I do not own Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity


Chapter 2


The morning sun shone through the windows of Ludwig and Jade's home. Ludwig tiredly rubbed his eyes.

“Go awaaaay sun.” he moaned, rolling on to his other side. He was normally really good at getting up in the morning, but he being up rather late last night has it's repercussions. Within moments Ludwig sat up and yawned loudly.

“I better get up, or Emolga won't let me hear the end of it.” he muttered.

Ludwig got to his feet and walked up to his still sleeping partner. He was curled up into a neat ball, his tail covered nearly all of his face. He seemed a little calmer than last night, but still squirmed slightly every once in a while.

“Hey, time to get up Jade.” said Ludwig, giving Jade a little shake.

Jade muttered something which sounded like: “Yeah, okay.” but Ludwig couldn't be sure he went to get their team bag and patiently waited for his partner wake himself up. Jade groggily got to his feet then headed outside without a word. Concerned, Ludwig followed him.

“Hey, whatever happen to “Good Morning.”? He joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Jade stopped and glanced Ludwig. His eyes seemed sad and tired. Ludwig shuddered. He never saw that look on Jade before.

“Errr...Good morning. Sorry I guess I'm still half-asleep.” said Jade with an awkward grin.

There's that fake smile again. Ludwig thought sadly.


Jade and Ludwig made their to the Paradise Center and met up with Emolga, Dunsparce and Virizion.

“Hey guys!” said Ludwig cheerfully. “So eerrrr....sorry who's turn was it today?”

The Believers were now getting so many recruits that in order for everyone to help, the main members agreed to start taking turns to go to a dungeon with Jade and Ludwig. That was one of the disadvantages of having so many members. Ludwig had been so worried about Jade lately that he had forgotten to keep track.

“Hmmm....Dunspace's wasn't it?” said Virizion.

“Huh? You sure?” asked a confused Dunsparce. “I could've sworn Keldeo was before me and Emolga went yesterday.”

“No, no, wait I remember now” laughed Virizion a little sheepishly. “It's Espeon's turn. I'm positive.”

“Guys, guys, I do not need this so early in the morning!” Jade groaned. “Let's just take Virizion's word for it before my head explodes.”

“Okay....I'll go find Espeon then.” said Dunsparce hopping away.

Ludwig glanced at Jade, who was just staring at his feet with a wistful look on his face. He obviously didn't know that his partner was looking at him, otherwise he would be trying to pull another fake smile on him. Ludwig sighed.

He's not normally like this. He thought to himself. I don't know what's bothering him, but it must be REALLY bothering him today.

Ludwig had decided. Despite what Emolga told him last night he felt that he really needed to get Jade to talk to him about his problem. The longer he put this off the harder it will be. Ludwig to a deep breath and turned to his partner.

Ok, this is it! It's now or never!

“Hey Jade...” he started.

Jade jumped slightly. He had obviously been lost in his thoughts. He turned his attention to Ludwig.

“Y...yeah?”

Ludwig took quick glances at everyone. Virizion seemed curious about what Ludwig had on his mind. Emolga, on the other hand apparently figured it out as he was now making slashing motions with his paw across his neck and had a look in his eyes that said: “Don't go there!” But Ludwig ignored it.


“Can I talk to you over there for a sec?”

Jade gave Ludwig a very wary look.

“Why?”

Ludwig sighed tiredly. He should have known that Jade would know what was coming. He had tried to get him to spill the beans for some time now, but Ludwig wasn't about to give up. It was too late for that anyway. His partner was expecting an answer.

“Just come on.” said Ludwig a little more forcefully than he intended.

Jade's face grew stern, making Ludwig shrink back slightly. It was a look that Jade had never given him before.

“No, whatever you want to say, you can say it in front of them.” said Jade icily.

“Errr....now now, boys....” said Virizion obviously sensing an argument coming on.

Emolga was still making the same motions, but was now muttering something which sounded a lot like: “shutupshutupshutup!” over and over. Again, Ludwig ignored him. He couldn't take it anymore, he had to get this out in the open. It no longer mattered to him that they weren't somewhere private. Ludwig locked his eyes with Jade's.

“Something's bothering you.” he said simply. “Ever since you came back from the human world, something's been bothering you. I think it's time we talked about it.”

Jade sighed exasperatedly.

“Ludwig we've been through this!”

Ludwig wasn't about to let Jade of the hook. Not this time. At least not easily. He could see Jade shaking slightly, though whether it was from fear or annoyance, he couldn't be sure.

“Just tell me!” pressed Ludwig. “Then we can put this whole matter behind us already.”

“There's nothing to tell!” shouted Jade. “Stop butting in!”

“I'm not trying to!” Ludwig all but shouted back. He immediately regretted it. He was trying to help after all, but yelling at his friend wasn't going to do it. “I'm....I'm just....”

“Worried I know!” said Jade, anger now fully evident in his voice. “But you don't need to be alright? I'm fine! Nothing is wrong with me! And there never will be!”

“Then why aren't you using your power to go back to the human world to visit your friends and family?!” cried Ludwig. Then a realization hit him. “Is....is this about them?”

Jade looked like he got hit in the head by a beach ball. His eyes were wide and his mouth was hanging open. Ludwig knew that he just scored a bullseye.Virizion looked stunned by the exchange that just happened. Emolga was now in the middle of a face-palm. Ludwig took one step towards Jade.

“What ha....” but before he could finish his sentence he found himself getting smacked in the face by a leafy hand, causing him to stumble.

“SHUT UP!!!!!!! JUST SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

The entire Paradise Center was now deathly silent, aside from a couple of terrified shouts from the Timburr, who were unfortunate enough to just be coming outside the moment Jade snapped. Virizion and Emolga were frozen on the spot, mouths agape. Even Scraggy who was in the middle of preparing his stall seemed shocked. Ludwig rubbed his sore cheek staring at Jade, who was now just standing there staring back, panting. Ludwig thought he was in some kind of bad dream. Jade never struck at him before no matter how angry he got. Ludwig had most definitely struck a nerve there. He was starting to regret being so pushy. Then after a few more agonizing seconds Jade just ran off towards Post Town, very nearly running over Dunsparce and Espeon in the process.

“Jade wait!” cried Ludwig. He was about to pursue him but Virizion blocked his path.

“Ludwig, I think you should just drop it for now.” she said firmly.

“I'll say!” cried Emolga angrily. “I told you not to push him! Now look what's happened?!”

Before Ludwig could say any thing Espeon rushed to the group looking utterly confused.

“What in the name of Arceus was that all about?!”

“Ask him!” growled Emolga, pointing an accusing finger at Ludwig. Espeon glanced at Ludwig then her eyes widened.

“Hey are you okay?”

Ludwig was confused at first but then figured that a bruise must already be starting to form on his cheek.

“I'm fine.” he said quietly. “Jade didn't mean it. He was just upset.”

The threesome informed Espeon and Dunsparce of what they had missed. Dunsparce looked saddened and concerned while Espeon just sighed.

“I'm afraid I'm with Emolga on this one.” she said facing Ludwig sadly. “You really should've just let it go. Jade clearly wasn't ready to talk about it.”

“What was I supposed to do?!” snapped Ludwig. “Just let him just wallow in woe-is-me self-pity forever?!”

“Ludwig I....I'm not saying that.” said Espeon looking shocked That Ludwig would suggest such a thing.

Ludwig sighed then looked at his feet, ashamed of himself. He didn't mean to snap at Espeon like that. He certainly get Jade all upset.

“I'm sorry, Espeon. It's just....I'm.....I'm really worried. Is that so wrong?”

“Of course not.” said Virizion gently. “But sometimes you just have to be patient.”

Ludwig continued to stare at his feet for a few moments then sadly looked up at the group.

“I'm sorry, everyone, but I can't leave him like this I'm gonna go look for him.”

“Are you sure you wanna do that right now?” asked Emolga. “Something tells me Jade won't be too thrilled to see you so soon after that.”

“Jade is my best friend. I've got to apologise to him at least.” said Ludwig. “You guys go ahead without us. This may take all day.”

And with that Ludwig headed towards Post Town in pursuit of his partner.


To Be Continued.