Silent parade, p.32
A Chorus of Shadows: A LitRPG Isekai Adventure, page 32
Not the usual wake-up call from Loudred or Corphish this morning. Instead, it was a quiet, almost abnormal, gradual awakening. Rai, always the early riser of the group, was the first to stir. He yawned widely and stretched, relishing a more peaceful night's sleep than he'd had in a while.
Mane, curled up beside Rai, was roused by Rai's movements. Mane protested, unhappy at the disruption of the warmth, attempting to pull Rai closer. Rai playfully flicked him with his tail, prompting Mane to open his eyes.
Rai's second flick nearly resulted in his tail being bitten, and Mane, still half-asleep, inquired, "What time is it? Why are you up so early?"
"I'm not sure," Rai replied in hushed tones, considering Scout was still asleep. "I just woke up feeling incredibly refreshed. I have no idea what time it is." Glancing out of the window didn't provide much help.
Their whispered conversation caused Scout's ears to twitch, and he squirmed and turned away from them. Mane, determined that if he was awake, Scout should be too, prodded Scout in the back until he tried to swat him away. "Get lost."
"Nope," Mane insisted.
"Mmm," Scout grumbled as he begrudgingly cracked his eyes open. "What time is it?"
"Good morning to you too," Rai quipped.
"What time is it?" Scout repeated, now sitting up. "And why do I feel surprisingly well-rested?"
"That's what I'd like to know," Rai said. "Let's go find out what's happening."
"If they let us sleep in, that would be quite the change of heart," Mane teased, but Rai's question put a stop to that.
This situation remained unchanged. The guild had awoken, conducted their morning assembly, and dispersed to begin their daily tasks. Loudred observed them in a state of confusion and shouted, "THEY'RE AWAKE!" This announcement caught the attention of Wigglytuff, who cheered, emerging from behind them mysteriously and scooping up all three of them. "Did you have a good night's rest? How exhilarating! AHH!" With that, he playfully tossed them into the air multiple times before commencing to juggle them.
By the time Wigglytuff let them go, they were nearly faint from dizziness, and Armaldo was berating him. Team Ion, who hadn't left on their journey yet, had only just woken up. It was Marill, Paras, and Bidoof who assisted them in regaining their balance. Bidoof was speaking, but their words were muffled to the dazed trio. They could barely discern the slight country accent in Bidoof's speech.
As for the fourth member of the small team, it appeared they had come to a decision, although it was hard for the dizzy trio to discern the specifics.
"Alright," Flaaffy sneered, "everyone clear. I'm electrifying them!"
Fully aware of his intentions, everyone backed off as Flaaffy administered a shock.
Fortunately, this jolt brought them back to their senses.
"Ouch! Why the sudden jolt?" Scout exclaimed, leaping away.
"I'll scorch that lovely fluff of yours!" Mane grumbled, his fur bristling a few times.
Rai, surprisingly, welcomed the shock and remained silent.
"Try to scorch me, and I'll replace that peculiar mohawk with something more stylish."
"This is my natural fur!"
"How unfortunate."
Scout restrained Mane before he could retaliate.
"Don't pay him any mind," Marill sighed, stepping forward and revealing the Treasure Bag she carried. "We've brought you breakfast."
The prospect of food distracted Mane, and soon enough, all was forgiven, though not forgotten, never forgotten.
"So, what's your initial destination?" Marill inquired, grounding Team Ion back in reality, reminding them why they had been granted some extra sleep.
Scout and Rai exchanged a knowing glance before Rai responded, "We're heading to Quad Town first. It's more of a pit stop, but who knows? We might stumble upon something."
Marill nodded with comprehension. Quad Town was one of the nearest settlements to Treasure Town, and if they were heading north, it made sense to pass through.
"Do you mind if we accompany you to the town?" Bidoof asked, clearly not already on the verge of tears.
"Of course, not."
They had a few things to take care of in town, or rather, some farewells to bid to their Pokémon friends.
Scout found it strangely poignant to be strolling into town today. There was a weightiness to the occasion, knowing that this would be the last time he'd walk through these familiar streets for a while.
A melody lodged itself in his mind, and he began to hum it. "Da-da-dun dun, dun, dun, dun daadada."
Rai cast him a curious glance before breaking into a smile. Scout returned the smile and winked. Mane rolled his eyes and got a seven.
The town appeared to be unusually tense. Perhaps Sunflora had indeed spread the word about the Kecleon as she promised?
Their first stop was Marowak's Dojo.
As they approached, Scout and Mane experienced a fleeting sense of nostalgia, though they couldn't quite pinpoint its source. Mane chuckled at a joke he couldn't fully recall.
With an amused smile, Scout was the one to push open the dojo's door.
Inside, an intense battle was unfolding. Striker and Guardian were locked in a fierce clash, their green blades and purplish spheres causing powerful eruptions of energy throughout the room.
Sean and Saniya weren't slouching either, engaged in a four-way skirmish with Vigoroth and Marowak. Sean's palm struck Marowak's raised bone, sending it soaring.
However, Marowak stood unwavering, managing to strike his helmet against Sean's head. Saniya bombarded Vigoroth with luminescent leaves and a barrage of conjured stones, yet he relentlessly advanced toward her, compelling her to maneuver through the air, even exerting herself to execute brief, flickering teleports.
Initially, the six Pokémon didn't take notice of them. It was Saniya who broke the silence. "Kitties!" she exclaimed, enfolding them in joyful embraces.
As tension subsided, the other combatants grew more at ease and gathered around.
"So, are you setting off now?" Sean inquired, a proud smile on his face.
"Indeed," Rai affirmed.
"Take care. Don't engage in anything Saniya wouldn't approve of."
"There's nothing I wouldn't do!" Saniya protested, while hugging Scout's face and shedding tears. "Defend their land, preserve their culture. Stay safe and stay happy!" she declared before breaking into sobs.
Sean patted her back reassuringly, repeating, "There, there," until she regained her composure.
Saniya wiped away Scout's koban and gave him a warm smile. "A good cry is sometimes necessary! That's why it's called a good cry. Remember that, all three of you." She gave each of them a solemn look, gazing intently at them one by one.
Scout smiled, Rai gave an awkward grin, and Mane averted his gaze.
With Saniya stepping back, Striker nodded to the trio. "Safe travels," he wished, and the matter was settled. He wasn't much of a talker, and he and Scout exchanged a nod.
As Guardian floated up to embrace Scout and cry, Striker had one more piece of advice to offer. "During Sean and my journey across the continent, we visited a few notable places that provided us with valuable information. Towny Town is a hidden gem before reaching Fissure, and it's in close proximity to Blackstone. It might be worthwhile to visit and seek out Liepard. She could potentially assist you."
"Excellent suggestion!" Sean concurred, giving a nod in agreement to Striker's advice. "She assisted us in pinpointing the location of the Limestone Cavern. The future had somewhat obscured its exact whereabouts, leaving us somewhat disoriented."
"I've also attempted to identify some places you can explore," Guardian rumbled as he floated in. He produced a parchment from an unseen source and extended it to them. "Regrettably, I lack the same level of expertise that Sean and Striker have. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope this may be of assistance in some way."
He passed the parchment to Scout, presumably since Scout was the one who could handle it without relying on his mouth, and Scout unfolded it to take a look. "Thank you."
Guardian lingered in place, seemingly torn between floating back or forward, unable to make up his mind.
"May I request a hug?" Scout inquired, a hint of shyness in his voice. He didn't have to wait long.
Guardian's embrace was firm but not uncomfortably so, contrary to what one might anticipate from those muscular arms.
He exuded no warmth; being a Ghost-type, that was to be expected. Yet, his presence was reassuring, unwavering, and robust.
"There's nothing beyond your capabilities," Guardian murmured. "However, there's no shame in seeking assistance. Shinx and Litleo make exceptional allies, and I couldn't be prouder of you."
Scout leaned in with a smile. Oddly, it wasn't as awkward as he had feared. He had secretly yearned for a hug from Guardian but had always felt too self-conscious to ask.
The embrace persisted for a while, but eventually, Guardian reluctantly released him. There was a noticeable tension in his arms, a sign that he was reluctant to let go. Nevertheless, he did.
Team Sunrise exchanged smiles and nods with Team Ion. Sean inquired, "Are you departing right away?"
"No, we're just gathering a few things first."
"We'll be there to see you off," Sean replied, casting a glance at Marowak entertaining Vigoroth. "Is that acceptable?"
"Certainly," Marowak affirmed. "We'll join you."
"See you at the crossroads," Sean said, and the trio of feline companions left the dojo.
Beyond that, their journey was relatively uneventful. The Kecleon Brothers maintained their politeness, but there was still a lingering stiffness between them and Scout. Electivire, overcome with pride, hugged Rai while shedding tears.
Kangaskhan enveloped the trio in a heartfelt embrace, bestowing her well-wishes upon them. Chansey, accompanying Kangaskhan, administered a gentle Heal Pulse to the three.
"Would you mind if I walked with you to the crossroads, dears?" Kangaskhan inquired once they had all verified that no one had suffered any injuries.
"Of course not," Rai responded politely and happily. Aside from Kangaskhan's affectionate hugs, she was like a grandmother to the town. Chansey and Electivire joined their procession as they continued on their way.
Scout had a notion of what was transpiring; he exchanged a knowing glance with Mane, who had also caught on. Rai, on the other hand, remained blissfully unaware. Their suspicions received confirmation upon reaching the crossroads. The entire guild, Team Sunrise, Team Go-Getters, various townspeople, Lapras, and, of course, the Pokémon accompanying them had all congregated at this spot.
"What's happening here?" Rai inquired, still oblivious to the situation. Mane chuckled, while Scout couldn't help but grin, although he also felt the urge to conceal his emotions.
"Oh my goodness, we're here to bid you farewell!" Sunflora exclaimed, breaking the silence as Wigglytuff danced over to them.
"Everyone has gathered to convey their well wishes," he explained, twirling around them briefly before pausing. "Ooh, I'm feeling a bit dizzy."
The entire guild took turns approaching to offer their farewells. Bidoof and Loudred both shed tears, Marill stood with his family, and Azurill chirped, wishing them a great journey.
Azumarill took the lead during the final moments. "Remember to maintain open communication," she instructed, with a particular emphasis on Scout. "Suppressing your emotions isn't advisable; they tend to surface at the most inconvenient times."
"I'm also implementing the therapy approach you suggested," Scout responded in hushed tones. She offered him a reassuring smile and wished him the best of luck.
"Can you believe you three are graduating ahead of me?" Corphish chimed in, playfully pinching the noses of all three. "I had a feeling when I first met you at Boulder Quarry that you'd achieve greatness, but this feels like it happened in the blink of an eye."
"I'll give you a nibble if you repeat that," Mane threatened, but Corphish cheekily pinched him again and evaded Mane's attempted bite.
"I'll genuinely miss you three," Corphish continued, intercepting Mane's irritation before it could escalate. She then stepped aside to let Chimecho conduct a swift check on them.
"Indeedee expects your return," Chimecho assured them while examining Scout's tongue and temperature. "You'll be in good hands. Stay safe, all three of you. You're incredibly important; make sure to come back safely, alright?" Her words tumbled out quickly, but the sentiment was clear.
Flaaffy handed them each a comb, ensuring they looked presentable as they represented the guild across the continent. Paras contributed a unique invention of her own to their preparations.
"I dub it the Spore Bomb," she whispered softly. Her confidence had grown over time, but dealing with crowds remained a challenge. "It's similar to a sleep seed, but there's no need to swallow it. Just breathe it in. But, be cautious, it works both ways."
"Thank you deeply," Rai expressed, sniffling. "You guys."
Rai proceeded to embrace everyone with enthusiasm. Everyone.
While he was occupied with that, Scout made his way to Armaldo. Since everyone was gathered around, he felt it was a reasonably safe moment to act.
"Best of luck, Meowth," Scout said as he approached.
"Thanks. Do you mind accompanying me to the guild?" Armaldo gave him a puzzled look but agreed. As they strolled, Scout reached into the Treasure Bag and retrieved a folded note. "Last night, I wrote down everything I could recall, a recap of our conversations, and some additional memories that have resurfaced since."
They arrived at Scout's intended destination: Chatot's grave. Scout gazed at the modest monument with a sense of melancholy. "Please, let no one other than Guildmaster Wigglytuff read it; it's written in Unown, so..."
"He can decipher it," Armaldo affirmed, taking the letter. "Thank you, Meowth."
Scout nodded, and they made their way back to the crossroads. Team Sunrise bid them one final farewell, with both Saniya and Guardian shedding tears this time. They were soon greeted by Team Go-Getters.
"You'll enjoy the journey," Wartortle assured.
"The landscape boasts exquisite beauty," Chikorita remarked, playfully adding, "Perhaps we'll cross paths on the road someday. There's always a demand for Pokémon rescue missions."
Charizard's grin widened as he responded, "Hopefully, it won't be you needing rescue. I have faith in your abilities."
Though they longed to linger and chat further, the urgency of their mission called them to move on. They knew that if they delayed any longer, their journey would stall.
As Team Ion departed Treasure Town, the Pokémon inhabitants either waved, cheered, or stomped their feet in support. Excitement filled their hearts as they embarked on their mission.
The trek from Treasure Town to Quad Town was largely uneventful. There were minor incidents, such as cries of, "Run, it's the diglett again!" or pleas for caution, like, "Scout, PLEASE stop falling down cliffs." Nobody had to learn to swim, not even Chikorita, who protested, "I'm a FELINE! Water and I don't get along on principle."
Flying was also not on the agenda, as one exclaimed, "I AM RAPIDLY REALIZING I DON'T LIKE HEIGHTS."
In the end, there was nothing noteworthy along the way. It took them three days to reach Quad Town, instead of the expected two, thanks to some unforeseen detours that temporarily diverted their attention.
Quad Town had a distinctive charm to it. In contrast to Treasure Town, which drew travelers primarily because of the influential guild, Quad Town served more as a brief stop on the journey. Within its borders, diligent resident Pokémon went about their business in small thatched houses, while a central hub buzzed with most of the town's commercial activities.
For our adventurers, seeking information here seemed rather futile.
"I haven't spotted a Pyroar anywhere around," one local remarked.
"Given the abundance of wood in this place, Fire-types are a rare sight," another chimed in.
"Except for that Litleo over there, of course," someone added.
With the long journey they had undertaken, no one felt particularly inclined to linger any longer. They decided to rest on the outskirts of town before continuing their journey. Quad Town might have been a letdown, but they hadn't held high expectations to begin with.
The next town, however, proved to be far more interesting. Unfortunately, this statement held true in the most literal sense and not in any figurative sense of the word "fruitful."
Scout hissed as they strolled among endless rows of fruit and berry trees, each overshadowed by towering Combee hives. Beedrill and Vespiquen were busy managing the bustling Combee population. Pollen Town was, without a doubt, an apt name for this place, a harmonious community of Bug-types and Grass-types working together to shape their ideal habitat.
Soon enough, all three members of Team Ion were left sneezing uncontrollably. The name "Pollen Town" was undeniably accurate.
"Alright," Rai said, between sneezes, once they had left Pollen Town far behind. "The first two towns yielded nothing. Should we make our way to The Rock or Tiny Burrow next?"
Mane spoke up, "I'd say 'The Rock,' without hesitation. So, shall we go for 'Tiny Burrow' then?"
Scout nudged him playfully. "Hey, you're right sometimes."
"Sometimes?" Mane retorted with a hint of offense.
"The Rock then?" Rai inquired, earning a confirming nod from Scout. Mane, in his usual exasperation, meandered alongside them as Rai and Scout engaged in their somewhat nonsensical banter.
"Guardian, would you appreciate some assistance?" Saniya offered, but Guardian remained unresponsive. "Guardian? Hey, you there?"
Guardian twitched and briefly met her gaze, his eye momentarily flickering. "Oh, I apologize, Saniya. I didn't notice your presence."
"I can see that." She examined the object in his grasp. "Have you... finished with that?"
"Oh... oh, dear."
She gingerly retrieved what had once been a clay pot and used a cloth she had procured from somewhere to cleanse his wounded hands.
