Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: The Keepers of Time

Chapter 6

Rose and Jet were walking in Treasure Town, getting ready for the long journey to the next lake, where Grovyle supposedly was heading. Rose waved to the Pokemon, and smiled. Jet was too busy thinking about what he'd do when they got to the lake. Rose then saw the Kecleon Shop up ahead. "There it is!" She exclaimed.

"Wait, what's going on over there?" Jet asked.
( A/N cue "Outlaw Spotted and Thief Status music XD)
Rose started to giggle.

A Pokemon was being chased by one of the Kecleon. "Get back here thief!" Kecleon shouted, "We have one thief running around already, I don't want you making it any worse!"

"Get over it, bro," The other Kecleon said, "It's just a measly seed, no harm done."

"I don't care!" Kecleon #1 shouted.

The second Kecleon sighed, then waved at Team Steelspark as they came up to the little booth. "I am so sorry about my brother. With that Thief running around, he's scared some Pokemon will come around and steal everything in stock. This Caterpie just went up and snatched up a Blast Seed, no harm done, but apparently he thinks so. So, what do you want to buy?"

"Oh, really, we want some things that can help on the journey to the next lake," Jet said.

"So you're Team SteelSpark, eh?" The Kecleon crossed his arms, "Well, then, where's the Treeko?"

"Well, he's not coming," Rose explained, "Since it is his middle stage evolution, we kind of feel he doesn't need to face up against him. So, he's staying behind at the Guild."

"I see. Well, here, if you're needing some things for the trip and the battle itself, well, here is some Reviver Seeds. The Pokemon there are really rough. There are some things that can help against Grass Type moves, but I feel you can handle him, right?"

"Right!" The two said in unison.

"Alright. I have one more thing for you."

"Yes, what is it?" Rose asked eagerly.

"Advice, of course! For the journey, keep your eyes peeled for some items on the way. There are some stuff that won't be found in our Shop sometimes! And for all your adventures as Explorers, if you see an Absol, run!" He said the last part in a dark tone.

"Are Absols mean?" Jet asked worriedly.

"Nah. They are perfectly friendly. Very, very helpful."

"Then why run?"

"Well, an Absol can predict if disaster is imminent. That's why they're helpful. The only reason to run is because the said disaster could come at any moment."

"Man, that's scary," Jet said.

"I know," The Kecleon said, and turned to his brother, who was still chasing the Caterpie, "It's a Blast Seed, bro! Get over it!"

Rose and Jet paid for their items and walked away, leaving the Shop to its Caterpie thief.

...

They went over to Dusknoir, who was waiting patiently for them.

"Are you ready?" He asked them.

"Sure are," Rose said.

"You two go on, remember I probably won't be far behind," Dusknoir said.

"Got it," Jet said happily. The two skipped off, and Dusknoir chuckled softly to himself.

...

After a long journey, and then losing all of their Reviver Seeds, as well as finding the lake by pure accident (Jet got himself stuck in the sand and found the passage... I'm pretty sure the second one is under sand...?) they finally made it near the actual lake. Rose heard shuffling, and knew it wasn't Vine, Jet, or Dusknoir. "Look is who got here before us," Rose whispered to Jet. Jet shrugged, but he knew who Rose was talking about. Rose's heart pounded in her chest.

This was it. They get to see the Thief in person, themselves. They got to witness the Thief at his work. Rose was breathing heavily, her stomach was churning. This was what they have been waiting for. Might as well do it. Rose stepped out into the room, with the lake, head down, walked to the center, and looked up at him.

Grovyle... Was a little taller than she had thought. He had his back turned to her, but it seemed he might already have noticed her. Rose gulped, stepping back. She had never met an outlaw before. This was her first. Sure, she could have gone on the Outlaw Quests and get used to the feeling she felt now... Tension, Ambience, Danger... But she didn't. And now she was facing one.

Grovyle turned to face Rose. Those eyes. Those piercing golden eyes. Rose was frozen in place. And then...

Those words. Those pounding words in her head. From when she had turned into a Pokemon.

My partner... My partner had said those words, Rose thought, but every time I see you, the words come back. Why?

And then it hit her. No, it wasn't anything she saw. It was something she felt.

Jet was standing to the side, watching as Rose stumbled back, gasping, "Y-Your aura!"

Never had an aura hit her this strong. It was the same aura she had felt when on the trail to Fogbound Lake. She hadn't even tried to feel the aura, it had just come rushing over her. It was so, so...

Familiar.

A/N My PMD Bae. He has finally arrived. No, it's not Kecleon. No, it's not Dusknoir. It's Grovyle! Come on, you should have guessed! I was hinting at it all throughout the chapters! Vaguely. Anyways, I did put in a moment with the Kecleon chasing Caterpie, that was because I needed a comical moment in here. Also, I like the Outlaw Spotted and Thief Status music. From EOT/D/S. Search it while you read that. And for the second half, I had the Time Gears theme on while writing. It fit what was happening. Anyways, see you guys later!