She took a deep breath and heaved a heavy sigh. The last thing that she wanted was to be comforted by some random kid.
"It's fine, if you're gonna become champion then you must understand Evig's legacy, the good and the bad. Still, I can't help, but to be concerned that a future champion is so naïve," she said. This boy really wasn't the brightest of the bunch, but then again if the only threat to his region was a group of well meaning, but idiotic eco terrorists then it made some semblance of sense.
She continued, trying her best to explain how dictators and sociopaths would commit the most unspeakable horrors to someone sheltered from it. "Why did they do it? They did it for the same reason as any malignant despot would; to break the spirits of the Evigian people. Everything they did, every act of cruelty, every bit of destruction was to whittle down any bit of resistance."
Jason watched as her jaw clenched as disgust visibly was expressed along every wrinkle on her face. Her Houndstone nudged its snout against her in an attempt to comfort her. "Do you know what their greatest evil is though? They destroyed the heart and soul of Evig; it's people. They brought so many to the edge of despair that they just let it happen or worse, they joined Cipher to survive. We were cannibalizing each other like savages until we were forced to a breaking point; fight or die like bootlicking dogs, but we had no leader. Well, until that poor girl took up that mantle."
For whatever stories that Jason's parents told him about their time in Evig, it was different for him to meet someone actually effected by it and acknowledge the actual damage. For as strong as Adrianne, Kapoc, and all the other trainers were, no one truly did acknowledge the scars.
"It's those bloody pink things and this moron let it happen!" The grandfather shouted in frustration at Faye and then gave the rotund man the worst case of stink she had ever seen. If looks could kill, it would have been first degree murder. So much for diffused tension though the other man did not deny any of it. In fact, he looked quite sheepish as he rubbed the back of his bald head.
The other man said in his embarrassment, "Well, he's not wrong. There's been a pack of these pink Pokemon that appeared recently from the forest. They kept trying to take parts from the engine for some reason, but I was always there to chase them away. I, uh, took a quick snooze during my break and when I woke up the engine was gone."
The old man scoffed at him and said quite belligerently, "A quick nap he says. An Exploud could scream in your ear and you'd still be dead to the world."
Deciding it was best to ignore the abuse, the rotund farmer kept his focus on Faye. "Last time I scared them off, they ran off north from here. They don't typically leave the forest so I'd look somewhere they could take shelter."
The receptionist smiled at him, unknowing for what he was to about to do and said, "Here is your pass for the tour. " She handed him a slip of paper with oil painted flowers on it and text that said day pass along with other information that he did not need to concern himself with.
Tristan, despite being presented with a map on a silver platter and even told to take one, somehow forgot to pick it up even though it was next to the bloody pamphlet as if he was acting out spite for spending 500 P. He walked towards the tour group, making sure he stayed far in the back as to not wrinkle his overpriced clothes and fuss his hair which was probably filled with equally overpriced product.
The tour guide, a young woman wearing the standard uniform which was a white blouse with a black vest, pants, and shoes, led the group. She had a bright and ecstatic expression perpetually and spoke just was peppy as she looked. They stopped by a series of paintings and photographs of landscapes, some of the garden, some were the towns earlier days, and some were wastelands. They were surrounding the portrait of Aria Eberg.
The tour guide said with that same peppy energy, "Aria Ege, or Aria Eberg as we know today was the Duchess of Gotha, or how we know it as part of Jade Coast City before the counties merged together. She was married to Duke Archibald Eberg, cousin to King Johann Hadrada the Fifth. Before her marriage, she was the daughter of a Viscount of no renown, but her and Archibald met through sheer chance. Apparently it was quite the love story,"
As she spoke though, one could tell that there was a sadness that belied her energetic, positive persona. Her tone shifted as she spoke to something a bit more poignant as she continued, "However, Duke Eberg died young due to Consumption, otherwise known today as Tuberculosis. She too was beginning to show signs of it herself. Aria knew her death was coming and left to find a place to die in peace away from the socialites and the pressures of royalty. She founded Florasong in 1894 and it looked far different than it did today. It was once a wasteland; the soil was not fit to grow a single bud."
She motioned to the painting and sepia and black and white photos of a wasteland, barren pale soil for as far as the eye could see. If one were to tell one that this was Florasong before Aria's arrival they would not be faulted for their disbelief. There were some in the crowd that looked confused.
Someone from the crowd asked, "So why did she come here if this was a no man's zone?"
"We can't say for certain why she did it, but judging by records, we believe it was she wanted to give her life to something. She planted a seed and with a gratitude for life, Aria turned a wasteland into home and it all started with a single flower," responded
There was something else in the portrait that did not standout before, but Aria held a bouquet of Gracidea Flowers. Tristan would actually recognize them as they were quite popular with fashion designers, most commonly used as corsages or adorned dresses and other attires.
She continued, "People came in and she used her resources to not just build a town, but our schools, our opera house, the museum, the lab, everything. Aria was beloved by others and she loved them in return. She died at the age of 30 in the year 1900 and her grave is buried in Mellow Grove if you wish to pay respects for her charity and gratitude towards life."
Her attitude then did a complete 180 and she went from poignant to energetic at the flick of a switch. "Alright everyone, please stick close together! You can't enter the labs if you get separated!"
With that, the group tour moved forward. What does Tristan do?
"Because there was nothing right about what they did," responded Helga coldly. She stopped walking and turned to look at him and for a moment he could see the burden she carried; the burden of witnessing atrocity after atrocity and the weight that it carried. In a word, she looked exhausted.
His guide sighed and said, "Only a handful would know. I don't know how they did it and if we are going to be honest, if I did I don't think I'd ever sleep again."
It was fair to assume that the process of creating Shadow Pokemon was not common knowledge and that is for the best. There were many other groups with less scruples about the treatment of Pokemon to gain power quickly and for the sake of public mental health it was best that it was never released. Jason could already see the impact of Shadow Pokemon right in front of him.
Helga continued with a sense of urgency as if to get it off her chest, "Have you ever seen something that had no concept of good or evil? A creature that had no emotion, no desires, and no sense of self? A soulless killing machine that does not differentiate from Pokemon or trainer? That is what a Shadow Pokemon is; a mindless tool for violence with great, yet awful power. That is what they were to Cipher; tools to dominate and spread destruction. God, what they did to Valhane City and Sieggolt City..."
The two men turned to look at the random girl who just appeared waving at them and returned a confused wave though unsure why they were even returned it. Funnily enough, their surprise at their unexpected visitor diffused the angry bickering though the tension still hung in the air.
The grandfather, the one that Faye was looking for earlier, motioned her to walk over to the truck. He said, "Kid take a look at this."
Walking over, she would soon see that the truck wasn't a missing piece of the engine, there was a completely empty space of where the engine was supposed to be. Every single part of the engine was just gone, down to the very bolt and screw.
"They took the whole damn engine," said the portly man, his face screamed that he was bemoaning at the financial wound that this would inflict his wallet.
Smart move Jason. One look at those biceps would put the fear in god in anyone. Only the brave and the stupid would dare lie to someone that looked like they ate nails without milk for breakfast every morning and let's be honest, he really had no reason to. It would just end poorly for him. At this point she seemed more like a mythological creature than an actual person who can just send someone straight to the pearly gates of Arceus' domain.
"Huh, is that so. Well, knowing that kid if you can't tough it out here then you're gonna struggle against whatever league she concocted," She said as they walked and she did not even try to sound demeaning. It sounded more like a warning and whether or not he heeded it was up to him.
She continued, "Although, I can't fault you with the Scyther. They're much more violent than they were years ago. I did what I could, but I couldn't stop them from decimating their numbers. Not with those absurd Shadow Pokemon." Bitterness could be heard in her tone and perhaps some regret. After all, she could not protect her own home from invaders.
The receptionist gave him a friendly, yet businessman-like smile. She was not paid enough to people who think they were so good looking that a flashy smile was enough for payment when smiling and being polite towards service industry workers was just the bare minimum.
"Well, the person who decorated the manor would be Aria Eberg herself. If you are not here for the tour, please be sure to grab a map. It is quite easy to get lost if you don't know your way around. The entrance fee for young adults is 500P. All proceeds go to the preservation of the park and manor," she said with her best customer service voice.
If Tristan did spend the fee and grab the map, he would find that it was quite the expansive space. It was practically one half a museum for the wealth of valuable furniture and artworks that resided in the manor and of course about the woman herself. It had accommodations such as a cafe/restaurant near the back though for Tristan his main focus would be on the research facility on the upper floors. The pamphlet offered a brief description that when summarized to its main points researched 'The anomalous floral fauna growth unique to the garden' and 'the mysteries of the unique Pokemon found in and out of Florasong.'
Begrudgingly, Jason followed Helga through the forest. True to her word, he was being led through this dark, dank forest and surprisingly he was not dying. One could imagine that she knew her way around these woods like the back of her hand to avoid the dangers found lurking in the trees. Either that or everything that lived in this forest knew not to mess with the hellhound of a woman. At this point anything was possible.
It was quiet, not much talking to be had in general and it was probably doubtful that Jason had anything to ask her out of fear of being German Suplexed straight to Arceus or from her rude and unfriendly demeanor. In general, it was very boring. Eventually however Helga broke the silence.
"So, what's your story kid? Last I heard about the league, you either had to be an established trainer to join or had to vetted by the league administration," said the woodswoman. She eyed the Ralts clinging to his side. "You don't look like you've been a trainer long."
Well, he probably did see a sign, but it would eventually lead him back to Aria's Park. The manor that he saw and the research center were one and the same. Upon entering through its big red windowed doors Tristan would granted a strange, but wonderful sight.
The foyer of the manor was grand and spacious, filled with lovingly maintained, pristine late Victorian styled furniture to what could be described as Art Nouveau styled furnishings and art. Paintings and prints marked the walls, each of varying styles and subject matter though all tasteful. Even the interior was designed with an Art Nouveau mindset; organic shapes could be found on the tiled floors with intricate colored patterns that were abstract and yet reminded one of nature. There was a grand stairway and the metal guard rails looked looked like artist depictions of swirling wind and leaves. Of course, there were also all manner of flowers decorating in whatever fine pottery and vases that were available. It was almost like a looking glass into the past and life of Aria Eberg.
By the entrance of the foyer there was a impressively large oil portrait painting of a beautiful, yet pale woman in her late twenties with fiery red hair done up in a bun and equally red eyes. Her lips were curled up in a gentle smile with a kind gaze as if to say that everything was alright. Underneath it was a plaque that held the name Aria Eberg.
Tristan was not alone in the foyer. There were any number of people there, many in white lab coats discussing there own matters. There was also a front desk where a young woman was sitting.
"Excuse me, sir?" She called out to get his attention. Once she did so, she asked with a friendly customer service smile, "Welcome to the Aria Eberg Estate and Research Center. Are you here for the tour?"
Helga still had that smirk on her face, knowing that she had him dead to rights. "Smart decision. Now, come on kid. We've got a shrine to find."
The titan of a woman stood up and whistled for her Houndstone to happily follow her with a happy 'borf' while she headed towards the door. Jason would probably be compelled to follow her considering that she was his only lead.
Before they walked out of the cabin, she turned to him and said,"Our deal is that I guide you. Whatever we find or finds us, it is on you to protect yourself."
Jason's safety was the least of her priorities, that much was clear to him. They made a deal, the parameters were clear and well defined, and they were to be respected. If he had any problems with it he could always raise his disapproval though that would be his prerogative though knowing him, he'd probably want to tell the old hag to stow it.
The narrator is indeed dying inside, but that is not important. Tristan went to a Pokemart and in total spent 2150 P in Pokeballs and Repels. He did not know it, but he was forced to accept something called Game Balance, where the rich spoiled kid could not use daddy's credit card because money would be a useless concept and the in game economy would crash and burn like King against Freya's Growlithe.
He did also meet a very confused deliveryman of how the recipient would also be there who gave Tristan a package which contained an Ice Stone with a note stating that it's from a benefactor.
Tristan would then go to one of the many outdoor cafes to enjoy a cup of chamomile tea, which is not actually charged by the DM because that would just be a miserable thing to do, and learn about his Pokemon. It is time for Tristan to take that dusty worn out textbook and begin part two of his lessons!
Last time, Tristan learned about base stats, statuses, and abilities! Today he was going to learn about types, type matchups and evolution. The chapter on types broke down concepts such as Same Type Attack Bonus or STAB for short, that Pokemon can have at most two types, and of course the type chart that broke down what resisted what, what was immune to what, what was weak to what, and what was neutral to what. Given all the possible combinations it would not have been surprising for Tristan to get confused given that his knowledge of Pokemon is literally next to nothing.
The next chapter he read talked about evolution. As the book explained, Pokemon evolution occurred when certain parameters were met and that at most Pokemon can only evolve two times. Most commonly the qualification was to reach a certain level, level being a quantifiable average level of strength for that species though there were other methods as well. One method that was brought up was stone evolutions, special stones where the energy contained within them reacted to certain Pokemon and caused them to evolve. A list was provided and in it he could see that the Murkrow line required the Dusk Stone.
Another phenomenon was dubbed Friendship Evolution where a Pokemon evolved based on the bond they had towards an individual, not just including trainers. Again another list was provided and on there was the Riolu line and the Sewaddle line though it seemed like its evolution was the one that required it. There were other things such as gender based evolutions and evolutions based on very strange circumstances.
There was an addendum though that talked about a special kind of evolution called Mega Evolution, a temporary form of immense power. There was an example of a Mega Stone, a Lucarionite, and a Key Stone, a rainbow colored stone with a DNA symbol inside it.
So, Tristan was once again armed with knowledge. Now what?
Connected Areas Route 1. A hilly route filled with many ranches and farmland. Lake Charity. A massive body of water. Used to travel between Starbor Village, Valstille City, and Florasong Town. Route 2. West of Florasong.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in towns and cities. 2. Talk. In cities, there are considerably more people one can talk to. Specify what kind you’re looking for. 3. Exit. Exit the town to any of the connected areas. 4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 6. Notable Buildings. Visit any of the facilities of the city! 6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon. 6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things. 6.3. Research Center. A place used to study the Pokemon in Aria's Park. Maybe there is a point of interest? 6.4. Florasong School of Music. Not really just a building, but a general campus. 6.5. Florasong Opera House/Gym. ??? 6.6. Lyan's Berry Emporium. For all of your berry needs. 6.7. Critical Capture. To get unique Pokeballs. 6.8. Aria's Park. A beautiful park filled with flowers and Pokemon. 6.9. Dilapidated House. Gives off really bad vibes. 7. Street Musicians. Care to give them a tip?
Alright we're just gonna keep this brief. The training session was quite a successful considering that the majority of the time they were just bullying lower leveled Geodude and then just used the rest of the team to beat up the rest of the local fauna.
Dusk is now level 13! Dusk learned Confuse Ray! Glory is now level 12! Vi is now level 11! Dennis is now level 10! Jack is now level 10! Lucky is now level 10! Lucky learned Bite!
Our favorite Bogan did try her luck with catching one of the many Geodude's littered about the path. It ate the quad weak attack and it somehow was still standing, sitting? Ignoring the question if Geodude can actually be classified as standing, Steph threw a Pokeball and the rocky thing was absorbed into it.
It rolled once... it rolled twice...it rolled thrice!
Steph caught Geodude!
Gender: Female Type: Rock/Ground Personality: (Up to player.) Quirks/Talents/Aspirations/Other: (Up to player.) Level: 6 Moves: Tackle, Defense Curl, San Ability: Sturdy The Pokémon cannot be knocked out by a single hit as long as its HP is full. One-hit KO moves will also fail to knock it out. Held Item: Currently at one hp.
New Pokémon caught! Steph earned 500 P!
Would you like to give a nickname to Geodude?
Your team is full. Would you like to switch team members?
@Zarkun "Big words for a greenhorn. Let's see if you can back it up," she said with a chuckle. Jason could see that she was somewhat entertained by him though whether or not it was a good thing was up for debate. However, he should have felt slightly a bit at ease as she leaned back in her groaning seat and her oppressive form diminished slightly while she relaxed.
"What I want is a special moss grown on Ekans in Blue Lichen Cave. It's very good for medicine, but those Ekans are pains to find," said Helga, continuing where she was before. "I take you to the shrine and you find me that rare moss, or you're on your own though I'm certain you won't say no."
He knew first hand what it was like to navigate the forest; fog, nasty webs, carnivorous Pokemon and so on were just one of the many inconveniences and threats that dwelled in these woods. Still, he was not forced to take the deal and perhaps he could walk away as to not owe a debt to her. Then there was the deal with the Ekans.
Now, Jason may or may not know what an Ekans is supposed to look like given that they are not native Hoenn though television, books, and the internet probably make these common Pokemon more known. Well, that and having a Pokedex that he could refer to helps. They're long, purple serpents that certainly did not have moss growing on them. If he did not have any idea about how they typically looked then nothing was off, which is the funnier option.
An hour of absolutely nothing. It was par for the course with the sort of job; long hours of nothing, but countryside scenery, forests, or standing outside some determined spot to protect or to stakeout. One's mind would tend to wander when they are subjected to an outstandingly long amount of boredom and Nolan was not an exception to this rule. Sitting on a horse that probably wanted nothing do with him in complete silence would have had been a prime opportunity to tune out, at least when he was a kid. A trick he picked up was to play a game of sorts, such as counting how many red flowers were growing on the side of the road and the like in-between surveying his surroundings for any possible danger. Sure, it was an activity to keep kids busy on long road trips, but it was either that or mind numbing boredom.
The platoon eventually was beneath the canopy of a forest. All proceeded to go normally until the Corporal whipped out his rifle asking if they heard anything. Nolan halted his worse and watched the rest of the soldiers caught on and held their rifles out in every direction to cover each other's blind spots. His horse had trouble staying in place and Nolan was doing what he could do keep it from bolting off. He could feel it too, the bloodlust and the hunger radiating through the silence from whatever set their sights on the,.
Whatever Asterins were, Nolan could infer that they were most likely a pack of predators and that they were very good at remaining undetected. He would have asked, but by the time they would answer one of them would have had their heads ripped off while they were distracted with Nolan's question.
"Our objective has not changed. Keep your hands steady and kill on sight. As soon as you see any opening, make a mad dash out of here," Nolan commanded them as calm and collected as ever though it betrayed the tension he felt as he faced an unfamiliar enemy and having to protect these soldiers.
The young mage pulled his hood back and muttered, "True Sight." Perhaps no one noticed due to keeping watch for their potential ambushers, but Nolan's but his eyes were swallowed by the deepest black anyone had ever seen. It was like looking at an all consuming puddle of ink that did not reflect light though even if they did notice he did not care as his attention was now on the Asterins. No matter how good their stealth, their camouflage, their invisibility, or whatever they use to remain undetected they cannot hide their soul. As long they still possessed one, Nolan could see them.
She just sat there, watching Jason with those cold, emerald eyes of hers analyzing him. Every breath, every involuntary eye movement, and for all he knew she could see every beat of his heart. To Jason, it would feel like she was staring into his soul and saw every hope and dream he had and every teeth bearing fear that gnawed and gnashed at his insides. Helga leaned forward towards him, her arms rested on the creaking table and for a split second and perhaps it was his imagination, but she somehow looked even bigger than before. Her shadow loomed over him in the already dimly lit cabin.
"Promises are like Milotic. They're pretty and alluring, but most of the time they're just Feebas flopping around in the mud," said Helga. For the first time since he had arrived, her expression finally changed and it was a smile. It wasn't a kind one, but it was deriding. It was the kind of smile that held no expectations for anyone and yet took great pleasure in watching people who talk big fall.
She continued with that ever so mocking smile, "So, when people make promises to me I make sure to always get that Milotic. Do you understand what I mean? Now, do you think that you're the kind of kid that keeps their word?"
Hurray, hurrah, and all that jazz. Tristan successfully caught a new team member for the second time. The amateur trainer did at least improve by recognizing that what happened to Ace was an inflicted status and did not lose his cool like what had happened the day prior. That book was not wasted on him and neither were his efforts, something that he should be proud. Well, it was at least the baseline so praise may be too much for him. It was not like he could hear it anyway.
After nearly choking on his own hubris and spit, Tristan gave his little diva the name Angel and then decided to take the first step as a trainer to do the one thing that he will do repeatedly over his career as a trainer; grind. Of course, Tristan was very cautious about harming the garden so he made sure to keep his training as far away for the flowers though that may prove to be a little difficult.
The garden was home to a plethora of bug and grass type Pokemon, easy prey for Pokemon such as King and Ace. The two of them brought upon a terror as Tristan directed their destruction because that is what happens when you bring a fire type and a flying type with the intention of just beating the shit out of everything instead of catching it. However, the same could not be said for Princess and Angel. Neither of them had the power output for their own unique reasons to deal with grass types whether not having STAB for their moves or just resisted. However, there were some interesting developments.
There were other Pokemon that Tristan had not seen before that dwelled in the park. He did battle with the occasional plucky blue bird that did not know when to quit or when it was out matched. Tristan even stumbled upon a piece of fruit that was not even fruit at all!
Pokedex Entry #276-Tailow, the Tiny Swallow Pokemon. Taillow courageously stands its ground against foes, however strong they may be. This gutsy Pokémon will remain defiant even after a loss. On the other hand, it cries loudly if it becomes hungry.
Pokedex Entry #761-Bounsweet, the Tiny Swallow Pokemon. Because of its sweet, delicious aroma, bird Pokémon are always after it, but it's not intelligent enough to care. Its sweat is sweet, like syrup made from boiled-down fruit. Because of this, Bounsweet was highly valued in the past, when sweeteners were scarce.
While training, he decided to catch some Pokemon. Turns out levels really do make a big difference when catching Pokemon. The Sewaddle just held on after eating an Ember despite being quad weak to fire type attacks and the Combee barely held on as well. For both encounters, Tristan threw a Pokeball and they were absorbed in a beam of red light. The ball fell as it began to shake. Oh, and the Combee was shiny because the fucking GM gave whatever he rolled for first improved shiny odds as a stupid birthday event. No more events!
It rolled once... it rolled twice...it rolled thrice!
Tristan caught Sewaddle!
Gender: Male Type: Bug/Grass Personality: (Up to player.) Quirks/Talents/Aspirations/Other: (Up to player.) Level: 8 Moves: Tackle, String Shot, Bug Bite Ability: Chlorophyll During harsh sunlight, the Speed stat of Pokémon with this Ability is doubled. Held Item: Currently at below half hp
New Pokémon caught! Tristan earned 500 P!
Would you like to give a nickname to Sewaddle?
Tristan caught Combee!
Gender: Male Type: Bug/Flying Personality: (Up to player.) Quirks/Talents/Aspirations/Other: (Up to player.) Level: 9 Moves: Sweet Scent, Gust, Struggle Bug, Bug Bite Ability: Hustle Boosts the Pokémon's Attack stat but lowers its accuracy. Held Item: Currently at below half hp
New Pokémon caught! Tristan earned 500 P!
Would you like to give a nickname to Combee?
Aside from the surprise encounters, Tristan's training went as plan.
King is now level 12! King learned Haze! Ace is now level 11! Ace learned Flame Charge! Princess is now level 9! Princess learned Metal Claw! Angel is now level 9!
Tristan, finding himself satisfied at the moment, left Aria's Park to go to the local Pokemon Center to heal his Pokemon. He is greeted by a nurse joy who takes his Pokemon and heals off their wounds and fatigue.
Tristan is free to do as he pleases. He could make use of the services provided by the Move Tutor stationed in every Pokemon Center or he was free to explore.
Connected Areas Route 1. A hilly route filled with many ranches and farmland. Lake Charity. A massive body of water. Used to travel between Starbor Village, Valstille City, and Florasong Town. Route 2. West of Florasong.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in towns and cities. 2. Talk. In cities, there are considerably more people one can talk to. Specify what kind you’re looking for. 3. Exit. Exit the town to any of the connected areas. 4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 6. Notable Buildings. Visit any of the facilities of the city! 6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon. 6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things. 6.3. Research Center. A place used to study the Pokemon in Aria's Park. Maybe there is a point of interest? 6.4. Florasong School of Music. Not really just a building, but a general campus. 6.5. Florasong Opera House/Gym. ??? 6.6. Lyan's Berry Emporium. For all of your berry needs. 6.7. Critical Capture. To get unique Pokeballs. 6.8. Aria's Park. A beautiful park filled with flowers and Pokemon. 6.9. Dilapidated House. Gives off really bad vibes. 7. Street Musicians. Care to give them a tip?
Noticing the curious glances of the local ghost types reminded Steph briefly of her time earlier in the sewers. Guess the pokemon around these parts were a bit more passive? She wasn't letting her guard down anyway, so there was always the chance she ran into some bigger or more aggressive which was keeping the smaller ones quiet anyway. Plus she was sure there would be a time later where the wild pokemon were a bit more adventurous and aggressive, and you had to take into account the girl was always on the lookout for a fight!
But thus far, she had to admit, this place was kinda...disappointing. She had heard of whack rumours about all sorts of crazy things going on here, you know ghosts, spooky lights, all that fun shit! But thus far? Just a few wild pokemon and some weird scribbles and markings. That was stuff she kinda expected regardless, but where was the fun spooky stuff?!?
Just as that thought went through her mind though, she felt...a cold shiver run up her spine as she felt Dusk suddenly grab onto her shoulder much tighter, the two partners sharing a glance towards one another. Now that Steph thought about it...it suddenly was very quiet wasn't it? No lurking pokemon, no signs of life at all. Even the wind seemed absent, all of these factors combined with the nagging thought and sudden spiking up of her heartrate and she knew. This was it! Something really was off! A nervous and somewhat anxious grin began to form. About time she found something!
But once more, just as she began to get excited she felt that same cold shiver return. Except much...strong. Much, much stronger. Grabbing at her rapidly beating heart as if to keep it in her chest, her breathing took a sharper and more ragged turn as for once in her life...she felt fear gripping at her heart. It felt like it was squeezing in from all around of her, an invisible pressure she couldn't see but could still feel like it was trying to crush her where she stood. Sweating profusely, she even dropped to a knee as she found her body refusing to obey her.
She wanted to run. No, she needed to run.
No she wanted to stay. She needed to stay!
Run!
Stay!
Run!
Stay!
Trying her best to fight back the urge to flee, it seemed like she wouldn't have to make such a choice as a blue light suddenly blinded her! Covering her face, she felt...strangely and oddly calm. A strange warmth? No, that wasn't this sensation. It was hard to pin it down to what it exactly was, but whatever it was it calmed the girl though she still took a few moments to calm herself further and get her breath back, only then noticing the concern and fear on Dusks face. To which her only response was a toothy grin.
"It's oolroigh' Dusk bud, Oy'm oolroigh'! Just nayded a leettle braythah yah knaow? Biieg die! Haow abeow' we kayp gaowin a leettle lawngah thaen cohl ih' a noigh' ok? if yah wahnna, Oy cahn puh' yah awhy." It was something of a strong front being put up by the girl, but she was mostly ok now so she felt like she could continue.
"Lit! Lit Lit! Litwick!" Seemingly insulted by Stephs suggestion to put him away, Dusk just huffed and one could mentally see the mon crossing its arms over its chest as he seemed quite intent on staying out with her. Her only reaction to that was to grin even more and step up. It was about time she stopped worrying her partner right? It hadn't even been a day yet, but they were in it for the long haul already!
"Gawtcha bud, sao laeh''s kayp gaowin thaen!" Marching forward with a bit more purpose, she didn't get much further in before she came upon a small...blonde child? What was this girl doing here? She barely looked like she was old enough to stop playing with crayons and she was out here all by her lonesome? Was this part of the ruins being all fucky wucky? Was she a ghost? Nah, didn't seem pale or translucent enough to be one.
She looked absolutely terrified anyway! Approaching her, the older girl put on another wide grin and waved at Amelie.
"Hya, whahtcha doin ooll the why eow' heah? Wheah's yoah parents kiied? Thy must be wohroyd seeck"
Reaching the barrier safely, Amelia was happy to see find out that she was able to make her way through the glowing blue wall and step out into the hallway again. Without any hesitation, she began the climb back up to the surface. Normally she would've taken her time but given what she had seen and the occasional waves of negativity making her already existing fear worse, the girl moved at a faster pace than she honestly should have.
By the time she reached the surface and was out in the fresh air again, she collapsed to the ground, gasping for air and clutching her heart, which was acting up and causing her to feel an enormous amount of pain, as if something sharp was poking it with each and every beat. As if sensing their owner's distress, all of Amelia's pokemon managed to come out of their pokeballs and gather around her, letting out cries of worry. "It's... it's okay everyone... I just... need some time." She said to them, managing to give the little ghosts a small smile. This seemed to help but regardless, they all took moved closer to try and comfort her, save for Golett who took up the position of sentry and looking out for possible danger.
It took a few minutes, but Amelia did eventually sit up, using a nearby wall for support. Her heart was still causing her pain, although it was slowly recovering. It had been so long since she had experienced an attack, as she called them, that she had forgotten how bad and painful they could be. It was shortly after this that she heard someone approaching. Looking up, Amelia saw an older girl, with bright orange hair and was wearing a halter top with a sweater wrapped around her waist, shorts, stockings, and a pair of sneakers. It came across as rather tomboyish but still with a hint of femininity to the young preteen. Her pokemon turned towards the girl as well, Gollett raising its fists while Mimikyu allowed it's shadowy, tendril like arms to come out from under the disguise while Phantump and Yamask stuck close to her. Amelia simply put her hands on Golett and Mimikyu, gently petting them until they relax.
Then the stranger began addressing her and Amelia was hit by a rather heavy Galarian accent. At first, her only response to the questions posed to her was to blink in confusion as her brain got to the task of processing and interpreting what she had just heard. When it did all finally click, she gently shook her head. "No, no parents. It's just me and my friends out here. It was exploring the ruins but I came across... something. I don't know what it was but it was dangerous and I get the feeling it was not a pokemon." She replied, visibly shivering as she thought about the creature she had seen in the ancient city. Ghosts were one thing but whatever that was, it was not something she wanted to come across ever again. Once she recovered from that thought, she looked at the girl in front of her again... and instantly locked onto the shiny Litwick the girl head. Amelia quickly got to her feet, moving over to examine the little ghost candle, having to stand on tip-toe into order to get a closer look at it. "Is that a Litwick? And a shiny one too? Where did you get it? Was it hard to find? Were there others there as well?"
All these questions were spoken with an excited tone, the young girl forgetting her fear and pain in the midst of learning where she might be able to find a location to make another friend. Her pokemon joined her side, Phantump and Yamask floating over her shoulders while Golett stayed a bit behind her and Mimikyu looked up at the stranger from Amelia's feet, keeping a close eye on them incase they moved to bring some harm to her.
Steph spared a glance and a raised eyebrow towards Amelie's Pokemon as they came into view. Wait was this kid...a trainer? She couldn't be, right? Who on earth in their right mind would-
......
......
Adriane. It had to be Adriane right? There was no way it was anyone else in this region. Surely not. That would make her a fellow league challenger in that case, but at any rate, Steph could work that out later anyway as the girl began talking so she switched her mind back to the present. Man, she really was small, she could barely reach up to Dusk as she began excitedly asking about her partner. So, leaning down slightly to give her a better look Step instead took this as the opportune moment to confirm this by pulling out her Pokedex.
"Dusk heah? Gawt hiiem frawm Adriane and Kapoc thiies mawnin whaen Oy veezited the laygue hq t' staht the laygue chohlenge. Sao, unfohtunuytely, daon't knaow if theah weah any moah aw wheah thy gawt em frawm. He's a rayl beauh' ine't he?" Proudly showing off her starter to the younger girl, Dusk himself just peered down at her and seemed to tilt his head. He seemed confused about the presence of such a small human being out here and why she was so excitedly approaching him, but didn't seem to mind it much.
"If moy mate Freya taught me anythin' as waell, he loves chiien screetches. Er nawt thaht he hahs much of a chiien Oy guess. Wahnna troy and geeve hiiem some?"
Of course, Steph was concerned about the girl exploring this place by herself and how she talked about strange creatures further in, curious about that topic as well, right now she was more focused on making sure Amelie was ok and calm. She had a couple of younger cousins out back on the farm so she wasn't the worst with dealing with younger kids, but she figured she liked ghost types right? It was a fair assumption considering she had...well four of them and had taken a liking to Dusk, so keeping the talk focused around such a topic would surely make her happier.
"Wigh'...you cahn unduhstahnd me?" That thought also only just crossed Stephs mind. Finally, someone else who could understand her accent! She still didn't really understand the issue with it, so it was a relief that someone else could. "Yah hahve nao bloody idea haow annoyin and frustrytin ih' hahs bayn thaht nao one round thaese pahts cahn unduhstahnd me. Dunnao the issue honestly, ine't everyone sound the suyme?"
Once again, Amelia had to take a second to work out the words that were spoken to her, still having a bit of trouble but eventually working it out. She smiled once she understood, reaching out to scratch Dusk's chin, talking to the little ghost candle's owner as she did so. "It's... a little hard to understand but I've heard enough accents to be able to understand with a bit of effort. It's more to do with your pronunciation, I think. It's a bit like there are extra vowels or consonants that make words sound different than what we who are hearing it think they should." She said in a polite tone, not trying to insult the older girl. When she was done scratching Dusk's chin, she scooped down to pick up Mimikyu while Golett stood by her side and Phantump and Yamask floated over her shoulders. "You also got a pokemon from the Committee? That's where I got Phantump. Are you here to capture some pokemon? If so, I can try to help you. Just... don't go down there. There aren't any pokemon just... just those things."
As she brought up the creatures again, Amelia couldn't help but subconsciously shiver in fear, causing her pokemon to look at her in concern. Amelia was not easily scared by things. She was used to spending entire nights in a cemetery with nothing but ghost-type pokemon for company. She was used to them trying to scare her. But whatever those things down in the undercity had been had clearly left a mark on her and she clearly did not want to go near them again anytime soon.
....Eh?
Extra vowels? Consonants? Wait, was it really like that? The confusion was evident on Stephs face as she took a moment to think. Well, she did remember that Tristan said something about her being incomprehensible. Was...was it really that bad? Freya had seemed to understand her just fine after all. Of course Steph didn't know that she didn't understand her just fine, it took her a hot minute to work it out and now she could. But still she actually sat down and crossed her legs, resting her chin on her hand as she seemed to think for a moment before responding.
"So...wat...about...liyyke...this...then?" Slowing down her tone to see if that made a difference before looking to Amelie to see if it helped any. Of course speaking this slowly would be a pain so she would have to work out something different, but for now it should suffice right?
"Ye...I...got...Dusk...from...the...bloody...wack...'n...the...quack. Capture?...Nah...explawah. Heahrd..the...bloody...ruins...'ad...some...wack...garn...ons." Taking a deep breath, Steph just shook her head before pulling out her pokedex. Surely Amelie had one of this if she was a league challenger right? Holding it out so they could exchange details, Steph seemed to already be over speaking so slowly. She would just text it, would be a lot bloodier easier at this point in time.
But hey, at least this kid seemed a lot better than the only other challenger she had found. But Steph assumed that twat was probably just an outlier anyway. Once she had exchanged numbers, Steph would just furiously type smash away at the little keyboard to continue the conversation.
"As I was saying, came here to check out the ruins after hearing some rumours. Love me a good haunted ruin tale. What do you mean by 'things' by the way? I wanna know more, are they strong? Ooh ooh, are they scary? I wanna go see em! They're just a little further in right?"
....If it wasn't obvious by now, then it would be soon to Amelie. Especially by the wide grin on Stephs face. This girl lived for a thrill or two and it might take a bit to convince her not to go further in.
Amelia stayed standing as she watched the older girl sit down on the ground, a look of deep thought and possible frustration on her face. When she finally spoke again, Amelia noted that she was speaking more slowly now but it did make understanding her a little easier, but Amelia could tell that speaking like that would be rather annoying. "It is easier to understand but I was doing fine with you speaking normally. I'm sure I'd get the hang of it after a while." She said but the next two sentences were a little harder to understand. The phrases 'wack'n the quack' and 'wack garn ons' made no sense to her and her expression did show that she was struggling a bit with what the girl was trying to tell her. What she did at least get out of what the other girl was saying was that she was here to simply explore.
When the older girl brought out her pokedex, Amelia was a bit confused at first but once the girl made what she wanted to do clear, Amelia pulled out her own, quickly exchanging numbers. It was the first time she had ever done such a thing with someone, something that would probably be considered a bit sad by other people. That thought didn't even cross Amelia's mind though, as she looked at the message the girl had typed out for her. As she read it, whatever color the young girl's face had quickly left it. "No! Don't go down there!" She said, a little more loudly and forcefully than she meant to. Amelia was quick to catch herself though and took a few seconds to calm herself before speaking again. "Don't... it's too dangerous. I like haunted places too. I like being in places where Ghost-Types will call home. But this is not one of them. Whatever's down there has driven all the pokemon away. And it's not that aren't coming up here. I don't think they can. There's a barrier of some sort at the bottom. Going deeper into the ruins was easy. But when I tried to leave, I could feel it trying to keep me in with those things. I only saw one but I could sense at least three others. I'm just happy I didn't get caught by the one I did see. I don't want to think about what would have happened if it had noticed me."
As she spoke, Amelia's grip on Mimikyu tightened, to the point the little ghost had to move down so it's Disguise was taking the brunt of the pressure. Again, it was clear that whatever Amelia had seen down there had shaken her pretty badly and given she liked to go to haunted places just to see Ghost-Types, that probably wasn't the easiest thing to do.
Steph didn't particularly care nor judge Amelie's seeming lack of proficiency with technology. After all, she wasn't exactly an expert herself. She had just lucked out and been given a run down on how it all worked from Freya, though it did help she wasn't entirely clueless about it. Hell, this was only the...second person she had exchanged numbers with? And she had only just started doing so today!
One didn't have to be particularly perceptive or emphatic to notice the shift in Amelie's behavior as soon as she read that Steph wanted to go deeper in. Steph could see the evident fear that had shaken the girl up...and perhaps what might be seen as concerning to most, her response was just more excitement. Unknown monsters? Such a prospect made her heartrate triple from the excitement! But she managed to keep that hidden for the most part, except for an anxious sort of grin that she flashed Amelie. For a moment, it seemed like such a warning wasn't about to work perhaps.
"So there's a bunch of weird monsters down there? Well as much as I would love to go and check em out myself, as they sound like a real hoot-hoot to throw hands with, it wouldn't exactly be too responsible of me to leave a cutie like yourself unattended now, would it? Especially as frightened as you are. So, how about we head on out of here then? Maybe set up a camp for the night, think it over, and see if it's any different during the day hmmm? I know how to cook a mean stew." As the message cropped up on Amelies pokedex, so did Stephs hand on the younger girl's head, that same anxious grin turning to a more confident toothy win as she stood up and gestured to the exit.
It was obvious that Amelie didn't want to be here much longer. And Steph felt the need to look after the poor frightened girl, perhaps it was because she somewhat reminded her of a few of her younger cousins and how she would have to soothe and calm them down after they were frightened or scared by something. Or if they got excited or mad at one another and she would have to calm them down. Regardless, they were all boys so typically a yell or a hard smack to the head sorted them out. But Amelie?
She seemed like the type who needed a more gentle sort of treatment. She wouldn't even last one hit from Steph, even if she tried to be gentle with it. She seemed like the frail type, for reasons Steph didn't really think about as it wasn't important. At that thought however, it seemed a something occurred to the older girl.
"Oh, roightao, nymes's Steph!" Introductions! She had introduced Dusk, but not herself to the girl before her!
Amelia watched to see if the girl in front of her had any intention of heeding her warnings and to her dismay, all she saw was the grin on the girl's face remaining. She could tell that she had no intention of backing down and fully expected the older girl to storm off into the ruins to see what lay ahead. She watched as the girl typed something out before looking down at her pokedex when she got the message, reading over it. It was instant but when she got to a certain point in the message, the color returned to her face and then some, as her cheeks quickly grew red. They only grew redder when she felt the older girl put her hand on Amelia's head. "I-I'm not... that cute." She said, trying to hide her face but utterly failing to do so. Outside of her parents, her main interactions had only ever been with the Ghost-Type Pokémon close to home and her teacher, Aksel, who was usually more interested in her battling abilities than her appearance anyway. As such, she wasn't used to getting compliments from other people, let alone strangers. She would've taken a while to recover but then the older girl spoke, introducing herself as Steph. Amelia realized she hadn't introduced herself either and quickly gathered herself so she would speak clearly. "I'm Amelia. Amelia Artemia Averyonna. It's a pleasure to meet you Steph."
With introductions out of the way, she quickly reread the message again before addressing the rest of it. "Um... if you don't mind me being around... I'd be fine with that. But I'm also fine being alone. I don't want to get in the way of what you might want to do. I'm sure I would if I were to stick around. But if you don't mind it for one night... I'll try not to be a bother." She said, trying to choose her words carefully. This was harder than trying to warn the girl. Why did interacting with people have to be so difficult?
She couldn't exactly blame the girl for not wanting to go back in considering how shaken up she seemed to be when Steph had found her. And it wasn't that Steph didn't believe her to not go in, as even her own instincts had screamed at her not to go deeper moments before. Even now her hair still stood on edge, her heart still slowing down after that episode before. Something wasn't right about this place. Yet even so...Steph had to see it for herself. Was this curiosity? Stupidity? Bravery? Recklessness? It was hard to tell, even for her. It was simply the best way she could understand, experiencing it herself.
"Oy mayn tohkin is why aysier thahn thaese fahncy theengees." She held up her pokedex as she spoke, even giving it a light rattle. "Nawt ovuhly used t' ih' yaeh', steell thyah usaeful Oy guess. And its foine, Oy've hahd a few people taell me tuh-die Oy am hahd t' unduhstahnd...steell daon't raylly geh' ih', buh' yah side somethin abeow' extra vaowels aw cawnsonahnts aw somethin. Guess thaht's a plyce t' staht."
It was certainly the most helpful comment thus far on it. Freyja hadn't really spoken about it, and from Stephs perspective hadn't even really struggled with it. And that right ol cunt? He just insulted her. Like it was one thing to say it was hard to understand her, but that's all he had to say jeez. Eh, he wasn't her problem now anyway. And she would see him again, she was at least confident with that. Then she could see if he had improved any since Freyja schooled him. Surely he had to have, given that was a pathetic showing he could only go up from there. If anything, the sky was the limit! Not that she was too confident herself actually if she could beat Freyja, but she was certainly tempted to try. Maybe when she saw her again she would try her luck, no harm in trying right? Freyja seemed good, and you had to beat the good to overcome the best right?
"Some pointahs?" At the mention of camping, Steph seemed to mull something for a moment. And that was when it dawned on her. She was a terrible explainer of things...so uhh... "Oy cahn shaow yah a few theengs ye, nawt too good weeth wehds and explinein ih'. Its koinda loike...uh braythin yah knaow?" She wasn't even sure if that was a good analogy, but it was how she felt about a lot of things. They were like second nature to her, able to do so without thinking about it. So...thinking about it was hard.
"Anyhaow! Laeh''s hayd on eow' of heah and Oy'll geh' a fuyah gaowin. Cook up some good ol grub, yah look loike shiieh' sao a good fayd and a slayp should do ya wawndahs."
Steph seemed to have given up on going into the ruins, at least for now. She had also went back to talking regularly, so while it took a bit of mental gymnastics with some of the pronunciations, she was still able to understand Steph after a few seconds of mulling it over. She found her new friend referring to the pokedexes as 'fancy things' rather amusing, causing the young girl to smile. Steph than quickly shifted to talking about camping and how she wouldn't be the best at giving hints about camping, as it came too naturally to the older the older girl. Amelia could understand that to some degree, though for very different reasons. Still, she knew even watching could be helpful.
Then Steph brought up food and Amelia realized that she hadn't eaten since she left the city. That had been hours ago and she had just ran full sprint up the stairs leading out of the ruins. The registration of these facts seemed to cause her stomach to realize this fact as well, as it let out a low but audible growl, causing the young girl to turn red in the face. "Food... sounds really good right now." She said, her embarrassed as she looked at the ground. "I'll be happy to help anyway I can. Maybe I can pick up a thing or two by doing so."
Hearing the audible growl of Amelie's stomach made the older girl chuckle softly, even more so when she saw the younger girls face turn redder than a sunburnt tourist in the middle of a desert. She honestly never got why people got embarrassed over such a matter, it was a natural thing right? To feel hungry? Ain't nothing wrong with that, nor having a good appetite. Speaking of which, Steph was also hankering for some grub.
"Theah's nawthin too fahncy t' muyke, sao wawn't nayd much haelp, buh' if yah wahnna haelp thaht bahd, yah cahn haelp me gahthah up some koindlin and fuyahwood. steecks, brahnches, dayd layves. Ooll thaht soht of stuff. Fuhstly t' staht the fuyah and saecawndly t' kayp ih' gaowin. Just myke shooah yah daon't gao and use any grayn layves yayh? yah'll smoke us eow' if yah do." That was their first order of business once they got out after all. Start a few, set up a place to sleep, cook some food. Not necessarily in that order of course, but while they found a good spot to camp out they could start gathering for the fire. Steph did have a couple things to help in the regards to a fire, but she didn't exactly carry a full on log with her now did she?
Plus, it was a good chance to teach Amelie some tips. Sure, Steph was no survival guru. She wasn't going to be able to tell you how to survive out in the wilderness living entirely on wild berries and homemade traps, but she was no stranger to the outdoors. Cooking and campfires were about the extent of her knowledge, as her knowledge on some of the fauna back home probably didn't apply here, but she also knew a couple things about picking out a decent camp site. So that was the first thing she would look for once they left the ruins, or perhaps they found a good spot somewhere near the edge of the ruins. Honestly, anywhere with good shelter and decent ventilation would do so they wouldn't smoke themselves to death.
Once the spot was acquired and the kindling and some starting firewood collected, she would show Amelie how to start a fire. Starting with setting some loose stones, which there was no plenty near them, into a ring, she would form a small pile of kindling and while she knew the flint and steel method, a match was way easier so she used that instead. Sure, she could've used Dusk, but that might cause more issues than solutions.
In the meantime, she figured she would stroke up a bit more small talk as they did all this.
"Sao...you frawm Evig aw elsewheah? Oy'm frawm Garlar puhs'nally, invoited boy Adriane huhself."
Amelia listened closely as Steph spoke, taking in the instructions and nodding to show that she had understood them before following Steph out of the ruins. Once she knew where they would be camping, she went out to begin gathering up some kindling, all her pokemon joining her and helping her with the gathering the sticks and branches. Phantump was able to track some down easily and both Yamask and Gollet would carry small bundles while Mimikyu used it rather extendable claws to gather some that were a bit harder to get and in areas that were too difficult for Phantump to get with its stubbier arms.
After gathering enough kindling to get a fire going and keep it going for a bit, Amelia returned to the predetermined campsite. When Steph took charge of making the fire, Amelia stuck close to the older girl, watching her work closely and asking the occasional question to help her understand all the steps and the purpose they served in making a fire. Once that was done and it came time to set up the tents, Amelia would need some help, as she had never set one up before, seeing as her partents had never deemed her healthy enough to go out camping. After a bit of trial and error, she would manage to get her's set up and secure with Steph's help.
With the campsite all set up, Amelia would sit by the fire, watching the flames as her pokemon played around, save for Mimikyu which stayed in her arms. Then came Steph's question and after some thought, Amelia would slowly nod. "Yeah. I grew up in Florasong Town." She said, her tone suggesting it was not the happiest subject to be talking about. "Though, I'm not sure if I would consider it home. To me, it's more like a prison. I can't... I don't think I can afford to go back there."
Florasong? Hmmm....Steph reckoned she remembered that name on the map when she had glanced it over. That was alongside the other route outside of Grand Glory right? She didn't remember how far out, but it was pretty much in the opposite direction they were heading right now. Nodding as she listened to Amelia speak about how she couldn't afford to go back. Tossing a few small branches onto the growing fire, Steph perhaps unwisely stared into the bright light of the flames as if in thought for a moment before answering.
"Nawt ooll sunshoine and rinebaows weeth the good old fawlks huh? Guess thaht explines whoy a kiied loike yoahsself is eow' heah. Waell, if yah daon't wahnna gao bahck home thaen Oy guess yaw moah thahn waelcome t' tahg alawng weeth me faw as lawng as yaw wahntin t' puh' up weeth me. I'm nawt interested much in proyin intao yoah puhs'nal affaehs weeth yoah parents, yah'll probahbly taell me a storay thaht'll myke me wahnna mahch up t' thaeh frawnt door and slug em in the fyce aw somethin. Yaw steell waelcome t' shaeh if yah wahnna, just syyin Oy'm nawt gawnna proy intao ih'. Oy gawt moy own fair saense of prawblems weeth moy fawlk, though moine ahh koind of the opposoigh' of yoah own haeh. Guess nawt raylly knaowin em hahs some puhks." Poking the fire a bit so as to spread the flames out into the fuel, Steph let out a small chuckle before sighing. She wasn't just going to leave Amelia to fend for herself after hearing that, but she made sure to let her know that she was free to leave whenever she wanted. Or something like that, dunno. Steph wasn't all that great with thoughtful sensitive motions like this, maybe she was better off asking Freya about it whenever they met up again.
And as such, she didn't seem all that keen on elaborating on what she said about her own parents at the end. At least, not with someone she just met anyway.
"Whahts yoah plahns gaowin fohwahd thaen eh? Oy assume t' wiien thees chohlenge and whahtnawt, uhthahwoise nao point in bein in ih' roigh'? buh' Oy mayn loike, uh...aftah layvin thaese ruins aw whuytevah. Oy wahnna chaeck eow' the forest, heahd a few whahck rumours abeow' the joint thaht's gawt moy curiosity breestlin loike a meowth on cahtnip."
Amelia listened to Steph attentively as the older girl talked and said her piece. It was becoming easier to understand Steph the more Amelia talked with her and what her companion said about her parents helped bring a small smile to Amelia's face. When Steph asked what she planned on doing though, Amelia looked up at the night sky in thought eventually leaning so far back she was laying on the ground as she stared up at the starry sky. "I don't really have any plans. I'm just happy to be free and to be able to go where I please when I please." She said. "I don't have any desire to take part in the gym challenge. But, if you don't mind me tagging along, I wouldn't mind joining you. You seem like a good person and maybe on day I'll tell you my story.
As for tomorrow, we shouldn't go into the ruins. What's down there is too dangerous. I think I was very lucky to go in and get out. So, I think we should just keep going to the next town or we can check out the forest. Just know that I uh... I can't do a lot of running. If you're going to travel with me, it's going to have to be slow and steady. I hope that isn't a bother."
......eh?
Amelie's mention of her not having the desire to enter the gym challenge earned a blank look from the redhead. Wasn't that the whole point of why Adrianne had picked them to begin with? To enter the gym challenge, to contend with the elite four? To win the league? Or at the very least, attempt to. That was her entire impression of the gathering...whatever this ragtag group could be called.
First, a rich kid that barely knew the basics of fighting, and now someone who had no desire actually to compete? Steph wasn't sure what to make of her so-called competition. Faye seemed to be the only one worthwhile viewing as a threat at this point. Wait, no, no. She shouldn't discount anyone else just yet, after all, she hadn't really talked to the others who were at the handing out of their Pokemon. The girl with the camera, the other older boy, and the other girl. Perhaps one of them she could view as a proper out-and-out rival...
"Biieh' odd daon't yah theenk, tykin on thiies laygue buh' nawt wahntin t' do the gym chohlenge?" It wasn't a critique, simply a stating of facts. But hey, if this was what she wanted to do then who was Steph to judge? Well....too much. Besides, who knows, maybe the kid would get the desire to compete properly later down the line? At the very least it spared Steph the possible scenario of fighting a kid, for now.
Listening to what Amelia suggested for tomorrow and how she would no doubt slow Steph down, the older girl just shrugged. Not like she planned on sprinting or nothing all over the shop anyway.
"Gawtta pahss through the forest t' geh' t' the naext taown aw somethin anywhy, sao moigh' as waell geeve ih' a decent chaeckeow'. Steell gawt me curious loike a Meowth on whahts daown theah, buh' suppose Oy'll tyke yoah woahd faw ih' and come bahck at a luytah dyte instayd. Thaen Dusk heah cahn shaow em whaht faw heh?" Gesturing to her partner, who was currently off to the side and indulging in some pokefood, Steph leaned back against her bag and stared up at the starry star above....totally different yet the same as Galar huh? "As faw trahvelin spayd, daon't wohry too much. If yah geh' too tuyahd Oy cahn oolwhys cahry ya, aw mybee we cahn foind oursaelves a Tauros if weah lucky aw somethin of thaht soht faw yah t' roide instayd? Oy heah folk in Kalos ride Gogoats round." Steph wasn't sure if Amelia would be too keen on being carried or the like, probably embarrassing or something. Steph didn't quite get it, but she knew some of her younger cousins got all flustered saying they were big enough or old enough to walk by themselves. But if it was easier and quicker, then what did it matter? Steph didn't mind it hence the offer, even if she didn't expect her to accept. It was an option at the very least.
"At any ruyte, we should hahve a queeck boigh' t' ayt thaen hiieh' the sahck yayh? Gawt a lawng journay and ooll thaht, should staht ih' off roigh' weeth a decent slayp."
Amelia watched and listened to Steph's reactions, noting the blank expression that initially appeared on her new companion's face when she mentioned her lack of desire to enter the Gym Challenge. When she heard her response, Amelia's expression turned to one of confusion. "I... wasn't told to take on the League. My mentor simply got in contact with the Professor, and they gave me the pokedex and Phantump before letting me go to do whatever I want." She said. "I never had any desire to take on the Gyms or the League. It might have crossed my mind every now and then but I'm more than happy to just wonder around and see the world. Maybe I'll go to another region some day."
When she heard Steph reconsidering the idea of going down into the ruins, Amelia only nodded in agreement, happy to see that Steph was finally listening to her words of caution. When it came to traveling together, Amelia's face turned red at the thought of being carried, but probably not for the reasons Steph expected. "N-n-n-no, carrying me won't be necessary! I don't want you to have to burden yourself like that, especially if it happens to often. Besides, carrying me might put you in more danger if we're somewhere more dangerous or is we're being chased by some angry and dangerous pokemon! And in the latter scenario, I would only slow you down either way." She said. "So... maybe getting a Gogoat or something like that for emergencies would be a good idea so I don't cause you more trouble."
With Steph brining up packing in for the day, Amelia nodded in agreement. She wasn't used to going to bed this early, as she usually stayed up until the early hours of the day, like one or two in the morning. However, given the day she had just had and the fact she would now be traveling with someone, she knew she couldn't keep that schedule up and that it would be best to get working on a new one.
After a long deserved rest, the duo wake up to the early spring morning of Route 4. There was still a coolness to the air, but otherwise it is comfortable weather. The time is theirs. What do they do?
Route 4
(It's actually a sunny day. Ignore the heavy mist and grey clouds.) Route 4 is a long, hilly, rocky, grassy area with numerous flowing rivers stemming from Lake Charity. It is not nearly as a well-traveled road like Route 1, but it is still a main road from Grand Glory City to Starbor Village. Due to the terrain, there are not many people who live on this route. Just a long route of rocks, hills, and rivers, but it does attract certain kinds of Pokemon. However, it is one of the many popular fishing spots found around Evig and it is filled with many fishermen looking for their next catch. There's even a shop that sells fishing rods and bait.
From here, one could see the towering mass of trees that make up Starbor Forest and the skyline of Grand Glory City. There is a road for vehicles to travel, but for on-foot travelers they would have to settle for a rocky dirt walkway. However, travelers who are going by foot are rewarded with being near some mysterious ruins; massive walls of stone carved with strange symbols. What do they say? Heck if anyone knows.
1. Find Pokémon. Can be specified what kind of Pokémon is being searched for, and how you search. 2. Train Pokémon. With this command, we can jump ahead in time and skip posting about grinding. 3. Seek trainers. There should be some trainers among those walking back and forth in the area or some fisherman wanting a brawl. 4. Talk. There’s plenty of travellers around. Maybe seek answers to any burning questions you have. 5. Move along. Move along normally, letting any events that may come happen naturally. 6. Hurry along. Intentionally avoid confrontations and try to get safely to the next destination. 7. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 8. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 9. Area Specific: Shop. Fishing Store, a place to get a fishing rod. Mysterious Ruins. Of unknown origin, ancient markings on them.
Deciding to put his luck in a Pokeball, Tristan threw a Pokeball at the Gossifleur and with a smack against the head it was absorbed in a beam of light.
It rolled once...
The Pokeball cracked wide open and out came the Gossifleur with a victorious cry. Just as it was discussed in the chat, Tristan threw another Pokeball in desperation to catch it rather than risk knocking it out. It against smacked against the living flower's head and it was absorbed into another Pokeball.
It rolled once... it rolled twice...it rolled thrice!
Tristan caught Gossifleur!
Gender: Female Type: Grass Personality: (Up to player.) Quirks/Talents/Aspirations/Other: (Up to player.) Level: 8 Moves: Leafage, Sing, Sweet Scent, Rapid Spin Ability: Regenerator The Pokémon has a little of its HP restored when withdrawn from battle. Held Item: Currently at half hp, burned.
New Pokémon caught! Tristan earned 500 P!
Would you like to give a nickname to Gossifleur?
Tristan is still in the park. What does he do?
1. Find Pokémon.Can be specified what kind of Pokémon is being searched for, and how you search 2. Talk. In cities, there are considerably more people one can talk to. 3. Exit. Exit the park. 4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 6. Aria's Manor It's open to the public. It's a good start to learn more about the park and the plants and Pokemon that live in it.
The taste of the coffee tasted darker than anything he had in his life. It was roasted to the point that if he had seen the beans they would resemble black holes poked into reality. Just pushing it down his throat was a great exercise physically and mentally as he had to remind himself that this was indeed coffee. Hell, he watched her sip that void sludge like it was a morning glass of orange juice.
She sat there with that mug and listened to Jason explain why he was there, her expression unchanging. However, it did change when he complimented her physique.
"Damn right they are." Helga said flexing a bicep with great pride. Veins popped out in vivid detail as muscle striations rippled beneath her skin as if they were about to explode outward.
"Back on topic, let's suppose that hypothetically I know where to find that shrine. Why should I help you? What do I get out of it?" She asked the death defying boy. He was warned that she would be making a big ask for his request. Considering that she was someone that lived in this forest alone, his woes with traversing the forest did not move her so he would have better luck actually making a deal with her.
"Um, okay. Thank you and uh, good luck," said the man before she left to go to the local Pokemart thanks to Sage to buy some Pokeballs. She bought six Pokeballs and with the four in her bag she now had ten. She spent 1200 P. However before she left, a man in a deliveryman's uniform approached her, looking confused as to how she was there at the exact moment. He held a package out to her asking if she was Faye.
It was a package with a note that read, 'May you find this helpful on your journey.
- A Benefactor.'
Opening the package, she would find a smooth turquoise stone with a star in the middle.
Faye received a Dawn Stone!
Deciding that if she didn't go now that she'd forget, Faye backtracked to Route 1.
Route 1
(Ignore the mountains. This was the only picture that came close to my mental image.)
Those heading to Route 1 would be welcomed by the site of rolling green hills with wildflowers beginning their spring bloom strewn about, painting the route with vibrant, untamed color that ran along the entire route. The road itself was like any road; there was a paved path for cars, but for those walking around they would only have a dirt path to walk on though it was well maintained. It was a popular route for beginning trainers due to the lack of challenge that the terrain offered and the close proximity to Florasong Town compared to Route 4's challenges and length.
Aside from hills of greenery and flowers, there were a sizable number of farms on this route each with their own specialty. Some grew wheat, some grew berries, some grew vegetables, and so on. A large portion of the region's food is grown here on this route. Of course, this was common knowledge to anyone living in Evig would know that the only thing not produced here is meat, which is actually produced in places such as Nexus due to the region having advanced cultured meat to the point that it is now the mainstream.
There were also ranches in the area where it can be safely assumed that had Pokemon on them and plenty of Breeders who offered their expertise. One could get Moomoo Milk in some of them. There was even a Day Care Center where a nice elderly couple who were very much experienced Pokemon Breeders.
The route was decently well-trafficked with trainers and others coming down from Florasong or from Grand Glory. There were many trainers in the tall grass searching for Pokemon or on the edge of a forest that strangely wasn't marked on the map. What could be in it?
There were kids playing in the grass, well, actually it looked like they were holding a little tournament of some sort. If Stella was paying attention, perhaps she would recognize Faye, one of the others at the lab who received their starter as well. Also, not that far off sitting under a tree was Tristan, a boy with white hair greyish-silver hair, that was there at the lab when she received her starter. It appeared that he was reading a book.
Along the grass there were puppy Pokemon going about their day, mainly just lying in the now midday sun or playing amongst themselves. There were also these creatures with zigzagging markings all over their body scavenging for food.
Pokédex Entry #835 – Yamper, the Puppy Pokémon. This Pokémon is very popular as a herding dog in the Galar region. As it runs, it generates electricity from the base of its tail. It only assists people with their work because it wants treats. As it runs, it crackles with electricity.
Pokédex Entry #263 – Zigzagoon, the Tiny Raccoon Pokémon. It marks its territory by rubbing its bristly fur on trees. This variety of Zigzagoon is friendlier and calmer than the kind native to Galar. If you've lost something, this Pokémon can likely find it.
However, slithering in the grass were these purple, poisonous snakes with yellow rattles at the end of their tails hunting the near endless supply of Zigzagoons.
Pokédex Entry #023 – Ekans, the Snake Pokémon. By dislocating its jaw, it can swallow prey larger than itself. After a meal, it curls up and rests. The eggs of bird Pokémon are its favorite food. It swallows eggs whole, so sometimes an egg gets stuck, and Ekans faints.
Again, Faye found herself on the country road. It was late morning, the sun hung high overhead while the early spring breeze blew through her hair. She walked along the dirt path by the road with the occasional car driving on the highway. While she could have made an effort to catch more Pokemon so she could even qualify for the gym challenges, she expectedly did not much to the narrator's dismay and instead went directly to the apricorn farm.
Luckily for Faye she did not have to search hard for it. With the address in hand and the Pokemon world equivalent of Google Maps she would eventually find herself outside a wooden farmgate that read Voltorb Orchards. Clearly someone had a sense of humor when naming their farm.
The gate was open and Faye was free to walk in and it did not take long to see the rows after rows of apricorn trees that almost surrounded the farm. She would continue to walk down the dirt driveway until she would see two figures standing in front of a truck with the hood open. Faye would be able to recognize one of the figures as the grandfather of the store clerk that was given to her, who was now very much red in the face.
"It's gone?! How does that even happen?!" Yelled the grandfather.
The person that he was yelling at, a rather portly man with a shaven head and a severe case of a farmer's tan yelled back, "I don't know what to tell you, but it's gone! Bring your rust bucket because I can't drive your shipment."
What does Faye do?
Grand Glory City Florasong City Illusive Woods
1. Find Pokémon. Can be specified what kind of Pokémon is being searched for, and how you search. 2. Train Pokémon. With this command, we can jump ahead in time and skip posting about grinding. 3. Seek trainers. There should be some trainers among those walking back and forth in the area. 4. Talk. There’s plenty of travelers around. Maybe seek answers to any burning questions you have. 5. Move along. Move along normally, letting any events that may come happen naturally. 6. Hurry along. Intentionally avoid confrontations and try to get safely to the next destination. 7. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 8. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 9. Area Specific: Ranches and Farms. If you can think of a reason to go.. Pokemon Daycare. There if you need it. Unmarked Woods For some reason it is not marked on the map. What is it? Kids.They seem to be holding a tournament of sort.
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