[PKMN FULL] Z: A Kalos Journey [M] [IC]

[Stinging Bea]

Chapter 12-3 | Hunted

Avril Morris And Sebastian Allender
Glittering Cave

Avril's Team

Sebastian's Team

Badges

Inventory

Spoiler:

- x1 Pok?dex

- x1 Holocaster

- x2 Pok?ball

- x2 Great Ball

- x3 Dive Ball

- x3 Potion

- 2800 Pok? Dollars

- x3 Pecha Berries

- x1 Odd Flower

- TM13

- TM66

The two trainers stood ready, bracing themselves for battle as the rumbling grew louder and more common with each passing second. Gradually, their patience would be rewarded. A sudden explosion echoed out through the cavern, as the wall to the group's left exploded in a mass of rock and debris. As the smoke cleared, the shape of a fierce and rather angry looking pok?mon came into view. Sharp, metallic claws graced both of its arms, with a massive, drill-like attachment on its head. Standing behind the creature, was a member of Team Cinder. His uniform was different, however. Rather than the orange highlights that most of the members had on their suits, this one was wearing a suit with gold highlights.

The man took a moment, dusting some stray dirt off his left shoulder, before turning to look at the group gathered before him. He curiously raised an eyebrow as he looked at both Avril and Sebastian, but quickly decided not to pay either of the two trainers any real attention. Instead, he came to rest his sights on the old woman and the Medicham who were both calmly seated on the ground of the cave.

"Did you find her, boss?" a voice called out. Another figure climbed through the hole, revealing itself to be a Team Cinder grunt.

"I guess I did," the Cinder Alpha grunt replied. His face had a look of absolute disgust on it as he took in the sight before him. "You mean to tell me you were all getting beaten by some decrepit old hag with one pok?mon? You're all completely worthless scum..."

The old woman?s eyes narrowed in disgust; if they were coming out in droves just to try to take a Medicham from a withered old lady, you would think they would be smart enough to bring Pokemon that weren?t easily countered by the Pokemon they were trying to capture. Dark types, Steel types, pathetic, and it seems the next level up from pathetic isn?t much better. ?You?ve bored this old hag to tears, alpha.? She barks. ?If you can get past my apprentices, then we?ll talk.?

?Ukyou.? Sebastian whispers, and the ghostly white Pokemon appears seeps out of his shadow. ?Take Cubone.?

The Froslass nods and reaches into her trainer?s bag, collecting the infant Pokemon in his arms and carrying him to float beside the old woman and her Medicham.

"Great... I have to come out here to deal with an old woman and then she passes me off to deal with a bunch of kids? They don't pay me enough to deal with this shit..." the Alpha grunt sighed. He glanced over his shoulder at his subordinate. "Well, hurry up and get over here. The sooner we get rid of these brats, the sooner we can clean up this hag and get on with our lives."

The grunt quickly stepped to his boss' side and pulled of a pok?ball from his belt. He quickly tossed it out onto the battlefield, revealing a floating, purple pok?mon. It had no arms or legs, with one head apparently serving as a body, while another head seemed to be conjoined to its left side.

"A Weezing... Can't say I've had the chance to even fight a Koffing yet," Avril commented. Still, she was fairly sure that she would be okay in this scenario. She quickly tossed out the pok?ball she had been holding onto, releasing the familiar sight of her Frogadier out onto the battlefield. "Alright, Shino! You're on!"

A Steel/Ground type and a Poison type, that takes Fiore out of the running. He intended to call on Selkie, though having a Fire type on the field might tempt the alpha to use Earthquake, which could be dangerous for everyone involved. With that it mind it has to be Sva--

A light bursts from Sebastian?s belt loop, taking the shape of an eager looking Mienfoo, who quickly takes on a defensive stance.

Not the best choice against a Weezing, but the Excadrill is the bigger threat here. Alright, then. ?I choose Hakkai.?

Shino took a moment to glance over in the direction of Hakkai. The Frogadier had not had the pleasure of meeting Sebastian's Mienfoo yet, but he looked to be reliable... At the very least, he was eager to battle, which was a good thing in his books. Shino gave Sebastian's pok?mon a quick nod and prepared himself for battle.

"Shino, attack the Weezing with Ice Beam!" Avril shouted, going straight for a heavy hit right out of the gate.

Shino jumped forward, taking aim for the Weezing as he took a deep breath before shooting out a deep, chilly blast. The grunt grinned as he watched the Frogadier begin to attack, however. Clearly, he wasn't too worried about Avril's choice of attack.

"Weezing, attack with Gyro Ball!" the Cinder grunt shouted.

Without delay, the Weezing began to spin at a rapid rate. The poison-type charged straight at Shino, managing to spin right through the Frogadier's Ice Beam with ease, before slamming his body right into the frog pok?mon. Shino fell back to the ground, landing roughly on his feet as he stared up at the Weezing in surprise.

Sebastian cringes at the force that Weezing managed to put behind its attack, though it immediately gave him an idea: ?Hakkai, use Fake Out!?

The Mienfoo charges into the fray, running behind Weezing, and quickly jumpes above it and delivers a cold smack to its head, leaving the Poison type briefly frozen in a flinch.

?Try again.? Sebastian murmurs to Avril as Hakkai returns to the ground, flashing an assuring nod to his frog comrade.

"Shino, attack with Ice Beam again!" Avril ordered.

Once more, Shino fired an icy blast in the direction of the Weezing. With the poison-type distracted by Sebastian's Mienfoo, his chances of avoiding the Frogadier's attack were severely reduced. Unfortunately for the duo, they seemed to forget that the battle was in fact a two against two. The Alpha grunt's Excadrill quickly sprang into action, charging into the way of Shino's Ice Beam and taking the blow for the Weezing.

"B-Boss...!" the grunt shouted out in surprise.

"Wipe that damn shock off your face and wake up," the Alpha grunt snapped. "You're a member of Team Cinder, so how about acting like it for once!"

So much for counting on the superior to sit back and wait for his underling to get destroyed before stepping in. Sebastian thinks back to his last battle with Avril, where Ukyou and Marble attacked from a distance, while the significantly tankier Metang took to the front. While Mienfoo?s not exactly the most defensive, he will do considerable more damage up at the front, while Shino can pick the duo off from a distance. It...could work, if Avril?s game. ?I think I have an idea.? He murmurs, before calling out to his Pokemon.

?Hakkai, Drain Punch!?

The Fighting type rushes forward, a glowing force collecting in his hand as he aims a punch square for Excadrill?s stomach. If all goes according to plan, the ground type will crash into his floating companion...hopefully.

The Excadrill grunted as Hakkai's attack slammed right into the mole pok?mon's gut. He staggered backwards, losing footing from the attack in the process. The grunt's Weezing was primed to strike back, however. He quickly shouted for the poison pok?mon to attack with Sludge, causing the Weezing to spew and mass of mucky goo right in the direction of Sebastian's Meinfoo.

"Shino, Water Pulse now!"

Avril's Frogadier launched a watery blast in the direction of the attacking Weezing. It splashed through the toxic muck with ease and splashed right into the Weezing. Without a word, Avril glanced over at Sebastian and gave the boy a quick nod.

A confident smile spread its way to Sebastian?s face when he saw Shino?s Water Pulse fly through the Weezing?s sludge. He turns to his blonde counterpart and returns the nod, before quickly turning his eyes back to the battle. ?Now, use Knock Off!?

Hakkai?s palm began to seer with a dark energy as he swiped it against the Ground type. Excadrill raised its claw over its face to defend itself, resulting in what appeared to be a silver, claw shaped object flying off its arm.

Avril was surprised by Sebastian's attack. The blonde hadn't any idea that the Excadrill was even holding onto anything, but just because he dropped an item didn't mean this battle was won yet. Avril turned her focus back to the Weezing, who looked to be gearing up for another Gyro Ball. "Shino, use Smokescreen!"

The Frogadier reached into his scarf-like bubbles and pulled out a strange, black ball. Shino quickly threw it to the ground, causing burst of thick, black smoke to start spreading through the cavern that the trainers were battling in. With the aid of this stealth, Shino managed to easily dodge the oncoming attack from the Weezing with ease, which gave Avril all the opening she needed as the Weezing slammed into the ground as opposed to her pok?mon.

"Shino! Ice Beam, now!"

The Frogadier jumped out of the smoke and took aim at the surprised Weezing. Once again, a frosty blast shot out of the Frogadier's mouth and this time succeeded in crashing into the poison pok?mon. Weezing let out a pain-filled moan as the icy blast struck, causing a sheet of ice to start forming on the pok?mon's backside.

?Brilliant.? Sebastian complimented. If Shino can freeze Weezing completely, it could really turn the tides on this battle. Now he needs to make sure that Excadrill doesn?t get in the way before Shino?s job is done. ?Use Drain Punch!?

Hakkai could feel the intensity in Sebastian?s voice, and responded to that desperation by leaping over Excadrill, making sure to land the attack by landing behind the ground type, and planting a fierce punch into its backside. Though the mole Pokemon tried to turn and intercept the attack with its claws, its heavy body simply could not move as fast as the athletic little weasel, and was quickly knocked to the ground.

"Shino, finish off that Weezing! One more Ice Beam," Avril ordered.

The grunt glared at the two trainers in utter frustration. The illustrious Team Cinder losing to an old hag was bad enough, but losing to a kid with some frog? It was enough to drive him crazy. Without a second thought, the grunt turned to his struggling Weezing and grinned. "The hell do you think we are?! I'm gonna make your Frogadier wish you were never around, kid! Weezing, Self-Destruct!"

Avril's eyes widened at the shout of the grunt. She quickly turned to see the grunt's Weezing slowly start rising up into the air. The poison pok?mon began to glow with a bright, white light as small bursts of flame began to poof from the craters along his body. His size began to fluctuate all the while. The Weezing must have been in great pain, as his face began to contort and groan from the growing pressure within. Immediately, the girl began to think back to that night in Lumiose, the same feeling of helplessness washing over her. Once again, Shino was being thrown into mortal danger. Once again, Avril found herself powerless to do anything to stop it.

?Hakkai, Detect!?

Sebastian called out immediately upon hearing the grunt call a Self Destruct. His Mienfoo?s eyes quickly glinted, the Weezing seeming to move in slow motion as scoped out the surrounding area. In a split second he lunged for Shino, shoving them both behind the protection of a sturdy boulder as the explosion rang through the area. It was clear that neither the Alpha, nor his Pokemon were prepared for such a move, as the Excadrill was quickly overtaken by the massive, destructive energy.

Smoke and debris covered the battlefield, and Sebastian placed his fingertips against Avril?s shoulder, offering her a soft smile. As the smoke began to clear, the outline of a completely unscathed Mienfoo stood beside an equally unscathed Frogadier.

"Sebastian.." Avril turned to glance up at the taller boy with relief evident on her face. Had Hakkai not known Detect, chances were Shino wouldn't have been standing there right now. Without warning, the girl suddenly threw her arms around Sebastian. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Sebastian?s eyes widened as the smaller trainer threw her arms around him. As the shock faded it was replaced with a relieved smile, as he returned the hug by wrapping his arm around Avril. ?We make a good team.? He responded. You?re welcome or There?s no need to thank me both sounded so cliched in that moment. If Avril?s beloved starter Pokemon had gotten hurt because Sebastian wasn?t a good enough battle partner...he could never forgive himself.

Watching their trainers, Hakkai attempts share a similar moment with his new brother in arms, extending a paw and delicately placing it on Shino?s upper arm. ?Foo.? He says with a single, respectful nod.

The same feeling of relief couldn't be shared with that of Team Cinder, however. The Alpha grunt stared at the scene before him, a look of absolute disbelief graced his facial features. Not a single word was mentioned as he slowly glanced down at his Excadrill, who was a battered and bloody mess of its former self. Slowly, he shifted his focus from that of the pok?mon corpse towards that of his underling. The underling stared at the scene in shock, as if he was just waking up from a nightmare. He quickly realized that he was being stared at by his boss and turned to face the man properly.

"I... I can explain, I swear!" the Cinder grunt stammered out. "It... It was the heat of the moment. Those kids... that Frogadier... I just got blinded by rage and I stopped thinking! It was an accident!"

"An accident... An accident, I see..." the Alpha grunt replied, nodding his head in what seemed to be complete and total understanding.

The underling sighed in relief, clearly happy that his boss seemed to understand. It was a relief that would be short lived, however. The sudden sound of a gunshot echoed out through the cavern, causing Avril to wince from the mass reverberation. She slowly released Sebastian, turning to look at the scene before her. An audible gasp escaped her lips at the sight. The Alpha grunt stood, face void of any emotion, with a gun placed straight at the temple of his underling. Avril watched as the Team Cinder grunt's mouth fell open, his eyes rolling back into his head, as his legs slowly buckled out from underneath him. The Alpha didn't even flinch as his underling's body fell against his for a moment, before sliding down and hitting the ground... completely lifeless.

"Whoops... an accident. My finger slipped," the Alpha grunt said bluntly, before turning to face the trainer duo once more on his own.

While Avril let go, the shot ringing out caused his grip on her to tighten. He slowly turned to see the merciless eyes of the Cinder Alpha. For the second time since this journey began he could feel death?s cold clutches tightening around his heart, and all he could think to do was pull Avril behind him. He can?t...she can?t die here...

"Now then... you two..." the Cinder Alpha began. He slowly began to walk forward, a small smirk pulling at his lips as he readied his pistol once more. "It's time we put an end..."

The man paused, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the two trainers closer. In particular, his eyes came to rest on the blonde hidden behind Sebastian. He quickly reached into his coat pocket and pulled out what looked to be several photos. The man began to flip through them and his smirk grew into a full-blown smile.

"Well, well! Look who's here! Avril Morris, in the flesh! We've been looking all over for you..." the Alpha grunt teased.

It was then that a boulder, slightly larger than the Alpha?s own head, smashed into the back of his head. When the force knocked him down, the mystical light that surrounded the stone vanished, and it collapsed onto his head, crushing his skull. The sound of cracking bones sent another wave of nausea through Sebastian?s stomach as he whirled his head towards the old lady and her Medicham. Both were now standing, both with a single arm outstretched, and in that moment he couldn?t tell which one of them had sent that stone.

?It was underhanded.? The old woman spoke. ?He didn?t deserve to go with any honor.? She spat as she walked over, shoving the embedded stone from the head with her foot. Good, there?s no way he?s coming back from that. Her cold eyes turn to face the two trainers. ?Are you two alright??

Avril stared down at the sight of both now deceased members of Team Cinder, a somewhat nauseous feeling taking hold in her stomach from the sight. The whole situation had escalated so quickly, the blonde could hardly keep up with it all. A sudden dread ran through the girl's body as she took in the events that had just transpired. Sebastian was right. Team Cinder was in fact looking for her. They knew her name. Suddenly, she started to realize that she was in this whole mess far deeper than she had originally thought.

"Y-Yeah... Yeah, I'm fine granny..." Avril eventually managed to reply. Her voice was a bit shaky, easily betraying the front she was attempting to put on at this point. This would make the three people that the blonde had seen die since the journey began. It still wasn't any easier. "Um... Thanks for that save."

A silence falls over the three as the old woman closes her eyes. She can no longer hear the rumbling of approaching grunts, it?s possible that Alpha was in charge of this whole search, or perhaps this is the calm before an Admin is called to step in. Either way, this girl has a bounty on her head, and she needs to get the hell out of this hole. ?We?re leaving.?

Shino seemed to be quite relieved from the sound of the old woman's decision. That battle was chaotic enough, and when that man pulled... whatever it was out on Avril... flashbacks to that night back in Lumiose were running through the Frogadier's own head. Avril however, seemed to remember something else from just a short while ago.

"H-Hey... what about that training, granny?" the blonde questioned, making her way to the old woman's side.

?There?s two dead men soiling my training grounds. First I have to get those cleaned up.? Admirable as it is that Avril still wants to pursue getting stronger after all that, now is not the time. The woman turns her head to look at the teens. ?But if you?re desperate, he could teach you.?

?M-? Sebastian stumbles over his words.

?Don?t play dumb. I can tell by the way you stood when he pulled the gun.? The old woman picks up a small black case, about the size of a digital camera, and hands it to Avril. ?Take this with you.?

Avril took the case from the woman and curiously looked at her before returning her focus to the case. The blonde carefully opened up the case, her eyes narrowing at the contents as if she really wasn't sure just what to make of it. Inside the case appeared to be... a rock of sorts. Rather, it looked more like a stone slab. There was some faint imprints on the slab, resembling that of some sort of shield.

"A... rock...?" Avril mused aloud. She began to wonder if there was some sort of meaning behind the old woman's gift. Perhaps it was supposed to represent something about the growth of one's character. "I... I don't get it, granny."

?It?s a fossil. I found it while climbing the mountain.? Are young people even allowed outside before they start their Pokemon journeys anymore? Do professors teach them anything, or do they just hand them a Pokeball and boot them out the door? ?When you?ve lived as long as I have, and share such a bond with a Psychic type, you learn to sense things. The soul in that ?rock? is calling out to you.?

"A fossil...?" Avril questioned, her interest in the rock growing a lot more. She had never actually seen a fossil in person, so she really couldn't blame herself for not knowing what it was at first. The girl had heard that there were people capable of restoring them back to life, and somehow that made the fossil turn back into a pok?mon. She closed her eyes, thinking on the situation a little bit more. Wasn't there a place like that back in Ambrette? Pushing that thought aside, Avril returned her attention to the old woman. "It's calling out to me...? But... how? Why?"

?It wants to go with you.? And that was all the Old Woman could say. Even with her spiritual prowess, it was a soul stuck inside a dried up body part stuck in a rock, the armor fossil wasn?t exactly able to express much more than a simple desire. ?If I had to guess, I?d say something you did resonated with it.?

Avril thought about it a bit more. Maybe this was the old woman's way of helping to make her stronger? It would explain a bit more as to why she was so determined to make sure Avril took it with her. Smiling, Avril closed the case and carefully tucked it under one of her arms.

"Alright, granny... I'll take good care of it," the girl said. "Thank you very much, for all your help in here."

?If you?re still determined to train when you get to Cyllage, come find me. I have a dojo there.? The old woman offers Avril a respectful nod as she motions for the cave?s exit.
​

​

 

[Stinging Bea]

Chapter 12-4 | Revival

Avril Morris | Ambrette Town

The Team

Badges

Inventory

Spoiler:

- x1 Pok?dex

- x1 Holocaster

- x2 Pok?ball

- x2 Great Ball

- x3 Dive Ball

- x3 Potion

- 2800 Pok? Dollars

- x3 Pecha Berries

- x1 Odd Flower

- TM13

- TM66

- Armor Fossil

After parting ways with the old woman, Avril and Sebastian made their way down Spike Passage and back towards Ambrette Town. Amazingly, Sebastian had only accompanied Avril for part of the trek back towards the town. His reasoning was quick and to the point. A girl by the name of Renia was still inside the cave. Avril really didn't push the identity of the girl much, but she figured that if Sebastian was willing to return to the cave to look for her that she must be of some importance to him. At first, Avril had offered to join him in returning back to Glittering Cave to look for the girl. However, Sebastian insisted that this was something that he needed to take care of on his own. The boy also seemed concerned now that Avril had almost had that "hit" by Team Cinder carried out. The last thing he wanted was for the blonde to lose her life over a matter that really didn't concern her.

Not wanting to force her hand or make Sebastian more uncomfortable than he probably already was in having to return to the cave, Avril agreed to go along with his wishes. That said, Avril did make the boy share his holocaster information with her first. She wouldn't be able to sleep well if something happened to the boy after what they had just went through, and she wanted to hear from him as soon as he got back into town if everything turned out okay or not.

With Sebastian's departure, Avril made her way towards Ambrette rather quickly. It was already past midnight by the time she reached the town. With the exception of the stars and moon, the city was mostly veiled in darkness. It was probably safe to assume that a majority of people in the town, both residents and visitor alike, had turned in for the evening. Avril really hadn't had much time to think about it up to this point, but the girl was starting to feel quite fatigued herself and for good reason. Between solving that case with Emma, running into her father, hanging out with Victoria for an afternoon out on the town, the trek to and from Glittering Cave, and the battle with Team Cinder, it had managed to be quite a day. For the first time in a while, Avril was looking quite forward to letting her head hit that pillow and slipping off into dream land. The sooner she reached the pok?mon center, the better.

"You there! I say, you there!" a voice suddenly called out, grabbing the blonde's attention. After the incident with Team Cinder, Avril was a bit on edge. Without so much as a second thought, the girl quickly grabbed hold of one of the pok?balls on her bracelet and mentally braced herself for a battle. Whoever was calling her out must have also been aware of the situation, as he quickly put his hands up as he approached in an attempt to show the girl he meant no harm. "I... I'm not armed, I swear. Please relax, miss."

As the man fully stepped into view, Avril found herself standing face to face with a tall and lanky man. He was wearing a white dress shirt and black tie, along with black slacks and brown loafers. His black, rather short hair was slicked back and a pair of thin, brown-framed glasses covered his eyes. The man had just bit of stubble growing under his chin. Whether this was because he was attempting (and for the most part, failing) to grow a beard or because he needed to shave, Avril wasn't sure. However, his most distinguishing feature was the long, white lab coat that he was wearing.

"You... You just came from Glittering Cave I bet, didn't you?" the man inquired, stroking his chin as he spoke.

"Um... Yeah, but what about it?" Avril inquired, growing more suspicious of the man with each passing moment. Even in the dark, Avril wasn't exactly blind to the fact of how intently he was staring at her.

"I knew it, I knew it!" the man exclaimed, a broad smile gracing his lips as he began to grow excited. "You're carrying a fossil case too! Please, you must tell me that you have a fossil in there! I simply won't accept no for an answer!"

Avril glanced over to the case that she was carrying, still tucked safely under her arm. She wasn't quite sure how the man was able to tell just what sort of case she was toting around in the middle of the night. Perhaps those glasses helped improve his eyesight more than your typical pair. Regardless, the girl offered him a quick nod to confirm his suspicions.

"Excellent! Excellent indeed," the man replied, his tone full of triumph. A rather confident smirk soon formed across the man's lips. "Now, for the final question... How would you like to attempt to bring that pok?mon back to life?"

"Back to life...? Wait a second, do you work for..." Avril began to question, only to be interrupted mid-sentence by the man.

"Yes, yes! That's correct! I happen to work for the Ambrette Fossil Lab!" the man exclaimed, pressing his glasses up as he spoke. "Oh, where are my manners. My name is Seymour. And I just happen to love everything about fossils! I spotted you walking into town and I could tell right away what you were carrying! Aren't fossils just wonderful? So much history inside those stones, just waiting for their secrets to be revealed! I can't get enough of them!"

Just listening to the man speak, Avril could tell that saying he was full of passion about his work would have been an understatement. The man had such an interest in fossils that Avril honestly found herself feeling more than just a little bit uncomfortable around the scientist. That said, the curiosity of seeing a pok?mon brought back to the world of the living from a fossil somehow managed to outweigh those feelings.

"Alright... I mean, I was probably gonna pay a visit down there tomorrow anyways... Might as well just do it now, right?" Avril responded.

The look of excitement on Seymour's face was enough to tell Avril she made the right choice. The man quickly took her by the wrist and led her inside fossil lab. She followed him towards the back of the building, where a strange machine sat alone in the corner. It sort of looked like an incubator of sorts. She looked curiously at the machine and then back to Seymour who anxiously stood with hand extended, clearly waiting for the girl to present him with her fossil. Avril obliged, opening up the case that the old woman from the cave gave her and placing the Armor Fossil in his hand. Immediately, Seymour's eyes lit up from just the mere contact with it.

"An Armor Fossil! Such a rare specimen at that! I've never actually had the chance to actually hold an Armor Fossil in my hand! Oh, just feel the texture of this fossil! You can tell this was once a powerful pok?mon just from the weight of it alone!" Seymour exclaimed.

Taking the fossil, the man placed it inside the device and proceeded to fire it up. It took the man several attempts to actually get the device working properly, something that seemed to set off an alarm inside Avril's head. "Um... You have done this before, right?"

"Hmmm? Oh, no... Not at all," Seymour replied, laughing nervously as he adjusted his glasses again. "In fact, this is the first fossil I've ever attempted to bring back to life. I'm just an apprentice you see. Today just happens to be my first day."

Avril was at a loss for words at Seymour's revelation. She opened her mouth to protest going further, but suddenly the sound of something cracking caught the duo's attention. Seymour and Avril turned their attention to the device and the fossil in time to see several cracks starting to form in the fossil. A burst of light flashed throughout the room, before the device slowly came to an end. As the light faded, Avril and Seymour discovered a small, four-legged pok?mon in place of where the fossil had once been. His face was oval-shaped, resembling that of a silverish shield with eyes and a snout. Quickly, Avril fished out her pok?dex and gave the creature a quick scan.

Shieldon, the shield pok?mon. This Pok?mon lived in primeval jungles. Few enemies would have been willing to square off against its heavily armored face, so it?s thought.​

Avril's eyes were wide in shock. If she hadn't been there to see it, she wouldn't have believed it. Seymour began another rant at the sight before him, but Avril ignored it all. She knelt down to the creature's level, giving the Shieldon a warm smile.

"Hey there, little guy... My name's Avril..." the blonde began. She wondered how many years it had been since the Shieldon had actually been a fossil. She was sure the world was a vastly different and probably frightening place compared to what it was when he was alive previously. "I heard from a friend that you wanted to come along with me. I know things are a lot different than what they were before for you, but... I'm sure we can learn about sorts of different things together. What do you say, are you in?"

Reaching into her bag, Avril pulled out a pok?ball and held it towards the Shieldon. The pok?mon sniffed the ball carefully, before letting out a small grunt and pressing his little snout into the center of the ball. He was quickly pulled inside of the ball, where the light in the middle shone brightly for a moment, causing Avril's smile to grow further.

"Thanks a lot, granny..." Avril whispered. "I won't let this go to waste..."

Cecil the Shieldon joined the team!
Male/Careful/Loves To Eat
Tackle/Protect/Taunt/Metal Sound/Take Down/Iron Defense​

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[LinearAxel]

Operation Cinder Take Down


Emma, Laurent, Dahlia, and Sebastian

​

Glittering Cave

At the Ambrette Pokemon Center, Emma was sitting down, having a sip of her favourite brand of herbal tea. Ever since she made up with her beloved best friend Avril, she seemed more... at peace with herself. As if, a large boulder has been lifted off her shoulders. Now, she can fully concentrate on her mission: defeat the Emerald Dragons, and Team Cinder. However, the last situation made her realize: she obviously can't pull this off alone. The essence of teamwork would seem to be a trump card indealing with each future threat, and luckily, she does have allies she can rely on. But when the time comes... will she become strong enough to be dependable herself for others? That was the one thing going back and forth from her mind as she quietly placed her now empty tea cup. She was also flipping through her notes, recording every information about each criminal she encountered. Elraine, Gabriel Artece... the list continued on and on.

"Hey now, isn't it rare for a pretty young lady to be alone on such a gorgeous day?" asked a somewhat familiar voice. She turned slightly as the Center's doors started to close. There he was... Detective Tyrone returned. He had another coffee mug in his left hand, as he carried it over to Emma's table. He sat down with his leg crossed with his other. "...Your hot date late, Kitten?"

"D-Detective, please..." Emma responded shyly. She closed her notebook. "Er, Detective Tyrone, was it? You said you were a member of interpol, right? But, what brings you all the way here?"

"A'int it obvious? Same as you," he clarified, taking another sip of his coffee. "Question. When do people take off their shorts? To wash them... of course."

Emma blinked. "...I have absolutely no idea what you're getting at," she explained. "Mind clarifying... in clearer English?"

"It means that there isa rhyme and reason for everything," Detective Tyrone explained. He then got out what it seemed like.. a case file. He waved it around, until he slyly threw it upon the table. "My girlfriend. Take care of her... yeah?"

Emma gazed upon the Detective with an off and exasperated look. She then eventually reached for the file, opening it. It was then that she saw it: it was a case file about Team Cinder. "Then... Team Cinder's threat is so great, it's now becoming an international incident?" Emma could only ask, as she flipped through each file. It seemed to be a recording of various crimes witnesses explained from observing grunts. There was then a file, that seemed to be dated more recently. "What's this one?"

"Those troublemakers are at it again," Detective Tyrone started. "Locals around here have witnessed a few of those members trotting around the old Glittering Cave around Route 9. Knowing about what some of them have already done, they don't dare go any further. As for the police... we lack the power to do anything right now either."

"But... why not?" Emma asked. "I thought that the police would of been more prepared for any more misdeeds--"

"...Let's just say, they're preparing more for the storm," Detective Tyrone responded after taking one more sip of coffee. "I'll...give you the details later, but it's a big one. Meanwhile... fancy getting rid of our pest problem, Kitten?"

Emma crossed her arms and closed her eyes, deep in thought. "It's not something I can do alone," she clarified. But then, she had an idea. She took out her Holo Caster. "But, I do have... a reliable ally. I just hope he's feeling better enough to help..." Tyrone grinned slyly as Emma started up her Holo Caster, trying to contact one specific person.

A tall young man stood near the entrance to the local beach, staring at the sand longingly, half-brokenhearted at his desire to go there, and his knowledge that it had to wait. He'd been training his pok?mon - especially his new Heracross - almost nonstop since arriving in town and felt due some R&R but the news he'd been hearing from townsfolk was much too distressing. Some day...when there's time He was finally pulled from his thoughts by a vibration in his pocket alongside the melody of a delicate, noble Waltz.

Laurent took out his Holocaster and tapped the call button, causing the device to cease its beckoning and produce an image from its projector, one that brightened Laurent's day as much as it surprised him. "Emma! To what do I owe the pleasure?" Before she could even answer his expression darkened as he was reminded of just why he wasn't going to the beach. "Is it the rumors about the Glittering Cave and Team Cinder? I was on the edge of calling you about it, myself."

"You're well informed," Emma responded. "Yeah, they're here, and for who knows why... I don't like it one bit."

"You need say no more, let us go together." Laurent said, already beginning to walk down the path away from his precious beach. "I've heard another trainer already plans to enter the cave and do something about all the trouble, I'm sure he can be of assistance as well." Laurent stopped when another thought struck him and he turned his face away from the Holocaster, glad its color pallet would make it difficult for Emma to see the extremely rare occurrence of his cheeks flushing. "And I also need to return your jacket...you didn't bring it with you last time we, ehrm, met."

Emma smiled gently. "Yes, of course," she said. "I'll meet you at the Glittering Cave in Route 9 then. Stay safe." she closed her communicator. Everything was proceeding fairly.

+Oh, ho, ho. Dahlia is gonna love this?+ Fondre sinisterly grinned and immediately started to type vigorously on her Holo Caster to Dahlia. Caroline was just sleeping with the blue egg while all of this was happening.

Fondue: ?Yo, Dahli.?
Demetrio: ?You obviously have some new information for me, right??
Fondue: ?Right you are. Basically, you and Vex aren?t the only ones investigating the caves today.?
Demetrio: ?Let me guess...Jackson Crane? Or is it Emma Kuzunoha??
Fondue: ?Good ol? Miss Emmy...Oh, and she?s gonna be with a certain someone.?
Demetrio: ?...I?m actually afraid. Who is it??
Fondue: ?Why, it?s your ?favorite? person, Dahlia! You know him well. But just to give you a hint...He was a rank above you in the last contest.?​

There was a sudden pause, until Fondre (and to a possible extension, everyone else who had ears) heard a scream that could possibly pierce the heavens. ?FUUUUUUUAAAAAAAA--? And that?s all you need to read about that scream. Immediately, Fondre got a text message from someone that wasn?t Dahlia.

Even: ?Thanks for breaking my ear drums, you idiot.?
Fondue: ?It?s been a pleasure.?​

Then she actually did get a text message from Dahlia.

Demetrio: ?Sorry...Needed to get some steam out of my system.?
Fondue: ?Uh-huh. You know, you can kill him at anytime you want.?
Demetrio: ?Killing him is wrong. Breaking his spirits, however??
Fondue: ?Just make sure you keep that good old fake smile of yours whenever you?re near him, okay??
Demetrio: ?You know how I am with him. Besides, we might need all the help we can get to solve the matter at hand...Even if one of them is beyond unnecessary.?​

They stopped texting after that. Caroline yawned. ?Mmm...Did I just heard someone scream??? Fondre immediately just patted her head. ?Nah, it?s probably just the wind or something." She still had that sinister grin on her face. +Dahlia and Laurent working together...Oh, that should be a pretty sight to see...If only I still wasn?t suffering from hangover induced blackouts?+ Fondue immediately went to sleep after that.

At the Glittering Cave...Entrance.​

Standing near the entrance of the cave were two mysterious hooded men in long black coats, wearing gloves and boots of the same color. One of the men was showing the other a text conversation on a pink-colored Holo Caster. ?Emma Kuzunoha, huh?? It seems the police were able to catch on to the rumors about Cinder?s deeds very quickly.? The older hooded man mused. ?Yes, indeed. But I?m still not so keen on the fact that they?re possibly giving all the hard work to her. A lady like her deserves a rest from time to time. They should actually give the work to actual professionals.? The younger one responded, while putting his Holo Caster back into his pockets. The younger one?s voice had a sort of...menacing twain whenever he spoke.

The older one sighed. ?At the very least, we should wait for their arrival. Even if your mind is currently filled with many deadly desires...Just make sure they aren?t visible to Laurent, Dahlia.? Dahlia scoffed. ?You really don?t know me that well, Vex. I?ve been keeping my deadly desires a secret from him for a very long time. You do not need to remind me of the obvious.? Vex scoffed back. ?Hmph. At the very least, you could pretend to care.? Dahlia chuckled at that line.

Okay! Now that she and Sparky have cleared away the fallen rocks that were blocking the wild Pokemon?s dens, she can get back inside the cave and get back to Sebastian. ?Let?s hurry. Hopefully he hasn?t gotten too far ahead.? The pink haired girl smiles to her Alolan Raichu before rushing back to the cave entrance. Upon reaching her destination she comes to a stop, seeing two hooded figures standing right outside the entrance, their faces completely obscured by their heavy jackets. That?s...normal?

Are they up to something? No...they wouldn?t be standing in the open if they were. Renia thinks to herself as she pulls her floating Raichu into her arms. She puts on a friendly smile and walks towards the hooded duo. ?May we squeeze by?? She asks. ?My friend?s waiting for me inside.?

Dahlia eyed the girl for a few seconds. Her hair was...pinker than Dahlia?s hair could ever be. In fact, she basically was pinker than Dahlia could ever be, because she wore pink clothes as well. +Hmm...Should I interrogate her for more information? I should give it a try, I suppose?+ ?Ah, yes. Sorry for getting in your way. Before you leave, however...may I ask why you?re going to the cave? I understand it?s because of your friend, but to be honest, a cute girl such as yourself shouldn?t be going into such a dark and dirty place.?

?I hope you know what you?re doing here, Dahlia?? Vex whispered, while secretly getting a clipboard and pen out, ready to jot down any important information that the girl could possibly spat out from her mouth.

?I?m stronger than I look, don?t worry.? Renia winks at the first cloaked figure. She?s well aware that her hairstyle and her clothing choice make her look about as buff as cotton candy. Her eyes glance towards the less friendly figure as he mumbles something, and starts rummaging with some kind of...something...what a weird guy.

?My friend-- his name?s Sebastian, we?re looking for a stolen Probopass. We heard it was seen being taken through the passage, so...the thieves must have headed here next--? Speaking of? ?Have either of you seen a Probopass, or anyone...suspicious?? More suspicious? It can?t be these two, there?s no way for them to hide such a big Pokemon out here in the open.

+Sebastian? Wait...wasn?t he also a graduate? Hmm...maybe I can use this to my advantage here.+ Before Dahlia could answer, Vex spoke up. ?No, we have not seen a Probopass whatsoever. However, we have heard some rumors about Team Cinder doing some shady activity around the cave.? Dahlia nodded. ?Yes, indeed. We were actually waiting for two others to come join us and see if the rumors were true or not. Maybe we should all team up and rendezvous with your friend up ahead. In fact, his name actually sounds familiar to me??

?Team Cinder??? They were bad news...While Renia had never had a direct confrontation with the gang, she had been following their activity as closely as she could, via news reports and published documents related to these people and their crimes. They?re an incredibly dangerous group, and Sebastian?s in there with them? if she goes in to rescue him, guns blazing, she might make matters worse; she doesn?t know the cave, if she got lost she?d be at their mercy...it?s best to play it safe. ?I?ll come with you.? She decides. These two sound capable, they seem to know what they?re getting into, and they?re bringing reinforcements.

A short distance away someone else was approaching the cave, flanked by a Growlithe and a Metang. He had decided never to take anymore chances when dealing with Team Cinder, so he wouldn't wait till he found trouble to be defended and ready to fight. The Growlithe could react far faster than he could as well as notice any dangerous scents ahead of time and chase down anyone they needed, the Metang had a machine's cold efficiency in vigilance, its psychic powers for disarming humans, and of course was bullet proof. As soon as Laurent saw the entrance to the cave he wanted nothing more than to charge in, but he knew Emma would be considerate enough to wait for him if she had already been there or call him if there was an emergency so he approached more slowly while scanning his surroundings for her.

Emma shortly after jogged right in, with her handbag wrested on her shoulder. It would seem that she was running a tad late, but, it was worth coming prepared for this threat. She shortly saw Laurent waiting by the entrance. After gasping for her breath for a few seconds, she regained her composure. "Hey," she greeted him. "Did I make you wait long?"

"Of course not." Laurent assured her with a smile while Apollo immediately stepped over to lightly bump her leg with his head, tail wagging a mile a minute and Met?or? waved a large steel arm in welcome. "I've got something you should have before we go in." He continued, kneeling down and resting his backpack on his knee while he opened it and removed Emma's jacket. After closing the bag and standing up straight once again he held the jacket out to the girl, the slightest bit of color taking his cheeks, though it was barely visible. "Here it is, back home at last, safe and sound."

Emma gave a gentle smile, accepting her jacket from Laurent. She gently wore it, leaving it unbuttoned as it showed her casual top underneath. "Thank you for taking care of it," she replied, having it fully on. She then gave a small sigh, giving a serious look."...Sorry that I called you for help so suddenly. I haven't contacted Jackson, or Avril about this. Right now, we need a steady and careful approach to this... as you know, Team Cinder is just as unpredictable as they are dangerous. Avril's been through enough, and Jackson is... well, Jackson. You're the only one I can rely on right now."

He couldn't help but feel more pride at her words than he'd felt from anything for some time, but it also reminded him of something else that had been weighing on his mind. "I'm glad to be of use, I likely would have come down here myself anyways, having such a capable ally is a great relief. The last time Avril and I met she seemed so sad, but she never once showed any signs of desiring to speak of why and I didn't want to invade her privacy...could I take your words to mean you two have reconciled whatever happened?" He might be reaching too far in his suspicions of why Avril had been so down the last time they'd met and he was definitely being nosey...but he wanted to know. "My apologies for digging into affairs that have nothing to do with me, but when I first met Avril she seemed like such a ray of sunshine and you two seemed to get along so well together back at school..."

"Don't worry," Emma reassured, with another gentle smile. "Avril and I are good now. Or I guess I should say, we have been good, but we just had a lot of things to work out on our own. Avril... I never realized how much she wanted to prove to herself. And I, I wanted to get stronger to combat misdeeds alone so that no one else had to, but... I now realized from Avril, one of the most important weapons that I have is the essence of teamwork." Emma then turned to the route distance. "There are some places the other can't reach. And that's why, we'll never be alone."

"Well said~" Laurent agreed readily. "I suppose we've dawdled well enough, though I'm glad for it...I feel much better now. Shall we?" He asked, beginning to head for the cave once again. However, he only made it a few steps before both of his pok?mon stiffened, and so did he after following their gaze. "Emma, two figures in black coats...along with some girl and a pok?mon." It was certainly suspicious, but their scents didn't get Apollo growling or baring his fangs, so Laurent approached cautiously but diplomatically. "Hello there!" He called out as he drew nearer. "Are you all waiting for something? This is a strange time to see travelers milling about this cave, of all places."

Is this the help? Renia smiles as the two figures grow closer, and she quickly rushes forward to greet them. ?I...think we?re waiting for you.? Wait, why didn?t he know that? Maybe these weren?t the people they were waiting on...shoot? Okay, now she needs to explain. ?Sebastian-- my friend, he?s in that cave...I think he might be in trouble.?

"Sebastian?" Laurent repeated the name, his expression growing more urgent. "Then we've got to go in posthaste! Sebastian is a capable trainer, but these Team Cinder criminals are not to be underestimated, some of them are much much stronger than any trainer as inexperienced as us could hope to defeat alone." He was tempted to lead the charge down into the cave after that, but an uncomfortable prickling sensation on the back of his neck stalled him with a reminder of unaddressed questions. Namely the coat-wearing strangers and Laurent's uncomfortable feeling that he was being watched far too closely. "And what of you...gentlemen?"

+Heh...it?s almost as if he?s sensing my hidden deadly desires towards him?+ ?Ah yes...Sorry if we?ve possibly...unnerved you with our appearances. We are just wearing these coats so we could stay hidden from certain people. The only exception to this rule, however?? Dahlia pulled up his hood, revealing his face and his lovely pink ponytail. ?...Are acquaintances.? He said with a smile. Of course, this smile was nothing more than a big giant fa?ade of his true feelings towards Laurent. Thankfully, the smile looked so genuine, that it?s possible that Laurent didn?t even noticed.

Vex also pulled up his hood, revealing his currently scowling face. ?And by acquaintances, I meant people both of us knew, Dahlia.? ?Well, maybe next time you should have specified that in your text conversation, Vex.?

"Ah, Dahlia, it's been far too long. I've been so disappointed we never ran into each other at any of the contests so far." Laurent greeted his past classmate, unease lightened by the familiar face. He kept the same relaxed smile as always when he turned to address the other fellow. "Nice to meet you, mister Vex. Especially since I don't think I'd be willing to head down into such danger with someone hiding their face from me~" His tone was as inviting as ever, but he made rock-steady eye-contact with Vex as he spoke before returning his gaze to Dahlia. "I suppose you've heard the rumors as well, then? What say we all head down to clear up this mess together?" Before anyone could properly answer, Laurent began to shake his head at his own lack of manners.

"My, my, so many things going on at once has caused me to forget myself, it's as if I was raised in a barn!" He scolded himself before approaching Renia and softly shaking her hand, then cupping it between both of his reassuringly. "My deepest apologies for acting so crudely, miss. I'm Laurent, Laurent Hessel and Sebastian is a friend of mine as well so rest assured I'll do everything in my power to help him. I'm afraid I didn't catch your name earlier?" He introduced himself with his gentlest, most winning smile.

It?s either incredibly unnerving that the newcomer is handling this situation so well, or incredibly comforting. He could just be so used to handling this sort of thing that it no longer worries him, which would be...really nice. ?I?m Renia. Renia Dianson.? She smiles. He seems truly dedicated to the cause, and he?s a friend of Sebastian, so he won?t be taking this lightly.

Emma glanced at Laurent, giving him a solemn, yet oddly... cold look. "Yes, he's a real... gallant knight," she quirked with vigor. "And I'm Emma Kuzunoha, Detective of law from Aquacorde."

"It's nice to meet you, Renia." Laurent added, releasing her hand almost immediately when a much more frightening chill ran up his spine. "I'm no knight I'm afraid...not in any sense of the word, if my paltry performance at the Parfum Palace is any indication...But we should all be extremely thankful Emma is here, she's got the experience, the skills, and even the authority for all this. It's thanks to her that we're more than simple vigilantes." He finished, smiling back at Emma and hoping the earlier chill was just his imagination. "Which is why I believe she should lead the way, especially with her Arcanine at her side, they have a wonderful sense of smell and are frighteningly swift. I'm sure nothing will escape him if need be."

+Wait...He believes his performance was not good enough??!+ Deep within the darkest depths of his mind, Dahlia was sinisterly smirking. But in the real world, he still had a small smile on his face. ?Yes, yes. I believe you might be right, Laurent. No offense, but Vex is probably not suited for leader position.? Vex glared at Dahlia. ?And what?s that supposed to mean?!? Dahlia mischievously giggled. ?Oh, nothing??

Renia?s eyes widen with delight at the sight of Emma. A detective?! Now she knows they can handle this. ?It?s so nice to meet you both.? She beams, her Raichu hovering above the three and letting out a pleased cry. ?Sparky and I will follow your lead."

Inside the Glittering Cave (bloody hell that took awhile)?​

Even with the tension of their goal hanging in the air, the descent into the Glittering Cave offered a sense of wonder and exploration to all in the group. The beauty of shining rock formations and strange shapes that could hide all sorts of fossils and other treasures promised a journey through this place would never be a wasted to trip to one vigilant or determined enough. Unfortunately the trainers could only spare what attention was forced out of them by the cave's natural beauty and were otherwise forced to continue downward with little conversation and no time to sightsee.

"Such a shame to be here under these circumstances..." Laurent broke the silence with a sigh of disappointment. "If only we could enjoy a leisurely stroll, some casual spelunking, treasure-hunting and pok?mon catching."

Emma sighed softly, in a sudden wave of sadness. "I used to come here at times with mother and father..." Emma reconciled. "The scenery was really pretty, and we used to have picnics by the entrance. If only I could experience that one more time... but that's why I want others to as well."

"Without a doubt we'll stop Team Cinder." Laurent added, resting a hand on the Metang floating beside him as they walked. "With all of us together, we'll find a way."

Dahlia just wanted to gag at that sentence. +He thinks he?s such a sweetheart, huh??! Bah! I would rather play Russian Roulette while looking at paint dry than hear another word from this neophyte!+ In the real world, he just nodded. Meanwhile, Vex ignored everything they said and was observing the many shining rocks carefully, writing stuff down on his clipboard.

"By the way..." Emma started, turning to Dahlia. "Your name is... Dahlia, right? Weren't you at that contest?"

Dahlia swears that he just heard a part of his brain crack due to stupidity. +She...She doesn?t remember me being at Aquacorde??! And did she forget the time I was in Lumiose with them?!+ He deeply sighed and faced Emma with a small frown. ?Yes, indeed...My name is Dahlia D. Adoraci?n. I?m a little bit...offended...that you?ve forgotten who I am, Emma. I was in the same school as you and Jackson Crane! I helped you all out during the Eevee incident in Lumiose! I have a sister and friend who also studied in the same school! And yet you?ve forgotten all about me?!? Vex couldn?t help but snicker a bit at this.

"I... apologize for my rudeness," Emma replied with sincerity. "I remember now. You and your sister helped us battle against those thugs and rescued all those Eevee. I never thanked you for that, so, my sincerest thanks to you both. And erm, sorry again - I've been at case after case with little sleep, so... my brain is fried, haha."

"I blame it on the black coat." Laurent cut in warmly. "Something so dreary and mysterious just doesn't fit someone so cute and vibrant as Dahlia~"

+E-Eh??!+ Dahlia?s heart jumped a hurdle at that remark. He was blushing a bit. ?O-Oh...Well, I don?t really know what to say about that...I think the mysterious factor makes it, oh I don?t know...Cool?? +WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, DAHLIA?! YOU SHOULDN?T BE HAVING THESE KINDS OF FEELINGS TOWARDS THIS AWFUL, AWFUL MAN.+ Vex was a bit intrigued by this. ?Hmm...I better write this development down?? He mumbled to himself.

"So, Laurent?" Emma once again started,turning back to him. "Who is this... 'other trainer' you mentioned?"

"Well, it does help that black and pink go good together..." Laurent pondered aloud before Emma drew his attention back. "Hm? Ah yes, that. Some of the rumors I heard included that some suave looking man wearing a lot of dark blue and black had been staying around the Glittering Cave, and even claimed he would stop what was going on in here. One person even told me they were certain he was one of the storied 'Aura Guardians', I don't know what to think of the last part but I'm sure this man will be of assistance to us if he's down here. He and Sebastian may even be together right now."

"An Aura... Guardian you say?" Emma repeated with a curious look. "I read once that Aura Guardians have the power to manipulate aura at will, but... I thought those were only just legends? Rumors?"

Laurent tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Obviously I cannot attest to them having direct control over aura themselves, but find it believable that they can at least perceive it. Most of them also train pok?mon that are in tune with auras, especially Lucario. I'm sure the two of you will get along wonderfully, Emma~" Before the lovely detective could answer, Apollo stopped dead in front of them, causing Emma and Laurent to nearly trip over him. Immediately the Growlithe began to bark and dashed off down one of the paths further into the caves, slowing himself down just enough for the humans to be able to keep up, Met?or? floating after him for support and Laurent chasing behind with all the speed he could muster.

?Looks like we have finally found a lead.? Vex smirked.

?Oh!? A surprised voice calls out as a fiery dog comes barreling into view. ?Hello, friend.? The aforementioned Aura Guardian greets with a wave. He senses no hostility from the creature, nor the bounding footsteps that are trekking close behind.

?Renia!? Sebastian shouts, her vibrantly pink hair serving almost like a beacon, even before the faces of the small group come into view.

The group halted, only slightly out of breath. Laurent broke from the others to approach Sebastian and drop a hand on his shoulder alongside a relieved smile. "Thank goodness you're okay! It's wonderful to see you again, Sebastian." Met?or? joined in the greeting by waving a large, clawed hand at the familiar trainer. "And this must be the Aura Guardian, I take it?" Laurent asked, turning to the handsome man in the black and blue suit. "He's certainly dressed like one, and a stylish one at that! A pleasure to meet you, sir." He finished, holding his hand out. "Laurent Hessel."

?Laurent??? Sebastian breathes a sigh of relief at the friendly face. After what he just saw, after what he and Avril just...he can?t think about it right now. ?It?s good to see you too.? The redhead takes a step to the side to return the friendly wave of the Pokemon, Ukyou the Froslass quickly flitting between her trainer and the Aura Guardian to greet her former battle buddy.

?Ah, so this is a modern day Aura Guardian?? Vex mumbled. At this point, he?s going to lose a bunch of the current paper on his clipboard. Fortunately, he always have some more inside his bag. Dahlia eyed the blue man a bit before smiling. ?It?s nice to meet you as well. Dahlia Demetrio Adoraci?n, at your service.? He bowed. Vex immediately stopped whatever he was doing and bowed as well. ?And my name is Vex ?Even? Prince. A pleasure.?

"And I'm Emma Kuzunoha, just a simple detective from Aquacorde," Emma introduced. "Meeting an Aura Guardian such as yourself is quite the honor! I've only heard tales of escapades of Aura Guardians but to see one in person... remarkable!"

?I see my reputation proceeds me. An honor to meet you, Laurent, Dahlia, Vex, Emma. I?m Simon Welmont.? (unless someone thinks of something better) The Guardian grasps Laurent?s hand and offers him a sturdy handshake. As soon as his hand drops to his side he dips into a bow. As soon as he rises, he flashes a vibrant smile in Emma?s direction. ?A detective? I?m impressed. I take it you?re here to see an end to Team Cinder?s deeds as well??

"Yes, Sir Simon," Emma responded politely. "My father was a prosecutor, but tragically died. So, now I aim to heed his final wish and help the world be as peaceful as it can. Fiends like Team Cinder who wish to disturb the peace for their own selfish schemes - I will bring them to justice."

?You and I are going to be fast friends.? Simon beams at Emma?s words. Her aura is strong, he can feel it without even trying. His smile quickly fades when he catches Sebastian stepping out of the corner of his eye to greet Renia, and remembers what the boy told him. ?If you?re all determined to take part in this venture, I won?t stop you, but I feel it is my duty to tell you that these vile people are armed, and will not hesitate to shoot.?

Renia?s eyes grow wide at these words, and she hesitantly peers up to Sebastian...his face says it all. ?A-are you??

?He was killed before he could shoot.? Sebastian murmurs.

"We're well aware." Laurent said to Simon, his expression suddenly deadly serious. "It was only a few days ago that I had one of their firearms to my forehead." He explained, tapping the spot on his forehead where the bullet had been mere inches from braining him. "I've battled with one of their deadliest twice already...there's a chance he may be here as well...and he's capable of Mega Evolution."

"They're hunting for all of us; myself, Laurent, Avril, Jackson..." Emma added, crossing her arms. "It's only a matter of time until they use more drastic measures to locate us. People we know, even our loved ones... everything is at stake here. Time is of the essence."

Dahlia froze for a few seconds before regaining his composure. +That?s right...there?s a possible chance one of us could die here...I?ve only met one single Cinder grunt and he was possibly the weakest of them all. It makes me afraid of my life possibly ending in one fell swoop...and yet, it makes the vigorous rose inside of me bloom with a fiery passion.+ He smiled sinisterly at the thought of it all.

?Then we won?t waste any more of it. This way.? Simon gestures for the group to follow.

Sebastian falls behind, turning once more to Renia, who cuts him off before he can so much as completely open his mouth. ?I?m going. I?m not standing idly by while they try to destroy Kalos.?

Emma turns to Renia, sensing a bit of.. nostalgia. She gave her a warm smile. "If you're that passionate, then I don't see why not," Emma said, almost... uncharacteristically. "You remind me of someone I know, actually. No matter how much times I've begged her now to get herself in any danger, she always persists. Don't worry though - I promise to do my best to protect you. And I'll protect every one of you as well."

"I have no intention of being protected again." Laurent claimed resolutely, eyes straight ahead.

"As you told me already," Emma replied. "But don't rush into things all at once. You've got allies like myself who will be always there for you, so, don't be afraid to lean on me if any need be, alright? I know how strong you are, and I know you can take care of yourself... but it's my code to protect my friends. The only people... who I have left."

Laurent's expression softened and he found himself gazing at Emma with his smile returned for the moment. "I'm guilty of much the same code...I suppose we'll just have to protect each other then, won't we? I've no intention of watching anyone get hurt for my sake, and I know I can count on the valorous detective Kuzunoha." After a few more moments of looking her way he looked at Sebastian and Dahlia in turn. "I already know first hand what a capable ally you are, Sebastian, and Dahlia if you battle anything like you perform at contests I'm certain we'll all be alright. Having you all here...chases away my misgivings...and my fear."

Was Emma talking about Avril? Sebastian decides against telling her that Avril was with him when they encountered the shooter-- that the shooter was gunning for Avril, and he chose to stand between them. When they?re done marching into this deadly situation he?ll ask to speak with her privately, and then he can tell her what Avril had seen, that she was alright?

?Thank you, Miss Emma.? Renia?s eyes began to sparkle, almost like a child when they see their superhero at the local fair.

Sebastian can hardly argue with such determination...from Renia, from Emma, from Laurent. ?We?ll be alright.?

+Fear?+ Dahlia tried not to remember that fateful day. Yes, that moment in his life that he never wants to recall. That one moment in his life where he felt true fear. He just shook his head and started to walk forward. ?I don?t feel fear...I make people fear me.? He mumbled in his breath. Vex raised a brow and just started to follow Dahlia.

----

?Up ahead. Stay low to the ground.? Simon instructed as he motioned for the group to follow him up a small incline. They had come to the heart of the cave, where several voices could be heard, all clamoring together.

?You want us to be next?!"

?C?mon boss, it ain?t worth it!?

?Pipe down, or you really will be next!?

?Seems there?s some hostility going on backstage.? Simon whispers as he peers over the incline. ?We can use this to our advantage; they?re too busy squabbling amongst themselves. Is everyone prepared for a sneak attack??

?Mhm!? Renia nods eagerly, Sebastian offering a less enthusiastic, yet determined, nod as well.

?Can?t we just plan this out?? Vex protested. Dahlia giggled sinisterly. ?Oh, but what would be the fun in that?? Vex sighed.

"We've no time to waste, I'm prepared." Laurent said, laying a hand on Met?o's flank and pushing towards their targets before he began to slide down the incline. The Metang floated down beside its trainer and its eyes took on an ominous blue glow. All the Team Cinder members choked on their words when the same glow covered their bodies and they were all flung to the ground, unable to finish standing up and retaliate before the group was assembled and ready to stand against them.

Emma meanwhile, held out one of her pokeballs. "I'm counting on you..." she whispered, as she threw it in the air. The pokeball opened, releasing her beloved Kagura, the Lucario. Her Lucario let loose a battle cry, shifting to it's crossed armed, cool-headed stance. She stared down against one of the grunts. Their aura level seemed low... but nonetheless, she was ready to fight.

The Alpha grunt drew a pistol from a hidden holster even as he stood up but no sooner did he begin to try levelling it at one of the trainers than did it glow as well and wrest itself from his grip to fly into a nearby rock so hard it shattered, wrenching his wrist in the process. "No guns today." Laurent said, staring coldly into the grunt's furious eyes.

"Think you're hot ****, don't you, you cocky little ****?" The Alpha exclaimed, grabbing a pok?ball with his unhurt hand and tossing it. The sphere arced sharply through the air and released a Skarmory. "Skarmory, tear up that pretty boy!"

"Oh is that what you think you'll do?" Laurent responded just as coldly as earlier, showing no signs of his usual warmth or playfulness. "Met?o, Apollo, you've done enough for today." He returned both of his current pok?mon simultaneously, then quickly holstered their pok?balls and pulled out one with a leaf on it, casually thumbing the button on its front without making any move to throw it. The white beam shot straight to the floor in front of him and materialized into an Ivysaur. "No more mercy, Bernard. Not for Cinder, make them as ashes."

"Saur!"

"Force Palm!" Emma commanded. Kagura was battling against a Camerupt, as the enemy Camerupt spewed forth countless barrages of Fire-type moves such as Flamethrower, to keep Kagura at bay. Kagura's agility allowed it to dodge the moves with some level of ease, as it closed in. Soon it was able to close the gap, as it forcibly placed its palm against the Camerupt's side. Soon it created a pressure blast, causing the Camerupt to stagger and collapse to the rocky ground on its side. The Grunt clenched his fist as he returned his pokemon back into its ball.

"...What are you fools up to? Tell me!" Emma demanded, in a forceful tone. "Why would you choose a landmark such as the Glimmer Cave and cause this turmoil for innocent people?!"

"S-Shut the hell up!" The Grunt shouted back at her. He then reached for his holster to try and get his handgun. However, he was too slow to do so; Kagura's natural reflexes and aura guidance made it possible for her to rush in to grab the Grunt's arm, knowing his intentions. She then flung him to the ground, while holding his arm back. Emma stared at him,as the grunt winced in pain, trying to break free. "You... detective brat... just watch... they're coming for you. Heh, heh...and when they find you, they'll kill you and everyone you care about. Watch..."

"Your idol threats don't scare me," Emma responded. "In fact, let them come. After you dogs, I'll be gunning for your masters next."

A chill filled the air as Ukyou the Froslass took to the sky, her eyes glowing with an eerie light. Sebastian had never seen her like this; though, if ever there was someone who deserved to get his soul eaten by a Froslass, it was the members of Team Cinder. The ghostly maiden opened her mouth, firing short blasts of Frost Breath at the feet of the Team Flair members, trapping them to the ground.

Sebastian stood his ground at the top of the incline, watching as a single grunt managed to fumble through Laurent and Emma?s forward assault. ?Move it, kid!? He snarled.

?So you can live to wreak havoc another day? I?m afraid not.? Sebastian?s tone was unnaturally calm, his eyes narrowed and cold as they stared dead into the eyes of the grunt who so desperately wanted escape.

?You little--? The man?s teeth clenched as he reared back, throwing his fist as far back as he could him before aiming a punch for Sebastian. A punch that took so long to arrive, it was easily predicted. Sebastian clutched the man?s wrist in his hand and dug his thumb into the pressure point that resonates within. Within seconds the man?s knees buckled and he dropped to the floor.

?Not another word from you.? Sebastian murmured, smashing his knee into the man?s face.

"Sunny Day!" Laurent ordered. Bernard obeyed and a small sphere of pure light rose from Bernard's bulb and into the air, showering bright light exactly like the sun's down onto the battlefield.

"What a moron! I don't care if your little Ivysaur knows Solar Beam or not, I've got a quadruple advantage there! All you've done is make this even stronger, Skarmory, Flamethrower!" The Steel Bird screeched and breathed a stream of pure, scorching flames straight at Bernard.

The Ivysaur's body glowed a bright green underneath the faux sun and just before the flames struck him he darted to the side, then curved and ran underneath the flames to their otherside, beginning to circle the Skarmory in a blur of movement thanks to Chlorophyll.

The Alpha was still confident enough to laugh at Bernard's attempts, causing Laurent's eyes to narrow in both caution and contempt simultaneously. "You think a flower lizard can outrun an aerial death machine?! Skarmory, Agility! Then Aerial Ace!" Another affirmative screech prefaced the Skarmory shooting into the air and following Bernard, accelerating more and more until it matched the Ivysaur's pace and dived down at him.

"Slow-death tag-and-bag, Bernard!" Bernard's bulb bunched up and as soon as the Skarmory was close enough blasted purple powder into its face, interrupting its attack and destroying its rhythm. Before it had time to dart away again vines wrapped around its body and Bernard dug his feet into the dirt and began skidding to a halt, yanking down at the same time and slamming the Skarmory face-first into the ground. While the metallic bird of prey struggled to fight off the pain and get to its feet Bernard casually spat a large seed onto its body, which sprouted large tendrils and completely immobilized it. Skarmory was left tied up, coughing up poison excess, and having its energy sapped from its already poisoned body.

Without any delay Laurent began walking towards the Alpha grunt. The Team Cinder croney looked frightened, until Laurent was only a few feet away. As soon as he knew his prey was close enough, the grunt pulled a knife from his boot and swung. Laurent's eyes widened and shrink back down in an instant of familiarity and an adrenaline rush. His left arm went up, pulling the knife away and allowing it to dig into his forearm while he ducked down and rammed a right straight directly into the Alpha's solar plexus. The grunt doubled over in pain just in time for his face to meet a followup right uppercut, leading him to do half a backflip and slam the back of his head into the ground, splaying his limbs out, unconscious.

Laurent examined his bleeding left arm for a moment, then crouched down and ran a hand across the top of Bernard's head. "Excellent work, my friend. Rest now." Bernard matched his trainer's loving smile and made a happy growling noise as red light enveloped him and he disappeared back into his pok?ball.

?Sakura! Let us sink Cinder?s heart into the darkness!? Dahlia threw his Pok? Ball high in the air, with his cute Cherubi coming out of it. ?Cherubi!? Vex laughed when he saw the cherry. ?Dahlia, is this a joke?! I know you are better than this.? Dahlia blew a raspberry. ?They might be named Cinder, but that doesn?t mean they only just have Fire-types. Besides, you saw how ?intelligent? these grunts are...? Vex smirked and immediately opened up one of his Pok? Balls, with his Alolan Vulpix, Chilly, coming out of it. ?Fair point...Chilly! Let?s show these imbeciles what happens when they dare to cross paths with us!? ?Vul!?

The grunts they were facing off against both had a Torkoal by their side. While it was quite clear that the two had a pretty big disadvantage, that doesn?t mean they don?t have tricks up their black sleeves. The grunts laughed at their opponents. ?Oh man, this is gonna be a curb-stomp battle!? ?We?re so gonna pummel these cuties up a notch!?

Dahlia and Vex looked at each other and shared the same sinister grin. ?Chilly, use Mist!? Chilly opened her mouth and released a thick white cloud that started to cover the area. The grunts and their Torkoal were now a bit confused. ?What the??!? ?Oi! I can?t see ****e!? Dahlia smiled at this. ?Nice work. Now then...Sakura, let?s combine this mist with Sweet Scent!? Sakura did a jolly little dance, with her leaves releasing a pink powder during it. The pleasant aroma combined perfectly with the thick white mist, making the mist become pink-colored and becoming a little thicker. The Torkoal smelled the mist and became a little relaxed.

?Amazing. Now that they?re relaxed?? Vex snapped his fingers. Chilly knew what he probably wanted her to do and proceeded accordingly. Her eyes glowed purple and emitted bright purple lights at the Torkoal. The grunts regained their focus after a little while. ?This damn mist is just making things a bit more tedious!? ?Oi! You?re right! Torkoal, we command ye both to use Body Slam on the poor saps!...Wherever they even are!? Unfortunately for them, the Torkoal were confused. Combined with the mist, they couldn?t even see a thing. In the process, they jumped up and slammed their bodies...into their own trainers, leading them to fall flat on the ground.

?Oi...this ain?t over yet!? The grunt with an accent was about to go for his gun...only for his hand to immediately get pinned down painfully by an ice shard. More shards came to painfully pin down the two grunts? other body parts that were not their heads. They screamed in pain. The mist finally clears up and the black coated duo looked down upon their opponents. Vex couldn?t help but laugh at them. ?Well, I?ll be damned. Looks like type advantage didn?t even matter in this fight!? Dahlia stomped on one of the grunts? head with one of his boots with a sadistic smile. ?Sometimes in a battle, it all comes down to who is smarter than the other.? The grunt squirmed as he tried to rip the shards off his hands, but to no avail. Even if it he was able to, he couldn?t escape the wrath of Dahlia?s boot stomping him to a pulp. ?Keep squirming...It only makes this even better~? Dahlia giggled with a sinister smile. Vex couldn?t help but do the same. Chilly was cringing a bit at this, while Sakura didn?t really know what was going on. ?Cherubi??

?Foo.? Hakkai the Mienfoo gestured to the unconscious man, pointing his slender paw to his belt loop. The handle of a gun could be seen, causing Sebastian to cringe. No more, not again. He quickly bends down and takes the gun, along with the man?s Pokeballs, from his belt loop and adds them to his collection of evidence. If he survives long enough to make it to Cyllage City, their police department is going to have a field day?

?Sparky, Thunderbolt! Luna, Power Gem!? Sebastian heard Renia calling out. Turning his head, Sebastian saw the Psychic Raichu, along with a Carbink, teaming up against a Weavile. To the other side was Simon?s Rilou, dodging a Wing Attack from a rather large Honchkrow.

?Hakkai, Swift!? He shouts, and his Mienfoo lunges towards the defense of his fellow fighting type, blowing a blast of star shaped energy from his mouth, which collided with the oversized bird and slowed its ascent.

?Rilou, Aura Sphere!? Simon added. A large blue sphere was shot from the tiny Pokemon, smashing into the bird?s backside. When it fell to the ground, Simon headed for its trainer, his own body suddenly brimming with a vibrant, blue energy.

"Is everyone alright?" Laurent called out while he surveyed the battlefield, admiring the results of his allies' efforts. His eyes widened in horror when they saw Vex and Dahlia's actions. He ran straight to his coated companions and pushed both of them away from their victims. "Stop, they're beaten! Don't fall to their level."

?..Eh?? Dahlia couldn?t help but realized that he was in some sort of trance. He looked down to see the now bloodied head of a Cinder grunt and his bloodied black boot. ?Oh goodness! Did I do that to my poor boot?! Ugh...don?t you know how long it?s going to take to clear your awful blood up from this delicate boot, you twat?!? He kicked the grunt?s head so hard, that a few teeth fell out from him. Vex sighed. ?Yes, I believe both of us are fine...Although, I?m not sure if Dahlia?s truly fine mentally...?

Emma and her Lucario went back to rejoin the group, leaving the unconscious Grunt they've battled with behind. "I've contacted a Detective I was working with," she announced. "They'll arrive here shortly. And..." she glanced to the Alpha Grunt, who also laid unconscious. "Their plans have been stopped."

Laurent raised an eyebrow at the object in Emma's hands and stepped closer to get a good look at it. "Th-that's the power source of Cyllage City's Lighthouse! This is absolutely horrible, Cyllage's maritime activities are its lifeblood, and its not so simple to just order a replacement. We have to get that back before a ship crashes or the city's coffers are emptied from lack of commerce!" He reached for the device unconsciously with his left arm, then grimaced both in pain for the cut, and from a realization. "Ack!...You should be the one to return it, Emma, you're the detective. But...Do you think you could call me and bring me along when you do? I grew up in Cyllage, I used to love visiting the lighthouse. I'd really like to help reassure the old man who runs it and see his face when he realizes it's back safe and sound..."

"Alright Laurent," Emma agreed. She tucked the device in her trusty bag. "...But why would Team Cinder be after the Cyllage lighthouse power supply? What would they have to possibly gain from this?"

"Perhaps Grant would know?" He offered. "We'll see him there one way or another for the gym challenge anyways, and he's very involved in the city's affairs, like any good gym leader. We know each other, I could bring him along to the lighthouse if you'd like to speak with him."

"Alright...ah...!" she then quickly leaned herself towards Laurent, gently clasping his arm. "You're hurt..."

"Oh, yes...I suppose so." Laurent muttered, looking at his arm as if it didn't belong to him. "I'd better take care of that before the authorities arrive."

"I'll do it. Just hold still..." Emma instructed. She got out a bandage wrap from her bag - something that she brought with her before her journey incase some form of injury took place. She gently held onto Laurent's arm as she wrapped the bandage around it. "You and Avril... what am I going to do with you both?" she finished her first aid by gently ripping the tip of the bandage off, holding it all on together with a clip. "There."

Laurent's face flushed at the tender treatment and he found himself staring at Emma while she tied the bandage, only managing to look away when she finished. "T-thank you, that's perfect..." No clever quips, smooth compliments or flirting this time, just stammered gratitude.

Vex just clapped his hands together. ?Well! Now that all this nonsense is over and done with, I?ll be taking my leave.? Dahlia just looked at Vex and nodded. ?Yes, indeed. I have to go get my sister from the Ambrette Pok?mon Center. Farewell...for now.? And with that, Dahlia and Vex went their opposite ways, leaving their companions behind.

​

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[LinearAxel]

Friends in High Places

Sebastian Allender

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Spike Passage

It was now past midnight, and after the events of the cave, Sebastian had little desire to find out what awaited on the other side, at least until morning. Both he and Renia had set up camp on the outskirts of the Spike path. The world had grown still and quiet, and despite the morbid thoughts running through his head, exhaustion soon claimed victory over his body, and he faded to sleep.

Until…

Rumble rumble…

A quiet rumbling was enough to lift Sebastian out of his slumber. A quiet rumble that took mere seconds to transform into a thundering quake, the sound of stone colliding with more stone and destroying everything in its path. Sebastian quickly threw himself from his sleeping bag, collecting the baby Cubone into his arms and darting out of his tent.

"Renia!" He shouted towards the tent beside him, the girl frantically emerging alongside her Raichu.

"Another rockslide?!"

As if to answer her question, the quaking and crashing became louder, several large boulders hurling right towards them. In an instant they were upon the two, about to crush them when they were suddenly halted in mid air.

"Rai!" The Alolan rodent cried for the humans to flee while he held the destructive boulders back.

"W-where--" It was impossible to tell where the next rocks would fall, making planning an escape route impossible. Thankfully, before Renia could so much as finish her sentence, a steely figure descended upon the two trainers, hoisting both them and the Psychic mouse into the air.

"Sk-skarmory?" Renia asked as she, along with Sebastian, latched onto the creature's steel clad neck.

The steel bird let out a soft cry of greeting as she flew the two trainers to the top of the mountain, where a familiar voice cried out to her.

"Good save, girl!" The blue haired Ranger shouted.

"Sasha!" Sebastian called as the iron bird hovered above the Ranger, offering her the Raichu between her talons.

"The hell are you doing out here?!" The young woman scolded. "This place has been off limits for hours!"

"We...didn't know." Renia explained as Sasha's Skarmory lowered itself to the ground. "We were inside the cave."

"The ca- the cave Team Cinder was in!?" The blue haired girl growled.

"We...didn't know that either…" Renia defended.

"Team Cinder again...?" a voice questioned, not sounding the least bit surprised that the group was once again messing around in places they didn't need to be. "First a forest, then Lumiose, now here at Glittering Cave... Man, those guys really got you caught between a rock and a hard place, am I right?"

A stifled 'pft' sound escaped the formerly serious Ranger's lips at the play on words while Renia and Sebastian slid off her armored bird.

"You know Team Cinder…?" Renia asks nervously.

"They're not exactly being quiet with their destruction." Sasha explains, meanwhile Sebastian merely studies the new figure. How did she get up here, and...why does she look so familiar?

The girl glanced over at the boy, noticing that he had been staring at her for a bit now. A small smile tugged at her lips as she leaned in close to him. "Look, buddy... I know I'm cute and all, but there's no need to stare that hard... Besides, you might make your lady friend over there jealous."

Giving the boy a rough pat on the shoulder, the girl stepped away and turned to face Renia properly. The girl had brown, straight hair that reached just past the base of her shoulders with a slightly tanned skin complexion. She was dressed rather casually, sporting a pair of slightly baggy denim pants and a red tank top. Over top of the top was a black leather jacket and a pair of worn, but still durable black sneakers covered her feet. A black leather belt was worn around the girl's waist, with a pair of goggles resting on top of her head. Around her neck was a moon-shaped pendant.

"As for knowing Team Cinder, I wouldn't say we're pals or anything like that. I've bumped into the weirdos a few times here or there. Usually, I just battle one or two of them then just move on my way," the brown-haired girl explained. "They're an annoying bunch though, I'll give ya that much."

"We-we're not…" Renia quickly reaches for her Raichu, hugging him tightly and hiding her face in his fur to hide her blush. If she defends too harshly that Sebastian isn't...that, she could hurt his feelings, but...they just met earlier today and...and…eeeeh.

"Sorry." Sebastian brushes the comment aside rather quickly. Drew made a similar remark when he saw him walking with Lillie...and then Avril.

Avril.

That's why she looks so familiar. Her coloring is different, but the girl's face is very similar. "You...look strikingly similar to a friend of mine." This is getting uncomfortable...quick, Sebastian, change the subject. "Do those necklaces mean something?" He asks, realizing that both Sasha, and the Avril-look-alike are wearing crescent moon shaped charms on their chokers.

Sasha glances to the new girl, flashing her a friendly smile. "It means our new friend has good taste...and...super rock climbing skills, apparently. How...did you get up here?"

The girl raised an eyebrow to the boy, admittingly curious about whatever thought was going through his mind about looking similar to someone. Before she got the chance to inquire however, the girl found herself getting interviewed by the ranger.

"Well, I guess I took a wrong turn back at Ambrette... I never was very good with directions," the brown-haired girl teased. She could see the rather annoyed look coming from the ranger from that response, and immediately took a moment to get her to relax before answering properly. "I've got a flying license, so I rode one of my pokémon up here. I had no idea this place was off-limits, so... what can ya do."

"Does anyone pay attention to the alerts?" Sasha sighs. Oh well, she wasn't exactly a fantastic listener when she was a trainer either.

"Ranger Howlett, come in, Ranger Howlett."

A crackling voice called from Sasha's belt. Her face becomes serious as she grabs the small radio. "The West sector has been cleared."

"Good. You're needed on the North sector. There's two people left unaccounted for. The South and East sectors have been cleared."

"Roger that." Sasha drops her hand to her side and turns to their newest companion. "Looks like I've got more work to do. Can you give these two a ride back to the town?"

"Yeah, I'm not familiar in the way back to town 100%... but I'm sure we can wing it..." the girl replied, giving a thumbs up to the ranger in the process.

"I like her. Be friends with her." Sasha smirks as she glances back to Sebastian. He looks...different from the last time she saw him, something about his eyes. Maybe he could use an upbeat friend like this girl.

Sebastian, however, cannot shake the mental image of these two unaccounted people trapped underneath an unmovable boulder. The area surrounding the area is huge...what if Sasha can't find them in time? "Wouldn't it be better if we helped you look?"

Sasha considers his words carefully. "It's dangerous...not that any of you seem to care."

"This mountain is pretty big, kiddo... It could take a while to track 'em down, but..." the brown-haired girl began. She glanced over at Sasha, something telling her that the boy wouldn't let this go until those two people were accounted for. "Hey, ranger-lady... How about this? You take his lady friend here with you and I'll keep an eye on Sparky. Whatd'ya say to that? I mean, I'm no ranger but I like to think I'm strong enough to keep an eye on myself. I'm sure that if the four of us are looking, we ought to be able to get these last two people to turn up."

"Sparky…?" Renia blinks as she looks down to her Raichu, who seems equally confused.

"I...think she means me." Sebastian quirks a brow. What had he done to earn the nickname Sparky? Given, he found himself more found of that name than he did the shortening of his actual name.

"First things first, I'm all for it. We need one person on each side with a flying license, in case the mountain tries to throw up on us again. Second, names. I'm Sasha. He's Sebastian. You two are new."

"R-Renia, and Sparky." She squeezes her Raichu, who waves his little paw to the crowd.

"Well, that's a shocking twist," the girl mused aloud as she gave the Raichu a small grin. "Sorry for the mix up there. As for a name, I'm Robin. Robin Morris. Nice to meet ya all."

Morris?

Did Avril have a sister? He never remembered her mentioning a sister back at school, not that they spent a great deal of time together outside of class...or...any, really.

"Rai-Rai!" Sparky giggles at the joke as he waves off the apology.

"Okay, now that we know who to scream at if a boulder's coming, we've got people to find. Let's go, Scar." Sasha nods to her Skarmory, who quickly ascends to the skies. "We'll take Northwest, you guys take Northeast."

Robin nodded, "Sounds like a plan then."

The two remaining trainers watched as Renia and her Raichu went off with Sasha. The girl seemed a bit reluctant to ride off with the ranger, but after a few moments the girls were off towards the Northwest side of the mountain. This left Robin and Sebastian to start heading for the Northeast portion. Taking a pokéball from her belt, the brown-haired girl tossed it into the air and released proud and mighty Braviary. The eagle pokémon stretched out his wings, letting out a loud screech as he greeted his trainer with a single nod.

"Alright then... Sebastian, was it? We better make like an Exeggcute and get cracking," Robin said, turning to face the boy. She raised an eyebrow curiously, once again noticing that the boy seemed to be in deep thought. "You uh... space out like that often or do you have something you'd like to share with the class?"

Sebastian is somewhat relieved that Renia agreed to go with Sasha. She seemed like a very capable ranger, and she could keep the younger girl safe far better than he could. He watched as they began their descent down the mountain, Sasha's Mightyena, Rockruff and Manectric with their noses to the ground. Maybe he should call out Chance.

Also, Robin is speaking. "Sorry." He shakes his head, hoping some number of the thoughts running through his mind will tumble free. As he begins walking towards their side of the mountain, he reluctantly asks: "Are you related to Avril Morris?"

Robin gave her Braviary a pat, and the eagle pokémon quickly took off for the sky to start getting a look overhead. With that leg of the search beginning, Robin returned her focus to Sebastian, admittedly looking a bit surprised to hear that question, if only for a moment. Before long, the surprise passed and her usual, relaxed demeanor seemed to return.

"So... you know my baby sister, huh?" Robin inquired. She smirked, before shaking her head. "Of course you do, or else you wouldn't have asked. She's been causing a lot of trouble for my old man and mom... I guess the real question is how do you know her?"

Sebastian quickly thinks over how to best answer this question. If Avril doesn't want to be found by her older sister, he shouldn't admit that they parted ways mere hours ago. "We went to school together." He speaks as he scans the area below them. There's plenty of rocks, but no sign of human life. "She's been a good friend to me."

"Huh... so she did go to the trainer school after all," Robin mused. "You guys graduate together? Meh, no matter... You wouldn't have even worried about the relation between us if you hadn't seen her somewhat recently..." She turned, giving the boy a reassuring grin. "Relax kid, I ain't gonna hunt her down and force her to go home or something like that. If Avril wants to do things in her own pace, it's no skin off my back."

She...made it? Did Avril run away from home to join the school? Is that the trouble she was causing her parents? And how did she jump to the conclusion that he asked because he had recently seen Avril? To be fair: It's true, he wouldn't have been able to pinpoint their similar facial structure if he hadn't seen Avril since graduation. "Good." He murmurs quietly, reaching for a Pokeball from his belt loop.

"Lend us a hand, Svana?" He asks, tossing the Pokeball into the air. The elegant swan Pokemon bursts forth and immediately takes to the skies. "I...don't have a flying licence yet." He admits, somewhat hoping to change the subject. "But an extra pair of eyes in the sky can't hurt."

"Good thinkin', kiddo..." Robin replied, watching as the Swanna joined her Braviary up in the sky. "Still, this whole situation is troublesome. Would've been cool if that ranger chick could've told us what these missing two people looked like. I guess we'll just have to keep checking under every stone until we find a clue..."

As she spoke, Robin literally kicked a pebble that was in her path. She really wasn't kidding about this current situation. The mountain was pretty big and there was a lot of ground to cover. Even with the four of them working together, tracking down two people was not going to be an easy task.

"Because if we found two other people trapped that didn't fit their description, we would leave them?" Sebastian flashed a playful smile to his newest companion. He understood where she was coming from, though his overly exhausted mind found something almost funny in the way she phrased it.

Once again he retrieves a Pokeball from his belt loop, this time calling out his Furfrou. "You'll help us turn stones, won't you?"

Chance looks greatly unimpressed as he steps to Sebastian's side, making sure he is somewhat obstructed from the view of this new woman, but he does begin to sniff.

"Oooh, friendly fellow you got there," Robin mused, watching as the dog seemed to be holding a grudge of sorts as he went to work helping the duo look for some trace of the missing persons. "Kinda reminds me of the Herdier we used to have back when we lived in Unova. He acted like he was some sort of royalty and if he didn't get to go on a walk when he wanted, well... let's just say pops went through several pairs of bedroom slippers..."

Sebastian gently pets Chance's head as they walk, the fluffy Pokemon sniffing yet another fallen stone they pass, only to shake his head. No humans behind this one. "He's a little...iffy around strangers. His first trainer...wasn't nice." Yes, that's a delicate way to put it. Again Chance raises his nose to sniff, this time with his eyes slanted towards Robin.

...She seems okay….she's carrying a sandwich. He grants the woman trainer a very soft swish of his tail.

"...Maybe it's a good thing I don't have any slippers." Sebastian offers a small smile. It was either his own exhaustion, Robin's genuinely relaxed attitude, or a combination of the two...he didn't feel at all anxious around her, now that the conversation had turned away from Avril.

"Oddly enough, he was the most relaxed around Avril," Robin continued. She paused, making her way behind a rather tall pile of rocks. It wasn't likely, but the girl figured that there was always the chance that the people they were looking for were hiding behind the towering pillar of stones. Of course, they weren't. "I dunno how or why, but the girl just had a way of making him almost like a pup. I was always a bit jealous of it, to be honest. Pops brought home it home to be my pet and it warms up to her instead... Ah, well. What can ya do?"

"Younger siblings, always stealing the spotlight." Sebastian knew the feeling, Shia was nearly ten years younger, and he still managed to be a significantly better everything than Sebastian could ever hope to be. His parents will most likely allow Shia to begin his journey next year, considering--

Sebastian stumbled forward as the ground began to shake. Chance let out a deep growl, his fur prickling on end as a tiny rock rolled its way in front of them. Another rockslide?!

Robin watched as the pillar of rocks began to topple over, the mass heading right for Sebastian who had since lost his balance. Without a moment's hesitation, the girl grabbed another pokéball from her belt and tossed it forward, sending out a female Meowstic in a flash of light. No words were spoken between the duo. The Meowstic quickly placed all her focus upon the stones that were toppling straight for Sebastian and used her psychic energy to pause the rocks from falling onto the boy.

"Good work, Fiora... Now, toss them away!" Robin ordered. The Meowstic let out a small mew as she tossed the rocks a few feet away. Slowly, the trembling came to an end and Robin sighed in relief. "You okay, kiddo?"

The sudden trembling was enough to send him falling forward, though a sharp tongue managed to right him before he collided completely with the ground; Chance had latched onto the tail of Sebastian's shirt with his teeth and tugged him back, keeping him from face-planting. The younger trainer watched in awe as the Meowstic seemingly effortlessly tossed the killer boulders aside. "A...bit unnerved the universe seems so determined to rid itself of me, but...physically unscathed." It was then that a faint cry could be heard, so faint that Sebastian almost brushed it off as a ringing in his ears, if not for Chance's own ears perking forward.

"...Do you hear that?"

"Hmm...?" Robin questioned, glancing around as she tried to pick up on whatever it was that the Furfrou and Sebastian were hearing. The two of them couldn't have just been hearing things, because Fiora's ears seemed to perk up as well. "Something... Or rather, someone's hanging around somewhere... We must be getting closer to those missing people."

"Where are they, Chance?" Sebastian asks the canine. Chance uncertainly begins walking the path once more, his tail tucked between his legs, seemingly hesitant to set off more killer boulders. Sebastian follows slowly behind, gripping the strap of his bag tightly as he walks. "No less than three rockslides in a single day...is that...normal?"

"Couldn't tell ya, kid... But if I had to take my shot in the dark, I'd probably say no," Robin answered. She glanced over at Sebastian, notcing how uneasy the boy appeared once more. Robin frowned slightly at the sight. She knew that sometimes being a trainer was tough... but this kid was looking like he was going to burst into tears sooner or later if he couldn't relax a bit."But I can see where this mountain has been a real terra so far..."

Sebastian cracks a smile; while he can't find it in himself to laugh, he does enjoy a good play on words. Soon Chance begins picking up speed, leading the group to a split in the path, half of which is blocked off by a stack of collapsed boulders. The poodle Pokemon growls at the obstruction, pointing at it with his paw.

Sebastian jogs to Chance's side and begins studying the collapsed stones carefully. This stack is incredibly unstable, if they don't move them carefully…

"Frou." Chance barks, signaling the Meowstic towards the rubble with his head.

"Hmmm... Not to doubt my Meowstic's abilities, but this... kinda difficult for her to handle alone," Robin mused. She glanced down at Fiora, who mocks an offended expression. Robin merely rolled her eyes at the sight, before returning her attention to Sebastian. "Do you have any psychic types on you? Or maybe something that has some psychic power...? Things are always better in pairs, you know?"

Sebastian cringes, if Renia and Sparky were still here, they could move these stones without a second thought. He has Selkie, who will be a Psychic type one day, but for now… "I have a Braixen...she knows Psybeam and Psyshock." Neither of those moves work in a levitating manner. Sebastian's thoughtful gaze is brought to his side as Chance begins backing up, his head lowered, preparing a Zen Headbutt.

"L-let's not...do that...just yet." Sebastian offers the canine a light rub against his neck. That is definitely not the Psychic power Robin was hoping for.

"Shoot... this is gonna get messy then..." Robin muttered. Thankfully, before the duo have much longer to process just how to get past the roadblock, a scream was heard jarring Robin from her thoughts. "I think there has to be another way to go further... That scream sounded pretty close."

Chance jumps at the scream, the energy he was summoning for his Zen Headbutt fading as he rushes around the collapsed stones to take the longer route. There, about twenty feet down the path, was a rather large, jagged split in the path...a split that had not been there when Sebastian and Renia scaled the mountain the previous day.

Chance barks once more, and he is answered by a terrified cry for help. As the trainers drew close enough to look into the newly created split, in the darkness, they would just be able to make out a flailing hand.

"Looks like we found our missing people," Robin said, stating the obvious. The girl moved close to the split, attempting to get a better look inside. "Hey! Can you hear me in there?! How many of you are down there?! Are you okay?!"

"M-my mom! She won't wake up!" Cried the young boy. Once more, Chance's head begins to glow, the light from the Psychic energy circulating around him giving a bit more light to the situation. Sebastian can now see the boy in full, along with an unnaturally craned arm flopped to the side under him. It seems the mother pushed her son up as far as she could to spare him from being crushed. The farther down the split goes, the more narrow it seems, and the boy seems pretty tightly jammed as it is…

"I need you to be brave for just a few more minutes, okay?" Sebastian asks, his voice suddenly a great deal calmer.

"O-okay...hurry!" The young boy sobs.

"Crap... How are we gonna fix this..." Robin muttered under her breath. "We could plow through the rocks using more headbutts and the like, but there's a chance we could cause another rockslide and lose them both... We need a way to pull him out..." She paused, her eyes lighting up quickly. "Do you have a grass-type?"

"No, I--" Actually… Sebastian grabs yet another Pokeball from his belt and calls forth Fiore. The tiny Fairy looks down at the trapped boy with a deep sadness, then back to Sebastian. He's so small...what can he do?

"Fiore, toss down a Vine Whip. We'll help you pull him up."

"Fey!" The fairy (who Sebastian is going to get declared half Grass, if he has to argue with every Pokemon Researcher in every Region) squeaks. He begins to spin, producing a vine that grows longer the more he spins. Within seconds, the vine is long enough for the young boy to latch onto.

Sebastian grabs the vine with both hands, and Chance takes a mouthful of Sebastian's' shirttail in order to help pull. "Whatever you do, don't let go, okay?"

"Uh--uh-huh…" The boy sniffles. In the sky above, Svana's cries can be heard as she hovers above them, signaling to the other flying types.

Robin also placed her hands on the vine, attempting to aid Sebastian in pulling the boy out and up to safety. As the trainers and pokémon work on trying to get the child out his unfortunate situation, Robin felt the vine starting to shake. It was almost as if the boy was starting to lose his grip.

"Hey, hang on there kiddo," Robin called out, trying to keep the boy calm. She glanced over towards her Meowstic, who was already making her way towards the group. "You know what to do, Fiora."

Fiora nodded and let out a small mew as she began to focus on the vine. A faint, pink light began to envelop the vine and eventually the boy himself, causing Fiore's vine to become much more stable and easy to pull. Gradually, the two trainers and their pokémon managed to get the boy free.

The tiny Comfey began to float backward, all .7 pounds of the little creature trying to help tug the poor kid to safety. When the soft light surrounds his vine, he finds himself suddenly able to float a little, and offers a thankful squeak to the Psychic cat.

As they pull, a metallic screech fills the air, Sasha's Skarmory returning Svana's call as she flies towards them. Thank Arceus...Sasha will know how to get the mother out without doing any further damage. Another few tugs and the boy's hands surface from the hole, another tug, here's his head, another, and he's out. Visibly shaken, clutching to the vine so tightly the entirety of his hands are white, but he's free.

To Sebastian's surprise, as soon as the tugging stops, Chance releases his shirt and walks over to the boy, giving his tear stained cheek a soft lick.

"H-hi, doggy…" The boy's voice cracks as he peers up at the white fluff, who offers him a soft tail wag.

"You did great, kiddo..." Robin said with a smile as she knelt to the boy's level. "You were very brave being stuck in there for so long, but we need you to be brave for a bit longer. We're gonna get your mom out next, and the best way you can help is to let her see that smiling face of yours when we get her out next, okay?"

"Y-you really think that'll h-help?" The young boy sniffles as he slowly pries his fingers loose from Fiore's vines.

"We know it will." Sebastian flashes a soft smile to Robin. She's handling this situation so well, she's so calm and knows exactly what to say to keep the young boy from falling apart.

"O-okay!" The boy pushes his upper body off the ground, cringing just slightly, before putting on a big smile. His eyes flash from Sebastian to Robin, to make sure it's good enough.

A voice is heard from above, Sasha, on the back of Skarmory, is talking into her radio as Skarmory delivers her to the scene. She's speaking in some kind of code, probably giving coordinates and asking for a medical team, or...something similar. "You two are fantastic." She grins as Skarmory lands. As she dismounts the armored bird, she takes a rope from her satchel, which she ties around her waist, before passing the tilt to her majestic mount. "Hang tight, kiddo. We'll have your mom out before you know it." She salutes the group before hoisting herself into the gap.

"Wow…" The boy continues to smile, looking between Robin, Sebastian, and the Skarmory. "You guys are...so cool!"

"Heh... Kinda reminds me of Avril..." Robin said quietly, just low enough for Sebastian to hear.

Sebastian merely smiles, offering a subtle wink to Robin as the young boy stares at Skarmory with the wonder-filled expression only a child can muster. He begins to lean heavily on Chance's fluffy body as Fiore floats over to the Meowstic, offering her and Robin both a flower for their help.

Within minutes a helicopter can be heard whirling its way to them. When it lands, another Ranger slides down from a rope to assist Sasha in keeping the woman steady as they pry her from the crushing earth. Two men with caps reading 'first responder' leave the chopper to examine the boy, making sure nothing will rupture when he's placed on their stretcher. Soon enough, both mother and son are safely inside the helicopter.

"You two want a ride back to town?" Sasha asks as she peers out of the helicopter's doors.

"I'll pass, thanks," Robin replied, giving the woman a small nod. As she did this, the familiar cry of Braviary filled the air. The eagle pokémon landed, kneeling down properly so Robin could climb into the flight saddle properly. She took another moment, calling Fiora back into her pokéball, before returning her attention back to Sebastian. "It was cool getting to meet a friend of Avril's. I know it probably won't mean much to her, but tell her I said to be careful, alright? Kalos... it's not exactly the safest place like it used to be. Besides, I'd hate to have to kick her ass because she got hurt or something... Well, let's go Talon."

Robin chuckled lightly, before offering Sebastian one more wave. With another mighty screech, the Braviary began to flap his mighty wings, lifting off into the air... before the trainer disappeared into the night sky.

"I will." Sebastian nods as Robin takes flight. "Take care." He waves, knowing full well she is now too far gone to hear him, still…

"What do you say, Bas?" Sasha smiles. "I sent one of our guys to take Renia back, she didn't wanna slow Skarmory down."

"I...think I'll take you up on that offer." Sebastian agrees, returning his Pokemon to their Pokeballs. It's backtracking, but...it will be worth it for a few hours of uninterrupted, disaster free sleep.

End

*image removed*

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[BugTypeAficionado]

A Quick Intervention
Location: Ambrette Town

Current Team

Inventory

- Pokédex

- 745 Gold

- 5 Potions
Coronet Ball
Bug Net

Ambrette Town was... less exciting than Claudio had hoped. Fossils were being auctioned off, but not only was he too tight on spending money to risk it, the idea of standing among a swarming crowd was not favorable. He'd done that enough times whenever he went to the Pokemon World Tournament back home, but even then he was guaranteed some good matches. And the beach... maybe he was just overly sensitive, but he hated the beach. The wet sand was a pain to walk through, it always got stuck on or in his shoes, and it didn't help he had a painful memory of being stun by a beached Frillish back home.

Maybe the Glittering Caves to the east could provide something for him! Except none of his Pokemon were suited to carry him across the jagged terrain leading to the caverns. With only his custom-made Coronet Ball in hand, Claudio couldn't risk wasting it on anything... and it wasn't like he had much luck finding any Pokemon suitable for riding him across. First Hefty leaves, and now this? It felt like he was having some sour luck recently.

Claudio retired his exploring around town only an hour or so before the sun set in Ambrette, a bit bitter and bummed out over what were, in reality, only minor inconveniences. He stopped at the local Pokemart before looking for Ambrette's inn, being the room-renting nomad he was at this point. His eyes squinted at the fluorescent lights, coating the inside of the store a pure white as he entered. A jazzy tune obscured by outdated sounds systems and the hum of the fluorescent lights provided a somewhat relaxing atmosphere, and Claudio surprisingly found it more relaxing than the sounds of the waves not too far away.

"Good afternoon, sir. What can I help you with?" The clerk at the counter smiled softly to the coated young man, even as he was met with a bored, tired, and slightly cynical expression in return. He dug through his bag and slid forth 5 potions he'd had on his person for quite a while now. They were probably useful, but Claudio never personally found a use for them. Not to mention, he needed the cash for something he personally found more useful.

"I'd like to sell these potions. I'd also like to buy 2 Great Balls."

The clerk wasted no time pressing the buttons on the register, taking the potions and sliding them into a drawer behind the counter before producing 2 Great Balls from a similar drawer. The clerk handed Claudio the cash he got from the sale, and with his profits, payed for the Great Balls. Overall, he'd only lost about 500 bucks, but got 2 Great Balls out of it. Not a bad deal, he was running low on balls anyways.

An hour at most passed before Claudio found an inn and paid to stay there for the night. The night was still young, he could probably go and find something to do on the beach, or go hunting once more for a Pokemon to ferry him to Glittering Caves... but he was feeling a bit bummed out. Maybe he just needed some rest, that's all...

 

[Jay]

Stage 13 - Muraille Coast​

Time at Stage Start: 10 PM​

As the night encroaches upon our heroes, they are in no way impeded as access to the Muraille Coast is finally re-opened to trainers and travellers alike. While all those lost, injured or worse have finally been removed from the wreckage of the crashed cruise liner, the S.S. Marée, a small pathway through the two halves of the ruined vessel has been cleared in order to stop the halting of traffic and trade between the city of Cyllage and town of Ambrette. While passing through the area, now lit by the subtle glow of warning lights to assist pedestrians and other vessels both, the trainers from Ambrette are met with a rather sombre night-time atmosphere.

The knowledge to some that the sheer scale of carnage (as well as the presumbaly loss of life, for both people and pokémon) was but a byproduct of Cinder's ever growing ambitions will surely be enough to stir upset and anger. For those feeling more adventurous, perhaps there is aught to be found in the wreckage of the vessel under the cover of night...? For a more heroic twist, who knows how many wild pokémon could find themselves in peril within the wreckage of the ship.

Still, there is more to the coast than a ruined ship, plenty of the sandy beaches prevalent along the route are clear of wreckage and free to explore... and the rocky cliffside above offers many vantage points and pokémon that are far different than the ones below. In any case, this rough and tumble route is far tougher than before. It's up to our heroes to find a way to the other side... and to at long last face off against their second gym challenge to date.

Grant awaits.

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Pokémon Available (Level 30-32):

Maurille Coast:​

Pokémon available to those using a Great Ball (Level 33):

Pokémon available to those using any Fishing Rod (Level 30-32):

Pokémon available to those using a Good Rod (Level 28-32):

Pokémon Available (Level 30-32):
Muraille Cliffside:​

Pokémon available to those using a Great Ball (Level 34):

Pokémon available to those using on Mission 4 (Level 30-32):

Pokémon Available (Level 30-32):
S.S. Marée:​

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[OPEN] ★ Mission 1:​

The wreckage of the S.S. Marée is wide and sprawling, taking up a massive section of the coastal route on both beach and cliffside levels. Full of newly attracted pokémon, various lost bits and pieces... and signs of great sadness. The ship is officially off limits... but the wild pokémon trapped inside or in the water beneath, sealed off by steel walls of jagged wreckage, need help escaping or they'll run out of food before anyone can reach them. If playing the hero isn't for you, then who knows what sorts of valuables could be left behind after such an expansive and expensive ship has crashed? It isn't the most morally righteous of causes, but it may be worth taking a look.

Complete 1 or both of the following objectives:
- Rescue a band of trapped wild pokémon.
- Loot ruined rooms and guest cabins for supplies and valuables.

Reward 1: 1 Wild Pokémon from the S.S. Marée with an egg move. + Mystic Water + Kings Rock + Deepsea Tooth/Scale
Reward 2: 3000-4000 Poké (Non-Monetary rewards may be found, discuss with the GMs what part of the ship you'll be searching and they will assign a reward at their discretion.)

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OPEN Mission 1:​

Ambrette beach is always an exciting place to be. Trainers are always offered a challenge by the parasol ladies who frequent the resort. The dont just challenge you to a battle themselves, they assign opponents based on their observations. These battles are always very interesting and tend to draw a crowd amongst beach goers. Those that refuse the challenge are left buried in the sand by everyone who witnessed the refusal. You really cant say no to these ladies.

Reward:
TM Draining Kiss

Mission 2:​

A braggadocious surfer is drawing the attention of many surfers as him and his Marshstomp are giving a true crash course on just how surfing on pokemon is supposed to be done. He claims that anyone who manages his rigorous training will no doubt unlock a world of opportunity for themself. Both in battle, and in the exploration of the Kalos region.

Reward:
TM Surf

OPEN Mission 3:​

Fisherman have been searching high and low for the legendary golden Magikarp. Many say it's just a myth, while others truly believe it could be a real thing. It would take a seriously talented fisher to find such a creature, and a damn good rod at that. (There's no such thing as a golden Magikarp)

Reward:
Good Rod

Mission 4:​

A young trainer has recently been seen releasing pokemon near the peak of muraille cliffside after suffering a crushing third defeat to gym leader grant. Their Taillow and their Machop have taken shelter in the pokecenter, but the nurses who remeber the boy say that he had a third pokemon. A Bagon. The only reports they have of such are pokemon say that one has been seen leaping near the edge of the cliff. Nurses have tried to save the pokemon in its time of need, but it's hostile. Maybe a capable trainer could do something.

Reward:
Bagon with 1 egg move.

Mission 5:​

The beach isnt only good for lounging around in the sun. One geologist has been finding rare stones in a cave by the coast. While he doesnt seem too keen on sharing his findings, he is willing to pay good money for an extra...or then again, maybe he can be convinced to let you keep your findings.

Reward:
Pickaxe + Stone of your choice

Mission 6:​

Lillie is back! Since Riviere, she put together quite the team, and is intent on battling Grant once she gets to Cyllage, but first she wants to test herself against one of her friends she met since Lumiose City. Many of the Aquacorde graduates have helped her on her journey, and she wants to show it wasnt all for nothing. With Nebby, Brionne, Pancham, Chingling and now Hippopotas, she finally feels confident in the team she's assembled.

Reward:
Stardust

Mission 7:​

A distant island off the coast seems to glimmer with a shining light even from out at this distance, if you squint you can just about make out some kind of altar set up... with the tide in barely any of the sandy plateau is above the water, so why on Earth would someone build something like that so far out? In curiosity and slight desire for the shimmer you can see, you make your way out towards the island to claim your prize... unaware of the guardian pokémon that seeks to protect the altar thus risen in worship of the Lord of the Tides himself, the Legendary Pokémon Lugia.

Reward:
1 Prism Scale

[OPEN] Mission 8:​

In the confusion of the sudden crash, the local residents have forgotten about a certain pokémon that relies on their assistance, the ever stubborn Pyukumuku! The tiny squishy pokémon are sitting on their favorite spots on the beach despite the carnage... and like any other day, if they aren't thrown out into the ocean then they'll no doubt meet a swift end. Thankfully, one young Pyukumuku enthusiast is doing her best to save the creatures, but there's more than one young lady can handle. Will you help Pyukuput these little guys back where they're safe?

Reward:
1 Pyukumuku Hat, 1 Pyukumuku Inspired Backpack, 3 Hyper Potions colored in a fashionable Pyukupalette.

Mission 9​

Deep in the depths of the grounded ship, a mother pokémon and her egg take refuge in the new environment, perfect for the steel and water types both. This mother Empoleon, however, has suffered greivous injuries of an unknown source. Her egg has sunked to a depth she can no longer reach without going into unbelievable pain. With her final moments and breaths she cries out desperately, searching for help, any help... so that her baby might be saved.

Reward:
1 Blue and White pokémon egg with streeks of silved down the sides.

Mission 10:​

Up on the cliff-face above the beach, a cheeky Clawitzer is grabbing innocent Dwebble and launching them out of his in built canon at pedestrians passing by below! A pain for the people and a serious danger for the Dwebbles involved. This guy shouldn't get away with his actions because there are other things to be concerned about. Stopping him might be as simple as beating him down... but perhaps getting the local Crustle involved somehow might really drive the message home.

Reward:
Hard Stone + Soft Sand

[OPEN] Mission 11:​

They say that hidden through a tunnel on a beach below, one can discover the hidden beach. A beautiful vista, a cavernous cove with a light reaching up to the sky above, the exact location of this crater isn't commonly known but they say that on nights like this, the open sky above is unpoluted by city lights... and that the myriad stars of the sky shine brightly down on those who rest under their gaze. In a world full of chaos, this is a single bastion of peace. A moment shared here would be one never forgotten.

Reward:
Glowing White Comet Shard

Mission 12:​

People are chasing down an Absol on the cliffside portion of Muraille Coast. They believe the species presence in the area is what brought about the disaster of the ship crashing. Clearly these more simple locals don't possess the ability to see passed their myths and legends... and thus are chasing, harrassing and hurting an innocent pokémon. Follow them and stop them, either by talking or by force, so long as they back off justice will be served.

Reward:
Ebony Bauble (Boosts the power of dark type moves).​

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[gimmepie]

Kade Andrews

The Loop

"Heliolisk, Thunder!" a figure on a ledge above the group of trainer yelled angrily "Over and over until they never try this again!" A yellow lizard Pokemon with a black face stood by its trainer, frills extended. The Heliolisk crackled with electricity as a bolt shot into the air, then came racing down like judgement upon the sky trainers.

"Nibble's, take it!" Sky yelled, her Emolga seemingly defying all logic as it launched itself into the path of the frightening attack. The flying rodent looked like it should be obliterated by the attack, but instead of being engulfed by the electrical shock it absorbed it and began crackling in much the same way as the Heliolisk's frills. Nibbles let out a smug, happy chirp. "Motor Drive really is a convenient ability." Sky added, equally as smug.

Kennedy and Philip were both shouting nervously, angrily. Sky was yelling at the attacker too. Kade was only vaguely aware of it all. Even as the Heliolisk began to unleash a barrage, dropping Thunder after Thunder across the area below it, Kade was frozen. He wasn't watching an electrical deluge, he was trapped in a cycle, watching a violently light beam igniting the world before him in a blazing white glow.

​

"Kade?!" Sky shouted, watching him drop to his knees, deflated with eyes like saucers. "Hey, snap out of it!" He was vaguely aware of her words, but he couldn't understand them. They were echoes in the back of his mind, far away and indecipherable. He wasn't on Spike Path anymore, he was trapped outside Geosenge, watching is get destroyed over and over with each bolt unleashed by the trainer and his Heliolisk.

"Pidgeotto!" Kennedy shouted as the bird was caught by a blast and knocked out instantly, sent tumbling down through the gap in the cliff face. The sky trainer barely managing to recall it to its ball before it was lost forever. Sky's head swung back and forth between their assailant and Kade as she tried to figure out what to do.

"Keep blocking as many as you can!" she shouted to Nibbles. The Emolga was getting faster with every electrical attack it took, it's body practically aglow with its sparking electrical charge. It was becoming easier and easier for it intercept the attacks. Sky was confident in the little Pokemon, she was more concerned about Kade. "Wake up!"

Kade felt his body being shaken by someone, but he couldn't see anything in front of him but the the pure white light of the Ultimate Weapon. Sky was shouting in his face, digging her fingers into his shoulders but nothing was breaking him out of the trance. Frantic squawking joined Sky's own voice, Cumulus doing whatever she could to help the trainer who had so willingly accepted her quirks. Kade barely noticed any of it until suddenly he felt pain, intense pain.

"What the hell?!" he heard Sky shouting as he came to on the ground, his right arm throbbing profusely. He blinked several times as he took in the situation around him. Thunder attacks were still falling from above, but almost none of them were making it past Nibbles now. The glider was a crackling, sparking blur, almost impossible to see as it took the attacks head on. On the ledge he could see the trainer that attacked them, he was wringing his hair and yelling frantically. Apparently he couldn't comprehend what was happening, tears began to fall down his face. Perhaps Kade should have been angry, but at that moment he just pitied him. Sky was in front of him looking concerned and alarmed, Cumulus however, looked guilty. She shied away, peaking out from behind her wings. It was at that moment Kade realised that it had been the Oricorio that had hit him and snapped him back to reality.

"Thanks guys, I'm alright now." Kade said, forcing a smile and stroking Cumulus' head. He forced himself to his feet and took a deep breath. "Nibbles is amazing. Look at him go. We should finish this up quickly though." The trainer on the ledge had apparently realised that the Thunder attacks were getting him nowhere, his Heliolisk was now launching torrents of swirling darkness at Nibbles and trying to knock him out the air so he could return to his assault. The agile, boosted up, Emolga was proving impossible to hit though and the Heliolisk's trainer was becoming more and more agitated.

"I'm up for that." Sky said, grinning happily now that Kade seemed to be back in the world of the living. "Do you have anything specific in mind?" Kade nodded back, and climbed to his feet.

"Electro Ball should already be ridiculously powerful now, but let's make sure. Cumulus, Helping Hand!" The Oricorio nodded, taking off and flying up to where Nibbles was still dodging the barrage of Dark Pulse attacks. The Heliolisk shot several at her too, but the attacks were frantic and poorly aimed so she easily danced and twirled around them until she was close enough to the Emolga. Nibbles paused just long enough for Cumulus to lightly touch his back, a blue energy radiating from where her wing brushed him until it engulfed his whole body before fading away. Cumulus glided out of his way as the Electric type gave a mischievous grin to the attacking Heliolisk.

"You heard the man!" Sky shouted up to her Pokemon "Electro Ball!" Nibbles closed much of the distance between himself and the attacking Pokemon in an instant, creating an enormous sphere of electric energy before him. The Electro Ball grew rapidly until it was many times the Emolga's own size. Nibbles launched the attack, easily striking the Heliolisk. The instant the attack hit, a blast of electricity radiating up through the Pokemon and exploded towards the clouds with enough force to throw its trainer back several feet and send him tumbling across the ground. The Heliolisk dropped the second the attack was complete, knocked out completely.

The fainted Pokemon's trainer screamed hysterically and returned the Heliolisk, scrambling to his feet and shakily making a run for it. Sky was having none of that though.

"Artemis, catch him and bring him back here!" she cried out, releasing the bulky Dragonite from her flight ball and sending her after the attacker. He didn't get far before powerful arms wrapped around him and lifted him into the air. For a moment the trainer struggled in vain against the grip of the Dragonite, but he quickly fell limp upon realising he had no hope of escape. Artemis carried him back to Sky and dropped him in front of her, landing behind him and cutting off any hope of fleeing. "Explain." Sky ordered, her expression menacing.

Now that he was in front of him, Kade realised that the trainer that had attacked them was young, a few years Kade's junior most likely. Tears were rolling down his face as he looked at the assembled sky trainers, his body shaking uncontrollably as he sobbed.

"This is evil!" the boy shouted at last "Flight suits? Saddles? You rope people into your adrenaline junky bullshit and they fucking die!"

"What?" Sky, Philip and Kennedy all chorused simultaneously. Kade remained silent, staring at the young trainer. They weren't looking at someone who bared a petty grudge, this was a person who was in pain. This was someone who had lost something and was angry at the world for taking it. Kade could understand wanting to lash out at the world for taking something precious from you.

"What happened?" he asked, his tone far softer than the incredulous interrogation he had received from the other sky trainers. Sky looked at him like he was mad.

"My brother." Kennedy and Philip looked at each other with wide eyes as he began to explain and they suddenly caught on. "He met some of you sky trainers out here. They convinced him to take it up - gave him a flight suit and everything. His second ever sky battle… he was caught in the blast of some attack and launched into the side of a cliff. His skull was cracked open and one of the wings on his suit was torn. His Pokemon fainted and couldn't save him. He fell six stories down the side of a cliff while the other trainers watched. This has to stop. It has to end before it happens again. I even released my own Flying types. I-" he couldn't talk anymore, he fell into incoherent sobbing. Yeah, Sky was angry about being attacked. Kennedy and Philip didn't know what to feel. Kade got it though.

"I was at Geosenge." he said, speaking before he even realised it. He'd never told anyone he'd been there. A few people knew his grandparents had died during Team Flare's attack, but nobody had ever been told that he had been just outside the blast radius. Everyone there was now looking at him, eyes wide with horror at what he'd seen. "Not directly in the blast or I'd be dead, but my parents and I were on our way there to visit my grandparents. We were just outside the town… then suddenly there was this bright light. It shot up into the sky and then fell down over the town. Then there was no town anymore, just a crater." Kade could feel himself shaking now too, he'd relived this enough times that day but he couldn't stop talking.

"Holy shit." Sky couldn't help but breathe, now fully grasping what Kade had experienced.

"I get why you'd want to strike out at the world and hurt the people you blame. I understand why you'd want to stop sky battles forever. You can't give into that though. You can't let that anger and sadness get the better of you, otherwise you end up turning into what you hate. Just look at what you just did."

"Yeah…" the trainer said, his expression brightening "I'm so sorry… you're right. I'll never - " he didn't get to finish his sentence. Sky had delivered a rather potent right hook to his face and knocked him out.

"Sorry, but don't ever compare yourself to him." she said "Geosenge might have stuck with you, but you didn't go around trying to kill people. You are a million times better than this sick kid. He gave up the right to your sympathy when he started attacking people over an accident. Now, let's drag his ass to the local police and go get ice cream."

"Uh.. okay… I think." Kade responded, having come full circle to not being entirely sure how to handle Sky's actions.

---

Spoiler: Kade's Inventory

- 1 Pokédex
- 900Poké
- 3 Potions
- 1 Poké Balls
- 2 Great Balls
- Bug Bite (TM)
- Aerial Ace (TM)
- Sky Drop (TM)
- Reaper Cloth
- Pearls
- Spell Tag (worn by Cumulus)

Spoiler: Pokemon at Santuary

 

[Shak]

-Drew Tucker

Heartache​

​

The horror show from glittering cave replayed itself again and again in Drew's mind. The image of the two cinder grunts plummeting amongst the rubble, the image of the alpha grunt losing his grip on the knife he plunged into Newt's leg before being sucked into the darkness…and Newt. His best friend. He pulled out the pokeball that Newt had thrown to him before…well. He hadn't even checked to see what was inside yet. Every time he saw it, that same sinking feeling would come back to him, like he was being given a taste of what Newt went through.

It was a long walk down the outer road of Spike Passage, so Drew had a lot of time alone with his thoughts. With the long, silent and torturous walk alongside Paige finished, he could finally reflect on how the day had gone. Paige: Drew ran through his mind again, wondering what to think of her now. 'I used you'? 'I don't need you anymore'? The two phrases echoed, only seeming to get louder, the more he attempted to stow them away. So none of it meant anything to her? Should it have mattered to him? If it was all just business, surely she didn't need to make things so personal. What did she get out of it? He gritted his teeth and flicked his hood over his head. It was crushing. Like he was carrying the weight of an Aggron on his chest. His eyes were already sore and red. Shedding anymore tears would be like squeezing blood from a stone.

He clutched tightly onto the pokeball Newt had entrusted him with. Without him even tossing it, the pokemon burst from the ball and glanced up expectantly. What he was expecting wasn't there. Instead of Newt, he saw the trainer that once forfeited in a battle against him. What was this?

"You deserve to know…Newt…" Drew began, before pausing as the steel pokemon stared up at him. The eye contact was more than Drew could take. He felt like he swallowed a brick. He couldn't say another word.

The Aron's head dropped. He glanced at the entrance to the cave, then at the ground. He was no fool. Agro had been around for a while now, and prided himself on being one of the smartest of the bunch from the lab. He always wondered where they had gone. It was so nice when he finally saw Ches and Edge. Such tragic news wouldn't deter him however. He stared resolutely up at his new trainer, despite the pain in his gut.

Drew was taken aback. He was expecting to have to comfort the pokemon, but instead he just stood there. His lack of a mouth was hardly enough to justify the creepy lack of emotion the pokemon was showing. Drew patted his head. Even if he wasn't showing it, the Aron definitely felt something. He knew that all too well. "C'mon, let's go find somewhere to sleep. There's no way I'm spending the night in this stupid town." His voice croaked, sounding as though he could've broken into tears with each word.

"Hey…Agro." Drew almost winced as he called the Steel type's name. He couldn't stop remembering Newt when he thought about it. "I been thinkin." He continued, holding the pokemon's patient and active attention with each word. "I don't want to offend you, but I'm not really too keen on the name Agro." The Aron was staggered in his step, but continued briskly forward in order to keep up with his new trainer. "I was thinking, something big. You're eventually gonna be an Aggron, so why not give you a name with that intent, y'know?" He chuckled finally easing himself into the topic. The two still had an awkward relationship, but Drew could tell that the pokemon was trying as hard as he was. "Something like Juggernaut, or Goliath? Titan?" He chuckled again. Agro laughed along with him, but it was obvious that the approval was disingenuous. "We'll think of something…" He sighed, recognising his own insecurity.

The boy found himself sitting with his legs hanging off the side of Muraille Cliffside. Through the late hours of the night, he watched as the moon bowed out and the sun eventually made its appearance on the opposing side of the cliff. Brycen and Caesar lay where he originally was, with a Drew sized spot in the middle of them; Zephyr found a comfortable Cliffside, where the bat made himself feel at home; The newly named Aron, Levi, managed to stay awake the longest, and was now happily occupying the spot his trainer had vacated. Drew? He sat with his thoughts. Alone.

He thought back to his encounters with Chris. Every time he showed up, Drew found himself isolated. Like in Lumiose where his parents eventually cut him off, or in Parfum Palace where he sent Paige away and found out about Team Cinder, which is what eventually led to…this. His head was aching at this point. He wasn't sure whether it was due to the excessive thought, or the lack of sleep.

He pulled out and scrolled through his holocaster. Odette's name was of course the most recent, but he hardly knew her so she wasn't an option. The next name on the list was Paige. He'd tried to call her on Riviere walk before the events of glittering cave. He hovered his finger over the delete button, but opted to settles for scrolling past. Right after that he saw Avril. He lingered on the name for a moment, even letting a small smile take his lips in seeing the name. The whole situation with Nebula had gone by so fast, he'd forgotten he even added Avril. Her help had made him get through tough situations in the past. Maybe. Then again…he wasn't going to bother her with this problem. She probably had bigger stuff going on anyway. He sighed in defeat, before moving on. Next was Faye. That was an option, but like with Odette he hardly knew her. It wasn't as though they had some sort of friendly relationship. He did her a favour, and that was all. His head throbbed in pain again, but he continued to stare desperately at the screen. He couldn't call Felicity. Not now. She'd start to worry and probably even show up in Cyllage, which was the last thing he needed. Sebastian? The two had exchanged details when Sebastian returned Nebula to him. He was a great option, since no doubt Seb would make time for him in a heartbeat. Although, Seb had been there for him so many times so far on his journey. He had given Seb absolutely nothing in return, but the older trainer continued to stay by his side. He had become almost…reliant. He wasn't calling Seb. Emma was next. He almost hit call before hesitating. She would probably be out fighting crime or something. He paused, glancing up at the dawn red skyline. Well…she probably would be in the morning. He sighed again and continued to scroll. None of his remaining contacts were even in Kalos beyond professor Sycamore. Newt wasn't an option for obvious reasons, but he couldn't bring himself to delete the number.

Scrolling was beginning to become very tedious. If he was going to take his mind off of things, he'd need to find something to do. His fingers were practically bleeding with the amount he'd been scratching them. Drew knew the perfect thing to get his mind off of things. Fisherman. They always seemed to draw his attention. If he was ever going to do it, now was as good as any time.

Spoiler:

: 400

Poke Ball X 1

Apricorn X 1

*image removed* Chesto Berry X1

*image removed* Cheri Berry X1

*image removed* Pecha Berry X1​

Muraille Coast - Upper Cliffside​

 

[Stinging Bea]

Chapter 13-1 | Shipwreck

Avril Morris, Emma Kuzunoha,
Sebastian Allender, and Laurent Hessel
Muraille Coast

Avril's Team

Emma's Team

Sebastian's Team

Laurent's Team

Badges

Inventory

Spoiler:

- x1 Pokédex

- x1 Holocaster

- x1 Pokéball

- x2 Great Ball

- x3 Dive Ball

- x3 Potion

- 2800 Poké Dollars

- x3 Pecha Berries

- x1 Odd Flower

- TM13

- TM66

By the time all the spunky spelunkers had vacated the Glimmering Cave the sun was setting. The group parted on friendly terms and went about on their own paths.

Laurent Hessel had decided to take an extended walk first thing in the morning the next day after their escapades in the cave. Finally deciding to take a rest, the young man was simply sitting against a rock by one of the dirt paths, surrounded by his pokémon. Apollo was stretched out over Laurent's lap, staring at his Firestone and pondering when would be the right time to use it. Maria was leaning up against her trainer's back, much like he was against the rock. Bernard stood proudly upon the top of the crown of the rock, swaying back and forth, playing on his Grass Whistle and enchanting the rest of the team. The trainer himself was playing the pokéflute in tune with his Ivysaur's melody. Metéore and Atlas were swaying to the music's rhythm. All in all, it was a shockingly festive scene for just a trainer and their pokémon by the side of a road.

"...But I mean, it was just the power generator to Cyllage City, what would they possibly want with it?" Emma, meanwhile asked via her Holo Caster, speaking with Detective Tyrone. He looked as cool, calm and collected as always, sipping his black coffee. Emma had recently called him to report about her findings about Team Cinder, and what went on. She told him everything, including her concerns about the power generator. "The lab tests show it's fully functional, right? But all it is, is just a means to light the lighthouse there..."

"Hey now, you're thinking too normal. Try thinking crazy, kitten," the brazen detective replied with a cool grin. "...What if they could harness the power of this generator to do something? What ever they planned, it sure wouldn't of been pretty."

"Yeah..." Emma replied with a blast of worry. "Team Cinder's strength mostly revolves around their Fire-type Pokémon. Alongside that, reportedly they somehow have the means to manipulate DNA, and use that somehow. And... it's what that man, Gabriel Artece said in my last encounter with him. He mentioned a leader, and soon they'll have the power to incenerate the world? What on earth do they hope to achieve from all of this?"

"Hah, that's some homework," Detective Tyrone snickered. "Well, I dunno about you, but I don't like not finding out about secrets. If you know what I mean."

"Then we better do some more reasearch about this," Emma suggested. "Old records about the criminal's past, the useage of DNA extraction, old rumors; anything to our disposal, we must use. We have too little answers, and too much questions! We don't have much time either. I have a feeling... just a horrible feeling they're going to do something terrible, the next time we encounter them alongside their admin. But I'm going to find out what and stop them."

"Well, remember to sharpen those claws kitten," Tyrone suggested. "...We'll keep in touch later, yeah?" the two gave each other a respective nod as the communications ended. Emma then put away her Holo Caster, as she fixed her air against the ongoing light breeze. She gazed upon the blue sky. This world... as long as this world exists, hatred will always continue, and peace will never be obtained. Right now that seems to be reality, but... is that the only reality to live in? Emma knew - her pursuit for that single truth about peace continues.

She stared at the passing clouds, until she heard a seemingly familiar tune. It was coming from a pokéflute, in the nearby distance. Knowing what it was, she jogged, hearing the sound get louder and louder. Eventually, he saw him, laying peacefully as usual with his pokémon. Emma clasped her hands together right behind her back, silently watching the young man play. "...Once again, I find myself attracted to your musical talent," she said during a pause break of the melody.

Laurent set down the flute at Emma's words and offered her a warm smile. "Talent? Hm, I wonder. But as long as one of my dear friends appreciates it, I'll keep playing in hopes of one day becoming passable." He set the flute down on Apollo's back and stretched his arms. "If you really want to hear talent, you should hear my sister when she plays. Such a sweet, talented girl...She knows three different instruments, she's excellent at every one, and her voice is nothing less than angelic."

"I'd love to someday," Emma replied with a retuned smile. "But don't sell yourself short. As someone who appriciates the finer arts in music, I think you have remarkable talent. But, I suppose a Beethoven and a Sherlock Holmes II weren't made in a few days, soooo." She then sat next to Laurent. "The road to Cyllage should open soon. You said that was your home, right? Are you excited to return?"

"Relieved, more like." Laurent responded, petting Apollo and staring at his orange fur while his smile turned bitter. "It wasn't long ago that I was inches away from never returning at all...I'm just so glad I'll get to see them all again. My sister's still being homeschooled for now, so she'll be around. My father captains a ship, and my mother used to be a trainer. I found myself realizing so many things I wished to say to them in that moment with Gabriel..." After a moment of silence Laurent clenched both fists and lightly smacked them against his chest together. "But that's enough dour, dreary talk from me! Would you sit with me for a time while I play a bit more, Emma? I've not had the chance to play recreationally with a companion yet...it's a nice thought." Without actually waiting for an answer Laurent picked the pokéflute back up and put it to his lips, first letting out a single, very soft note, then another, slowly increasing the tempo bit by bit as it started to form another song, this time a much slower, more gentle melody. Emma sat idly by, listening to the tune in silence.

"If we keep this up much longer, people are going to start thinking we're nocturnal..." Avril sighed as she made her way down Muraille Coast.

The girl was rather annoyed about setting off so late. Of course, not much could be done about the fact that the route to Cyllage had been closed until recently. While Avril understood the importance as to why, it was still an inconvience to those trainers who were forced to get around on foot. The only reason that she didn't wait until morning to set off properly was because she was quite eager to get on with the next leg of her journey, and for good reason. After the events at Glittering Cave, she was starting to feel rather lucky again. Her team was quickly coming back to a strong number, already being back up to five members. Plus, there was the added benefit that they all seemed to get along pretty well... for the most part.

She glanced over to her side as she walked, taking note of how Shino and Marble were currently making small talk with each other. In particular, the Flaaffy also seemed to be going out of her way by inviting Cecil to the conversation. The Shieldon, who still seemed to be unsure about many things, occasionally glanced up curiously at the Flaaffy. He would let out a set of curious grunts and snorts, which seemed to excite Marble even more as she (or at least, what Avril assumed) took it upon herself to explain whatever it was that she and Shino were talking about. To say that the blonde found the scene to be quite cute would have been an understatement. Avril couldn't help but smile at the sight, secretly wishing that she had some sort of device or way of understanding what they were actually talking about. The only two members of her team who didn't seem to be getting along were that of Lulu and her other new recruit, the Noibat she captured from the cave.

The Noibat, whom she had decided to name Radar, was currently hissing and screeching at her Shuppet. Lulu seemed to be quite content in antagonizing Radar in whatever the duo were bickering about. She kept blowing raspberries at the Noibat and then laughing rather gleefully at his expense. Occasionally, Lulu would even go as far as to try and stir up some sand to fly in the bat pokémon's direction. This in turn would cause Radar to try and retaliate, often by either trying to fling sand back at the ghost or outright attack her. Avril had taken it upon herself to try and separate the two, but before long they would somehow manage to find a way to get back close to each other and start up their bickering once again. The blonde could only hope that whatever was going on between the two would eventually be worked out.

Returning her attention back to the beach that spread out before her, the sound of a flute was quick to find its way to Avril's ears. "Hmmm...? I wonder..."

Picking up her pace a bit, the trainer and her pokémon followed the sound of the instrument. As they traveled, the melody being played began to grow louder and louder, until the group happened upon a rather familiar sight. Laurent was currently playing away on his pokéflute, with his pokémon joining in either by song or dance. It was a rather adorable sight, but what caught Avril's attention the most was the other specator to the concert. Emma was currently (and amazingly) oblivious to the world around her as she intently listened to the melody played by the flute. Avril found herself unable to stop smirking at the sight, slowly making her way towards the group so as to not disturb the concert being played.

Silently, the girl crept her way up to Emma and leaned in closely. "Is this a private show or is there a place that I can buy a ticket at...?"

Emma blinked, then turned to look up at the girl who appeared. She looked at her with a blank, yet indifferent glance. "Erm..." Emma started to wonder. She didn't look like anyone she had seen before. "I'm sorry, it's... none of those things." She gave her a confused side glance. "And you are...?"

Avril nearly stumbled over from the question. She knew it was dark, but she was sure that Emma would have at the very least recognized the sound of her voice. Then again, Avril had to admit that she did look... quite a bit different than the last time the two were together. Rather than act upset about it, the younger of the two blondes put on a hurt expression and crossed her arms over her chest.

"W-Wow... Talk about a shocker," Avril pouted. "I go and get a haircut and Emmie forgets all about me. I think it might take a while to get over this one..."

Emma blinked. "Emmie? How do you know that name? Only one person has called me that and she--" Emma then stopped. She widened her eyes, as her handbag dropped from her shoulder. She stared at the girl with bewilderment. And a realization. "...Oh my god."

"Heh... what's wrong, Emmie? You look like you've seen a ghost," Avril teased, earning the sound of some not-so-subtle giggling from behind. She glanced over her shoulder at Lulu and sighed. "Present company excluded, of course."

Emma quickly placed her hands on the young girl - on Avril's shoulders. "A-Avie?! What the---?!" she shrieked. She inspected her, from her new hair style, to her new brand of clothing. She definitely had made some... changes. "A-Avie! Who! What! Where! When! Why! H-How?! Y-You can't blame me for not recgonizing you from the get go!"

She soon got over her amazement. After a quick examination... she gave her a cheeky laugh, and smile. "Damn, missy, you look hot."

"I second that sentiment." Laurent cut in, having set down his flute to simply enjoy the reunion with an almost dopey smile on his face. "Emmie? Haha, I like that, I may pick a good moment to use it myself~ Hello Avril, wonderful to see you as always. You look absolutely ravishing, not that you didn't before."

"Heh, thanks!" Avril replied to both trainers. "After our little... pirate incident, I decided it was time to sort of... get a fresh start you know? Hair and clothes... all that sort of thing." She paused, a small blush coming to her cheeks as she thought back to it. Thankfully it was dark so with any luck, no one noticed. "A... friend of mine helped me out."

"A friend, huuuuh...?" said a cheeky Emma as she wrapped one of her arms around Avril. "And? Tell me the truth now: Do you like this friend? Liiiike... like-like?"

Avril's eyes went wide, the girl biting her lip at Emma's question. "I... I dunno! I mean... I think... W-We get along okay... I mean... I haven't known her long so..." The girl began to panic. Suddenly having the tables turned on her wasn't so much fun. In a move of utter desperation, Avril quickly glanced down and noticed her Shieldon and Noibat curiously looking between the three trainers, as if they were trying to figure out just what was going. "H-Hey, have you met my new pokémon?!"

Emma sighed, following up with a quick giggle. "Alright, alright, I'll leave it at that," she claimed. She then turned to her new pokémon. "A Shieldon? And... is that a Noibat?" she examined. "Then... you've gotten a Shieldon from a fossil? But I especially remember how much you used to love talking to me about Noibats. I was the Bagon girl, and... you were the Noibat girl. Still, they're both rather cute! And look pretty strong too."

She then stood up, glancing at Avril and Laurent. "...You two can't sleep either?" she asked. "A lot has been on my mind. Mainly about... Team Cinder."

"Well... I wouldn't say I couldn't sleep... exactly," Avril replied, her smile dropping at the mention of the organization. She took a moment, glancing around to make sure that no one "unwanted" was in the area listening in before continuing. "I um... had a run in with them myself, back in Glittering Cave. Sebastian was with me, so... it wasn't anything that we couldn't manage to handle. Truth be told, they were the ones responsible for me getting my Shieldon in the first place, but..." she paused, seeming slightly hesitant.

She really didn't want to tell Emma this last bit, out of fear of the girl suddenly growing overly protective again. But at the same time, the detective had the right to know. "One of the members we battled, he was like that one from Lumiose.You remember, right? His suit had the different coloring... back in that alleyway...? Anyways... Sebastian and I won the battle, but... Emma, he had a gun... He said they were looking for me, like I'm on a hit list or something."

"As I thought," said Emma, squatting back down. "They're after all of us. Myself, Jackson, you Avril, and you too, Laurent. Of course that numbskull Jackson laughed it off, but..." she then crossed her arms,leaning against a nearby tree to look at the two of them. "...Will you two be okay? I know. I'm been pretty overprotective of you two lately, but... I need to accept the fact that I'm running powerless here at the moment."

Laurent remained noticeably silent, beginning to fiddle with the flute and scratch Apollo's chin, eliciting a happy growl from the Growlithe.

Avril seemed a bit hesitant to respond, but eventually the girl did give Emma a nod. "I'll admit... looking down at a gun... it scared me. It made me think of that time before, but..." The girl clenched her hands into fists, looking Emma right in the eyes. "I... I'm going to keep moving on though. I'm not going to let there be anyone else like Shino, so... if they're gonna come after me, then they better expect a fight the whole way."

Emma gave Avril an intense stare. "Avril. Tell me the truth," she started. "Do you still want it? Revenge on Gabriel Artece? Even if it means..."

"I won't lie, Emma..." Avril replied. "I said a lot of things that night, I know... But it's still the one thing I meant. If the only way I can do it means to put that... man down... I'm going to do it. Not just for Shino, but all the other people that have died or have been hurt because of him..."

"I see..." Emma could only reply, letting go of her fierce look into a more pained and solemn one. Yeah... as long as this world exists, people like Gabriel will spawn more hatred, and give birth to more and more hatred... is there really no way to break this curse?

There was something beautiful about a beach at night. During the day, the sounds of screaming children and venders desperately trying to sell their goods overpowered the delicate crashing of waves, and there was the matter of the sun beating down that just...made everything miserable. This was the only time he could truly enjoy the beach, though even now that enjoyment is overshadowed by a slowly growing fear that threatens to swallow him whole.

You wouldn't happen to be near Route 7, would you?

Ambrette Beach, actually.

I'll be there tonight.

Sebastian cringes as he reads the messages on his holocaster for what must have been the hundredth time. It was marked as read, but never responded. Alice was here, where did she go? Why did she go? It wouldn't be at all unlike her to grow bored due to the roadblock and begin exploring the cave, which would mean she...

"...Please be alive." The redheaded teen murmured as he clutched his holocaster to his wrist.

"La…" Ukyou sighs as she places her ghostly white hand on her trainer's shoulder. He's being mopey again, he needs to cheer up...maybe…

"Las!" The Ghost type suddenly cries as they walk closer to a group. They're too far away to make out any features, or hear any voices, but she can sense it; one soul in particular, a soul that carries a ghost with her, and a talking rock! The ice maiden hums happily as she flits away, diving towards the group.

"Uk...oh, dear. Come on, Selkie." Sebastian motions for his starter, who is walking behind him, hand in hand with the newly obtained baby Cubone, to follow.

"A-la!" Ukyou cries once more as she gets closer to Avril, diving down between the trio and wrapping her ghostly arms around the trainer's neck.

"U-Ukyou...?" Avril questioned. "That can only mean..." The girl paused, glancing around as she looked for someone in particular. "Sebastian? Are you out here?!"

Oh, thank goodness, he knows that voice. Ukyou's not divebombing random strangers, she's playing with Avril...hopefully Avril doesn't mind.

"Down here!" He calls as he quickly scales a tiny sandbank. As the group once more comes into view he recognizes the other two faces, and again feels a sense of relief. "She...really likes you." He manages an uncertain smile.

"Sebastian..." Emma recgonized. "What brings you here, friend? Has Laurent's tune drawn you in as well?"

"Emma." Sebastian bows his head respectfully in her direction. There was a tune? He must have really been in his own head not to notice… "Afraid not. The team was getting a little restless, so I thought a moonlit stroll would help."

"It's always a pleasure to see you, Sebastian." Laurent greeted his fellow trainer before turning to smile at the snowy ghost. "Especially since it means I get to see you as well, Ukyou~" All of Laurent's assembled pokémon made noises of greeting too, especially Bernard and Metéo, who waved a vine and arm respectively.

The Froslass hums happily as she waves her ghostly little hand to the Ivysaur. She sweeps closer to Laurent, tilting her head in a curious manner. Sebastian and Avril had been through quite the ordeal, and the icy ghost was ready to consider her family (Family does not need an excuse to hug). Laurent...she snuck up on him last time, that might not be acceptable again.

"What brings you all out here in the dead of night?" Sebastian asks. Emma was lured in by Laurent's Pokeflute, while Laurent and Avril…?

"What, I don't get a hug?" Laurent teased the Frosslass before adressing Sebastian once again. "Just enjoying a relaxing rest after a lot of walking...and thinking. Thought I might let all my partners out to enjoy each other's company, and a bit of jovial music." Laurent replied, gazing lovingly at each of his pokémon in turn as he spoke.

"That sounds lovely." Sebastian nods, a small smile remaining on his face as he looks at the large group of Pokemon that were out to spend time with their trainers. It's a calming scene, especially after everything this particular group of four had encountered recently…

"La!" Ukyou hums as she latches her little arms around Laurent's neck.

The redhead's smile brightens as Selkie leads the baby Cubone towards Bernard, her left hand waving excitedly in greeting for her old friend, and a desire to introduce her new one. The young Cubone, on the other hand, attempts to shuffle behind the fire type.

"Oh... I was actually just trying to get to Cyllage City," Avril explained. "As nice a stop as Ambrette Town has been, I'm really kind of ready to get the journey rolling again, you know? I guess I was just restless and decided to burn the midnight oil so to speak to get there sooner rather than later."

As Avril spoke, Lulu watched the baby Cubone with a sudden interest. The Shuppet let out a quiet giggle as she quickly floated her way down towards the unspecting Cubone... before suddenly letting out a sharp shriek and making the most absolute fightening face she could possibly make in the baby's direction. Her eyes were glowing a bright red and her mouth were full of sharp, razor-like fangs.

"I was--" Sebastian's words were cut off by the shriek of the Shuppet, and the following cry of the yet-to-be-named Cubone as he broke free from Selkie's hand and rushed to Sebastian, latching onto his pant leg and sobbing into his knee. A huffy Selkie grabs for her branch and points it accusingly at Lulu, shouting out some variations of her name that, while completely non-understandable by the humans, were no doubt...unkind.

"Oh...it's alright, she's just trying to play…" Sebastian kneels down and takes the sobbing Cubone into his arms, then holds it gently to his chest while its sobs turn to delicate sniffles.

"See? Everything's alright. She's just a silly Shuppet."

Avril opened her mouth to apologize, but the girl was quickly beat to the punch by her Noibat. Radar quickly flapped over and managed to slap the unspecting ghost with his wing, before sending her a rather sharp glare. The Shuppet rubbed her head in frustration, sending back a rather fierce glare of her own to the Noibat. Lulu's eyes began to glow, ready to retaliate. Before she got the chance however, Avril was quick to call the ghost back into her pokéball, before returning it to the bracelet around her wrist.

"S-Sorry about that," Avril muttered, her cheeks sporting a dark blush from the embarrassment she felt from that display.

"Different style, same dork," Emma giggled. "They... don't like each other, do they."

"There's some... issues between them, yeah. Let's just say that their first meeting didn't go so great. Grudges were held," Avril explained, withholding the fact that Lulu is quite a pill to deal with in general.

"Well, I do hope things will get better," responded Emma with a warm smile. "My... Eevee and Arcanine have some rough patches too. Often they compete against each other and... hm?" Emma's holo caster started to vibrate and ring. She briefly opened it, and activated it. Sure enough, it was Detective Tyrone again, greeting her with a coffee mug in his hand.

"'Sup?" he greeted with a two fingered salute. "Thought you might of turned in by now, kitten. Is that all your friends with ya'? Aw, did you make a super dance party and didn't invite me? I'm crushed."

"It's too late for daily attempts of spewing rubbish, Detective Tyrone..." Emma grumbled. "What is it? Did you find any leads?"

"Hey, I'm good, but not that good," the detective explained, taking a sip of coffee. "It takes around five to ten cups of coffee to get that sort of work done, y'know. With an ultra blend, at that."

"How... many cups of coffee do you drink per day? Per minute?" Emma asked, flabbergasted. "Per second!?"

"Hah! Darker than an Umbreon, hotter than a flame-charged Magmar.... that is coffee," Detective Tyrone explained with a sly smirk. He then rested his coffee mug. "Actually kitten, there IS something I need to talk to you about. And it's a good thing your friends are here too." Emma gave the detective an intrigued look, as he cleared his throat. "Remember the path to Cyllage City and how it was all blocked? Well, it's all open for you kids to play now."

"Really?" Emma questioned. "If so, then that's good news! We can be on our way---"

"But..." Tyrone cut in. "See, there's a catch. There's this ship called the S.S. Marée, and let's just say? It's seen better days. It's totalled. It's now taking up a massive section of the coastal route on both beach and cliffside levels. Now, normally this wouldn't be a problem as it's just a matter of creating a path around it, but..." He took another sip of his coffee, giving off a doomed expression. "...We've gotten reports from the local Rangers: Wild pokémon are trapped inside. It's only a matter of time before they run outta food."

"That's terrible..." Emma gasped. "We can't just leave them there!"

"Hah! Great minds think alike," Tyrone replied with a grin. "And you know, there might be something in it for you too. Maybe there could be something left behind there that's worth your while there, hm? So, what do you say, Kitten and friends? Feel like becoming pirates for the night?"

Pokemon trapped in a destroyed ship? There was only one thing to do. "I'm game." Sebastian nods, Selkie hopping in delight at the idea of an adventure. "It could be fun to be a pirate."

"Well... Like Emmie said, we can't just leave those pokémon there. So, I'm definitely in," Avril replied.

"Of course, there's nothing for it but to help them!" Laurent agreed heartily, followed by all five of his pokémon. "Isn't that right, 'Emmie'?" He added with a friendly smirk at Emma.

"Hehehe," Emma giggled, turning back to her holo caster. "We're on the job then, Detective." Tyrone responded with a brief nod, then closed his communication line. Emma returned her holo caster back in her bag. "Alright friends, normally the section would be off limits to the public, but just stick with me, and you'll all be fine. Looks like we're a team now!"

---

The trip to Maurille Coast proper and the site of the SS. Marée's wreckage in particular was a short one. All conversation died upon sight of the ship and its surroundings, forcing the trainers through its sheer scale to stop and silently take in all that lay before them. A gruesome but nonetheless breathtaking view it was. Sheets of metal, pieces of destroyed furniture, chunks of wall, floor, ceiling, chandelier and all manner of other refuse littered the entire beach, even areas that seemed otherwise isolated from the crash. Many more wild pokémon than one would usually expect to see out in the open were scattered about as well, examining the intrusive objects that had entered their environment as well as species not normally found on the Maurille Coast that one could only assume had been drawn to the area by the crash itself. Pokémon Rangers ran two and fro all around, moving pieces of wreckage or recruiting members of the poké-peanut gallery to assist in the relief effort with their stylers.

The most horrific part of it by far was definitely the casualties. No human bodies were to be found by then thanks to the area having been thoroughly evacuated since the tragedy took place, but every now and then one of the trainers spotted a pokémon lying in the sand somewhere, unmoving. Unfortunate victims of the painful procedings, still piling up thanks to the continued presence of ruinous rubble and collapsing constructs. Cries of fear and pain echoed from the rubble and within the ship itself, paired with the sounds of crashes and large metallic creaking to create an image of more potential victims trapped who-knows-where around the area.

"Arceus alive..." Laurent muttered in horror as he finished surveying the area. "This is exactly why it was so important for us to get that component back...If anyone didn't understand before the gravity of Cyllage City being without its lighthouse...all the evidence you could ever need lies before us."

"Indeed," Emma agreed. "Some time ago, the S.S. Marée was once one of the most luxurious cruise liners in the world, alongside the S.S. Anne and the S.S. Aqua. Many trainers and their pokemon from all over the world come there to party and battle with their peers. However... one day, tradegy would only strike. There was a vicious storm that threatened to compromise the direction of the ship, and the safety of the passengers. However, they didn't have any means to locate a safe way back to shore, because of the lack of the light source at the time. Team Cinder had stolen it, after all. A few days later... well. You can see for yourself."

Emma crossed her arms, peering on the ship's ruins. "...Once again, Team Cinder destroyed the lives of many."

A deep sadness, combined with a nauseated pain filled Sebastian's stomach and chest as they walked through what had basically become a graveyard. Recently it seemed as if he had been walking through a valley of death, and now that sensation had taken on a literal meaning. With each unnaturally still Pokemon they passed, he cringed, the grip on his bag tightening to the point that his knuckles became a ghostly white.

"They will be stopped." He murmurs quietly, in a voice somehow darker than his usual soft spoken, calm tone.

Avril glanced over at Sebastian, noticing how uneasy the boy was becoming once again. She didn't want to call him out or anything on it, so the girl quietly nudged him on the side, giving him a look as if to ask if he was okay in continuing on. She wouldn't mind if he wanted to wait for them outside, and she was fairly certain that Laurent and Emma wouldn't have made a big deal out of it either.

"Without a doubt." Laurent agreed solemnly with Sebastian. "They have to be..." He let out a sigh and returned to his normal playful tone. "They don't stand a chance, we're all getting so much stronger every day...and we even have champions on our side! We can count both Steven Stone of Hoenn and Cynthia of Sinnoh among our allies."

Sebastian quickly glances towards Avril upon the delicate bump, and is met with a familiar but...confusing expression: Pity. Concern that he's not strong enough to go on. It's the same look Alice flashed him when he had an asthma attack, the look his mother gave him when he attempted...anything, really; climbing a tree, riding a bike… Does he truly look that pathetic? He thought he looked angry...perhaps he always appears frail and incompetent. He raises a hand up in a common gesture of 'I'm fine' as he shakes his head, his pace quickening. He's not so pathetic...is he?

"Did I make him mad...?" Avril wondered, watching as Sebastian quickened his pace towards the wreckage. It really wasn't her intention to do so. Perhaps she just crossed a line or something... The girl made a mental note to ask him later. For now, the wild pokémon needed to take the priority. The girl turned her attention to the shipwreck. She had never seen a cruise liner in person before. She had heard they were big, but seeing one in person... it really put things into perspective for her. Avril glanced over in Emma's direction. "So, um... How are we gonna go about this? It's a lot of ground to cover..."

"We'll all search around the ship in different directions for pokemon in trouble, having our own pokemon to assist us," Emma instructed. "If you guys have any water-type pokemon, they'll be a tremendous help for our aquatic rescue. Again, don't be shy to look around the ship's interior too. As the great Edgeworth once said: don't leave until you search every nook and cranny."

"Well said." Sebastian nods towards Emma's strategy-- and her reference, which made the corner of his mouth twist into the weakest of smiles.

Laurent had returned most of his team before they set off for convenience's sake, but it was clearly time to bring a couple back out. He with drew and pressed the button on a pair of pokéballs, releasing Apollo and Metéoré. The Growlithe and Metang - who would be familiar to Laurent's companions by then - were perfect for the job. Apollo to search out victims in need, Metéo to move rubble and potentially shield anyone from collapses. Apollo only spent a scant few seconds sniffing the sand before he straightened up and barked. There were so many scents all around, especially those of fear, that he was having a hard time isolating any of them. After a brief delay, however, Apollo charged off towards a section of the ship that was completely beached, as well as broken upon the cliffs in places. Laurent and Metéo followed him without hesitation.

"Good luck, everyone! Don't go anywhere alone and don't hesitate to call for help if something goes wrong!"

---

"Let's start at the bottom, and work our way up." Sebastian thinks aloud as he boards the ship, several of his Pokemon once more called out to lend their aid: Chance walked by his side, nose to the ground, sniffing out the injured Pokemon. Fiore and Ukyou floated along behind, Comfey have become quite popular within Pokemon Centers due to their nurturing behavior, and ability to heal other Pokemon, while his Froslass has proven she is quite skilled at getting into places Sebastian and the others cannot, which could be a saving grace for a Pokemon trapped in a tiny enclosure that would otherwise go unseen.

"I guess it depends on how far down we can go," Avril chimed in as she followed behind Sebastian. Unlike the boy, she called most of her team back into their pokéballs. She knew that water and Cecil probably wouldn't mix well. Nor did she want the risk of Marble having a stray discharge should the group find themselves in a more waterlogged section of the wreckage. This left her with Shino, whom she figured would be able to handle the more wet areas of the ship with ease, and Radar, whom she figured would be able to lend a hand at finding things they might easily miss otherwise with his nocturnal eyesight.

"I... still have a Feebas," Emma explained on sight of Avril's water pokemon. "She may not look like much, but she's actually pretty smart. I think she can lend a hand with those water type pokemon."

"I have a Swanna...I'm not sure she can spread her wings in these narrow halls." Sebastian speaks as he presses his foot down on the first step of a staircase. While it creaked, it seemed sturdy enough to hold weight, at least for the single step the three would need to take. While he cautiously steps down, his Furfrou waits at the top, choosing to avoid the steps by leaping down, once the humans have cleared out.

"Well... She could swim on top of the water, right?" Avril asked. "I'm sure we have to do some transporting, that will still help. We'll just leave the diving to Shino and Emma's Feebas!"

"She can dive." Sebastian goes on as he reaches the bottom of the staircase, breathing a soft sigh of relief; no crumbling steps throwing them to their death just yet. "Once we get to the water, I'll call on her." He turns back to wait for the others. "Has Princess Ali sent her knights after you, for taking her precious Feebas, Emma?"

"I certainly hope not, if she did they'd likely be looking to take back this pokéflute as well." Laurent said with a chuckle. Metéo and Atlas can handle any heavy lifting we need done, as well as helping transport injured pokémon." He added, still following along behind Apollo, who had his nose to the floor and was sniffing rapidly.

"Knowing Princess Allie, I would kind of bet on that..." Emma sighed. "Still, I made a promise to help care for Feebas, somehow. If only I had a Marvel Scale..."

"Perhaps we'll find one here. We're pirates, after all." Sebastian pressed onward. Not the time for smalltalk? Understandable. Seconds after leaving the staircase, the quiet scratching sound of claws on the wooden surface indicated Chance was once more following behind. He brushes against Sebastian and lets out a warning snarl as they walk down the second floor, towards the lowest deck.

Upon reaching it, it was immediately obvious what the canine Pokemon was snarling at: Below deck was filled with Frillish; Pokemon who drain the life force from other Pokemon to fuel their own, and with all the Pokemon trapped on the ship, with no means of escape, it was quite the buffet of energy. Dozens of haunted, glowing eyes turn towards the new energy source.

"Ukyou, Ominous Wind." Sebastian murmurs, his own ghost floating towards the flock of jellyfish and blowing a dark, forceful wind in their direction, causing several to scatter...while several more remained, their eyes hungrily trained on the humans.

"Zen headbutt, Metéo!" Laurent called out, leading to the Metang rocketing into the fray headfirst, its body glowing with a pinkish-purple light. It crashed into the group of Frillish, scattering some of them like bowling pins while a few managed to float out of the way, angrily preparing counterattacks.

"Go on, Linde!" Emma called forth her Eevee, after throwing her pokeball in the air, as the pokeball released her Eevee from the escaped energy shortly after. She let loose a cry as she shook off some stray water drops from her fur. "We'll provide back-up. Let's use Helping Hand!" Her Eevee's body glowed a bright light blue, as the light blue energy scattered towards the groups' ally pokemon. The blue light as sure to help them get a power boost.

"Radar, cut 'em down with Air Cutter!" Avril ordered out. The little Noibat, who had been seated on Avril's shoulder quickly flapped out into the battle. He began to flap his wings quickly, stirring up a strong gust, as his wings began to glow with a white energy. Sharp, powerful gusts of air were suddenly launched at several of te Frillish, which caused the ghost pokémon to let out cries as they were suddenly attacked by the blade-like gusts of air.

Realizing these newcomers weren't nearly as helpless as the prey they had been feasting on, the majority of the Frillish quickly dispersed, floating out via one of the many holes that had taken over the ship. Four Frillish remained, all coming together and collecting a dark, swirling energy into their hands, launching four separate Shadow Balls that fused together to make a massive one.

"Blow it back with Ominous Wind!" Sebastian shouts, then turns his attention to his Comfey. "Help her with Petal Blizzard."

"You help out too, Radar! Use Air Cutter again!" Avril shouted. Radar let out a squeak of affirmation as he moved in to attack. The Noibat joined along side of Ukyou, kicking up some more wind to add power to her own Ominous Wind.

"Now, Vida!" Emma called, sending out her partnered Roselia. Her Roselia advanced upon the area with adegree of elegance. "Let's add Leaf Storm to the mix!" Vida spun around, releasing a powerful Leaf Storm barrage, in tuned with the Comfey's Petal Blizzard, backed with the Air Cutter and Ominous Wind, creating a storm of powerful leaves and a barrage of strong wind.

"Metéo, assist them with a pincer-attack Confusion!" Still in close to the Frillish, the Metang shot to the opposite side of its targets from its allies and raised its arms into the air while its eyes glowed. A glow matching that of Metéo's eyes coated the bodies of the Frillish and slammed them all together in a bunch, disorienting them and holding them in place for all the combined attacks to crash mercilessly into them with no hope of defense

With the Pokemon's combined strength, the attack was not only blown back, smashing into its original casters, but its power amplified due to the forceful winds and powerful grass attacks. With the Frillish all trapped together due to the Metang's confusion, they had no chance of escape. The four fell to the ground after being hit, and upon collecting themselves, used their last bits of strength to frantically rush for an escape.

"That was...remarkable." Sebastian smiles at the group of Pokemon, his Comfey floating down to thank the lovely Roselia, while Ukyou glided over her old metal friend, offering him a congratulatory headpat.

Metéo's face may have been incapable of expression but one look at it pumping its arm and one listen to the happy buzz that issued forth from it as it lowered its head under Ukyou's patting made its excitement and pride clear. The celebration was unfortunately doomed to be cut short, however. Apollo was being kept out of the fighting to avoid any potential mishaps on the water, and had instead continued to pad around the room behind the trainers and sniff while they battled. The victorious trainers and their pokémon were pulled back to the task at hand by the sound of frantic barking followed by Apollo running straight past them without waiting for anyone to catch up.

"Apollo, no, watch your footing, one misstep and!" Laurent called, arm outstretched towards his Growlithe. He looked apologetically at his companions for only a second before sprinting off after his pokémon, shouting behind himself. "Apollo always tries to pace himself for me to keep up, whatever we're running into, it's bad!"

"H-hey!" Emma called after him. "Wait!" she hurryed along after, as Laurent was already ahead.

"Laurent, be caref-!" And he's gone. If he falls into a hole or steps on a weak piece of timber, he could plummet. Cringing at the thought, Sebastian (with slightly more caution) gives chase to the blond man and his fiery dog.

Avril watched as all three trainers ran off further into the ship. The blonde girl stood there for a moment, glancing down at Shino as if to ask fhe Frogadier what in the world just happened. Shino wasn't able to give her much of an answer however, only a quick shrug of his shoulders.

"What happened to everyone staying together?!" Avril shouted out, quickly starting to jog off with Shino and Radar close behind.

Running deeper into the bowels of the S.S Marée, the trainers were confronted with a room so destroyed and dilapidated already that none could even guess what it had been before the crash. The floor was littered with holes, some big enough for a Rhyhorn to fall through into a channel of water the bottom of the ship had carved out of the beach. Walls were collapsing left and right, piles of rubble and large pieces of ship infrastructure littered the area, and all around was the horrendous creaking of crumpling, overstrained metal and the frightened cries of pokémon in peril.

Metéo had easily overtaken Laurent and flew into the room ahead of him to assist Apollo and by the time Laurent caught up the first thing he saw was two knocked- over walls of what he could only assume had been a guest room fallen towards each other, sinking downwards and threatening to crush a trapped Dewpider under their tremendous weight. The brave Metang had already sprung into action, cramming iitself between the walls like a giant brace, pushing them back with both its physical strength and psychic power. The walls were still for the moment, but if the opening between them was big enough for Metéo to get between them, why hadn't the Dewpider simply left?

Laurent crouched underneath Metéo with Apollo at his side to more closely examine the Dewpider and openly gasped when he saw one of its legs were bent the wrong way and another was sticking out of a hole in the wall behind it. The trainer reflexively took a step closer only for one of its healthier legs to swipe out, tearing a cleft across Laurent's shirt and opening up a thin, shallow cut across his chest. He staggered backwards with a cry of pain and frustration while his brain raced in an attempt to decide how to move forward.

"Laurent?" Emma called for him, after pursuing him. She soon manages to glance in the room after evading rubble and some loose holes. "Laurent, what's the mat... ter..." Only for her to experience the worst. A spider. Emma's face started to shivel up, as her face turned blue. Only a Loudred could match her incoming shriek. "KYAAAA! LAURENT WHAT IS THAT THING?! A SPAWN FROM HELL?!"

Sebastian's caution causes him to fall a few steps behind Emma. Upon hearing her scream he jumps, leaping over a hole in the flooring below to rush to the door, where he takes a defensive stance, only to see…

A Dewpider? "Oh…" The redhead settles back into a casual position. "Poor thing…"

Avril's pace only quickened at the sound of Emma's screaming. The girl carefully navigated her way towards the room, practically plowing right into Sebastian in the process. "What is it?! What's going on?!"

The girl peeked her way into the room, glancing around to see that Emma was so worked up... over a Dewpider. A tiny Dewpider, at that. Avril slowly narrowed her eyes, slowly looking over in Emma's direction. This is what had Emma screaming like something was coming at her from the bowels of hell? "...Are... Are you serious...?"

"It's injured!" Laurent shouted his response behind him. "And the walls are-" He was interrupted by a much louder creaking than before and nearly lost his balance as that part of the ship shook and the walls Metéo held back sank a bit lower. At that moment he felt something wrap around his leg and looked down to see the end of a ghostly tentacle around his ankle, pulling him down towards the floor and making him suddenly start to feel tired.

"Fiore, Vine Whip!" Sebastian calls out without hesitation, the tiny fairy hurling its vine towards the tentacle, smacking into it with a sharp crackling sound.

"Killitkillitkillitkillitkillit..." Emma chanted over and over meanwhile. She was kneeled over, her eyes shut, and her ears covered up by her hands. "AVRIL! DO SOMETHING BEFORE IT EATS OUR SOULS AND BECOME THE DOMINANT SPECIES!"

"Dominant…?" Sebastian blinks, reaching his hand out uncertainly to touch Emma's back. "It's alright, we won't let that happen."

Laurent stumbled forward as soon as his leg was freed, just in time to see a tentacle much like the one that had assaulted him coil itself around the Dewpider's body and drag it towards the hole in the wall behind it. The trainer dived forward without a thought, grabbing the injured pokémon with both hands and trying to wrench it free of the Frillish's deadly grip. With so little traction Laurent and the Dewpider slid closer to the hole, bit by bit as Apollo tugged desperately at his trainer's boot with his teeth. The structure of the ship let out another large groan.

"Shino, go help him!" Avril shouted out towards the Frogadier. Shino looked back and forth between Avril and the scene playing out before him. A look of unease quickly took over his face. He seemed... hesitant for a moment, but quickly seemed to work up some nerve as he ran forward and took a deep breath before shooting an Ice Beam in the air and straight at the Frillish's location... at least, where he assumed the ghost type was.

"Fey!" Fiore cries out, once more slinging his vine forward, this time wrapping it around Laurent's foot. Sebastian then grabs the vine and begins pulling Laurent back towards the safety of their group.

Metéo let out an insistent beep alongside even louder metallic creaking than before. Shino's attack freed Laurent from the Frillish's grip and he began to slide towards safety, gritting his teeth and ignoring the pain of his frontside grating against the ruined steel floor and the frightened Dewpider frantically slicing at his hands with its tiny legs. The creaking reached a crescendo and Laurent's body began to glow, flinging him out from beneath the walls while Apollo ran out behind him just before Metéo finally ceased bracing the structure and allowed it to collapse harmlessly on itself.

Laurent lifted the Dewpider up into the air triumphantly and found himself laughing nervously . "Ah...hahaha! Thank goodness..." His grip on the Dewpider slackened in relief and it took the opportunity to wriggle out of his grasp and bolt out of sight without a hint of gratitude.

"Is it... over...?" Emma weakily and shyly asked, still creeped out. She had a sort of... look that resembled anime girls in disaray. It was quite remarkable, really.

"The...ider-pay is still in the oom-ray." Sebastian rubs the back of his neck nervously as he turns his attention towards the hesitant Emma.

"Are you still scared of those things...?" Avril questioned, kneeling down so she was looking Emma in the eyes. "I really think you had a bigger meltdown just now than the time I put that plastic Joltik down the back of your shirt back in school."

"Sh-shut up!" Emma responded. seemingly calmed down. "...Avie, you are literally the incarnation of the devil sometimes."

"I thought the Dewpider was the incarnation of the devil." Sebastian flashes a momentary playful smile as he curiously tilts his head.

"Die in a fire. Both of you," Emma pouted, her hands to her hips.

A hand rested on Emma's shoulder, drawing her attention to Laurent's reassuring smile. "I'm glad everyone's alright. Have no fear, Emma, that Dewpider was harmless, and if it wasn't, I'd never let it hurt you." He finished, gesturing to his torn shirt and freshly scratched up hand. "Though perhaps I should be a tad more careful, first a knife, now claws. I believe I might be becoming far too used to these situations."

"Right... I'm sorry about that," Emma responded as she dusted herself off. She regained her composure, as she started to address the group. "Hey, why don't we all split up? We'll cover more ground that way. We can all meet up at the front of the wreckage once we're all done."

"Well said, though this might cut into my dying in a fire time." Sebastian's playful smile resumes as he backsteps for the door.

"There's always tomorrow." Laurent added jovially, still taking a moment to fully regain his senses as he applied anticeptic to the cuts on his hands and flexed his fingers. "I've no doubt my sister will burn me alive for being so wreckless when I return home."

"Make sure you get yourself patched up, Laurent. And Avie? Maybe we can team up?" Emma suggested. "But please. No plastic Jolticks. Or toy Ekans. I-I beg you."

"I guess that's fine. I think I've still got a Spinarak in this bag somewhere..." Avril replied, opening her trainer bag to start fishing around for the object in question.

"Oh, knock it off and let's go," Emma warned, suddenly having a cheeky smile. "...Or else I'm gonna tell everyone about what happened in that sleepover."

A twinge of sadness spread through Sebastian's chest as he watched the girls banter-- no, it's not sadness, per se...lonliness, that's the word. The only person he had ever had such a close relationship with was Alice...Alice…

He needs to focus before his mind goes spiraling down that rabbit hole once more. She can't be dead...she can't be. "Let's get going, then." He forces a smile for his Comfey and Froslass.

Avril didn't skip a beat as she suddenly threw an arm around Emma's head, trapping the detective in a headlock before she began to practically drag the poor girl out of the room. "Well, would you look at the time! We better get going if we wanna save some more wild pokémon and explore this ship a bit more! Sebastian, just give my holocaster a buzz if you two get in any trouble okay?!"
​

​

 

[GanguEevee]

After the events of the Glittering Cave JP (In the Cyllage Pok?mon Center)?
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Vex was in the Pok?mon Center in Cyllage City, wearing his usual clothing instead of the black coat. He was trying to enjoy a nice cup of ginger ale, but Chilly?s glare of disappointment made the mood a bit darker to his liking. ?...Stop looking at me like that, Chilly.? Chilly was still trying to get over what happened in the Glittering Cave. Specifically, what Dahlia and Vex had done to some Cinder grunts. Even she knew that Vex was going a little bit too far with pinning the two men down through puncturing their own legs and hands with Ice Shard and not just pin their own clothes down. And the fact that Vex didn?t bother to stop Dahlia from basically trampling down upon a grunt?s head and was seemingly enjoying it, with not even a sign of remorse after Laurent had finally stopped them?

?...Okay, fine. I?ll admit it. I might have been a bit too rough on those grunts...? ?Vul-Vul?!? ?...But I had to do it. Let me remind you, Chilly, that the damn grunts were armed. Even if we?ve pinned down their shirts and pants, there was still a possible chance they could have gotten a lucky shot at one of us. What if they badly wounded one of us? What if they?ve--And this is something I really don?t want to happen in the future--somehow shot you??

Chilly froze at the thought of that. She looked down on the ground. Vex frowned. ?Exactly. Even if those grunts were stupid beyond belief, they were still smart enough to actually aim and kill us without mercy. You know what they say: In order to defeat the enemy, you must become the enemy. What Laurent said about not stooping down to their level will unfortunately, 50% of the time, not work. There were only two options we had in that battle: Pin their clothes down,their hands still fully functional, with the chance of them possibly shooting us while we?re not looking...Or fatally wound them to the point where they wouldn?t hurt even a Cutiefly. Tell me, which option seems better??

?...Vul-Vul.? ?Yes, it?s the second one. And besides, we didn?t hurt the Torkoal majorly, so there is that.? Vex took a sip of his ginger ale and started to read all the notes he took during his little adventure. +Heh...I really wasn?t expecting to get this much information on the Aquacorde graduates and Team Cinder. I even did a little research on the caves themselves! I supposed meeting those two information hogs and the little test Bunnelby wasn?t such a bad decision after all?I?ve been getting more and more information than ever before.+ He smiled. Vex only decided to join the newly formed ?Team Oblivion? just to see how much it would fail spectacularly. It seems he was quite wrong?.for now, at least.

Vex kept eying the notes he wrote about Dahlia.
?States to absolutely hate Laurent Hessel. Always conceal his true feelings towards him whenever he is near.?
?Doesn?t like being forgotten by his own colleagues.?
?Was actually flustered when Laurent complimented him. Even responded to the complement without even a scent of sarcasm in his voice. A sign of him having positive feelings towards the man? It?s possible.?
?Black and pink compliment each other quite well, apparently. Can?t help but agree with this otherwise useless statement.?
?Didn?t seem to be fazed by the thought of possibly dying at any moment.?
?Doesn?t seem to like the mention of fearing someone. Would rather let someone fear himself.?
?Started to show signs of malicious glee towards his opponents.?
?Didn?t took his opponents quite seriously, since he was using a Pok?mon that was weak against their own.?
?Was fine with fatally wounding the opponent, since he gave me the idea of puncturing their bones with Ice Shard.?
?Seemed to gleefully look down upon those who considered themselves to be stronger than he was. Was stomping on a defenseless grunt without no signs of remorse.?
?Still didn?t show any signs of mercy even after being told to stop stomping down upon said defenseless grunt. Only cared about his boots more than the opponent.?
?Was completely unhinged by the blood, knifes and guns. It?s almost as if he didn?t even had a heart??
?Is it possible that something happened in his past to make him not even feel the slightest bit of fear in situations like these? More research needs to be done upon him.?​

?Hmm...Chilly. I have one question to ask of you.? ?Vul?? Chilly was expecting this question to actually be something she should ponder on for a while. ?Team Cinder has killed many people and Pok?mon through their actions. We are trying to stop them, yes?? Chilly slowly nodded. ?We knock them and their Pok?mon out unconscious and then leave them to the police, which is fine. But apparently, when we actually hurt them to the point where they might need a medic is not fine?.and yet, it?s not very fine if it somehow happens to us??

Chilly couldn?t help but realize what he was trying to ask her. And she didn?t want to answer the sad truth.
?Tell me, Chilly...Why should we show even a single bit of remorse and mercy towards these tyrants? They have already done acts that Arceus would?ve immediately frown upon.?
?V-Vul??
?At this point, there is no such thing as a grey area. There is only black and white.?
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During a long walk towards the Ambrette Pok?mon Center?
_______________________________​

Dahlia?s trek back to Ambrette Town was a bit longer than he wanted it to ever be. Since he really didn?t want to hear the squishy sounds of his right bloodied boot and didn?t want his tracks to be traced back to him, in case anyone evil ever decided to follow the bloody tracks, he had to take it off, with his one black socked feet exposed to the outside world for a little bit until he washed it off. People were looking at him strangely (He probably should have took his black coat off?), with him only looking back at them with a scowl. +Whatever. They wouldn?t understand, anyway.+

He still didn?t feel even one drop of remorse about what he had done to that Cinder grunt in the Glittering Cave. ?Like I said...I don?t feel fear. I make people fear me.? He mumbled in his breath. +Those neophytes deserved it. They would have killed more people if we've just left them alone like that.+ Dahlia stopped walking and looked up at the sky. He was starting to remember that fateful day in his life. He didn?t wanted to, but everything that has been happening up to this point has been starting to make parts of the event resurface.

That was the day where he both felt and forgotten the true definition of the word fear.
+A man...A man in a long white and black coat...He had long silver hair and worn black boots and gloves...He had a name?+

~Fear shall never be my middle name~
_______________________________
Before Dahlia and Caroline ever moved into Kalos, during the (altered) events of Pok?mon Ranger: Shadows of Almia...
In Vientown...
_______________________________​

A young girl was looking through her window during a rainy day, with a frown upon her face. She had pink hair that was tied up to a single ponytail and was currently wearing white footed pajamas patterned with pink cherry blossoms. She looked like she was probably 8 years old, but she was actually 11 at the time. ?...I wish mommy and daddy were here.? Right beside her was her older sibling, aged 14 at the time. He had long pink hair that gone up to his shoulders. Unlike his sister, he didn?t had to tie it up in a ponytail, but it was still possible to confuse him as female, due to his elegant and feminine features. Especially since he was wearing what looked to be a pink nightgown. He also looked outside through the window, with a small frown upon his face. He sighed. ?...Why do they keep leaving us alone like this? Is it because of the rumors??? The sister snapped at her brother. ?Hey! Those rumors about black suited people are just rumors! They?re probably not true at all. Besides, if they were true, the forest would be burning up! Maybe they might be trying to deboot those rumors!? The brother ignored the first part of his sister?s sentence. ?Hmm...that forest burning part was a bit too specific, you know? Also, it is not deboot, it?s debunk.?

The Adoraci?n family. Their origins and history is an enigma to many people...even the two new heirs to the family tree, Dahlia and Caroline, don?t know much about their own family?s backstory. They?re not even sure if they know everything there is to know about their own mother and father (who shall not be named here). Especially since they had an unusual tenacity to leave them alone for long periods of time. And it was usually at the worst possible times of their lives. This week was no different: Their mother and father left a few days ago and there have been many rumors about people in black suits doing shady work around Vien Forest and the Marine Cave?

The two immediately forget about said rumors as Caroline spoke up.​

?Brother...The man in white and black is back.? Dahlia couldn?t help but glare at the mysterious figure. He worn a long white coat with black designs. Trying to the describe the patterns in full detail would be a bit hard to do: The simplest way to describe it would be ?a clash between light and darkness?. On the middle of his coat was a big silver zipper. The coat had a hood that was currently flipped up. It concealed the man?s entire face, to the point where it was almost as if you were looking through a black hole. Because of this, they were only assuming his gender. The man was just...standing there, looking at the two siblings, his current emotions completely unreadable. The rain kept pouring down like a clear cut of blood flowing from the wrist. The man was unfazed by the downpour.

Caroline tilted her head as she and her brother kept staring at the man. ?Why does he always keep looking at us like that? It?s so weird...and creepy.? Dahlia put a hand on his chin as he thought about it. ?...I really don?t know. He keeps showing up...and no-one except for us ever seem to bat even an eye at him.? The mysterious man has been appearing for a while now, at this point. He always seem to make sure that he appears in front of the siblings during times when no-one is out in the open...except for them. And if there were people around? They never seem to say anything about him, nor do they think he?s out of place or something. It?s almost as if he?s invisible to the others...or?

?...Are they afraid of this man?? ?...Huh? What are you talking about, brother?? Dahlia didn?t answer and started to walk out of the house, with his nightgown and white slippers still on. Caroline immediately kept pulling on his gown, trying to stop him. ?What are you doing, brother?! It?s raining a lot outside! What if the man in white and black does something bad to you?!? As soon as he?d reached the door, he slapped Caroline?s hand away from his gown. ?Caroline...? he started, a dark tone within his voice. ?Please...Just stay inside. I?ll be back. Trust me.? He slowly walked outside and immediately closed the door. Caroline tried to open it, but the door just wasn?t opening. ?I hate it when mommy and daddy gives brother the ?lock door inside? device thingy. He just uses it when he thinks I can?t do any of that stuff for adults!...Good thing he always forgets about the back door!?

_______________________________​

?...Why?? The man didn?t answer. Dahlia kept staring down the man, his current emotions being unreadable. ?You keep coming here to watch us. You never say anything, nor do you ever try to interact with us. I don?t understand why you?d even bother with us. Tell me, what do you see in us that?s considered...interesting to you??

The man still said nothing, and started to walk away from Dahlia. As soon as they were both quite close beside each other, Dahlia?s mind was suddenly plagued with...odd and cryptic words and images. He didn?t know the meaning of them, but one thing was clear: They were painful as hell. His own body started to tremble in fear, as he felt his knees starting to give up on him. He was now sitting on the wet grass below him, looking down and breathing haphazardly. The raindrops falling down upon him was nothing compared to what he saw.

He?s not sure if they were flashbacks of something...or if they were flashforwards...he just couldn?t put it into words. All he knew...was that they felt too real to him. He didn?t know what he was feeling during these??illusions?...? He didn?t know how to define them. In fact, that was basically his mindset during all of this: He just didn?t know. It finally stopped after a few minutes. He was still panting, with fear within his eyes. ?B-Brother?!? Caroline was suddenly by his side, looking at him with tearful eyes. ?...Are you okay??!? She was wearing a yellow raincoat, which she?d obviously put on in a rush. Her hair was fully exposed to the rain, however, making it become quite wet.

?...So, you?re afraid of me, aren?t you?? The man finally spoke up. The duo looked up at him and saw that his hood was down. The mysterious man had long, layered silver hair that almost reached to the middle of his back. It looked a little messy, with the top part of it being quite spiky. Some of the man?s hair falls over to his shoulders. He also had a dark skin color. He looked over at the two, his amber eyes and face showing next to no emotion whatsoever. Caroline winced at this. ?P-Please...don?t hurt brother anymore than you?ve already did?! I?ll...I?ll?? The man tilted his head and blinked. ?You two are quite special. If I?ve killed you here and now...that wouldn?t be ?fair?, now would it??? He said the word ?fair? in a way that would make you believe that he didn?t seem to know what the definition of fair even was.

Dahlia struggled, but he was able to stand up with ease. He glared at the man with a small frown upon his face, as the wind blew through his hair, obscuring one of his eyes? view. ?What was that?? What in the world was that??? ?What was what?? ?Those images...those sentences and words that you?ve showed me. I don?t understand any of it?I need to know?!? The man turned his face away from the siblings. ?You will find out...when the time is right.? Dahlia sweared that he just saw the man mumble something almost inaudible under his breath. He couldn?t make out the word, but he didn?t care. He immediately ran up to the man, ready to just roundhouse kick him into oblivion?

...Until the man just slaps him. It was hard enough to make him fall flat on the floor. Caroline screamed and ran up to her brother, who was almost down to the count. The man then pulls something out of his pockets and puts it down next to Dahlia. It was a Pok? Ball. ?In a few years, you shall be thrust into a multitude of events. These events shall be life-changing and will lead into this world?s destruction if you do not stop the inner workings of an evil organization in time. Become familiar with this Pok?mon. Cherish it as much as you cherish your sister.? He started to walk away. ?We will meet again...when you are ready.?

?W-Wait a goddamn minute?!? Dahlia tried to stand up, but he just couldn?t. All he could do was glare at that man. ?Please...at least tell me your name?! So by then...I?ll clearly know who was the one that stole my ability to truly feel fear.?

The man stopped. He then looked at Dahlia dead in the eyes. The environment around them was now entirely black and white. Caroline was gone now, as if she was a figment of Dahlia?s imagination. ?...Hm.? The man replied.
?So, you do not remember my name after all these years? I wonder...did you only went on this journey just so you could forget this memory??

Wait.
+This...I don?t remember this?!+ Dahlia was standing up now, at his current age, wearing his current clothing. His glare became more deadly.
?You bastard...you?ve been watching me this whole entire time? What do you even want from me?! How are you even doing this?!? It didn?t take that much time for the man to respond. ?When you are ready...I will tell you all you need to know.? ?At the very least, answer one of my previous questions: What is your name?!?

?...Hmph.? Dahlia suddenly felt one of his body parts sting painfully. He didn?t know which one, all he felt was pain. He immediately fell to the floor below him, as his mind started to slip away to the darkness?
_______________________________
At the Ambrette Pok?mon Center...
_______________________________​

?What?s taking him so long??? Fondre couldn?t help but wonder where Dahlia was. It usually never took him this long to do something. +Something must have happened?+ Caroline was still sleeping with the blue egg. Suddenly, a familiar voice started to ring within her ears. ?Pew, Pew!? It didn?t take too long for Fondre to look over to see a certain cute little ball of literal space gas. ?Nebby? You look worried or something...Okay, what?s up? And where?s Lillie at??

The doors of the Center opened up, as a certain young girl with a blond ponytail slowly walked inside, carrying a black coated man with a long pink ponytail on top of her back. He was currently unconscious, his left hand holding tightly a black boot that was splattered with blood at the bottom of it. Fondre?s eyes widened as she raised a brow with concern. ?What the??!? She immediately ran up to Lillie, who was panting a lot due to holding Dahlia. ?What the hell happened?!? She picked up Dahlia?s limp body from Lillie?s back, which led to Lillie putting her hands into her knees, panting a lot more than usual. ?I...just found him like this?over in Route 9?? ?So, you don?t know what truly happened to him?? Lillie just nodded, while Nebby kept trying to wake up Caroline to tell her what happened.

?...Huh?? Fondre sweared that she just saw...someone, outside the center doors. She really couldn?t make out their appearance, since they disappeared as fast as she blinked. Lillie seemed to notice her brief confusion. ?Is something wrong, Fondue?? ?...N-Nah...It doesn?t matter right now, anyways. We should probably lay Dahli here on a bed or something.?

The banging in her head came back, obviously telling her that she probably should have checked out who the mysterious figure was. But she wasn?t stupid. The only thing she should be truly concerned about right now is her friend?s safety.​

TWIN INVENTORY/POK?MON: Later, dood.​

 

[Oddball_]

-- Profile --​

Name: Chris Rodriguez

Pok?mon :

Location: Muraille Coast















Inventory:

Spoiler:

- 1 Pok?dex

? 17,000 Pok?

- 2 Potions

- 4 Pok? Balls

- 1x Dusk Stone

- 3x Rawst Berry

? Mysterious Blue Crystal

- Relic Copper

- TM case [Ancient Power][Gyro Ball]

? Rare Candy
2x Team Plasma Pin
Cloned Gyrados Embers
Green and Black dust

~​

The sun was beating down upon the coastline as Chris walked along. He felt great. It had been a long time since he had felt this good really. Sure, he?d just been through a pretty stressful situation and all, but he was on his way to the next town with another mega stone in his collection and not one but two fossil Pok?mon in his roster.

?Hoy es un buen d?a.? He sang to himself as he continued along.

The sound of the waves crashing along the coast was peaceful, and for just this moment Chris could ignore the massive metal monstrosity that was smashed into the cliffside ahead of him.

Okay maybe not. The wreckage of a ship was very inviting, and while perhaps not the safest place to be, it certainly wasn?t like he hadn?t done worse very recently.

?Aero.? Chris called, calling the Pok?mon from the Pok?ball that Mr. Manning had likely torn from a devastated little girl?s hands.

The rocky Pteradon appeared in a flash of light and twisted its head to look at him curiously. It didn?t understand entirely why it was no longer with Paige, whom it had liked relatively well, and was now with this? foreign man. However the man held its Pok?ball, and as such, was an ally? for now.

?Go ahead and scout the area. Circle if you find something interesting.? The trainer called to the dinosaur Pok?mon.

With a singular flap of its massive wings, kicking up all forms of sand and dust the great bird took to the air, slowly gliding over the ocean and causing the water to distort beneath it as it let out an ear piercing screech.

?Dios Mio?? Chris murmured in admiration as he felt the cold tentacles of the Omanyte around his neck as the other fossil Pok?mon pulled itself onto his shoulder now that the larger dinosaur was gone. Chris hadn?t thought about it, but it was very likely that Omanyte was prey to Pok?mon like Aerodactyl.

Chris shook his head. He?d have do some research into these two Pok?mon in specific after he got to Cyllage.

Another loud screech drew Chris? attention forwards. The Aerodactyl was circling an area where the cliff and the ship intersected.

?Hold on.? Chris reiterated as he began running forwards towards the flying dinosaur Pok?mon.

---

??Erro.? A man wearing a hard hat called as Chris approached, a thick cigar poking out of his mouth as he dusted away at a blackish stone.

Looking around, Chris examined the cavern in the cliffside that had been torn open by the wrecked ship. Several interesting Pok?mon were exploring the opening, and several glittering stones were half buried in the walls.

?You uh? You looking to make some cash? There?s a lotta stones ?round here. I?m keen on picking em up and taking em back to Ambrette before the usual riffraff comes through and picks errything clean. Too much for one old geezer though.? The miner called, letting out a thick puff of smoke as he leaned against the wall. ?Help me bag up some of these rocks and I?ll even let you keep one or two.?

Chris mused over the man?s offer. He could spare a little time before he reached Cyllage. ?You?ve got yourself a deal senor.? Chris said, grabbing a pickaxe from the wall beside the man and accepting the hard hat that was being offered.

He had some hard work to do.

Chris' Museum:

​

 

[Shak]

-Drew Tucker
Sebastian Allender

​

Fish Out of Water​

​

Now that the path had cleared, the Probo-seeking duo could most likely make it to the next town within the day. A new town, a new gym...most likely more news of Cinder's latest havoc. All of that would have to be put on hold, however, as the two trainers came across a group of Fishmermen. Angry...shouting fishermen.

?What do you think they?re all fighting about?? Renia asks curiously.

?I don?t think we want to know.? Sebastian warns, yet his words seem to fall on...non-existent ears, as Renia wanders away from him to investigate the group, leaving Sebastian behind to shake his head in disbelief. ?...I guess this is what we?re doing now.?

"Who cares about the stupid golden Magikarp?! The damn thing doesnt exist anyway! I just want my arceus damn boat back!" The gruff looking fisherman bellowed away at a younger counterpart.

?Um...excuse me?? Renia waves her hand as she approaches the crowd, Sebastian now walking after her, this doesn?t exactly look like a safe group?

?Did...your boat come undone from its tie out, sir?? The pink haired girl asks.

"And for the love of Arceus, don't even try..." The man began again before the arrival of Renia finally registered in his mind. He paused and glanced at the girl, his frustration seeming to simmer upon the appearance of the attractive young lady. "Untied?" He grumbled, glaring at the spot where his boat should have been. His glare then trailed to his young partner. "Why dont you tell her where the boat went?"

The younger fisherman's head hung as he became the center of attention. He glanced up at Renia, before hanging his head again in shame. "Well...I suggested we leave the boat out. I was certain we could catch the golden Magi-"

"Dont even start on that damn golden Magikarp, I dont want to hear that nonsense again!" The older fisherman interupted, prompting the younger man to withdraw again.

Sebastian stays silent, despite very much wanting to point out that golden Magikarp very much exist. The missing boat was the topic at hand, and he doubted pointing out such a thing would help the situation.

?So it...drifted off?? Renia smiles hopefully. If that?s all, they could easily find it. Without a sail, how far could it really have gotten?

"Not quite drifted off." The younger man sighed, rubbing the back of his neck apologetically. "See, it was still tied to the docks, it just wasnt anchored down properly. I wanted to let it float out in the open, so the rods could bait more fish into the harbour and eventually lure in the golden Magikarp." He glanced away bashfully, flushing red in the face.

"But there's no such thing as a damned golden Magikarp, so now I've lost my boat and my income. So guess who doesnt eat tonight." The older man retorted. "Leaving a boat undocked with all these Cinder freaks running around, you must be out of your mind."

Renia?s eyes widened at the mention of Cinder, and she quickly turned her full attention back to Sebastian. ?Do you think???

The idea made the redhead cringe. It?s possible, they seem to be everywhere...but what would Cinder want with a single fishing boat? Before he can come to a logical conclusion, Sebastian feels his arm being tugged, and suddenly he?s in the center of the group of angered fishermen.

?Sir, we?d like to get your boat back.? Renia proclaims, holding Sebastian?s wrist hostage. ?We?re Pokemon trainers, and we?ve dealt with Team Cinder before.?

Sebastian nods. While not as...eager as his pink haired companion, if this is the work of Team Cinder, they need to be stopped.

"If you can, I'll make sure it's worth your while." The man sighed, completely uninterested in why they wanted to or how they were going to help. He scowled at the younger fisherman. "Honestly, I should send you with them." He grumbled, before noticing the younger man's face light up just a little. "But you're shore fishing today, so have fun doing that." He finished, shoving the now whining fisherman toward the bags of rods they had laying on the port. "Thank you for this. We'll be out here all day, so let me know what you find...oh, and make sure you bring whoever stole the boat to me. I want to deal with them personally." He cracked his knuckle, heading in the direction he wanted his compatriat to follow. "****ing Golden Magikarp."

?Aye, aye, Captain!? Renia solutes. Sebastian, on the other hand, is left rubbing the back of his neck rather nervously. This was the ocean, which they had no means to explore, minus sitting on the back of Svana...which just seemed like begging for a Sharpedo to rise from the Ocean?s depths and take a chomp out of all of them.

Leaving Renia to assure the captain, he slowly slips his way to the mistreated younger fisherman. ?If we see the Shiny Magikarp, we?ll bring it back.? He whispers. ?If...we can find a way to get off the shore.?

"You mean the golden Magikarp? Thanks." The younger fisherman smiled. "Y'know, you two are certainly helpful, dont get many like you round...well anywhere really." He chuckled, before glancing back nervously to make sure his boss hadnt realised he wasnt following him yet. "I'm sure if you convince one of those yacht snobs that you'll work for them, they'll probably let you onto their boat. My boss is more concerned about getting his boat back, so dont worry about getting me the karp. He's probably right. I figured if we could find the golden karp, we'd be able to sell it for a fortune and get enough to get our own boat with a huge net. Stupid dream anyway...Golden Magikarp is just a pipe dream." He finally finished, staring up and the much larger boats docked on the left hand side of the harbour.

Sebastian merely nods. Golden Magikarp are very much real, as are Red Gyarados, silver Ninetales and pink Ribombee, which Renia happens to have, though that lesson in Pokemon biology might be better given after they get back with the boat? ?Don?t be too hard on yourself. We?ll be back soon.?

Again Sebastian steps over to Renia, who is scanning the docks for a boat to take. ?Do you think any of the other fishermen will let us borrow theirs??

?Doubtful?? Sebastian sighs. His eyes focus on a relatively small sailboat that doesn?t look large enough for a fisherman?s huge haul. If no one?s using that one?

?Can we borrow the sailboat?? Sebastian turns to the crowd.

"Borrow? That old thing?" A portly man shouted back, with a contemptuous tone. "Lad you can have it! Not even the slowest of fish are getting caught by you in that thing!" He laughed, his pretentious friends joining in. Almost immidiately after his comment, he completely dismissed Sebastian's presence and returned to discussing fishing with his friends.

?Perfect.? Sebastian smiles as he heads towards the sail boat.

?You know how to sail?? Renia questions as she follows along.

?Mhm.? He replies as he hops aboard the small ship. ?Route 19 wasn?t far from my home. My family used to sail out towards Seafoam Island in hopes of seeing Articuno.?

?I bet that was fun.? The pink haired trainer smiles as she hops aboard their newly claimed boat. It only took a minute to untie the boat from the docks and set the sails free, and with a helpful gust from Sebastian?s Swanna, the duo began their seawide search.

---

They had been sailing for about forty-five minutes, the shore nothing but a tiny spot in the distance. Above the Cinder Slayer (Renia?s name for the newly obtained boat) soared Svana, her keen eyes keeping taking in miles upon miles of vast, open sea. As she peered out from her vantage point, she noticed an unusual spec alongside a small island extending from a small island in the distance. She sped up, hoping to get a better look.

There it was. This must have been the boat. The swan perched on the mast, but before she could call to her trainer, she noticed something inside. A small boy? Not just any small boy, but Drew Tucker! The pokemon called to her trainer, making her call urgent. The boy was passed out in the boat in a crumpled mess. She didnt see any blood or sign of injury, but humans didnt lie like that to sleep did they? She'd certainly never seen Sebastian sleep in such a way. Her concern was quickly put to rest by the loud and stifled snoring making it clear he probably wasnt hurt.

Sebastian had grown attuned to the cry of his faithful swan, and that sound-- it wasn?t normal for her: It was frantic, urgent. Quickly the redhead loosened the sail, allowing it to gather more wind, and headed for the silhouette of the flying type.

Soon the boat was in view, and to Sebastian?s surprise, Svana was perched on the mast. She would never roost so calmly while Team Cinder was near, was this...not their doing?

As the boat came into view, the swan spread her large wings, urgently flapping them as a signal to Sebastian. Her trainer eased the sailboat to the shore of the tiny island, and quickly rushed for the stolen boat. ?What is it, Svana??

?Swan, swan!? She points with her wing to the crumpled mass, then holds her wings out like a pillow, which she lays her head against, and does her best to make snoring sounds.

?Someone?s...asleep, on the boat?? He questions.

?Wana!? The elegant bird nods.

?Renia, be caref-? Sebastian attempts to warn, but, once again, his words fall on non-existent ears, as the pink haired trainer has already made her way into the boat.

?It?s...a kid.? She speaks upon locating the sleeping Drew.

Sebastian ran at full speed towards the boat, frantic to get to Renia before a trap was sprung on her and Svana, only to nearly trip over the sleeping form of?

?Drew?!?

?You know him?? Renia blinks.

?He?s a friend of mine.? Sebastian explains as he kneels down, quickly reaching for Drew?s wrist. Okay, he has a pulse, good. ?Drew.? He calls, shaking the younger trainer?s shoulder gently. ?Drew, wake up.?

Drew's snoring stuttered violently as he felt the nudging, but the boy refused to wake. "Gotcha." He mumbled, tugging on Sebastian's sleeve like a fishing rod. "She's gonna be..." He began before drifting back into his deeper sleep.

?Is...he okay?? Renia frowns.

?I don?t see any blood or bruises?? Sebastian murmurs as he once again attempts to shake Drew awake.

?If he?s so tired that he fell asleep on a stolen boat, that?s not going to work.? Renia leans forward as she retrieves her Pokedex from her bag. She holds it close to Drew?s ear as she requests to hear the cry of a Gyarados.

The boy shot up from his sleep, a terrified expression clouding over his face as he scurried away from the sound. He clutched one of his pokeballs, looking around for the source of the danger, before settling on the familiar figure just outside of his boat. "Seb, get in something's coming." He said frantically.

Sebastian bites his tongue to suppress a laugh. It wasn?t the nicest way to wake someone, but he would admit; Renia got results. ?It?s already here.? He gestures to the pink haired girl, who is now smiling sweetly at Drew.

?It worked! That?s how my mom used to wake me up, I?m a heavy sleeper, too.? She holds her Pokedex out victoriously. ?But...sorry if I scared you.?

?Naaa.? Svana coos as she hops down from the mast of the ship and waddles over to Drew, a pleased expression on her face now that the boy was awake, and seemingly unharmed.

"I...wha...huh?" Drew groaned, panting between each word. He could practically feel the bags under his eyes weighing him down. His face almost felt like it had doubled in size overnight. "Why are you here?" Drew finally asked, managing to muster a full sentence through his croaky voice. "Where's my rod?" He began to panic, searching frantically for the fishing rod he had attached to the boat.

?We were asked to find a stolen boat.? Sebastian attempted to use his big-brother-scolding tone, only to find he just...couldn?t. Drew looked like he hadn?t slept in days...which could easily be possible, considering what the boy had discovered the night of the Parfum contest. His pathetic attempt at a scolding gaze subsides as he offers his canteen of water to the younger trainer.

?Rod, um?? Renia scans the boat. ?I...think it?s gone??

Drew squinted, seeming to scan the area himself. With a sigh, he stepped forward and accepted the canteen. He gulped down almost half the container before removing it from his mouth. "This might just be the best water I've ever had..." The boy mused, staring at the container. "Where'd you get it? You cant have the boat back yet though." He gulped down another few sips of water. "I need to take up fishing." He gulped down another few sips. "Way easier than being a trainer." He gulped down the last few sips of water and handed the canteen back to Sebastian.

?I...bought it from a vending machine.? Sebastian answered in order to buy himself more time to think over Drew?s next words. ?...We?re taking the boat back, Drew.?

?What do you mean, easier than being a trainer?? Renia asks, quickly taking a step closer to the exhausted, quite possibly out-of-his-mind trainer. ?So you?re just giving up on being a trainer because it?s too hard? So you?re just gonna fish? You?re obviously so bored by it that you fell asleep...on a boat! That?s not easy.?

"I..." The boy stammered, barely forming even a functional sound. Renia's questions were frustrating. He had expected to be judged for wanting to drop his journey, but not by a complete stranger. He stuck his arms behind his back and grabbed his thumb to ensure he didnt start scratching his fingertips. "Fishing is peaceful." He grunted in response. "You dont have to worry about snooty rich assholes, or stupid rock obsessed freaks or Team Cinder..." His eyes narrowed as he realised he'd said just more than he needed to. He forced a blink in order to stop any loose tears from showing themselves. He turned away from Sebastian and Renia. "I'm keeping the boat." He responded sharply.

Sebastian?s expression grew softer and more understanding as Drew went on. His way of going about all of this was...not the best, he completely understood the overwhelming feeling Drew was experiencing. If it wasn?t for fear that Lillie would be hurt, and the ever increasing feeling of dread that Alice might be caught up with with Cinder, Sebastian could easily see himself leaving this all behind, and Drew...he?s nearly five years younger.

?How about this: We bring this boat back to shore, and you can have this one.? Sebastian gestures to the sailboat.

"I'm not giving the boat up Sebastian, especially not for a downgrade. Why do you even care anyway? Where has being the hero ever gotten you?" Drew scoffed, trying to drag the crashed boat back onto the water.

Renia's eyes quickly dart around the little island, looking for an out. These two needed to have a...heart to heart, and she was clogging up the works. "...Hey, Svana, let's look for the rod on the shore."

The swan Pokemon looks reluctant, but after a saddened look to both Sebastian and Drew, she ascended into the air.

Spoiler:

: 400

Poke Ball X 1

Apricorn X 1

*image removed* Chesto Berry X1

*image removed* Cheri Berry X1

*image removed* Pecha Berry X1​

Muraille Island​

 

[LinearAxel]

-Drew Tucker
Sebastian Allender

​

Fish Out of Water pt 2​

​

Once Renia was off the boat, Sebastian folds his arms. "This isn't about being a hero. I'm your friend, and I don't want you to get arrested."

"I'M SCARED ALRIGHT?!" Drew bellowed, finally cracking. "Is that what you wanna hear Seb?!" He kicked the boat in frustration as he felt himself melt into tears. "I dont want to do this anymore. I'm done." He squatted down, facing the boat and withdrawing into a ball. His stomach ached again. This just didnt stop. "I'm not doing it anymore..." He sobbed.

?Drew?? Sebastian breathes as he takes a hesitant step towards the younger trainer. With a defeated expression he sinks down beside Drew, resting his hand on the other?s back. ?I?m scared too...we should be scared.? His voice remains calm. ?This isn?t...you?re fourteen. You shouldn?t have to be face to face with...everything.? Death, murderers...words he can?t bring himself to say. ?You have every right to leave this all behind. This...it isn?t your fight.?

"I..I've...got..nowhere else t-t-to go." The younger trainer sniffled, trying his very best to stifle his tears. He clutched onto the side of the boat, using it to stand up. "I'm taking the boat Seb." He continued to push the boat toward the water, letting tears roll down his cheek as he walked away.

?Why this boat? Why...is this particular boat so important?? This has got to be deeper rooted than some ?finders keepers? idea that Drew has come up with, there?s something...some part of this that Sebastian does not understand.

"This is starting to get real tedious Seb. This is the boat I found. That's why." His tone was still softened by sobbing that was still waiting to burst forth again. "I'm sick of being so ready to let things go just because other people want them." He huffed, with another big push of the boat.

?And what should I do?? Sebastian tilts his head curiously. ?Go back to the mainland, tell the fisherman I found his boat, but let my friend take it, because, though it is rightfully his, you want it?? Surely Drew will see how ridiculous this sounds from a different perspective?that man would pound his guts out of him if he were to do such a thing.

Drew grunted in response. The longer Sebastian continued to press, the more irritated he began to get. "Or you could just not go back. Seems like you're going out of your way to put yourself into something that doesnt even concern you. You didnt show up here knowing I was the one with the boat, so that was pretty crappy excuse." He finally managed to heave the heavy boat to the water, and quickly jumped inside once it began to float. He walked over to the mast, and examined the damage he'd managed to do to the sail.

Sebastian?s eyes narrow as he lunges onto the boat, stepping between Drew and the mast. ?You?re right, I didn?t know it was you.? He murmurs, his voice tinged with a deeper tone, a...darker tone. ?I thought I was coming out here to meet Cinder. I thought I was going out of my way to stop them before they destroyed more lives. Because since meeting you at the palace, Team Cinder has held me at gunpoint twice. I?ve gotten in their way, they?re hunting me. I can stop them, or I can wait for them to hunt me down.?

"I..." Drew paused seeing Seb take a stand. "Then why? Why throw yourself at them again? You're risking the lives of yourself and your friend by going after Cinder." He faltered as he spoke, losing more and more conviction as Seb explained what he'd been through.

?Because I saw a hired gun go after Lillie. She was taken hostage during the Lumiose Tower takeover, she had no intention of pursuing them, she...didn?t even know what was happening. They still went after her. These people...they will come after me whether I run away or not. This way...we?re prepared.?

"If it wasnt for team Cinder, I'd probably be on my way to Cyllage City right now. I lost my best friend. The girl that I...everyone that I thought I cared about." He sighed, feeling himself well up again.

He had to say it, the idea that had been scraping at the edge of his mind and soul, threatening to break him apart if he said it aloud. "I...was...Alice was at Ambrette. We were going to meet up at the beach." His tone and expression grew darker. "She wasn't there. Not a trace. She hasn't answered my calls." He looks out to the ocean, a subdued rage dancing in his eyes.

"Alice too? Paige went after them aswell." Drew gulped as he mentioned that name. He knew how much Alice meant to Seb, so to compare her situation to Paige's was about as open as he was willing to be in expressing how he felt about that. "She found out Cinder bought her dad's company. Took it upon herself to take 'em down before things went sideways." He sat down in the boat, wrapping his arms around his propped up legs. It didnt bother him at all that he was scratching his fingertips again. "Cinder didnt even care about killing her, but I went in there like an idiot. Met Newt along the way." He took a deep breath as he reached the toughest part of the story. "We fought off some Cinder guys, and after the whole thing finished...Chris...broke the cave. The floor fell through, and Newt..." He felt himself hyperventilating as the moment played in his head again. "Even the Cinder grunts...they were just bodies when Chris was done with them."

Did she go after them? It wouldn't surprise him...nor would it surprise him if she just happened to come across them...and they struck her down the way they tried to strike down Avril, and Lillie...the only thing keeping him sane for the time being was the reminder that, despite going through the cave three different times, taking three different paths, and never found a body-- except the ones he watched die.

"...Chris?" From school? He...bodies, dead bodies? Newt...he graduated with them too, didn't he? Sebastian cringes as the new bits of information twirl through his mind. "...Where is Chris now?"

"I dont know. And I dont care. That guy is bad news." Drew grumbled.

Sebastian's fist tightened as he processed everything the younger trainer confessed. "Then...I'll find him too." Bodies of Team Cinder, that's one thing, hell, it's admirable, but...Newt...he was a child...

"Dont bother. I dont think he meant for Newt to die anyway. Fairly certain he wouldve swapped me for Newt at a moments notice. And I doubt anyone in the room really wouldve disagreed with that sentiment." Drew scoffed. His eyes began to well up as his minded lingered on Paige again. "I'm sorry about Alice. I suppose I'm sorry for being a dick back there as well. We've all been through a lot." He sighed. "Take the stupid boat. I'm sure your fisherman friend is getting pretty impatient, huh?" He forced a chuckle.

"He was impatient before we left." Sebastian waves his hand dismissively. There's far more at stake here than an angry fisherman, though he is relieved that Drew will give up the boat. Being on the run from Cinder, and the police for being an accessory to grand theft boat...and while he fully supports Drew's need to leave this all behind, life on the run doesn't suit him. "Why don't you come back with us? We'll...stock up on food for your next boating adventure."

"Sure, I'm not exactly doing so well for cash these days anyway. No way I can call and ask my parents for money." He sighed, lamenting the events of Lumiose. As if he'd done all that for Paige. Maybe if he hadnt, Team Cinder wouldnt even own the fossil company. "I suppose you should probably call your friend and we can get moving."

"Her name is Renia." Sebastian explains as he finally steps away from the ship's mast. Usually Drew's huffy tone and frequent use of dismissive phrases like 'I guess' would make him chuckle. Usually...nothing about his existance is usual any more. He can't help but notice how much heavier he feels as he walks to the deck to call for Renia.

Soon enough, pink hair can be seen bouncing its way towards them. "I couldn't find the rod...Sorry." Renia called as she boarded the boat.

"Dont worry about it, I'll find myself a new one somewhere. Cant be a fisherman without a rod after all." The boy mused, as he finished readjusting the sail to the mast.

"I bet that fisherman will let us have one when we give his boat back." Renia smiles encouragingly as the boys begin to man the sails. Wanting to be helpful, she pulls a large rope from her bag and makes her way to the smaller boat. "So..." She thinks aloud as she ties the rope. "What's a fisherman do? I mean, besides fish."

Drew felt himself chuckle in response to the question. It was something he hadnt really put too much thought into. Wasnt that enough? "Well...I mean, they fish." He furrowed his brows, unsure of how to really follow that up. "They sail. Find bait. That kinda stuff."

"Do you...eat the fish? Sell the fish? This is going to be your livelihood, right?" Renia hops aboard the larger boat and looks at Drew, her eyes wide and curious. Sebastian finds a small smile easing against the corner of his mouth as he sets the sail. This is an...interesting conversation.

Drew glanced at Renia before focusing back down on the sail. "Both, I guess." Gotta do it to make money, so I guess sell mostly." He shrugged as the incessant queries forced him to question just how exciting being a fisherman really would be. No. It didnt matter. He wasnt doing this for entertainment. "Plus I get to sit and enjoy the lake and ocean all day." He finished with a lot more resolve.

"That will be nice." Renia remarks as she looks out to the sea. She saw Fisherman a lot during her travels, yet she never gave them any thought. Now that she's face to face with an up-and-coming, she has so many questions.

"What's Brycen think about this new life?" Sebastian adds. A grass type will be a powerful asset to a fisherman...if Brycen is willing to help.

Drew shuddered as Sebastian mentioned Brycen. The Grass type definitely wouldnt have been happy with this sort of decision. He hadnt even considered it, and the thought was unnerving. He'd have to tell him eventually. "Maybe I should...tell him now." Drew smiled weakly, his face leaking of guilt. He grabbed the Quilladin's pokeball, and tossed it.

The Quilladin emerged from his ball, staring expectantly at his trainer. Upon noticing Sebastian and Renia, the pokemon glanced back up at Drew with a raised brow.

"Bry, I got some good news, and I got some bad news." Drew started.

Brycen wasnt going to be fooled though. This wasnt the first time Drew had hinted at this stupid fishing dream. They were on a fishing boat. Brycen scowled at his trainer.

"We're do..." Drew began, before noticing the expression on Brycen's face. "I'm done with this whole journey thing."

"Quill!" The pokemon refutedly angrily.

"Yeah, I know I said we'd beat the league. But you were there in the cave. You saw what happened. If we keep going, that's only gonna get worse. Newt, Paige...those Cinder guys."

Brycen glared at Drew, but said nothing. He looked to Sebastian expectantly.

Sebastian's eyes are focused on the ocean ahead, steering the boat back towards the tiny dot that would eventually become the mainland. While he said nothing, the silence was broken by a quiet 'awww' coming from the other side of the boat-- coming from Renia. The girl was staring at Brycen with adoring eyes, any more and hearts might actually be floating off of her. The situation is too intense to ask to hug the Pokemon...but...cute!

"Quill, Quilla!" Brycen argued, pointing to one of the pokeballs attached to Drew's belt.

"A battle? No, we're not doing any kind of wager. I'm done Bry. There's no arguing against that."

Brycen's frustration grew. This time, instead of one of the others, he pointed to his own pokeball. After a moment of hesistance from his trainer, Brycen took things into his own hands, using his vines to grab the ball himself. He took the ball, and tossed it into the ocean, without a moment of hesitation, before taking a seat on the deck in a huff.

Drew's jaw dropped as he hopelessly watched the ball splash and slowly sink to the bottom of the ocean. He wanted to scold the pokemon, but he couldnt bring himself to say anything.

"Ah--" Renia reached for her bag, about to call out one of her own Pokemon for help, only for the ball to sink faster than she could call for help. She looks helplessly to Sebastian, who was looking up to see Svana flying overhead. She's too far up to get down in time to dive for the ball...

Drew clenched his fist. "You know what? Fine. As soon as we get off this boat, you can go wherever the hell you want. I dont need your help to become a fisherman anyway." Drew huffed, planting himself on the opposing end of the boat to Brycen.

"Not true." Sebastian speaks up, albeit quietly. He looks between Drew and Brycen with an understanding gaze. "You two are partners, you need each other." He pauses, feeling one of his Pokeballs wiggling against his belt. "...Like I need Selkie."

"Same with me and Sparky." Renia inches closer to Brycen, slowly reaching her hand out to give the Pokemon a gentle head rub. "Please talk this out with him, Brycen."

"Din." Brycen refused, turning his head away. He was under no obligation to make up with anyone. Especially not his treacherous trainer who abandoned their goal to defeat the league behind his back.

"Tch." Drew scoffed. "Yeah, that's because Selkie would stick with you through thick and thin. If only I could say the same for Brycen."

"Qui..." Brycen gawked in disbelief. He was the one that didnt stick with it through thick and thin? Drew had half quit every time the going got tough, yet he had the nerve to accuse him of such cowardice? Brycen stomped over to Drew and pointed an accusational finger. "Quilladin!"

"Like you would understand, it's not like you've had to go through anything like that on the journey." Drew grumbled, shaking his head.

Again, the pokemon gasped in utter shock. He looked over to Sebastian and pointed to Selkie's pokeball. "Quill." He demanded.

"O-oh." Sebastian delicately tapped the button on Selkie's Pokeball, and the fire fox sprang forth.

"Brai!" The fox shouted and quickly ran to her best friend. Even from the cozy home of her Pokeball, she was aware of everything that was happening. Brycen needed some support.

"Quill, Quilla, Quilladin!" Brycen explained to the firey fox. throughout his explanation, he did his best impression of a budew, before following it up with an impression of a Turtwig. In the end, he pointed toward Drew and shook his head.

"Brai, brai." Selkie nods understandingly. When Brycen is finished, she pads her way to Drew and tugs on his pant leg.

"Braix. Xen." She points to Brycen with one hand, and Drew with another, then claps her hands together, trying to indicate they were one in the same. Taking her branch from her tail, she lights it ablaze. Her flame takes a shape somewhat resembling a Budew, then points to Brycen as the flame becomes a heart. Seconds after the flame becomes a heart, and then something akin to a tombstone.

Drew's eyes widened, before he scrunched his face in confusion. "So you're saying we should make up because Brycen loved a Budew that died?"

Brycen jumped in between the two in a fit of frustration, shooing Selkie away. "Quill." He sighed, seemingly indifferent to Drew's interpretation of Selkie's explanation. The pokemon glanced over to where he'd thrown the pokeball and shrugged, raising his fist.

Drew stared at it for a few moments, before raising his own fist to fist bump Brycen, but the pokemon pulled away just before they made contact, using the same hand to point towards the pokeballs on Drew's belt. "You're pretty determined, huh?" The trainer sighed. "I guess what you were saying is that you gave up a lot to be here too?" Both he and Brycen nodded in understanding. "I guess we're carrying on." He sighed, with a heavy heart. "But no more Cinder." The two finally fist bumped, the pokemon showing far more resolve than his trainer.

"Brai? Braix-en!" Selkie shakes her head frantically as she goes back to Sebastian. Maybe she can get him to understand...

"Braix." She remakes the Budew shape. "Xen." She puts her branch in her other hand and attempts to make a Turtwig shape, with morphed into the tombstone.

"Brycen had feelings for a Budew...and...knew a Turtwig that died?" Sebastian asks.

"Xenxen!" Selkie cheers, tucking her branch back in her tail and hugging her trainer's leg.

"Thank goodness." Renia sighs in relief. "I think...you'd be really bored fishing all day."

---

"BOAT HO!" The senior fisherman yelled as he saw his boat sailing in from the horizon.

The group finally docked the harbour and jumped out of the boat. The senior fisherman's joy finally subsided as he noticed Drew with the other two. He walked up to them and lowered himself to Drew's level with a menacing glare. "So this is the one who stole my boat?"

"No, he's--" Sebastian attempts, only to be cut off by Renia, who shoved her way between the redhead and the fisherman.

"My boyfriend!" She states quickly as she throws her arm around Drew's shoulder. "He's a swimmer." She beams with a pride so genuine, even Sebastian has to remind himself that these two just met. "He swam out to help us find your boat."

Drew opened his mouth to respond, but any clever lie he couldve crafted was robbed from his mouth as Renia used hers. B-boyfriend? Surely he'd never believe that. The boy flushed red, but kept his mouth shut.

The senior fisherman inspected the 'boyfriend' presented to him. The girl could certainly do better for herself if what she was saying was true. He definitely didnt look like any kind of swimmer.

Before he could say anything, his employee stepped in front of him. "Thank you guys so much!" He smiled to the trio, shaking Drew's hand. "No luck with that golden Magikarp, huh? Well...not that it matters, you got what matter, right?"

Drew glanced at Renia, who still had her arm around him, then Seb, then down to Brycen's pokeball. "Yeah, I suppose we did." He smiled.

Muraille Island​

 

[LinearAxel]

Honor Among Thieves

Sebastian Allender

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*image removed**image removed**image removed**bulbagarden.net image removed**image removed**image removed*

Route 8

Deciding the best way to find the Probo-bandit?s location was to search through every possible angle, Sebastian and Renia split route 8 into two: Renia taking the shore, while Sebastian took the cliff side. By this point, they were certain the thieves had made it to Cyllage City, and yet neither felt comfortable leaving any (pun possibly intended) stone unturned.

Everything appeared to be in order on the cliffside, there were no more angry Geodude threatening to explode, no more rocks quaking their way out of place, everything appeared to be in order, except...this...sound...a distance sound that Sebastian could not place, yet it seemed...wrong. As the redheaded trainer progressed, the sound grew louder, more intense. Is it...yelling? A lot of yelling, coming closer?

The sound seemed to be right on top of him when a white streak darted passed Sebastian. The Pokemon paused in front of Sebastian briefly, long enough to turn back and stare at the trainer with frightened, and yet exhausted eyes, before yet another collaboration of shouts and screams caused the creature to scamper further down the cliffside.

?You there, stop that Pokemon!? An older voice called above the rest. Sebastian turned to see a man rushing towards him, a baseball bat in hand, along with several more people trailing behind him, each carrying a strange object; a brick, a garden hoe, a golf club?

Sebastian?s eyes narrowed as he came to a complete stop. ?Why?? He asked simply.

?Don?t ya know nothin?, lad?!? A woman practically shrieked. ?That?s an Absol! They bring disasters wherever they go!?

?No.? Sebastian stood his ground. ?Absol?s come to towns to warn--?

?THAT THING CAUSED THE BOAT TO CRASH!? The man in front screamed, and the group behind him quickly descended into an angry, screaming chaos that Sebastian had no hope of interpreting.

?If we kill it, its evil will be undone!? The shrieking woman called as she shoved her way to the front of the mob.

?You will NOT kill an innocent Pokemon!? Sebastian shouted, quickly reaching for a Pokeball from his belt loop.

?The boy?s under the demon?s influence!? The lead man shouts, and it seems he?s about to rush towards the young trainer-- when a quick burst of fire bursts towards the man?s feet.

?Oh, please. No demon?s wasting their time with this one.? Called a voice from behind Sebastian; a familiar voice, accompanied by a familiar face. The girl from Lumiose, the one that tried to steal the Meowstics! She was standing where Absol once stood, a female Pyroar by her side, its tail swishing dangerously. How did she...where did she?? Sebastian didn?t have time to complete his thoughts before the blonde girl strode her way to his side. ?But he?s right. Absol came to warn you of the disaster, not to cause i--?

?You children know nothing of Pokemon!? The woman shrieks once more, her loud, high pitch voice causing both Victoria, and her Pyroar, to flinch.

?The hell is wrong with them?? Victoria growls under her breath.

?I think they call this ?mob mentality.?? Sebastian whispers as the crowd once more descends into a screaming chaos.

?Well...if you can?t beat ?em.? Victoria huffs, her hands coming to cup around her mouth. ?Hey, inbreds!?

It seems her word choice was just appalling enough to make the group turn to her.

?I need you all to calm down. My associate and I are trained professionals-- Absol removal specialists, We need you all to leave so we can remove the Absol, and purify the area.?

?Purify?!? The woman shouts.

?Yes, once that is done, the area will be protected from this, and all other Absol.? Victoria ignores Sebastian?s stare. ?But until we are done, this area is considered highly volatile, an earthquake could strike any minute!?

As if on queue, several stones around the angered mob begin to shudder. More screams fill the air, though this time far more terrified than angered. The once murderous mob breaks apart, the men and women shoving one another as they desperately sprint their way back across the cliffside.

Sebastian waits for the mob to be out of earshot before quirking an eyebrow at Victoria. ?How did you???

?Meow!? A high pitch squeak cries from above. Perched on a higher section of cliffs sits a Meowstic-- a...Yellow Meowstic, which waves to Sebastian as it floats down into Victoria?s arms.

Sebastian?s eyes narrow once more. ?Did you steal this one, too??

?You may never know.? The girl coos, her eyes glittering with a coy playfulness as she reaches for her Meowstic, which she holds to her chest. ?But, hey, I?m over that whole you telling the police on me thing.?

?Excuse me?? Sebastian asks. She?s over-- she took a Pokemon from a hospitalized old woman! How is he the one in need of forgiveness?

?Mhmmm~ See, thanks to you uprooting me, I got a whole new lease on life.? The girl is smirking, she won?t stop.

?I?m happy for y-? Sebastian pauses when he catches a glimpse of white from the corner of his eye. Both trainers turn to see Absol walking towards them, and that?s what makes Victoria?s face fall.

?Poor thing...those ****wads hurt you, didn?t they?? The blonde girl practically hisses.

Absol looks between the two and takes another step forward, only to stumble. It collects its footing and limps forward once more, dropping what appeared to be a black ornament at their feet.

?For...us?? Sebastian asks, and the Absol nods.

Sebastian opens his mouth as Victoria slides the bauble towards him with her foot; an action that quickly silences him.

?Take it, it kinda suits you.? Victoria nods.

?But you--?

?Yeah, I did all the work, but you would have, if I didn?t step in to save you.? That smirk is back. Sebastian, once more, opens his mouth, before Victoria turns away from him, no longer paying him any mind. ?Besides...I?m sure Absol will find another one, and I?d like to be there when he does.?

Victoria?s remarks cause both Sebastian and the Absol to tilt their heads.

?What do you say, Absol?? Victoria takes a luxury ball from her bag, which she holds out to the dark type. ?If you come wit me, I?ll make sure no one ever hurts you like that again.?

?Sol?? The Absol?s eyes become a mixture of disbelief and delight. It looks up to Victoria, a little smile forming as it taps its head against the Luxury ball.

?Yay~? Victoria cheers as the ball shakes, then falls still. She turns on her toes to look back to Sebastian, and winks. ?I?m coming for you. Next time we meet, it?s a battle, and I?m taking you down.? In a similar fashion to how she departed last time, the blonde presses her lips to her middle finger, and waves said finger in Sebastian?s direction, before resuming her path down the cliffside.

?Huh?? Sebastian murmurs to himself as the female trainer makes her way down from the cliffs. ?I guess...there?s honor among thieves after all.?

...Victoria...caught a Pokemon?

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[Jay]

Stage 14 - Cyllage City​

~There are very few Cyllage City remixes. It's a beach anyway so deal with the booty.~​

Time at Stage Start: 10 AM​

At long last, after many grueling challenges and dangerous foes, after multiple adventures and encounters with evil organisation team Cinder, our heroes have arrived at Cyllage City, the second major stop in the Kalosian League. They enter now into what many ace trainers refer to as the North Western League belt, for those following the standard route as our heroes are, there is a slew of gym battles and badges to be earned on our characters routes as they attempt to loop back around to the glowing Lumiose City... where they will finally get a chance to face off against the Sinnoh guest leader, Volkner.

However, it won't be a simple matter of walking along this stretch collecting badges along the way. A great many fierce and intense battles meet our gym battlers along the way, no leader is going to give up their badge without a fight... Grant the Rock Climbing Leader of Cyllage City is no exception, as he stands as the first challenge to those trainers looking to earn their second badge and finally cement themselves as true candidates for the Kalos Pok?mon League.

For those not partaking in the gym challenge, Cyllage city still has plenty to offer. A beautiful coastal city known for its various sporty activities and action based living environment, its Kalos' number one fitness center and a great place to relax and unwind when not partaking in the active and tiring activities the city is known for. Those with roller blades or a bike will find themselves at home here and those without will find them in plentiful supply. The fossil trade stretches up this way too, perhaps finding its prime excavation point in the caves surrounding the mountainous cliffside upon whcih the city is based, the gym itself being secluded away inside of the biggest natural opening that could be found.

If they're to be Grant's next challenger, a newfound athletic spirit or just someone eager to see the sights and sounds of the ocean, our heroes are bound for the city of peaceful strolls... Cyllage at last!

---

Pok?mon Available (Level 34-36):

Cyllage Cliffside:​

Pok?mon available to those using a Great Ball(Level 36-38):

Pok?mon available to those using on Mission 3 (Level 34-36):

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Leader Pok?mon:

AURORUS

• Mist
• Encore
• Light Screen
• Hail
• Ancient Power
• Hyper Beam

Ability: Refrigerate

TYRANTRUM

• Ancient Power
• Dragon Tail
• Dragon Dance
• Fire Fang
• Ice Fang
• Thunder Fang

Ability: Strong Jaw

Gym Gimmick:
Grant's battlefield bring verticality to the maximum. Both trainers stand upon raised platforms, a good 10 feet above the battlefield proper in order to look down at the area below... which is a sea of boulders and crags. Leaping up and down from areas of various elevation means that more agile pok?mon have an advantage... with two massive fossil pok?mon at his disposal, one might find Grant's choice of battleground somewhat lacking tactically, however this misconception is quickly tossed aside as you realize that the arena is built to allow massive pok?mon such as Tyrantrum to easily dart and dive around cover, using the larger spires of rock to their advantage. Nimble agility, a clever mind for positioning or an overpowering force may be needed to (literally or figuratively) level the battlefield.

Once a battle has ended, the previous arena is lowered by machinery into the ground and a massive slab of stone is dropped into atop it, this new slab is then carved out expertly by a team of excadrills in seconds, allowing it to take the same shape as the arena before it, seemingly good as new.

Leader's Tactics:
Grant doesn't focus as much on speedy dodges and subterfuge as Viola does, instead using home turf advantage and a few tricky combinations to completely overpower his opponents with an ancient fossil force. Aurorus is presented initially as a staller and uses its mist, hail, light screen and encore to weaken the enemy and protect them both from special attacks which are dangerous to them both. Often times the unprepared trainer can get lost in the mist early and their pok?mon are rapidly picked off by the flying boulders of ancient power... however if he sees an opportunity, Grant will not hesitate to use Hyper Beam, altered by refrigerate to be an equivalent to hyper charged ice beam.

The problems Aurorus can't handle itself get tackled by the imposing Tyrantrum. A collosal fossil pok?mon proudly bearing the sturdy types of rock and dragon, physical attacks without type advantage bounce of of its sturdy scales like small stones on a boulder. When Tyrantrum comes out, Grant understands that he needs one thing. An unstoppable force. The despot pok?mon hurtles through the rock spires of the battlefield, tossing them aside like they're nothing and using his powerful dragon attacks and myriad of elemental jaws to tear through oponents based on their weakness. When pushed to his absolute limit, Grant will order Tyrantrum to unleash its special technique... the "Tri Fang", inspired by tri-attack, tri fang involves Tyrantrum channeling all three elemental fangs at once and crushing an opponent with primordial fury. This technique is sure to leave Tyrantrum exhausted, but in terms of power and volatility even the strongest and sturdiest pok?mon will be knocked out by the smallest contact.

How will you and your pok?mon stand up and topple the solid tactics of Grant and his mountainous mon?

[OPEN] ? Mission 1:​

The wreckage of the S.S. Mar?e is wide and sprawling, taking up a massive section of the coastal route on both beach and cliffside levels. Full of newly attracted pok?mon, various lost bits and pieces... and signs of great sadness. The ship is officially off limits... but the wild pok?mon trapped inside or in the water beneath, sealed off by steel walls of jagged wreckage, need help escaping or they'll run out of food before anyone can reach them. If playing the hero isn't for you, then who knows what sorts of valuables could be left behind after such an expansive and expensive ship has crashed? It isn't the most morally righteous of causes, but it may be worth taking a look.

Complete 1 or both of the following objectives:
- Rescue a band of trapped wild pok?mon.
- Loot ruined rooms and guest cabins for supplies and valuables.

Reward 1: 1 Wild Pok?mon from the S.S. Mar?e with an egg move. + Mystic Water + Kings Rock + Deepsea Tooth/Scale
Reward 2: 3000-4000 Pok? (Non-Monetary rewards may be found, discuss with the GMs what part of the ship you'll be searching and they will assign a reward at their discretion.)

[OPEN] ? Mission 2:​

The second gym battle for our heroes now looms precariously on the precipice of a mountain... that mountain being the rock type gym leader Grant and his posse of prehistoric pok?mon! Defeat him in a three on two double or single battle... and claim the second Kalosian Gym Badge for yourself!

Reward:
1 Cliff Badge + TM Ancient Power

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Mission 1:​

Grant is preparing for his quest to climb every huge mountain in the world. If he does leave though, he's going to need a replacement in the Cyllage city gym. Representatives from the official pokemon league committe have found themselves on a scouting mission, looking for rock type trainers to take Grant's spot. They can put together the most effective tryouts if they have a trainer ready to challenge Grant to really test the candidates.

Reward:
Light green egg with a red core.

Mission 2:​

An Aquacorde Academy dropout has really found their feet since leaving school. After somehow getting their hands on a pokedex, they've taken over the pokedex cafe, even taking a bunch of rare pokemon from some of the trainers he's beaten. Someone needs to stop them, if only to restore and uphold the reputation of Aquacorde Academy. Sycamore demands it!

Reward:
Snag Ball (Allows the trainer to catch owned pokemon. Works like a regular Pokeball otherwise)

OPEN Mission 3:​

The trek to the Grant's gym is a long and difficult one, some have even likened it to victory road. While not quite as tough as the legendary route, the giant wormholes that have been showing up have made the diffifcult road even more trecherous. If you can find the source of the problem, you put a stop to the injuries that people have been suffering on route to Cyllage City gym.

Reward:
Rock Climbing Kit

Mission 4:​

One of the stars of DNA 2: The Rise of Mewtwo has flown in for a screening in Cyllage. All of the glit and glamour you'd expect from such an event has made for quite the spectacle, but for the big finale, the actor wants a super theatrical battle with a local trainer. He isnt the best trainer himself, but as long as the battle looks good, it doesnt matter. Put on a show for the people.

Reward:
Black Sunglasses + TM Facade

Mission 5:​

Get your wheels and deals over at the Cyllage City Bicycle store, "Cyclage Sales"!... Or well, that's what the chipper owner, Mr. Saikel, usually explains but he's in a bit of a pickly today. While out and about his prized accolade, the Nation Wide Bike Shop Owners Golden Handlebar Award (or the NWBSOGHA for short) has been taken right from the front window of his esteemed store. This is a tragedy beyond compare and he can't get into the spirit of things with his most near and dear possession stolen away. Wait! He has an idea! You can help him, yes, you! Why he'd even reward you! How does a brand new bike sound?

Reward:
New and Improved All Terrain Bicycle the "Machro 5"

Mission 6:​

Get your helmets on and your pedal to the metal, its time for another of Cyllage City's famous all terrain, city wide races! All you need is a set of wheels, bike, skates, board or scooter. Hop on and get ready to race around the mountains, the beach and the city streets in a full blown triathlon of environments all contained in one exciting location. With some pretty hefty rewards on offer to those placing in the top three... even those not usually inclined to might find themselves tempted.

Requirement:
1 Bike/Set of Skates/Scooter/Skateboard/etc.

Reward:
1st Place: 3500 Pok? + 1 TM Agility + 1 Pro Racers Black Jacket
2nd Place: 2500 Pok? + 1 TM Agility
3rd Place: 1500 Pok?

Mission 7:​

Racing on wheels isn't the only competition available to those visiting Cyllage city. On the same track as the day time skating, the evening brings another test of speed and skill. The Pok?mon Race requires a pok?mon capable of being mounted or, at the very least, one that is capable of carrying their rider. Flying mounts mut remain within 5 feet of the ground at all times and pok?mon capable of teleportation are forbidden from using such abilities. This race is even more dangerous than the last however, as pok?mon moves are open for use so long as they do not seek to directly harm your opponent or their pok?mon. Vine whip a nearby stall into your competitors path, Air Slash the ties holding a bridge in place, Earthquake the ground for some uneven terrain... it's all or nothing in a race for even greater rewards than before.

Reward:
1st Place: 5000 Pok? + 1 TM Extreme Speed + 1 Pro Racers White Jacket
2nd Place: 4500 Pok? + 1 TM Sucker Punch
3rd Place: 3500 Pok?

[OPEN] Mission 8:​

As the sun shines down from the sky above, the beach is looking more appealing than ever. Is it time for a beach episode? It might be. Swimming shorts, suits and perhaps even lessons for some characters will be a must. Spend the hours searching for sea shells, diving beneath the waves or smashing rocks with your pok?mon to find some hidden gems and items. It's been a long and arduous journey so far, you deserve a little r&r on the beach with a drink and some sun. Surely nothing could go wrong.

...right?

Reward:
Soft Sand OR Pearl OR Max Revive OR Heart Scale OR Shell Bell

Mission 9​

Not too far off the coast of Cyllage, there's a small island with a smaller house where a teenage boy and his grandfather live and cultivate rare and unique berries using fertilisers harvested from deep beneath the waves. They're always willing to reward brave trainers whom dive beneath the waters surface to gather some of the special nutrient rich sand that their exotic berries rely on. Explore the Cyllage Barrier Reef and encounter some interesting pok?mon in your efforts to earn the reward of a rather interesting fruit.

Reward:
Charti Berry, Occa Berry and Haban Berry

Mission 10:​

A mother screams for help as her young child is seen caught in the waves further out to sea, floating out there without control of her small floatie the little girl kicks and screams as she's unable to stop herself from intaking gulps of water, her only safety line popped flat on a small outcropping of sharp rock. You have to do something, if someone doesn't save her then...!

Reward:
3 Heart Scales + 1 TM Surf

Mission 11:​

Hotel Cyllage has a rather particular problem in its basement storehouse... to put it bluntly, it's Durants. A nest has sprung up amidst the crates and stacked shelves of the dark and stuffy storage space located beneath the rather impressive hotel. Stock has been stolen and property destroyed by the ornery metal critters and the owner is beside himself with concern. Any trainer willing to go down there, knock some sense into the overly aggressive metal mites, while also spraying their nest with a provided bottle of Durant-Be-Gone will receive a nice little reward in return.

Reward:
3500 Pok? + TM Hone Claws

[OPEN]Mission 12:​

The Cyllage Style boutique is the premier one stop shop for exploration and sports attire all across the Kalos Region. Explore the rough and tumble routes of Kalosian life with functionality and style. Right now they need models, folks willing to take their new clothing line out into the field where they can test its wear and tear against the wild and natural world. Throw yourself into the most dangerous situation you can think of and come out looking as fashionable as you did going in. The reward? Money and exposure... not to mention you can keep the clothes!

Reward:
3000 Pok? + 1 Outdoorsy/Sporty outfit for your character.​

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[Stinging Bea]

Chapter 13-2 | Cosmic Clash!

Avril Morris and Odette Radiuju
Muraille Coast

Avril's Team

Odette's Team

Badges

Inventory

Spoiler:

- x1 Pok?dex

- x1 Holocaster

- x1 Pok? Ball

- x2 Great Ball

- x3 Dive Ball

- x1 Love Ball

- x3 Potion

- 2800 Pok? Dollars

- x3 Pecha Berries

- x1 Odd Flower

- TM13

- TM66

Pok?mon cries and sounds of their moves could be heard echoing through the small cove. A Gligar and Magnemite were in the midst of sparring, flinging moves at one another as they flew over the white sand. The pair were surprisingly on par with each other, despite the Gligar being only a recent addition to her team. During its struggle with the Skarmory, Odette had seen its lack of battle experience, so she thought to fix that with some training straight away, but the Pok?mon was picking it up faster than she expected.

Odette was sitting in the sand, accompanied by Grace. She'd been searching for a quiet place to train, away from the prying eyes of other trainers, for fear of embarrassing herself, after she'd seen the powerful Pok?mon Newt and Drew - children no less - had produced from their Pok?balls. She could only imagine how far the other graduates from the Aquacorde school had grown by now. She grit her teeth in frustration, which resulted in her Ralts giving her a few reassuring pats on her arm. She looked over at Grace for solace, but this only increased her anxiety. Even her strongest partner had failed to evolve once yet.

Averting her eyes, the girl looked to her other side; the place her bag was sitting. Inside that bag, she remembered, was actually a Pok?mon of immense power. She'd been so proud to call the gigantic Rhyhorn her catch - even if she had help both from Newt's Heavy Ball and the forest fire to weaken it severely. Of course since, she only called it out of its ball once: the Santalune City Gym battle. But the havoc the Rock-type had wreaked on Viola's Gym and her Pok?mon still terrified her now. Taking out its container, she played with the ball in her hands a little as she sank into her thoughts. If she couldn't learn to control that monster, how was she ever to become the strongest trainer of all?

"I think that went rather well, really..." Avril said, glancing down at Shino as she and her pok?mon team had once again resumed their way up the coast towards Cyllage City.

With the events of the wreckage now behind them, Avril was eager to resume the journey towards the next town, especially since now that the road was open. Shino curiously glanced up at the pink pok?ball gripped in his trainer's hand, clearly not sure of what to make of the ball. He was aware that pok?balls came in different colors, but Shino had never seen one so... vibrant in hue, much less one that had a heart painted on the top of it. Avril herself didn't know exactly what she was going to do with it or why she even bothered to take it out of the S. S. Mar?e. It certainly was a gaudy little device, but at the same time it seemed to have a certain... charm to it. Regardless, Avril was sure that the ball would come in handy should she run out of other pok?balls. So, she quickly tucked it safely inside of her bag for later usage.

As they traveled, Avril had led the team into a small cove for a slight detour in the route. She figured that the cove would provide them with slightly easier travel, as it was getting incredibly late at this point. It also seemed to be rather quiet, meaning it would provide an adequate place to rest should her team decide a break was needed. Of course, it didn't take long for such an occurace to appear. The sound of a faint rumble managed to reach the ears of the trainer as well as several of her pok?mon. They all turned to the source of the sound, finding Marble looking down and patting her tummy with a somewhat embarrassed grin on her face.

"Ooooh, sounds like someone's getting hungry..." Avril mused, giggling softly at the Flaaffy's blush. "Let's go a bit further up and we'll take a break for a snack."

The trainer led her team a bit forward, another sound quickly reaching the group's ears as they began to round a corner. Radar's ears seemed to perk slightly, the Noibat flapping off of Avril's shoulder a bit ahead to get a quick peek at what the commotion could have possibly been. His eyes widened at the sight before him, taking note of what appeared to be a Magnemite and a Gligar having a battle with each other. However, what caught Radar's attention the most wasn't the battle. Rather, it was the Ralts and human he spotted sitting in the sand. Radar was fully aware that sometimes pok?mon could come in odd colors that weren't normal... But the human, he had never seen anything like that before. Was she a shiny human...? Could humans even do that?

Before the Noibat had any further time to wonder, Avril and the rest of her pok?mon team managed to catch up. "Come on, Radar... Don't just go flying ahead like that. We've never been here before and there's point in you getting... lost..."

The girl paused as she took note of the sight before her. The girl in particular, Avril couldn't forget about her. She had seen her several times during her days back at the academy, but the two had never seemed to get around to talking. Her name...

Odette turned around at the sound of someone approaching, and hastily stood up and dusted the sand off her clothes. Her Ralts too, turned to face the stranger, and her two other Pok?mon finally stopped their battle as well. Looking Avril up and down, Odette thought she looked familiar... another of the trainers that graduated from the Aquacorde Trainer's School? Either way, Odette wasn't pleased to have another trainer present for her training, certainly not in her current state of mind.

''E-Excuse me! I was conducting a private training session here.''

"I... I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to interrupt or anything," Avril replied quickly, feeling a bit embarrassed at the moment. She had stared at the scene for far too long, so the blonde wasn't the least bit surprised if the girl before her was more than just a tad upset. "We were just passing through, really. My bad."

What she hadn't counted on was her own Noibat taking a bit offense towards Odette's tone. Just who did this human think she was? She had no right to speak to his trainer like that, and he was not about to let her think she did. Without any warning at all, Radar suddenly zipped forward, his little wings flapping quickly as he began to screech and hiss at Odette in anger.

Odette was taken by surprise, and instinctively raised her arms in defense. Detecting danger approaching her trainer, Grace stepped forward and immediately retaliated with a Confusion attack: grabbing the Noibat in mid-air and sending him flying back a short distance. Being a winged Pok?mon, the Noibat thankfully managed to stay airborne, but Odette wouldn't be surprised if that pissed it off even worse. She extended an arm to Grace as a sign to settle down, but the adrenaline made her next comment come out even more snide than she'd intended.

''Ugh, can't you keep your Pok?mon in check?! Surely it should know not to attack humans,'' she spoke, lowering her arms and awkwardly crossing them.

Avril frowned, "Excuse me, but if he wanted to attack you he would have. I haven't had him long, but I can assure you that Radar knows that much." She made her way over to the bat pok?mon, making sure that he was okay. Thankfully, he seemed to be just a bit surprised by the sudden attack of the Ralts as opposed being actually hurt. Avril held out her arm, allowing the Noibat to take what had already become his usual spot on her left shoulder. This trainer... clearly she had an attitude problem, that much was certain. "Least I'm not going around acting like I own part of the road..."

''What? Hmph, it's not like I'm blocking the path, this cove is completely isolated...'' But to oblige, Odette stepped aside, turning her side to Avril and using her arm to gesture for her to pass, before crossing them again and staring out over the water. Ralts remained close by her side, but despite their trainer's disinterest, Gligar and Magnemite were clearly intrigued by Avril and her Pok?mon, curiously examining them top to bottom from behind Odette.

Avril didn't waste a single moment as she began to make her way past the girl and her pok?mon. She was suddenly realizing that she wasn't that upset that she didn't remember this girl's name. Something about her attitude really rubbed the blonde the wrong way. In Avril's mind, the sooner she and her pok?mon could move past her the better. Shino and Marble quickly ran behind Avril to catch up to the girl, while Lulu paused just long enough to flick her tongue out in an attempt to antagonize the Ralts as she floated by.

Once she'd passed her by, Odette grimaced. Watching this girl, her age, trail off with such an army of Pok?mon by her side made her angry. Frustrated that the Pok?mon she'd apparently gotten recently was already defending her even from insults. What did this girl have that she didn't? And how could she get it? Before she even realised what she was doing, she shouted after the girl. ''Hey, wait a minute!''

Avril stopped and turned to look at Odette. "What...? Is something wrong?"

The other girl visibly struggled to say, but she balled her fist in resolution. ''I... I challenge you to a Pok?mon battle!''

Her Pok?mon immediately looked up at her in surprise, but Odette paid them no mind. She was turning slightly red just waiting for an answer - was this not proper trainer etiquette? - but kept her gaze trained determinedly to meet Avril's.

Avril was surprised about the sudden challenge from the girl. She wasn't exactly against the idea. After all, the last proper battle she had had was back at the Battle Chateau against the sisters. It could be nice to have a battle against someone without having her life on the line for a change. At the very least, it could provide practice for the gym in Cyllage.

"Alright, why not?" Avril replied, turning to face the girl properly. "Got any rules you wanna use? Best of a certain number?"

Odette actually looked a bit disoriented, like she didn't expect the other trainer to actually accept. ''I er, well... How many Pok?mon do you have?''

"Five in total," Avril answered. She glanced over her shoulder at Shino and the others as she spoke. "These four here, plus one still in his ball."

Looking back at her own set of Pok?mon, Odette hesitated a moment. She'd originally intended to omit her other Pok?mon, but she didn't want to seem behind the other trainer that far. ''Okay... I have four. So then...''

Avril looked thoughtful for a moment. She remembered her battle with Victoria, where the girl had challenged her to a best of three. Initially, Avril decided that this was a good rule to keep Shino safe. In retrospect, it was a good idea to keep her safe should something had gone wrong for her. On the other hand, they were already so close to a town... Both Ambrette and Cyllage were within easy walking distance, so what would be the harm in going all out?

"Alright then, let's do a best of four, how about that?" Avril inquired, feeling a bit excited over the prospect of this battle.

Odette considered for a moment, but then nodded determinedly. She looked down at her Pok?mon, before starting to walk to the other side of the cove, leaving a battlefield of white sand in between the two trainers. Finally, she turned back, facing Avril, and sending her first Pok?mon forward. ''Magnemite, you go first.'' Her small magnet Pok?mon eagerly floated ahead of her, still excitedly examining Avril and her flock of companions.

"Hmm... Haven't gotten to battle a steel-type yet," Avril thought, watching the Magnemite eagerly await its opponent. Avril glanced over at her team, realizing quickly that Shino and Marble would likely not be a good match up for Odette's pok?mon. Eventually, her eyes came to rest on her Shuppet, who seemed to be busy giving the Magnemite a dirty look for... some reason, Avril honestly couldn't be sure of. "Alright, Lulu... Lead us off!"

The Shuppet let out an eager giggle as she floated towards the Magnemite. Her tongue was quick to slip out of her mouth, blowing a raspberry towards the steel-type before turning her back towards it and shaking her (or at least what Avril assumed to be) her little ghost rump in the direction of Odette's pok?mon. Suddenly, Avril found herself wondering if using Lulu was really the best idea... But it was too late to back out of the decision now.

Magnemite curiously flew up to the Shuppet before it suddenly blew a berry in its direction. It simply splat against its metal exterior, however, and the steel-type didn't even seem perturbed. Rather, it was fascinated, and its single eye floated closer and closer to the curious little ghost. Was there a body under that cloth? What was the spike on its head from? And how did its eyes glow so creepily? Was its round head actually a lightbulb?!

Its trainer crossed her arms impatiently, and with both Pok?mon so close together, she took it as a sign to... ''Let's begin!'' she shouted, causing her Magnemite to flinch and hastily take its distance from its now-opponent. ''Start off with Spark!'' The command was clear, and so Magnemite began twisting its appendages to generate electricity... before rushing at the tiny Shuppet in hope to strike.

"Lulu, attack with Shadow Sneak!" Avril ordered.

A ghostly giggle escaped the Shuppet's mouth as she her shadow began to stretch foward, quickly making its way behind the attacking Magnemite. The shadow itself began to rise up from the ground quickly, a set of monstrous looking claws forming in the process, before the shadow suddenly reached out and took a swipe at Odette's pok?mon. All the while Lulu would be left open to take the Magnemite's Spark attack, but despite the obvious pain the electric-powered tackle caused she seemed to take it in stride. A smirk still graced the ghost-type's mouth as she staggered back, watching her shadow attack from behind.

Odette's eyes widened as she saw what was a tiny ghost-type's shadow seemingly bleed from her form and stretch over the ground towards her Magnemite's. A terrifying visage, especially so late at night, but as her Pok?mon was absorbed in its attack, it didn't seem to notice - until its Spark made contact, and suddenly its body was engulfed by shadows. That such a cute Pok?mon could do something like that... Odette shook her head and moved on. ''Magnet Bomb, quick!''

Taking advantage of its close quarters, Magnemite quickly launched a number of steel bombs, magnefied to stick to their target. As Shadow Sneak wore off, a few were carried away by its remaining shadow limbs, but the majority stuck as intended: according to Odette's Pok?dex, Magnet Bomb would never miss.

Avril was helpless to watch as the remaining bits of metal sailed straight towards her Shuppet, almost as if they were homing in on her. The blonde knew that no order she could give was going to let Lulu dodge this attack. Rather, the only obvious way to counter was to order the ghost pok?mon to charge through and hopefully land an attack of her own.

"Lulu, use Feint Attack now!" Avril ordered.

Lulu was quick to throw caution to the win as she suddenly began to charge straight towards the Magnemite. Ghostly wails escaped her mouth as the Magnet Bomb began to collide into her, yet the ghost managed to somehow charge through and slam her ghostly noggin right into the Magnemite's... well, the Magnemite. Lulu was panting heavily from the attack, clearly a result of the pain she sustained just trying to land the attack in the first place. Still, Avril was proud of the ghost's effort.

Magnemite too was taken in the Magnet Bomb blast thanks to the Shuppet's charge, but thanks to its type resistance, the damage it sustained had been minimal. Odette grinned slightly, pleased that the battle was turning out her way. ''Wrap it up with Sonic Boom!''

Her Pok?mon whirred, sending out a sonic wave through the air, meant to strike the ghost-type and fling her back through the impact - but when the waves reached Lulu, they passed through her without so much as a tickle.

Avril stood there, raising an eyebrow at the choice of attack by Odette. Wasn't... didn't she know that normal-type moves don't work on ghosts...? Avril really didn't want to call her out on it, after all it was possible that the girl managed to simply forget or made a slip-up. These things happen after all. Still, the blonde decided not to waste this chance she had just been given.

"Lulu, quick! Use Nightshade!" Avril ordered out.

The ghost began to giggle... no, outright cackle as her eyes began to glow an eerie, blood-red. A dark ball of energy began to form in front of Lulu, before suddenly being launched straight at the Magnemite. The ball of malicious energy sailed straight towards the steel-type, all the while the Shuppet seemed to be absolutely thrilled with the thought of launching the negative energy at her foe. Magnemite however seemed almost equally thrilled to see its opponent so excited, and her eyes changing color intrigued it, almost into forgetting it was charging up an attack. The electric-type hastily tried to avoid the ghostly ball, but before it could well move away, the ball struck into its side, throwing it off balance and into the ground.

Odette covered her mouth in shame and horror. How could she have forgotten Sonic Boom was a normal-type attack?! Just because it wasn't physical didn't mean it would work! She kept her eyes trained on Magnemite, waiting for it to float back up into position... but after a soft mechanical noise, its magnets slumped into the sand, defeated. So too, did Odette return her Pok?mon to its ball, tightly gripping it in her hand before returning it to her bag.

She then threw a glance to her other two Pok?mon out. Ralts and Gligar were both healthy, but particularly the latter seemed distressed after watching its comrade go down in battle. Odette felt a pang of guilt, but was determined to show it her prowess as well. She shared a glance with Grace and nodded, and soon the small psychic type took to the battlefield instead.

"The Ralts, hmmm? I wonder if that weird color is something to worry about..." Avril questioned, looking at the psychic pok?mon before her. Her drifted over towards Lulu, who looked a bit tired after her battle with the Magnemite. Lulu still had the type advantage here, but... She didn't look like she was going to be able to take much more before she too fainted. Taking hold of the ghost's pok?ball, Avril quickly called her back. "Good job, Lulu... Take a break for a bit."

With Lulu properly returned to her ball, Avril glanced over her shoulder at her pok?mon. She could see a sense of... eagerness in the eyes of her Noibat. It looked like Radar was eager to try his hand at the battle. Giving the bat pok?mon a nod, Avril turned and returned her focus back towards Odette.

"Alright, Radar you're up next," the blonde determined.

Radar let out an excited screech as he quickly flapped his way out to the battlefield. The Noibat eyed Odette's Ralts, remembering the way that the emotion pok?mon had attacked him with her Confusion attack just a little while ago. He was eager to settle the score and prove his might to this little Ralts. Grace returned the Noibat's gaze, but it seemed as if she wasn't actually focusing. Her eyes glazed over, and she folded her hands together to prepare.

Odette was slightly pleased. She'd made a massive slip-up with the Sonic Boom earlier, but other than that her Magnemite had definitely held its own. And now, whether she knew it or not, Avril had sent her Pok?mon into an unfavorable matchup... but Odette wasn't about to give her time to change her mind.

''Start off with Double Team!''

The Ralts lowered her gaze and started rubbing her hands together. Instantly, all around her, a large number of identical Ralts spawned.

Avril widened her eyes at the sight of all the Ralts that were suddenly before herself and Radar. This could be a rather sticky situation for the the bat pok?mon. Thankfully, the blonde had a way around this small issue. A grin tugged on her lips as she turned her attention to her Noibat.

"Alright, Radar! Attack with Air Cutter!" Avril called out to her Noibat.

Radar screeched in response, quickly starting to flap his little wings as hard as he possibly could. The bat pok?mon began to kick up a strong gust of wind, his eyes narrowing as he suddenly laucnhed a blast of sharp, cutting wind directly towards the Ralts and all of her copies.

The blade of air struck a large area on the beach, instantly decimating all of the clones Grace had spread over the beach. That was a setback, she was hoping to use the confusion to get a few easy attacks on the Noibat off, but not all was lost. ''You know what to do. Disarming Voice!'' Odette shouted. That layered command had even Grace's cheeks rise in the slightest smile. As soon as she regained her balance after the strike with Air Cutter, the little Ralts once again folded her hands together... and disappeared just like her clones had.

A split second later, she reappeared, Teleported right underneath the fluttering Noibat, and unleashed her loudest Disarming Voice.

Radar seemed startled from the sudden disappearance and reappearance of Odette's Ralts. Before the Noibat or his trainer had any time to react, the psychic-type let out a loud and echoing shout in the direction of the Noibat. Radar's ears rang from the sudden, vocal blast of the Ralts, causing the bat pok?mon to practically drop to the ground in front of her. Avril watched as Radar slowly staggered back up to his feet, yet a small smile managed to stay on the blonde's lips.

"Radar, Wing Attack!" Avril shouted.

Radar let out an angry hiss as he glared at the Ralts angrily. His left wing quickly began to glow with a bright energy, before he suddenly lashed out. Radar took a swing at Odette's Ralts, attempting to slap the psychic pok?mon right in her little noggin.

Odette was proud to see her little Ralts deal a surprising blow to her enemy, but she may have reveled in the feeling a moment too long. Noibat recovered quickly, and its Wing Attack struck her Grace head-on. The Ralts staggered and let out a cry, but couldn't infuse it with the Fairy-type energy her last one had. Still, it was too soon to give up. ''Confusion! And don't go easy this time!''

Grace spread her arms in front of her, her eyes shimmering a light blue as the psychic attack began to manifest. She grabbed a mental hold on the foe Noibat, and flung him away more forcefully this time, intending to slam him into the ground.

Radar let out a sharp cry as he was flung away from the Ralts. The Noibat laid on the ground limply, weakly managing to pull himself back up. Avril watched as the bat pok?mon was breathing heavily, a great deal of pain evident on his face. Yet, the girl did not recall her Noibat. In fact, Avril seemed to be perfectly calm for the time being.

"Radar, use Roost," Avril commanded.

The Noibat took a deep breath, manaing to calm himself as he brought his small wings around his body. He closed his eyes for just a moment, making it almost look as if he was taking a nap in the middle of the battle. Then, just like magic, some of the wounds the Noibat had suffered during the battle began to disappear. His breathing began to calm down to a normal pace. After a few moments, his eyes suddenly snapped open and with ease the bat began to take back to the air, renewed vigor and eagerness to battle shining in his eyes.

Grace watched tiredly as the Noibat recovered before her eyes. She was on her last legs as well... but Odette had a slight grin of her own as she watched. ''Well well, renewed vigour... let's share the wealth, shall we? Grace, use Pain Split!''

The Ralts once again spread her arms out to the Noibat, as if to give the sound wave Pok?mon a hug. But instead, her eyes shone brightly once more, as she sapped the Noibat's strength to restore her own. Though neither of the Pok?mon would be left with much, likely, at least now the two were on equal footing again.

"Not bad... but that's not gonna be enough, I'm afraid," Avril retorted back towards Odette. She glanced up at her Noibat and grinned. "Radar use Agility and then follow up with another Wing Attack!"

The Noibat let out an excited screech as he began to flap his wings very quickly, his small body moving left to right very quickly as he did so. Then, without warning, the Noibat began to fly straight for Odette's Ralts. Radar seemingly disappeared from sight as he flew straight towards the psychic pok?mon, only reappearing when he was right in front of the Ralts. Just like before, his wing was glowing as he brought it down straight towards Odette's Ralts' head.

Pok?mon nor trainer had opportunity to counter that final blow. The Noibat's high speed had ensured no chance for even a teleportation escape its attack landed, and it struck a critical blow against the Ralts' forehead. The small emotion Pok?mon was thrown onto her back, and couldn't get back up.

Odette was shocked to see her closest companion knocked out for the second time on her journey, but she refused to make as much of a fool out of herself as she did last time. Instead, she simply returned her to her Pok?ball, blinked to clear her watery eyes... and took the ball of her final Pok?mon in hand. Gligar seemed intimidated, cowering behind her leg, and after that Odette didn't want to submit it to a battle any longer. But if Avril was this strong, maybe she was the answer to tame her final Pok?mon.

''Go, Rhyhorn!''

She threw the ball out in front of her, and out came a Rhyhorn nearly twice the size of a regular one. Its back was evidently taller than Odette's total height... and from the moment it was released, the Pok?mon seemed furious. It looked around in bewilderment, trying to get its bearings after not having been released since several days.

Avril and her Noibat stared in shock at the sight before them. This Rhyhorn... it was huge! The pok?mon easily towered over if she had placed Shino on her shoulders. Avril glanced between the Rhyhorn and Odette, the girl struggling to wrap her brain around how such a massive Rhyhorn could even exist.

"What... how... where... Where did you manage to find a Rhyhorn this big?!" Avril questioned.

''That's...'' Odette was trembling a little, keeping an eye on the Rhyhorn. She glanced at Avril, about to explain - but right at that moment, the Rock-type released an ear-piercing roar, and started dashing forward towards the Noibat fluttering across the battlefield.

Radar widened his eyes, quickly trying to flap his wings to dodge the incoming Rhyhorn. However the massive size of the behemoth was not the easiest thing for the bat to dodge. He managed to fly overhead of the Rhyhorn, still taking a small bit of the blow in the process. Avril sighed in relief as the Noibat managed to catch his balance, before quickly recalling the bat to his pok?ball.

"Can't you tell him to stop or something?!" Avril questioned, but Odette was more than a little frightened. The Rhyhorn meanwhile stopped and looked around, still in a mindless rage, grunting and chasing after the first thing to threaten it next; Avril's shout, in this case. Whipping up the sand as it ploughed through towards her, this beast of a Pok?mon clearly wasn't in a healthy state of mind.

"S-Shino!" Avril called out.

Without a further moment, the Frogadier quickly charged out onto the battlefield. He hopped high into the air, landing on top of the charging Rhyhorn and grabbing hold of the pok?mon's horn in the process. Shino stared down, his eyes locking with that of the rampaging Rhyhorn. Rhyhorn began to thrash his head around, desperately trying to shake the frog pok?mon off of his head. Gripping the horn tighter, Shino took a deep breath and suddenly let out a strong, icy blast right in the Rhyhorn's face. The super-effective attack dealt a blow to the Pok?mon's endurance, but the move had had another effect: the freezing ray left a layer of ice over the Rhyhorn's nose, which quickly spread further and further over its body, until finally its face and front legs had been frozen in place, rendering the Pok?mon immobilized. Its hind legs were still thrashing, but the blow and the cold numbing its rage made it settle down, with only its eyes, now somewhat fearfully, darting from side to side.

His trainer was shocked, covering her mouth as she watched the spectacle the Frogadier had put on. She came to her senses when the Rhyhorn ground to a halt, and quickly rushed over to its side, her Gligar following closely behind.

Shino slowly hopped off of the Rhyhorn, looking at the massive pok?mon carefully. Despite the fact that his trainer had come to his side, the Frogadier did not want to leave the scene just yet. Namely, in the event that the Rhyhorn managed to break free and go on another rampage. Avril and Marble quickly made their way towards Odette and the pok?mon as well. She made a mental note that she'd have to thank Kade the next time she saw the bird enthusiast. Chances are that wouldn't have gone as smooth if he hadn't given her that Ice Beam TM.

"...Seriously, what's the deal with that Rhyhorn...?" Avril questioned, her voice full of concern as she spoke. "Size aside, the way he just attacked... Have you trained him at all?"

Odette made a pained expression and knelt down in front of the Rhyhorn, making sure it was still thoroughly secured. She let out a gentle sigh, before slowly starting to explain herself. ''This Rhyhorn... I found it, battered and burnt, in Santalune forest after the fire.'' She paused, hesitating to reveal her failings... but after exposing Avril to that kind of danger, she certainly owed her the truth.

''At the time, all I could think of was how powerful this Pok?mon was, and how strong of a trainer it would make me, but the one time I used it in battle after, it went on a rampage similar to this. I became fearful of letting it out again if I couldn't control it, so I thought I'd wait until my own Pok?mon were stronger, to restrain it... but now I think that was all wrong.'' Her voice was still somewhat shaky from the tension, but she rose back to her feet to face Avril.

"The Santalune Forest fire... So, another victim because of Team Cinder then," Avril stated. The girl sighed, as she took in Odette's story a realization setting in. The way she described her reasoning behind adding the Rhyhorn to the team, it honestly sounded a lot like her reasoning behind adopting Benjamin back in Santalune City. Suddenly, a lot of the issues she had with that Mudbray started to make sense. "Listen um..."

It took Odette a moment to realise why she stopped. ''O-Oh. It's Odette. And you?''

"Avril. Avril Morris," the blonde replied, giving Odette a small smile. "See... A while back... close to the start of this journey, I had a pok?mon that I adopted. A Mudbray, to be exact. He had lost his trainer because of Team Cinder... he died because of the fire in that forest... I wanted to say that my heart was in the right place when I took him in, but... When I received him, all I thought about was how much stronger he was going to make me and my team. I... I never really thought all that much past that point."

Realizing that she was starting to ramble, Avril decided to be a bit more frank and to the point with the morale of her little story. "I guess what I'm trying to say is... you need to look at your Rhyhorn as more than just that. He's strong, I can tell that, but... There's more to him than that. Let him out of his ball and enjoy time with you and your other pok?mon, even if it's just sitting in the sand or walking down a road. He... probably won't warm up too quickly, depending on how often he's been cramped up in that ball, but... if he sees that you're treating him as more than a battling tool... I'm sure he'll warm up to you pretty quickly. I kinda wish it was something that I had realized a bit earlier in my journey... Heh..."

Odette was surprised, but also a little relieved, that another trainer had gone through a similar struggle. ''I think... I understand. I kind of... always thought of wild Pok?mon as creatures to be tamed and mastered, to simply use to follow your orders. But I guess just because they're wild, it doesn't mean they're savage, or that they won't need attention the same way...'' She threw another glance at Rhyhorn, who had calmed mostly, before continuing. ''I guess we'll have to start from the beginning.''

Before fully tending to her Pok?mon however, Odette cracked a slight smile at Avril for the first time. ''I should say... first of all, I apologize for exposing you and yours to such danger. But, second, and most importantly... thank you. Battling you became a more important lesson than I could have anticipated.''

Avril felt some heat rise up to her cheeks from Odette's compliment. "N-Nah... Forget about it. If anything I should apologize about how this meeting started. I haven't quite gotten used to my Noibat yet... so, yeah."

''Ahhah, well... perhaps it's not much solace, but you're doing much better with it than I am, no?'' Odette smiled weakly and placed her hand carefully atop the Rhyhorn's forehead. It roughly blew out some air from its nostrils in response, but thankfully didn't seem to resist beyond that. Gligar too seemed a little more comfortable with the situation, and jumped up to glide onto the Rhyhorn's back.

''I think I'll stay a little longer to try and eh... start making amends, if you will. Are you headed to Cyllage?''

Avril nodded. "Yeah, I want to make it there before sunrise..." The blonde gave Odette a small look of concern. "Will you be alright? We can hang out and head there together when you're ready if you prefer."

''Ah, that's very kind of you, but I fear I've held you up quite a lot already. Your support would be appreciated, but if you want to go... I think we can take it from here.'' Odette's smile grew a little more determined, and her Gligar too nodded with much, if naive, confidence.

"Alright then. Maybe we'll see each other again sometime, then," Avril replied. The blonde turned to leave again, when a sudden flash of inspiration hit. She quickly fished her holocaster from her bag and held it out for the girl to see. "Let's at least exchange info, you know.. just in case or whatever!"

Odette took out her own in turn, and the trainers registered each other's IDs. She saw Avril off as the latter resumed her journey towards Cyllage, presenting her with one of the shiny white shards she'd found in the sand before. ''A small token of my appreciation... take this,'' Odette had said, before they parted ways.
​

​

 

[Sephear]

A Friend's Deeds

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Current Party:

Laurent regretted having to split from his friends even with Met?o at his side, but it was necessary for them all to save as many pok?mon as possible, any time wasted could mean more deaths. Shockingly, he didn't make it very far down the S.S Mar?e's halls by himself before he saw a trio of a certain kind of jellyfish he was becoming all too familiar with. They truly are everywhere, they must see it as a bottomless buffet, they're too set on profiting from all this tragedy to even concern themselves with the threat of trainers like us. "Perhaps another thrashing will teach you some level of restraint? Maria, I need a dignified lady to teach some ruffians a lesson they shan't forget!" The sound of the pok?ball opening and releasing Laurent's Flaaffy to bleat a battlecry finally got the attention of the Frillish. Sadly, the predators turning to face the trainer revealed to his horror that they had already found fresh prey. Dangling in the arms of the lead Frillish was the very same Dewpider he had just rescued, struggling feebly in the tentacled grip as its energy was ripped from its body.

"Maria, free that Dewpider with a precision Shockwave!" Maria spread her arms and launched a bolt of electricity towards the Frillish that changed direction just before making contact and sharply curved around to flow through the sides of the ghost jellyfish like a serpent made of lightning. The Frillish all spasmed as the electricity coursed through their ethereal bodies, the leader losing its grip on the Dewpider and flinging it helplessly through the air. Laurent jumped desperately and just barely managed to catch the Dewpider even as the Frillish all fled for what they hoped would be safety. Maria sent several more homing Shockwaves their way, assuring they wouldn't be back this time.

The Dewpider was barely moving by this point occasionally twitching its broken leg for a full 30 seconds before it began to stir. Slowly, it regained its senses and stood up in Laurent's hands, looking around in confusion before finally settling its gaze on the trainer's face. The pair stared at each other for several seconds before the little water spider jabbed one of its legs into Laurent's hand like a pickaxe, causing him to wince as it jumped off of his palm and landed shakily on the hall floor to attempt to skitter away. "Don't be a fool." Laurent called after it, beginning to follow its uneven path. "You're far too injured and exhausted to get out on your own. All I want is your safety."

The only response he received was the Dewpider whipping around and spitting a weak stream of bubbles at him, pitifully popping on his face without slowing him down at all. Apollo barked indignantly at the treatment towards his trainer and lunged at the Dewpider only for Laurent to grab the Growlithe by the scruff of his neck and lay a firm hand between his ears. "Don't hold it against the poor thing, she's been through a hellish day." Apollo whimpered by way of apology, then stopped and perked up his ears. Had his trainer said 'her?' how could he possibly tell... "Besides," Laurent continued. "I once knew a troublesome mutt who was so misguided and ill-tempered he'd helped start a forest fire, yet required only some love and proper discipline to learn some manners. It appears it's time to don my teaching cap once again." He finished, pulling out his last empty pok?ball.

Dewpider was limping its way towards one of the many holes now dotting the structure of the S.S Mar?e, too fearful in its pain and haste of the immediately present human who seemed intent on following it to consider how easily it could fall right into another predator's lap trying to leave through tunnels or weaknesses in the walls. The pok?mon's supposed freedom was snatched away from it in a flash of light when an expertly thrown pok?ball tapped it and sucked it into the digital paradise waiting within. The spherical prison fell casually to the floor and began to feebly wobble back and forth once, twice, thrice...click!

Laurent picked up the ball and looked at it, tutting and shaking his head. "There's nothing to be afraid of anymore, we'll get you fixed up and then I'll teach you some manners...Hmm, naming you is going to be a bit trickier than the others." Laurent had hoped to find more pok?mon to evacuate from the ship, but the ever-louder creaking and groaning of the battered hull made it clear he should leave when he could. At the very least he supposed scaring off all those Frillish should help a fair share of the victims escape from the place on their own. With at least one solid save under his belt Laurent made his way back towards the beach to rejoin his friends and hopefully rescue a few more pok?mon before making his way to his hometown.

​

 

[Dragon]

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Emma's Pokemon:

Laurent's Pokemon:

Location

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-------- " The Serene of Water " - Emma/Laurent JP

Cyllage: the seaside city famous for its maritime trade, love of cycling, and having the best massage parlor in all of Kalos. Despite how thoroughly he had just been treating it like another stop along his journey until this day, he still found himself too excited about returning home to keep quiet. Ever since Cyllage City had entered Emma and Laurent's line of sight, the young man had been rattling off facts of the city, pointing out interesting spots, and recounting minor memories from his youth non-stop. It was only when the two were halfway down the paved stone path to the Lighthouse that he finally calmed down. He had called an old friend ahead of time who was sure to be waiting for them there, and would hopefully appraise the old man who lived at the lighthouse of the situation as well.

"My apologies for the bout of motor mouth." Laurent said. "I suppose I was filled with more nostalgia at my return home than I expected, it seems it's been far too long."

"Don't be sorry," Emma advised. "The facts were interesting! But, I knew most of them already from my studies and cases here already. Although, I'm really happy for you; I see that you really love this place a lot, don't you? It's the same with me and Aquacorde."

"I do." Laurent confirmed with a smile at the memories continuing to flow through his head. "I had a good childhood. My only loved ones are all still here, safe and sound, the people in this city are kind and my experiences here were all much more positive than...when I went to Lumiose, though my second home still has a place in my heart in some aspects." After a few more steps in relative silence, Laurent turned his head to gaze inquisitively at Emma even as they walked. "What of you, Emma? You always speak so little of yourself, especially your youth. I've always been curious, I'd love if we could sit and have a nice chat about things before Aquacorde some day."

"Right... my youth..." Emma replied, a little disheartened. She weaved her blond hair slightly, glimpsing to the ground she walked on. "My childhood wasn't much, I'm afraid. Father was a prosecutor, and mother was an actress. They were always busy in their work, so most of the time I was alone in the house. Luckily I had all my books and video games, and my two childhood friends. One was a girl named Korrina - we both learned martial arts from the same master. Another was a girl named Sayo..." she stopped herself before going on a tangent, opening hard, tough memories. "And uh, yeah! Just normal rich girl stuff! Before I wanted to be a detective, that is."

"Korrina?" Laurent questioned. "You don't mean the gym leader Korrina, do you?"

"That's right," Emma responded. "She and I learned akido from the same master, and we became good friends. Almost like sisters, even. She became the gym leader following her grandfather in Shalor some years ago. Became of our jobs, we didn't really chat much, but... I guess soon we'll meet again! I'll introduce you to her, one day."

Laurent brightened up at the information. "How exciting! I've always thought she seemed charming. It's fitting as well, because I also made friends with someone when I was young who's become important today, I can pay you for the introduction in advance." They rounded a corner and Emma saw two people chatting casually just in front of the lighthouse. One was an old man with a shaved head, a short white mustache-beard combo that framed his face well. He was wearing a jumpsuit unzipped to the waist to reveal a clean white T-shirt. Opposite the old man was someone Emma recognized right away. Well-dressed, handsome, complete with ever-present climbing gear and colorful stones set into his crag-shaped hair. Grant, Cyllage City's gym leader ceased his conversation upon sight of the pair and waved welcomingly to them with a cool, friendly grin.

"Hey there, it's been a long time! If you hadn't called in advance I wouldn't have even recognized you, Little-Laurel!"

"Little... Little-Laurel?" Emma replied with a small giggle. "I guess Sir Grant was your childhood friend, right... Little-Laurel?"

Before Laurent could answer Grant grabbed his forearm and shook it heartily. The gym leader was known for being cool-headed, but a good dose of nostalgia seemed to break through that veil well enough. "Friends, huh?" He began his reply with a bit of a smirk. "More like this guy wouldn't leave me alone! Always following me around and begging me to tell him more about pok�mon, especially after I became a trainer!" He clapped the younger trainer on the back good-naturedly. "But I guess I can't deny he grew on me, just like a laurel on a mountain! I tried to brush him off at first because of the age gap, but there weren't many folks my age around town at the time anyways, and he was already smarter and more mature than most of my friends. Once he followed me part of the way up a nearby mountain, demanding stories all the way and proved he could actually keep up, I was sold."

Laurent shook Grant's arm vigorously in return and took his chance to finally get a word in. "It's wonderful to see you again, Grant! Now I finally have some stories I could share with you!...Though I wish you wouldn't go saying that nickname in front of lovely ladies. We really should get the power supply back to Mister Klaus, but first I'd like to introduce you to my friend -"

Grant had already stepped past Laurent and gently taken Emma's hand, however. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Emma Kuzunoha, was it? I've been hearing about you lately, you do good work. How's a rising star detective end up with this guy?" He asked, hooking a thumb back at Laurent.

"Hehe, he's been a tremendous help," Emma explained with another giggle. "I guess he's... kind of like my Wattson! But yes, it's nice to meet you too, Sir Grant. You've done fantastic running the gym, I hear. Built up quite a streak too!"

"Wattson, hm?" He wondered aloud. "That's high praise, if still a bit disappointing...I was hoping to hear that he-" One look at Laurent stopped Grant dead in his tracks, instead shaking his head. "Nevermind. I'm glad to hear my reputation is still solid. It's true that my gym has one of the highest rates of first-attempt failures in the region. I don't tone things down as much as some other leaders might for the sake of giving challengers a fighting chance. It's my personal philosophy that a trainer who wants to challenge the league needs to have the perseverance to push through any challenge! Overcome any adversity, no matter how daunting, climb any mountain, no matter how high! There's nothing wrong with faltering and trying again, but giving up after a loss or - Arceus forbid - never trying in the first place? I have no time for those kinds of trainers. That's enough with introductions, though. Emma, Laurel told me before you arrived that you've recovered the power supply for the lighthouse from some goons that worked for that 'Team Cinder' I've heard about recently?"

"Indeed. I've gotten a report about it, and sought Little--- I mean, Laurent's help," Emma explained. She brought out the power source that was tucked safely in her bag. "Team Cinder... they were probably planning on using the energy from this power source to do something. To do what, even the police are baffled. Either way, thanks to Laurent and some of our friends who just happened to be with us, it's back safe and sound."

It was then that the old man Grant had been speaking to before their arrival finally stepped forward and spoke up. "You can just hand that over to me, young lady. I'll get'er fixed up in no time. Folks around here call me Yorick Klaus, I run the lighthouse, live in it too. I've got a cozy little place a short way underneath the top chamber."

"And after that, you can both come with me." Grant proclaimed. "Returning what could be argued to be the heart of the town merits a reward and I just so happen to be in the perfect position to offer that reward. I think you'll both like what you see."

"Very well," replied Emma. She handed over the power source to Mr. Klaus, then turned to Grant. "If you insist, I'll gladly take you up on your offer."

Grant lead the way to the Cyllage City Gym, surprising the pair of young trainers by passing the entrance and curving around to the side of the building. Near the back of the gym's exterior was a modest-sized extra building much like an apartment. Inside was a homey - if slightly spartan - living room, which Grant led them through quickly into another room. Laurent gasped out loud. All around the room were display cases filled with smooth, spherical stones of varying colors. "Grant, these can't all possibly be -"

"That's right." The Gym Leader interrupted his old friend. "Mega Stones. Quite the collection, isn't it? I often go on trips around the Kalos region, climbing mountains both humble and gargantuan and I've found many interesting things during my travels. As just about anyone who's heard of me knows, I love stones, so mega stones never fail to catch my eye when I come across them. I'd like each of you to pick one to bring with you on your journeys. I'm sure it's a bit early for either of you to get any use out of them, but it can't hurt to have one already with you when you are ready, right? Who knows when you might be lucky enough to find more?"

"Incredible...." Emma observed. Her eyes shined, peering to each one. "Mega evolution... to activate it you'd need a mega stone and a key stone, but... also an unparalleled bond with your pokemon. One of the toughest things to master, but... if we can... we can finally have the strength we'll have a fighting chance against the full power of Team Cinder."

Laurent couldn't believe what he was seeing. Grant's collection was better than what he'd heard of being in any museum. He walked from case to case, admiring all of them so reverently that he completely forgot that he could have one of them. That is, until his gaze locked onto a stone that swirled with very familiar shades of blue and green, with a little bit of pink cutting through here and there. "Grant, I've made my choice." He said without a hint of doubt.

Grant approached him and gingerly lifted the lid of the display case. "Found one calling to you? I find that's often how it goes if you make friends with enough pok�mon. Think you've got a partner who could use it someday?" When Laurent nodded resolutely Grant carefully reached in and pulled out the trainer's chosen stone, careful not to disturb any of the others on display. In stark contrast to his care with the display case, Grant was rather casual about handing over the stone once it was removed. "Here you go. Take good care of it, or I'll find you for old times' sake~"

Emma gazed around. She peered upon each of the stones... a difficult decision. She then felt her body pulse... a strange yet premeditated feeling. She then turned around, until she saw a single mega stone, shining with the light. Emma stared at it. She knew... this was the stone for her. She could feel the tremendous power to her veins as she went up and picked it up. "This is... a Lucarionite..." she said softly. "How strange. It seemed to... call out to me. Like... it was destiny." She then looked up. "I'll take this one for sure."

"It's all yours." Grant assured her, softly closing the display case she'd lifted the stone from. "I trust you're both satisfied with your rewards? I certainly hope so, because I'm afraid I've got to get back to the gym. I'd love to stay and catch up more, Little-Laurel, but there's nobody to stand in for me right now, and I hear tell I've got plenty of interesting challengers on the way." He led them back to the entrance to his living space and held the front door open for them. "Sycamore sure doesn't like to give me any time to relax, always looking for trainers with potential to send my way...I expect to see you two as challengers yourselves, soon, understand?" He finished with a faux-stern glance at Emma and Laurent.

"I look forward to learn what you can teach me, Sir Grant," Emma replied. "I'll give it my best."

"If there's one thing I plan to do before I leave, it's defeat you, my dear friend." Laurent replied with a determined smile.

"Great!" Grant exclaimed. "Don't disappoint me! If you do though, you can always try again, right? Never surrender, never give up! And Little-Laurel, make sure you say hi to your parents for me." He closed his door upon finishing, anxious to return to his spot at the gym's summit before he missed any challengers.

Turning away from the door, Laurent admired the mega stone one last time before slipping it into a special pocket of his backpack. "I never expected such a princely reward...wonderful, both that and seeing Grant again. He hasn't changed a bit."

"Yes..." Emma agreed, her focus still on her new mega stone. "All we need now is a Key Stone. My best bet on finding one is in Shalor City. If anyone would know a thing or two about Mega Evolution, it'd be Korrina. I'm certain of it."

"Perhaps I could join you once again in Shalor?" Laurent asked hesitantly. "I don't mean to be a burden, but you did say you could introduce me to her. This way we could kill two birds with one..." His eyes narrowed at the realization that a pun managed to worm its way into his sentence. "Stone...so-to-speak. Of course I'm always eager to spend more time with you, too." He finished, recovering with a warm smile.

Emma returned a warm smile, and a nod. "Of course you can," Emma replied. "Actually... everyone might want to learn all about them too. I'll message them at some point..."

Laurent nodded happily. "I'm sure they'll all find out one way or another, Korrina is well-known for her relative expertise on mega evolution. Oh!" He pulled out his holocaster and quickly sent Grant a message, reminding him of the friends that had been in the Glittering Cave with them and making sure Grant would reward them as well when they met. He included descriptions of Dahlia and Sebastian to make sure no mistake would be made, not that he felt it was that necessary, guys as - well for lack of a better word - pretty as them stand out easily. After that he took a step closer to Emma, begging to stretch both his arms out before he stopped, surprised at himself. He was in such a good mood and felt so comfortable being back home he had almost broken decorum and tried to hug his friend in farewell. Instead he held his hand out to Emma. "Thank you for allowing me to be here for this, it meant a lot to me to see the lighthouse's repair secured. In fact, I think I know the perfect way to thank you." He opened his hand to reveal a large scale sitting on his palm, glimmering every color of the rainbow in the fresh light of a new day. "I met with another of our old classmates from Aquacorde yesterday, and found this at an altar to Lugia of all things on an island that disappears with the rising of the tides...it was a marvelous sight. I can think of no better place for it than with you. Please, take it and use it to make that Feebas of yours as beautiful as its trainer. I'm sure you'll make quite the pair~"

Emma's eyes widened at the rainbow coloured item. "T-This is... a Marvel Scale?!" Emma said, shocked. "Wh-where on this earth?!" she then slowly turned to face Laurent directly. "You're... giving me this? Laurent... I... don't know what to say..." she then gave him a more determined expression, as she accepted the scale. "Stay here for a second." she then got out a pokeball, and threw it in the air. Titania the Feebas came out, as it plopped to the floor.

"Titania, I want you to touch this, okay?" Emma explained, with Titania giving its usual cry in response. Emma nodded to Laurent as she slowly then lightly tapped fer Feebas with the scale. Titania started glowing. Her body got bigger and longer, growing to a more serpentine form. Glitter and sparkles formed all around the area, as Emma and Laurent watched in amazement. The light got brighter, dispersing, then getting dimmer and dimmer. Every positive emotion in Emma's body flared up as her new pokemon came in form, letting loose a gentle, serene cry. "Finally... she evolved into a Milotic..." Emma whispered with a sincere wide smile. "Anyone who gazes upon a Milotic will bring happiness..."

Laurent stared at the event in awe, never having expected to see the evolution take place himself. Something about it was different from the other evolutions he'd seen, it was so beautiful and made him feel so pleasant...so peaceful.

She then turned to Laurent. After a while of gazing upon him with a delighted look, she decided to return his handshake... turning into a gentle, warm hug. "Thank you..." she whispered, as her Milotic looked on, the area covered in a warm light.

Laurents eyes widened in shock, rendered completely speechless by the embrace. After a brief pause he regained his senses and his gaze softened, stretching his arms out to return the hug, holding Emma close and just enjoying the momentary closeness. "It was my pleasure, knowing how much it means to you makes it all worth it."

NEW EVENTS!

Emma

--->

Received: Lucarionite

Laurent

Received: Venusaurite!

​

 

[LinearAxel]

Third Chances

Sebastian Allender

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*image removed**image removed**image removed**bulbagarden.net image removed**image removed**image removed*

Cyllage City

"Sure you don't want to come in?" Renia asks as she stands in front of a pristine white building.

"The first time you see your mother in months and you come dragging a strange boy along, I think it's best on all accounts if I stay behind." Sebastian nods.

"I guess...I'll call you in a few hours. If all goes according to plan, we'll have some new leads." The pink haired girl waves as she opens the door to the dress shop, flashing one last encouraging smile before shutting the door behind her.

"Here's hoping." Sebastian murmurs as he looks down to his fluffy white companion. "Now, let's do some investigating of our own." With a quiet woof, the poodle Pokemon puts his nose to the ground.

---

Sniffing out a rock cannot be easy, especially when the city itself is all but made of rock, still, Chance seems to have caught onto something familiar. Trainer and Pokemon roamed the city for some time, before coming across a...startlingly familiar voice.

"Chance! Sebastian!" The young voice was coming from outside the hospital. A young boy in a wheelchair begins wheeling himself towards the duo, as a displeased nurse jogs behind. The boy...he's the one they rescued during the rockslide.

"Richie, stop!" The nurse grabs onto the wheelchair, jolting the boy to a halt. "I told you I would take you out for some fresh air, not so you can play speed racer."

"But…" The boy grins excitedly as his calls are answered. Chance quickly abandoned his trail tracking to rush over to the boy, Sebastian several feet behind. "This is the guy that rescued me! Are you gonna challenge Grant?"

"I am." Sebastian smiles. "And what brings you here?"

"That rockslide hurt a lot of people...Ambrette's hospital couldn't hold 'em all, so...some people were brought here for treatment. Mom and me are two of 'em." Richie's smile grows as he reaches to pet Chance's head. "The outside of this hospital is way nicer. There's even a garden in the back! Can I show 'em, please?"

The nurse frowns, yet her disapproving gaze is no match for the young boy's hopeful one. She sighs. "Okay, but just for a few minutes."

"Yay! C'mon, Chance." As the wheels begin turning towards the back of the hospital, Chance eagerly trots behind, his tail swishing easily.
"I didn't know that boy could smile like that." The nurse motions for Sebastian to follow. "Since he arrived he's barely spoken or eaten, much less moved."

Sebastian tilts his head as he watches the boy rolling himself along, grinning from ear to ear as he watches Chance run in circles around his chair. "Are you sure you're talking about this boy?"

"Like night and day, isn't it?...Thank you." The nurse offers a small smile.

Sebastian once more focused his attentions on the boy and the Furfrou as they found their way to the garden. Richie...he's not the only one who's gone through an amazing transformation. It's a rarity for Chance to wag his tail when there's no food involved, and to romp around so happily...that's never happened before.

"Do you think you two could stay a little while? Just until lunch. I bet if your Furfrou's around, he'll eat something."

Sebastian's eyes soften as he watches Richie point to a ball that had found its way into the garden, which Chance eagerly goes to obtain, and drops it into the young boy's lap. A brief look of sadness is quickly overtaken by a calm smile as he takes a Pokeball from his belt, and walks towards the boy.

"Sebastian!" The boy greets once more. "You should let your Comfey out. I bet he'd like all these flowers too."

"I'm sure he would." Sebastian nods, clutching the Pokeball in his hand tightly. "Richie...can you do me a favor?"

"M-me? S-sure!" Richie looks up in confusion. What can he do that Sebastian can't?

His grip on the Pokeball tenses as he holds it out to Richie. "I'd like you to take care of Chance for me."

"B-but...he's yours…" Richie reminds as the Pokemon trots back, ball in hand, tail swishing.

"One of the most important things about being a Pokemon trainer...is knowing how to best bring out the potential of a Pokemon. Chance...he doesn't like to battle. He doesn't like being in new places. Being with you...that's what you want, isn't it, Chance?"

The poodle Pokemon drops the ball and takes a step towards Sebastian, delicately pressing his fluffy head against Sebastian's palm.

"I know…" Sebastian nods, offering the normal type a delicate head rub. "I'll come back to visit."
Chance's tail wriggles all the faster at the promise, and after giving a respectful nod, he steps towards the boy in the wheelchair.

"At...at least leave your Holocaster number with my mom...s-so we can call and show you how he's doing." The boy sniffles, which causes Chance to place his front paws on the arm of the wheelchair, and raise himself up to lick Richie's cheek. This earns the dog a gentle hug around the neck from his new owner, as Richie buries his head into Chance's fur. "Th...thank you so much…"

"You're sure about this?" The nurse whispers as Sebastian backs away. Taking one last glance at the young boy, so happily snuggling against his new friend, Sebastian merely nods.

"I'm certain. Take care of one another."

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[Jay]

Current Team - Jackson:

Jackson Crane : Origin

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Current Location : Cyllage City Gym

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"If the combatants are prepared?! Then we will commence the battle here and now!" The referee blared his voice over the echoing silence of the cave surrounding Jackson Crane. His gaze was focused on the man who stood across this mountainous pit of an arena, his hair adorned with gems and his expression focused and serious.

After the Battle Chateau, Jackson had been inspired... driven beyond normal means to pursue further strength. It was for this purpose that for once in his life he had pushed passed those whom stood in his way, he had ignored the cries for help just this once so that he could re-emerge here in Cyllage city, just in time to find his opponent, Grant, the peaceful mountain with his prehistoric pokémon.

Arriving the night before, he had wasted no time in marching to the gym with his request, told by the leader himself, whom was locking up for the night to wait until first thing the next morning.

"Jackson Crane... Viola mentioned you. I'll be expecting something incredible, I hope you're up to the task."

The mention of Viola had been bittersweet on the evening before, Jackson's thoughts were driven back to his first major loss against the bug type specialist-- to the effect it had had on him. He looked down at the fragment of the broken fishing rod in his hand, still engraved with the encouraging message the old man at the body of water had wanted Jackson to remember. There would be no elderly adviser waiting to save him this time, no safety net to catch him if he fell. Like the mountain he stood within, this was a hurdle he had to overcome. If he tumbled down it was up to him to pull himself back up to the top. This was what it meant to be a pokémon trainer, this was the life he had chosen, for her, for Malorie.

But looking at the pokémon around him... he was beginning to suspect that just maybe, this was what he had always been meant to do. He could feel it in his bones, in his blood, he didn't know who his family was but he could feel it in his lineage, the thrill of battle, the anticipation... everything he had worked on up to this point was riding once again on another battle. This time not for life or death, but for something even more important. His honor, his diligence and his ability to make something of himself. This was it, this was the next step, he had to fight harder now than ever before. Even if his heart still had doubts, even if the world was more corrupt than he had realized back as that new school graduate in Aquacorde.

There was no more turning back.

"You look troubled Jackson." Grant called across the gap. "You see finality in this when it's only another step on the road... are you certain that you know where next to reach? Climbing the wall to get here, to reach this level, do you know where to go from here?" Jackon was no longer sure if Grant was talking about the rock climbing he had endured to reach this level, or the journey he had undertaken to get to where he now stood.

Either way, he wasn't entirely sure how to answer.

"I s'ppose we're gonna find out. Now enough talk, let's see if there's more to yer head than a budget Christmas tree."

Grant gave a small smirk in response, before shrugging his shoulders gently. "Aha, I see her approximation of you was correct... a loudmouth right? We'll do our best to humble you." He stated plainly, grabbing two pokéballs from his belt as Jackson did the same with one. "A double battle then? As we agreed before?" To which the challenger nodded.

"Then there's no more time for delay...!" The announcer cried as both trainers were already tossing their partners into the air to be released onto the field below.

"The league battle between Jackson Crane and Leader Grant has officially begun!"

"FANG! GASPAR!" --- "TYRANTRUM! AURORUS!"​

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As the two massive prehistoric pokémon shook the entire battlefield with their impact onto the arena below, Jackson grit his feet and steadied his balance, however he couldn't help but smirk as Fang was released from his inferno ball, the Houndoom landing and standing proudly before the enemy with his fangs bared and claws primed to run or attack depending on what happened next. Without the need for a ball, Gaspar the Haunter soon followed, dashing out from Jackson's shadow he swiftly flew down to the ground below, hovering near his canine companion with that iconic and somewhat worrying grin, even in the face of what was to be the toughest battle yet.

"Aurorus! Mist!"

Grant called the first order and with a side step that was surprisingly elegant for a creature of its size, the ice type began to breathe out a swathe of bluish white mist that almost immediately obscured vision on the battlefield. However, unlike many of Grant's opponents, Jackson was familiar with this strategy already as he had used it himself.

Thinking back once again he remembered his fight with Viola, it had been with a smokescreen tactic that he had managed to overwhelm the lightning fast Ninjask and claim the victory for himself that day. If nothing else, he wasn't going to let himself get panicked as a result of his own trick. He quickly responded, searching around for a safe spot to reach, one particularly flat plateau seemed to rise above the mist at the corner of his eye, if nothing else it would let Fang get some visuals. The opponents were large, their heads easily peeking out and above the fog as, upon Grants command, they now began to run forward through the misty terrain.

"Fang! West side, climb upwards! Gaspar, fly above the fog now!" Jackson looked down and grit his teeth as he saw movement, but had no guarantee as to where his pokémon were or what they were doing. Thankfully after a moment Gaspar's purple form shot upwards to hang above the fog, his gaze almost immediately focusing on the two rock types now rushing in his general direction.

Still, Fang made no appearance and without his re-emerging Gaspar was left as a solitary target for attacks.

"Hmm... I had thought you'd handle this better, but this response is only a paltry step above the rest, Jackson." Grant jeered, but his expression remained calm as Jackson's contorted in anger.

"Don't count us out just yet asshole..." He growled, before calling out again. "Fang! Use ember, over and over! Gaspar, assist as necessary!"

As the fog had no hold over sound and his trainer's cries, Fang heard the command loud and clear and produced flame after flame along his path as he ran. Gaspar also made quick to dash into the point where the fire was emitting, rushing back into the fog and using his Night Shade to hold and maintain the flames in place. The arena lit up with a path of glowing purple fire now marking the route that Fang and Gaspar were taking through the mist covered battlfield. With his elevated position, Jackson was able to spot them just fine at the end of the ever growing trail.

However... as he could see them so two could the fossil pokémon, their heads darting to follow along with the path that was being created. With a roar the Tyrantrum took off running, bashing rocks and boulder aside, the obstacles in the path of Jackson's pokémon serving as naught more than pebbled beneath Tyrantrum's massive claws.

"Left! Right! Straight!" Jackson desperately called out directions as the battlefield lit up brighter and brighter with the trailing lights, they just had to reach the plateau, if they could get a little higher, if they could regain visibility then they could remove the home turf advantage!

"What are you trying to accomplish I wonder...? Have you even been paying attention?" Grant sighed, and with a swift outwards gesture commanded his pokémon thusly. "Aurorus! Hyper beam! Aim for the source of the lights!" Jackson's eyes widened and he growled lowly before shouting out a response. "Fang, Gaspar! Block it!"

In the fog, Fang ran faster as he heard the telltale signs of rapidly building energy. The mist was finally beginning to clear, ever so slightly... he could see the elevated platform, the raised rock where he could win... he just had to reach it! However he could also see the building orb of energy in front of Aurorus' maw... a powerful crackling blast of icy energy threatening to cut right through them.

Gaspar swiftly darted forward to fly beside Fang's head, with that unnerving grin he threw himself in front of Fang's side, floating along as the confused hound now barked loudly his disapproval. Before anything could be done however, the beam was fired in an instant... and Gaspar charging a powerful Shadow Ball in his defense, rushed into its path as a shield.

A massive explosion of icy light and shadow rocked the arena far more than the ancient pokémon's initial impact ever could have. "Gaspar" Jackson cried out as his partner disappeared, presumably launched out of the fight, into what little mist remained. "You bastard!" Jackson called out, swiping his hand through the air as if to reach out and wipe the calm off of Grant's smug face.

"It is your own doing Jackson, leaving yourself open gave away the only advantage the fog did grant you, a place to hide." He nodded, his expression grave and serious. "You'll have to do better than parlor tricks if you want to win in the pokémon league. Save such showmanship for contests. Tyrantrum, let's make this quick."

Fang desperately bounded up the side of the rocky plateau, climbing as high as he could to quickly escape from the raging monster that was charging at him with aggressive might. It's fang's sparked with Thunder as it attempted to intercept Fang's path, crunching into the rock as the nimble hound used its shut jaw as a stepping stone to climb higher along the circumference of the circular spire. Bite after bite came his way but Fang kept moving. He was big, but he was slow... so long as Fang kept one step ahead, just staying out of his reach then he could make it... he had to hold out for just a little longer! He had to be strong!

"You did it..." Jackson sighed as finally he saw Fang leap atop the plateau, out of the mist entirely and sliding his paws along the smooth rock beneath him, he stood now, level and face to face with the head of the tyrantrum, whom had a jaw alone that was at least twice his size. "Fang! Keep dodging, whatever you do you can't let him hit you, pepper him with embers until he's down!" Jackson cried and his pokémon did just that, nimbly dodging snap, after snap, after snap... Fang refused to stop moving, with only the occasional small lick of flame lapping against the Tyrantrum's gnashing fangs.

"Is this a joke?!" Grant exclaimed, his frustration starting to show as even with one pokémon down, Jackson continued to behave so passively. "Viola was wrong it seems... I had expected someone worthy of beating her and yet now I see I face a fluke whom clearly left her confused." He sighed. "Enough of this, if you continue to play games then I will teach you a lesson indeed. Aurorus, climb to higher ground and take aim!"

As now the large majority of the mist was cleared, Jackson watched with patience and anticipation as the Aurorus finally began to take the position he wanted, stepping onto a slightly higher platform, just above the ground as the fog began to clear fully at last.

...leaving only the still purple glowing fire.

Jackson stood up straight, every ounce of his anger completely gone and a smirk forming across his face, a change in composure that Grant immediately noticed... as the now slightly worried leader shot a questioning glare in Jackson's direction.

"People don't lie t'ya much... do they Grant? Can't say I blame you. Someone as stone faced as you ain't got much use for misdirection now do they?... Gaspar!"

In a flash, not nearly as injured as he let on, Gaspar dashed outwards from the shadows of one of the boulders and cackled manically, raising his hands skywards, the purple flames began to coalesce around a shadow ball that Gaspar now manifested... and it grew and grew in size. The flaming shadow sphere was nigh colossal in size as the flames rushed inside of it, every fire used as a 'trail' now taking shape as part of Gaspar's attack.

"Y'really think I'd have taken such a long time getting int'position if I wasn't plannin' something? I'm the one who expected more gym leader." Jackson outstretched his hand at the same time that Gaspar thrust his downwards. "Flame Shadow Sphere!"

Aurorus, in a panic, attempted to erect a light screen desperately, but from her raised position she simply stumbled backwards as Gaspar's orb rushed towards her, easily matching her immense size as it finally collided, exploding with ghostly force and covering the now recoiling pokémon in a barrage of purple fire. In a single hit it was decided as she fell to the floor, beaten and unconscious with a deafening thud.

"..." Grant stared long and hard at Jackson, whom wore a confident expression and a piercing gaze. He watched the battlefield in a way that was different than Viola had described. He had expected him to grow beyond what his fellow leader had described back then, yet he fought like a completely different person. Was the information wrong...? Or was this 'Jackson Crane' truly a man of many faces and angles?

"Haunter got your tongue? He does like those." Jackson sneered, his smirk growing into a mocking smile as Grant regained composure... and sneered right back. "I'll admit I underestimated you. However, this fight is far from decided. Were you watching the other side of the battle whatsoever?"

Jackson's expression was coloured by panic for a moment more as his gaze shot over to the flat plateau at the other side of the arena... the Tyrantrum had used its jaw to shatter the rocks... and with a newly created foothold had managed to step up to Fang's level. Warning bells went off, this interfered with Jackson's plan. He needed that Tyrantrum at a disadvantage with range, but now the distance was all but closed!

"Tyrantrum! Dragon Dance now!" At Grant's request, Tyrantrum lowered into a charging stance, a burst of blue and red energies began to infuse and surround him, flowing through his veins like electricity in a wire and sharpening his gaze to two fine points. The massive goliath of a pokémon looked somehow even more powerful than before.

And Fang was in his way.

Letting out a downright deafening roar Tyrantrum charged forward, swinging its tail at full speed with a spin towards Fang, whom jumped back just far enough to avoid being hit... but not far enough to resist being launched backwards by the impact. Flying through the air, Fang howled in fear at his sudden height and Jackson felt a moment of panic grip his heart.

"What's wrong, Jackson?" His previous jeering was sent right back as Grant chimed in. "With such overwhelming power on display, does your plan so readily fall to pieces?"

A tint of shame and desperation sunk into Jackson's heart. He had spent ages watching playbacks of Grant's battles in his gym the night before. His plan had been carefully devised and had left his mind exhausted. He hadn't considered that when pushed to his limit, that Grant could allow Tyrantrum to become so unrealistically powerful... what was he going to do?
Hell, was there anything he even could do?

And it was then that he saw them.

Gaspar had somehow managed to catch the falling Fang, his usual smile gone and replaced by strain and determination as his incorporeal grip struggled under the weight of the Dark Type pokémon, until he could lower them down to ground level, where the Tyrantrum quickly leaped down to follow them.

His pokémon weren't giving up. Even if the best laid plans had gone awry, they would strive to win this for him... if he gave up now he would be failing them, he'd be failing everyone.

He had to keep fighting.

​

"Tyrantrum! It's time, we'll finish them both with a massive finale! Use Tri Fang!"

Grant called out to his pokémon and Tyrantrum roared as the elements of flame, ice and lightning began to coalesce and grip to each of the prehistoric tyrants fangs. With every bounding leap it moved towards Jackson's pokémon, but he wouldn't panic anymore. This was it, the next trial to hold them back, the next step forward. They would meet it together, head on.

"Fang! Gaspar! Rush forward!" He called, his pokémon charging to meet Tyrantrum in the middle as both forces rushed into the center of the arena with all the speed they could muster, leaving Grant baffled.

"Are you giving up like this? Is this really all you have to offer?!"

But Jackson just closed his eyes and focused. He had never been much of a talker, but this time he had the words to say.

"No, it isn't." He stated, no anger or desperation left to spare for his tone. "How many times do I have to go through some shitty self revelation until you people are satisfied?!"

The two groups of pokémon were mere seconds from colliding, as at the last second Gaspar pulled back, releasing a sudden dark pulse coursing with shadow energy, the power was sucked up like a sponge into Fang's horns, as he charged a powerful foul play, designed to use the strength of all pokémon present, Tyrantrum included, against his opponent.

"If it's not you it's some chick in a dress, some nosey detective, some ice princess with a chip on her shoulder or some douchebag who thinks they're better than me...!" Jackson cried out, his voice catching as he considered everything in the heat of the moment. "I used t'think I had to be better! That down the line there was someone else I'd have to be but that's bullshit! You think this is all I have, that there's nothing beyond the delinquent who stands before you?! Well you're wrong!"

With a sudden sidestep and a rage filled howl, Fang crashed his horns with everything he had into Tyrantrum's leg, knocking his balance off entirely and sending the elemental jawed monster tumbling teeth first towards Gaspar.

"Well I don't care what Viola said! I couldn't give a shit about your expectations, so let me lay it down for you! Spellin' it out one last time!" Jackson pulled back his fist, in unison with Gaspar, who prepared for the final blow once more. Looking forward Jackson saw his partner, a small Gastly floating over a web covered field, he saw Fang dashing around as a Houndour spouting embers wherever he could see, he saw a small Zubat with a broken wing evolving into a majestic queen of the skies, a little bear with confidence issues rising up to save a petal.

He saw a young brown haired boy, fighting desperately in an alley for the medicine his sister needed.

"My name is Jackson Crane! I'm a reflection of my pokémon! My friends! My family!" He thrust his fist forward. "And I'm going to win the Pokémon League!"

Reaching out with his other palm in a sudden feint, Gaspar willing took the brunt of the Tri Fang attack, doing everything he could to hang on for another moment longer as he swung in with his other fist.

Payback.

With a sickening crack, Gaspar almost broke Tyrantrum's solid stone jaw, the full force of the Tri Fang attack and Gaspar's own energy slamming into the prehistoric pokémon and tossing it violently to one side. It crashed through spires of rock, rolled over multiple times and finally slammed it's head hard into the cave gym's wall, far out of arena bounds... where it slowly slumped to the ground and showed itself as incapable of standing back up.

Jackson gasped for air as he stumbled backwards with relief, his final risky tactic actually paying off. As he watched Gaspar float with barely a sliver of energy remaining, his gaze rose upwards to lock eyes with Grant one last time.

He was smiling.

Jackson had done it... he had defeated the second gym of the pokémon league.

Spoiler:

BADGE CASE:​

Spoiler:

INVENTORY:​

1 x Pokédex
3 x Poké Ball
1 x Old Rod
1 x Metal Coat
1 x Black Holocaster
1 x Cinder Uniform
1 x Retractable Skates

250 x Poké

TM CASE:​

• TM Bug Bite
• TM Dig
• TM Ice Beam
• TM Nasty Plot

Spoiler:

CURRENT OUTFIT:​

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