Advent: Explorers of Boundaries

Chapter 6: Acclimation

Over the past few weeks, Alex and Elton have settled into a routine at the Altaria guild. Despite still needing the loud wake-up call from Loudred, they've grown accustomed to springing into action the moment they hear his distinctive sound.

Their training under Frosslass has progressed, albeit with its fair share of mishaps. As rookies, they still manage to mess things up for the strict mentor, often finding themselves frozen in icy reprimand.

"I suppose I must acknowledge some minuscule improvement in your training." Frosslass said. Looking at them.

"Um, thank you?" Alex shyly responded.

"Don't mistake my acknowledgment for praise. You've transitioned from being utter imbeciles to marginally less incompetent fools." Frosslass calmly replied as she saw how they needed more training.

"Well, at least we're making progress, right?" Elton chimed in, happy to know that they are advancing.

"Do not mistake progress for achievement. You are still far from being competent. Do not become complacent." Frosslass stated before she ordered them to clean.

Outside of training, Elton takes on the role of mentor, teaching Alex about the diverse world of Pokémon. He introduces him to various species, both through the wonders of the internet and encounters with guild members. Alex's knowledge expands, but he realizes there's still much to learn, especially with over a thousand species out there.

"That guy who looks like he picks his boogers and eats them, is a Slaking aaaand my dude, let's get going!" Elton said as he quickly dragged Alex with him the moment the angry Slaking looked at them.

Elton also sheds light on the species of Alex, explaining why he garners such attention whenever he enters a room. As part of an endangered species, Alex is a rarity, and his presence commands respect and curiosity alike.

"But wait. How did my species become endangered in the first place?" Alex asked. "Something terrible must have happened."

Elton just shrugged his shoulders as that was a mystery even to him. The most he can gather was that a very long time ago, some species like the Blissey, Toxcitricity, Lucario and a few others met a terrible fate-some say that a curse fell upon them or a giant meteor crashed on the region they were prominent in.

Leaving the very few that were scattered in some regions as even with breeding, their probability of having an offspring of their species is very low if it isn't with another of their same species. All of that mixed with how hard it was to find another of their species made the endangered species dwindle in numbers over the pass of time.

Despite Elton's vast knowledge of the Pokémon world, there was one realm he was entirely unfamiliar with-the human world. Alex, despite his own memory loss and subsequent transformation into a Pokémon, had retained some fragments of human life. He took it upon himself to share what he remembered, painting a picture of the human world that paralleled their own in many ways. He also explained the animals of the human world.

"So basically. Take Farfetch'd and take away his angry expression, his huge and painful leek and make him smaller and you get a... duck?" Elton asked as Alex nodded in agreement. "Fascinating. Would love to take a sneak peek into that world."

Elton marveled at Alex's recollections of the human world, remarking, "You must have had a great life back then." But Alex merely shrugged, his expression clouded with uncertainty. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice tinged with the weight of his lost memories.

Little did Elton know, an unknown force that governed their existence and is part of something bigg-woah! Let's not get too hasty there, no one shall decipher me... not yet. An unknown force had erased Alex's memories, casting a veil of oblivion over his past. Behind Alex's enigmatic demeanor lay a void, a vast expanse where memories once resided, now lost to the depths of oblivion.

If Elton knew the truth, if he could see beyond Alex's stoic facade, he would discover the painful reality of Alex's human existence-a life marked by hardship, loneliness, and heartache. But for now, Alex remained silent, his past shrouded in mystery, his memories scattered like grains of sand in the wind.

And as they continued their journey together, Elton would come to realize that some scars run deeper than others, hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary life.

As they navigate the challenges of training and learning about the Pokémon world, Alex and Elton form a bond forged through shared experiences and a mutual determination to succeed in the underground guild.

On this particular day, Alex and Elton decided to take a break from the strenuous work at the Altaria guild and venture into Treasure Town for some much-needed relaxation. As they strolled through the charming streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling town, Alex's attention was suddenly captivated by a sight that left him spellbound-a stunning Braixen with her tufts flowing in the wind.

Elton couldn't help but chuckle at Alex's obvious infatuation, warning him not to get his hopes up. But before Alex could respond, a Zoroark appeared, stealing a kiss from the fox and leaving Alex feeling a pang of disappointment.

Determined to lift Alex's spirits, Elton pointed out another female who bore a striking resemblance to the one who caught Alex's eye. But she is a Fennekin. With a nudge from Elton, Alex found himself awkwardly greeting the trio, his shyness getting the best of him.

"Elton! This is a Riolu! Where did you find him?!" The Zoroark responded, surprised to the brim to see a Riolu as the females were equally surprised.

"Lust beach at evening on a thursday-Oh! If you see a pokemon sleeping in the water then bingo! This is Alex by the way." Elton stated while patting Alex's head.

Introductions were made-Tim the Zoroark, Daphne the Braixen, and the giggly Melissa the Fennekin. Despite Elton's attempts to facilitate conversation, Alex found himself at a loss for words, his gaze drawn to Melissa's captivating smile.

Disappointed in Alex's lack of confidence, Elton suggested they head back to the Altaria guild. As they bid farewell, Melissa cast a lingering glance at Alex, finding his awkwardness endearing.

"Dude, you acted like a weirdo with the twins." Elton said, sighing in the process while Alex was surprised to know that they are twins.

Back at the Altaria guild, they crossed paths with members of Team Fuse-Spinda, Chimecho, and Dunsparce. Amidst friendly banter and camaraderie, Alex and Elton found solace in the company of their fellow guildmates, grateful for the bonds they shared in their adventurous journey. In the midst of the scene, guildmaster Altaria and Farfetch'd called every team to the main hall to discuss something. As the two teams went to the main hall.

As Farfetch'd and guildmaster Altaria announced the upcoming annual battle tournament against other guilds, excitement bubbled among the teams. But before Farfetch'd could finish, Elton's exuberant interruption filled the air, brimming with enthusiasm and optimism.

However, guildmaster Altaria swiftly extinguished their hopes with a cold dose of reality. With brutal honesty, he criticized their immaturity, impulsiveness, and recklessness, deeming them unfit to represent the guild. His words cut deep, casting a shadow over their aspirations and leaving them feeling dejected and demoralized.

Despite Elton's initial burst of excitement, the harsh reality of their inexperience and shortcomings hit home, reminding them that they still had much to learn and prove.