Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon: Here Comes The Hydroflames

Night Watch

Ian and Patience watched as Buizel hung up the new Expedition Society group photo in the Crew Room after dinner. They had taken the picture earlier this afternoon, a Pokemon by the name of Meowth had came by with a camera. What Meowth didn't realize however was that the camera was not in proper working condition and every time the Expedition Society prepared for the photo to be taken, the camera would break down and had to be set up again. Adding to that everyone was standing under the hot summer sun, it wasn't an enjoyable time for anyone.

"There, all done." Buizel said.

Ian and Patience took a step closer to examined the picture, it looked better than he expected. Ampharos, Mawile, Archen and Gadget stood professionally side by side, only giving a small grin for the camera. Buizel had the most outlandish pose, head facing down and arm and elbow raised in a single direction, as if he was sneezing. Bunnelby was supposed to look natural in the photo, holding an apple and casually eating it. But Swirlix saw the apple and wanted to swipe it out of his hand with his mouth, but she mistakenly also bit Bunnelby's hand, which led to the appropriate reaction of him screaming in pain. Jirachi simply floated there, half asleep and oblivious to the whole thing. Glaceon stood in front of the group, wrapping her arms around both Ian and Patience and happily smiling, the two looked at her and merely gave an awkward smile.

"I have to say, this has got to be the best group photo thus far." Buizel commented.

"How so?" Ian asked.

"Well, there're more... unique expressions."

Ian looked over to the previous group photos hung on the wall and noticed that Buizel was right. They were all mostly the same, the Expedition Society members smiling and looking straight at the camera. The previous most recent photo was when they started becoming more enthusiastic and relaxed.

"Welp, I think you two should get going, your night watch starts in five minutes."

"Wait, night watch? What the heck is that?" Patience asked.

"Oh, nobody told you? Every night, two of us take turns patrolling the streets of Lively Town to ensure the safety of the residents. And according to the imaginary list, you two are up next."

Ian expressed a look of surprised when Buizel mentioned they had to patrol Lively Town at night, Patience as well.

"How long do we have to patrol?" Ian asked.

"About four hours." Buizel answered.

So much for getting a good night's sleep after this...

Ian sighed and waved for Patience to get moving. Buizel wished them good night before making his way to his room. The two partners made their way to the entrance of the Expedition Society Headquarters, opened the door to the outside world and left. There were still a few Pokemon roaming the streets of Lively Town at night, mostly Pokemon on their way home or closing up their shops, the town was quiet, with only the voices of a few Pokemon talking about their days before going their separate ways. Ian and Patience split up and started making making their rounds around town, walking back and forth, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. Occasionally, a resident would ask them what were kids wandering around this late at night, in which Ian and Patience had to explain that they were Expedition Society members. The first hour passed, then the second, then the third...

Ian yawned as he passed by the town's entrance for what seemed like the fiftieth time now, his eyes were starting to ache and he couldn't concentrate. He wished that he had gotten some Chesto Berries from his bag to keep himself awake.

Couldn't they just have gotten someone else for this? Ian grumbled in his head as he made his way back to the town plaza once more. At this hour, Lively Town is shrouded in complete darkness, the only thing illuminating the town was the moonlight and stars that covered the calm night skies, Patience would've love to sit down and just gaze at the stars.

Speaking of Patience, where is she?

The mudfish Pokemon has not seen her for quite sometime now, the last time he saw Patience was just over a hour ago when they both bumped into each other while walking through the streets. Nothing from her since then. Ian went through the town once more, searching every side alleys that Patience might be in, after multiple rounds it proved fruitless. For all he knew, Patience was probably exhausted and had already went back to their room and fallen asleep, leaving the mudfish Pokemon wandering around in circles for nothing. Although, there was still one place he hasn't checked yet.

The docks.

Ian broke into a stride and made his way to the docks. When the mudfish Pokemon reached the stairs that led to the lighthouse, he saw a small, figure sitting by the edge of the pier. It didn't take long for Ian to realized it was Patience. She was looking up in the sky and gazing at the stars.

Guess my hunch was right.

"So this is where you've been." Ian said. Patience turned her head surprise when she heard the mudfish Pokemon's voice.

"Oh, I didn't hear you coming." Patience said.

"And I didn't know you could take a break to watch the stars." The mudfish Pokemon lectured.

"Oh stop being such a party pooper Ian," Patience said. "it's not like anyone's going to know. Come on, kick your feet up and just relax."

She does have a point.

Ian simply sighed and decided to follow the fire fox Pokemon's advice. He walked up to her side and sat down next to her. The two Pokemon began gazing at the night sky together, they remained quiet for what felt like a long time before Patience decided to speak up.

"This sight really reminds me of Serene Village." She said.

"How so?" Ian asked.

"The starry sky, sitting under that big tree..."

"Ah, now I remember." Ian recalled also being with Patience under a starry sky a few times. Twice to be exact. The first was when they made up and reconciled after having an argument, the second was when they became an expedition team.

That felt like ages ago...

Patience inched herself closer to her partner and laid her head on his shoulder. Ian was surprised for a moment but immediately relaxed, honestly at this point he shouldn't really be surprised with Patience.

"I miss Serene Village..." Patience said as she started to frown. "I miss my pops, I miss our classmates, I miss everyone..."

Ian couldn't agree more, every day he still thinks about the villagers back in Serene Village, the Pokemon that had gave him a place to stay and cared for him.

Especially Nuzleaf.

The mudfish Pokemon placed his hand on Patience's head and began stroking it. The warmth of her fur felt nice.

"Me too Patience, me too." He said.

The two partners remained in their positions for quite awhile, until Ian let out another yawn, realizing that he was getting even more exhausted. They should probably head back home now.

"Hey Patience..." Ian turned his head and noticed the fire fox Pokemon had fallen asleep, snoring away on his shoulder. He gave Patience a slight nudge to wake her up, but she remained sleeping. The fire fox Pokemon didn't look like she was waking up anytime soon. Ian sighed, knowing what he had to do. The mudfish Pokemon gently lifted Patience and slung her over his body, Ian felt a sense of deja vu, although there was a slight difference.

Good lord, has Patience gotten heavier? Ian thought to himself. He still remembered Patience being much lighter when he had carried her back in Serene Village. It's probably Swirlix's cooking.

Ian made his way back to the Expedition Society Headquarters, went back to his room, placing Patience into her bed before collapsing into his own bed, immediately falling asleep as he ends a tiring night.