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Part 2: Master and Thrall

Delphox was leading Aeon, Liu, and Echo into the tunnel system. "Stay close to me. Like I said before, these caves are treacherous for those who don't know them." She murmured. As Team Oddity looked around the dimly-lit tunnels, a collective chill ran through them.

"It'd be easy to get lost here, that's for sure." Aeon muttered. "This cave doesn't even look that big from the outside; how does it go so deep?"

"Looks can be deceiving." Delphox responded. "Our leading theory is that this used to be a mystery dungeon, but at some point the layout settled, and what's left is what we're seeing right now. Like all mystery dungeons, space is warped here, so it may be bigger on the inside than on the outside."

"These tunnels give me the creeps." Liu shivered, rubbing her arms. "Are you sure they're safe?"

"As far as we are aware, yes. We have not spotted any hostile pokemon in these tunnels, nor anything else unusual. The only danger is getting lost, along with a few rooms that hold some nasty surprises." Delphox suddenly stopped in front of a tunnel. Along the ground, there was a red line smeared in paint. "We're here." She turned to Team Oddity. "Past this point, you'll need those earplugs. If Echo really can read auras, you'll need to stay close to him in case anything happens." She sighed. "It pains me to ask this of you since you've been here for such a short time, but... you're the only other potential exploration team in Rebirth's Cave. Nobody else has much faith in the old ways, these days."

Aeon grinned. "Don't worry, Delphox. We'll get to the bottom of this. We can't flub our first mission, after all." He turned to Liu and Echo, and nodded. They each put in their set of earplugs, and took a deep breath, then let it out. Delphox pointed to the way they'd came, and mouthed "Going back. Don't take too long." Team Oddity nodded, and as Delphox began to retrace her steps, they looked at the tunnel before them. Suddenly, a voice sounded in Aeon and Echo's heads.

Well, let's get this over with. They looked around, and then noticed Liu looking at them expectantly. She stared at them, then realized they weren't getting it. With a roll of her eyes and a huff, the voice sounded again. It's me, dummies. Psychic, remember? It'll be easier for us to communicate like this. I'll link our minds temporarily so you can talk to each other. I'm not gonna waste time relaying your words back and forth. There was a pause as Liu touched both their heads, then she nodded. There. Better? Just think what you wanna say.

Like this? Echo asked. 

Aeon turned to look at Echo. Woah. Weird. I heard that.

Of course you did. Liu responded. Now let's quit wasting time. We should investigate and get in and out. I don't wanna spend time here longer than I have to. Liu began flying ahead, and Aeon and Echo looked at each other, before following after her.

Can you see anything, Echo? Aeon asked.

Echo shook his head. No, I'm still practicing. At the moment I can only view auras or the real world. Not both at the same time. Give me a sec. Echo closed his eyes and concentrated. When he opened them again, his once-blue eyes were a startling red.

Woah! Aeon took a step back. Jeez, what a change.

Sorry. I should have warned you. My eyes turn red when I'm looking at auras. Echo apologized. After a few moments, he continued Found something. Bright green, like a grass-type. Seems healthy, but... Echo frowned. There's something... off. I can't put my paw on it, but it's like... something's smothering the aura. Like an invisible force of some kind.

Liu shrugged. Whatever. As long as we have a trail. Lead the way.

Echo nodded, his eyes fading back into blue. For some reason, he felt a slight headache coming on, but he didn't think much of it as he led Aeon and Liu further into the cave. We're getting close. Liu, you said you could move the boulder when we get there, right?