The light of dawn - Chapter Third

Team NewDawn Mission 7: Present
Rescuers
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It was a real mess and it happened so fast that nearly anyone would have been left in the same situation. Maxwell kept telling himself that as he walked down Tao’s street, in a vain hope to find his partner with her blue ribbon lost in the street, looking as hard to find him as he was to find her. How long had it been now? He knew it had been less than a day, but aside from that? He hadn’t slept either since the night before when that rogue woke him up in the middle of what looked like a war zone to him. He’d been looking for Malva. The fire moth knew many had disappeared, everyone was talking about it, but he could still hope that Malva wasn't among them. The guilds were a mess. Mike was nowhere to be seen, PK also hadn’t returned since they'd headed out in the middle of the night. What really worried him was deep inside there was a problem that many felt in many different ways: What was he going to tell Malva’s parents? That he failed to keep their little girl safe? He was there, she should have been safe, it was HIS job to keep her save… and not even a week in Tao and already he had failed her, failed them… He couldn’t forgive himself, he had to keep looking, he had to find her. So he turned another corner to begin the search anew.

The day came and went, there was a guild meeting, but he couldn’t have cared less, nothing interested him. Malva wasn’t there, so that meeting could have changed the course of history, and he wouldn't have cared. Tired, Maxwell bumped into someone, knocking the poor soul down with his larger mass.

"Oh, beg your pardon, I wasn’t looking where I was going "

He looked down and saw just who he had bumped into. Maple. The Stunky was as pale as they get, eyes red from crying, and looked as if she might start again. She looked disconnected from reality, barely able to stand, she would likely have trouble getting back on her feet. She did not look well but a good observer would be able to see he looked no better, of course Maxwell wouldn't have known that. He extendedhis arm he offered to help her up which she accepted, and got back onto her feet.

“Beg you pardon Maple, I didn’t see you there, I must have been lost in my thoughts.”

"Eh...don't worry about it, I was just going out to get more materials...Everyone seems to have someone who's gone missing...things are hectic..."

She sighed, rubbing down her short snout with one hand.

"Not many Pokes are thinking of others right now...understandable I guess. Kinda sad though."

Maxwell looked down. He was part of the second group after all... Many were missing, including Malva, he'd come to accept that over the course of the past two days. He figured many would be in his situation too, wondering how things would go from this point on.

"I... I see. Would you happen to know if... Actually, I've changed my mind, you were gathering materials? Allow me to help you with that. "

The big larva Pokémon smiled, he did need something to keep him busy and helping is just the kind of things Malva would have wanted him to do... Heh, it seemed even when she wasn't here, her ghost was still what made him go onward...

"R-really...?" She looked up at him with those eyes of hers, still red from crying. "I don't know if you saw the billboard, it's the only way I know how to put out a request for help...Fresnel sure isn't being any help, keeps going on about a letter that he's got to get to Anana, wouldn't even help me write it..."

"I didn't.", He admitted. "I didn't really look at what we were to do right now... I was... "
He took a moment, thinking it was best not to tell her he was thinking about just giving up. Instead he leaned on his side to give her a chance to climb on his back.

"I believe I was sad too. Now, hop on and tell me where we're going, I believe I just accepted a request for help."

She managed a weak smile.

"First stop is the Spinda Café...we need to get some food to give out...and then we'll see if Chrys' shop has any spare cloth and the kids at Missy's were going to make crafts to give out."She climbed up onto his back.

"We're...trying to cheer 'mon up, you know...? If they have something else to focus on, or something to remind them of the person that's missing, maybe...maybe they won’t feel so sad."

Getting her up here felt... Different. It wasn't like Malva at all, yet it had a strange feeling attached to it. It was something he's been doing for ages, but with someone else it felt, similar yet different. He didn't linger too long on this however, getting himself adjusted to his new rider and going straight for the street.

"All right, I shall do that. Just, be sure to tell me if I take the wrong path. I'm not yet familiar with Tao's layout and sometimes get lost."

Helping others feel less sad... That’s something she would do too.

"Yeah, sure...Um, well it's easy actually, go past the fountain, and head towards the rescuer's tree...The Café's right there. Useful I suppose, never really thought about it. The other two are right next door to one another across the square from it..."

She said, trying to find purchase in his soft fur to hold onto.

"Very well, are you comfortable up there dear?"

The larva took the road to the cafe. Slowly at first as he waited for Maple up there to confirm she was comfortable. Maple nodded, then realized that the larva couldn't see her shaking her head.

"Yeah, it's fine, I'm just, not used to it."

"Quite understandable, just tell me if I'm going too fast or if you're losing your grip. Else, enjoy my fur, I'm told it's quite soft and warm up there, tho I would not know. "

He, of course took a slower pace than usual to let Maple adapt herself, to make sure she would not fall by accident.

"You're fine...My momma used to ride a Ponyta, I'm sure I can handle staying on a Larvesta...and it IS soft." Maple said softly. "There's the café...Um, I'm not sure how we'll carry all this...maybe a box? Might be easier that way."

"Let's take one step at the time. First let's head inside and speak with he owner. did you send a request or are we making the request? "

He headed inside, looking around the café. It was a little chaotic in there, like if the staff wasn't used to working here or something.

"Is this café always like this? This seems uncommon. "

"Pokes have gone missing from everywhere...that means here too, Maxwell...Merchants were taking care of it, I think..."

She sighed...

"We're...making the request and gathering what they can spare...with all of this going on here, they probably have food that was imperfect...so while it's not the best, it'll do for those who are hungry...The one we want to speak to is a Shuckle behind the counter, Hops...you've...been in here before, right...?"

"More or less, we came once, but didn't stay, was too crowded for Malva... "
Maxwell took a look around, this place hadn't changed. Even tho everyone looked down and sad, there was still way to many for Mavla to set her leaves in here for long.

"So, let's go make that request now, shall we? I'll let you deal with this, negotiations aren't my strong point. "

With this, they headed for the counter, where Hops was busy working on orders, his usual smile missing.

"Well, it shouldn't be too hard, I mean, food they'd throw away because it's a little crispy or something is still good food..."
She took the initiative and hopped up to the counter to speak to Hops on her own.

"Heya Hops, long night I take it...? How're the Merchant guilds shaping up?"

Hops looked up to Maple and Maxwell, setting down the glass he was holding up to the light to check for spots.

"Hey ho Maple... They ain't so bad I'd say, yet... It's so not the same... Hey yeah, it miss a little something ya know? Oye, but what can-I do for you?"

"Well, Rescuers are trying to make people feel better, what with people having been gone, and most of them haven't been eating, too worried or busy searching. We were wondering if you had any food that we could give to them, even if they're just apples, I'm sure that they'd help too."

"Yo hohoho, that would be bad now wouldn't it? But see... Ah and fine, I could give some reserves Maple, I don't think Vertigo would mind , you guys did help during the cave-in. Just you wait right here now! "

With that the Shuckle slipped away from the counter, leaving the rescuers to their own devices. Maxwell took a better look around while they waited.

"I never noticed how nice this place looked before, but I do wonder what cave-in he was speaking of. Something the rescuers did prior to my arrival in Tao maybe? "

He was mostly speaking to himself, partly to Maple and yet partly to his missing partner. Old habits die hard.

"Uh, well...There was this ice dragon, Sorbet, I didn't think he was a bad guy, but um...he kind of, went on a rampage and....and he wrecked the town with a blizzard...apparently he'd gone mad...? Anyway, everything that we did, planting the flowers and all that, that was to make the place better, so the forest didn't die..."

Maple managed to get out.

"Really, I miss Sorbet...even if things didn't turn out right..."

"I see, I'm sorry to hear it. Didn't mean to stir bad memories."

Maxwell answered. He had partially heard about this, it was why they had gone to Tao in the first place, to help with the recovery effort. Sooner then expected however, Hops came back from, wherever he went and smiled at the rescuers.

"Oh oh, I got you two something nice. Berries and fruits from the last shipment, some of those I can't use for mix drinks or cooking, but I'd put on the counter or put a slice on the glass. That should be goody good for you right? "

He pulled the cardboard box on the counter and Maxwell picked it up before answering the bartender.

"Thank you very much sir."

"Thanks Hops, you're the best."

Maple managed yet another weak smile, and headed for the door.

"If you need any more help, just send someone over to the Rescuers guild, I'll find someone willing to help."

She spoke, waving, and stepped outside, holding the door open for the larva.
Maxwell gave a smile to Maple and walked out.

"Thank you dear, and see you soon Hops, was a pleasure to meet you."

Hops waved back to them and then went back to a bar, tilting his head to the side like if he didn't get what was written on it. Once outside, Maxwell leaned to the side a little again to let Maple climb back up.

"Still need a ride dear? Just guide me where next, it'll be my pleasure"

"If you're carrying that, no need to carry me too...next is the Chrys’ accessory shop, which is across the way."

She pointed with one finger in the direction they needed to go. Maxwell was a little disappointed, but let it go, he couldn't expect Maple to be Malva's replacement now could he? Yet, here he was, following her... Maybe he was too much a nice guy, but truth was, he needed someone to follow, someone to guide him. The longer things went on, the more he missed her, yet he was trying to forget she was gone, let the team at work find her where he couldn't... He spaced out on this thought for a moment before snapping back to reality and getting back on his legs. He smiled at her as if nothing happened, letting his sadness fade inward for now, he had a job to do.
Maple didn't notice anything wrong, she was just a kid after all. She merely hummed to herself, and the rest of the walk was quiet at best.

"Who did you lose...?"

She asked out of the blue.

"Huh? Oh... My partner. Her name's Malva. We used to, well a few days ago we were still working back in Sappling village, at a plant and seeds store. We came here to help with the recovery effort and... Well, I believe you know the rest of the story..."

He looked to the side as he spoke, little saddened.

"My brother...was among those that went missing, I don't know if he's okay...we had a fight just before this happened, and I never even got to...got to apologize...!"

She sniffled,

"But that's why I know...know they'll come back...safe and sound. My brother doesn't look it, but he's strong...he makes Momma proud...he'll make sure nothing happens to the others....I think...think...that he'd do that, even if he...wouldn't come home himself...he'd sacrifice himself first..."

Maxwell stopped and sat the box down. Whitout a word he took Maple, gently by her shoulder, and turned her to face him, hugging her to him.

"It's okai Maple, he'll be back. If anything, I bet ya your brother is with my partner and all the others, doing his best to get everyone home. They'll be all right, see, everything will be fine. Best we can do is make sure they have a nice home to come back to, shall we dear? Let us see that everyone don't mope around too much while we're waiting on the rescue party."

He gave her a comforting smile, still worried himself, but as he had been for Malva and her family, he had to be strong. She sniffled, and eventually nodded.

"Right...you're right...lets keep going...Gnasher isn't going to be much help I'm afraid...the cloth will be the hardest, unless for some reason he's feeling generous, which I kinda doubt..."

Maxwell nodded and picked back up the box, following her once again.

"It can't be helped, if worst comes to worst we'll have to deal with him in a diplomatic way. There's always a solution, we'll just have to find it, won't we?"

"I...guess. It's not like we couldn't do without the fabric...Do you have any idea what you want to make...?"

Maple asked, looking back over her shoulder at him. Maxwell did not answer for a moment, he'd been so busy working things out he had completely forgotten that the supplies were being brought for everyone to use.

"Well... When I was little and sad, my mother used to bring me fruit... I guess I could try and set up some fruit baskets with the fruit we got from Hops. I'll have to try a few times to figure out how to make baskets though. This should prove an interesting experience."

"I think that maybe we could get basket fiber from Gnasher no problem...things that aren't perfect aren't things that he'd want in his shop anyway... Might have more luck getting those than proper scraps of cloth, unless we're lucky..."

"Only one way to find out Let's head inside shall we? "

He moved to the side of the door and awaited her answer with an optimistic smile.
Maple nodded, and stepped inside the Leavanny head shaped shop, blinking as she went from the brightoutside to the dimly lit shop. Gnasher appeared from the back room of the shop, only to notice the Stunky.

"Oh, it's you. Did you come to buy something this time, or just to loiter around the shop again...?"

Maxwell stepped inside right behind her and instantly felt the... Odd atmosphere change from the outside to the inside of the shop. Looking around he saw all those accessories which made this shop a popular spot for getting a look change. It was his first time here and he had to admit, he didn't really like how the shopkeeper felt.

"We're here to make a request in name of the rescuer's guild as per the event occurring right now in Town, if you wouldn't mind.”

He said politely, wondering about the very... hostile? No, more unpleasant attitude of the shopkeeper.

"Look, Kid...this is a shop, I can't afford to give out my materials for your little...event. In fact I have to work even harder since that brat ran off."
Gnasher frowned as if thinking

"In short, there's not much I can spare--I think there's some stuff from the ah...'fresh and green' setup Chrys had going for a while there. If there are, they're out back."

"I understand, but your help is appreciated none the less.' Maxwell answered. “Come Maple, let's have a look at what we can use shall we?” That went better then he had anticipated. At least, he hoped they had. Maple hurried to catch up with Maxwell, it was obvious that she didn't like being around the ghost type...and she kept up the pace until they were around the building with the trashcans...and the box of 'fresh and green' things which were beginning turn yellow and brown. Maxwell gave a sigh.

"I see what you meant, even I don't want to deal with that ghost again. Well, this is apparently all he's ready to give away huh?... I hardly believe we'll find anything suitable in there... Do you have any ideas who else we could ask? I'd rather avoid this sad character a second time."

She shook her head.

"I...think the wood they used should be good, I guess anyway...Oh look at these...!"
She pulled out a maid's dress, typically black and white, but it was fabric, and fabric they could have.

"I bet we can turn this stuff into something neat. So...Wood for the baskets and fabric, check! Now we just need some of the crafts the kids have made in the daycare and we'll be set to go back to work on them, and get them handed out."

"Good eyes you got there dear. "

Maxwell complimented.

"It's in good enough shape. There let's sort this and that... And them like this... "

The Larva carefully packet everything together for easier transportation, making sure he'd be able to carry it around easily. Once sure of his work, Maxwell nodded and picked it all up again.

"Perfect, well you know what I need you to do, because I'm afraid, I hardly know where the daycare is... "

He admitted.

"It's Missy's daycare, it's actually right next door."

She pointed at the Blissey head just a little ways from them.

"She should be waiting for us, so we can make this quick, if nothing else. From there it's just the trip back to the building with the spikes to the south, and we're set to get started."

She managed a smile, and then headed to the next destination, where she could hear three voices inside, arguing, but that wasn't anything out of the ordinary really, considering that this was a place where all young ones without parents were housed.

"Huh... I see. "

That was all he could manage answer to that without letting himself sink deeper. He really needed to get around to learning the town better. With that he went after Maple and headed for the door, careful with the package he was carrying around.
Once inside, they were both greeted by Missy... As far as being waved at from across the main hall count as a greeting. Obviously she was having her hands full again, dealing with all the kids. Most were crafting, some were arguing, many were doing both. In short, an average day at the daycare. The Blissey did her best to come over to them, but had to stop many times along the way, to keep some kids in check, so much in fact, that Maxwell gave a quick hint to Maple they should be meeting her halfway, else this would take all day.

"Heya Missy, are the first waves of paper and crafts done yet...?"

Maxwell would have followed her on this, but was cut short by curious hatchlings wanting to see what was in his boxes and had to pause several times along the way to gently deal with the kids. With surprising results as none really object either too long or tried to disobey the Larvesta. Missy gave her usual smile at Maple and patted her on the head like if she was one of hers.

"Oh, why yes, the children have been very happy working on paper craft for the townsfolk’s and team members! Some even made craft for their friends in town or for the friendly ones who came to play with them during our stay at the castle. Why don’t you and your friend go around yourselves? I'm sure they'll be more than happy to tell you who their gifts are for or... Oh, but I'm getting ahead of myself, you two must be busy, you don't have time to listen to all the stories now, silly me. Maybe next time you come by? "

Maple nodded, and headed back to Maxwell.

"Sure thing Missy, and thanks again."

She told Maxwell what was going on, and headed to the craft room.
The children there were nice enough, eager to show off what they'd done, and each one put their finished works in the box that Maxwell was holding, Soon they were ready to head back to the mission destination.

"Okay, well that's done...we just need to separate them out, and get them ready to deliver."

"Right. So, crafting materials and food at the big building, then dividing the crafting, making sure those made for specific townsfolk goes at the right place, correct? "

"Everyone gets a bit of everything...if they don't have a picture or something, we get to make them one."

She answered, continuing to walk. When the packages were set up, Maple wandered over to Maxwell, she had bits of paper in her fur.

"Everything's set up, thanks for your help...Um, if you still want something to do...I heard Master Shao was looking for the teams that helped out with planting the flowers, seems he's got a reward for them, you helped out with that, didn't you?"

He gently removed the biggest pieces of paper from her shoulder as he answered.

"Yes, yes I... We did. I'll go see about that. I suggest you clean up all this paper in the meantime, looks like the glue on some of the children's work wasn't as dry as we were lead to believe. "

He chuckled softly and turned around, heading back. but he did about four steps before he turned around to her.

"By the way... can you tell me where the dojo is?"

He asked her, scratching the back of his head.