[IC] Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: Crossroads of Time [Full]

[Shiny Keldeo]

Selena the Bayleef and Ember the Quilava

[Folio Town - Glyph's Guild]

Brick offered his view on Selena's pacifistic mindset, causing Selena to look up. "Maybe... in Self Defense I can understand, but fighting for little to no reason makes us no better than who we are told to fight against..." She said, Ember looking over to her. She hadn't thought like that before, both sides had valid points. "Let's... focus on that later..." She said, Selena nodding in agreement.

Then Brick asked a challenging question. "The most important skill an explorer can have... skill... hmm..." Ember said, thinking deeply. "Well... my dad always said that Teamwork is one of the most important things you can have. Because if you can't trust your own team, how will you ever succeed?" Selena said.

Fuse the Luxio

[Folio Town - Glyph's Guild]

The Luxio didn't even take much notice as the Feraligatr stepped up next to him. "Maybe... but this board is usually packed full of requests. Even if EVERY guild member took one there'd still be some left, which is why some of us pull double shifts." He said. "Raiden, huh? They call me Fuse. Nice to meet you." He said, his eyes still on the board. "I know it sounds weird, but it's almost like something's happening... something that'll change our lives forever... but I'm probably just daydreaming. Just an off day..." He said.

Omen the Absol and Serenity the Sylveon

[Folio Town - Glyph's Guild]

That... was definitely not the answer the Absol was looking for. He sighed. "We've traveled from the Grass Continent to deliver a message. It is of the utmost importance. Much is at stake... I don't know how much time remains..." He said, speaking as to reveal as little information as he could. "I know it sounds strange, but I can tell you he's telling the truth." She said, moving a small object on her satchel that appeared to be some type of badge. It was a blue sphere with four blade like objects converging into the center, each a different color. Omen revealed the same.

"We're members of a Guild on the Grass Continent. It's our job to protect, and we MUST see the Guild Master as soon as possible if we are to be able to do so." Omen said, the honestly and determination in his eyes.

[MankeyMankey]

Piper the Skitty

[??? - Sandy Cave]

Light cream colored paws silently skittered along the sandy floor as the small feline scampered to a safe hiding spot. In the deep cavern populated by strong and hot-tempered Pokemon, one would deem it impossible for a tiny Skitty to survive. However, Piper was no ordinary Skitty. While most Skitties lived a comfortable and pampered life in the safety of their homes, she was a wanderer, living a dangerous lifestyle built on wit, skill, and a little bit of luck.

Behind a cluster of light brown rocks, she camouflaged herself, the dirt and sand coating her fur dulling its pink color. It was the perfect spot to watch the show that she had set up to play. Moments earlier, she had swapped a sleeping Carracosta's Quick Seed with a Blast Seed. Although a clear minded individual would be able to easily see the difference between the two, a groggy one would see them as the same thing.

A small grin tugged at her cheeks as she watched her victim slowly stir awake. Her plan was simple. Her victim would eat the seed, become enraged by the pain following, and look to fight the first Pokemon in sight. There weren't exactly any other Pokemon around at the moment, but one would most likely walk in eventually.

[Ninian]

Lilisette the Kirlia

[Glyph's Guild - Glyph's Guild: Spare Room]

@Light Lord@Shiny Keldeo
A smirk played across the Kirlia's lips when Devon commented on Draining Kiss. She was going to make a quip, but it seemed it wasn't the time. As Brick continued, she considered his words. The most important skill? Uhh...

When the others weighed in, she thought about it further. An unsure frown crossed her visage. "Uhh... teamwork is probably pretty high up there. I guess courage isn't actually a skill. So a skill would be combat related? So something you improve... I... can't think of anything else. Actually... uh... precision? Maybe? I don't know."

[Ninian]

Alodi the Delphox

[Sandy Cave - F6]

@MankeyMankey
Making his way through the dungeon in a hurried fashion, the fleet-footed Delphox wasn't paying nearly as much attention as he likely should have been. This is not good. Moreta has left, and the others in Quicksand Caves are significantly more hostile than they should be.

Worry furrowed the Delphox's brow as he rushed along, clutching what appeared to be an artifact in his paws. A strange flute with a sun emblem, specifically. Quicksand Cave's relic... Why would I have had a vision about it? Everything is unclear...

It did not take the Fire-type very long to reach what appeared to be a bottleneck in the dungeon. In the room, a large Carracosta was beginning to stur. I hope whatever is agitating the residents of Quicksand Caves isn't causing issues here, either. If only I had a way to contact Moreta... I'm sure she would have an answer for me.

As he passed by the Prototurtle Pokémon, it chomped down on the seed it had prepared before it. Not wanting to come off as a threat, the Delphox gave it no notice. Normally, it might have worked. However.

Taking a bite of the Blast Seed, the Carracosta reeled, tears welling in its eyes. A few moments later, a heavy stream of fire erupted from its maw, aimed straight at the wandering Delphox.

Being struck by the pseudo-Flamethrower, the Delphox recoiled in confusion. Stuffing the flute in his sleeve, he withdrew a stick from the other, pointing it menacingly at the ancient Pokémon. "I have not come here to—"

[CARRACOSTA used HYDRO PUMP!]

A torrent of water burst forth from the agitated Water-type's maw, catching the Delphox off-guard, sending him flying into the nearby wall.

You leave me no choice.

[ALODI used GRASS KNOT!] Holding up his wand, the Delphox made a few flicking motions with his wrist, when a blade of grass snaked its way from the ground beneath the Carracosta, wrapping around his foot. Taking a step forward after feeling something connect, the Pokémon then proceeded to face plant on the ground.

"And now, for my finishing touch~"

Waving his wand once more, a psychic-energy was emitted from it. [ALODI used HYPNOSIS!]

The hypnotic energy was sufficient enough to drowse the Carracosta. Alodi hoped it would be enough to make his escape.

[MankeyMankey]

Piper the Skitty

[Sandy Cave - F6]

@Ninian
Skitty's eyes crinkled up with glee as she saw the tall fox sage walk into the room. It took all her will to keep herself from giggling with delight as she imagined what would happen next. Ooo... A Delphox... They always have something interesting on hand... Plus... They'll surely be knocked out in one shot... Watching silently, she turned her attention to the Carracosta who had woken up. It was almost time to put her plan into action. Yes yes yes... Come on... A couple more seco- Yes!

With the ancient Pokemon having fired a powerful surge of water at the unsuspecting Fire-type, Piper burst from her cover, darting across the sandy floor with unnaturally quick speed. Nearing the briefly dazed Delphox, she leapt up and swiped at the artifact with her tail before landing gracefully on the ground. As the strange instrument dropped to the ground, she picked it up with her mouth and made a beeline for a small stash of Oran Berries that were gathered by the now enraged tortoise. Just a quick snack before I take my leave... She mused in her thoughts as she came to a sudden stop in front of the delectable blue pile of fruits.

Dropping the instrument on the floor, she lowered her head and ravenously munched on a couple berries, leaving the ones making contact with the sand untouched. After finishing her brief snack, she picked the artifact back up with her mouth and broke into a sprint. From a glance over her shoulder, she noted that the Delphox was still up and gaining the upper hand. W-What? How is tha- Crap, I need to hurry...

Shifting her focus to the room's exit, she picked up the speed and looked straight ahead until she was away from the combat which immediately ended after her departure as an effective wave of hypnotic energy put the Carracosta to sleep. Much to her joy, the next room was void of activity, empty with clusters of jagged sandstone spread out about the grainy terrain. With a sigh of relief, she opened her mouth to drop the artifact on the ground... only to find that it was no longer there. Her stomach suddenly dropped, a rare feeling of panic setting in her mind. This had never happened out of the few times she had successfully stolen from Delphoxes in the past. An item vanishing from thin air? It was possible... but she didn't know they were capable of doing it.

"No no no... This-"

Fearfully she glanced back to the previous room before moving to take cover behind a group of tall stones. Her heart pounded against her chest, her ears wide open as she listened for any signs of her being followed. Exhausted and drained by her high-energy robbery attempt, she couldn't find it in herself to press on and put more distance between her and the scene of the crime. This can't be happening... Maybe I'm just tired... Maybe I really did drop it in the middle of my esc- No... That... That's impossible... I'm not that clumsy. Shit... That means...

Peeking out of her cover, she shot another glance at the opening leading to the previous room before ducking back down. She needed ten minutes to rest. All she could do was hope that she'd be left alone until then.

[Ninian]

Alodi the Delphox

[Sandy Cave - F6]

@MankeyMankey
With the Carracosta taken care of, Alodi went to put his wand back in his sleeve, only to notice the important artifact he had came for was gone. A thief...? In here? Hmmm, let's see... Ah! There she is.

With fleet feet, the Delphox closed in on the Skitty. [ALODI used PSYCHIC! MAGICIAN WAS ACTIVATED!] The Psychic power gently wrapped around the Skitty, a hardly noticeable surge of energy. As the attack dissipated, so did the Skitty's loot.

Now with the Sun Flute in hand, it was time for the Delphox to make his leave. Looking back up, it had appeared the thief had managed to take cover, or run off. However, his eyes caught a glimpse of pink as the Skitty tried to stealthily take another look. "Ah, there you are. I hope you realize that this flute is significantly more important that you could possibly know."

Making his way over, he knelt before the Skitty, "I was hoping to ask my friend Moreta, but, since you're here, mayhaps you'll be more helpful. So then, have you noticed anything particularly strange around here?"

[MankeyMankey]

Piper the Skitty

[Sandy Cave - F6]

@Ninian

Piper gulped nervously as her eyes briefly met her victim's. Backing up against the cluster of rocks, she held her breath, hoping for the slim chance that he would just believe her to be a figment of his imagination. His voice sent shivers down her spine as she heard him address her. It was all over at this point. Maybe if she could talk him out of- A quick mental replay of his words eased her worries. He seemed civilized. Different from the dungeon Pokemon around here.

As she thought of how to reply, she noticed him right in front of her. After a mini heart attack, she let out a deep sigh and looked up at him. Doing her best to sound polite, she cleared her throat and began to speak, her voice sweet and almost childish. "Well actually, I have noticed some... Her gaze would momentarily shift over to the Sun Flute in his hands, her desire to steal pulsing once more. He did say it was quite important... Maybe it would sell for- Shaking her head, she'd halt her devious mind and continue.

"Sorry! I just was uh... trying to recall the details. Anyway, there has been this strange dark purplish Pokemon running about here... It walks around like you do, actually. With the two legs and all. I've seen it actually scaring the locals a couple of times... I mean, I thought I'd never see a frightened Blaziken before, but boy... that thing made it act like something else. It was quite the sight, probably one of the funniest things I've ever seen!" With that, she finished her response, bursting into a fit of giggles as she recalled the moment. After a couple seconds, she sighed and regained her composure, tilting her head curiously as she looked up at him. "Why did you wanna know?"

[Ninian]

Alodi the Delphox

[Sandy Cave - F6]

@MankeyMankey
Keeping an arm upon his sleeve, the Delphox watched the small thief carefully, knowing that what she really wanted was his flute. If it were of lesser importance, he'd care significantly less. However, as she began her reply, Alodi's brows furrowed with concern. She's telling the truth... That I can tell, but why? Why would there be such a frightening Pokémon here of all places? Only a choice few natives would even know about the Sun Flute...

Picking himself up, the Delphox's gaze continued to linger upon the Skitty. "So, a dark purple Pokémon capable of even bringing a Blaziken to its knees? How disturbing..." Lingering concern played across his features, a small sigh escaping his maw. "As for why I wanted to know? I suppose telling you wouldn't hurt. As you may or may not know, those of my kind possess future sight. Of course, the power of such sight varies on the individual, and my precognitive powers are not nearly on the same level, as say Folio's Sol Sibyl. With that in mind, I saw something... rather odd. Not one of my typical predictions. It involved this Sun Flute, a strange fountain, and a small blue Pokémon."

Averting his gaze, the Fire-types brows furrowed in thought for a moment before continuing, "I saw Folio Town's destruction. Or rather, near-destruction? However, it was saved by this blue Pokémon, and a larger Pokémon that I cannot even begin to describe."

Checking to make sure the flute was still in his possession, he looked to the Skitty, "Is that explanation sufficient? Ah yes, I forgot the most important reason I asked about here in particular. I had a friend who lived in Quicksand Caves, the dungeon located just past here. She's nowhere to be found, and the few who dared speak to me informed me that she had left, but they would not explain why."

[MankeyMankey]

Piper the Skitty

[Sandy Cave - F6]

@Ninian

Piper looked up at the Delphox and appeared to listen to his words. Feigning complete interest, her thoughts wandered back to the ancient instrument in his hand. Oh... I wonder how much food that thing could buy me... So many Oran Berries... and Sitris Berries... Maybe even a Golden Apple or two... Mmm... She found herself licking her lips subconsciously, imagining the sweet delectable taste of such fruit while he explained something about predictions and Folio Town's destruction.

Realizing that he was still speaking, she smoothly brought up a paw and wiped her mouth before bringing it behind her ear, transitioning her fantasizing into a grooming session to cover for her strange behavior. "Well... That sounds... interesting..." Rewinding his response a couple times in the back of her head, she caught herself up to speed with the details. After a short pause, she opened her mouth to continue, only to follow his hand movement as he checked for his flute.

A cute mischievous smirk played on her lips as she stifled a giggle. "Don't worry... I don't even want it anymore." She reassured him, lying just a little bit. "Well, maybe she left after seeing that purple thing. I mean, it was just going off on the natives around here. Wait... If she left, why are you still looking around here?"

[Ninian]

Alodi the Delphox

[Sandy Cave - F6]

@MankeyMankey
"...I assume that's why she left." Furrowing his brows, a worried sigh escaped his maw for a moment before his attention was back upon the Skitty. "As for why I'm here? Well, actually I am on my way out of here. I came from much deeper in, and given that I've retrieved this artifact, I was going to make my way to Folio. The Sol Sibyl likely would know what to do with this better than I would."

Looking over the Skitty, his brows furrowed as he considered her situation. She seems hungry. I'm surprised she's survived in this dungeon for so long... Straightening himself, Alodi offered a hand to the Skitty. "I'm Alodi. If you'd like, you're welcome to accompany me. I'm certain staying here for much longer will only bring misfortune. I'm familiar with some of Folio's guildmembers, so I would be able to find lodging for both of us. Ah, and do not forget the food." With a wink he'd continue, "I hear that Troupe Relm is in town. I'm certain they'd be throwing quite the feast in their honor."

[Light Lord]

Devon the Totodile and Brick the Poliwrath

[Glyph's Guild - Spare Room]

@Ninian@Shiny Keldeo
Drumming a finger towards Selena, Brick nodded and grunted. "Teamwork is an aspect of it. As well as precision. But no, the greatest skill an Explorer can have....is understanding." Pulling his arms out from behind his back, the Poliwrath reached out his hand to show the four Explorers a rolled piece of paper gripped in his fist. "Working as a team requires one to learn about and understand their partners. Having precision demands that you understand all of the factors that could effect your actions and figuring out how to deal with them. And, even courage, requires understanding a situation, knowing what the task is, and pushing oneself to complete it without fear. You can only get better at this one skill, by applying it."

Unfurling the paper in his hands, the Fighter pointed proudly at the scribbled writing and large 'Help Wanted!' text at the top of the page. "This, is your first official mission request. All you need to do is deliver a bag of fruit to a Chansey named Aloutette in Gerudo Town, just west of here."

Devon seemed a bit caught off guard by the sudden job, staring up at Brick with confusion. "Our first job? Already? Well, it seems simple enough. We can do it."

"Course ya guys can, but this is gonna be the real training. You'll be learning the ins and outs of Guild work, surviving in the desert, and surviving in a dungeon all in one go. We usually call these little training sessions 'The Gauntlet'." Reaching out to grab an over sized orange out of the basket, the Poliwrath brought it up to his face. A tiny mouth forming under his eyes just for a split moment to take a chunk out of the fruit. "Now, unless you guys got any other question, we're gonna power through another lesson or two, then we're gonna get out there and get into the thick of it."

The Totodile's slit brown eyes went wide, his maw going agape at the sight of a Poliwrath actually eating. Blinking, he shook his head. "Uh...I don't got any other questions. Not any more at least."

Raiden the Feraligatr

[Glyph's Guild]

@Shiny Keldeo
As the seemingly uninterested Luxio discussed his rather vague feelings about the world around them, the Feraligatr's gaze lingered on Fuse for a moment, before turning back to the cork board. "Yeah, maybe."

Letting out a rather loud yawn and showing off rows of razor sharp fangs, Raiden reached his arms in the air to stretch. "Anyways, do you know if Pyrrha is awake yet? I wanted to talk to her."

Stein the Scizor and Teth the Nidoqueen

[Folio Town - Outside the Guild]

@Shiny Keldeo
The smile quickly began to fade from Teth's creamy muzzle as the Absol went on. Standing back up straight, the Nidoqueen crossed her arms and looked away with a bitten lip. "Oh....well. That does sound rather dire..."

"Teth." The Scizor next to her suddenly spoke up, causing her to quickly look over in surprise. Stein tapped his claw on the frame of door a bit, before standing aside. The Nidoqueen copying his actions. The metal bug looking down at the urgent faces of the duo with a cloudy gaze. "Go right in, but don't be surprised if you've already been beaten to the punch."

[Ninian]

Toxica the Salazzle

[Thirsty Desert - F13]

@Light Lord
A wicked smirk played across the Toxic Lizard's maw as Datsu shared his plans in detail. "My, my. Aren't you thorough? Are you sure you're not behind whatever's stirring everyone up~? Ah, but I know that is not your style."

Taking the Toxicroak's hand in hers, she licked her lips, "I would love to join you." Shooting a quick glance at her harem, her attention was then fixed back upon Datsu. "I take it this will be an outing for the two of us? Truth be told, I'm not sure my lovely little morons are useful for much at this time. As you've stated, they're... quite paranoid."

[Light Lord]

Datsu the Toxicroak

[Thirsty Desert - F13]

@Ninian
Gripping the Salazzle's hand gently, the frog chuckled softly and met her purple eyes. "Mmm...Thank you my dear. I'm certain we'll have a rather entertaining time."

Creepy smile fading a bit at the mention of the cluster of Salandit, Datsu stood straighter and simply shrugged. "Why yes. I enjoy our privacy, but if you wish to have the tiny imbeciles assist with a bit of theft along with my own associates, they're welcome to. Though of course, if they happen to be caught, or interfere with our nice outing, well...." The toothy grin returned as his slit gaze suddenly turned bloodshot and flicked to the tiny fire newts. "They'll be left to rot in the desert with their bodies broken beyond recognition."

Letting the statement hang in the stale air for a moment, the Toxicroak then began to chuckle. "Oh come now boys, it's only a joke." Swiftly turning around, the master thief gestured towards the rooms exit and winked at Toxica. "Shall we be off~?"

[MankeyMankey]

Piper the Skitty

[Sandy Cave - F6]

@Ninian

Hearing that the Delphox had come from the dangerous depths of the dungeon made her look up at him in complete awe. He was definitely a step above the rest if he managed to venture so far down and back. "...Oh...wow..." She mumbled, amazed by the thought of his power. Having someone so strong as an ally would be useful in the long run. However, getting him to trust her was going to be a problem. Looking down to the ground, she began contemplating on what to say next.

His proposal to accept her company interrupted her thoughts completely. Lodging. Food. Those two words echoed prominently in the back of her mind. The mention of a feast was enough to send her over the edge. Perking up almost immediately after, she looked up at him, her tail uncontrollably swaying back and forth at the promise of delectable meals to come. Thieving and living dangerously was fun, but with her ever growing hunger and the threat of some purple Pokemon, leaving for civilization seemed to be a better option.

Powered by the thought of food, she energetically blurted out her introduction, extending a tiny cream colored paw and reaching to shake his hand."Oh oh oh! I'd love to come with you! I'm Piper by the way! And a feast? Ooo! Well, we should hurry before it's all gone!"

[Shiny Keldeo]

Selena the Bayleef and Ember the Quilava

[Folio Town - Glyph's Guild]

@Light Lord @Ninian
The two listened carefully as Brick explained the answer to his question. "I get it... without that, nothing that we even suggested would work at all..." The young Quilava stated as she looked to her teammates. "Of course you can't understand everything at once can you? Which is why we're a team. We'll each be able to understand different things that the others might not." Selena finished.

Then Brick threw the curveball at them. Their first official mission as Team Horizon. "Alright!" Ember yelled in happiness. Her first mission, she was so excited. "So soon..." Selena said quietly. With so little preparation or guidance, they were being thrown out into the world beyond Folio.

Thankfully Brick cleared things up slightly, informing them of a few more coming lessons and some time before they headed out. The Bayleef let out a sigh of relief, with Ember still completely hyped. "I don't really have any questions right now, other than when do we start the next part?" She said.

Fuse the Luxio

[Folio Town - Glyph's Guild]

@Light Lord
He listened carefully to the short response the Feraligatr gave. It wasn't one that was said to just change the subject, one that didn't believe him. But it wasn't one that spelled full faith and belief either. It was an answer that said he was a Pokemon who took many different views into consideration. "Me? No, I didn't even sleep here last night. I couldn't relax, so I went for a little walk and ended up spending the night over on the Observation Platform." He said. "Not sure if the troupe stayed here either. If they aren't here, they'd probably be somewhere in town, the Blue Treeko would be a good place to check." He finished.

Omen the Absol and Serenity the Sylveon

[Folio Town - Glyph's Guild]

@Light Lord
The Absol and Sylveon watched as the two guards stepped aside, allowing them access to the Guild. As they entered, Omen heard what the Scizor said about having been beaten to the punch. He only nodded as they continued past. Perhaps all his worry was for nothing, perhaps they already knew what was coming and were prepared for it... but he had to be sure. A feeling this powerful, it could only mean disaster for the world. The two looked around inside the large building. There wasn't much, the place seemed fairly empty at that moment.

Hearing talking, the two followed the speech towards a set of stairs that led to a large set of oak doors. Omen was ready to march right in, but was stopped by his partner. "At least knock before you just barge into something. He's talking with someone, let's be polite before we drop a bombshell on him." She said, tapping on the large doors before her with her paw.

[Ninian]

Lilisette the Kirlia

[Glyph's Guild - Glyph's Guild: Spare Room]

@Light Lord@Shiny Keldeo
"Understanding..." With the words falling out of her mouth, her eyes fell to the ground, in thought. Quietly, she listened to Brick as he continued to explain the concept, and the other's reaction to it. Once finished, he presented their first mission. With interest, Lilisette leaned over, surprised by the request. This was their first mission? Just delivering a bag of fruit? That can't be too hard... hopefully. The bad stuff doesn't happen for a few more days I don't think anyway?

When Brick mentioned surviving the desert, Lilisette paled. "Oh... I hadn't considered that. You're going to have a hard time, Devon. Not saying we're not going to have it any better..." Looking to Selena, she attempted a small smile, "And uh... it's not that soon! We'll be fine! It'll be easy..."

Shaking her head in response to having questions, she spoke, "Nope. Not right now anyway. Go on."

Alodi the Delphox

[Sandy Cave - F6]

@MankeyMankey
A warm smile crossed the Delphox's maw at the Kitten Pokémon's response. "Wonderful! And I would not be overly concerned, typically feasts are held in the evening, and last I checked it is still morning. Though I suppose that would be difficult to tell here, wouldn't it~?"

Taking a quick look around to get his bearings, he began to press onward. "So then, miss Piper, have you lived here your whole life? If so, I'm legitimately impressed that I've never seen you before."

[Light Lord]

Devon the Totodile and Brick the Poliwrath

[Glyph's Guild - Spare Room]

When Lilisette expressed her concern for his well being, Devon simply waved a hand and smiled. "I'll be fine. Sweating through my tongue isn't....that weird." The smile soon faded slightly, as he reached a hand up to his face to stick out his tongue and lightly poke at it.

The Poliwrath 'grinned' at the replies, before setting down the paper and cracking his knuckles. "Good. And Ember, I like the spirit. You guys should take a few notes from her. Anyways, let's get down to it. Now, first thing you should know...."

Raiden the Feraligatr, Devon the Totodile, and Brick the Poliwrath

[Glyph's Guild]

@Shiny Keldeo@Ninian
The gator's brow raised up as he turned his head to look down at the electric feline, waiting a moment before shooting a thumb over his shoulder and speaking up. "They did stay here. They've got their own quarters set up in one of the bigger rooms down that hall. I just didn't want to be rude and barge in while they're still asleep."

Movement in the edge of his vision caused Raiden to shift his slit eyes up. A smile creeping onto his maw as he stood up straight. "Just give me a minute, Fuse." He then straightened his bag and waved at the oncoming group. "Hey guys. How's your first day going so far?"

The Totodile of group smirked up at his evolved counterpart, the near empty basket of fruit balancing on his head tipping back a bit as he turned his head. "It's going awesome Raiden! We're already going out on our first mission! We gotta deliver fruit to the next town over in the desert." Looking over to the Electric-type, Devon flailed a stubby hand. "Hey again Fuse!"

The heavily scarred Feraligatr crossed his arms over his chest and smirked down at the excited group, ignoring the odd look he was getting from the silent Poliwrath behind them. "First mission already huh? My first mission was pretty tough, but then again, I wasn't trained by a Guild, so that was probably why I struggled. Good luck with it. Oh, hang on for second. I got something that should help you out."

Reaching a large blue hand down into the pits of his tattered satchel bag, Raiden dug around inside of it a bit before pulling out a small glass bottle with a cork in the top. Holding the tiny glass tube in between his claws carefully, he leaned down to reach out and show the tiny blue leaf inside to the novice Team. "This is a Mental Herb. They're extremely rare, only growing in certain areas on the Water Continent, but their potency is unmatched. When you eat it, it'll quickly take care of any sort of mental blockage you have, whether it be from Disable, Torment, infatuation from Attract, and even natural blockage like headaches and migraines."

Looking around at the four Horizon members, he narrowed his eyes. "Now, who should hang onto it? Hmm..." The giant's friendly gaze settled on the Bayleef of the group, to which he held out the small bottle to and smiled gently. "Do you want to hold onto it, Selena?"

[Shiny Keldeo]

Selena the Bayleef, Ember the Quilava, and Fuse the Luxio

[Folio Town - Glyph's Guild]

@Ninian @Light Lord
The two followed along as they finally got ready to head out. As they headed into the main area, they were met by the Feraligatr from the night before. Devon did a fairly good job explaining what had gone on so far, so the two remained rather quiet, still giving a slight nod to the Luxio who had finally diverted his attention from the bare cork board to meet the new recruits and the trainer. "You sure they've got what it takes to handle the Gauntlet, Brick? I mean, I trust your judgement and all, but I just want to be sure."

"I think we can handle it. Brick's given us some very helpful tips, and we're going to stock up for the journey ahead now." The Bayleef said. "We can totally handle this! I'm so psyched!" Ember said, much more confident than her friend.

Fuses eye's focused on the item the Feraligatr offered to the fledgling team. "That could definitely be a life saver out there, that's a very sought after item right there." He said. Selena was surprised when the rare item was offered to her. "M-me? Really? A-are you sure? I-I..." The Bayleef stuttered. "Come on, Selena, take it!" The Bayleef nodded, holding out a paw and accepting the offered item. [Selena Obtained a MENTAL HERB. Selena Stored the MENTAL HERB in her TREASURE BAG] "Thank you, I'm sure this will help us out a lot." She said, politely bowing to the towering Water Type.

The Luxio looked at the group, wondering how such a mismatched group could possibly find a way to function in the gauntlet. He cast the thought away soon after, surely Glyph knew what he was doing. "I'll be back, I have to check on a certain slumbering Pokemon of my own." He said, slipping past the group and heading towards the Guild Member Barracks.

Krystal the Glaceon and ???

[Folio Town]

The Glaceon and her newfound friend, now revealed to be a Luxio, traveled along the tree trunk streets as they explored the treetop town. "It's amazing that something like this can even exist, the view is amazing, everything about this place is..." "Amazing?" The Luxio asked. "Exactly!" Krystal replied. "But... I know I said I would help Omen with his mission if he let me come along..." She said, sighing. "We should probably go find the Folio Guild and catch up with him."

"It's probably that right up there." The Luxio stated, pointing up towards a large building covered in foliage and guarded by a Nidoqueen and Scizor. "Good eye, you'd make a good explorer." Krystal said, giving a smile. "Now come on. As Omen would say, we've got a Mission to do." She said, the two finally heading towards the building.

[MankeyMankey]

Piper the Skitty

[Sandy Cave - F6]

@Ninian

Piper pulled her paw away from the Alodi's hand after giving it a light shake. Grinning happily at the mention of the ample time they'd have before the feast, she eagerly nodded.

"Of course of course! I guess we can take our time then~"

A bright smile tugged at her cheeks as she trotted alongside him with a bubbly bounce in her step. This'll be exciting... I wonder what kind of food they have there...

Her smile would turn into a smug smirk as she heard his question. Looking up at him with a glint of pride, she responded casually. "Well, you can say that~" She brought up a paw to stifle a giggle, delighted by the idea of impressing him. "I spend a good majority of my time around here, usually a hop between the dungeons surrounding this area. Lots of fun Pokemon to mess with, heh. Why? Do you come here often?"

[Ninian]

Lilisette the Kirlia

[Glyph's Guild]

@Light Lord@Shiny Keldeo
When the Feraligatr and Luxio entered, Lilisette hesitantly lifted an arm, waving to him. Who is he....? I feel like I'm losing my mind, but never have I heard of a Feraligatr that hung around Folio during Devon's time... What Raiden did next surprised her. A Mental Herb? That's really specific...

Pausing, she furrowed her brows, giving a slight bow to the Water-type, "Uh... thank you."

While everyone was excited, Lilisette was rather visibly bothered by the situation. She couldn't figure out why he gave them the herb, and what it could mean. Perhaps it meant nothing at all, but the fact he was never mentioned in any texts bothered her.

Finally, she decided to speak, "So... This Gauntlet. I guess we might as well get started? I mean, if that's everything you wanted to show us, Brick. Oh! I guess I should ask; where do we gather supplies here? We probably need a few Oran berries, and Apples at the very least. I'm sure whatever else we need we can find in the trunk on the way down to Altepa..."