The Cloud Garden's Recorded History

[ZoraJolteon]

Originally Posted by enchantress

ZoraJolteon: With Tropius resting comfortably in his Pokéball, you approach the dilapidated old house with Rotom trailing along behind you. The old wooden stairs leading to the front porch creak threateningly under your weight and you can't help but wonder how long it's been since this place was last renovated. Glancing at the window from which you'd seen the pale face of a young girl, you find nothing but a black window staring back at you. Despite the fact there is a candle burning in an upstairs room, there doesn't appear to be any kind of light source illuminating the lower floor. Reaching for the door handle, you've barely touched it when the door starts to swing inward with a slow, almost agonised, screech. With a quick glance at Rotom, you step inside onto the old wooden floor boards, and begin to walk along the entrance hall, immediately feeling a dark, brooding, evil presence which seems to be emanating from the walls themselves. You note a doorway to your left and look in, but even though the room is pitch black with the exception of a faint light coming from the window from which you'd seen the mysterious girl, you sense it is empty and prepare to move on. The moment you turn back to the hallway, however, you're confronted with a small, dark shape in front of you. You can't quite make out what it is, but its feral growling is telling you that it isn't here to welcome you. Rotom moves closer to shed some light on the matter, revealing a rather feral looking Eevee whose eyes are black, soulless, and full of evil, giving you the distinct impression this little pup is possessed...

Staring down at the little Pokémon, Zora wondered exactly how he could deal with it. If it truely were possessed, there had to be some way to exorcise it without inflicting any major harm on the innocent Eevee. There were special techniques that aided in the identification of Ghosts, but the only one on his team was Mamoswine's Odor Sleuth, and he there was no way he'd fit inside this building. Turning to look at his own little ghost, he wondered if Rotom had any experience with this sort of thing. There couldn't be that much difference between the mechanical devices Rotom were known to inhabit and the organic Eevee. Could there? "I would ask you, but I can already guess the response." he said to Rotom, who appeared to totally ignore its trainer, Zora returning to his contemplations. Happening upon something vaguely resembling a plan, he rummaged within his backpack, locating a Ghost Ball buried somewhere at the bottom. Taking it out, he looked over it while explaining his theory to Rotom. "This thing's designed to capture Ghosts well, so it must have some kind of advanced spectral-biofilter-doodad. It might not be able to catch anything, but maybe it'll be enough to separate the two. GHOST BALL, GO!" he yelled, throwing it at the Eevee.

[Silver Wind]

Delibird Ridge: A nesting ground for bird pokemon. A large area of jutting rocks and crevasses where many a bird pokemon have called their home. Set into the clifftops it has become a popular spot for pokemon watchers and explorers that visit the Caverns in the mountainside.

Taking a few steps past the Sky Gate, The Diddler felt a faint sense of peace. Something about the Cloud Garden always felt welcoming. Taking off his rather wacky wardrobe that include his black and yellow bath robe, fishing boots, and tacky fishermens hat, and switching it to something abit more classic. The super civilian found himself looking like Mr. Peanut of Planters Nuts.

'Its great to see the Cloud Garden again, especially in at the beggining of the spring season, but Summer is always best,' he whispered, his Ledian was fluttering along side. Flippy already had his mind set on the perfect location in which he wanted to visit again, Delibird Ridge:. He could recall some former battles, but with his memory, they seemed like distant dreams. With the hustle and bustle around the gate, The Diddler and his Buggy Companion decided that it would be best to head straight to their location, without bringing any attention to himself. But really?

'I wonder what will happen this time around' thoughts spinning rapidly through his head, with daydreams of the Cloud Garden looming, time went fairly quick, but this is only because he couldn't remember how long it took him last time to reach said area.

[Tale]

Brialliant! We're getting into the swing of things now...

Welcome aboard, SW. I hope you enjoy yourself!

The Rose Arch - Please reply in springgreen

Mewsic Box: The damage that Perona has sustained leaves you in a state of emotional turmoil, in spite of the success of her attacks. The brilliance of the Will-o-wisp clinging to her mask seems to engender an encircling wall of darkness. As you manoeuvre through the skeletal trees to witness the battle’s progression, the countless finger-like shadows splay from where Perona floats, a small black dot in the centre of a circle of light, and her own shadow extends from behind, conjoining with the darkness you attempt to avoid. With the Zubats flitting in and out of the darkness, she struggles to deduce their proximity, becoming entirely reliant on the Will-o-wisp’s illumination. It is once a Zubat soars in from behind and Astonishes Perona that your emotions erupt into a blind rage. You feel swelling within you a sense of guilt at your burdening presence, inclined to believe that the light is for your own benefit. You disregard the dangerous beasts that linger around the light’s perimeter for a split second as you place Perona’s wellbeing valiantly before your own, and you order her Will-o-wisp extinguished. She turns to you, a subtle confusion extending from her own mind to yours before, loyally, she follows your command.

With that, you are both plunged in stifling darkness. A cacophony ensues which strikes terror into your heart.

Blind, you ascertain all that’s around you from sound alone. Bloodthirsty howls cleave through the atmosphere, vicious growls and rapid breaths, thumping, hissing and screeching, amalgamating to a terrible orchestra of chaos. Panicked and isolated, you repeatedly collide with the trees that surround you, acquiring a wound to your head in the process. You struggle to ascertain Perona’s position, and pray for her wellbeing, but all you can perceive is the rapid movement of indistinguishable beasts engaged in a fray, at the centre of which you helplessly stand. For a fraction of a second, the forest is alight with a brilliant white Ray that spans a half-circle, establishing a snapshot of the chaos in your minds eye. Perona had unleashed her Confuse Ray, which now affected more than just the bats, and the image now lodged within your mind is of her floating and unleashing the widespread Ray from the holes in her mask, which strikes a multitude of creatures - one of which a hulking beast whose identity you could not ascertain. You begin to whirl about in confusion, wondering whether the Ray had inadvertently affected you, and you can only see the bright blue gleam as Perona’s Ice Beam strikes a multitude of beasts, unleashing a chorus of pained cries.

You cannot fathom where you stand, what is occurring around you or whether Perona is now vulnerable to attack, let alone yourself. But before you can yell out in communication, a strong set of jaws begin to tug violently at your leg. Then leafy hand grabs your arm.

You need to act quickly.


The Rainbow Waterfalls - Please reply in aqua

Stark: Inevitably, as you lie on the ground with pain shooting through your leg, you begin to wonder where the real authorities had gotten to. Surrounding you is chaos, and while it initially stemmed from your outburst, you can’t shake of the sense that it was preordained before your arrival. Having progressed thus far with a headstrong outlook, you conclude to react to force with force. The bulky man, who still looms over your incapacitated body, launches a wayward protester from his feet and to the ground a few feet away. You notice your opportunity, and lift yourself to your feet, mentally subduing the shooting pain that afflicts your right leg in particular. With but a second to spare, you launch yourself at the baton-wielding guard, catching him unprepared and causing him to stagger - but not fall. You attempt to bypass him nonetheless, and notice a space between two Mamoswines that you lunge for. However, the tug to your collar which knocks the wind from your lungs indicates that the bearded man has managed to halt your attempt dead in its tracks. With a great guffaw, he throws you to the ground once more, his bulk too overpowering to resist, and raises his baton.

Silence then follows for a split moment, as a gunshot echoes across the field. Shock shoots through every man and woman present as they all attempt to determine the culprit, but a few seconds later and the murmurs imply that it was not among them. Even the bearded man, baton still poised above his head, seems bewildered, as he turns to his colleagues, releasing the scruff of your neck.

“Move it, boys! That shot came from the Falls!� He cried, spurring the scene back into action, as the guards fled for the falls, tailed by the Mamoswine riders whose movements triggered tremors in the ground. Looking around you, you see the protester that the guard had flung to the ground prop himself back up, blood trickling from his skull. The others, many too fearful to move, and some too incapacitate or wounded, still attempt to ascertain the events that had just occurred. Then a few sped off, in pursuit of the guards and the gunshot’s origin.

Still on the ground, you recognise the opportunity to approach the falls now unhindered - save your injured leg. Beside you, the man groans from pain and shock at realising his head is bleeding.

What will you do?


Delibird Ridge - Please reply in burlywood

Silver Wind: Optimistic about your prospective Cloud Garden adventure, drawing evidence from your past experience, you settle to approach Delibird Ridge, and follow the appropriate road in your unusual attire. It is but a short while before the popular destination is in sight, and as you approach the lively Ridge, you find yourself walking along a particularly low road. Gazing above at the impressive rock formations, you can distinguish the silhouettes of many birds, each one unique, yet all equally graceful in their flight. You feel comfortable with walking through familiar sights, and you gaze around at the many paths open to you. As you choose one - a valley, enclosed by two rather sheer cliffs - you note the narrow paths that wind up the cliff face. Unexpectedly, you also notice a human figure, sitting upon one of these paths, his legs dangling over the side. As you pass, he watches you, silent, although with a friendly expression upon his face. When you bypass the man, you begin to hear a voice - evidently his - echo through the still and silent valley, reverberating from the rock-face as he hums a cheery tune. You disregard the oddity, but another voice then seems to join him, repeating the tune at a deeper pitch, engendering a rather soothing harmony. You glance around and see that this voice comes from directly above you, as you see the soles of another mans feet dangling from the rock formation. Theirs seems to be the only presence, excluding yours and your companion’s, within the valley - although as their harmony is joined by the sound of a plucking instrument that resembles a ukulele, you recognise the presence of a woman, this time, sitting on an indent in the cliff to your left. Your mind is so distracted by this odd, but somewhat pleasing, occurrence, that you almost collide with a third man, who stands directly in front of you, with seemingly no indication as to how he got there without you noticing. As you approach him, the auburn-haired man in an attire of brown holds out a friendly hand, with a smile on his face. There is something distinctly odd about this sudden event.

What will you do?

[Mewsic Box!]

Originally Posted by Tale

The Rose Arch - Please reply in springgreen

Mewsic Box: The damage that Perona has sustained leaves you in a state of emotional turmoil, in spite of the success of her attacks. The brilliance of the Will-o-wisp clinging to her mask seems to engender an encircling wall of darkness. As you manoeuvre through the skeletal trees to witness the battle’s progression, the countless finger-like shadows splay from where Perona floats, a small black dot in the centre of a circle of light, and her own shadow extends from behind, conjoining with the darkness you attempt to avoid. With the Zubats flitting in and out of the darkness, she struggles to deduce their proximity, becoming entirely reliant on the Will-o-wisp’s illumination. It is once a Zubat soars in from behind and Astonishes Perona that your emotions erupt into a blind rage. You feel swelling within you a sense of guilt at your burdening presence, inclined to believe that the light is for your own benefit. You disregard the dangerous beasts that linger around the light’s perimeter for a split second as you place Perona’s wellbeing valiantly before your own, and you order her Will-o-wisp extinguished. She turns to you, a subtle confusion extending from her own mind to yours before, loyally, she follows your command.

With that, you are both plunged in stifling darkness. A cacophony ensues which strikes terror into your heart.

Blind, you ascertain all that’s around you from sound alone. Bloodthirsty howls cleave through the atmosphere, vicious growls and rapid breaths, thumping, hissing and screeching, amalgamating to a terrible orchestra of chaos. Panicked and isolated, you repeatedly collide with the trees that surround you, acquiring a wound to your head in the process. You struggle to ascertain Perona’s position, and pray for her wellbeing, but all you can perceive is the rapid movement of indistinguishable beasts engaged in a fray, at the centre of which you helplessly stand. For a fraction of a second, the forest is alight with a brilliant white Ray that spans a half-circle, establishing a snapshot of the chaos in your minds eye. Perona had unleashed her Confuse Ray, which now affected more than just the bats, and the image now lodged within your mind is of her floating and unleashing the widespread Ray from the holes in her mask, which strikes a multitude of creatures - one of which a hulking beast whose identity you could not ascertain. You begin to whirl about in confusion, wondering whether the Ray had inadvertently affected you, and you can only see the bright blue gleam as Perona’s Ice Beam strikes a multitude of beasts, unleashing a chorus of pained cries.

You cannot fathom where you stand, what is occurring around you or whether Perona is now vulnerable to attack, let alone yourself. But before you can yell out in communication, a strong set of jaws begin to tug violently at your leg. Then leafy hand grabs your arm.

You need to act quickly.

As Perona loyaly followed Tim's command to extinguish the flames of her Will-o-Wisp, Tim struggled to keep up with the ghosties location. He began to run, constantly bumping into the trees, to catch up to Perona and her opponents. A flashing ray let out which Tim was able to identify as Perona's Confuse Ray attack. "Damn it! Did the Confuse Ray strike me too...?" Tim wondered as he began to spin and stumble all around. Suddenly, Tim noticed a light beam of blue, "There's Perona's Ice Beam!" Tim declared as he heard what seemed like an ocean of shrieks coming from every direction. "I wish I could see whats happening up there!" Tim shouted out of frustration. Suddenly, Tim felt a strong set of jaws pierce his leg while tugging violently, "FUCK!" Tim shouted in pains as he felt blood run down his leg, before he could think of anything else, a leafy hand began to grab Tim's arms. "Perona!" Tim shouted, though it pained him that he had to rely on his pokemon, "I-I need you!" Tim continued as tears fell down is already wet face, "There's something grabbing me! Use Will-o-Wisp to bring in some light!" he commanded as he struggled to escape the leafy creature. "Some day this turned out to be.." Tim thought as he waited for Perona.

[Rakurai]

Originally Posted by enchantress

The Fountain Garden - Please reply in deepskyblue

Rakurai: Emerging from behind the waterfall you're surprised at how quickly it's taken to get used to walking on four legs. Kiba is having a little more difficulty but is slowly adjusting, so you both take your time, scanning the area for any sign of either of the two men he had described when a strange, sweet smell that Kiba doesn't seem to have noticed starts to attract your attention. A moment later you're standing over several spots of blood which you soon identify as being the source of the smell you'd picked up, and considering the injury the man you're searching for has sustained, you both figure that you must be on the right track. Kiba appears a little upset that he'd not picked up on the scent and frowns, clearly not at all impressed with his new human body and its lack of heightened senses, but before you can even discuss what to do next you're startled when someone approaches from behind.

"Hey there!" comes a cheerful male voice, and upon spinning around notice a trainer of about fifteen who has a friendly little Totodile standing beside him. "I saw the two of you and am wondering if you might be interested in a battle," he says, smiling down at you. Totodile is eyeing you curiously as well, as though sizing you up for the upcoming battle while Kiba's face pales significantly.

"Well, uhhh, Katsu and I really haven't done a lot of battling..." Kiba stammers, reaching up and nervously running his fingers through his hair. "We're fairly new partners and he's really not all that experienced yet..."

While you realise that Kiba isn't exactly lying as there is a certain level of truth to what he is saying, and also that this may be an excellent opportunity for you to understand trainer battles on a totally new level, you can't help but be nervous at the prospect of actually needing to use your abilities at some point in the future. And what if you never become human again? You don't even know what level you are or even if you're able to perform any of Mudkip's attacks.

"That's alright, Jaws and me having only been together a few days as well and are hoping to have a few friendly battles to give him some experience," the boy replies with a smile. "We've done a little bit of training around the ponds but haven't battled a trainer yet. We understand if you're not ready but hope you might consider it later if you're still around the area in the next few days."

Might be an idea for a quick consult with Kiba now, but you'd better be careful what you say because even if the trainer can't understand you, Totodile is another matter...

It was only a moment after Katsu had stepped out from behind the waterfall that he had caught a whiff of an unusual smell. Impulsively, he followed it to its source, and discovered exactly the clue he had been hoping to find; some spots of blood on the ground. "Wow! If my sense of smell is this sharp, then finding that magician should be a breeze.", he thought, feeling pleased by the fact that his new body was proving to be less of a hindrance he had initially expected. On the other hand, Kiba was looking rather irritated by the limitations of his human form, and Katsu could only imagine how he felt. To suddenly be without the keen senses and other abilities he had been in possession for his whole life must have been truly troubling, indeed.

However, before he could offer any words of encouragement to his companion, he was startled by someone coming up from behind. He heard a cheerful greeting of "Hey there!", and he turned around to see a male teen with a Totodile standing at his side. "I saw the two of you and am wondering if you might be interested in a battle.", asked the boy as he smiled down upon him, but Katsu didn't smile back, instead holding his mouth slightly agape in a clueless looking fashion.

"...Me? ...Battle?"

The idea of battling had never occurred to him up until that moment, and initially, it was anything but appealing, but when he thought about it a little more, he changed his mind. He had always wondered how Kiba and others felt as they battled, and reasoned that by putting himself in their position for once, he'd surely be able to sympathize with them to a better degree. Plus, he figured that it wouldn't hurt to test out more of what he was capable of, as the need to defend himself or Kiba might arise in the near future. When he remembered just what he and Kiba had been doing prior to the appearance of the trainer, however, he realized that a battle would have to wait.

To Katsu's relief, Kiba had declined the offer rather quickly, evidently not very keen about it, judging from how his face had paled at the mention of the word "battle". The one who had made the offer was still seeking some finality in the decision, though, and Kiba looked uncertain of how to respond. Katsu was well aware that the trainer wouldn't be able to understand him, so relaying his message through Kiba seemed like the only option.

However, he chose to inform him indirectly, as he reasoned that the sight of a human who was taking orders from his Pokemon would likely have raised more questions, which was something they didn't have time for. Rather then speaking to Kiba, Katsu spoke to the trainer's Totodile, figuring that if Kiba heard him, he'd get a good idea of what he wanted him to say, without making him look awkward.

"Your trainer's offer of a battle interests me, but we're a little busy right now, so it'll have to wait, unfortunately. There's someone in trouble that we need to find as soon as possible..." he said rather firmly in his Mudkip language, looking towards the spots of blood on the ground for a moment as he finished the second sentence. They would've almost surely raised some questions from the trainer once he noticed, so Katsu had decided that they should have some sort of an explanation for them, vague as it was.

He then turned and looked at Kiba expectantly, waiting to see how he would respond...

[Tale]

The Rose Arch: Dark Wood - Please repy in springgreen

Mewsic Box: For the few minutes that stretch into a seeming eternity of panic and adrenaline, the pitch black in which you’ve been plunged rules your senses. When the two-pronged arrest of your limbs indicates the ferocity in which the beasts of the forest abound, concern for your sustained wellbeing flares inside you and you resort to Perona’s assistance once more. Before Perona registers your command, you feel the hungry sneer of the hulking beast in possession of your arm, the hot earthy breath on your face denoting its proximity. The pain as the creature clutching your ankle viciously tears away at your clothing and layers of skin, shoots up your leg and your heart pounds at the looming imminence of peril. The cacophonic hell around you begins to seize your thoughts, and hopelessness percolates every lofty notion you had once possessed.

As the grip tightens with your breath, a heavenly light bursts like a struck match through the trees. The first image with which your eyes are graced, however, is far from pleasant. A wooden point barely inches from your nose and a pair of xanthous eyes that pierce your heart with terror are buried in a thick, soil-stained white mane - the features are instantaneously recognisable. While the creatures surrounding you, all of which your eyes refuse to seek, recoil from the light, hisses and growls and scurrying feet abandoning the vicinity, the Shiftry is not so quick to retreat. Your bleeding leg hit’s the floor, as, with a perturbed growl, the creature whose fangs punctured your skin discards its mouthful due to the shock Perona’s light has instilled, and scuttles back to the darkness without granting the opportunity to break the gaze between you and the large, apprehending Shiftry and ascertain its identity. The hulking fiend’s yellow eyes wince from the light, and a twitch of its arm implies its intention to scarper with its prize, namely you, in tow. Perona, however, is not so permissive of her Trainer’s endangerment.

Not a word escapes your lips, but nonetheless she responds within an instant. A great, pained groan is forced from the bipedal brute’s lungs as a strong Beam of Ice strikes the beast within ruinous proximity. Its grip is released as it staggers in agony, already blinded by the light, and collides injuriously with a tree trunk. You fall at once to the ground, unable to support yourself for the pain that shoots through your injured leg, and you gaze at your loyal saviour. Around Perona, the disabled bodies of two Zubat lay - evidently felled by Perona’s attacks during the darkened fray. Level up for Perona.

An inexorable gratitude for your companion washes over you, and for a moment, you neglect to ascertain the Shiftry’s recovery. Still blinded, but furious at the sneak attack, it recomposes its looming stature, squinting in the light. Before Perona can react, its wooden arms extend and with a demonic howl, a stream of Razor sharp Leaves propel from its leafy hands - pelting Perona with Grass damage. Helpless due to your injury, you can only cry out to Perona - whose subjection to what seems to be a perpetual torrent of leaves is swiftly wearing her energy down. The Shiftry’s ferocity is boundless, and as you register the flickering light surrounding you as Perona begins to lose her Will-o-wisp, potentially fatal. A sense of impending doom to which you’re becoming begrudgingly accustomed poisons the flicker of hope you experienced just moments earlier. Then a yell, a human yell, sounds from behind you.

The light’s intensity magnifies tenfold, as the scene is joined by a speeding blur that collides directly with the unwary forest-demon, with a power that sends it soaring into an adjacent tree, splintering the base with the force. The blur then materialises into a creature - a Volbeat - which begins to flit from side to side, prepared for the Shiftry’s imminent retaliation. Your attention however, is drawn elsewhere, as the once dead air around you springs to life with a great whoosh, signifying the descent of a grand Tropius, whose landing beside you causes a slight tremor. Astride it’s neck is a human - a woman - whose silver hair ripples in the gust provoked by the Tropius’ verdant wings. Her wizened eyes gaze down at you, and she stretches out a hand - beckoning you to take it. Perona, her Will-o-wisp fading, floats meekly to your side, still intent on providing you with protection should any further hostility arise.

What will you do?

[Mewsic Box!]

Originally Posted by Tale

The Rose Arch: Dark Wood - Please repy in springgreen

Mewsic Box: For the few minutes that stretch into a seeming eternity of panic and adrenaline, the pitch black in which you’ve been plunged rules your senses. When the two-pronged arrest of your limbs indicates the ferocity in which the beasts of the forest abound, concern for your sustained wellbeing flares inside you and you resort to Perona’s assistance once more. Before Perona registers your command, you feel the hungry sneer of the hulking beast in possession of your arm, the hot earthy breath on your face denoting its proximity. The pain as the creature clutching your ankle viciously tears away at your clothing and layers of skin, shoots up your leg and your heart pounds at the looming imminence of peril. The cacophonic hell around you begins to seize your thoughts, and hopelessness percolates every lofty notion you had once possessed.

As the grip tightens with your breath, a heavenly light bursts like a struck match through the trees. The first image with which your eyes are graced, however, is far from pleasant. A wooden point barely inches from your nose and a pair of xanthous eyes that pierce your heart with terror are buried in a thick, soil-stained white mane - the features are instantaneously recognisable. While the creatures surrounding you, all of which your eyes refuse to seek, recoil from the light, hisses and growls and scurrying feet abandoning the vicinity, the Shiftry is not so quick to retreat. Your bleeding leg hit’s the floor, as, with a perturbed growl, the creature whose fangs punctured your skin discards its mouthful due to the shock Perona’s light has instilled, and scuttles back to the darkness without granting the opportunity to break the gaze between you and the large, apprehending Shiftry and ascertain its identity. The hulking fiend’s yellow eyes wince from the light, and a twitch of its arm implies its intention to scarper with its prize, namely you, in tow. Perona, however, is not so permissive of her Trainer’s endangerment.

Not a word escapes your lips, but nonetheless she responds within an instant. A great, pained groan is forced from the bipedal brute’s lungs as a strong Beam of Ice strikes the beast within ruinous proximity. Its grip is released as it staggers in agony, already blinded by the light, and collides injuriously with a tree trunk. You fall at once to the ground, unable to support yourself for the pain that shoots through your injured leg, and you gaze at your loyal saviour. Around Perona, the disabled bodies of two Zubat lay - evidently felled by Perona’s attacks during the darkened fray. Level up for Perona.

An inexorable gratitude for your companion washes over you, and for a moment, you neglect to ascertain the Shiftry’s recovery. Still blinded, but furious at the sneak attack, it recomposes its looming stature, squinting in the light. Before Perona can react, its wooden arms extend and with a demonic howl, a stream of Razor sharp Leaves propel from its leafy hands - pelting Perona with Grass damage. Helpless due to your injury, you can only cry out to Perona - whose subjection to what seems to be a perpetual torrent of leaves is swiftly wearing her energy down. The Shiftry’s ferocity is boundless, and as you register the flickering light surrounding you as Perona begins to lose her Will-o-wisp, potentially fatal. A sense of impending doom to which you’re becoming begrudgingly accustomed poisons the flicker of hope you experienced just moments earlier. Then a yell, a human yell, sounds from behind you.

The light’s intensity magnifies tenfold, as the scene is joined by a speeding blur that collides directly with the unwary forest-demon, with a power that sends it soaring into an adjacent tree, splintering the base with the force. The blur then materialises into a creature - a Volbeat - which begins to flit from side to side, prepared for the Shiftry’s imminent retaliation. Your attention however, is drawn elsewhere, as the once dead air around you springs to life with a great whoosh, signifying the descent of a grand Tropius, whose landing beside you causes a slight tremor. Astride it’s neck is a human - a woman - whose silver hair ripples in the gust provoked by the Tropius’ verdant wings. Her wizened eyes gaze down at you, and she stretches out a hand - beckoning you to take it. Perona, her Will-o-wisp fading, floats meekly to your side, still intent on providing you with protection should any further hostility arise.

What will you do?

With the mysterious forest creature's grip still holding strong, Tim cried out for Perona’s help. As Tim struggled to remove the terrifying grip, it only grew stronger, and certainly more painful, too. In his mind, Tim couldn’t help but be the one to blame for everything him and Perona were experiencing. “Damn it… why did I have to be the hero…� Tim thought as he slowly weakened, “If I would have listened to myself, Perona and I would be safe and long gone from this wretched forest… If only I would have left this damn rose bush as soon as I felt unsafe… If only…� Tim’s consciousness was slowly starting to fade away, when suddenly; a bright light emerged from the ghostly arms of Perona the Duskull. Tim was then easily able to identify the vicious pokemon who was knawing on Tim’s flesh and clothing. “A Shiftry!� Tim exclaimed, as he saw the gruesome sight of the leafy forest beast feasting on Tim’s leg. He then proceeded to see his leg drenched with his own blood, not something he was exactly okay with. The pain intensified as Tim thought about the flesh wound.

Now being able to see clearly, Perona swiftly came to Tim’s aid as the Shiftry retreated to the darkness, not quite ready to give up its meal, namely Tim, so easily. The ghostly skull pokemon lashed out a powerful ray of ice which struck the Shiftry and sent him flying straight towards a tree trunk. Upon release from the grip, Tim fell to the floor, not being able to support himself with his injured leg. Just over the distance Tim noticed two of the Zubat from earlier had been defeated within the darkness, the trainer couldn’t help but be impressed with how much strength Perona had gain since he had first met her at an adoption center. He turned to her direction, to see how her condition and thought to himself, “That silly little ghost who could barely battle has grown into an extremely powerful ally…� Tim’s mind was temporarily distracted from his pain, but soon the pain became too much to ignore. The trainer bit his lip as he tried to hold back the tears from his pain.

The Shiftry had slowly regained its composure since the ice beam struck it, and quickly fired off a Razor Leaf attack which, in return, struck Perona. “Perona!� Tim cried out as she was knocked back by the blow. Her flame was beginning to fade away as Tim lied there hopelessly. Suddenly, the light magnified over ten times and out of the light emerged a speedy blur which proceeded to strike the forest demon in a head on collision, sending Shiftry right into an adjacent tree, bending its base. The blur quickly slowed down to reveal a Volbeat who prepared for the monster to fight back. Though Tim’s attention was directed elsewhere as a humongous Tropius fluttered down with an older looking woman on its back. The elderly lady extended her arm out, as if implying for him to grab on. Perona’s Will-o-Wisp finally faded out as she weakly arrived by his side.

“Perona, thank you…� was all Tim could muster up as he became chocked up and gave her a strong hug. Perona returned the gesture as she slowly became unconscious from her long struggle. As the ladies arm was extended out, Tim quickly grabbed on, “Anywhere would be better than this forest…� Tim thought as she pulled him onto the Tropius’ back.

[Tale]

Mewsic: Just to let you know, the beast eating Tim's leg wasn't the Shiftry but something else that he couldn't distinguish. Not incredibly important, but I thought I'd let you know =). Sorry for the confusion I caused there...

The Rose Arch: Dark Wood - Please reply in springgreen

Mewsic Box: In your warm embrace, Perona lost her consciousness. Now, it seems, there arises no other opportunity - at least, no smarter alternative - than to wordlessly accept the old woman’s prompt, and you swiftly take her hand, which is icy cold to the touch, and hoist yourself aboard the grand winged beast. Without a word’s utterance, she beckons over the Volbeat, who for good measure discharges from its illuminated abdomen a pale green Signal Beam that strikes the recovering brute head-on and floors it once more, before fluttering towards the Tropius. As it nears, its pale yellow eyes contrasting the brutish assailant’s in all aspects but colour, you are able to ascertain the atypical pale blue hue of its thick collar and its violet skin. You feel the sensation of take-off, the Volbeat lingering about you all the while, examining with curiosity your every feature. Its curious expression is the last image you perceive before, through combined agony and exhaustion, your senses fade entirely.


You awake. The first sensation is the pressure exerted on your aching leg, exploding with a phenomenon similar to pins-and-needles. The second is the scent - a fresh odour you’re unfamiliar with, something that smells clean, like an antiseptic but unlike any fragrance you’re accustomed to. The third, and most assuring, is the feeling in your other limbs, the feeling of comfort and security that encloses your body. You lie upon a mattress, in a bed, its sponginess alluring you to reacquaint yourself with the dreams that divert your racing mind from the nightmare you had just experienced. You then open your eyes, and find, as you lie on your side, that you are in a wooden room - a room that seems to be part of a cabin. Beside you, a small and rickety table props a clear glass bottle - like a milk bottle - which contains a pitch-black liquid. The woollen sponge beside it, tinged with black, suggests that the liquid has not only been used, but is an ailment of some description. Putting two and two together, you assume that this is why your injured leg currently tingles. Curious to the damage caused, you peer within the thick duvet at your body. You have been stripped to your underwear, and your leg is tightly bandaged. On your left arm a bruise lingers where the Shiftry had viciously grasped it, a black and yellow tint which stops at your elbow. You pull the duvet back across yourself.

Little else, you ascertain, fills the small room, aside from a windowsill upon which a row of various stones are aligned, none of which you can instantly recognise, and a floor-lamp in the far corner, which floods the small area with sufficient light. Thick curtains obscure the outside. The silence lingers for a while longer, allowing you time to readjust your senses and re-establish your situation to the best of your ability. You have been nursed - that much is evident. The thought barely passes before your mind wanders to Perona, and with alarm, you rise. Yet, as if sensing your consciousness, you needn’t leave the bed before Perona swoops into the room from the doorframe, her elation more than apparent. With her typical Will-o-wisp greeting - which you are swift to stifle for fear of your wooden surroundings - your racing thoughts are tempered by the relief of your mutual wellbeing. You spend a small amount of quality time with your ghost within the room, before your presence is joined by another - your saviour, the old woman.

Now that you are able to view her properly, her virtue seems to brim from her being, engendering an aura you are helpless to warm to. Her face, crowded by deep-set wrinkles but in every way the most kindly and wise you’ve witnessed, is framed by lengthy wisps of silver hair that shimmer inexorably in the lamplight. She wears a silk dress, a blue and white design that can only lend itself to her overall virtuous appearance. With a smile, she finally speaks, the strength of her voice betraying her aged appearance, “Hello, Tim.� You do not recollect informing her of your name at any point, but nonetheless allow her to continue, “Welcome to my home. My haven. My name is Niamh.� She approaches the bedside and stands beside Perona. She kneels. “Tim, you were in grave danger within the Dark Wood. Somebody was smiling upon you when I’d stumbled across your light, it seems. It was the bravery of Perona here that saved you, however. Most wanderers barely exceed two minutes of living within the forest, before it devours them. You are exceptionally lucky…and extraordinarily brave. Your actions I should discourage, a recklessness unlike any I’ve seen before. Yet at the same time, I am lucky to have stumbled upon you, Tim. I sense that you entered Dark Wood out of no choice of your own. Is this right?�

Presented to you is an opportunity to explain your experience thus far. Your backpack, the location of which you are uncertain, still contains within it the music box that kept the demon girl in slumber. Your better nature causes you to ponder over your ability to trust Niamh, where naught but bad experiences have barraged your adventure thus far. Yet, she is your saviour, and if nothing else you have to go by, Perona seems particularly comfortable around her.

What will you do?

[Stark]

Originally Posted by Tale

The Rainbow Waterfalls - Please reply in aqua

Stark: Inevitably, as you lie on the ground with pain shooting through your leg, you begin to wonder where the real authorities had gotten to. Surrounding you is chaos, and while it initially stemmed from your outburst, you can’t shake of the sense that it was preordained before your arrival. Having progressed thus far with a headstrong outlook, you conclude to react to force with force. The bulky man, who still looms over your incapacitated body, launches a wayward protester from his feet and to the ground a few feet away. You notice your opportunity, and lift yourself to your feet, mentally subduing the shooting pain that afflicts your right leg in particular. With but a second to spare, you launch yourself at the baton-wielding guard, catching him unprepared and causing him to stagger - but not fall. You attempt to bypass him nonetheless, and notice a space between two Mamoswines that you lunge for. However, the tug to your collar which knocks the wind from your lungs indicates that the bearded man has managed to halt your attempt dead in its tracks. With a great guffaw, he throws you to the ground once more, his bulk too overpowering to resist, and raises his baton.

Silence then follows for a split moment, as a gunshot echoes across the field. Shock shoots through every man and woman present as they all attempt to determine the culprit, but a few seconds later and the murmurs imply that it was not among them. Even the bearded man, baton still poised above his head, seems bewildered, as he turns to his colleagues, releasing the scruff of your neck.

“Move it, boys! That shot came from the Falls!” He cried, spurring the scene back into action, as the guards fled for the falls, tailed by the Mamoswine riders whose movements triggered tremors in the ground. Looking around you, you see the protester that the guard had flung to the ground prop himself back up, blood trickling from his skull. The others, many too fearful to move, and some too incapacitate or wounded, still attempt to ascertain the events that had just occurred. Then a few sped off, in pursuit of the guards and the gunshot’s origin.

Still on the ground, you recognise the opportunity to approach the falls now unhindered - save your injured leg. Beside you, the man groans from pain and shock at realising his head is bleeding.

What will you do?

Stark could feel tears coming from his eyes as the pain in his leg finally started to register. While it hurt, at least his head was fine. Relatively speaking that was. Maybe a better phrase would be to say that at least his head wasn't bleeding like the guy next him's was. The opportunity he was looking for had come. The men and their furry pachyderms had left thanks to sound of a gunshot. Or at least something similar to a gunshot. With all of the commotion it was a little difficult to tell. Not to mention his focus was directed a little more towards the mammoth of a man that he foolishly tried to bring down twice with unsuccessful results. Regardless, the man was gone now. Back to the falls. Back to where Stark planned to go Just as soon as he took care of a little business first.

Fighting through what pain he was feeling, Stark crawled over to the man with the head wound. "Stay with me," he said to the man as he approached, "It's not that bad. Just stay calm and you'll be fine."

While that wasn't necessarily true, it very well could have been. He wasn't a doctor. However, he did know that he needed to stop the bleeding somehow. That and keep the man from descending completely into shock. Sliding his pack off his shoulder he reached in and grabbed a spare shirt, ripping it into long strips. Not that he really wanted to ruin a perfectly good shirt and truth to tell, it was a little disappointing doing so, but better to lose something materialistic than to lose someone right before your eyes.

"Here, take this and hold it here," he said as he handed the man one of the strips while pointing to the area of the wound, "Just keep pressure on it and you should be alright until a medic arrives. Me. I've got to see a man about a mystery."

Stark then stood up wincing as his leg once more reminded him that he had a little payback to take care of. That and a set of crutches if he does anything that foolish again. Regardless, he knew he had to fight through the pain and press on if he were to learn what was truly happening. And with that, the trainer began making his way toward the falls.

[Tale]

The Rainbow Waterfalls - Please reply in aqua

Stark: As the commotion fades, you glance over at the wounded man to your side and thank your lucky stars you were not subjected to a similar fate. You are concerned for his wellbeing, and it is with substantial difficulty that you crawl towards him, noting his distress at the damage he has sustained. You calm the man, assuring him that composure will yield sanative results - without being necessarily convicted of such a notion yourself. You then proceed, in spite of your remedial knowledge and lack thereof, to the best of your ability to aid the injured man, selflessly extracting from your pack the best in the form of cloth that you possess - namely, your spare shirt. The man regards you with a gratifying smile, tears welling up from the pain he attempts to suppress. As you tear through the fabric, the man moves to stop you out of guilt, but the pain-inflicted hesitance is enough evidence to qualify your actions. You hand a strip of cloth to the man, and instruct him to apply pressure with it to the wound he has sustained.

“That is very kind of you, sir. Thank you, I shan’t forget your kindness.�

You glance over at the residual protesters, a few of which are talking on phones, doubtlessly in contact with some form of aid. Content that you have achieved all that you can, you proceed towards the area you’d originally intended to visit - The Rainbow Waterfalls. Although, your approach this time carries with it grave implications.

With the affliction plaguing your progression, you follow the hasty crowd, unable to match their pace for fear of worsening your injury. The increasing roughness of the terrain you traverse proves detrimental to your pace in light of your limp, but in your sluggishness you recognise the benefit of appreciating the aesthetics of the Falls’ outskirts that the hasty crowd, who by now had undoubtedly reached the Falls, could barely have noticed. You note the intensifying vibrancy of the rich grass, and the crispness of the atmosphere. Shrubbery surrounds you in the form of nettles and roses, and it is only when you almost tumble that you notice the fresh, shimmering stream that meanders across the ground, shielded by overhanging blades of grass. Wincing from the pain in your leg, you reacquaint yourself with the proximity of the falls, the deafening crash of a perpetual torrent now more audible than any other sound that could possibly emerge. A tall hill obstructs from view the Falls themselves, but as you glance up at the towering cliff side about half a mile away, a colossal white body of water cascading from its sheer edge, you realise how close you are.

You begin to approach the hill, when you suddenly hear over the sound of the falls, a heart-wrenching scream. Your head snaps forwards, wondering from where it originated. A man, torn clothes hanging from his dampened torso, comes careering around the hill, his lengthy hair mottled with a thick red substance that also trickles down his arm. Immediately, your mind presumes blood. He notices you as he sprints towards you, and he waves his right arm, urging for you to move. “Run away! Get away! It’s hell! It’s hell on earth!� You cannot move, certainly not with the speed he is suggesting, and he bypasses you, discarding any responsibility for your safety. You cannot turn back now - besides, your curiosity is overwhelming.

You proceed, unable to sacrifice the adventure you’d arrived for, and move around the hill to gaze into the distance. Now the falls are in plain sight, a crescent cliff-face of irregular height drowned in a huge torrent of freshwater. It was everything you’d ascertained before arriving - rainbows, saturated with colour, filled the air between the cliff-top and the wet crashing base, a vast atmosphere swathed thick with colour. The Falls themselves were tinted as a result, a crashing white canvas washed with the spectrum. It is a truly majestic sight, almost mystical - but as you gaze at the towering cliffs, their altitude seeming to scrape the wispy clouds above, airborne figures, a multitude of them, cloud the image. You begin to approach, attempting to discern the events taking place, and in a few minutes you recognise the grounded Mamoswine, a small distance from the Falls themselves, seemingly engaged in great physical exertion.

You can now distinguish the creatures that occupy the air - red as blood and seeming to glint in the brilliant sunlight. They are built like humans, but are twice as hefty. The crowd of guards and protestors have dispersed across the brim of the hills that lead to the water’s edge, some further down. Amongst them, a vast array of species have materialised, various Pokemon partners, who seem to unleash a flurry of attacks towards the flying beasts. You wonder how events have erupted to such an extent.

You are now just a few hundred yards from the commotion, and the sight is indeed a hellish one to behold. It is a multitude of Scizor that occupy the air, weaving amongst one another and periodically descending to retaliate against the grounded trainers. The din is deafening, an amalgamation of the metallic buzz that the Scizor emit, with the cries of other spiecies and the immense crashing of the waterfalls beside them. Amongst the swarm a valiant Pigeot soars, its screech barely audible over the drone as its steeled wings collide with many of the Scizor, sounding great, steely clangs with each strike. However, it is swiftly overwhelmed, spiralling out of control and landing with an discouraging crash into the water, from which its tailing oppressors swiftly swerve, returning to the cacophonous fray.

You’re faced with utter chaos. You cannot count the number of Scizor in the sky, but you know that they are abundant, and unhesitant to kill. As you stand watching, two of them come soaring towards you.

What will you do?

[Stark]

Originally Posted by Tale

The Rainbow Waterfalls - Please reply in aqua

Stark: As the commotion fades, you glance over at the wounded man to your side and thank your lucky stars you were not subjected to a similar fate. You are concerned for his wellbeing, and it is with substantial difficulty that you crawl towards him, noting his distress at the damage he has sustained. You calm the man, assuring him that composure will yield sanative results - without being necessarily convicted of such a notion yourself. You then proceed, in spite of your remedial knowledge and lack thereof, to the best of your ability to aid the injured man, selflessly extracting from your pack the best in the form of cloth that you possess - namely, your spare shirt. The man regards you with a gratifying smile, tears welling up from the pain he attempts to suppress. As you tear through the fabric, the man moves to stop you out of guilt, but the pain-inflicted hesitance is enough evidence to qualify your actions. You hand a strip of cloth to the man, and instruct him to apply pressure with it to the wound he has sustained.

“That is very kind of you, sir. Thank you, I shan’t forget your kindness.�

You glance over at the residual protesters, a few of which are talking on phones, doubtlessly in contact with some form of aid. Content that you have achieved all that you can, you proceed towards the area you’d originally intended to visit - The Rainbow Waterfalls. Although, your approach this time carries with it grave implications.

With the affliction plaguing your progression, you follow the hasty crowd, unable to match their pace for fear of worsening your injury. The increasing roughness of the terrain you traverse proves detrimental to your pace in light of your limp, but in your sluggishness you recognise the benefit of appreciating the aesthetics of the Falls’ outskirts that the hasty crowd, who by now had undoubtedly reached the Falls, could barely have noticed. You note the intensifying vibrancy of the rich grass, and the crispness of the atmosphere. Shrubbery surrounds you in the form of nettles and roses, and it is only when you almost tumble that you notice the fresh, shimmering stream that meanders across the ground, shielded by overhanging blades of grass. Wincing from the pain in your leg, you reacquaint yourself with the proximity of the falls, the deafening crash of a perpetual torrent now more audible than any other sound that could possibly emerge. A tall hill obstructs from view the Falls themselves, but as you glance up at the towering cliff side about half a mile away, a colossal white body of water cascading from its sheer edge, you realise how close you are.

You begin to approach the hill, when you suddenly hear over the sound of the falls, a heart-wrenching scream. Your head snaps forwards, wondering from where it originated. A man, torn clothes hanging from his dampened torso, comes careering around the hill, his lengthy hair mottled with a thick red substance that also trickles down his arm. Immediately, your mind presumes blood. He notices you as he sprints towards you, and he waves his right arm, urging for you to move. “Run away! Get away! It’s hell! It’s hell on earth!� You cannot move, certainly not with the speed he is suggesting, and he bypasses you, discarding any responsibility for your safety. You cannot turn back now - besides, your curiosity is overwhelming.

You proceed, unable to sacrifice the adventure you’d arrived for, and move around the hill to gaze into the distance. Now the falls are in plain sight, a crescent cliff-face of irregular height drowned in a huge torrent of freshwater. It was everything you’d ascertained before arriving - rainbows, saturated with colour, filled the air between the cliff-top and the wet crashing base, a vast atmosphere swathed thick with colour. The Falls themselves were tinted as a result, a crashing white canvas washed with the spectrum. It is a truly majestic sight, almost mystical - but as you gaze at the towering cliffs, their altitude seeming to scrape the wispy clouds above, airborne figures, a multitude of them, cloud the image. You begin to approach, attempting to discern the events taking place, and in a few minutes you recognise the grounded Mamoswine, a small distance from the Falls themselves, seemingly engaged in great physical exertion.

You can now distinguish the creatures that occupy the air - red as blood and seeming to glint in the brilliant sunlight. They are built like humans, but are twice as hefty. The crowd of guards and protestors have dispersed across the brim of the hills that lead to the water’s edge, some further down. Amongst them, a vast array of species have materialised, various Pokemon partners, who seem to unleash a flurry of attacks towards the flying beasts. You wonder how events have erupted to such an extent.

You are now just a few hundred yards from the commotion, and the sight is indeed a hellish one to behold. It is a multitude of Scizor that occupy the air, weaving amongst one another and periodically descending to retaliate against the grounded trainers. The din is deafening, an amalgamation of the metallic buzz that the Scizor emit, with the cries of other spiecies and the immense crashing of the waterfalls beside them. Amongst the swarm a valiant Pigeot soars, its screech barely audible over the drone as its steeled wings collide with many of the Scizor, sounding great, steely clangs with each strike. However, it is swiftly overwhelmed, spiralling out of control and landing with an discouraging crash into the water, from which its tailing oppressors swiftly swerve, returning to the cacophonous fray.

You’re faced with utter chaos. You cannot count the number of Scizor in the sky, but you know that they are abundant, and unhesitant to kill. As you stand watching, two of them come soaring towards you.

What will you do?

Stark frowned. Things certainly weren't getting any better for him and he had to wonder what he did to deserve such bad luck. After all, he just wanted to take a little vacation. He definitely didn't think that he would find himself caught up in a battle with a swarm of blood thirsty scizor. His mind flashed back to his recent trainer battle with Karmas which had taught him a lot about the capabilities of scizor in general. If they were to come after him, he wasn't about to let that experience and knowledge go to waste.

Stark's eyes happened to catch a pidgeot fall from the sky to the water below. The idea of this entire situation getting out of control was forefront in his mind. "What could have happened here?" he quietly asked himself as he continued looking above him at the swarm. Something had to have set these creatures off. If he could figure out that, maybe he could stop the chaos. Then again that might have to wait as his eye caught sight of a pair of scizor heading right at him. Instinctively reaching down to his belt he withdrew a pokeball and a fighting ball. Depressing the trigger a flash of light released to form Charmander and Torchic.

Normally he would take the time to to tell them how great they were and how happy he was to see them, but time was not on his side today. Instead he quickly pointed to the incoming insects and shouted, "Charmander! Torchic! Quick! Combine your Ember attacks on those two scizor! If they continue to come at us Charmander use Ancientpower and Torchic use Night Slash to knock them away."

While he would have liked a little more time to sort out just what was going on, he found his eyes glued on the inevitable trade of blows hoping his young fire types were up to the challenge. All in all he would find out soon enough.

[Pearl's Perap]

Originally Posted by enchantress

Rainbow Waterfalls: A lush green area with many caves and secret hideouts. Pokemon of all kinds are drawn to the area due to its serenity and rich source of nutrition. The spray from the waterfalls create many rainbows which hang in the skies above making it a popular destination for pokemon trainers and tourists alike.

[Looking forward to this, I seem to keep returning to the Cloud Garden, it's a rather delightful zone :}]

Zak was becoming rather familiar with a number of the wonderful areas of the Cloud Garden. Despite each area he had visited, the secretive garden and the Delibird ridge cliff range, being very different, they all had one thing in common. Each different location had managed to inspire Zak, be it a shadowy fern forest or the cavernous caves below the cliff exterior. This time however, he had chosen a location a little different. He loved all sorts lush areas and the Rainbow Waterfall sounded like the perfect place. There was vegetation galore and hiding places a plenty, in other words there was a lot of potential in such an area.

Following the familiar path from the Cloud Garden's entrance, he veered off towards an area reputed to be the location of the Rainbow Falls. As he walked, the boy contemplated what would be ahead and which of his companions could accompany him. He had recently recieved a male Ralts from his friend Wes, whom he named Andrew upon obtaining him. The two had yet to bond properly and Zak believed introducing himself properly and taking the emotion pokémon to an intriguing and beautiful area would be a lovely treat. In a matter of moments, his hand was wrapped around the Ralts' pokéball and, in a flash of crimson, the tiny child-like pokémon appeared at his feet, looking up quizzically.

"Hey, little dude, I'm Zak, your new trainer..." Zak spoke softly as he dropped down to one knee so he could get a closer look at the psychic type. The tiny pokémon looked rather confused by the boy being so forward and, in an instant, slapped out at his nose with a minute hand. "Hey!" Zak chuckled, standing back up once more, the minor attack did not hurt a bit and he knew he would have to become acquainted with the pokémon, his naughty nature would make him the perfect candidate for a cool contest. Walking onwards, he noticed the Ralts shuffling not far behind and smiled to himself, this would be a fun experience...

[Tale]

It's fantastic to have you aboard, Zak =). I hope the adventure you're about to embark on does your liking for the CG justice. Please feel free to comment on the updates I give you in any way!

The Rainbow Falls Please reply in aqua

Stark: At witnessing the chaos, and recognising the vulnerability thrust upon you at the swift approach of two Scizor, you validly contemplate the justice of your predicament. However, the time for pondering is seized by the imminence of peril, and you instinctively release two of your Fire Type companions - Charmander and Torchic. Sacrificing the pleasantries, you relay orders with impeccable timing, and with but a few seconds to spare, your tag-team combine a spray of Embers at the oncoming bugs, who blinded by the fiery scattering, veer from their course. Nonetheless, your companions, in keeping with their respective orders, engage the steely bugs as they swerve, as Charmander’s tail glows with a rocky power and deftly swings to cut the leftmost Scizor in its path, grounding it with a heavy thud, a wave of mud erupting into the air upon impact. Similarly, Torchic leaps to level himself with its enemy before nimbly swiping with its right claw at the Scizor’s abdomen, prompting a falter in its flight that forces it to land with inelegance a few yards from you and your double team.

In the moment you witness the background commotion, your heart leaps at the sight of an encumbered Scizor hovering high in the sky - a human clenched firmly in its hefty pincers. From below, what appears to be the trainer’s Arcanine unleashes an agonised howl at the sight of its trainer’s capture. Jets of white-hot flames shoot haphazardly from its maw, striking a multitude of the steel bugs, many of which career to the ground and waterside with their loss of energy. Glancing back up at the untouchable captor, you shiver as the Scizor releases its captive, the trainer’s arms flailing as he plummets with numerous collisions. Your attention is torn from the final moments as the two Scizor engaged with your own Pokemon regain composure and speed towards Torchic and Charmander, their claws poised and shimmering with Steely power. Before you can react, the lightning speed of a Bullet Punch pounds at Charmander, causing her to stagger back with pain and collide with Torchic, who subsequently receives a Metal Claw from the other adversary. With the combined force, the lizard and chick tumble to the ground, each scrambling to regain their footing.

What will you do?


Pearl's Perap: With the abundant beauty and alluring vibrancy that Cloud Garden is brimming with, you find yourself drawn once more to the possibility of adventure within the reputed location. Its ability to inspire is an experience you’ve already had the pleasure of acquiring, and you cannot help but expect from your latest excursion similar results. It is with such notions in mind that you settle on the Rainbow Waterfalls as being your most desired location to visit.

After a small while along your road to the Falls, you contemplate over the most suitable companion to accompany you on your expedition, and eventually conclude to release Andrew, your newly-acquired Ralts, from his Pokeball. As you greet him, closing the space to establish an affable impression, his mischievous nature is demonstrated as he harmlessly swings at your nose. You chuckle endearingly, noting the uses that such a nature could bring to a contest, and proceed to approach the Rainbow Waterfalls with the sprightly Ralts in tow. As you continue, Andrew shuffling close behind you, the atmosphere begins to enliven, with a faint hissing sound intensifying with the distance you cover - a sound like crashing water that suggests to you the proximity of the Falls. Lining the worn path you follow is a row of picturesque bushes, dotted with vibrant flowers, and you are at once subjected to the serenity of the vicinity, feeling as though you could wander for hours amid the colour-swathed grass and the odd oak tree.

Perhaps, you think, it is the lack of human presence that lends itself to the tranquillity of the Rainbow Falls outskirts. It seems a legitimate point to make, as at once you find yourself torn from the daze of appreciation once your path is joined by another human being, who currently runs in your direction. From a distance, they appear somewhat enthusiastic about your approach, perhaps in need of assistance or company, but once they near you sense the panic in her eyes. The woman, barely in her twenties, if not younger, seems to have noticed you, and slows her pace as the gap between you both is closed. She stops before reaching you, leaving you to close the gap entirely, and rests her hands on her knees in respite. Her hair is long and curly, tied into two pigtails that hang from each side of her head. She carries a shoulder bag which indicates her tendency to travel, and in keeping with the sunny weather, shorts and a t-shirt with a crude Wynaut picture emblazoned across its front. You immediately recognise her desire to talk to you, so you approach the woman, curious as to why she is so panicked. A few seconds pass as she regains her energy, before she addresses you, a hand outstretched, periods of heavy breathing breaking her speech, “Keeley. Pleased to meet you. Don’t suppose you’d like a little off-road adventure?� She barely gives you time to reply, before walking away from the path and onto the hilly plains that enclose it. You have a choice - follow Keeley, or remain on your way to the Falls.

What will you do?

[Pearl's Perap]

Originally Posted by Tale

The Rainbow Falls Please reply in aqua

Pearl's Perap: With the abundant beauty and alluring vibrancy that Cloud Garden is brimming with, you find yourself drawn once more to the possibility of adventure within the reputed location. Its ability to inspire is an experience you’ve already had the pleasure of acquiring, and you cannot help but expect from your latest excursion similar results. It is with such notions in mind that you settle on the Rainbow Waterfalls as being your most desired location to visit.

After a small while along your road to the Falls, you contemplate over the most suitable companion to accompany you on your expedition, and eventually conclude to release Andrew, your newly-acquired Ralts, from his Pokeball. As you greet him, closing the space to establish an affable impression, his mischievous nature is demonstrated as he harmlessly swings at your nose. You chuckle endearingly, noting the uses that such a nature could bring to a contest, and proceed to approach the Rainbow Waterfalls with the sprightly Ralts in tow. As you continue, Andrew shuffling close behind you, the atmosphere begins to enliven, with a faint hissing sound intensifying with the distance you cover - a sound like crashing water that suggests to you the proximity of the Falls. Lining the worn path you follow is a row of picturesque bushes, dotted with vibrant flowers, and you are at once subjected to the serenity of the vicinity, feeling as though you could wander for hours amid the colour-swathed grass and the odd oak tree.

Perhaps, you think, it is the lack of human presence that lends itself to the tranquillity of the Rainbow Falls outskirts. It seems a legitimate point to make, as at once you find yourself torn from the daze of appreciation once your path is joined by another human being, who currently runs in your direction. From a distance, they appear somewhat enthusiastic about your approach, perhaps in need of assistance or company, but once they near you sense the panic in her eyes. The woman, barely in her twenties, if not younger, seems to have noticed you, and slows her pace as the gap between you both is closed. She stops before reaching you, leaving you to close the gap entirely, and rests her hands on her knees in respite. Her hair is long and curly, tied into two pigtails that hang from each side of her head. She carries a shoulder bag which indicates her tendency to travel, and in keeping with the sunny weather, shorts and a t-shirt with a crude Wynaut picture emblazoned across its front. You immediately recognise her desire to talk to you, so you approach the woman, curious as to why she is so panicked. A few seconds pass as she regains her energy, before she addresses you, a hand outstretched, periods of heavy breathing breaking her speech, “Keeley. Pleased to meet you. Don’t suppose you’d like a little off-road adventure?� She barely gives you time to reply, before walking away from the path and onto the hilly plains that enclose it. You have a choice - follow Keeley, or remain on your way to the Falls.

What will you do?

After a while, Zak began to notice a change in the scenery. Different flowers, flowers that he had never seen before and other new plants. Taking a moment, he breathes in the wonderfully fresh air and gets a closer look at the foliage. It wasn't two seconds before he averted his attention, their appeared to be a young woman running down the path towards him. Noticing that the woman seemed to be trying to communicate with him, Zak snapped out of his tranquility, beginning to walk towards her. As the two get close enough to each other, the girl speaks through energetic pants, “Keeley. Pleased to meet you. Don’t suppose you’d like a little off-road adventure?� However, without a second glance, she begins to hike between the trees, merely expecting Zak to follow her like a puppy. The idea of an off-road adventure always sounded more fun than merely looking at a waterfall, he had plenty of time to take in the wonder of the natural beauty spot later on.

"Sound good, Andrew?" He turned around to speak to the Ralts who he expected to be tagging behind him still. However, this wasn't the case, it appeared as if his companion was already following after Keeley. Following the woman and his own pokémon, Zak pushed through the bushes. He did want to go on this little excursion, so seeing Andrew's enthusiasm only made him even happier of his decision to bring the Ralts along with him for the day. It wasn't long before he drifted into a daydream as the hike began, imagining what sorts of pokémon could inhabit the surrounding trees. Any pokémon would be a great sight and, his hand slipped to his pocket without realizing, grasping at a green notepad. He kept this pad with him at all times to jot down any notes or make any sketches. The front was emblazoned by a rather badly drawn Z design. He flicked through a few pages to a double page titled 'Cloud Garden', ready to add what pokémon he encountered whilst on the hike.

Becoming slightly impatient, he shouted out to Keeley, he didn't like the idea of her steaming on ahead and him having to catch up at the rear, he would much rather her explain the agenda for the hike, "Where are we actually going, might I ask? I'm not familiar with these parts..." As the boy waited for a reply, Andrew pulled back a branch in front of him, releasing it without him noticing. "Andrew, don't be a pain, I don't mind it when you're playful with your naughtiness, but that hurt..." Zak scolded the Ralts, who seemed to ignore the comment completely and return to ignoring his trainer for the time being.

[Mewsic Box!]

Originally Posted by Tale

The Rose Arch: Dark Wood - Please reply in springgreen

Mewsic Box: In your warm embrace, Perona lost her consciousness. Now, it seems, there arises no other opportunity - at least, no smarter alternative - than to wordlessly accept the old woman’s prompt, and you swiftly take her hand, which is icy cold to the touch, and hoist yourself aboard the grand winged beast. Without a word’s utterance, she beckons over the Volbeat, who for good measure discharges from its illuminated abdomen a pale green Signal Beam that strikes the recovering brute head-on and floors it once more, before fluttering towards the Tropius. As it nears, its pale yellow eyes contrasting the brutish assailant’s in all aspects but colour, you are able to ascertain the atypical pale blue hue of its thick collar and its violet skin. You feel the sensation of take-off, the Volbeat lingering about you all the while, examining with curiosity your every feature. Its curious expression is the last image you perceive before, through combined agony and exhaustion, your senses fade entirely.


You awake. The first sensation is the pressure exerted on your aching leg, exploding with a phenomenon similar to pins-and-needles. The second is the scent - a fresh odour you’re unfamiliar with, something that smells clean, like an antiseptic but unlike any fragrance you’re accustomed to. The third, and most assuring, is the feeling in your other limbs, the feeling of comfort and security that encloses your body. You lie upon a mattress, in a bed, its sponginess alluring you to reacquaint yourself with the dreams that divert your racing mind from the nightmare you had just experienced. You then open your eyes, and find, as you lie on your side, that you are in a wooden room - a room that seems to be part of a cabin. Beside you, a small and rickety table props a clear glass bottle - like a milk bottle - which contains a pitch-black liquid. The woollen sponge beside it, tinged with black, suggests that the liquid has not only been used, but is an ailment of some description. Putting two and two together, you assume that this is why your injured leg currently tingles. Curious to the damage caused, you peer within the thick duvet at your body. You have been stripped to your underwear, and your leg is tightly bandaged. On your left arm a bruise lingers where the Shiftry had viciously grasped it, a black and yellow tint which stops at your elbow. You pull the duvet back across yourself.

Little else, you ascertain, fills the small room, aside from a windowsill upon which a row of various stones are aligned, none of which you can instantly recognise, and a floor-lamp in the far corner, which floods the small area with sufficient light. Thick curtains obscure the outside. The silence lingers for a while longer, allowing you time to readjust your senses and re-establish your situation to the best of your ability. You have been nursed - that much is evident. The thought barely passes before your mind wanders to Perona, and with alarm, you rise. Yet, as if sensing your consciousness, you needn’t leave the bed before Perona swoops into the room from the doorframe, her elation more than apparent. With her typical Will-o-wisp greeting - which you are swift to stifle for fear of your wooden surroundings - your racing thoughts are tempered by the relief of your mutual wellbeing. You spend a small amount of quality time with your ghost within the room, before your presence is joined by another - your saviour, the old woman.

Now that you are able to view her properly, her virtue seems to brim from her being, engendering an aura you are helpless to warm to. Her face, crowded by deep-set wrinkles but in every way the most kindly and wise you’ve witnessed, is framed by lengthy wisps of silver hair that shimmer inexorably in the lamplight. She wears a silk dress, a blue and white design that can only lend itself to her overall virtuous appearance. With a smile, she finally speaks, the strength of her voice betraying her aged appearance, “Hello, Tim.� You do not recollect informing her of your name at any point, but nonetheless allow her to continue, “Welcome to my home. My haven. My name is Niamh.� She approaches the bedside and stands beside Perona. She kneels. “Tim, you were in grave danger within the Dark Wood. Somebody was smiling upon you when I’d stumbled across your light, it seems. It was the bravery of Perona here that saved you, however. Most wanderers barely exceed two minutes of living within the forest, before it devours them. You are exceptionally lucky…and extraordinarily brave. Your actions I should discourage, a recklessness unlike any I’ve seen before. Yet at the same time, I am lucky to have stumbled upon you, Tim. I sense that you entered Dark Wood out of no choice of your own. Is this right?�

Presented to you is an opportunity to explain your experience thus far. Your backpack, the location of which you are uncertain, still contains within it the music box that kept the demon girl in slumber. Your better nature causes you to ponder over your ability to trust Niamh, where naught but bad experiences have barraged your adventure thus far. Yet, she is your saviour, and if nothing else you have to go by, Perona seems particularly comfortable around her.

What will you do?

As Tim came to, he noticed he wasn’t in that dastardly forest any longer. “Where am I?� was his first thought, but that question was eventually replaced by the sensation of his leg, which left like it was being struck by pins and needles. “Okay, so it wasn’t a dream, or should I say nightmare…� Tim continued as he observed his surrounding. “Whose house am I in?� he wondered as he felt the comfort of the mattress beneath him and the pillow gently cradling his head. Suddenly it hit Tim, “That woman…� the young trainer softly said as he remembered her wise eyes and how she saved his life. The adolescent looked at his night stand to see there was a bottle filled with some sort of ailment, “She must have healed me.� Tim thought as a smile of gratitude grew across his face. Tim peered under the mattress to see that he had been stripped down to his boxers and that his leg was pretty beat up from that creature, he quickly covered it up, not wanting to feel any more disgusted with himself.

“I couldn’t even do anything...� whimpered Tim, “Am I just holding Perona back?� he concluded as he saw the little ghost heading straight for his arms. Her regular Will-o-Wisp greeting was quickly negated; she seemed to be doing very well. “I’m glad to see you okay.� Tim cheerfully said as he disguised his true feelings. “Perona…� Tim said as Perona eagerly listened for what Tim had to say, “Thank you... If you didn’t save me when you did, my quiet possibly wouldn’t be here.� Perona just held on to Tim, just being glad to be with her trainer.

The two sat there just enjoying each others presence for a while longer until his saviour, the older woman, entered the room. The woman was quiet a sight, her righteousness and good nature immediately illuminated from her, this woman was quiet a warm and kind person. “Hello, Tim.� She said in a surprisingly strong voice. “How does she know my name?� Tim pondered as she continued. “Welcome to my home, my haven. My name is Niamh. Tim, you were in grave danger within the Dark Wood. Somebody was smiling upon you when I’d stumbled across your light, it seems. It was the bravery of Perona here that saved you, however. Most wanderers barely exceed two minutes of living within the forest, before it devours them. You are exceptionally lucky…and extraordinarily brave. Your actions I should discourage, recklessness unlike any I’ve seen before. Yet at the same time, I am lucky to have stumbled upon you, Tim. I sense that you entered Dark Wood out of no choice of your own. Is this right?�

While Niamh explained to Tim his luck, he couldn’t help but thanking Perona again, to which she replied with a happy grunt and a cuddle. Suddenly, Tim remembered something, an older woman… “Could Niamh be THAT woman?!� Tim pondered as he let her words soak in. “Excuse me,� Tim said weakly, his voice still slightly strained from the forest, “in my bag, there’s a music box. It was given to me by a girl about my age, she seemed to be possessed. She spoke of an older woman who put her under a sleeping spell with THAT very music box. Could you be the very same lady, Niamh?�

[Tale]

The Rainbow Waterfalls

Pearl's Perap: In the instant between Keeley’s offer and her swift departure, you are immediately inclined to accept, a preference for adventure subverting your desire to simply stand and view the Waterfalls, in spite of their inevitable beauty. You postpone your decision, however, until having acquired Andrew’s preference, eager to appeal to the mischievous Ralts’ own sense of adventure. The answer, it seems, is instantaneously indicated by his unhesitant pursuit of Keeley, leaving you to address naught but the gravel upon which he’d stood moments ago. You tail them both, clambering over the bushes and into the sweeping verdant plains.

Keeley glances back, “Ah, great,� she says, before continuing the path she seems to be fully aware of. The three of you wander in the uniform single-file line, each content in their own contemplations. You withdraw from your bag a green notepad, preparing to jot the names of any encountered wildlife as entertainment. With your attention returning to the picturesque plains that you traverse, you discover that with the smallest effort, locating a wild beast is relatively simple, as overhead a flock of three Spearow flutter, apparently uninterested by your presence. Before long, the silence turns mentally abrasive, and you spark the first exchange of speech with a somewhat irritated question. Before Keeley can answer, Andrew successfully whips you with the thorny twig of an unkempt bush, to which you respond by scolding the Ralts. You approach the first of many hills, and begin to clamber up its steep acclivity with considerable strain.

“We’re going to the Waterfalls! I assume that was your destination in the first place? This is a bit of a detour, but I’m sure you can enjoy it. It’s not as if these parts are lacking in visual appeal, right?� She smiles to herself, making her way up the hill with great speed. Andrew seems capable, but begins to linger.

When you make it to the top, Keeley awaits your ascent. She grins at you with a sigh, offering a hand to aid your final steps. “So…you’ll be wondering why I’m asking you to join me, I suppose. Well, I need a bit of a helping hand, from a trainer much like yourself. I knew you were a trainer as soon as I saw your Ralts,� she indicates Andrew, seemingly quite pleased with her deduction, “But as much as I’d like to make a day of it, this walk along the plains, we need to reach the Falls before it gets too dark. Unfortunately, they’re a while away, so we’d better keep moving, or we’ll have to set up camp - and I don’t know about you, but all I’ve got on me are my three faithful companions and a bag full of…the essentials,� she seems to trail off, implying the privacy of such ‘essentials’ that you daren’t question. It’s obvious she means tampons.

You both then turn to continue the uncommon path towards the Falls, but the progression you intended is suddenly not so simple to achieve. Keeley releases a small, resigning, “Ah,� as the sight of a Doduo, which surveys you both with curious eyes. It’s heads chirp as its small downy body shivers, seemingly unwilling to abandon what is evidently its territory. Keeley, barely moving, breaks the silence. “Let’s try and scare this thing off,� from the corner of your eye you see her withdraw a Love Ball, expanding it within her hand.

What will you do?


The Rose Arch: Dark Wood

Mewsic Box: The inevitable occurs, and you infer from Niamh’s words her identity. The possibility of another human residing within the Dark Wood seems somewhat ludicrous, as inhospitable as it is, and you cannot help but gather that this is indeed the old woman to which the demon girl had previously referred. Her expression only helps to validate your assumption.

“Yes,� she replies, a smile stretching across her wrinkled face, “I have a great deal of reason to believe that I am that woman.� A sense of accomplishment washes over you, a contentment you welcome after the nightmare you endured. As you had intended, you were able to reach the woman, albeit indirectly, before the demon was able - indicated by the very fact that she was still alive. Niamh continues, placing a hand upon your shoulder, “So it led you into Dark Wood. Tim, I fear your use to the demon ended when you could not tell her where I resided. You could not have been any wiser, and your bravery is commendable. Its intention, it seems, was to have the vicious beasts that lurk the forest devour you. Ever the creative murderer.� Niamh rises to her feet, turning to Perona, “I’ve managed to ascertain all of what you’ve endured thus far through your companion, Perona. I must tell you, Tim, she recounts her experiences with such…extravagance. She sang you praises for every action you took, every selfless act. She adores you. She told me of how the music box did something to her that she bitterly regrets. That, I’m afraid, is one of the side effects. A long time ago, I had attempted to shield the house from discovery with a veil. If you’d arrived in this particular area of the Rose Gardens thirty years earlier, you’d have discovered naught but the courtyard and Dark Wood - which any sensible trainer would steer well clear of. But with my age, my powers are fading, as has the veil. Unfortunately, you were the first to stumble upon the body of my granddaughter. I do not blame you for the actions that followed.�

You’re surprised to hear that the demon girl is in fact the granddaughter of this old woman - and equally, if not more surprised to hear of her magical powers. It seems that you are in the presence of a witch. She then indicates underneath the bed. “Your clothes and bag are underneath your bed. I have removed the music box, but everything should be in order. I shall wait for you outside. However, I feel as though a little more rest is needed on your part - with a little more sleep, you should be prepared for the task I intend to present to you, should you feel fit to take it.� With a smile, she gracefully leaves the room, closing the heavy oaken door behind her. With Perona at your side, you are entirely at ease. You suddenly feel peculiarly somnolent, and it is with little concern and great ease that you slip back into the comfortable bed, Perona hovering beside you like a spectral sentinel. Within seconds, you fall asleep.



You awake. Your first sight is that which your eyes closed to just moments earlier - Perona’s shadowy back. Energy swims through you within seconds of opening your eyes, and you are more revitalised than you have ever felt. You rise, pushing the covers from your exposed body, and greeting Perona. She does not move. You attempt to communicate with her as you rummage beneath the bed. You feel something spongy, something damp. But that’s not your bag. With unusual nonchalance, you move your hand across and feel the familiar fabric, extracting it from beneath the bed. From within, you pull out your clothes. They are smothered in dust, but you fan them out, and dress yourself, all the while attempting to get Perona’s attention. When you’re decent, you move around her to face your companion - and gasp. In place of the mask that usually adorns Perona’s face is a hole that stretches deep into her body, an abyss you daren’t even look into. You cannot contain your grief, and as soon as you open your mouth, Perona’s body sinks to the floor - a heap of fabric. Sorcery is the first notion to enter your head, and is a great breath of courage that you turn and leave the room, in search of the real Perona. The house is a grand structure, similar to a mansion. The centrepiece of the room is a blazing fireplace of pure crystal, glittering with the fiery light it encloses. The opulence is staggering, considering the humbleness of the room you’d slept in. You recall Niamh’s promise that she’d be waiting outside, and you come to wonder where she is.

You take a single step, and the setting changes in an instant. In a fraction of a second, the opulent mansion transforms into a grey, dirt-laden, dilapidated shell of what it once was. The fire has extinguished completely and in the air you faintly hear the familiar tune of a particular music box. Frozen by fear, you can only look around you. Two staircases, the left completely caved, lead to a single door on the floor above. Directly below, and ahead of you, a door is slightly ajar. Both are similarly foreboding. You do not know how things will pan out, but either Perona or Niamh must soon be found.

What will you do?

[Pearl's Perap]

Originally Posted by Tale

The Rainbow Waterfalls

Pearl's Perap: In the instant between Keeley’s offer and her swift departure, you are immediately inclined to accept, a preference for adventure subverting your desire to simply stand and view the Waterfalls, in spite of their inevitable beauty. You postpone your decision, however, until having acquired Andrew’s preference, eager to appeal to the mischievous Ralts’ own sense of adventure. The answer, it seems, is instantaneously indicated by his unhesitant pursuit of Keeley, leaving you to address naught but the gravel upon which he’d stood moments ago. You tail them both, clambering over the bushes and into the sweeping verdant plains.

Keeley glances back, “Ah, great,� she says, before continuing the path she seems to be fully aware of. The three of you wander in the uniform single-file line, each content in their own contemplations. You withdraw from your bag a green notepad, preparing to jot the names of any encountered wildlife as entertainment. With your attention returning to the picturesque plains that you traverse, you discover that with the smallest effort, locating a wild beast is relatively simple, as overhead a flock of three Spearow flutter, apparently uninterested by your presence. Before long, the silence turns mentally abrasive, and you spark the first exchange of speech with a somewhat irritated question. Before Keeley can answer, Andrew successfully whips you with the thorny twig of an unkempt bush, to which you respond by scolding the Ralts. You approach the first of many hills, and begin to clamber up its steep acclivity with considerable strain.

“We’re going to the Waterfalls! I assume that was your destination in the first place? This is a bit of a detour, but I’m sure you can enjoy it. It’s not as if these parts are lacking in visual appeal, right?� She smiles to herself, making her way up the hill with great speed. Andrew seems capable, but begins to linger.

When you make it to the top, Keeley awaits your ascent. She grins at you with a sigh, offering a hand to aid your final steps. “So…you’ll be wondering why I’m asking you to join me, I suppose. Well, I need a bit of a helping hand, from a trainer much like yourself. I knew you were a trainer as soon as I saw your Ralts,� she indicates Andrew, seemingly quite pleased with her deduction, “But as much as I’d like to make a day of it, this walk along the plains, we need to reach the Falls before it gets too dark. Unfortunately, they’re a while away, so we’d better keep moving, or we’ll have to set up camp - and I don’t know about you, but all I’ve got on me are my three faithful companions and a bag full of…the essentials,� she seems to trail off, implying the privacy of such ‘essentials’ that you daren’t question. It’s obvious she means tampons.

You both then turn to continue the uncommon path towards the Falls, but the progression you intended is suddenly not so simple to achieve. Keeley releases a small, resigning, “Ah,� as the sight of a Doduo, which surveys you both with curious eyes. It’s heads chirp as its small downy body shivers, seemingly unwilling to abandon what is evidently its territory. Keeley, barely moving, breaks the silence. “Let’s try and scare this thing off,� from the corner of your eye you see her withdraw a Love Ball, expanding it within her hand.

What will you do?

[Must say, I'm loving the swift updates, can't beat speed and quality :3]

Having managed to engage the plucky girl in conversation and realizing that she merely wanted his assistance to reach the falls, his original destination, Zak smiled. It would not hinder him or Andrew in anyway to accompany the girl. As the three walk, Keeley suggests they speed up, not wanting to camp with the bare minimum of provisions, her pokémon and private lady items. It wasn't too long before the three encountered a rather cute but territorial looking Doduo. As both of the birds heads look at the three, Keeley's hand slides down to a pocket, removing a Love Ball and expanding it.

"I must say, I have never used Andrew in a battle before. With him only being a newborn, I am a little cautious, are you going to get rid of this Doduo or am I?" Zak spoke to the female companion, itching to get a first battle under his belt for the emotion pokémon. However, deep down, there was a sense of worry that the two headed bird would quite easily handle Andrew, with him only being young. Finally, he plucked up the courage to communicate one-on-one with Andrew, "Okay little guy, looks like we aren't going to be able to advance any further until this Doduo is dealt with. You are only a newborn, though, so don't get TOO plucky. Start off by growling at the Doduo and follow that up by running in, charging your tiny fist for a Thunder Punch." With two commands, the Ralts looked at his trainer quizzically before nodding, a slight smile forming at the corner of his tiny mouth...

[Raves]

Originally Posted by Tale

I'm very pleased to have you on board, fishy. Prepare for some rapid updates - your adventure is quite a ride. Just to let you know, as I did with Mewsic Box, I've ascertained the bare bones of your adventure from Tess and I'll be following the original general plot she had in mind, up to where she got to at least. I'll be following it in my own style and adding my own stuff, but I just wanted to disclaim the initial plot from my possession, as it was Tess' idea. I hope you enjoy yourself.

Delibird Ridge - Please reply in burlywood

Seakittenyfool: Satisfied with the inevitable convenience of Wraith’s sudden evolution, you resign yourself to the instruction of Ranger Ryan and conclude to explore the cave he had assigned to you. Trepidation guides your thumb over the single button of your handset as you proceed, a caution within you struck by the recent events as you keep your eyes peeled for any form of motion that had the potential of being Reagan, or another poacher possessing a similar hostility towards adventurers. The winds that lick the rocky cliff-face scatters a perpetual cloud of dust, and as the gaping mouth of the distant cave approaches, you welcome its shelter, although your Marshtomp appears particularly comfortable in the gritty wind, having acquired a new Ground affiliation. As you are submerged in the shadows, the sense of detachment from the outer Ridge you acquire is a welcome relief, allowing you to ponder over the swift turn of events since your initial arrival at Delibird Ridge. You glance up, and but a few paces ahead of you is a rocky wall, forcing a left turn into a tunnel plunged in shadow. You continue, placing your spare hand onto the wall to direct your blind path, and you urge Wraith to stick close as you proceed into the silent darkness. A few steps in, and you blindly stumble over a stalagmite formation, which, as you feel through the darkness, is damp to the touch. The once silent cave is now filled with the haphazard placement of your cautious steps as you attempt to conquer the rocky hindrance, but when you halt to feel your way around a particularly tall formation, a sound that is not your own, nor Wraith’s, reaches your ears. It is the sound of a click - a click which ominously resembles the sound of a cocked rifle.

What will you do?

The dusty wind was an unwelcoming breeze to Jamie, and yet Wraith's ground affinity made the Marshtomp feel at home as the pair entered the cave, a left turn plunging them into total darkness as the human fet his way through, his hand guiding him along the wall, just before the darkness caused him to stumble over a small stalagmite formation, damp with the condensation that stalactites are rife for discharging in gradual drips. As he carried on blindly through the caves, he stopped coldly upon hearing a sound familiar to that of a rifle cocking.

It didn't take the art of a few seconds for him to figure out the situation: Reagan or some accomplice had spotted him and had him in their sights while he was blindly flailing around the caves, and he realised immediately that a light source was required, as well as a shield in case he was actually hit. Thankfully, he had both as he plucked a pair of balls from his belt and tapped them against the stalagmites to reveal Volcape and Penance, the room flaring with the Infernape's light and the Golem standing heavily as Jamie silently whispered to them in a hushed tone.

"Volcape, I'll need your light to find a way through here, while you're needed for protection, girl. There's someone out for me with a gun, and knowing your hide being immune to dynamite, a bullet shouldn't do much, if anything. I'm gonna call out to him, and should a bullet be fired, take it, Penance, even if it hurts, your rocky body should buffer much of the pain. Wraith, should said bullet be launched, unleash a thunder wave in the direction of fire so we could perhaps paralyze him."

With the three pokemon noting their roles, Jamie took a small breath, his hand over the radio as he called out.

"REAGAN! Put that toy down so we may solve this in a civilised manner!"

[Tale]

PP: Thank you very much! I'd like to keep this speed, so you're in luck if that's what you're aiming for =).

The Rainbow Waterfalls

Pearl's Perap: Rightfully cautious for the wellbeing of your newborn companion in the face of such a predicament, you question the plan of action with which Keeley intends to proceed. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll protect you,� with that, Keeley releases her Love Ball, the shimmering pink flash materialising into a blubbery ball of violet, that rolls along the grass before acquiring its balance - a Spheal of distinctly unusual colouring. The Doduo, startled by the appearance of its latest adversary, reacts by chirping excitedly with one head turning the other to the sky, to unleash a threatening caw. It’s spindly legs dance on the spot, prepared to retaliate at any oncoming attack. Within a few seconds of having released the Spheal, Keeley calls to it, “Isis, Water Gun. Then Powder Snow!� Isis, the ditzy Spheal, registered her commands with a cheery cry. As she engaged the Doduo, you turn cautiously to Andrew, warning him of the danger his age may pose to his welfare, before instructing his attack accordingly. As Andrew acknowledges your plan of attack with a small grin, Isis the Spheal ceases to drench the spluttering Doduo with a spray of water, and inhales in preparation for a Powder Snow to follow. As she does so, Andrew catches the double-headed bird’s attention with a Growl as vicious as the tiny psychic-type can muster - which, as it happens, materialises quite successfully. With all his effort forced into the threatening growl, the Doduo tilts its heads, apprehensive about proceeding with an attack. Its hesitance provides a substantial window, as Isis expels from her rounded body a cloud of snowflakes that dust the already dampened bird and causes it to screech in agony. Now infuriated, the bird reacts almost immediately, leaping towards Isis and jutting its two sharp beaks for a double Peck, that propels the spherical Spheal a few yards from Keeley, who swiftly runs over to tend to her companion.

Without hesitation, the Doduo turns to tiny Andrew, who for the first time is gathering electricity a the point of his fist in preparation to directly strike the twin bird, and extended its right head with intent to Peck your companion. With enthusing deftness, however, Andrew Punches the Doduo at the opportune moment, countering the assault with a head-on Thunderpunch directly between its miniscule eyes, sending the bird reeling with a pained caw backwards. Within you your pride swells, and you turn to Keeley. Unfortunately, she is experiencing a separate predicament. “Um…there’s a bit of a situation right here. Mind if we -� she is cut off as a second Doduo, seemingly lured by the cries of its comrade, strikes at Isis, who once again rolls quite a distance from Keeley, who frantically hops over to her companion.

You survey the area about you to ascertain the possibility of further assaults, but on discovering no other presence bar your own and your companions’, you return to the situation at hand. The Doduo, already enraged but substantially worn by the recent flurry of attacks, begins to retaliate by dragging its talons along the grass, kicking up blades as it does so. Andrew, unscathed and seemingly prepared, watches the bird carefully. From now, it seems the battle with this flightless bird will be a standard head-to-head confrontation.

What will you do?


Delibird Ridge

Seakittenyfool: Your response is smart, and effectively swift. You opt for caution, taking the implications of the click in the darkness to signify that a hostile hunter is poised to shoot you dead, and you release Volcape and Penance for the protection you require. As you relay their orders, a deafening crack reverberates from the stony walls, causing you to drop to your knees. Volcape, now emitting a fiery glow upon the damp and clustered formation of stalagmites that, upon viewing, you cannot fathom a path through, leaps atop one of the rocks, surveying the path you’d previously descended to try and distinguish an enemy. Your poised hand grasps the radio at your side, and you immediately call into it, detailing your predicament and immediate requisite for back-up. There is no response. As anticipated, a second crack and Penance’s grunt signified a gunshot by what must have been a rifle-wielding hunter. You call out to whom you immediately presume to be Reagan, imploring his reconsideration in favour of parley, but your response is a hearty and foreboding chuckle, which when followed by a gunshot that Volcape narrowly avoids with an agile leap to another Stalagmite, signifies the intention you’d hoped he wouldn’t settle on.

Following the assault, Wraith then keeps to his orders and shoots into the distance a flurry of electrical tendrils. Given the narrowness of the path you’d recently traversed, Wraith’s reduced accuracy was somewhat negated, and the pained grunt that echoed down the tunnel signified a direct hit on the human. The clatter indicated that the rifle had been dropped, and as it continued, tumbled down the acclivity and into the firelight emitted by Volcape. It was a single-shot, well-maintained weapon, with intricate designs carved into its butt. Custom made, you are sure, a suitable weapon for a dedicated hunter. It’s inability to fire more than one bullet every five seconds seems to indicate its power, and you consciously check the damage caused by Penance’s successful resistance. Her back has been chipped, although not severely, and you feel instantly grateful for her ability to withstand such powerful fire.

You recall your recent encounter with Reagan and curse your inability to distinguish a face, due to the distance of your encounter. Nonetheless, a your attacker, presumably Reagan, currently lies paralysed near the cave’s entrance, at the base of the slope leading to your current location lies his rifle. You are unsure as to whether Ryan heard your plea for backup, and you need to respond before the paralysis fades.

What will you do?

[Stark]

Originally Posted by Tale

It's fantastic to have you aboard, Zak =). I hope the adventure you're about to embark on does your liking for the CG justice. Please feel free to comment on the updates I give you in any way!

The Rainbow Falls Please reply in aqua

Stark: At witnessing the chaos, and recognising the vulnerability thrust upon you at the swift approach of two Scizor, you validly contemplate the justice of your predicament. However, the time for pondering is seized by the imminence of peril, and you instinctively release two of your Fire Type companions - Charmander and Torchic. Sacrificing the pleasantries, you relay orders with impeccable timing, and with but a few seconds to spare, your tag-team combine a spray of Embers at the oncoming bugs, who blinded by the fiery scattering, veer from their course. Nonetheless, your companions, in keeping with their respective orders, engage the steely bugs as they swerve, as Charmander’s tail glows with a rocky power and deftly swings to cut the leftmost Scizor in its path, grounding it with a heavy thud, a wave of mud erupting into the air upon impact. Similarly, Torchic leaps to level himself with its enemy before nimbly swiping with its right claw at the Scizor’s abdomen, prompting a falter in its flight that forces it to land with inelegance a few yards from you and your double team.

In the moment you witness the background commotion, your heart leaps at the sight of an encumbered Scizor hovering high in the sky - a human clenched firmly in its hefty pincers. From below, what appears to be the trainer’s Arcanine unleashes an agonised howl at the sight of its trainer’s capture. Jets of white-hot flames shoot haphazardly from its maw, striking a multitude of the steel bugs, many of which career to the ground and waterside with their loss of energy. Glancing back up at the untouchable captor, you shiver as the Scizor releases its captive, the trainer’s arms flailing as he plummets with numerous collisions. Your attention is torn from the final moments as the two Scizor engaged with your own Pokemon regain composure and speed towards Torchic and Charmander, their claws poised and shimmering with Steely power. Before you can react, the lightning speed of a Bullet Punch pounds at Charmander, causing her to stagger back with pain and collide with Torchic, who subsequently receives a Metal Claw from the other adversary. With the combined force, the lizard and chick tumble to the ground, each scrambling to regain their footing.

What will you do?

"Charmander! Torchic!" Stark called out in concern as his two fire types found themselves tag teamed by the metal bugs and knocked to the ground. The scene around was utter chaos. Trainers were quickly becoming victims despite their best efforts to fight off the scizor onslaught. As it was, more and more people were going to get hurt. Or worse. Dropped like that poor soul whose Arcanine tried to save him. There had to be another way to stop the madness. Stark just wasn't sure what it was yet. He quickly looked around for the bearded man. If he could get to him, maybe he could get some answers and find a way to stop everything that was going on.

However, first thing first. He needed to take care of the two scizor that had zeroed in on himself and his partners. To do that he would need to take them down fast and hard. Perhaps then he would be able to check one of them over for evidence to explain what had happened to make them so violent before searching for the bearded man. Yes that was his new plan of action. If it was an outside force working on the scizor maybe he could focus his energy toward stopping that instead of the neverending swarm of scizor themselves.

"Torchic! Trap that one in a Fire Spin," he shouted out to his little firebird, "Charmander! Give that one a shot of your Dragon Rage! If they come at either of you hit 'em with another Ember."

[Pearl's Perap]

Originally Posted by Tale

The Rainbow Waterfalls

Pearl's Perap: Rightfully cautious for the wellbeing of your newborn companion in the face of such a predicament, you question the plan of action with which Keeley intends to proceed. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll protect you,� with that, Keeley releases her Love Ball, the shimmering pink flash materialising into a blubbery ball of violet, that rolls along the grass before acquiring its balance - a Spheal of distinctly unusual colouring. The Doduo, startled by the appearance of its latest adversary, reacts by chirping excitedly with one head turning the other to the sky, to unleash a threatening caw. It’s spindly legs dance on the spot, prepared to retaliate at any oncoming attack. Within a few seconds of having released the Spheal, Keeley calls to it, “Isis, Water Gun. Then Powder Snow!� Isis, the ditzy Spheal, registered her commands with a cheery cry. As she engaged the Doduo, you turn cautiously to Andrew, warning him of the danger his age may pose to his welfare, before instructing his attack accordingly. As Andrew acknowledges your plan of attack with a small grin, Isis the Spheal ceases to drench the spluttering Doduo with a spray of water, and inhales in preparation for a Powder Snow to follow. As she does so, Andrew catches the double-headed bird’s attention with a Growl as vicious as the tiny psychic-type can muster - which, as it happens, materialises quite successfully. With all his effort forced into the threatening growl, the Doduo tilts its heads, apprehensive about proceeding with an attack. Its hesitance provides a substantial window, as Isis expels from her rounded body a cloud of snowflakes that dust the already dampened bird and causes it to screech in agony. Now infuriated, the bird reacts almost immediately, leaping towards Isis and jutting its two sharp beaks for a double Peck, that propels the spherical Spheal a few yards from Keeley, who swiftly runs over to tend to her companion.

Without hesitation, the Doduo turns to tiny Andrew, who for the first time is gathering electricity a the point of his fist in preparation to directly strike the twin bird, and extended its right head with intent to Peck your companion. With enthusing deftness, however, Andrew Punches the Doduo at the opportune moment, countering the assault with a head-on Thunderpunch directly between its miniscule eyes, sending the bird reeling with a pained caw backwards. Within you your pride swells, and you turn to Keeley. Unfortunately, she is experiencing a separate predicament. “Um…there’s a bit of a situation right here. Mind if we -� she is cut off as a second Doduo, seemingly lured by the cries of its comrade, strikes at Isis, who once again rolls quite a distance from Keeley, who frantically hops over to her companion.

You survey the area about you to ascertain the possibility of further assaults, but on discovering no other presence bar your own and your companions’, you return to the situation at hand. The Doduo, already enraged but substantially worn by the recent flurry of attacks, begins to retaliate by dragging its talons along the grass, kicking up blades as it does so. Andrew, unscathed and seemingly prepared, watches the bird carefully. From now, it seems the battle with this flightless bird will be a standard head-to-head confrontation.

What will you do?

After ordering a first round of attacks, Zak stood by, chewing at one of his thumb nails slightly. With his commands came Keeley's first companion, a peculiar coloured Spheal from the Love Ball. In an instant, the girl had uttered her own set of commands for the ball-shaped seal and both it and Andrew turned towards the Doduo, both readying themselves for a battle. As the girl's pokémon opens the battle, spraying a blast of water gun at the two headed bird, knocking it about slightly. It was then when the Ralts first attacked, growling slightly at the opponent. Surprisingly, the command fulfilled its intended purpose and managed to actually scare the opponent.

"Good going, little dude..." Zak chuckled, finding the Ralts' growl to be more adorable than intimidating. Briefly turning to his trainer, Andrew nodded, before beginning to charge a tiny fist for his next attack. In the mean time, Keeley's Spheal was already inhaling at a rapid rate, cooling the air as she does before releasing a flurry of powdered snow from her tiny mouth. As the ice attack bathed the intimidated Doduo, it cries out in extreme pain before managing to run forwards, pecking viciously at the Spheal. With these attacks, Keeley runs forwards, grasping at the seal to comfort her and, as she does so, the Doduo returns its focus back to Andrew.

"Keep at it, keep at it.." Zak whispered confidently, encouraging his psychic companion. The time came for Andrew to unleash his thunder energy, jumping forward, his tiny fist sparking all over. As contact was made, the bird took a serious hit and backed away slightly. Relieved with a round well done, the trainer turned his attention to Keeley, who seemed rather alarmed. The opening round of the battle had attracted the attention of a second Doduo, it seemed as if they would both have to deal with a threat each now. "Keeley, we aren't going to be able to advance any further until these pair of Doduo are sorted out once and for all.." Zak called to the girl who was still cuddling her violet Spheal close to her. Despite her pokémon taking attacks, he could tell that she knew this was the case.

"Andrew, that was a superb beginning. This time I think you shake things up a little, fire a Psywave at the foe and this time finish with a different punch, an Ice Punch seems like a good idea, considering the typing of the Doduo..." Zak had already knelt at the Ralts' side and was ordering his next attacks, he already felt a great sense of confidence in the pokémon and wanted him to become completely in his element battling. Despite preferring contests, he always tried to get his pokémon to be confident with themselves in battle, confidence elsewhere would surely follow...

[Tale]

The Rainbow Waterfalls

Stark: Your subjection to the shocking sights that occur in the distance provoke an urge to discover the origin of the chaos, and you swiftly compose a plan upon defeating the Scizor plaguing your companions to help you determine the intricacies of the situation at hand.

In the meantime, you conclude, the overcoming of this double-battle is your priority. You relay orders to your recovering companions, and watch as they charge back into their respective bouts. Torchic, mentally unscathed by the Metal Claw he’d received moment earlier, widened his beak to propel from it a cyclone of fire, from which the Scizor is barely able to escape. However, it achieves evasion, and leaps from the ground to reacquire its advantage of flight, spiralling from the fiery cyclone with greater ease. With its right pincer outstretched, it circles in on Torchic, who barely ceases the Fire Spin before being helplessly struck by the Scizor’s Slash. A few orange feathers scatter from the scrape, and Torchic swivels on the spot due to its force - but then ceases the opportunity to retaliate within the same instant, unleashing its Fire Spin on the vulnerable Scizor, whose retreating form is enveloped by the sweltering cyclone that Torchic sustains for a while.

Meanwhile, Charmander leaps back into battle with her maw agape, propelling from within her a great, iridescent fireball that her Scizor adversary struggles, and fails, to avoid, the direct hit causing it to topple back with great force and land heavily upon the ground. With the opportunity presenting itself, Charmander repositions herself and sprints to Torchic’s side just as he unleashes his successful Fire Spin. During this time, the floored Scizor finds time to regain its footing, albeit gracelessly, and takes a running leap before sustaining its altitude by engaging its buzzing wings. A dark veil then envelopes its steely surface, and the unavoidability of the Pursuit allows for a direct hit upon the helpless Charmander, who is thrown backwards onto the grass with a painful landing. Noting his companion’s incapacitation, Torchic is swift to react, ceasing its Fire Spin immediately, to target the Scizor now inches away. With a ruffle of his feathers, he spews from his speak a flurry of scalding embers that cause the Scizor to recoil with the added effect of the heat upon its steel body. The second Scizor, visibly dilapidated by the Fire Spin, does not sacrifice haste for recovery, and wastes no time in leaping back into battle, targeting Torchic as its victim.

Luckily, Charmander has regained composure and runs straight back into battle, striking the mid-air bug with a wave of embers that cause it to collide with the ground just inches from where Torchic stands, propelling a wave of mud. When it eventually regains composure, the close quarters could lend an advantage to its size. Meanwhile, its companion approaches for another swipe at Torchic.

What will you do?


Pearl's Perap: You call out to Keeley, insisting that the double threat must be felled before progression can be made. “I couldn’t agree more!” She responds, as Isis propels a multicoloured beam from its maw towards the Doduo that charges towards her, its heads cawing wildly at the sky before being silenced by the direct strike. You then turn back to Andrew, praising the demonstrated aptitude of the first couple of attacks he’d engaged the Doduo with, and relaying to him your orders to follow the successful first round. Unfortunately, the instant in which Andrew is forced to perform the attacks is snatched by the agility of his opponent, whose Quick Attack strikes with damaging success, sending Andrew spinning through the air and landing forcefully on the grass a couple of meters away. His fragile state makes recomposing himself a struggle, and as he eventually rises to his feet, Doduo’s second charge is already underway.

But a few seconds allowed for three small rings to discharge from Andrew’s horn, bridging the closing gap between him and his adversary and colliding with the bird’s right head, whose subsequent bewilderment and pain causes it to swerve from its initial path, much to the protests of the left head, who squawks awkwardly as it attempts to drag the body back on course. The confliction between minds causes its spindly legs to twist, and consequently knock its balance, causing it to fall straight to the ground in a graceless heap. Grasping at the opportunity, Andrew toddles over to the bird, an icy layer enveloping his little fist all the while, before he reaches its side. Unfortunately for him, the left head has retained its sanity, and upon Andrew’s approach lashes out at the Ralts, with a vicious peck that causes him to topple backwards and onto his backside.

However, while unable to regain its stature, the Doduo remains incapacitated, and it is with spite that Andrew barely struggles to regain his footing, and smashes the ice onto the noisy left head that had repeatedly begun to peck at the right - squawking upon the critical impact of the Ice Punch. Still grounded, the left head quivers slightly, before falling atop the right head, out cold. Andrew appears ecstatic at his success - and glances over at the second battle that is taking place. While he felled the Doduo, it was not without the aid of Isis, who is currently still engaged in a bout with a second opponent. You glance at Keeley’s battle yourself - perhaps some aid will lend swiftness to the battle at hand.

What will you do?

[Pearl's Perap]

Originally Posted by Tale

The Rainbow Waterfalls

Pearl's Perap: You call out to Keeley, insisting that the double threat must be felled before progression can be made. “I couldn’t agree more!” She responds, as Isis propels a multicoloured beam from its maw towards the Doduo that charges towards her, its heads cawing wildly at the sky before being silenced by the direct strike. You then turn back to Andrew, praising the demonstrated aptitude of the first couple of attacks he’d engaged the Doduo with, and relaying to him your orders to follow the successful first round. Unfortunately, the instant in which Andrew is forced to perform the attacks is snatched by the agility of his opponent, whose Quick Attack strikes with damaging success, sending Andrew spinning through the air and landing forcefully on the grass a couple of meters away. His fragile state makes recomposing himself a struggle, and as he eventually rises to his feet, Doduo’s second charge is already underway.

But a few seconds allowed for three small rings to discharge from Andrew’s horn, bridging the closing gap between him and his adversary and colliding with the bird’s right head, whose subsequent bewilderment and pain causes it to swerve from its initial path, much to the protests of the left head, who squawks awkwardly as it attempts to drag the body back on course. The confliction between minds causes its spindly legs to twist, and consequently knock its balance, causing it to fall straight to the ground in a graceless heap. Grasping at the opportunity, Andrew toddles over to the bird, an icy layer enveloping his little fist all the while, before he reaches its side. Unfortunately for him, the left head has retained its sanity, and upon Andrew’s approach lashes out at the Ralts, with a vicious peck that causes him to topple backwards and onto his backside.

However, while unable to regain its stature, the Doduo remains incapacitated, and it is with spite that Andrew barely struggles to regain his footing, and smashes the ice onto the noisy left head that had repeatedly begun to peck at the right - squawking upon the critical impact of the Ice Punch. Still grounded, the left head quivers slightly, before falling atop the right head, out cold. Andrew appears ecstatic at his success - and glances over at the second battle that is taking place. While he felled the Doduo, it was not without the aid of Isis, who is currently still engaged in a bout with a second opponent. You glance at Keeley’s battle yourself - perhaps some aid will lend swiftness to the battle at hand.

What will you do?

With Keeley in complete agreement about collaborating, Isis is quick to fire off a rainbow Aurora Beam at the oncoming two-headed bird. As this attack deals a nice amount of damage, Andrew too readies himself to attack. However, the speedy foe ends up tossing him a number of metres with Quick Attack. Worried by this attack and Ralts being rather weak, Zak clenched his fists. As he did, the tiny pokémon struggled to his feet once more and, just as the Doduo began a second speedy attack, he fired out several purple rings in the form of psywave, each one meeting the right head of the Doduo.

It wasn't long before the Doduo became a threat once more, this time pecking at the Ralts and causing him to lose concentration with his Ice Punch. Luckily, the tiny psychic pokémon regains himself and manages to punch a freezing cold hand out at the left head. In a matter of moments, the first Doduo is lay in a heap on the floor, having sustained quite a lot of damage from both Isis and Andrew respectively. With the first bird down, Zak changed his attention to Keeley and Isis' battle, knowing that, if he were to assist, the two may advance further. He was not normally the sort of trainer to gang up on pokémon, but he hardly thought that using a new born classed as being a bully.

"Okay, Andrew, you did superb in that battle. For this battle, I want you to attempt to keep your distance, we don't want you taking any powerful hits that could potentially faint you. Whilst you distance yourself, power up a Shadow Ball and fire it into the midst of that battle. Careful to not hit the Spheal though, the second Doduo is our foe..." Zak finished, having issued a mere one attack for the weakened Ralts, not wanting him to overdo it and end up requiring medical assistance. As the psychic type prepared himself, Zak paced towards the girl, standing to the side of her as their two pokémon readied their next assault on the bird...

[Stark]

Originally Posted by Tale

The Rainbow Waterfalls

Stark: Your subjection to the shocking sights that occur in the distance provoke an urge to discover the origin of the chaos, and you swiftly compose a plan upon defeating the Scizor plaguing your companions to help you determine the intricacies of the situation at hand.

In the meantime, you conclude, the overcoming of this double-battle is your priority. You relay orders to your recovering companions, and watch as they charge back into their respective bouts. Torchic, mentally unscathed by the Metal Claw he’d received moment earlier, widened his beak to propel from it a cyclone of fire, from which the Scizor is barely able to escape. However, it achieves evasion, and leaps from the ground to reacquire its advantage of flight, spiralling from the fiery cyclone with greater ease. With its right pincer outstretched, it circles in on Torchic, who barely ceases the Fire Spin before being helplessly struck by the Scizor’s Slash. A few orange feathers scatter from the scrape, and Torchic swivels on the spot due to its force - but then ceases the opportunity to retaliate within the same instant, unleashing its Fire Spin on the vulnerable Scizor, whose retreating form is enveloped by the sweltering cyclone that Torchic sustains for a while.

Meanwhile, Charmander leaps back into battle with her maw agape, propelling from within her a great, iridescent fireball that her Scizor adversary struggles, and fails, to avoid, the direct hit causing it to topple back with great force and land heavily upon the ground. With the opportunity presenting itself, Charmander repositions herself and sprints to Torchic’s side just as he unleashes his successful Fire Spin. During this time, the floored Scizor finds time to regain its footing, albeit gracelessly, and takes a running leap before sustaining its altitude by engaging its buzzing wings. A dark veil then envelopes its steely surface, and the unavoidability of the Pursuit allows for a direct hit upon the helpless Charmander, who is thrown backwards onto the grass with a painful landing. Noting his companion’s incapacitation, Torchic is swift to react, ceasing its Fire Spin immediately, to target the Scizor now inches away. With a ruffle of his feathers, he spews from his speak a flurry of scalding embers that cause the Scizor to recoil with the added effect of the heat upon its steel body. The second Scizor, visibly dilapidated by the Fire Spin, does not sacrifice haste for recovery, and wastes no time in leaping back into battle, targeting Torchic as its victim.

Luckily, Charmander has regained composure and runs straight back into battle, striking the mid-air bug with a wave of embers that cause it to collide with the ground just inches from where Torchic stands, propelling a wave of mud. When it eventually regains composure, the close quarters could lend an advantage to its size. Meanwhile, its companion approaches for another swipe at Torchic.

What will you do?

"Keep it up you two!" Stark shouted over the noise of the battles surrounding him. This was really the first real battle either of them had ever had and he had to admit, they were doing pretty good. Their use of teamwork was impressive to say the least. Had the situation not been so dire, he would have taken the time to show them how proud he was of them. However, there was no time for that now. The scizors were now too close to allow such carelessness. Charmander had taken a pretty bad hit and had it not been for Torchic's quick reaction, his little lizard may have been in trouble. Stark cursed himself for feeling so helpless when it came to helping his companions. If he had a weapon he would have been able to at least do more than strategize. Then again, if he didn't keep his eyes open and help his friends with their attacks, things could have gone south very quickly.

"Charmander use Flare Blitz to knock that one back," he called out to his partner, "Torchic give the other one a point blank Heatwave!"

While the moves were powerful, they were also dangerous. Flare Blitz was a risky move in itself as Charmander would surely feel a little backlash from it, while the Heatwave would likely tire Torchic out. Still, the scizor had to be stopped and sometimes holding back was as dangerous as going all out.

"If they continue to come at you. Both of you use Rock Smash to drive them back," Stark called out. It wasn't the best strategy, but he couldn't risk having either of them fall to exhaustion. Not yet at least.

That's when it hit him. Reaching into his inner coat pocket he whipped out his Kanto region style pokedex and tried to scan the scizor. Whether it would give him any useful information or not he wasn't sure, but at least he was doing something more than being an observer.

[Mewsic Box!]

Originally Posted by Tale

The Rose Arch: Dark Wood

Mewsic Box: The inevitable occurs, and you infer from Niamh’s words her identity. The possibility of another human residing within the Dark Wood seems somewhat ludicrous, as inhospitable as it is, and you cannot help but gather that this is indeed the old woman to which the demon girl had previously referred. Her expression only helps to validate your assumption.

“Yes,� she replies, a smile stretching across her wrinkled face, “I have a great deal of reason to believe that I am that woman.� A sense of accomplishment washes over you, a contentment you welcome after the nightmare you endured. As you had intended, you were able to reach the woman, albeit indirectly, before the demon was able - indicated by the very fact that she was still alive. Niamh continues, placing a hand upon your shoulder, “So it led you into Dark Wood. Tim, I fear your use to the demon ended when you could not tell her where I resided. You could not have been any wiser, and your bravery is commendable. Its intention, it seems, was to have the vicious beasts that lurk the forest devour you. Ever the creative murderer.� Niamh rises to her feet, turning to Perona, “I’ve managed to ascertain all of what you’ve endured thus far through your companion, Perona. I must tell you, Tim, she recounts her experiences with such…extravagance. She sang you praises for every action you took, every selfless act. She adores you. She told me of how the music box did something to her that she bitterly regrets. That, I’m afraid, is one of the side effects. A long time ago, I had attempted to shield the house from discovery with a veil. If you’d arrived in this particular area of the Rose Gardens thirty years earlier, you’d have discovered naught but the courtyard and Dark Wood - which any sensible trainer would steer well clear of. But with my age, my powers are fading, as has the veil. Unfortunately, you were the first to stumble upon the body of my granddaughter. I do not blame you for the actions that followed.�

You’re surprised to hear that the demon girl is in fact the granddaughter of this old woman - and equally, if not more surprised to hear of her magical powers. It seems that you are in the presence of a witch. She then indicates underneath the bed. “Your clothes and bag are underneath your bed. I have removed the music box, but everything should be in order. I shall wait for you outside. However, I feel as though a little more rest is needed on your part - with a little more sleep, you should be prepared for the task I intend to present to you, should you feel fit to take it.� With a smile, she gracefully leaves the room, closing the heavy oaken door behind her. With Perona at your side, you are entirely at ease. You suddenly feel peculiarly somnolent, and it is with little concern and great ease that you slip back into the comfortable bed, Perona hovering beside you like a spectral sentinel. Within seconds, you fall asleep.



You awake. Your first sight is that which your eyes closed to just moments earlier - Perona’s shadowy back. Energy swims through you within seconds of opening your eyes, and you are more revitalised than you have ever felt. You rise, pushing the covers from your exposed body, and greeting Perona. She does not move. You attempt to communicate with her as you rummage beneath the bed. You feel something spongy, something damp. But that’s not your bag. With unusual nonchalance, you move your hand across and feel the familiar fabric, extracting it from beneath the bed. From within, you pull out your clothes. They are smothered in dust, but you fan them out, and dress yourself, all the while attempting to get Perona’s attention. When you’re decent, you move around her to face your companion - and gasp. In place of the mask that usually adorns Perona’s face is a hole that stretches deep into her body, an abyss you daren’t even look into. You cannot contain your grief, and as soon as you open your mouth, Perona’s body sinks to the floor - a heap of fabric. Sorcery is the first notion to enter your head, and is a great breath of courage that you turn and leave the room, in search of the real Perona. The house is a grand structure, similar to a mansion. The centrepiece of the room is a blazing fireplace of pure crystal, glittering with the fiery light it encloses. The opulence is staggering, considering the humbleness of the room you’d slept in. You recall Niamh’s promise that she’d be waiting outside, and you come to wonder where she is.

You take a single step, and the setting changes in an instant. In a fraction of a second, the opulent mansion transforms into a grey, dirt-laden, dilapidated shell of what it once was. The fire has extinguished completely and in the air you faintly hear the familiar tune of a particular music box. Frozen by fear, you can only look around you. Two staircases, the left completely caved, lead to a single door on the floor above. Directly below, and ahead of you, a door is slightly ajar. Both are similarly foreboding. You do not know how things will pan out, but either Perona or Niamh must soon be found.

What will you do?

Tim felt a sense of accomplishment as he discovered that Niamh was truly the grandmother of the demon possessed woman. Niamh continued on about her mystical powers which most people referrer to as witchcraft, but Tim didn’t mind one bit, Niamh didn’t appear to be a mean, ugly lady as all his childhood stories made witches out to be. No, Niamh had the warm feeling that reminded him of his own grandmother back home, the wise eyes, the deep wrinkles, the friendly smile, yes, she was very much like Tim’s own grandmother. Soon, Tim realized he had tuned out of the conversation and quickly returned just as Niamh stated that he had been of no use to the demon and was to be disposed which was why the demon agreed to enter the forest. Tim gulped as he thought of what could have been. Heck, what almost was despite the demons failed attempt to erase him. She then mentioned how Perona had described her adventures with Tim, always being very grateful for her trainer. As Tim heard this, he felt a wave of relief flow throughout his body, “She really does need me…� the trainer thought as his courage had been recovered due to Perona’s touching feelings. With his questions finally beginning to be answered, Tim was able to feel at ease as the kind lady left Tim and Perona so that Tim could regain his energy.

After a peaceful slumber, Tim had finally awaked to see that something felt different. The air felt less comfortable, the environment felt more dangerous. Tim ignored it, thinking everything seemed different because he was finally running at 100% again. After he made himself decent, Tim approached the oddly silent Perona , he noticed something disturbing. He gasped as he starred at the faceless, or should I say mask-less, Perona. Filled with grief over the hollowed ghost shell, Tim felt tears of anger filling into his eyes; suddenly, the shell was revealed to be nothing but a pile of fabric. It had to be the work of witchcraft. Tim decided to look for Niamh, “Maybe Perona was with her,� he thought as he left the cabin-like room and emerged into a much more sophisticated entry room. The center piece was a marvelous fireplace made out of crystal. The shimmering fire illuminated the crystal structure, but Tim was too busy to admire it. The grand room suddenly vanished, and out emerged a decrepit run down version of the same room, at the same time; the familiar enchanting tune began to play. Tim’s eyes widened as he heard the hypnotic tune that he was somehow unaffected by, “Why?! Why is this happening again? Where’s Perona? Where’s Niamh? Hell, where am I?!� he thought as he became frustrated with the current situation. As Tim looked around, he noticed two doors, one led upstairs and the other was directly below it, based on Tim’s past experience with this scenario, he decided to go a different way, he decided to go into the lower leveled room.