Underhero Mysterious Dungeons: Enter the Dungeon

Chapter 3: Help Wanted

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 " 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...