---

Jason had joined her. Charlotte observed the Elgyems' behavior for a bit longer, before shrugging. "They're communicating with someone, is my guess. I'm not a hundred percent sure, so I'll hve to do a bit more observation over the next couple days. The mystery of Elgyem and Beheeyem has baffled researchers for a while, and what their place is in the ecosystem of our planet is of importance."

Charlotte smirked grimly. "I suppose if one good thing came from the Ultra Beast incident, it's our knowledge of how extraterrestrial Pokémon behave in a world not of their own. The Ultra Beasts tended to stay close together, and most didn't seem overly aggressive so much as frantic. There were the reports from over a decade ago about GLUTTON, but I heard someone managed to subdue it shortly after the crisis."

Charlotte shrugged again. "I mean, that's what I was told. I wasn't around for any of that. And I'm glad I wasn't, too. The Alola branch got pretty sketchy, so I heard. Never let that stop me from studying Pokémon ecology in this region's branch, though."

Charlotte packed up her materials. "I'm going to come back here tomorrow to make some more observations. I need to know if Elgyem has any predators that could threaten it while exhibiting this behavior... or, well, I should say, communicating in this manner. See you tomorrow, Jason." She gave a kind wave to Jason, and started heading back to the Pokémon Center.

---

The next day, Charlotte was watching the Elgyems prepare for another round of communication. There were a number of hypotheses about this. Were they preparing to invade? They would have done so already if they could, would they not? Perhaps their homeworld was dying, and Earth was another suitable habitable planet? Charlotte preferred the refugee hypothesis to the invader one; the Elgyems' passive behavior supported the former rather than the latter.

Hardly any Pokémon came out to attack the Elgyems. At one point, a Mightyena snuck up to get a bite out of one of them, but the Elgyems simply disappeared, leaving the Mightyena confused. They reappeared once the gray hyena slunk away.

Charjabug perked up, nervously looking around. "Bzz-zz?" Charjabug sparked.

"What's up, Charjabug?" Charlotte asked.

Charjabug's eyes glowed under the blue lenses on its carapace. On its face was a worried expression. Charlotte got up and looked around. "Is something the matter--"

Suddenly, the docks underneath her shuddered, the gas lanterns swaying above the pier. The shaking intensified, causing a wave to splash into Charjabug, drenching it. Charlotte stepped back; good thing she did, too, because the pier that she had been standing on gave out.

One of the gas lanterns shook off its hook and shattered on the remains of the pier; the gas set the rotting wood ablaze. Charlotte's eyes widened. The fire was starting to grow, and the Elgyems began to panic.

Charlotte placed a hand on two of her Poké Balls. The fire would surround the Elgyems, given that other lanterns along the pier were tumbling down.

"Klang, Crabrawler, go!" Charlotte shouted, opening both balls. The gear and the coconut crab emerged in a flash of light; Crabrawler stumbled, not expecting the earth to shake. "Klang, Gear Grind on the lanterns; knock them into the water. Crabrawler, use Crabhammer on the opposite pier. Kick up as much water as you can," she ordered.

Klang fired off miniature gears at the structurally insecure gaslamps, tearing them out of the pier and blowing them into the bayou. Steam fizzled from the points of impact. Meanwhile, Crabrawler scooped up water from the bayou in its huge glovelike claws and jumped onto the pier, braving the fire to smash the burning wood with its watery Crabhammer. KERSPLASH!

The Elgyems, meanwhile, flashed their fingers frantically to the sky in what appeared to be Morse code. One Elgyem seemed more terrified than the others, flashing more erratically. It was trapped in a ring of fire.

Klang turned back towards Charlotte as the tremors stopped; the pier in the general vicinity was safe. "Klang, return," Charlotte said, calling the gear Pokémon back. "Golett, go." She sent out her clay automaton, and Golett landed near the frightened Elgyem with a thud. "Mud Bomb on the flames, and get that Elgyem out of there."

Golett nodded, and scooped up a large blob of dripping silt, before dropping it on the flames. The silt exploded all over the fire, fizzling it out. Golett then scooped the cowering alien up and stoically tromped out of the flames.

Charlotte turned and saw that the other Elgyems had fled, unknowing of their lost companion. She could deduce that Elgyems were significantly less experienced in alien society, even for Pokémon.

Golett brought the stranded Elgyem to Charlotte, not seeing the other Elgyems.

"I'm going to try to take care of it," Charlotte suggested. The Elgyem was burned, and on closer inspection, two of its limbs were badly scratched. The Pokémon's lighted fingertips flashed and blinked weakly.

Golett nudged Charlotte's bag. Charlotte shook her head. "Can't catch it; I have to respect its original mission," she said. She picked the alien Pokémon up. "C'mon, guys. Let's go to the Center. It's a good thing we took care of that fire before it got out of hand," she said.

Charlotte, cradling the Elgyem in her arms, returned to the Pokémon Center.

---

---

CP+1 = 27

✰ Jason Ackerman ✰

Location: Stillwater

@ToadRopes

Jason stood beside Charlotte, studying the Elgyems. "Extraterrestrial Pokemon... I wonder if they'll know anything about Lunala? I mean, not much is exactly known about Elgyems, but people have reported being helped by them before. Apparently they can share visions."

He took a step forward, then stopped. The Elgyems ignored him, fully focused on their task. "On second thought, I'd better not disturb them," he decided. There were several theories about Elgyems, one being that they'd become trapped on Earth during a UFO crash, and had been trying to get home ever since. If they were stranded and desperate, calling out for help, he wasn't going to get in their way.

"When they've finished doing whatever they're doing, I'll ask if they can help out," he said, waving goodbye to Charlotte as she started on her way back to the Pokecentre. "See you!"

After watching them a while longer, he resumed his search for more clues, still coming up with nothing. Maybe the Elgyems would be willing to help in the morning, he thought as he headed to the Pokemon centre.

...

The next day saw Jason return to the beach, watching out for the Elgyems. A glimpse of something in a cave caught his attention.

"Hm?" Heading into the cavern, he took a closer look. Strange markings on the walls... It was difficult to clearly make them out in the dim light, but could this be a hint as to what was going on here? "Iliana, you wouldn't mind lighting up this place?"

The Vulpix breathed out wisps of flame, which danced around her, revealing movement in the depths of the cave. Jason stared at the many shapes of the small, single-eyed Pokemon, who floated in circles.

Unowns... Although not powerful on their own, many working together could create intricate illusions and alternate realities, or so he'd heard. Much like the letters of the alphabet could weave countless stories, taking people to other worlds with the opening of a book.

Tibert bristled, and Velius narrowed his eyes behind the dark glasses. Reason told Jason to turn back, but how could he pass up the opportunity to observe such fascinating Pokemon? If he kept at a safe distance, surely he'd be alright?

All Tibert's fur suddenly stood on end. The next moment, the ground rumbled beneath Jason, throwing him off-balance. He yelped as he hit the rocky floor. Dazed, he looked up at the Unowns, who now flew around in erratic patterns.

Before he could stand up, light exploded outwards, engulfing his surroundings. Jason shielded his eyes with his arm, seemingly floating in an empty space as the cave disappeared.

...

The world reformed around him - but it wasn't the world he'd been in a moment ago.

Something rough, scaly, formed under him. Wind blew against his face. When his surroundings came into focus, he gasped. "Wh-What?!" He gripped the back of the colossal green serpent, who rose higher and higher into the air. Is that... All he could do was gaze, transfixed, at the majestic mount. Rayquaza?

Below him, the whole of Central City spread out, people gathering in the square to stare up in wonder at him. His bewilderment became a rush of pride - especially as something else caught his eye.

Nine silky, flowing tails. "Iliana? Is that you?" He craned his neck towards the flame-gold fox in the dragon's arms. Iliana glanced all around her, then at her changed form, as if she didn't know what to make of the situation. Looking over his shoulder, Jason saw two Pokemon holding on to Rayquaza's back - a black fox, bushy red hair streaming behind him, and a blue cat with two tails flicking in the wind. "Velius? Tibert?"

I'm a master? With a thrill, he soared through the sky on the legendary dragon. He had it all now. Success, admiration, everything he wanted. Except... he didn't. The Unowns frantically darting overhead reminded him that none of this was real.

"Well, this is certainly fun and all," he said, looking up at the symbol Pokemon, "but as much as I want to, I'm afraid I can't stick around long. There are things I need to do." The Unowns didn't listen, looping around instead, emitting bursts of multicoloured light. "Uh, please? I've really gotta go back. There's this kid who needs help." Still no response.

The temperature dropped as, with no warning, something slammed into Rayquaza. Tightening his grip, Jason could only watch as another blue beam from a Glaceon below narrowly missed. A Gardevoir launched a pink burst, which collided with its target.

These people aren't here to admire me, Jason realised, stunned with shock as more blasts struck the mount, who plummetted. Beside him, the Ninetales, Zoroark and Meowstic fell, becoming smaller, taking on their usual appearances.

As Jason braced himself for the impact, the world turned black and his fall slowed, coming to a harmless stop. He caught a faint smell of floor wax and wood polish. As if somebody had switched on a light, a room appeared.

High school? Jason took in the hallway lined with lockers - and bookshelves? No... Mom and Dad's library? But he knew that desk and noticeboard right at the end... The Legendwatch headquarters? The room looked like a combination of all three.

Figures appeared, taunts filling the air. Hands gripped his shoulders, slamming him into a bookshelf. Biting back a cry of pain and surprise, Jason looked up into the sneering face of someone he recognised from high school. Somebody else pulled his bag from his back, spilling the contents over the floor. The items changed into books. Torn, bent, missing pages, and soaked as if someone had dunked them in the toilet.

Shuddering at the memories brought to life, Jason glanced at his Pokemon, once again a Vulpix, a Zorua and an Espurr. "Whatever these Unowns are trying to do, stop them!" he commanded. "Iliana, Flame Burst! Velius, Feint Attack! Tibert, Disarming Voice!"

As the volley of attacks struck the Psychic types, they sped around more wildly than ever, firing energy orbs everywhere. With a howl, Iliana collapsed, Velius and Tibert slumping next to her. Recalling the fainted Pokemon, Jason remembered with a sickening chill how he'd marvelled at the thought of the Unowns' combined power earlier - here it was in action.

The bully folded his arms and smirked. His face changed to another familiar one - that of the first trainer Jason had ever battled. "Still think you're all that, huh?" the man mocked as Jason cringed, just as he'd done after that crushing defeat.

Raising his head, he saw the man's face revert to that of the bully, and a fist hurtle towards him. He pulled away, but not before it could connect with the side of his head. Lights blinking in his vision, he felt the hard, cold impact of the floor under his crumpled form. Reaching out, trying to prop himself up, his fingers touched paper. A book, fallen from a shelf, growing larger, the letters turning into more swirling Unowns, pulling him in.

Books, his refuge, ever since childhood.

All he could see was white, like a blank page. The whiteness took on shapes - mountains, snow-covered pine trees. Cold bit into him, almost too vivid to be an illusion. He knew this place. A memory? Something he'd read about? Or a mix of both?

The symbols closed in on him, indicators that no matter how much his surroundings changed, they were still part of the same prison.

---

33

Vivian quietly waited for her friends and pokemon. She napped, ate, messaged her mum, caught up on the recent strange events and prayed for those in the cave.
At times like this she wished she still had her instrument, but that was long gone now. Sold some time ago at a pawn shop to cover her expenses.

Finally the nurse signalled that her Pokemon were ready causing Vivian to burst from her seat and excitedly rush over to see them.
"That's twice now in one day. said the nurse with a hint of concern. "You really should be more careful with your pokemon you know."
"I know." Vivian sheepishly replied as she quickly took her pokeballs back and ran out of the center.

Eventual Viv found a nice little spot near the oasis, under a tree, where she released all her pokemon.
It was then she gave them all a heart felt apology for the situations she had put them in. Flabebe, Petilil and even Ferroseed. It was a touching moment as tears swelled in Vivian's eye, her Pokemon listened intently to her words and she offered them each a chance to leave back into the wild.

It was Flabebe who first came up to her side. Wearing a confident smile that said it would never leave. The others quickly followed suit. After a few tears, many thanks and some careful hugs the group played together around the waters edge as the sun beautifully set.

---

(Flabebe got + 3 sunset lvl up.)

---

36

Azerus couldn't believe he had been so daft, roggenrola should have been an obvious choice to fight in the dark. Unsure of what he was walking into AJ now releases him into his arms and carries the rock Pokemon as he steps into the passage way.
As he slowly creeps around a bend he hears a noise up in the distance. Roggenrola hears it too and shuffles in his arms. It was a sort of muffled rattling, the humming of a quiet turning engine and the occasional disgruntled mumble of a man.

That girl was right all along. Something suspicious was going on here.
It could be dangerous up ahead but if there were people here hopefully that meant was also another way out.

---

()

---

---

(Roggenrola got +3 sunset lvl up.)

---

Luna nodded her head at Cici's question. "Yep... And Fairy types... But Dragon types will alwatlys have a place in my heart..." she said smiling at how Eclipse was getting along with Kym. But suddenly, an earthquake started to shake the area. Eclipse let out a panicked cry and jumped into Luna's arms, she held onto the baby dragon tightly trying to comfort him. The earthquake ended but Luna kept her little Deino in her arms.

"We'd better head inside," Luna nodded and headed to the Pokemon Center with Cici, with Eclipse still shaking in her arms. "My friend and I have been looking into unusual happenings around here, I'm going to have to talk with him about this. It could have something to do with..." Luna listened as Cici tried to think of what to say. "Ok. You've heard the story of Entei, right? Have you heard the rumours about the one around here? Well, as I found out firsthand a few days ago, they're true. And I'd better warn you, he's not exactly happy. Something's really rubbing him the wrong way, and I'm working with someone to find out what it is." Luna couldn't believe what she was hearing, Cici wasn't a normal trainer at all, she was actually investigating the activities of legendary pokemon. That really was something special, if this was an indication of Cici's skills as a trainer then Luna wouldn't stand a chance against her in a battle.

---

It was around sunset when they arrived at the Pokemon Center. Luna immediately went to go get Eclipse and her new Flabebe healed up and ready to go.

After she had her two partners healed, Luna walked around the Pokemon Center for a bit, with Eclipse trotting along beside her. It seemed like everyone was a bit shaken by the earthquake, was that really the result of two legendaries clashing? Luna shivered at the thought of what else could happen. Looking around she found Cici staring at a report on the TV, she walked over to her. "Did you find your friend?"

♪♫♪ Cecilia "Cici" Taylor ♪♫♪

Location: Tefan Village

@Darkmoon Angel

Once she'd checked that Tommy was alright, called her parents to make sure they weren't hurt, and discovered from the reports that the damage was nowhere near as extensive as it could have been, Cici let herself relax a little. Lack of sleep and lack of success in this mission were making her unnecessarily worried. She headed back to her room, figuring that before doing anything else, a few hours of rest would do her good...

She woke to Tactus signalling the time. Listening to the number of hoots and peering at the window, she frowned. Had she heard that right? Had she really slept all day? Sighing, she pushed off the covers and got ready. Just when she thought she'd sorted out her sleeping patterns.

Heading back into the lobby, she took a place in front of the TV. Maybe by now, people would have more of an idea of what caused the earthquake... or not, she realised as she watched the continued reports.

"Iggly?" Cici looked down to see a pair of round red eyes, filled with concern, staring up at her. Beside Ligeia, Cadence and Allegro bore the same looks.

"Heh... It's ok," she reassured them, petting each one on the head and handing out berries, although her words sounded empty even to her. "We'll get this sorted out soon enough."

Ligeia kept her gaze fixed on her trainer. Since the incident in Feyhollow forest, the girl had seemed more detached, more easily disheartened, even if she tried to hide it. If only there was something she could do to help Cici, but she was so small, so frail...

She jumped up into the trainer's lap, only to bounce off and collide with a wall.

"Ligeia!" Before the Igglybuff could crash into anything else, Cici stood up and caught hold of her. "Ligeia, are you alright?" Although unhurt, Ligeia whimpered, snuggling up to the trainer.

At the sound of someone approaching, Cici turned around. "Oh, hi Luna," she said, her usual smile in place. "Yeah, he's fine, he said he'd just go do a little research." Tommy, however, had seemed just as discouraged as she was. Not just one, but possibly two legendaries... How did trainers of their level have any hope of doing this?

---

Were it not for the looks on Cici's pokemon, Luna wouldn't have wondered if anything was wrong. "Are you ok? You seem a little off..." She asked looking at each one of Cici's pokemon, she had quite the number of pokemon as far as Luna could see. Eclipse was already happily bounding towards them wanting to play. "Eclipse is still a baby,
so he has more energy than normal... Even for a Deino..." She said giggling.

The trio of girls dropped by the Pokemart, picking up the necessary supplies for their trip. Leisy, figuring that she didn’t need any more Pokeballs at the moment, picked up some boxes of berries for her Pokemon and some food for herself to munch on before regrouping with the other girls and heading to the outskirts of town.

“Greenhaven should be in… that direction,” Leisy said, pointing into the woods in the direction her Pokedex directed her. “It looks like it’s near Tefan Village, which is near a volcano, so it’ll probably be pretty hot there, huh?”

Passing out the hamburgers she’d purchased for everyone — fast food was, while unhealthy, the fastest food Leisy could grab for the road — the trio immediately started towards Greenhaven, a spring in their step. They were driven by loss and fear of continued failure, which all subscribed to in some way or the other, albeit on varying degrees. The first hour or two of the trip was silent but fast-paced, interrupted only by vague remarks on the scenery around them. Their goal was far ahead of them, and their minds were focused on something just as far.

Soon enough, the sun was setting and the woods were darkening. “We’re probably halfway there around now,” Leisy said, voice a bit winded. Their pace had drained her of much of the energy she’d recovered from her pseudo-sleep, but she knew she would need to push on.

---

@luckyblackcat

---

“See you there,” Cillian said, breaking off from the group as well. Figuring he’d take the long way around, Cillian headed for the perimeter of the village, wanting to see what laid beyond the small village huts. As the tarps and fencing started thinning, Cillian popped a Pokeball off his belt and released the Pokemon inside.

“Hey there, Haz,” Cillian said to the Charmeleon, dodging out of the way when the large orange Pokemon tried to hug him. “Whoa there, careful! You’re a lot bigger now, so don’t crush me just yet!”

The fire-type paused, looking down at its claws and flexing them quizzically. A swish of its tail later, the Charmeleon was back on Cillian’s tail, so the boy relented with a smile.

“Missed you too, you big lug. Now c’mon, off to the Pokemon Center we go.”

The village’s Pokemart was apparently a makeshift stall that resided near the volcano, and from Cillian heard from locals he asked, it sold nothing he needed at the moment — disappointing, since he’d wanted to snag a Great Ball for his journeys. So, with nothing in particular to buy, he beelined for the Pokemon Center, his travels on the outskirts of the village met with nothing but hot air and billowing sand.

“Hey Juana! Tora not here yet?” Cillian asked, waving at the girl once he’d arrived. Figuring he his Pokemon were fine for the moment — just dehydrated, no injuries — he was raring to go. But, it was getting late, and he figured dinner was probably in order first, and he didn’t want to be the first to try the local delicacies.

---

@silver fox@toadropes

---

162CP

♥ Ellanor "Ella" Beaufort ♥

Location: Feyhollow Town

@Dusksong

Although her bag was near-full, Ella picked up an extra Pokeball, as well as some food for her Pokemon. Letting out each member of her team one by one, she gave them a supper of berries, as well as a Rare Candy each.

"Treasure, you wouldn't mind keeping a look out in the forest?" Ella asked, her hand on another Pokeball. She hesitated, then pressed the button, releasing Allsort. "And you too? Could you watch out?" They'd proven they could work together yesterday, so surely they could now.

It was a hurried, quiet journey through the woods, the wild Pokemon thankfully leaving the group alone. Florence trailed along, silent, until a sharp cry drew Ella's attention. The brunette had fallen to her knees, panting. Insisting she was fine as Ella helped her up, Florence continued along the forest trail as if nothing had happened.

"Maybe we should take a quick rest?" Ella suggested, but Florence shook her head.

As the light dimmed, Ella let out another Pokemon. "Jumbles, please light the way!" The last thing anyone wanted was to fall into an unseen pit trap. As the Inkay appeared, his light revealed something. A fallen tree, its branches forming a cage around a small, purple Pokemon. The rabbit-like creature scampered around, gnawing at the branches that held it prisoner, rubbing at them with the sharp spikes jutting from its back, but to no avail. With a moan, it slumped.

Ella reacted instantly. "A Nidoran! And he's trapped! Allsort, Jumbles, Night Slash through those branches! Nidoran, we'll get you out!"

As the Stunky and Inkay said something in Pokespeak, the Nidoran bristled and glared, chewing harder than ever at the branches as if insisting he could get out on his own. Nearly collapsing, he let out a resigned grumble and stood back. Purple energy blades cut away the branches, allowing the Nidoran to stagger out.

Florence crouched down, keeping her distance as she assessed his condition, putting most of it down to fatigue. She pulled out a newly-purchased Leppa Berry, distracting him while she treated him with a potion. As the Nidoran jumped, both girls tensed, Ella remembering what poison had done to Florence yesterday. Instead of attacking, though, the Poison type approached Ella's Pokemon, mumbling something. Ella wondered if he was telling them he'd have been fine on his own, or grudgingly thanking them.

Watching the Nidoran sway in place, Jumbles squeaked, suggesting something. The rodent narrowed his eyes, then drew closer to Ella with a chattering noise. "Are you saying you want to come along?" Ella asked. As the Pokemon nodded, Ella took out a Pokeball. "Ok then... uh, Pincushion! How's that? You can rest up in here."

Once the Nidoran had vanished into the capsule, Ella put it safely away, a mix of excitement and guilt welling inside her. Although the Pokemon had willingly come along, the trainer couldn't help feeling bad about what she was dragging him into.

---

✿ Florence Hadley ✿

Location: Feyhollow Town

@Dusksong

Florence pushed her tired body onwards, only stopping when Ella pointed out the trapped Nidoran. Once the girl's Pokemon had freed the little rodent, the medic bent down, studying him. "It doesn't look like any heavy branches hit him. It's mostly just scratches, and tiredness. He must have been in there all day! I'll bet it was the earthquake."

She placed a Leppa Berry in front of him, partly to relieve his fatigue, partly to keep him distracted, and partly to show they meant no harm. Nidorans only tended to attack when threatened, but she had to keep the risk at a minimum. "Hey, little guy. You could do with this." As he ate, she continued to examine him, spraying him with a potion she'd bought earlier. He twitched in surprise. Florence drew back, the memory of the Ekans' burning poison replaying through her mind, but the Nidoran simply crawled over to Ella and her Pokemon, agreeing to go with them.

Florence gave a little smile, which faded as she thought of the Pokeball she'd purchased before leaving. Ella and Leisy were clearly both experienced trainers, more than capable of defending themselves, but would any other Pokemon she caught be alright? Would Bonica and Panacea? Would the Cutiefly? She ran her fingers over the two capsules keeping the baby Pokemon safe from harm.

She remembered what Ella had said about certain Budews being sought after. How was she going to get Vernie back without putting her other Pokemon in danger? The extra Rare Candies would boost their levels, but would that be enough?

---

♪♫♪ Cecilia "Cici" Taylor ♪♫♪

Location: Tefan Village

@Darkmoon Angel

"Yeah... I just, uh, need to get my sleeping patterns under control, that's all," Cici replied, unsure of how convincing she sounded. She gave a little chuckle at the Deino's seemingly limitless energy. Ligeia, with an excited squeal, jumped out of Cici's arms, bouncing all over the Pokemon centre again.

"Hey, hey Ligeia. Calm down." Cici scooped up the little baby Pokemon, ruffling her tuft of hair. "Same with Ligeia here, as you can see."

She turned around as someone else entered the lobby, feet dragging. "Hey, Tommy. Did you find anything?" Even before he spoke, his dejected expression said it all. "Looks like something we'll just have to figure out for ourselves..." she said.

When Tommy asked if she was ready, she nodded before turning back to Luna. "Well, we're going to have to keep looking into this," she told her, recalling all her Pokemon except Forte, Dulcet and Kymbalon. "Hopefully we'll actually get somewhere this time."

She wondered what Luna would do. Would she want to stay safe in the Pokemon centre, or would she want to come along? Despite her need for help, though, she didn't ask. She wasn't going to pressure Luna into doing something dangerous. If the girl wanted to join them, she'd most likely offer.


Note: Zarkun has dropped out, and has given me control over his character and mission for now

---

✰ Jason Ackerman ✰

Location: ???

@ToadRopes

Atana Mountain Range. That was what this place looked like... along with something else. Some kind of illustration Jason had once seen.

Trying to stand up, he groaned and fell back down, his sprained ankle throbbing. Great, it was this memory. So much for putting the time he'd gotten stranded in the mountains behind him.

He expected the scene to play out as it had done... a newly-caught Eira going to seek help, returning with a wild Espurr who, after shaking his head as if to say "idiot human", used his psychic power to lift and carry him back to the village. Watching the exhausted cat collapse. Looking after the Psychic type, who later on decided to stick by his side.

But said Espurr was currently inside a Pokeball, in no fit state to do anything.

A Pokemon drew closer - quite a different one, draped in white, with a red ribbon around its waist. "Y-You're not Eira, are you?" Jason blurted, thinking back to the earlier illusion with the evolved Pokemon. When the Froslass shook her head, that only left one possibility...

The Ghost type spoke, her voice eerily soft. "Don't waste away as I did..." She blew a frosty wind at him, crystals forming over his skin, cold numbing his body, slowing his struggles. Of all folktales to be trapped in, it had to be the one about the Froslass and her collection of decorations.

He barely had the strength to raise his head when light flared outwards. Gasping and blinking, he looked up at the Volcarona. Now he remembered the illustration - the story about the Fire type saving Pokemon from a bitterly cold winter. Flames burst from its body, causing the Froslass to shrink back.

"Whew... Th-Thanks," Jason said, but he'd spoken too soon. The moth whipped up a hurricane, catching him up in it, sending him spinning through the air. It must only care about protecting Pokemon, not humans, he realised with a surge of panic, landing with a crash.

Letting out a groan that sounded oddly like a growl, he opened his eyes, finding himself near a cave, at the bottom of a chasm. Every movement brought pain. He felt broken, empty, as if he'd been split apart, and the ice was still there, encasing him... Propping himself up, he stared down at two grey, spindly arms, tipped with tiny claws.

At two other flares of light, he stretched out his suddenly long neck. Two shapes flew away from him. One white, trailing fire, and one black, emitting lightning bolts. Responding to an instinct, the human-turned-dragon stumbled forward, crawling hopelessly after them as they ascended.

Turning its head, Reshiram gave him a leer filled with pure condescension. "Pathetic. Chasing after the truth, and never finding it."

Zekrom bore the same look. "Pursuing ideals. Trying so hard to live up to them."

The energy flares intensified as the two dragons soared in separate directions, melting the ice. Shards of the draconic body fell away, as did the scene, cracking and breaking around him.

Once again in human form, Jason found himself back in the high school, surrounded by people who laughed and jeered. His surroundings shattered again, falling to reveal the Legendwatch headquarters, the bullies turning into the members of his guild - their taunts just as vicious.

All the while, clusters of Unowns spun around the changing scenes. For a brief moment, six of them arranged themselves into words.

"HELP US"

This was some kind of defense mechanism, Jason realised. Or they'd become merged with his thoughts in panic - were they just as trapped as he was, desperately trying to free themselves? He had to find some way to calm them, but how?

---

@LuckyBlackCat

Luna giggled at the apparent excitement of the little Igglybuff, looks like they both had their hands full with a baby pokemon. "I'm sure everyone will get along nicely..." she said smiling at her little Deino.

Cici's partner came into the pokemon center looking for her, Cici called back her pokemon except for a few. "Well, we're going to have to keep looking into this, Hopefully we'll actually get somewhere this time." Cici turned around to leave. Luna looked down at Eclipse, the little dragon wasn't happy to see his new friends go and was nudging his head on Luna's leg. She picked up the little dragon and followed after Cici.

"Hey... Wait!" she called, stopping Cici and her partner. "From the sounds of things, your gonna need all the help you can get... So... Would it be a bother if I... Came along?" she asked nervously. This could be a major learning experience for her in terms of being a breeder but if Cici thought it was too dangerous than she wouldn't force it.

♪♫♪ Cecilia "Cici" Taylor ♪♫♪

Location: Tefan Village

@Darkmoon Angel

At Luna's request to join her and Tommy, Cici looked over. "Help's always welcome, but fair warning, Groudon might be the one stirring up Entei. Yeah, you heard that right," she replied, thinking back to the news reports. "Of course, I don't know for sure, and I really hope not, but it's possible. If you're still ok coming along, though, we should stop by the mart first."

She still couldn't shake the feeling she was dragging Luna into something that was way over any of their heads, but wasn't the point of the Helping Hand Guild to form bonds with other trainers, accept and give assistance, help each other grow? Besides, right now, wasn't it best for people to stick together?

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@LuckyBlackCat
"Help's always welcome, but fair warning, Groudon might be the one stirring up Entei. Yeah, you heard that right, Of course, I don't know for sure, and I really hope not, but it's possible. If you're still ok coming along, though, we should stop by the mart first." Eclipse looked up at Luna, two legendaries clashing, that's something nobody wanted to be around. But the fact that these two trainers, Cici and her friend Tommy, were willing to go and see if there was anything they could do was inspirational.

"I'll do whatever I can... Me and my pokemon..." Eclipse let out a little "Deino!" just to drive the point home. "I don't mind heading to shop first... I need to get a pokeball for Eclipse anyway..." she said following behind Cici and Tommy.

34

Vivian was suddenly startled to hear the shrill cry of her Petilil.
"Peti!?" she called as she shot up and raced to the oasis waters edge. Petilil was frantically twisting and turning looking about. If had scuff marks on the back of its head but no one else was around.
Vivian was just about to go pick up the poor confused Pokemon when a Rowlet silently swooped passed kicking Petilil into the waters. A spray of razor leaves shot up from the startled Pokemon but hit nothing except for its trainer who rushed in the water after her pokemon.

Flabebe was quick on the case chasing the Rowlet as it flew around. The battle raged on as they both dove in with tackles, shot at each other with razor leaf. Rowlet had the aerial advantage but flabebe ended it with a powerful vine whip that sent it splashing down into the water Next to Vivian and Petilil.

"Alright mister Rowlet! That wasn't very nice. You are coming with us and you are going to learn how to be nice." Vivian says to the fainted Pokemon with a faint scowling attitude as she waded through the water, carrying Petilil in one arm while taking out a pokeball with her free hand and pressing it to the Rowlet.

With a ding the pokemons data was added to her pokedex as Rowlet joined the team. But that was enough excitement for one day. Vivian returned to the poke'center to rest and wait for her friends.

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37

Azerus continues to sneak around the bend with his roggenrola in his arms when suddenly the tunnel become brightly illuminated. All the lights that AJ hadn't notice just turned back on. It was now as clear as day and he was caught out in the open with nowhere left to hide.
The end of the tunnel opened into a wide tall room.

A large complex machine sat in the middle of the room, buzzing and glowing with many dials and lights. A man sat beside it in overalls, wearing a tool belt as he tinkered away on a generator with his back facing Azerus.

Somehow, luckily, he had not noticed AJ yet. As Azerus looked to the doors across the room he noticed that he had become noticed by someone else. An angry Machop came marching towards him.

Without hesitation Roggenrola launched at the oncoming pokemon with a flying headbutt. But Machop was quick and met the attack with his own flying kick. Both Pokemon flew back and stood at the ready. A confused mechanic turned around to see the commotion. The fight was on.

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♪♫♪ Cecilia "Cici" Taylor ♪♫♪

Location: Tefan Village

@Darkmoon Angel

"Ok then! Onwards and upwards... with any luck..." Cici answered, heading through the streets, towards the stall by the volcano. Her gaze shifted away from the other two.

Worries nagged at her mind. The first was, could they really do this? Even though she'd known it would take something formidable to set Entei off, she hadn't imagined something on this scale. She and Tommy had accepted the mission shortly after arriving, though, and they'd have to go through with it.

The second was, she knew the other reason for her uncertainty about Luna joining. The more she travelled with others, the more she'd bond with them - and the more painful it would be if those bonds broke. But, to live up to the Helping Hand Guild's values, this was something she'd have to overcome.

We recognize that, as trainers, we are stronger when we help each other, so we aim to form bonds and connect with fellow trainers. We vow to treat all with respect and never turn away from a fellow trainer in need, she repeated in her mind.

Upon reaching the stall, she bought a Pokeball as well as another bundle of Rare Candies. As she waited for Tommy and Luna to finish shopping, she stood outside, letting out all eight of her Pokemon and feeding them a candy each. They'd have to be ready for whatever lay ahead.

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35

The day had passed and Vivian felt no closer to her goal than before. Having just finished a comforting hot shower, she now found herself curled in a ball and tucked tightly in bed. It was not her bed. The soft comfort that she had grown to miss, but it was a bed nonetheless.

Eager to rise early and attack the new day with her full focus and energy, Vivian desperately tried to quiet her busy thoughts, seeking and welcoming a peaceful slumber.

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38

Roggenrola Vs Machop

It soon became clear that the mechanic was not the owner of this machop. He simply watched on with a sense of confusion as the battle ensued.
The wild machop's physical attacks were not very effect against Roggenrolas hard stone hide but what the fighting Pokemon lost in circumstances it made up for with a ferocious fighting spirit and sheer determination.

A spray of rocks shot his way, deflecting it with a punch he leapt over the attack to deliver a flying kick that sent the small rock pokemon scattering across the floor. Quickly roggenrola bounced straight back up retaliating with a tackle. His body hardening even further as it glimmered with a metallic sheen.
Machop took the hit and responded with a powerful karate chop.
At this point it was unclear who was hurt more by the attack. Guided by its trainers voice roggenrola hopped around a few subsequent strikes while further hardening himself. Every now and again an attack connected or skimmed off his armoured hide.

When he was at his shiniest and couldn't harden any further Roggenrola quit trying to dodge his opponents attacks and simply responded with reckless charge. Taking on the full flurry of blows that Machop threw at him it became a contest of endurance.

Machop's hands and feet became visibly red from beating on the hardened rock. Sweat trickled down his head as he grew exhausted by his own constant attacking. Finally Roggenrola broke through the barricade of fists and kicks to land a perfect head to head headbutt. Both pokemon fell to the floor and a still silence swept the cavern.

Everyone watched on, the air tense with anticipation. Yet it was only machop who brought himself to rise. A proud grin on face, sitting a few inches below the large already-swollen bruise flourishing on his forehead.

So with that Roggenrola was praised and returned while Pawniard was sent out to take his place. Fresh and energised he started off strong putting the machop on the defensive, desperately dodging the swiping blades.

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@LuckyBlackCat

Upon reaching the pokemart, Luna looked around a bit for items that may be of use later down the road. Eclipse looked from side to side at the different items on display, he knew what was coming, at last he would finally get a pokeball of his own, this would only further strengthen Eclipse's bond with Luna. After grabbing a pokeball that was just right and a Rare Candy to celebrate, she headed over to the register to pay for her items.

"Alright, Eclipse... You can officially be my pokemon partner...
You excited?" Like she even had to ask. Eclipse cried excitingly and jumped around happily. "Hee hee... Ok... Ahem... Eclipse, our journey together officially starts now." She said tapping the pokeball on the little dragon's head. In a red light, Eclipse vanished into the ball, it shook once, twice, three times, then a sparkle popped on the button. Luna exited the pokemart with a smile on her face and walked over to Cici, holding Eclipse's pokeball in her hand. "Ok... I'm ready when you are..."

♪♫♪ Cecilia "Cici" Taylor ♪♫♪

Location: Tefan Village

@Darkmoon Angel

Watching Luna officially catch the Deino and leave the stall with a grin on her face, Cici smiled a little. There was nothing quite like that feeling of forming a bond with a Pokemon, a bond that would strengthen during their travels together.

And one way for trainers and Pokemon to grow closer was something they may have to do anyway if they wanted to make progress with this mission.

"Before we go," the musician said, "how about a quick battle? We'll most likely be facing something pretty tough, so a training match beforehand might be the best way to go about this. She noted the second Pokeball at Luna's belt - she hadn't seen what was inside the capsule yet, but she'd find out soon enough, if the other trainer accepted her challenge. "How does a two-on-two double battle sound?"

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@LuckyBlackCat

"Before we go, how about a quick battle? We'll most likely be facing something pretty tough, so a training match beforehand might be the best way to go about this. How does a two-on-two double battle sound?"

A battle!? Luna's eyes sparkled at the opportunity to battle. This would be her first trainer battle in this region, and a double battle at that. How exciting!
"That sounds great, I practiced back in Unova... Though those weren't really battles... Either way... A double battle sounds fun." Luna said with her usual smile. Taking both pokeballs in hand, Luna tossed out her pokemon. "Eclipse! Rose! Battle time!" In a bright blue light, both pokemon were released and appeared beside Luna. Eclipse let an excited cry and the little Flabebe, Rose, floated around gently on her red flower. "Eclipse knows Dragon Rage... But I won't use that if it's a problem...

36

Just as her thoughts slipped off to a sweet slumber Vivian was suddenly awoken by a small crashing sound. She grumbled as she shot up and looked around the small rented room of the poke'center. Seeing nothing she growls as she lays back down and throws the sheets over her head.
...
A few moments of silence and then another 'Crash!' Frustrated she sits back up and peers around in the darkness.
Unsettled she eventually got up and went towards the light switch when her foot brushed against something in the dark.

Frozen in fear as she felt it move, Vivian held her breath as she fought to remain still and not scream in panic.
Upon noticing her the object in the dark made gentle curious noise "Wuurh-ple"
Vivian couldn't take it anymore. With a scream she quickly ducked down, grabbed the bug pokemon and hurled it out the door before quickly slamming and locking it.

"Eww, ew, eeww!" Vivian repeated in terrified disgust as she threw herself back under the blankets and curled up tight.

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39

Pawniard Vs Machop

AJ was more than impressed by this strange machop who appeared out of nowhere. It's reasons for challenging him were still unclear but it defiantly had a lot of spirit. There was no doubt about that.

The eager pawniard didn't even wait for AJ's commands. He simply threw himself at the tiring machop with a hail of fury swipes. Stabbing with a left and swinging with the right, machop scuttled backwards ducking and dodging.

The machop leered at pawniard as it dodged an attack. The motion distracting pawniard for a split second giving the machop a chance to attack. A heavy karate chop caught pawniard on the side of the head.

It was clear how painful the heavy blow was, pawniards eyes threatened to water. Defiantly he gathered himself together and continued on even more ferociously than before. Machop even had to leap back to try find space between them but pawniard was quick and gave him no room as he followed him tightly, jumping around after him.

After taking a few more blows the pawniard continued on with a sword dance and fury cutter, eventually catching the machop and ending the fight with a tight guillotine. He had pushed past his limits though and after the fight, could barely stand himself.

It appeared they were both fighting for themselves. To test themselves and see who was the better, stronger Pokemon.

Azerus eagerly expanded the last pokeball from his side and with a smile threw it at the machop.
The ball stopped mid flight, caught by the mechanics hand.
He was not a Pokemon trainer but as a member of the 'casualties' he had some pretty strong feelings about pokemon capture. He sat Azerus down and lectured him on the topic before returning the ball or offering any assistance.

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♪♫♪ Cecilia "Cici" Taylor ♪♫♪

Location: Tefan Village

@Darkmoon Angel

"A Flabebe?" Tiny as the pixie was, Cici knew from experience that Fairy types weren't to be underestimated. She checked the levels of the Deino and Flabebe with her Pokedex. "And a pretty strong one at that."

Kymbalon raised her head. Had she just found a suitable opponent? She'd have a type disadvantage to overcome, but the tougher the challenge, the better. "Jang? Jangmo-o?" she growled.

"Uh..." Cici took a look at the Dragon type's level on the screen. Even with Kymbalon's Fairy weakness, the Pokemon's levels were way too unmatched. "I'm afraid I'm gonna have to ask you to sit this one out." As Kymbalon slunk back into her Pokeball, Cici flicked her gaze over the rest of her team. "Ok... Breig, you like your battles, don't you? And Allegro, do you want to join in?"

She watched, a little unsure whether Allegro would agree, after what had happened with the Purrloins. If he didn't, she'd understand. The Chingling, though, hopped into the air with a cheery chime and floated towards Luna's Pokemon, settling in front of them. This was different. A friendly battle in a controlled environment. Breig leapt over, taking his place by Allegro's side.

This seemed like the best match. Athough Allegro had a type disadvantage against the Deino, his level advantage could make up for it, and Breig seemed fairly similar in terms of strength to both opponents.

"As for Dragon Rage," the guitarist said, "that's the move that sweeps through pretty much any low-level Pokemon, right? Yeah, it might be best to leave it out for this. It'll be useful for any fights we get into on this mission, though."

She turned towards Tommy. "You don't mind this, do you?" Once it turned out the other musician was happy to wait around a while, she faced Luna again. "Alright then, let's begin this! Breig, hit the Deino with Tackle! Allegro, use Confusion on the Flabebe!" The Litleo charged, the tuft on his head heating up the air, while the Chingling aimed a blast of psychic energy at the Fairy type.

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“Well,” Leisy said, eyes widening at Ella’s name choice. “Pincushion’s has a bit of … violent imagery to it, doesn’t it?” She paused. “But a good name, with all the spines on that Nidoran. He looked like a strong little guy.”

Before continuing on with the journey, Leisy paused to give a rare candy to each of the two Pokemon she had out — Bidein and Naunet. Naunet inhaled the sphere of magical sugar without a thought, patting her stomach as Leisy looked on in amusement. Bidein, on the other hand, gave the foiled candy suspicious looks as Leisy unwrapped it and held it out towards him. After giving it another critical stare, the fire-type picked it up in his beak experimentally before throwing it up into the air and swallowing it.

“You alright there?” Leisy asked, reaching out to fix a feather on her Pokemon’s shoulder. The fire-type opened and closed its mouth experimentally before nodding, eyes bright. “See! Again, Naunet gets it right first!”

At the trainer’s feet, the Prinplup crowed victoriously, her teammate looking on with disbelief from Leisy’s shoulder. Leisy laughed, packing up the berries she was munching on. Just as she was about to stand up, a cloud of white fuzz smacked into her face.

“What—” Leisy cried, cut off as Bidein quickly swept the snowy ball off her face with a sweep of his wing. As Leisy recovered herself, dusting feathers off her face, Naunet ran over to the feathery cloud to investigate. “What is it?” Leisy asked, bending down. It was clearly a Pokemon, but Leisy wasn’t sure which one.

A white bird Pokemon… A Swablu!

“Hey there, little fella. You alright?” Leisy asked softly, reaching a hand out to the cloud. It flinched under the new pressure, and Leisy could feel the tremors wracking its body now that she had pushed down the insulating clouds. “Oh, it’s alright. Really — you’re fine now. The earthquake is over, and we won’t hurt you.”

The earthquake! Leisy thought, seizing on the point. The Swablu looked rather young and soft. Judging by how scared it was, it was probably a nestling that had been shocked out of its sleep and even its nest by the earthquake. With its mother not around, it had flown around the place, confused and scared.

“Here you are — don’t be scared,” Leisy said, scooping the flying-type up into her arms, hoping to both warm it up and comfort it some. “You’re safe now, so go ahead and rest.”

Turning to her friends, Leisy nodded. “We need to keep moving, since Vivian’s in trouble. It’ll probably take forever to find this Swablu’s nest, especially since we’ve now crossed the border to Greenhaven. We’ll have to wait to return it.” She frowned. “I’m worried about the little guy though — he’s probably stressed out from his attempts at flying, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he got a little injured too. Florence, could you look him over?”

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@luckyblackcat

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163CP