one, when you arrive."
They read the letter out loud, so Oaken heard it. "So, we're heading to Long Woods?"
Grey nodded. "But we have to go at night. Less people will see us." He took his bowl and spoon and placed it in the dirty dishes tray. "I'll see of I could convince Cookie to give me a few rolls of bread and water for the trip."
"What am I going to tell my boss..." Oaken asked himself.
"I'll send Bachi a doctor's note saying you aren't feeling well." Frankie suggested.
"Thanks, Frankie."
Grey filled their bag with as much bottled water and bread as they could. After that, he slung the bag over his shoulder and motioned to Oaken that it was time to go.
"Off we go to Long Woods!" Grey said with determination.
Mouse followed the older mons, paws crunching against the soft earth. Ivy pulled a fiery looking mask and placed it on her face, the cloak on the ogre shifted colors, from soft earthy green to fiery orange.
Mouse looked at the dungeon with baited breath, following the explorers inside.
Sinister Cave
Mouse, Lvl:5
Ivy, Lvl:92
Typhoon, Lvl:89
The floor was moist and slippery. Water can be heard trickling from the ceiling and leaking from the cave walls. Going through this cavern brought Mouse back to the caves they went through to get to the Moth Queen's tree. Typhoon looks around, eyes scanning the dim walls. The tiny Eevee trusts these two with their safety for now, since they seem to know what they're doing.
"So far, nothing out of the ordinary." Ivy commented.
"If you don't mind me asking, what are we looking for?" Elizabeth asks.
"We're looking for any anomalies." Typhoon answered.
"What kind of anomalies?" The hilt asked.
"Space time anomalies. Terrain disappearing or reappearing, Pokémon appearing where they shouldn't." Ivy listed.
"I see." Elizabeth murmered.
"Keep your wits up though, Mystery Dungeons are very dangerous." Typhoon warned.
"Mystery Dungeons?" Elizabeth questioned.
"You must have heard of the infamous Mystery Dungeons!" Ivy explained. "Only the bravest and strongest can enter. They're called Mystery Dungeons because their shifty nature. The terrain changes daily. Traps will appear or disappear. Routes twist and turn. Tunnels close or reopen."
"How are these stuff different to the anomalies?" Elizabeth asked.
"The difference is the layout. Say for example, a tropical plant appears in a cave like this, that would be considered strange. Or a cave dweller appearing in a lake." Typhoon explained.
"Indeed. And despite all the dungeon's dangers, many Pokémon still call these places home." Ivy added.
"The dangerous, shifty, hostile dungeons are home to some Pokémon..." The hilt doubted.
"Not the main dungeon itself. There's little pockets of safe spaces inside or around the dungeons completely safe from the shifting. Although the changes are constant, wild ones are still able to find their home and protect their families." The Ogerpon stated, leading the group down a lower floor.
"Wild ones are Pokémon who don't prefer to live in towns or villages like we do." The Umbergia's tone was more serious as he continued. "There is one other word that begins with the letter F. Once you hear that word, you must never, ever utter that word. Not even near or towards a wild one."
"We understand." Elizabeth noted. Mouse nodded, agreeing with her.
"Shh...!" Ivy muttered, she lifted her mask, putting a finger to her lips.
"Why are you shu-" Elizabeth was interrupted by another shush from Ivy.
"Shh...! There's sleeping wild Shroomish over there..." Ivy whispered. The Ogerpon points to the sleeping mushroom Pokémon.
"Wake any of them up, and we'll be in for a rough time." Ivy warned.
Carefully and quietly, the Eevee padded around the sleeping Shroomish.
"Seems like these Shroomish were too tired to head home." Typhoon commented. "So, they're just camping out here."
Unfortunately, Mouse bumped into a smaller Shroomish. The mushroom Pokémon woke up and shrieked loudly, waking the others. The angered Shroomish spat a foul smelling mucus in the Eevee’s masked face (Shroomish used Toxic, Mouse was badly poisoned). The rest of the horde went for Typhoon and Ivy. Pulling down her Hearthflame Mask over her face, the Ogerpon slammed a fiery cudgel on the Shroomish! (Ivy used Ivy Cudgel, it's super effective!) Typhoon bellowed, unleashing a violent blast of wind. (Typhoon used Aeroblast, it's super effective!) The rest of the Shroomish scattered off with fright.
"And that’s why you have to be careful walking past sleeping Pokémon in dungeons." Ivy huffed, letting her club rest on her shoulder. She looked back at Mouse, and her fierce deminer changed to a more concerned one.
Mouse laid down on the floor, with a sickly feeling in their stomach. I've been poisoned before... Mouse thought, but why does it feel like my insides are melting?
"You've been poisoned." Ivy said. "And by the looks of it, it's pretty bad." She gives them a pink berry. "Eat this, it's called a Pecha Berry. It'll cure your poison." The thought of eating right now made them want to vomit. But, begrudgingly, the tiny Eevee took the Pecha berry, chewed, and swallowed. Almost immediately, the feeling of being poisoned vanished, like it wasn't there. Do they make antidotes out of this fruit? Mouse thought, as the tiny Eevee got up.
"Thank you." Mouse signed.
"You're welcome." Ivy nodded. "Come on, we're almost done patrolling this dungeon."
When the duo reached the end of the dungeon, Ivy and Typhoon looked around. "Nothing out of the ordinary here." The Ogerpon noted.
"Everything looks normal on my side, too." The Umbergia nodded. Mouse looked around, Just a normal cave, they thought. Water was still trickling in slowly through the walls, moss clung to the rocky walls, some brown and dry, others green and moist.
"Alright, we should head out." Ivy called.
"Alright, hopefully we can remember they way out." Elizabeth said as Mouse turned back.
"Oh, no! Were not walking out, we're going to be transported out!" Ivy smirked. She reached into Typhoon's bag searching for something. Mouse and Elizabeth watched curiously as she pulled out a strange looking orb. It was black with a bright white center. "The Escape Orb." She explained. "This thing will teleport us safely out of the dungeon. Stand close to me."
Mouse quietly trotted up to Ivy and Typhoon, where the Ogerpon smashed the orb on the ground, And a beam of light whisked the group out of the dungeon.
Grey walked quickly, pulling the scarfed boy by the wrist, practically dragging him along.
"Prin- Grey, I think we can slow down." Oaken suggested. "The guards are probably far enough that we can rest." But the suggestion fell on deaf ears, Grey didn't slow down, nor did he want to. Because he knew that if he were caught, then it's all over. He'd be found out and never allowed to be by himself again.
The duo crossed cold rivers and carefully slid down slopes. Grey's feet started to get sore, so he led Oaken to a bundle of bushes, perfect size for two children to hide under. Now, this was the proper spot to rest.
"Where... where are we going again?" The brown haired boy asked.
"The Stitched Castle. I want to find at least a clue on where Stitches and T. Bur went." Grey explained. "If we find those two, we find Green Boots and Elizabeth."
"Wish they at least left us a hint to where they're going." The brown-haired boy panted. "Then again, those two probably didn't plan on or want anyone following them."
"They left... thinking they could do it themselves. But they've been gone for nearly a year!" Grey added. His face was slowly getting more pained. As Oaken spoke about how Stitches and T. Bur could find Mouse and Elizabeth by themselves. As Grey's mind spiraled further and further into despair. Doubt started to outweigh his hope. Maybe he can't find them.
"Grey...?" The disguised princess didn't respond. "Hey, we'll find-"
"IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME!!!" Grey finally snapped. "If... if I had taken Elizabeth, Green Boots wouldn't have gone missing... They would have... But why them? Of all people... why did it have to be them..." Grey's hands started to shake along with his voice.
Not knowing what else to do, Oaken held on to Grey's hands. "You would've been the one who was lost. Now, I may not know or remember what happened between you guys, but what I am absolutely certain of, is that those two are safe and alive."
"How could you know that...?" Grey asked between sobs.
"Because like you, I have complete faith that they're okay. And you losing faith like this doesn't match who you are." Oaken said. "This isn't like you! Not too long ago, you were determined to find the Masked Kid and Elizabeth. You can't give up now!"
Grey felt like she was slapped in the face from what Oaken said. "Y-you're right..." He sobbed. "I'm sorry... I'm just... so tired..." He was indeed tired, not just tired of waiting, but also physically exhausted. He just rested his head on his knees. Oaken rubbed Grey's back to comfort her.
The brown-haired boy looked around one more time to make sure that they weren't being followed. Knights would probably have search dogs hunting them down. Oaken looked for a path that would guarantee a secure hiding place. However, this led him to fall into an unexpected hole with a yelp.
"Oak?" Grey looked around and fell in the same hole his friend fell in. He fell with a reactive squeal, but at a certain point, he felt gravity shift as a trapdoor opened up.
"Where are we...?" Oaken asked.
Grey blinked a few times as memories flooded back. "We're in the old minions shortcut!" The dark-haired child motioned for Oaken to follow.
An aminoguana looking at a clipboard marched through the halls. The three bumped into each other.
"Be careful, young ones!" He grumbled.
"Oh, sorry, Francis!" Grey apologized as he helps the old lizard up.
"It's fine, just be careful, masked... princess..." Francis was about to say 'kid' but he quickly changed the word and tone, upon seeing the young princess' face. "Sorry, it's late, and you kids should get some rest. There's some space in the apartments if you wanna sleep. Children like you two need as much rest as you can get. Again, sorry for bumping in to you."
"It's alright, I wasn't paying attention." Grey laughed. Now that Frankie mentioned it, he and Oaken were getting tired. He looked at the elevator and lead the brown haired boy there and pressed the first button. The two waited in silence as the elevator slowly descended. Once the doors opened the two walked out and headed to the left. Grey opens the door marked 1-A, and Oaken heads to the door marked 1-B.
"Good night, Grey." Oaken smiled.
"Night." Grey responded. He shut the door behind him. "Hope you don't mind me using your room, green boots. I have to be at my best to find you and Elizabeth." He looked around the room, there wasn't much in the way of decorations. There were a few posters, and some hoodies hanging from a steel rack, and shoes just piled underneath.
The sheets on the bed were tossed to the side, as the last time the owner of this room was here, they were on their way to battle Grey from a letter falsely signed by Stitches. Looking back, he did feel bad for tricking them and nearly killing them. Grey finally laid down on the bed, feeling pained but hopeful. With a tear roll down his face, he shut his eyes, and finally fell asleep.
Mouse looked at the cafe menu, they look at their money pouch, wondering if they took gold coins. Looking in their wallet, they were surprised to see that their gold coins were different! The gold coins that had the Stitches' symbol was replaced by a different one. They were so focused on the coins, that they didn't notice the cafe owner walking up to them.
"Are you ready to order, little one?" a kindly feminine voice asked. Making Mouse jump out of their fur. "Oh! I didn't mean to frighten you. If you need more time I could-" Mouse pointed to what they wanted on the menu. A sausage sandwich, with a cup of coffee with extra cream. Mouse counted the coins they had, making sure it was the correct amount, giving it to the kindly Kangaskhan.
"I'll be right back, little one." She nodded and left.
"I guess you're not the only thing that changed here, huh?" Elizabeth asked. "Well, as long as those coins get food in your belly, then I think we should be okay."
Mouse looks around the cafe, seeing many monsters of various shapes colors and sizes. I wonder if there's any humans here. They thought to themselves. Aside from the supposed hero, Oaken, and Princess Cereza, Mouse never met any other humans in the Chestnut Kingdom. Even behind their mask, Elizabeth could tell that the masked kid was saddened.
"We'll find a way back..." She murmured in a comforting tone. "I know we will... You'll see Oaken and Cereza, and all the other humans in Chestnut town! Oaken can treat you to his favorite meals in the tavern, and you and the Princess can browse in my favorite spot, the armory! It is kinda hot with the blacksmiths and fire and electric magic users building the weapons and prosthetics. But believe me when I say it really brings inspiration for battle techniques!"
Yeah... Mouse kinda feels bad they didn't get to finish that rematch with Cereza.
"One sausage sandwich and an extra creamy coffee for you, sweetie." The Kangaskhan said with a kind smile, as she set a plate down, the sandwich nice and hot, and steam flew out of the coffee mug. Mouse slipped Elizabeth back in the belt strap, and signed 'thank you'. "You're quite welcome, little one." She turned and went to wait the other tables.
The scent of the sausage immediately filled the Eevee's nose, the empty pang in their stomach was strong. Picking the sandwich up and moved their mask up slightly, took a nice big bite. Either Mouse was just that hungry, or the work of the cook, but the sandwich was delicious! They can't remember the last time they ate something that good, or even a decant meal. The sandwich also reminded them on how dry their throat was, so they took a sip of the coffee. The coffee, although hot, was just as good.
"HEY TY! I'M GETTING A DRINK, YOU WANT ANYTHING?!" Mouse nearly jumped out of their fur when they heard that shout. The source of the shout was a purple ogre, draped with a green leafy cloak. A dark blue monster with a long neck followed her.
Mouse went back to focus on their sandwich. They wondered to themself if those two are part of a rescue team, here to pick them up. As they ate more than half of their sandwich, a shadow hovered over them. A shutter ran down their spine as they look back to see the blue beast towering over them. Instinctively Mouse cowers, shrinking into their seat as the magenta eyes stared down at them.
The monster brings a piece of paper to their face. "Are you looking for an apprenticeship?"
Mouse slowly nodded yes.
"I see. May I know what your name is?" He asks. "My name is Typhoon."
"I'm Mouse." The Eevee signed.
Typhoon nodded, reading Mouse's thoughts as they signed. "A pleasure meeting you Mouse." Upon further inspection, despite how fluffy the little Eevee was, He could see how thin they were.
Just how long were on your own...? Typhoon thought with worry. He wondered if they were abandoned or an orphan. All he know was that he couldn't leave this child alone.
"I'm back, got your coffee, Ty!" The ogre said in a sing-song voice, giving the big beast their drink. She took a sip and looked at Mouse top to bottom as they finished their sandwich. "Who's the little masked kid?"
"A little Eevee that may need our help, Ivy." Typhoon whispered to the ogre. "I think something happened to them before they got their sandwich." He also showed Ivy the paper he grabbed from the bulletin board.
Ivy read the paper, then looked at Mouse. "Hey, you wat to come with us? We hear your looking for an apprenticeship." Mouse quickly nodded yes! "Okay, follow us, then! We'll get you some good food, a cozy bed, and lots of new friends!" Ivy smiled.
Mouse drank the last of their coffee and followed the two outside, out of the corner of their eye, Mouse saw the Pultchageist as they left the cafe.
"We got a lucky break, kid." Elizabeth whispered to the tiny Eevee. "And hopefully, while working for them, We'll find away back."
Back at the Chestnut Kingdom, Princess Cereza looked out her bedroom window with a crestfallen look. All she could think about was her friends she knew for a short time. She gazes into the sunset as if Mouse and Ellie would suddenly appear over the horizon. It's been months since their disappearance. The princess felt hopelessness clutch her heart. But she refused to let it completely take hold of her.
Some people would tell her that it was just a few days and to just forget about them, but what would they know? They weren't the ones who masqueraded as a masked kid to find the hero's weapon and wanted to battle Lord Stitches. Cereza thought about writing again to Mouse and Ellie, but she's started running out of interesting things to talk about, to her at least. And the unsent letters were starting to pile up.
She can't keep doing this... She can't keep sitting here and do nothing! Cereza then looks at her Grey Kid outfit. Feeling the smooth glass-like surface of the mask, made her get a sense of nostalgia. Oh, how she longed to go venturing as the mysterious Grey Kid again.
A knock on the door made the princess hid the costume in her closet.
"C-come in!" Cereza tried to hide the panic in her voice. The door opens and She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Oaken walk into the room. "Oaken... Thank the gods its just you!"
"Yeah, I asked the guards if I could visit, and they told me you were in here." The brown-haired boy said. "What were you doing?"
"Oh, you know... Staring out into the sunset for what feels like years... You know, princess stuff!" Cereza grimaced.
"You're still thinking about them, aren't you?" Oaken frowned.
"It was that obvious?" Cereza asked. Oaken just nodded. "I just... I just feel so helpless. I want to help, but I don't know what to do..." Tears were threatening to fall, but she refused to acknowledge them. "I haven't felt this helpless since Stitches kidnapped me. Back when he was a puppet to that dice head..." She breathed out. A tear finally fell from her face. Despair started to sink in, but not for long. Her sad face shifted into one with determination. Like a fire started in her heart. Her mind was set! She knew what she wanted to do.
"I want to be the Grey Kid again." Cereza said with a firm tone.
Oaken just stared at the princess.
"I want to be the Grey Kid again." She repeated. "I know this is selfish, but I'm desperate to see them again. I never even knew Green Boots' name."
"So, when do you plan to sneak out?" Oaken asked.
"Tonight, you don't have to go if you don't want to." Cereza said. "But just know, you're not stopping me!"
"But what if I want to go with you?" Oaken asked.
As Cereza writes something, she pauses and turns to her friend. "Are-are you sure?" The dark haired boy nods. "Okay, while I'm getting ready, guard my door. Knock three times to warn me when someone approaches." Understanding his task, Oaken leaves the princess' room, allowing her to get changed.
Her gown neatly hung in her closet, and the grey hoodie took it's place. She always felt comfortable in it anyway, she's long since washed it. The red gloves and red boots fit nice and snug. Placing her crown on her desk, She hides her face with the horned mask. Finally her rapier, she always felt secure holding this weapon. Cereza checked the tip to make sure it was sharp. Princess Cereza was now the mysterious Grey Kid again.
After no warning knock, the disguised princess opened the door, and tapped Oaken on the shoulder.
"All set!" She whispered. Oaken followed Cereza inside. "Remember, not to call me by Princess Cereza when I'm like this. I'm just the Grey Kid, or just Grey."
"Got it!" Oaken nodded.
Grey tied his bed sheets together and threw it down his window for Oaken, since he doesn't have a hoodiechute like Grey. He looked at his unsent letters and decided to take the small pile with him, tucking them into his pouch. The Grey Kid sat on their window sill as Oaken got ready for his decent.
Just as Grey was about to take off, she heard her doorknob shaking, leaping off the window as quick as she could, as the door opened.
One of the knights looked around her room, looking for Cereza. Pulling the sheets off her bed, only to see a bunch of pillows that looked like a person was sleeping. He looked under her bed and desk, in her closet. "Princess? Princess!" The knight looked out the window as Grey hovered to the ground. "You! Grey child! Stop at once!"
You've got to be kidding me! Grey thought to himself. Thankfully, Oaken hid himself under the bushes until the knight looked away. Grey looked back, just in time to see the castle light up, and Oaken catching up to her.
"I bet you they think I kidnapped myself!" Grey laughed. Oaken smiled at that, and followed the grey kid into the woods behind the castle. The guards, although to far away to catch up, chased after them and split up.
Mouse quickly trotted to catch up to their new rescuer. Looking back every once in a while, to make sure that they weren't being chased.
"What's the deal with those guys?" Elizabeth huffed.
"Just an aggressive pack of Mightyeena. They love picking on small weak Pokémon like you." The Poltchageist said.
"Excuse you, we're not weak!" Elizabeth snapped. "We couldn't fight back because the leader was playing dirty."
"Some leaders are like that." The tea caddy sighed. "And that's why I prefer to be alone." They open the door to their cottage and stands aside. "After you." Mouse silently pads pass the Poltchageist and entered the home, followed by the housekeeper. The Eevee pauses to admire the interior of the cottage. Crystals and herbs hung from the ceiling.
"Wow... this is your home?" Ellie asked.
"Yes, I grow and dry herbs to sell for medical needs in towns." The Poltchageist said. They took a bundle of herbs down to grind in a mortar and pestle.
"We never properly thanked you for helping us. Or even introduced ourselves." Elizabeth said. "My name is Elizabeth, by the way. And this is my friend, Mouse." Mouse signed 'thank you'.
"Pleasure to meet you two. I'm Lavender Tea. And, don't mention it." Lavender said. The Poltchageist fills their carrier with jars of herbs they've grounded up. "So, where are you two headed? And where's your parents little Eevee?" The Eevee looks around, then points to themself. "Yes, you."
Mouse looks away. "They... The kid doesn't have any parents." Ellie answered. "If anything, I could be considered their mother, but there's only so much I can do to help them."
"I see... Well, what do you two plan to do?" Lavender asks.
"We would like to find someone to help us." Elizabeth said. "Although we can normally take care of ourselves just fine, we do need help figuring out how things work here, since this land is new to us."
"There's a town not to far from here, I can take you two when I'm finished with this next few batches." Lavender explained.
Mouse looked around the cottage and sniffed the burning incense that filled the room. Plants growing on the window sill. The walls soft with moss.
"So, you live here by yourself?" Ellie asked.
"Yep. Living off the grid is much better, for me at least, because there's no expectations put on you, and the only thing you need to worry about is forest ruffians." Lavender said. the Poltchageist poured the grounded herbs into a small glass jar. "Let's go, to Baram Town." They pick up the basket filled with herbs and lead the duo out of the house.
When the trio reached the town, Mouse's muscles were tense as they passed the town entrance. So many Pokémon gathered in small groups, each one tending to their own group of friends, catting amongst each other. Deciding what jobs to take on, arguing over food preferences, and laughing in conversation.
"So, what do we do here?" Elizabeth asked.
"We make a flyer to get the Eevee into an apprenticeship somewhere, or would you rather settle with a foster family." Lavender said. "So, Are you looking to get into a rescue team, shop stalks, or just look for foster parents?"
The Eevee and hilt just looked at each other. "We'll take the rescue apprentice thing." Elizabeth answered.
"Good." The Poltchageist wrote stuff on a poster paper, and stuck it to the bulletin board.
It reads:
"Young masked Eevee looking for rescuer apprenticeship. Meet me at Garura's Cafe."
"This way." Lavender Tea lead Mouse and Elizabeth to a cafe. "I'll keep watch until you two get picked up by a rescue team. But until then, I'm afraid this is were we part ways."
Mouse looked with shock under their mask. "Wait... You-you're not coming with us?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, I have my own place in life. Like I told you, I'm an solo herbalist." Lavender explained. "If we ever cross paths, don't be afraid to say 'Hi', or buy one of my remedies." They pick up their jarred medicine and hovered over to a booth, that was in eyesight of Mouse's seat.
Mouse and Ellie just sat there, chatting, waiting for their new job.
I wonder how how the princess and everyone else is doing...
"I know this won't mean a lot coming from me, but I don't blame you for what happened." Oaken sighed. "You were scared. Something similar to what I told Mouse anyway." Oaken shook his head. "Anyway... It is nice to meet you and your Ellie, Cario. What are you two doing here?"
Mouse walked for sometime, unsure of where their path leads. They didn't notice at first, but the trees some how look taller. Granted, they've always been the smallest in the Masked army. Walking on all fours is quite the new experience for them, the leaves crunching under their paws, kicking the tiny pebbles, and their tail swishing this way and that. Grey birds flew over head Some with colorful feathery masks and the others had more dull colors.
Paws tired after walking, Mouse lays down in a bush. Setting their hilt friend against the fluffy tail.
"Good night Mouse." Elizabeth said. "We have a lot of searching to do. Search for food, a water source, and way back home. But that Last one is going to take longer than a day, than a week... Months even."
"Good night, Ellie..." Mouse said quietly. The two shut their eyes and went to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mouse found them in the white void again. They looked around in search of... Anything! At the moment, Mouse could only hear their own footsteps and their own heartbeat. Until they heard faint voices... calling for them!
"..."
"..........."
".........Mo..........."
"................ouse..."
"...........Mouse..."
"Princess?! Mr. Stitches?! Bella?!" Mouse coughed after shouting that. They weren't used to shouting like that. Their ears perked up when they heard their name being called. Mouse ran as fast as they could towards the sound. As soon as Mouse reached the princess, the floor shattered from underneath them, causing them to fall into complete blackness.
Ends man emerges from the darkness, making the masked child's blood cold as ice. They tried reaching for Elizabeth, but the hilt wasn't there! The dice overlord can only laugh at the poor kid's fear and terror, then clasped his hands together.
"NO-!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"NO!" Mouse wakes up with stiff muscles and a puffy tail.
Their shout startled Elizabeth awake. "What happened?! Are we in danger?!"
Once they got their senses back, they sat up and stretched. "Nightmare. Sorry I scared you." They signed.
"At least we're safe." She wanted to ask about the nightmare, but decided to leave them be. Equipping their bag to their body, and tucking Elizabeth in the straps, they walk out of the bush they were sleeping.
Upon walking their first few steps out of the bush, Mouse felt a familiar pain, that soon turned into grumbling coming from their stomach.
"We should find you something to eat. I don't want your stomach grumbling all day." The hilt muttered worriedly. "There should be a lot more than what we found in that void."
A little more walking, and Mouse finds a bright red apple hanging off one of the trees. They whacked the tree with their paws, to no effect. That worked with the peppers back home, The masked child thought to themself. They looked at their paw, remembering that they can retract their claws. Mouse decides jumps with their claws out, clinging on to the tree trunk.
"Well don't stop now, keep climbing until you reach the branch with the apple on it." Ellie said. Mouse slowly climbed up, nervous with every inch up. "And remember not to look down." After she said that, Mouse REALLY wanted to look down. Gulping a hard lump in their throat in fear. Being brave, Mouse climbed up until they reached the first branch. Mouse focused on the apple sitting on the end of the branch.
The Eevee reached out to the apple, and grabs it! Pulling it of the branch, and took a bite of the juicy apple. As they ate, Mouse watch the wild monsters around them. Birds teaching their chicks to fly, and deer hopping around the trees. When Mouse was done, they threw the apple core away.
This world is very different than the one they were used to. Mouse climbs down the tree, and walks up to a slow moving river, and saw their reflection in the water. Gently petting their long pointed ears. Pulling up their mask, they could see their fluffy face. Dark brown fur with light tan markings. For all their young life, Mouse has never had a reason to take off their mask back at the castle.
Mouse heard growling coming from behind them. They looked around, and saw a pack of angry dogs. The largest one walked right up to Mouse, making them shrink in fear.
"You drinking from the Mightyena's river, small fry?" He growled. Frightened, they shake their head no. In response, Mouse gets harshly shoved to to the ground. "First you steal food from our territory, now you want to drink from our river? You better be ready to pay, brat!"
"Hey! Careful you magot-headed brute!" Elizabeth shouted. "This kid is very tiny, and you shoving down like that could really do some internal damage!" Elizabeth snapped.
The Mightyena snarled at the insult, but got confused at where the voice came from, until he saw Ellie. "What's this?" He asked, nudging Elizabeth out a little, grabbing her.
"Let me go!" The hilt snapped.
"Ellie!" Mouse tried to get up, but a massive paw pushed the Eevee back down. And there was pleasure making it hard for Mouse to breathe.
"If we get rid of this Eevee kid, we can sell their stuff to those civilized suckers!" The leader grinned.
Suddenly, the Mightyena leader grew sleepy, dropping Ellie and releasing Mouse, soon the rest of the pack fell asleep with him. Quickly, Mouse grabbed her and hid her away in their bag. They were about to run off when the duo heard a voice.
"This way! My matcha powder can keep down for so long, this way!" Mouse had no other option, but to trust this stranger. A floating tea caddy hovered to Mouse and tapped their shoulder, making them jump. "Don't worry, I'm not going to do it to you. But if you want to live and keep your things, please follow me before those mutts wake up!" The Pulchageist lead the duo away from the sleeping pack, and right to safety.
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