[Town Path - F7]

@Shiny Keldeo@Ninian
The fluster that over took Ember once she was casually elected by Lilisette to lead the party caused Devon to smirk and roll his eyes. Once Selena looked over at him, he quickly nodded and walked up to give Ember a reassuring light slug in the side. "Come on, don't put yourself down like that dude. You were pretty good at leading the charge against the thief yesterday."

Gesturing to the narrow hall to his right, the blue crocodile leaned in close to the Quilava and shook her a bit. "How about you lead for a bit, and then I'll switch in when you want me to? That way we can both have some experience with this."

Snapping a claw, the human turned Pokémon struck a pose and pointed out into the dungeon. "Lead on, Ember!"

About an hour later...

[Folio's Trunk - Waypoint]

After a rather uneventful trek through the length of the giant tree's trunk, Team Horizon, along with Brick, arrived at the large moss covered room that marked the divide between the Town Path and the Treacherous Roots. The large room had an oddly dome shaped roof, the interior smooth wood walls marked with the writings and small doodles left by passerbys. Evidence of a recent camp fire in the form of charred wood logs lay in a pile of ash near the center of the room. A large gaping hole shaded by overhanging moss lay on the far side of the room from the group, while on their left, was a carved wood arch that lead out into the heated sands of the Sand Continent proper.

While no more worse for wear than he already was, the brown spiked Totodile rubbed the sole of his left foot a bit before turning his head towards the various claw and charcoal marks on the walls. A crude sketch of what looked to be some sort of long necked Pokémon with an orb on the end of it's tail caused him to stare bit dumbly. Shaking his head, his brown eyes then shifted to the front at the sound of a grunt.

Their Poliwrath guide and slipped in front of the kids wordlessly, his unwavering glare remaining as he pointed a gloved finger towards the exit of the tree. "Alright guys, I know it hasn't been that....Exciting so far. Usually the Town Path has more varied terrain and hostile Pokémon, but never the less you're doing fine. We can break here for a bit and give you a bit of time to look over your gear and prep if you want, the desert isn't nearly as forgiving as this Dungeon has been."

"Works for me. My feet are starting to hurt." Sighing in a bit of relief, the Water-type then smiled before waddling around to face everyone. The three glittering stones embedded in the Looplet on his wrist shimmering. "I can't believe we've made it this far and had such good luck! We've picked up a bunch of coins, a bunch of Emeras, those Confusion Wands...." Putting a clawed hand to his head, he deflated a bit, groaning. "I really wish I wouldn't have stepped on one of those things. My heads still spinning. Anyways, should we break or nah?"

[Folio Town - Glyde's House]

@Shiny Keldeo
The cry at the door was met with a small gasp, and the rapid sounds of tiny feet scuttling across wood flooring. "Ah! I got it I got it!"

The solid wood door with the stylised carving of a Dragonair on it shuddered a bit. Squeaking grunts coming from the other side, despite there being no one visible in the small window near the top of the door. The knob soon clicked, and the door swung back. The Trapinch attached to the interior handle of the door via it's large mouth flailing a bit before falling to the floor onto it's back with a tiny cry. "OW! I really wish I had hands...."

Rolling onto it's side, the little orange Mon blinked it's starry eyes at the two much larger Pokémon at the door, and put a stubby leg to his chin. "Whoooa. Are you guys from Uncle Glyph's Guild?"

Fast as lighting, a pair of green hands reached down to pluck the young Trapinch off of the floor, and raise him up to the green face of worry belonging the Flygon. "Glen, are you alright? You must stop jumping at the door like that! One of these times, that fall will..."

Glyph's lecture was soon cut short as his stern red glass stare drifted away from the wide eyed face of his nephew. His domed eyes growing wide at the sight of the badger in the doorway. "Oh....Oh my goodness."

The large green Dragon awkwardly bent down to put the Trapinch softly on the floor next to him, before stand up hesitantly taking a step forwards to lean out onto the porch. The Guildmaster appeared to be at a loss for words as his maw went agape, swallowing before he finally got his speech together. "Pepper? Is that truly you? Have you come back?"

@Ninian @Light Lord
[Team Horizon - Folio Town Guild]
[Folio's Trunk - Waypoint]

After their long trek through the massive trunk, they were allowed a moment to catch their breath and prepare for the next leg of their journey. Selena breathed a sigh of relief as she looked around the room, noticing a small spring in the corner. She headed over to it, taking a small drink and rubbing some on her paws and sore leg. The cooling sensation was a relief to her. She took a seat as she waited for the group, looking at the Emeras she had collected on the trip.

"Sorry about 4F guys, I didn't know it was possible to find three dead ends from a single room..." Ember said, laughing a bit about it. "That just goes to show how random Mystery Dungeons can be, though. Like how 2F we found the stairs right in the first room." Selena said. Ember looked over now, spying the spring herself. After taking her drink, she sat over next to Selena. "Hey, you alright? You were really falling behind those last few floors." Ember asked quietly.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Just wasn't used to all the walking, I guess." She replied, looking away for a moment, causing Ember to give a nervous glance. Selena stood up, heading over to the exit of the trunk. The sun was blazing down on the open desert, with not a single piece of shade as far as the eye could see. "It looks so barren out there..." She said, looking back at the group.

[Team Daybreak - Folio Guild]
[Folio Town - Glyde's House]

The Typhlosion's eyes were on the small Trapinch for a moment before they caught sight of the one he'd been searching for. As Glyph stepped out, getting a better look at him, for a moment he was overcome, the purpose of his coming pushed aside. "Of course I did... You know me, I'm too stubborn not to..." He said, keeping his gaze level with Glyph's. In a flash his mission returned to his mind. He shook himself back to his senses and looked Glyph straight in the eyes.

"Right, now's not the time... I bring a word of warning to you..." He started, taking a step forward and collapsing to his knee. "You okay?!" Fuse asked, quickly moving to his side and checking on him. "Damn... I hate for you to see me like this, but this can't wait... If I don't tell you, Folio is doomed." He said gruffly as he tried to ease himself back up onto his feet.

[Folio's Trunk - Waypoint]

@Shiny Keldeo@Ninian
The Totodile followed his friends over towards the tiny spring, approaching the water and peering into it for a moment before dipping his face into it. A moment later pulling out and tilting his head back to drink the cool liquid that remained in his long mouth. His hands fumbling with his bag as he pulled out his canteen, and dipped it inside before turning his head and frowning at Selena as she once again claimed she was fine. She didn't seem very fine back there....She could barely keep up when we were just walking....

The barrage of complaints from the nearby blue Kirlia caused Devon to sigh quietly, shaking his head and popping a cap back onto his dripping bottle as he pulled it out of the water, and waddled over to the two girls as they stared off into the blazing sands beyond Folio's Trunk. A tiny, encouraging smile growing across his maw as he jumped before them. "Come on guys, we can't give up yet. Gerudo's only supposed to be a half hour walk, we can totally make that if we're careful about it."

Looking towards Selena in particular, he tilted his head. "Oh yeah, Selena, we lost you around a few corners back in the dungeon...Are you sure it's just cause you're not used to it?"

@Ninian @Light Lord
[Team Horizon - Folio Town Guild]
[Folio's Trunk - Waypoint]

It seemed her words had done little to quell their concerns, as she now found herself the center of attention. Noticing this, she instinctively backed up a step or two. "Really, it's nothing... It wasn't too big a deal to me, so I didn't say anything. I just... stubbed my foot on a rock or something a few floors back. I was taking it easy while the pain went away. But see, it's fine now." She feigned, stamping her uninjured foot in a display. "See, it's fine..." She stated again, turning and moving away to clear her head and calm herself. She'd never been so vocally defensive before, why was it all showing now?

Ember had joined the others, her head turned towards Selena as the others probably did as well. "Something's bugging her. I've only really known her for a day or two, but I can just tell by the way she acts. I just don't know if we should... you know... keep bugging her about it..." Ember said in a hushed voice, low enough only Devon and Lilisette could hear at that distance. Then the group heard footsteps approaching...

[Team Sanctuary - Valiant Village Guild]
[Folio's Trunk - Town Path 7F]

The normally sweet and gentle Sylveon ground her teeth after the strange Absol's snappy remark, she even caught him smirk as they talked. Words could not express the anger swelling up inside her right now. "Easy sis..." Krystal remarked, attempting to soothe her angered sibling. With a shake of her head, she regained her composure. "Right... right... I'm good... I'm calm..." She said, taking a deep breath. "If that's settled, let's get moving."

[Folio's Trunk - Waypoint]

At some point afterward, they'd lost sight of the other Absol in the usual maze that was a Mystery Dungeon. Eventually they found themselves at the waypoint that connected the Town Path to the Treacherous Roots. "Hmm... I don't see him here..." Omen said, eyes warily scanning the room. There were Pokemon there, a group of five. They seemed nothing special, save for the oddly colored Kirlia and, if one had a good enough eye, Totodile. Curious, he wasn't a normal discoloration like others he'd seen through various means.

"Good riddance. You heard what he called that guy back there. There's no worse insult in the world than calling someone..." Serenity was ranting, before also noticing they were not alone. "Well... I think I'll hold my tongue for now..." She finished. "Good call, sis. I don't remember seeing them up there. They don't look too much younger than us, ya know." Krystal noticed. "They can probably hear you, Krystal." Omen stated, causing her to blush in embarrassment. He walked towards the exit, eyeing the surroundings. Off handedly, he spoke to the Poliwrath, whom he immediately could tell was the most experienced one there. "Heading to Gerudo as well?" He asked, still facing out towards the desert.

[Folio Town - Glyde's House]

@Shiny Keldeo
The unbelieving expression stuck to the old Flygon's face remained as he continued to stare at the rather broken form of the Typhlosion before him. His claws lacing together as he stuttered a bit. "But you've been gone for years, Pepper. We all assumed the worst in that long period. I....I apologise for ever doubting you. Where in the world have you been, for all this time?"

The veteran Explorer quickly dismissed his question, Glyph's antennae drooping a bit at the news of a warning. I can only hope it's more information about our current predicament, and not another entirely.... The large green dragon gasped at Pepper fell to his knee in weakness, as he quickly leaned down to catch the Fire-type by the shoulders and meet his gaze with red domed eyes. "Save your strength Pepper. If it is truly that urgent, tell me now, but make it brief. You need medical attention as soon as possible."

[Folio's Trunk - Waypoint]

@Shiny Keldeo@Ninian
The defensive Bayleef didn't do much to persuade the concerned Totodile. The rather meek explanation, in addition to the sudden reappearance of her shyness, caused Devon to bite his lip and grab at his arm. She's definitely not acting like she's ok....

Glancing sideways at Ember as she approached him and Lilisette, the little Water-type whispered back. "I don't really wanna pressure her or anything either but...I just don't know why she won't tell us? Is she worried about slowing us down? I hope not...I'd rather know what's up now, then have to keep worrying about her..."

Moving his deep brown eyes back to Selena as she moved away, he opened his maw to speak, but was distracted by the sounds of voices off to his right. His head turning towards the two Eeveelutions and the Dark-type as the Kirlia beside him mounted her complaint, his tiny little arm raising up and waving at them as he smiled. "Sure are! We're on a mission to deliver food to one of the shop keepers there. You guys wanna go there together?"

@Ninian @Light Lord

[Team Horizon - Folio Town Guild][Team Sanctuary - Valiant Village Guild]

[Folio's Trunk - Waypoint]

After the new team had entered, Selena returned to her teammates as what could be considered a conversation began. "Sorry... I've got a tendency to think out loud... a lot..." The Glaceon apologized, still blushing somewhat. The Sylveon came forward next, following after the Totodile's offer to travel together. "We should at least exchange names before doing anything like that, right? I'm Serenity. My flustered sister next to me is Krystal. And the dark, silent type over there is Omen. We're Team Sanctuary, from the Grass Continent under the Valiant Village Guild. It's a pleasure to meet you." She said cheerfully.

Omen remained rather silent during all this, as usual. He was deep in thought. I know we couldn't have passed him by accident up there... he let us pass on purpose. He's up to something, but I haven't the slightest clue what... He thought, before turning to the group, looking them over before speaking. "You seem rather green to be crossing the Altepa, no offense implied." He said, looking over to the veteran Poliwrath once again. "That being said, it's dangerous for even veteran teams to cross alone. We'd be happy to travel along with you, until we reach Gerudo." Omen finished.

Selena and Ember then moved next to the oddly colored Totodile. "You sure about this Devon? We just met them, after all..." Selena expressed her worries, Ember looking at her before looking back to Devon. "She has a point, but it wouldn't hurt to have some help. Especially if that creep from earlier shows up." Ember replied, perking Omen's interest as he listened in with his keen hearing. So, they encountered him as well... but we did not meet in the dungeon ourselves... perhaps he was after them... the pieces are beginning to come together...

Serenity and Krystal moved forward, joining their team leader. "It's up to you all. If Omen's fine with it, then so are we." Serenity spoke up. "Yeah, he is our Team Leader after all. Besides, you all seem like a fun bunch to travel with!" Krystal expressed her part.

[Team Daybreak - Folio Town Guild]
[Folio Town - Glyde's House]

The Typhlosion grinned (something he hadn't much done since Fuse had been with him) as Glyph expressed his concern for his well being. "I'm fine, Glyph. Just a scratch, I've been through worse. I'm more worried about everyone else..." He looked over Glyph's shoulder at the young Trapinch. "Do you... think we could go somewhere more private? Wouldn't want to worry the young one." He commented as he got back to his feet supported by the Flygon. "Fuse, was it? You've come with me this far, you should hear this too."

[A Few Minutes Later]

The trio had made their way inside, away from the prying eyes and ears of the young Trapinch. Pepper winced slightly as he sat down. "To understand what I'm about to tell you, I have to explain where I've been these past years..." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "You remember... when I came to you about my possible discovery of a third Dungeon here in Folio? Well... I found it. I know it now as the Folio Treetop."

His memory flashed back to when he first discovered it. "I found it in that Hidden Grotto with the Celebi Statue, out in the outskirts. I didn't know what to expect... and before I knew it, I had been captured by the inhabitants of the Treetop Haven. They weren't Dungeon Dwellers, nor Civilians. Something... in between. Their leader was... A Celebi. They held me there for some time before I could even begin to gain their trust. They wanted nothing to do with the outside world."

He took another breath as he continued. "The Celebi had been monitoring the actions of both the Guild, and the Manifest, using the very roots of the tree to spy on both. Recently, she discovered something horrifying..." He paused, then continued once more. "I urged her to set me free, so I could warn you of the coming danger. And she was eventually convinced, somewhat. She knew that if Folio were to fall, their haven would be next. Which is why I stand before you now... well... sit."

Finally he opened his eyes. "Xicu has been granted a power I had not thought possible... I do not know how powerful she is now, but I know this much..." He locked eyes with Glyph. "If you try to face her in battle, you will lose, you will die, and Folio will burn." He let the seriousness of his statement sink in. "In your current state, you stand no chance of defeating Xicu. I... don't even know if she can be defeated now. She is also beyond reason, she will not stop. We must find a way to gain such power ourselves if we stand any chance... of survival." He finally finished.

Fuse, for one, was in shock (no pun intended). What he'd just said pretty much cemented every possible fact about the prophecy they had known. He gulped, looking up to see Glyph's reaction. "If... if he's telling the truth... what are we going to do... what can we do, Guildmaster?"

[Folio's Trunk - Waypoint]

@Shiny Keldeo@Ninian
Lilisette waved off the Glaceon's guilt and embarrassment, Devon rocked back on his feet a bit. "It's all good, we're not offended. And uh..." Looking over at the blue Kirlia for a moment, the little Totodile put a hand to his chin and looked to the ceiling for a moment. "I...I can't remember how old I am either. I thought evolution didn't have anything to do with age though?"

Shaking his head, the Water-type then looked back to the three new comers and gripped the strap of his bag. The gold badge pinned to it glittering. A grin spreading across his maw as the Kirlia praised their team. "You got that right! I'm Devon," Pointing his thumb claws to the Bayleef and Quilava, he continued. "And this is Ember and Selena. It's really cool, I didn't think we'd meet Pokémon from another Guild way out in the middle of nowhere."

When the Absol looked over to Brick, the Poliwrath simply gave a stern stare, and nodded silently.

When the other trio expressed their excitement for teaming up, Devon smiled at them before lowering his voice, and turning around to look at his own team and cross his tiny arms. "I think we should. Sure, we just met them, but they're Guildies too, right? If we have the option for help, we might as well take it. Ember's got a point too, he might not mess with us if we got a bigger group."

Turning to look back to Team Sanctuary, the tiny blue croc nodded. "Sure, let's go together! With all of us working together, getting to the next town'll be easy."

[Folio Town - Glyde's House]

@Shiny Keldeo
Despite the reassurance of his health, Glyph still bore a look of concern as he looked to the old Typhlosion. "Yes, of course. We can talk in the study." Turning to look down at the small Trapinch still standing behind him, the Flygon pointed off into the house. "Glen, go find your mother and stay with her for a bit. I need to speak to these two alone."

The little orange mon gave a big frown, before opening his large jaws. "Aw, but uncle, I wanna know what's up!"

"No 'but's, Glen. Go on now." The Dragon stated firmly, before the little Ground-type sighed and walked off. Once his nephew had left, the Guildmaster gestured for Pepper and Fuse to follow him further into the house as he closed the door behind them.

[Glyde's House - Study]

The large green Dragon sat down on a rather large wooden chair as the Fire-type began to recall his tales. An expression of intense interest and focus plastering his rounded face as he listened intently to the old badger's wise warning. So he was correct....Another dungeon, another community of Pokémon....And another wise soul that has already seen the inevitable....Arceus help us all....Why must this happen?

A deep exhale came from Glyph as Pepper finished his tale, and both him and Fuse turned to him for an answer as to what their next move would be. His fingers lacing as he sat up straight, and stare them both down with a veil serious air that hid behind it a thick sorrow. "Pepper....I....We, already knew about the approaching destruction meant to befall our town. Preparations for the evacuation of all of our citizens have already begun as of this morning. Our only option, as much as it pains me to admit, is to abandon Folio."

Antennae drooping, the old mon looked past them. A shuttered wood window offering a crack of sunlight that looked out upon the neighbourhood outside. "I had a strong feeling, that from the very beginning, that 'darkness' the Sibyl spoke of in her prophecy would involve Xicu in someway. For years, she's been troubled by emotions she could not control, which led to her isolating herself within Folio's roots with her follows. Finding a way to rival her influence and new found power now, in such little time with little direction, would be foolish, and would put all of us at risk."

A rather sad chuckle escaped the Flygon, before he continued, looking to Pepper in particular. "Though things may seem rather bleak, there is still hope to be found even as this disaster descends on us. Part of that hope, Pepper, lies within your daughter. She's formed a Team with other children from town, and one of those children, is a human. The same creatures spoken of in legend across the continents. I hold a firm belief that their Team will be the ones to find and wield the power that will be able to rival our enemies."

@Ninian @Light Lord
[Team Horizon - Folio Town Guild; Team Sanctuary - Valiant Village Guild]
[Folio's Trunk - Waypoint]

Omen listened carefully as the group talked, taking in every word, including the realization that the oddly colored Totodile named Devon seemed to have amnesia. That pretty much proves it. That's why he's so special, and most likely why he was after him... no, is after him. He thought, his gaze shifting to his own team. "You sound pretty confident there, Lilisette. It's not easy to make your name in the world these days, ya know. But you've definitely got the faith and drive for it." Serenity said, giving a smile before catching her partner's gaze. I know that look, and it's not a good look... what's he got on his mind now... She'd ask herself in her mind.

"Yes, our travels have brought us far." Omen finally spoke up. "We're on what you could call an extended mission, stretching across all five continents." He explained. "Well, they are. I'm just really tagging along to see the sights..." Krystal then caught Omen's gaze as well as he flashed it at her. "O-of course, that doesn't mean I'm not helping. I'm part of the team for a reason." She caught herself, a bead of sweat dripping down from her forehead.

"Well, Devon's fine with it, so we are too. Right?" Ember said, looking over to Selena. "Right. And, if you wouldn't mind, I'd really like to know about places outside Folio. I've... never really seen much of the world." She'd say, her eyes dimly gleaming at the thought of learning more about the world. "Sure, me and Krystal would be happy to tell you about anything you want to know that we know. Omen's not much of a talker, though." Serenity would agree.

"Well then, we gonna stand around all day or get a move on? Daylight's burning, guys, and most of you don't want to be caught in the desert at night." Krystal blurted out. "If you all are prepared, we're ready when you are." Omen finished.

[Team Daybreak - Folio Town Guild]
[Folio Town - Glyde's House]

Pepper listened to Glyph's words carefully, taking in every word himself. "Of course you'd do that, I knew you would. Normally, I'd hold my ground and fight it out. But, I see your point..." He'd sigh. "I wish I could give you more to go on, but I don't even think Celebi knew for sure." He'd stop and think for a moment. "The power I saw, it almost seemed like... no, it wouldn't be possible." He'd dismiss the thought.

Then the next bit of news caught him completely off guard. "Ember... so... the fate of the world rests on the shoulders of a few, including my little girl... can't say I'm surprised." He'd respond. "I knew if the situation grew dire enough, one of those Humans would be summoned. You knew it too. It's a familiar story. A Human with no memories of their past, form a team with a most unlikely group of partners, and set out to save the world from the darkness that threatens to destroy it."

He'd pause for a moment. "The Sol Sybil, she gave the prophecy of the Great Uprising brought about by a Legendary Pokemon. How about this one..." He took a breath, and began to repeat the words he had memorized since he first heard them.

"Two forces collide. They are alike, yet vastly different. If one side breaks, all will end." He spoke. Closing his eyes he shook his head. "That's what Celebi told me. I have no idea what she meant by this, all I can tell is that it doesn't end well for any of us." He would say.

"Two forces, alike but different... that could be just about anything, from the sounds of it. Can't foreboding omens be more specific?" Fuse thought out loud. "I was hoping you might be able to make something out of it, Glyph. I puzzled my puzzler until it was stumped trying to figure out what that meant." He'd chuckle a little, then clutch at his stomach in pain. "Ack, I shouldn't laugh. They never did give me anything more than a few spare berries for my wounds, they weren't the kindest of Pokemon..." He'd admit.

"Oh, where's Hikari at? She went to go get Rhys just before we got here..." Fuse would mutter as he could do nothing but watch the old Fire Badger in pain.