Narrator's P.O.V.
********
Back at Norsoe's realm, the dark Pokemon were having a meeting. Someone had been successful in being close with Katherine, and Norsoe couldn't let that moment pass.
"So I was right in choosing you as captain of the dark. Good job...."
"I always do a good job." The mysterious Pokemon says. "Deception is my thing."
"But master! I'm supposed to be captain of the dark!" A Zoroark protested. He was fuming about the decision.
"Quiet!" Norsoe snapped. "I didn't ask about your worthless protest!"
"My lord." An Aegislash reported. "The hero is a little depressed. She learned about the truth, and I think it may be a perfect time for us to strike..."
"Not yet. The captain needs to earn her trust first. Then we'll take that as a chance!"
"Then we'll finally rule on this world again!"
Then everyone in the room burst into evil laughs, so terrible that it caused horrible nightmares that disturbed Pokémon in their slumber.
Katherine's P.O.V.
*******
"Kate?"
"Huh?"
"Philip is out there looking for you."
PPPFFFFFFFFFFT!!!
That name made me spit out my lemonade!
"Kate!" Lonnie wailed. "You spit lemonade on my fur!"
That seemed to snap me out of it, but only for awhile. Pain still racked my nerves, my body mentally crying for their loss. "I-I'm sorry..." I apologized.
"I-I'll just get the door for you..." I said as I slowly trudged towards the door.
I turned the knob with a click, and the door opened, revealing a familiar electric fox.
"Yo."
"Um... hey?"
"So uh... is everyone ready yet? Jobs are running out, and everyone has been quite early this morning to pick theirs."
'Great. Just as I thought.'
"Okay. I'll go tell Lonnie and Blake."
So it was settled then. We made our way to the guild, and sure enough, on the guild's enormous bulletin board, only one job was left, which was proven to be the most dangerous job in the whole guild.
There were rumors that its dungeon walls were partly made of lava and obsidian, and it is said that if you take a step inside it, you won't be able to come back outside alive.
And the worst? Two years ago, teams of explorers and rescuers were found inside... dead, their bodies brutally torn open, as if the killer wanted to eat their insides. Since then, everyone has been scared to take that job.
I sighed as I ripped the job off its pin
on the bulletin board, and as I did, everyone started staring at me.
"What?" I asked, sarcastically.
"Kate... that... that's the most dangerous job we have in the guild..." Lonnie whimpered.
"How can an item retrieval job become so dangerous?" I replied, incredously slash- sarcastically.
"But..."
"Lonnie," I said as I held her forepaws. "If you're scared, we'll be here to guide you. You have us. We'll be here by your side, no matter what."
"Whoa... T-thanks Kate..."
"Don't thank me. That's what friends do."
I smiled sadly as she turned tail, talking to Blake. This mission may be a good way to put the past behind me. They'll never know...
--------
The dungeon was teeming with Fire and Fighting types. We struggled against a Machoke and a Magmar, hardly making it.
"Kate, down!" I heard Blake, as he dived into the Magmar with a Power-Up Punch. I may be depressed, but that doesn't mean I lost my guts. I need to put it aside for awhile.
"Kate! Help!" Lonnie screamed as the Machamp broke free from her vines. I dashed towards her and fired an Ice Beam which froze Machoke's arms. He may be strong but he was too slow; we could take that as an advantage.
"Lonnie, run before he breaks the ice!" I shouted at her. The Leafeon frantically sped towards me, barely even making it. Philip roared with a Thunder attack, zapping the Machoke, and it let out an agonizing scream.
"You girls go with Blake!" Philip yelled. "I'll handle this!"
Wait, what?! That would be a terrible idea! A grass type and an ice type versus a fire type?! Arceus!
Ignoring his order, I leapt upwards and slammed an Aqua Tail on Machoke's head.
"Tsk, stubborn..."
"That's who I am."
"Look out!"
But then, I was too distracted; I received Machoke's Low Sweep, belting my legs. I let out a scream of pain as I hit the dirt below me.
Seeing his chance the Machoke readied a Stomp, which I avoided by rolling sideways. As I got far enough, I leapt unto my paws and motioned at Philip, which he immediately understood.
All at once I summoned a Blizzard, and Philip was coursing electricity with his pelt to charge up his Thunder. The two moves collided and fused with even greater power, and it headed straight at Machoke, causing him to be covered with smoke.
After a few moments it finally cleared, revealing a fainted Machamp.
"One down!" Philip smirked. We high-fived, his cheerfulness bringing a soft genuine smile on my lips. At least I don't have to fake it anymore. This dungeon is a good way to set aside those bad memories. Maybe I could set that thing aside for awhile...
I heard a loud thump, but I didn't need to turn around to see what it is. It was the Magmar, in a fainted state.
"We did it!" Lonnie cheered and danced around in a childish little jig. I didn't want to, but I couldn't help myself. I laughed and laughed; it was obvious she was trying to cheer me up and bring back my high spirits.
"Yay, Kate! You finally smiled and laughed again!"
"I did?"
"Yup!"
"Oh, right!"
Whoa. I've never thought I could put it behind me that fast. I cleared my throat and grinned.
"Thanks for trying to cheer me up guys. I know I've been depressed since last night and this morning, but you've helped me fix my broken spirits. Thank you. I deeply appreciate it,"
"Best speech ever!" Blake joked, sarcastically.
"You're welcome." Philip grinned.
"Group-er... Team hug!" Lonnie screamed and pulled us into a deep and tight hug using her vines. Philip's pelt brushed against mine, causing my face to flush deep crimson. Blake blushed at Lonnie's embrace, while Philip just looked uncomfortable.
I'm lucky I had this circle of friends.