PMD: Crux of the Self

A Harmony Of Discordant Canons

"A human construct formed? What do you mean? Where and when?" Wyn bounced excitedly on her toes.

"A dungeon has formed," Lucario corrected, "A human construct has been unearthed."

The tall cat spoke up. "Seems yesterday an Onix chewed its way into 'a cavern of smooth marble and sculpted columns' and didn't find its way out until daybreak."

"Left a tunnel to it for us somewhere far West along the Brave Range, at the foot of a mountain," Lucario finished.

"Marble, huh?" Wyn rubbed her chin with a paw. "Think it's too much of an ask for an abandoned mall? At least give me something contemporary."

"Perhaps a hotel," chirped Fei. "Or a government building."

"Wait, so it's underground?" Von piped up.

"Lodged in a mountain," Lucario nodded.

"When do we set out?"

The group of taller Pokemon all turned to look down at him at once. "Love that ambition, mate, but maybe it'd be best to ease you into things."

"Could be dangerous for a new recruit," Lucario nodded. "Speaking of, who are you?"

"Von- er, or Salandit," he said, glancing between the two strangers.

"Zeraora of True Path," purred the cat.

"Lucario of True Path," said the canid, before he caught a look from Wyn and hurriedly added "Between humans, you may call me Jun." He squared his shoulders and straightened his posture. "Though I prefer to be called 'Captain,' if we're on friendly terms."

"Aye aye, cap'n!"

"I take it you'll be staying in Halfhenge, then?"

"If there's room! Always used to fantasize about living in a castle as a kid, little did I know..." Von trailed off.

"Did someone take over our old den?" Ren asked.

Lucario finally acknowledged Night Vision's presence with a low growl. "One moon after you left." He peered at the badge on the bag Rockruff wore. "Yet if Night Vision truly wishes to return, we're happy to accept help. There's space in the... what's the word, Wyn?"

"The oratory."

You're kidding. I can't get away from churches even on another planet. "Sounds great," Von said halfheartedly, "So long as there's a roof over my head."

"Great! Keep in mind we'll be tromping through your room every Sunday for prayer, and you're not allowed to hog all the communion wine to yourself."

Von looked to Wyn. "You have wine here?"

"If only," Fei sighed wistfully.

Zeraora tapped a paw to Jun's shoulder. "Come. We should eat."

The Lucario gave Ren one last look of trepidation before he turned towards the baskets of food. Once his back was turned, Ren stuck out his tongue at him.

There was quiet for a moment as True Path walked away, and Von watched Oranguru wheel a large pumpkin from the larder to the dock, and the pair of Lapras in the lake waded closer in anticipation. The squash splashed into the water and was swiftly torn apart as the sea beasts feasted.

"What did you do on Earth, Von?" Fei asked.

"I wanted to be a documentarian. I was in college studying film until I wound up here." At least while I'm here, I can pretend I'm not a failure at everything I do. "What about you?"