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.
... She didn't expect for a Furfrou to suddenly stick his head out of the grass - grass that shouldn't have even been able to obscure him at all with his large size, unless he had been pressed down to the ground this whole time...! The Furfrou, rising to his full height - easily towering over any of Ettie's canines, and even Ettie for that matter! - would prowl out from the grass - glancing first to the trainers and pokemon assembled, then down to the Lillipup that called on him.
Briefly, the two canine pokemon would converse in barks - seemingly talking about the assembled trainers, Anne would note as she listened in with a perked ear - before the two dogs would glance to the group. The wild Lillipup would first run up to Anne, and do a play bow - barking in challenge, it seemed...! Though normally quite lax, she hadn't had someone closer to her size to play with in awhile - the furfrou, though a friend, was much too big...! The Furfrou, meanwhile, would bark to Ettie, tail wagging, head bowed low in a similar playful gesture!
Ettie, seeming to catch on, would grin; hunching down low... And pouncing at the Furfrou, laughing with glee...! "Arf arf..!" She'd end up bowling into the larger dog - the Furfrou allowing himself to tumble over - as they both began to play-wrestle in the dirt, Ettie laughing brightly all the while. The Furfrou, technically, had the advantage - though Ettie didn't even mind, squirming out from underneath whenever he'd gain the advantage, to try and pounce into him once more...!
Meanwhile, there was Anne and the Lillipup's little fight - more a for-fun spar or playfight than anything. The Lillipup had the advantage in regards to being higher level, as well as having a STAB move with her Tackle. Anne, however, had a greater move variety - in Sucker Punch and Sand Attack - on top of being a rock-type, which meant that the Lillipup's tackles wouldn't hurt as hard. As a result? It was hard to say who, exactly, would have an upper hand in this fight...!
It was safe to say though, that it quickly became a thing of mind-games between the two canines; once the Lillipup caught on to how Anne's Sucker Punch worked, they both began having to play what must've been 4D chess in their heads, trying to predict just what the other's intentions were as they exchanged blows, sand attacks, and leers..!
Duchess and Princess, meanwhile, would both be watching the fight as it went on. Duchess, excited, would be cheering Anne on with barks and yips as she bounced about - while Princess was just grumbling a bit. Couldn't she catch a powernap, while they were all idling about here...?
However, Anne's liberal use of Sand Attacks seemed to be gaining her the advantage. Even with the Lillipup's Leers weakening her defenses, it only did so much if the pup could actually land her Tackles on her...! Meanwhile, the Lillipup lacked any ability to increase her evasion or decrease Anne's accuracy - and thus, was getting tuckered out bit by bit with the Rockruff's Tackles and Sucker Punches.
By the end of the spar, both canines would be panting hard - Anne tuckered out from the few tackles that the Lillipup managed to land while she was weakened with Leer, and the Lillipup meanwhile tuckered out from being whittled down as she was. However, the fight wasn't over yet - and hunkering down, they'd prepare to clash once more...
... Until a sudden flash in the sky, followed by the crash of distant thunder, would interrupt them...! Anne and the Lillipup both would jump at this, visibly startled after having been so focused on eachother. Duchess and Princess would yelp a bit at the sudden loud noise as well, the Electrike huddling closer to her sister Snubbull - who simply growled at the sky, as if angry at the storm for startling the both of them. Even the Furfrou seemed alarmed at the thunder, letting out a yelp as he suddenly stood up - Ettie on his back - and leaped into a nearby bush to hide, his tucked tail and backside being the only things sticking out of it...!
Ettie, surprised at the sudden movement, would make a little yelp of her own - though it'd melt into soft and sympathetic laughter, her hand combing through the Furfrou's fur. "It's okay, buddy..!" She'd reassure him with a wide smile - mentioning "It's just a storm, it won't hurt you!"
Reluctant, the Furfrou would glance back towards her through the leaves and branches - tail tucked - and let out a soft whine in response, as if to ask 'You sure...?' Such a big noise like that - the Furfrou's hasty nature expressing itself in being quick witted, yet paranoid and prone to jumping to conclusions - his mind had immediately jumped to it being a monster! Who knew what kind of big pokemon could be hiding, just beyond the trees that blocked one's vision, after all?
Ettie, her sympathy leaking into even her expression, would continue to pet the Furfrou; resting her head against him. "I promise, it's okay..." She'd continue to comfort the Furfrou in a softer tone; nuzzling against his fur. "Even if it's anything scary, you got me, my pack, and all of our friends to look after you..!"
The Furfrou, for a few moments, would be silent as he mulled over Ettie's promise; worries and logic briefly warring in his head, but... When he suddenly made his mind up, it would be quite suddenly; standing up and out of the bush...! He'd try to hold his head high, tail straight, as if he hadn't been scared at all in the first place - before marching back to the assembled group.
The Lillipup, meanwhile, decided that she'd had her fill of tussling; shaking herself out, and yawning both in exhaustion, and her nerves being a hair frayed from being startled by the coming storm. She'd glance over to the Furfrou, and bark - as though to call him over.
When the Furfrou would glance between the group though, he'd shake his head in response. He liked these people - and wanted to hang around for just awhile longer, even if it was probably going to rain.
The Lillipup regarded her friend's decision for a few moments, as though mulling it over, before nodding. She'd bark once more - this time in a farewell to the assembled group - before running off, disappearing into the foliage...!
Ettie, curious, would shift a bit - sitting on the Furfrou's back proper - as she glanced to him. "You're staying with us, then...?" She'd question curiously, her eyes lighting up in delight when the Furfrou barked in confirmation. Anne, Duchess, and Princess would all approach the larger canine to investigate him - the Snubbull carrying the Lillipup egg with, which would be passed back up to Ettie.
As the pokemon investigated eachother, though... Ettie would blink a bit, as she felt something tap against the top of her hood..! Slowly, she'd glance upwards... Only to flinch a bit and squint her eyes closed, as a raindrop fell on her nose! It was starting to rain...! As of now, it was only a sprinkle - drops here and there, that had Ettie giggling a bit as she held out a hand to try and catch one. But, a distant rumble was sure to remind everyone here that the rain was sure to only grow heavier with time.
Anne, not entirely appreciative of the rain, would sidle closer to Ettie - whining softly. The young girl would understand immediately, leaning down to pat Anne's head. "It's okay, Anne; I'll call you back until things dry back up." She'd reassure the Rockruff - pulling out a pokeball, and calling Anne back into it. Princess, too, seemed ready to go back into her pokeball - returning into it all by herself..!
Which left Ettie, Duchess, the egg, and the still-wild (but seemingly keen on sticking around) and nameless Furfrou.
While Anne and Princess both weren't interested in the rain though, Duchess appeared to love it - barking happily as she tried in vain to chase after the raindrops before they fell..! Her fur, all the while, would be sparking amidst her excitement; crackling audibly. This was great! She loved the feeling that the air had to it, she loved seeing the drops of water fall, this was all so excitingly new for her...!
Ettie couldn't help a laugh at this, smiling brightly as she watched the excited Electrike bounce about. Someone was having fun...!
She'd turn her attention to Azur and Shalin now - noting that Azur seemed to have some new pokemon, and that even his egg had hatched! Experimentally, she'd nudge the Furfrou with her heel and gently tug at the fur on his neck - coaxing him in the direction of the others, and giggling a bit as she did. Riding a pokemon like this was new, but... She liked this..! Glancing over to Shalin, she'd wave to her - calling "Look! I'm riding a pokemon, like you are! Ehehehe...!"
She, admittedly, wasn't too sure what she was doing; but the Furfrou was cooperating well enough, despite that. Maybe Shalin could give her some pointers?
Next, Ettie would approach Scathach from her new friend's back - smiling down to her. "Aren't you a cutie! Hi there...!" She'd coo happily, reaching down to offer her hand to the Toxel in greeting. Once first impressions were out of the way though, she'd glance to Azur - her expression curious and inquisitive. "They kind of look like an electric type; right Azur?" She'd ask him, tilting her head a bit. "I bet they'd love this storm, like Duchess is right now...!"
Whether or not she was right stood to be seen - occasionally glancing to the Toxel, to see just what Scathach's thoughts about all of this were. Though, one thing was for sure; it probably would be prudent for them all to get moving soon, just in case the storm ends up being a big one. As if sensing this, the Furfrou would turn in the direction that Azur and Ettie had been originally going, and would start moving; padding down the road on his own. Duchess, curious, would follow after - yipping to her newest friend all the while! OOC: This Furfrou is from Wonder Trading, just inserting him into my party now.
Static is active, Electric Incense has 4 rolls left!
Anne the Rockruff - Level 5 > Level 6 - 4/5 Energy Duchess the Electrike - Level 1 - 5/5 Energy Princess the Snubbull - Level 1 - 5/5 Energy Pierre the Furfrou - Level 8 - 5/5 Energy
Shalin simply nodded back at Azur, noticing the Blissey drawn into the big man's Ultra Ball. "I see now." Caprice ruffled the middle seven of her tails as the wind suddenly picked up. Shalin took a look up - the entire west half of the sky was a very scary dark gray. She felt the first raindrop on her nose, and more followed. "Welp," Shalin sighed, holding Caprice's Poké Ball in her hand before turning to Ettie. "Gotta bring her back...sorry, I forgot to ask both your names! Got caught up with those Pokémon back there. If I didn't say it before, I'm Shalin. Shalin Nariya, wildest Pokémon rider this side of Arciel!"
The blonde and her Persian turned toward Duchess as soon as they heard a crackling sound. "...But I don't think we're getting the chance to do that now," she voiced her concern as the rain grew from a mist to a drizzle to a steady fall in little time at all. "We should hurry up and get to Plum before things get too much--" A bright flash interrupted Shalin and she started counting aloud. She got to about twenty-five when a loud boom shook a few leaves off a nearby tree.
The explorer was used to dealing with rolling thunderstorms when far from town, but this was a big one. Shalin dismounted Serena and recalled all of her Pokémon--no time to even take their gear off. She was impressed with Ettie's handling of the Furfrou, and bareback at that. Was this girl, like her, a natural rider? She watched Ettie guide the normal-type around some nearby trees, her traveling companion giggling. "Not bad, but we don't have time for--" Another bright flash, and she was counting again. This time she made it just shy of twenty before the corresponding explosion of sound. This one was louder, too - she could even feel the ground shaking a little bit. Even a hive of Burmy and Wormadam brought themselves closer to the trunk of the tree they were hunkering down around - very smart.
"...There's nowhere to run," Shalin thought aloud, stopping for a few seconds before speaking up to Ettie and Azur. "I don't need a notification from the weather service to know this storm is bad." She pointed to a section of forest just off-road where the trees were most dense. "Had I realized this was coming in so quickly, I'd have waited a day to come down here. How much do you know about outdoor thunderstorm safety - do you two have any more electric Pokémon?" she asked. "That way if a stray lightning bolt comes our way, it will strike them and not us."
Whew, he caught the Blissey! That's a very nice thing! Azur let the Blissey out, who now just smiled at him while shaking her entire body in good natured exasperation. "Well then, what should I nickname you? How about Ciela?" The Blissey seem to approve of this. With the storm coming however, the Blissey requested to be returned to the Pokeball, but not before asking the same for the rest of the team. Tristan, although generally not into getting back inside the ball, this time consented. It takes a bit of coaxing for Gusios to do the same... Zeit meanwhile outright refused, seem to be worried about the party.
"Will you be alright?" Azur asked to his Arcanine, who barked in affirmation. "Right, I'll let you out for the meantime then. But please don't push yourself, alright?"
The two of them (and Scathach who still hangs out because she doesn't seem to mind the weather) is looking at Ettie and the rest meanwhile. Looks like she got another dog in her entourage... Come to think of it, how many was this again? With the Lillipup egg, it's close to around six dogs, isn't it? Anne, Duchess, Princess, Furfrou... yeah, that's five. That's a pack over there! Zeit patiently waited for Anne to be done sparring before somehow scooting closer to her and licks her. It's his way of saying good job it seems. Thanks to Anne's protectiveness back when Zeit was still scared and felt like everyone is out to get him, he too felt a sense of kinship toward her. Perhaps he secretly acknowledged her as the pack leader or something?
The storm though would make him flinch and whine. "Is it time to get inside, Zeit?" Azur asked once again. The Arcanine shook his head a no. Scathach the Toxel however doesn't seem to be affected the slightest. She's still as expressionless as ever, with her tongue blepping out. Ettie's approach made her blink, but beside that slow blink, Sca just looked at her straight. Side by side with the trainer like this, it looked like they have similar expression somehow.
"Toxels are Electric-Poison types. They're Baby Pokemons, that's their classification," Azur explained. "In Galar, they're rather popular, especially among musicians apparently. That is because they evolve to Toxtricity, a Pokemon often knows for their ability to produce rather... rockin' sound, if you got it. Having her around made me feel like being home somehow."
To the offered handshake, the Toxel looked at it, before gently grabbing it. Ettie might would feel a bit of tingling sensation. "...Ah, I forgot to say, but Toxel's skin are a poisonous, but not the kind that could kill you. It makes you feel some unpleasant feeling, like being hit by a low buzzing electricity. Just don't hold it too long, alright?"
Sca slowly released the offered hand and yawned. She's quite the mysterious one it seems. Hearing the storm again, Azur turned off his phone. "Phone off. It could cause lightning to hit us if we turn it on," he would explain. "In the cities it won't be so bad, but out on open like this it'll be dangerous."
The girl, Shalin asked about their names. "Oh, right. That was late of me... Azur Schild, a nurse. Wildest Pokemon Rider eh... make sure to be careful on riding, but considering the amount of ridable Pokemon you have on hand I guess you're an experienced one. And yes, let's look for shelters..."
...Get to Plum? "Um, we're heading toward Cherry at the moment, I think that would mean turning ourselves back there..." another lightning. Zeit whined, but he looked as if he's trying to be brave. ..Shalin counted... to twenty five? "...That's not good. We need shelter immediately. We're going off road, but it's best to go to the forest right now. It's not good to stay on the main road like this. We can get struck."
Going to Plum by main road really isn't good. Their best bet is to keep moving.
The next one was twenty... Azur cursed. "Stay about 20 feet apart from one another if possible... that's about six meters for any metric users. I know I do. If lightning struck, duck. Don't run. Balance on the ball of your feet. Let's look for any covers in the forest whenever possible. Avoid any lone tree. That much I know."
...But Shalin's next suggestion made Azur's eyes widened. "...No, absolutely not. These little ones are not strong enough for that. They're either just newly hatched or too small for that. Great case scenario they could tank it and get a little bit fever out of it. Bad case scenario we'll be overloading their electricity organ, and it could lead to permanent damage. Unless you're talking about a Pokemon with Lightning Rod ability, I suggest you give it up." Azur pulled his hood up. "To minimize the chance of us being struck, I actually suggest to send Duchess and Scathach back to Pokeball, Ettie."
Just as he said this, Azur tossed his Pokeball at Scathach and stored it on his bag. "Everyone's already in, Zeit. You too." Finally, the Arcanine consented and returned to his Pokeball. He was too small for a ride, therefore he can't ride him. At times like this, Azur wished that he come more prepared...
"Let's go."
Azur immediately headed toward forest. The rain starting to pick up. He saw a Misdreavus floating near him, as if trying to find shelter along with him. "You too, eh? Best not float so close to me... But if you want to come with us for the moment, you can. Sadly I'm not going to humor you if you want to do any battle with us."
It cried in a happy manner, as if finding that proposal absolutely fine in itself. Well... come to think of it, could he somehow ask it for help? "Sorry to bother you a bit, little one, could you happen to help us a bit? We need somewhere to shelter from this storm... somewhere deep and dry, perhaps."
It let another cry and floats ahead. Here he is, asking a Pokemon for being a guide, but at the very least he's willing to bet on it.
"I'm going to follow the Misdreavus! It seem to have an idea where we could find a shelter! What do you two think?" Current Team: Tristan (Ralts) - lv2 4/5 Zeit (Arcanine) lv2 5/5 Gusios (Bagon) lv1 5/5 Scathach (Toxel) lv1 5/5 Ciela (Blissey) lv4 5/5 (OOC: Keeping the Misdreavus tagging along for the meantime)
Anne, upon receiving the lick from Zeit, would bark softly to him in greeting; nuzzling the larger Arcanine affectionately, and licking him back. Ever since they had met, Anne seemed to be quite fond of the larger fiery canine; wanting to make sure that he was doing alright, no matter the situation. Anne, honestly, was unsure whether she'd file Zeit under a sibling, or cousin, or what; but she still considered him a welcome member of the pack nonetheless.
Additionally, there was Scathach; the little Toxel gently grabbing onto Ettie's hand, almost like how a baby might reflexively grab someone's finger. Though the tingling did make the young girl flinch a little in surprise, she'd giggle softly; running her thumb over the back of Toxel's hand briefly. "It doesn't really hurt or feel uncomfortable; at least not yet." Ettie would observe in response to Azur's word of caution, smiling to him. "Just kind of feels all tingly, like when I pet Duchess..!"
Duchess, at this mention, would tilt her head curiously, yipping softly to herself. She'd glance to her fur, then would glance down to her own paw; observing the way that the static ran across her charged hide. Tingly, huh...? She'd never really thought about how the static in her fur felt to other people...!
She'd still take a second to wipe her hand clean once Scathach let go, though; smiling warmly to the newborn Toxel. Okay, now she felt a slight sting there - but it honestly was quite easy to ignore; especially when Scathach had her attention right now. "You're rather quiet, aren't you?" She'd briefly muse to the Poison-Electric type, before adding with a giggle "And tired, too..!" as Sca yawned. Surely, a baby pokemon like this would evolve - and Ettie couldn't help but wonder, just what kind of pokemon Scathach would be, when she did evolve.
At Azur's instruction though, Ettie would pull her phone out - turning it off. She wasn't sure if such a little thing could really attract lightning, but she wasn't about to question Azur's judgement; trusting in the older trainer. And when Azur went to introduce himself to Shalin, Ettie would chirp up as well! "I'm Ettie Carnall! The Rockruff is my sister, Anne, and Duchess and Princess - the Electrike and Snubbull - are our baby sisters!" She'd introduce herself with a wide and happy smile; seemingly unaware of how odd it might've sounded, to call a bunch of pokemon her siblings, when she was a human. "It's nice to meet you, Shalin!"
After a few moments of thought though, she'd realize that the furfrou that she'd been riding on this whole time didn't have a name! Glancing down to her riding companion, she'd run her fingers through the Furfrou's fur along his neck - humming thoughtfully. "If you're gonna be in our pack, you need a name..." She'd muse, adding "Though I'm not sure if I have any ideas for names right now..."
Nonetheless, she'd urge the Furfrou to follow after Azur. She wasn't too sure how much 20 feet or six meters apart actually looked like; but he seemed to have a bit of a clue, immediately putting some distance between himself and the other pokemon. It wasn't exact, but the wild pokemon seemed quick-witted enough to adapt on the fly, on top of the sheer fact that he wasn't exactly keen on letting himself get stuck by lightning.
Ettie, meanwhile, seemed to have noted Shalin's counting, tilting her head a bit curiously in the other trainer's direction, but saying nothing. She knew what Shalin was doing; counting the time between flashes of lightning and crashes of thunder, to measure how far away the storm was - she'd learned it from her gang, long ago. But, it still was a bit curious seeing someone else count it out out loud, when she was used to doing it in her head.
Then though, was the suggestion that their electric types could draw the lightning to themselves, instead of the group. Ettie, even without Azur's protest, was a little unsure at the idea - not exactly comfortable with the idea of letting Duchess or Scathach be struck by lightning, even if they were both electric types. It just sounded dangerous, overall; and Azur seemed to share those sentiments...!
At the mention that they should return Duchess and Scathach to their balls, though... Duchess would whine softly; a bit disappointed. The storm felt great, just like this; and she liked chasing after all the raindrops! Ettie, sympathetic, would pat the canine on the head - promising "I'll let you back out so that you can play all you like, if the storm calms down enough to make it safe again; okay?" with a warm smile. The Electrike, seemingly reassured by this promise, would yip a bit in response; still disappointed that play would have to be put on pause for a bit, but willingly returning to her ball otherwise.
Which then left Azur, Ettie, the furfrou, Shalin, and Serena. Another flash in the sky would catch Ettie's attention - and curious, she'd begin to count in her head. One, two, three, four... Eventually, she'd reach a little under twenty before a crash of thunder would make the Furfrou shudder a bit. Thankfully, the storm's approach seemed to have slowed down just a hair - providing them with breathing room to find some proper shelter.
When a certain Misdreavus came along, though... The Furfrou would make a soft 'yipe!' of anxiety - fidgeting away from the ghost-type a bit. Nope. Nuh-uh. He's not about to mess with a ghost and get himself cursed. Despite what a certain catchy song from 1984 once said, he is - indeed - afraid of All The Ghosts.
Ettie, though, would pet the large canine's neck; giggling softly. "It's okay, buddy!" She'd softly reassure him; adding "They look friendly to me; and did you hear Azur? He thinks they know the way to some nice and safe shelter...! Let's follow after the nice Misdreavus together; okay buddy?"
The Furfrou would only whine in response - though he'd slowly, and hesitantly, follow after the group; yawning anxiously, and giving the ghost a wide berth as he did. He still wasn't sure about whether following a ghost in the forest was a good idea; but... He supposed it was, indeed, the best hope they had so far for some safety from the coming storm. Hopefully, things wouldn't get too spooky or topsy-turvy, in the process... OOC: Duchess' Static is active, 3 rolls left on Electric Incense
Anne the Rockruff - Level 6 - 4/5 Energy Duchess the Electrike - Level 1 - 5/5 Energy Princess the Snubbull - Level 1 - 5/5 Energy Pierre the Furfrou - Level 8 - 5/5 Energy
I don't even know if electric types spawn on this route I legit rolled 10 times I swear to god if I click on the Spawninator one more time and a Yamper shows up I am going to do a backflip.
"A nurse?" Shalin thought. Must have been a combat field nurse or something - with that kind of rippling body, she thought he was an athlete of some kind for sure! His mention of Plum being in the opposite direction made the blonde blush with embarrassment, her hair a mess from the now-steady rain. "Sorry - Cherry was what I meant. I don't know Arciel as well as I know Johto." When she suggested using electric Pokémon as shelter, she was shot down immediately - understandably so; the electric-types the two carried seemed to be either newborns or very young. "Oh, I didn't realize they were so young! Then I definitely agree with you, Azur."
Shalin turned her attention to Ettie, who seemed far more excited to introduce herself and her team. She didn't immediately reply when the young female referred to herself and her team of all canine Pokémon as "sisters". Once she heard her name mentioned, she snapped out of it. "All one big happy family, I see!" A sudden, strong gust of wind snapped a nearby tree limb, Shalin covering her head in case it was directly above her. The collapse was close, too - close enough for her to see a colony of Burmy and their queen Wormadam scattering from their nest shattering upon impact with the ground. No time to worry about them now, though - she had to get herself, Azur, and Ettie out of danger.
The green-dressed girl was still impressed Ettie was riding her Furfrou with no equipment at all. Though that species was one of the easiest to do it with, what with that thick fur being a great cushion, she was more concerned that the extra height from being aboard a Pokémon would make her more vulnerable to a lightning strike. "Once this nasty storm passes, we'll go out onto the beach and flats away from this forest, and I'll give you all the riding lessons you want."
She addressed Azur once more, who seemed to be following a Misdreavus. "Good idea - local wild Pokémon probably know the safest place in the woods during weather like this. If we had a bit more time, I could show you how to make a storm shelter from loose branches," Shalin explained, flaunting her survival skills to both her companions. "The wind's really picking up, though - the squall line will pass directly over us soon." With that, she started following the Misdreavus as well. As dangerous as falling debris was, a dense thicket of trees, especially shorter trees, was one of the safest places to be when caught outside in weather like this.
"Oh that's true. Duchess' fur is kind of static-like in its feel huh?" Azur idly run his hand through the Electrike's fur. "Yep, this is pretty similar. In a way I guess I'm happy that you don't mind her being all static-y like this, Ettie. A lot of Pokemon trainer often had no idea they feels like this and in turn often forgot to give their Pokemons enough affection. So its' good that you doesn't mind it."
Sca meanwhile looking at Ettie, tilting her head as if wondering if this girl is serious in not minding her hand feeling all tingly like that. Either way, she seem to not mind this young lady's presence. When she was addressed, the Toxel let out a lizard-like croak. It's seem her way of acknowledging that she's addressed. Quiet and tired, that's pretty much accurate. Sca yawned once more, idly looking between Azur and Ettie, then at Duchess. She would slowly climb Zeit down to approach Duchess, and... pat her? At least, that's what she's doing, as if mimicking what Azur was doing few minutes ago.
That is, until she was returned to the Pokeball. Azur caught Ettie's conversation with the Furfrou and chipped in. "Furfrous are originally from Kalos, so perhaps you should browse for Kalosian names?"
Shalin's mistakes are admittedly understandable. Azur answered with "It happens." Still, she was thankfully backing down after Azur explained the fact that the Pokemons are still very young. Good. Had she tried to press for it still, Azur going to toss hell... then again, he suppose he should forgive her if she does, considering she's young... but even when she's this young, she looked as if she got quite number of experience with her already, so that's great. Azur's decision to follow the Misdreavus might sounded strange, but whatever. He was amused at the sight of the Furfrou afraid of the ghost though. That was... interesting. Storm shelter from loose branch? "...I dunno if it would amount to much with this sort of wind blowing at us, but if you mean storm shelter as a door or something...?"
Either way...
It looked like the Misdreavus is guiding them toward a cave... before a Pokeball suddenly tossed at it! It managed to dodge, and it hits Azur instead! "Ow... what the he--ck!?" cursing in front of kids probably would be bad. Azur massaged his head.
"Oh, what? I was going to toss my Pokeball toward a Misdreavus, but I actually fished a cool looking youngster instead!? Oh my, Babs, you're such a sinful woman!"
From the cave, a woman came out. She looks like a woman in her twenties... for some strange reason though she... feels like she's out of place? Being that well dressed while in nature like this?
"Oh, what, you're travelling with your little sisters? I can appreciate a cool man like that! Say, say, how about if this storm pass we go on a date?"
"...Lady, I'm not interested," Azur deadpanned. "I think you should look where you are too."
"I'M SAYING, MOVE, WE WANT TO STAY DRY TOO," Azur finally snapped. He quickly directed Shalin and Ettie inside. It's a big cave thankfully, but even so, with that woman on the entrance, Azur is not sure it'll go smoothly.. Yeah, it probably won't. The Misdreavus from before still hiding close to Azur, seem to hiding behind the nurse. Azur sighed and opted to empty some of his bag for any kindling... he guess he could use newspa---wait, he got some portable heater at the very least. In situation like this where he can't really find anything to burn, perhaps calling out Zeit will be the right choice. Azur called out his Arcanine, who looked around, wondering whether the rain has stopped.... definitely not.
"Oooh, an Arcanine! Say, say, would you like to fight with me? Let's see, if I win you date with m--"
"Lady, I'm 17. I can't drink yet, I think that constitutes as a minor still." ...Let's just use that card yes. Say that he's a minor, just after several times he insisted that he's an adult to Ettie. But whatever. He's not feeling good being hit on by random stranger on the road.
"What, you're seventeen? Psh... here I thought I found a cool guy to date. I was out here, after my little trip to Cherry and suddenly it's all stormy. I thought I could get a Misdreavus... When my Pokeball hit a cool dude I thought he's an adult, turned out he's still a teen! Oogh, just my luck! Fine, how about we fight for chance to catch that Misdreavus then?"
"...Ha?" Azur was baffled at the woman's words. Chance to catch the Misdreavus? Well, he understand that's a thing... when two trainers looked toward one same Pokemon, they would often battle for a chance to capture it. But even so...
Zeit, hearing that, seem to be displeased and growled. "Zeit, it's alright... you don't like the sound of it either, huh." Zeit obviously shook his head. "...Very well, let's go deeper inside the cave. This place is quite big, so there should be a place where we can do Pokemon battle without risking any cave ins."
The cave apparently leads toward a large area, big enough for Pokemon battling, with several ponds scattered about. It's a dead end however. The sound of lightning could still be heard, but not as booming as outside. The Misdreavus still floating about, seem wishing for Azur to win at the very least.
"...Very well, what's the rule?" Azur asked.
"One versus one, three Pokemons for each team. The one who managed to make all the other team's Pokemon unable to battle is the winner... does that sounds good to you?"
Three Pokemons, well... that sounds good enough, he guess. "That's fine with me. As the challenger, you're the one who start then."
"Fair. Go, my lovely Goldy!" the Beauty tossed a Pokeball, which opened up to reveal... Goldeen? Hmm, if it's Goldeen...
"...Zeit, sorry, but are you up to it?"
Zeit barked. He jumped to the front. Many would definitely question this, but the Beauty doesn't seem to notice...
Being an evolved Pokemon, Zeit is faster than the Goldeen. Zeit further increases his speed. The water pulse are swiftly dodged. "Follow it up with Thunder Fang!" with a roar, Zeit bites his opponent, the Goldeen. A super effective move! The Golden quickly attempted to retaliate with another Water Pulse, but at this moment, Zeit's superior speed caused him to able to dodge once again... albeit not that best apparently. Some water hits him, dealing some damage against him. But even so, he did not stop. It didn't take long for him to manage to take down the Goldeen with the third Thunder Fang. By winning, Zeit howled, seem to be proud of his own feat.
"Ah drats! Fine, next one... Come out Bebe!"
Flabebe is next. Azur checked his own option before deciding...
"Zeit, how ready are you?"
A bark. Zeit is ready anytime it seems... That's good enough. "Don't push yourself. Be careful!"
The match started. Zeit once again used Agility to boost his speed. It's at that point where it could be said as a really fast speed. But unlike before, Zeit doesn't have that much attack choices against the Flabebe. Should Azur immediately tell him to use Roar? That way, he could switch him with other of Babs' Pokemon? No, let's trust Zeit for the meantime.
The battle started with Babs' Bebe sending Fairy Wind! Being that it is not like Water Pulse where Zeit can see it, Zeit seem to have trouble dodging it. It's worse coupled with the fact that Babs' Flabebe does not use it from its mouth, but somewhere else. Even so, Zeit decided to attack with Flame Wheel. Zeit was weakened, and invisible attack only made it worse. Although he decided to tank it, it doesn't change the fact that Babs' Pokemon was stronger levelwise. In an attempt for double takedown, Zeit tried to circle the Flabebe enough for him to JUMP up high, and execute a descending Flame Wheel. The last fairy wind knocked him out, but he also managed to knock out the Flabebe.
"Zeit! That was too rash of you! You're not fully recovered yet!"
Zeit whined in apology, licking Azur's cheek. "...Right, I understand you're angry... but you shouldn't go your way to keep fighting on like that..But great job. One more Pokemon, huh..."
Who should he toss? Should he toss Ciela? She's at the moment the strongest of his Pokemon...
But here is where Azur did not notice. He did not have five Pokemons on his hand at the moment, but six. He took out a Pokeball, and tossed it! What descended was... a blue blob? Wait... what? That's.... That's a Ditto!
"...What, a Ditto, huh? Very well. Plusie! It's your turn now!"
"...Eh? I don't remember I have a Ditto?" Azur commented out loud. But even then, the Ditto... immediately transformed to the Plusle! There's practically no difference between them... except one is shiny, he guessed! For few moments, the Ditto pretty much just copied everything that the Plusle do. Azur had no idea how to command him, which led him pretty much mimicking Babs' order. If Azur can be honest, he can't help but to die inside if he's in Babs' position. He really can't say order the Ditto. It only keep mimicking her order instead. It becomes a battle of who's going down first. Spark, Nuzzle, Quick attack, these three attacks repeated over and over again. The Ditto simply mimicking its opponent... until Babs seem to call back her Pokemon.
"...I quit! That was the very first I felt so annoyed! You can do whatever to that Misdreavus!"
...Well, there's that... So he guess... he won by forfeit?
...but what was that? Either way, this Ditto... he... it's his own? But when? ....Oh well, whatever, send it to PC, time to switch in with his Pichu.
"Sometimes she jolts me or the other pups a tiny bit by accident, but it doesn't ever really hurt - it just surprises us, really..!" Ettie would comment, smiling down to Duchess - who was absolutely loving Azur's attention. Her tail was wagging hard, as she rolled over onto her back - exposing her belly, for him to rub! Her fur, like usual, was staticy and tingly to the touch; though otherwise the fur of her belly was surprisingly soft, compared to the coarser fur that Electrikes typically had on their head and back. Giggling, Ettie would smile at the young Electrike's enthusiasm over the attention, before continuing "I think it's because she sometimes builds up extra static without really meaning to, whenever she gets really super excited..! And because she gets excited all the time, well..."
And then, there was Scathach. The young Toxel, upon croaking, would prompt a gentle chuckle from Ettie; smiling warmly to the baby pokemon. For as quiet and as tired and as passive as Scathach was, there was something quite interesting in just... Observing her, trying to figure out just what was on her mind. Which, at the moment, appeared to be Duchess..! Slowly and carefully, Scathach would climb down Zeit's side to approach the happy Electrike - who was now upright, after Azur finished petting her. The approach would prompt Duchess to curiously tilt her head at the little Toxel, and let out an inquisitive bark...! Just what was Sca up to..?
She'd receive that answer though, when she would suddenly be patted by the head by the little Toxel - the fur on her head, as well as the fact that Duchess was electric type, preventing Scathach's poison from posing any particular issues on that front. However, the poison would still pose an issue on another front; as the young Electrike would quickly find out! To return the favor of being patted, Duchess would lick Scathach in a friendly fashion...
... Only to end up flinching backwards, and making a face, when she realized that the poison on the Toxel's skin tasted absolutely horrid..! Whining pitifully, she'd briefly wipe her tongue off with her paw; trying to get rid of the terrible taste that, while ultimately harmless, lingered on her tongue...! Ettie, catching on to what was going on, would make a soft and sympathetic laugh - getting her water bottle out. "Awww... Here, Duchess, some water should help you wash it out of your mouth..."
Once Duchess was able to get most of the taste out of her mouth - thanks to Ettie offering some water for her to wash her tongue off with - she would be returned to her pokeball alongside Scathach. Shortly after this, would be Azur suggesting that she think of Kalosian names, to name the Furfrou after. Ettie's interest would be visibly piqued, and she'd hum - glancing down to the Furfrou's fur as they rode along. "Kalosian, huh..." She'd murmur to herself thoughtfully, the gears in her head turning. It made sense to her, a Kalosian name for a Kalosian pokemon; though, being the street-smart kid that she was - as opposed to being more book-smart or worldly-smart - she wasn't exactly sure, what a Kalosian name would be like...!
As they were being led along by the Misdreavus though, the Furfrou in question would clearly be unnerved and jumpy; his eyes glancing every which way, for any signs of the Misdreavus potentially leading them astray, or for any potential signs of an ambush. He hated ghosts; he couldn't do anything to them, with how he only knew Tackle - so the only thing he could ever do to deal with running into one, was to run away from them..! The fact that they were now following the same sort of ghosts that he was scared of, just had every bit of him on edge... b-but...
"Heyyy... It's okay, buddy; we'll be safe soon...!"
... The girl's hand, stroking through his fur, and her soft and gentle voice both helped keep him from freaking out completely. It... It was okay, just like she said. She had other pokemon with her - surely, if something goes wrong, one of them could do something...! But... Then also, what if they couldn't?! Oh dear, oh Arceus... It'd only be when they finally reached the cave would the Furfrou be able to calm down; glad that he'd be able to get out of the chilling rain, and not have to be so close to a ghost-type for much longer...
Only to be startled once more, as something hit Azur in the head, causing him to shout in alarm..! Even Ettie would jump a bit - glancing about, in an attempt to see what had happened, only to see... An older woman? An older woman who began flirting with Azur - which Ettie, being the youngster that she was, near-immediately decided that she was quite disinterested in. Leaning down, she would murmur to the Furfrou "Wanna go inside now?" with a brief gesture in the cave's direction.
The Furfrou didn't need to be asked twice, immediately scurrying into the main chamber of the cave. Ettie, gently patting his neck, would hop off - and the both of them would begin to mutually shake themselves off. Once Ettie was done shaking her hair out, she'd begin wringing her clothes out - giggling to the larger canine. "We're all soaked, huh?" She'd muse; humor clear in her tone. The Furfrou would bark a bit softly in response - and she wasn't sure if he agreed to her humor or not, though he would lay down next to her; tugging gently on her sleeve, to coax her down next to him, which she didn't resist. They were gonna get cold, being so wet - and snuggling together would help share body warmth and ward off the cold.
As the two relaxed in the shelter of the cave, Ettie would look about - noting how they weren't alone, in this cavern. Other wild pokemon of all sorts, it seemed, were taking shelter here as well; mingling together in a variety of different ways, from snuggling, to spars to pass the time! Meanwhile, she would also watch as Azur, Zeit, and the strange woman would come into the chamber - seeming to be talking about having a pokemon battle, too..! This would catch the young girl's eye; prompting her to sit up a bit, so that she could better watch the fight at hand...!
First was a Goldeen against Zeit. Ettie, initially, was a little unsure of how the fight would go - given that Zeit was a fire type, against a water type pokemon. Even she knew that fire-types didn't typically do very well against water types; fire attacks being not very effective against water, whereas water attacks were plenty effective against fire...! However, expectations would quickly be turned around, when Zeit turned the tables - using a combo of Agility to increase his speed, and a few Thunder Fangs to beat down the Goldeen mostly-cleanly...! An impressive victory, considering that he was up against a pokemon that would've otherwise given him trouble...!
When the Arcanine began to howl, Ettie - visibly excited - would be unable to help joining in with a howl of her own, throwing back her head and starting a chorus! "Auoooooooooo....!" The Furfrou, briefly, would blink a bit at seeing Ettie howl, but... He would briefly test the waters, by joining in with a low and gentle howl of his own!
And then, there was Zeit versus Flabebe. Ettie, already sold on Zeit's skills, would watch closely, but... Briefly, a ruckus from near the entrance of the caves would draw her attention. She and the Furfrou both, curious, would go to investigate just what was going on.
Just inside the shelter of the cave entrance, a few water-type pokemon would be huddled together; staring out at something just beyond the mouth of the cave with visible worry. This something, when Ettie followed the group's gaze, would prove to be a Popplio; sat at the foot of a large and rather old looking tree that was at the opposite side of the clearing, his nose upturned in what might be a prideful or smug fashion..! Ettie, immediately, became a hair concerned. Was it really safe, for the little pokemon to stay out there?
Though Furfrou hung back a bit - afraid of the storm that was getting closer and closer by the minute - Ettie would creep out just to the edge of the entrance, stopping right before she began reaching the rain. "H-Hey...!" She'd call to the Popplio - to get its attention. The little sea-lion would perk up a bit and blink, then glance in Ettie's direction, as she called out in question "It's gonna get dangerous out there, buddy; the storm's probably only gonna get worse..! Don't you wanna come inside, where it's warmer and safer...?"
The Popplio, though he appeared to consider for a second, would shake his head; returning to his previous position, nose upturned. He was just fine out here, being a water type, and being sheltered from the strong winds by the tree he was plopped beneath; and he wanted to show his peers that nothing bad would happen, while he remained out here...! It was just a little bit of heavy weather; what's the worst that could happen...? He gets wet? Pshhh, that happens whenever he goes out to swim at the nearby beach with his buds, anyways...! A little rain was no different; heck, it probably was even easier to deal with, than being underwater!
Ettie would be unable to help a frown at this; visibly concerned, but... She also didn't want to force the pokemon to move, if he really didn't want to, either. Besides, a part of her wondered; maybe the Popplio knew what he was doing? The rain surely wouldn't hurt him, given that he sort of looked like a water-type, right? He was sheltered from the wind, and it wasn't like getting wet would hurt a water-type pokemon, so... Maybe, as long as they kept an eye on him - just in case - and as long as the storm didn't get too close, he'd be okay...?
Despite those hopes, it didn't seem like it'd be the case. The Furfrou's ears would twitch a bit - his sensitive ears picking up a sound that only he'd be able to hear over the howling of the wind and the tush of the rain - and glancing partway up the tree, he'd let out a bark of warning..! Ettie, blinking, would follow his gaze upwards... Just in time to spot how the tree - aged and weakened, in the face of the strengthening winds - would begin to split just above its trunk; beginning to fall over...! The Popplio, noticing this a bit belatedly, would freeze up like a deer in the headlights; he was petrified in fear, staring blankly at the trunk above as it threatened to fall right on top of him..!
Ettie knew she had to act quickly - though she wasn't sure whether she or the Furfrou would be able to reach the Popplio in time, if either of them just ran, so... As she darted forward, into the rain, she would reach into her bag - pulling out the first ball that she could feel out! She wouldn't think twice as she threw the Nest Ball out at the Popplio as hard as she could - hoping that by doing so, she would be able to get it out of harm's way...!
The throw would hit its mark easily, bouncing off of the Popplio, and - with just how hard Ettie had thrown it - out from under the tree as he disappeared into red light; going into the safety of the ball. The impact of the falling tree would make a loud crash and shake the ground; something that likely could be heard, or felt, even by those within the cave...! The impact would also send the ball rolling away from it a short distance; somewhat scuffed, but it otherwise seemed to have survived - having avoided being crushed underneath the large and now-shattered trunk.
Ettie could feel and hear her heartbeat in her ears, and her breathing was a bit shaky and uneven, as the burst of adrenaline began to leak out of her. Visibly concerned, she would slowly approach and crouch down near the ball; watching it closely, as it began to shake. She didn't care whether the pokemon inside caught or not, really; she just wanted to make sure that the Popplio inside was okay...! Maybe they should go get Azur...? The Furfrou, seeming similarly concerned, would file in next to Ettie - and the other wild pokemon who had initially been watching the Popplio would gather around nearby as well; everyone assembled looking down at the Nest Ball.
The only question at this very moment - as unconcerned as Ettie was with it, given that she was more focused on the Popplio's well being in general - would be whether the ball worked or not. OOC: Catching the Popplio (level 10) with a Nest Ball..!
Last Edit: May 5, 2020 13:54:00 GMT by Ettie Carnall
When Azur questioned Shalin's makeshift storm shelter suggestion, the drenched girl explained in greater detail. "I've had to do it once when I was around Mount Silver back in Johto," she related a past experience. "You'd be surprised - get some good, solid supports, then cross the rest of the branches, and they're as strong as a hatched roof." She smiled, expecting Azur to be pleasantly surprised. "Of course, you have to know a storm is coming to have time to make a shelter like that. Not only is it surprisingly sturdy, but it'll keep you warm, too. Remember, on the other side of a big storm, it can get really cold. Might feel like a whole 'nother season when this passes!"
Shalin found herself lagging behind Azur and Ettie quite a bit. She was used to riding her Pokémon everywhere, but doing so in such a thunderstorm was dangerous. In addition to the threat of a lightning strike from being higher off the ground, it would be painful to be atop a fast-moving Pokémon with how hard it was raining. If she had an electric-type on her team to serve as grounding for an errant lightning strike, her situation, and by proxy Azur's and Ettie's, would be moot.
Just as she was about to lose sight of the two, the Misdreavus had stopped in front of a natural overhang in the terrain. While more a cove than a true cavern (they were far too close to the coast for that), it would serve the same purpose: staying dry. "Hey--" she waved, a bright flash illuminating her new friends' position, deafening thunder coming seconds later. She picked up the pace, mud splashing all over her legs as she dashed toward them. Some had even stained her green shirt by the time she had arrived at the cove. "Ettie... Azur... Sorry for... falling behind..." she panted, counting her belt's Poké Balls to make sure they were all still there. Six. Good. "Looks like it's elevated enough that it shouldn't flood out either. Let's ride out this storm here."
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NAME SPECIES LV EP Caprice Ninetales 34 5 Prance Stantler 19 5 Flit Yanmega 39 7 Kiku Skuntank 37 5 Serena Persian 34 5 Levy Milotic 34 5
06
04
00
