Astoria - The Enchanted Forest

[kaisap112]

Whew, sorry for being so slow with these updates guys! I'm finally back from another vacay in Idaho, and I'm ready to head back into it, so... let's head back into it!

The Divine Woodland

Magus Falls

Kaisap112 –

You started to realize that words would not sway your crocodilian opponent, so you called back your Seel in favor of a stronger Pokemon: Elmira, your Shinx. Now you could use Kitty for some distance attacks and Elmira for close-range combat… if you could get Kitty away from Croconaw. That would prove difficult as the Croconaw continues its Rage-induced tirade on Kitty, bringing her health below 60% as its unpredictable movement keeps your Skitty guessing, making it harder to dodge. Kitty tries her best to back away, and is barely three feet away when she unleashes her Bullet Seed, this time hitting Croconaw three times for some decent damage, but this was likely to work against you as Croconaw’s Rage and attack power increases drastically with each hit. Elmira finds an opening to step in front of Kitty and protect her princess with a Leer attack, her warning to Croconaw to stay away or face her wrath. Add on her Intimidation, and you’d think that’d stop a Pokemon in its tracks, but a bigger, raging Croconaw? …Eh, not so much, though it did cut into its attack strength a little.

However, this meant Elmira was in its path, and more importantly in the path of its jaws. Before your Shinx could react, Croconaw suddenly Bites into her torso, then throws her, resulting in her losing a fourth of her health after landing off to the side. Croconaw then starts to go after Kitty again, who was startled at what had happened that she couldn’t move, but Elmira wasn’t going to let Kitty get hurt again. She Tackles Croconaw from behind it, knocking it down hard, inches from Kitty. She then gains her senses and runs back toward you, hoping her older sister would follow suit. But the Croconaw suddenly gets back up and knocks Elmira off, separating her from you. All you could do was watch as your foe turns around and prepares to attack your helpless Pokemon...

“Exeggutor, Psychic attack!” you hear a nasal voice suddenly call out.

A palm tree with three coconut heads stomps out and you see her eyes glow, but more importantly the Croconaw’s body is fixed in place. Elmira also rushes back to your side as the Croconaw struggles to move, which uses more and more energy, but it is simply held in place until it gets tired and stops resisting, at which point Exeggutor gently sets it back down. Next to the Grass-type is a teenager with spiky hair, a black shirt, and khaki pants, looking like he was starting to sport a goatee. “Your Pokemon all right? That was pretty close!” Something feels familiar about him.

He then approaches the tired Croconaw as he says, “So, what’s gotten into this guy anyway?” He makes a few attempts to look closer, but Croconaw still has the energy to snap at him. But one glance at the back of its jaw allows him to see what the problem is. He takes out a pair of tweezers from his pack and calmly says, “All right, I’m just tryin’ to help you, kay?” Croconaw groans in distrust as the teenager takes his other arm and tries to touch its nose to calm it down, but Croconaw suddenly clamps down on his arm, and he winces in pain. You watch in concern and try to run in to help, but he tells you to stay back, then he grits his teeth to fight off the pain, takes the tweezers in his other hand, and uses them to reach at something in the very back of its jaw. Croconaw Bites down harder, appearing to fight off its own pain, but after a few minutes, the teenager successfully pulls what looks like a tooth. After that, Croconaw calms back down and lets go of his arm. He sighs and says, “There you go, now you just need some rest. Exeggutor, use Hypnosis.”

The Walking Jungle’s eyes glow again as she makes eye contact with Croconaw, and the reptile doesn’t try to resist the calming stare as it slowly drifts off to sleep, the raging waterfall nearby nowhere near loud enough to wake it anytime soon. He leaves a Sitrus Berry nearby so it can regain its energy when it wakes up, then he approaches you, holding up the tooth in his tweezers. “See? This tooth must’ve just grown weird and caused Croconaw a lot of pain. That’s probably why it went berserk. It should be fine now, though; it just needs some rest.” As he got some bandages and Exeggutor used her Psychic powers to help bandage his arm he suddenly says, “Oh yeah, I forgot to introduce myself! I’m Gary, the Viridian City Gym Leader!”

What will Noriko do?

OOC: Sorry for the wait, my brain refused to work properly.


Noriko watched helplessly as Kitty and Elmira proceeded to battle the angry Croconaw – with devastating results. Croconaw’s use of Rage made pretty much all of the two felines’ attacks only work against them by powering up the Water-type Pokémon even further. Elmira got caught in a powerful Bite and was tossed aside like a ragdoll. Her Intimidation was nearly useless and the battle was looking extremely bad for Noriko and her partners.

“Exeggutor, Psychic attack!”

The sudden command made Noriko stiffen, but what made the situation even more threatening was a large, coconut-tree-looking Pokémon rushing at them from a nearby bush, stomping loudly while at it. Noriko didn’t need to consult a Pokédex to recognize an Exeggutor, a Grass-type Pokémon with a good dose of Psychic-qualities. Croconaw stood still, heavily affected by Psychic no doubt, eyes fixed on the intruder. Not a moment sooner a young man came from behind Exeggutor, wearing khaki pants and a black shirt. The spiked hair seemed incredibly familiar…

“Your Pokemon all right? That was pretty close!” Noriko nodded to the young man’s question, her Pokémon having already run right into her arms in fear. There was no damage that a visit to the Pokémon Center wouldn’t fix, but Croconaw was a bigger issue.

“So, what’s gotten into this guy anyway?” This man was either very brave or very dumb, thought Noriko to herself while watching him approach the Croconaw and try to make contact with it. The man pulled a pair of tweezers out of his backpack. “All right, I’m just tryin’ to help you, kay?” A gasp escaped out of her mouth when Croconaw, clearly not happy with the young man, Bit right on his arm. Noriko didn’t even manage to run two steps before she was ordered to stand back. Incredibly enough he was still talking to Croconaw, like the attack on his arm wasn’t much at all. He held in his free hand a pair of tweezers, reaching quickly into Croconaw’s mouth and pulling out a bad-looking tooth after a bit of painful-looking struggling. Noriko watched in amazement as Croconaw quietly let go of the arm in response.

“There you go, now you just need some rest. Exeggutor, use Hypnosis.” Croconaw fell asleep without struggle, with the young man leaving a Sitrus Berry by its side for later consumption. Noriko still had a hard time processing this incredibly odd event. The man showed her the bad tooth.

“See? This tooth must’ve just grown weird and caused Croconaw a lot of pain. That’s probably why it went berserk. It should be fine now, though; it just needs some rest.” He proceeded to get some bandages from his backpack, and with some help from Exeggutor’s Psychic bandaged his arm up. “Oh yeah, I forgot to introduce myself! I’m Gary, the Viridian City Gym Leader!”

Noriko’s eyes went wide at the realization of who exactly was making casual conversation with her. Gary: a Gym Leader, a famous one at that, and even more powerful than Erika. So many girls had joined his fan club Noriko had lost count. Even ones at the Celadon Gym! Noriko, still holding Elmira and Kitty in her arms, bowed deeply. “It is an honor to meet a Gym Leader! I’m Noriko and these are Elmira and Kitty, my friends, and I apologize for the trouble, my friends haven’t been in a whole lot of battles yet and I overestimated my capability…” she went on to blabber apologetically, nervous like never before. Her head suddenly snapped back up. “Oh, how come a Gym Leader is wandering around these parts of the woods?” She laid Elmira and Kitty back on the ground, summoning both back in their Pokéballs for a good rest. “Or has that Croconaw been problematic for a long time?”

[Son_of_Shadows]

Eyrie Peak

Posy Field

Son_of_Shadows –

You just knew there was something odd about a certain Beedrill’s behavior, so your curiosity gets the better of you, and you decide to head off in the direction it flew to. Along the way, you find an Ariados checking out an empty web; it almost looked like it was mourning over something. Fortunately, it was too distracted to attack you, so you quickly move on. Next to catch your eye was a Volbeat handing a flower to an Illumise, the female bug’s cheeks becoming rosy as she accepts the flower and they begin dancing in what was likely a courtship ritual. Beautiful, but another good sidetracker, so once again you continue down the path. You then hear some buzzing, so you assumed it was the Beedrill, but nope, a Yanma flies past you, looking for somewhere to land. More buzzing now, this time a lot of it. Ah, this must be the hive your peculiar bee friend belongs to. You hide behind the bushes to avoid being seen, and, sure enough, you could see the one you were after. Looked like it was feeding the berries to some hungry Weedle, but then you notice it flying over to a larger Beedrill sitting at the stump of the tree where the hive was. Oh wow, this Beedrill must be the queen of this hive! But she looks sick, and you could see the smaller Beedrill feeding her some Berries too, but it didn’t look like her sickness was alleviating any. The berries she was being fed either weren’t what she needed or weren’t powerful enough.

What will Joshua do?

As interesting as the forest sights were, especially that Volbeat and Illumise courtship ritual - seemed like a good research opportunity, not that he was a researcher - Joshua had a mission - figure out why that Beedrill hadn't attacked him. Stupid natural curiosity. A long trek later, he came across the hive, and ducked into the bushes so he could have a good vantage point yet not risk being attacked. Careful watching revealed the plight of the hive - the Queen Beedrill was sick. The drone Joshua had seen was bringing her some berries in an attempt to cure the illness, as were some other Beedrill, but none of it was doing any good. So what could be done here? Putting the Queen in his debt could only be beneficial after all... If berries would do nothing, perhaps it was time for human medicine. He did have some Potions on standby after all. But how could he win the trust of the hive?

He took a Potion (3/5) from his bag, and stood slowly, approaching the hive as cautiously as he could, using his body language to make it plain that he had no intention of harming anything there...

Goodbye cruel world.

OOC: Yeah, sorry for all the lateness, this is my first chance to update in a month.

[Dark Searchman]

Whew, I have some time to post this before I get into packing, so here goes! Sorry for being lazy, folks! >_< Also I've decided that my group should start posting in lime so we can distinguish ourselves from the others in Astoria.

The Divine Woodland

Magus Falls

Kaisap112 –

You could forget all about the near-death experience that Kitty and Elmira had against a cranky Croconaw (in fact, you would rather forget it); you had to live in the moment here! I mean, when was the last time you met a Gym Leader, huh? My guess… too long ago to satisfy you. And now, here you were, standing in front of one of the dreamiest Gym Leaders from the Kanto region: Gary Oak, grandson of the Prof. Oak! You were so embarrassed, you had to apologize for you and your Pokemon’s inexperience as you returned them to their Pokeballs and gave them some time to rest. But then it occurred to you: what was the Viridian City Gym Leader doing all the way out here in Astoria? His answer: “Heh heh, you’re really lucky, I just happened to be here looking for some ruins I was asked to check out!” chuckled Gary. “Things just looked bad for you, so I figured I’d better step in! I’m just glad it all worked out!”

You then look towards the Croconaw and the pool of water at the base of the waterfall, and you notice a familiar head pop out of the water. It’s the Remoraid who helped you earlier, and as you point out the fish to Gary, he notices something. “Hey wait… Remoraid, can you come a little closer?” Remoraid swims up to the edge of the pool, and Gary kneels down for a closer look at this Pokemon. “What’s this…?” he asks quietly as you could see him remove what looked like a ring from the Remoraid’s tail fin. He looks closer at the ring and gasps. “Remoraid, where did you get this?” he asked urgently, showing her the ring. “Can you show me?” Remoraid nods, then swims over to the raging Waterfall and scales up the pouring water, then swimming into… somewhere. It looked to be a few meters below the top of the waterfall, but… what is this, I don’t even… “Hm, guess I need to head in there too… Exeggutor, return, and go, Blastoise!” Gary switches from a three-headed palm tree to a big blue turtle with shoulder cannons. “All right, Blastoise, use Waterfall to get me up to that point!” he orders, pointing where the Remoraid disappeared. Blastoise jumps into the water, then Gary says, “Well, I’m gonna check this out, so see ya around!” And with that, Gary jumps in as well and holds on to Blastoise’s back as his turtle climbs up the Waterfall too. The idea of exploring ancient ruins sure sounded interesting, but exploring ruins with the Gary Oak? You could turn such a dream into reality… if you had a Pokemon that could use Waterfall, that is…

What will Noriko do?

Eyrie Peak

Adventure Path

Flame Mistress – {Your update is here.}



Posy Field

Jolteonjak –

Having successfully dealt with two of the three Beedrill blocking your way so their Berry-thieving friend could escape, you had one sticking around. Why it was trying to stall out for more time, you had no idea, but it did give you an opportunity to try some more flashy moves. At least, you’d try them after the Beedrill spit out fine silk threads. Lots of Strings Shot out at all of the Pokemon, each of them unable to shake off the silk, but at least it didn’t hamper their movement too much. Besides, Cyndaquil didn’t need to move around much to bring out his Icy Hidden Power and direct it towards Beedrill for some decent damage. Meanwhile, Teddiursa found your offer of a Pecha Berry too good to resist, and she enjoyed eating the toxin-curing fruit. She thanks your gesture of a sweet tasting berry with a cute smile as Numel Growls at the Beedrill, making it start to think a little more about getting away.

You then notice its antennae perk up and really start to panic. It deliberated about whether or not it should try and get the comatose Beedrill to safety, but once you started hearing more buzzing, you saw it flying away extremely quickly. More buzzing now… You turn around and barely avoid peeing in your own pants at the sight of a huge Beedrill swarm bearing down on your position, and fast. Of course the consensus is to turn tail and put as much distance between you and the swarm as much as possible, but as you look back, you can see a few of the Beedrill break away from the swarm and attack the two unconscious bees. Any attempt to try and stop them, of course, would not have been a good idea, so you, your Pokemon, and Teddiursa continue to flee. You run out into the meadow when you notice Teddiursa and your Numel lose their footing. Moreso this time, you, Cyndaquil, and even Heracross want to stop and help, but the swarm had already overtaken the two Pokemon, and your instincts overtake you and keep your legs moving as Cyndaquil and Heracross keep up with you as well. You run into another forested area, and soon you find yourself running into a tree buzzing with even more Beedrill, along with Weedle and Kakuna, and you could catch a glimpse of a man in his twenties in the middle of that swarm… {keep reading… =) }

Son_of_Shadows – {In the future, you'll want to link here if you plan on using those Potions of yours... =) }

You see the Beedrill feeding its queen some Berries, none of which were working, but at least they would sustain her until they got the one Berry that would cure her. Maybe, though, it wasn’t Berries that were needed, it was a Potion. Healing item in hand, you slowly stand up. Of course, the idea of a human being this close to the hive didn’t resonate all too well with most of the Beedrill there as they sound the alarm and close in on you. You were scared out of your wits, yet you stood there with your hands up, not doing anything but explain your purpose was to try and assist their queen. They were even more on edge about the idea of you doing something to Her Majesty, but after a few minutes of you not moving, they relax their stances and allow you to have an audience with her. You approach slowly, your legs trembling, showing you were as much afraid as the Beedrill were.

Finally, you came close enough to the queen, and the Beedrill from before recognizes you and slowly backs away from his queen, holding his stinger arm out toward you, daring you to try anything funny. You slowly kneel in front of the sick queen and carefully hold the Potion against the queen’s torso, your hands trembling before spraying the ointment. She buzzes in pain, and the guard Beedrill tense up once again. You close your eyes and tense up yourself, expecting a barrage of stings, but the Beedrill next to you buzzes some sort of message towards the other Beedrill, presumably a message that he believed you were only trying to help. They maintain their positions, and you look up and see that the queen is in better shape but still sick. But, by golly, your act of bravery/stupidity/charity wasn’t going to go unappreciated! Your friend gently lifts with his stingers a Pecha Berry from the pile of berries that you recognized was from the handful it was carrying earlier and raises it up towards you so you could take it. Still, if a Potion wasn’t going to cure her, what would?

Your thoughts are interrupted as you notice another Beedrill fly towards the hive. It looked like it had sustained a few battle scars, but what it battled, you weren’t quite sure. The injured Beedrill and the one you had met earlier start talking to each other, then to the queen. She weakly gives out some sort of command to the rest of the hive to prepare for a battle, and you see and hear the buzzing they make as they follow their sick queen. Then you hear more buzzing from out in the distance. Lots of buzzing. And screaming too. You first see a 16 year old boy with a Cyndaquil and a Heracross run up to the hive… behind them was a swarm of Beedrill slightly bigger than the swarm you were with… {keep reading… =) }

Jolteonjak & Son_of_Shadows –

Both of you suddenly realize what was happening: one Beedrill swarm had come to invade the other’s nest, and you and your Pokemon were about to be caught in the turmoil. You try your best to get yourselves out of the way of the clashing Beedrill, but a few seconds into watching the battle unfold, each of you see a certain group of Beedrill from the invading swarm that catches your interest. Why? Because they held captive a couple of noteworthy Pokemon; the Teddiursa that Chad had befriended was struggling to escape one Beedrill’s arms until another one held one of its stingers up to Teddiursa’s throat at which point she simply froze in fear, tears streaming down her cheeks, but she dare not cry and risk agitating her captors further. Another Beedrill held a barely conscious Karrablast whom Joshua recognized as the one he and Bishop battled earlier. Oh, but they weren’t the only things interesting about this group. Your attention soon focuses on one of the Beedrill whose body was green and black instead of yellow and black, her eyes being blue instead of red. Judging by the way she waved her stingers around, you could tell she was the queen of this swarm. Unfortunately, Chad is unable to find his Numel at this point and could only assume the Numb Pokemon was left where he fell after the bees were done with him. The Shiny Beedrill queen notices your presence and orders her attendants to give her some space while she wishes to have some fun with a few non-Beedrill opponents. Both of you now stand against this new queen, unknowingly defending the queen lying in sickness, her two attendants whom you had met earlier watching to see which side of the battle you would join, if any. All the while, skirmishes between the swarms take place in the surrounding areas.

For this special battle, both of you are allowed to have two Pokemon out at the same time and may call out two attacks per Pokemon per reply. However, Joltoenjak, Numel is currently rendered unavailable to you for this adventure. You may decide to continue using Cyndaquil and Heracross, or you may substitute either or both of them for other Pokemon in your active party. However, be advised that since Cyndaquil has not had time to heal, his energy and health will stay at what it was when your previous battle ended. He currently has below 50% energy, and his health remains at above 60%. Heracross, meanwhile, has full health and about 90% energy. Son_of_Shadows, if you decide to use Bishop again, he will have only gained about a fourth of his health and energy back… and if you recall, he came pretty darn close to losing all of his energy battling Karrablast. He would also sit at about 60% of his health.

So, what will Chad and Joshua do?

Garden of Iris

Rainbow Pool

Coolz8 –

Leah allows you to grasp her hand so she could find some comfort to help her with the pain from her leg injury. “Torterra, please use Iron Head on Vespiquen after Trick moves, then Bite,” she orders her tortoise, wincing again from the pain.

The Combee hold their positions and try combining their Gust attacks again, this time forming two smaller cyclones instead of one big one so they could hit two targets, but thanks to some quick thinking Trick was able to duck under Torterra, reducing the damage he would’ve taken. Of course, this meant Torterra took the brunt of the attacks, but she could take it in style. Then all of a sudden, Trick jumped out from under his cover and let loose a bright Flash on the small swarm. Your vision returned to normal after a few seconds, and then you could see for a brief moment the damage the Flash had caused. The first two Combee were able to look away, but Vespiquen and the other three Combee find their vision out of sorts, one of them finding their vision particularly blurry. The important thing, though, was that Vespiquen wasn’t going to see the Continent Pokemon coming. While Trick was distracting your enemies, Torterra had been charging Steel energy, magnetizing what little Iron there was in the fields and drawing it towards her Head. She wasn’t going to wait for Trick to get out of the way, however, but fortunately the little Treecko barely jumped away so that Vespiquen would take the full blow of the critical hit she was dealt. Pushed back against a tree, Vespiquen was brought back down to below half of her health. “I’m sorry, I told her to attack after your Treecko moved, but she is too impatient. Just… please be careful around her,” says Leah, apologizing for her Torterra’s Hasty tendencies. You then feel a breeze come straight at you… which would be supporting the Combee’s backs with a refreshing Tailwind, and the glowing eyes of Vespiquen show who provided it. Now you had to deal with some even faster Bug Pokemon!

And guess what? Those faster Combee were going to whip up Gusts even quicker now! Fortunately, they seem preoccupied on getting Torterra off of Vespiquen and concentrate all their Gust attacks towards that direction. The five attacks combine once again, dealing some good damage to Torterra, but also accidentally dealing that same damage to Vespiquen in the process! Torterra was successfully blown off to the side, but at what price? Oh, and they had their backs turned; this was Trick’s chance to attack another Combee! Latching onto one Combee’s back, he Absorbs more delicious honey goodness, gaining only another tiny portion of his health back, but at least he wasn’t damaged too much, so he was brought that much closer back to full health. Thanks to Tailwind, Vespiquen could Order one of her servants to come over and Heal her before Torterra could attack again, but it took time for the Combee to transfer all of its health over to his queen. Too much time. Torterra interrupted the healing by Biting her quarry in the midsection and causing Vespiquen to flinch. And the process didn’t exactly allow Combee to stop transferring his energy somewhere. Poor little bee, he was only able to complete half of the healing process; the other half of his energy was wasted, and he fell unconscious knowing he failed in his duties.

Well, this left four Combee, still just below 90% health, but now starting to look a little tired at about half energy; Trick is currently latched on to one of the Combee’s backs, who is slightly behind in health from the others. Vespiquen was getting a run for her money now since her Heal Order only half worked, and she was now below 40% health and at about 60% energy. Trick and Torterra were both still looking pretty healthy, though Trick would need to make sure not to get in Torterra’s way, or he would risk getting caught in the giant tortoise’s attacks.

What will Frinth do?

Dead Forest

Toxic Marsh

Ampharos_Dude –

A Toxicroak assailant had just been suppressed by two hillbillies, much to the chagrin of your Sunkern. As you shake hands, you ask who the Squirtleman was. “Wha- you never heard of the Squirtleman?” asks the guy you shake hands with. “Well, you’re shakin’ hands with ‘im!” he says proudly. “Real name’s Ronnie, ‘n this is Louie.” He then explains that it’s his job to deal with nuisance Pokemon around the Toxic Marsh, whether it was an Ekans in someone’s bedroom or a Gloom wafting its pungent odor around a neighborhood. His specialty, however, was in the Squirtle evolution line, hence where he got the nickname “Squirtleman”. The Toxicroak they took down was a big problem for a local who relied on raising Leavanny to make the clothes she sold. “But now he’s in this!” said the Squirtleman, holding the special Pokeball with the Squirtle sticker that held Toxicroak. “The Squirtle on the Pokeball helps me figure out which Pokemon I need to relocate. I’ve got plenty of ‘em, ‘cause we got a few more calls to get today.

“Tell you what, I think we could use some help with our calls today, ‘s just my gut tellin’ me. Plenty of adventure and re-ality for a kid like you! Plus, we’ll be movin’ a few turtle Pokemon out of someone’s pond. Who knows, maybe there’s a Squirtle thar that I’ll let ya catch! So, whatcha say?”

What will Shiro do?


Missingno. Master –

You were just walking through the heavenly swamp when you suddenly had a .22 pointed at you and Gemini. You explained to the brunette that you had no idea you were walking on someone’s private property and would gladly like to know the best way to get off of it. From her expression, you could see that she believed you, but as she lowered her gun, she said, “Hold on thar, partner! Y’all looked like you were walkin’ through here like ya owned these parts. Can’t do that ‘round here ‘thout bein’ a strong Poison trainer. I can’t jus’ let y’all go anywhere else in the Toxic Marsh ‘thout you provin’ yer Weezin’s got mor’n bad gas!” She takes out a Pokeball and throws it. “Let’s go Teddie!”

An entity of living sludge shaped like a bear popped out of her Pokeball, and the Garbodor roared out proudly, challenging Gemini to a battle as well. “Let’s put a bet with this! If y’all lose, you gotta leave the swamps, but if ya win, we’ll treat y’all to lunch! Now get ready, y’all! Teddie, ‘fthey wan’ a battle, start with Stockpile, then Acid Spray to wear ‘em down, then Body Slam!” Well, that’s a pretty big risk for you if you lose, but it didn’t look like she was going to let you have any other choice… not while she had that shotgun close to her, at least. Or you could just leave and admit you weren't worthy of traversing these swamps.

What will Keith do?



The Burial Ground

Marion Ette –

Oblivious to the onslaught of Poison Pokemon being controlled by a Mismagius and a Gengar, you call them out for being so predictable in their identities. You also look at the Trubbish with the hope of catching one for a friend. Minerva, on the other hand, was absolutely livid with rage at what they wanted to do with her and Marion. She brings out a long pin and tries to place a nasty Curse on Mismagius, causing both her and the Mismagius to curdle blood with their screams. You recall Minerva before she tried putting more Curses on the two ghosts and sacrifice herself in the process, but now this left you and Sangre to deal with two demented spirits and an army of sludge. Only one thing to do in this situation… run. Sangre continues to sweat as he hovers above you so you could grab his feet, and he then picks you up and tries to Fly you as far as he could out and away from the graveyard. Before you cleared the last row of tombstones, you could hear the Mismagius scream out her own cursings, though without the pin: “That ****** Banette just proved she doesn’t deserve the privileged power we possess, sister! Once we add her human to our collection, I’ll rip that ragdoll to pieces!!”

“But she’s escaping! After her, minions!” orders the Gengar.

You notice the Poison Pokemon moving a little faster, and Sangre tries to put more distance between you and them, per your urges. After a couple of miles, however, Sangre loses altitude, energy, and—eventually—consciousness. You and your Crobat fall into the trees and you lose your own consciousness as your body falls through the trees…

**********

“Wake up…”

“No, I think you’re supposed to say ‘please’.”

“Oh, okay, please wake up…”

“I’m already awake, you should be telling her to wake up!”

“Oh, right! Hey, lady, please wake up!”

“Shut up, you two! The human will wake up on her own.”

Barely cognizant, you could hear the conversation of Ghost Pokemon as though they were humans (because that’s how good you were… skillz!), and you suddenly sit up and open your eyes to find a Gastly and Misdreavus in front of you, with a Haunter off to the side and your Crobat resting beside you.

“Oh good, you’re awake!” the Gastly says in her language.

“I think that’s a little obvious,” replies the Misdreavus.

“I think I told you two to shut up,” the Haunter interrupts. She then talks in human language. “Your Crobat still needs lots of rest, but other than that, he’s fine. You’re both lucky we found you and dragged you two to our cave; otherwise, our sisters’ minions would have taken you back to them.”

Whoa whoa whoa, sisters? Maybe these ghosts know what’s going on around here.

What will Marion do?

[Missingno. Master]

Missingno. Master –

You were just walking through the heavenly swamp when you suddenly had a .22 pointed at you and Gemini. You explained to the brunette that you had no idea you were walking on someone’s private property and would gladly like to know the best way to get off of it. From her expression, you could see that she believed you, but as she lowered her gun, she said, “Hold on thar, partner! Y’all looked like you were walkin’ through here like ya owned these parts. Can’t do that ‘round here ‘thout bein’ a strong Poison trainer. I can’t jus’ let y’all go anywhere else in the Toxic Marsh ‘thout you provin’ yer Weezin’s got mor’n bad gas!” She takes out a Pokeball and throws it. “Let’s go Teddie!”

An entity of living sludge shaped like a bear popped out of her Pokeball, and the Garbodor roared out proudly, challenging Gemini to a battle as well. “Let’s put a bet with this! If y’all lose, you gotta leave the swamps, but if ya win, we’ll treat y’all to lunch! Now get ready, y’all! Teddie, ‘fthey wan’ a battle, start with Stockpile, then Acid Spray to wear ‘em down, then Body Slam!” Well, that’s a pretty big risk for you if you lose, but it didn’t look like she was going to let you have any other choice… not while she had that shotgun close to her, at least. Or you could just leave and admit you weren't worthy of traversing these swamps.

What will Keith do?

Keith grinned as the girl informed him that he had to prove his Weezing's worth, as well as his worth as a trainer of Poison-types. Pokemon battles were practically what he lived for, and his pride as a Poison-type trainer was at stake here, too. There was no way in hell he was gonna turn this challenge down. "I accept," stated Keith as he turned to look at Gemini. Both heads were sporting identical grins, eager to battle. As the girl sent out her Pokemon, a Garbodor named Teddie, Keith was impressed. He could tell that the Garbodor was well trained just by looking at it. "Wow," he murmured as he took out his Pokedex and pointed it at the Poison-type.

"Garbodor, the Trash Heap Pokemon, and the evolved form of Trubbish," it droned. "Garbodor absorbs garbage and makes it part of its body. It grips its opponents with its left arm and sprays poisonous fluids from the tubes on its right arm."

"Let's do it, Gemini!" Keith exclaimed.

"Weezing weez," replied Gemini as they floated out in front of their trainer, looking right back at the Garbodor. Keith thought for a few seconds, and then called out his orders.

"Gemini, once it uses Stockpile, hit it with Clear Smog to take away its defense boosts. Try to dodge the Acid Spray, and if you can't, use Haze. Wrap it up with a Psybeam!"

[Ampharos_Dude]

Ampharos_Dude –

A Toxicroak assailant had just been suppressed by two hillbillies, much to the chagrin of your Sunkern. As you shake hands, you ask who the Squirtleman was. “Wha- you never heard of the Squirtleman?” asks the guy you shake hands with. “Well, you’re shakin’ hands with ‘im!” he says proudly. “Real name’s Ronnie, ‘n this is Louie.” He then explains that it’s his job to deal with nuisance Pokemon around the Toxic Marsh, whether it was an Ekans in someone’s bedroom or a Gloom wafting its pungent odor around a neighborhood. His specialty, however, was in the Squirtle evolution line, hence where he got the nickname “Squirtleman”. The Toxicroak they took down was a big problem for a local who relied on raising Leavanny to make the clothes she sold. “But now he’s in this!” said the Squirtleman, holding the special Pokeball with the Squirtle sticker that held Toxicroak. “The Squirtle on the Pokeball helps me figure out which Pokemon I need to relocate. I’ve got plenty of ‘em, ‘cause we got a few more calls to get today.

“Tell you what, I think we could use some help with our calls today, ‘s just my gut tellin’ me. Plenty of adventure and re-ality for a kid like you! Plus, we’ll be movin’ a few turtle Pokemon out of someone’s pond. Who knows, maybe there’s a Squirtle thar that I’ll let ya catch! So, whatcha say?”

What will Shiro do?

Hearing what Ronnie had to say, Shiro started pondering whether or not he should help them.
“Sure, I would love to help you out, and I owe at least that much to you for helping me and Cherry with the Toxicroak.” Shiro answered, with a smile of gratefulness on his face.
“And besides, maybe I even could catch a glimpse of one of those grass-type turtles/tortoises. Turtwig it was if I remember correctly.” He added, and his started glowing a bit, revealing his liking of grass-types.

After this, he put Cherry back into her babycarrier, as he wasn’t sure when they would leave to the pond. Cherry was a little relucant, however, as she was interrupted from planning the revenge on Squirtleman.
Shiro, however, did not notice this, as he started thinking the possibility of a grass turtle hanging out with water turtles, and tried to think what the odds for that would be.

[Marion Ette]

Dead Forest

The Burial Ground

Marion Ette –

Oblivious to the onslaught of Poison Pokemon being controlled by a Mismagius and a Gengar, you call them out for being so predictable in their identities. You also look at the Trubbish with the hope of catching one for a friend. Minerva, on the other hand, was absolutely livid with rage at what they wanted to do with her and Marion. She brings out a long pin and tries to place a nasty Curse on Mismagius, causing both her and the Mismagius to curdle blood with their screams. You recall Minerva before she tried putting more Curses on the two ghosts and sacrifice herself in the process, but now this left you and Sangre to deal with two demented spirits and an army of sludge. Only one thing to do in this situation… run. Sangre continues to sweat as he hovers above you so you could grab his feet, and he then picks you up and tries to Fly you as far as he could out and away from the graveyard. Before you cleared the last row of tombstones, you could hear the Mismagius scream out her own cursings, though without the pin: “That ****** Banette just proved she doesn’t deserve the privileged power we possess, sister! Once we add her human to our collection, I’ll rip that ragdoll to pieces!!”

“But she’s escaping! After her, minions!” orders the Gengar.

You notice the Poison Pokemon moving a little faster, and Sangre tries to put more distance between you and them, per your urges. After a couple of miles, however, Sangre loses altitude, energy, and—eventually—consciousness. You and your Crobat fall into the trees and you lose your own consciousness as your body falls through the trees…

**********

“Wake up…”

“No, I think you’re supposed to say ‘please’.”

“Oh, okay, please wake up…”

“I’m already awake, you should be telling her to wake up!”

“Oh, right! Hey, lady, please wake up!”

“Shut up, you two! The human will wake up on her own.”

Barely cognizant, you could hear the conversation of Ghost Pokemon as though they were humans (because that’s how good you were… skillz!), and you suddenly sit up and open your eyes to find a Gastly and Misdreavus in front of you, with a Haunter off to the side and your Crobat resting beside you.

“Oh good, you’re awake!” the Gastly says in her language.

“I think that’s a little obvious,” replies the Misdreavus.

“I think I told you two to shut up,” the Haunter interrupts. She then talks in human language. “Your Crobat still needs lots of rest, but other than that, he’s fine. You’re both lucky we found you and dragged you two to our cave; otherwise, our sisters’ minions would have taken you back to them.”

Whoa whoa whoa, sisters? Maybe these ghosts know what’s going on around here.

What will Marion do?

The last thing that Marion can remember is Sangre straining to keep her aloft, trying desperately to save his trainer from what appeared to be her imminent death... She remembers urging him to stop if he felt tired, telling him that she can run, that she regretted having him transport her when he was already so low on energy, but he refused to admit to any weakness. He knew what it meant if he let go of her. Much as he hated to openly show it, he had grown fond of the creepy young lady who had trained him for so long, and though his body begged him to give up and rest, his honor as a winged hunter and expert flier hung in the balance. Eventually, though, no amount of will could overcome Sangre's exhaustion, and the pair came tumbling down through the trees. Marion remembers starting the prayer, "Lord Giratina, we-" before blanking out entirely.

As Marion comes back into consciousness, the voices of ghosts fill her mind, though they sound different from the ones that she had encountered before. The ghostly trainer carefully reaches out for the wing of her beloved partner, stroking it gently. "Sangre, I'm sorry..." Her weak voice strains to apologize to the Crobat that sacrificed so much to try and save her. She is immediately relieved when the Haunter assures her in human language that Sangre will be all right after some rest. Deciding to respond in the language she was most comfortable with, she chooses to speak in Shuppet dialect:

I am glad to hear that my partner will recover. Thank you... Thank you so much for providing us shelter from that horde of minions. It seems as if freeing one of your sisters' "playthings" from their poisonous prison did not go over well with them... Marion sits up, wincing a bit at her soreness from the fall, though she seems to have indeed been lucky, having only sustained a few minor bumps and scrapes. She bows her head to show thanks to the three ghosts surrounding her. Though she was indeed curious about these three and their relationship to the two witches that had attacked her team, she decided in the moment that displaying how grateful she was for their help was more important than pressing for information. Is there anything I can do to repay the kindness that you have shown to Sangre and myself?

[Emp]

Just thought I’d get this out there, I’m not becoming an Astoria ZA. I’m hoping to finish an adventure I started with Arc Angel when I first started updating. It was one of my biggest regrets never finishing this adventure as it got so close to the end and I had so much planned. So when Arc said she’d be up for finishing it off I was over the moon. Hopefully we’ll get a good few updates covered before I start uni again, and then I really hope to finish it within half terms and holidays. *Fingers crossed* So, without further ado.

Previously...

Arc Angel: Spurn to revisit the painful memories of her lost love ones a traveller took a turn down on Memory Lane one fateful night, where a blind seer was waiting for her. She’d prophesised Stacey as one of the only souls able to quell the evil uprising growing in Fizzy Bubbles, and after a perilous journey to the bowels of an ancient tomb found herself cast into the jungles of a faraway island. She immediately encountered the renegade Pokémon – an omen for the fire and death that was spreading through the forests like a plague. Stacey’s encounter with the evil cult was short-lived – her own forces grossly outmatched by the raw power of the Shadow Pokémon. When all hope seemed lost the girl was rescued by Iris, the Island’s protector, and her Shaymin. She ran as fast as her legs would carry her but death was persistent and chased her toward a bewildered Stantler where she met her fate. Finally at peace... until the girl was dragged out of limbo by Iris, unable to rest until she’d finished what had started. Now, with the help of Iris and Gallade, they return to the jungle continent to put an end to the war once and for all. The epic conclusion begins!

The Final Battle

Arc Angel: You sway on the spot with an incredible sense of vertigo coursing up your undead spine. The wind gushed against the cliff face like crashing waves, as if the Island was suspended by a sea of thick clouds kicking up a rough storm. A strong current would sweep you clean off its face - Maybe that would be easier than the daunting leap of faith. Where you’d expected to see the destination, the view was spoilt by billowing purple thunderclouds rumbling violently. Sparks flew up and down the churning vortex making it feel more and more otherworldly by the second. Although your heart wasn’t beating, you swear you feel it give a start as Iris begins to count down. Reaching zero you feel your feet pick up off the ground, swan diving blindly into the wide open sky. A blustering wind whistles against your eardrums drowning out all other noise barring the occasional below of thunder from the maelstrom below. You strain ahead, dark strands of hair blowing in your face making it impossible to get a good view as you swiftly lost altitude. You spot Iris in the corner of your peripheral, spread-eagled and grinning amidst the sensation of falling. Her Shaymin had braved its Sky forme and was spiralling close to her lap. The turbulence was growing stronger as the freefall continued, the swelling vortex now all you could see ahead. You take one last heavy swallow and instinctively shut your eyes tight, as though kidding yourself this would be the end.

The numbness of penetrating a sheet of icy cold water sends you into shivers, static dancing over your skin as you broke through the threshold. A wave of heat ripples against your wet body, you dare to open your eyes giving you a split second bird’s eye of what lay ahead... Nothing. The island that’d been carpeted in lush jungle was unrecognisable. The miles of shifting terrain were black and ashy, its trees sticking out like brittle matchsticks. Smoke belched from the charred brambles and there wasn’t a Pokémon in sight. The mangled sensation of shock and realisation is fleeting, you’d gained so much momentum your corpse seems plunge to the earth as quick as it’d left the threshold of stormy cloud. With a low thud you fall flat against the cindered flatland, but the pain you’d flinched for doesn’t come. Stumbling to your feet you beat the ash off your arms and legs and check for any breaks. Half expecting your body to be dismembered from the thirty thousand foot freefall your body was in the same shape as it was the moment of your bereavement. This fails to strike any relief or confidence in your mangled corpse rattled with despair. You were dead. Trapped.

“Stacey, they’re over here!” Iris breaks off any chain of thought as you home into her voice, eyes darting through the fields of charred brambles and matchstick trees until you found the blonde goddess. The brittle branches snap under your step as you follow her tail, a drop ahead creeping into view. Shaymin had shrunk back to its land forme and was cowering meekly behind the tresses of Iris’s dress, striking fear in your eyes as your curiosity burned to see what they could. The fire is quenched as you reach the edge of the mesa and gaze down at the valley below. The sound of chanting and harsh battle cries fills your ears, their torchlight dancing in your pupils which were wide with inescapable terror. The dozens of hooded figures amongst the crowd were scary enough, an unpleasant reminder of your desperate struggle in your final hours. But the Dim Sun disciples paled in comparison to the beasts crowded around them. Hundreds of Shadow Pokémon were thumping their chest plates aggressively, howling and roaring as their red eyes flickered with animosity. You spot an army of Charizard, Tyranitar and Nidoking to name a few of the grounded powerhouses lined up in the valley whilst an fleet of Salamence, Gliscor, Hydriegon and other avian circled the skies like blackhawk jets. All clad in battle armour a realisation coursed through your mind... You were at war.

Suddenly the valley fills with silence as all heads turn toward a chain of blue torches igniting on a plateau jutted about halfway up the vale. You squint ahead in renewed curiosity, straining your eyes to make out the contorted face of the cult leader. Syrian’s cloak billowed around his feet like drifting smoke, his eyes a smouldering scarlet even from the great distance. His skin was a ghostly ashen in the ominous torchlight, he was as mutated from human as a normal Pokémon from Shadow. Just a few paces to the demon’s left was his Shadow Toxicroak, who’d made his way to the ranks of most loyal servant after betraying you to the demon. The dirty traitor fills you with rage until you catch a glimpse of a black curtain to Syrian’s right, camouflaged into the surroundings. You turn to face Iris to gauge her reaction, her sapphire eyes fixed on the plateau with an unreadable expression. Syrian steps a foot forward, teetering on the edge of the perilous drop to his army below as his voice clears. Each amplified word feels like a prick down your spine, as though his lips were pursed against your ear.

“Fellow brothers! Hear me! My name, as I appear to you today, is Syrian. This world of ours is a crude one. It is rotting from the insides. It has been, and always will be, a struggle to survive in this world. Because we are all so lacking, we fight and we maim. A never ending struggle between good and evil. Purity and corruption. The scales between the two are in constant instability. The world must change, and darkness must reign for there to be amity. Together we pored over myths and exposed their secrets. Together we have summoned Giratina and with us tonight, we have obtained the means to tip the scales! Tonight, we conquer Fizzy Bubbles. And from the ashes shall rise a new world. A world where I WILL BE GOD!” A rapture of applause erupts from the valley as the Shadow Pokémon thump their chests and howl toward the sky with kindled enthusiasm. The speech has an adverse effect from the vantage above, a wrenching feeling in your gut dwindling away any hope. There’s no discussion, just the steady whimpering of a frightened Shaymin. You’d like nothing better than to cradle the Pokémon in your arms, but distraction broke out from the plateau erasing all thought from your head.

“Today, the Cloud Garden fell”, a few cheers break off from below, dying out suddenly as Syrian continues, “But we did not purge everything. From the ashes, we salvaged the last piece of the puzzle. The secret to controlling the Renagade Pokémon” You suddenly jolt back in surprise as the curtain to his left combusts into a blue inferno. Straining to see through the falling cinders your heart skips another beat as a wrinkled old face pans into view, her pallid eyes reflected in the torchlight. You recognise her instantly: The Gypsy. Her rags look even more torn than your first encounter, stained with blood. A noose was tied loosely from her neck hanging off a set of gallows, her toes dangling off a trapdoor that kept her alive. The valley exploded in chants and roars as your heart sunk deeper into the pit of your stomach - an execution of their greatest resistor to kick off their invasion of the other continents.

“The blind seer had prophesised our uprising and attempted to prevent it. She sent a warrior to stop us: she is dead. She tried to hide the weapon: we captured her before she could” Syrian’s lips curled as the vale broke into laughter, “And NOW she will not speak: But we will make her... Now tell me, hag. Where is the Griseous Orb?” Mesmerised by the scene, you notice a quiver in the gypsy’s toes as she gives a wince. As expected, she remains mute. Fangs protrude from the shaman’s grin this time, nodding subtly toward the Shadow Toxicroak who croaks into frenzied laughter. The toad bounds slickly behind Syrian and into the shadows, emerging just a heartbeat later hauling a chain of shackles. The cold metal jingles against the stone as its prisoner’s emerge, bound by their arms and legs. As their faces enter the torchlight you realise you’d encountered both of them on your adventures. The first was a Dusknoir, the Gypsy’s companion who you’d had to battle out of possession in what felt like years ago. The second triggers more emotion in you than any bloodcurdling speeches or subjugated allies: It was the Pokémon that’d killed you.

“If you do not tell me I will kill your Pokémon”, Syrian’s words barely penetrate your skull as you remain fixated on the Stantler. It was pitiable, its legs bound in shackles and a look of fear glimmering in its eyes. The Toxicroak had hopped onto its saddle in a look of crazed terror, and you switch your gaze to the Gypsy who was shaking but still silent. “Shadow End”. It was clean and instant. The toad wrapped its fingers around the stag’s gums and twisted its neck in one fluid motion. The snap of the Stantler’s neck breaking seems to resonate louder within the gorge, and it felt like the reindeer was fall in slow motion as it toppled into the face of the plateau. Before you knew it the Toxicroak had moved onto Dusknoir, who seemed to look toward the face of death with silent dignity. The demon glares at the gypsy for a second time, if she didn’t speak up now the blood of her most faithful companion would be on her hands. Tears were streaming down her face, you felt the urge to help but Iris’s hand was pressing so firmly on yours you knew there was nothing you could do. The Toxicroak’s arms suspend above the Dusknoir like a guillotine, and in one moment of weakness the gypsy’s eyes shift toward a bag sprawled beside the gallows. A split second is all it takes, Syrian signals the Toxicroak to call off the execution. He’d found it...

“Her belongings! Bring me her belongings!” The Toxicroak slackens his arms, slightly crestfallen he didn’t get to do more killing. Hopping toward the large satchel, the toad rips it apart at his masters command, dozens of magical artefacts spewing onto the floor around them. You have to really strain now, making out from the distance a spell tag, a crystal ball, an old keystone... An old keystone! The thought Reaper was near and safe seems to fill you with elation, driving out all the misery and despair that were building like cobwebs in the shadows of your mind. Continuing your search, you spot a rather out of place Sandshrew carcass that seemed vaguely familiar. Upon the flood of realisation that this was buried with the body of the young girl from your Cloud Garden adventure, you hope against all odds that Syrian doesn’t take an interest in it.

“Interesting item you found, hag. Did you know, in one of my many lives I had a niece. I tried to keep her locked away, as sacrificing her life would add at least another seventy to my own. She ran away to start a Pokémon adventure. She was a fool, just like the girl you befriended. But I tracked her down to the Cloud Garden and sacrificed her as planned. The orb was of no use to me without Giratina, so I hid it in her grave for safekeeping”, Syrian picks up the shrew with his claw like fingers, facing the gypsy who was staring at the trap door resolutely, “You came so close to hiding it, but I was just too quick”. With the last word his hold tightens on the Sandshrew carcass. The century old shell crumbles away in his grasp, dust and shell running off a yellow crystal the size of a brick. Its glowing allure seemed to draw you in, its pulse like a beating heart. It was full of life whilst you where devoid of it. Then, the words pierce through you like daggers as he holds the orb above his head and over the vale: “GIRATINA I SUMMON YOU! BEND TO MY WILL!”

As the loudest wave of applause yet breaks out, it’s hard to remember if you’ve ever been this frightened, but it’s Iris that finally tugs you out of your daze. She stares into your eyes seriously as though to convey that time for action had come. “That’s our queue Stacey,” Iris nods, “We need to recover that orb. As a spirit the men down there will not be able to see you, but the second you send out Valentine they’ll attack. I’ll try and hold off the forces below for as long as possible... I think I may still have some power left in me yet...” You feel the weight of the mission ahead anchor you to the floor as you struggle to your feet. Her words had made it clear: Recover the orb. But flashes of the Gypsy; tied up and in need of rescue, and Reaper; your strongest tie now to the mortal world, seem to cloud your judgement. Valentine was your weapon, but raised in a world of war all he had of you were distant memories. You can’t help but regret your gamble now, but there was no looking back. Just ahead: the plateau, the orb, the hag, the keystone...

Valentine is Lv. 100 and knows all the Level Up, Egg, Move Tutor and TM moves he is naturally capable of learning. All his other statistics (Nature, Ability etc.) are the same as Present Valentine’s. For the intents and purposes of this adventure, Present Valentine is still considered to still be a baby Ralts.

[Son_of_Shadows]

Eyrie Peak

Posy Field

Son_of_Shadows – {In the future, you'll want to link here if you plan on using those Potions of yours... =) }

You see the Beedrill feeding its queen some Berries, none of which were working, but at least they would sustain her until they got the one Berry that would cure her. Maybe, though, it wasn’t Berries that were needed, it was a Potion. Healing item in hand, you slowly stand up. Of course, the idea of a human being this close to the hive didn’t resonate all too well with most of the Beedrill there as they sound the alarm and close in on you. You were scared out of your wits, yet you stood there with your hands up, not doing anything but explain your purpose was to try and assist their queen. They were even more on edge about the idea of you doing something to Her Majesty, but after a few minutes of you not moving, they relax their stances and allow you to have an audience with her. You approach slowly, your legs trembling, showing you were as much afraid as the Beedrill were.

Finally, you came close enough to the queen, and the Beedrill from before recognizes you and slowly backs away from his queen, holding his stinger arm out toward you, daring you to try anything funny. You slowly kneel in front of the sick queen and carefully hold the Potion against the queen’s torso, your hands trembling before spraying the ointment. She buzzes in pain, and the guard Beedrill tense up once again. You close your eyes and tense up yourself, expecting a barrage of stings, but the Beedrill next to you buzzes some sort of message towards the other Beedrill, presumably a message that he believed you were only trying to help. They maintain their positions, and you look up and see that the queen is in better shape but still sick. But, by golly, your act of bravery/stupidity/charity wasn’t going to go unappreciated! Your friend gently lifts with his stingers a Pecha Berry from the pile of berries that you recognized was from the handful it was carrying earlier and raises it up towards you so you could take it. Still, if a Potion wasn’t going to cure her, what would?

Your thoughts are interrupted as you notice another Beedrill fly towards the hive. It looked like it had sustained a few battle scars, but what it battled, you weren’t quite sure. The injured Beedrill and the one you had met earlier start talking to each other, then to the queen. She weakly gives out some sort of command to the rest of the hive to prepare for a battle, and you see and hear the buzzing they make as they follow their sick queen. Then you hear more buzzing from out in the distance. Lots of buzzing. And screaming too. You first see a 16 year old boy with a Cyndaquil and a Heracross run up to the hive… behind them was a swarm of Beedrill slightly bigger than the swarm you were with… {keep reading… =) }

Jolteonjak & Son_of_Shadows –

Both of you suddenly realize what was happening: one Beedrill swarm had come to invade the other’s nest, and you and your Pokemon were about to be caught in the turmoil. You try your best to get yourselves out of the way of the clashing Beedrill, but a few seconds into watching the battle unfold, each of you see a certain group of Beedrill from the invading swarm that catches your interest. Why? Because they held captive a couple of noteworthy Pokemon; the Teddiursa that Chad had befriended was struggling to escape one Beedrill’s arms until another one held one of its stingers up to Teddiursa’s throat at which point she simply froze in fear, tears streaming down her cheeks, but she dare not cry and risk agitating her captors further. Another Beedrill held a barely conscious Karrablast whom Joshua recognized as the one he and Bishop battled earlier. Oh, but they weren’t the only things interesting about this group. Your attention soon focuses on one of the Beedrill whose body was green and black instead of yellow and black, her eyes being blue instead of red. Judging by the way she waved her stingers around, you could tell she was the queen of this swarm. Unfortunately, Chad is unable to find his Numel at this point and could only assume the Numb Pokemon was left where he fell after the bees were done with him. The Shiny Beedrill queen notices your presence and orders her attendants to give her some space while she wishes to have some fun with a few non-Beedrill opponents. Both of you now stand against this new queen, unknowingly defending the queen lying in sickness, her two attendants whom you had met earlier watching to see which side of the battle you would join, if any. All the while, skirmishes between the swarms take place in the surrounding areas.

For this special battle, both of you are allowed to have two Pokemon out at the same time and may call out two attacks per Pokemon per reply. However, Joltoenjak, Numel is currently rendered unavailable to you for this adventure. You may decide to continue using Cyndaquil and Heracross, or you may substitute either or both of them for other Pokemon in your active party. However, be advised that since Cyndaquil has not had time to heal, his energy and health will stay at what it was when your previous battle ended. He currently has below 50% energy, and his health remains at above 60%. Heracross, meanwhile, has full health and about 90% energy. Son_of_Shadows, if you decide to use Bishop again, he will have only gained about a fourth of his health and energy back… and if you recall, he came pretty darn close to losing all of his energy battling Karrablast. He would also sit at about 60% of his health.

So, what will Chad and Joshua do?

Ok, this is by far the stupidest thing you have ever done. You'll be stung to death in three. Two. One... was all he could think as he sprayed the potion against the Queen, especially as she recoiled from the sting of the ointment. Her reaction revealed that the potion certainly helped her with the symptoms, but whatever illness she was suffering from wasn't going anywhere fast. The Beedrill who had introduced him to the Queen now handed him a Pecha Berry in thanks for the effort. Well, it was all worth a shot. Still, he took pity on the queen bee, especially because this hive seemed so lost without her. But what could he possibly do? Fetch a Pokémon nurse was the most logical option, but who would be crazy enough to come out to a Beedrill hive... Apart from Joshua. Obviously.

Unfortunately as it happened, Joshua wasn't the only one who noticed how lost this hive seemed with its Queen weak. A battle-scarred Beedrill burst through the foliage, apparently to warn its brethren, but about what? Joshua didn't exactly speak bee. But the hive was suddenly all-at-arms, buzzing furiously, ready for action. But as the buzzing increased, Joshua could tell there was about to be a huge battle. Two Beedrill hives at war? Instinct said turn tail and run. But the Queen... His train of thought was interrupted (seemed to happen a lot to him) by screaming from the direction of the approaching buzzing. Some poor trainer seemed to be caught in the middle of all this along with Joshua - one with a Cyndaquil and Heracross. Battle raged, with Joshua barely dodging a misfired Twineedle attack. Yeesh. And then... "YOU!" The Karrablast from earlier today! "You have GOT to be joking!" he cried in disbelief. Karrablast was seemingly held captive by the invading hive, as was a Teddiursa, who seemed to recognise the younger trainer. For what purpose they were hostages, Joshua had no idea. Beedrills didn't commonly resort to negotiation in his experience. However, the hostage-bearing group also had a female Beedrill in authority, and a shiny one at that. Joshua's eyes widened - the only other Shiny he'd ever seen was his Magnemite. This was turning into quite a day. Obviously this was the Queen of the invading hive. And for whatever reason, she had her sights set on the trainers. If she was as powerful as she looked, this battle would be nasty. "Better get ready fella," he said to the other trainer, "This one won't go down without a real fight..."

Who to use? Bishop was still tired from his earlier battle, and Heat Wave could backfire hugely in this forest, not to mention the massive skirmish happening around him... Too much collateral. Livewire wouldn't be as useful out of the water, and Voltron and Poliwag were still in Daycare. Cloudy was currently being cared for by another trainer Joshua had met named Marion... He wondered how she was getting along. Erm, maybe not the time. That left Aegis and Steven. He pulled their Pokéballs from his pocket. "Aegis, Steven, time for battle!" The Squirtle and Munna appeared in two flashes of light, ready for action. "Steven, let's start strong - fire your Psybeam attack at the Beedrill Queen while Aegis sets up a Yawn. We'll put her to sleep to set up a stronger attack later! Then you should use Lucky Chant, Steven while Aegis Growls. That should strengthen our position enough for us to deal massive damage later." With that out of the way, he turned to the other trainer. "By the way, I'm Joshua. Pleasure. I suggest you follow suit here - strengthen our initial position, then we'll blast her in a minute or so, once she's sleeping from my Yawn attack."

OOC: I keep the Pecha Berry, right?

[Arc_Angel]

Just thought I’d get this out there, I’m not becoming an Astoria ZA. I’m hoping to finish an adventure I started with Arc Angel when I first started updating. It was one of my biggest regrets never finishing this adventure as it got so close to the end and I had so much planned. So when Arc said she’d be up for finishing it off I was over the moon. Hopefully we’ll get a good few updates covered before I start uni again, and then I really hope to finish it within half terms and holidays. *Fingers crossed* So, without further ado.

Previously...

Arc Angel: Spurn to revisit the painful memories of her lost love ones a traveller took a turn down on Memory Lane one fateful night, where a blind seer was waiting for her. She’d prophesised Stacey as one of the only souls able to quell the evil uprising growing in Fizzy Bubbles, and after a perilous journey to the bowels of an ancient tomb found herself cast into the jungles of a faraway island. She immediately encountered the renegade Pokémon – an omen for the fire and death that was spreading through the forests like a plague. Stacey’s encounter with the evil cult was short-lived – her own forces grossly outmatched by the raw power of the Shadow Pokémon. When all hope seemed lost the girl was rescued by Iris, the Island’s protector, and her Shaymin. She ran as fast as her legs would carry her but death was persistent and chased her toward a bewildered Stantler where she met her fate. Finally at peace... until the girl was dragged out of limbo by Iris, unable to rest until she’d finished what had started. Now, with the help of Iris and Gallade, they return to the jungle continent to put an end to the war once and for all. The epic conclusion begins!

The Final Battle

Arc Angel: You sway on the spot with an incredible sense of vertigo coursing up your undead spine. The wind gushed against the cliff face like crashing waves, as if the Island was suspended by a sea of thick clouds kicking up a rough storm. A strong current would sweep you clean off its face - Maybe that would be easier than the daunting leap of faith. Where you’d expected to see the destination, the view was spoilt by billowing purple thunderclouds rumbling violently. Sparks flew up and down the churning vortex making it feel more and more otherworldly by the second. Although your heart wasn’t beating, you swear you feel it give a start as Iris begins to count down. Reaching zero you feel your feet pick up off the ground, swan diving blindly into the wide open sky. A blustering wind whistles against your eardrums drowning out all other noise barring the occasional below of thunder from the maelstrom below. You strain ahead, dark strands of hair blowing in your face making it impossible to get a good view as you swiftly lost altitude. You spot Iris in the corner of your peripheral, spread-eagled and grinning amidst the sensation of falling. Her Shaymin had braved its Sky forme and was spiralling close to her lap. The turbulence was growing stronger as the freefall continued, the swelling vortex now all you could see ahead. You take one last heavy swallow and instinctively shut your eyes tight, as though kidding yourself this would be the end.

The numbness of penetrating a sheet of icy cold water sends you into shivers, static dancing over your skin as you broke through the threshold. A wave of heat ripples against your wet body, you dare to open your eyes giving you a split second bird’s eye of what lay ahead... Nothing. The island that’d been carpeted in lush jungle was unrecognisable. The miles of shifting terrain were black and ashy, its trees sticking out like brittle matchsticks. Smoke belched from the charred brambles and there wasn’t a Pokémon in sight. The mangled sensation of shock and realisation is fleeting, you’d gained so much momentum your corpse seems plunge to the earth as quick as it’d left the threshold of stormy cloud. With a low thud you fall flat against the cindered flatland, but the pain you’d flinched for doesn’t come. Stumbling to your feet you beat the ash off your arms and legs and check for any breaks. Half expecting your body to be dismembered from the thirty thousand foot freefall your body was in the same shape as it was the moment of your bereavement. This fails to strike any relief or confidence in your mangled corpse rattled with despair. You were dead. Trapped.

“Stacey, they’re over here!” Iris breaks off any chain of thought as you home into her voice, eyes darting through the fields of charred brambles and matchstick trees until you found the blonde goddess. The brittle branches snap under your step as you follow her tail, a drop ahead creeping into view. Shaymin had shrunk back to its land forme and was cowering meekly behind the tresses of Iris’s dress, striking fear in your eyes as your curiosity burned to see what they could. The fire is quenched as you reach the edge of the mesa and gaze down at the valley below. The sound of chanting and harsh battle cries fills your ears, their torchlight dancing in your pupils which were wide with inescapable terror. The dozens of hooded figures amongst the crowd were scary enough, an unpleasant reminder of your desperate struggle in your final hours. But the Dim Sun disciples paled in comparison to the beasts crowded around them. Hundreds of Shadow Pokémon were thumping their chest plates aggressively, howling and roaring as their red eyes flickered with animosity. You spot an army of Charizard, Tyranitar and Nidoking to name a few of the grounded powerhouses lined up in the valley whilst an fleet of Salamence, Gliscor, Hydriegon and other avian circled the skies like blackhawk jets. All clad in battle armour a realisation coursed through your mind... You were at war.

Suddenly the valley fills with silence as all heads turn toward a chain of blue torches igniting on a plateau jutted about halfway up the vale. You squint ahead in renewed curiosity, straining your eyes to make out the contorted face of the cult leader. Syrian’s cloak billowed around his feet like drifting smoke, his eyes a smouldering scarlet even from the great distance. His skin was a ghostly ashen in the ominous torchlight, he was as mutated from human as a normal Pokémon from Shadow. Just a few paces to the demon’s left was his Shadow Toxicroak, who’d made his way to the ranks of most loyal servant after betraying you to the demon. The dirty traitor fills you with rage until you catch a glimpse of a black curtain to Syrian’s right, camouflaged into the surroundings. You turn to face Iris to gauge her reaction, her sapphire eyes fixed on the plateau with an unreadable expression. Syrian steps a foot forward, teetering on the edge of the perilous drop to his army below as his voice clears. Each amplified word feels like a prick down your spine, as though his lips were pursed against your ear.

“Fellow brothers! Hear me! My name, as I appear to you today, is Syrian. This world of ours is a crude one. It is rotting from the insides. It has been, and always will be, a struggle to survive in this world. Because we are all so lacking, we fight and we maim. A never ending struggle between good and evil. Purity and corruption. The scales between the two are in constant instability. The world must change, and darkness must reign for there to be amity. Together we pored over myths and exposed their secrets. Together we have summoned Giratina and with us tonight, we have obtained the means to tip the scales! Tonight, we conquer Fizzy Bubbles. And from the ashes shall rise a new world. A world where I WILL BE GOD!” A rapture of applause erupts from the valley as the Shadow Pokémon thump their chests and howl toward the sky with kindled enthusiasm. The speech has an adverse effect from the vantage above, a wrenching feeling in your gut dwindling away any hope. There’s no discussion, just the steady whimpering of a frightened Shaymin. You’d like nothing better than to cradle the Pokémon in your arms, but distraction broke out from the plateau erasing all thought from your head.

“Today, the Cloud Garden fell”, a few cheers break off from below, dying out suddenly as Syrian continues, “But we did not purge everything. From the ashes, we salvaged the last piece of the puzzle. The secret to controlling the Renagade Pokémon” You suddenly jolt back in surprise as the curtain to his left combusts into a blue inferno. Straining to see through the falling cinders your heart skips another beat as a wrinkled old face pans into view, her pallid eyes reflected in the torchlight. You recognise her instantly: The Gypsy. Her rags look even more torn than your first encounter, stained with blood. A noose was tied loosely from her neck hanging off a set of gallows, her toes dangling off a trapdoor that kept her alive. The valley exploded in chants and roars as your heart sunk deeper into the pit of your stomach - an execution of their greatest resistor to kick off their invasion of the other continents.

“The blind seer had prophesised our uprising and attempted to prevent it. She sent a warrior to stop us: she is dead. She tried to hide the weapon: we captured her before she could” Syrian’s lips curled as the vale broke into laughter, “And NOW she will not speak: But we will make her... Now tell me, hag. Where is the Griseous Orb?” Mesmerised by the scene, you notice a quiver in the gypsy’s toes as she gives a wince. As expected, she remains mute. Fangs protrude from the shaman’s grin this time, nodding subtly toward the Shadow Toxicroak who croaks into frenzied laughter. The toad bounds slickly behind Syrian and into the shadows, emerging just a heartbeat later hauling a chain of shackles. The cold metal jingles against the stone as its prisoner’s emerge, bound by their arms and legs. As their faces enter the torchlight you realise you’d encountered both of them on your adventures. The first was a Dusknoir, the Gypsy’s companion who you’d had to battle out of possession in what felt like years ago. The second triggers more emotion in you than any bloodcurdling speeches or subjugated allies: It was the Pokémon that’d killed you.

“If you do not tell me I will kill your Pokémon”, Syrian’s words barely penetrate your skull as you remain fixated on the Stantler. It was pitiable, its legs bound in shackles and a look of fear glimmering in its eyes. The Toxicroak had hopped onto its saddle in a look of crazed terror, and you switch your gaze to the Gypsy who was shaking but still silent. “Shadow End”. It was clean and instant. The toad wrapped its fingers around the stag’s gums and twisted its neck in one fluid motion. The snap of the Stantler’s neck breaking seems to resonate louder within the gorge, and it felt like the reindeer was fall in slow motion as it toppled into the face of the plateau. Before you knew it the Toxicroak had moved onto Dusknoir, who seemed to look toward the face of death with silent dignity. The demon glares at the gypsy for a second time, if she didn’t speak up now the blood of her most faithful companion would be on her hands. Tears were streaming down her face, you felt the urge to help but Iris’s hand was pressing so firmly on yours you knew there was nothing you could do. The Toxicroak’s arms suspend above the Dusknoir like a guillotine, and in one moment of weakness the gypsy’s eyes shift toward a bag sprawled beside the gallows. A split second is all it takes, Syrian signals the Toxicroak to call off the execution. He’d found it...

“Her belongings! Bring me her belongings!” The Toxicroak slackens his arms, slightly crestfallen he didn’t get to do more killing. Hopping toward the large satchel, the toad rips it apart at his masters command, dozens of magical artefacts spewing onto the floor around them. You have to really strain now, making out from the distance a spell tag, a crystal ball, an old keystone... An old keystone! The thought Reaper was near and safe seems to fill you with elation, driving out all the misery and despair that were building like cobwebs in the shadows of your mind. Continuing your search, you spot a rather out of place Sandshrew carcass that seemed vaguely familiar. Upon the flood of realisation that this was buried with the body of the young girl from your Cloud Garden adventure, you hope against all odds that Syrian doesn’t take an interest in it.

“Interesting item you found, hag. Did you know, in one of my many lives I had a niece. I tried to keep her locked away, as sacrificing her life would add at least another seventy to my own. She ran away to start a Pokémon adventure. She was a fool, just like the girl you befriended. But I tracked her down to the Cloud Garden and sacrificed her as planned. The orb was of no use to me without Giratina, so I hid it in her grave for safekeeping”, Syrian picks up the shrew with his claw like fingers, facing the gypsy who was staring at the trap door resolutely, “You came so close to hiding it, but I was just too quick”. With the last word his hold tightens on the Sandshrew carcass. The century old shell crumbles away in his grasp, dust and shell running off a yellow crystal the size of a brick. Its glowing allure seemed to draw you in, its pulse like a beating heart. It was full of life whilst you where devoid of it. Then, the words pierce through you like daggers as he holds the orb above his head and over the vale: “GIRATINA I SUMMON YOU! BEND TO MY WILL!”

As the loudest wave of applause yet breaks out, it’s hard to remember if you’ve ever been this frightened, but it’s Iris that finally tugs you out of your daze. She stares into your eyes seriously as though to convey that time for action had come. “That’s our queue Stacey,” Iris nods, “We need to recover that orb. As a spirit the men down there will not be able to see you, but the second you send out Valentine they’ll attack. I’ll try and hold off the forces below for as long as possible... I think I may still have some power left in me yet...” You feel the weight of the mission ahead anchor you to the floor as you struggle to your feet. Her words had made it clear: Recover the orb. But flashes of the Gypsy; tied up and in need of rescue, and Reaper; your strongest tie now to the mortal world, seem to cloud your judgement. Valentine was your weapon, but raised in a world of war all he had of you were distant memories. You can’t help but regret your gamble now, but there was no looking back. Just ahead: the plateau, the orb, the hag, the keystone...

Valentine is Lv. 100 and knows all the Level Up, Egg, Move Tutor and TM moves he is naturally capable of learning. All his other statistics (Nature, Ability etc.) are the same as Present Valentine’s. For the intents and purposes of this adventure, Present Valentine is still considered to still be a baby Ralts.

Thanx so much for giving me a chance to finish this epic adventure. I only hope my reply can do justice to the utterly wonderful update you've given me ^-^.

It felt as though a lifetime had passed as Stacey stood on the edge of the cliff staring into the abyss, her hand clutching the Fighting Ball tightly as it was the only tie to living she had left. She felt as if she was made of paper and the strong winds would blow her away but her bare toes dug into the grass beneath her grounding her as she dared to open her eyes again. She felt the weight of the world on her shoulder pushing her down despite her height. A final tear of fear is whipped away from her eyes as if the wind was angry to see the weakness there and she dove into the vortex with the young woman.

If she thought the wind was strong before in this never-ending tornado they were horrendous, it beat against her ears like a screaming drumbeat making her head throb. Her hair whipped against her face as she tried to make out anything but the thunder of the vortex but she did see Iris spread eagled very much enjoying the plunge ... she was mad! They didn’t appear to be in the maelstrom long as Stacey saw the ground flying towards them like a bullet from a gun and she braced herself for the impending impact that would kill any normal human. She felt an icy cold cascade of water hit her from underneath soaking her thin nightie to her body leaving nothing hidden. She has no time to shiver as an immense heat hit her afterwards as they reached the end of the vortex. She opened her eyes enough to see that the once lush and verdant forest was reduced to a burnt wasteland and she felt her heart drop along with her body that slammed into the ground with enough force to break her all over again.

Stacey blinked against the ashes she sent billowing up into the air from her impact waiting for the pain but it never came. She pulled her arms underneath her and pushed up to her leg wobbling slightly as she was still disorientated from the fall. She checked her body over for injuries only to find none ... well apart from the gaping hole under her breast covered by her flimsy night wear. She wrapped her arms around herself wallowing in the sadness that threatened to swallow her whole again. She was dead, an anomaly, a walking corpse with no feeling or purpose and she felt more tear come to the surface she heard Iris voice calling to her. She wiped her eyes and turned to see her hidden amongst the burnt undergrowth and she turned to walk after the blonde Goddess her voice whispering to herself.
“R.I.P to the girl you used to see, her days are over, baby she’s over” she sang softly to herself as she walked towards the woman leading her to her purpose ... she had a purpose! Her bare feet crunched the dry brittle twigs beneath them unfeeling as she followed Iris’ trail reaching the edge of the mesa. Iris’ Shaymin was back in is Land Forme and was cowering behind her and Stacey didn’t find that at all comforting. Stacey walked over to the edge the echoing sounds of voice filling a valley bellow them with war cries and battle chants. There were dozens of Dim Sun disciples with their heads covered by their hoods chanting to the sky but it what surrounded them that drew a gasp of shock and terror from the young undead. Hundreds of dark shapes blended into one but if you focused on them you could see they were shadow Pokemon, huge powerful Shadow Pokemon thumping their war armour aggressively. Stacey felt the bile rise to her throat and she thought she was going to vomit, could the dead vomit? Either way she held her hand over her mouth not taking any chances and back up a little, how could they compete with that?? They were only two and she only had her Gallade, she couldn’t watch more Pokemon die, especially any more of her own suffer. They had chosen powerful Pokemon for their ward, she saw Charizard, Nidoking and Tyranitar on the ground their glowing red eyes filled with evil whilst others took to the skies like Hydreigon, Salamance and Gliscor. She had two Shadow Pokemon herself ... well she used to, they were no longer burdened by her presences but she knew that even they would be no match for this. They were prepared for war and Stacey wondered in what world would any army be able to stand up to this?

Suddenly the voice cut silent as all turn to face a lone figure illuminated by glowing blue torches atop a plateau jutting slightly out of the hill. Stacey strained to see who it was and just about made out Syrian’s form swathed in his robes, his cloak billowing around him as he walked. His eyes were the same evil red as his shadow Pokemon, his skin a sickly colour, he was a horrid mutation of the human form just as the Shadow Pokemon were of their natural form. Only a few paces behind to him to his left was his Shadow Toxicroak and Stacey recognised the filthy little backstabber from her great distance. He appeared to undergone a change himself and was taking pride of place for his work in handing Stacey over to that demon. There was a curtain of black to Syrian’s right that nearly blended in with the night but Stacey could just about make it out as it billowed in the wind. Syrian walked right to the very edge of the plateau, any further he would plunge the great distance into his followers and Stacey wished she had telekinesis and could shove him that inch further. She stole a glance to Iris whose gaze was firmly fixed on the sight before them and Stacey shivered as she heard the demon speak. In his amplified voice it felt like he was right next to her speaking into her ear making her body prickle all over with disgust. She turned back to face the demon as he addressed his adoring crowd.

“Fellow brothers! Hear me! My name, as I appear to you today, is Syrian. This world of ours is a crude one. It is rotting from the insides. It has been, and always will be, a struggle to survive in this world. Because we are all so lacking, we fight and we maim. A never ending struggle between good and evil. Purity and corruption. The scales between the two are in constant instability. The world must change, and darkness must reign for there to be amity. Together we pored over myths and exposed their secrets. Together we have summoned Giratina and with us tonight, we have obtained the means to tip the scales! Tonight, we conquer Fizzy Bubbles. And from the ashes shall rise a new world. A world where I WILL BE GOD! This made the enraptured followers cheer loudly, their Pokemon roaring in response banging their chests, even the skies were filled with cries that made the overall sound deafening. Stacey felt what minute amount of hope she had left that she could stop him vanish as her heart dropped into her stomach, what could she doe against one that would try to be God ... he could very well achieve his goal and only she and Iris stood between them. She heard no words from Iris only the whimpering of her terrified Shaymin as he cuddled into her dress trying to blot out the sights and sounds. Just as she thought about trying to comfort the creature needing the comfort herself she heard the words that paralysed her to the spot.

“Today the Cloud Garden Fell”. She whirled around to face Syrian as he spoke and felt fresh tears in her eyes. No, he couldn’t have ... he couldn’t have destroyed a whole realm? She had only been there a few days ago wander amongst the graves of Memory Lane, a place to remember the dead and now it was gone, everything there was dead and there would be no place to remember it, no place to honour the wondrous lands and sights. “But we did not purge everything. From the ashes we salvaged the last piece of the puzzle. The secret to controlling the Renegade Pokemon”. Stacey saw the curtain to his right combusts in a flash of blue flame revealing a very familiar face. The old gypsy! She was covered in blood, her rags even more dishevelled than before. She had a noose hanging loosely around her neck as her toes barely touched the trap door that would seal her fate. The crowd cheers at the sight and Stacey feels hopelessness set in, she was the biggest resistance to their invasion and she was about to be publically executed and from where they watched she felt utterly helpless to stop it.

“The blind seer had prophesised our uprising and attempted to prevent it. She sent a warrior to stop us: she is dead.” Stacey winced at the reference to her death as Syrian continued. “She tried to hide the weapon: we captured her before she could” Syrian’s lips curled as the vale broke into laughter, “And NOW she will not speak: But we will make her... Now tell me, hag. Where is the Griseous Orb?” The Gypsy’s toes slip dangerously on the floor but she regains her stance and remains mute. Of course Syrian would need a Griseous Orb but did she really have it all along? Syrian grins reveling his sharp and unnatural fangs as he promises to make her speak. His Toxicroak happily bonds away into the shadows, returning only a moment later with shackles and chains in his hands. He pulls the prisoners he kept and as they entered the torchlight Stacey could make out a Dusknoir, it must be the same one belonging to the Gypsy that she battled what felt like years ago. But there was a second Pokemon and as it came into the light Stacey very nearly screamed and revealing their position. She fell back and bit into her hands to try and stop the noise, her horror and anger that would be conveyed in such a screech. She closed her eyes and cried silently whilst letting go of her hand, leaving a bite which had drawn no blood. The second Pokemon was a Stantler, the very same one that had killed her those few days ago. She put her hand to her breast feeling the wound there and how it matched the antlers of the reindeer. That Pokemon belonged to the Gypsy! What was it doing here and why had it killed her? She began to feel the paranoia swirl in her head, did the old woman have something to do with her death? Had this all been planned? But why? She longed to go down there and ask all these questions but for now she thumped her fists in the ground releasing her anger before she was calm enough to look back up at the Pokemon. She felt her anger melt away as she saw the terrified Stantler looking pitiful and so small now. It trembled in its shackles as it looked towards its master. The gypsy remained silent and with a single order Toxicroak wrapped its fingers into Stantlers mouth and tore its neck completely around and the reindeer fell to the floor unmoving. Stacey felt no satisfaction from its death, no, somehow she felt sorry for it. There was no need for the Pokemon to die and all it served to do was upset its trainer, it must be so awful to watch your Pokemon die before you and not be able to do a thing about it. Stacey grasped her Pokeball in her hand tightly thinking about all her Pokemon that were now without her.

Syrian was glaring so harshly at the gypsy who’s eyes showed her emotions, the tears falling down her cheeks for her fallen partner. Stacey felt the urge to do something, nothing else was going to die today unless it was that monstrosity of nature. She lurched forward but Iris’ hand clamps firmly around her own preventing her from moving. She bit her lip and was forced to continue to watch. Toxicroak loomed dangerously over the Dusknoir ready to guillotine it and the Gyspy moves her eyes quickly to her bag and it was all over.

“Her belongings! Bring me her belongings!” he shrieked excitedly as Toxicroak reluctantly moves away from his victim to collect the bag and bring it to his master before ripping it apart spillings it contents at his feet. Stacey saw a Spell Tag, a crystal ball, an old Keystone ...

“Reaper” Stacey whispered she was flooded of memories of her Spiritomb at the sight of the unusual stone. Oh how she missed him, how she missed all her Pokemon so much already. A small Sandshrew carcass tumbles out and Stacey frowns, had she seen that before? Yes she had, it had been in the coffin along with the remains of a little girl, what was she doing with it?

“Interesting item you found, hag. Did you know, in one of my many lives I had a niece. I tried to keep her locked away, as sacrificing her life would add at least another seventy to my own. She ran away to start a Pokémon adventure. She was a fool, just like the girl you befriended. But I tracked her down to the Cloud Garden and sacrificed her as planned. The orb was of no use to me without Giratina, so I hid it in her grave for safekeeping” Stacey’s eyes widened, that young girl had been his niece? The poor girl to have lived a life with this beast and he had been the one to kill her just to prolong his own life, there was no limits to how low this demon would sink. He grasped onto the Sandshrew husk crushing it in his grip and with the remains was a glowing yellow orb. Stacey stared at it transfixed, it seemed to pulse with life and energy and even from here she could feel it wash over her. She longed to get a closer look at it, to touch it and feel the life within.

“GIRATINA I SUMMON YOU! BEND TO MY WILL!” Syrian screamed as his followers cheered their loudest yet. Stacey felt her heart beat a little faster at the thought of seeing Giratina again but it was being summoned to destroy the world, oh how she wished she could meet it under different circumstances. Stacey felt Iris tug on her hand and she tore her gaze away from the scene up into the pure blue eyes of the goddess as she explained that this was their cue.

“We need to recover that orb. As a spirit the men down there will not be able to see you, but the second you send out Valentine they’ll attack. I’ll try and hold off the forces below for as long as possible... I think I may still have some power left in me yet... Stacey blinked at the woman, she had forgotten that she was a goddess and was powerful, looks certainly could be deceiving. She had been the one to bring her back to this limbo state and that must have taken some power. They had to recover the orb, well that made sense without it Syrian couldn’t control Giratina and it was the major player in this war. But what had she said, if she sent out Valentine they would attack, how could he take on a whole army of Shadow Pokemon? She held the Fighting Ball close to her heart, she would hold off on that as long as possible. But, how could she get all the way to Syrian without drawing attention. Even though she was dead, a spirit Iris called her she felt that she would just freeze at the sight of one of those huge Pokemon, surely one of them would sense her presence? This was so much to ask of one person, why was it always her that seemed to find herself in this kind of situation. You think she’d be used to feeling like this but this one was different, she truly felt out of her depth here, one foot wrong and she would only quicken his destruction, how could she not go wrong?

Iris was clear about one thing, retrieve the orb and Stacey would be happy to have that item in her hands feeling its life pulses filling her dead self up but her eyes cast over to the Gyspy, she was still in trouble and her Pokemon, would he be able to help them? And Reaper, the more she stared at the Keystone she was sure that it was him, she could see him again but was it right to unleash into all this? She was so torn, she didn’t know what to do. She stood still feeling so very bare right now as the wind played the the tiny amount of silk covering her. She looked the familiar Fighting Ball in her hand, had she made a mistake? If she had chosen Impish she could have relied on him to help her out and know just what to do, he read her like a Children’s Book. Valentine however, he was just a Ralts when she last saw him and now within this tiny metal ball he was all grown up, he had grown into a world of war, would he even feel anything towards her any more? Would he obey her entirely? She supposed he would, being a good soldier and all. She sighed as she dropped her arm to her side and stared back down at the abyss. She couldn’t hang around too much longer, she had to act now! She made her way to the edge of the mesa preparing herself for what she was about to do. She would hold off revealing her hand until the last moment, Valentine would remain hidden for now. Revealing him may send the cult into a battle frenzy and it might stir up confusion but she might lose Valentine in the process and right now she couldn’t face that yet. She wanted so much to go to the hag and her Spiritomb but she felt the Griseous Orb calling her. She would stick to the plan, she would take the orb from that demon and take him out after, along with that traitorous murderer by his side ... she would enjoy ending both their lives. With that dark thought in mind she took another leap of faith and began to run towards the Din Sun Society with as much hope as she could muster in her heart.

[Emp]

The Final Battle

Arc Angel: Rising to your full height it takes all your willpower to coerce your legs into locomotion. You take one last fleeting look at the army strewn densely in the vale below in hopes of gaining the direction needed to face the impossible mission, only managing to scatter your thoughts and bring rise to a new fear as their torchlight danced in your eyes. Your vision follows the steep cliffs of the valley, locking onto the plateau were the Griseous Orb was pulsing like a homing beacon. It was a fair trek from your vantage point, but nothing your undead body couldn’t handle. Blocking out all the ruckus resonating underneath and the airborne hunters overhead you let nothing but the shining yellow brick penetrate your thoughts. Nothing could hurt you down there. The disciples wouldn’t be able to see you, that much was true. As for the Psychic and Ghost Pokémon that probably could, they were mindlessly drunk on shadow energy and too wild to bring attention to a lost ghost travelling in the distance. You let this theory ease your troubled mind, cradling you into a sense of security as you focused on the hike ahead. The uneven terrain was filled with nasty drops, narrow trails and sudden inclines that made it nigh impossible to scale. Without the fear of death the jumps don’t feel nearly as dangerous, your only fear being that should you fall into the ranks of the army you’d stand no chance at getting back up to the plateau. After what feels like a good half hour you’ve almost made it, in earshot of Syrian’s speaking voice which brings on another wave of foreboding. You map out your descent, and without stamina coming into play start to scale down the jutted rocks leading to the plateau. Peering over your shoulder there’s a good ten meter drop between the wall and the mesa. You let yourself fall, your feet treading through solid ground as your ankles buckle. Painless but clumsy, you lie paralysed on your back to make sure no one had heard you... but someone had.

The shackled Dusknoir’s red eye fixes on your corpse with intense curiosity, not daring to draw any attention to your whereabouts. It takes a while for it to sink in, you were nothing more than a gust of wind to the living. Still you can’t repress the goosebumps, the sensation of a racing heart as you roll onto your chest and hoist yourself up. The scene was unchanged. Tears had streamed down the lines on the gypsy’s face as she whispered her final prayers. Toxicroak was hunched at his master’s feet, one eye twitching maniacally as his vocal sac swells and deflates rhythmically. Now that you were sure he couldn’t see you, you had a sudden urge to wring his neck. But your eyes and thoughts are quickly drawn into Syrian, holding the Griseous Orb over his head with a sinister smirk. The artefact was pulsing more vigorously now, sensing its master as it got closer. It was now or never. Your eyes sweep around the surrounding cliffs again, it’s difficult to make out were you’d been hidden in the black of the night but Iris was nowhere to be seen. You could only hope she had the power to fend off the maelstrom as you made for the orb. You cautiously sneak down the mesa, a shadow of doubt keeping you stealthy. You step over the carcass of the Stantler, the wound on your chest prickling as you try hard to repress another breakdown. The dishevelled contents of the Gypsy were spilled ahead like a minefield and as you narrowly tiptoe closer you have to steal yourself from grabbing Reaper. He could wait. The orb was all that mattered now...

Your heart skips a beat as the Gypsy lets out a small gasp. Her foggy eyes were locked on yours, she could see you perfectly. Like the Dusknoir however she broke her gaze and focused back on the trapdoor. Her sobbing had stifled, impressioned with the hope you were craving. A hair’s distance from the cloaked demon you come to a stop, the Griseous Orb throbbing with such allure it’s impossible to take your eyes off. Creeping so close you can hear Syrian’s breathing, your fingers twitch in a mixture of fascination and anticipation. Fear had been driven out by the rays of yellow now in arms reach. And without a second thought you lunge for the Orb. Your ethereal grasp seems to phase through his fingers, but your palms come to a stop on the sharp corners of the relic. It was strangely solid, as much a part of your world as it was of this one. on your touch it resonated warmth from the tips of your fingers down to your toes. It was the first real feeling you’d felt since death, and you didn’t want to share it with the likes of Syrian. With all your force you try to prize it from his slackened grip, but he quickly locks his fingers around it. In a desperate struggle the orb seamlessly floats over the shaman’s head by its own will, only it was you pulling the invisible strings. He twists his body around so you’re both facing, doubling his seize on it jealously but you don’t let go.

“Iris?!” he swears through gritted teeth, his face contorted in mangled of confusion and frenzy, “I- Was- Hoping- You- Would- Come... Now stop playing games and face me!” His voice echoes across the valley, stamping out any noise. The sudden outburst seems to knock you off guard too, and in a instant of strength he shakes off your efforts and shields the Orb within his arms, edging further toward the overhang. As the relic slips through your fingers all the pain and misery crashes like waves against your hollow corpse. It was like coming off a drug addiction, all you could think about was that sensation of feeling so... alive. Syrian’s panting subsides as he veils any remains of fear and uncertainty from his composure. His red eyes smoulder with wrath, but he looks right through you, directing his glare at the Gypsy.

“No... I’m just being paranoid... that was your doing wasn’t it, hag? Did you order that Pokémon to use Psychic?” the seer doesn’t give a response, her trembling lips curling into a smile. The taunt doesn’t bode well with Syrian; his nostrils flaring, his eyes flashing bloody scarlet and closing into slits, his mouth quivering, a slew of words spewing into space like a volcano releasing its pent up emotions into the darkness, “Kill them both! SHADOW END!” The Toxicroak convulses with excitement, bounding into the gallows and drawing a lever marking the seer’s fate. The trap door drops, and so does the Gypsy, suspended by a thick noose of rope around her neck. Strands of wiry hair obscure her face as her limbs struggle powerlessly. The choking noise distracts you from the Toxicroak, who’d ricocheted off the gallows toward the Gripper Pokémon. His master’s retching seems to coax one last act of rebellion from Dusknoir who raises his shackles and socks the toad in the jaw with a Shadow Punch. The evil amphibian is thrown back into the air and slung onto his back. He springs back to his webbed feet and spits some blood against the floor with a testy croak. The prisoner would pay for that... Mind racing and body still craving the Griseous Orb you’d better hope your improvisation skills don’t fail you now.

[DeadLion]

Astoria

Eyrie Peak

Named after the odd shape of the mountain which from a distance resembles an eagle's head, Mt.Eyrie was feared by many ancient tribes who once dwelled in the forest. Because no humans ever set foot upon the mountain, Eyrie Peak has become a haven for bird Pokémon who have made it their nesting ground. Because of this, the recent influx of tourists in the vicinity have their sights set upon this area, specifically in the hope of finding some of the rarer Pokémon in the land. Be warned, the Pokémon nesting here are likely to be fierce and will protect their babies at all costs.

Areas:
Adventure Path: Bustling with bird’s nests, this long and jagged path seems to spiral up and around the mountain leading to Eyrie Peak. Several caverns cluster the trail, all inhabited by flying types.

Two figures wandered up the spiralling walkway known as Adventure Path. One was clearly a human - Suchiru, a trainer who was just starting out on her journey, and the other was a pokemon - A Skarmory lovingly nicknamed Chainsaw, to be exact. Suchiru and Chainsaw had seen the mountain, Eyrie Peak, from a distance, and the trainer had quickly developed a burning desire to climb up it. However, first, they had to get to it. Chainsaw had been pretty nonchalant about the whole situation, but had followed her trainer anyway, because she was loyal, and that's what loyal pokemon did.

The metal bird looked at her trainer, "Skaar?"
Suchiru smiled, "Worried?"
Chainsaw said nothing more, but her glare said everything,
"Okay. Not worried..." Suchiru muttered, looking away from the Skarmory. Sometimes, she really didn't understand that pokemon... She supposed it hardly mattered, though - Wasn't journeying with pokemon meant to make them closer to their trainers or something? She didn't really remember, but her mother had said something like that when Suchiru had decided to leave. It'd be great if it were true, but really, only time would tell...

[Arc_Angel]

The Final Battle

Arc Angel: Rising to your full height it takes all your willpower to coerce your legs into locomotion. You take one last fleeting look at the army strewn densely in the vale below in hopes of gaining the direction needed to face the impossible mission, only managing to scatter your thoughts and bring rise to a new fear as their torchlight danced in your eyes. Your vision follows the steep cliffs of the valley, locking onto the plateau were the Griseous Orb was pulsing like a homing beacon. It was a fair trek from your vantage point, but nothing your undead body couldn’t handle. Blocking out all the ruckus resonating underneath and the airborne hunters overhead you let nothing but the shining yellow brick penetrate your thoughts. Nothing could hurt you down there. The disciples wouldn’t be able to see you, that much was true. As for the Psychic and Ghost Pokémon that probably could, they were mindlessly drunk on shadow energy and too wild to bring attention to a lost ghost travelling in the distance. You let this theory ease your troubled mind, cradling you into a sense of security as you focused on the hike ahead. The uneven terrain was filled with nasty drops, narrow trails and sudden inclines that made it nigh impossible to scale. Without the fear of death the jumps don’t feel nearly as dangerous, your only fear being that should you fall into the ranks of the army you’d stand no chance at getting back up to the plateau. After what feels like a good half hour you’ve almost made it, in earshot of Syrian’s speaking voice which brings on another wave of foreboding. You map out your descent, and without stamina coming into play start to scale down the jutted rocks leading to the plateau. Peering over your shoulder there’s a good ten meter drop between the wall and the mesa. You let yourself fall, your feet treading through solid ground as your ankles buckle. Painless but clumsy, you lie paralysed on your back to make sure no one had heard you... but someone had.

The shackled Dusknoir’s red eye fixes on your corpse with intense curiosity, not daring to draw any attention to your whereabouts. It takes a while for it to sink in, you were nothing more than a gust of wind to the living. Still you can’t repress the goosebumps, the sensation of a racing heart as you roll onto your chest and hoist yourself up. The scene was unchanged. Tears had streamed down the lines on the gypsy’s face as she whispered her final prayers. Toxicroak was hunched at his master’s feet, one eye twitching maniacally as his vocal sac swells and deflates rhythmically. Now that you were sure he couldn’t see you, you had a sudden urge to wring his neck. But your eyes and thoughts are quickly drawn into Syrian, holding the Griseous Orb over his head with a sinister smirk. The artefact was pulsing more vigorously now, sensing its master as it got closer. It was now or never. Your eyes sweep around the surrounding cliffs again, it’s difficult to make out were you’d been hidden in the black of the night but Iris was nowhere to be seen. You could only hope she had the power to fend off the maelstrom as you made for the orb. You cautiously sneak down the mesa, a shadow of doubt keeping you stealthy. You step over the carcass of the Stantler, the wound on your chest prickling as you try hard to repress another breakdown. The dishevelled contents of the Gypsy were spilled ahead like a minefield and as you narrowly tiptoe closer you have to steal yourself from grabbing Reaper. He could wait. The orb was all that mattered now...

Your heart skips a beat as the Gypsy lets out a small gasp. Her foggy eyes were locked on yours, she could see you perfectly. Like the Dusknoir however she broke her gaze and focused back on the trapdoor. Her sobbing had stifled, impressioned with the hope you were craving. A hair’s distance from the cloaked demon you come to a stop, the Griseous Orb throbbing with such allure it’s impossible to take your eyes off. Creeping so close you can hear Syrian’s breathing, your fingers twitch in a mixture of fascination and anticipation. Fear had been driven out by the rays of yellow now in arms reach. And without a second thought you lunge for the Orb. Your ethereal grasp seems to phase through his fingers, but your palms come to a stop on the sharp corners of the relic. It was strangely solid, as much a part of your world as it was of this one. on your touch it resonated warmth from the tips of your fingers down to your toes. It was the first real feeling you’d felt since death, and you didn’t want to share it with the likes of Syrian. With all your force you try to prize it from his slackened grip, but he quickly locks his fingers around it. In a desperate struggle the orb seamlessly floats over the shaman’s head by its own will, only it was you pulling the invisible strings. He twists his body around so you’re both facing, doubling his seize on it jealously but you don’t let go.

“Iris?!” he swears through gritted teeth, his face contorted in mangled of confusion and frenzy, “I- Was- Hoping- You- Would- Come... Now stop playing games and face me!” His voice echoes across the valley, stamping out any noise. The sudden outburst seems to knock you off guard too, and in a instant of strength he shakes off your efforts and shields the Orb within his arms, edging further toward the overhang. As the relic slips through your fingers all the pain and misery crashes like waves against your hollow corpse. It was like coming off a drug addiction, all you could think about was that sensation of feeling so... alive. Syrian’s panting subsides as he veils any remains of fear and uncertainty from his composure. His red eyes smoulder with wrath, but he looks right through you, directing his glare at the Gypsy.

“No... I’m just being paranoid... that was your doing wasn’t it, hag? Did you order that Pokémon to use Psychic?” the seer doesn’t give a response, her trembling lips curling into a smile. The taunt doesn’t bode well with Syrian; his nostrils flaring, his eyes flashing bloody scarlet and closing into slits, his mouth quivering, a slew of words spewing into space like a volcano releasing its pent up emotions into the darkness, “Kill them both! SHADOW END!” The Toxicroak convulses with excitement, bounding into the gallows and drawing a lever marking the seer’s fate. The trap door drops, and so does the Gypsy, suspended by a thick noose of rope around her neck. Strands of wiry hair obscure her face as her limbs struggle powerlessly. The choking noise distracts you from the Toxicroak, who’d ricocheted off the gallows toward the Gripper Pokémon. His master’s retching seems to coax one last act of rebellion from Dusknoir who raises his shackles and socks the toad in the jaw with a Shadow Punch. The evil amphibian is thrown back into the air and slung onto his back. He springs back to his webbed feet and spits some blood against the floor with a testy croak. The prisoner would pay for that... Mind racing and body still craving the Griseous Orb you’d better hope your improvisation skills don’t fail you now.

Stacey began the trek to the plateau her eyes firmly fixed on the sight of the glowing golden orb that had filled her body with a warmth she never thought she'd feel again. She tried not to glance at the massed army or the Shadow Pokemon hovering over them, it only lessened the tiny golden thread of hope in her heart. She could hear their cheers and battle cries and tried to tone them out as she remained focused on her goal. Iris was so sure that she wouldn't be seen that she held onto that despite her skin prickling at every glance her way, the psychic and ghost Pokemon could possibly sense her spiritual form but they all seemed so drunk on their own power and the beat of war running through their veins she needn't worry.

She took a few deep breaths feeling it help to calm her down she traversed the long path that was perilous the entire way and several times she nearly lost her footing. Falling wouldn't kill her but landing amongst the army surrounded by Shadow Pokemon made her dead heart beat faster. She would never be able to climb back up to the plateau so she gripped the ground and every root or vine to ensure she stayed high up. After 30 minutes of slips and climbs Stacey was positioned above the mesa, she could hear Syrain speak so much clearer and his voice sent chills down her spine. She began the climb down the sheer face of the cliff, her bare feet and toes gripping onto the hard rock. She had gone as far as she could and now all was left was a 10 metre drop.She still felt nervous about leaping so far but knew from the last fall she would not feel any pain. She pushed off the surface of the rock and plummeted to the ground landing awkwardly and falling over.

'That was graceful' she thought grimacing from her crumpled position, she was glad no-one had been able to see or hear the unladly grunt from the impact ... but someone had. Stacey lay on her back staring into the night when she felt eyes on her. Panic rose in her chest and she turned to face the singular red eye of Dusknoir, it was looking right at her. They locked gazes for what felt like an eternity mentally wondering what the other was thinking. The living couldn't see her but this ghost could, it filled her with a little thrill, would that mean that Reaper could see her too? She rolled onto her front and pushed up to her feet as she realised that nothing had changed in a few moments she had spent lying down. The gypsy had wet tear tracks along her cheeks as she prayed a final time, Toxicroak stood by his master's side his throat sacs expanding and retracting rhythmically. They don't appear to have heard her fall and Stacey walked towards them feeling a deep and dark urge to wrap her hands around the toad's throat and break his neck just like he had done to Stantler. She stepped over the corpse of the Reindeer feeling the wound in her chest burn painfully as she did but a wave of warmth pulsed over her skin as the Griseous Orb called to her. Syrian was holding it above his head and Stacey walked so close to him she could hear his heavy breathing and feel his pulse through his skin. She had to take that orb, it was calling to her like it belonged to her all along.

Drawn out of her daze by a gasp from the gypsy Stacey stole a glance at her to meeting her eyes. That one gaze spoke so much as the Gyspy stifled her tears and looked quickly down at the trapdoor with hope in her heart. Stacey had not seen Iris anywhere amongst the ranks and she could only hope that when things got sticky she would have the power to defend herself. Stacey turned to face the orb, its light reflecting in her eyes giving them a golden glow. Without a second thought she leapt up reaching for the pointed object of power. Her fingers phased through Syrians blending them together but she grasped the edges of the orb and held on tight. It sent warmth tingles down her whole body making her feel alive again. It was like electricity starting up her heart making it beat a victory beat, she was never letting this go. Syrian slackened his grip shocked by the invisible force trying to pull away his prize but he renewed his grip before swivelling around to face her. Stacey was face to face with the demon his red eyes boring into her very soul making her scared and sick.

“Iris?!” he swears through gritted teeth, his face contorted in mangled of confusion and frenzy, “I- Was- Hoping- You- Would- Come... Now stop playing games and face me!” His outburst had startled the spirit enough that Stacey lost her grip on the pointed orb and fell back to the ground peering up at his looming form. She felt all those negative emotions crush against her chest nearly causing her to cry all over again. The orb was like a drug, she needed to feel that alive again, she had to have it! She blinked away the feelings concentrating on Syrian who looking around in a frenzy panting hard. He was so sure that Iris was involved and he's be right but the fear in his eyes gave Stacey renewed hope, he was concerned about the Goddess' presence here, perhaps there were more she could do to prevent this war.

“No... I’m just being paranoid... that was your doing wasn’t it, hag? Did you order that Pokémon to use Psychic?” The gypsy merely grins at him and Stacey wished for a moment that she had remained stoic, the rebellion was't going to sit well with the demon. Stacey felt his body stiffen next to her, his eyes narrowing to slits and she felt that sickening panic hit her all over again.

No please don't hurt them!' she mentally begged him knowing it was useless.

“Kill them both! SHADOW END!” Toxicroak bounds over to the gallows and hits a lever that send the trapdoor flying open. Stacey holds back a scream as she sees the gypsy fall and dangle from the rope her body convulsing as it fought off death. The sight was mesmerising and disgusting at the same time. Stacey didn't even notice the toad change direction and target Dusknoir who fought back one last time with a Shadow Punch sending him flying. Toxicroak was back on his feet in no time, spitting the blood out on the floor and was ready to make the ghost pay for the insult. Stacey was so torn right now, things couldn't have gone any worse. Not only didn't she have the orb the gypsy and Dusknoir were suffering because of her mistake. She had to correct this, she couldn't stand back and watch them both die! Going straight for the orb had been foolish but if she could distract Syrian enough she could make another grab for the object.

She stood tall and remembered the Fighting Ball in her left hand, now was the time to use her weapon. She knew that revealing Valentine would show her and Iris' hand but she would not let more death happen when she could prevent it. It might be enough of a distraction, she could only hope the Gallade would recognise her and follow her orders. She dropped the ball to the ground and a bright white flash lit up their position, the army must have seen that. Lets hope that Iris was ready for them. When the light receeded her Gallade stood before her and Stacey was in awe of the power radiating off him. He was magnificent, a perfect warrior built with swords on his arms ready to fight and kill. She wondered if with her nurturing would 'her' Valentine grow up to be like this. She saw flashes of memory of her little Ralts as he smiled happily up at her, the cheekiness of his father shining in his eyes. This one had only a solid stare showing no emotion, he was more like his mother and this saddened her a little, Lucius was his father after all she had hoped he would have some of positive traits too. He had the traits of both the Gardevoir and Banette that made him a perfect warrior and killer, she could tell all that from a single look into his eyes. She couldn't wonder what could have been, she had to hope 'Valentine' would hear her thoughts and act upon them as willingly as he used to.

'Please cut the rope in the gallows holding the old woman with Night Slash.
Slice the Toxicroak with Psycho Cut to keep him away from the Dusknoir, aim for the throat make him really feel pain.
Release the ghost from his shackles with Brick Break.
Please heed my orders ... my Valentine.'

Stacey glanced down to the keystone left abandoned on the floor. She wondered if Reaper would hear her, he could help in this battle and protect the gypsy. She wondered if it was right to bring him into the war, right now he was safe as Syrian saw him as not threat ... perhaps it was best to leave it like that ... for now.

[Fireray]

Astoria
The Enchanted Forest

Areas:
Forgotten Ruins: Now completely overrun by deep foliage, they’ve made a suitable home for countless grass types. However, stories have spread of the intricate sanctuaries filled with great riches that lie beyond the vegetation. Riddles were a popularity of the ancients, be sure you’re intelligent enough.

"Come Cyndaquil and lets look at this nice temple a catch our first Pokemon."said Fireray and looked at those small eyes staring at him. "Those eyes just made sure your not going in your Pokeball." he told his Cyndaquil. "But be sure to get that flame away as we don't want to burn this place down."Fireray said while looking careful at the rock. "I wonder how old these rocks are don't you too Cyndaquil." said Fireray as he looked at the rocks one more time before steping in to the ruins.

[Coolz8]

Garden of Iris

Rainbow Pool

Coolz8 –

Leah allows you to grasp her hand so she could find some comfort to help her with the pain from her leg injury. “Torterra, please use Iron Head on Vespiquen after Trick moves, then Bite,” she orders her tortoise, wincing again from the pain.

The Combee hold their positions and try combining their Gust attacks again, this time forming two smaller cyclones instead of one big one so they could hit two targets, but thanks to some quick thinking Trick was able to duck under Torterra, reducing the damage he would’ve taken. Of course, this meant Torterra took the brunt of the attacks, but she could take it in style. Then all of a sudden, Trick jumped out from under his cover and let loose a bright Flash on the small swarm. Your vision returned to normal after a few seconds, and then you could see for a brief moment the damage the Flash had caused. The first two Combee were able to look away, but Vespiquen and the other three Combee find their vision out of sorts, one of them finding their vision particularly blurry. The important thing, though, was that Vespiquen wasn’t going to see the Continent Pokemon coming. While Trick was distracting your enemies, Torterra had been charging Steel energy, magnetizing what little Iron there was in the fields and drawing it towards her Head. She wasn’t going to wait for Trick to get out of the way, however, but fortunately the little Treecko barely jumped away so that Vespiquen would take the full blow of the critical hit she was dealt. Pushed back against a tree, Vespiquen was brought back down to below half of her health. “I’m sorry, I told her to attack after your Treecko moved, but she is too impatient. Just… please be careful around her,” says Leah, apologizing for her Torterra’s Hasty tendencies. You then feel a breeze come straight at you… which would be supporting the Combee’s backs with a refreshing Tailwind, and the glowing eyes of Vespiquen show who provided it. Now you had to deal with some even faster Bug Pokemon!

And guess what? Those faster Combee were going to whip up Gusts even quicker now! Fortunately, they seem preoccupied on getting Torterra off of Vespiquen and concentrate all their Gust attacks towards that direction. The five attacks combine once again, dealing some good damage to Torterra, but also accidentally dealing that same damage to Vespiquen in the process! Torterra was successfully blown off to the side, but at what price? Oh, and they had their backs turned; this was Trick’s chance to attack another Combee! Latching onto one Combee’s back, he Absorbs more delicious honey goodness, gaining only another tiny portion of his health back, but at least he wasn’t damaged too much, so he was brought that much closer back to full health. Thanks to Tailwind, Vespiquen could Order one of her servants to come over and Heal her before Torterra could attack again, but it took time for the Combee to transfer all of its health over to his queen. Too much time. Torterra interrupted the healing by Biting her quarry in the midsection and causing Vespiquen to flinch. And the process didn’t exactly allow Combee to stop transferring his energy somewhere. Poor little bee, he was only able to complete half of the healing process; the other half of his energy was wasted, and he fell unconscious knowing he failed in his duties.

Well, this left four Combee, still just below 90% health, but now starting to look a little tired at about half energy; Trick is currently latched on to one of the Combee’s backs, who is slightly behind in health from the others. Vespiquen was getting a run for her money now since her Heal Order only half worked, and she was now below 40% health and at about 60% energy. Trick and Torterra were both still looking pretty healthy, though Trick would need to make sure not to get in Torterra’s way, or he would risk getting caught in the giant tortoise’s attacks.

What will Frinth do?

http://forums.upnetwork.net/showthread.php?t=4125

Trick still seemed up and ready for what may have remained of the battle, and with Leah's Torterra around, victory was a more vivid projection as Trick was given further commands.

The cascading rainbows gliding around reminded Frinth of a day he had left behind, so he drifted into a short trance...

But he easily left the secluded state, only to fulfil his duty.
"Leah! please let me take a shot at vespiquen!"
Trick! give way to torterra's moves, if ever he may move first. But try taking out the vespiquen once torterra disperses the combee. Rock Smash and Thunderpunch!

[kaisap112]

Whew, I have some time to post this before I get into packing, so here goes! Sorry for being lazy, folks! >_< Also I've decided that my group should start posting in lime so we can distinguish ourselves from the others in Astoria.

The Divine Woodland

Magus Falls

Kaisap112 –

You could forget all about the near-death experience that Kitty and Elmira had against a cranky Croconaw (in fact, you would rather forget it); you had to live in the moment here! I mean, when was the last time you met a Gym Leader, huh? My guess… too long ago to satisfy you. And now, here you were, standing in front of one of the dreamiest Gym Leaders from the Kanto region: Gary Oak, grandson of the Prof. Oak! You were so embarrassed, you had to apologize for you and your Pokemon’s inexperience as you returned them to their Pokeballs and gave them some time to rest. But then it occurred to you: what was the Viridian City Gym Leader doing all the way out here in Astoria? His answer: “Heh heh, you’re really lucky, I just happened to be here looking for some ruins I was asked to check out!” chuckled Gary. “Things just looked bad for you, so I figured I’d better step in! I’m just glad it all worked out!”

You then look towards the Croconaw and the pool of water at the base of the waterfall, and you notice a familiar head pop out of the water. It’s the Remoraid who helped you earlier, and as you point out the fish to Gary, he notices something. “Hey wait… Remoraid, can you come a little closer?” Remoraid swims up to the edge of the pool, and Gary kneels down for a closer look at this Pokemon. “What’s this…?” he asks quietly as you could see him remove what looked like a ring from the Remoraid’s tail fin. He looks closer at the ring and gasps. “Remoraid, where did you get this?” he asked urgently, showing her the ring. “Can you show me?” Remoraid nods, then swims over to the raging Waterfall and scales up the pouring water, then swimming into… somewhere. It looked to be a few meters below the top of the waterfall, but… what is this, I don’t even… “Hm, guess I need to head in there too… Exeggutor, return, and go, Blastoise!” Gary switches from a three-headed palm tree to a big blue turtle with shoulder cannons. “All right, Blastoise, use Waterfall to get me up to that point!” he orders, pointing where the Remoraid disappeared. Blastoise jumps into the water, then Gary says, “Well, I’m gonna check this out, so see ya around!” And with that, Gary jumps in as well and holds on to Blastoise’s back as his turtle climbs up the Waterfall too. The idea of exploring ancient ruins sure sounded interesting, but exploring ruins with the Gary Oak? You could turn such a dream into reality… if you had a Pokemon that could use Waterfall, that is…

What will Noriko do?

“Heh heh, you’re really lucky, I just happened to be here looking for some ruins I was asked to check out!” chuckled Gary. “Things just looked bad for you, so I figured I’d better step in! I’m just glad it all worked out!” Noriko was satisfied with the answer, fully aware that Gym Leaders spent a whole lot of time outside their Gyms. Something else distracted her attention though: a familiar sight popping out of the water at the foot of the waterfall. It was the Remoraid from earlier, safe and sound. “Well, glad to see you’re alright! We helped this Remoraid before you showed up”, Noriko explained to Gary.

The Gym leader nodded before taking notice of something. “Hey wait… Remoraid, can you come a little closer?” Remoraid swam eagerly to the edge of the pool, letting Gary kneel and take a closer look. From Remoraid’s tail fin he pulled out what looked like a ring. “What’s this…?” Noriko decided to hold her questions for a bit longer – Gary was busy making his own. “Remoraid, where did you get this? Can you show me?” As he showed the ring to Remoraid, the fish nodded happily, swimming fast and using Waterfall to climb up the falling water and out of sight. “Hm, guess I need to head in there too… Exeggutor, return, and go, Blastoise!” Apparently it was Noriko’s lucky day, not too many people got such a close look at Gary’s personal team, at least without having their butts handed to them at the same time. The giant turtle looked ready for anything. “All right, Blastoise, use Waterfall to get me up to that point!”

Blastoise jumped into the water without as much as a blink. “Well, I’m gonna check this out, so see ya around!” Gary hopped on Blastoise, the duo going up the Waterfall at great speed before disappearing after Remoraid.

Noriko didn’t have to think twice about her next move. “Kitty, I think we should go after him. I’m too curious.” Kitty nodded eagerly, her curiosity got the best of her too! Noriko called Kitty back into her Pokéball, pulling out another and throwing it. “Minori! We need your Waterfall attack, get us up there!” Minori the Seel dove straight into the water, Noriko walking in and grabbing Minori firmly before the latter started his swim up the waterfall…

[Emp]

The Final Battle

Arc Angel: You draw toward the Gracious Orb’s glow like a moth to a flame and all of a sudden – you were reborn. Its touch was like turning the ignition on a rusty old pickup truck, the decaying network of veins and arteries beneath your ribcage combusting with life, bumping blood through your body for the first time in an eternity. And as the crystal slips away from your fingers the euphoric feeling dies with it, leaving you naked and frail. Your body starts to convulse as your nervous system deteriorates, your mind in such a state of shock you find it hard to think straight. Before the craving can drive you to madness the stifled choking of a hag inches from death coerces you out of oblivion for the time being. Your lapse in judgement had sealed her fate, and now it was down to you to save her. Fuelled with determination you brandish a chestnut sphere: your greatest weapon against the rising shadow. It slips out of your clutch and hurtles toward the earth, cracking open with a burst of light so bright it would draw all eyes back to the plinth. Light runs off his body like water, bringing shape to a gallant warrior, bent on one knee with its twin blades crossed. You blinking away the spots from your dilated pupils in efforts to get a better look into the soul of the grownup Valentine. His stance emanated incredible skill and power, his eyes serious and hardened as they swept tentatively across the mesa. You couldn’t help but feel overcome by nerves as his gaze locks onto yours like he was considering you. Who was this stranger? He didn’t inherit Lucius’s maniacal bearing. Perhaps the world he grew up in forced him to grow up too fast, and you can’t help but feel a pang of guilt for not being there for him. But with the ruckus erupting from the vale and the enemies afoot frozen in confusion the time to strike was now.

You channel your scattered thoughts into a game plan, concentrating on nothing else but the string of orders which felt more like a desperate plea for help. Valentine’s eyes flicker intensely and the sensation your thoughts were being penetrated takes over. You feel him delve a bit deeper than your immediate thoughts, no doubt probing your memory bank. Eyes smouldering with realisation he leaves an imprint of his own thoughts on his way out, his handsome voice filling you with hope and reassurance, ’Yes, my master.’ The words echo through your skull for a few seconds until he breaks the stare and homes in on the gallows ahead. Then time turned back to normal and several things happened at the same time... Gallade leaps from his crouch with tenacious speed, skirting lightfootedly down the edge of the plinth and kicking into air meters before the gallows. He hangs in the Night’s sky for a few moments, his twin blades combusting in darkness as he corkscrews toward the seer. Slashing the noose with one arm and seizing the gypsy’s cloak with the other he rolls onto the floor cradling the hag and gently resting her on the ground. Meanwhile all hell was breaking loose below. Hundreds of shadow monsters were roaring and stampeding under the plateau, a fifty foot cliff the only thing keeping them at bay. The aerial fleet weren’t as fazed by this problem as they rounded on Valentine like homing missiles. The dozen or so red eyes dance like a swarm of Vobeat against the black canvas of dusk, whisking away your false sense of security. Straining your eyes you’re able to make out Hydreigon, Salamence and Charizard with dozens more species veiled by the darkness. Their faces suddenly light up as Shadowy Fireballs spindle out of their mouths swelling in size. You feel powerless to help as the inferno rains down like a carpet bomb, the knight stood above the comatose gypsy and showing no signs of yielding.

Syrian’s twisted laughter is drowned out by the blazing firestorm which quickly consumes Valentine. The blue flames melt away at the rocks prolonging the internal torture, the fire dancing in the reflection of your glazed pupils. The ebbing cinders unveil nothing but charred terrain, belching with smoke and glowing red with heat. There was nothing. Not even a body to salvage. Before this has time to sink in a high pitch battle cry resonates across the valley, Syrian looking to the skies in confusion. The discord underneath your footing settles as a small streak of light emerges from the cliff tops above. The Shaymin was nothing but a blur as it cartwheeled through the air, prompting a bombardment of Shadowy Fireballs from the army which he dodged with ease. The flying beasts had broken off from the plateau now to annihilate the new threat, cutting off the critter’s flight path veering down like fighter jets as they all combust into a Shadow Blitz. The legendary Pokémon headed toward them, twisting through the tightest of openings and coming to a stop above. The Shadow Pokémon break out of their attacks, straining skyward until a bright Flare of green light blinds them. Suddenly a flurry of Seeds shower down like a meteor storm, peppering the convoy and putting an abrupt end to the dog fight as they career lifelessly into the vale. The grass type had only taken out a small division of the army, and whilst it’d cleared the skies it had a lot left to contend with. Another volley of attacks pierce through the sky proving nigh impossible to dodge, the terrier yelping as it’s clipped by half a Shadow Chill. A few cries of bewilderment draw your focus away from Shaymin however as Shadow Pokémon start dropping like flies below. Straining for a closer look you spot a thick of vines break out from the soil, snaring a Shadow Rhydon and pulling it away into the underbrush. One by one the soldiers were being taken out until they started firing aimlessly at the ground.

So much was happening at once you almost forget what you were here for until a low croak drags you back to your senses. Your eyes sweep back over the mesa. Syrian was watching his army fall with smouldering eyes, messaging the Griseous Orb which was pulsing wilder than ever. With such a strong hold you’d have to prize it from his dead body, an idea which seemed to win you over. You find the gypsy’s Dusknoir, who’d been locked in a body binding Shadow Hold. The toad was croaking frantically, resisting the urge for a swift kill when he’d promised himself he’d make this one hurt. With Valentine out of the fight so early there was nothing you could do to save the last remaining prisoner. Reaper was unresponsive, still out of action from your last living skirmish. Hope gives rise to panic and all you could do now was hope Iris could turn the tides of the battle before Giratina arrived...

’Over here’, a gentle whisper from inside your head rescues you from despair. It was Valentine! As though he’d embedded the coordinates in your brain you quickly turn your eastward and find the warrior latched onto the cliff face, his scarlet cloak billowing in the blustery winds. You could only guess he’d Teleported out of the blitzkrieg in the nick of time. He sends a subtle wink your way before vanishing into thin air. Your eyes dart around the skies, the warrior reappearing a stretch above the Shadow Toxicroak toad and breaking into a nosedive. The Gallade extends its swords, pivoting its waist forward and grappling the toad by surprise. With his feet wrapped around the enemy he kicks the Dusknoir free from the headlock, the reaper quickly recessing to the mountains to find his injured mistress. The tables had turned with the frog in your mercy. Valentine presses his swords against the Psycho’s slimy skin, Cutting off his head in one swift cross motion. As he breaks away from the decapitated amphibian you spot a glint of remorse in his eyes, only adding fuel to your burning desire to know more about his past. ’I didn’t think he’d croak that easily’, a small trace of his father’s humour softens the mood, the Gallade smirking toward you as you share a long exchange. Suddenly your smile falters as Syrian lets out a triumphant laugh.

“Everything is going according to plan”, he smiles to himself, “Waste your powers holding them off Iris. In a few more moments I won’t even need an army...” The shaman’s eyes stare jealously at the Griseous Orb, now flickering at blinding speed. With no one left to save you feel yourself relapsing into obsession, its allure growing stronger as its master drew nearer. He holds it over the valley again, allowing its yellow luminescence to break through the shadowy vale like a homing beacon. The renegade Pokémon would be here any second...

[jolteonjak]

What can I say other than "I'm sorry" for making you all wait so long? Anyway, here you go. Cele appears to be back, so I'll repost your last update in case you need it.

The Island

~Shaman River~

Mon1010: After a bit of searching the area in the woods, you thought you finally caught up to the thieving Teddiursa. Following it into an opening in a bush, you found, instead, a Linoone and her young Zigzagoon, each of the little ones suffering from burns. You saw the parent feeding them some Rawst Berries it found, but an accidental twig snap caused them to run off in fear. Suddenly you put two and two together; the Ursaring was burnt badly, as were the little Zigzagoon. In its haste, the Linoone left an extra Rawst Berry which you grabbed. A loud yell next invaded your thoughts, and ears.

Careful not to destroy their home, you exited the den of the Linoone; so you could go investigate the scream. As you ran, you happened to look up, and you noticed some smoke filling the sky in the distance, in the same direction too. You also could see something quickly glide by disappearing into the smoke. Your gaze is drawn back to earth, as Shaana tried to get your attention.

You stopped running and turned to her. She was floating over by a bush with a twig sticking out of it. Attached to the twig were long strands of copper hair. You wondered if it could belong to the Ursaring parent you're searching for. "POMMMMM!" Another screech broke your concentration. It was quite loud, so you figured you weren't too far away from its source. You continued your pursuit, and the area started to fill with smoke. The smoke became thicker and darker. Finally you discovered the source of the smoke, a tree with its trunk engulfed in flames.

Perched on a limb, you spotted a large purple creature with two tails, on each of those tails were the strangest looking hands you ever saw. The Ambipom was frantic, hopping about on the limb. Maybe it lived in the tree. Whatever the case, you watched Ambipom hop off the limb holding onto the limb with one of its tails. When it was near the ground, its tail let go of the limb; and it landed on the ground. The Long Tail Pokemon used its tails to begin flinging some sand at the blazing trunk, attacking the flames. It turned to look at the tree, and it was upset to see that most of the fire was still burning. Next, it began to concentrate, and you could see an orb form between its two little purple hands. The watery orb was fired at the tree, pulsing through the air. It landed at the base of the tree, where some of the water could splash up dousing more of the flames. Some of the water also saturated the ground around the tree. Ambipom braved the heat of the fire and got closer to begin slapping some of the mud that was created at the tree to smother even more of the flames.

You watched Ambipom working furiously to save its tree from being destroyed by the fire. It switched tactics again, using Sand Attack a few more times. The fire was slowly extinguishing, but it was only a matter of time before it would reignite though. With the fire beginning to die out, you started to hear some more commotion ahead of you. The noises sounded an awful lot like a certain Little Bear you've been following.

Out of the corner of its eye, Ambipom noticed Shaana hovering. It turned to look at you, giving you a look of fear. It jumped up and down waving its little purple arms. It then began to point at the tree with one of its tails. It also raised its arms to either side of its mouth and began to blow, like it was mimicking something. Ambipom was clearly trying to tell you something, but at the same time its tree was still on fire, but only slightly.

What will you do?

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~The Lakes~

TutorX: Success! Things seem to be working as you planned. You manage to trap that wily Qwilfish to a tree. Always resourceful, though, the Balloon is not completely defenseless as it fires off volleys of Pin Missiles.

The first wave speedily flies through the air heading in Zoomer's direction. Before you can react, it pelts your Ralts for some damage, which knocks him back about a yard. The second wave flies straight up in the air causing some leaves to fall off the tree Qwilfish is affixed to. As you react and order Zoomer to Teleport away, the third wave strikes him for more damage. Just in time, however, Zoomer avoids the fourth wave of the barrage of missiles. The missiles explode on the beach causing sand to scatter about. You and the injured boy aren't affected due to your make-shift shield from your bag. The last wave flies out over the lake and out of sight.

Zoomer reappears standing on the tied up Qwilfish. It struggles under weight a bit; but since it's bound to the tree, it can't shake Zoomer off. You and the boy watch from the sidelines and you see your Ralts falter a little. You check out the little boy to make sure his injury isn't getting any worse. You turn your attention back to the battle to see Zoomer's horn flashing its familiar signaling pattern. Next he fires a beam straight down striking the Balloon Pokemon at close range causing more damage than it usually would. Qwilfish, in response, begins to flail about successfully knocking Zoomer off. Next you notice something strange happening. A faint purple cloud eminates from Zoomer and slowly floats over to Qwilfish and dissipates shortly after. Zoomer winces and falls to one knee. He looks to be in pain.

You stand there momentarily confused. "Oh cool!" the boy yells out. "I think that was Ralts' Synchronize. Your Ralts may be poisoned from that Qwilfish's Poison Point ability." He thinks for a moment. "Too bad Qwilfish is a Poison type and can't be poisoned."

Focusing back on the battle, you see that Qwilfish has had enough of being tied to the tree. In an effort to free itself, Qwilfish fires water directly at the tree. The force from the water shot at the tree seems to be as strong as a gun, which pushes it away from the tree, barely, stretching the grass that binds it. Just as soon as Qwilfish finishes launching the Water Gun at the tree, it begins to launch missiles of pins. The combination of the stretched grass and the Pin Missiles is enough to tear through Qwilfish's binds, and the angry Balloon Pokemon is free. Its victory is shortlived, however, as a flashing beam from Zoomer's signaling horn slams it back into the same tree using up the rest of its Bug Energy. Once again, like before, Zoomer winces in pain from the poison streaming through its body.

What will you do?

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Eyrie Peak

~Adventure Path~

Celebii151: repost
The sudden appearance of a woman in a lab coat cancels your battle with the young Panpour. It seems you have unknowingly entered a research facility, and now its inhabitants surround you. The monkeys begin to close in on you as you begin to explain how you got there and that you were not sent by Team Plasma.

“There seems to be a glimmer of truth in what you say,” the researcher says. "Why just a very short time ago, a patch of the fence that was damaged was fixed and put back in place by some of our workers.” You offer her the Potion for Panpour. “Thank you. Is this a certified Pokemon potion?” She inspects the potion and sees the certification seal. “Splendid. Thanks again.” She begins to treat the young monkey and looks at you puzzled by all the monkey Pokemon. “My name is Astrid. As I said earlier, I am a researcher here. I can assure you that you haven’t entered the Mystic Jungle. We have captured some monkeys from the Monkey-Forts, however, to begin our studies. I cannot explain what it is we are studying for your own protection and ours and the Pokemon’s.”

Just then some of the Primeape tense their bodies. They begin to make short hops waving their arms over their heads and start to grunt softly. “I think we should continue this conversation somewhere indoors. These Primeape are getting a tad unruly at your presence in their play area,” Astrid warns. “Being cooped up while the fence was being repaired didn’t help matters either.” She slowly places the Panpour on the ground, and it immediately runs past you and up into its tree. "If you'll allow us to pass, we will all leave you alone," she says to all the monkeys, and a Pansage and Pansear both step aside creating an opening for you, Astrid, and Neptune. "Stay calm, Cele, and don't make eye contact with any of the Primape, you too Wartortle." She urges you start walking by the Grass Monkey and the High Temp Pokemon and she follows you. Once you're all sufficiently away from the monkeys, Astrid begins speaking, which causes you to exhale at last, "We should be far enough away. I apologize for that. We do not study any of the Primeape, mostly because they're quite fierce. Most of them are also parents to some of the Mankey, and they don't want to be separated from their young. And we wouldn't force them to be apart anyway. They actually serve as effective guards for the other monkeys. One of my associates witnessed one of them defending the monkeys from some of those Team Plasma agents last night, which caused extensive damage to that section of the fence you entered through. He says that was all from one Focus Punch."

As you both continue walking towards the research center, suddenly you hear a small explosion from ahead of you. "Dr. Astrid, come in!" you hear a voice which sounds understandably panicked. Astrid takes a walkie-talkie from her pocket and listens. "Team Plasma is back! They're attacking the East Wing! We need assistance immediately!"

"I'm on my way Joshua!" she responds. "If you truly aren't from Team Plasma, then please help us fight them off!" She reaches in one of the pockets of her lab coat and removes a Pokeball. She clicks the button to open it up, and a white flash of energy emerges. When the flash goes away you see three pairs of magnets attached to three shiny orbs of silver metal floating in the air. "Magneton, let's go!" The Magnet Pokemon nods and floats alongside Astrid. "We're not too far from the East Wing luckily. Please, will you help us?"

Well, will you?

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Charminions: The female Nidoran was proving her toughness to you. At the same time, Osage is also proving his toughness, able to completely defend from an attack while increasing his powers. The battle, though, is starting to show its effects on both participants. Pigkey, on the other hand, is in her own world trapped in her confusion.

Realizing you'll need the Mankey's help, you approach her and give her a smack hoping to relieve her of her confusion. You give the Pokemon their orders, and they prepare to attack. Osage breathes in air and shoots it at Nidoran. The air, now frosty from Osage's Ice-type body, strikes her for some strong damage. Pigkey next picks up a nearby stone. She throws it at Nidoran, hoping to smack her down. The rock knocks her on the side of her leg for some damage, though not as severe as if she were flying. Nidoran takes the opportunity to bow her head in preparation allowing her defense to raise a bit in the process.

Hoping to put an end to Nidoran's stat boosting, Osage rushes in raising his claw ready to strike little Poison Pin crushing her hopes of victory. The slash connected, but she remained focused on her current course. The attack was not without success however; for the recent boost in her defense was erased as quickly as it came. Pigkey, meanwhile, prepares what she hopes is a devastating attack. She swings her arm in a circular motion creating a mega force. Once she sees Osage strike and step back, she closes in ready to punch Nidoran. Unfortunately for Pigkey, she mega punches herself in the face and knocks herself to the ground. Nidoran watches her lucky break, and she begins to charge at Osage, head first. She bashes into the Sharp Claw Pokemon with her skull throwing him back a few yards.

This particular attack seems to made Nidoran quite proud of herself, because seeing Osage knocked back causes her to sing her favorite song out loud, very loudly. The notes soar through the air attacking all three of your hearing. You wonder what she is doing. Is she already starting to celebrate victory? All of a sudden it becomes clear. You hear, echoing through the trees, a reply of sorts. The song Nidoran was singing was being repeated by another, thus becoming a round. Pigkey stands up quickly looking around trying to pinpoint the source of the sound. It seems she needed a stronger smack to cure her confusion. Now she stands, battle ready, facing the direction of the second singer. What will you do?

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Myahoo: After helping one of the three injured Pidove escape the cave, you ventured further into the cave searching for the other two. As you continue, the noise from the battle up ahead got louder. At the entrance to the cave you peeked in to see a Staravia battling against an alternately colored Boldore. The Staravia seemed to have a slight upper hand on Boldore; however, typewise Boldore did. After being grazed by Boldore's Power Gem, it retaliated with a powerful Hidden Power attack. In the back corner you spotted the missing pair of Pidove huddling together in fear of the big rock. Suddenly you were spotted by the intrepid trainer battling the Ore Pokemon, and she could really use your help!

Concerned for the well-being of the Pidove, you decided to join the battle. Sizing up Boldore, you realized a head-to-head battle wouldn't suffice. After thinking for a moment, you gave your orders to Wildfire. He nodded, understanding your request; and began to scrape and burrow underground. Watching his progress, you thought to yourself this would take some time. You hobbled into the cavern and slowly hopped over next to the other trainer. "You're injured?" the trainer asked you. She was alternating between looking at you and watching the battle. "What happened?"

All of a sudden, in the middle of your explanation, Boldore began to blast some rocks towards you, the other trainer, and the cowering Pidove. "Pidove, scatter!" she yelled. "Wings, break up the rocks with Steel Wing!" The pair of Pidove took flight just as one of the rocks slams into the floor of the cavern. Just as they took off, two more rocks flew towards you. Suddenly Staravia speedily flew by you, with its wings glowing silver, to slice the rocks into pieces, just as they were about to hit you. "Now use Steel Wing on Boldore!" she exclaimed. Staravia set its course towards Boldore.

With the impending threat of the Rock Blast over, the girl looked at you once more. "I have some basic first aid knowledge. May I look at your injury? I may be able to help." She motioned for you to sit on a nearby rock. She listened to you explain what happened to your ankle and watched your facial expression as she touched the area. "Judging by what you've told me, I think it's a fair assumption that your ankle is not broken. That's a good thing since there are no hospitals in the area. Continue using that branch as a crutch, and when you get to a Pokemon Center, Nurse Joy can treat it better," she exclaimed. "My name is Chloe, by the way." Chloe turned back towards the battle to see how her Staravia was doing. Boldore was knocked back by Staravia's Steel Wing. "Good job Wings. Now use, wait, what the -" Chloe was interrupted by the ground beneath Boldore swelling and rumbling as Wildfire burst through completing his dig and striking the Ore Pokemon.

Before Boldore could react, Wildfire blew some dark smoke at it, effectively screening it from what they had planned next. "Is that Cyndaquil yours?" Chloe asked. "Excellent, Wings could use a rest. Roost for a little bit Wings!" she ordered. The Staravia lands next to its trainer, gladly welcoming a chance to rest up. Suddenly, rocks came blasting from the cloud of smoke in various directions. One of the rocks hit one of the Pidove, and it fell to the cavern floor stunned. The second landed next to its partner to be with it. Cyndaquil, meanwhile, began to channel any of the pain he felt and any of the suffering he endured recently into an attack. He leapt into the smoke using his the energy of that difficult dig to reverse his feelings of how this battle is going. While the attack was successful and super effective, Wildfire has not taken any damage yet; so the attack didn't cause much damage to Boldore.

"While we have some time," Chloe started looking at your ankle again, "let's get this bandaged up. I have some spare bandage with me, and I always carry a few scraps of tree bark that would make an excellent brace." Chloe rummaged through her backpack and got to work. She placed the bark on your ankle and said, "Please hold the bark here while I begin wrapping your ankle." Wildfire ran out of the smokescreen and back to your side.

He had not a moment to spare for the smokescreen was dispersed by sand. Looking at the, now, sand twister, you see Boldore upside-down spinning using the sand to attack the smoke. Wings immediately took flight. You, Chloe, and Wildfire were all startled by the Sand Attack; but you were able to shield your eyes from any of its effects. "Oh man, I really need to concentrate on your ankle for a moment," Chloe commented. Boldore noticed the two Pidove and began advancing towards them. "Wings! Protect the Pidove as best you can!"

For the time being, it seems it's up to you and Wildfire to keep the Boldore at bay. What will you do?

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OkikuMew: After hearing what Andersen had to say regarding his need for Apricorns, you graciously offer to go collect some for him. As you check your supplies and make a list, you suddenly begin to wonder what Posy Fields was like. "Sweet! ...Hmm, Andersen, before we go," you start to ask, "anything you could add about Posy Fields and picking the Apricorns? Like, I dunno... Dangerous Pokemon, a special way to pick the Apricorns?"

Andersen stops his work to think for a moment. "Let's see... When I spoke to some of the townsfolk when I first visited, they warned me that there are some trees which Flying Pokemon made nests in. Going near those trees angers the Pokemon, and they attack. I didn't have any problems myself when I was out there. Then again, I only picked from White Apricorn trees."

"As for picking Apricorns? Here is what you do," Andersen picks up one of the Apricorns. "Start at the top of the Apricorn and measure the length of your thumb," he demonstrates on the Apricorn. "Snip or cut there."

You nod understanding his instructions. Now that you're ready, you and Max approach the door.

"Hey, good luck out there," Andersen calls out to you. "Don't bite off more than you can chew!"

You begin your journey to Posy Field walking through the woods surrounding Andersen's cabin. Remembering the map, you consult it to make sure you were heading in the right direction. Soon enough, you find yourself back on the path you were originally on. The path slowly slopes upward, as you begin to ascend Eyrie Peak.

~Posy Fields~

Just like Andersen told you earlier, the journey to Posy Field did not take very long. Luckily the hike was uneventful with nothing much to see other than random Bug Pokemon going about their business.

As you survey the surroundings, you start looking for the Apricorn trees Andersen asked you to harvest. Initially you only see some Green Apricorn trees, but they aren't even ready for picking. You and Max decide that it may be best to follow that line of trees in case they lead you to some of the other types of trees. But first, you decide to take a short break and enjoy the scenery, which Posy Fields is known for. You feel a breeze around you containing a mixture of the scents of flowers and their berries. Max plays for a bit on the field, and in the distance you see some Butterfree and Beautifly amongst the many different patches of flowers.

After a few restful minutes you resume your mission. Max picks up a scent and scampers off along the grove of Apricorn trees. You follow eagerly hoping he caught the scent of Apricorns that he would have smelled back at Andersen's. You look up in the trees, as you follow, to make sure you don't miss any of the Apricorns he requested. The fruits of the trees still show to be immature Green Apricorns. As you keep up with your Poochyena, you eventually find a few trees that seem to lack any Apricorns, but Max keeps following the scent.

Just when you think you've lost your chance at finding any, the next trees you see appear to bear some Black Apricorns. Stopping to investigate, you try to remember how many Andersen needs. Do you remember how to tell if they're ready for picking? Do you also remember how he taught you to pick them? What will you do?



Special Instructions - In the next many updates that follow which pertain to collecting the Apricorns, you will be asked a series of questions regarding some/all of the Apricorns. Getting every question correct doesn't guarantee anything. It's a better way for me to decide what will happen in your story. Also keep in mind in some cases there may be more than one correct answer. Please post your answers along with your reply.

1. Using the main Pokemon game rules, name five non-legendary Pokemon that would have a difficult time escaping the confines of the Heavy Ball (given sufficient capture conditions - English or Japanese names preferred please).

2. Name five trainers from the main Pokemon games who would most benefit using Heavy Balls to capture Pokemon (English or Japanese names preferred please).

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The Mystic Jungle

~Forgotten Ruins~

Allishinca: After finding out the battle at the stadium was just an illusion, you listen to what the Guardian, Beheeyem, has to say. After hearing about the Grass Paradise and the challenge Beheeyem has for you, you're all too eager to try it out. You follow your instructions and exit the stadium, heading directly for the temple. Along the way, you and Pluto get a little competitive and race. As you climb to the top of the stairs, the two of you take a tumble and slide through the entrance.

As you both get on your feet again, you cautiously walk down the entrance hallway. There's a different feel to the temple, different than the stadium. The temple itself is pretty well taken care of, eons better than the condition of the stadium. From the looks of things, Beheeyem takes very good care of the temple it guards. The hallway ends and empties in a large circular room. The room looks as though most normal sized Pokemon could battle in it. Towards the center of the room, spaced about ten feet apart or so, you see two columns with unlit torches. The light from outside pours in from small dome-shaped windows at the very top of the walls on one side.

When you both step in the room, you suddenly hear first, "Welcome to my Temple Challenge!" Beheeyem appears between the two columns. A stone door slams shut behind you. "I am thrilled you could join me. You are the first in a good long time to enter the temple. I do hope I've tidied up to your liking. Now then, good luck on your first test." Beheeyem bows to you both and shimmers as it begins to teleport away. Beheeyem instantly reappears, "Oops. I forgot to give you the test. Silly me. I'd have been sitting at the next challenge for quite a length of time before I...where was I? Oh yes, the test. Please listen to the following riddle and identify the Pokemon:

With my developed ears,
I can superbly hear.
I have a poisonous horn,
So you'll do well to cause me no scorn.

"Please don't get this wrong. I shudder to think what could happen if you do. Oh wait; I already know. Just holler it out! Good luck!" Beheeyem disappeared in a snap, sounded like one too. How will you answer your challenge?

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~Waterfall Valley~

Myrrh: As your anger builds, you decide that it's time to go big with your attacks. Bringing out the big guns, you have Volts retaliate for that combo Surskit pulled off. Surskit, feeling proud of itself, skates back onto the pond. Volts starts things off by creating a bomb shaped like a seed. With some careful aiming, Volts launches the bomb at Surskit while it skates past both of you. The bomb smacks Surskit on its side and explodes on contact. Surskit is thrown across the pond and falls into the water.

Surskit is not out of it yet, though. All of a sudden you see the tip of its head poking through the water, speeding towards you. Surskit, using its agility, reaches the shore and runs out of the water. Volts takes this opportunity to strike, using his tail that's now as strong as iron. Unfortunately due to Surskit's increased speed, Volts completely misses and spins around in the air until he falls to the ground.

The Pond Skater stops running by the shore to catch its breath. This battle, so far, has caused Surskit to use much of its energy. Volts begins to charge at Surskit, his paws starting to glow a reddish-orange color. He leaps at Surskit and, using all of his fire energy to strike, swings his arms like an "X." The fiery "X" engulfs Surskit hitting it from the center, the crossfire. Luckily for you Volts escapes the usage of this high risk fire attack without taking much damage and without a burn on his paws. Unluckily for you, though, Surskit also escapes without a burn. The damage also appears to have been reduced, not only due to its typing but also because of being wet from previously using Water Sport. Surskit exacts its revenge by using its remaining ground energy to kick a glob of mud at Volts. The shot hits Volts's leg, effectively reducing his speed.

Surskit watches Volts now, preparing for whatever Volts throws at it next, breathing heavily now. What will you do?

[Myrrh]

~Waterfall Valley~

Myrrh: As your anger builds, you decide that it's time to go big with your attacks. Bringing out the big guns, you have Volts retaliate for that combo Surskit pulled off. Surskit, feeling proud of itself, skates back onto the pond. Volts starts things off by creating a bomb shaped like a seed. With some careful aiming, Volts launches the bomb at Surskit while it skates past both of you. The bomb smacks Surskit on its side and explodes on contact. Surskit is thrown across the pond and falls into the water.

Surskit is not out of it yet, though. All of a sudden you see the tip of its head poking through the water, speeding towards you. Surskit, using its agility, reaches the shore and runs out of the water. Volts takes this opportunity to strike, using his tail that's now as strong as iron. Unfortunately due to Surskit's increased speed, Volts completely misses and spins around in the air until he falls to the ground.

The Pond Skater stops running by the shore to catch its breath. This battle, so far, has caused Surskit to use much of its energy. Volts begins to charge at Surskit, his paws starting to glow a reddish-orange color. He leaps at Surskit and, using all of his fire energy to strike, swings his arms like an "X." The fiery "X" engulfs Surskit hitting it from the center, the crossfire. Luckily for you Volts escapes the usage of this high risk fire attack without taking much damage and without a burn on his paws. Unluckily for you, though, Surskit also escapes without a burn. The damage also appears to have been reduced, not only due to its typing but also because of being wet from previously using Water Sport. Surskit exacts its revenge by using its remaining ground energy to kick a glob of mud at Volts. The shot hits Volts's leg, effectively reducing his speed.

Surskit watches Volts now, preparing for whatever Volts throws at it next, breathing heavily now. What will you do?

The battle was still going, but it didn't seem to look that way for long. The fact that the Surskit still hadn't fallen and how Myrrh forgot about the Water Sport from earlier frustrated him a bit more, but he did notice that the bug was running out of gas, and that calmed him down a bit. Though seeing that Volt's biggest attacks didn't bring it down, he didn't think he should order him to try the same thing twice, fearing Surskit would know how to get around all of it. But there were still a few things Myrrh hasn't tried.

"Okay Volts, I don't think we need to do that much more to this thing. Try and bypass your lowered speed and its increased speed by using a Quick Attack. Then try to hit it while in Pursuit. These attacks are weak, but hopefully changing things up will catch it off guard and end this. And if you can try to dodge its attacks, you can't be very far from biting it either. Now go!"

[jolteonjak]

Posy Field

Jolteonjak –

Having successfully dealt with two of the three Beedrill blocking your way so their Berry-thieving friend could escape, you had one sticking around. Why it was trying to stall out for more time, you had no idea, but it did give you an opportunity to try some more flashy moves. At least, you’d try them after the Beedrill spit out fine silk threads. Lots of Strings Shot out at all of the Pokemon, each of them unable to shake off the silk, but at least it didn’t hamper their movement too much. Besides, Cyndaquil didn’t need to move around much to bring out his Icy Hidden Power and direct it towards Beedrill for some decent damage. Meanwhile, Teddiursa found your offer of a Pecha Berry too good to resist, and she enjoyed eating the toxin-curing fruit. She thanks your gesture of a sweet tasting berry with a cute smile as Numel Growls at the Beedrill, making it start to think a little more about getting away.

You then notice its antennae perk up and really start to panic. It deliberated about whether or not it should try and get the comatose Beedrill to safety, but once you started hearing more buzzing, you saw it flying away extremely quickly. More buzzing now… You turn around and barely avoid peeing in your own pants at the sight of a huge Beedrill swarm bearing down on your position, and fast. Of course the consensus is to turn tail and put as much distance between you and the swarm as much as possible, but as you look back, you can see a few of the Beedrill break away from the swarm and attack the two unconscious bees. Any attempt to try and stop them, of course, would not have been a good idea, so you, your Pokemon, and Teddiursa continue to flee. You run out into the meadow when you notice Teddiursa and your Numel lose their footing. Moreso this time, you, Cyndaquil, and even Heracross want to stop and help, but the swarm had already overtaken the two Pokemon, and your instincts overtake you and keep your legs moving as Cyndaquil and Heracross keep up with you as well. You run into another forested area, and soon you find yourself running into a tree buzzing with even more Beedrill, along with Weedle and Kakuna, and you could catch a glimpse of a man in his twenties in the middle of that swarm… {keep reading… =) }

Son_of_Shadows – {In the future, you'll want to link here if you plan on using those Potions of yours... =) }

You see the Beedrill feeding its queen some Berries, none of which were working, but at least they would sustain her until they got the one Berry that would cure her. Maybe, though, it wasn’t Berries that were needed, it was a Potion. Healing item in hand, you slowly stand up. Of course, the idea of a human being this close to the hive didn’t resonate all too well with most of the Beedrill there as they sound the alarm and close in on you. You were scared out of your wits, yet you stood there with your hands up, not doing anything but explain your purpose was to try and assist their queen. They were even more on edge about the idea of you doing something to Her Majesty, but after a few minutes of you not moving, they relax their stances and allow you to have an audience with her. You approach slowly, your legs trembling, showing you were as much afraid as the Beedrill were.

Finally, you came close enough to the queen, and the Beedrill from before recognizes you and slowly backs away from his queen, holding his stinger arm out toward you, daring you to try anything funny. You slowly kneel in front of the sick queen and carefully hold the Potion against the queen’s torso, your hands trembling before spraying the ointment. She buzzes in pain, and the guard Beedrill tense up once again. You close your eyes and tense up yourself, expecting a barrage of stings, but the Beedrill next to you buzzes some sort of message towards the other Beedrill, presumably a message that he believed you were only trying to help. They maintain their positions, and you look up and see that the queen is in better shape but still sick. But, by golly, your act of bravery/stupidity/charity wasn’t going to go unappreciated! Your friend gently lifts with his stingers a Pecha Berry from the pile of berries that you recognized was from the handful it was carrying earlier and raises it up towards you so you could take it. Still, if a Potion wasn’t going to cure her, what would?

Your thoughts are interrupted as you notice another Beedrill fly towards the hive. It looked like it had sustained a few battle scars, but what it battled, you weren’t quite sure. The injured Beedrill and the one you had met earlier start talking to each other, then to the queen. She weakly gives out some sort of command to the rest of the hive to prepare for a battle, and you see and hear the buzzing they make as they follow their sick queen. Then you hear more buzzing from out in the distance. Lots of buzzing. And screaming too. You first see a 16 year old boy with a Cyndaquil and a Heracross run up to the hive… behind them was a swarm of Beedrill slightly bigger than the swarm you were with… {keep reading… =) }

Jolteonjak & Son_of_Shadows –

Both of you suddenly realize what was happening: one Beedrill swarm had come to invade the other’s nest, and you and your Pokemon were about to be caught in the turmoil. You try your best to get yourselves out of the way of the clashing Beedrill, but a few seconds into watching the battle unfold, each of you see a certain group of Beedrill from the invading swarm that catches your interest. Why? Because they held captive a couple of noteworthy Pokemon; the Teddiursa that Chad had befriended was struggling to escape one Beedrill’s arms until another one held one of its stingers up to Teddiursa’s throat at which point she simply froze in fear, tears streaming down her cheeks, but she dare not cry and risk agitating her captors further. Another Beedrill held a barely conscious Karrablast whom Joshua recognized as the one he and Bishop battled earlier. Oh, but they weren’t the only things interesting about this group. Your attention soon focuses on one of the Beedrill whose body was green and black instead of yellow and black, her eyes being blue instead of red. Judging by the way she waved her stingers around, you could tell she was the queen of this swarm. Unfortunately, Chad is unable to find his Numel at this point and could only assume the Numb Pokemon was left where he fell after the bees were done with him. The Shiny Beedrill queen notices your presence and orders her attendants to give her some space while she wishes to have some fun with a few non-Beedrill opponents. Both of you now stand against this new queen, unknowingly defending the queen lying in sickness, her two attendants whom you had met earlier watching to see which side of the battle you would join, if any. All the while, skirmishes between the swarms take place in the surrounding areas.

For this special battle, both of you are allowed to have two Pokemon out at the same time and may call out two attacks per Pokemon per reply. However, Joltoenjak, Numel is currently rendered unavailable to you for this adventure. You may decide to continue using Cyndaquil and Heracross, or you may substitute either or both of them for other Pokemon in your active party. However, be advised that since Cyndaquil has not had time to heal, his energy and health will stay at what it was when your previous battle ended. He currently has below 50% energy, and his health remains at above 60%. Heracross, meanwhile, has full health and about 90% energy. Son_of_Shadows, if you decide to use Bishop again, he will have only gained about a fourth of his health and energy back… and if you recall, he came pretty darn close to losing all of his energy battling Karrablast. He would also sit at about 60% of his health.

So, what will Chad and Joshua do?

Ok, this is by far the stupidest thing you have ever done. You'll be stung to death in three. Two. One... was all he could think as he sprayed the potion against the Queen, especially as she recoiled from the sting of the ointment. Her reaction revealed that the potion certainly helped her with the symptoms, but whatever illness she was suffering from wasn't going anywhere fast. The Beedrill who had introduced him to the Queen now handed him a Pecha Berry in thanks for the effort. Well, it was all worth a shot. Still, he took pity on the queen bee, especially because this hive seemed so lost without her. But what could he possibly do? Fetch a Pokémon nurse was the most logical option, but who would be crazy enough to come out to a Beedrill hive... Apart from Joshua. Obviously.

Unfortunately as it happened, Joshua wasn't the only one who noticed how lost this hive seemed with its Queen weak. A battle-scarred Beedrill burst through the foliage, apparently to warn its brethren, but about what? Joshua didn't exactly speak bee. But the hive was suddenly all-at-arms, buzzing furiously, ready for action. But as the buzzing increased, Joshua could tell there was about to be a huge battle. Two Beedrill hives at war? Instinct said turn tail and run. But the Queen... His train of thought was interrupted (seemed to happen a lot to him) by screaming from the direction of the approaching buzzing. Some poor trainer seemed to be caught in the middle of all this along with Joshua - one with a Cyndaquil and Heracross. Battle raged, with Joshua barely dodging a misfired Twineedle attack. Yeesh. And then... "YOU!" The Karrablast from earlier today! "You have GOT to be joking!" he cried in disbelief. Karrablast was seemingly held captive by the invading hive, as was a Teddiursa, who seemed to recognise the younger trainer. For what purpose they were hostages, Joshua had no idea. Beedrills didn't commonly resort to negotiation in his experience. However, the hostage-bearing group also had a female Beedrill in authority, and a shiny one at that. Joshua's eyes widened - the only other Shiny he'd ever seen was his Magnemite. This was turning into quite a day. Obviously this was the Queen of the invading hive. And for whatever reason, she had her sights set on the trainers. If she was as powerful as she looked, this battle would be nasty. "Better get ready fella," he said to the other trainer, "This one won't go down without a real fight..."

Who to use? Bishop was still tired from his earlier battle, and Heat Wave could backfire hugely in this forest, not to mention the massive skirmish happening around him... Too much collateral. Livewire wouldn't be as useful out of the water, and Voltron and Poliwag were still in Daycare. Cloudy was currently being cared for by another trainer Joshua had met named Marion... He wondered how she was getting along. Erm, maybe not the time. That left Aegis and Steven. He pulled their Pokéballs from his pocket. "Aegis, Steven, time for battle!" The Squirtle and Munna appeared in two flashes of light, ready for action. "Steven, let's start strong - fire your Psybeam attack at the Beedrill Queen while Aegis sets up a Yawn. We'll put her to sleep to set up a stronger attack later! Then you should use Lucky Chant, Steven while Aegis Growls. That should strengthen our position enough for us to deal massive damage later." With that out of the way, he turned to the other trainer. "By the way, I'm Joshua. Pleasure. I suggest you follow suit here - strengthen our initial position, then we'll blast her in a minute or so, once she's sleeping from my Yawn attack."

OOC: I keep the Pecha Berry, right?

As Chad watched what would hopefully be the last round of battle with the Beedrill trio, he wondered for a moment whether he got a little overconfident by having Cyndaquil show off. He did this mostly because he'd heard talk of a Pokemon Contest being held in the future, so he wanted to start preparing. Whatever the case, it was all for naught because the Beedrill spoiled his plans by showering Cyndaquil, Numel, and Teddiursa with some of its String Shot; hereby hindering movement. At least he was able to take care of Teddiursa's poison with one of his Pecha Berries he thought to purchse beforehand.

All of a sudden, in the middle of the battle, the Beedrill became frightened and flew away extremely quickly. The buzzing, however, did not completely go away with it. Turning around behind him, Chad saw a large swarm of Beedrill. His eyes widened with panic, and his only instinct was to run! The Pokemon followed suit; but due to the String Shot, Numel and Teddiursa were both unable to keep up. Chad looked over his shoulder to see them both getting carried away by the new swarm. Enraged, he followed the thief, urging his remaining team members to keep up, completely oblivious to the idea of returning them all to their Pokeballs.

~~~

Chad, Cyndaquil, and Heracross finally caught up to the escaped Beedrill when it reached its hive. Shortly after, the other Beedrill arrived; and an all-out war erupted between the worker Beedrill. Chad noticed the Beedrill holding Teddiursa hostage, and he wanted to do his best to help her. She looked so scared. He took a brief moment to look around some more and noticed a few key points. He discovered another trainer was in the hive as well. 'Was he about to get caught up in this war with this other trainer?' he thought to himself. 'Whatever the case, at least he wasn't alone.' Another discovery was the strange Beedrill who seemed to be confronting the two trainers. This Beedrill had a different coloration than the others, green instead of yellow, blue eyes instead of red. 'Maybe this is the queen,' Chad thought. 'Surely these alternate colors are a sign of power.' Chad panicked at his final discovery; Numel was missing! He looked around more furiously for his own alternately-colored Pokemon. What happened to him? Did the other Beedrill drop him? Did they take him elsewhere? For the time being, he had to hope Numel could take care of himself. This Beedrill looked as though she wasn't going to go down easily.

"Where is my Numel?!" Chad yelled angrily. "It's bad enough that you kidnapped him and my new friend Teddiursa, but now you all lost him?" Chad yelled throughout the hive. He clearly was frustrated. "Oooh no!"

"All right Heracross," he had calmed down just a little, "you wanted a battle. Here you go. Dethrone this queen."

"Cu-ross," Heracross said cooly. His eyes lit up, and he immediately took a fighting stance.

"Cyndaquil, you better return and rest a little," Chad held out the Pokeball to recall his Fire Mouse. "I may need your firepower soon though." Chad wondered if Heracross could handle the battle by himself. In the meantime, he noticed the other trainer had called out two Pokemon of his own. Chad decided he would call on another of his Pokemon as well, just in case this queenie fought dirty. "Alright Wooper, time to shine!" He tossed the red and white Pokeball in the air to release a small, blue creature. Wooper looked around and saw countless numbers of Beedrill and one different colored one.

Wooper turned to Chad, "Woopa?" Wooper looked worried.

"I know this is our first battle together, but I know how tough you are. You'll be fine," Chad reassured Wooper. "You nearly took out Heracross before I caught you. This shouldn't be a problem." Wooper turned around and looked at Heracross. The Singlehorn looked down to Wooper, and they both nodded at each other.

Chad turned to the other trainer who had already given his orders. "By the way, I'm Joshua," the trainer said.

"I'm Chad," he replied nodding. "Nice to meet you, although I think I'd prefer other circumstances."

"Pleasure. I suggest you follow suit here - strengthen our initial position, then we'll blast her in a minute or so, once she's sleeping from my Yawn attack."

"Ok you two, these Beedrill kidnapped Numel and my new friend Teddiursa over there." Chad didn't see this, but this bit of information made his Pokemon more focused than before. "Let's work with Joshua, then we can save our friends. Heracross, see if you can get a Stone Edge in before the Yawn takes effect! Then follow up with Iron Defense! Wooper, double Tail Whip!"

'Please be ok Numel, wherever you are,' Chad thought to himself. He could already tell he was going to have a hard time concentrating on the battle.

Stats
OOC: Question - what is the floor of the hive like? Sand/ground? Hive material?

[OkikuMew]

Eyrie Peak

~Adventure Path~
OkikuMew: After hearing what Andersen had to say regarding his need for Apricorns, you graciously offer to go collect some for him. As you check your supplies and make a list, you suddenly begin to wonder what Posy Fields was like. "Sweet! ...Hmm, Andersen, before we go," you start to ask, "anything you could add about Posy Fields and picking the Apricorns? Like, I dunno... Dangerous Pokemon, a special way to pick the Apricorns?"

Andersen stops his work to think for a moment. "Let's see... When I spoke to some of the townsfolk when I first visited, they warned me that there are some trees which Flying Pokemon made nests in. Going near those trees angers the Pokemon, and they attack. I didn't have any problems myself when I was out there. Then again, I only picked from White Apricorn trees."

"As for picking Apricorns? Here is what you do," Andersen picks up one of the Apricorns. "Start at the top of the Apricorn and measure the length of your thumb," he demonstrates on the Apricorn. "Snip or cut there."

You nod understanding his instructions. Now that you're ready, you and Max approach the door.

"Hey, good luck out there," Andersen calls out to you. "Don't bite off more than you can chew!"

You begin your journey to Posy Field walking through the woods surrounding Andersen's cabin. Remembering the map, you consult it to make sure you were heading in the right direction. Soon enough, you find yourself back on the path you were originally on. The path slowly slopes upward, as you begin to ascend Eyrie Peak.

~Posy Fields~

Just like Andersen told you earlier, the journey to Posy Field did not take very long. Luckily the hike was uneventful with nothing much to see other than random Bug Pokemon going about their business.

As you survey the surroundings, you start looking for the Apricorn trees Andersen asked you to harvest. Initially you only see some Green Apricorn trees, but they aren't even ready for picking. You and Max decide that it may be best to follow that line of trees in case they lead you to some of the other types of trees. But first, you decide to take a short break and enjoy the scenery, which Posy Fields is known for. You feel a breeze around you containing a mixture of the scents of flowers and their berries. Max plays for a bit on the field, and in the distance you see some Butterfree and Beautifly amongst the many different patches of flowers.

After a few restful minutes you resume your mission. Max picks up a scent and scampers off along the grove of Apricorn trees. You follow eagerly hoping he caught the scent of Apricorns that he would have smelled back at Andersen's. You look up in the trees, as you follow, to make sure you don't miss any of the Apricorns he requested. The fruits of the trees still show to be immature Green Apricorns. As you keep up with your Poochyena, you eventually find a few trees that seem to lack any Apricorns, but Max keeps following the scent.

Just when you think you've lost your chance at finding any, the next trees you see appear to bear some Black Apricorns. Stopping to investigate, you try to remember how many Andersen needs. Do you remember how to tell if they're ready for picking? Do you also remember how he taught you to pick them? What will you do?



Special Instructions - In the next many updates that follow which pertain to collecting the Apricorns, you will be asked a series of questions regarding some/all of the Apricorns. Getting every question correct doesn't guarantee anything. It's a better way for me to decide what will happen in your story. Also keep in mind in some cases there may be more than one correct answer. Please post your answers along with your reply.

1. Using the main Pokemon game rules, name five non-legendary Pokemon that would have a difficult time escaping the confines of the Heavy Ball (given sufficient capture conditions - English or Japanese names preferred please).

2. Name five trainers from the main Pokemon games who would most benefit using Heavy Balls to capture Pokemon (English or Japanese names preferred please).

After looking for any apricorn plants, I finally see some of them... only to be all green, which are not a color which Andersen wanted. They all look kinda small, too. We take a small break to watch to pretty environment and watch the cute butterfly-ish Pokémon flying around, getting lunch out of some flowers' nectar. I am still bummed on how we can only find green apricorns.

"Well that sucks," I exclaim out of nowhere while still gazing off the trees. "Got any ideas where to find some we need, Max? ...Max?"

He was no longer by my side. Instead, he is running off through the trees!

"H-hey!" I scream out to him. "Wait up!"

I start following him, running myself as fast as I can (which I admit it's not very fast...), still keeping an eye around for other apricorn trees. Unfortunately, all of them have either small green apricorns or none of those special fruits. Ugh, I really feel we're not gonna find an...

Max loudly barks at me, making me lose my strain of thought. I look over him, and he was sitting down... right next to a bunch black Apricorn trees!

"O-oh my! Way to go Max!" I pump my arms up in joy. "Alright, now, time to get that stuff. Let's see.."

I open up the note I made earlier to check how many we need of those, which is... only three of them. Ok... I close my eyes, trying to remember all the information Andersen gave to me. I semi-consciously give a thumbs up, remembering his last tip.

"Start from the top, measure with your thumb, cut there," I say out loud to remember more easily.

Ok, what else... Oh, right! I almost forgot about that one: There's always only one Apricorn in every tree that should be ripe to pick from it. But... which one is that ripped Apricorn? I hold my head with one hand, trying to think of something that would give away that info. Well, since they're used to make pokéballs, they should logically be the exact size of one, if not bigger... It's still not 100% sure though... Of course, my Pokédex! It should have the information, Andersen mentioned that! I quickly whip it out of my backpack and look for the Apricorn info files, especially about their ripeness for Pokéball-making. After I look that up, I crack my fingers then put my hands on my hips.

"Alright, let's do this thing!"


Answers to special instructions:

1. Since Heavy Balls makes it easier to capture, well, heavy Pokémon, these are the top 5 heaviest non-legendary Pokémon in the game (and I made sure they're available in the wild in at least one game, just to be on the safe side) :

• Metagross
• Snorlax
• Steelix
• Wailord
• Aggron

2. Because of the Pokémon mentioned above (and others not mentioned), any Gym Leader from the games specialized in Steel, Rock and Ground types should benefit using the Heavy Ball, including those 5:

• Jasmine
• Brock
• Giovanni
• Roxanne
• Byron