Chapter 8 - A hell of a time

Well here I am, rock bottom. Well sludgy, slimy bottom since I'm currently in a hole with slimy mud at the bottom of it. After Machoke decided that I could use some time alone to think about my actions since I refused to answer his interrogation questions, partly since I genuinely didn't know what some of the questions were, like am I a user or Aura. So he stuck me in this hole and told me I'd be spending the night here.

Apparently tomorrow will be more of what happened today but worse. Oh did I forget to mention the light torturing he did to me? Oh, well he did. I've now experienced waterboarding and what it's like to get slowly cut. I have no residual injuries, nor scares due to the Oran berry paste he used on me. I think he only used it to heal me due to me not losing too much blood. You can heal a cut but you can't just "poof" more blood. So in short, if today sucked then I'm really not looking forward to tomorrow.

I looked around at the small amount of space I have at the moment. The hole I'm in is only slightly larger than myself and way too tall to climb out. Looking up there is a grate with a very large padded lock, preventing me from using my vines to simply pull myself out. I did try to, but I'm way too exhausted from today to even think about busting out, although I really would love to.

Bored again I examined this slimy stuff I'm currently soaking in, it's gross and not pleasant to touch at all. It's basically just slimy mud that hasn't been cleaned for who knows how long. So I've got the mentality of knowing that I could be sitting in others'…yeah best not to think about that possibility.

Luckily for me they dumped me down this hole instead of hoisting me down and even more lucky me, my face broke my fall. So yep got a nice mouth full of gunk. Tastes like crap if you wanted to know.

While sitting alone in the dark, cold, wet gunk, I tried to think about various topics, trying to keep my sanity together. But the longer I sit here the more bored I get. My mind would constantly start with something random like my bike I used to own in my old world to the same question, "How did I get into this shit hole of a mess?" And everytime I drifted to that thought, it was getting involved with others.

Hours passed and what remained of the blue sky is now one of darkness. There aren't any stars tonight, guess there must be a lot of clouds about. I wonder if Thundurus could bust me out of here.

As I stare up into the heavens, thinking about various supper beings busting me out, a single water droplet hits me right on my forehead. It rolls down my face, past my left eye before another joins it, hitting my right check this time.

"Oh come on. This is too cruel," I say to any higher being.

The slowly accumulating water droplets quicken their pace as they fall from the sky, until it is a continuous, heavy rain. I stare at the sky, a heavy feeling builds in my mind as the phrase "it's not fair" plays over and over in my mind.

I didn't even care about how the water was draining away. It wasn't rising so at least I'm not in danger.

A shiver started to build up as it continued to get more and more cold. A sneeze escapes my mouth as I stare at the puddle of sludge at my feet.

"I'm cold." I say to myself as I start to silently cry. My tears are mixed in with the droplets of rain as I try to huddle myself in any way to keep myself warm. I try to find any sort of sleep so I can escape reality, but I can tell already, it's not going to be easy. The ringing noise has started again.

"What did I do to deserve this?" I keep mumbling to myself as I try to find sleep.

???

I look around, I'm in complete darkness. It feels like being in water but without the sensation of being wet nor the feeling of temperature. Did I drown?

I try to find any resemblance of anything, but there is nothing. Just darkness.

The more I tried to discover what's happening the more I felt tired. My consciousness begins to falter as do my thoughts.

"Hmm not yet. Soon though," a mysterious voice said. "We will meet soon, just have patience. Hehe. Oh what fun we will have."

I tried to identify the voice, but I'm too tired to. Maybe I'll remember when I wake up. Oh I'm sleeping…

And thus nothingness again.

After a short, well what feels like a short time, I awake. I'm still in that hole and it's still dark, as well as raining. This is going to be a long, loooong night.

I stare at the floor below me since I've got nothing better to look at. I'm chained as I was yesterday to a gross, old, wooden chair, in an interrogation looking room. Fresh red liquids are now staining the floor.

"Come, come now. If you would just answer my questions honestly this could be all over." Machoke said.

I raised an eyebrow to him, dude's got a horrible poker face since his face is a full bloomed smile. It's a clear tell that even if I did tell, he would continue as long as possible.

"Just tell me what I want to know. Hey, I might even reward you for doing so."

With my continued raised eyebrow I open my mouth as I stare into Machoke's eyes. "And as i said before, you can go and fu-Smack"

"Tsk tsk, language." he said after delivering a smarting slap to my cheek. To be honest I didn't even feel the pain with the earlier things he has done to me. My body wasn't meant to be peeled like an orange, let's just say.

My mouth filled with an iron taste again. I'm starting to lose my grip on what's going on.

"It's pointless to lie to me. I already know you are a user of Aura as my colleague has the sense. So stop this pointless game and tell me why you are able to use it."

Staring back at the floor I begin to mumble, making sure not to open my mouth too much. Machoke, not being able to understand me, walks closer and closer until he is right in front of me. He crouches down meeting my eye level with his ear turned towards me. I raised my head up, gathered all the contents in my mouth and sprayed Machoke, his face didn't even flinch with his face full of red droplets.

Machoke, without changing his neutral expression at all, gets up, grabs a wet rag he used on me earlier and wipes his face clean. With his back towards me, he reaches for a new "toy" he called them. He raises it up over his shoulder, giving me a good view at what he is holding.

"Fine then, let's do this the hard way." Machoke said while spinning the handle of the device. If I was to describe it, it would be an old fashioned crank drill. The way Machoke's smiled will forever haunt my dream. I'm now convinced, he is the devil reincarnated and this is my own personal hell.

FEAR

Is all I feel when he slowly walks over to me with his "Toy" in hand.

A screaming, intense buzzing noise is all I can hear. I feel like laughing for some reason, I think I'm losing my mind. If this is what insanity is then I can say it feels like a laugh building up, a laugh that if you let loose you wouldn't be able to stop.

Oran berries, I have no idea how they can heal so much with little to no resources. I haven't eaten since yesterday, I've got no sleep nor energy stored in my plant and I'm very low on blood at the moment. So I have no clue how they do it.

I almost gave in to Machoke, I wanted to spill my beans and tell him everything I knew about everything so that maybe he would stop. But I could tell that if I did, I would essentially die on the inside. Selling my soul to the devil, if you will.

If I was to pin the only reason I haven't broken is because of the memories of my only friend Chriss and my grandpa. I refused to focus on other things, no matter how much they hurt or demanded my attention. "Think of a better time, think of happy memories. They are all we have to fight the dark times after all." My grandpa used to tell me when I was having a really bad day.

"Even after that you still remain strong? You are really testing my patience now." Machoke clearly frustrated said.

SMASH the door smashes into the wall as a joyous looking Zoroark skipped into the room.

"Haa, I remember when the Mistress used to play with me in here, So Machi, have you found out what we need yet?" She asked with a shit eating grin.

"Unfortunately he refuses to bend and give me the information I desire. But I can tell I'm close, so if you would please let me resume, I'll have the information by this afternoon."

"Hmm, nope, no can do Machi. I am here to tell you to let him go, I felt his aura earlier and reported it directly to the Mistress. So I'm here to tell you to release him. So come on with the releasing already." She gave a nonchalant gesture with her fingernails.

"Hmph yes of course number 2." I could practically hear his teeth grating as he said that.

As Machoke was releasing me he whispered into my ear. "Guess I won't show you my best toys today, be grateful to The Warden."

FEAR FEAR FEAR

"Yep, that's Aura alright." Zoroark spoke up. I didn't pay too much attention to the conversation after though. My mind basically noped, trying its best to escape all sorts of reality.

I don't remember the walk back to the housing area. It was all just a blur. Only when I entered inside did I exit auto pilot mode. When I looked around I kinda expected the others to barrage me with questions as they usually do, but they kept their distance. Their faces were ones that could only be described as pity. They did speak up but I didn't acknowledge them at all. As I started to go upstairs, I realized I'm still covered in various colours from the day's activities.

I got washed up, with what little cleaning things this shit hole has to offer, went up stairs and straight to my bed.

I didn't sleep, I didn't even try to. I just stared at the wall while sitting on my bed. I don't know how long I stared for, but not a single thought filled my mind. I'm afraid if I think at all, I'll remember what Machoke did to me, so I just blanked.

Something snapped me out of my coma like state however. It was only then did I realize that it has become dark now.

"A-Ace, um, dinner is ready downstairs." Vulpix said from the door.

"Oh thanks, um I'll be down in a second." I replied, I'm slightly caught off guard by how much of a zombie I sounded.

Vulpix nodded, closing the door quietly behind herself and left.

'Argh come on, snap out of it.' I think to myself. 'I can shake this off, I'm tough. What's a little traumatic stress haha. Haaaa.'

With my mind still not altogether I left my room shortly after Vulpix. I make my way down the stairs.

"My word lad, I didn't think I'd see you here tonight. Are you sure you should be here and not resting in your room? I was going to sneak you some food." Granbull who was next to the door to the dining area whispered that last part

"Hmm I'm fine, I'm…fine." I zombily replied as I walked inside the dining area.

I spotted my usual group and sat myself down next to them after I got my food. I didn't even realize what I had grabbed yet. After sitting down, no one spoke up. I just stared at my food.

"Um, are you ok?" Pachirisu finally said, breaking the silence.

"Hmm what? Oh yeah, never better. It's going to take a lot more than what he did to break me." I replied.

"What did he do to you?" Scorbunny asked. Everyone made a "shh." and "why would you ask so soon?"

I continued to stare at my food, finding myself reliving the events of earlier today. I could still feel how he drilled into me, how he peeled me like a fruit.

"...Ace…Ace can you hear me? Are you sure you're ok?" Pachirisu asked, snapping me out of my daze.

"Huh? What were we talking about? Oh um excuse me, I'm going to my room now." I said.

"Shouldn't you eat something before you go?" Vulpix spoke up.

I turned around, noticing how I hadn't touched my food, I wasn't hungry though. "Oh um you have it or something." And with that I left.

I didn't sleep that night, not a single wink.

The next day I was able to eat 2 bite of an apple before feeling like I was going to throw up as the memory of eating that sludge by mistake replayed in my mind. So I just left to go to work. Small miracles though, today work was cancelled due to an important event happening today.

So with nothing better to do I headed to my favourite sun soaking spot. I just sat there basking and snacking on sunlight. If only I could survive only in the sunlight. While sure I can do photosynthesis, I still need to eat every now and there. I could go maybe 2 days without needing to eat, but I'd feel lethargic all the same.

I tried to sleep, I really did, but nothing, so I just enjoyed the rare bit of quietness I was blessed with. As I lay there, I kept thinking back to yesterday. It all but polluted my mind. So like a sane and healthy person, I just shoved these poisonous thoughts to the back of my mind. I'm sure it's not healthy but who would I go confront these issues with? I don't trust anyone here. Well there is Vulpix but…I'm not ready to trust again. So I'm just going to sit here, trying to pass the time while gathering energy. I'm going to need as much as I can gather for this coming week of work.

After an hour or 2 of just staring into nothingness, something did catch my attention. It was a new wagon entering the compound. They did mention something major happening today, but I didn't think it would be new arrivals. Unlucky sods. A handful of Pokémon exited the wagon, no matter how hard I squinted I couldn't make out who was there, so I just gave up, going back to trying not to relive yesterday.

After my thoughts were broken by the living alarm clock I focused back on the group who were now gathered at the stage. They had their welcome speech about joining the family, only without Corviknight here this time. Like last time, Granbull led the small group of…5 Pokémon, I reckon, to the housing area. With not a single care to give about the new Pokémon, I went back to what I was doing. I really wished I could sleep, I'm tired.

After a couple of hours or so I'd say, I was awoken from another trance-like state I keep finding myself in. I didn't recognise the voice though.

"Hmm you look like you have quite the story." The new voice said, who was standing near me.

I looked up to spot the figure standing over me. It was a green ,snake-like creature with small legs and arms. The 2nd evolution of Snivy if I'm not mistaken, I don't remember its name though.

"Hiya there, I'm Servine. I'm new here! What's your name?" She said with a voice full of glee.

I didn't reply, I just glared at her, hoping she would get the message that I'm not in the mood or something.

"Hmm, not the talkative type? What's the matter? Mewoth got your tongue? Hehe." She chuckles to herself with a cheeky smile. On a good day this could be seen as cute or endearing. But this isn't a good day, I just see it as annoying as hell.

I just stared at her, I wanted to retort, tell her to go away, or something in between but with zero whole cares to give at the moment i just hopped up from my spot and left to find myself a Servine free spot.

Finding my 2nd favourite sitting spot in the sunlight, I got myself comfy again, only…

"Ha, fancy seeing you here! So last time we spoke I didn't quite get your name." She spoke with a bubble in her voice.

I just dead panned, why couldn't she get the memo that I'm not in the mood for talking. Why can't she just go annoy someone else? I can think of one bubble bunny that would get along well with this sort of energy. So I just left again with a huff.

"Good chat, we'll pick it up later!" I heard her say as I was walking away.

I glimpsed back, only for a split second but something caught my eye. It was her shadow, I swear it moved differently then it should have. Like it wasn't hers, like someone was moving it…Eh who knows I haven't slept in 2 days so I could just be delirious and imagining it at this point. If I spy a dragon, I know not to chase it. One simply does not catch the dragon. Oh wait there are dragon Pokémon hmmm.

I was able to sleep that night. Well only for about 2 hours give or take. Had a hell of a nightmare, the worst one yet. I don't even want to think about it, it was that twisted. The mind is a dangerous and creative tool.

So I just lied in bed, avoiding sleep. Well not that I would be able to get back to sleep anyway.

"Hmm Ace? Did you not sleep last night?" A hushed Vulpix spoke to me.

"Hah, who needs sleep. I'd rather not have those dreams again, besides sleep is so…overrated. Did you know you sleep about one-third of our lives asleep? What madness is that?" I replied.

"Ace, do you want to talk about what happened?"

"No, not really."

"Ace it's healthy to-"

"ATTENTION! IT IS TIME TO WAKE UP!" Our alarm clock interrupted.

"Oh I'd love to stay and talk but alas, work calls and I shall answer her call. See you later, Vulpix." I hopped up from my bed after saying this, scooted past Vulpix and the Scorbunny who was asleep face 1st on the floor with the rest of him on his bed. He's like a cartoon character, I swear.

I didn't bother with breakfast. I've been really struggling to keep my food down as of recently. Oh well, as long as I get my daily vitamin C I should be fine.

Have you ever gone to work extremely hungover and told that they really needed you to stay back an extra 2 hours? Well that was how I felt all day today. Hell, even spent the whole break I spent the whole time trying to fend off this dizzy, nauseating feeling I've had all day.

With work done I made my way to my sun soaking spot, I needed sun and I needed it badly. Work was spent all day inside so you bet I'm starving at the moment.

"Um hey Ace?" A small voice spoke up from behind me. I wasn't in the mood but I still forced a smile of sorts on my face. I liked Vulpix and I didn't want to make her feel bad.

"What's up, Vulpix?" I asked.

"I didn't notice you in the dining hall for breakfast this morning, plus I didn't see you grab any food. Are you eating? You need to eat to keep your strength up." Vulpix stated.

"Nah I didn't go to the dining hall this morning. Did you know that I can do photosynthesis? I don't need to eat food, sunlight for life." I replied.

"I've heard about this from Servine. She says that even though you don't need as much food, you still need to eat."

"Yeah well she can go shove it." I just wanted this conversation to end.

"Ace please, can we talk?" she pleaded.

"Talk? What's to talk about?"

"About what happened in the correction zone. I can tell that it's bothering you..i just want to…" She continued to talk but I found myself zoning out, reliving some of the more painful moments. I get why grass types tend to avoid fire, If you think It hurts as a human well, It hurts twice as much as a grass type.

"..Ace? Ace!? What's wrong, why aren't you talking?" the small voice snapping me out of my trance-like state.

"Hmm huh what? Oh when did I get here?" I replied. looking around i don't recall getting to the entrance of the mine.

"You aren't right at the moment Ace, please let's talk about it. I'm worried about you." she pleaded with heart felt eyes that seemed to be trying to convey her emotions at the moment.

"I have no idea what you are talking about firefox, Im as healthy as ever HAHA. Well I'm off, going to need all the sun I can get with you know who on my back. Hahaha." I faked a laugh as I walked away.

"Ace? Please…." She continued in a defeated tone, but I kept walking. I need sun.

2 days passed and I'm not feeling good, not one bit good. I always feel like I'm going to be sick, I'm always hungry. If I didn't have my sun eating powers, I reckon I would've died by now. Plus I'm tired, so, so very tired. I've slept maybe 10 hours over the past 4 days. I passed out at work today, only to get jabbed very harshly by an irate Zangoose.

"Hiya again grouchy." Servine said, disrupting my sun backing once again. She's been coming over to me every single day. I'm not going to lie, I'm getting pretty annoyed about it.

"So the others tell me your name is Ace and Bulbasaur? What's that about? Does your species have 2 names or is Ace a unique name? We have someone like that at the gui-GHACK."

I finally opened my eyes, she's rubbing her backside, like someone kicked it or something. Why do I always get stuck with the weirdos?

"Ah yes the annoying, invasive newbie. Look, since you can't tell by now, when I'm ignoring you, it means I don't want to talk to you. Got it good, now tah tah, I've got things to do and you aren't a part of it." I basically growled at her at this point.

I don't talk like this to Pachirisu or Scorbunny since they are my 'friends' but man do I want to sometimes. Both are dense to the fact that I'm not in the mood for shenanigans. I haven't been in the mood for anything as of recently.

"Nah I'm good here.'' She said while sitting down next to me, not close enough to invade my space, but close enough so I know she's there. "You know, the others seem worried about you. I don't think it would be a bad idea to talk with them about what's bothering you."

"Nothing is bothering me." I shot back

"Hmph you ain't fooling no one, I recognize those eyes."

"Oh and I'm sure you can tell just by looking at me, what I'm going through can't you? Well you have no idea." I Snapped at her, I got up to a standing position as I continued on. "You have no clue what I've been through in this shitty place. I bet you want me to open up, get it all out on the plate, have a field day of bonding and friendship, but I don't even know you. For all I know you're just some spy sent from Machoke. You are a weirdo and suspiciously invasive. So if you don't mind, LEAVE ME ALONE!" I shouted while storming off.

"You have trust issues don't you. Not everyone is out to get you, you know? I know what it's like to distrust everyone and everything."

I didn't reward that with a response, I just kept walking.

As the days continued I've found my patience to be empty. I'm starting to snap at every little thing going wrong. Hell I nearly bit Scorbunn'y head off for asking me too many stupid questions. Everyday is getting harder and nothing is changing. I try to use my old guideline set by my grandpa but they aren't helping. I could try opening up to my friends but I doubt that would actually help anything. If I could only get a full night's sleep I would be ok.

Lie.

Vulpix has been trying to console me but I keep telling her that I'm fine. She says that I'm sick and that Servine recognises what I'm going through as a form of PTSD but what does she know? I'm as healthy as I have ever been.

LIAR.

Dizzy and tired, with a splash of dizziness. Oh I said that already, well it's not a good combination either way. Anyway as I was walking back from work today, I found that I was unusually stumbling over myself. Strange, this hasn't happened to me before. Strange since today wasn't as bad as yesterday but that isn't saying much.

"Man you look like crap. Here let me help you to your bed." Servine offered. She's been weirdly attentive like this, like she HAD to help me for some reason. She seems kind but I couldn't trust her. She's too suspicious, I can tell she's hiding something. I could make guesses but I can't think at all. Brains aren't firing at all, I'm in complete auto pilot mode.

"No, I don't need your help. I don't need anyone's help." I said with my head swaying. I tripped over myself, pathetically I might add.

"Ace please, let us help you." Asked Vulpix from my side.

My mind was at war with itself. I know I could use the help, but I don't trust anyone here. Well I guess I do slightly trust one Pokémon. I stared into Vulpix's eyes, looking for any form of maliciousness or trickery. Geez, when have I become this paranoid?

"Yeah I know you like being the tough guy and all, but we are worried about you Ace" Pachirisu said from my left.

"Please Ace, we are friends after all. Let us help you. That is what friends are for after all." Scorbunny said with tears in his eyes. A little over dramatic I thought to myself.

I looked around to my crowd of teary eyes, staring back at me. Finally I landed at Vulpix, recalling our event with Nidoran.

I sighed, "Fine. But I'll only accept help from Vulpix."

"Fine by me chief." Servine said.

Pachirisu was about to speak up but Scorbunny put his hand on her shoulder while shaking his head.

There were more words spoken, something about 'bed' and 'talk' but I was too dizzy and tired to care about the context. With Vulpix's help I got back up and leaned against her. She supported my stubby frame with hers as we slowly made our way back to the housing area.

As we got to the housing area, I made a mad dash to the side of it with an insane urge to throw up. Vulpix gasped, rushing to my side but didn't say anything since I was too busy losing what little of lunch I was able to eat. All the food I ate nowadays tasted like that slimy mud I had in my mouth when I was trapped in that hole. And when I thought about that hole, I remembered what Machoke did.

After ejecting what little contents that were in my stomach we entered the housing area and made our way back to our room. Once we got in Vulpix left quickly, she said something but I didn't pay attention to it.

She returned shortly with a bottle of water. Guess that's what she was talking about.

"Thank you for the help Vulpix. I got it from here." I said after finishing my drink. I stumble forward, knocking into our useless foot trunks. I still don't know why I even had those. I swear they are only here so we can stub our toes in the dark.

"...Ace, can we please talk." Vulpix said quietly near me.

"Hmm uh huh wa? What's to talk about?" I replied still a bit dazed with the thoughts of sleeping. If I can get at least 2 hours…

"Your mental health Ace! You are sick. Very sick and you aren't getting any better."

"What, no, I'm perfectly fi-"

"No you aren't!" She interrupted. "You don't eat much anymore, you barely sleep if at all and I can see through your fake smiles when you talk with me! I just want to help you Ace, why won't you let me help you?"

"Haaaa, I'm fine… perfectly…perfectly fine. Do-don't worry about me Vulpix, I'm not worth you-" Before I could finish that sentence I'm attacked by a warm fluffy hug.

"Wha? What are you doing?" I asked.

"Hugging you." She replied making sure I can't escape from her hug as she tightened it.

"I don't need a hug, I'm…I'm fine can't you see haha. I have to be…" My voice slightly waved.

"You don't need to be strong in front of me."

"W-who's 'being' strong? I'm just built differently…"

"You are tired aren't you?" I choked up on this one.

"What, no..no I-I'm not tired, I can keep going forever." I tried to back away but she refused to let me go.

"You are in pain, aren't you?"

…N-no I'm..I'm good…I-I'm.." Something was building in my mind. It wanted to get let out.

"It's been tough, hasn't it?"

The world around me went quiet in an instant and I could feel what could only be described as a dam break open.

"It has been tough. Fuck no, its been fucking horrible. It hurt Vulpix, oh god it hurt so fucking bad, that I though my mind was going to break!" I returned the hug from the warm pile of comfort still attached to me. "The things he did to me, Vulpix. Those are things I wouldn't even wish on my worst enemy! And he did them all the same with a smile and laugh. He laughed and took pleasure from my pain! I don't know what I did to anger that sadistic fuck, but I fucking wished I didn't. And you know what's the worst part? I don't even know why I was sent to this god forsaken world! I was taken from my old shitty world, only to be sent to an even worse one! Instead of a new life full of excitement and adventure it has instead been one full of fucking betrayal! I've been attacked on my 1st day in this world, betrayed by a Kangaskhan on the 2nd and worst of all, when I went to back to save Sneasel from getting captured again after we escaped our captors SHE THREW ME BACK INTO THEM TO SAVE HER OWN SKIN! It's not fair, this world isn't fair!"

I was screaming at the end, just ranting about all the crap I've been through while being stuck in this world. It felt good, it felt so, so good. Like removing a searing hot iron of fog from my mind. After that I just cried while hugging Vulpix. She felt so warm and cosy.

After a good while, I found myself waking up. I must have passed out at some point. I did notice that my head is resting on something comfortable, much more than my pillow could ever be. I raised my head, feeling like I've been run over by a bus but I feel good nonetheless. Like a burden has been lifted from my very soul.

While my brain started to turn back on I realized that I was sleeping on Vulpix side. She was wide awake, looking into my eyes. We both rose to a sitting position opposite to each other.

"How do you feel?" she asked.

"Feels like I've been run over, but in a good way. I feel…clear, if that makes sense, like someone removed a hot iron from my mind."

Vulpix perked up at that, a big grin resting on her face.

I just stared into her eyes before asking my next question: "There's just one thing I don't understand, Vulpix. Something I can't get my head around." She tilted her head to the side, staring at me with her kind eyes.

"What do you mean?"

"Why did you want to help me so much? You have been asking to talk for a while now."

She shook her head to the ground, her smirk turning into one of exasperation. "Boys…I swear." She looked up to meet my eyes. "It's because you saved me Ace, you are my hero."

This hit me like a bullet. I'm her hero? I haven't done anything to deserve that title though.

"But I haven't done anything heroic. Sure I beat up some punks but that's about it."

"You didn't just beat up some punks Ace, you gave me back my courage, shaky and fragile as it is. But nonetheless it's growing again, and it's all thanks to you Ace. You gave me back my courage, saving me from a lifetime of fear. You are a good Pokémon, even if you are a bit brash at times."

I looked down, tears beginning to fill my eyes again. "I'm not a good person though. I don't trust anyone and I truly believe that everyone is malicious against me, hell I don't even fully trust you and you were willing to fight Nidoran by yourself instead of selling me out." I didn't even care that i said person instead of Pokémon as I have been. She didn't seem to notice or care.

"Can I tell you a secret Ace? Remember when you said that I needed a reason to have courage, well…you are my reason to be courageous Ace. You are my courage."

"I'm your reason to be brave?" I replied, tears continued to fill up until then fell down my face.

"Yep, when I see you standing up to Machoke it fills me with so much courage that maybe one day I could be brave like you and stand up to bullies. So maybe, like myself, you need a source. A reason to trust others again, like how I needed a reason and source to be brave again."

"A source. A reason to trust others again." I whispered to myself.

"I don't know how long it will take Ace, but I truly do hope to one day earn your true trust."

I looked at her through my teary vision. She had a stance one could only describe as pure confidence on the matter. Like she knows that one day she will complete this task, it's just a matter of time.

My head gears churning with the idea of a trust source.

"What if you become my reason to trust others again?" I asked Vulpix.

She looked back in shock from the question, but just as quickly turned to a face of pure joy.

"Then I would take that mantle with glee." She said while fist pumping.

I began to laugh, like really laughing. Like Belly laughing. It felt so good to truly laugh again. At 1st Vulpix seemed confused but joined in on laughing. After a good while of this I wiped away all tears left on my face. I don't know why but I felt like things were going to start looking up.

"S-so um you said something about coming from another world earlier…is..is it okay to talk about it?" She asked while looking up at me with her head pointed down taping her paws together in a pleading matter. My heart felt like it was going to melt with how cute it was.

"Okay but i need you to promise, you won't tell anyone. Not even Scorbunny or Pachirisu. The less who know at the moment the less likely Machoke will find out."

"Okay! I promise not to tell anyone!" She saluted. It was extremely adorable. Is she trying to kill me with cuteness?

I think back on how I actually got here, It's been a while after all.

"Well it all started when…"

POV (INCINEROAR)

"Alright, our infiltrator has successfully entered their base. Let's go over the plan one more time," the guildmaster said from behind the planning table. We are currently at the planning room located in the guild. I always liked this room because if we are in this room, we are making plans to finally act.

"Before that, are we absolutely sure that Servine was the best choice? She isn't really known for being subtle and can be a bit brash at times." Ampharos said from the right side of the planning table. He is our guild's personal trainer. He makes sure all of our guildmates are well equipped with the skills needed to adventure on and is in charge of our ranking ups tests.

"I agree with Ampharos, Servine is going to stick out like a sore thumb, blowing the whole operation." Hawlucha said from next to Ampharos. He is in charge of our communications. If you need something sent, he's your guy. Never really did like his attitude on things. A bit too pessimistic.

"Give the lass some credit, why don't ye." Big Mama Bibarel said from the back of the room. She earnt 'Mama' when she got called mama from a new recruit once. She was basically the guild's mum though. I don't know where the 'Big' came from though…Okay I get it she has put on some weight but you didn't hear it from me alright?

The other Pokémon present at the meeting began to stir. Some say that this is a plan doomed to fail, while others say to have faith in our leader. I was just sitting at the other side of the wide circle table. My spot is special for some reason. Something about the top heroes, spot. I don't think I deserve it but the guildmaster, who is sitting directly opposite me, disagrees. I do like the extra comfy chair I got though.

I sat back in my comfy chair with a confident grin plastered on my face. I already knew the plan since I was the one who suggested Servine being the one we sent. It was of course voluntary work. I would never force a Pokémon to do something like this. I would've gone myself but I stick out like a sore thumb due to being popular. Oof humble brag much.

I looked back to where the guildmaster was. She had her eyes closed as she sat in her guildmaster chair. It's just a bigger, more comfy office chair. Her office chair though, now that's a chair worthy of a guildmaster. With her physic powers, she lifted the nearby gaveller in the air and with a powerful swing…she lightly tapped the table making a small tip tip tip noise. It was really anticlimactic, but everyone still heard it and stopped their arguments.

Our guildmaster, the one who basically brought this guild to the glory it currently is. She was given the role a couple of years back and look at it now, one of the most popular guilds around, with the sole purpose of making every Pokémon's lives better. The Pokémon I respect the highest of all, our guildmaster Gardevoir.

"Now I'm sure that some of you have concerns about our picking of Servine but I assure you, she can handle this job. Not only does she have excellent combat experience, she is as tough as they come, especially with her past…experiences. I have complete faith that she will complete the mission assigned to her with due diligence. Besides, she's only a distraction from the real infiltrator. Her goal is to help the real infiltrator inside and to provide aid to those she thinks is in need of it. Now I'm sure you are now asking who the infiltrator really is and I can't tell you that at this given time." She took a deep breath in. "As long as Servine can bring even a single smile to the Pokémon's face while they are stuck in that place, I'll call her other mission a success. With Incineroar's suggestion, I'm hoping her bubbly outgoing personality can help others stand strong in their trying times."

"Hmm true, especially with what I've heard about that place, they are going to need all the positivity they can get." said Ampharos.

"But still, couldn't we have gotten someone more discreet?" Hawlucha pressed on still.

"Hawlucha," I decided to speak up. "Are you aware of a certain Pokémon who goes by the name Machoke?"

He shook his head in response.

"I've had a conversation with the Sneasel who escaped a while back and if what she's said about him is true, then I pity those who anger him. She's had…well let's say not a very pleasant time there. We can save the Pokémon from that camp but if their minds are broken then we have already failed them. I want to do whatever I can to help, but I'm limited with what I can do. That's why I suggested Servine, she knows what it's like to go through some real troubling times. She's helped plenty of new Pokémon with their mental issues after all. And don't worry, I made sure she truly understands the dangers she's in and I will personally take any punishment if she is harmed."

"Indeed," Spoke Gardevoir. "Now then, moving on from this matter. We have received some vital intel from our infiltrator. The leader of that camp who goes by the title 'The Warden', a Corviknight, is about to personally escort a huge shipment of some kind of crystals in, leaving behind her number 2 in charge, Machoke. We will attack that night after they have left the camp that same morning. The signal to attack will be the front gate opening and our infiltrators unique signal that will be disclosed on that night. Once we move we will hold the gate open, capture all guards and rescue the poor Pokémon trapped there. The guards are as follows: Geodudes, Zubat and Golbats and Durants. Their commanding officers are a Zangoose, Tyrant, a Loudred and Machoke as mentioned from earlier. We are not to underestimate their might." Gardevoir announced.

"How many heroes are going?" Hawlucha asked.

"We will be sending in 4 heroes in total. 2 to track down that shipment and to capture it. Raichu and Incineroar himself will be the other 2 heroes who will be aiding in our operation.

"4 whole heroes for one mission?" "This must be serious." "I'm excited to see how this plays out." The crowd spoke to themselves. I wasn't able to make out who said what.

"Indeed this is the most amount of heroes sent for one mission the guild has seen as of yet. So I'm sure you all can understand the severity of this mission. We will save the innocents and stop the evil group. Leaders, relay this information to your designated teams and prepare to move out. Dismissed."

I watched from my comfy chair as everyone left the planning office. The number 1 hero was meant to leave last for some reason. Once cleared, I got up to leave.

"Please save them Incineroar." I heard the Guildmaster speak up.

I turn back to her, give her a wink and a thumbs up. "Don't worry, I'll save them. You have my word Gardevoir."

End Chapter 8