Chapter 19: The Worst News Possible

"I still don't know why you're upset. I think today went quite well," I said to Vulpix, who was sitting next to her mirror in our dorm room. She looked back at me, giving me the stink eye while I rested on my bed.

"You know why I am upset," Vulpix grumbled, returning her gaze to the mirror. "It's going to take ages to get my fur back to its neat state." Vulpix, using her teeth, grabbed her brush and started to brush her fur.

While I was chilling on my bed, I started to recall the day we had. In the morning, Doctor Lilligant had asked Vulpix and I to escort her to the Raving Rivers to collect some herbs that only grew there. Why us two in particular? Well, if I were to guess, it would be to observe my bulb. She said multiple times that it was a marvel of science and needed to be examined.

Ever since she discovered that it amplified my natural healing, she has been trying to find any and all sorts of excuses to examine me, but I always told her no. I honestly felt really creeped out by her insistence. She was really giving off evil scientist vibes. I swear, if I wake up and I'm no longer in my bed, but tied up, I'll be really mad.

So, while we escorted the Doc, we arrived at the Raving Rivers with no real issue, which only seemed to make Lilligant upset. Just as we were about to head back after Lilligant had collected her herbs, we were attacked by a wild Poochyena, making Lillgant light up. She told us to defend her while she watched. Well, she told me to attack, but Vulpix joined in on the fight anyway for we fight as a team.

The little pooch had wanted us to leave our goods in exchange for letting us go unharmed. Like, the sass of this fella! Guess it didn't understand how much I loved my loot, even though the bag holding all the loot was on its last legs.

Poochyena attacked first. It ran up to me, teeth bared as it went for a bite. I dodged away, but the tricky bugger was planning on this and instead, faked out its attack and hit Vulpix with a mud slap, covering her coat in mud. Had the poor thing known how Vulpix would've reacted, I doubt it would've used that attack.

Let's just say I can still smell the singed fur.

So, here we are back in our room. A quest was completed, a foe was defeated, and money was gained from our efforts, even though Lilligant was upset about not seeing me fight. So, all in all, today was a good day. Well, besides for Vulpix and her fur.

"Yeah, Poochyena got you good. You were in that bath for a while, so you must have gotten all that mud out of your fur by now," I said. Vulpix placed her brush down on the mirror's countertop.

"Well I have, but my fur still needs to get brushed, and I can't reach it all. Could- could you brush my fur for me, please?" Vulpix shyly asked.

"Yeah, sure. But you come here, because that's like all the way over there, and I'm like all the way over here."

"I would complain about you being lazy, but your bed is better than the chair." Vulpix grabbed her brush and walked over and sat down on my bed. I took the brush from Vulpix and began brushing her fur, earning a soft pur from her.

"Hey, look on the bright side: at least you get to have your fur brushed for you." Vulpix winced as the brush got caught in a huge cluster of knots. It was annoying to try and brush without hands. I see why Vulpix wants me to brush her all the time. It must be a living nightmare with only teeth!

A short time passed, and Vulpix had fallen asleep. She was making soft cooing noises that would make social media platforms explode from how cute she looked. She looked peaceful while she slept. I wonder what she is dreaming about? Maybe being a big shot hero. She loves talking about being one, and almost always insists about me being there with her while we saved the day from the big bad. It's a nice idea, but Vulpix would be the solo hero. I'm just not hero material, I just don't have it in myself to care about others the way she does.

I pondered about waking her up since we still had plenty of daylight left for another small quest. Those coins ain't going to gather themselves after all. I decided against it since Vulpix looked too precious to wake up, so I looked around the room until I spotted my nearly destroyed bag. It was held together by the will to live alone, and this was a hell of a trooper. I really should get a new bag, when Vulpix awakens that is.

BANG BANG BANG

The door? Who could that be?

"Huzz-ah-ha what? What's going on?" Vulpix mumbled.

"Some Pokémon is at the door, sleeping beauty."

"Oh. I was having such a nice dream, too." Vulpix got up and started to stretch while yawning. While she did that, I made my way over towards the door and opened it with my vines to reveal that the nap-ruiner was an attentive-looking Tyrogue.

The small Pokémon gave me a crisp salute before speaking. "Good afternoon. I have been asked to deliver a message to you from the guildmaster. She has requested both of your presences at your earliest convenience. Goodbye!" Tyrogue finished with another salute, then the military Pokémon marched off back down the hall.

"Um, bye then. Weirdo," I said. I doubt he heard me, but I didn't really care. I walked back inside the room, closing the door behind me.

"Who was that?" Vulpix, who was much more awake than before, asked.

"Tyrogue. He told me that the guildmaster has requested our presence. That Tyrogue is an interesting character, I tell you. Real military vibe."

"Wait," Vulpix got right up in front of my face, basically just shy from actually touching me. "The guildmaster wants to see us?"

"Uh, yeah. That is what I said. I wonder why, though."

Vulpix backed away from me and started to walk around in circles, murmuring to herself in thought.

"Why? Why would the guildmaster want to see us? Are we in trouble, and if so, why? Have we not completed enough quests? Are we not heroic enough? Oh! What if she wants to kick us from the guild? What if-"

"Vulpix!" I shouted at Vulpix, making her stop her jibber-jabber. "How about, instead of freaking out about potentially nothing, we go and see what she wants?"

"Oh, yeah! That sounds like a smart idea. Better not put off judgment and beg for forgiveness now!" Vulpix shouted as she ran out of the room.

"Hey, being melodramatic is my thing," I called out to her. Oh, that silly little teacher's pet. If we are in trouble, I really doubt it would be Vulpix's fault. It would most likely be mine. Well, sitting around ain't going to get me answers. We better go see what the principal wants, hope I don't get detention.

POV Gardevoir

Sitting at my desk, I threw off all the paperwork at my desk in a fit of frustration. No matter how much I do, they always seem to come back. A deep breath filled my lungs. "This is no way for a guildmaster to act." I used psychic to gather up all the bits of paperwork and neatly placed them back on my desk. I grabbed the topmost paper and started to work on it.

While I worked on it, I took mental notes on what needed to be done for my upcoming meeting with 'The Heart of Adventure.' This was going to be an interesting meeting, I'll say. One must always be diligent when dealing with complicated matters such as hatred and anger with users of Aura. If they get too worked up, then who knows what they might do. There is still so little known about them, besides for their ability to use moves they shouldn't have access too, that is.

Oh, how I wish I could just click my fingers together and just fix all of Ace's emotional baggage. Ace would prove to be a useful ally and hero, if he only just learned to forgive and trust again. Who knows where he would be if it wasn't for Vulpix…

Knock knock

Ah, the door. "Come in~" I sang out.

The door creaked open and in walked Ace and Vulpix. They were the complete opposite of appearance, with Ace being cool and calm, while Vulpix looked like she was going to freak out.

"Ah, Vulpix and Ace, nice to see you both. Come have a seat." I gestured towards my couches by my coffee table with a smile. Ace was the first to move, then was followed by Vulpix who had her tails hanging low. Oh no, it seems she has gotten the wrong idea for why I summoned them. I'll have to fix that, won't I? I slowly closed the door behind them so as not to slam it, with my psychic.

I spied my tea set that was off to the side. Giddiness filled my being as I loved to use that set as I got to talk with my precious guilders. The paper by my hands grabbed my attention for a second. Sorry paperwork, but I have more delicate and important matters to attend to.

Vulpix and Ace sat down together on one of my couches. Ace was looking around the office, curiosity filling his mind, while Vulpix was staring at the floor like a child about to be scolded.

"Nice office. It's got a real professional feeling mixed with a feeling of warmth. Like a psychiatrist's office," Ace said as he continued to look around my office. I smiled at his compliment. Well, I believe it was a compliment, anyway.

"Thank you. Besides for the psychiatrist thing, I was going for a warm feeling. So, would you both like some tea and small cakes?" I offered.

"Tea and cakes? Sure, that sounds awesome! I haven't had cakes in quite sometime now." He looked towards Vulpix for her answer, but a devilish grin formed instead. "Vulpix, would you like some tea from the nice lady? Don't worry, she won't bite, probably." Vulpix turned to him with a scowl before returning to look at the ground nervously.

"Y-yes, p-please. I-I would love some t-tea," Vulpix said while struggling to meet my eyes.

Using the same powers as I did with the door, I expertly brought over my tea set with a small cake tray. I placed them down on the table, and using my hands this time, I started to pour our teas. Tea always tastes better when you pour it yourself.

"Ah! Y-you don't have to pour for us," Vulpix said.

"Oh, but I find it a complete joy to be pouring tea for guests. So please, Vulpix, be at ease. You two aren't in any trouble, after all," I replied.

"We aren't?"

"No, of course not, silly. In fact, your team has completed so many quests so quickly, it kind of reminds me of when I used to take on quests as a young Ralts."

I finished pouring our teas and handed them out. They were bigger and designed with a quadruped's paws in mind. The cups were pristine white with a lovely baby blue flower pattern at the bottom reaching up. I always loved these cups.

Vulpix took a sip from her drink, and gasped. I thought it was from her burning her mouth, but it seems it was for the taste as she is now lapping up the tea with glee. I questioned to myself if Vulpixs could burn themselves from tea. Her form, once tense, was starting to relax. Ace, in the meantime, hasn't touched his drink. He was instead focusing on something else: the cakes.

I let out a small giggle. "Please, don't hold back; help yourself," I offered Ace. I was about to grab some plates of cakes and pass them out, but Ace quickly beat me to it.

"And the beast has been unleashed," he quipped. Ace reached out with his vines to grab some cakes. The small cakes were resting on small plates with the same pattern as the cups. He handed a vanilla cake with pink and green frosting to Vulpix, who was still gleefully sipping her tea as he grabbed one for himself.

"Oh, thank you," Vulpix thanked. She took a small bite of the cake and let out the most adorable 'coo,' with the widest of smiles from the taste. Ace, on the other hand, had already eaten the piece he grabbed for himself and was already on his second piece.

"I'm glad you like them! I made them myself," I said. Vulpix and Ace both looked at me with wide eyes.

"Marry me," Ace said, earning him a punch from Vulpix with one of her paws. "Ouch. Hey, I was only kidding." Vulpix continued to pout while Ace looked over at her, confused. Ah, youth. What a magical time. I genuinely laughed from a mix of their antics and some of my precious memories of my own youth.

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline your proposal. I believe another may be eyeing that particular position," I playfully winked at Vulpix, who shied away embarrassed.

"What? Who?"

"I'm afraid that's a woman's secret."

I let them both finish eating their cakes and drinking their tea. I returned the dirty dishes to the place where I got them for myself to clean later. I know I have a whole guild who would do it for me, but I think it's good to do the little things yourself.

"So," I spoke up as Ace was lying back on his stomach with a larger belly, while Vulpix was now looking around the room, much more relaxed than before. "I'm sure you both are curious as to why I summoned you both here today."

"So it wasn't for this delicious cake? You coulda had me fooled, it really was good," Ace replied.

"Sorry, but it wasn't for cake, but I am glad you liked it! No, today I'm here to discuss a quest for you both,"

"Oh-ho, nice food, a quest completed earlier today, and a quest given to us by the big boss herself? This is turning out to be a good day," Ace joked.

"Hmm, hold that thought." Ace's smile dropped as he started to look at me seriously with a lack of hostility. "You see, I'm well aware of your background with Sneasel, and this quest has some… complications regarding that issue."

I pulled out a quest notice from my desk using my psychic and placed it on the coffee table. Ace picked it up with his vines and passed it onto Vulpix. I see, he still can't read. Vulpix took her time to read over the quest.

"Hmm, alright, I can see what you mean, guildmaster," Vulpix said after finishing reading the quest.

"What? What does it say?" Ace asked.

"It's a quest that asks for a particular team to assist them in their need. It doesn't happen often, but sometimes a Pokémon might only trust one team to complete a quest, and so they ask for that team in particular, you see."

"Yeah, that makes sense. Wait, is this about Doc Lilligant? Does she want to examine me again?"

"What? No. Hmm, I might have to have a discussion with her regarding that sort of issue again. Once she sees something that interests her, she can be very determined to fill her curiosity." I cleared my throat. "No, this quest has your team, Vulpix and yourself - as well as another- Scorbunny- to make your way towards the town of ZapRock to assist the locals. The mayor has asked for you three in particular," I concluded.

"Wait, so the issue is myself traveling with Scorbunny? That's all? Sure, he can be a handful, but I consider him a friend," Ace said.

"Ace, with Scorbunny comes Sneasel. And, uh, I think we both know how you feel about her," Vulpix finished.

"Ohhh. Well, no matter." Vulpix and I were stunned by his reaction. I even used my empath abilities to read his emotions: 'calm.' "Yeah, that rat can sit this one out while we do this quest."

Hearing a guild member call another a 'rat,' made my eyebrows furrow. I didn't expect him to be this hostile.

"Ace, while I can understand your hostility from what I have heard, I won't have you insulting other guild members like this. She is an equal and valuable member of this guild, like yourself. So please keep those type of comments to yourself," I remarked sternly. While I try to come off as kind, I detest when my pupils insult each other when both are trying to do good in this world. "This quest has specifically asked for all three of you, so if Scorbunny goes, then Sneasel has the right to accompany as she is Scorbunny's partner." Using empathy again, Ace was no longer calm, but was indeed furious.

"What?! That is completely ridiculous! You can't expect me to travel with her! She will throw me under the grinder the first chance she gets!" Ace said while throwing his head to the side. "I won't go." Vulpix was about to say something, but I raised my hands up to her.

"Ace, considering this is your reaction, you are hereby forced to go along on this quest. If you refuse or lash out at Sneasel, then punishment will befall both yourself and Vulpix since she is on your team. I cannot and will not allow such hostilities in this guild. Not again, not after last time. I'm not asking you to become friends with Sneasel, but I am asking you to try to work this out with her. I'm sorry, but my word is final."

"So,'' Ace said in between long breaths. His rage was starting to boil over, so I stopped reading his emotions as it was getting nauseating. "I have to travel with Sneasel, a Pokémon who has literally thrown me to kidnappers, towards the town of ZapRock, and if I lash out or refuse, not only myself, but Vulpix will get punished?" he asked while standing up now. Anger was very clear in his eyes.

"Yes. Hatred at this level is a poison and must be dealt with. The sooner, the better. So, I'm sorry, but I will have you travel with Sneasel to work out your differences. You will not harm her, and you will work with her."

Ace stood still, the pure anger in his eyes seemed as if they were trying to burn through my own. I have only seen one pair of equally hostile eyes before, and I will not have Ace follow his same path. Using empath was a terrible mistake, as it felt like pure heat singeing into my mind, making me wince in pain. His hatred was that intense. The heat of his hatred continued to boil until it reached a breaking point.

ANGER, HATRED, HOSTILITY

Those three feelings erupted from Ace with such intensity that I almost fell over from the standing position I didn't realize I was in. I continued to monitor Ace's reaction in case I needed to act.

"Are you kidding me?! Are you stupid or what? Why do I have to-!"

"Ace? Please calm down, it's okay, take deep breaths with me," Vulpix said, surprisingly void of any fear. Ace's head snapped towards Vulpix, an expression of pure fury residing in every part of his face. Ace stared glaringly into Vulpix's stoic gaze, but did not move or do anything. This was surprising, to say the least. Vulpix moved closer to Ace and sat again in front of him, and started to take in a deep breath. Ace's eyes softened ever so slightly, then he started to copy her.

I was honestly impressed with how easily Vulpix seemed to be managing things. Usually, when a user of aura has an aura overload, they tend to become irrational. I let go of the hypnosis that I had readied to forcibly calm Ace down with.

Like some Pokémon had placed a heat cap over his raging fire, Ace started to calm down with each breath he followed along with from Vulpix. Ace pulled back from Vulpix, and looked onto the floor.

"This isn't fair," Ace said. He then jumped down from the couch, and started to make his way towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Vulpix called out.

"I need some time to myself. I accept the quest and all that, guildmaster. Vulpix, you get the details and what not." Ace opened the door and left, almost slamming the door behind him not caring about a response.

"Ace, wait!" Vulpix called out. She started to go after him, when I grabbed Vulpix in my psychic grasp, making her hover in the air as she thrashed around. She quickly stopped when she realized what had happened to her.

"I think some alone time would be good for him. Besides, I think I need to discuss a serious matter concerning Ace's emotions. A user of Aura who has not mastered his emotions can become an enemy to himself, let alone his allies," I said, placing Vulpix back down on the couch.

"But what if Ace needs me- wait, you know about this aura stuff? The thing that Machoke did terrible things to him about?" Vulpix asked.

"Yes. We have much to discuss."

POV Ace

"Is she for real?! Not only is she forcing me to go along with that rat of a Pokémon, but if I make any mistakes and lash out against Sneasel, Gardevoir will punish Vulpix too! This is completely unfair! I knew it! I knew she was not to be trusted. They are all rats, all of them! They are all trying to make my life miserable!" The anger that I was able to keep in control was now in full swing.

Holding a large stick that I had found with my vines, I gave the tree I had been smashing for a while now another good thwack, adding to the chips that were building up. Sweat beads rolled down my head.

When I self-dismissed from the Guildmaster's office, the first thing I did was exit the guild and left for the forest. I had wanted to be alone and far away from prying eyes and ears. A large, sturdy-looking stick was found, and a secluded-looking area was discovered. So here I am, bashing in a poor, helpless tree to vent my anger. Hey, better than the face of a random Pokémon. Although, I bet that would feel better.

I started to feel myself becoming tired, which was strange since I had been going at it pretty hard on this tree for the entire afternoon. If I had been using my old hands, then they would've been completely blistered I reckon. Score one for vines, although they were starting to get torn up and my bulb was starting to get soar.

Looking up, I spied why my energy levels were vanishing: the sunlight that was fuelling my raging attacks, was all but gone.

Geez, how long was I out here? I looked at the tree that was chipped, with bits of bark missing. I looked at my large stick one more time before putting the remaining bits of my frustration and energy into one last hit, making the stick explode from the impact.

A loud whistling noise came from behind me, making me turn towards it with my vines arched in battle position.

"What's a girl gotta do to earn that sorta look?" a feminine voice asked. Across from me, in between two trees, floated a purple being. She had three red gems implanted in the middle of her chest. Her body looked to me more like a cloak of sorts than an actual body, which went well with her large purple witch's hat that had pink tips from the spikey bits that shot out of the sides.

"And just when I was starting to calm down. Who are you and what do you want?" I asked.

"And such hostility too. No wonder all the girls have been talking about you," she smiled bashfully. It was very clear she was mocking me, so I just deadpanned her.

"If you are here just to make fun of me, then just leave. I'm not in the mood."

"So serious, too. Fine. I am Mismagius. A fellow guilder that specializes in night-time quests," She reached into her large hat to retrieve what looked to be a guild badge. She floated closer to me so that I could see the badge more clearly. Yup, it was a guild badge alright. So, knowing she wasn't a random threat I withdrew my vines, but I was still cautious.

"That's a good boy. Now, why are you so angry? Is it because of your fox friend?" she asked.

"What? No, and that's none of your business. So if you please, could you leave me alone?"

"Ah, the lone, brooding type too? My, my, such a character," she coyly smiled. I frowned at her teasing. "You're cute when you frown. But no, I shall not leave you alone until I tell you that your teammate has been looking for you for some time now and has sent me to find you. She is worried sick, you know? You really shouldn't make a girl worry like that: it's quite pathetic, really."

"How about you shut up. If you are looking for a fight, then I will give you one if you keep going," I threatened.

"Be like that if you wish," Lilligant got closer to me and hovered down to my level. She reached out a hand and started to corset my chin. "It only makes you more irresistible." She licked her lips and withdrew her arm. She started to creepily laugh, then she quickly sank into the ground.

A bit flustered from what just happened, I quickly shook the feeling of her oddly cold hand- sleeve thing. It felt like a very thin silk dress that was damp from the morning residue.

Back at where Mismagius was originally, she rose from the ground, chuckling to herself. "I would love to keep teasing you, but duty calls."

"Right, whatever, weirdo."

Mismagius winked at me, then started to float away. Before I could go back to what I was doing, she quickly looked back at me, her teasing appearance swapped for one of deep concern. She looked to the ground, then shook her head as if dismissing whatever she was thinking. "No, I must be imagining things," she mumbled. She then left, leaving your boy very confused at what just happened.

Well, weirder things have happened to me, I guess. I looked at my destroyed stick, then to the sun. Guess it is getting late; better get back to Vulpix.

"Where have you been, Ace?! You've made me worried sick!" Vulpix yelled at me when I got back to the guild. She was frantically pacing at the front of the main doors before she had noticed me approaching.

"I was in the forest, definitely not pretending a tree was Sneasel or Gardevoir. Sorry for getting angry like that. I would've come back sooner, but to be honest, if it wasn't for Mismagius showing up and being a big weirdo, I don't know how long I would've stayed there," I explained.

"Oh, so she did find you, that's good. Um, to be honest, I didn't expect you to apologize so easily."

"Yeah, well I did make you worry and all. Well, I guess I better apologize to the Guildmaster, too. I'd rather not have your position at this guild in any more peril than it is by being on my team," I said putting some stank in saying guildmaster. I didn't like the idea of apologizing, but I hated the idea of Vulpix's dreams getting squashed from my pride.

I started to make my way towards the Guildmaster's office.

"Wait, is that the only reason you are going to apologize?" Vulpix said while walking next to me. I turned to look at her while we walked inside.

"Yeah?"

"I am glad and all you would apologize just to keep me here, but the Guildmaster said it was fine. Actually, it seems she was well ready for you to freak out and was actually surprised by how little you reacted. I think she thought you were going to wreck havoc or something from what she explained." We stopped in the middle of the main hall.

"What? Why? What did you two talk about?"

"Oh, I wasn't supposed to mention that. Ace, I'm sorry, but the Guildmaster made me promise to keep it a secret. I-I promise it's nothing nefarious!" Vulpix said this very loudly, making the other Pokémon in the room look to us as to what is going on.

"Do you mind?" I said to the peeping toms. The majority went back to what they were doing, while some scoffed at me. We moved towards the elevators in the side room. I continued our conversation when I was sure no one was rudely listening. "What did you mean, that she asked to keep it a secret? Keep what a secret?" I asked Vulpix. I pressed the up button on the elevator after scanning my badge.

"I'm sorry, Ace, but I can't tell you. The Guildmaster does mean well. Please believe me!"

Ding. The elevator rang as it arrived. The door opened, and I stepped inside.

"Great, secrets. Fine, I'll trust you, even though I really don't like being kept in the dark like this."

I actually had wanted to pursue this topic more, but I was already super tired, and I knew Vulpix wouldn't do anything nefarious against me. I just wanted to shut my brain off from everything at the moment.

"Are you really, Ace?" Vulpix asked. She was stunned by my answer and nearly missed the elevator as it tried to leave without her.

"Fine, mock me then; I don't care."

"No, sorry, it's just- thank you for trusting me."

We rode the elevator in silence. We got off at the dorm lounge and went to our room. Sneasel was in the lounge area sitting in a seat, but when she spotted me, she very quickly sank down, earning a confused look from Charmeleon who Sneasel had been talking to.

I felt my anger flare up again, but I squashed it flat. One outburst was enough for today. We entered our room. My bed was looking good right now, so that was the first thing I went for.

"So, what are you going to do about Sneasel? The Guildmaster was serious about the punishment thing. She really cares about her guild members."

"Well, I'm guessing suffocating her while she sleeps is out of the question then," I replied.

"Ace! That's a terrible thing to say. Especially against a fellow Guildmate,"

"Hey, I was just kidding. Kinda." Vulpix looked at me clearly, not impressed. "Fine! Look, I'm not sure. I've had hell of an afternoon hitting trees and getting hit on by weird ghost Pokémon, so I'm too tired to care right now. I'm going to go to sleep and figure something out tomorrow."

"Well, you better, for we are leaving tomorrow."

"What!?"

"Remind me again: why are we leaving so quickly? We literally got the quest yesterday, and we are leaving already?" I asked Vulpix. It was the later part of the morning, and we had done some early morning shopping for our trip. We had just left the marketplace and were heading for our meeting place Vulpix said was near the entrance of the town. I picked up a new backpack since my previous one was basically just bits of shredded leather while we were there. It was nothing special- just a brown rucksack with one opening at the top.

We had also grabbed a couple of Oran berries, some simple foodstuffs, and two water pouches. Don't ask what they use for the leather; no one will spill the beans. I will get answers one day. We didn't really need to bring too much food because at the camp sites you can get some meals the caretakers cook up. Guild members eat for free, so that's a bonus.

"The quest is urgent and requires us to begin as soon as possible."

"If it's so important, then why ask a couple of rookies to come along? I don't doubt our skills, but it doesn't make sense."

"Not sure what to tell you, Ace. Maybe it's from some Pokémon we know?"

We arrived a short walk later at the town entrance. There was a large archway with the town's name above it. Scorbunny and Sneasel were already there and were looking around for us to arrive. Scorbunny was bouncing around as he looked for us, full of energy as usual, while Sneasel had her arms crossed with an annoyed expression. If she complains about us being late, I'm going to lose it.

"Ace! Vulpix! I'm glad you two are here!" Scorbunny enthusiastically said as he bounced over towards us. Vulpix giggled.

"Good morning, Scorbunny. I'm glad to see you too, even if we live in the same tree."

"Yeah, but I haven't seen you both all day. That's like," Scorbunny started to count on his fingers, then he showed all the digits on his hands to Vulpix and I, "this many hours ago!"

Vulpix and I looked at each other and chuckled.

"Never change, Scorbunny," I said. I pulled out my foreleg for a fist bump, to which he returned it with a wide smile. Sneasel timidly walked over towards us. I felt my stomach churn. I gritted my teeth while she approached.

"Good morning, Vulpix. Um, good morning, Ace," Sneasel greeted.

"You are to call me Bulbasaur," I dryly replied, trying to keep some other, more harsh comments to myself.

"R-right. Good morning, Bulbasaur." I just deadpanned her. Was she really expecting me to greet and say good morning too? The mere thought of it was starting to annoy me.

"Good morning, Sneasel," Vulpix said, jumping forward, breaking the tension. "So, um, are you two ready to go?" She asked.

"Nope. We are still waiting for one more!" Scorbunny chimed in with one of his digits raised.

"What?" I asked, "Who else is coming with us?"

"Good morning every Pokémon! I hope you all slept well!" sang out Servine from behind me. She was gleefully walking towards us while waving. Scorbunny gave a large wave of his own. I did notice that she had her adventuring backpack on. Uh-oh.

"You're joking." I turned toward Servine, meeting her smile with an annoyed expression of my own.

"Yep, that's right! I'm coming with you all!"

"Great, you're coming too. Can this day get any worse?"

"Oh? And here I thought we were friends. I will make you like me, even if I have to annoy you into it," Servine said, pointing at me. "So, before we start, I should mention that this trip is going to be a potentially dangerous one. We may encounter some poachers, so the more the merrier, am I right?"

"Right!" Scorbunny answered.

"That's my bunny boy!"

"So, there really are more reports of poachers around?" Vulpix asked.

"Yep! Those pesky poachers are up to something, I can feel it. So gather one and all, for the team leader- that's me, by the way- will show you all the path we will follow." Servine placed a large map on the ground in front of her from her backpack.

The group gathered in a circle around the map. All but me, that is. I was contemptuous with where I was.

"Come on, we won't bite. Well, I won't, I don't know that move, after all," Servine said, waving me over. Scorbunny, Vulpix and Sneasel all chuckled from Servine's dumb joke.

"No, I'm fine here." I replied.

Servine let out a long, winded sigh. "Fine, be mister grumpy over there then. Alright, this is the path we will follow."

I quickly zoned out on what Servine was saying. I'm sure I can ask Vulpix later about the details. For now, I was focused on keeping my anger in check. This was going to be an interesting trip.

End Chapter 19