Mijou and Upaa soon became really good friends, playing and training their moves together. Upaa was still the same goofy Wooper, but Mijou had become more independent. It saddened his mother slightly that he was not around her as much, but at the same time she was happy he was growing up into an adult she was proud of. On his side, Futachi just continued his solitary training, ignoring what his little brother was up to but still managing to stick a mean remark here and there. There was never talk of the shell he stole again. Mijou was content with the one he had found thanks to Upaa.

It was a warm autumn day when the two friends noticed something unusual pinned to a tree near the forest they liked to play in. It was a poster of an imposing dragon with an eye-patch and a pirate hat. Upaa stopped and stared at the poster with absolute awe. Intrigued, Mijou read the words on the poster.

“We want YOU to join the Rogues!”

The Oshawott had heard about them. In Tao Village nearby, there were guilds of Pokemon helping others and carrying missions. That had always sounded dangerous to him.

“Upaa! Upaa upaa paa upaa!” The Wooper got excited and pointed to the poster. (With his tail!)

“What? You want to join the Rogues? But why? They do mean things, don’t they?”

“Upaa upaa! Upaa! Upaa paa paa!”

Mijou frowned disapprovingly. “You want to join JUST because you like his hat? That’s the stupidest thing I have ever heard.”

Upaa jumped on a nearby rock and presented a visionary speech of hope, ideals and hats.

“Upaa upaa. Upaa upaa paa? Upaa. Upaa upaa paa paa u. Upaa, upaa upaa, paa paa u. Upaa! Upaa upaa paa upaa. Upaa. Upaa paa paa. Upaa, upaa upaa paa upaa paa upaa u. Upaa upaa upaa, upaa paa. Upaa u, upaa? Upaa upaa! Upaa paa? Upaa. Upaa upaa paa u upaa! Upaa!

Mijou’s eyes glowed with inspiration. Upaa was right. This was the perfect opportunity to prove to his brother (and to himself) that he had what it took to be successful and strong. Rogues were tough and Rogues were cool. He was going to be just like that. They would be good Rogues who help others and get respect. They would be the bestest Rogues!

When Upaa told his family about his future plans, they were thrilled for him. Mijou’s mother was a bit worried.

“Why not join the Rescuers instead? That seems like a better place for you.”

Mijou did not want to upset his mom, but he had made a decision.

“I’ll be fine. I’m big now. The Rogues are not all bad. We’ll be the exception to the rule. If anyone is causing trouble, they’ll get a taste of my Razor Shell!"

Kenki sighed. “Alright. Just promise me you’ll be careful and that you’ll come visit us. I’ll be waiting.”

“I promise,” the Oshawott said as he hugged her.

“Futachi,” the Samurott called. “Don’t you have something to say to your brother before he leaves?”

The Dewott grunted from the distance and came to set his brother off.

“Good luck and stuff. I’m not interested in those guilds, I don’t want a leader.” In a softer voiced he added: “Though I guess the Rogues are pretty cool…”

“Thanks.” They were still not very close, but Mijou had earned a bit more of Futachi’s respect.

As their families waved goodbye, the new teammates headed together towards Tao village. Where adventures, hard work and hats awaited them.


----

I'm not the best writer out there but I hope you enjoyed this little story!