Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon, Game Freak does, none of the characters belong to me so don't sue.

Summary: It's one thing to wake up with no memories, it's another thing entirely to go from being human to being a Pokemon, but now Cody has to unravel his memories as he makes his mark on the Pokemon World with his partner as they become a team, but with time halting will they be enough or will all of time fall apart?

Chapter 05: In Comes Team Skull

"And Three, Smiles go for miles!" Cody decided to participate with the cheer this time, wanting to begin their work for the day, especially eager after the news from the other night, though he did note how Ahri seemed pretty tired, most likely not getting much sleep from both excitement and the traditional horror stories.

The Headless Rapidash seemed to have scared her the most while Cody just found it interesting.

But he liked Crobatcula better if he was honest, probably due to how Croagunk told it.

The other Guild Members were talking to each other excitedly about the Expedition as that was announced before the morning cheer while Cody and Ahri were by themselves knowing they were going to be doing some jobs from the Notice Board, but they planned to do a lot on the same day to both further their rank and ensure they're chosen to be a part of the expedition.

"Shake a leg Ahri, you're dozing." Cody teased with Ahri giving a good-natured chuckle.

"Don't worry, I don't plan on slacking." Ahri promised.

With the news of the expedition, she was ready to give a hundred and twenty percent to the next few days.

With that said they went up to the second floor only to pause at seeing two Pokemon in front of one of the Bulletin Boards.

A Koffing and a Zubat.

"Those Pokemon?" Ahri whispered sounding confused while Cody tilted his head.

They seemed… Familiar. Chances are they met those two.

But from where?

As Cody thought about that, the two turned towards Team Phoenix, most likely sensing someone watching them and met their curious glances.

Seconds passed before shock appeared on their faces with the two flying closer with the Zubat snarling. "Hey!"

"Y-You two?!" Koffing asked not believing what he was seeing.

"Wait this duo-?" Ahri muttered before realization dawned on her. "You're the ones who stole my Relic!"

Cody gave a start, berating himself for not remembering that given it was the day he met Ahri that he knew these two from.

What in the world were they doing in the Guild?!

"What are you crooks doing here?!" Ahri demanded with a glare.

That glare surprised Koffing and Zubat as it showed Ahri gained a bit of a backbone since the last time they saw her. "Crooks? Don't insult us." Zubat told her while Koffing laughed.

"Whoa-ho-ho! I'll have you know that we're an exploration team too." Koffing revealed, the fact making Ahri take a step back in shock.

"N-No." Ahri whispered not expecting that.

With how much she looked up to Exploration Teams, there was no way she was willing to accept these two to be one.

"Yeah, what's so funny about an Exploration Team checking the Job Bulletin Board?" Zubat mocked, flying around the two. "But what are you two wimps doing here?"

Wimps? Cody looked insulted.

This coming from the people that got their butts kicked by them? Back when they weren't that strong?

Sure it was kind of an insult against Ahri but back then she could barely fight compared to now and he had no clue how to fight at the time. But they still won, so these two have the gall to call them wimps?

What does that make Koffing and Zubat then?

Shaking her head to center herself after that startling revelation, Ahri was back to glaring at them. "We're a part of this Guild to be Explorers," She told them. "Real Explorers unlike you crooks."

They stared before the two busted out laughing. "Y-You an explorer?" Zubat asked, falling to the ground in laughter. "Don't make me laugh with how much of a coward you are."

"You'll never make it, you should just quit. Whoa-ho-ho!" Koffing smirked at how Ahri was shaking. "See? You're already shaking."

Seeing his partner being messed with, Cody was about ready to attack these two when Ahri lifted her head up to show that she wasn't shaking in fear, but in anger.

"So what if I'm timid? It doesn't matter what you say, being an explorer is my dream and that's why I'll keep going," Ahri said with passion in her tone, the fact that she was standing up for herself had Cody keep quiet. "That's why we're working hard to be picked for the Expedition!"

"An Expedition?" Koffing whispered finding that to be a juicy detail.

"It doesn't matter how much you try, the only thing that will get you through is talent, pure talent." Zubat smirked, showing his fangs. "So you won't cut it."

"If anything you two are the most talentless considering how we beat you in a fight," Cody spoke up, having enough of their attitudes as he crossed his flippers. "You don't know anything about Ahri, so don't talk like you do."

"Well we didn't have the Chief with us." Koffing's tone had a sing-song tone to it while Cody blinked in confusion.

Chief? There was another member of their group?

"Team Skull, our Exploration Team, has three members." Koffing continued, enjoying their confused expressions.

"Yeah, our Chief is very talented, if he was around that day you would've lost easily," Zubat crowed looking very smug. "He would've snapped you both like a twig."

Their conversation was cut off when Koffing sniffed the air. "Speaking of which, I can smell the Chief coming right now."

"Smell?" Ahri asked before what had to be the most rancid stench reach Team Phoenix's nose, causing them to cough.

'W-What the heck?' Cody thought holding his beak in disgust as a new Pokemon came down the ladder.

It was a Skuntank, which explained the smell really, a medium sized Pokemon with purple spike fur that had tan lines coursing through it, his legs and belly were also tan.

Skuntank walked until he was about to pass Team Phoenix and glared at Cody. "Move! Out of the way." He ordered, not even giving Cody a chance to say anything or move, instead he released a gas attack that slammed into him, sending him flying into the wall.

Cody barely heard Ahri call out in worry and he barely felt the blow from hitting the wall. No his mind was on the scent of the attack that had him seeing white. He could barely see or think with his sense of smell going to war with him wanting to fall unconscious just from the smell alone.

It was nauseating and he felt like throwing up.

Skuntank didn't even have to tell Ahri to move as the Vulpix ran over to Cody to see if he was alright.

The smell had a side effect of gaining the attention of Chimecho, Sunflora, Corphish and Bidoof who were doing their own thing but it was enough to keep them rooted in place as they've never dealt with anything this bad before.

By the time Cody regained his senses, Team Skull was gone while Ahri looked worried with Chimecho who was using Heal Bell on him to take care of any ill side-effects that the gas had.

"Are you okay?" Chimecho asked in concern as Cody pushed himself up.

"I can't feel my nose," Cody answered, coughing a bit. "And I think I'm going to be sick."

"Uh you don't have a nose." Ahri pointed out with Cody feeling like an idiot for forgetting that small fact.

"Tell that to the smell that's killing me," Cody muttered to himself, coughing in the process. "Who was that jerk?!"

"Leader of Team Skull," Ahri responded having heard them talking while Cody was out of it. "I can't believe those crooks are an Exploration Team."

"Oh you know those three?" Chimecho looked between the two in surprise with them frowning.

"Sadly yes." Cody decided to say before shaking his head. "But let's not dwell on that, we still need to work."

"I wouldn't advise that," Chimecho voiced, some doubt in her tone. "Even though I did get rid of the detrimental effects of that gas attack your immune system is weakened, you need to rest, otherwise you'll risk getting sick."

"I'm fine," Cody said in a bit of a stubborn tone, but he winced when Chimecho gave him a look given how she was still one of the doctors at the Guild as well as the cook, the look making him feel like a little kid whose hand was caught in a cookie jar. "Come on, a little gas like that won't take me out."

"It almost did." Ahri reminded Cody, making him give her a look while Chimecho sighed.

"You Piplups and your pride."

Pride? He has been feeling a bit prideful lately, so Piplups were known for it?

That actually explains a bit.

"Ahri please make sure he doesn't push himself too hard." Chimecho looked at the Vulpix knowing that she would have better luck than her in making sure Cody actually listened.

"Got it." Ahri promised while Cody rolled his eyes.

It wasn't that bad, sure it stunk but he was getting over it.

It didn't take long to meet up with Lily after getting four jobs for Mt. Bristle, but due to what happened with Skuntank, Cody declared they were going to train at the Dojo to both get stronger and to help Lily catch up with them.

Plus it would help Lily integrate into their team a bit more compared to before they go out into the field.

Especially since three of the jobs dealt with Outlaws.

But on the way to Treasure Town, they saw two blue pudgy Pokemon standing near a staircase where a boulder used to be next to the sign that told them about the Spinda Cafe.

Being curious, they approached the two Pokemon learning they were a Wynaut and a Wobbufet, the latter being the tallest one, before the Wynaut spoke. "Ooh a Customer, wonderful day isn't it?"

Wobbufet did a quick salute. "That's right!"

Cody, Ahri and Lily exchanged glances, unsure of what was going on before they looked back at the two. "I guess it's a wonderful day." Lily said to be nice with a smile.

"What did you mean about Customer?" Ahri latched onto that while Wynaut laughed.

"Right, sorry I got ahead of myself, today is the grand opening to Spinda's Cafe," Wynaut threw his arms up into the air while Wobbufet repeated what he said earlier with the same salute. "This wonderful shop is soon to be overflowing with hopes and dreams!"

Cody quirked a brow. "Hopes and Dreams?"

That kind of sounded a bit cheesy, but he won't deny that it would be pretty cool if that was the case.

"That's right!" Wobbufet exclaimed in what Team Phoenix were guessing was his catchphrase.

And possibly the only two words he knew.

"Do you want to check it out?" Ahri asked curiously.

"I do, I do!" Lily said jumping up and down excitedly, wanting to see what this place was about.

Her excitable nature made Cody's beak twitch as he had to say it was contagious.

Plus he was just as curious.

So with a nod the three of them walked down the stairs to find a rather large area with swirls on the floor, tables and two different bars one for drinks while the other seemed to be for Prize Tickets if the sign was any indication.

There was quite the crowd too, a lot of tough looking Pokemon that made Cody feel a bit uneasy with his own strength in comparison.

A red and yellow panda Pokemon with swirls for eyes gave a twirl as the crowd was around him. "Hello and welcome to Spinda's Cafe," He greeted the crowd of Explorers. "My name is Spinda and I am the owner of this Cafe! This Cafe is for Explorers who enjoy finding new things everyday and who are constantly challenging themselves."

"A Cafe for Explorers?" Ahri asked and it seemed Spinda heard her as he was suddenly in front of the fox making her jump back.

"That's right! It's natural to want to refresh yourself with a hearty, delicious drink after exploring, so we are delighted to provide this service to Explorers and we trust it will bring them happiness!" Spinda declared doing a twirl in a showy fashion during his explanation.

Spinda ended up giving a brief explanation of the services with the Juice Bar providing a drink from either Apples or Gummi's while the other Bar have Prize Tickets but there was also a Recycle Center where one could trade one item for another to avoid stuff going to waste.

It was a Cafe that was open 24/7 for any Exploration Team which will no doubt make it very popular.

And the feel of its place was pretty homey, especially with the lively Pokemon who were around at the moment.

Enough so that Cody gave a suggestion.

"Why don't we come here every night after a job?" He suggested to Ahri and Lily. "We could even meet up here each day before beginning a job."

While they did get lucky with meeting Lily on the way towards the Dojo, having a place they could meet up at that's not close would make it much easier.

"So we make this a hangout spot for Team Phoenix?" Ahri asked, making sure she understood correctly with Cody giving a nod. "That does seem like a good idea, and it would be great to get a few drinks after a job is completed."

Lily jumped up and down, a grin on her face. "I say we go for it, oh this is so exciting!"

So with that said, the three of them got together with three cups of Apple Juice while they had four papers with job descriptions out in front of them.

"Alright we'll be heading into Mt. Bristle and the first Outlaw we should find is Gligar, he's said to be on the fifth floor at all times," Cody said pointing at the Outlaw who was wanted for petty theft. "Next up is the only non-outlaw mission where we would deliver an Escape Orb to a Houndour, luckily we have one in Storage we can spare."

"This Houndour is on the sixth floor right?" Lily asked curiously as she had to stand up on the stool with her front legs on the table to get a better view while a curly straw was in her glass since she couldn't lift it, same with Ahri.

Ahri gave a nod, taking a sip of her drink before she took it from there. "After that we take down the Dine and Dash Outlaw Doduo on the seventh floor who's responsible for running away without paying from five different restaurants and finish up with a second Doduo Outlaw who recently robbed someone of a Sleep Seed after robbing four stores while escaping two different Exploration Teams."

Cody smiled as the briefing was going pretty well. "These three Outlaws are pretty small time compared to Drowzee and none of them are psychic types, so we shouldn't have any trouble," He said feeling relief about that. "Especially since there are three of us now compared to before when it was only two."

"And with Mt. Bristle being filled with rock types I'll really shine!" Lily's eyes sparkled, wanting to prove her worth to the team before she grimaced. "But the two Doduo Outlaws can easily beat me with a Peck."

"It's not about who beats them, it's just the three of us catching them." Ahri reassured Lily who looked better. "As long as we work together we'll beat them easily."

"And don't forget once we're finished up here we'll be heading to the Dojo to get stronger." Cody reminded the girls. "Once we're done there, we should be strong enough to face them quite efficiently."

Ahri then brought up a good point. "The Dodou's however will try to run should they see us, they are known for it."

Cody paused and considered that as the bounty papers had mentioned that.

"It would mean that they aren't confident enough for a fight, so if we force them to fight we should be good, but how to do it?" Cody rubbed his chin in thought while Lily was quiet before she spoke up.

"It's in a Mountain so my Nature Power should be Rock Slide." Lily suggested making the two smile.

If they could corner the Doduo's in a room, they could use that to block off any escape, plus with Ahri knowing Quick Attack they'll be able to maneuver the Doduo in any direction they want.

They didn't spend too much time in the Dojo, just a half hour of real time.

It was enough for Cody to learn Bubblebeam which ended up replacing Bubble as it was the same type of move only stronger and Ahri to gain Confuse Ray to add to their arsenal. Lily didn't learn a new move, but her attacks did get much stronger and on par with them, especially since she was beginning to learn how they move in a fight.

Cody usually just attacked head on to keep focus on him while Ahri would strategize use moves that would either lower an attribute such as defense or use Roar to give them room while inflicting burn with Will-O-Wisp to ensure that they wouldn't get overwhelmed.

So Lily added to that with Absorb to keep her health up and using Nature Power to give them some rock coverage.

Though they still have yet to actually complete a maze, they could make it to at least the fourth floor before it would become too much for them.

Right now they were in Mt. Bristle with Lily wearing a newly acquired Pecha Scarf considering that both Cody and Ahri had their own items.

The Pokemon in the Mountain actually left them alone, sensing their strength which was a bit of a surprise for the trio, but one Pokemon outright challenged them.

This Pokemon was a Machop who got in their way around the fourth floor and he wouldn't let them pass without a fight.

"Come on, show me what you've got." The Machop ordered, doing a few mock punches as he got ready, knees bent with a serious look on his face.

Unlike the others in the mountain he was excited about facing strong opponents and with how strong these three seemed he wanted to see how he stacked up.

'He's not even affected by the Mystery Dungeon?' Cody thought in surprise.

Ahri seemed to think the same thing as she asked. "You're not from here are you?"

"Of course not, do I seem like a Pokemon affected by time being out of control?" Machop asked with a scoff. "I walked in here of my own free will to prove my strength, I'm undefeated here!"

Lily didn't seem to like the idea of actually fighting someone who wasn't a criminal or affected by the Mystery Dungeon, so she spoke. "We're an Exploration Team though and we're in a hurry."

"An Exploration Team?! That's even better!" Machop looked even more pumped up at hearing that despite how he wouldn't show anything but a serious look. "Fighting the affected Pokemon is good and all but an actual Exploration Team? This is going to be awesome!"

The three glanced at each other knowing that they wouldn't be able to get out of this without a fight.

After a moment, Cody stepped forward since he knew Peck which would easily take him down when it hits and having the three of them face Machop at the same time would kind of be overkill after all of their training.

Not wasting any time, Machop shot in with a Low Kick that Cody jumped over firing a Bubblebeam only to blink as it one shot the Machop and sent him flying into the wall where he didn't get back up.

"I think you might've overdid it Cody." Ahri said a bit surprised by that while Cody winced and rubbed the back of his head.

He really thought this Machop could take it with the way he was bragging and all.

"Uh do we leave him here or wake him up?" Cody wasn't sure what to do.

"Wouldn't it be mean to leave him here?" Lily asked while they glanced at the Machop who groaned as he opened his eyes showing that he wasn't out for too long. "Great he's awake!"

"Mommy I don't want to go to school." Machop slurred out before shaking his head. "Ugh, what hit me."

'They have schools here?' Cody thought not expecting that while Ahri answered the fighting type.

"You going to be okay?"

The question made the Machop look at them right when he remembered what happened and he quickly got up, stumbling in the process.

'So strong.' Machop thought looking right at Cody who tensed, unsure of what the fighting type wanted. 'How?'

He was undefeated ever since he walked into this Mystery Dungeon, he spent weeks here training up and this Piplup defeated him in one move.

Cody's expression turned incredulous when the Machop got on his knees and bowed, his forehead nearly touching the ground. "Please take me as your student!"

… What?

"What?" Cody repeated his thoughts out loud, not sure what to think.

Machop lifted his head with clear determination in his eyes. "I want to be your student."

"M-My student?" Cody was very unsure of how to handle this situation.

"Yes, I wish to be one of the strongest in the world," The Machop explained now standing up. "It's been my dream since I hatched from an egg, but this is the first time I've truly tasted defeat."

"You never lost before?!" Lily asked in shock making the Machop blink before realizing how he worded that.

"No, I've lost before but I always gave as good as I got, this time however I didn't stand a chance which was a first." The Machop elaborated for them. "I think if I'm with you I can learn how to be strong."

"But we're not the strongest out there, we're only a rookie exploration team." Cody explained with the Machop stilling.

"That just shows how far I truly have to go, but I won't be dissuaded." Machop clenched his fists in preparation.

After a few moments of silence, Cody glanced at Ahri to see what she thought given how silent she was while the fox Pokemon tilted her head.

"Having a fighting type would be a great addition." She said reminding Cody that they were still in the process of setting Team Phoenix up, so having up to four members wouldn't be so bad.

With that in mind, Cody held a flipper out to Machop, a friendly smile on his face. "How about we make this a trial-run?"

Machop gave a respectful nod, grasping the flipper vigorously. "It's an honor Sensei."

Just like that the smile fell. "Don't call me that."

"So what do we call you?" Ahri asked the Machop who quirked a brow.

"What do you mean?"

"We have nicknames!" Lily declared with a grin, happy not to be the newbie anymore. "I'm Lily, Ahri is the Vulpix and Piplup is Cody."

"I see, using nicknames to avoid confusion should we face other Pokemon of our species, ingenious and practical," Machop cupped his chin in thought, trying to come up with the perfect nickname for himself before snapping his fingers. "Call me Genos."

"Genos?" Ahri was surprised by that name, not sure where it came from or why the Machop chose that, but Lily approached him.

"Welcome to the team Genos, I hope we get along."

Genos just gave a nod, not saying anything about getting along before looking at Cody. "What is the current objective Sensei?"

Feeling a slight headache from the new nickname while he swore that Ahri was snickering underneath her breath, he answered. "We're here to catch three outlaws and deliver an Escape Orb to a Houndour." He explained seeing Genos digest this information.

"Capturing Outlaws? Interesting, but also good for getting stronger, I approve."

Cody just gave him a dry look before deciding to roll with it as the new team of four continued through Mt. Bristle.

"That didn't take too long." Ahri commented with the four of them now exiting Mt. Bristle looking pretty happy about the completed jobs.

Genos however didn't share their enthusiasm, instead looking slightly depressed as he barely did anything to the Outlaws given how quick the others acted compared to him.

It was one thing to see the difference between him and Cody, but to see the other two be around the same strength as the penguin Pokemon? It was enough for him to seriously question how much he needed to improve.

"Hey Genos? Are you alright?" Lily asked seeing the Fighting Pokemon keeping to himself.

"I'm fine." Genos said without any hesitation, making a vow to catch up with everyone and show his strength.

To Be Continued…

Not too much happening, but Team Phoenix have another new recruit.

Besides that I hope everyone enjoyed the characterizations for the team members so far as I'm still in the process of getting them straightened out.

Plus we have Team Skull making their full introduction showing some friction for Team Phoenix, especially with their leader taking Cody out with barely any effort. Oh and sorry for not adding the Outlaw fights but the chapter was getting a bit too long and I'm not going to add every outlaw they go after, though I will add some in the future.

Alright let's get the review answered.

RMarcano321: No arguments from me on that as the Anime always has more of a story than any of the games, but the Mystery Dungeon games do focus more on story-telling though.

Cody (Piplup)

Lv. 18

Moves: Pound, Peck, Bubble and Bubblebeam.

Held Item: Joy Ribbon.

Ahri (Vulpix)

Lv. 18

Moves: Ember, Quick Attack, Feint Attack and Confuse Ray.

Held Item: Silver Bow.

Recruits

Lily (Lotad)

Lv. 15

Moves: Astonish, Growl, Absorb and Nature Power.

Held Item: Pecha Scarf.

Genos (Machop)

Lv. 9

Moves: Low Kick, Leer and Focus Energy.