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[PKMN FULL] The Age of Heroes [IC]

Which of the Legendaries/Paragons would the heroes meet in their quest?


  • Total voters
    24

Sir Bastian

Christina - Crossroads
1,621
Posts
12
Years
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Vincent 'Vince' The Wanderer
and
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Tsulong the Exemplar of Fire
The Inner Sanctum

As Vincent glanced around at the various others in the middle of the chamber, it was clear from their expressions and the way they were acting that they'd seen... at least roughly the same as him. The Zoroark was even kneeling in front of Durand, which took Vincent a little by surprise. He was about to open his mouth to say something to the Xatu before the bird spoke out and a bright flash of light erupted through the chamber.

Suddenly, they were all surrounded by what Vincent assumed was none other than the Crimson Company. Grasping his shells, he kept still, staring at the various figures around the outskirts of the chamber, who seemed... reluctant to attack. Or at least confused. Durand then let off with his attack and started snapping necks left right and center with his psychic abilities.

With everybody shouting and attacking everybody else, Vincent drew his shells and dashed off to the side, towards some oncoming company-folk, and with a few well-placed slices, managed to make quick work of them. A Machoke came along and took a few swings at him, but Vincent kept dodging, jumping about and delivering kicks and slices of his shells to the attacking Pokémon, doing a rather good job of avoiding attacks, though he felt himself getting hit here and there, and even got himself a cut along his cheek.

After having dispatched an Infernape, all throughout the battle not having used any of his water abilities and relying solely on his physical combat, he glanced over to the others and noticed Tsulong having a rather vicious fight with a Krookodile who seemed to be frothing with rage and some sick kind of pleasure. Seeing Tsulong having a bit of a hard time with his foe, Vincent grit his teeth and turned to make a dash towards the two.

Just as the Krookodile was preparing to swing his claws at the prone Arcanine, Vincent lept into the air and raised his right hand, a compact blast of water shooting out of the ground, which he landed on, surfing along on the top of it as he almost flew over towards the Krookodile, leaping off of it just as the water slammed against his side, sending the large Pokémon stumbling off to the side, Vincent landed besides Tsulong, breathing a little heavily, holding his shells at the ready.

"Looked like you needed a hand with this guy, hope you don't mind me butting in."

Tsulong chuckled grimly at the Dewott's offer and made to regain his breath, while Ser Mantarys snarled, looking down upon his new foe while cracking his knuckles. He did not seem the least bit weary, even after having taken Tsulong's flare blitz and Vince's stream of water. Pokemon like him had been hardened through a thousand battles and wounds, forged precisely to kill. His black eyes zoomed on Vincent, frantically noting his features. It all lasted for a second - the next, he was charging in, his jaws slamming shut towards the Dewott in a vicious crunch attack that would have torn the smaller Pokemon in half.

Vincent kept his eyes on their foe as he seemed to focus his glare firmly on him. Grasping his shells tightly, he prepared for his attack, but he hadn't expected the Krookodile to be as quick as he was, and Vincent only just managed to dive to the side to avoid the teeth clamping down where he had just been.

Mantarys snarled and turned towards the Dewott again, swinging his claws in swift succession of one another, launching a flurry of attacks at him. However, Vincent hadn't spend too much of his energy, and he managed to keep up with the slashes, parrying the sharp claws with his shells, keeping the two at a standstill, although Vincent was slowly forced backwards. The Krookodile roared in fury, increasing the intensity and frequency of his vicious slashes, putting pressure on the Dewott. Suddenly, unexpectedly, he spun around and slammed his huge tail at Vince's defenses. The intense blow shook him and he lost footing and hold of one of his sea shells; Ser Mantarys went in for the killing blow...

A stream of fire hit his side, flames licking his side and head, forcing him to sidestep and bring his arms to protect his body. He screamed in anguish and turned to the Arcanine, who was still standing on his feet, his side bleeding.

Vincent took a deep breath of air, snapping out of the somewhat groggy state, called down thanks to the thick tail having slammed straight into his stomach and sent him skidding along the floor. The roars and noises of the Pokémon battling around them returned to him as he quickly got to his feet, staring over at Mantarys, now looking straight at Tsulong.

Vincent bent down and dashed over to where he had dropped his seashell, picking it up in passing before narrowing his eyes, disregarding the aching in his stomach as he lept forwards, thrusting an arm forwards, sending an ice beam at the Krookodile, which hit his feet and froze him to the ground. The massive Pokémon turned to Vincent and bared his teeth, preparing another crunch, but Vincent landed on the floor and managed to leap upwards again, taking Mantarys by surprise as the Dewott pulled off a Copycat move, opening his mouth and clamping his fangs down firmly onto the Krookodile's arm which he tried to defend himself with.

Tsulong, seeing the opportunity, launched himself at the Crimson Captain with blinding speed and hit him full in the belly. His fiery fangs were sunk through his tough skin for a moment, until all went to hell. A loud, booming and hysterical laughter pierced their ears and Murkrows appeared from nowhere, flying everywhere. He saw them biting through his mane and into his flesh, but he felt nothing. His sight was engulfed with their black shadows and he panicked for a moment, having to let go of Ser Mantarys, who merged with the dark besides the crows.

The Arcanine and the Dewott stepped back from the crows, seeing the Krookodile being held by a dark, cloaked figure that was as tall as him. The Stranger. The hysterical laughter and the Murkrows had gone as suddenly as they appeared; except of the birds, who was standing guard on the Stranger's shoulder. Under his hood, his single left green eye was fixed on them, while Mantarys was screaming at him to let go of him, squirming and struggling in a grip that was far more powerful than it looked.

"We have no purpose here any longer," the Stranger said, "we are leaving." And with that, they became Murkrows who flew away to every direction.



 

Greiger

A mad mind... hehe
2,016
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12
Years
  • Age 32
  • Seen Oct 1, 2023
Reginard Asphos

Reginard was glad that the elder agreed with him. It was basic intellect after all. They would leave, lock this all up and prevent any evil doers from carrying out the King's will. But the question now was, if they could do more to keep the plates safe? Surely if they could open it up, then the king's men would come at some time to try and open it as well, his agents were already in the city so had some seen what they had done? It was highly possible, which meant they would have to comb the city to find any surviving enemies and kill them. He was about to voice his opinion, but he quickly closed his mouth as the elder took the time to speak yet again.

"You said you were willing to do what is necessary. You can start by disposing these heretics who dare defile the resting place of our God."

Reginard was initially confused.
Herectics, inside the sanctum!? He... He couldn't see anyone though, were they dark types then? If so, then this battle would be his worst one. Luckily Durand was there to reveal the shadows in the darkness and Reginard watched as various pokemon appeared around them. The Alakazam felt his anger grow at their presence. These fiends, these... HERETICS! He watched as the elder began to lash out with holy anger against those that defiled this holy place. Reginard joined in his anger and began to grapple his own share of helpless soldiers, snapping their necks or simply crushing their windpipes and throwing their corpses off to the side. He broke the bones in an Arbok's body and slammed a Feraligatr against a Minccinno.

He was aware of the others fighting their own battles, but he had to ensure that there were no survivors. That goal seemed to be shattered though as loud laughter filled the air. Reginard's attention was grabbed by it as he saw some sort of figure... and Mukrows... many, many Mukrows. He could hear the figure speak... but it was barely a echo he heard as he saw the Mukrows.

It appeared in a flash, a black cloud that had consumed him. It was dark... the sky was so dark... he could see a bit of light, but it seemed to be near the ground. A fire perhaps? He could... he could feel them, pecking at him. He was swinging his arms... he was trying to get free.

Then like that the vision disappeared and he was still in the sanctuary. He noticed he was shaking from the experience and lightly sweating. He forced himself to take in a deep breath. Easy... he had to stay calm... he was calm. The Alakazam clutched his spoon and staff that much tighter.
 

Xilfer

Just won't die.
1,880
Posts
13
Years
Toa the Blackhearted Duke
Sanctum of the Original One

"You said you were willing to do what is necessary. You can start by disposing these heretics who dare defile the resting place of our God," came Elder Durand's reply. Then, the old Xatu proceeded to reveal to Toa and the rest of the group...the Crimson Company! Toa knew he'd sensed something strange. Being a Zoroark, he should have been able to see through these illusions...but these were unusually strong. He knew only one Pokemon who could create illusions stronger than his, and that was...

Before he had time to react, the Crimson Company mobilized. There were so many of them, it was hard for Toa to pick one specific target. Luckily, Durand began lowering the numbers with his Psychic fury, giving Toa the chance to rise. Within a nanosecond or rising, he realized how stupid it had been to kneel in front of Durand. The shock of the vision had faded, replaced with anger, and an insatiable thirst for blood. Blood which he could smell...to his right!

Toa quickly turned, detecting the Gallade just before he struck would've struck him with a Brick Break. The Zoroark swiftly shifted to the side, allowing the Brick Break to miss him just barely. He then immediately switched to offensive mode, slashing at the Gallade with a Night Slash. The Gallade used his powerful blade-like arms to block the attack, though his arms still received a good amount of damage from the strike. The Gallade then hopped backwards, away from a snarling Toa. The Gallade had an eye patch over his left eye, and his arms were unusually muscled for one of his species. "Oh...hey, I remember you," the Gallade began, "you're the Duke's son, eh? Weren't you supposed to get your head snipped off?" He used one of his blades to sharpen the other, "Well, since Aion wasn't able to do it, why don't I?" And with that, he lunged at the Zoroark once again.

Toa was enraged. How dare that simple mercenary speak to someone of his stature that way?! When the Gallade charged, he sidestepped quickly and attempted another Night Slash. The Gallade jumped over the slash just as quickly and retaliated with a Close Combat, considering the two were now near to each other. The Zoroark was hit quite a few times with the attack, taking noticeable damage from each hit. In the middle of the attack, though, Toa lanuched a quick Sucker Punch straight on the Gallade's eye patch. The unsuspecting Gallade quickly halted in his attack, clutching his face and groaning. Toa took the opportunity to quickly launch a double Night Slash at him with both arms, aiming for the head. The two slashes hit him directly, squeezing it between the two arms of the Zoroark. The horrible crack of the Gallade's skull could be heard before he fell to the ground, limp and lifeless.

The first taste of blood in a battle was always the sweetest. Toa howled in excitement and bloodlust as he looked around for his next target. Among the various Pokemon fighting in the Sanctum of the Original One, he spotted a powerful-looking opponent: a Machamp who was also clearly looking for an opponent to fight. The Machamp cracked his four sets of knuckles and looked around, apparently trying to spot a hero to fight, until he caught sight of Toa. The Zoroark stood right in front of the Machamp, snarling and ready for a fight. The Machamp quickly swung two of his four arms straight at the unmoving Zoroark, who took the full pain of the hit willingly. After cringing for a moment, Toa got back up, as ready for a fight as ever. The Machamp decided to go for a Mach Punch attack, going for the Zoroark with four Mach Punches at once. All attacks hit directly, and sent the hero flying backwards, coming to a halt in front of the wall.

Then, 'Toa' disappeared. "Right behind you," the real Toa snarled, but it was too late. Toa's Night Daze was fully charged. "Take this, Crimson scum!" the Zoroark then unleashed the full blast of his Night Daze attack came upon the Machamp. Despite the four-armed Pokemon's resistance to the dark type, the sheer, foul power of the Night Daze sent him flying back, dark burns and gashes of blood riddling his muscled body. The Night Daze also sent three other Pokemon flying back, even though it was only directed at the Machamp. Toa looked upon his work; the broken body of what had once been a powerful mercenary now lay scrunched up on the holy ground of Arceus himself. Toa could still smell the aftermath of his attack. His Night Daze always left a foul feeling drifting around the room after it had been executed.

Then, laughter. Cruel, powerful laughter resonated throughout the room. Toa held his own desire for blood inside him as he searched the room for the source, sniffing around, detecting a strange, ominous smell that was not the stench of his own attack. Toa finally rested his eyes upon a flock of dark Murkrow from which the scent came. The Murkrow soon manifested into a different being...one whose darkness could even be felt at a distance. The Stranger.

"We have no purpose here any longer," the reminiscent voice of the Stranger announced, "we are leaving." Then, with the Crimson Captain Ser Mantarys in tow, they disappeared.

Toa wasn't entirely sure what would happen now...tension filled the room as he waited for the Crimson Company to either keep fighting or try to escape like the cowards they were.
 

Garet

GhostFire
729
Posts
13
Years
Roscoe
The Inner Sanctum

~~~~~

"You said you were willing to do what is necessary. You can start by disposing these heretics who dare defile the resting place of our God."

As the Crimson Company was revealed, Roscoe hurried forward toward Durand. How the frick did they get in here without being seen?! There was little room for further thoughts as the Inner Sanctum exploded into a battle. Durand was using his psychic powers to crush those of the Company, and Guardian had already begun defending the Xatu from those he didn't catch. The Golurk was only one Pokemon, though, and he may not be able to keep an eye on all sides of Durand.

Away from where Guardian fought, another Rhydon made a move toward Durand. Roscoe stepped in the way, leaves glowing green, and slashed the Rhydon's chest with his Leaf Blade. He followed through with two more slashes, then ducked aside to avoid the Rhydon's Hammer Arm, which slammed into the ground. Roscoe took a moment to Drain the Rhydon before he Chipped Away at the Sceptile.

Immediately, Roscoe could feel his neck-seed coming to life, working to gradually heal his injuries with its stored energy. The Sceptile pushed back at the Rhydon with his Leaf Blades, alternately blocking the Rhydon's attacks and dodging as he struck again and again. It wasn't long before the Rhydon fell to Roscoe's attacks.

About four seconds after engaging a Quagsire, maniacal laughter filled the room. Roscoe turned his head just enough to spot Murkrows out of the corner of his eye, near Tsulong and Vincent. A dark, cloaked figure had a hold of a Krookodile, who was trying to get away for one reason or another. "We have no purpose here any longer," the cloaked figure said, "we are leaving." And they dissolved into Murkrows that flew away.

Roscoe turned his attention back to his further defense of Durand, if it was needed. He'd like to ask about the cloaked figure after the fight, and so would the other heroes, maybe. Once they were done with the Crimson Company, anyways.
 
3,411
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15
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  • Seen Mar 25, 2024
Tsulong


Tsulong jerked his head back, his eyes trying to follow the Murkrows, but they seemed to dissolve to shadows, to nothing. He cussed under his breath and looked around, the mess that had been made of the Sanctum. Guardian was finishing a Skuntank off with a Dynamicpunch that broke all of the Pokemon's bones in an audible crack.

"That seems to be the last of them," the Arcanine said wearily. The gash at his side hurt and he felt he was losing a lot of blood, but he had experienced far worse; this wound would easily heal with the help of the healers from Area 52. What had grabbed his attention was the Murkrows, who appeared to be attacking and biting him, but in the end they had not hurt him at all. Could it be that they were merely an illusion?

"Oh, what a bloody mess," Durand screeched, his voice echoing in the halls of God. "Get out, heroes... I will clean up and seal the Sanctum."

"This one will stay by your side, Elder," Guardian called out, standing guard by the Xatu.

Tsulong chuckled, trying to find it in him not to be agitated by the sight of blood in the holiest of places. "Best do as he says. Let's go back to Area 52... before any more of them come back."

He walked outside the Sanctum, with every step being a stab of pain through his bleeding side. Looking upwards, he realized the clouds that engulfed Mount Aegis's peak were gone. Another one of the Stranger's tricks, Tsulong reflected, his snout tightening. He focused on Reginard, recalling the powers Durand mentioned the Alakazam had. "Could you teleport us back to Area 52, Reginard? I don't think I can bear walking all the way." He laughed again, a reminder of his previous fierce roar.
 

CourageHound

Trust & Courage. Nothing More
823
Posts
11
Years
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Pierce The Cunning Shadow ~ Inner Sanctum

Pierce stood in awe as the Xatu unleashed his psychic bombardment upon the revealed crimson company. It was astounding how many enemies he could cover at once. Thus the sacred grounds of the sanctum eruptedin utter chaos with the unorganized scrambling of the Pokemon attacking, defending, or being battered around. All around the Gengar, individual battles razed the area as the other heroes took to the elimination of the Crimson Vanguard. Pierce himself took no time to shroud himself into to shadows and attack within the enemy ranks unseen and disperse them from the inside.

Pierce took it upon himself to keep most of the stronger foes from advancing to close to the other heroes or Durand. It was particularly easy to cause disturbances in the tightly knit groups of Pokémon but it was somewhat vexing to corral the stragglers without being attacked from all sides. In the attempt to bring down a Hariyama, Pierce was confronted from behind three Bisharp ready to strike. However crafty, the ghost put the hulking fighting type to sleep with hypnosis and promptly launched the massive fighting type at the Bisharp with psychic, effectively disabling them under the Haryama's weight. After which he disposed of them bunch with a pulsing thunderbolt. Much too easy, the ghost thought snickering to himself. However he no longer smiled when he heard a familiar roar. The roar of Tsulong, filled with rage as he engaged Ser Mantarys from halfway across the Sanctum grounds.

Forgetting to hide himself(an error on his part), he attempts to assist the fellow hero as swiftly as he could. However he could notlevitate far before he was blindsided by the swift night slash of a honchkrow.The Dark bird tipped its hat like feathers as Pierce regained his bearings toface his attacker. "Good day foolish hero. I know you must be disappointed but, I'll be your opponent for now."

"Fine by me.", the ghost scoffed. "One less Crimson Guard to defile this place!" At that Pierce launched a well placeshadow ball that nails the bird in its chest. However the ghost type attack proved ineffective and the Honchkrow swooped down cloaked in blistering light with the power of Brave Bird. Pierce narrowly dodges the attack even with his speed as the flame like energy of the dark type's attack grazed his arm. "Come and try that again! I think you might want to aim for ME this time!", Pierce said mockingly trying to lure the bird at him again whilehe extended his shadow in all directions. Without a doubt, the angered bird dove down with brave bird, nailing the ghost with full force, but was surprised to see that the Gengar made no effort to evade.

Suddenly the Honchkrow reeled back in pain as well as many other crimson company pokemon around them within the vicinity. Pierce had utilized destiny bond to use the bird's attack against him, striking him down as well as the numerous pokemon around them. However Pierce himself was no exception and was barely standing from the force of the blow. "Keh…", was all he uttered ashe used once last thunderbolt to singe the bird down to its feathers. After he had recollected himself, Pierce looked to where Tsulong had fought and saw that the Stranger and Ser Mantarys vanished into what looked like as warm of murkrow. He weakly hovered over to the Arcanine as well as the Alakazam. The Gengar said nothing but gave a grin and a re-assuring nod.
 
Last edited:

Greiger

A mad mind... hehe
2,016
Posts
12
Years
  • Age 32
  • Seen Oct 1, 2023
Reginard Asphos

Reginard took in several deep breaths to fight off the nausea that had overcome his body. The Alakazam struggled to look back at that image that had popped up, but for some reason he couldn't see it anymore. He knew what he saw and he could remember the general idea of the image... but the specific image itself, the image of what was around the area was now gone, almost as if it had sealed itself away somewhere deep inside his mind. He tried to pull it back out but his focus was cut off by the discussion that happened. Durand, as expected, was angry that blood and guts had been spilled inside the sanctum despite that being the best thing to do at the time. Such a holy place should never be covered in such vile and unholiness of those that opposed the gods. He was already calling for them to leave while the Guardian and himself cleaned up the area.

Reginard sighed as Tsulong came up to him to ask him to teleport them all back to Area 52. "Yes... I can. Just let me gather my thoughts, I need to be calm to use the ability." His voice still shook a bit as he looked through his own memories before he saw the scene he wished to teleport to. "Alright, everyone grab hold of me. Do not let go during the journey."

He waited for all of the heroes to grab on before he ported away back to Area 52. The Alakazam landed them in the same place they had left from and coughed a bit. "We must rest a bit... and I need to focus. Excuse me please." He made his way away from their presence and already began to try and dig up the image from before. Mukrows... why were there Mukrows?
 

Sir Bastian

Christina - Crossroads
1,621
Posts
12
Years
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Vincent 'Vince' The Wanderer – The Sanctum

Vincent breathed a little heavily from the scuffle he and Tsulong had had with the Krookodile, who seemed like quite the formidable foe. However, as he was rescued by this Stranger that Vincent could've sworn he'd heard tales about during his travels, he backed off, glancing to his injured companion and then to the others, seemingly finishing off the Crimson Company.

"… Feh. If that's all they had, I'm surprised they got this far."

He then glanced to Durand who seemed to suddenly start fussing over a bit of rubble, broken bricks, the wall cracking in places, ice, fire, leaves and the like littering everywhere… okay, maybe he was in the right to fuss over it. Stretching out and taking a deep breath before wincing, placing a hand against his side, he rolled his shoulders and headed outside the sanctum with the others.

He took a moment to reflect on the fight that had just happened and what he had seen in that… vision of what was to come if they didn't find the plates before the king. He stepped over to the edge of the plateau and looked out over the land, breathing deeply while taking in the sight. He blocked out everything except for the wind gently breezing across him, grasping the end of his long scarf, making it billow behind him.

Snapping back to reality, Vincent glanced over his shoulder as the Alakazam, Reginard, agreed to bring them back to Area 52 and Vincent couldn't help but break into a little grin at the thought of getting himself a drink and something to eat on top of that fight. "Sounds good to me." He murmured as he stepped over and grabbed a hold of the Alakazam's leg. Shutting his eyes, he cringed for just a moment before feeling solid ground under his feet again, opening his eyes and letting go of the Alakazam once more.

"Yeah, resting sounds good." He stretched out again, ignoring the pain at his side as he glanced back up at the others, still gathered, giving them a little grin.

"I dunno about you lot, but I feel like I could do with a drink and a nice, big bowl of stew. I'll be at the tavern if anyone wants me."

And with that, he turned again, the scarf billowing behind him as the Dewott made his way down the hill they were stood on, towards Area 52 where the Pokémon were still casually milling about. It didn't take him long to get to the tavern, pushing the door open. There weren't that many people in there, and those who were, didn't really pay much of a mind to Vincent, which suited him just fine. He moved up to the bar and climbed onto one of the stools, giving the Machoke standing behind the counter, cleaning a glass, a nod as he reached into a pouch attached to his vest, at the small of his back, and pulled out a couple coins, placing them down.

"Nice, strong drink and a bowl of your finest stew, please."

 

Garet

GhostFire
729
Posts
13
Years
Roscoe
The Inner Sanctum - Area 52

~~~~~

Roscoe took a deep breath, the glow on his leaves dissipating. A few new tastes today, but he hadn't had the time to fully enjoy them in the middle of battle. Looking around, Roscoe winced at the damage that had been done to the chamber. Bit surprising that we haven't been struck down, he thought, glancing at each of the other Pokemon. Seemed like they all came through alive, which was good. "So, Elder," Roscoe began, turning to face the Xatu.

"Oh, what a bloody mess," Durand screeched, his voice echoing in the halls of God. "Get out, heroes... I will clean up and seal the Sanctum."

Okay, then, I'll ask about the cloaked one later. Especially since Tsulong said it would be best to leave. Roscoe stayed where he was for a moment longer, looking around at the Plates. Eight were present, and he noted that the Grass Plate was missing. Shrugging, Roscoe turned and followed the other heroes out of the Inner Sanctum, arriving in time to hear the Alakazam speak.

"Not leavin' me behind this time," Roscoe stated, joining the others before the Alakazam teleported them back to Area 52.

This time, the teleport wasn't so bad for the Sceptile. Stepping away once it was over, Roscoe stretched his arms for a second before turning to go. He wouldn't mind some food and rest, as well, but he needed to make a quick stop before he get anything at the tavern.

~~~~~

Not a lot of Pokemon in here at the moment. Roscoe stopped at the bar, sitting on a stool next to the Dewott. "Whatever he got," the Sceptile requested, pulling a few coins out of the small pouch he'd grabbed from his current residence.
 

CourageHound

Trust & Courage. Nothing More
823
Posts
11
Years
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Pierce the Cunning Shadow ~ Area 52

Here they were back at Area 52. Pierce exhaled softly as he took in his familiar surroundings. The Alakazam that had transported the heroes there walked of rather awkwardly. The trip was swift and smooth, but that's to be expected from such type of travel. The Alakazam mentioned recuperating from the days events. It wasn't such a bad idea and it could allow him to peacefully sort out the day's events. Wondering if the other heroes had alike thoughts he turned to the battle-worn group, however to his surprise it was the usually quiet Dewott that broke the silence.

"Yeah, resting sounds good." The Dewott said stretching out.

"I dunno about you lot, but I feel like I could do with a drink and a nice, big bowl of stew. I'll be at the tavern if anyone wants me." With that, Vincent was off.

Pierce wearily scratched his spiky tuft of fur on his head. "Uhhh, I'm not really one for drinking.", the ghost said aloud to no one in particular while shrugging. "Some nice warm tea is what one needs to clear the mind." Pierce looked at the remaining heroes all at once and said; "Take it easy", with a smile, his eyes beginning to glow with the ever aging evening. The Shadow pokemon then promptly headed towards his dark carve to rest and recollect his thoughts. He didn't actually have any tea himself and it didn't cross his mind to maybe ask the Arcanine if there was any in Area 52, but he thought it would be a bother to go all the way back. Instead he busied himself by softly rehearsing a song on his ocarina, the echoing of the cave reverberating the fine tones back in forth with every note.
 
3,411
Posts
15
Years
  • Age 28
  • Seen Mar 25, 2024
Tsulong

Back in Area 52. His underground turf was a mess, as always, but he didn't intend to stay. He had only come here because Joy, the town's healer, had forced him to. Making him lay down on the hay patch he called bed ever since he was born, she had fed him a sitrus berry and an egg of hers; she had also tied the wound on his side with bandages sprayed with mint. The master healer of the town claimed mint had "amazing healing abilities", but Tsulong wasn't much of a believer. The best healers were those who could manifest the higher powers of psychic to use them to heal instead of destroy. When he was serving King Aion in Cyala, he had seen the Argent Healer in action, a Lucario so skilled in healing wounds that he was said to have given the gift of life to the dead.

He wished he had him now. Joy did her best, but he was still hurt. He cussed, leaving his bed (defying her orders as soon as she had exited his cave), headed out. His belly was rumbling, and what a belly that was. Pacing through Area 52, he smiled at the familiar faces around, looking for Durand at the same time. It seemed the Xatu had not returned from the temple... Let's all hope he didn't have any trouble sealing it again. It's getting late, though...

Tsulong entered the almost-empty tavern, knowing he would surely find Vincent here... and there he was, along with Roscoe, both having
bowls of stew in front of them. He flashed them a smile that was touched with the pain on his side. "Hey, lads," he greeted them, "good work at the temple today. Guess a nice meal is well deserved, right?"

He sat on his rear feet next to them, wincing. His eyes drifted off to the Machoke at the counter who returned the look. "The usual, meat and mead?" he asked nicely.

"Meat and mead," Tsulong repeated, then looked over to the others curiously. The group seemed to be made of diverse people, people that might be coming from every corner of Altica. "Where do each of you come from?"



Ser Mantarys


"Is teleporting in your movepool too?" Mantarys asked him, "I'd like me a ride to Cyala." The Stranger had established a firm, phantom grip around the Krookodile's whole waist, even though it was around fifteen times bigger than his arm. How he did that, Mantarys couldn't tell. He didn't care. He was past trying to solve this riddle of a Pokemon and the abilities he seemed to possess.

The Stranger didn't answer. Silence had gotten hold of him as he was dragging the Krookodile through the trees, further into the forest of Duskwood. As if he had been withdrawn from reality, his movements were mechanical and often clumsy. "Watch it," Mantarys warned him, stopping put to prevent them from tripping on a rock. He poked his head. Under the Stranger's hood, he could feel fur. He resisted the urge to pull his hood down and see who it truly was under it, but he knew that would mean his death. At the state he was in, he wouldn't stand a chance."Why didn't you stay and fight them?" Mantarys asked him for the hundredth time. "They were all dead already, one word from you and your Murkrows would eat them. Bones is all these buggers leave behind." He roared up his raspy laughter, spooking off the birds on the trees. The other Pokemon remained silent. "Where's your crow now?" Mantarys noticed the Murkrow was gone. "The crow got your tongue, that it?"

"The King does not pay me to talk," the Stranger finally spoke. Ser Mantarys was ready to answer, but then he realized he had been freed from the grip. He looked around the forest warily, realizing they had wandered too far inside.

The growth of the trees in Duskwood was monstrous. They had grown so tall and their leaves so big that they blocked the sun from above, their trunks so thick, it would take three of him to hug them. Ser Mantarys had to turn his head upwards to see a ray of light passing through. It was as if the leaves were forming their own sky above their heads. As for the ground, it was full of overgrown bushes the size of a Krookodile, enormous roots and Pokemon of the forest that were too big for anyone's liking.

"What the hell are we doin' here?" he asked, "might be the Anonymous Brotherhood finds us and grants us a quick death." He laughed, then noticing a lonely figure on top of a cliff. It was a small, dark Pokemon: an Umbreon in his mid thirties that Mantarys recognized well. His rings were glowing crimson red and his stare was as piercing as the edge of any claw. He could only be Edward, the Black Prince. He wasn't really a Prince. But he would be Crown Prince of Cyala, if he was born within a noble family, for he was the very son of King Aion. A bastard, if you would have it, born on some tavern wench. He did not have any rights to the throne, so he resolved to preserve it for his father, by leading the Crimson Company.

"Edward," Mantarys called out to his leader.

"Here you are, at last," the Umbreon said, smiling mildly in that way of his that made you think he was up to something. "And were you successful in retrieving the Plates?" His tone was sarcastic. He could very well understand the vanguard and the Plates were nowhere to be seen. Ser Mantarys shook his head.

"You had predicted this," the Stranger said with a bit of hostility in his voice. It was known him and Edward didn't get along too well. They were always bitter rivals, struggling for the King's favor. The King wasn't quite sure which one of his weapons to favor - his bastard born son, or his loyal assassin?

"I had," the Black Prince boasted, nodding slightly.

"Yet you are smiling."

"Will you be pointing out facts for us today, Stranger?"

Stranger disregarded his humor, as he always did. Deaf to humor, I swear, Mantarys thought, rolling his eyes. "What reason have you to be happy for this failure?" the Stranger asked Edward, who let out coarse laughter.

"Lots of reasons. Failures bring conflict. Conflict requires to be solved by the King. What does our King do? He pays mercenaries. And which is the biggest mercenary company you have heard of?" He gave them a crooked smile. Edward was known for his lust of gold and blood, apart from his commanding abilities - rather than his combating ones.

"Yeah," Mantarys shouted, "Crimson Company!"

"Tell me, now. Which of the Plates were there inside the Sanctum?"

"Not the Grass Plate," the Stranger answered immediately, in a tone of suspicion. Ser Mantarys stared at him, baffled.

"Splendid!" the Umbreon laughed. "Aion reckons that Plate is hiding in this forest. Really, look around you," he gestured to all the dense and monstrous growth all around them, "what else could be causing the forest to grow so wild? There is but one problem, though." He leaped from the rock, to get closer to them. "The Anonymous Brotherhood. They will not let us search the forest unscathed... so we are looking in the places we can."

"Villages," Ser Mantarys said with a crooked grin. "I know where this is goin', boss. We raid 'em villages!" That means pillage and killin', blood 'n gold, he thought, saliva drooling from his jaws in the thought of more battle and all the things gold could buy: meat, mead, women. It was the best medicine after the loss he had suffered in the temple. He looked at Edward, sick pleasure written on both faces.

"Assume command of your troops once again, Ser Mantarys," the Black Prince commanded him, "there are villages that require our attention. Our King commands us to search, so search we will."

 

Sir Bastian

Christina - Crossroads
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Vincent 'Vince' The Wanderer - Area 52

As Roscoe seemingly joined Vincent in the tavern and ordered the same as him, Vincent gave him a little grin as he picked up his mug and raised it to him. "Cheers." And with that, he took a deep swig of the substance, swallowing down before placing the mug down again with a deep, content sigh, licking around his mouth.

It didn't take long for his stew to arrive as well, which he hungrily began eating with the provided spoon. About fifteen minutes after arriving in the tavern, with Roscoe and Vincent barely speaking to one another, mostly because Vincent was so focused on his food and drink, Tsulong apparently arrived as well, taking himself a seat next to the others. Vincent raised his mug to him in greetings, smiling.

"Thanks. You too, captain." He replied to his comment with a grin, clearly starting to relax a little more, now that they were in town. He took another gulp of his drink, letting out a little belch as he hit his chest with a fist, raising his brows and glancing back to Tsulong at the question of where he and Roscoe was from.

Vincent shrugged lightly, taking another few sips of his stew before answering.

"I was havin' myself a bit of a rest at Shamar down south before I came here, some trouble about an underground well dried out. If you're askin' were I was –born-…" He paused, taking another swig of his drink before shrugging his shoulders again. "Out east, ain't that important. You?"
He turned his eyes to Tsulong, clearly not meaning anything hostile by not going into details about where he was from. He honestly looked and sounded like it didn't matter at all.

 

CourageHound

Trust & Courage. Nothing More
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Pierce the Cunning Shadow ~ Area 52

After a short while of solitude Pierce began to grow slightly bored. The aches and pains of his injuries mostly dispersed. Only a slight soreness in his shoulder remained although it didn't bother him much. In spite of Pierce trying to analyze the events of earlier today and sorting out what their next move should be, he found himself much too hungry and lazy to ponder such things at the moment. His stomach growled somewhat audibly to affirm this. With that, the shadow pokemon drifted out of his cave once more and set upon the Tavern, of which he was sure some of the others were gathering.

Sure enough, Vincent, Roscoe, and even Tsulong were there chatting quietly. The tavern itself wasn't very populated at the moment, and was pretty quiet which suited him just fine. As always, Pierce's entrance what completely unnoticed until he sat next to Tsulong at the next available seat at the table. The others seemed slightly surprised to see him but all the same he placed a generous amount of coins on the table and requested his order; "Some meat and soup please. Keep the change."

The machoke grinned as he gathered up the coins. "Right away.", he said and turned to retrieve the food.

It just so happened that Pierce walked in as Tsulong asked the others of their origins. When Vincent finished speaking the Machoke had just come back with Pierce's meat and warm bowl of soup. The shadow took a refreshing sip from the bowl with the provided spoon before deciding to answer Tsulong's question himself. "I came from an abandoned mansion on the outskirts of Duskwood. After a while I decided to leave and become a traveler. I've seen a lot of things, had business with a lot of people." Pierce took a small bite of his meat before continuing. "I never really stayed in one place for too long before I came here."
 

Garet

GhostFire
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Roscoe the Leech
Area 52, Tavern

~~~~~

When he was greeted by Vincent, Roscoe grinned back. "Cheers," he replied, raising the mug that the Machoke had just placed in front of him. After taking a short drink of it, the Sceptile kept his grin on for a few seconds, then quietly coughed into one fist when he was sure neither Vincent nor the Machoke were paying attention. Okay, this drink's a no-go for me. It would have helped to know what the Dewott had ordered before making his own order. Oh, well.

Vincent was more interested in his stew than talking, for good reason, so Roscoe left him to it and began eating as well when his bowl came to him. Now this, I could have every day. The chatting didn't really start until Tsulong walked into the tavern and joined them at the bar. "Yeah, it was a good day's work," Roscoe replied, lifting a hand in greeting. The Sceptile eyed Vincent for a moment at the belch. Mm, maybe later.

"Where do each of you come from?"

Mouth full of stew at the moment, Roscoe waited as Vincent replied. Out east, was it? Indrasil and Port Ragho sprang to mind, being the two major cities furthest to the east. Roscoe turned his head to the side again and jumped slightly when he realized a Gengar had shown up without warning. Wasn't he one of th' other heroes? That aside, Roscoe wasn't fond of Ghosts. Oh, he could get along fine, as long as they weren't like that one Duskull.

Relaxing, Roscoe swallowed his latest bite of stew as the Gengar answered next. "Th' mansion wasn't quite abandoned, though, was it?" Roscoe asked lightly. Not him right now, either. Maybe after the meal's been over. "Me, I'm from Vivardia. Nice friendly place, and fun for a kid livin' there. Not too much excitement otherwise, 'fore I ended up leavin'." He chuckled. "Sounds like we all went travelin', doesn't it?"
 
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Durand

Metallic sounds filled the chambers when he put his psychic powers to work. The aftermath of the battle that had went on inside the Sanctum had left behind... quite some waste. Waste that needed to be disposed of. He took example from the Pokemon who used their psychic powers as crushing machines in the Junkyard of Skyhaven; the bloody remains were carried outside the chamber by Guardian, whose body stunk with blood now. The Golurk was silent as he worked, and Durand could feel his distress. Not of the blood, but by the vision Durand had sent to his circuitry.

"Is something troubling you?" the Elder asked Guardian, following him through the corridor and outside the Sanctum.

"This one saw destruction, pain, agony. The sacred duty, to protect, this one had failed."

"You are now aware of what needs to be done, as are the heroes who followed us here today. Will you commit yourself to this new task that is being served in front of you?"

Durand was painfully aware of Guardian's sadness. It was a queer thing, as his kind was not made to understand emotions. He tossed the remains for the vultures to eat, then turned at his Elder. "This one inquires of your protection in the future, Elder."

The Xatu pondered on the sky for a moment. The sun was sinking behind the mountain ranges of the west into yet another golden sunset that shrouded the entire Mount Aegis. When he looked directly in it, he saw the future in the flickering rays, and smiled faintly, as much as his beak allowed. "My survival in this world will mean nothing, should the heroes fail to retrieve the Plates. Your place is now amongst them." Guardian kneeled and brought his hand on the crack of his chest, where the source of his life energy was; his heart, so to speak. His whole body shone golden in the light, his runes glowed bright yellow. He said nothing, but Durand heard the valiant soul the Fenju had given them.

"Come, now, let us head back. There is not a minute to waste..."


***


In the very end of the town of Area 52, on top of a hill, there was a small house with an oversized telescope stuck on the window of the attic, facing Mount Aegis. That was called the Lookout Pointe by the locals, where all the ranged surveillance on the ruins was carried out. Rangers used the telescope to keep the state of the Fenju ruins in check. Lookout Pointe also happened to be the Elder's home. As a building dedicated to leadership, that was where all the important councils of the town took place.

Right now, the Lookout Pointe's polished wood shone, reflecting the golden light of the sunlight. The hay roof was one of the spots Durand chose to stand on to observe the sun sinking in the horizon. Now, he had other things in mind: the Plates, and if the heroes could help him deduce their locations on the map of Altica. He would have to summon them again, right here.

Guardian stepped up the hill heavily, reeking with the stench of blood. He opened the house's door for Durand to step into. "Guardian," he said, "find me the heroes as soon as possible. I feel rest matters little now, at times like these."

The Golurk nodded. "This one obeys," he said and he headed off.

And the Xatu walked into his home, weary from the fight he had to give in the Sanctum. Space was little, when all the walls were covered in bookshelves so full that books were ready to spill out if you touched them. Some books were thrown on the carpeted floor, along with a drawer full of seeds. Sleep seeds, the healers of the town called them; they helped Durand with his restless nights.

There was a small stair leading to the attic, in a bind among the bookshelves. In the far end of the room, there was a big table, with a chair between it and a window as big, a window that showed Mount Aegis and how it pierced the setting sun. The light was entering right through, everything at this hour was golden.

He took two steps inside, his robes swishing on the wooden floor, then suddenly hear crunching sounds coming from inside. As if a Rattata was chewing on a stick. "What in tarnation--" he begun saying, his weary eyes drifting onto the leader's chair (which he did not use, due to his species). On that chair, a small rodent of a Pokemon was standing: a stumpy Pikachu with unwashed, bristle fur. His over sized ears were spiky and held obscenely big sunglasses. A General's hat was placed sideways on his head, an object called Light Ball hung from his stumpy neck with a golden chain. He wore a black garment called blazer that was on his size, bearing multiple emblems and medallions on the left side of his chest.

"Yo, Eldy," the Pikachu spoke with his high pitched voice, leaning over a map spread on the table, mouth full of what he was eating. Looking closer, Durand noticed it was cookie with chocolate sprinkles, and the Pikachu's mouth was full of chocolate. The map underneath was full of breadcrumbs. "Wasn't expecting you so early!" he snickered sarcastically with a mischievous, full-of-chocolate grin.

There was but one Pokemon with such nerve. The Trade Prince. The richest Pokemon in all of Altica, commanding an army of his own, trade fleets and ruling businesses all across the known world. The title of the Trade Prince was given to the ultimate leader of the Blackwater Cartel; he was not elected, nor was his title hereditary; the Trade Prince killed, blackmailed and schemed his way to the top, stopping at nothing to amass his fortune and power. It was hard for Durand to grasp how this Pikachu had become one of the most powerful Pokemon in all of Altica.

"Januario," Durand acknowledged him quietly, watching him chomp on his cookies disapprovingly. Although he detested Januario, he could not deny that he was a powerful friend to Area 52. The funding he had provided for them the past few years had helped them establish this town, but the Elder had his suspicions of the motives of a Trade Prince. Only the most cunning of our race assume command of the Cartel, he would often think and remind himself not to get too friendly with such people, as they saw profit in the slightest move they made.

The Trade Prince jumped on the table, stepping on the map of Altica and the remains of his eaten cookies. "You're killing me! You know I can't be off from business for too long. Januario disappears, and suddenly everyone in the Cartel loses their minds!" He laughed loudly, spitting cookies all over.

"Nobody called you here," Durand said mildly, trying not to scowl at the insulted expression that unfolded on the Pikachu's face; a comical, fake one that was worth an actor's pay, as Durand knew it was impossible to insult such person.

"I know what happened in the Sanctum," the Pikachu declared, pointing at him. "That's the reason I'm here, possibly wasting my precious time."

"How did you know?"

"Duh. I work for the King. Tell me again who you thought was paying all those thugs in the Crimson Company? The Crown?! The Crown doesn't pay a dime when I'm around!" His laughter shook him, medallions jingling together as he slapped his knee. Durand could not comprehend how what he said was funny, or what the meaning of it was. The Pikachu's hat fell off on the table, but he didn't even seem to notice. "I'm here to... help, for free," he said the word as if they pained him, "you wanna grab those Plates. The King wants to grab the Plates. The Cartel wants to grab the Plates. Everyone in the world wants to grab the Plates!" he shouted, throwing his small hands up. "I'm the only one left caring for fortune, looks like. What's wrong with all you?!"

"The Plates are more important than any fortune you can make," Durand stated, watching carefully the Trade Prince. He was now sure that the Pikachu was acting. He might say he does not want the Plates, but his interests are always his priority. And if everyone is looking for the Plates, there is bound to be conflict... conflict which might affect the Cartel's empire, and the Trade Prince, eventually. The economy of Altica did not quite work the way it was now, in the early years of Durand's life. It took him much time to learn how business was done outside Area 52, and it was all thanks to the Trade Prince. That much he would give him, at least.

"Summon your heroes," the Trade Prince said pompously, grinning, "and I shall grant you my council."

"Already have."



Tsulong

Tsulong heard everyone's stories carefully as he ate his food; he would like to know as much as he could for his newfound allies, before setting off. It seemed like they would be travelling together, knowing Durand and what he was going to suggest they do.

He watched Vincent, not being particularly revealing on his hometown. Tsulong shrugged it off, thinking they would get to know, eventually. Meanwhile, Pierce had slipped in their company without anyone noticing until he spoke; stating he was coming from an abandoned mansion in Duskwood. As for Roscoe, he was coming from Vivardia. Now that was interesting, Pokemon born in Vivardia barely found it in themselves to leave the peace of the village. When everyone was done, he puffed up his chest proudly. "I was born here, in Area 52, like Reginard Asphos," he said, "I was raised as an assistant of the Elder... I've no regrets of this life, but I would rather have been born elsewhere." Before he could explain, there was massive knock on the door that nearly knocked it off its hinges. Tsulong jerked to see Guardian standing outside the tavern, too big to squeeze through the door.

"This one calls to you. Durand has summoned you in the Lookout Pointe for a council," the Golurk said in his deep voice. Tsulong looked at the others and shrugged.

"Best get going, mates."The Machoke winked at him to let him know he wouldn't need to pay any of the food he ordered. He knew him for years, after all.


[OOC: BIG ASS POST FILLER FILLER lololo]
 
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Garet

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Roscoe
Area 52, Tavern - Lookout Pointe


"Really?" Before Tsulong had a chance to explain, Roscoe's attention was drawn to the heavy knock at the door. Eh? Council, so soon? "Certainly didn't give us a whole lotta time," he stated after draining the last of his stew. "But hey, we might get a few answers, eh?"

With a grin, Roscoe left another coin for the Machoke and stood to leave. As he turned to the door, the Sceptile's eyes paused briefly on the Gengar. Vincent had drink in him, and it wouldn't be wise to test Tsulong's limits. Yet. The urge was growing now. Eh, let's get it over with. Roscoe passed by the Gengar and clapped him on the shoulder once, Draining a bit of his energy as the Sceptile walked to the door. There was very little to indicate to the others what he'd done, but the vic- Gengar might object. Roscoe would wait and see.

~~~~~

In the meantime, he paused near the door to Lookout Pointe, hesitant to enter. No, hesitant to barge in first. This wasn't just anyone's house, after all. Letting someone else go first, on the other hand, was just fine. Roscoe waited until someone else entered, then stepped inside to get a look at Durand's home. At least, that was what residents of Area 52 had said when he'd asked.

Books. Similar to the library of Vivardia, in a way, though Roscoe hadn't appreciated it as a kid. A moment later, his yellow eyes descended upon the Pikachu in the room. "Hey, there," Roscoe said, raising a claw in greeting. He wasn't immediately aware of who the rodent was.
 
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Reginard Asphos
&
Durand


Reginard was tired… so tired. His brain was on fire and he could not for the life of him understand why. The Mukrows… something was different about that one memory. Was it even a memory? Possibly, but why had he not remembered it before? Surely he would have seen that memory sometime earlier, but had it been hidden from him? Unlikely, he saw everything in his mind, but this scene just seemed so… different. It was as if he had been seeing the scene from someone else's mind, but at the same time it naturally felt like a memory of his.

He sat in his room now, taking deep breaths and concentrating on clearing away his confusion. He couldn't be confused now, he had a job to undertake, a holy task actually. He could do this, he just had to make sure that none of the others noticed. A psychic who couldn't figure out what was in his own mind would be a burden, and he didn't want to be a burden. Reginard flinched a bit as he heard someone enter his room and realized he hadn't been reaching out with his psychic powers. This memory had him more riled up than he realized!

"This one calls to you. Durand has summoned you in the Lookout Point for a council." He heard the Golurk say behind him.

"Yes… I'll be moving along." Reginard said wearily. The Alakazam began gathering his things and ported off to the area… only realizing how fatigued he was when he arrived and ended up coughing a bit. He glanced at the Elder and his guest and quickly bowed his head, "Elder. I see we have company."

"Aye, you have," the guest answered immediately. A Pikachu was grinning at him, his mouth full of cookies. "And what a company I am, right!?" The Pikachu jumped from the table to a bookshelf near Reginard, in order to shake his hand. "The Chronicler of Tales," he mused, his small black eyes half shut, examining his tattoes. "You've been quite an asset for Area 52, I hear. I should give you a raise."

"We do not get paid for our work here," Durand said, gritting his beak as if suppressing his anger.

Reginard quickly glanced over at the Elder and it didn't take much to see his irritation. "Well, yes, I am the Chronicler of Tales. And you are…?" He asked curiously. He really hadn't seen this Pikachu before, and what did he mean by a raise? Was he some sort of merchant? And what was with the cookies?

The Pikachu's mouth tightened and his expression hardened. "I suppose people don't know me by species. And I suppose that's natural. I am the Trade Prince of Altica, the very one. Heh, looks like I don't get any credit for funding your people. Yes! Me! I kept your little town alive as soon as I set my little furry leg on this land. And what do I get for thanks? Some scowls from an old Xatu!" He didn't seem to mind at all. Instead, he was amused.

Reginard blinked. Yes… that was a mistake. He had heard of the Trade Prince… but what was he doing here? He rarely came to the area as far as Reginard knew. "Oh… pardon my apologies Prince. I did not expect a Pikachu of your… high status to visit on a day like this." He said with a small bow of his head. "May I ask as to what brings you here today? I hope nothing too serious."

"Nothing too serious?!" He shook with high pitched laughter, leaning against the wall as not to fall. "Haven't you heard who I am? The Trade Prince! You think I'd leave business for even a moment if it wasn't serious?!"

Just then, the door of the house swung open and Tsulong came marching in clumsily, bringing down some books as he went without even noticing.


Reginard nodded his head at Tsulong, "Greetings Tsulong..."


"Hello," the Arcanine said, then
he noticed the Trade Prince. His expression was painted with obvious distaste for the Pokemon before him.

"Oh, look who's here. The Exemplar of Fire. One of the Exemplars of Fire, to be precise (and you gotta be precise). Heh! Who would've known?" the Pikachu chuckled.

Durand turned wearily to the door, to see the Sceptile named Roscoe entering the house. "Hey, there," he said mainly to the Trade Prince, oblivious to who he was.


[OOC: waiting for more to join us! Pierce, specifically. :P]
 
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CourageHound

Trust & Courage. Nothing More
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Pierce the Cunning Shadow ~ Area 52

Pierce wasn't exactly thrilled that he had to get up from his food, especially after he had his mind set on relaxing. He recalled the Golurk mentioning a council? It all sounded bothersome. Alas, the ghost quickened his pace and speedily consumed the rest of his soup and meat.

Roscoe was the first to rise from his seat. Before the Sceptile head to the door, he pat Pierce on the shoulder. At first the Gengar though it was a symbol of momentarily parting ways, which was strange since the ghost type did nothing as of yet to invoke feeling of companionship to the grass type. However his face once again bore a wide grin, filled with curiosity as he felt a bit of energy sapped from him. Pierce wasn't certain at all what that gesture meant. Several theories was conjured as to exactly why. Whatever the case may be, the fact was that the Sceptile had taken something from him without asking. The ghost sensed Roscoe was edgy about his presence from the moment he entered the tavern. Pierce wasn't exactly sure why but he thought it would be amusing to entertain the Sceptile's irrational notions for a bit.

***​

Once exiting the Tavern it wasn't long before he reached the Lookout Pointe, though admittedly with some directions from a passerby pokemon on the way. At the entrance Pierce saw Roscoe again in front of the door, seemingly hesitant to enter. The ghost drifted over the grass type and spoke. "Wonder what all this about eh? Was thinking we'd get a little more down time." The Gengar shrugged. "Ehh, I'm sure we'll be all right as long as we stick together...and ya' know, keep our hands to ourselves and what not." Without waiting for a response nor a reply the ghost turned intangible, fazing right through Roscoe and the closed door into the Lookout Pointe. The Sceptile was soon to enter after him. Within the house along was Tsulong, Durand, and the Trade Prince to Pierce's astonishment. He'd recognize the distinguished yet immodest Pikachu anywhere.

Of the two newcomers of the room, Roscoe was the first to speak. "Hey, there," he said, raising a claw in greeting. It was slightly apparent the grass type wasn't familiar with the Trade Prince. That would not sit well with the little fur ball, as he loved to be recognized as the successful business man he is.

Pierce then spoke. "Well this is a surprise after all. Never expected to see you here Januario." The Gengar paused for a moment observing the Pikachu. "Seems ya still have the light ball." The other pokemon were surprised that the ghost seemed to be already greatly acquainted with the Trade Prince.
 

Sir Bastian

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Vincent 'Vince' The Wanderer - Area 52

Vincent turned a little in his seat, raising his mug to take a swig from it while listening to Roscoe and, to his surprise, Pierce, who had apparently slipped in without them noticing. He nodded softly at the both of them. Vivardia was definitely a nice place to grow up, and Vincent had even seen the mansion Pierce talked about. He took another swig of his mug, blinking a little in surprise and lowering it as a heavy knock came on the door.

Surprisingly, Guardian was standing outside, and the comical sight of him bending down to see them considering he couldn't get in through the door, made Vincent snicker to himself. As the others got up and got ready to head out, Vincent huffed quietly and took a final swig of the bottle, placing it on the counter again and hopping down from the chair. "Well, I suppose we better go see what's up."

Vincent took his time getting to Lookout Pointe, which was apparently Durand's home, and as he entered, both Tsulong, Pierce, Roscoe and even Reginard had arrived. He took his place slightly off to the side, picking up the end of his scarf which had slipped down his front and threw it over his shoulder again. He looked around the room, his brows raising at the sight of the Pikachu.

The Trade Prince? What the heck is he doing here? Suppose we'll get to know soon enough, he thought as he glanced from the Pikachu and over to Durand.

 
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Tsulong

He had seen the Trade Prince many times during his service under King Aion. Januario was a lot more subtle, collected and even modest in his meetings with the King, but he was no less mischievous. The King was deaf to Januario's subtle quips and the humor he made about his weight, and he disregarded the Pikachu as small and insignificant. Vividly, Tsulong remembered the Pikachu, many years back, flashing him a malicious smile while the King was roaring his laughter in the throne room after hearing one of his jokes. Ever since, he was convinced the Trade Prince was never up to any good; he would consort with anyone, putting morals aside, if he was to strike a good deal. What in the world is he doing here? I don't trust him.

Tsulong was surprised to see Januario's expression change when Roscoe and the others came in.
Faolan came in last, stepping past Guardian who stood on the house's door silently, his eyes locked warily onto Januario, as if judging him. New person, new foe for the Fight Master, Tsulong thought. However, the stumpy Pikachu was watching particularly one of them: Pierce. To Tsulong's surprise, it was Pierce who spoke first.

"Well this is a surprise after all. Never expected to see you here Januario." He paused for a moment.
Pierce is acquainted with the Trade Prince, Tsulong reflected. "Seems ya still have the light ball."

"Pierce!" He shouted, then looked over at Durand. "You didn't tell me you brought the Cunning Shadow along."

Durand was about to answer, when Januario rudely interrupted him. "I do, still, have one of those you... procured for me," he said to Pierce, shaking the chain with the jewel hanging from his neck. A half smile of amusement was spread on his face, and his eyes flashed. "I sold the rest for double the price on the black market. These things are nowhere to be found in Altica! Thanks, Pierce, really. You made me rich. Ha!"

Smirking, Tsulong took his eyes from Januario when Toa brushed past him rather rudely, to go stand closer to the map that was spread on the table of Durand's house. "Enough of this," he said loudly, pointing his claw at Durand, "I wanna know why I came here."

"Well, yes, of course," Durand uttered. "On top of Mount Aegis, in the Sanctum, Arceus granted me the power to glimpse the future, and pass the vision onto everyone here.
We all have witnessed the end of the world. We all have witnessed what will became of it, should we let King Aion find and unite the eight of the missing Plates." Tsulong noticed Januario rolled his eyes at that, seemingly dismissing it as rubbish. "I reckon we all agree that the best way to stop this madness is to gather the Plates ourselves," Durand continued. "Time grows short, and the King is already making his first move as we speak; as such, I felt a council was urgent. I have called you here to bestow this quest upon you, heroes. As the most powerful of our kind, you need to set out and search for the Plates your ancestors carried away from the Sanctum."

As the Xatu was speaking, Januario picked the General's hat on the table and stood on the side of the map of Altica, without making a move to clean the breadcrumbs of his cookies. Durand stepped aside the table, to grant them a better view of the map. Tsulong took a step closer.

"The first step into this quest is to deduce the location of the mission Plates. That's what Januario is doing here... I assume," Durand threw the Pikachu a cold look, but the Trade Prince only grinned broadly in response, showing all of his teeth. The Xatu was about to continue, but Faolan suddenly spoke up in a critical tone, mainly towards the Trade Prince.

"Exactly how were you aware of what happened in the Sanctum?"

Januario glanced at the others, still smiling broadly. "I am the first person the Crimson Company reports to," he stated boldly. "On behalf of the Crown, I cover the Kingdom financially, and everyone thanks Arceus I exist."

"That is enough of a reason not to trust you." Tsulong nodded in agreement with the Mienshao, and Januario's expression darkened.

"I do what I can, as the Trade Prince, to save the economy of this land. Say Aion gets all the Plates. You think he'll have any further need of me? What will become of Skyhaven, then, the capital's greatest enemy after the Fenju? What of the businesses of the Cartel? Aion will conquer everything he could not when he razed whoever defied him en route to uniting Altica in a single Kingdom. Nothing will be independent from the ruler of this Kingdom. All will fall apart if a moron such as Aion rules with every Plate and Arceus at his side. And then, all the fortune in the world won't save a little Pikachu like me. You seem like a bright fellow. You do understand, then, that it's within my best interests to help you out in this - if not wholly and openly, subtly and secretly."

A long moment of silence passed in the room. The golden sun was sinking in the horizon behind Januario as Tsulong watched him, trying to decide if he was being sincere or not. He sure picked his words carefully; it was hard to see through them. He also noted that the Trade Prince used a lot of words; perhaps when he was being silly, he only chose to be. In truth, he could be smarter than any of them. Another reason not to trust the Pokemon.

"Well, now that we have put that aside," Durand begun reluctantly, "from our venturing inside the Sanctum, we have confirmed that the missing Plates are those of the following elements: Fire, Water, Grass, Sky, Steel, Ice, Dragon, and of course, the Dark Plate, which is under the possession of King Aion as he so frequently likes to remind us." Tsulong nodded, remembering the Emboar sitting on his throne, sagging, while the Dark Plate pompously floated above his head.

"If you have any insight on the location of any of those Plates, share it with the rest of us; for some Plates, we are certain of their whereabouts, as they have likely influenced the area they were hidden. But for others, we can only make assumptions," Durand finished.

 
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