[Entrance to the Trunk → Town Path F8]

@Shiny Keldeo@Ninian
The Poliwrath's beady eyes flicked down at Lilisette as she pleaded with him to let her Team go on alone, to which he grunted. "Sorry, but you're stuck with me. At least until I see a bit more proof that you'll be able to handle yourselves on your own." As Ember edged closer to him, his bulging gaze travelled to her. "Yep. I'll just be an observer in this."

Selena's mention of his crazed attacker made Devon nod firmly. His deep brown eyes slowly drifting between the Bayleef, and then Ember. "Right. The last thing I want is to have another run-in with her, but if we do, I'd like having the backup." For a brief moment, the scene of both Ember and Selena lying dead on the floor at his feet flickered in his mind. Doing his best to fight off the thought, the Totodile shook his head and clenched his fists.

Chuckling slightly at the Grass-type’s guess of his role in the mission, Brick shrugged. ”It’s not really like I can show you the way in a tree trunk with random formation and structure, but if you guys have trouble, I’ll give you some pointers.” Turning around swiftly, the battle hardened Guildie marched into the entrance of Folio’s Trunk, with the children hot on his heels.

…

The coarse sand underneath their feet shifted with every step through the hollowed out room on the top floor of Folio’s Trunk. Devon head slowly craning around the vast first room in awe, his lids squinting in the low light that managed to somehow sneak into the area through cracks in the bark. It’s so dry in here…..You’d think that the tree would be dead from the looks of this place, but in town, all the plants are totally fine…..Weird, the air’s not that bad in here either….

Brick lead the team of novice Explorers down a narrow hall, the rooted walls becoming increasingly claustrophobic for a few feet, before easing off again. Raising up a hand to stop the kid’s advance, the Water Fighter poked his head slowly around the corner into the next room to scan it with his intense vision. He soon pulled back and turned around to face the kids proper, and cross his arms. ”Alright, we’re going into the first room proper, so we’ll go over the basics one more time, and then one of you guys are leading. Always check your corners, try not to make too much noise, watch your step for any Traps, always check your surroundings before going after any items on the floor, and if you spot a suspicious looking Pokémon, sleeping or otherwise, keep your eyes on them, but do not engage them unless they attack you first, or attempt to harm other Pokémon without reason. And Ember, since it’s pretty dry up in the higher floors, try to keep the Fire attacks under control. Understood?”


The little blue crocodile raised a thumb up to his instructor. ”We got it Brick. We’ll be careful.” Looking around him at the three girls standing around him, he put his hands on his hips. ”So, who’s leading? I can do it if no one else wants to.”

[Glyph's Guild - Guild Member's Quarters]

@Ninian
When asked if he ever made his own tea, the battle scarred Rescuer reached down to pick up his cup again and chuckle. "Yes, I learned how to make my own from a merchant I met out on the road. It's rather convenient too, since I always have access to hot water thanks to Scald." The dancer's next question about his origins caused Raiden to hesitate for a moment before staring off thoughtfully. "It's fine, I don't mind the questions. As for where I'm from, I come from the Air Continent. I lived in a village named Daneza, near Waterfall Lake. It's a very peaceful little place. There's a small river that cuts through the middle of the town and leads out into the ocean further down, and the plant life does a nice job of keeping the town concealed from harsh sunlight. It's a haven for most Water-types."

The gator's eyes gently closed, his smile growing wider. "I still remember how nice it was when I first got there. I met that girl, Lilith, and her mother, on the dock by the beach. I recognized her mother from a long time ago, and she let me to stay with her until I was able to build my own house."

[Folio Town - Outside the Guild]

@Shiny Keldeo
The two large Pokémon leaning against the frame of the doorway both stood up straight when the two lion's approached. The Scizor waving a claw as he checked behind his shoulder to peak inside the building. "Hey Fuse, and judging from the fact everyone's moving around out in the main hall, I think he the meetings over." Going stiff for a moment, Stien twisted his head back around and faced the door promptly. "Oh, hello Guildmaster! Perfect timing, Fuse wanted to talk to you!"

The large green Dragon looked between both the Scizor and the Nidoqueen with a smile, before tilting his head down at Fuse and Hikari and putting his hands behind his back. "Ah, alright then. Hello Fuse, and hello to you, young miss. What did you need?"

[Folio's Trunk - Town Path F8]

@Light Lord@Shiny Keldeo
Looking around, the Psychic evaluated the situation. I can't believe we're being babysat. Ugh... I know if we run into whoever tried to kill Devon would be really bad, but... we can't be babysat forever. We're going to have to be strong enough. Sigh..."

Glancing over at the Poliwrath, Lilisette reluctantly listened to his advice. It wasn't bad advice, but she felt it would be better learning it by diving in, and making mistakes. "Yeah... got it."

Devon addressed the group, and Lilisette replied, "I'm really not supposed to even be here, and you are the leader, so... I mean, unless someone has objections... I don't want to tell people what to do..."

[Altepa Desert]

@Ninian

Nodding happily at Alodi's words, Piper exclaimed. "Ooo, sure thing! That would be amazing!" Hearing his question, she gave another small nod and mimicked his gesture, putting a paw to her chin in thought. "Hm... I can't think of anything either... Maybe we'll get inspired when we get there!" She looked up at him and smiled brightly.

As Piper heard his tone change at the topic of the sandstorm, her smile softened, almost fading completely as she was filled with worry. Perhaps the question had upset her new friend. Listening silently, she waited for him to finish before giving a curt nod, glancing up at him so that their eyes would briefly meet. "Oh... I... I see..." She lowered her voice, the touchy subject sending chills down her spine. "A-Actually... I am quite aware of the whole... frenzy thing... I-I wasn't exactly feral back then b-but... I could feel the agitation... The other few Pokemon taking shelter with me in the cave kind of felt it too... a-and..." Gulping painfully, she shook her head. "A-Anyway... at least you made it out okay..." A little smile grew on her face as she looked to the Delphox. "T-This time it'll be different though... I think we'll be able to handle this together... so it's okay... right?"

[Altepa Desert]

@MankeyMankey
Averting his gaze in response to the Skitty's hopeful words, he'd let out a sigh, "Of course. We'll be fine."

Remaining quite for an awkwardly long time—considering his usual loquaciousness—he did finally speak once more, "Unfortunately, I was not prepared for sporadic sandstorms; I have little means to defend ourselves. Even the Escape Orb I hold will prove ineffective, since this desert does not hold the mystical power of a dungeon..." Furrowing his brows, he would consider his options before continuing, "This may be a shot in the dark, but you do not happen to know Dig, would you? Even then... frenzied Pokémon could still locate us. A cave is still our best option..."

Alodi's expression darkened as he grew quiet, pondering to himself, There must be something... If we are trapped in the storm, there is no guarantee that I can protect Piper...

[Altepa Desert]

@Ninian

Piper nodded, a bit relieved by his statement although she knew it was most likely out of kindness. There was no actual way to tell that they would be fine.

Looking around into the vast desert around them, she tried her best to locate some sort of shelter that would keep them safe. There can't really be nothing around there... Without any results, she looked up at the Delphox with a worried expression. "I... I see..." She shook her head at his question. "I'm afraid I don't..." Turning back to look around one more time, she suggested. "M-Maybe if we press on a little further, we'll find something..." There was a sliver of hope in her voice this time, the growing winds having blown the rest of it away.

[Altepa Desert]

@MankeyMankey
Closing his eyes, the Delphox took a deep breath before hastening his step. "No matter, I'm certain we'll find something..."

Almost immediately after Alodi finished his sentence, the Sandstorm picked up considerably. Particles of sand began to abrasively strike the pair of travelers. Shielding his eyes with a hand, he furrowed his brows, "Piper. Use the scarf I gave you to shield your face. You do not want to inhale any grains of sand..." Gritting his teeth, he searched around though they could now only see a few feet in front of them. That was my last piece of cloth... If I cover my mouth and nose with my arm, perhaps I'll be fine. However, if we're forced to fight— The Delphox's train of thought crashed as a sharp roar could be heard in the distance. So it begins.

Covering his breathing holes with an arm, he looked down towards his companion. "Are you holding up all right...?"

[Altepa Desert]

@Ninian

"Yeah... W-We'll fi- Ah!" Piper yelped out in pain as rough cloud of sand was blown into her face. Shutting her eyes tightly, she brought up her white scarf as a shield, lowering her gaze to the ground so only the top of her head would be affected by the constant stream of debris.

After letting out a few violent coughs and expelling the sand that had entered her mouth, she responded weakly, trying to keep her bright tone. However, the terrifying roar in the distance sent shivers down her spine, causing her voice to waver with fear. "I-I'm f-fine..." With her head low, she pressed on besides her partner, hoping they'd find shelter soon.

[Altepa Desert]

@MankeyMankey
The cough sent shivers down the Fire-type's spine, fear striking into his heart. We need to hurry.

More cries echoed out, surrounding the pair on all sides. The calls continued, drawing closer. This is not good. Neither of us are prepared for this. Speaking as loudly as he could manage without letting too much sand into his lungs, he conveyed their situation to Piper, "They have us surrounded. Our best option is to press onward in a straight line to our right. If you need, I can carry you. However, I will need to put you down once we encounter—"

Another roar, and it was significantly closer than the last time. A bright flash of light could be seen before them—fire! The figure, while obscured, was very obviously a fire-type, with a wreath of flames towards the top of its form.

Throwing its head back, the Pokémon before them shrieked before aiming a [FLAMETHROWER] towards the group! Alodi instantly reacted, throwing himself over the Skitty, allowing the flames to scorch his back.

[Altepa Desert]

@Ninian

Each cry made Piper's heart race faster and faster, the sounds of the impending threats pumping terror into her core. I-I'm going to shit myself at this rate...

Listening to Alodi's explanation, she nodded her head, yelling in response so that she could be heard before the silk covering her face. "O-Okay! I'll be fine t-though! You don't need to ca-"

The sudden flash of light made her eyes widen with fear. Freezing in her place, she couldn't move to dodge the surge of flames aimed directly for her body. Waiting for the painful searing heat, she closed her eyes, only for the damage to never come. Confused, she opened her eyes and saw her partner's heroic move.

Immediately, she felt a wave of worry rush over her as she called out. "A-Alodi! A-Are you o-" However, a realization suddenly hit her. The move would most likely have not done much damage, considering he was a fire-type. Thinking back to the plan to press onward, she eyed the shadowy figure in the distance. Maybe if we take it out, it'll give us an opening...

Without any more thought, she put her risky plan into action, fastening the scarf tightly around her face so that only her eyes would be peeking out. "F-Follow me!" She exclaimed before sprinting out from cover. Keeping her head low, she ran towards the assailant and charged up an attack, her tail taking on a dark red glow. [Piper used WAKE-UP SLAP] After glancing up once to see that the target was near, she dashed to the side and jumped up, swinging her tail down at its face.

[Altepa Desert]

@MankeyMankey
Making critical contact with the unsuspecting Typhlosion, the Fire-type roared with pain, doubling over to clutch its face. "Y...You...RRRAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Shakily standing, Alodi managed to catch the tail-end of Piper's attack, I'm fine. Is that... Wake-Up Slap? It was then the Delphox formulated a plan of attack. At the request to follow, Alodi dashed towards the action, skidding to a stop some lengths away. Pulling out his wand-like stick, he pointed it towards the Typhlosion, flicking it a few times. Psychic energy emitted from the Delphox's focus, as [ALODI used HYPNOSIS!]

The hypnotic waves struck the Volcano Pokémon, causing it to collapse. Asleep.

Once the attack completed, Alodi clutched his chest as he began to cough furiously. "Tchh..."

[Glyph's Guild - Guild Member's Quarters]

@Light Lord
Putting a finger to her lip, the Gardevoir pondered for a moment, "Scald... That is the boiling hot Water-type move, correct? That would be rather convenient..." A small smile spread across her lips.

Putting a hand on her cheek, Pyrrha leaned in while the Feraligatr regaled his childhood. "That sounds lovely..." Letting out a slight chuckle she'd continue, "Lilith is quite a lovely name. In fact, it's similar to what I would name my own daughter. Of course, if that ever happens..." Flushing slightly, she averted her gaze, rubbing her left arm, "Daneza... Hmmm. I'm afraid I haven't heard of it. On the Air Continent, you said? Perhaps one day I'll dance there. Do you plan to return?"

[Altepa Desert]

@Ninian

As her tail struck the Typhlosion directly in the face, Piper felt a surge of pride flood through her body, drawing out a little smirk. Hitting the sand, she dug her paws in and drifted to a stop, turning to attack once more. Greeted with the sleeping Pokemon, she let out a small sigh of relief before hurrying over to her partner. Their opening would soon be gone if they didn't hurry.

"Alodi! C-Come on... We have to go!" She exclaimed, gently tugging at his leg with her paw.

[Altepa Desert]

@MankeyMankey
Though surprised the Skitty didn't take the set-up, Alodi allowed himself to be tugged at, hurrying through their opening. Hopefully this will buy us enough time... It did not take long for the pair to put enough distance between them and their assailant, however they were not in the clear. Roars and cries of anguish surrounded them.

Coughing into a paw, the Dual Fire-Psychic's brows furrowed with worry. We do not have much time. The more sand I breathe in... Shaking his head, he attempted to dispel his fears. "If we continue—" A raspy cough interrupted his words, "—in this direction, we should reach Gerudo before the Sandstorm deals substantial damage..." Another cough rang out, and he immediately covered his face with his furred arm.

At this rate, I'm surprised if we made it to Gerudo... there must be shelter. There has to be something...! Glancing down at his pink-furred companion, he furrowed his brows, She's definitely resilient...

[Altepa Desert]

@Ninian

Gently leading her partner, Piper pressed onward, hoping their little skirmish had bought them some valuable time. The frightening noises of frenzied Pokemon hidden around them did nothing to ease her concerns despite them sounding a distance away. I hope they find something else to attack...

Worried by her partner's coughing, she bit her lip and debated on giving him the cloth. The start of hearing his voice began to ease her concerns until he interrupted himself with another violent cough. Although she wouldn't have done so with any other, she unfastened her scarf and shut her eyes before handing it in the Delphox's general direction. "T-Take this for now... I'll be fine." She said, her voice muffled by her tail which she kept tightly over her mouth.

Lowering her head, she opened her eyes, keeping her paw outstretched with the cloth as she waited for her partner to put it on.

[Glyph's Guild - Guild Member's Quarters]

@Ninian
Looking over at Pyrrha with clouded orange eyes, Raiden nodded. "Yes, I would like to. But, that likely won't be for awhile." Sighing, he took another sip from his cup of tea and looked down at the table. "I love so many things about that village, but the one thing that always stuck in my mind was Lilith. About a year or two after I had came back, when I had built my own house, gotten an easy job, and got to know everyone....Her mother passed away. Her father had also passed a few months prior, so it extremely was hard on her. It was hard on me too. Her mother was the one that let me, a stranger, live with her family as if I were a member, without a second thought."

Placing the cup on the table, he somewhat righted himself and let his arms lay in his lap. "So, without anyone else left, I was the one that took care of Lilith. She was never overly jumpy or excitable before, but her parent's death just left her...Empty. I tried my best to be a good caretaker; playing with her, making her meals, reading books wit her, and though she seemed to come back around and appreciate what I did, I doubted my own efforts. I never thought I'd be able to be a good father figure."

[Altepa Desert]

@MankeyMankey
Reluctantly taking the cloth from Piper, the Delphox fastened it around his maw, though it was barely large enough. "Thank you, Piper..." Staring at the ground, he let out a dejected sigh. Now we really must make haste. Miss Piper is now vulnerable...

Sounds of fighting could be heard in front of them. What was likely some sort of rock projectile fired past the pair, nearly hitting them. !? As Alodi considered changing directions, the pair came upon a fierce battle between a Charmeleon and a Machoke. However, the fight is not what caught the Delphox's attention.

Is that...!? Glancing down towards his partner, Alodi pointed his wand forward. He shouted out with glee, "A ruin!" Though obscured, polished sandstone steps could be seen, leading down into what appeared to be a crevice.

[Glyph's Guild - Guild Member's Quarters]

@Light Lord
After hearing the story, the Gardevoir's eyes grew misty, her gaze downcast. "O-Oh...I'm so sorry. I... I had no idea. That poor girl..." Pausing for a moment, she wiped her tears with a hand, looking back up to the Feraligatr, "I'm sure you made a wonderful parent. You're kind... and you certainly did what you could. That's more than most..." Averting her gaze, she'd continue, "If I were put in that situation, I'm not sure what I would do... I... I would love to be a parent, but I'm not sure if I could..."

[Altepa Desert]

@Ninian

With her tail snugly over her breathing holes, Piper walked alongside her partner, coming to a halt as sounds of combat rang from ahead. "Mmph!" She let out a muffled scream, the projectile whizzing over her head almost bringing her heart to a stop. Waiting for her partner's call, she anxiously remained by him, watching the fierce battle of wild Pokemon.

His cry about a shelter filled her with hope and she glanced up at him before looking to the direction to which his wand was pointed. Her eyes widened at the sight of the steps which would most likely lead to a haven safe from the harsh flying sand. Unable to speak properly, she pointed her paw to the ruins then to the fight ensuing ahead, wondering if they should make a run for it or take care of the threats first.

[Glyph's Guild - Guild Member's Quarters]

@Ninian
A warm smile came across the scarred gator's maw as the Gardevoir flustered over her own parenting skills. "Thank you. And I wouldn't start doubting yourself yet." Closing his eyes, he continued to recall his past. "I remember, there was a night long ago. I had just put Lilith to bed, and a few of my friends from the village had come over and were sitting in the living room with me, just chatting. Eventually the topic got to me and Lilith's relationship, and one of my friends who had his own children, came up with a nickname that was meant to tease me. All of them started to chat 'Feralidad' over and over, laughing their asses off. I didn't take offence, I just didn't think it was too funny. Maybe I'm just boring."

Picking up his cup again, he sipped it and chuckled quietly. "But what was funny, was when all at once, the room went silent. All of their eyes bugged out as they stared at me. I didn't know what made them quiet, until I felt something touch my tail. I turned around, and there was Lilith. Sitting on her knees and hugging my tail. When I asked her what she was doing up so late she didn't respond, she only gave me this wide eyed, innocent stare, and asked if she could call me 'Feralidad' from then on. I said of course she could."

Looking over and meeting the dancer's gaze, Raiden grinned. "So if an ugly loser like me can be qualified to be called 'Feralidad' in the eyes of a child, you'd have no problem being a parent. You'd make an amazing mother Pyrrha. From the short time I've known you, I know you have the heart to do it."

[Altepa Desert]

@MankeyMankey
Whether or not they should engage before taking shelter was on both of the make-shift exploration team's minds. If we act first, that will expose Piper to the sand, given she uses her tail to attack. If they notice us, we can always fight them inside of the shelter, that way we can use our full strength... this is of course assuming they do not strike preemptively.

Needing to make a decision, the Delphox looked to Piper, giving her a nod, "Make a run for the stairs. Dodge any and all attacks until we're out of the harsh winds. Let's go!" With his plan verbalized, the Delphox rushed towards the pair of Pokémon who battled right outside the steps.

Sprinting towards his objective, the Fox Pokémon managed to slip past the skirmish, seemingly unnoticed. Rushing down the stairs, he'd then observe the strange, open-air shelter. The ruins had been dug deep into the sand, likely originating from a fissure, with walls built up the sides to prevent erosion. The Sandstorm appeared to blow over the ruins, due to the ingenious design.

Undoing the scarf from his maw, Alodi awaited his partner.

@Ninian @Light Lord

[Folio's Trunk - Town Path F8]

Following the group down into the first floor of the trunk, Brick gave them one more once over and went over the pointers he'd told them before once last time. "No fire, huh... that'll be tough, that's half my moveset down. I'll see what I can do though." She said, nodding as she looked among the group.

When the topic came up of a leader, Ember shook her head. "Definitely not me. I can barely keep myself in line sometimes. What about you, Selena?" She asked, looking over to the Bayleef. "I... think I'd be better suited watching the rear. Devon should take the lead." She replied, glancing over to the Totodile up front. Soon all eyes were on Devon.

[Folio Town - Glyph's Guild]

She'd heard the name a few times, but now it was just starting to bug her. Everyone seemed to be calling Ligero "Fuse". Maybe it was a nickname, but why did everyone call him that then? The thought would linger in the back of her mind as the conversation continued. "Hello, Guildmaster. My name's Hikari." She introduced herself with a slight bow. "She's an old friend of mine from my tribe. We happened across each other just a little bit ago. In fact, that's why we wanted to talk to you."

Fuse gave a sigh before continuing. "I know you're always on me about going and doing missions on my own, not having my own team and all. So, me and Hikari talked, and... well..." Fuse began to stutter, somewhat nervous about what was to come. "... We want to form a team together." Hikari finished his sentence for him.

"I know it's not exactly to code, her not being affiliated with the guild or being a Dungeon Dweller... but... there isn't another Pokemon on this planet I'd rather have more than her by my side. Except maybe Arceus..." He said jokingly with a legitimate smile on his face, recieving a playful jab in the side from Hikari. "So, please Guildmaster, please consider this." Hikari asked, somewhat confident on the outside but completely nervous on the inside at what his answer would be.

[Folio Town]

After actually having to calm Krystal down, the group headed over to the Folio Town Observation Post to figure out what to do next. "Well... what do we do next?" Serenity asked, looking at Omen as he gazed over the vast Altepa Desert. "I'm not sure. I feel... conflicted..." He said, puzzling Krystal. "Why's that? We warned them, we should keep moving and warn other towns and villages on other continents." She said.

"I wish it were that easy... but something just doesn't feel... right..." He explained, closing his eyes and thinking. "Is it about what you said? About the darkness below Folio?" Serenity asked. "Or what about what you said... you felt like time and space had been warped?" Krystal asked.

"Both of those things are weighing on my mind right now. The Human IS here, that much I know. That's probably where the space/time warp comes in... but the darkness below still troubles me... it's like nothing I've felt since leaving the village." He paused, letting out a breath. "This town may be where major events may play out, but it's still not where the main event will begin. I'm sure of it."

The three continued to converse about their next course of action, but it seemed nearly impossible to decide when taking everything into consideration.

[Folio Town - Observation Post]

@Shiny Keldeo
Leaning against a rock a bit offset from the Observation Post, a Mienshao rested quietly, likely undetected. Though he was not expecting anything in particular, what he heard intrigued him. A brow raised as a trio of Pokémon spoke of things he suspected, but had no way to confirm.

So there is a human here, already? Oh my... humans! They're so full of potential. Born as weak and feeble children, however... Licking his chops, he'd continue his train of thought, They grow into fantastically powerful beings... oh my... the thought of it! It makes my heart flutter...! Who is this human, I must find more about them! Putting a paw to his forehead, the Mienshao swooned at the thought.

Then, his brows furrowed as he listened to the continued explanation. A warp in space and time... how delicious. Perhaps it has to do with the human, or... perhaps it has to do with her! I expected chaos, but nothing as wonderful as this! Now, as for an event that might occur here... perhaps it has to do with Deeku, or maybe the Manifest~? An ecstatic expression consumed the Fighting-type's form, Yes, yes! Ah, she is such a formidable female. I would so love to battle her...! Ah, but I'm afraid I mustn't... not yet...

Leaning over to take a peek at the trio, the Mienshao's eyes narrowed, Ah, an Absol. It's little wonder he knows so much. Hmmm, perhaps... ah! Yes, many Pokémon trust an Absol's intuition. This... this is how I am going to find that delicious human!

A pink flash of light overtook the Mienshao's form, before finally shifting him into Omen's very visage. Perfect... now, I'll need an alias, won't I... Hmmm. Volug. Yes, that should work nicely...

Glancing at the group one more time, the Absol began to take his leave.