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PMD: The Twilight Brigade Chronicles Chapter 8 - Sinking Feeling

_"I knew they were behind this! Damn Team Synth!"

"Calm down, Artomis. We need to think this through."

"No! I'm done with that now! I've been sitting on the sidelines while they've taken everything from me! My home, my life... Hell, even my family is against me because of them! I've waited years to finally get this chance!"

"...Something just doesn't feel right. This isn't you!"_

Waking with a start, Artomis was panting heavily as he sat up. He grabbed his aching head and tried to calm himself down. That wasn't supposed to happen... I wonder what that was? He had truly wanted to recount his first vision again, but ever since he had seen it in front of Cyrus, he had not been able to see that particular memory. This was the first reaction he got, which was completely different than what he expected.

The room was still dark, only a few rays of light were shining in through the window. Looking over at the door, Artomis wondered if Cyrus would want to know about this.

"You okay, man? It sounded like you were having a nightmare."

Art jumped at Zaphiel's voice and turned to his friend's bed. He was sitting up as well, his ears drooped. "...I think I need to see Cyrus. I had another vision again."

"There's no need. I'm right behind you."

Jumping again, he turned around to see his Guild Master. "How long have you been there?!"

Cyrus opened his eyes and looked down at the Riolu. "I've been here long enough. Ruby sent for me when she heard you yelling in your sleep."

Feeling a bit sheepish, Artomis gave a slight nod. "Did you see anything this time?"

"In fact, I did. It seems we need to keep an eye out for this Team Synth. From what I understood, they sound like a dangerous group." Standing up, Cyrus walked up to the door and turned towards the two. "There is only a few hours until dawn, I suggest you both try to get more rest. We have a lot of work to do in the morning and I need you both to be at full strength." He then turned his attention to Artomis. "I am working on your problem as well, but I can only do so much until we start finding answers. Until then, we just got to do what we can to keep our home safe."

"I understand." Art didn't really want to talk about it anymore. He knew that his situation was the last thing on everyone's mind.

Once Cyrus left, Zaphiel got out of his bed and sat next to Art. "Hey man, your power seems to be getting out of control... Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, I'll live. I just need some sleep to get rid of this head-ache."

Zaph frowned. "Alright. I'm just hoping that you don't get yourself hurt in all of this. Each time you get a vision, it seems like you loose a part of yourself."

Giving Zaphiel a weird look, Artomis was unsure of what to think of his response. "Trust me, I can't hurt myself anymore than I already do. Let's just get some more sleep, we need to be ready for tomorrow."

Zaphiel hesitated before getting up and climbing back into his bed. "Just so you know, you're not alone in all this. You might be the only one who is suffering from your past, but you've got plenty of others trying to help prevent that pain."

A small smile formed as Art lay back down on his bed. "Thanks, Zaph. I know you all are working hard for me, I just hope someday, once this fog over my head is clear, I can return the favor."

"Pretty nose brat!"

"Ha, even your insults are weak. Let me ask, how did you even get allowed into this wonderful Guild?"

Ruby gave a growl to the Eevee across the table and turned to the opening door beside her, watching as Artomis and Zaphiel entered the dining room. "Ah, there you are! You guys ready for our search today?"

Smiling at Ruby, Art noticed that Levinity was giving her a death-glare. The Eevee was sitting next to her two comrades, who both looked a bit annoyed. "Yeah, I think we are."

Rosiv stood up and turned his attention to the Riolu. "Good. We're going to all search in town first. My brother was always quite fond of the place."

After nodding to the Scyther, Art then heard the doors behind him start to open again. He took a step forward and turned around to see Cyrus standing in the doorway. "You all will have to go on without Artomis. He has been summoned and must go with me to Shimmering Forest."

Ruby let out a disapproving grunt as she scurried up to Cyrus. "Awe man, why can't I go with you guys?"

"Your task is more important. Artomis will not be long before he joins you in your search again." Cyrus patted the Sableye's head, and she looked up at him with a small glare. "Now now, don't get upset. It's not going to be fun, nor is there treasure involved."

"Xatu called for me? Why would he want me right now?" Art stared at his Guild Master, hoping for a reply.

Cyrus gave a shrug. "I have no idea what he wants. All he said was that it was urgent you and I went."

With a nod, Artomis let out a small sigh. He then rose his head back up and smiled at Zaphiel. "You keep the group in check. Just be careful with Ruby and Levinity." The Pikachu gave a thumbs-up. "You got it, bro!"

Ruby gave a wierd look. "Hey! What do you mean 'be careful?'"

Smiling, Art turned to Ruby. "Oh, nothing. Just that you're evil and stuff."

"...Evil?" The Sableye showed a wicked grin. "Yeah, I guess I manage that pretty well, don't I?"

"Is he waiting down there for us? How are we going to fall down in that pit safely?" Art was looking off the remaining edge of the floor before the room that Artomis triggered to collapse, staring at the dark depths below.

"It would seem like he's down there, but how to get there is the problem." The Kadabra was peering above Artomis into the darkness. He took another step forward and placed his hand on Art's shoulder. "Trust me. I got an idea." Not even a second later, Cyrus pushed his arm forward, tossing Artomis down into the crater below.

Cyrus listened intently, waiting to hear the outcome of his quick thinking. Instead of a thud, Cyrus heard a slash from below. "Heh, guess my instinct was right." he said, just before jumping down himself.

The instant Cyrus hit the cold water, Artomis was back on the surface, coughing up all the water that he had choked on. It took him a moment to get his bearings together, but once his vision returned, Cyrus emerged from the water and caused water to flow right into his open eyes and mouth. He heard Cyrus say something, but it was muffled by the water in his ears.

Once his senses were in check, Artomis looked at Cyrus. He wanted to beat him up for pushing him off the ledge, but as Cyrus moved forward, Art looked ahead and saw Xatu standing on the shore of the underground lake. Watching Cyrus, he began to swim forward, towards the land ahead.

"Well, looks like a pair of Mudkip come to play on the beach."

Cyrus was soon able to stand in the water and began walking out of the water. "Mudkip? That's all you think of me as, Xatu?"

The green bird opened its eyes and smiled at Cyrus. "No, I suppose not. I must say, you respond quickly to my calling."

Cyrus returned the smile. "Would have been here quicker if it wasn't for a few Wild Pokemon."

Artomis had finally got to the shore line and stood waist deep in the chilled water. With his fur soaked, Art felt like he was as heavy as an Onix. He inhaled deeply, filling up his waterlogged lungs as much as he could. "So, what did you call us for Xatu?"

The Riolu took one step forward, but Xatu held out a wing. "Stand your ground, Artomis. I need you in the water for what we are about to do."

Looking at Xatu puzzled, Artomis felt a sudden tug on his leg. Before he knew it, he was back under the water again, this time being dragged by his leg. He fought the current and turned himself to see a blue tentacle wrapped around him. Looking up a bit more, Art soon realized he was being dragged by an Omastar. He tried to kick at the foe, but with how swift the Pokemon was, the current was too much. His lungs began to burn, begging for the sweet taste of air. Man, I need to think of something quick... I've only got one chance... Looking ahead, Art noticed a large rock to the right. He pushed himself as hard as he could the right, grabbing onto the rock, and kicking off with his open foot. This caused the Omastar to lose its grip on his leg and become disoriented. Art took this moment to rush to the surface to catch his breath. He hadn't been out of the water for two seconds before the Omastar grabbed onto him again and drug him back down by the arm. Feeling the hard shell against the palm of his paw, Artomis decided to try his new little trick again. He concentrated all his energy into that paw, then released. He watched as his paw flashed gold and knocked the Pokemon away.

This time, Art stayed under the water and tucked his arms to his side. He felt his head turn to flame as the power between his paws started to grow. Releasing the power ahead of him, Artomis watched as his gold Aura Sphere slammed into his target.

"Enough!"

A sudden flash of light blinded Artomis for a moment, but once he could see again, he was looking up at the bottom of an emerald tree. He noticed he was lying down and began to sit up, but once he moved, his mind was flooded with a rush of pain. "Don't move too much. You'll only make it worse if you do."

"Ugh... What happened Xatu? How did I get here?" Rubbing his head, Art looked up and over to the lakes edge. He let out a gasp when he saw a bright object above the psychic bird. "Is that... My Aura Sphere?"

Xatu smiled. "Quite correct. You see, your friend Ruby here was given the task to knock you out. Once asleep, I put my influence on your dream to force you to use your powers. It was necessary to abstract it from you, but so far, you cannot willingly conjure it."

Looking beside Xatu, he saw Ruby hiding in the bird's shadow and Cyrus floating above the water, legs crossed. "Wait, I was asleep that whole time? Then why did it feel so real?"

"When the mind believes in something, the body believes the mind. As for the extraction, you made that real easy and have given me a lot to work with. I must say, you intrigue me more each time I see you." Xatu looked up at the glowing sphere just above him and closed his eyes. "Not just the color is different, but the feel to it... I must figure out why."

Artomis was now starting to get annoyed. "So is that all you needed me for? A sample of my Aura?"

Opening his eyes, Xatu turned back towards Art and smiled. "No, that was not the only reason, though it was the main one. I also know some information. Looking into your Aura, I have seen that you will find the answer you seek soon. In fact, you already know where to look for it."

Wishing Xatu would get to the point, Art slowly got back on his feet. Each movement brought a wave of pain, but he fought past it and walked up to the bird. "Answer to what? I have a lot of questions, so you'll have to forgive me on asking you to be more specific."

"Ah, a valid point. To put it differently, you are going to find the object to lead you to the truth on your current quest."

Cyrus' attention turned towards Xatu as he floated himself onto the land behind him. Art watched as Ruby walked up to Cyrus and whisper something in his ear. He found it odd on how secretive the two were, but Xatu soon caught his attention as well.

"With this Aura in my possession, I believe we may be able to unlock parts of your past. I just need more time to analyze it." Xatu turned towards the water behind him. "As you can see, I don't have much time left in this place."

"I've been meaning to ask, what is the deal with all the water? That wasn't here last time I came here." Artomis looked at the dark water and shivered. He never expected anything like that to happen.

Xatu turned back towards Art. "It is the result of the earthquake which brought you down here. It cracked and broke through the rock to an underground stream. Ever since, the room has began to fill at an alarming rate. It was urgent to get you here before I was forced to leave."

Giving Xatu an odd look, Artomis looked at the gold ball that still floated in the air. "Why was this place so important? It's just like anywhere else, right?"

"The tree's crystals enhance the power of the mind. It radiates Physic energy and held the Darkrai captive in a prison in the forests core."

Art brought his paw to his chin. "A Physic type barrier? But psychic isn't good against dark typed Pokemon... Why would you clash types to hold him here?"

Xatu smiled. "You have quite the knowledge on types, you are right, it should have never worked. The item used in the battle somehow has the ability to switch a type from no effect to massive damage."

"What? How's that even possible?"

"No one knows who created the item, nor do they have the knowledge of its power. It is said that the item contains dangerous power. I suggest once you find it, you treat it with respect."

Artomis gave a nod. He watched as Cyrus stood up and turned towards the two. "It is near dusk, you need to make the rest of this quick."

Xatu closed his eyes. "Time is such a cruel fate. Very well Cyrus. I am done talking for now-"

"Until you sleep, that is. We shall speak then. No memories for you tonight, Artomis."

"-And the boy needs rest. You all must get going to the Guild."

Artomis was shocked at the sudden mental link, but then gave a nod. "Then I get to ask my questions, right?"

"Yes, anything you ask that I can answer, I will do so."

He gave the bird a nod and stepped up to Cyrus and Ruby. "Yeah, let's get going. I want to see how the search went."

Cyrus gave a nod. "How are you feeling? You really put your heart into that attack with how large that sphere is."

"I'll live. That Magmar was worse than this was. Can't say I'll feel the same about lakes, though."

"You'll have to tell us what happened, Xatu would not allow me to see your dream." He felt his lungs still tingling from the nightmare, but paid more attention to the migraine he had. "I'll tell you in the morning, I don't think I'm fully alive yet."

Cyrus gave a nod. "Yes, I understand." He turned towards Xatu. "You take care, old friend. Don't stay in this sinking crevasse till the end."

"Oh dear friend, in fact, I leave as you do. I have what I needed from here, I can leave it to its watery grave knowing my creation served its purpose." Xatu bowed his head. "Until we next meet, Twilight Brigade." In a flash of white, both Xatu and the sphere of aura vanished.

Artomis turned to Cyrus, crossing his arms. "You knew Xatu built this place, so you had known the origin of Shimmering Forest. Why did you send us on that mission in the first place? If you knew, then this shouldn't have happened!"

Cyrus looked down at the Riolu. "That was a mission that we have always given to new recruits so they can learn the feeling of defeat. You don't always succeed in missions, so we try to prepare you for it. I didn't actually think you would succeed, but you proved me wrong. Ask Zaphiel about his first time on that quest. He failed, but was determined to find the answer when given another shot. You made that come true, though the end result was not to be expected."

"Alright, I believe you, but I do have one more question..." He turn towards Ruby, who suddenly looked nervous. "How did you sneak up behind me this time. I didn't notice you at all. You got me good!"

Ruby's worry turned into confusion, then laughter. "Well, let's just say I trained a bit since you last fought me."

He gave a nod. "Good. We all need to get stronger and learn our own weaknesses before we fight Darkrai."

"Nothing? Not even a clue?" Art let out a sigh and sat at the table, holding his head. His head-ache would not go away, but he knew he had to eat something. He wanted answers, but no one seemed to know anything.

Zaphiel's ears were tucked back, a disappointed look on his face. "Yeah, searched high and low, asked tons of Pokemon, almost got into a fight, but still nothing."

Popping a berry in his mouth, Art closed his eyes. "Well, we'll go again tomorrow. I've got a good feeling about this."

Zaphiel crossed his arms. "Well, if we don't, we'll have to change where we look. I don't think it's in town, though. We searched everywhere."

Picking off the last piece of apple from his plate, Artomis popped it in his mouth and stood up. "Alright, I think it's time for sleep, my head's about to explode."

That brought a worried look to the Pikachu's face. "What happened to you, dude? You've been really messed up ever since you got back from the forest."

"I had a meeting with Xatu, but it wasn't what I expected." He began walking to the doorway and Zaphiel followed, listening intently. "Basically to make a long story short, he extracted some of my Aura so he could get more answers."

Zaphiel's ears cocked to the the side, giving a confused look as he opened the door for Artomis. "I don't get it... I guess it makes sense, but I don't know as much as Xatu or Cyrus, so I'll just trust them on that."

"Yeah, that's what I figured I'd do too. They seem to be onto something, so might as well let them continue." Upon turning down the hall, Art noticed Rosiv outside their bedroom door. "I wonder what he wants..."

The two walked up to the waiting Scyther, who had noticed their arrival. "Tomorrow I'm moving my team to a new location. We want you two to stay here and search once more before you follow us. We are going to Hillside Ranch, which lies just north of Doom Grove." Rosiv began to walk away, but then stopped suddenly. "Oh, I forgot to mention that Levinity will be joining you. She insisted she stayed here to watch over you. Good luck tomorrow." He then continued to walk down the hall and turned the corner.

"...Well, he's not one for conversation, is he?" Zaphiel said with a sigh, before opening the door to their bedroom. "Alright, let's get some sleep. Tomorrow, you tell me everything that happened as we search for clues."

"Ah, there you are. I was wondering if you would ever fall asleep."

"Xatu, have you figured anything out yet?"

The green bird's form appeared before him. "Right down to business, I see. Very well, indeed, I have more information. In fact, I have recovered another lost memory."

Artomis' eyes went wide. "Really?! Can--"

"I must warn you. It is graphic compared to the last visions you have had. If you wish to see it, I can show it, but it could possibly take the whole night."

Art thought for a moment. "I can ask you my questions tomorrow night, I want to see this tonight."

"...Very well. I need you to clear your mind."

With a nod, Artomis closed his eyes and inhaled deep. After a moment, his mind felt a bit hazed before an image began to appear. There were three men dressed like the doctors he had seen before and they were surrounding a table with a figure in red lying on it.

"You monsters! What are you going to do with us?!" It was that girl. He couldn't see her blue form, but he knew it was her.

"You should be honored! It's not everyday the master chooses a group of outsiders for one of our experiments." The doctor to the left looked like it grabbed an object and walked up close to Artomis' vision point. He watched as the doctor thrust its arm forward and stabbed with what looked like a needle.

Watching as the item turned a crimson red, the doctor smiled, and then pulled away. He moved up to the form on the table and stuck the needle into the still form. "What are you doing?! Mixing a human's blood with a Pokemon's?! That will kill him!"

"Shut up, you stupid bitch! Once we get this punk settled in, we'll have no use of you and throw you in the kennel like the dog you are!"

Being pulled back from the memory, Art felt another wave of pain flow through him as he sat himself on the ground, finally able to see Xatu before him. "What was that?! It all seems so familiar..."

"That was extracted from your Aura with a little help from a previous memory. If you do not recall, you have seen these doctors before." Xatu walked up close to Artomis and put his wing on Art's shoulder. "This night is ending, but time will grant us another meeting tomorrow. Do not fret on these dreams while you are awake, that is the time you should be focused on the matter at hand."

"...Xatu, I have one question before you go."

The bird gave a nod. "Yes, make it quick. I do not have much time left."

The Riolu placed his right paw on his chest and closed his eyes. "I'm not so much worried about who I am or why I'm here... But Xatu, what am I?"

Giving him a stern look, Xatu turned away from Artomis. "You are neither human nor Pokemon, but a mix of the two." Xatu's eyes suddenly turned a solid red color. "Two souls trapped in one, the single form struggling to hold its body. Power flowing through the veins of the warrior about to burst at any given moment, releasing a dark entity created by confusion and destruction, causing the Dark Forces to reign over the Spear Pillar." Lifting it wings, Xatu turned back to Art, his eyes turning back to its usual yellow. "That is said to be what becomes of you in the future if you fail to master your Aura and fail to defeat Darkrai."

Artomis was speechless. It was almost like Xatu had just read to him a prophecy, but it was about the worlds end. "...I will try my hardest to beat him. I'll do it no matter what."

With a nod, Xatu began to float in the air above Artomis. "Until tomorrow, Aura Guardian." And with a flash, he was gone.

Alone once again, Art let out a small sigh. "What a day. Man, even when I'm asleep, I'm not resting... I need a vacation day."