Featured: Ch. 35 - The Unnecessarily Surreal City - Pokémon Choice Quest 2

Chapter 28: Chansey the Third

Location: Still Unknown Depths

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There have been weirder things, and this is just about the average dose of weirdness taking the form of an adventure to the unknown. Your path is barred by a talking Pokémon known as Chansey. You, along with Cuddles and Hairy Arachnid Nanoscopic, stand on the opposing side trying to defeat her. Things however took a rather complicated turn, prolonging the length of a conflict between 'probably' misunderstood factions.

In spite of her prejudice toward you and Cuddles, the Chansey appears more tender to your frightened Houndoom, tending him with an egg she offered. Though, Hairy Arachnid Nanoscopic doesn't look comfortable with what's going on, even with her trying to console him, he only resisted in taking it. Watching them now is a waste of time, and if trying to break their moment with violence isn't an option...

...Of course! Why wouldn't anyone? You delve in your hand inside the bag, producing a Poké Ball after it resurfaces. With less input to your spontaneous gesture, you quickly throw the Poké Ball right at the Chansey.

"Whoa-" However, Chansey anticipated the incoming machine and swiftly avoided it. "Ha! You miss- ouch!" But the rough surfaces made the Poké Ball to ricochet back right onto her back, hard. She flinches, and the next thing that happens, is that she is misshapen into a white glow, pulling her into the aloft machine with an evident angry groan. The voice is put to a mute as soon as it closes itself, falls stiffly onto the floor, shakes violently, and as you withdraw Hairy Arachnid Nanoscopic back to his own, the Poké Ball eventually stops followed with a sudden click.

Congratulations, you just caught a new Pokémon that's just as weird as your first! How very convenient! But even with her out of the way, you're kind of back to square one -- the branching paths in front of you. The middle path, where the Chansey seems to be coming from might lead you back to the surface somehow. That leaves with both right and left paths that are the ones you have yet to discover. Moreover, the mysterious voice is still within the air. Chansey might know something about 'it', though unlikely, there are circumstances where she could try rebelling over her new Trainer if given the chance now.

Sounds like you're back to what you're supposed to do -- making a choice. Now, what should you do?

1. To the path on the left. Besides, Cuddles had a good feeling that there might be something in there.
2. To the path on the right. Could it be the right way?
3. To the path on the middle where Chansey comes from. It should lead you to the surface.

Ch. 29: Back to the Terminal

Location: Unknown Depths ? Caterpie Terminal

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The time spent to make a move is now over with a conclusion; that you will pick the path in the middle, as it should lead you to a place brighter than the darkness within this closely labyrinthine infrastructure. You take hold of the glowing Casteliacone once more and starts moving for the path you choose.

But a familiar grunt comes to put a stop on your tracks. You turn back to see Cuddles, facing toward the west leading to pitch-black emptiness. You ask Cuddles what's wrong, and he returns your question with an inquisitive stare. Have you forgotten? There's definitely something in there! That's the best interpretation you can make, but you could only wonder why he insists you so hard to go there. Still, it won't really hurt to go ahead and see it for yourself, but at the same time...

...Nah. While it's true there might be something hidden deep in the two other ways, you tell Cuddles that you're not doubting his judgment, but it isn't wise to simply wander inside a place known by a select few. Besides, the mention of how this place being 'dangerous' could be a sign that Chansey wasn't lying. Thus, this choice of action is to avoid unwanted situations that you and Cuddles might regret.

Hearing that, Cuddles doesn't feel disappointment. Instead, he nods affirmatively to your decision and slowly makes his way to follow without defiance. You sigh in relief, that there's nothing to be worried about than getting out of here firsthand. You feel like you won't be going back after this point, though it's quite nagging to leave the two paths unchecked for whatever resides in there, it's still better than walking in circles around a floating city with a clueless mind.

As you walk closer to where you hear a thud from the Egg Pok?mon, you raise the Casteliacone to bask the area lit with light. The path would've been a dead end were it not for the metallic ladder sticking from the hole above, a little mossy for anyone's taste but evidently sturdy. Taking the lead by climbing on it, you ascend higher to set sight upon the first thing you see -- a double gate that leads to a dark hallway, and a stairway that gives the flooring a bright tint of orange as much the sun could reach it as it sets. You turn back to the hole to fetch Cuddles and the held Casteliacone into a Pok? Ball, safely put on your belt.

The road splits again. Which do you want to go through?

1. The stairway. It should be fine to take shelter inside one of the deserted buildings, right?
2. The double gate. Despite appearing to be locked, the lock isn't proper and thus can be opened.
3. The hallway to the back of the hole. Following this path might redirect you back to the front entrance, though.
4. Be indecisive and return back to the unknown depths in order to inspect the other remaining ways.