Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

(Ost welcome to the world of Pokémon)

Clear is, a feeling indeed,  
painted tears, thin sincere.
Under the leaves, a tender pillow. 
Under the heart, kindness is seen. 

I have the conviction that simple and strong words are more useful than others. They are straight and don't need explanations, since they have an universal meaning. But in truth, I find more fascinating the complicated ones, so mysterious that they don't come with an immediate meaning, but you can lose yourself in their shades.  

It's uncommon, however, that they are liked to others. There's a subtle line between pleasantly losing yourself in an embrace, and instead getting lost in a cold stone maze without exits. Take as example the few lines I just traced: painted tears and thin sincere are pleasant expressions, but someone cynic, in the context I presented them, could say they are random words, could get bored and think they are useless.   

Even more difficult sounds their usage. Once the reader gets used to the writer's style, he'll expect more and more, in a racing game that hurts the tale itself instead of the reader. 

For this reason, a lot of writers says that the ending it's the most difficult part of a nice tale. It's hard to blame them: a good story has to end well, with style, at the height of the suspense, after a long period of evil schemes, malicious expedients, and could answer in a satisfying way to the growth the characters had along the narrative. 

No one likes a night without stars, a sunset without sun, or a photo without a background. They lose intensity and meaning, making their beauty transparent.

I agree with this last sentences, but not about the difficulty. In fact, I believe that the most delicate part of a tale is his own beginning. 

Try to get in the author shoes: he has to think about how to start, how to avoid giving too much information in that, in order to give that later and surprise the reader, how to make him curious, how make him interested in his story by putting suspense, plot twists, half words, doubts and how to convince him that what is writing is more fascinating than others, and that deserve to be read with all the passions as it was written. 

If you were running a business, would you hire the first who comes without a curriculum vitae or a business card? The first words, in a story like this, could be also the last. Most of the people stops at the cover book, instead of in the middle of the tale. 

Something gets on their nerves? They close the book.

Something deeply annoys them? They close the book.

The story doesn't make progress in regards of their thinking? They close the book.

In an age like this where everything could be found by a click, to lose yourself in the beauty of finding something new got lost in the mists of time.

I find it pretty sad. Don't you agree?

In a world where the first step influence the last, there are just two solutions in my opinion: starting with the right foot, and trying to go with "the flow", or find another world. 

I know it sounds like an escape, if you think about it, but in what other romantic manner would you define a lecture?

Unfortunately, It's not easy to find the right way for new possibilities: you'll find something like that by fate, or you have to create it by yourself. It's hard to build a world where you are the god that has to give birth to something new and shocking. 

For a mother, the son will be always more beautiful than the others. But once he's under the judgement of the world, this beauty will not be the same as the mother is seeing. When you start to write you will have the tendency to be a perfectionist, you will try to cure in every detail what will be correct to show and to not show.

In regards of my story, I have to admit that i was lucky. Since I was six years old, I have been keeping a sweet habit when I go to sleep. I still do it. In order to sleep, I have to imagine by myself some imaginary tale. 

It sounds normal, an everyday cycle which get lost in aging, when study and work make their move, but once you find pleasure in something you do it's really hard to let it go immediately.

After what I said the concept seems similar to a drug, but believe me when I say that, if I don't do it, I can't sleep.

I met this world by pure luck: when a certain game came out in 2006, my thoughts became even more narrow, leading me to define a better route and some peculiarities that I could concentrated it better in 2016, with one of their "sons", as I like to call it. 

Thanks to it, one time in past I imagined this fantasy with feelings so strong that I dreamed my own imaginary world. That put on my face one of the most beautiful smile I ever made.  

In the middle of dreams that warms your heart and gives comfort your deepest roots, and nightmares that take away your confidence from even deeper foundations, this images became even more lucid, and I got to a point that just dream about it wasn't enough.

A sure thing: the next step was the creativity, where the imagination becomes something more tangible; where I played and had fun, growing emotions for my own pieces. But, in my opinion, creativity can't born without an hint, a first idea. An enlightenment, if we want to overdo it

After that, my imagination gave me even more his aid, the intellect gave me vivacity, the heart calmness, flow, and the most important thing for me: the emotion. 

In the middle of the mist of a new world and the whispers of the fantasy, my friends will be ready to entertain you and to teach... something more, even if at the start you'll not understand which lesson I'll bring. 

Through the everyday boredom;
the grey of defeat;
the joy of sharing;
the win of whishes. 

Welcome, in the mysterious kingdom of Pokémon.

*********AUTHOR NOTES*********

This fragment was created for a lot of reasons, but the main one is to answer to some questions around the story.

 Here's some guidance lines too for reading correctly this story.

1) if a speech is between brackets, it means that the character is thinking. No other character will know what is in brackets;
2) if you see Caps locked words, it means that the character is using an high pitched voice and has to be imagined as it. 
3) If you see an asterisk like this (*), by reading in this section you will find the answer of that. It could be an explanation or a translation;
4) If you see an asterisk like this *, it is another explanation, but is not that important for the story itself. 

This notes are composed by four sections:

- Explaining: concept heavy for the story, but important to make some things more clear;
- Legend: translations of some names and tecniques;
- FAQ: question and answer on the story itseld
- Curiosity: in-depth analysis to explain some ispirations. 

Then, Have a good lecture. 

Chapter Text

The rain was heavy on the fertile soil. Thunders could be heard giving their voices to the lightnings, clawing the skies with the violence and pride of a pack leader lion. A noise without sound, for the one who was in the middle of his important search.

The experiment where he got a lot of failures, but at the same times a lot of successes, was such to take all the attention of the sinister prodigy, committed to compose his work of wit and arrogance. One hundred and seventieth year of the dragon; Grass Continent; North of Path of Fallen Leaves. 

- Bluetta. Welder.

At the entrance of a cave without name, an hidden secret laboratory was extended in three underground floors, dug in the rock and lighted by artificial lights. It wasn't that big, but was big enough to experiment and to create whatever could satisfy his brilliance.

The underground floor S2 was dedicated to heavy-energy based experiment. At the time he was asking the help of some of his assistants. The blue flare of the Welder was sizzling like the meat on a grill, following the beat of the thunders outside.

- Rossella: give me the x-type cable. Some finishing touches and my little creature will say "Dad!"

- As you wish, doctor. 

In a mass of steel, plastic, copper wires and carbon, It was born one of the many "Children" of Doctor Yamachi Yamiscilla (*), a Malamar with a sinister inclination for something we know as "Science".

- EUREKA! FABELHAFT! BEAUTIFULL! OHOHOH! (*)

He was rejoicing for the successful experiment. He created an invention without equal, that surely could have brought to him the glory and the power he desired for a long time, that could have celebrated finally his brilliant mind.

His faithful assistants Lopunny, in the same feeling, started to applaud together.  Even them had collaborated in the project. It has been months of hard work in technical compartment and securing the specific material.  

At the start, the doctor was too busy with his ego to congratulate them. At the sound of the applause, the first instinct was to bow multiple times with haughtiness, keeping all of them for himself. Then, only after that, started to look up to them. 

- Ohohoh! Such marvelous assistants I have! - He said, - I'm really grateful for you appreciation and your collaboration. It means a lot for me... Thanks to your hard work, the world will be able to feast and rejoice of my greatness! Let's applaud each others! For our success!  

The ovation lasted no-stop for about ten seconds, hitting the walls of the laboratory with their sound. The clapping was so strong that seemed a violent heavy rain, almost real like the one outside. 

It slowly ended in a light percussion, with the same calm of a perfect symphony. The Lopunnys started to take the tools from the floor to put them back in their places, like a soldier put back their weapons in the armory. 

However, despite most of them had finished, the sound of their hands was continuing: It had a slower rhythm, but It didn't stop even when actually every assistant in the room ended clapping. 

- I like that some of you want to celebrate more, but It's time to get back to work for another experiment. I don't want that your hands get consumed in vain...

The sound didn't stop, neither with doctor's call. Seemed someone didn't get the subtle order. After the last applause finished, It was easy to distinguish and identify who was the one still clapping. At the entrance of the second floor, little claps with a long timed pause with each others were still making noise, clawing the ears of the participants with the rumor of wrought iron. 

- Not bad, doctor. Rumors are true: his mind doesn't have challengers...

The Lopunnys turned themselves towards the origin of that voice, together with Yamiscilla. There were surprise in their faces. Usually, the floor were bombarded with the noise of the alarm system, once someone decided to infiltrate in the lab. The presence of that man hid in a black coat was inexplicable. 

- And you are... - asked the Malamar, taken by curiosity.

As the shadow brought him there, the shadow spoke for him.

- I don't think you really mind...

- Oh? That hurts my soul! - said the scientist, raising his arm tentacles to the ceiling, - you invaded with arrogance my precious laboratory and you don't even have the tact to introduce yourself? Do you have any idea of much this is insulting me?

- I must apologize in advance for my disrespect, - that man answered, - but now I can't waste time in useless formalities... 

A sign of irritation came in Yamiscilla for the words of the stranger. Not only he entered in his lab without authorization, but he got the nerve to be superb, defining his presentation towards the landlord like a waste of his time, not of the more important squid's time.

- "I can't waste time?" Maybe you don't breathe enough oxygen covered in that cloack. I'M THE ONE WHO'S WASTING TIME HERE! Do you have any idea how many days I have spent to complete this Elemental Laser? (*) I wanted to enjoy this moment like a Rockruff while he crunches a bone! AND I FIND MYSELF STUCKED WITH A POOR DARK LORD WHO BELIEVES TO BE A STUD IN MY LAB!

- I'm here to make a deal, doctor. I would like you will listen to it, - said the mysterious pokémon, ignoring then that ranting. 

- GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY! ASSISTANTS! GIVE THIS VERMIN A LESSON!

Under his orders, the Loppunnys attacked the mysterious pokémon together. Like the doctor taught them, they started the assault with Dizzy Punch,  taking advantage of their numbers to corner immediately the ominous intruder, without caring hurting their sisters. 

Even if he was going to be hit by seven pokémon all together, the black coat didn't show any intention to back off. 

- OHOHOH! LEARN YOUR LESSON! NO ONE CAN DISRESPECT ME AND MAKE IT ALIVE!

- ...

Before the offense could connect, a steel arm presented himself from under the coat, extending himself in the front with an open hand. 

From his body came out an malevolent aura that hit everyone in the room. The Lopunnys got blocked midair, and fall off on the ground completely passed out, showing eyes deprived of their pupils. 

The doctor Yamachi, however, managed to stay conscious. He was with his tentacles on the floor and got an heavy breathe, like at any time he could throw up his own heart. He never felt fear like that: he got cold sweat and all his tentacles on his head couldn't stop shaking. 

- Anf...anf...anf...

- Like I said, I want to make a deal, - continued the sinister pokémon, - Me and my master could use your help for a simple job. A very simple one. One that only your brilliant mind could do. If you agree, we could both get some good deeds. 

- W-what... what did you d-do to me!?

- For that don't worry: they'll wake up in three hours. That is the same for your rehab. 

Yamiscilla couldn't think anything else. A pokémon entered in his lab, knocked out his best assistants with a move that he never seen before and got him on his knees. 

But before the mysterious man could reach Yamiscilla, He stopped at a short distance, getting an headache. 

- W-what...

The stranger wasn't able to move anymore. He felt like something inside him was ordering him to stay put. His head was spinning and could not feel anything anymore, like he lost the control of his body for a moment. 

When he woke up, he saw his own metallic hand wrapping his neck, ready to strangle him. He immediately shake it off, watching it with terror. 

If he was more desperate and less cold, probably he would have cut it off. He turned around to Yamiscilla, that in the meanwhile was completely on the floor, but still conscious. 

- Shit... - said the Yamachi.

It didn't take much time for the stranger to figure it out that it was the doctor making. The ominous pokémon laughed by himself.

- Eheh... seems the boss saw right into you. You have a lot of jokers in your hand... 

- G-go to hell...

- However... It's clear that you don't have enough power to use this ability correctly.

He inclined his head to right, almost disappointed by the poor display of Malamar's doing.

- Such a shame. In the right hands, this could be a weapon that could change the world. But... I'm not befitted in the role of deciding what's right or wrong...

He got slowly close to the squid, hitting the floor with steely steps, like the ticks of an old watch. The doctor tried to get up, but it was too tired from the soul challenge with the mysterious intruder.

- Now that we did the presentations...

He stopped at one meter distance, looking down the terrorized scientist. Yamiscilla looked up to him, watching his wide open eye bulbs, vitreous like the ones of a doll.

- Will you listen to me?

In spite of his words and his behavior, he couldn't read in him neither amusement nor melancholy: there were no emotions at all, the typical will of someone who was serving the will itself.  

He would have done anything to fulfill his mission and was ready to the consequences: in the horror of this undeniable truth in front of him, Yamiscilla got that he could not oppose the ominous man.

A malicious smile between the hurt pride and the charm of evilness was printed on his face, in a sneer aware of the black behind it.

- It seems that finally his neurons are working out like they should. Yes it is: you don't have any choices but listen to my proposition. 

The intruder bowed a little, presenting his right hand to the scientist.

- You will pay for this... you peace of can... - said the Malamar, giving him his tentacle. 

The glasses of the pokémon with the black coat arched up, in the excitement of the completion of his mission. 

- Very well...

He helped the scientist to get up, keeping watching him in the eyes. The deal with the devil was set off.

- I'll pay you adequately... 

The dark pokémon searched inside his coat, taking out a peculiar black scarf with crimson-colored signs like the fresh blood. 

In a mix of astonishment and spookiness, the Malamar got a sparkle in the eyes while seeing that scarf. He got fasinated by its shades, who shined in the dark of the lab like precious rubies. However, he got caught also in a strange feeling: an ancient fear of something known for a long time, but forgotten for the same period. 

A fear which soon would have thrown in the chaos the peace and the quietness of the Pokémon World.

Opening season 1 (one ok Rock the beginning):

Zma qixaw byqqibx es elsiwysha, zma pesl gwiijx myza es mex hyxzqa osjaw y lqiiru xelmz,
ysj zma naxzaw, jexibsaj, qyolm is zmex kiiqx. Yqrelmzu Jywp Kiwhax,
wexa ysj tosexm zma kiiqx, ysj ikkaw zma gqiij zi zma naxzaw.
Ma beqq rypa y ziyxz bezm zma kyqqesl riis, ysj zma xmyjib beqq bysa is zma biwqj

It has been two long years since Ōryūgo Rukio and his trusted companion Ishisoku Amelia (*) freed the pokémon from Dark Matter, a being that, although created by negative emotions of the same creatures, gained his own mind and planned the demise of planet Earth, with the extinction of its people as consequence.  

Petrified friends; withered vegetation; Void Shadows; betrayal and deceit. That where the trial that the team Skyriders had to face off in that shady time. 

Despite the great amount of scars collected during the ordeal, nothing was more profound and painful of the one taken by the heart of the human being changed in a pokémon, when his best friend, the temporary reincarnation of Mew, had to forfeit the life forever, since there were no more reasons for her being to walk the living soil. 

Being strong in her memory and his promise to her, in these two years he got invested in realizing the dream of the little Fennekin: to create a world where pokémons could explore without fear every place possible, living breathtaking adventures, where to play and fight with honor, where everyone could taste the pleasant breeze of freedom, like clouds driven by the wind in the clear skies. 

That same freedom that was never given to her. 

(Ost Serene village)

One hundred and seventieth year of the dragon, in Spring's full bloom, nine ante meridiem. The wind was blowing cold but pleasant breeze, and the sun was warming quietly the Serene Village.

Everything in the past began here: before joining the Expedition Society and becoming the heroes of the world, Amelia and Rukio spent their daily time in this place, between school and explorations, that at the time where just games. 

The village was a little rural town with little buildings. The houses were built with oak's wood, so as the roofs. The only exception was Café Connection, owned by the local Kanghaskan, built with clay bricks and a lot bigger that other constructions, to give the possibility to tired travelers to find a place to rest more comfortably.

The locals, like it says the name of the village, they had the tendency of a calm behavior. They were kind and friendly, and the helped each other out with every task, doing their chores with a beautiful smile, warming the hearts of every foreigner or traveler who had the luck to stumble by that shining and joyful place. 

Deep in this feeling, outside an home on a little hill, a Leavanny were doing a pretty common task in the human world: on a silk thread made with String Shot, the Nurturing Pokémon was laying out her son's bed sheet, after cleaning them by hand one by one. 

The loving mother was whistling with cheerfulness and carelessness. 

- Mh mh mhhhh... Mh mh mh mhhhh... mh mhhh... mh mh mh mhhhh...

- Joyful like always my dear?

Next to home, her neighbor Cleafable was watering Pecha Berry and Rawst Berry flowers of her garden, since her daughter was at school.  

- Yeah. - answered Leavanny, - Today is a pleasant day, and my son will be out for the outdoor school lesson. I got all the time to clean without problems and take some time for me. 

- Fufu... There are always pleasant days here! Which problems we have? Our sons are growing fine and they are becoming more strong and lively! It'll not be a surprise for me if they will be brave explorers, one day.

The Bug pokémon thought about that words, and what it would been happened once her Sewaddle would have reached the last evolution stage.

- Yeah...

The shadow of worrying showed itself on her eyelid, followed by little tears of silence. After all she was a mother: no one would blamed her if she had shown that innocent sign of weakness. However, that little insecurity disappeared thanks to her faith in her child, strengthened by that times of peace. 

- I'm sure of it.

- YOU THIEF! YOU SCUMBAG! HOW DARE YOU STEALING ONE OF MY TECHNICAL MACHINES!!!! GIVE IT BACK NOW!

- NOT A CHANCE! I DESERVE THIS, YOU NOT LESS OF A CONCEITED FIEND!

- Did you... say something? - asked lost the Bug Pokémon.

- For god sake... - commented Clefable, - they are at it again?

- Uh?

- Sigh... that two reptiles... I can hear them for here! I'm envious of your weak hearing, my friend... 

It happens at least one time in your life to be a spectator of a quarrel between brothers. It's never an easy task to keep in check two siblings when they argue, mostly when they bicker for the most insignificant reasons. 

In these occasions, a normal person would feel more embarrassed in trying to stop them, instead of leave them alone. In the case of the Kecleon brothers, unfortunately,  that was routine. 

The duo weren't locals. At first there was just a normal Kecleon as shopkeeper in that little village, and he was been selling normal objects. After the events occurring with Dark Matter, however, the two more expert cousins asked him, two years ago, to change with them their point store, masking it as a "cultural exchange" to give him more knowledge in the future, leaving to him their shop in Treasure town, in the Grass Continent. 

The little cousin gladly accepted the transfer, knowing that It was a famous place instead of his little village, but he hadn't considered the flow of tourist coming in the future, dying to see the mother village of the team Skyriders. A great opportunity that the cunning senpais took immediately.

Instead of the human world, the culture of names was different in the Pokémon World. Usually the first name was the one of their own species, like Arcanine of Quagsire, and there were second names that identified in some ways the individual. Some examples were "Arcanine of the Magma Chamber", or "Mienshao of the Path of the Fallen Leaves". Parents in this world too could give some special names, but it wasn't a rule to keep it. Since most of the pokémon lived in dungeon, so in small groups, an individuality display was seen as a negative behavior, like a danger to their little society. 

That was the original culture from long ago, but there were some exceptions documented in ancient annals, of groups that tried to reach other highs and started a process that was called "civilization". Here the name's concept wasn't seen as negative, but as a way to affirm yourself and make it to the future as a great man.

With the contrast of this two way of thinking, the name itself was a strong and a weak characterization at the same time. A pokémon could choose to keep parent's name, or instead to give himself a nominative and express his individuality, like giving itself a purpose. The name became true once was recognized by a community of large Pokémon.  

Not only that, but you could "acquire" a name or a nickname: people and communities could give to you a name, and that would be considered as effective as your real one. 

It was always up to the individual to accept or not, but since the only way to make official an identity was to be part of the Explorer's Great Society, with a given document, it was a norm to keep the name born from your actions.

In a world of heroes, fighters, evil minds and criminals, it was convenient to keep what your legend offered to you, in order to give something for the masses to remember you for, in good and evil.

In our case, the two brothers gave themselves simple names just to be distinguished from other Shopkeepers Kecleon. How they came to not have such needs? The two twins, one green and one pink, gave themselves the names Midorima and Fujito, that already contained their colors.

Known to be the most qualified merchants among the Kecleon, the were not something that, together, could not have it or sell it, given their ability to win over customers and to do tricky sales. They could take over together the Merchant's World, if they could overcome the big mountain of their own arguing nature.

(Ost Busy everyday life)

- DO YOU KNOW THAT IN WATER CONTINENT WINTER COMES EARLY?! AND IT'S SO COLD?! I NEED FLAMETHROWER TO WARM ME UP! AND YOU ASK ME TO BUY IT? TO YOUR BROTHER? YOU ARE A BOOR AND SELFISH MAN! 

- YOU GOT SOME NERVES TALKING TO YOUR ELDER BROTHER LIKE THAT! IF YOU WANT IT YOU DO HAVE TO BUY IT! 

Midorima was the older brother, specialized in berries, seeds and Technical Machines, known as MT. During their arguing, the green one lowered is pitch of tone, to make himself more respectable in the eyes of his younger brother. 

- It's well known that Kecleon Market of Kecleon brothers do discounts to no one, and you are not better than anyone else, my dear! 

However, Fujito copied his brother's move. The younger one, specialized in Orbs, tools legalized by the Explorer's Great Society, it wasn't inferior in convincing people.

- PUH! But it suits you a lot to borrow my Trawl Orbs when you have to find new merchandise for your cheap shop, right!? My brilliant and shining orbs are more useful of your POOR magic tricks, that not only they are useful just in rare occasions, but to buy them you have to sell your own blood! Not even a Zubat could demand that feast!

- HOW DARE YOU!? Until proven otherwise, I'm paying the rent of the soil where your are selling your pieces of glass! I could kick you out whenever I want, and not even one hundred of your Cleanse Orbs could change my mind! 

- Until proven otherwise, I'm paying the rent of the house where your dirty reptile feet places themselves on the carpet, and I'm the one cleaning it! I Could kick you out from the house and not even everyone of your TM could change my mind!

They both lost the game. 

- UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE I'M YOUR ELDER BROTHER AND YOU MUST LISTEN TO ME AND RESPECT ME!

- UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE I'M YOUR YOUNGER BROTHER AND YOU MUST LISTEN TO MY NEEDS AND HELP ME!

- UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE-

- Until proven otherwise, you are disturbing again the quietness of this village. It's not good that the most brave and expert shopkeepers among the Kecleons are setting a bad example to the others. Can't you just finally calm down?

- WHAT YOU WANT YOU DOUCHE?! - Screamed the elder brother, - DO YOU WANT TO FIGHT!?

As he turned around to punch the intruder, he froze when he saw his face.

- G-Gulp!

- A-ah...ah...ah....

He got petrified, like he wanted to imitate the statues of the Sand Continent, the one that scares children and torment their worst nightmares. That was the effect the supposed sweetness of Goodra gave to his heart.

Two years ago he was a little Goomy that attended Serene Village's school. After Dark Matter, inspired by his ex schoolmate Rukio, he decided to train himself after school to become more strong and brave. After just one year, he became so good in fighting to get elected as the major of the village.

He was really kind and generous usually, but he could become really strict when it came to maintain the peace in the village, almost turning in a malevolent evilness that gave goosebumps. 

- You two should really get along. It would be really... really... wonderful. If you could just stop your arguments. - he said calmly and smiling, keeping his eyes closed.

- W-we're sorry... Mister Goodra. W-we are... deeply sorry for this insignificant bicker. W-we'll guarantee you that it will never happen again!

- Y-yeah! Pinky promise!

- Reeeeeeeally? - Said the major, continuing smiling with closed eyes, - Really really?

Every second the face of Goodra became more ominous and bigger. Instead of a caring guy, seemed more like a demon. The two little Kecleon bowed down with both their knees, apologizing again and again.

- WE ARE SORRY! WE ARE REALLY SORRY! - They said seven times. 

After that, they stayed on the ground shaking. They wouldn't dare to get up until an appropriate command. Goodra extended his arms towards them: they shook more, expecting the worst. However, he just helped them getting up,  patting their shoulder in the process.

- Good dra! Really Good! I'm so happy you two could make up!

Their faces remained paralized. The major approached them close their ears and whispered in them:

- A good mood in the village makes the spirit and the heart joyful, and It could be shook by this useless quarrels. Please... don't make it happen again. I need you two to understand that is not just for the sake of the village...

He opened is eyes. Were dark like an abyss. 

- It's also for you own benefith...

After that, the two brothers started screaming and ran out from the major, while the other villages where watching concerned. Goodra smiled and wave it back at them, proud of his peace-maker skills. 

- I wish you good selling! Enjoy our village!

*********NOTES*********

- Explaining:

- Legenda:

Yamachi (山地) : Earth of Mountain.
Yamiscilla (闇 シッラ): Dark Scilla.
Fabelhaft: Marvelous. 
Ōryūgo (応竜護) : Guardian of the yellow dragon. 
Ishisoku (石息): breath of the stone. 
Midorima (緑間) :  Green space.
Fujito (藤戸): Wisteria door.

- FAQ:

 - Curiosità: 

• Yamachi Yamiscilla ( 山地 闇 シッラ) has a German accent. 
• Yamachi surname exist in japan. I used it since "Ya" reminds me of "Yami" of darkness, and "Hachi" like the number eight, as reference of his being similar to an Octopus. Yamiscilla is always the "yami" from darkness, while Scilla refers to one of the monsters in Ulysses Odyssea.
• The "Ōryū (応竜)" part form Rukio's surname is born form the yellow dragon of Chinese Mythology, symbol of the soil and the change of the seasons. I choose this name since the pronunciation reminds of "Aura".

Chapter Text

- Tch! What a drag... How's possible he's this late?!

One hundred seventieth year of the dragon, 9.30 ante meridiem. In an unknown clearing in the middle of some trees, between Sheer Mountain Range and Gentle Slope Cave, two figures were absorbed in a bland green, losing patience since a third companion was late.  

- Dammit...  Where the hell did he go?!

- Why are you asking me? - said the second one, - You know it... Maybe he got his head full this morning. It's not the first time. Let's wait a little bit: he'll come. 

(Ost peacefull street)

The first one scratched his head, getting bored by the excessive calm.

- We waited enough... - he said, - He told us to meet up here for the new training. But...

He raised up his eyes, with the face of someone who was done. 

- He's reaaaaaally taking his time... for a simple distraction.

The second one got nervous, spiting up with negative excitement the tea he was drinking from a light blue colored pottery cup shaped like a flower. 

- P-p-parbleu! Training!? That's the reason we are here!? I totally forgot it! 

Not every explorer of the Pokémon World got a personality and an experience that lived up of the name. Like dark horses, there were types with an unpredictable behavior, that got some distance from the reliability that a member of the Explorers Society.

It was hard to believe, at that time, that these two companions was the new partners of Ōryūgo Rukio, and thus members of Team Skyriders. 

The bored one was called Kenji (*): he was a Grovyle, a trainee of Kodamon's Fencing (*), the art of sword fighting, that he carried out with the leaves on his arms.

He had also a good knowledge in herbal medicine, in particular in energizing and reinvigorating herbs.

- Really froggy? - said the Wood Gecko, - for what other reason should we be here?

- E-exploring... a new dungeon? - Said the other one, looking away.

- Don't play dumb with me. 

- Pff. Suit yourself...

He dropped the act immediately, took form his white and light blue flower-decorated pottery teapot more green liquid, pouring himself another cup. 

- You speak a lot with your big mouth, - continued the Grovyle, -but you're always distracted. I wasn't aware you knew Amnesia. For real: a Slowpoke should be jealous of you.

- Calm down Mon dieu... You should keep just your leaves as sharp objects... No one will care if indeed I am distracted, will they? 

While he was answering to his friend, the eccentric stranger put away his tea kit in his Explorer's Bag, the team's accessory for items. 

- I don't recall saying something about your stinky Kebia Berry's little farm, or about your delightful nocturnal harmonies.

- Say what?

- Non non non non... If I didn't know you for a long time, I would not be able to stomach you! God bless our captain! 

He joined his hands in praying, simulating a feminine voice.

- How good is his soul to bear such a brainless monkey... such a classless dude... such a peasant without bon ton... such a-

He couldn't finish the sentence, since Kenji jumped at his throat with a Leaf Blade. The Wood Gecko acted selfish for this point of view: he was after all the one who started the taunt. 

- First: shut your damn mouth if you don't want to become fertilizer for your so-hated Kebia Berry.

His partner got paralyzed on the spot. 

- EGH!

- Second: stop playing and let's search the captain. It's not like him to break a promise. 

- G-G-GET YOUR LEAF OFF MY FACE IMMEDIATELY!

The screaming one was called Shinso. He didn't look like a great adventurer. He used to talk too much, didn't like to dirt his hands and didn't like fighting. If it was for him, he would be chilling all day on a picnic blanket, drinking tea and munching Custap Berry's Muffins, his favorites, enjoying a calm breeze between the trees. 

He was indeed all hat and no cattle, worshiper of calmness and laziness, instead of fights. However, he got some good qualities: he had medical knowledge and was able to use the Meihari (*), an aura-based needle created with the own vital energy and used to close up wounds. He had a good sense of direction and had a knack in ancient languages. It's wasn't a perfect level, but was enough to earn money as explorer. 

But despite that, he was well known to be too talkative. He was worst than a migraine. 

- JE'SUS-CHRIST! I do admit I maybe got too far with my talking... But jeez! Chill out! - Said pointing his squishy finger at him, - If we want to cooperate like the captain wants, you should stop pointing your leaves at me!

- It's the only thing that keep me from beat up for real... you slimy froggy, - said the swordsman, getting away from him.

A smirk appeared on the malicious toad. 

- Mon dieu... - he started cocky, - we're a team and we argue so violently! We're not even Seviper and Zangoose! Like seriously: your Kebia Berries actually works? Would you mind to farm something more serious? I suggest you some Chamo Berries. They'll be good for your health, you know?

Kebia Berry it's a fruit that, if eaten before a Poison Type attack, reduces its power. 

The Chamo Berry, instead, if consumed gives an heavy drowsiness. If dried can be used in warm water to prepare a chamomile with a caramel aroma, whose effects are not immediate like fresh, but last longer. It's the favorite berry of Shinso, who can't get enough of it. 

To answer the hidden taunt of his companion, the Wood Gecko turned around again towards him, with a shaded look, like a lion ready to pounce on his prey.

- Let me... get this straight. It's an attempt of peace... or another way to f***in' mock me? 

- Ririri! Make your guess♪

They started to beat each other up, pulling the leaves of one and biting the arms of the other. More than an actual Pokémon battle, seemed more like cats in heat fighting over the favors of a targeted female. A really embarrassing situation. 

It sound strange, but not always we are in control of our characters. I tried so many times to make them less litigious, but every time I tried they just seemed to be born for that.

Like a parent can't fully control his own child, it was hard on me too. I can assure you, despite this, that they were great friends, and neither of them could live without the other.

After some times of fighting without senses, the Grovyle and the Frogadier got quiet, distancing from each other. 

- What a drag... - said the Wood Gecko, - as much these fights are fun, they can't satisfy me at all... 

- This was your proposal, Mon Dieu! Anf anf...  I told you It was a bad idea! 

The veins in the swordsman's head almost popped out in rage. 

- ARE YOU KIDDIN' ME!? YOU'RE THE ONE WHO STARTED IT!

- EXCUSE MOI?! YOU STARTED IT, YOU FAILED DRAGON! I JUST KEPT IT GOING!

- AH?!?!?!

Under these premises, It would have started another fight, but a serious one.

- (Hu...-h-hurry up! I have to find someone!) Anf... Anf...

A little lady with squeaky appearance was running at breathtaking spirit for all the woods, searching for help. In the exact moment she came near the twos, they was going to punch each other. The Pikachu screamed with all her strenght.

- EHY YOU TW-

- THE F** YOU WANT!? - They screamed back.

She got paralyzed for a moment, not expecting such a negative reaction. She shook her head, as continued the request. 

- P-PLEASE HELP ME! - Screamed with anxiety, - P-PLEASE COME WITH ME! I-IT... I-IT

She was fatigued by all the run. But nevertheless kept talking. 

- IT HAPPENED SOMETHING HORRIBLE! HELP ME PLEASE!

They were pretty annoyed. They couldn't get over their desire to fight each other.

- It's a bad time... - said the Grovyle, while pulling Frogadier's right cheeck - I was just starting having fun. Could you wait a little bit?

- Having fun? - said the Bubble Frog, while pulling Wood Gecko's head leaf, - I have just got serious! Mon dieu...

Pikachu kept breathing heavily in the mid of their argument, 

- That's why was fun, - said the swordsman with a smile, - If you call that getting serious it's so hilarious!

- OH YEAH!? LET'S SEE HOW LONG YOU CAN KEEP THAT CRETI'N FACE IN FRONT OF-

- I BEG YOU!

She screamed with all the strength. Then she kept her chest leaned over. Not because was imploring, but mostly because she could keep anymore her stature. The Frogadier interrupted the argument, and looked towards the little lady. His face and his heart got calm, and his litigious behavior left his body. He turned then back to his companion with an uneasy look, knowing that the Grovyle was difficult to convince. 

- Kenji. I think...

The Wood Gecko got startled by the face of him, and looked back to the Pokémon Mouse. He noticed that she was tired, but It was taking all her strength to keep her stance. 

- Tch!

He let the Bubble Frog's cheek go, closed his eyes and made an annoyed breath. Then, he breathed deeply to calm down, and searched for the guest's attention. 

- Give us the way, Pikachu. I hope for you this is important...

In that exact moment, the electric mouse raised their head and turned around, running back to the direction she came form. They quickly made a sprint towards her, starting chasing the little lady. They ran for a very long distance.

- Anf...Anf...Anf... Parbleu! Why she's running now she found assistance?! - whispered the Frogadier to his companion.

- Shut up and keep going... you damned Froggy...

The Pokémon arrived at a estate in the middle of a grassland between Serene Village and Lively Town. Usually, teams of explorers get requests such as save other Pokémon, find items or treasures, or even arrest some bad guys. That thing they found in front of them, however, was nothing compared to normal standards.

- P-P-PARBLEU! 

- W-what the...

(Ost mystery of fossils)

It was like seeing the remains of a beach after getting hit by a violent tsunami. The estate was completely devastated, its fence was incinerated, the grass razed in a lot of points of the terrain.  

The most worry and strange thing was the enormous amount of purple ponds all over the field, that smelled sickly. If the three of them breathed too long the stink, they would probably have passed out.

- I'm getting sick... Jesus... - said the Frogadier, with an hand on his stomach an the other on his mount, trying to block an incoming throwing up. 

- How... how this happened? - Asked the Grovyle. 

- I-i don't know... - said the Pikachu, - I-it was a normal morning like the others before...

The little mouse put her hands together close to her heart.

- Today was the day of outdoor lesson about maps... What you see is our school's estate for these occasions. I wanted to make them draw maps with a view they could take inspiration from.

The Grovyle watched her paws. They were badly hurt for all the running. Probably, before asking for help, she searched in the near place for her kids.

- At eight o'clock, we came here with all our materials, and I was doing an introduction of the subject...

There were pencils, sheet of paper and various scrolls all over the place. Some notes where in the purple puddles, some others destroyed in the grass. They didn't look like they were ruined by a fight, but it seemed that someone had fun in burning and ripping apart them.

- And... then? - Asked the Grovyle?

Pikachu stayed quiet for a few second. Then, her eyes became littler.

- At some point... Sewaddle felt sick and passed out on the field. The children got scared, so I tried to reanimate him with Thunder Shock. But... before I could do it... I passed out too! 

She trembled as she recalled what happened.

- W-when... w-when I Woke up...

Tears appeared on her cheeks.

- THEY WERE GONE! - Screamed with eyes closed, - ALL OF THEM!

The worrying for her students and the anger for not being able to do anything to avoid this was the thing which dirtied the heart of the poor Pikachu. She started crying a lot, in front of the team Skyriders.

They were unstoppable: the mix of emotions she was feeling was torturing her inside, like a Cubone who just lost his mother. The two companions didn't know where to look, fighting with the anguish for the poor teacher and the rage for that dishonest and coward action.

In the air It was still possible to smell the Toxic used to put out of commission Pikachu and the little ones, and It was so stinky that was distracting a lot Shinso and Kenji with everything. The Frogadeir started to observe the purple puddles: they where still smoking for the corrosive action on the grassland. Maybe that same poison was what burned the fence around the estate. 

- It's possible that was a Kodamon used to live in places full of thrash, - commented the Bubble Frog, - It's not a common Toxic... It's really strong: the grass has burns from hours ago but we still smell the poison like It is fresh. Mon dieu... I'm really going to throw up... 

Even the pretentious Grovyle closed his nose with his finger. Such as that was the strong odor in the area. 

- Yeah... I'm starting to getting it. Whoever did this didn't play around...

- Parbleu... We have a reeeeally tough nut to crack here. But... No problem! - Said he blue guy, towards the teacher, - You are lucky you got us! We will help you! Right, Kenji?

The Grovyle did a mocking smile.

- Yeah you should know. There's no need to say it. 

- It's decided then!

The Frogadier showed a cheerful and carefree smile, trying to reassuring her.

- Demoiselle Pikachu. Do you know something that could help us to find the culprits? Like something unusual or some ideas on who's behind this?

- U-unfortunately... n-no... - she tried to answer through the tears.

She was heartbroken. Everything in her mind was dark and clouded.

- I-I'm sorry... I can't even help you... I'm a failure as a teacher...

Her sense of duty and her worrying were consuming the soul of the little woman.

- In the moment of need... I wasn't ready! I couldn't even-

- SHUT. THE F**. UP!

That scream came from the Grovyle. He couldn't bear all the crying anymore. If there was one thing that could make him really angry, was a person crying all the time. That roar was so strong that scared the electric mouse, making her actually shut up. Shinso made a narrowing gaze towards Kenji, not approving that action. But he stayed quiet and said nothing.

- HOW LONG YOU WANT TO KEEP CRYING? YOU THINK THAT KEEP WEEPING ON YOUR SORRY *SS WILL HELP YOUR CHILDREN? 

The Pikachu closed her mouth. She found another meaning in that not polite action.

- YOU THINK IT'LL HELP THEM TO FIND THEIR WAY HOME!? F**** GET BACK ON YOUR FEET WOMAN!

It wasn't really upset by the act of dropping tears. He was angry because she was just crying instead of taking action and face the problem. That was where is offensive behavior came from. That was why the more polite Bubble Frog decided to say nothing. 

She got the message. She tried to keep her tears for herself, since the earful had shaken her from the deepest part of her soul. She closed her mouth putting her lips inside it, since she didn't want to make the enormous green lizard more angry.

- Mon Dieu... you're such a brute, you know? - commented Shinso, getting close to the little teacher, - Was all that necessary? Screaming and all? Towards a lady? Jesus christ...

The frog lowered his body, putting an hand on her right shoulder. 

- What my... flaring companion was trying to say, is that crying now will not help the little creatures. A teacher... should set an example for her students. Shouldn't she? If she can teach the beauty of a flowing water down a river or the graceful flying of a Butterfree, who knows he has not a long life so he shows everything he can... You should know that you can't teach courage and determination if you are scared.

It was the complete opposite of the roaring tiger who just bit her, and a lot more of an opposite of the pokémon with the slimy skin he shows usually. A warm and deep voice, but innocent and light at the same time; some serious words, but sweet like honey. Both versions of the two companions resonated together, in a single warning to give her strength. "Everything will be fine": that was the message.

- That's what I just said, you sh**y froggy.

- Not everyone can stomach your methods, you know? - He said, getting up, - you should be a little bit less straight and a little bit more emphatic. 

He turned again towards the lady, with a shining smile. 

- Forgive my companion. He has a big heart, when he actually tries it. You have nothing to fear! You have my word: we will find your little ones and we will get them back home. Ok? It's a promise.

- You don't need to cry, - said the flaming warner, - you have to be strong for your students. Get up and go on. The rest...

He started to walk. There wasn't time to waste. 

- Is up to us. Let's go, - said to the Bubble Frog, - captain can wait. 

- Trés Bien! Much better! - he answered, putting his hand behind his head and following him.

The strength of the Wood Gecko and the kindness of the Bubble Frog resonated in her like a drop of water in the middle of a lake. She remained speechless, as it was so confusing the changing of fear and intimidation in respect. She couldn't stay put: not after the determination of two explorers that tried their best to cheer her up. It was useless to keep crying.

- O-ok... - she said while drying her tears, - I'm in your hands. T-thank you. I-if i can help with anything...

- Better. - said the Grovyle smiling, like a father seeing the improvement on behavior of his daughter, - If you want to lend an hand... you could spread the news in Serene Village. I know it'll be hell for their parents, but maybe the could give us some assistance or some clue of what happened here. Do your best. 

- Ok! - She answered, - You can count on me!

- Let us know! - Said the Frogadier, - While you do that we'll get back to headquarters to prepare everything for the mission!

- Mission? - Asked the Grovyle, not understanding his intentions. 

- Excuse moi?  Seriously? What do you think it is? - said the frog, raising his arms to the sky, - It's a kidnapping! Do you seriously believe they are hidden around here? 

- Hey hey... you're the one who's not making sense...

Kenji took one of the sheet of paper drenched in purple slime, by gripping it by its clean side. 

- If we find hints here we don't have to search for long... Why are you suggesting already to take leave?

The Bubble Frog hit his forehead with the palm of his left end and sobbed. 

- Mon dieu... Why you never use you brain of something else besides fighting...

He then opened the hand towards him, explaining himself.

- They kidnapped children using strong toxins; they made a mess of the entire classroom with no reason, since they probably caught them once they were too weak to move. If they fought like this mess could suggest, there was no reason to use toxins at all.

- Uh... - said the Grovyle, narrowing his gaze while listening the eccentric guy.

- And finally, they left Pikachu here! They left out a possible witness on the crime scene! What kind of fool would do that?

Then, he made his left hand index finger dance like a director's baton. 

- It's clear that, whoever did this, wanted to be followed. So It's certain that he left some clues around here, or maybe a ransom note. 

- A-A RANSOM NOTE!? - Exclaimed Pikachu.

- Unfortunately is highly possible... - continued the Bubble Frog, - We have to assume that we can easily find something here and prepare the rest. And... in the possibility of a rescue, they could have left some traps around. If someone actually succeed in rescuing the children before the payment, everything they have done will be in vain. 

He pointed then his finger towards his companion. 

- Do you get it? We have to make the most careful preparations, or the lives of children could be over. 

It was a catastrophic point of view, but very well-thought. The Frogadier was lazy and distracted, but very cunning. No wonder the captain sometimes asked for his aid towards problems. He couldn't leave these kind of maters to the Grovyle instead. Scribbled yellow birds were running in circles around his head. 

- I got lost. You talk way too much... - commented the Grovyle.

(Ost super mystery main theme)

- ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? - screamed the Bubble Frog, smashing his hands in his own forehead. 

- Why do I even keep you besides me... - Said with his finger on his eyelids. 

- You are the one glued to me.

- EXCUSE MOI??!

- Let's drop it. If you want to do some pre-stuff let's do it. If anything...

He turned his head towards the Pikachu. 

- Hey woman. You'll stick with me. 

She startled, as the rude pokémon requested her attention.

- If we're in two searching clues will be quicker.  I'll help you with the parents too. 

The Frogadier got on his face an annoyed look.

- Don't give me that look. I get what your intention are, froggy. 

He lowered his body towards the grass, as he tried to show something to the Bubble Frog. Then he looked at him with a smug and arrogant face. Shinso made a sigh of relief.

- So you can use your brain...

He then wrapped his stuff, getting his bag in order. 

- Very well. Stay here and make some investigations. In less than one hour I should get to Serene Village with all we need.

He turned towards Pikachu with a smile on his face. 

- Don't worry! We will get them back! You can count on us!

The teacher stood up quiet, watching Shinso like a cool explorer.

- Let's go, woman, - called Kenji, - Let's start here and then we'll go to the village. 

One hundred seventieth year of the dragon, 9.45.

- T-thank you! L-let's go!

These three pokémon started the mission, giving the first seed of the Oreichalcos Chronicles.

*********NOTE DELL'AUTORE*********

- Explaining:

1) Kodamas are spirits from the woods in japanese's folklore that identifies as the echo from the forest. They say that, if a branch from a tree where a Kodama lives is cut, the culprit will be cursed for the rest of his life. In this story, the Pokémon are called instead Kodamon, in other words the guardians of the forest and, for analogy, of the nature. I thought it was necessary the creation of this term for the very etymology of the word Pokémon. Since that is the abbreviation of Pocket Monsters, It has sense only in a world where this creatures and humans coexist, but not in a world of just Pokémon. Some terms are also changed accordingly to this will.

- Legend:

Kenji (剣兒): Child of the sword.
Kodamon: Abbreviation of Kodama Monster.
Shinso (心操): Heart-Manipulator.
Meihari (命針):  Needle of the life.

- FAQ:

- Curiosity:

• Shinso's name wasn't decided in inspiration of Boku no Hero Accademia's Hitoshi Shinso, but from a changing of pronunciation of Shichō, meaning "Master. It was correlated to the fact that Greninja evolutionary line is inspired from ninjas. But after the appearance of that character in 2015/2016, I decided to take it.