Explorers of the Life Force, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon

The Life Force

I furrowed my brows in confusion, "Sorry what is a mystery dungeon?" Star had a dark look over her eyes. I haven't noticed it before, but she looked tired. Her gaze was a hard one with several years of experience in her expression.

"Mystery dungeons are areas where Pokémon like me are isolated. It becomes our home and our life to protect this place from explorers."

"Wait, explorers? What, or I guess, who do you mean by explorers?" She scrunched up her nose as if trying something with a bad taste.

"That is what they call themselves, they usually seek out their own kind who did something stupid or come here to take something. It is our job to make sure they don't escape from being punished by The Life Force."

"Wait, The Life Force? What is The Life Force?"

Mentioning that brought a small smile to her face, as if I said something with a cute innocence. "It's all around you. Mystery dungeons themselves make up the Life Force's being. The Life Force protects itself by changing continuously, it is a way to thwart other explorers from reaching its heart."

I scratched my head, "So it's alive? That's... interesting... but how do you know any of this? Have you seen the heart?"

She shook her head, "The Life Force reveals these things to those willing to listen. While other explorers reach what they believe is the end goal, they completely miss the true treasure."

I nodded slowly. The truth was, it was difficult to believe. True, I did just get here and all, but believing it was another process entirely. "So, why are you telling me this?"

She revealed another small smile with a thoughtful expression, "You are different, The Life Force told me this, and I sense it as well. You are not blinded to possibility."

I shrugged uncertain, "Still though, I am a complete stranger, almost even to myself. I don't have a past to make a decision, or truly know what to believe."

She looked at me oddly, "Well, what do you think about life? Do you believe we're just here by chance?" I opened my mouth to respond, yet hesitated. Something about just being seemed... weird.

"Well, I guess that doesn't make any sense. I mean, maybe there is the possibility something helped or helps us continue on."

She did a slight nod, "An interesting concept indeed, but it proves your open to the idea at least."

"I guess so... hey Star, has The Life Force been speaking to you this whole time?"

She nodded once more, "I'm always listening to it, and the wisdom and knowledge it pours forth."

I wasn't sure what to make of that, "How do you know if it is wisdom, or just something pulling your strings?"

"Well it has yet to let me down. Besides, it did advise me against attacking you."

I shrug smiling a little, "That's true." I wasn't fully convinced by her argument. There were so many things wrong with this whole, Life Force, that it seemed at the least doubtful. In the end I would respect her beliefs all the same. Again, I'm the one who doesn't have a clue what's going on here.

"So, can you please help me? Even pointing me in the right direction would be helpful right now."

She appeared to be deep in thought, "Alright Chase, I'll help you, if you promise to do exactly what I say until then." I nodded smiling wide.

"Yes Star, and thank you."

She raised her brow, "Don't thank me until I actually help you, now follow me." I did as she said and traveled behind her through the maze.