Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: The End of Arceus

Book One: Chapter 3

Trust 

Arthur awoke to the sound of arguing. Stepping out the tent he saw Clara yelling at Elysia, who refused to talk. Fin and Garry watched the proceedings, Fin looking disinterested and Garry looking like this was the most entertaining thing in the world. Arthur walked over to see what was happening.

"Clara what's wrong?" He asked.

"I don't trust her. I think we should take her straight to Ranger's HQ and give her to Sol." Clara folded her arms and glared at Elysia. Elysia just glared back.

"But. . . .didn't Sol want us to explore the whole area and find out more about the Forsaken? Shouldn't we do that first?"

"Yes but. . . .as leader I've decided taking her to jail is more important."

Arthur frowned, stepping closer to Clara. "She saved me, Clara. She fought off the Zangoose that attacked me. I understand that she is a Bandit, but it didn't seem like her camp was planning anything against Domum Village. Maybe we should give her a chance to explain."

Clara's eyes flashed with irritation. "And what if it's a trap? We can't trust a Bandit, especially one of their leaders. You only just got here so you haven't heard the rumors of them burning down villages and towns and taking everything and anything they want. They cannot be trusted."

"Haven't you ever heard the saying, 'never judge a book by it's cover?'" Arthur countered. "Elysia and the Bandits might have reasons for why they were in the abandoned village that we don't know yet. We should untie her and have her come with us."

Elysia looked at Arthur with a mix of surprise and gratitude, but she remained silent. Arthur felt worried. 

Am I doing the right thing? He asked himself. Trying to protect someone I've just met instead of listening to probably the only friend I have in this world? 

Clara sighed, clearly torn. "Fine. We'll untie her, but we're still taking her with us to Domum, and if and when she tries something, I'm holding you responsible, Arthur."

Arthur nodded, relieved. "Thank you Clara. I promise I'll keep an eye on her." He walked over to the Espeon and began untying her of her bonds. Elysia gave him a grateful look as she stood up and stretched. 

With that settled, the group packed up their camp and began the journey back to Domum. Fin led the way, his pace steady, while Garry bounced along cheerfully beside him. Clara walked in the back of the group and kept a wary eye on Elysia, who walked silently next to Arthur.

As they traveled through the forest, Arthur tried to strike up a conversation with Elysia.

"So. . . .how'd you sleep?" He asked.

"Well, after you woke me up I slept for about three or four hours before your Glaceon friend rudely woke me." Elysia said, casting a glance at Clara behind them. 

"Sorry about that."

"No need to apologize. I'm just glad I got some rest, even if it was only a little." 

The forest around them was peaceful, the morning sun casting many shadows on the ground. Arthur decided to distract himself by trying to remember. Remember things from his past. Remember what exactly life was like is his world. But. . . .everything was so foggy. Suddenly a terrible thought entered his head.

Am. . . .am I sure I'm a human? 

Arthur shook his head. Of course he was a human. Why would he not be? He certainly didn't belong here, that was for sure. He was just tired. That's why his memories were foggy. He really need to rest. After several hours of walking in relative silence, they finally reached Domum as the sun had once again begun to set. The village was bustling with activity, Pokémon of various kinds going about their daily routines. Even Jake's shop was busy. Several Pokémon stood in line waiting to order berries. The Ranger's HQ was somewhat busy as well, several Ranger's walking in a out of the large wooden building.