Nick laid peacefully against a steep hill that led down to the docks. Beside him, Little Guy (Munchlax) lay dozing off. Feathers perched comfortably on one of Nick's raised knee caps. Hands behind his head, he sighed. He planned on doing so much today, but in the end, he just wandered around the town aimlessly.

Wow, I'm really not good at this whole Pokemon trainer thing. I mean, what's the point? I don't want to battle or participate in any Pokemon contests. But it is fun having friends and exploring I suppose.

The stars shined bright that night, reflected perfectly by the calmly moving waters. Glancing down at the water's reflections, something caught Nick's eye, a faint red light at the water's edge, blinking in an slow pattern. Straining his eyes to see in the dark, Nick soon realized what he was actually looking at, a Staryu! Nick remembered the empty pokeball still in his pocket. It would be cool to have a 'star-like' Pokemon, he thought.

Slowly, Nick sat up, trying not to startle the Staryu down below. Feathers looked at him in confusion and let out a small chirp. Nick quickly raised on finger to his mouth and pointed down at the Staryu with his other finger. Without a distinguishable face or anything, it was hard to tell if the Pokemon was asleep or awake. If it was asleep it would be easier to catch, but something inside Nick told him that catching a Pokemon while it was sleeping would be kind or rude. Should he wake the creature up? Then what? Battle it? Talk to it? All these questions were disheartening. Maybe he should just let it go. Maybe it wasn't worth the trouble.

A loud grumbling sound echoed in the night followed by an extremely loud, "MUNCH MUNCH!!!" Little Guy had woken from his nap with only one thing on his mind, food!

Not thinking, Nick blurted out loudly, "Come on man, we just ate!!" Throwing one hand over his mouth Nick shot his glaze back down to the Staryu who was now standing up on two of it's appendages. Something about it's stance didn't seem friendly. Oh no, this was it. Nick's first Pokemon battle! ... and he didn't have a clue what to do...



CP: 10

♥ Ellanor "Ella" Beaufort ♥

Location: Between Feyhollow and Greenhaven

@Dusksong

"Jumbles, your lights could help Florence look him over!" Ella suggested. As the Inkay flew over, though, the Swablu shrank away from the unfamiliar Pokemon and his eerie glow. "I'm sorry, little guy!" Ella blurted. "I didn't mean to scare you! He won't hurt you!"

As Jumbles drew back, Ella bent down to the Swablu's level. His beady eyes flicked from Jumbles to her with a wary gaze. "Don't worry! We'll get you back home later!" Ella tried to reassure the terrified bird.

Even to her, though, it sounded like an empty promise... just like her others.

---

✿ Florence Hadley ✿

Location: Between Feyhollow and Greenhaven

@Dusksong

Approaching slowly so as not to scare the bird, Florence examined him, looking closely, running her fingers over his fluffy feathers with the lightest of touches. "It's ok... Ah! Sorry! D-Did that hurt?" she said as the Swablu flinched away. "Hey... It's alright. Leisy will keep you safe." The medic doubted she could actually calm the Swablu down. This is the kind of thing Vernie would be good at, she thought with another pang for her missing Pokemon. Continuing her attempts to soothe the bird, she resumed checking him over.

She looked up at Leisy. "It appears to be nothing worse than bruises, though we'll have to keep an eye on him in case he shows any signs of dizziness." Taking another potion from her bag, she sprayed it on the bruised areas.

As much as she wished she could find the Swablu's nest, it wasn't an option right now, with people and Pokemon in trouble in the desert village. Already, rocky ground had replaced much of the grass, and it wouldn't be long until the group reached sand. "The important thing is to keep him as calm as possible."

---

37

Vivian awoke to the near silent buzzing vibrations of her alarm. With a groan she reached out to slap the device. Her sleep couldn't be over already could it? That thought taunted her but not nearly as much as the possibility of inaction should she fall back asleep. Getting up with a stretch and a yawn Vivian began her day.
The small rented room was still pitch black as she carefully moved around, got dressed and gathered her things that she had cleverly laid out the night before.
Vivian then snuck out down the hallway careful not to wake anyone else. At the end of the hallway Viv was greeted by the well illuminated poke'center front desk. Handing over her room key with a smile and a nod Vivian politely thanked the nurse. Wrapping her jacket tight around her self she went out into the streets.

Her first stop was the poke'mart. She was going to need supplies. Much to her disappointment the selection of stock was scarce here. Still she got what she could. Picking up a few snacks, bits and bobs, then she was on her way. If she hoped to make it to the collapsed cave entrance by sunrise she had to keep moving.

---

()

---

40

Azerus was not really understanding the philosophy and ideology behind this crazy mechanics 'casualties' theories. They were getting along ok just struggling to see eye to eye.
i]"But it's strong!"[/I] he exclaimed as that was somehow an irrefutable answer.
"and I defeated it!" he followed up with a whinge. "Therefore it should be mine."
Now convinced through his own reasoning Azerus didn't listen to another word from the mans preachin speech. Tired of this strangers sympathy and freedom stories Azerus stood up and quickly threw his last pokeball at the resting machop.

The machop may have not belonged to the mechanic but that didn't mean the man didn't have any pokemon.
A flash of red produced a large metang who blocked the pokeball.

"Alright, if that's how things are going to be." Azerus says excitedly as he reaches for rhyhorn's pokeball. With a roar rhyhorn comes onto the small battlefield charging. He was rested from earlier but not yet at full health.
The surprise and haste of his thundering stampede caught both the mechanic and his metang off guard. A powerful and direct charge hit the hovering metang hard, while it pushed the steel Pokemon back a bit it was otherwise seemingly ineffective.

Azerus was in shock, the mechanic noticed and smiled.

This was going to be a tough battle.

---

()

---

38

The walk to her destination was a lengthy one so Vivian brought out her flabebe for company. As she journeyed she marked the location on her map and sent it to her friends along with a msg.



She had a brand new pick axe and shovel strapped to her bag. It made her luggage quite a bit heavier but she was determined to see this through.

The sun eventually peered over the mountain and flabebe squealed with joy, taking in the warmth and light of those bright rays as it excitedly flew around. Viv wore a confident smile, she had a good feeling about today.

---

()

---

41

Azerus had reached for his biggest and toughest pokemon, but he hadn't considered type advantages. With two more fierce metal claws the metang defeated the large rhyhorn.
"Alright, good work." Azerus mutters as he considers his next move. He was about to withdraw his defeated rhyhorn when he noticed the machop get up, walk over to the deflected pokeball and karate chop the button, thereby disappearing into the ball catching himself.

Azerus stood dumbfounded, a bit lost and confused. "Well he's made his choice." said the mechanic as he withdrew his metang. "That's all I really wanted, for him to have his own say in the matter. There must be something about you he likes. My guess would be that he wants to battle and get stronger. Look after him and help him do that, ok."

"I will!" AJ eagerly replies, picking up and examining machop's dented pokeball.

---

()

---

✿ Florence Hadley ✿

Location: Greenhaven

@Dusksong

The walk through the sandy expanse seemed to take forever, but as the first rays of morning brightened the sky, greenery came into view, as did stone buildings.

Just a little further, Florence thought, her breathing laboured, her shoulders hunched. Staggering on past the palm trees and cacti, she let out Bonica. The Grass-type would probably like it here - at least, around this time, when it wasn't too hot. The cold night air had only just begun to warm up.

"You alright here?" the trainer asked in a cracked whisper. "Not far now... Aagh!" She stumbled back and fell as a cactus, motionless a few moments before, spun round and jumped at her.

Bonica rushed in front of Florence, ready to defend her, while Panacea, released from her Pokeball by the jolt, ran to her trainer's side to check for injuries. Instead of attacking, though, the Cacnea looked a little taken aback. "Nea...?" The Pokemon's impish grin faded, and his arms drooped.

"Dew! Budew-dew!" Bonica scolded the Cacnea. Turning around, Panacea joined in. The cactus Pokemon mumbled something, to which Bonica tilted her head and listened. "Dew..." Her tone sounded a little uncertain, but after Panacea said something, Florence looked on in surprise at what the two Pokemon did next. While Panacea kept the Cacnea distracted, Bonica hid behind a rock, jumping out moments later with a squeal. Being a tiny little rose bud, though, scary was something she couldn't exactly pull off. Instead of trying again, she danced for the other Grass type.

"Wait..." Florence stood up, brushing sand off her jeans. "You're lonely, aren't you? You just wanted someone to play with." Watching the three, she gave a smile - a slightly sad one. Bonica and Panacea were doing for the Cacnea what Vernie had done for them. "Uh... Just make sure to play nice."

Panacea suddenly squeaked, taking the Cutiefly egg from her pouch and passing it to Florence. "Hm?" As the trainer cupped it in her hands, it shook, making little peeping noises. A crack formed, widening, pieces of shell falling away. A pointed nose stuck out, followed by a fuzzy yellow face, as the newborn Pokemon wriggled free. Taking in his surroundings, he remained perched on Florence's hand, spreading out his damp wings to dry.

Florence's smile widened, tears of happiness coming to her eyes. "Hello there, little one!" she cooed, gently ruffling the fur on his head with her finger. Even with her recent experience involving caring for Cutieflies, she consulted her Pokedex, just to make sure she knew how to look after him.

"It feeds on the nectar and pollen of flowers. Because it's able to sense auras, it can identify which flowers are about to bloom."

"Good thing we've reached the oasis," Florence commented. The fresh supply of berries she'd bought earlier would sustain the Bug type, but flowers would be best for him. Her gaze settled on him again as she cradled him like a loving mother. "Chay. Your name's Chay. Meaning fairy tale."

The Cacnea drew back, his wary eyes on the bug. As Panacea turned from Chay to the wild Pokemon and asked him something, he drew himself up, shaking his head and uttering a defiant "Nea."

Florence chuckled a little. "There's no need to be scared," she reassured him. She could understand why the Cacnea, being a Grass type, might be cautious around bugs. "He's just a baby."

She continued running her fingers along his fur, not wanting to think about what she could soon be dragging the hatchling into. She'd have to do her best to keep him out of this.

---

♥ Ellanor "Ella" Beaufort ♥

Location: Greenhaven

@Dusksong @Dark Light

As soon as it became clear Florence was alright, Ella let a grin of adoration spread across her face as she looked at the Cacnea. "Grass types are so pretty!" she squealed. "Look at his smiling face!"

Right at that moment, the tiny yellow egg hatched, a winged ball of fluff crawling out. "Aww! They're both so adorable!" Ella leaned in, eyes shining as she took a closer look at the baby Pokemon. It was almost too much cuteness to take in. The Cacnea glared at her, clearly not taking too kindly to having been called adorable, then turned his unsure gaze back to the Cutiefly.

Before Ella could admire the Pokemon any longer, though, her Pokedex beeped. Checking it, she stared back over at the other two.

"Here's where we need to be!" she said, showing them the map, pointing at the marked location. "Viv's on her way there!"

---

♪♫♪ Cecilia "Cici" Taylor ♪♫♪

Location: Tefan Village

@Darkmoon Angel


"Again...?" Cici nearly toppled as the stony ground suddenly shook under her. It was nothing like the earlier earthquake, but it was enough to loosen small chunks of rock from the cavern walls. She froze in place, staring around. "Well, we might be close to finding our culprit..."

There was a scuffling noise, and the next moment, Cici found herself faced with five dragons. Two Bagons, a Noibat, an Axew and a Fraxure, all of them frantic, their harsh cries echoing.

"Uh..." Cici stepped back, glancing at Luna and Tommy. "They don't exactly look too happy to see us."

Beside her, Ligeia puffed up, while Dulcet flew above the dragons, squawking. Forte and Kymbalon both stomped forward.

"Careful, Ligeia!" Cici called as the Noibat swooped. Ligeia jumped up, her inflated body letting her drift out of the attack's way. "Use Sweet Kiss!" The Igglybuff blew a glowing pink heart at the Noibat, throwing off its flight pattern. "Dulcet, Dragon Pulse! Kymbalon, Dragon Tail! Forte, use Uproar and focus on the Fraxure!"

As the battle unfolded, a swipe of the Axew's claws sent Ligeia flying. "Ligeia!" As the wounded Igglybuff bounced off the cave wall, Cici scooped her up in her arms. The Igglybuff, despite her injuries, tried to struggle free, still set on protecting her trainer.

Light flooded the cavern. Cici turned her head away with a gasp, closing her eyes, nearly dropping the Pokemon. She could feel Ligeia growing. When the light faded, Cici stared at the Fairy type. The flickering afterimages cleared from her vision, revealing Ligeia's changed form. The pink Pokemon, now larger, looked up at her with wide blue eyes.

"Oh, Ligeia!" Cici couldn't help but grin. Her happiness, though, turned to caution as the fight intensified, growls and roars sounding through the cavern.

---

Leisy nodded to Florence’s words, listening intently. Bruises were bad, especially for creatures as fragile as birds, but at least it seemed the Swablu hadn’t broken anything. The rest of the symptoms — dizziness, fright, and shock — would fade with time, with the right touch of gentleness and comfort. Although she wasn’t sure if she was capable of that, Leisy was willing to try, since that’s all she could do at this point.

“Thanks, Florence,” Leisy said, adjusting her grip on the white cloud so that her arms wouldn’t fall asleep half the journey through. “Let’s get him to the Pokemon Center as soon as possible.”

The rest of the journey — while slow at first — went quicker after Florence’s Cutiefly hatched. The little bug-type had been an adorable distraction from the monotonous journey, and although he seemed to tire easily, the girls had been close enough to their destination that the short distraction proved sufficient.

“Let’s head to the Pokemon Center first,” Leisy said, looking down at the slumbering flying-type in her arms. The Swablu had fallen asleep sometime after the Cutiefly had hatched, perhaps finally realizing that it was in fact in safe hands. The blue-and-white Pokemon was so light that Leisy barely realized its shift in stance, but she was relieved it had finally decided to trust her. “Ella, do you have any idea as to where Vivian is? That;s our next order of business, — that and some breakfast, because I’m famished.”

---

@luckyblackcat

---

164CP

✿ Florence Hadley ✿

Location: Greenhaven

@Dusksong

"Yeah. That way, he'll be able to be properly looked over," Florence replied, nodding towards the Swablu. Throughout the journey, she'd kept an eye out for any signs of major head trauma, but he'd thankfully shown none. "And Chay here needs some rest."

Turning her head, she caressed the little bug on her shoulder. Once his wings had dried, Chay had insisted on flying for part of the journey, but had quickly tired. The Cacnea following close behind, on the other hand, showed no signs of fatigue. This particular species was known for its hardiness, after all.

"Uh..." Facing the Cacnea, Florence bit her lip. "Are you sure you want to come along? We've got a pretty tough challenge ahead." Far from deterred, the Grass type gave an eager "Cac!", his grin growing wider.

They don't just endure tough conditions and situations, Florence reminded herself, they seek them out. "Umm, well... if you're sure..." Holding out a Pokeball, Florence watched the Cacnea tap it with a thorny hand and disappear in a flash of light.

She looked at the Pokeball, eyebrows furrowed with worry, before shuffling behind Ella and Leisy towards the Pokemon centre.

---

♥ Ellanor "Ella" Beaufort ♥

Location: Greenhaven

@Dusksong @Dark Light

"The cave's here," Ella explained, showing Leisy the location on her Pokedex. "But yeah, we'd better head to the Pokemon centre first."

The building was fairly easy to find, right in the middle of the small village, near the spring. Heading inside, Ella handed over the Pokeball containing the newly-caught Nidoran to the nurse before sinking into one of the chairs, letting out a moan of relief. Her feet ached, but the group couldn't rest for too long.

While waiting for the Nidoran to be healed, she typed up a reply to Vivian's message.

"Finally here! We're in the Pokemon centre, but we'll be over ASAP."

Just as she sent the message, something caught her attention. Her bag shook. With an excited gasp, she took out the brown egg she'd carefully tucked in there. It wriggled again, a tap-tap-tap noise coming from inside. The shell cracked, the Pokemon inside jabbing through with a sharp stinger on its head. Uncurling herself, pushing away more shards of shell as she did so, she crawled onto Ella's arm, gripping with several stubby pink legs.

"Ohh!" Letting out a joyous laugh, Ella looked down at her newest Pokemon, who met her gaze with beady black eyes. "Well aren't you cute?" The Weedle tried to climb further up her arm, nearly falling. Reaching out with her other hand, Ella supported the newly-hatched little grub. "Whew! You alright?" she said as the bug scuttled onto her lap, her first movements a little clumsy.

Ella remembered the guy with the Weedle she'd met during her first day as a trainer. Now, she had one of the soft, fuzzy Bug types of her own.

---

Luna staggered a bit from the small earthquake, this was getting a bit dangerous but she had to press on with Cici and Tommy. After the ground stopped shaking, the sounds of pokemon could be heard and the three trainers were soon set upon by a group of five dragons. "They don't exactly look too happy to see us." No they did not as the group of dragons started to attack. Luna sent out Rose as she would be perfect for countering the oncoming dragons.

"Rose, use Fairy Wind on the Noibat!" the little fairy shot a sparkling breeze at the tiny bat dragon and got a direct hit as the tiny dragon fell to the ground. There was still the matter of the other dragons as one of the bagon jumped and headbutted Rose away. "Rose hang on! Huh? Luna's attention was taken when she saw a glowing blue light near Cici. Her Igglybuff had actually evolved into Jigglypuff, that may have just given them the edge they needed to counter the dragons. "Ok Rose,
hit Bagon with a Fairy Wind!" Rose floated a little close to the ground on account of it taking a hit and released another Fairy Wind at the Bagon this time.

♪♫♪ Cecilia "Cici" Taylor ♪♫♪

Location: Tefan Village

@Darkmoon Angel

"Ligeia, help Rose out and use Disarming Voice!" Cici called. Hopping down, the Jigglypuff put her new skills to use, a shrill cry and a burst of pink hearts leaving her mouth. Tommy's Ralts joined the fray, using the exact same attack. "Now, Dulcet, hit the Fraxure with Moonblast!" An image of the moon appeared in front of the Swablu, releasing a ray of light that sent the largest dragon tottering back.

"Watch out, Kym!" The Axew moved in to swipe at Kymbalon, claws glowing green, but Ligeia jumped in the way of the attack. The Dual Chop glanced harmlessly off her rubbery body. "Whew... Good work, Ligeia! Quick, use Disarming Voice again! Kymbalon, use Dragon Tail!"

With the combined efforts of the three trainers' Pokemon, it wasn't long until the dragons had either fainted or hurried away. The Fraxure was the last to slump to the ground.

"Everyone alright?" Cici asked, looking around. Her Pokemon were still standing, but all looked rather bashed up, bearing bite and scratch marks. "Let's go back and get you healed up..."

She whirled around as a wall caved in, rocks clattering across the ground. A set of sharp steel claws burst through. With a startled cry, Cici pulled back.

"I told you, don't bother the other Pokemon here!" came a voice. "Focus on Entei!"

In a drill-like motion, the man's Pokemon launched itself forward, sending more rocks flying. It landed, glaring around for its target from under the blade on its head, its gaze settling on the group of trainers in its way.

---

“Your team is coming along quite nicely, but you’ll probably want to get some training in before we set out to find Vernie again,” Leisy said to Florence after she’d caught the Cacnea. “Maybe we can find some wilds to battle against, or maybe even do some sparring with Vivian when she arrives. If she’s up for that, that is.”

In the Pokemon Center, the nurse had Leisy put the Swablu into a Pokeball before healing it. Releasing the flying-type after its Pokeball had been returned to her, Leisy watched as the blue-and-white Pokemon flexed its healed wings experimentally. She’d returned Naunet — the water-type was pointedly tired from its journey, having waddled all the way from Feyhollow to Greenhaven — but left out Bidein, so the fire-type was now looking the Swablu over cautiously from his usual perch on Leisy’s shoulder, silent but sharply observant.

“Hey there, Swablu. How’re you feeling?” Leisy asked. The Swablu looked at the person carefully, eyes shifting between the trainer and the bird on her shoulder before ruffling her feathers. Guessing that the motion was the Swablu’s way of saying “yes,” Leisy smiled and reached an elbow out to the flying-type to prompt her to perch.

“I had to put you in a Pokeball so the nurse could heal you, and I hope you don’t mind that. But, I do want to ask: Would you mind coming on my journey with me? Bidein here is my main flying-type, but it never hurts to have two eyes in the sky,” she said. The Swablu paused, looking at the trainer cautiously. Leisy was equally quiet as the blue Pokemon thought, her tongue in her cheek. There was something about the Swablu that Leisy felt connected with; perhaps it was that the Swablu had recently braved a storm that had rocked her world, or it was that the flying-type was as inexperienced and clueless as Leisy was when Leisy started on her journey. Either way, Leisy wanted the Swablu to say yes. It was selfish and assuming, yes, but she wanted it anyway. And, if it wasn’t too presumtuous, she believed the flying-type would agree.

The Swablu opened its mouth, chirping a gentle melody out that Leisy couldn’t deduce the meaning to. Bidein, however, appeared to understand, quicking returning a sharp series of chirps — a little curt, but seemingly kind in intention. Hearing the fire-type, the Swablu appeared to relent, ruffling its feathers again. Leisy smiled — this, she could understand.

---

@luckyblackcat

---

165CP

39

Vivian had been at the cave-in for hours now. It was still early morning but she and her Pokemon had already been working hard on moving the rubble tirelessly the whole time.
Vivian swung her heavy pick axe again and again with all her might.
Her muscles ached, her hands had blistered, but still she went on. An inspiration to her Pokemon they all gave it their best.

For them it had turned into a training exercise. Viv offering advice and direction every time she found a few spare breaths.

Rowlet turned out to be a bit of a jerk and kept picking on petilil. Some clever thinking and a bit of reverse psychology quickly had him competing against flabebe instead. At least it was productive.

Even ferroseed was doing his best, powering up his pin missile by using it over and over again.
Petilil's aid was in the form of 'helping hand' boosting the others attacks and occasionally throwing in its own magical leaf attack to cut down small boulders.
Flabebe put its vibe whip to good use, upon noticing everyone begin to tire it used 'grassy terrain' for the first time. This made every one feel a bit better and Vivian proud.
Rowlet who was trying to destroy and move more rocks than flabebe attacked them with leafage, peck and tackle, while swooping up and moving the smaller debris.

It wasn't long until they were really functioning as a team.

---

()

---

42

In the secret section of the cave, unaware of what was going on outside, The mechanic had resumed preaching to AJ. He had agreed to show him a way out after fixing the Pokemon transferral machine. He also managed to convince him to help.

As he wasn't really much use to the mechanic AJ got out his new machop and began to get to know him. Machop proved to be quite energetic and keen to fight.

[color=orange][/color]

---

()

---

✿ Florence Hadley ✿

Location: Greenhaven

@Dusksong

Even though Leisy was right, Florence winced. "But... What if they don't like it?" She'd never planned to do much in the way of battling. She'd simply meant to observe and befriend Pokemon. This journey, though, had turned out utterly unlike anything she'd expected. "They're so young, most of them..."

Deep down, she knew it was necessary. Better to battle in a controlled environment than risk having anything worse happen to any more of her Pokemon. Even so, she couldn't say she was entirely comfortable with the idea.

"Maybe this Cacnea won't mind too much?" she mumbled, holding the Pokeball containing the Grass type. If Cacneas liked challenges, then he seemed like the best one to train.

Looking around at the two other trainers' new Pokemon, Florence gave a hint of a smile. If only they could all have gained the new additions to their teams in better circumstances.

---

♥ Ellanor "Ella" Beaufort ♥

Location: Greenhaven

@Dusksong

"With so many Rock and Ground types, this'll be the perfect place for you to train!" Ella encouraged Florence. "And I'm sure Vivian will be happy to have a sparring session. I bet you'll get along great with her!"

She stood up, cradling the Weedle in one arm, and retrieved the Pokeball with the Nidoran. "C'mon, if you're feeling up to it, let's stock up, then let's go!" She let out Pincushion, who sniffed around the unfamiliar place, ears twitching. With his sensitive hearing, he'd be able to listen out for anything threatening along the way. It would be quite a walk from here - again, with the three of them running on little sleep.

Ella wished she felt as confident as she sounded.

---

“You’re right, Florence. Some Pokemon might not be suited for battling,” Leisy conceded. “But I think, since they’re coming along with us, our job is to prepare them for the worst. Strength isn’t always for attacking others; it can be used for defending yourself too.”

Returning the Swablu, Leisy progressed towards the Poke Mart nearby, taking in the small stone structure with interest. The building fit right in with the rest of the desert town, its exterior dry and scratched by sand from past winds. Walking into the building, the girl was immediately drawn to a purple pouch of pale sand. The grains seemed impeccably fine, silky smooth as they flowed downwards from the pouch’s opening.

“Touch with one finger,” the shopkeeper said from behind the desk.

Leisy nodded, poking the grains with a single finger. It feels like… nothing. A cool, calm nothing. Leisy looked at the small plastic sign next to the bags of sand. Ups the power of ground-type moves? I don’t have a ground-type Pokemon right now, but Devi’s a rock-type, and I think he’ll learn a few ground-type moves.

“I’ll take a bag of Soft Sand… and two Great balls. Thanks,” Leisy said, handing her Pokedex over to the shopkeeper.

The transaction was completed, and Leisy pocketed the items she bought merrily, stopping only to let Bidein peek into the bag of sand. “Soft Sand — for Devinco. Unless you’re going to somehow learn Mud Slap.” The Fletchinder chirped disapprovingly at his trainer’s teasing, and Leisy laughed. “Alright, alright, I’ll lay off. So, where do we meet Vivian?” Leisy asked, turning to her friends.

---

@luckyblackcat

---

166CP

♥ Ellanor "Ella" Beaufort ♥

Location: Greenhaven

@Dusksong

Once she'd bought a Great Ball, Ella took a look at the map on her Pokedex again. "It's just this way!" she said, pointing down a street at the vast expanse of sand in the distance. "Let's grab some food and head over."

The rest of the shopping didn't take too long. Taking a bite of flatbread with mixed vegetables and Gogoat cheese, Ella hoped it would give her the energy to trek through the desert while carrying her new shovel. She forced a spring into her step, trying to give off the impression of vivacity for the sake of encouraging the others.

She only came to a stop when she reached the edge of the village. "Not going to make you walk, Taffy," she said, bending down to the Weedle, taking out the Pokeball she'd been given with the egg. "Not through this sand." The newly-hatched Weedle, already flagging from the small amount of activity, crawled onto the Pokeball's surface, slipping inside the capsule.

She only wished she could bond more with the little larva, instead of dragging her right into a situation like this from birth.

---

✿ Florence Hadley ✿

Location: Greenhaven

@Dusksong

"Good idea." Watching Ella return the Weedle, Florence gave Chay a quick snack of Rare Candy as she searched for the Pokeball. The candy had gone a little sticky in the heat, but that made it easier for the Cutiefly to stick his nose in and drink the gooey centre. "Here, you should take a rest." She held out the Pokeball, and once the bug was safely inside, she cupped the capsule in her hands for a few moments before clipping it to her belt. She just couldn't get him involved in this.

Panacea was the next to receive a Rare Candy and get summoned back to her Pokeball, but Florence kept Bonica out after giving her the level-boosting treat. At the press of a button, the new Grass type stood by the Budew's side.

"Tiergan," Florence said, crouching down and feeding him one of the sweets. "You know the desert better than I do. Keep Bonica company, and both of you keep a look out."

A confident grin spread over the Cacnea's face. "Nea!" he said, advancing on his little spike legs towards the stretch of sand.

He'll be an encouragement, Florence thought as she pressed on, despite the lingering soreness and tiredness. Right now, she needed to be like him, able to endure the toughest of situations.

---

@LuckyBlackCat@Darkmoon Angel

Tommy had been giving Jerus a well earned congratulations for defeating another Dragon type when the Excadrill burst in just after the gruff voice echoed through the tunnel. Narrowing his eyes, Tommy stood and recalled the Ralts, pulling Amica's pokeball free of it's place on my belt. "Looks like we found the guy who's been antagonizing Entei. Of course, if the legends are to be believed, we're lucky that that's the ONLY one he's disturbed." Throwing the ball, the Froakie emerged from her ball and stood tall and defiant in the face of her easily and accurately perceived opponent, the Excadrill. It's trainer came up behind it shortly after, but didn't say a word, watching the three budding trainers to see what they'd do first.

"Froakie!" Amica said, ready and willing to kick some tail if it meant calming Entei.

---

♪♫♪ Cecilia "Cici" Taylor ♪♫♪

Location: Tefan Village

@Darkmoon Angel @Zarkun

Without another word, the man strode through the rubble, standing right before the three. Both trainer and Pokemon eyed the group in case they did anything.

Was he some kind of master-rank trainer, Cici wondered, trying to catch legendary Pokemon at any cost? Maybe, hopefully, he could be reasoned with. If not... Cici didn't want to think about it, especially with everyone's Pokemon in their current state. Nonetheless, she faced him with a resolute look.

"If you're trying to capture Entei," she said, "quit it. Do you have any idea what's been happening because of what you're doing?"

Forte stomped over and took his place next to Amica, ready to assist the Froakie in a fight if he had to.

---

“Why don’t you take a rest. I’ll have Devinco handle the sandy parts,” Leisy told Bidein. The Fletchinder seemed to want to protest, but he held back, looking over the deserty expanse ahead.

Looking out for me until the end, Leisy thought, a smile on her face. Using two fingers to scratch the bird’s chin, Leisy whispered a “see you later” and returned her fire-type, swapping his Pokeball out for Devinco’s.

“Hey there, Devi,” Leisy said, flashing a smile at the Pupitar as she retrieved a small pouch from her bag. “Soft Sand,” she explained, tying the rope around her Pokemon’s shell securely. “There you are. This will probably make your sandstorms slightly more interesting”

Peering at the pouch curiously, the Pupitar seemed to be rather dubious and confused as to what his trainer meant, but he didn’t question in any farther. From there, he and his trainer moved with the group through the market, picking up some local berries and specialties before venturing out of town. Leading the way through the desert with the cactus-like Pokemon belonging to the brown-haired trainer, he felt — while wary of the unfamilar terrain — rather comfortable as compared to the sweating trainers behind him. It was only after the sun went down that Devinco started to feel restless, irritated by the cold.

“It finally cooled down,” Leisy said, relieved as she continued on. Her one regret throughout the afternoon was not buying a pair of sunglasses; her eyes, skin, and lungs all felt parched after the walk. “We’ll probably get there soon.”

---

@luckyblackcat

---

✿ Florence Hadley ✿

Location: Greenhaven

@Dusksong @Dark Light

Florence shivered as she followed the others through the desert, wishing she'd brought her jacket. There was no middle ground here, it was either sweltering or uncomfortably cold. Not that she'd let either extreme slow her down. There were people and Pokemon in need of help.

Right now, the only Pokemon accompanying her was Tiergan. She'd returned Bonica once the drop in temperature had started getting to her - and it would be a bad idea to reach a poachers' base with an unusually coloured Pokemon out. The Cacnea, though, not just used to harsh climates but thriving in them, showed no discomfort or tiredness, no matter how far he walked.

Florence peered ahead into the darkness, noticing a distant shape. A rocky mound by a cave, with several figures moving next to it. "Is that her?" she asked the other two, the words sounding rough as they left her parched mouth.

---

♥ Ellanor "Ella" Beaufort ♥

Location: Greenhaven

@Dusksong @Dark Light

Ella, who had started to flag, perked up at the sight of her friend. She took a few steps closer, her pace becoming a run. Stumbling, she fell onto her hands and knees in the cold sand, her body having yet to recover from the events of the past few days. Easing herself up, she managed a brisk walk instead.

"Viv! It's been ages!" She pulled her friend into a hug. "I'm sorry we were stuck in Stillwater for so long! There were all these people having nightmares, and this Pokemon wouldn't let us go, and we finally managed to escape, but then these Cutieflies got lost, and then the poachers turned up..." The story came out in an incoherent torrent of words. A few days ago, she'd called Vivian to tell her that she and Leisy had been held up in Stillwater, but she hadn't given many details. "I've missed you so much!"

Treasure, upon noticing the group of Pokemon, backed away. She studied them for a few seconds, edging forward as her attention settled on a Pokemon she recognised, the Flabebe. After mumbling something to the Fairy type, the Trubbish grasped a small rock and moved it away from the heap, then another, helping in whatever small way she could.

---

Thankfully, everyone was able to hold their own against the group of dragon types. Good thing Fairy pokemon exist, they may not have faired well if it wasn't for Ligeia and Rose. With the dragons fainted or fleeing, it was time head back to heal and come back to the task at hand, that is until a sudden burst through the wall. A fierce and aggressive looking Excadrill along with it's trainer stared down the group. So this was the person responsible for angering Entei with all the quakes?

One things for sure, this trainer had to be stopped and he looked like he wasn't just gonna stop without a fight. "Rose return... Go, Eclipse!" Luna sent out her Deino to replace Rose, a steel type would tear the poor fairy apart. Eclipse hopped around happily and joined Forte and Amica's side, ready to help out.

@LuckyBlackCat@Darkmoon Angel

The trainer didn't answer any of their challenges, nor did his Excadrill make a move to attack. He simply appraised the three and Tommy began to grow nervous. This guy was clearly skilled, and he seemed to simply be deciding on if he wanted to waste his time on them. However, a sound came from the man just as Tommy was about to lead the attack, one of laughter followed by a mocking tone as he spoke. "Do I know what I'm doing by chasing Entei? Of course I know what I'm causing! And it's going exactly as it should. Humanity is a blight on this world that should be solely occupied by Pokemon, or perhaps I should say ruled by them. Entei is only the beginning as well." He strolled up to stand next to the Excadrill, resting a hand on it.

"If we can make Entei angry enough, he will attempt to awaken the power of the fearsome Legendary Pokemon of the Land that sleeps within this volcano, Groudon! And then I will go and awaken Kyogre from her slumber in the deep ocean. Though I must say, I'm surprised those village idiots were able to find someone to investigate my activities here on the mountain." Tommy narrowed his eyes, growing determined.

"You're a sick man, and I don't think I agree with you aggravating Entei for your own ends. You will stop, or the three of us will make you." The man laughed at that statement and the Excadrill grinned wickedly, a terrifying sight on normally amicable Pokemon.

"I can hear the conviction in your voice, boy. But I'm not sure your friends are as brave."

---