A Rose Made of Shadows

Chapter Ten

"Hold attack."

The chief waved his hand at the natives as he looked at the group, observing everyone carefully. He wore a huge feathered hat and a fancy outfit. "Might you be lost ones? I think so, right?"

"Well, we're not really lost," replied Haroff. "We're on our way to rescue a friend."

"Rescue friend? Wait, I think I know what you talk about. Come with us. I show you our village and friend."

The group was then led by the chief and the natives through the forest. The natives mumbled to each other about something, but it was impossible to know what they were talking about due to them talking in an unknown language.

"So we're going to their village?" Sapphire asked.

"I guess," replied Raizel. "Hopefully we won't get sacrificed or anything."

"Well, let's hope that doesn't happen. Besides, we have each other," Sapphire replied as she leaned closer to Haroff.

"I'm getting a little hungry now," Scraggy said. "You think we could ask them for something to eat?"

"If you like eating bugs and leaves, then sure," Ellis joked.

"I don't think they just eat stuff like that, you know," Fireblaze replied.

"I guess you're right. They must eat meat too. Let's just hope they're not cannibals."

"You come up with the weirdest ideas, Ellis...", Raizel replied.

Ellis chuckled a little. "I know."

"Maybe they have some sort of salad that actually tastes good," Tyler said. "Maybe."

Finally, they arrived at the village. It had a humble look to it, like with houses made out of sticks, leaves, and moss. There were a fair number of them scattered around, somewhere around 20 or so total. Children ran about, some playing with Pokémon.

"We are the Polashoki people, and we welcome you to our village," the chief told the group as they were looking around. "It's small village, but hopefully you like it enough."

"Uh, thanks chief," Haroff replied. A Shroomish then walked up to Haroff curiously. "Oh hey there, little guy." The Shroomish nuzzled itself against Haroff's leg, activating its Effect Spore and paralyzing Haroff. "Hey! It paralyzed me!" Everyone else laughed.

"I think you're better off like that," Raizel joked.

"Rai! Help!"
"Nah."
"Rai!!"
"Oh, fine, although I have nothing on me to help out."

"Don't worry, I brought along something," Tyler added as he took out a small first-aid kit and grabbed a Paralyze Heal. "Hold still," he said laughing.

"Just get on with it..." Haroff said before getting his leg sprayed with the medicine. He was cured within a few seconds. "Thanks."

"No problem, but that's the last one I had," replied Tyler. "It'd be a shame if another Shroomish wanted a hug."

"It'll hug you in the face, if anything," Haroff replied mumbling.

"Ok, ok, fun's over," Fireblaze said. "Let's follow the chief."

The chief led the group to a house, presumably his. It was a little fancier than the average village home but still had a humble feel to it. A few candles adorned the walls and doorway, a red leather carpet covered the whole floor, and there were 2 rooms in total: the mainroom and bedroom. A table and chair set made out of wood was set in the middle of the mainroom, and the chief led everyone to sit down.