Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rising Spirits

Chapter 10, Part 1 - The Beginning of the End

The cozy, wooden walls of the Sunrise Town Inn bent and strained in an attempt to contain the horde of Pokémon which clamored mournfully at the recent news concerning Zephyr's unexpected appearance. Among these bustling Pokémon were Trevor and Aiden, who impatiently attempted to wedge through the unceasing crowd towards the bed in a fourth-story room which the Lucario was supposedly resting at. Once they finally managed to jostle past floor after floor of curious Pokémon, several of whom recognized the pair and caused even more chaos, the pair managed to reach the fourth story and witness Zephyr's condition for themselves.

Trevor instantly winced upon seeing the bandaged stump which remained of Zephyr's left arm in addition to the several bruises and scratches littered around the Lucario's entire body. His elegant, white robe hung limply to the bed's side, one of its sleeves having been singed off entirely. Beside him stood Holly, alongside several other medical Pokémon who struggled to treat his wounds while driving their curious audience back. The Lucario instantly recognized the pair as they hesitantly made their way towards the front of the crowd, and sat upwards with a small grunt.

"Trevor. Aiden. It's good to see you two again," he greeted with a warm smile, prompting several gasps from surrounding Pokémon who had not noticed their presence beforehand. "Though it is unfortunate that we have to meet under these circumstances." The Lucario tilted his head in confusion. "You seem to be missing a member."

"Oh, Lu-, I mean, Rin?" Aiden corrected hastily, "He's back at home, decided not to come. He didn't want to make a big scene by being here.

Zephyr shook his head with a bemused smile. "No, I don't think so. May I invite the gentleman standing outside the doorway to join us, please?"

After a brief period of every Pokémon present searching around while murmuring confusedly, a tall figure in a red, hooded cloak stepped forwards from behind the doorway's side. Before Zephyr could ask, the figure hesitantly threw his hood back to reveal Luka's scruffy, unkempt face, his dark eyes shifting guiltily from side to side. Several Pokémon instantly began clamoring excitedly while stumbling over one another for a better look at the first human who had made headlines months earlier.

"Hello, Luka," Zephyr warmly greeted. "It's nice to see you again."

It didn't take long for Trevor to notice something peculiar with what Zephyr had said. "Wait... Luka? How do you know that name?! He's kept that name secret for years- I thought we would be the only ones who knew about it!"

"Very astute of you, Trevor," Zephyr praised, "I've known Luka since he was just an Oshawott rising up in the Rescue Team scene. He frequently made news headlines on account of his humanity and great potential as an explorer. Though we only ever met once face to face back then, if I recall..."

"...After the meteor had fallen, and rumors first began spreading about my role in the disaster," Luka finished, "Zephyr had helped me to evolve and change my identity. I'd probably be dead if not for him." The Dewott turned to face and bow towards Zephyr. "I never got to properly thank you for that, by the way. Figured I'd do so after the crowd went away, but that idea's past now."

"Ah. Whoops." Zephyr paused, then began laughing heartily, much to Trevor and Aiden's utter bewilderment given his condition. "My apologies for dragging you out. I simply couldn't resist the opportunity to greet you again."

Holly stepped in between Zephyr and Luka in an attempt to break the conversation. "Alright, let's stop talking for now. You ought to conserve your energy for a faster recovery... without a crowd of onlookers staring you down." Both Trevor and Aiden marveled at how she was able to communicate with such an impossibly powerful Legend Rank as if he was just another patient.