Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon: Here Comes The Hydroflames

Guardians Of The Island

Ampharos scanned the tight corridors of the volcano ahead of him, making sure no one was following them. When the coast was clear, he lifted his hand and waved forward, signaling Archen and Buizel to go ahead.

Someone was following them, or rather, are aware of their presence here. The signs had grown progressively noticeable, from shadowy figures moving from the corner of their eyes, the feeling of being watched, and a lot of traps that the team nearly fell into. Needless to say it made Ampharos nervous, not for his safety, but that his assumption of Entei being the culprit being right.

"Odd, we have yet to encounter a single wild Pokemon on this floor." Archen commented.

"Good, these wild Pokemons are giving me quite the headache." Bunnelby said.

"Stay on your guard team, we're not out of this just yet." Ampharos said.

The three continued climbing up Fire Island Volcano until they come across a wide empty room, it was large enough for at least twelve Pokemon to fight in.

Large enough for an ambush.

The three Pokemon walked into the room cautiously, checking everywhere for any Pokemon that were hiding.

"I got a bad feeling about this..." Archen muttered.

"Oh great," Bunnelby said. "You've just jinxed us n-"

Just then, the ground began to shake, a barrage of figures dropped down and surrounded them. Ampharos counted seven Pokemon that were slightly shorter than him, they had a distinct odd head shape that almost look like a flame.

Magmars.

"What did I just say?" Bunnelby muttered, regarding the jinx.

Just then, a larger, much bigger Pokemon slowly entered the room, its appearance looks fairly similar to that of a Magmar, but even more menacing, with cannon for arms.

"I, am Magmortar." The hulking Pokemon said. "I am the leader of Clan Magmar."

"Charming..." Ampharos muttered under his breath.

"Born from the very magma of this volcano, I was raised and trained by Master Entei for the sole purpose of protecting the artifact."

"Wait, what artifact?" Archen asked.

"Don't you DARE play coy with me!" Magmortar exclaimed, pointing one of his arm cannons at the group. "Why else would you be here other than to destroy the artifact?!"

I doubt we'll be able to negotiate this fellow to stand down. Ampharos thought to himself. Guess we'll just have to do it the old fashion way: defeat them.

"You got a plan chief?" Bunnelby asked?

"Just do what you do best, battling."

"Copy that." Archen acknowledged.

The group readied themselves as Magmotar and the Magmars got themselves ready too. Ampharos wasn't sure whether if he was the one who threw the first attack, but when his Zap Cannon struck one of the Magmar, sending him flying into a wall, that was went all hell broke loose.

No turning back now.

"This looks unsettling..." Ian said.

"No kidding." Patience added.

The four of them had arrived at an open area, which appeared to be near the volcano peak, there was lava everywhere and they were standing on a relatively narrow natural platform. The thought of falling into the lava and burning alive unsettled Ian, he felt a flood of sweat dripping down his face, the intensity of the heat was really taking a toll on him. He turned his head to Patience, and noticed that she too, was sweating, it must be really hot and humid up here if even a fire type could sweat here.