Chapter 19: An Intriguing Offer

  The training field buzzed with anticipation long before the first match began. The morning sun poured over the packed dirt, glinting off the polished rails of the spectator stands and catching in the bright eyes of the gathered crowd. Most of the village seemed to have turned up once again, all murmuring in low excitement as they waited for the monthly sparring tournament to begin. The guards had already marked out the dueling ring, fresh chalk lines cutting a neat square into the packed earth.

  Auri stood just behind the ring, watching Yuki hop from foot to foot at the competitors' side of the field. She wasn’t jittery, she was practically vibrating with anticipation. Every few seconds she fluffed her feathers, her gaze darting between the chalk-marked ring and the other competitors.

  "You're going to wear yourself out before the first match!" Auri called over with a faint smile.

  "Not a chance!" Yuki shot back, beak tilted in determination. "I've been waiting for this all month! Today’s the day I make it all the way to the top!"

  Auri just raised an eyebrow. "Right." He already knew she wouldn't. They had talked about it, and he had managed to convince Yuki to follow Sia's advice as well. Both of them wouldn't go on the Dungeon-Expedition this time around.

  Before Yuki could come answer him, a firm voice cut through the crowd. "All competitors, form up!"

  Risa, standing tall and sharp-eyed at the far side of the ring, gestured the eight participants forward. The Hawlucha’s posture radiated authority, her feathers catching the sunlight in a way that made her look almost like a living banner.

  "Today’s matches will follow standard knockout or surrender format. No gimmicks, no exceptions, as always," she announced, her tone clipped but not unkind. "Victory is achieved when your opponent yields, is knocked out of the ring, or can no longer continue. Foul play will result in immediate disqualification. Keep it clean, keep it fast, and keep it safe."

  Her gaze swept across the lineup, pausing only briefly on Yuki before continuing. "The winner will earn the right to join an upcoming Dungeon-Expedition. Same as last time. The rest of you, treat every round as a lesson, win or lose."

  Risa nodded once, satisfied with the attention she held, and gestured to Vira, who stepped forward with a slip of parchment in her paw. which she held up.

  First Round:

  - Mina vs. Karo

  - Velia vs. Neku

  - Tama vs. Lio

  - Yuki vs. Ayra

  A ripple went through the crowd, nothing too dramatic, but enough to make Yuki’s feathers rise. Across from her, Ayra smirked like the outcome had already been decided. Auri wasn't surprised. After her loss last time, Ayra had registered once she'd heard Auri wouldn't participate. She still wanted to prove that, as the oldest kid in the village, she was also one of the strongest.

  Auri leaned slightly against the barrier, watching Yuki’s face shift between competitive fire and the smallest flicker of annoyance. "Guess you don’t have to wait until the finals to face her," he murmured.

  "Guess not," Yuki replied, already stepping toward the ring.

  "Competitors for the first match, step forward!" Risa called, and Mina trotted out with Karo in tow, the Rockruff grinning in a way that made Auri wonder whether she had a plan or just liked the idea of charging headfirst into a fight.

  "Remember." Risa cast a sharp glance at each. "Stay within the lines, and keep your attacks measured. Begin!"

  Karo launched forward before the last word left her beak, tail whipping behind him like a banner. The Skorupi’s claws scraped across the dirt as he made a beeline for Mina, clearly banking on a fast opening strike with [Poison Sting].

  Mina, however, met him with the kind of solid confidence only she could pull off. She dug her paws in, letting Karo’s momentum meet her braced stance before sidestepping with a swift hop. Karo skidded past, his claws carving shallow grooves in the dirt, while also getting a [Sand Attack] from Mina directly into the face. That had clearly become her favourite opening move.

  "You may be faster than me," Mina called, a hint of a grin tugging at her muzzle, "but you’re not catching me that easily!"

  Karo whipped around, tail arcing, and fired a [Fell Stinger] that peppered the dirt at her paws. Mina leapt back, landing light, then darted forward with a [Tackle]. She slammed shoulder-first into him, knocking the smaller Pokémon a few steps off balance.

  The exchange continued like that, quick, sharp, neither giving the other much room to breathe, until Mina’s steady footwork finally forced Karo too close to the chalk lines. A well-timed [Rock Throw] sealed it, pushing him just past the boundary.

  "Match over. Mina wins," Risa declared.

  Karo didn’t seem too bothered. He dusted himself off and gave Mina a crooked grin. "I’ll get you next time."

  The crowd murmured and shifted as Velia and Neku stepped up for the second round. Velia’s stance was all coiled energy and stubborn confidence. Neku, on the other hand, stood with his paws spread just enough for balance, his gaze steady and unflinching.

  From the first exchange, it was clear this would be a clash of brute force versus patience. Velia charged with raw aggression and powerful moves, trying to bulldoze through Neku’s defenses. The Shinx, however, instead tried to wear the Snubbull down with carefully placed electric attacks.

  Still, Velia wasn’t one to give in easily. Each time Neku tried to create distance, she was right there again, forcing him to keep his guard up. The match wore on, paws thudding against dirt, sparks crackling between them until Velia finally landed a real hit on Neku, knocking him down in one go.

  "Match to Velia," Risa announced.

  Neku huffed but grudgingly nodded to Velia before heading back to the sidelines.

  The third match, Tama versus Lio, drew a different sort of energy from the crowd. Tama, serene as always, let her breath steady before taking her place, while Lio’s gaze never wavered from her, the determination in his eyes practically burning.

  When the signal came, Lio was quick to close the gap with a [Quick Attack], testing her reactions with a mix of [Feint] and [Metal Claw]. Tama responded not with brute force, but with carefully measured counters, her [Ice Shard] attacks forcing him to adjust his approach and to rely more on [Vacuum Wave].

  It was a patient battle, Lio pressing forward, Tama refusing to be cornered, until he finally managed to catch her mid-step, feinting left before sweeping in with [Rock Smash]. His paw tapped her shoulder just hard enough to disrupt her balance, and she slid back over the line.

  "Lio advances!" Risa declared.

  That left only one pairing. Yuki and Ayra.

  Auri could feel the atmosphere shift as the two sisters stepped into the ring. Ayra’s smirk had widened just a fraction, but her eyes were sharp. Yuki, for her part, rolled her shoulders once, wings flexing, not nervous, just ready.

  From the sidelines, Auri folded his arms and exhaled slowly. Whatever happened next, it was definitely going to be interesting.

  Ayra tilted her head just enough for the tip of one ear to flick. "Still time to back out, you know," she teased, though her stance was anything but casual.

  Yuki grinned. "And miss the chance to wipe that smirk off your face? Not a chance!"

  Auri, watching from the edge, caught the brief flicker of pride in Ayra’s eyes before she masked it.

  "Begin!" Risa called.

  Ayra moved first, fast as a drawn arrow. Yuki darted sideways, talons scraping against the dirt as she twisted to face her sister’s flank. A quick [Ember] flared from her beak, forcing Ayra to check her advance. The Raboot deflected the burst with a [Double Kick], scattering harmless sparks across the ring. "Too slow!" Ayra said, pivoting and closing the distance again.

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  Yuki didn’t give ground. She ducked under the second [Double Kick], the heat of Ayra’s foot singeing a few stray feathers, then retaliated with an [Aerial Ace] aimed at Ayra's side. Ayra blocked with a [Counter], the impact ringing through the air before she shoved Yuki back.

  They circled, neither committing to a reckless strike. Then Yuki launched forward with a [Quick Attack], her small frame blurring as she delivered a rapid flurry of [Scratches], each one just grazing Ayra’s guard. The crowd roared in approval.

  Ayra gritted her teeth and pushed forward, forcing Yuki to retreat with a series of precise, [Double Kicks]. One caught Yuki’s wing just enough to unbalance her, but the Torchic rolled with it, hopping backward and landing light on her talons.

  "Not bad," Ayra said, lips curling into a grin. "You’re actually making me work for this!"

  Yuki’s grin matched hers. "That’s the idea!"

  They clashed again, [Flame Charge] against [Flame Charge], [Quick Attack] against [Counter], [Aerial Ace] against [Double Kick]. The exchanges came faster now, each impact echoing across the field. Yuki used her smaller size to slip under Ayra’s longer reach, snapping her beak at unguarded spots, while Ayra relied on raw power and speed to shut her down. For Yuki, fighting against her physically stronger sister was an uphill battle.

  Twice, Yuki nearly drove Ayra over the boundary. The second time, she landed a [Quick Attack] to Ayra’s chest that staggered her just enough to draw a surprised gasp from the onlookers. However that had been exactly the opening Ayra had waited for. Just for a moment, Yuki had let her guard down and Ayra seized the opening, sweeping Yuki’s legs in a clean, practiced [Double Kick] that sent her sprawling backward across the line.

  "Match to Ayra!" Risa’s voice rang out.

  The crowd erupted in cheers. Ayra offered her sister a paw, her expression a blend of victory and respect. Yuki took it, hauling herself up with a small grin that didn’t quite hide her lingering breathlessness.

  "Guess I’ll have to settle for second place," she said lightly.

  Ayra smirked, squeezing her talons just briefly before letting go. "Guess you will."

  The ring still buzzed with the echo of the final match as Risa stepped forward, her voice cutting cleanly over the hum of the crowd.

  "That concludes the first round of matches!" she called, sweeping her gaze across the gathered villagers. "To everyone who fought, you did your village proud."

  A cheer rolled over the field, not just for Ayra but for every competitor. Even the kids who’d lost were still chattering excitedly, swapping exaggerated replays of their best moves.

  Lio was first to greet Auri and Yuki as they stepped away from the ring. "You both looked incredible!" he said, tail wagging in short bursts. "That was way closer than I thought it’d be!"

  "Guess I’m just full of surprises!" Yuki said with a grin, though her eyes flicked briefly toward Ayra. The Raboot caught the glance but said nothing, just giving her sister a small nod before heading off toward a cluster of older trainees congratulating her.

  Tama bounded up next, careful not to bump into Yuki’s still-cooling feathers. "That last exchange was amazing," she said, eyes bright. "You nearly had her."

  The other rounds followed, and unexpectedly Ayra won the entire tournament in the end. Soon after, the crowd began to thin as parents collected younger kids, guards drifted back toward their posts, and the lingering autumn light softened toward evening. The scent of trampled grass and kicked-up dust still hung in the air, mingling with the faint tang of smoke from the torches Risa had ordered lit at the field’s edges.

  Captain Kaen strode past with his usual calm authority, stopping only long enough to clap Ayra on the shoulder and give Yuki a brief, approving nod. Even Myra, who rarely lingered for post-match chatter, dipped her head toward Yuki as they passed, an acknowledgment that came very rarely from the strict Talonflame. By the time the torches burned steady and gold against the deepening blue sky, most of the field was quiet again. Auri leaned back on one paw, watching the last stragglers drift toward the village’s heart.

  “Feels weird when it’s over,” Yuki said beside him, still catching her breath. "All that noise and heat, and then… nothing."

  "Until next month," Auri said.

  She grinned. "Until next month."

  "Do you think Ayra will actually take the guards up on their offer to join the next Dungeon-Expedition?" he asked.

  Yuki shook her head. "I don't think so. Ayra doesn't like being close to Dungeons and how uncomfortable they feel. That's why she only rarely participates in these tournaments anyway. She'll most likely say no."

  Together, Auri and Yuki left the training field and made their own way back. But they didn't get far until something darted into their path, straight down from above, like a streak of rose-colored light given form.

  "Oh, that was fun to watch," came the sing-song voice as Miu pirouetted in midair, tail curling lazily behind her. "I especially liked the part where you-!" she mimicked Yuki’s earlier lunge, flipping herself upside down mid-spin "-almost sent your sister sprawling into the dirt! Very dramatic!"

  Yuki stumbled to a stop, feathers puffing. "How long were you-!"

  "Watching?" Miu finished for her, eyes sparkling with unrepentant mischief. "Since the very beginning of course! Why wouldn’t I? Free entertainment is free entertainment, and I love a good clash of wills!" She wagged a paw at Auri. "And you, little Spark, I expected more from you! Much more! What’s the point of having power if you won’t show it off? Use it?"

  Auri gave her a dry look. "I had my reasons not to, and it's definitely none of your business."

  "Ohhh, mysterious," Miu teased, turning a lazy circle in the air above them. "And here I thought I’d seen all the excitement today!" Her eyes narrowed in mock thought. "Unless… maybe I haven’t."

  Yuki crossed her wings. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

  Miu grinned. "It means I’ve just got a great idea for little side trip we could make these days! Something a little more... interesting, if you will! Y'know, theres a nice little Dungeon that’s a bit off the usual guards roster. I thought we could do some old-fashioned exploring, just you two, me, and whatever surprises happen to be waiting!" She floated backward, beckoning them with one paw. "What do you say? Interested in a small adventure?"

  "That sounds like a terrible idea," came another voice from the shadows. "Especially coming from you, Miu."

  Auri tensed at the familiarity of it, moments before Sia stepped into the torchlight as though she’d been there all along. Her eyes flicked between the three of them, lingering just a second longer on Miu. "You really shouldn’t encourage them," she said flatly.

  Miu gasped in exaggerated offense. "Encourage? I’m inviting them! Completely different! And look who’s here, our resident gloom-in-the-corner. You’ve been keeping an eye on them too, haven't you little princess?"

  Sia’s gaze sharpened. "Someone has to keep them save. Especially with you and your permanent scheming around."

  Yuki’s head swiveled between them. "You… know each other?"

  "Oh, sure," Miu said breezily before Sia could answer. "We’ve crossed paths. Many times actually! Soemtimes more peaceful, sometimes less so. There's some slight power balance, so we somehow don’t destroy each other either. It’s a working arrangement."

  "It’s a tolerated arrangement," Sia corrected, stepping closer to Auri and Yuki. "If I had the power for it, I would've already taken care of you and your antics! Auri, Yuki, do not accept her offer. She's the reason I did not want you two to join the next Dungeon-Expedition. I knew Miu would try something if you got this close to her territory. She, and especially the Dungeons under her jurisdication, are dangerous."

  "Their danger and unpredicatability is what makes them fun! They're indeed just like me!" Miu sang. "Besides, you know as well as I do that I wouldn't just let them die with how vital they are. Also, they're great playing pieces for me!"

  Sia gave her a long, silent look, then shifted her attention to the pair. "You don’t have to follow her. You can just… walk away. Forget she wants something from you. I would strongly urge you to do so."

  Auri studied her. "You don't want us to go, but for some reason you wouldn't stop us either, should we decide to go. Am I right?"

  Sia didn’t deny it. "It's not that I don't want to stop you. But just like Miu here, I'm bound by certain rules. I cannot stop you from following alomg with her scheme. I can just ask you not to."

  Yuki’s feathers fluffed slightly. "It’s not like we have to say yes…" She trailed off, glancing at Auri.

  Miu, still upside down, grinned like she’d already won. "But you want to!"

  Auri exhaled slowly. He did understand Yuki. She loved exploring Dungeons, that much he knew. But she was reasonable enough to not follow Miu into a dangerous Dungeon. "Sorry Miu, but we refuse. You are very clearly scheming something and we will not fall for it that easily."

  Miu looked to be deep in thought, before nodding excitedly. "Sure, I can understand that after last time! But what if I make it worth your time? If you join me I will answer two of your questions to the best of my ability in a way you understand without any misdirections! Do we have a deal?"

  That saw Auri and Yuki exchange a glance. "...Two questions? No matter what? And you will answer truthfully?"

  Miu nodded excitedly while Sia just groaned. "As our little princess here has said, there are certain rules we have to follow. I cannot back out of a promise I made, nor can I lie to you, just like she cannot!"

  Yuki looked positively conflicted about the entire situation. "Auri... that's too big of a chance to just pass up."

  "I know," he muttered with a sigh. "Fine Miu. You got us. We agree to your deal. Two answers and in exchange we join you in your Dungeon or whatever."

  Sia muttered something under her breath, but there was no heat to it. "Fine. If you two are going, I’m going too. There's no way I'll let you go into a Dungeon alone with her."

  "Ohhh, a chaperone," Miu cooed, flipping upright again. "Perfect. You can keep an eye on them as well, then!"

  Sia’s tone was dry as dust. "Yes, and something tells me I already know which Dungeon you're talking about and what you hope to get out of this. It won't work"

  "Oh don't worry about me and my plans princess, I'll make sure they work!" Miu replied, beaming at all three of them. "Meet me at the north trail after sundown tomorrow! Bring… oh, I don’t know! Whatever you think you’ll need to not embarrass yourselves! This’ll be fun!"

  And with that, she shot upward into the dark, leaving a faint shimmer of psychic light hanging in the air. Yuki stared after her. "She’s… a lot."

  "You have no idea," Sia said with a snort, already turning back toward the village. "I’ll see you tomorrow. I really hope this will be worth it for you two. And that my understanding of your characters is right." Then she vanished in the shadows.

  Auri and Yuki exchanged an uneasy glance, the same unspoken thought passing between them. Whatever tomorrow brought, it wasn’t going to be quiet. But Miu had offered the one thing both of them desperately wanted. Answers. It seemed like the quiet weeks and months in the village had reached their end. But they believed they were ready for it.

  Important characters in the chapter:

  Pikachu (Auri) – Level 14

  Ability: Lightning Rod

  Battle Nature: Lonely

  Stats:

  TE Pool (Health/AP): 66

  Attack: 44

  Ranged Attack: 39

  Defense: 45

  Speed: 51

  Total: 245 (Strength Level: Kid)

  Moves:

  Close Combat Moves: [Nuzzle], [Tail Whip], [Quick Attack], [Brick Break], [Thunder Wave], [Feint]

  Ranged Combat Moves: [Thunder Shock], [Electro Ball], [Swift], [Thunder Bolt]

  Utility Moves: [Nasty Plot], [Charm], [Double Team], [Growl], [Agility], [Dig]

  Torchic (Yuki) – Level 15

  Ability: Speed Boost

  Battle Nature: Hasty

  Stats:

  TE Pool (Health/AP): 69

  Attack: 37

  Ranged Attack: 40

  Defense: 44

  Speed: 35

  Total: 225 (Strength Level: Kid)

  Moves:

  Close Combat Moves: [Scratch], [Quick Attack], [Feint], [Fire Spin], [Flame Charge], [Aerial Ace], [Counter], [Slash]

  Ranged Combat Moves: [Ember], [Sand Attack]

  Utility Moves: [Growl], [Detect], [Dig]

  Riolu (Lio) - Level 11

  Ability: Inner Focus

  Battle Nature: Careful

  Stats:

  TE Pool (Health/AP): 53

  Attack: 30

  Ranged Attack: 20

  Defense: 37

  Speed: 28

  Total: 168 (Strength Level: Kid)

  Moves:

  Close Combat Moves: [Quick Attack], [Feint], [Metal Claw], [Counter], [Rock Smash]

  Ranged Combat Moves: [Vacuum Wave]

  Utility Moves: [Endure]

  Rockruff (Mina) - Level 11

  Ability: Vital Spirit

  Battle Nature: Naughty

  Stats:

  TE Pool (Health/AP): 52

  Attack: 31

  Ranged Attack: 21

  Defense: 35

  Speed: 28

  Total: 167 (Strength Level: Kid)

  Moves:

  Close Combat Moves: [Tackle], [Bite]

  Ranged Combat Moves: [Sand Attack], [Rock Throw]

  Utility Moves: [Leer], [Double Team], [Howl]

  Raboot (Ayra) - Level 23

  Ability: Blaze

  Battle Nature: Naughty

  Stats:

  TE Pool (Health/AP): 109

  Attack: 72

  Ranged Attack: 51

  Defense: 78

  Speed: 69

  Total: 379 (Strength Level: Teenager)

  Moves:

  Close Combat Moves: [Tackle], [Quick Attack], [Double Kick], [Headbutt], [Counter], [Swords Dance]

  Ranged Combat Moves: [Ember], [Flame Charge], [Swift], [Sand Attack], [Mud Shot]

  Utility Moves: [Growl], [Agility], [Taunt], [Endure], [Sunny Day]