Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Quenched Torch

Chapter 45: Karma, Just or Otherwise

"Please, sir, we need to go in, he-"

"No, Treecko. The Guildmaster demanded privacy. Whatever he wants with your... ahem, friend, he doesn't want to be disturbed."

"But-"

The Bisharp guards at the entrance to Arcanine's quarters wordlessly stepped to block the doorway, the wicked glint of their blades discouraging Rye from challenging them any further. With no other option, the Treecko reluctantly turned around and started walking back to base, the lanterns lining the streets lighting his path as Mavy zigzagged alongside him.

"What exactly's goin' on?" he asked.

"I don't know. All I know is that he had a... uh, a vision," Rye answered. "But that doesn't make sense, he was awake..."

"Vision? Ya mean, like, back in Littora with that nightmare you were talkin' 'bout?" Mavy asked. Rye gave a nod, putting a hand to his head.

"It should be pretty straightforward, right? Just keep following clues till something comes up. But it's so weird and, uh, what's the word? U-uncertain. I-If he can get a vision while awake, then what else could happen? Ugh, I-I just... it's stressful."

Mavy considered these words for a bit.

"So what you wanna do 'bout it?" he asked.

"What?" Rye replied.

"Standin' around feelin' sorry for yerself ain't gon do shit. Now what're you gonna do to try and fix it?" Mavy questioned.

"What? I-I can't just... fix it! Wh-whatever's doing this to Beck, I can't do anything to change it, can I? I-I'm just a Treecko," Rye answered. "T-the best I can do is just not think about it."

"Aight, we can do that. Whatcha got in mind?" Mavy asked. As the two walked through the dinnertime crowd and past the boards, Rye gave him an ever-so-slightly bemused look.

"Wh-why're you asking me all this?" he wondered. Mavy gave the equivalent to a shrug.

"Yer mah partner. Not best buddy material yet, not by a long shot, but I still gotta look out for you. Ah'll play therapist for a bit," he reasoned, getting a look from Rye. After a moment, the Treecko gave a little smile.

"Thanks. Honestly, it's kinda nice talking to someone that won't just say, like, 'you're fine' or 'shaah.' I-I didn't really expect this coming from you," he said.

"I try mah best," Mavy grinned. "So, you wanna get yer mind off the crazy shit. You said there's a library in town, right? You could read something, maybe I could give learnin' how to a crack."

"Uh, we had a... b-bad experience there. Besides, I don't really wanna just stay in town again..." Rye began.

As the two headed into their team base to discuss their plans for the coming day, the last lingerers started home from Arcanine's quarters, leaving the Guildmaster alone to speak as he pleased. A brief interview with Beck had passed, though now the young Oshawott could only watch as the recently-arrived Alakazam concentrated, connecting the golden dog to what he could only assume was a good few other Pokemon.

"I rest my case before the assembled Guildmasters of northern Gray Proper. In summary, I wish my Guild first rights to exploration of the recently rediscovered Caverns of Being, lest greater risk of intrusion by hostile forces arise. Please raise any concerns at this time," the Guildmaster said. A multitude of voices rushed through his head, though they fell silent as the overseers of the emergency meeting called for order.

"Guildmaster Emboar, Vale Keep. Is the situation bad enough that the Societies should consider declaring emergency?" a gruff voice asked.

"No, no, such would only incite needless panic. There is no need, Gray Proper has suffered enough. Anybody else?" Arcanine answered.