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.
After being run off one mountain by unruly swarms of Pokémon that were well out of his league, Josh decided it would be far better to return to more familiar ground. From what he had researched about them, his quest for the Metal Menace didn't have to be at that one mountain - the species populated most of the mountainous areas, particularly in areas that were hard for humans to access.
What hurt Josh's ability to travel most of all was Twilight being both his most powerful Pokémon partner and his mount. That was something only training and practice with his team could fix. After restocking on supplies in Birch's easternmost Pokémon Mart and recovering his team from the Pokémon Center, he released Saber and Twilight near the eastern gate. The Electrike had a big grin on his face, running circles around the two while his trainer affixed his riding gear to the Absol.
Josh breathed a deep sigh, turning around to address the fidgety Pokémon. "We learned that we're very clearly not ready for a Gym battle, and that I'm going to need to rely on just Twilight for the start of the racing season." There were a lot of fluffy, tall clouds far to the west - stunning to look at, but probably not too nice to be underneath. It might cut their trip short. "We might not even make the opener. But what we can do is get you ready for the Gym when we return north."
Mounting up, Josh pointed toward the long road leading up the mountain, but at an angle. "See that road toward the mountain? We're going to forget about that road - we're going up there our own way." Saber's legs crackled with sparks, looking like he would tear eastward at any moment. "Now, Saber, it's really important that you don't take off ahead of me too far. The terrain's going to be rough, and I might not be able to see you all the time." His legs didn't stop crackling. "Are you even listening?" He rolled his eyes before tilting left, a scowling Twilight turning around to face him and giving him a death glare that caused even him to behave. "Good." Josh took one more look at the beautiful, yet ominous, western sky. "Sometimes I wonder if he'll ever grow up," he thought.
It had taken a while, but Kaisei thought he was finally starting to get the hang of mountain biking. For the most part he had been simply riding up and down the trails, but adding in little "adventurous" touches - a speed up on a downward slope here, a jump over some rocks there. And thanks to his recent shopping spree in Birch City, he also had some top-of-the-line hiking gear, sturdy enough to hold together in spite of numerous falls and scrapes. He had also purchased both front and rear baskets, where Sakura and Hinata were currently seated, respectively. [break][break] This day was a particularly muggy one, and he was riding back to Birch, hoping to make it through the city outskirts in time to escape the rain, when he saw -- something. An aura, a big, brilliant spark of yellow, practically illuminating the eastern gate. Kaisei sped up on his bike, racing to catch up to it before it disappeared, no doubt in his mind it had to be some exceedingly rare and powerful Pokemon to produce an aura like that one-- [break][break] Or, nevermind. It was just a person. Specifically, a guy around Kaisei's age, riding an Electrike and accompanied by an Absol, though this one was thankfully not as big as Saber. He screeched the bike to a stop before an accident happened, causing the Slurpuff in the front to pitch forward and let out a whine. [break][break] "Yo," he said, by way of greeting. "Heading into the mountains?" [break][break] Party: Charmander (Haru, Lv9, 5/5 Energy), Jangmo-o (Yuuko, Lv13, 5/5 Energy), Cherubi (Hinata, Lv12, 5/5 Energy), Pancham (Berserker, Lv11, 5/5 Energy), Slurpuff (Sakura, Lv12, 5/5 Energy), Vaporeon (Del, Lv5, 5/5 Energy) [break][break] Notes: 251 WC[break] We can do a round of introductions or just mod call here your choice!
With everything settled, Josh leaned low on his Absol, his head almost touching the soft tip of his mount's forehead blade. Just as he was about to take off, he noticed a blonde about his age, and even with a similar hair style, racing toward the eastern gate on a bicycle. Josh was about to shout for his mount to get out of the boy's way. She didn't need a command - she made a sharp turn and hopped into the grass just off the road, Saber following the two.
It was not a moment too soon - it looked like the young man was about to crash into the city's gate. Thankfully he was able to screech to a stop just in time. Twilight turned around and let out what Josh could only interpret to be a sigh. Saber was simply excited to see new company. "Back, Saber!" Josh commanded, the electric-type taking just a few steps back. He turned his attention to the young man who had just called him out. "Sorry about that - my Electrike here is like a child. Doesn't know when to be quiet, and doesn't know when to stop nagging people. But yes, I am headed into the mountains. What about you?"
Saber?! The expression on Kaisei's face contorted into a grimace before the other trainer continued talking, and he realized that they were talking about their own Electrike. Reasonable, a name like that couldn't be too uncommon, after all... though the presence of the large Absol was not helping matters. At least he'd left his own at home, otherwise things could have gotten terribly confusing. The way the other trainer was riding, though, it projected confidence. That or stupidity. Kaisei decided it wouldn't be a bad idea to find out, maybe learn a thing or two to control his own Pokemon if it was indeed the former. [break][break] So, flattery it was, then. [break][break] "Really? I hadn't noticed, you have such great control of your Pokemon!" He turned and flashed the boy a grin. "To be honest, I'm a little envious, for you to be able to ride a Pokemon like that." He gestured to his own bicycle, with a self-pitying shrug. "It must have been a real challenge! I don't suppose you'd be willing to give a new trainer some advice? I'm Kaisei Nebula, by the way. Your name? And yes, I'm going to the mountains too. Not anywhere specific, just trying to get the lay of the land." Assuming there were no objections to his presence, he would follow along, letting the other trainer take the lead. [break][break] Party: Charmander (Haru, Lv9, 5/5 Energy), Jangmo-o (Yuuko, Lv13, 5/5 Energy), Cherubi (Hinata, Lv12, 5/5 Energy), Pancham (Berserker, Lv11, 5/5 Energy), Slurpuff (Sakura, Lv12, 5/5 Energy), Vaporeon (Del, Lv5, 5/5 Energy) [break][break] Notes: 227 WC[break]
Josh couldn't help but notice the male's confused, even grim look. It didn't last for long. Perhaps Twilight scared him? After all, Absol were one of the most misunderstood Pokémon species, stereotyped to be harbingers of doom. Josh knew, though, that they wanted to protect people from said doom. The curious Saber could not stop moving, the occasional crackle of sparks coming from his legs.
"Thanks!" Josh couldn't help but return the smile, which grew when the blonde mentioned riding such a Pokémon would be difficult. "It's not as hard as you think, especially with Pokémon that love to run. Some, of course, are more challenging to train for it than others - I'm both looking forward to and dreading getting Saber here ready for it when he evolves." Josh was about to start explaining how he did it when he was asked his name. "Nice to meet you, Kaisei! Name's Josh Devlin. I'm an amateur Pokémon racer dreaming to turn pro - it's really big in Johto. You might have seen one of the professional races on TV at some point."
Nowhere specific, Kaisei. Perfect. Sounds like Josh would at least have someone to watch his back in case he got overwhelmed down there. "I'm kind of in the same situation - not headed anywhere in particular. I have a Gym battle a couple towns north scheduled in a couple weeks, and this is a good way to blow off some steam before we have to go into full training mode. Might even have to cancel it, given the racing season's opener is at the end of the month." When prompted to lead the way, Josh and Twilight did so, maintaining a slow enough pace for Kaisei to easily keep up. The excited Electric-type ran ahead of the two for the most part, having to periodically stop and wait for the others to catch up.
As the two headed north, Josh kept his eyes open for a safe spot to break from the mountain trail and descend into the wilds below. "The biggest obstacle to ride training is understanding your Pokémon's personality. Most Pokémon that like to run anyway are at worst willing and at best eager to let their trainers train them for riding. Twilight here doesn't show it, but she loves running." The Absol turned her head toward Kaisei, her facial expression unchanging. "I know this sounds silly, but if your bond with your Pokémon is strong enough, when you're riding across the land, it will feel like the two of you are one creature. If you've got any Pokémon you're looking to train for it, I might be able to give specific suggestions."
As the two of you get to know each other a little and talk about training Pokemon, something appears to be trying to sneak closer. There aren't too many bushes, but rocks are aplenty and a small Pokemon is darting between whatever it can find, attempting to get closer.
Kaisei smiled and nodded along as Josh explained what he knew about Pokemon riding. An amateur racer? Yes, he supposed he had seen something of the like on TV in Johto, though he'd rarely paid it that much attention. There just seemed to be so many rules, so many different ways to "cheat" that to Kaisei's mind were just playing the game a bit more creatively than everyone else. He rode along at a steady pace behind the Absol and rider, trusting that he could let Josh worry about his rambunctious Electrike. [break][break] Josh was now talking about his bonds with his Pokemon, and asked Kaisei if he had any particular species in mind. He was about to mention his own Absol, but thought better of it. He really didn't need to go into his complicated relationship with Saber with a stranger right now - heck, he hadn't even brought her along this time. He racked his brain, thinking about what other Pokemon he had. "Well, there's my Zangoose..." he mused. With his disposition, Daigo would certainly never be a racer, but as a ride Pokemon he supposed he could do a lot worse. "And... she's still got a long way to go before she fully evolves, but there's Yuuko. You know anything about Kommo-o?" He released the dragon Pokemon onto the trail, whereupon immediately started grooming herself, clanging up a storm. How dare her trainer presume to release her out in the middle of the wilds, where she might get dirt on her precious scales! [break][break] The noise of the dragon's grooming drowned out any ambient sounds, but as he watched her fuss, he thought he saw something dart between a pair of rocks, and stared - probably stared too long - at them before he was satisfied that whatever had been there was no longer there. It's probably nothing, he thought, but all the same, he glanced at Josh, wondering if he had seen something too. [break][break] Party: Charmander (Haru, Lv9, 5/5 Energy), Jangmo-o (Yuuko, Lv13, 5/5 Energy), Cherubi (Hinata, Lv12, 5/5 Energy), Pancham (Berserker, Lv11, 5/5 Energy), Slurpuff (Sakura, Lv12, 5/5 Energy), Vaporeon (Del, Lv5, 5/5 Energy) [break][break] Notes: 324 WC[break]
"A Zangoose?" Josh asked, confused at first but then intrigued. Zangoose was one of those highly adaptive Pokémon that could run on either two or four legs. It was great to have as a partner in the wilderness, but not so much on the track. He had seen the Pokémon put up a surprising 5th place finish in a Gold League race once, but never any consistent success. "It would be interesting getting one up to enough speed to compete reliably." Josh continued listening as Kaisei prepared to release the contents of another Poké Ball. "Not really - I've heard of Kommo-o by name, but that's about it."
The moment Yuuko touched down, the loud noise of her banging scales startled Josh. "She definitely makes her presence known!" Josh shouted - he had to in order to be heard. Saber, not liking the cymbal-like clanging, ran off the trail and in the direction of the rock-filled field. "This is my first time seeing or hearing one in person. I might--" Barely hearing the crackle of an Electro Ball over the dragon-type, Josh turned his head to see Saber run off the trail. "What's gotten into you, Saber!" he shouted again. "Twilight, let's follow him!"
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NAME SPECIES LV EP Saber Electrike 14 5 Aslan Litleo 14 5 Nitro Skiddo 13 5 Illumina Chinchou 14 5 Blitz Luxio 17 5 Twilight Absol 14 5
As Saber runs further into the rockfield and Josh makes chase a barely audible jingle of a giggle can be heard from nearby before it fades. The rocks seem to be getting slightly denser and some of the dirt around them seems to have been dug up and hastily recovered.
"Hey, wait up!" Kaisei was startled as Josh's Electrike suddenly took off running, and he only had a short time before Josh followed. He quickly extended an arm to Yuuko so she could hop onto the back of the saddle before giving chase. The ride was hard - not least because of the extra weight of the Jangmo-o behind him - and the Electrike's movements were hard to follow, so he was panting heavily by the time they finally stopped in a rock-filled area. Thank goodness he didn't come close to crashing again. Yuuko's jangling was still ringing in his ears. [break][break] He took some time to examine his surroundings. Mostly rocks and dirt and rocks again, but some of the dirt... "Doesn't it look like something was buried here?" he said, thinking out loud. "Yes, that area, and there. Something disturbed the dirt and then piled it up again. Yuuko, can you go--" She gave him a look. Of course she wouldn't go. She was a regal dragon, and she would not be getting any dirt on her gleaming scales. [break][break] "Fine, I'll go," he sighed, flipping down the kickstand and getting off the bike. He wished he had gloves for this. Or a shovel. He cautiously approached the nearest dirt pile, looking around with his Aura Sight for anything that might be lurking behind the rocks, before slowly digging in with his fingers. [break][break] Party: Charmander (Haru, Lv9, 5/5 Energy ❄️), Jangmo-o (Yuuko, Lv13, 5/5 Energy), Cherubi (Hinata, Lv12, 5/5 Energy), Pancham (Berserker, Lv11, 5/5 Energy), Slurpuff (Sakura, Lv12, 5/5 Energy), Vaporeon (Del, Lv5, 5/5 Energy) [break][break] Notes: 233 WC[break]
Josh, on the other hand, was one not afraid to get his hands dirty if need be. Saber had darted far off the road and into rougher sections of the foothills. He was grateful his mount was adept at navigating mountainous terrain like this one. "What are you doing, Saber?" Josh asked, the curious, energetic Pokémon flinging dirt and small rocks between both pairs of the Absol's legs. Shortly afterward, chime-like sounds coming from behind drowned out the ambience, a sign that Kaisei and her Jangmo-o had caught up.
The pairs of gloves the racer brought with him came in handy - he had to bring a few with a rubber layer on the inside, what with how many electric Pokémon he handled. As Josh heard Kaisei thinking out loud, he noticed there were several places where the dirt had been displaced. "Could be some burrowing Pokémon," Josh answered, "and from the looks of it, quite a few. Saber definitely thinks there's something here." Look at him go! He was flinging pebble after pebble between Twilight's legs, one of them ricocheting off her front right leg, then off a large rock before harmlessly whizzing past Kaisei's cheek!
Let the digging commense! Believeing something to be buried both Kaisei and Saber seem to work at the pebbles and dirt near the rocks- of course right afterward there's a loud cry. An Alcreamie who had been somewhere nearby, holding in it's hands some honey rushed towards you all, eyes wide and distraught. From what was buried up, you can get the glimpse of something orange...
A loud cry then leaves the Alcreamie, he doesn't look happy at all! He looked to the disturbed ground then back up to you all, shifting the honey to hold under one arm before moving and picking up a nearby pebble, shaking it in the air in an attempt to be threatening.
The dirt flew swift and fast under Kaisei's hands, but even moreso under Saber's paws. Clods of earth were shoved aside, and pebbles went flying - one ricocheting off a rock before flying by Kaisei's cheek. He was about to bark at the Electrike to be more careful, but he swiftly realized that it probably couldn't hear him anyway, either from being too focused, or just from the sounds of rapid digging overwhelming everything. [break][break] Something was becoming visible in the holes, and he could see the color of orange - amber? Or gold, even? But a loud cry drew his attention and he looked up, to see a distressed Alcremie holding honey under one arm, and... it was picking up a rock? And shaking it in an attempt to look threatening. Kaisei would acknowledge it as a valiant effort even if to him it looked hopelessly comical. Yuuko was also quick to react, jumping down from the bicycle and clanging her scales in an equal and opposite threat display. [break][break] "Stand down, Yuuko. It's not going to harm us," Kaisei said with confidence. Well, this was a disappointing find to have dug up; honey was hardly comparable to treasure, after all. He removed his hands from the dirt and backed away slightly from the hole. "I'm sorry, is this your honey?" he said, putting on his best display of innocence. [break][break] Party: Charmander (Haru, Lv9, 5/5 Energy ❄️), Jangmo-o (Yuuko, Lv13, 5/5 Energy), Cherubi (Hinata, Lv12, 5/5 Energy), Pancham (Berserker, Lv11, 5/5 Energy), Slurpuff (Sakura, Lv12, 5/5 Energy), Vaporeon (Del, Lv5, 5/5 Energy) [break][break] Notes: 227 WC[break]
Saber seemed to become more eager to dig the moment something bright caught his eyes. He flung a pebble toward Josh's waist, bouncing off one of his Poké Balls at high speed - thankfully missing the button that released its contents. "Hey, watch it!" Josh cried back, the Electrike not flailing quite so rapidly. Now not in as much danger of being hit, Josh came closer to the hole Saber was digging, something orange at the bottom of the hole. Looked solid too. "See if you can get that orange thing up...but be careful." The excited Saber moved his focus to around the orange object, trying to completely unearth it. It looked like he was being only marginally less careful.
While this was going on, a loud cry distracted Josh, an obviously very unhappy looking Alcremie looking like it was going to start tossing pebbles and small stones at the two travelers. He had to check his phone's Pokédex app to identify the Pokémon at all. "Alcremie?" Josh mumbled. That was one he had never heard of before. Thankfully, Kaisei had already taken the initiative in calming the wild down - though Josh had a lot of technical skill, his social skills left something to be desired. He was never good at softening blows like this - always felt the need to be blunt and tell things like they were. His eyes shifted back and forth between Saber's excavation and Kaisei's effort to calm the upset fairy-type.
The Alcremie flings his pebble right at Kaisei's forehead. He seems pretty fine with harming you! Especially when you were hands deep in his treasure pile.
Now that he's proven he's serious, he scuttles back over to the treasure pile and tucks his honey back into the dirt. As he does so, a bit more of the dirt around the amber object next to it is revealed; a TM? Interesting! From the color, it could've only been Fire type. He pats the disk, as if making sure it was okay and undamaged, then turns over his shoulder to look at the two interlopers.
Was it his honey? A single, cautious nod answered that question.
Well, so much for diplomacy. [break][break] The pebble didn't exactly hurt, but it did show the Alcremie was in a fighting mood. And as much as Kaisei might have wanted to beat the snot out of that little pudding Pokemon himself, it was a good opportunity for his Pokemon to pick up some battle experience. He nodded to Yuuko, and she leapt off the bike, rattling her scales. Kaisei retrieved two more Pokeballs from his belt and threw them out, revealing a Slurpuff and a Cherubi. This wasn't a sanctioned battle, after all; three on one was completely acceptable. And if it came down to it, he could offer Josh a share of the treasure for backing him up. [break][break] "Hinata, let's see how it likes having stones flung in the other direction, shall we?" Kaisei said. "Use Leech Seed." [break][break] Party: Charmander (Haru, Lv9, 5/5 Energy ❄️), Jangmo-o (Yuuko, Lv13, 5/5 Energy), Cherubi (Hinata, Lv12, 5/5 Energy), Pancham (Berserker, Lv11, 5/5 Energy), Slurpuff (Sakura, Lv12, 5/5 Energy), Vaporeon (Del, Lv5, 5/5 Energy) [break][break] Notes: 138 WC[break]
While Josh didn't think it was ideal that the Alcremie resorted to violence so quickly, it was certainly the easiest way for him to deal with an unruly Pokémon such as the Fairy-type. Saber seemed like he was ready to get involved, too, the electric runner's paws yellow with sparks.
Twilight, likewise, raised a claw - she was ready to get her claws dirty as well, if need be. "I know you two are excited, but this is Kaisei's battle." Saber simply whined. "If things look bad, yes, we'll help him out," Josh replied in his best 'daddy' voice, though it wasn't much of one; the racer was one to rarely joke, taking things at face value far too often for his own good. "Kaisei, we've all got your back," Josh called out to him as Twilight carried him a few steps forward. "If things look bad, Saber and Twilight will help you. Promise."
The Alcremie cried out at the sudden Leech Seed, shuddering as he felt his energy drain away. It seems that this doesn't make him intimidated though as he rushes forward to... Decorate the Cherubi? Well, it seems there's a running orange theme there as well. How quaint.
Meanwhile, a rather large Cutiefly flittered nearby, looking interested in the shiny collection. Was he going to take some of the treasure? Possibly...
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