Sky's the limit

Chapter 10

Gina and Soren rose from their beds and headed out of their room, having been woken up early courtesy of Loudred. It was another regular morning for them and the guild, but something made Gina's fur prickle when she saw Chatot smiling. Sure, he was usually smiling, but there was something different about this time.

"What's gotten into him?" Gina wondered aloud. "He seems happier than he usually does."

"Yeah," Soren agreed. "His smile is normally forced. This time he seems genuinely happy."

"Maybe Wigglytuff is giving him the day off?" she suggested.

"Could be. We'll probably find out in a few seconds."

Chatot waved his wings for attention. "Everyone! I have an important announcement to make before we begin work." When the voices gradually quieted, Chatot continued, "Today, we will be receiving new allies!"

I guess that's what he's so happy about, Gina thought. I wonder who they are?

Curious whispers spread through the crowd. Gina exchanged a glance with Soren. He shrugged, clearly just as intrigued as she was.

Chatot turned to the ladder leading down to the floor. "Hey! You all may come down now!"

At that instant, a horrid smell filled the room. Everyone's voices rose in shock.

"Eek! What is that odor?!" Sunflora shrieked.

"It smells awful!" Loudred yelled.

Bidoof looked around guiltily. "Yup, that stench sure is foul..." he muttered.

Gina held her nose and coughed, her throat soon becoming sore. She remembered exactly who could make such an atrocious stench, and she tensed her muscles. It's them! She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping it was all just a dream and she would wake up soon.

When she opened her eyes, her heart sank as she realized it was real. Down the ladder came three familiar Poison-type Pokemon, smug grins spread across their faces. They stood in front of the group, the two smaller ones flanking their leader.

"Woah-ho, I'm Koffing!" said the one on the leader's left side.

"Heh, the name's Zubat!" the one of the right said. "Glad to meet you!"

"I'm the leader of Team Skull," the one in the center concluded. "My name is Skuntank. Remember it." Flashing a smirk in Team Diamond's direction, he added, "Especially you two!"

Chatot noticed the exchange and looked at them with interest. "Oh? Are you already acquainted with each other?" He grinned. "That certainly makes things much easier to explain, then! I hope you all get along well!"

Gina snorted. "Yeah, that'll happen," she muttered under her breath.

"So, are these guys actually JOINING us as apprentices?" Loudred asked.

Chatot shook his head. "The Guildmaster and I have agreed that they will simply be joining us for the expedition. As I said earlier, they will be treated with hospitality and kindness."

"Wait, what?!" Soren gasped. "They're coming along with us?"

Chatot narrowed his eyes with confusion. "Why do you sound so shocked?"

"It's nothing, Chatot, sir," Skuntank chuckled. "That one there always overreacts to everything, no matter how small a deal."

Chatot's glance flickered from Skuntank to Soren, then he shrugged. "Very well, then." He cleared his throat. "Anyway, we have decided that having this trio take part in the expedition will assist us. However, if we began working together right away, it would be impossible to truly coordinate teamwork. Therefore, they will also be living with us for several days. They will be bunking in the spare room that we have down the hall."