A chorus of shadows a li.., p.1
A Chorus of Shadows: A LitRPG Isekai Adventure, page 1
A Chorus of Shadows
A LitRPG Isekai Adventure
Author: Dennis Mark
Table of contents
Chapter 1: In the Era of the New Generation
Chapter 2: Darkest Encounters
Chapter 3: Passing Days
Chapter 4: When They Long for Your Presence
Chapter 5: Every Day They Spend
Chapter 6: Illuminating the Path
Chapter 7: The Die is Cast
Chapter 8: Conversations of the Past
Chapter 9: Celestial Convergence
Chapter 10 : Bringing Themselves Together
Chapter 11: Dive into the Unknown
Chapter 12: A Glimpse from the Past
Chapter 13 : The Blizzard Island
Chapter 14: Clarity in the Skies, Confrontation with Adversaries
Chapter 15 : A Day of Leisure
Chapter 16 : Approaching Elegance, Fashion, and Poise
Chapter 17: Of Epic Moments
Chapter18 : The Echoes of the Past
Chapter 1: In the Era of the New Generation
"Is that you, Riolu?" Diglett inquired.
"Yeah," Sean replied, now on his feet, with Striker hovering anxiously nearby. "I've got... well." He peered behind him, uncertain of where to begin to describe the situation. Sean nervously swallowed. "Company. We've got... yeah. I can't put it into words."
The grate slowly creaked open as Diglett's voice faded.
"I'm not entirely sure about this," Guardian said softly, but Saniya urged him on.
"Come on, you have to give me the grand tour. Striker's too preoccupied to think about me." Despite Striker's attention being elsewhere, Saniya was filled with enthusiasm.
The ground level was attracting a crowd of concerned guild members, with Diglett at the forefront.
"H-Hey," Rai said, glancing back anxiously as Saniya zipped around in manic excitement.
"Oh my gosh, I can't believe I get to finally see you all! I can't wait to become the best of friends and share everything with each other, exchange gossip, laugh, cry, and laugh some more!"
While she spoke at a pace only Sunflora could comprehend, she darted around the room, giving each person a warm hug before bouncing out of an open window, then returning to hug everyone again.
Her playful actions served as a pleasant distraction, allowing Guardian to slip into the room and hover uncomfortably by the incline, waiting for someone to notice him.
Armaldo, whom Guardian noticed was new, was the first to spot him. "Alright," the seasoned explorer said gruffly, snatching Saniya out of the air with a sudden motion. She blinked in surprise, unprepared for the catch. "Hold on to her," he instructed, passing her to Wigglytuff, who enthusiastically embraced her.
Saniya embraced back, and Armaldo's gaze locked with Guardian's. The formidable Pokémon then began to advance, the apprentices stepping aside, their curiosity piqued. Guardian's presence didn't go unnoticed, and the guild was filled with surprised gasps.
"The sentries typically keep a watchful eye on those who enter," Armaldo remarked as he approached Guardian. "But in all the commotion, it seems something slipped past them. Ordinarily, we'd ask questions, but given the current circumstances, your identity is quite clear."
Guardian raised his hands in a calming gesture. "I have no intentions of causing-"
Surprisingly swift for his bulky build, Armaldo seized one of Guardian's hands, pulling him forward, swiftly restraining both of his arms and pinning him against the wall. A concealed seed, held by Armaldo, dissolved into Guardian's ethereal form, instantly immobilizing his limbs while he remained pinned.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Saniya cried out, struggling to break free from Wigglytuff's embrace. However, the Fairy-type Pokémon refused to release her.
"Dusknoir," Armaldo announced as the guild members watched in stunned silence. "You are under arrest."
"Striker!" Saniya shouted, and the Grovyle she referred to finally disengaged from Sean and moved to Guardian's defense.
Striker was young, but he wasn't lacking in wit, promptly standing by Guardian's side.
"Set him free, and we can provide an explanation," Armaldo, however, displayed equal resolve. "Dusknoir's actions from a bygone era may be distant, but his past misdeeds are still punishable. He manipulated the guild, Treasure Town, and harmed Pokémon to hatch his plan. Your words won't sway us; it doesn't matter if you believe he's changed."
He hoisted Guardian to his feet. "It doesn't matter WHETHER he genuinely intends to amend his ways, as implied by his presence with you. What's crucial is that he's committed multiple crimes, and he'll face judgment from Officer Magnezone."
Saniya, still struggling in Wigglytuff's grasp, managed to break free. She didn't make a beeline for Armaldo but headed toward Striker instead.
"What should we do?" she whispered. "I promised him everything would be fine, and I can't deceive him."
"I-I don't know," Striker replied, taken off guard. Armaldo didn't seem like the type to wait for clever comebacks or pleas for clemency, and he was already escorting Guardian away.
It was Sean who chimed in next. He stepped forward with his arms folded. "Armaldo, let them explain."
"If it can avoid a confrontation, you can accompany me to Team Magnezone," Armaldo stated, glancing back at Wigglytuff. The Guildmaster picked up on the unspoken message and hurried over.
"Right, we can all go!" he said, offering a kind smile.
"Everyone?" Saniya questioned, looking back at the guild.
"The three of us can join Armaldo and Dusknoir, yes."
"You just want some backup," Striker muttered quietly.
Armaldo remained unfazed, stating, "I have no intention of tolerating any unreasonable or emotional outbursts. If you attempt to interfere, you'll share the cell with him."
Saniya crossed her arms, fixing a piercing gaze upon Armaldo. He maintained eye contact with her.
Striker glanced between the two, and Wigglytuff cautiously moved a step closer, ready to intervene in case things escalated.
Saniya looked away and said, "Fine, but Guardian has already made amends, and Magnezone, or whoever's in charge, should recognize that."
"I'm not doing this to be your adversary," Armaldo responded, continuing to escort Guardian. "This is merely a matter of the law."
"It will be alright," Wigglytuff reassured, then turned to address the assembled and quite bewildered guild members. "Um... Croagunk, you're in charge until we return."
"Meh-heh-heh, of course."
A few Pokémon gradually distanced themselves from the chuckling Poison-type.
With that, the six of them departed: four guests, and Armaldo with Guardian in tow.
Saniya remained silent as they walked, choosing not to engage with Wigglytuff or Armaldo. Striker found himself at a loss for words but whispered a few soothing remarks to Saniya, understanding Armaldo's perspective.
Sean was well aware that the penalties in this era were considerably milder than those of the past that never came to be. He hoped that sharing this knowledge would offer some comfort to Saniya, murmuring softly to her. Her agitation waned as they continued their journey, and she began to regain some of her vitality, eagerly taking in the novel surroundings.
Wigglytuff also experienced a sense of relief. While he couldn't be certain whether Grovyle, Celebi, or the guild's close friend, Riolu, might undertake any extreme actions, it was clear that Armaldo had harbored such concerns. Wigglytuff pondered the reasons for their protective stance, given his past deeds, yet the belief that Dusknoir had genuinely changed for the better filled him with elation.
The mere fact that they had endured and were still present generated a whirlwind of exhilarating thoughts within his mind. Nonetheless, the current situation demanded seriousness, so he kept his words to himself. Wigglytuff eagerly anticipated a conversation with Celebi, as Sean had often spoken about the future Pokémon. The prospect rekindled a spark in his fading enthusiasm.
Their destination, the Team Magnezone base, finally came into view, and Saniya couldn't contain her laughter upon spotting the distinctive Magnezone-shaped building. Though she quickly composed herself, the sight of such an amusing home lightened her spirits. She reasoned that someone who resided in such a whimsical place couldn't possibly be too harsh.
She recognized that Wigglytuff had been holding her back, and he, too, lived in a whimsical residence, implying he should be kind-hearted. However, Saniya knew she needed to carefully consider things. Overthinking wasn't her preferred approach. The daylight was fading, and the facility was technically closed, but Armaldo persistently knocked on the door, with Wigglytuff restraining Dusknoir until someone answered.
"BZZT! What's the matter? BZZT!" a Magnezone expressed with an approximation of irritation typical for their kind. It blinked when it saw the group of five, with everyone except Dusknoir beginning to speak simultaneously.
"I need to apprehend an outlaw—"
"He's captured my—"
"This individual wants to—"
"Pokémon from the future have returned, including—"
"BZZZZZZT! One at a time, please. BZZT!"
"I must detain an outlaw," Armaldo asserted firmly, speaking over the rest of the group. "Dusknoir, the one who betrayed us."
Throwing a disapproving glance at Armaldo, Striker added, "He's taken my friend into custody. I understand what Dusknoir has done, but he changed and played a crucial role in stopping Primal Dialga from wreaking havoc on time. Surely Shinx and Riolu mentioned the incident when Primal Dialga appeared for a showdown while Team Ion was trying to save time? Dusknoir saved lives and was pivotal in halting the mad creature."
Striker crossed his arms and locked eyes with the Magnemite. The Magnemite turned to Saniya before he could engage in a full-blown glare, deflating his confrontational demeanor.
"This individual wishes to apprehend him!" Saniya said, pointing a finger at Armaldo.
"Detain HIM!"
"Extremely compelling," Sean exhaled deeply.
Wigglytuff advanced and made his best effort to elucidate the entire situation to the astonished magnemite, as well as the gathering of magne-pokémon on the opposite side of the door. "Tonight has truly been an eventful night!" he remarked to kick things off.
Officer Magnezone themselves floated in, the magne-pokémon clearing a path for their leader. "BZZT! Clarify, Guildmaster Wigglytuff. Clarify why we have been intruded upon after hours, with what seems to be Grovyle the Thief, Dusknoir the Traitor, yourself, Riolu of Team Ion, former outlaw Armaldo, and... this pink creature."
"It's Celebi," she snapped. "Or Saniya. But you don't call me that. Unless you release Guardian! That would be kind, and then we can be friends!"
"Refer to him and everyone else by their species," Striker muttered, annoyed that he had to remind Saniya so soon. "Please."
"Oh, I see. I forgot. I'm Celebi. He's NOT Guardian. The green and handsome one is Grovyle, not Striker. Got it?"
Striker slowly covered his face.
Magnezone remained silent and turned their attention to Wigglytuff.
"It seems that pokémon from the erased future have returned," Wigglytuff explained. "Team Ion found them on the... seashore?" He received a series of nods, which made it easier to understand. "The seashore, and they brought them to the guild."
"Saniya chimed in. "There's no sign of Scout, though. We're all here, and Sean is still here."
Guardian, who hadn't uttered a word since Armaldo incapacitated him, let out a soft murmur of distress.
The vibrant enthusiasm that had animated Wigglytuff seemed to wane within him, causing a visible slump in his posture and a dimming of the sparkle in his eyes. He let out a sigh and began to speak in a more composed tone, "Armaldo, after encountering Dusknoir, took a rational course of action. He was incapacitated with a stun seed, and I arrived here as tensions were escalating."
"Indeed, because Dusknoir has reformed!" Saniya retorted, her sadness giving way to anger. She swiftly ascended and fixed her gaze on Magnezone within their prominent crimson circle.
Armaldo, appearing weary, interjected, "Their eyes are averted to the side."
"Quiet. I was aware of that!" Saniya responded, stepping back and forth between two unassuming eyes.
"BZZT! Dusknoir, although not officially branded as an outlaw in our timeline, is culpable for utilizing the Explorers Guild as a tool to advance his control and perpetrate crimes against the entire world. He has employed deception, manipulation, and extortion against Pokémon while presenting himself as a noble savior, all the while vilifying those dedicated to saving the world and manipulating us for his own gain. BZZT!"
"But..." Saniya began.
"BZZT! Furthermore, he stands accused of kidnapping and attempted murder, and although there are no official laws governing the preservation of time, such actions should not go unpunished. BZZT!"
"BZZT!"
"Cease with the incessant BZZZTing!" Magnezone admonished.
Magnezone turned towards a trio of Magneton, who swiftly surrounded Guardian. Their electrical chains crackled with energy as they lifted him, rousing him from his stunned state.
"At last," Guardian managed, coughing a few times before regaining his composure. He cast a stern gaze at Saniya, Sean, and Striker. "I recognize those expressions. Let it be. I deserve this."
"No," Saniya protested, her tone growing defiant. "You've changed. You've changed."
"But not soon enough," Guardian pointed out. The Magne-pokémon allowed them to converse. "Listen, don't hold this against Armaldo or the guild. I knew this day would come, it's what should happen during this time of peace, and I interfered with it. If I had won, this era would be over. I deserve consequences."
"BZZT! So you will comply? BZZT!"
"Yes," Guardian affirmed. "I will."
"No!" Saniya snapped, attempting to interject, but Striker held her back.
"Calm yourself," he urged, having to maintain a firm grip on her. She began fluttering her wings, blowing air into his face. "Stop!"
Saniya ceased her resistance. "He's one-half, well, one-third now, I suppose, of all the people I hold dear in this world. You can't just take him away."
Striker glanced at Wigglytuff, the contemplative Fairy-type, then shifted his gaze to Armaldo, who appeared unmoved. Finally, he looked at Sean, who wore a deep frown, anxiously chewing his lip.
Sean closed his eyes and took a deep breath, cracking his neck. "Alright, I'm on the edge of losing it again, so please, let me explain."
Magnezone turned its attention to Sean, and the rest of the crew followed suit.
"A long time ago, maybe in a future that may or may not still exist, I found myself in a dire situation. I had no idea what my purpose was until Saniya rescued us. All I knew was that Striker, Scout, Guardian, and I were all we had. He... I understand why he did what he did, and I know it can't be easily forgiven. But when he had the opportunity, he chose not to harm me."
Guardian averted his gaze as Sean addressed him. "I never really got the chance to ask you about that. But you did, didn't you? You..."
Guardian remained silent, his expression unyielding, as Saniya and Striker stared at him, puzzled.
"Guardian?" Sean's words carried a heavy weight, laden with history.
"I won't let minor actions overshadow significant ones," Guardian declared, his posture growing rigid as everyone watched. "Because they don't. I knew this day would come, and I accept whatever punishment awaits me."
"I don't!" Saniya protested. "We had plans to embark on missions, explore the world, and assist as many Pokémon as we could!"
Wigglytuff perked up at Saniya's words.
"Are you planning to establish an exploration team?" he inquired. Saniya vigorously nodded.
"Yes! We aimed to uncover the process and then initiate our team," she replied.
"I realize this might be out of sequence," Striker remarked, nodding towards Saniya, "but is there any form of rehabilitation for apprehended Pokémon?"
"BZZT! Indeed. We initiate them with basic tasks in gathering items and produce. BZZT!"
"If we comply with your regulations, would it be possible for us to gain custody of him?"
"BZZT! Unprecedented. BZZT!"
"You mentioned your intention to create a team?" Wigglytuff inquired, receiving affirmations from both individuals. He turned to Guardian. "You too?"
Striker gave a resolute nod. "Yes, it appeared to be the most logical course of action."
Wigglytuff beamed. "Then you can join the guild!"
Sean eagerly chimed in, "Absolutely! They can, and I can assist them."
A hush fell over the clearing. The mechanical sounds of the magne-pokémon appeared to pause as everyone fixed their gazes on Wigglytuff.
Armaldo was the first to recover. "Wigglytuff," he mumbled, shaking his head, "if even a fraction of what I've heard is true, these three are far more capable than mere apprentices. They'd graduate in no time, and Dusknoir could escape without consequences."
Wigglytuff dismissed the idea with a casual wave. "Not as apprentices, Armaldo. More like... um... what's the word?" He pondered for a brief moment, attempting to extract the right term from the recesses of his mind.
"Contractors?" Armaldo chimed in, impatience evident in his tone.
"Yes, that's it! They can join the guild as contracted team members, operating like experienced teams. I have firsthand knowledge of Grovyle's formidable strength, and Celebi's legendary status speaks for itself. I believe they can keep Dusknoir in check if necessary. Moreover, they can assist the guild with daily tasks in Treasure Town. While we can't send them on missions right away, there's always work that goes unnoticed by the townsfolk."
