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PMD: The Twilight Brigade Chronicles Ch. 7 - Unexpected Encounter

"Well, any luck Artomis?" Zaphiel walked up to the Riolu, who was standing beside a well in the center of town. He shook his head at Zaph, who let out a sigh. "Well, I didn't either. Three days and still no information. This is gonna be tougher than I thought."

Art stared across the street at the group of explorers he had spoken to before. A mix of a Piplup and Eevee, they only knew that the team existed and that Team Break defeated Darkrai. That was really good compared to anyone else they spoke to. Hell, after all the Pokémon they had spoken to, only three groups knew little information. "So what do we do now? I haven't seen anyone new enter the town for about an hour now. Duskill is starting to give me some funny looks every now and again and I'm getting a bit creeped out."

"Oh, so a Magmar doesn't scare you, but that does? You've got something wrong in your head."

Art smiled. "Does the noise in my head bother you?"

Zaphiel gave him a stern look. "No, but it does worry me sometimes. You get anything since Doom Grove?"

"No, nothing. I haven't had any headaches beside the stitches. I've got to meet Faith after diner to get those out if it's sealed enough." So far, Art had not told Zaphiel about when he falls asleep. He felt that time belonged to him. Ever since he triggered a memory in his dream, he kept attempting each night after. Only when he concentrated on a phrase from the memory, it seemed to trigger his aura somehow. At least, that's what he guessed.

"Damn, Artomis! There's one I haven't seen before!"

Turning to his right, Art looked past the Dojo and watched as a Scyther was entering Lyrian's front gate. "Don't rush it. We don't want to pester someone once they get here, that's kind of rude."

"I wasn't gonna. I learned from the Machoke before... I mean, woah man." Art couldn't contain his laughter and rolled his head back. "You're something else, man. You really are."

"Excuse me, can I ask you something?"

Hearing a new voice, Art rolled his head back down and saw the Scyther standing directly in front of him. "Uhh... Yeah, sure."

"You're from an exploration team right? Well, I have a challenge for you."

Zaphiel gave a questioning glance. "A challenge? What do you mean by that?" Scyther turned toward the Pikachu. "I hear you're looking for information on Team Break. I might just know something about them, but I won't give it up so easily."

"What do we have to do?" Artomis didn't like the sounds of this, but so far this was their only lead.

"Meet me at the entrance to Frost Cavern. Bring whoever you would like, but my time is short. I only have until sunset before I must leave for my Home. I will not make this offer again, so choose wisely." Turning away, the Scyther walked away and out of the gate he entered from.

"...That was interesting. What do ya think of that character, Art?" Zaphiel said, his ears drooping slightly.

"I don't think we really have a choice. He sounded confident when he mentioned Team Break. Could be a trap, though."

Zaph gave a nod. "We'll go prepared. Ruby's been itching to get out of the Guild. I don't really think she likes being a messenger."

"Oh, you really think I'm like that? I wouldn't say I hate it, Froan is hilarious!" Ruby appeared behind Zaphiel, watching the mouse jump. She gave a wierd look to the calm Artomis, who was actually showing a smirk. She gave a small glare to the Riolu. "I'll get you someday yet."

Art gave a full smile. "We'll see if you can. You up for a mission to Frost Cavern?" She returned with a coy grin. "Yeah, I suppose I can go with ya. Got nothing going on here anyway. Why you going there?"

"Guy we got to see. Has info on Break and we don't quite trust him."

"Heh, typical in my line of work. Who's our client?"

"A Scyther, no name given."

"Our objective?"

"Won't know until we get there."

"You're good, you play this game before?"

"Only when you come around, but every moment is funny as all hell."

Zaphiel looked at the two of them with a dumbfounded expression. "...Did I miss something here?"

Letting out a giggle, Ruby leaned against Zaphiel, wrapping her arm around his shoulders. "Oh, you don't have to worry. We understand and that's all that matters. I'm going to grab my Explorer Kit, I'll be right back!" She then melted away into the shadows, almost causing Zaph to fall on the ground.

Once he recovered, Zaph let out a sigh. "I'll never get you two."

Artomis gave a smile. "I don't get me, but that isn't saying much."

After a quick laugh, Zaphiel turned to the well next to Art. "Why have ya been standing by this well all day, anyway? I know it has a good view of the main gate, but there's more to this town than that."

Turning to the well, Art began to look down inside. "I don't know what, but there's something about this well that gives me a feeling like I'm missing something."

"I'll tell ya what you're missing: lunch if you can't beat me to Auntie Kangaskhan!" Zaphiel began a mad dash off to the west just down the path.

Letting out a sigh, Art started to follow his friend. After a few steps, Art felt an odd sensation and turned back toward the well. Maybe it's just me. I don't know, but I can't let Zaph win!

After preparing for their next mission, Artomis, Zaphiel, and Ruby all set out for Frost Cavern. Zaphiel had doubts that the Scyther was trustworthy, but Artomis still believed.

"So you're saying you believe him? I don't know, when he met us, he came into the town and left right after. I think we were targeted." Zaphiel said after climbing past a fallen log. They had to pass through a section of Shimmering Forest and were almost to a clearing.

"I admit, it seemed suspicious, but what other choice do we really have?"

Ruby hopped in front of the two, taking a bite out of the apple she held. "None, I'd say. I watched you guys run around for hours and I'd say this is the only shot you got." She tossed the apple in the air and caught it with her left arm behind her back. "You'll get used to meeting clients and questioning their loyalty. Happens with a lot with Pokémon now-a-days since a bunch started going Wild."

Giving a questioning glance, Art thought for a moment on what Ruby had meant. "Wild? Like when they attack and won't listen to reason?"

"Yeah, something like that. We'll see what happens once we get there, that's all I can really say." Ruby jumped over a large rock and did a front flip in mid-air.

Zaphiel let out a small grunt. "Showoff..." He turned his attention to another log that was ahead on the path and gave a smirk. He leapt ahead of the group, running as fast as he could. Once he reached the log, Zaphiel did a quick 180° turn, showing his comrades a coy smile as he jumped and did a double back-flip, landing on all fours on the soft dirt.

Ruby stood motionless for a moment, but then just burst into laughter, falling in the dirt with her hands around her gut. "You are insane! I think I'll like working with you two, you challenge me. I need to step my game up if I wanna keep up with you."

Zaphiel stood upright and gave a cocky smile. "Damn straight. Not only that, but look behind me." He turned around and walked forward. The trees were all starting to be coated in snow the farther they looked. "Say, you guys up for another race?" Letting out a sigh, Artomis walked next to his friend placing his paw on the Pikachu's shoulder. "You two have fun, I'll sit this one out."

"You okay? Usually you're up for a good race."

"Yeah, I'm fine. Better than normal, really. I just got a lot on my mind." Art lied. His head was feeling fuzzy again, but so far it was only a small shimmer compared to the bursts from before.

"Okay, as long as you're fine. Ruby, it's just you and me."

"You're on. See you soon Art!" At the same time, both Ruby and Zaphiel dashed ahead.

Artomis let out another sigh and started to walk forward. So a Scyther knows about Team Break, we have to go to an area of his choosing, and I could be on the verge of having another flashback. This mission already has success written all over it. He rolled his eyes and began to pick up his walking pace. Well, the quicker we get there, the quicker we get-- huh? He stopped and looked ahead at the odd statue that sat beside a small tree. That's odd, this feeling is just like the one at the well. Walking over to it, Artomis felt the flame in his head gradually grow. Maybe... Maybe She was here.

The statue looked like a Pokémon, but at first glance, he didn't know what it was. He took another step forward to get a closer look and his brain was pierced by a sudden wave of pain. Everything went black and he felt his numb body fall on to the statue.

"Hey, isn't that a Mew?" The familiar blue form moved closer to a gray shade, kneeling down in front of it.

"Yeah, but I've heard they don't exist. It's been years since there's even been traces of it." It was his voice. He couldn't see his form, but the voice was clear.

"We're close to the end... Do you have any regrets, Artomis?"

His body felt cold. Opening his eyes slowly, Artomis peeled himself off the hard rock. "Damn it, why does this always happening? I can't keep hitting my head like this..." Once he recovered, he took a good look at the statue again. The long tail and small figure did look familiar to him. "So, you're Mew, huh? I guess I'll have to look for you too." He turned and stared down the path his friends ran down. Having no idea how long he had been out, he decided he would visit here again sometime soon. Leaping ahead, Art dashed swiftly ahead, ready to get chewed out by Ruby once he got there.

"Were you sleeping on the job again? You look like you had a rough one." Ruby was leaning her back against the stone wall, arms crossed and left leg propped up on the stone.

He was kind of glad they could tell when he's had a vision now. Saved him the hassle of bringing it up. "Yeah, at a Statue of Mew."

Ruby almost fell off the wall and recovered by scurrying up to the Riolu. "You mean the legendary one? What ya see? Did you see Mew? Wait, I never saw any damn statue."

"Woah, calm down. No, I didn't see Mew. The statue was just off the road, the way you guys were when you left, I would have been surprised if you did see it." He looked at Zaphiel, who's ears were tucked back a bit. Art guessed he must have been worried. "I heard me and 'Her' talking about the statue, and something about 'the end' and if I was prepared."

Ruby frowned. "Awe, I was hoping it was going to be interesting."

"No, that's good information." Zaphiel walked up beside Ruby. "If Art is right and this is a memory, he must have been here before."

"...You could be right. I don't know, though. We'll see once we get to the Cavern." Art looked forward and noticed that they were in fact at the entrance. Scyther was quite a distance away, but he could be seen inside the frozen arch gateway. "He been there the whole time?"

"Yeah, but his back is turned. I'm not sure if he knows we're here." Turning to their destination, Zaphiel stepped forward and lead the group inside.

Looking up from his resting position, Scyther noticed the group and stood up straight. Once they were in the ice filled cavern, he stepped up to them. "I'm glad you came. Now I must ask, do you, Twilight Brigade, accept my challenge?"

"Yeah, we accept. What do we have to do?" Artomis had a bad feeling about this. The environment around them was also an enemy if they had to fight. He came prepared for the worst, so nothing would stop him from doing what he had to do.

"You must... Beat my team in combat. Levinity! Kaltora! It is time!" The Scyther jumped back and landed on a block of ice in the deep waters behind him. From above, an Eevee jumped and landed next to the Scyther. Then from the water below, a Piplup burst out into the air and slid next to his team mates. "And I am Rosiv. We are The Chaotic Union! Prepare yourselves!"

Artomis was in shock. Those were the same two I had spoken to before... The girl Eevee was cheerful and boy Piplup quite modest when had talked to them. I wonder how they would even know this Rosiv guy.

The three opponents didn't waste any time, Rosiv dashed forward while Levinity and Kaltora went separate directions.

"Guys, split up. We'll each go one-on-one with these guys unless we see someone else struggling. Got it?" Taking a step back, Art watched Rosiv's movements and began to figure out a counter attack.

"I'll get the Piplup!" Zaphiel said, dashing to the right, releasing a few sparks from his cheeks.

"Guess I'll get the Eevee. Levinity... What a stupid name." Ruby chuckled as she made her way left towards her foe.

Rosiv was now closing in on Artomis, getting his blades ready to strike. Art waited for the perfect moment and jumped into the air. Rosiv had thrust his arms forward, completely missing his target, who in fact landed on the top of the blades. Once he got his footing, he kicked the Scyther in the side of its head, sending it to the ground on the first blow. He barely landed on his feet and watched as Rosiv hopped back to his feet almost as quick as he hit the ground. This guy means business.

"What makes you think you stand a chance against me girly? Aren't you too pretty to be part of an Exploration Team?" Ruby taunted the Eevee in front of her, waving a finger.

"Oh? You think I'm one of them, do you? Well, I guess I'll prove to you that pretty girls like me can be better explorers than just the regular, dull girls like you." Levinity grinned once she noticed her choice of words irritated the Sableye before her. "What makes you think that you're even worthy of being in one?"

Ruby smiled. "Oh, I'm more than qualified. It makes me wonder if someone like you is, thought. You wouldn't want to get your shiny coat all dirty." She let out a laugh as she took a step forward and readied her claws. "Anyway, I have a job I have to finish and you just happen to be the next stepping stone on my path!"

Launching forward, Ruby slashed at Levinity with a Fury Swipes attack, but the Eevee was able to nimbly dodge each attack thrown at her. Realizing that ability wasn't working Ruby faked another swipe, causing Levinity to move slightly to the right. With a smile, Ruby released a Shadow Ball attack that hit its target dead-on. Once the dust cleared, Ruby saw that the Eevee was nowhere to be seen. "Quit running away you coward!"

Jumping to the side, Zaphiel dodged the Water Gun attack from Kaltora. Zaphiel had been measuring the skills of the Piplup for a while now and was about to make his move. He watched as his foe began to go for another Water Gun. Just as the water left his beak, Zaphiel used a Thunder Bolt on the stream of water while it was coming toward him. He was shocked at the true intensity of the attack and watched as his electricity traveled all the way to the surprised Kaltora.

Then there was a puff of smoke. The Piplup was gone just before the attack connected and in his spot stood Levinity. She took the full blast and let out a sharp cry. It only happened in a few seconds time, but Zaphiel figured out the trick to this team with just one move. "I get it, you're a Baton Passer aren't you? You knew Kaltora was finished if that connected."

Still standing her ground, the smoking Eevee gave a smile. "Yeah, something like that. It was also to dodge another attack, but if I saved Kaltora I'm fine with it. Don't let that stop you from fighting me, though. I've been looking for a challenge, and just by that attack, I think this could be fun."

Zaphiel smiled back. "Oh no, the battle has just begun!"

"You don't stand a chance, kid." Rosiv used a X-Scissor attack on Artomis, who tried to jump back, but had little room because of the corner he had just been pushed to. As a result, the edges of the Scyther's blades scratched a small X on his chest.

I can't let things go his way. I need to find a way to turn this around.

Rosiv took another step forward and swung his left blade down at Art. Bringing his arm up, Artomis blocked the attack with the plate of his arm. He then reached forward and grabbed the Scyther by his right arm and flipped himself over his foe. Once he was directly above him, he used his now open left paw and slammed his palm into Rosiv's head. To Art's surprise, a large barrage of golden energy left his hand, causing a blast and sending the bug into the hard wall. He landed by somersaulting into a kneel to stop his forward momentum. The blast seemed to affect him a bit as well, his head now in a daze just like when he shot the Aura Sphere before. "..What the hell just happened?"

He looked up at the bloody Scyther and quickly ran up to him. "Hey, you alright?" Looking down, he saw a piece of fabric on the ground. It looked like a Focus Sash, but it was completely black. "Wow, you're lucky. Here, take this." Reaching into his bag, Art pulled out an Oran Berry and popped it in Rosiv's mouth before he could refuse.

At first, Artomis thought it pissed him off, but a chuckle escaped the Scyther's wounded form. "That was one hell of a hit, kid. Just with that alone I think you might just be the ones to help us."

Artomis looked at him confused. "Well, if you say that, should we stop the others from fighting?"

Rosiv smiled. "No, let them fight. Everyone needs to train for what is to come. That was what this challenge was to see, the fact that the Twilight Brigade is big enough to fix their mistake."

Art's ears drooped. "You know about that, huh?"

With a Nod, Rosiv finally built up enough strength to get himself in a better position on the hard ground. He looked at Artomis' chest and smiled. "I got your ass good though. We're going to have to do a rematch after we beat Darkrai."

Ruby had to admit, that Eevee was annoying, but the Piplup she now faced was a pest. He wouldn't allow her to get close without find a way to blow her back with a Bubblebeam or a Water Gun. Standing about five feet away from Kaltora, Ruby dashed ahead. Once she got close, the Piplup jumped into the air. Ruby followed it, a grin forming on her face as she released a Shadow Ball at her target.

Kaltora tried desperately to push the attack back with a Water Gun, but the sphere had more power and first blew threw his attacks before colliding with the small penguin. He fell onto the ground, eyes shut tight.

Ruby landed less than a foot away from Kaltora and watched his motionless form for a moment. After she was convinced he was knocked out, he turned to where she last saw Art. She saw him sitting in the corner with the Scyther, watching Zaphiel and Levinity's battle. "Huh, I wonder if we can really trust these guys." She sighed, then showed a grin. "Oh well, might as well look for a random gem in the wall while I wait for them."

Leaping forward, Zaphiel used Agility and began running head first toward Levinity. She stood in place, hunched down on all fours. Once Zaphiel got close, She slightly lowered her head, then suddenly raised it, head butting Zaph's face with the back of her head. From the impact, Zaphiel flew into the air and landed just a few feet away. He struggled to get to his feet, but was determined not to give up.

Just as Zaphiel was going for another attack, Rosiv and Artomis both walked up, the Scyther clapping his blades together, Art guessed he was clapping for them. "That is enough. You three have passed the challenge. We don't need to do harm to one another when we all have a common enemy that will do it to us."

Zaph looked at Art with a questioning glance. "What? So these guys aren't bad?" "No, in fact I think they want to help. We'll talk about it more once we get back to the Guild." Art let out a soft sigh. "But first we've got to get Ruby. I think she got her hand stuck in a hole in the wall saying she saw some rare gem or something."

"Why is it whenever you two return you're always hurt?! Do you not listen to a word I say?!" Faith had been scolding everyone as they got treated. "I swear, you're going to get yourselves killed if you keep this up!"

"We're fine Faith, we just had a little friendly competition." Zaphiel said with a smile. All Faith did was glare back at him as she continued to wrap a bandage around Art's chest. "So Rosiv, you said we passed, so what do you know of Team Break?"

The Scyther was sitting along with his partners on the ground across from the Twilight Brigade party. "In fact, the question would be what don't I know. The Scizor that is spoken of is in fact my older brother. His name was Zerak."

All three explorers looked at Rosiv in shock. Artomis quickly made the connection and smiled. "Alright! So you know about the item they used on Darkrai, right?" Turning to Art, Rosiv nodded. "I fact, my brother was the one to find it in the first place. He called it 'The Peacekeeper.'"

Now a smile was showing on Zaphiel's face, which was a little bruised from the blow he took from Levinity. "And the big money question: do you know where said object is?"

Rosiv lowered his head. "That, unfortunately I do not know. However I do remember him saying something about hiding it somewhere safe. A place no one would ever look for it because it was in front of everyone. He said regular Pokémon are too stupid to look under their noses."

Ruby's attention quickly turned to the last phrase. "Sounds like a bad riddle. Your brother had a great attitude on how to look at others."

"I think it is a riddle, but I haven't been able to solve it. That's where you three come in." Rosiv stood up and looked down at the three warn out Pokémon in front of him. "The more we have working on the puzzle, the better. That search will start at the dawns first light. I hope you will be ready."

Art watched as the Scyther walked to the door, leaving his two comrades where they sat. "Where are you going?"

"I must see your Guild Master, there is much I need to discuss with him and so little time to do it." Adding a smile, Rosiv left the room and continued down the hall.

Turning towards the remnants of the team, Artomis smiled, really glad that they came out of this battle with friends instead of enemies this time. He noticed that Levinity seemed to have a small grudge against Ruby, but he figured it was personal and didn't want to get into it. Well, let's just hope we find that Peacekeeper. I don't know how long we'll be able to keep the peace here in the Guild, let alone the rest of the world.