Chapter 3: The Tower

Homare's P.O.V

Me and Lance exit the Never Leaf Hotel. I feel completely re-energized, excited to continue our quest for the fake dragon Charizard. Lance, on the other hand, has done nothing but complain since waking up.

"Why couldn't we have stayed just a bit longer," he whines, slowly walking behind me.

"Because we can't afford it," I answer. "Besides, we need to focus more on our mission the Queen gave us."

"What we actually need to focus on is getting money," my companion counters. "Yes, we have the food your parents gave you, but that won't last long. Plus, we need something when we need a place to sleep. Money is the most important thing right now."

I hate to say, but Lance is… right (ugh, that is so wrong). Without money, we won't be able to get needed resources in the future. It's necessary for our survival.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but overhear you two," the Wigglytuff from last night says, approaching us. "But I have a way to help get y'all money. Interested?"

"Yes, of course," I exclaim, so thankful for the assistance.

"How shady is it and what's in it for you," my Gallade asks, eyeing her with much suspicion.

"Nothing is in it for me and there is nothing shady," Wigglytuff answers. "Well, let me correct that. Nothing shady if you choose the true ones."

I tilt my head slightly. "What do you mean by that," I question.

"Follow me and I'll show you," the Fairy type says, walking away. I follow behind, Lance hesitantly following me.

"Right here," our guide tells us, stopping in front of a large post board. On it are papers stuck onto it with thumbtacks. "There are different jobs here from people needing help. Their payment for assistance is with the request."

"Thanks," I exclaim. Wigglytuff smiles and waves as she walks away. "Alright, let's see... 'Help, I've been robbed,' 'I lost my phone,' 'my son is missing,' 'I'm stuck in a tower and being held captive-'"

"Wait," Lance states, shoving past me to read the job. "This was written by a female!"

"You sound way too excited about that," I tell him, shaking my head with disappointment. "But the post doesn't say the gender."

"I can tell by the handwriting," the Gallade replies. I would tell him that isn't solid reasoning, but I don't think he'd listen.

"Okay, whatever," I say with a sigh. "Why does that matter?"

"Because this is a damsel in distress that needs a hero to save her," Lance tells me, standing taller with a dazzling smile. He looks back down at the paper. "And she's paying 15,000 bucks for rescue!"

"I don't think the gender of the person matters, but with a payment like that we can't refuse," I say, taking the paper. Lance nods excitedly. "Plus, being held hostage in a tower sounds awful. We should save them with or without payment.:

"Let's go to the tower," my companion exclaims happily, marching down the street.

P.O.V Change to Lance

So it's been an hour since we found the request. We started on the journey to the tower, then realized we had no clue where the tower is. We had to back track to Forrest Village, ask for directions, and found out there are two different towers in the area. We went to the wrong one first, so we had to back track again to go on the right direction. However, we finally made it to the tower, and I know that damsel will be happy her savior has arrived.

I look up at the window of the tower and see a Gardevoir sitting at it. I smile, confident that's a woman. But then I look closer and sigh with disappointment. "That's a man," I grumble.

"That's impossible to say," Homare tells me. "Gardevoir can be either gender and there isn't a feature that let's you tell the difference."

"Buddy, listen. My dad is a Gardevoir," I explain. "When you live with a male Gardevoir your whole life you learn to spot the difference."

"Well, woman or not we need to save them," my partner states, marching up to the tower. I follow him no umph, only wanting to leave this place, now.

"So here's the plan," I say as I begin to do squats. "We're gonna jump up there, grab him, and get out."

"I'm sorry," Homare says with a chuckle. "Did you say jump?"

"Yup," I respond, continuing my squats and staring up at the window. Homare raises an eyebrow.

"And you really believe that's going to work," he asks with humor and disbelief.

"Absolutely," I answer confidently. My partner's eyes sparkle with amusement. He watches with a non-existent smirk as I begin to bounce up and down. "Oh, yeah. I'm all warmed up," I tell him.

Then, I crouch down, my eyes on the Gardevoir. I look over at Homare, wink, and shoot up off the ground. I get a good two feet into the air before gravity kicks in. All my confidence disappear as I crash into the ground, my whole face (and ego) taking a hard hit. My Armarouge is hunched over, cracking up at my failure.

"You keep trying that," he says as I strand up. "I'm going to use that doot there to get to the top."

I look in the direction he is pointing and sure enough there is a door at the base of the tower right in front of me. "Why didn't you tell me that was there," I exclaim.

"I was going to," Homare informs me. "But I thought it would be funnier to watch your attempt. I was right."

I grumble as I walk past him, pushing the door. Surprisingly it is unlocked and opens easily. "Ladies first, so after you," I say to my companion with a taunting tone, bowing as I gesture into the entrance.

"Why thank you," he responds, not at all bothered by my words. I follow him in, very disappointed he didn't give me the reaction I wanted.

We walk up many, many, many stairs to get to the top. It feels endless! And I'm getting a bit dizzy going on constant circles up the tower. Finally, we reach the room with the Gardevoir in it, breathless and off-balance.

"Took you long enough," the captive (who is in fact male) exclaims, sounding very irritated. "I've been in here for days!"

"Yeah, well, your rescuers are here," I tell him with a very bored tone. "Now let's just go."

"Well, I would but you have to defeat him first," Gardevoir responds.

"Who's him," Homare inquires.

"I'M HIM," a voice booms from behind me. Me and the Armarouge turn around, seeing a ginormous Dragonite glaring at us from the other side of the room. "Nobody is going anywhere!"

GOOOOOOOOOOOODS!!!

This took so long!

I started around 6 days ago (maybe more) but have been so busy that I never got to finish!

Honestly, this is my favorite chapters (mostly because of Lance)

I'll be honest

I don't remember who all is reading this

@UnovanZorua and @fineasmatei is for sure

I think @Dragonfly102024 (wait, actually I know. They were excited that there is a female Ceruledge)

@Joeybear7 and @Thur55555555555 are banned, but in case they come back here it is

I think that's all

Sorry if I forgot anyone!

Enjoy!