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

Chapter 19: Test Three

The deepest of hate will never stop breaking the hearts formed by love.

"I copy you, Blissey. What's up?"

"General Chesnaught has just joined Mawile's group to accompany them in whatever mission they are undergoing. Any status on Neo Treasure?"

"The worst one: we lost Neo Treasure."

"So soon? So that was the other loss the Field Marshal hinted at?"

"Indeed. The source of its downfall were the Amartoloí, of course. Stronger variants have spawned from within the Guild, which was the worst possible scenario for myself, Zoroark, Magnezone, and everyone else who stuck around to develop a defense for the town. As soon as they "

"Where are you guys now?"

"We are still inside Sierra. Admiral Blastoise is working with us to formulate a strategy to delay their frequent spawns. Though, I'm guessing Mawile and her team had pieced together a way to do so."

"Like what?"

"Entering what are called Vortex Cells in order to destroy their Cores."

"Vortex Cells... why do they sound familiar..."

"You know of them?"

"There were unconfirmed rumors of their existence from the public, and scientists have not yet reached a concrete report on them... the problem with this is hyper-conservative extremists like the Human Killers are taking advantage of this situation to scare Pokémon into fighting those of human descent."

"That can't be good."

"If such attempts escalate far enough, we won't be able to solidify a united mission against the Amartoloí. Especially with rise of those Vortex Cells you mentioned."

"You can trust us in keeping that unity alive with all our power. Keep us informed with what's happening over at Delta and everywhere you go."

"Copy that. Take care."

Placing her pager back inside her pouch, Blissey lets out a deep sigh that flowed through the void of the Delta Base lobby. With the imminent dangers targeting Serperior, Chesnaught, Salamence, and all the troops invading her mind, the custodian gazes over the light entering from the entry hall with a tame but ever present worry. She places her right hand on her chest, symbolically sharing her faith with her heart.

The outside world, meanwhile, disperses such faith into atom-like quantities.

Trekking through a secretive path forged by the Delta Base soldiers, Chesnaught shares specific details of Serperior's mission to his teammates.

"Her briefing set the tone for all of us service Pokémon, but I'll fill you in with more stuff: we are tasked to find and protect refugees, no matter their origin, from the Amartoloí invasion. There are many bases stationed across the continent with the purpose of sheltering them from harm."

"Where are the politics? Where's the corruption? Why are you leaving them out?"

"I'm just about to tell you: we read through the rhetoric of separatist groups attempting to sabotage our common cause. All of us, troops and generals alike, are trained to decipher divisive rhetoric in order to help the public steer away from such controversial stuff."

"Ah yes, I know of this too well. We should handle happenings like those as side quests in our journey. We shouldn't ask for any rewards, though, since that'll paint the wrong picture."