Explorers of Origin: A Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Fanfiction, Volume 1

Chapter 8: Into Town

However deep a tunnel, a light will always be at the end.

A half an hour passes as the group discovers a small dose of sunset at the end of the path. Espeon's ears twitch eagerly upon witnessing the exit, anticipating the fresh sensation of the outdoors.

"Are your ears going wild?"

"Not really, Mawile. Maybe they're telling me about the exit up ahead. 'Seems like we were indeed on the right path towards our destination."

"That's a weird way of being sure about things."

"But it works, Pikachu, so I have no complaints. Heh."

Approaching the sunset's vividly orange rays, the trio finds a round trapdoor complete with a series of rusted and grimy locks. Pikachu questions their current utility, once again adopting the role of the critic.

"Shouldn't it be smart to keep those locks somewhat clean enough to function? Judging by the rust that's piling up, it gives the impression that no one can undo them."

"I've opened these locks several times already. The rust is left there on purpose so that any criminals who slipped inside would not know how to get out. Watch my paws; they'll fish out a tiny switch that, once you hear it click, the door will open up."

"Now that's a smart concept, Espeon, especially with sensitive information on the line. For us, as long as the Glaceon doesn't find out, we should be free to get outta here."

"Definitely. Now, kiddos, pay close attention to my paw motions."

Placing her right paw on the underside of the lock system, Espeon locates the small, hidden emergency switch that breaks the trapdoor's seal. The ensuing click caught Pikachu and Mawile by surprise, since there was no clear angle to watch where the paw moved.

"Wanna see where my paw found that switch?"

"The switch... is right behind the locks?"

"You have to feel for a small circle that is sleeker than the rest of the metal. In this case, the least rusty piece of the metal is the switch."

"How can your paw fit inside the tight space, first of all?"

"That's easy! All you need to do is move your hand ever so slightly in which it will slip into an opening. Once you do that, you look for that switch. It's not as complicated as it looks, trust me."

"Let me confirm that."

Pikachu inserts his hand into the small space where Espeon's paw entered, impressed about her accurate description of the switch after detecting the specified piece of metal.

"You weren't lying, after all."

"See? Cool tech, eh?"

"I agree, hundred percent."

"Anyhow, now that the trapdoor's opened, we can finally get out of the passage. The moment we go outside, you'll see a cluster of buildings. Açaí Town will be within our reach."

"Nice!"

Freeing themselves from the confinements of the hidden passage, the trio arrives at a small, but lush grassland, coated in a vibrant orange hue due to the incoming sunset. Breathing a deep sigh of relief, Mawile seals her eyes to take in the clean environment her team stepped into.