Explorers of the Life Force, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon

Arena For Trouble

I was back in the forest... but this time was different. It was another area with the grey colors and still leaves suspended in midair. I saw a flash of green unaffected by the grey tone. It was a Pokémon that looked like a lizard, yet had a green leaf on the top of it's head. It moved deeper into the forest as I followed silently.

We both stopped, floating and spinning slowly in the air was a silver gear piece emitting a light blue glow. The green Pokémon approached it snatching it from the air. As soon as it was gone, the entire area got more grey than before creating a heavier atmosphere. I had difficulty breathing as the gear was tucked away in a brown satchel that the Pokémon was carrying. Turning to face me I saw the eyes of this Pokémon meet mine. I stepped out shaking slightly. "What's happening?"

It turned it's gaze to the forest area. "The world is coming to a halt. Everything will soon be like this."

I had a downcast look as I spoke. "Is it too late?"

"Not if I can help it." Their voice had a heaviness to it, like this was a large burden to bear.

I nodded, "How can I help?"

It turned to me frowning, "There is little you can do from where you are. Free yourself from your chains before trying to save others. Otherwise, yours is a pointless struggle."

I was abruptly awakened by the puppy Pokémon shaking me. "Are you okay? It looked like you were having a bad dream." I look at her feeling like something was different.

"Uh, I'm good now, thanks." I got up looking at her suspiciously. "You seem... less nuzzle like, and more serious like.

I was startled at the sound of something pounding on the grate. "Wake up! Time to get moving!" I yelped, being thrown up and out of my hole landing hard on the ground. "Move it Welp!" He shoved me forward with Crystal in tow.

I had little time to process everything happening still, but enough to conclude something big was about to happen. I turned to Crystal, she seemed downcast more than scared of what was happening. Being aware of the Pokémon leading us I approached her patting her back. "It will be okay." My words weren't enough to convince me, but it might have done something to cheer her up.

We were brought to a platform with giant chains on either side of it. With a pull of a lever we started to descend further down. After awhile it stopped on a level, and I saw daylight in the distance. Walking forward was a two gated system with one end open the other closed off to the outside. The Pokémon who lead us shoved us in before closing the first gate. I walked to the one leading outside frowning. "An arena?" Was all I could utter.

To my surprise, I saw hundreds of Pokémon in the stands of a symmetrical ring, consisting of the arena. They were already buzzing full of activity, excited for what was about to happen. I guess I wasn't too surprised, but still it didn't shake away my awe stricken expression. When the gate behind us slam down fully I noticed my bracelets seemed to have... turned off I guess? My abilities also returned to me so I guess they normally prevent me from using my move set.

Crystal began stretching, "You should get ready." Her bright and happy tone that I heard from yesterday was replaced with an unusually morbid one. I decided to take her advice and began cautiously stretching. I stopped though finding my bandages withered. Swiftly, I undid them, showing scars covering over the wounds I had. I was shocked, how did they heal over so quickly? Pushing the thought aside, I continued to stretch.

As I watched for my injuries as to not bug them, I noticed something about Crystal. In the light I could finally see some old cuts and a few bruises that were hidden before now. I flinched, hers looked a lot more violent than mine except for my arms which came as a close second.