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PMD: The Twilight Brigade Chronicles Ch. 4 Battle of Wits

"Hey Whirlwind, have you seen Cyrus around? We need to tell him of our mission status." Zaphiel entered the Twilight Brigade base with his Riolu companion behind him, looking at the Starly who was standing by the door to the Kadabra's office.

"What? He's not with you?" The small bird looked at the party for a moment before the Pikachu shook his head. She gave a worried look, which made Zaphiel's ears droop. "I wonder if he's still in the forest. After the sun went down last night, Cyrus got worried and left to find you two."

Worry filling his mind, Artomis stepped forward. The Sableye and Xatu behind him came shuffling into the room. Whirlwind gave a shocked jump at the sight of two more Pokémon, but Art held up a paw before it could even ask. "This is Ruby, she's now a part of the guild." He waved his arm towards the grinning Sableye, who gave a thumbs up to the Starly. "And come to think of it, I never got your name." He said, turning to the psychic Pokémon.

"Everyone just calls me Xatu. Names are not important, what's important is that we move out of the way."

Zaphiel gave him a confused gaze. "What do you mean? I don't see any--"

"MOVE OVER! WE NEED TO GET A CHANSEY HERE PRONTO!" After almost plowing through the group of explorers, a Blastoise charged into the room with a wounded Cyrus over his shoulder. He busted the door to the Kadabra's office in and rushed inside.

After recovering from the charge, Art and Zaph both rushed in after the large water type, wanting to see what had become of their leader. Upon entry, Art could see the Blastoise basically hovering above the wounded ally. At first he didn't notice, but there was a dark crimson pool of blood on the ground.

"What did this to him, Froan? We were in that forest for hours and saw maybe a total of four Pokémon, and I highly doubt that a Seviper could do this, not to Cyrus." Zaphiel's ears were tucked back, a worried look on his face. Art could feel Zaph's anger build the more he stared at his wounded companion.

"I dunno what happened, you'll have to ask him if he ever wakes up." The large water Pokémon stepped back away from the group and stood behind Artomis, looking down at his small figure. "Heh, Cyrus says you're special, but you look like just another runt to me." Turning around, Art glared at Froan, but that only made the large turtle laugh.

"Hey Froan, now's not the time to pick a fight." Zaphiel was now tending to the gaping wound on Cyrus' shoulder, cleaning the blood off with his scarf. "Where's Faith? We need to get her here quick!"

"Just calm yourself, I'm right here." Stepping into the room, the Chansey gave a warm smile to them all. She was soon next to Zaphiel, pulling her egg out of her pouch and setting it aside. "Cyrus, you poor thing. You always find a way to make things more difficult than they have to be..."

"Artomis, I need to speak with you. It is quite important and I do not have much time." Looking around, Art knew he heard Xatu, but he couldn't see him. It soon dawned on him that he didn't "hear" him in the normal way. Giving the Blastoise one last glance, Art stepped back into the Guild hall.

Xatu was standing to the side of the front desk, eyes closed and wings spread. "Now Artomis, I feel you are quite special some how... Your soul feels trapped between dimensions, or should I say, your 'souls' are trapped."

Looking at the bird awkwardly, Art stepped up next to the weird Pokémon. "'Souls'? As in more than one?"

Xatu's eyes opened and they turned their glance to the small Riolu. "Correct. One of which is a Human, the other a Lucario." Xatu's gaze turned to the now closed doorway to Cyrus' office, where a loud thud was heard. Art was about ready to interrupt, but Xatu held up a wing. "These two souls seem in conflict, and no side is winning. My deduction is that one cannot live without the other, but they are like a Muk and water, the two just won't mix."

Art gave a slight nod, not exactly sure of what to make of it. "...So what do I need to do? Why are you even helping me?"

Closing its eyes again, Xatu relaxed himself back on the desk behind him. "As for why I'm helping you, well, let's just say you intrigue me. What you need to do has yet to be determined. I need to know more... Information will be key in your success."

Artomis gave Xatu a weary look. "Well, if you're talking about the human me, I know just as much on that as I do my Riolu side, and that's not much."

"The knowledge needed doesn't need to come from your past, but more over your current being. Your Aura will be key in this challenge. You will need to learn control of your power and learn its limitations, as well as trying to uncover your past." Xatu's eyes opened back up, a gleam in his eye. "Only, once you master your power, you will find yourself in more hardships, but do not get discouraged. When you learn the ways of your Aura, come find me in the place we first met."

With a wave of his wings, Xatu's body turned a solid white, then disappeared. Art let out a sigh, trying to put the pieces together, but nothing made any sense. He had hoped for a little guidance, but he ended up more confused than before. Deciding to worry about it later, Artomis walked up to Cyrus' office. Just before he could touch the doorknob, the door burst open with Zaphiel's angered form exiting the room.

"Let's go get something to eat before I do something I regret to that Froan."

Art looked at him confused. "Who exactly is that guy, anyway? I thought you and Cyrus were the only other members of the Guild."

They started walking towards the kitchen area and Zaphiel let out a frustrated sigh. "He's not exactly part of the team, but he does help out quite a bit. That's Cyrus' best friend. He doesn't like the idea of a Guild, but likes to help others as long as they are 'worthy' of his assistance."

"Worthy? How does he determine if a Pokémon is worthy?" Art didn't like the sound of this guy. It made him a little annoyed just to hear that Pokémon needed something to prove just to get help.

"Well, he thinks of it in two ways. First is that you do something amazing that no other Pokémon can do. Second... Well, it's a duel. If you beat him, he'll help ya whenever you need him. You lose, you must either do the same for him or never be seen by him again, but if he happens to meet you again, he tries to make your life a living hell."

Finally making it to the food court, Artomis and Zaphiel began to load up their plates with different fruits and berries. "What did you do to impress that over-grown lawn sprinkler?"

Letting out a small smile, Zaph held up a finger and a small spark of electricity crackled at its tip. "Well, I never actually fought him, but I warned him of what I would do to him when I evolved into a Raichu."

Letting out a small laugh, Art popped a berry in his mouth. He was about to reply, but he felt an odd sensation in his head. Turning to his right, he saw a light haze of Ruby standing there, almost like she was sneaking up on someone. "'What are ya doing Ruby? Not right to sneak up on guildies like that."

Zaph looked at him confused. "...Ruby? Ruby's not here, man. You must be seeing things." He popped a seed in his mouth and continued to load his plate.

Staring at the black haze, Art saw her expression go from shock to confusion. She held up her hand and gave a small wave. Art let out a smile and waved back. She jumped slightly and gave a weird look, but then showed a smile. She walked up closer to him and looked at him curiously. "How can you see me? You are really starting to weird me out!" Zaphiel jumped and almost spilled his plate hearing her voice. Once she appeared out of nowhere and was in view, he recovered and let out a sigh. Ruby began laughing historically, tears filling her eyes. "Still worth it, that's all that matters. Froan says once you're done eating to meet him outside, Zaphiel and to 'bring the runt'. Oh, and he called you a 'stupid rodent' as he was leaving. Don't kill the messenger! Bye!" Her form dissipated back to her hazy form, which made Zaphiel jump again. She scurried off, out of the kitchen, laughing the whole way out.

Artomis let out a sigh, wondering what Froan could even want with them. He looked towards Zaph, who was just standing there, looking towards the ground. "Hey, you okay man?" He looked up at Art, and again Art smiled. "Don't let him get to you. He's just trying to piss us off so we fight with him. We don't have to worry about him."

Finally showing a weak smile, Zaphiel actually let out a small chuckle. "Actually I was thinking how we can really trust that Ruby... I dunno what's worse, her stealth or her tongue." After a good laugh, they both finally finished up in the line. It wasn't like they were in a rush, after all, they were practically alone anyway. "Well, guess we should hurry and eat, find out what the big lug really wants."

"Heh, I'm surprised you came. You two are quite the pair. So, wonderin' why I wanted ya?" Froan was sitting in the center of the two fountains just outside of the Guild's gates. "I figure I'll make this short and sweet. I know Zaph has told you 'bout my ways, he's smart sometimes and actually helps out, be sure to hang onto the kid while you got him, runt."

Zaphiel looked a little praised at first, but was soon confused on what Froan truly meant. "AH! You and Cyrus both! Why do you do that to me?!"

A smirk formed on Froan's face. "Well, I guess things will never change. That being set, Zaphiel, I need you to move aside. It's time for his test."

Looking at his friend, Zaph frowned. "...I'm sorry, but this is a duel... I've got to sit this one out."

Artomis nodded at Zaphiel. He figured this was what Froan wanted. He had begun to plan out his battle strategy, but whether it would even work or not was the question. "So, can't just trust people by their word, you need their strength behind you, is that what this about?"

Standing up, Froan chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I guess it's something like that. So you gonna fight me or what?"

Shifting sideways, Art smiled. "Only if you think you're brave enough."

"Heh, tough guy, eh?" The Blastoise smiled. "I like your attitude, kid. That doesn't mean I'm gonna go easy on you, though."

"Oh, no worries. I wouldn't have it any other way." Using all his might, Art leapt into the air, completely catching the water Pokémon off guard. He landed on the back of the turtle's shell and gave him a kick to the head. "That's for calling me a runt." He quickly followed up with a firm backhand to the side of his head. "And that's for calling Zaph a rodent!" He noticed Froan reaching up towards him and he jumped off, landing just behind the bulky Pokémon. Crouching down, Art did a strong leg sweep and kicked out Froan's feet from under him. Realizing his situation, he used his last reserve of energy to jump back, just barely avoiding the crushing impact of the falling enemy.

Panting, Artomis stood there, watching the motionless Froan, every breath increasing his anticipation. The arm of his foe twitched, then he could hear a laugh come from the big lug. "Is that all? Good first attack, I give you that. Nothing compared to what I'm about to do to you." He was soon back on his feet, rubbing the back of his head. "Can say that even hurt a bit. Now it's my turn, and you don't stand a chance!"

Artomis was standing in shock. The beast didn't even feel a bit dazed from his blows. That was the only plan I really had. Knock him out early and be on my way... yeah, I wish, but nothing is ever easy... Froan began to run his way, which made Art flinch slightly with every thud on the ground. Feeling hopeless, Art couldn't move a muscle, but he knew he had to do something. Gathering his wits, he began his own charge, but as soon as he started to move, Froan fired a shot out of one of the cannons mounted in his shell. The large stream of water erupting caught him unaware and slammed him hard, pushing him all the way back into the wall next to the Guild's entry doors. He struggled to even move against the pressure, each breath his lungs only filled with water. He felt as though he would pass out, the water suddenly stopped and he fell to the ground, coughing up a mouthful of water.

"Heh, you're nothing special. Just like any other weak Pokémon in the world. I need a challenge, hurry up and evolve already so I can have a real fight." Froan turned around, letting out a small grunt.

"...Shut up Froan! You could have killed him!" Zaphiel dashed in front of the Blastoise, ears tucked back and a light spark coming from his cheeks.

Froan's eyebrows rose. "Oh? Do you challenge me now? I'd be more than welcome to give you a beat-down as well."

"...You can't start a new match until ours is over!" Both Froan and Zaphiel jumped at Artomis' voice. Froan turned around and Zaph did a side-step to look at Art, a worried look on his face. Completely saturated, Art stood there taking deep breaths, trying to fully recover from the blow. He had one more trick up his sleeve. "Are you ready to continue?"

Busting out in laughter, Froan wiped a tear from his eye. "I'll be damned, still want to fight, do you? Well... I'll give you one last shot, but it won't be today. Let's just say you remind me a lot of your rodent friend here. Be sure to toughen up so it can be a fun fight." He turned back around and began walking away, laughing all the way down the path out of sight.

Running up to Art, Zaphiel gave him a stern look, which made Art cringe a bit. "You're so stupid! Why would you keep fighting after that?! A Hydro-Pump is nothing to laugh about!"

"Yeah, well I figured he wanted to see a different kind of strength. He wanted to see how strong of a hit I could take and stay conscious. Whether it was what he was looking for or not doesn't matter, I got another chance, right?"

With a sigh, Zaphiel nodded. "Yeah, I guess. You're either very smart, brave, or even less intelligent than a Magikarp."

Art busted out laughing, not even sure if he knew why he did, but he almost fell to the ground like Ruby at the comment. "All I know is, I need some sleep. I feel like I was hit by a house." Stepping forward, Art began to feel a bit feint and fell to one knee.

"Art! You okay?!"

"I'm fine, I just-AH!" His head pulsed with a sudden wave of pain, his vision completely cut out. Black was all he could see, feeling as if he was drifting into a deep void. He felt his body collapse forward, but didn't feel any pain. Soon a small light started to appear in the distance of the darkness that was his mind.

_"We need to find him... The fight is getting harder without him on my side..."

"Don't worry, I'm sure he's around somewhere. We just have to keep looking."

"Yeah, I'm sure you're right... Hey! Look out!"_

"...Hey! Art! Talk to me man! Are you alright?!"

Looking up, he saw Zaphiel just above him, but also the Chansey they had met before. "...I'll live, just a dizzy spell."

"Dizzy spell my ass! You were out cold!" Faith interrupted. "Look, you need to rest. I plan on doing a full physical on you tomorrow morning, right now I'm busy with Cyrus. Jeez, every time I come here you boys are always giving me trouble!" All Art could do was nod, he had no energy to argue with her, he knew she was probably right anyway. She gave him a smile, but then a coy look. "You better be careful, dear. Froan may have let you go this time, but that was only one of his attacks. You need to look out for your well being, as well as Zaphiel, Ruby, even Cyrus."

Zaphiel began to help Art to his feet, making sure he was stable before stepping him forward. "I'll be sure he gets his rest, Faith. No worries there."

Giving a nod and a smile, Faith turned around and began walking inside. "So much work to do, so little time..."

Tucking on the Pikachu's arm, Artomis made sure he had his attention."Zaph, it was another vision, I think." Zaphiel gave him a shocked glance. "Yeah... Two female voices, one of them the same as before. They were looking for someone, but then something happened..."

"You're not making any sense, man. You need sleep. Think on it in the morning."

"...But it sounded like they were in trouble... the way she said it..."

"And what are you going to do to help them in your condition. Hell, did you even notice I've been practically dragging you to our room?"

They were in fact just outside the door. Art hadn't realized that they were even moving at all. "...Yeah, I suppose you're right."

"Damn right I'm right. Someone's gotta keep you sane in the mess of all this."

"And someone will always be there to bring you to insanity!" Through the wall appeared Ruby, Her head sticking out with a wicked grin.

Zaphiel almost dropped Art, but held a tight grip on him. "You! AH! People today are driving me crazy!"

"Hence my statement, dummy. Anyway, back to the important part: Cyrus is awake, but he says he will see the both of you when the time is right. He says he wishes you well and apologizes for worrying you." Ruby let out a heavy sigh. "Man, I hate news like that, I wanna do stuff for Froan more often. He uses cruel language and stuff. Anyway, you guys take care! Good fight Art!" And as sudden as she came, Ruby was gone, head disappearing back into the wall.

Zaphiel stared blankly at the wall for a moment, and then looked at Art. "You know... We need to get better friends, I think ours are out to get us right now." They both let out light chuckles, both now heavily feeling the fatigue of the day. "Well, at least tomorrow should be fun. After your physical, of course."

"Ugh... What could be more fun than today?" Art replied finally standing on his own again, leaning against the doorway for support a little.

"We get to clean the entire Guild. I hope you like water!"