ToT: Chapter 1: 'Playbill + Mugshot' RESUB

"Ah! We finally made it! Tabira!" Horace exclaimed to his partner. Gary just sighed. "It's about time. We've been walking for days. I told you that shortcut was a bad idea." Horace grinned. "Eh, we made it, who cares?" Gary sighed again. "Anyway, where should we head first? I think that the Keeper's garden would be pretty neat." Gary replied, "W-well, I was thinking of going to the Scholar's library. I'd love to see their collection of books. M-maybe even read a few!" His eyes lit up. "They probably have books from all over the world! Ones that I've never read! How cool would that be!" Horace just smirked and rolled his eyes. "Here, let's do rock, paper, scissors to decide. "Gary moaned. "C'mon, you always win at that! It's no fair!"

As the two were arguing, a young Riolu dashed about, clearly looking for something. His eyes fell on the pair, and he ran towards them. He ran way too fast, though, and tripped over a rock. He flew through the air, landing right between the bickering friends. Both took a startled step back.

"Who are you?" The two asked of their sudden interruptor. The Riolu quickly got to his feet and replied, "Hi, I'm Ray! And I really need your help. I'm supposed to be in a play for a charity benefit, but something came up, and I have to go to Mosswood. You seem like a good actor," he said, pointing at Horace, "Can you cover for me? I'd really appreciate it." The Treecko looked at his friend, then smiled and said, "Sure, why not?"

Gary interjected, "B-but what about the gardens? You said you wanted to see those." Horace laughed. "Gare, those gardens ain't going anywhere. Besides, this is for a good cause. Isn't that why we're here in the first place?" Gary hung his head, then replied, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Ray cheered. "Thanks a mill! I owe you one! Here, let's get you to the set. The play starts in an hour!" With that, he grabbed them by the hands and rocketed towards the giant tree, centerpiece of Tabira.

When they arrived, Ray hollered, "Miss Topaz, I found a replacement, and another extra to boot!" Gary yelped, "What?! No one told me I had to act!" Ray just smiled at him. "Don't worry, extras don't have speaking parts. You just have to stand there." At this point, Horace was beginning to get nervous too. "Hey, uh, Ray? What role am I? You never told me."

Another voice answered, "Why, you'll be playing the lead role! And you look like you're perfect for it!" A Simisear wearing a headband said, walking down the steps to the stage. Horace was shocked. "L-lead role? I've never acted before! I don't know how!" Topaz smiled. "Oh, don't you worry," she laughed, "I get the feeling that you'll make a great Romeo!"

"Wait, I'm Romeo? As in, Romeo and Juliet? Well, why didn't you say so? Hand me a script!" Horace exclaimed. Topaz laughed. "That's more like it! Good acting comes from spirit! Now come on, you need as much practice as you can get." She said, beckoning them backstage. Meanwhile, Ray thanked them again and ran off to complete his errand.

"But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!" Horace exclaimed. The crowd cheered, and began throwing rose after rose up on the stage. It seemed that Horace's experience with the ladies of Mosswood had not gone to waste. The crowd loved the performance. He grinned, knowing that the audience was captivated.

After the show, the actors took their bows, and headed backstage to celebrate. Many congratulated Horace on his performance, asking if he was a professional. Then, a Bayleaf waddled up to him and introduced himself. "Hi I'm Frankie, a painter at the Artisan's guild. I loved your performance, truly spectacular. Do you mind if I do a painting of you in costume?" Horace shrugged. "I don't see why not. Go ahead." So Horace sat down, posed, and waited. After what seemed like forever, Frankie shouted "Done!" and turned the canvas around. It was a great painting, very well done. "I'll be hanging this in Artisan's headquarters. You should stop by sometime. Leader Topaz would love to thank you for your help." Horace and Gary looked at each other. "T-Topaz is the Guild Leader?!" Gary asked, shocked. Frankie smiled. "Yup! Like I said, stop by sometime! Anyway, gotta run! See you around!" He said, giving a wave of his vine.

Horace and Gary sighed. "What an eventful day, eh buddy?" Horace laughed. Gary just yawned. "Yeah, I'm beat. Let's find a place to rest." The two wandered off into town, not realizing that this was only the beginning of their adventures.


My first chapter submission for Tales of Tabira. I was going to do it in comic format, but it's too much hassle. However, I do want to draw major scenes from each part, just to show you what it's like. Admins, if this format is not acceptable, please do let me know, and I will remove the drawings from the official submission and repost them separately.

This entry completes the Artisan's Guild missions from Chapter 1. The rest will come soon. I've given my own titles to every mission that is available at the time of this update. Reward claim: 3 Artisan's Reputation. I'll pass on the paintings for now.

Story, setting, Topaz, Frankie, Kassi, and missions ©
Horace, Gary, Ray, and depiction of events © Me
Pokemon @ Nintendo and the Pokemon Company