First Day On The Job

"And that concludes today's morning roll call." Ampharos said, standing in from of all the Expedition Society members. "give it your all out there team!"

"Yes sir!" Everyone yelled in unison, as everyone split from the group, some leaving the headquarters, while some remained. Ian and Patience awkwardly remained standing, unsure as to what to do next.

"Ah, you two." Ampharos called out. "I would ask you to come to my office so Dedenne could explain a few things to you, but you should head over to Glaceon for a medical test."

"A test?! I didn't know there's going to be a test!" Ian exclaimed. "I didn't study medicine!"

"Relax Ian, it's just a few questions on your health." Ampharos reassured. "it's standard procedure.

The mudfish Pokemon breathed a sigh of relief, he was never a fan of unexpected tests, even back in Serene Village's school.

"Now run along now." Ampharos said. "Time waits for no Pokemon." The lighthouse Pokemon went up the stairs, as Ian and Patience decided to turn to their left and headed down the end of the corridor towards the infirmary. The door was open, inside was Glaceon writing something down on a notepad. The infirmary was smaller than expected, a window of the view of Lively Town, counters connected together packed with all sorts of bottles in a variety of colors and two beds and the end of the room.

"Ah, Ian and Patience!" She greeted, ushering the two Pokemon to come in. "I'm sure Ampharos has informed you of the medical test?"

"Yeah, but I have to ask," Ian said. "what's the purpose of this test?"

"I was about to explain why." Glaceon replied. "About six months ago, one of our Society members whom I shall not name came back from an expedition carrying a disease and let's just say it spread to the rest of us."

"Oh dear..." Patience said.

"Long story short I cured everyone and now this test and a monthly health checkup of all the members are mandatory. Now let's begin this test."

She placed the notebook by the counter and grabbed a clipboard next to it.

"I'm going to ask a couple of questions, and you two are going to answer honestly, do you understand?"

Ian and Patience nodded in acknowledgement.

"Alright then, question one: When was the last time you have fallen sick?"

"Not in recent memory." Ian replied, which was technically true, considering he's only been in this world for almost a month.

"Does getting a cold for playing on the rain for too long count?" Patience said.

"I suppose..." The fresh snow Pokemon said, as she started writing down on the clipboard. "Second question: Have you been critically injured before?"

Ian looked over at Patience, deciding that it was better for him to explain.

"Well, Patience has." The mudfish Pokemon said. "She got badly hurt once and I had to patch her up."

"My wounds feel sore every now and then, but other than that I feel fine now." Patience added.

"You know basic first aid knowledge? That's impressive for a child like you." Glaceon complimented. "Alright, question number three: What is the worst case of a status condition you have received?"

"Yeah, it was just yesterday when we were going through Gentle Slope Cave when I saw this... purple thing lying on the ground, thinking it was some kind of odd berry I decided to eat it in one bite, and suddenly I was on fire, guess that wasn't the best idea." Ian said.

"Oh dear! That's Grimy Food! Has no one warned about the dangers of eating it?!"

Ian shook his head, much to her shock.

"Well, just be careful next time. Although Grimy Food is still a type of food that could be eaten, it's not the most ideal choice of consumption for it will give you harmful side effects and should be avoided at all times, only in an emergency should you eat it so that you won't faint from starvation."

"Noted." Ian said.

"And what about you Patience?"

"Well, there was this one time I got hit by Poison Powder by a wild Pokemon back in Serene Village, it was pretty scary experience and my pops looked like he was about to have a heart attack."

"I see..." Glaceon said. "Alright then, that's all the questions I have to ask, and I'm happy to say you're healthy enough to be cleared for expeditions."

"Really? That's all?" Ian asked.

Glaceon nodded. "You two healthiest among everyone else in the Expedition Society, which makes sense considering you're just kids. Anyway, that's all I needed for, so off you go!"

Ian and Patience looked at each other and left the room, leaving the doctor alone with her thoughts.

"Welp, back to bed then, my work is done for now." Glaceon said, as she laid in one of the infirmary beds, closing her eyes to be transported to her happy place.

"Holy mother of..." Patience said in awe.

Although Ian had always assumed the Expedition Society was pretty technologically advanced, with the Expedition Gadget it's crowning achievement, he wasn't prepared for what he saw when they were heading up to the second floor to meet with Ampharos.

A globe, stood in the center of the room, the kicker was that it was holographic, just like the map they have on their Expedition Gadget. The globe showed a map of the world, with multiple continents stretched across it, red dots scattered across the land.

"T-this is the Pokemon Nexus! Pretty much the encyclopaedia of the world, and the many dungeons that exists!" Patience exclaimed in excitement and shock

"I see you've done your homework, Patience."

Ian and Patience turned to the source of the voice to find Ampharos, standing by a door that was closed previously.

"That is indeed the Pokemon Nexus." Ampharos said as walked up to Ian and Patience. "Built by none other than Jirachi himself. The ultimate goal of the Expedition Society is to complete a map of the world, the Pokemon Nexus is how we are going to do it, every time the Nexus is updated by our members whenever they've explored a new dungeon, it'll then be added on the map." Ampharos explained.

"Does that mean we can update the Pokemon Nexus as well?" Ian asked.

"Of course! In fact, why don't you try it now? Just insert your Expedition Gadget into that slot there and see what new dungeon would pop up."

Ian examined the base of the Pokemon Nexus and noticed a hexagonal hole, he took out his Expedition Gadget and noticed it was the same shape as the hole, his instincts immediately had him placing his Gadget into slot, a satisfying 'click' sound was made. The holographic globe then glowed bright blue, almost blinding Ian for how sudden it was.

'UPDATE COMPLETE' scrolled across the globe, as it turned and a single red dot appeared on the Water Continent, exactly where Serene Village is located. The words 'Ancient Barrow' appeared above it.

"Ancient Barrow huh." Ampharos said, intrigued of this new dungeon. "And in Serene Village for that matter, what is that about?"

"It's...a long story." Patience said.

"I see." Ampharos said. "Regardless, please come with me to my office."

Ian and Patience did as told and followed the Expedition Society leader to his office, leaving the Pokemon Nexus. When they entered the room, Dedenne was there, standing over some papers twice her size and reading them.

"Ah, Ian and Patience." Dedenne greeted. "Before you finally head off to your duties, I need to explain the Society Communication Codes to you."

"Society Communi- what now?" Patience said, confused.

"Here, please read this paper carefully." Dedenne handed them a piece of paper. Ian examined the paper.

The Expedition Society Communication Codes

FOR EXPEDITION SOCIETY MEMBERS ONLY!

Listed below are the codes used when communicating using the Expedition Gadget.

Green- General message for the ears of all the Expedition Society members.

Orange- Message to be sent to a specific Expedition Society member.

Red- Emergency, the Expedition Society leader contacts everyone to instruct further details.

Black- A member is MIA, WIA or KIA.

"Wait, why aren't we able to contact a certain member directly?" Ian asked.

"Well you see, the Expedition Gadget uses a specific electrical frequency to direct messages to and fro. As a electric type, I am able to receive these messages. Jirachi is still trying to figure out a way to make pinpoint communication work, but then I wouldn't have a job anymore now would I?"

"Hah! Don't worry so much Dedenne!" Ampharos said. "You're always welcomed to help out with the other members with their errands." Dedenne scoffed at that comment.

"Wait, what does MIA, WIA and KIA mean?" Patience asked.

Dedenne's expression changed at the mention of it. Ian had a feeling that he isn't going to like where this is going.

"Wounded In Action, Missing In Action and..." Dedenne trailed off for a bit, before building the courage to finish her sentence. "...Killed In Action."

Patience was shocked when she heard the antenna Pokemon's reply. Ian as well. It made him realize that not everything was all fun and rainbows when it came to reality, dungeon exploration was a rather dangerous thing to do, which could potentially lead to injury...

...or death

"I see..." Ian said.

"Anyway, that about covers what I wanted to see you for." Dedenne said. "You should get back to your duties, and try to be back by dinner! Swirlix gets excited when leftovers are found."

Ian and Patience nodded as they left the room, heading down the stairs and exited the headquarters, the bright morning sun shone upon Lively Town.

"So, business as usual then?" Ian asked.

"Yep." Patience replied. "Race you to the gates!"

"Wait what?" Before Ian could even react, Patience was already running off, leaving the mudfish Pokémon confused.

Oh no you don't fire fox, I ain't going down that easy!

Ian broke into a dash, chasing after Patience, as the two continue with their explorations, now under the Expedition Society.

It's a bright new day, and new adventures and discoveries to be made. The Hydroflames are eager to live their new lives as Expedition Society members.