Set in the original region of Arciel, Legends Rising is a route-inspired, but not strictly route-based, Pokemon roleplay. Pick a faction, pick a class, and strike out into the wild to take on the League, master Contest coordination, research the mysteries of Pokemon and Arciel, and much, much more. Will you be a classic trainer? A criminal? A farmer? Choose your destiny on Legends Rising.
Before the clock hit six, Eri Novae had no intention of even going to the halloween ball, she'd been content to stay home with her new egg and hopefully try some treatments that could help it for when it eventually hatches, however, fates plans are fickle, and the stars could turn on her at any given moment. When she'd left her apartment to get a quick breather she'd noticed something odd, something outlandish- the sky was starless. It was a possibility that this was due to all hallows night, but... it hadn't made Eri feel too good.
So, obviously, she did what any sane person would do and prayed to them, asking what they needed of her to make the night shimmer again- and the answer was clear- go to the biggest event of the day, and make as many people glow as possible.
That's how she found herself at the ball, business cards stashed in her pocket and egg strapped with a purple harness to her side. Her costume had been a rush job- and probably couldn't even be called a proper halloween outfit. She'd thrown on one of her purple, bow speckled lolita dresses and had hitched her hair into the highest pigtails imaginable, curling it and fluffing it out, before adorning it with ribbons and making it as presentable as possible. Connected to the back of her dress was two stuffed purple pieces of fabric that mimicked the appearance of tails- and she had on some purple converse because the stars hadn't wished for her to find their matching pair very easily.
Her mask was your standard masquerade one, from an anonymous party from a year ago, which she'd just stuck a bright red craft gem into the center- she'd also put one at the top of her egg to truly match.It looked fine, so she assumed she'd at least pass for an Umbreon- if the person squinted and wished on the stars hard enough.
She'd spent the majority of the night mingling with strangers and handing out business cards, giving predictions and just... avoiding the dancefloor. The stars hadn't graced her with that ability, no-sir-ee! But there was so much going on, Eri could almost get lost in the magic of it all... She had heard from a passerby about some sort of stellar maze, and despite her want to continue handing out buisness cards she'd found herself curious, and going up the stairs to their entrance.
"Okay, eggy-" She began, stroking a hand over it idly, "This could be a stellar experience for you, something that will bring the stars back to the sky- it... might be scary, but I promise nothing will falter your glow!" Stars, she probably looked crazy, talking to her egg in the middle of a doorway.
Koray had wandered up the stairs from the dancing, curious as to what could be up here. There weren't many people up here, and it was nice to be alone for a time. As much as he loved dancing, Koray was getting a little too peopled out. That, and the sheer amount of ghosts he could feel was starting to overwhelm him. There were so many around that it made him all too aware that they were influencing him, perhaps to add to the mystery of the masquerade ball. Perhaps it was something more mischievous. The anonymity was pretty great though, especially since he didn't have to worry about who he might offend. It's not like they were going to remember who he was anyway.
This maze though... it intrigued him, and with Rowan by his side he felt more confident about going through and possibly being able to clear the rooms. Whatever that entailed. Outside the maze entrance however he found... what seemed to be an Espeon? Well, having a partner wouldn't be too bad. Clearing his throat a little just to draw attention to himself, he overheard the Espeon talking about some stars and glowing that... Was that Elbereth?"Elbereth? Is that you?" Koray asked without thinking. The anonymity was there for a reason to avoid situations like this. Maybe it was a bad idea to reveal his identity. Perhaps he'd wait and see what this maybe Eri's reaction would be first.
The egg didn't respond- but really, could it? Eri gave it a soft pat, her beam never once leaving her features. This would be good for the egg, this would give it some much needed experience! She went to move forward, however the sound of a person behind her caused her steps to falter, and she blinked. Turning to glance behind her and ensuring the Egg stayed safely at her side she blinked, barely catching the tail end of what they said.
Elbereth? Oh! From Koray- er- Sirius! The name that was in the notes that she thought had been making fun of her before- how the stars quivered when she lost her glimmer at them that night- but everything was sparkly now! She had kinda left Sirius in the middle of a route when Tauri had eaten a shell that he probably shouldn't have, but now the fates brought him back to her! "Oh! What a shimmering fate, Sirius! The stars did bless you with great costume design skills!"
She turned fully to approach him, her eyes sparkling. "Ooooh, but please, call me Eri- my mothers take pride in the name, and doesn't it fit~?" That and the name Elbereth kinda brings up bad memories of her recalling the name as a term used to bully and spite her- to mock her even.Another laugh, "I'm sorry I had to run off before, Sirius, but I promise Tauri's stars are shining again."
It was Eri. That was a good thing or he might have very well embarrassed himself by calling a stranger Elbereth. The name was special for a number of reasons, but mainly because it meant queen of the stars. What better name for someone that saw themselves as a guide? Koray lost count of the number of times Eri talked about stars. It was fitting, or so he thought. It seemed that Eri had recognized him from the name though and...was still calling him Sirius? Alright then. He supposed it was just another quirk and accepted the nickname of sorts for now.
"It's still Koray," he corrected lightly, though he did grin at hearing the compliment on his costume, "Thank you, I couldn't think of a more perfect way to reuse an old dancing coat. Goes well with Dusknoir's aesthetic." That was true enough and it seemed just like last time she had an egg in her arms. Not that he was surprised, but when she corrected his use of her name as well, he couldn't help but chuckle.
"This from the one who insists on calling me Sirius?" Koray teased, "If you call me Sirius, I'll call you Elbereth, or Elby if you like that better. Sound fair?" he continued before hearing the explanation and following apology. At first he had thought that the reason why she'd run off was because he'd said something wrong. He'd seen the Budew's plight though and was glad to hear that he was doing well. "That's great news, I'm glad he's better. You've met Rowan before, my Phantump." As if on cue, the Phantump materialized again next to him and waved, giving a coo in greeting.
Smiling warmly, he reached out to pat the Phantump who cheered happily, twirling a little to show off. "Have you been to the ball yet? Your costume is really neat too. Espeon, right?" Koray asked, wondering if he could maybe snag a dance with her later. It would be fun. "I was enjoying the dancing but I had to take a break for a little while. There's... a lot of ghosts around here and I guess I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed." A shrug would be given after that, not really able to articulate just what he was feeling. The ghosts were friendly at least so that was a plus but it was making his spirit sensing go crazy.
Oh! He was a Dusknoir! Stars, that made a bit more sense now, still didn't make the costume any less dazzling though! "A costume graced by the celestials above, though it looks as if... it might need a little more bedazzling." Her eyes practically shimmered for a moment as she moved to gently pat her egg, she might have to bedazzle this little guys chosen accessory when they hatch, too... just to please the stars.
A pout met her features of his insistence of the weird nickname, defending her use of Sirius with, "Stars- it's not a nickname, it's a name the stars graced you with- they grace all the stars with a name, of which I call them. Just- if you're going to use 'Elby' at least use it sparingly, the stars and mumma gave me the name Eri for a reason!" there was a slight huff to her tone before she moved to brush her fingers over the edge of her skirt, puffing it out further, that was really all she could ask, the one thing she wanted was for stars to respect her as a star guide. Her eyes moved to find the Phantump for a moment, and she managed to smile softly and offer her hand to the stump pokemon, "Hello, star guide! It was in the fates that we meet again!"
At his comment about the ball Eri fidgeted, "I didn't come to dance, buuut I did quite enjoy the social aspect of it all! I'm certain every star down there has my card, incase they have any sparkling issues that I have to take care of for them!" She laughed softly, her hands leaving her skirt to flick her hair.
"Overwhelmed by ghosts? Stars, the prospect of them it terrifying, isn't it?" There was a curious tilt to her head, "Buuuut ghost pokemon are truly adorable, graced by the shimmers above, there's no reason to be afraid, Sirius!"
The tidbit about needing more bedazzling had Koray chuckling, shaking his head. "I opted not to choose the shiny version of Dusknoir or I might agree with you," aside from that he didn't think that gems, rhinestones, or sequins would add to the costume he'd created. If anything, it would detract from the mysterious air he was trying to create around him. The pout that followed the jest he'd made about a nickname for a nickname was a bit surprising. Of course, Koray hadn't exactly realized what Sirius meant or why the stars had given him such an outrageous name. He could agree to the terms for the use of Elbereth however, maybe it was too special of a name to be used too often.
"Very well, I'll use it sparingly. But I still don't think Sirius is fitting for me. I'm far from the brightest star in the sky. My light was extinguished years ago," Koray explained, glad to have the subject changed from him to Rowan instead. Rowan of course went right up to Eri and nuzzled her hand, wanting pets or treats. Or maybe both! When the subject changed to the ball, Koray noted the way Eri fidgeted. That was fine, maybe dancing wasn't her thing? Oh, apparently she came to offer others her business instead. It was a good networking plan but all the same it... was unusual to break the anonymity just to network.
Before he could ask about that however, she changed the subject to why he had stepped away from the party to begin with. He was overwhelmed and... well, it didn't seem she quite understood, "No, no. It's... not that I'm afraid of ghosts. Almost all of my team consist of ghost pokemon after all," Koray explained, giving a shake of his head, "Well, you can hear what the stars want, right? The spirits... or ghosts, talk to me. And with there being so many around? It's... it's like the static buzzing on TV. Except each buzz is a different voice. Does that make sense?" Hopefully it did. He didn't know how else to explain it.
Her pout eventually died down as he began speaking again, her hand moving over the small eggs form almost soothingly as Koray spoke, without actually realizing it. Eri adored pokemon eggs, especially after reading so much about them- sent by the stars, they were truly blessed. As Koray brought doubt to his chosen nickname however a soft smile graced Eri's features, and her hand moved from her egg to rest at her hip. "Years ago? Well lucky for you, Sirius, it's my job to reignite your star!"
Another laugh left her lips, "Truly, the fates are shining in your favour! You shine brighter than you know- your potential? Practically blinding. You may not think you shine, Koray, but i-" A hand was brought up to her eye, and she tapped right next to it almost dramatically, "-Can see otherwise! You dare doubt the stars?"
Oh, thank the stars! There was no reason to be afraid by such mons blessed by the stars, especially not stellar ghost types! He was just blessed and able to hear them! "So... ghosts are like your gods who communicate with you?" A head tilt, curious and intrigued, "That's stellar, Siri! You have a gift you can harness! I hear the stars everywhere, they speak to me- well- sometimes- technically..." She trailed off, she couldn't... reall- enough about that! "Like... stargazing and being around so many at once is so tingly, yknow- is it hard with so many ghosties around, though? Do they buzz around your head, or like, probe your thoughts like... bzzzzt?"
Geez, this girl just doesn't quit, does she. Koray still didn't know why Eri kept insisting that he was a star and that it was her job to reignite it. He was skeptical about it to say the least of things but just shrugged in response. It wasn't his job to tell Eri what she could or couldn't do. Then she went on about how the fates shone in his favor and... well, it was a hard pill to swallow. Him? Have potential? Yeah right...
Koray shrugged again at the question about doubting the stars and looked down when she mentioned his gift. Heh, more like a curse if he was honest with himself. Kicking at the ground, Koray shook his head, "No, it's not, actually. Ghosts... they're not like gods. I don't have any. Sometimes... they're cruel. I have the scars to prove it. Not all ghosts are friendly. And thank Arceus they can't... get in my head," he shuddered at the thought of the spirits in his head. It had been bad enough over the years when they inflicted physical harm to him. Mental harm? No. He wouldn't let himself dwell on that possibility.
"With the exception of my own pokemon, I find it... difficult to be around so many... feelings. At least these ghosts don't seem malevolent..." Koray murmured, holding Rowan closer to him who cooed softly, staring up at his trainer in concern. Was something wrong?
Eri seems confused, especially the more Koray goes on. The ghosty stars attack him? But that's silly! If they were stars or star guides in the past life, why would they have it out for him? Especially when he was the one who was gifted with being able to talk to them?! If a star so much as attacked her, well, her mumma's would give them a stern talking to. "...But why would something so ethereal be mean?" her head tilted slightly, as if trying to formulate her own thoughts on why. "Especially when you're probably one of the only ones who can communicate with them- wouldn't they wish for you to send a shimmer back to those they once knew?"
She held her egg close, eyes flicking up to Koray's. "If my mummas became ghosts, they'd go straight to the stars and become stardust, so the ghosties are lucky, y'know?" She waited a few beats before letting out a soft giggle to break the tension she was sure she'd caused, moving towards the door, egg held close to herself- she could feel it moving, it would hatch any second, surely. "Whatever the case, if you wanna get away from em... come through the door with me, Sirius! Let's go on a stellar adventure!"
Koray was...uncomfortable. He didn't like talking about his gift like this and just shook his head at her questions. It was hard to explain the way spirits worked and even harder to explain that not everything was going to be happy that he could sense them. "Spirits... aren't like the stars, Eri. Not all of them are happy that you can sense them or talk to them. It's.... made me a target, many times," Koray explained briefly, shifting uncomfortably while holding Rowan close, opting not to look at Eri. The Phantump cooed, nuzzling him to try and make him feel better. It did elicit a small smile but that quickly disappeared again when Eri continued.
Shifting uncomfortably, Koray didn't really say anything but just nodded, stepping into the door after Eri without another word. At that point, he would be thankful for anything that would take his mind off of the prior conversation. Besides, the maze should be fun... right? Right. "What do you think we'll find?" Koray asked after a moment, turning the corner to what looked to be some sort of room. Huh, this wasn't what he was expecting when he imagined a maze.
The dual hair girl didn't understand-- how could she? Koray had been given a gift. Something stellar by the beings above. Couldn't he see that? Maybe the ghosties were mean, but if he's living with it, then he had to learn to find a safe inbetween with them and not let them hurt him! It's not like the stars actually wanted to talk to Eri- half the time messing with her spirits was their favorite past time! But she could deal with the odd slap or spit from a stranger, especially if it was in the fates!
And right now the fates were telling her it was probably a bad thing to attempt and continue this conversation- which they told her through the soft cracking of the Egg she cradled. Already?! A shriek all but left Eri's lips and her eyes went wide, pausing in the doorway and staring at Koray in alarm. "A-AHHH... The stars just adore messing with me too, see?!" There was almost a huff to her voice, and she moved to find the nearest wall, quickly crouching against it and placing the egg onto her lap. Blankets- she needed blankets. Blankets, warmth- she didn't know what this egg was, she couldn't make specific preparations but...
Eri turned to Koray, her gaze intense. "Okay- uh- Some babies can be aggressive when they hatch- stay back, Koray?" her gaze was back to the egg in an instant, which had started glowing, and the girl gently pulled it back to her chest, gently running her hands over it and muttering soft encouragements, eyes closed behind the mask. She just hoped the baby was alright- she had received this egg from a stranger, after all.
A few seconds past and the egg suddenly isn't an egg- in Eri's arms is now a Raltz, letting out a series of cries. Eri was quick to bring the creature closer to her, giggling softly, "Oh thank the stars- Hey, baby, hiii~" The Raltz moved to peer up at her, through loud noises. Eri continued to smile- a Raltz. She could handle a Raltz. "Welcome to the world, little star guide- oh i'll have to get you all warmed up!"
She moved quickly, grabbing the nearby blanket and wrapping it around the softly sobbing Raltz, who reached out to her with his hands almost needily. "I know- I know baby, you need warmth... warm... Carinae. You need warmth, Cari?"
As Eri moved tohold him again, he leaned into her chest. Eri was grinning. She took good care of this egg, kept it safe, and for now Cari didn't seem like much trouble. Raltz were known for sensing the emotions of people, so if she kept calm and happy? Things should be okay! Moving up quickly, holding the mon with both hands she turned to Koray again, a twinkle in her eyes.
"...See, even when the stars are messing with me, I can get something good out of it. All I need to take care of this baby is at home- so all I can give him right now is warmth and affection- would you be able to stay as calm as possible in the maze- y'know what Raltz are like, right?" There was a tilt to her head, the question rolling of her tongue. The Raltz in question had begun tugging on her hair, letting out a series of coo's which Eri returned with her own little laugh.
A few beats and she's managed to ensure he was settled, and moved to the door, "Sorry for the hold-up, Sirius- are you ready to make your stellar potential known?"
You enter a room filled with cobwebs and spider Pokemon. You must navigate the webs to get through the room. There is a long table in the middle of the room. On top of the table, there are three candy bowls, and a sign reading "Choose 1". The bowl on the left has a live Joltik atop it. The bowl in the middle has a creepy hand sticking out of it. The bowl on the right has a cobweb atop. Pick a bowl. Players may pick different bowls or the same one. Roll one die at the end of your post.
Words: 293 | Tag:Eri Novae | Notes: Choosing Joltik bowl
Well, going through the door was the initial idea... at least until Eri's egg started to hatch and derailed that little escape plan. Ah well, at least it was a good distraction from the admittedly uncomfortable topic they'd been on. He wasn't even that close to the egg when Eri stopped to give him that warning and then suddenly there was a Ralts in Eri's arms and Koray couldn't stop smiling. Eri was... so good with hatchlings, he made a side note to ask her about what to do with the eggs he'd somehow gotten saddled with. They were safe at home though, so that was a thought for a later time.
Rowan was curious about the baby Eri'd opted to name Carinae and approached, waving hello to the Ralts. Koray heard the question and looked back up from Cari, tilting his head a little. "Can't say I do. But, I have a feeling this maze might be... intense. I'll try my best, but..." Koray said after a moment, shrugging before sighing at hearing the nickname again. He would just... have to get used to it.
Closing his eyes for a brief moment, Koray breathed in deeply, Right. Calm, stay calm. Rowan floated back over to him and cooed softly, eliciting a soft smile. Right. Into the maze. He didn't have to answer that last question considering he was already walking into the room. Wow... they really went all out with the Halloween decor. The cobwebs and... spider pokemon were a little unnerving but well, he could handle this much. Mmmm, maybe if he had Rowan distract the Joltik, he would be able to see what was in the bowl. It was worth a shot at the very least.
He has a feeling the maze might be intense?! She hopes that wasn't in the stars plans- she had little baby Cari now, afterall! Said baby seemed incredibly keen to just pull at her hair, seemingly having a cheeky grin on his face. Well... wasn't he precious. This was fine! Eri could do this! Bouncing the Raltz in her arms and enjoying the little coo that came from his lips- and ignoring the slight tug on her hair, she went forwards into the maze. Koray was calming himself, which was good. "Raltz can feel emotions using their horns, so if there's any upsetting ones its probably not very good for little Cari here!"
Hearing his name, Cari chirped in response and Eri beamed, she remained happy and jolly, despite the sudden change in atmosphere. So she had to go through webs? Hopefully the fates could guide her, then! Eri smiled at the Joltik around her, attempting to bob and weave her way through the webs, bouncing Raltz all the while to keep him happy, until he started reaching out towards... the bowl with the hand? Guess that's where the duo were going then! "If you say so, Cari!"
A few steps forward, and Eri was peering into it, with Cari eagerly attempting to reach into it.
The Joltik tries to bite you, but you are agile enough to move out of the way. The Joltik scurries off, allowing you to take 2 Rare Candies. Your bag has been updated! Onto the next room!
You aren't stealthy enough, and the hand grabs you! You try to pull free, but find its grip and weight impossibly resistant for what should be just a toy! Roll a die.
Koray grinned when he managed to outsmart the Joltik with Rowan's help. Hell yeah, they were a great team! "Thanks Rowan! Look, we did it!" Koray cheered, showing the Phantump the prize he'd gotten. Specifically, the two rare candies that were now in his hand after freeing them from out from under the Joltik. It looked like he could move to the next room too which was cool! Maybe this maze wasn't as bad as he thought.
At least that was until he saw Eri struggling with this... hand that had grabbed her and immediately tried to help free her. "It's alright, I-I'm going to try and get you out. Rowan, you too!" Koray said, practically rambling as he tried to pull her out.
As Cori went to reach for it Eri attempted to stop him, moving to inspect it with her own hand instead- only for it to clamp down around her. A startled noise left Eri’s mouse and Raltz mimicked her shock, a loud cry leaving his mouth. The stars were trying to mess with her, but she wasn’t going to let them win that easily! Glancing over to Koray, who’d moved to begin helping her she attempting to use her free hand to pry at the fingers, a pout resting on her lips.
“Cori, baby this isn’t your fault, you don’t need to keep crying star guide.” But Cori was having none of it, a soft whimper leaving his lips. The girl had attempted to bounce him now, tucking him inbetween her arm and her chest while still trying to pry her hand free- maybe she should try talking nicely to the hand?
“Excuse me, mr hand- could you, uh let me go please? The stars have big plans for today, I’m sure!”
You can't escape even with Koray's help!! In what must be an illusion, but feels very real, everything goes dark. The hand seems to grow larger and picks you up, then flings you through the darkness! You land outside the maze. You have been ejected.
You enter a room that seems to have only a pit between you and the door on the other side. The backlit plaque at the front reads: "Have faith… and careful footing."
If you step out or carefully test it, you will find the entire thing solid, just invisible, against the door side of the pit, but only for a few feet. After that, it changes into a more narrow winding path. Make 3 Dexterity rolls.
"ERI!!!" Koray watched in horror as the hand grew around Eri and proceeded to throw her into complete and utter darkness. He knew it was the ghosts, he knew it was an illusion but dammit, that didn't make him feel any better. A scream would break the silence as he punched a wall only to somehow be pushed... through the wall and into the next room. Apparently the ghosts didn't want him sticking around the room any longer either.
Rowan was giving the ghosts around him an earful as well but eventually was led to the next room where Koray was still... banging on the wall with the now sealed door. Fuck, dammit... this is stupid. Apparently he was too upset to see the sign and hint about getting to the other side. The Phantump floated over to his trainer, cooing softly in what he hoped was a comforting way. It was the only thing that seemed to snap Koray out of his self loathing spiral at not being able to help Eri. At least for the moment.
"R-right... the only way out is forward," Koray muttered, taking a few deep breaths to try and calm himself. All he had to do was keep walking and hope for the best, right? At least that was what it seemed they had to do from the plaque.
You manage to make it across the path to the other side of the room, and the door opens! Onto the next room!
Congratulations! You have advanced to the third room!
You have entered the room.
What will you do?
You enter a room more brightly lit than the others. It looks like a child's room, and a soft melody plays. There are 3 creepy dolls sitting on a shelf in the middle of the room, with a box of doll clothes beneath them. The clothing options are: Doctor, Princess, Cowgirl, Ballerina, Unicorn Onesie, Superheroine, Fairy. A sign beneath the dolls reads: "Dress me!" Each doll has a riddle attached.
Doll 1: Grace and poise are hers to claim. Entertainment is her aim. It may look easy, but don't be fooled. For years and years this girl has schooled.
Doll 2: The purest of hearts and the fairest of looks, you'll find her in meadows or by flowing brooks. Her whimsical charms can charm almost any, though of her kind there are not many.
Doll 3: A maiden fair, with heart so pure. The bravest folk she does allure. With nary a wrinkle and not a pimple, her image is a status symbol.
Special note: Staff characters must roll a special die and get 30 or higher for their character to figure out the puzzle, since they know the answer. Remove this if no one is staff.
Mod Call
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