Explorers of the Life Force, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon

Hello Darkness My Old Friend

"Crystal!" I threw my arms around her smiling brightly. Clawitzer sent a letter informing me that Crystal woke up. She had a weary smile, but at least she was getting better.

"Hi Chase. Sorry for clocking out for so long."

I chuckled ruffling the top of her head, "Well at least you're still kicking. How are you feeling?"

She grimaced in annoyance, "Reminds me too much of a Snorlax 'Body Slam' after a battle. In other words I'm sore."

I removed my Spirit Stone to observe her aura. "Strange... your aura feels different..."

"That's a side effect of her body recovering." We turned to see Clawitzer hovering over to us. On instinct I drew closer to Chase- I mean Crystal drew closer to me.

I shake my head getting disoriented from gathering Crystal's aura. "You know Chase, you should really be leaving that charm off. If you refuse to adapt to your own power you will be left vulnerable when push comes to shove."

I nod, "I know you're right Clawitzer, and I will try." Instead of putting the Spirit Stone back on I placed it in my backpack. I grew curious on where he got his pack- No, it's Crystal who grew curious on where I got my pack. I growled shaking my head in annoyance.

"Hmm, Chase? Would you like me to help you understand your aura better?"

I turned to Clawitzer excited for the prospect, "Like how I can control and use it?"

"Unfortunately not, controlling and using aura requires practice. However, I can provide a better understanding in how you can start on the right path. For now, try concealing your aura, or in other words, try reigning it in."

I felt my aura like a gigantic bubble sense Pokémon from all around me even from in town. My abilities had nearly tripled since I last used it in the arena. I tried my best to pull in the vastness of it's reach. Slowly it started to grow smaller and smaller until it was only focused on this room. I reopened my eyes trying to ignore Crystal's and Clawitzer's emotions.

"You're doing well all things considered, just keep at it and you'll be a pro in no time."

I smiled bowing slightly, "Thanks Clawitzer." He nodded turning his attention back to Crystal who still remained close to me. Thankfully I wasn't sensing her emotions as mine, so that was also progress.

"So as I was saying before, Crystal's abnormal aura you're sensing is a result of her weakened state. When a Pokémon is injured, sick, or tired, their aura may shift or dim in a lack of a better term depending on how severe. I'm sure for Crystal you're not only sensing her aura as weaker, but also different from her normal aura waves. That is a result of my aura effecting hers for an extended amount of time. Given time it will eventually be back to normal."

I nodded in understanding, yet noticed Crystal looking defensive against Clawitzer. It wasn't too obvious, but the slight shift in her figure and steel in her eyes were unmistakable to me. I spoke up on her behalf, "Thank you Clawitzer for helping Crystal, it means a lot to me."

He chuckled with a warm smile, "You're welcome Chase. Have a good day you two." With that he left the room.

I turned to Crystal frowning slightly, "You know it wouldn't kill you to be pleasant around others." Once Crystal's eyes landed on me she instantly relaxed.

"Sorry Chase, but you are the only Pokémon I know who I actually trust. Everyone here could be a hidden enemy if you aren't careful."

I sighed pinching the bridge of my nose, "That's true, but I'd think healing and taking care of you would have been enough for you to at least thank him."