• A reminder: If you want to ask an RP thread creator if you can join their RP, do so in private - via conversation or profile messages - or via the thread's discussion thread, if one exists. Do NOT ask if you can join an RP on the RP thread itself! This leads to a lot of unnecessary OOC chatter and that's not what the RP boards are for.

    This is clearly stated in our RP forum rules. If you've not read them yet, do so BEFORE posting anything in the RP forums. They may be found here (for Pokémon Role Play) or here (for General Role Play). Remember that the Global Rules of Pokécharms also apply in addition to these rule sets.
  • Welcome back to Pokécharms! We've recently launched a new site and upgraded forums, so there may be a few teething issues as everything settles in. Please see our Relaunch FAQs for more information.

Ask to Join Pokémon: Role Play Thread

Sunday, June 12 – Violet City, Johto

Ice Shard was fast, but even the fastest move would take time to reach the sky and during that time, Aerodactyl could move. “Cover yourself with «Rock Slide» then dive!” As more rocks were portaled to the battlefield, Aerodactyl hid behind the falling debris, allowing the ice shards to collide on its rocky shields while it safely descended.

Falkner wasn’t done yet though, he’d been biding his time, allowing the rain to soak the battlefield in a layer of water; a layer of water that lapras was sitting in! “Now Aerodactyl, rush the ground with «Thunder Fang»!” The ancient Pokémon peeled off, swerving around the rocks as it raced towards the ground at blistering speeds, electricity crackling in its jaws as it prepared to electrify the entire field and Lapras with it!
 
"That was amazing, but we're not some sitting Ducklett!"

Reina knew her Lapras was able to move on land, nothing compared to her movements on water, but she could do a thing or two. Now it was the time to show that off.

"Use Body Slam to get some air and Water Pulse!"

Lapras slammed her four flippers on the ground, allowing her to lift herself into the air a few feet, just enough air time to shot one strong Water Pulse. However, as soon as she landed the electrical current hit her. Lapras let out a loud cry before her head hit the ground unconscious.
 

Sunday, June 12 – Violet City, Johto

Even with its speed, Aerodactyl wasn’t infallible. Despite an attempted dodge, the water pulse still slammed into one of its wings, crippling it. The mighty bird was grounded, but still in the fight.

Falkner whistled, impressed. “You almost got us with that one.” The rains still fell, but now that Aerodactyl was grounded, Falkner decided to switch up the battlefield.

“Aerodactyl, use «Ice Fang» on the battlefield!” With repeated breaths of cold, Aerodactyl quickly froze over the battlefield. Now that Lapras was out of the way, Reina’s other grounded Pokémon would have to navigate the slippery battlefield, one that would grow even more slippery as the continuing rain created slush.
 
"We're still in this, Peque let's go!"

The Marshtomp was once again on the field, losing his balance at first, but once again regaining it. He set his eyes on the grounded Aerodactyl. He was a tough opponent, but if he managed to get a good shot, he could have a chance of finishing it off.

"Let's break this ice, earthquake!"

Peque jumped into the air and then landed as hard as he could on his spot, shattering the ice beneath him and cracking the rest of the field as the shockwaves traveled through it.

"Follow up with Water Pulse!"

Peque then created a sphere of water above his head and then tossed it with both hands towards his opponent.
 

Sunday, June 12 – Violet City, Johto

Falkner laughed! Although Marshtomp had shattered the ice, the battlefield would remain slippery and small pieces of ice mixed with the still-falling rain, creating chunks that one could easily step on and lose their balance. Furthermore, there’s no way Falkner would sit still and let Reina have her way. Despite being grounded, Aerodactyl was still quick with its attacks and Falkner took full advantage of that!

“Freeze that water pulse with «Ice Fang» then freeze Marshtomp!” Blue bolts flew from Aerodactyl’s jaws striking the water pulse and turning it into an ice orb, then Aerodactyl took aim at Marshtomp. Ice moves usually had a low chance of freezing their opponent, however, when the opponent was slick with water like Marshtomp was...well, the situation was quite different.
 
"Protect!"

Peque held out his hands and creative an invisible force field, stopping the attack from his opponent. However, he was now close enough.

"Supersonic!"

Marshtomp's orange cheeks began to glow and he began to emit confusing sound waves around him. If the opponent was already having a hard time getting into the air, he would have an even more difficult time if he got confused.
 

Sunday, June 12 – Violet City, Johto

Falkner’s expression fell as supersonic connected, sending Aerodactyl into a confused haze. It was too late to do anything about that, he’d just have to hope Aerodactyl could push through the confusion. “«Another Ice Fang»!”

Thankfully, despite its confusion, Aerodactyl managed to hear and carry out his order sending another blue bolt at the Marshtomp with great speed. This time, it wouldn’t have protect to bank on.

Esther
Friday, June 10 – Gilded Field, Dappled Grove, Galar Region​

Just through the aged wood of two fence posts lay the Gilded Fields, a ranch that sprawled as far as Esther’s eyes could see; tall grasses covered the roiling landscape, and a before her lay a well-trodden dirt path that divided the ranch into perfect hemispheres. On either side, Esther could spot herds of Pokémon, more often than not, they were Pokémon she didn’t recognize. One set of Pokémon she did recognize was Miltank, lazy-looking cow Pokémon who grazed while watching the—BANG!

Two Pokémon collided; horns locked in fierce competition. Leaves fell from their manes as they disengaged, reared onto their hind legs, and then—BAANG!

All the surrounding Pokémon seemed to focus on these two, watching & waiting for the result of their battle. They didn’t look like anything she’d had seen before, and she immediately brought up her Pokèdex to check them:

”Pokèdex Entry # 673 – Gogoat said:
Primary Type: Grass
Ability: Sap Sipper | Grass Pelt
Egg Group: Field

Gogoat is known to have empathic abilities that allow them to sense the feelings of whoever grips its horns. It does this by sensing subtle changes to the grip, and this ability is so acute that it can move as if it and its rider were one being. In the wild, Gogoat lives in herds in mountainous regions. The leader of the herd is decided through battles with its horns.

Fascinating! Empathic abilities aside, it looked like the two Gogoat were fighting for dominance of the pack. From the way the other animals on the ranch watched them...maybe the entire ranch fell under their ‘pack’? What a diverse group! There were other Pokémon present that looked quite similar to Gogoat; Esther wagered they were related in some way, an evolution maybe?

”Pokèdex Entry # 672 – Skiddo said:
Primary Type: Grass
Ability: Sap Sipper | Grass Pelt
Egg Group: Field

Skiddo can perform photosynthesis with the leaves on its back, which means that it does not need to eat so long as it has sunshine and water. It has a docile nature and is thought to be one of the first Pokémon to live alongside humans.

Bingo! Esther grinned, validated by her correct, albeit rather obvious, guess. Her eyes fell onto another species of Pokémon; little balls of fluff of varying sizes, some with short horns and long ears and some with large, pronounced horns. If the amount of fur was anything to go by, they were likely the Pokémon she’d been hired to help shear—Wooloo and its evolutionary tree.

”Pokèdex Entry # 832 – Dubwool said:
Primary Type: Normal
Ability: Fluffy/Steadfast | Bulletproof
Egg Group: Field

Dubwool's wool is very springy. Its horns serve the purpose of attracting the opposite gender rather than being used in battles. Dubwool are known to mysteriously disappear whenever a Beheeyem visits.
”Pokèdex Entry # 831 – Wooloo said:
Primary Type: Normal
Ability: Fluffy/Run Away | Bulletproof
Egg Group: Field

Wooloo have an extremely fluffy body which can serve as a cushion, allowing it to survive even a fall from a cliff without any injuries. Its fur grows continuously, being able to fully grow back in just three months after it is completely shaved. If its fur grows too long, Wooloo will be unable to move. Wooloo live in herds and are known to mimic the actions of their herd leader or Trainer. They have a friendly disposition and dislike conflict and can escape from enemies by simply rolling away.

Esther gasped; so fierce? It was hard to believe the harmless-looking Pokémon in front of her could survive falling off a cliff; but it was even harder to believe some sicko had ostensibly tested his theory by throwing Wooloo off a cliff. How terrifying!

After that morbid thought, Esther hurried along the path. She made her way to a rather large manner that sat in the middle of the estate. On the front porch lay a few dog-like Pokémon; familiarly unfamiliar. Esther rolled her eyes; she really needed to do something about this dearth of, what she figured, should be basic knowledge. Still, she brought her Pokèdex up to scan:

”Pokèdex Entry # 836 – Boltund said:
Primary Type: Electric
Ability: Strong Jaw | Competitive
Egg Group: Field

Boltund can channel the electricity that it generates to its legs in order to keep them strong, boosting its strength and allowing it to run nonstop for three full days. It can easily run faster than 50 mph at top speed. It serves as the enemy of Thievul.
”Pokèdex Entry # 835 – Yamper said:
Primary Type: Electric
Ability: Ball Fetch | Rattled
Egg Group: Field

Yamper tends to be drawn to fast-moving things and will chase after people, other Pokémon, or even vehicles. Yamper has an organ that generates electricity from the base of its tail when it runs. It cannot store the electricity it generates, so sparks of electricity can often be seen when it is running. In the Galar region, it is a popular choice for herding Pokémon such as Wooloo. Due to its gluttonous nature, it will only assist people in exchange for treats.

Yamper were rather cute little things, almost as cute as the Shinx that inhabited Oblivia. A curious urge told her to run her fingers through the soft-looking yellow fur, but randomly touching electric types was a sure way to get shocked...Worth? Worth? Definitely worth!

Glancing left and then right, Esther sneakily snuck over to one of the Yamper. It seemed to be asleep, but it immediately perked up when Esther approached, from 0 to fully alert in the blink of an eye. The puppy Pokémon eyed her warily, a growl stirring in its throat.

Its Pokèdex entry still fresh in her mind, Esther pulled out a box of treats: one of the Oran berries she’d gained from Wynter. Yamper’s focus lasered in on the plump blue berry; its hostility forgotten.

Esther crouched, presenting the Oran berry with an outstretched hand. She stilled herself with a calm cultivated from working with her mother’s Beedrill and their hives. It was much easier when the opposing Pokémon wasn’t blood-lusted or looked like it could devour her in three bites.

Yamper approached snout first, with tentative sniffs. Esther stilled her breathing. A wet nose brushed her fingertips, the chilly texture contrasted by its heated breath. As Yamper moved to her palm to snatch the Oran berry, Esther also moved; her free army brushed through the puppy Pokémon’s pleasant fur, eliciting a sweet tingling, in her fingertips. Zaapp!

Esther ripped her away with a pained hiss, cursing beneath her breath. Worth.

“Nae whut ’ave we ‘ere? Guid mornin’ lassie, I don’ supp’se yer mae hire, nae are ye?”

The Oblivian spun on her heels, finding herself face to waist with someone. Esther looked up to see the lady staring right at her, a rather senior old lady who, in spite of her age, seemed hale and hearty; her voice was rich and thick with an accent Esther couldn’t place. So instead, she blurted out the first thing that came to mind–“Uhh...What?”
 
"We got one shot, Water Pulse!"

Peque held out his left forearm, allowing the Aerodactyl's fangs to bite down on it. However, while he took the impact, with his right hand held up high, he created a Water Pulse. With the rock typing biting down on it, it had nowhere to go. While Peque's body froze up he unleashed the Water Pulse upon his enemy, getting completely frozen by the time he finished moving.
 

Sunday, June 12 – Violet City, Johto

The referee’s flag fell. “Aerodactyl is unable to battle!”

With Marshtomp frozen in place, Falkner sighed and swapped out Aerodactyl for his final Pokémon, Pelipper. Wanting to take advantage of the frozen mud fish pokemon, Falkner quickly called for recovery. “Pelipper use «Roost»!” Alas, the light of recovery was preempted by the resurgence of sparks, Pelipper was paralyzed!
 
The ice broke off and Reina was about to call out her next move when Peque fell to the ground unconscious. It seemed he had given it all to withstand that last Ice Fang.

"Good job Peque, last round, go Maya!"

Maya the Dragonair once again took to the battlefield. She seemed a bit upset as she looked around and didn't see the Aerodactyl, instead it was a Pelipper. She growled a bit, but if the other one had lost to her teammate Marshtomp, then maybe it wasn't as fierce as she thought.

"Last time it got too bulky, we need to strike fast and hard!" Reina called out. "Thank you Falkner! This battle was amazing and fun, no matter how it ends, I'm glad I got to be here today!" Reina took in a deep breath, she was no longer nervous, instead she was eager to see how the situation would turn out. "Extreme Speed, follow up by Dragon Tail!"

Dragonair bolted towards the Pelipper, looking to hit him directly. Then she would prepare her Dragon Tail by charging the orbs in her tail and coiling up.
 

Sunday, June 12 – Violet City, Johto

“Defend yourself with «Protect»!” Falkner sought out a come-back, an opportunity to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat; but as the electrical resurgence made itself known once again, Falkner knew it was over. Paralyzed twice in a row? What were the chances...the one-two combo of extreme speed and dragon tail landed and the referee’s flag fell.

“Pelipper is unable to battle, the winner is Reina Cortez!”

Falkner returned Pelipper to its Pokéball and walked to the center of the field to meet his challenger.

“Well fought Reina, you’ve braved the highest skies and surmounted them; in recognition of your achievement I present the Zephyr Badge!”
 
Reina froze with her fist raised into the air, not expecting to finish the battle so soon. She moved once her Dragonair joyfully slid back towards her and began slithering around her and Diva. The Mitztlian trainer gave her Dragonair a hug before returning her to her Pokeball. She was too excited to get to Falkner, she forgot about the icy field, slipping and falling on her bottom a few steps away from the gym leader. She cursed under her breath as she stood up with her cheeks flush read and took the badge.

"Thank you so much! I swear I'll come back again for a World Coronation Series match and get to face you with no limits!" She placed her fist over her chest and gave Falkner a big grin. "I promise!"

That day was spent celebrating by having a picnic with Colored and their Pokemon next to one of the lakes in Violet City. It had been a fun day and everyone deserved a break. A new was coming up on the horizon and Reina had her eyes set on the Goldenrod City GYM, known for being a career ending obstacle for many trainers.
 
Sunday, June 12 - Snowpoint City, Sinnoh

Alexander was bored, there was no other way to say it. Used to an active life, staying still in Snowpoint to throw potential search parties off was taking all of his will.
"If only there was something to do here, I could challenge Candice, but a powerful trainer with no badge challenging the 7th gym of Sinnoh would raise suspicion. What do you think, Kitsune?"
The hisuian Zoroark gave him a look that seems to say,
"Nobody's stopping you, we could probably take out any grunts that try and stop us."
Wolfe sighed, they had had this conversation before.
"The hunters would have backing. We don't have a team anymore, we can't take a risk like that."
Kitsune sat down and opened the television, Alex could tell that she was also getting antsy.
An image of a stadium popped up on the TV,
"Hello everyone, you all know what time it is, the registration for the World Tournament Junior Cup is now open"
Alexander looked at the screen with interest.
"For those of you who have been living under a rock, let me recap. The Junior Cup is a yearly event which takes place in Castelia city and is a great introduction to the world of competitive battling. Let the games begin!"
Alex looks at his partner and moral support.
"This seems like it could be what we were looking for, besides, it would be a nice change of pace from the hit and run approach we usually use, let's sign up."

Sunday, June 13 - Snowpoint City, Sinnoh

Looking at the cabin he had been staying at, Wolfe took out one of his pokeballs and threw it, waiting until the light had turned into a Noivern before talking.
"We need to go to Unova, Doragon, think you can do that?"

Hisuian Zoroark: Kitsune
Hisuian Arcanine: Inu
Sneasler: Neko
Noivern: Doragon
Dusk Lycanroc: Okami
Luxray: Rinkusu
 
Colored
June 11th (?), Violet City


… for the love of god. Again? Why’d it have to happen again? Thinking she’d just DISTURB her when she once again did nothing WORTH disturbing?

It almost made this darker, more eerie part of Colored snake outwards and open up about how she felt but no. All she did instead was just remain in a mixed mood the entire day, the negativity continuing to just stay locked onto her.

How long until she damn noticed that sleeping just wasn’t a thing she did?! Would she have to just shout that in her face, only to be told that was stupid before just shouting MORE?!

… and there was her hurting head again.

So to put it simply, Colored had still refused to sleep a second, having noticed this departure of her friend and quickly deciding to have sent a bit of a sentry out in the time she had left.

This also meant she wasn’t any happier.

So with no knowledge of Dawn having snuck out in the dead of whatever time it was before, whatever the mood was now had been pretty shattered by her suddenly ‘unknown’ but eerie knowledge of a certain event that went down in the battle.

“…Aerodactyl breaking through the Supersonic induced confusion to deliver an Ice Fang, right? Not really a strategy… more so luck.”
 
Nicole Newman, June 10th, Budew Drop Inn, Motostoke, Galar

Nicole took a sip of her coffee, looking outside at the passing people. "Cassidy, yeah. I have yet to check up on her, I want to be fully awake before I interact with her in case she still is angry. Those feathers of her were used as swords and she is more than capable of defending herself. There is also the possibility that she will react hostile to you, because of how your Rotom spooked her." There was no blame in Nicole's voice, she was just stating a fact and did not really care how people would percieve it.

"As close as we are to Pokémon, they are still wild animals capable of injuring us. All it takes is one bad day and Cassidy would have a stained feather and I have a deep gash in my body. I feel like people forget that too easily, hence why I only have Cassidy for now and why I am being this careful around her." The woman said, staring in the distance as her sleeve dropped a little to expose small scars.
 
Ron Towers, June 13th, Monday. Monstoke.

"How long are you going to stay mad at me?"

Ron looked in the eyes of the girl sitting across from him. She had been upset ever since they left the police station. It wasn't his fault he got arrested, sorta. But it seemed she didn't understand. He had spent most of the day buying her gifts and food, trying to lift her mood. However, no matter what he did or said, she still looked upset, like if she was about to bite his head off.

"Com'on Furia, it was mostly an aerial fight, you can't fight in the air." He looked at the plate of buffalo boneless in front of the Quilava. "If you don't eat those, I will." He reached for the plate, but the Quilava ignited her flames furiously. "Okay, okay. Look, if there had been an opening for you to jump in and attack, I wouldn't have doubted in sending you out."

Furia glared at her trainer. She didn't care what he had to say, because she knew there were openings where she could've jumped in and helped. She knew he was holding her back, because lately they kept getting in more dangerous situations than usual and it seemed he rather relay on the fully developed Pokemon instead of her.

"Are you gonna eat or stare at your plate until you set it on fire?" Ron leaned back, starting to give up on the situation, when his PokeGear rang. "Hold on." He stood up and walked away, feeling his Quilava burning a hole into the back of his skull with her stare.

Ron walked into the men's bathroom, peeked under the stalls to make sure nobody was there and then answered the call. "Hey."

The song "Pass the Dutchie" by Musical Youth sounded in the background as a loud voice suddenly burst into the speaker of the phone. "Yo! I saw the news man, what, the, fuuuuuuck. Did you die? Wait, don't tell, ghosts freak me out man. Seriously, though, did you die?"

Ron smiled, trying not to laugh at the questions being thrown at him. "I'm alive."

"Nice! Yes! I knew it! I had a dream that you were alive. So how's everything man, how are your sisters? Are they married? Dating?"

Ron rolled his eyes, the conversation had turned rotten. "Why are you calling?"

"Oh right, I thought you called me there for a second, ha! Wait... Oddish, get down from there man, I told you not to, no, no, you know better, no, hey hey! Drop the cookies, I, ugh, fine.... save me some. Ron, still there?"

"Yeah."

"Alright man, I got some info for you. Gonna add it to your tab. So how do you like Sinnoh?"
 
Lara Brook - June 10th - Budew Drop Inn, Motostoke, Galar

Lara's eyes drifted down to look at her coffee cup. It made sense for someone with a strong pokemon like Skarmory to be careful with them even if they were a long time companion. However, Lara felt guilty for scaring Nicole's pokemon. Rotom's her pokemon so she's the one responsible over them, no? She should have been a better trainer. It was lucky that nothing bad happened.

"You sound like a smart and responsible trainer," Lara then said with her eyes landing onto Nicole again. The red haired girl noticed the scars on the bird keepers arm, but she wasn't going to point them out or ask about them. She wouldn't even have the chance to as she noticed her phone light up as she got a message and from KENN from the looks of it. The caption that was displayed on the notification read, "We've assigned you to go and conduct a sudden interview..." and that was all the little display window showed. She'd have to check that out after she's done with her breakfast and then plan her day accordingly. For now though, she wanted to try and just eat her breakfast in relative peace.
 
Nicole Newman - June 10th - Budew Drop Inn, Motostoke, Galar

Nicole sat in silence as she looked out of the window, watching Rookidee fly by. "It comes with being raised around Pokémon, many people forget that they are still originally wild creatures with a sense of self-preservation. Not that I can blame them, I've been scratched and bit many times by Pokémon I thought were cute, but you learn real fast to not pet random Pokémon when there are Trapinch, Skorupi and Skarmory right outside your doorstep." The bird keeper said, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

Checking the clock on the wall, the woman threw back her coffee. "It's about time for Cassidy's breakfast. If you want, you can come along and watch."
 
Lara Brook - June 10th - Budew Drop Inn, Motostoke, Galar

Lara was reminded or a childhood memory where she had gone too close to a foongus as a toddler and got poison powdered. Luckily it was a weak attack and only resulted in a rash. Well, Lara barely remembered any of it, but it's a story her parents liked to tell and she sure learned to stay a safe distance away from wild Pokemon.

But that didn't really help Lara to come up with a reply. "Yeah.." the red haired girl said and took a sip of her coffee, trying to not look too panicked. Of course it was awful to hear something like that, but what should she reply to it? Nicole seemed so nonchalant about it, so perhaps it was good that she wouldn't dwell on it too much..

"O-oh thanks for the offer, but unfortunately I'll pass.. I have work I need to do," Lara explained. She would have loved to tag along. She was always glad to be around pokemon, even if it was only to watch from a safe distance, but alas.. she had to do her assignments as well as to check out that unexpected interview she was assigned to do.
 
Nicole Newman - June 10th - Budew Drop Inn, Motostoke, Galar

"That's fair, work takes priority. See you around, Lara." Nicole got up and put one hand in her pocket as she walked away. "Good luck with your work." Raising a hand as a greeting, the woman walked away and went to the Wild Area to feed Cassidy. She did not want to run the risk of spooking her and losing her only Pokémon. The Skarmory's piercing gaze was on the black woman's glove which has holding chunks of meat of some description. As they were thrown at Cassidy, she lunged forward and snapped them out of mid-air. After this repeated a couple of times, Nicole returned Cassidy and closed her hip satchel. She was running low on food for Cassidy, she needed a job. Maybe KENN was looking for people....

-----------------------

Ezio Farello - June 10th - Rand's House, Renbow Island, Oblivia

Ezio sat on the porch of the house belonging to the only Pokémon Ranger in Oblivia, Rand, and his archeologist wife Leanne. Their daughter, Nema, was playing with Erebus and his new Rhyperior who seemed to enjoy the attention. A perfect, idyllic scene.

If he wasn't engrossed in research papers presented to him by Leanne, that is. They have worked together on multiple occasions and considered each other friends, even if Rand and Ezio worked together with Pokémon in very different ways, with Rand being a Ranger and Ezio being a trainer. Leanne was the leading authority when it came to Oblivian history, and was therefore the most qualified person to decide what would happen with Pasados' armor. Ezio did leave out some key details, namely the appearance of the ghost of the owner, but Leanne didn't question his story. After all, it was hard to feign broken ribs.

"I still think you should take it easy." Leanne scolded Ezio, who merely chuckled and leaned back in the beach chair.

"By now, you should know better than to tell me to take it easy. I'm not the type to sit around and do nothing, you saw that when I had to write papers. If I am not out there, doing field research, I am going to waste away." The man said whilst Leanne just smiled and put two cups of coffee down on the table.

"That explains why your apartment is such a mess and why you never publish papers. I'd recommend getting a maid or a partner, but you are never hanging around enough to even make such connections."

Ezio feigned hurt and placed a hand on his chest, being careful not to put any pressure on it. "Ow? Hello? Next time give me a warning when you get personal. Enough about my sad life, what about the armor?"

Leanne took a sip of her coffee before informing Ezio about the situation. "Standard procedure, Ezio. The armor will be kept in Oblivia and be displayed in a museum after doing the necessary research. We don't know everything about the Steelhead and their armor, let alone specialised armor like this one. It is a good thing that you reported this find, I hate to imagine what someone could do with this armor. If it is only half as powerful as the Golden Armor, we would have a very scary world in our future. I've seen what you can accomplish with your Rock type Pokémon without anything like that armor, and I dread to imagine what someone of your caliber could do with it."

Ezio didn't respond, instead looking out over the field where Nema was playing with his Pokémon. A child growing up in a world of dictatorship, that would be the worst thing he could imagine. Children were supposed to play all day and have fun, not fear for their lives every waking moment.

"Your fur is so soft, Erebus!" Nema cried out as she hugged the Typhlosion, only to be quickly picked up by the Rhyperior as Erebus' neck began heating up in excitement. The Fire type simmered down and looked at the ground in shame as the old Pokémon reprimanded her. Ezio could only imagine what she was saying, but judging by Erebus' expression, it was not very nice.

"A lovely sight, no?" Leanne chimed in, a smile on her face. "Why don't you settle down? You no longer need to risk your neck playing Adventurer, you've got a lot of money and a cozy appartment. You've got a cushy life right now, don't you ever feel lonely?" The woman asked, getting a resigned grin from Ezio. She always was willing to go down this path.

"It gets lonely at times, but I have my Pokémon with me. They've been by my side ever since I went to Cinnabar Island, and I would not want to live without them. Besides, I'm too old to be trying those dating apps I keep hearing the interns talk about. I believe one of them was called like 'Inferno' or something. That just sounds like either too much passion or a chance to get burned. This old man will just live his life alone with his many Rocks." Ezio said, fiddling with his hat.

"I dunno, that miner boy seemed more interested in you than in your lecture back in the Oreburgh Museum." Leanne taunted, a sly smile on her face.

"Miners are illegal, Leanne." Ezio deadpanned, though there was a small smile on his face. "I dunno, Byron's not exactly the type of person you'd want as a father-in-law. He's probably going to put me through the wringer and I'm not that eager to date someone who is visibly younger than me. I'd hate to get any rumors started."

"Yeah yeah, whatever you say, grandpa." Leanne chuckled, taunting Ezio who was pretty much used to it at this point.

"It's been a pleasure to catch up with you, Leanne, but I cannot stay in Oblivia for too long. I love the region, but it is a little hot. I think I'll go visit a colder place next."

"Oh? Got some big plans brewing in that thick skull of yours?"

"I believe it is time that I visit Sinnoh and its ruins again, I could use some time in Snowpoint Temple to cool off."
 
Ron Towers, June 14th, Tuesday. Hotel Grand Lake, Sinnoh.

"You think this is an actual lead or just another dead end?" Ron spoked out loud as he looked at the pocket size map on his hand. "According to Carlos, some former Galactic Grunts were seen gathering in this hotel and mentioned something about the 4th lake, but there isn't a 4th lake on this map, just the same three that there has always been."

He put away the map into one of the pockets in his hoodie. The sky had been cloudy ever since they had left their room that day and the weather report announced heavy rains. Although a simple hoodie wasn't enough to protect him, he refused to wear a bright yellow rain coat, since that was the only color available at the gift shop. Furia, who was standing quietly next to Ron, was okay with the rain. To her, it was just a simple practice to try and make herself more resistant to water.

"Alright girl, if I were a bunch of brain dead bowl haircut zombie grunts, where would I go to find the '4th lake'?" Ron looked at the split path both ahead of them, one exit going to Sunnyshore City, the other towards one of the famous lakes. "There's gotta be a way to know which way these losers went, but unless one of them shows us the way I-" Ron stopped talking as she saw a woman with a light blue bowl haircut running towards the lake at full speed, looking at her watch desperately. "Never mind, let's go."

Ron had to move fast, but trying to hide and chase someone was more difficult than it sounded. The former grunt seemed too busy to look back and check though, mostly stopping to catch her breath and drink water. Furia was hot on the trail, moving through the trees and tall grass like a pro, staying a lot closer to the suspect than Ron. She was committed to prove she was as strong, no, stronger than the rest of Ron's team. Keeping up with the pale zombie like girl was easy for a quick Pokemon like Furia, her body being able to stay close to the ground while keeping a great speed was like a Sharpedo sneaking up on a school Remoraid.

The path seemed obvious, they were heading to the lake, making Ron think the information had been just a big mistake. He began to lose hope, until the grunt ran past the path to the lake. Ron was more curious now, it was impossible there was another lake around the area that nobody had ever discovered. He kept following the former galactic member for what seemed hours, the rain finally started to downpour and that just made the chase easier. Finally, the running came to a halt as the girl turned into the forest, running towards uncharted areas of Sinnoh and Ron following quickly behind.

Following the girl became more complicated as a heavy fog began to take over the forest, not to mention the rain making too much noise and the floor to muddy to move quickly. Even Furia, with her speed, was struggling to keep up. The girl seemed prepared though as she had changed into rubber boots and seemed to be using some sort of compass. Unfortunately for Ron, his only compass was the app on his phone, that for some reason, had no signal. The trip became more difficult and annoying, Ron struggling to keep up with Furia and Furia struggling to keep up with the former grunt. If it wasn't for her shiny hair color, they probably would've lost her a few miles back. The three individuals kept moving, until they reached a towering mountain. Ron looked at the map on his phone, but the screen began to distortion and then suddenly turned off. How on earth had such a big mountain remained hidden for so long?

The grunt was prepared though, using a Toxicroak to Rock Climb up the side of the mountain, quickly disappearing out of view thanks to the fog. "How are we going to get up there?" Ron looked down at Furia, who returned a determined look back at him. "Alright, good thing I brought someone with Keen Eye. Let's go Mohawk."

The red light flashed as a Fearow emerged from the Pokeball. He landed softly next to the duo, picking at his wings to remove any old feathers. The Pokemon didn't seem to mind as Ron got on his back and Furia jumped on to. Ron tapped his back softly and pointed upward, which seemed odd for the bird, but orders were orders. With a strong flap of his enormous wings, Mohawk took off, getting higher and higher after each flap of his wings. This continued on, slowly as to avoid crashing into something that could get in their way, until they reached the top. Ron and Furia jumped off, followed by Ron returning his Pokemon to his Pokeball and taking a few steps forward. The rain seemed to have calmed down and the fog was beginning to disappear, giving the trainer and the Quilava a clear view. A few meters downward there was a lake, expanding as big as the other three in Sinnoh. It looked like the crater of some volcane had been filled with water and across the other side there were some pillars, beaten down as if some heavy battle had taken place. In between those pillars, there was an entrance, which seemed to be made of the same materials and where the female grunt had disappeared into.
 
Sunday, June 13 - Snowpoint City, Sinnoh
Before Alexander could leave for Unova and the tournament, he heard a voice.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the orphan, running away are we?"
Wolfe looked back at the mercenary and smirked, looks like he wouldn't need to Castelia to get some action.
"No I'm not, in fact, you're the one who should be running. Doragon, Tailwind."
The merc looked at the Noivern batting it's wings. Looks like you got some fight in you, punk, but it won't be enough. Go Crobat."
As the bat pokemon appeared, Alexander moved again, taking the initiative.
"Double Team, and follow that up with Air Slash."
"What? Dude, that's not fair, you have to follow the battle rules."
"I am, the most important rule is to win, no matter the cost."
As the Noivern duplicated and each copy launched a thin blade of air at the Crobat, it acted without waiting for it's trainer to speak. Perhaps it was badly trained, or perhaps it could sense that this wasn't some harmless battle but actual combat. Anyways, it used Protect to weather the hits.
"Duragon, Boomburst."
The loud explosion of noise hit the bat pokemon, who had just ended it's shield, knocking it out.
"What the hell, dude, you can't just not leave some time for the opposing pokemon to attack."
Looking carefully at his opponent, a rookie from the looks of it, and sighed.
"Does this look like a League-sanctioned duel to you. Doragon, refresh that Tailwind."
The mercenary, Alex didn't know his name and honestly didn't care, sent out his second pokemon, a Mightyena.
"Doragon, Air Slash."
"Mightyena, Sucker Punch."
The opponent's attack hit, damaging the Noivern's wing and knocking him off balance. Alexander looked at the man in surprise.
"You got some fight in you, good, this will be fun. Doragon, Roost while using Dragon Pulse to protect yourself."
The merc looked upon the scene, knowing he couldn't change the outcome, this was Wolfe's favorite part.
"Listen to me, merc, I could easily arrange an 'accident' for you, but I won't because you're still useful to me, you got that."
The man nodded, he was afraid.
"I want you to tell everyone in your merc chat or whateve you call it that I'm off limits, or else I won't be so generous, and if a man in a black trenchcoat comes to raise my bounty, you can politely tell him to go screw himself, are we clear. Yes, then go."
As the kid ran off, he coudn't be older than twenty, Alexander put the Noivern back into his pokeball and went to a restaurant he liked. He couldn't participate in a tournament, this battle had shown him that he had no idea how to fight a League-sanctioned battle with all it's rules, but he could get hot chocolate.
 
Lara Brook - June 10th - Budew Drop Inn, Motostoke, Galar

"Thanks and uhm- Cya," The red haired girl said goodbye with a little way with it. When all was said and done.. That wasn't an awful way to start her morning. It was quite nice compared to the other ones she's spent at the Inn. Even if it had felt awkward, it was a pleasant change from sitting alone each morning. Well, time to get going.

After finishing her breakfast Lara made her way back to her room and on the way read the message sent by Keen Eye. She was to conduct an interview with the 'Maze Guardian'. A frontier brain from Hoenn who was now in Galar. He'd been called in to help with the raging Hydreigon situation and afterwards apparently was a part of the fight outside of Motostoke. Well, that's quite something.. or a lot. Luckily, Lara had already compiled her pictures and notes from yesterday so all she needed to do was to send them and the production for that potential article could get under its way. Now in the meantime while she waited to hear back from what pictures KENN would like to use, the young reporter would go and do the interview as apparently expected to do it this morning.

Rotom decided to pop out of their pokeball as they noticed Lara packing her bag with interviewing equipment and instantly the electric pokemon got ecstatic on the prospect of going out on the field again. Their trainer did explain that they were going to go out for an interview, but all Rotom heard was that this is another opportunity for them to take more pictures, or rather an excuse. The ghost took possession of their camera and buzzed excitedly. Like many times before, Rotom's eagerness helped Lara's feelings of anxiousness.

Lara let Rotom once again stay out in camera form as they made their way towards the designated location. On the way the reporter looked though the news and headlines of the Hunter J fight were everywhere. Investigations were still going on and these were still just the immediate news, but Lara had shivers going through her back as she read about the infamous pokemon poacher and her odd, but very powerful Salamance.

After a bit of walking the red haired girl finally made it out to the den D area, walking cautiously as the Hydreigon thing was still fresh in her mind. She spotted a man with silver hair clad in light colors together with, presumably his, Luxray.


---------------------------------


Kaden Miller - June 14th - Sinnoh, Valor Lakefront

Kaden had been camping out at the Grand Lake hotel for some time. Why? Well that was because he'd heard rumors of a mysterious 4th lake to be in the area. Now it may seem unbelievable, but the idea of it intrigued the coordinator enough to try and investigate it by himself. Perhaps a little adventure like this could be a nice break from trying to wreck his brain for new show ideas and perhaps if this lake were to be real, it could lend itself to be a nice source of inspiration as well.

So far though, he'd found nothing, but he wasn't going to give up yet as there was plenty of uncharted land that hadn't been properly routed yet. After taking proper time to plan and prepare Kaden set out to explore, unfortunately it had promised to rain today so he was cautious not to have Etna out of her pokeball. He just didn't want to cause his partner pokemon discomfort, so he was going to travel on foot and kitted out in a dark blue raincoat. Walking down the path that led towards the lake, thinking that the surrounding area of Lake Valor could be a good place to start. Suddenly though, a lady with bright blue hair in that horrendous Galactic style bowlcut ran past Kaden. He wouldn't have been too alarmed, but seeing another person, presumably a trainer run after caused him to be more concerned. Team Galactic was quite the organization back in the day, but now it was a ghost of its former self after being disbanded.

Thinking that this trainer had been bothered in some way, perhaps the woman had stolen something from him as those were unfortunately quite common when trainers encountered anyone proclaiming to still be a part of Team Galactic. "Hey!" Kaden yelled out as he began to sprint after them, but he didn't get a reply back. He tried his best to keep up, but he didn't have the best endurance. He was tempted to call Etna out to help him catch up with them, but that plan was quickly halted as it began to downpour. Throwing on the hood of his raincoat, Kaden thought of another pokemon that could perhaps help him. His Jolteon, Raiten. Just so that he wouldn't lose track of them.

"Raiten! I need your assistance," Kaden called out. The lightning pokemon appeared in a swirl of light energy accompanied by some yellow confetti due to the seals on his pokeballs. The jolteon ran beside his trainer at a leisurely pace, "Raiten, help me keep track of that trainer up ahead. I think they might be in trouble," The electric pokemon nodded and picked up his pace. The Jolteon waited for his trainer by the side of the road and gestured that the trainer had run into the forest. Trusting his pokemon Kaden followed along. After an awful lot of running in rain and a creeping fog that laid thick around them, Kaden began to near a foot of.. a mountain? Where were they even? But checking his Poketch yielded no results. The screen was glitching out as well as showing that there was no signal. Confused, Kaden turned his gaze forward again and saw a person ascend the mountain with their Fearow. So they were going up.. Raiten was waiting for his trainer, his white and yellow spiked fur now all wet and droopy. "Thanks buddy, I'll make sure to give you a treat once this is over," the coordinator said and returned his pokemon to its ball and swapped it out for another.

Usually Kaden would rely on Etna on something like this, but once again due to the weather it was a less than favorable option. Luckily he had a back up option. "Nyx. Your turn," and out from the ball emerged a Mismagius and did a little pirouette and snickered eerily, "Could you help me up this mountain side using Psychic?" and as commanded, the Magical pokemon's eyes lit up with blue energy and then Kaden was surrounded with that same force as the Mismagius began to ascend the mountain together with her trainer. It took a moment, but eventually the two reached the top. The fog began to dissolve as Kaden stepped onto the ground and the rain calmed down, letting Kaden take his hood down. Taking in this mysterious location, there was a large body of water just a couple of meters away. Could this be? The fourth lake? The coordinator didn't quite have time to take it all in as he spotted the reason he even got there, the trainer who ran after that ex-Galactic member.

"Hey! Everything alright over there?" Kaden called out and began to make his way over there, his Mismagius floating beside him. The black haired young man looked around for the grunt, but they seemed to have slithered off somewhere..
 
Last edited:
Ron Towers, June 14th, Tuesday. Send Off Spring, Sinnoh.

Ron was standing over the edge of the small cliff that led down to the lake located beneath them. He was too focused on the situation, he didn't notice someone else arriving at the scene, the one who did was Furia, but she didn't seem to be threatened by the stranger, instead she just slightly bumped into Ron's leg so he could snap out of his thinking and notice the new person arrive.

"Everything is fine." Ron replied quickly once his eyes landed on the new arrival. "Are you lost? Probably shouldn't be here. This place is mostly off limits." He needed to pretend know what he was talking about. Then it hit him, was this person following him? Maybe they were some sort of security guard for the Galactic mutt. "You don't look lost though, what brings you here?"

June 14, Tuesday - National Park, Johto. Reina, current rank, 45,099.

"Okay Colored, this is supposed to be the gate to the National Park and where we sign up for the Bug Catching contest." Reina held her small tour guide up to her face, making sure she was looking at the map correctly.

They had been traveling since early morning, trying to get to the park before the contest started. Reina looked exhausted, having been walking from Violet City to National Park had basically taken them an entire day and a good chuck of the following morning. It wasn't all bad, she managed to win two ranking matches and her rank was close to the 44k, which wasn't a lot but she still had a long way to go. The Mitztlian trainer had her white shirt tied around her waist as she put away her tour guide and adjusted her sunglasses. The weather wasn't too hot, but being close to the ocean made things humid, even Diva was in her Pokeball.

"We got like 20 minutes, how about some refreshments and a snack? I'm buying!" Reina smiled at her traveling partner before leading them into the park's gate. Inside there were already a handful of trainers waiting for the contest while some were still signing up and trying to decide which one Pokemon they would take with them. Reina walked over to the vending machine, got a fresh water and a bag of small chips. She gave Colored some money so she could get what she wanted and then proceeded to take a sit in one of the empty benches. She began drinking the cold water, taking a big sip and then letting out a loud satisfied sigh. She was beginning to feel comfortable until she felt a pair of eyes on her.

Some trainers were huddled together talking and would occasionally look in her direction. She wasn't really sure why, maybe one of her gym matches was transmitted? She was about to ask them if something was wrong, but Diva emerged from her Pokeball, asking for some of the cold water her trainer had.

"Okay you can have the rest of it." Reina handed the water bottle to the fairy Pokemon. "Hey Colored, which Pokemon are you going to sign up with? I'm thinking of using Peque, I heard some bugs have poison and Peque can deal with poison types easy."
 
Kaden Miller - June 14th - Send off spring, Sinnoh

"Ah well, I saw you running after that team Galactic member and thought you were in some sort of peril and.. it led me here," Kaden said, taking some sort of dramatic pause in the end of his sentence and then gesturing the new and mysterious mountain top that they found themselves at. The Mismagius floating by Kaden looked at Ron's Quilava. Her eyes squinting and a smile creped up in an attempt to appear friendly, but if anything she just ended up looking sinister.

Kaden took another gander around as if trying to scan the place for the grunt. He did take note of this mountain-top-crater being just as big as the three lakes and some sort of entrance leading off somewhere. "Speaking of that grunt. Where did they go?" the coordinator asked and looked back at Ron. If this trainer wasn't in trouble then why was he chasing that Galactic minion?
 
'Colored'
National Park, June 14th


"Huh? Enter...? Heh, I'd rather not. I don't have a thing AGAINST Bug types at all, I personally think they're really neat, but... I feel like I'd rather note down what Bug types inhabit this area without getting my nose stuck in the mandibles of a Pinsir... or a Scyther's blades. How can such a small park be host to Pokémon that can eventually Mega Evolve if enough dedication is set towards it...? Not that I'm interested at all."

Dawn seemed to have slithered back into Colored's bag shortly after, with Puffy emerging in a sudden yet boastful fashion.

"Cin-ciiiin! <I can handle this one!>"

"Ehhh... Puff, I... oh who am I joking. Guess we're giving it a go after all. Won't hurt to get close research in..."

The Scarf Pokémon, like their name, puffed up a bit out of pride for successfully swaying Colored's decision to participate in this competition.
 
Route to Goldenrod City, Johto (June 8th)

Desmond seemed relieved that the battle passed and Emma seemed to have everything under control, even managed a capture though he missed a chance to photo the Axew because of...well, trauma. Either way it seemed the Axew had come along without much issue now so perhaps he'd get another chance once his blood pressure had dropped as a sigh escaped the lips of the photographer.

"Alright, I just hope we don't bump into anymore problems..." Desmond expressed.

Politoed seemed to be the more disappointed of the two, as it wanted to have a battle but had been impressed with the Sliggo as it hopped over to the Dragon-Type Pokemon. "Politoed!" ("Wow that was amazing!")

With that, the group continued their venture to Goldenrod City.

Emma had looked at the Cherish Ball, holding it as she reminded herself, that this Pokemon was much like Sliggoo was a few months ago. She then looked at Desmond.

"We should have no more problems, hopefully, let's get to Goldenrod City."

Emma got moving with Drampa, as Sliggoo gave a cheerful "Slig!" before being returned. She looked around the route, seeing various Pokemon like Vulpix, Growlithe, Pidgey, and Pidgeot. Her Drampa had been making sure nothing bothered them.

"We will need to make a Right to Route 35."
 
Route 35, Johto (June 8th)
"Understood."

Desmond of course seemed relieved that the Sliggo as he figured with time he'd get better use to not letting that side of him show to Pokemon he had been familiar with. Course the various wild mon such as the Vulpix, Growlithe, Pidgey, and Pidgeot had not comforted him but that Drampa seemed to play the role of "security" and his Politoed had remained out for much the same reason.

Either way, they moved to Route 35 and headed along their path to this bug catching contest.

-----
Bug Catching Contest, Johto (June 14th)
The day had finally come, it had not taken as long as Desmond had suspected to arrive, so he had some time to get acclimated to things as he approached the gate where the contest was being held. His camera of course had been around his neck and at the ready as much as he was a bit...sheepish, about the idea of encountering who knows how many bugs, the possibilities for his catalog had been enough for him to push through to participate.

Course the idea that he'd have to try to capture at least one of them had been enough to make him shiver, but he tried to not let it show.

"Just gotta focus and push through this, be over before you know it..." Desmond mused to himself, and as if on cue his Pokeball seemed to release a light as Politoed decided to come out and bounced happily. By contrast, the Water-type seemed excited for this little contest.
 
Ron Towers, June 14th, Tuesday. Send Off Spring, Sinnoh.

"Oh so you're one of those trainers." Ron didn't seem amused. He had seen it before though, trainers with a couple of badges under their belt and they feel they can save the world, no they feel it is their duty to do so.

Now he was a bit confused, this trainer was either getting involved into something he shouldn't or he was keeping a watch on Ron. The second made more sense, considering that Ron trailed a grunt for hours and she didn't seem to have noticed. If they sent a grunt undercover to keep an eye on him, it meant he was on to something. However, this stranger wasn't just going to straight out say he was with the galactic grunts, he was probably making sure Ron made it into an ambush.

"The grunt disappeared into those ruins, across the lake. I guess it would be dangerous to send you back alone and I doubt you would want to leave after making it this far, so we might as well go together. I hope you can pull your weight though, I can't guarantee your safety once we're inside." Ron tossed a walkie-talkie to Kaden. "For some reason my phone isn't working, use this in case you get lost, channel 3."

Ron adjusted the backpack on his back and tossed a Greatball, letting the Fearow out once again. He climbed on the big bird and glided from the edge of the cliff, over the body of water and landed at the entrance of the ruins. The inside seemed pretty dark, but with Furia's flames, there was enough light to move around and get a hold of their surroundings. As soon as Ron stepped inside, the walkie-talkie began to give off static, voice being heard, as if someone else was trying to contact them. Ron just thought it was the grunts looking for their friend, since the voices kept repeating, "Where are you?", "Come in.", "Are you there?", "I got lost.".

"Careful not to let them hear you or the radio once we're inside." Ron told Kaden once he had caught up. "Try and stay close. My name is Ron by the way." He gave the trainer a nod and then started walking into the tunnel, the voices kept sounding, no matter how much into the ruins they walked.

June 14, Tuesday - National Park, Johto. Reina, current rank, 45,099.

"That's the spirit!" Reina cheered a bit. "Okay, I'm going to register."

After filling out the registration form, Reina and Colored were told to wait until the contest started. After signing up a few more participants, the guard led the group towards the center fountain of the park. There, they were joined by the south gate group, making the group of contestants larger. Reina seemed pumped up, eagerly waiting for the competition to start. She had never caught a bug type Pokemon before and it was the perfect situation to do so. The rules were simple, you weren't allowed to use your Pokemon to attack the wild ones, you could only use the special ParkBall, which each trainer received ten off, if you ran out of them or the time was up, which was two hours, the game was over. At the end, all bug Pokemon would be judged and the winner would be decided. Once the rules had been explained, the Bug Catching Contest began!

"I'll meet you back here!" Reina called out eagerly, as she waved at Colored and ran off towards the tall trees in the park.

Her strategy was simple, go to the deepest part of the park, where nobody else would go and there she would find the rarest or strongest bug Pokemon. With a plan set on her mind, she took off running, not knowing that she was being watched and followed.
 

Aldon Charlton the Time Traveler, June 14, Tuesday - , Johto​


Aldon sat on the bench casually feeling the wind blow through his hair. He wasn't entirely sure what there was to be gained by joining a bug competition, but perhaps he'd find something. Maybe he could trade it off or something or release it into the wilds. Aldon didn't know what he wanted to do with it, but he was in it now. Skol felt the breeze run off his back and down his tail. The pink hippo pokemon let out a slow yawn.

Aldon heard a familiar voice not far from him. Two familiar voices? Two people he had traveled with a few days ago. Reina and Colored. It seemed they had joined the bug competition too. They seemed busy, and since Aldon was in the bug competition, it seemed like the best time to start finding a bug. Aldon wondering if either of them noticed him, though he had doubts and quickly focused on bug searching. A man with a straw hat and a slightly dirty button down shirt and a straw hat came walking by carrying a bug net. To Aldon, this man looked like he had been taking the bug catching tournament way too seriously. Aldon chuckled, but focused on catching bugs himself. He went further into the woods to hopefully find a good one.

$15,200
14x pokéballs
5x Super Potions
3x Full Heals
6x Oran berry,
C-Gear
Waterproof sleeping bag
Travel cooking supplies
Portable tent
Hiking and archeology tools
 
Kaden Miller - June 14th - Send off spring, Sinnoh

Kaden raised an eyebrow at Ron's statement of him being 'One of those trainers'. The coordinator thought that he was the one with the big plan of stopping the bag guys to save the day even though they only have a couple of pokemon, perhaps one or two badges as well. The inclusion of a leftover galactic team gang being involved with this place did complicate the coordinator's plans, but luckily situations like these had a very clear solution, but there was a slight wrinkle in it as this other trainer seemed adamant on going after them himself.

"I think we should rather go back and contact the-" but Kaden was cut off as he was forced to catch the tossed walkie-talkie. He straightened himself back up and looked back at Ron but he had already taken off with his Fearow. Well, they had no signal so the authorities couldn't be contacted to properly handle this situation and it was quite a trek back. In the moment the best course of action Kaden saw was to follow this trainer and try to make sure nothing bad would happen.. what that 'bad' was he very much didn't know.

"Maaaagius.." Nyx stated and pointed at Ron on the other side.

"I know. Looks like our day took quite the turn and we have no other choice but to follow it.. Nyx mind using psychic again?" and as asked the Mismagius lifted her trainer up with the move and together caught up with this seemingly reckless trainer.

Kaden nodded as Ron continued to give instructions. He simply didn't really know what else to do in this situation. As much as he would have liked to think up a plan, they simply had no information to make a sound plan so all he could do for now is to keep an eye on this trainer with his Quilava.

"Kaden Miller," he introduced himself. He would have otherwise continued onto a conversation, but their current circumstances didn't really allow for any casual chatter.
 
Ron Towers, June 14th, Tuesday. Send Off Spring, Sinnoh.

Ron stopped and looked at Kaden. That name sounded so familiar, but his mind couldn't recall where he had heard it before. He didn't get the chance to keep attempting to recognize the guy since the action was interrupted by the crackling of one of the walkie talkies.

"bzzt-help-bzzt"

Ron looked at the item on his hand and then placed it closer to his right ear, trying to see if he could hear anymore information.

"bzzzt-there's a storm-bzzzt-where am I."

The voices stopped. As much as Ron tried to turn up the volume or shake the small communication device, he couldn't hear anything else. He looked at the entrance, which was just a small gleam of light back down the path they came from and then at the dark endless path in front of them. If there was someone in trouble, the worst thing he could do was leave them behind. Furia seemed to think the same way, except she wasn't going to stand around waiting for Ron to make up his mind. The Quilava gave out a loud cry, as if leaping into action, and began moving quickly deeper into the dark path.

"She's right, if someone needs help, we should at least try to find them." Ron began following his Quilava, jogging to keep up with the fast moving fire type.

Furia lead the group further down, eventually leading them into a fork in the road, which she didn't hesitate to take the right path. Sometimes voices would be heard around them, like trapped echoes that reached their ears several minutes after they had been spoken. But this didn't slow down Furia, who seemed very focused on following a path only she seemed to know. Soon it was hard for Ron to keep track of where they were going, the turns they had made were so many and the walls and ceiling were so alike, it was amazing ruins so big were hidden next to the lake, considering they didn't seem as big from the outside.

"Hold girl!" Ron called out, causing the group to come to a halt. "Call me crazy, but I think we might be running in circles." He took a deep breath and looked around. "These walls look exactly the same all the time and I don't remember the ruins looking so big from the outside." He walked over and placed his hand on the walls, covering up some ancient text. "They're all lined up with these weird drawings, I think we should mark this wall with something we can see if we pass through here again." He reached into his backpack and pulled out a can of red spray paint. "It's for an art project." Ron said, just in case Kaden was wondering. "Let's try this again, let's go Furia."

After leaving a big red X painted on the wall, the group once again followed the fire Pokemon. However, in about a minute, they were once again in front of the X, except this time they were walking towards it, as if they had turned around and headed back to it. Ron scratched the back of his head, as he looked at the path behind him and then at the X in front of him. "When did we turn around?"
 
Kaden Miller - June 14th - Send off spring, Sinnoh

Kaden's eyebrows furrowed themselves in worry. That certainly didn't sound good, but once more he didn't get a chance to think properly before Ron ran ahead with his Quilava leading the way. With Kaden Nyx continued to follow along, but was completely silent, as if she was just a shadow following them. The coordinator did his best to keep up and the flame from Furia certainly helped him to do so. It felt like these ruins were going on for much longer for what they should have. Kaden would have liked to maybe stop and study the writing and pictures, but alas.. perhaps if another chance presented itself to him.

Kaden took a moment to catch his breath when Ron halted their excursion, "Yeah.. good idea-" he was about to say, but then Ron had the oh-so brilliant idea to spray paint the ancient ruins. While the concept was good the execution was.. less than ideal. Kaden would have liked to say something, but this seemed to be the least of his worries right now. They were inside some sort of a maze located inside ruins and they were trying to find the person calling out for help. Kaden didn't react at all to Ron's attempt at comedy in this situation and just sighed.

Before he went to continue following the trainer and his fire-type pokemon, Kaden returned Nyx to her pokeball, "thanks for the help," he patted the ball before putting it away and caught up with Ron. After a little while they were back at the X.. but they were walking towards it? That didn't make sense.

"I don't think so.." Kaden said and looked back behind him before scanning the area in front of them again. Then he got an idea that could perhaps aid them in their endeavors.

"I have an idea. Perhaps my Arcanine could help us in finding a way out of this loop," the coordinator said and took out a pokeball and tossed it out. Inside from it, emerged a dog-like pokemon that looked drastically different to what the more common version was. It had a much more 'sharper' look to it, or mostly with its fur. This particular specimen was a 'Hisuian' - Arcanine.

Immediately from the ball Etna's expression softened as she looked at her trainer with her heavy tail wagging behind her, "Etna, help us find a way out," Kaden directed the fire-rock type. With the keen senses of smell and hearing, Etna led the pair through the ruins, snout on the ground. The coordinator was confident in his partner pokemon, but soon enough it seemed like they were going in loops again.

"Etna-'' Kaden called out to his pokemon, but just then another voice called out as well, but not in a language that he could really understand. From behind them suddenly emerged.. a trainer? But they were clad in wildly different clothes. The only way Kaden could describe it was historically traditional. Of note was the yellow emblem of sorts that they had on their sleeves. This mysterious trainer walked in front, seemingly ignoring him and Ron as they called out again. As if appearing from thin air was some sort of a fire type. Kaden would describe it as similar to a Typhlosion, but the fire around its neck was more ethereal and 'whispier'. Of note was the fur patterning around its neck as well. Kaden was honestly stunned and so was Etna. Or well, she was rather waiting for her trainer to let her continue. The weird Typhlosion-pokemon looked back at her trainer with a.. lazy? or perhaps a mischievous look? It was quite difficult to discern honestly. The mysterious trainer and their pokemon turned a corner and just like that, they had disappeared again..

"I hope I wasn't the only one who just saw that" Kaden said to Ron in hopes that this wasn't just a hallucination from oxygen deficiency or something along those lines.
 
June 13th, Snowpoint City, Sinnoh
Alexander walked into the secret clearing behind his cabin, which he had selected for this very reason. He looked at the silent girl following him, she looked about 14 with a gray and purple hair.
"Ok Kitsune, we're going to be training your perception."
Wolfe took out a pouch from his bag and opened it, revealing a bunch of apricots. He grabbed one and threw it in the air. As he caught it, he continued talking.
"Today, we're going to be training your perception and control," He showed her the apricots, "I'm going to be throwing these at you and you have to catch them using Extrasensory and put them on the ground without damaging them..."
The Zoroark looked at him with a bored expression on her face, until he finished his sentence.
"... with your eyes closed"
As they got in position, Alex suddenly got overcome with a strange bout of weakness, accompanied by a sense of longing for what was lost. This event happened semi-regularly, but never this strong. He tried to hide it but his best friend knew him too well and she grabbed him in a hug.
"We have to find the source," he whispered, "end this once and for all."
June 14th, Send off Spring, Sinnoh
Wolfe looked at the strange person with a Typhlosion, she had spoken in a language that was strangely familiar but Alex couldn't quite put his finger on it. He turned his attention back to the yellow-eyed trainer with the Arcanine, the second of its kind Alexander had ever seen. As he gazed upon the trainer, the weakness came again, making him stumble. Silently cursing, he carefully dropped to the ground waiting and watching to see if he had been heard.
 
National Park, Johto (June 14th)

Desmond of course knew Politoed had no way to help him with captures, but he had decided not to return the frog Pokémon because in case the worst happened he wanted a safeguard. Desmond registered even if he had been a touch sheepish about the prospect of an entire forest filled with Pokémon, but he had to swallow the nerve. This was a key chance to add to his photo collection, to get various bug types on reel and he had no room to waste chances like this. Besides, he figured traveling with just his brother's Politoed had not been a recipe for success so he needed least another Pokémon for the sake of security much as the thought of owning another had made him shiver.

Still, he had worked well enough to keep it contained and not draw eyes of the other competitors. Desmond course scanned for Emma but figured she probably came in the south gate. Regardless he had gotten his 10 Pokeballs and was explained the rules in detail which seemed easy enough to follow. But while other people rushed inside the heart of the forest he had decide to start on the exterior and work his way gradually from there. Being a photographer he desired to explore the space as he needed to leave no stone unturned and wanted to use this time best he could to capture every Pokemon he could with his camera.
 
Ron Towers, June 14th, Tuesday. Send Off Spring, Sinnoh.

"Yeah I saw that, what the fuck?" Ron ran after the stranger, just to see if they were still visible around the corner, but they weren't. "You see that Furia? Ever seen a Typhlosion like that one?"

The Quilava didn't respond. She just sat there silently. She had been the one leading the group for a while and, like always, a fully evolved Pokemon took her spot. To make things worse, her trainer was more impressed by some other Typhlosion. She had it, she was going to become better than everyone else, she wasn't going to let anyone stand in her way.

"Okay, that was weird, but we could have wondered into some sort of nest for Ghost Pokemon." Ron walked back to the group, trying to figured out some logic behind what was going on. "We could be under some hypnosis or asleep. Furia, I need some electricity to-"

Ron didn't finish his sentence, his was cut off by the Quilava slamming into his abdomen with an electric reaction, Wild Charge. She hadn't gone all out, but it was enough to make Ron wheeze and gasp for air, falling to his knees as electrical currents shocked his body on and off for a few times until it was over. He raised his right hand with a thumbs up, still trying to catch his breath. Furia smirked, he deserved it for not paying enough attention to her feelings. She then shot Kaden a glare, maybe he needed to check if they were in a dream also.

"You're still upset?" Ron stood back up, rubbing his stomach were his Pokemon had impacted earlier. "We can figured, whatever this is, between us later, okay? Not the place or time." He took a deep breath, clearly still aching but he tried to not show it too much. "Okay, so that was pretty real. Which means, all of this IS. I know this is probably the worst idea, but I don't see any other options besides to keep running in circles. Let's go the same path as that oddly dressed individual and his NOT so cool Typhlosion."

They turned into the corner the illusion had done so earlier, this time it seemed they were on a different path, at least they didn't run into the X again. The path seemed to stretch for a while and just when they were about to start questioning the way once again, a staircase came into view, heading down and deeper into the ruins. It was suspicious of course, but something on the ground caught the groups attention, a small string of hair found by Furia, the same color as the Galactic Grunt's.

"Looks like we're going somewhere this time."

The group descended down the staircase. To Ron's surprise, despite going deeper into the ruins, it seemed that the lack of light was no longer an issue. There was no way to tell where the light was coming from, but that was the least of their worries as they stepped into a new chamber. The room was big, with a giant pillar in the center filled with ancient drawing. The whispers and voices became louder and louder. A strange purple aura began to fill the place, which caused the walls and floors to change colors, looking recently made, clean, muddy, filled with moss, and other forms. Like if they were standing in replica of the same room but in different times. Ron looked around, it was unlike anything he had seen before.

"Come on Gatote." A familiar voice to Ron sounded off to the right, which made him turn, only to see a young light blonde woman with dark blue eyes standing with an Incineroar.

Ron closed his eyes and shook his head, not believing, what or who he was seeing. He took a few steps closer, it was hard not to notice that face. The way the woman spoke, the way she looked through some sort of advanced Pokedex, the way she bit her lower lip while thinking, it was definitely Ron's younger sister. But how? And why was she wearing such odd clothes? She was wearing a blue body suit that seemed to have some sort of energy running through it. It had censors on the right forearm, giving information like the body temperature, heart rate and some other complex stuff Ron couldn't understand. As he got closer he noticed something else, the family emblem. Just like everyone in Ron's family, she had a golden Tower pin, hanging around her neck.

"Hey." Ron said.

The woman turned quickly, startled with wide eyes. "Who's there?!" She said before she faded away.

Ron took a step back, he had to be dreaming. Another voice became clearer and soon Ron found himself looking at a group of people actually building one of the pillars, but the illusion lasted a few seconds, before Ron could even react, they were gone. He turned around quickly at the sound of his Quilava growling. She was looking at the central pillar, where three Galactic Grunts stood, looking at Kaden and Ron with a bewildered look.

"Are they real? Can't tell anymore?" The only woman in the group said, clearly the one they had been chasing before.

"Nah, they're real. Usually the illusions disappear after a few seconds." The tallest one spoke up, taking a step forward with his Machoke following behind. "You two need to leave now, this place is off limit to anyone who isn't part of the New Team Galactic."
 
As his quarry walked through the ruins, Alexander and his shadow followed him, he hung back a bit when they entered the tunnel.

"Kitsune," he whispered, "take your human form."

The Hisuian Zoroark grinned excitedly, before being covered in shadows for a few seconds. When they disappeared, the pokemon was gone and in her place stood a young girl. They entered the tunnel, following it until it opened up into a room. As he looked around, he saw a person he thought was gone forever. In the middle of the chamber stood his father, but it was impossible, the man was dead. His partner grabbed his shoulders and shook them. When he looked back the figure was gone.

"Nah, they're real. Usually the illusions disappear after a few seconds." Alexander heard a voice. "You two need to leave now, this place is off limit to anyone who isn't part of the New Team Galactic."

He looked in the direction and saw three people with a horrible haircut accompanied by a machoke, they seemed to be threatening the group that he had followed.

"Kitsune," he whispered, "you know I hate bullies, let's deal with them."

The Zoroark, still in human form, took off with a grin, she ran to the middle of the room before stopping. The colored part of her hair flashed as a gout of purplish flames headed in the direction of the organization's pokemon, courtesy of Kitsune's Flamethrower.
Alex shook his head and groaned, the explanation he usually had, that his crazy pokemon was actually his sister, wouldn't work now.
 
Kaden Miller - June 14th - Send off spring, Sinnoh

Kaden shot a glance back, thinking he heard something, but with all the voices bouncing and echoing throughout the walls made it difficult to tell if it was out of place. Thinking that it was another oddity of these ruins, the coordinator didn't investigate any further.

It was reassuring for the moment to know that he wasn't the only one who just saw the odd Typhlosion and its trainer, but what was it then? A trick played by ghost pokemon perhaps? Ron seemed to have a similar idea, but that they were under hypnosis instead. The Wild charge by his Quilava seemed more than a bit agitated at her trainer. Well, at least Ron seemed fine as he regained his composure after a bit. Kaden shook his head when Furia shot a glance at him, "I'll just pinch myself-" he said, thinking that a Wild charge was a bit of an overkill.

Kaden followed the other trainer and his fire type, but quickly noticed that Etna was still looking at something behind them. Assuming that his Arcanine was just confused by all the voices or perhaps another illusion, Kaden just called for her to follow them, "Come on girl. Let's go,"

Following the same path that the weird hallucination went they seemed to get out of whatever loop they were stuck in. Going further they eventually made it into a new room, but as they stepped inside Kaden saw a flash of purple in his vision. "What the hell.." he said under his breath as his gaze landed onto another part of the room. He seemed to spot another trainer with her own Hisuian Arcanine? The woman standing beside it had white clothes with some sort of purple emblem on the front. Etna had noticed the other dog pokemon as well. She let out a bark as if to try and get the other pokemon's attention. They seemed to react to something, it was difficult to tell as once again Kaden didn't quite understand what the woman was saying except for recognizing a few words like Lord and cave, but nothing else. As the other H-Arcanine began to take a step, they faded.

Kaden looked back over at Ron, but his attention was quickly drawn elsewhere as someone spoke. It was the galactic grunts and they seemed to be there for real this time. Things escalated quickly from there. A girl ran into the middle of the room. Her hair flared up as she began to breathe fire? What was this madness?? Was this even real?
 
Ron Towers, June 14th, Tuesday. Send Off Spring, Sinnoh.

"Who the hell is that?" Ron watched as some girl jumped into the inevitable battle.

"That's the worst surprise attack I've ever seen!" the tall grunt called out as his Machoke jumped forward.

The fighting type Pokemon dodged the incoming attack using detect. His eyes gave a green glow which allowed him to see a clear path forward without needed to make contact with the fire. The fighting type ran up and stopped in front of the girl, raising his arms in an X position, ready to deliver a Cross Chop. Before the attack could land though, Furia slammed into the side of the fighting Pokemon with a Flame Charge. The Machoke groaned and jumped back to the side of his trainer.

"Listen little girl, I don't know where you came from, but you might wanna step back." Ron took a step forward with Furia by his side, the fire type igniting her flames bigger than before, showing she was ready to jump into action. "You're clearly outmatched, so just surrender." He told the grunts.

The girl and shorter male grunt looked at each other and nodded. The girl sent out a Dustox while the guy released a Sandslash. The three Pokemon stepped forward ready to spring into battle.

"You won't get away with this!" A voice was heard on the other side of the room. A blonde woman wearing a silver armor and carrying a long sword seemed to be about to get into a fight with someone else, who's shadow was a long dark figure. They quickly disappeared though, like all the other illusions so far.

Ron shook his head, that woman reminded him of his sister, her looks and even voice. What caught his attention again was what seemed a small chain of purple flames appearing and disappearing around Furia, but she didn't seemed bothered by them, so why should he?

June 14, Tuesday - National Park, Johto. Reina, current rank, 45,099.

"There has to be some incredibly powerful bug Pokemon around here." Reina said out loud as she and Peque walked around the dead quiet forest. "Is it supposed to be so quiet though? I always though bugs made like a buzzing sound."

The Marshtomp shrugged and kept walking along his trainer. It seemed they had wondered into a dead zone. There was no sign of any Pokemon around the area. The only thing that caught the water Pokemon's attention was the cut marks on several trees. That was incredibly odd, but maybe that's how the trees grew. crack

Peque turned around quickly, at the sound that came from behind them. His sudden stop made Reina turn the same way also. They both set their eyes on an angry Magmar looking back at them. Reina was confused as to why such a Pokemon was in such area. But the answer was quickly answered as two trainers stepped out of the woods and into view. One of them had a red track suit with Pokeballs station on his belt and the other one had jeans and a red muscle shirt on. Both trainers had a confident smile on them as they approached the Magmar.

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you. We saw the blue of your Marshtomp and came to check it out. You hunting bugs?" The track suit guy stood next to the Magmar, it seemed he was the Pokemon's trainer. "Heard some scary strong bug Pokemon around these parts. You should be a bit more careful. Wanna join our group? First one to see a bug gets to try and catch it. This way we avoid being ambushed."

Reina looked a bit confused, but once she heard the plan, it made a lot of sense. She didn't feel any bug Pokemon could possible take out her entire team, but the trainers looked like they knew what they were doing. "Okay, have you done this before?"

The trainer smiled as he and his friend joined Reina. The three began to walk deeper into the forest, where a pair of eyes was carefully watching them and getting ready to strike.
 
‘Colored’
June 14th, National Park


Even with the rules on not even able to use Puffy when the Scarf Pokémon was revealed to not be allowed to hurt anyone here, it didn’t stop Colored from quietly monitoring her surroundings.

The odd Caterpie slipping about, a Wurmple minding its own business in a flower bush, and a Venonat contentedly jumping around in the grass.

Wait… a Venonat. Seemed fun.

So judging by this, Colored gently picked up a Park Ball and had tossed it towards the bouncy Bug type with a bit of a loose aim. Loose, but effective! As it was a direct hit and the Venonat appeared oddly happy to be captured as the Park Ball barely resisted or wriggled when it came to what was inside being caught.

So more or less, yep. Colored caught a Venonat.
 
Top