Explorers of the Life Force, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon

Making Friends, Seeing Enemies

"Wake up Riolu!" I awoke instantly breathing heavily and in rage. I realized soon after what had occurred.

The guild had a Loudred here, just like the old announcer at the arena. Hearing his voice triggered an old instinct that put me in a defensive posture.

After regaining my composure I realized he had already left. I grumbled as I lazily wandered towards the main lobby.

In the main lobby there was around two to three dozen Pokémon with more poring in. I looked for familiar faces, there was Blake and his friends, and Ellie with... Aria. Once Aria locked eyes with me she frowned, quickly turning away. I felt my shoulders drop with a feeling of hurt clawing at my heart.

"Yo dude! You that Riolu that kicked the Trail Blazer's tails?!" I turned to look for the source of the voice. "Down here buddy." I look down to a squirrel like Pokémon. If I remember Crystal's description correctly, the bushy tail, white and teal fur, and yellow cheek sacks made this Pokémon a Parchirisu.

"Sorry about that, who are the Trail Blazers?"

The Parchirisu chuckled, "Seriously dude?! That's Blake's crew man! I heard you whipped them good!"

I laughed nervously, "Well... not exactly but kinda?"

"Whatever you did, it made Sally more hissy than usual, even for a cat Pokémon. The name's Sam by the way."

I shook Sam's extended paw. "I'm Chase, nice to meet you."

"Sure thing dude. After Chatot's boring speech or whatever, you should hang out with me and the guys. They'll totally flip meeting you!"

I shrugged, "I'm not sure, I think I'm doing training or something today."

"How about during breakfast? Look, if you feel like chilling my doors are wide open. We could use a new guy to make life a little less dull."

Sam turned to walk away, yet faced me again. "And don't worry, It's only me and Penny as far as girls go in the group." I blinked in surprise. I thought for sure Sam was a boy, she even talked like a dude, though I would never say so out loud.

Chatot ordered us to fall in line and I looked for an open spot. The only ones available was next to Aria, or a strange... crustacean? Perhaps crab would be an easier description. It was grey and purple and looked terrified of everything around it. So either a fox who wants to roast me, or a crab that's ready to die of fright. I went next to the crab. He looked horrified, but I just remained calm and continued to smile before looking towards Chatot.

"Good morning. Before we get into our normal announcements, I'd like to remind you all to flush the toilets. Starmie was more than vocal about his complaints of the smell and we don't need to hear that anymore than we have to."

A few of the guild members snickered as Chatot continued, "Now then, Teams Drift, Giddy, Balance, Far Reach, Blade, Moon Heart, Tidal Wave, and Valor. All are assigned with mission one, and field duty."

At least twenty or more Pokémon moved to one side of the room. "Teams Sky Runners, Trail Blazers, War Path, Skull, and Quakes. Your assigned to station at the guild." More members moved to the other side leaving me standing at the center.

"And with that, all members stay safe and eat well." Everyone left to the cafeteria, a few seemed a bit puzzled as they were leaving. Chatot approaching me soon after, "Usually these things are a little more lengthy but I have a lot on my plate today because of you."

"Me?" I didn't want to cause a disruption for Chatot, but it seemed I was a burden to others whether I intended it or not.

"Yes you, the Guildmaster seems to have taken your presence here enthusiastically. Today he wanted to get your physical evaluation. You will be fending off against a team and running drills for the first part of the day. I informed your instructor S. Strider that you will be unable to attend your studies until later in the day. Now then, please go and join the others for a good meal then report for gym."