Sethera

Crap, I forgot to reply to this... Sweet, Sour, Umami, Salty, Bitter I really love the taste of sweet things, but I can't have too much of it or it gets overwhelming. Also, there are certain sweet things I prefer over other sweet things, like fruit instead of chocolate. Sour things are really good too, especially when combined with sweet things, like in lemonade or orange juice. I also like umami, especially in cheese, and do not grow tired of it like I do sweet things, but it's also a bit more...boring, so my liking for it is not as strong. Salty things are all right, but I don't go out of my way for it. I try to avoid bitter foods when possible. This reminds me that I need to start up the character archive I made on YCM over here at some point... Anyway, in order from most liked to least of my top five: Catriona Nabudis - Fire Emblem: Curse of the Goddess Noah Evans - 「Emote」 Easter - Pokemon Gijinka: The Promised Land Matthias - Lore Online Manami Saito - Aethertouched Manami Saito is important to me because her character was the first character I used here where I really got into writing more lyrically on this site, amping up the descriptions to give a visceral sensation of herself and her surroundings. It was also the first time that others on YCM acknowledged my writing as good. Usually it was just "good post" or "tl;dr," or "who are you again?" So that was a nice ego boost I suppose, but then I quickly became lazy afterward, though I'm usually lazy when I do posts. Also, I really like her abilities and stuff. Controlling the weather through a magical umbrella just sounds awesome. While she is #5 on my top five list of characters, I still consider her an important character in my history of RPing. I have a longer description for what I feel about Matthias here, but basically he started the trend for an important process of posting that I still do even now, which is RESEARCH. I knew practically nothing about plants before I made this character, AND YET I MADE HIM ANYWAY. A sweet nerd who loves plants. Why did I do it? Just because, I think. But it ended up working out for me, since he was accepted, and I had a lot of fun writing him. Another important thing was that he really felt like an actual person, and not just a "tsundere but goes gaga for teddy bears. Likes spinach." He wasn't somebody who could easily be summed up into a single sentence--though I just did that earlier--at least not without leaving other parts of his personality out. I think that's important for making characters, is they have to feel like an actual person you might meet in real life. Matthias, as a realistic person, is #4 on my top five list of characters. Easter is probably one of my more well-known characters, not only because he is in an RP that is still ongoing, but also because he has such a strong and unique personality. Writing him is always a treat. I made him because I wondered why a certain RPer kept making boys who looked like girls, or, excuse the term, "trap" characters, and why others did too sometimes. What was so great about them anyway that they had to go out of their way to make them? The shock factor, or something else? So I decided to make one myself to find out, adding in a dash of sadomasochism and some other bits. I never did find out what was so great about them, but I have found out what was so great about Easter, and part of it, I think, is that his personality doesn't revolve around that shock factor appearance. He has also gone through the most growth out of any of my characters here, purely because he's been in the RP that's lasted the longest. The others never got the chance to spread their wings beyond what the initial character app laid out for them. While my other two characters in the RP have also gone through growth, Easter has arguably gone through the most. For that, he is #3 on my top five favorite characters. I also have a longer description for my thoughts on Noah Evans here, but I'll discuss him a bit anyway. I like Noah because he resonates with me. He's a cathartic character, made partially as a way for me to face my past and come to terms with it. He ended up being OP, but I never actually got to really use his powers, because the RP died right away. Actually, Aethertouched, the RP Manami was in, was inspired by 「Emote」, but that's beside the point. Kind of sucks that two of my favorite characters were in RPs that the host dropped right away, but that happens. I do wonder what would have become of him had the RP continued... Anyway, Noah is one of the clearest reflections of myself of all my characters. Others have also come close, but he was the first, and for that, he's rather dear to my heart. He's also what started my liking for bears over like, most animals, but that's beside the point. With that, he is #2 on my top five characters. Now, I'm probably biased because Catriona happens to star in the RP I host, but that's fine. I actually struggled with her character for a while when making her, as I had another idea for her initially, and then I kept redoing the personality, but I'm very happy with what I decided on in the end. Catriona is one of those characters that you might expect to be used purely to push the plot forward, except that she's not. She's a person who struggles to interact with other people, due in part to her upbringing, but also her personality. And she keenly feels the wall that separates her from others, but she has no clue how to go past it. I think that's something that many of us nerds on NCM have dealt with--wanting to get closer to others but unable to. Oftentimes, especially when younger, we don't know why people don't want to be our friends, or why we're excluded, we just know that we are. So we just do the best we can regardless. So we can relate to Catriona in that respect, as well as find humor in her interactions with others, shaking our heads as we recall past experiences. And as the RP has progressed, I think I have shown that more and more, though I struggled with it initially. I did not expect how burdens of hosting would interfere with writing out a character people could see beyond a plot device, but through Catriona, I think I have gotten better at it. And this is why she's #1 on the list. She represents not only the growth of a character, but my growth as a writer who has had to juggle setting the scene and plot with writing out a character who progresses, even if just in small ways, with every post. This ended up being a bit long, but oh well.

Exhausted after that volley, and injured as well, Yue slumped slightly. Unfortunately, that happened right when the bandit shoved her with his shoulder, forcing her to fall backward onto the deck of the boat. Looking up, she could see the glint of sunlight reflecting off of metal as the axe was raised high. "Eek!" The girl was sluggish from loss of blood, but she had enough energy to roll to the side. The axe chopped down just to her left, almost splintering the wood. The girl gulped. That was too close. Summoning what little strength she had, she rose up on shaky legs to face the man, holding a hand over her wound. She was too close to do anything, though, so she turned tail and ran to put some space between them. She only had so far to run, and she had to be sure to avoid Susanoo's fight, but there was some space at least. As soon as she had enough room, she raised her bow and fired another arrow at the bandit. She didn't know if this would be enough to take him out, but at least Alexis was back on the boat. So hopefully she wouldn't have to deal with him alone, if that were the case.

Alois, Penelope, Edrick, and Abdul As the four discussed their action plan among themselves, the mayor glanced pointedly at Mene, who returned his look with one of her own. "Ahem, while you all, er, talk, we'll be right back," he coughed, and the two left the house without further preamble, rounding the corner of another house so they were just out of view of the group. None of the group would be able to hear what they were saying unless they decided to walk outside themselves and listen in. -- Catriona, Link and Citron Catriona had expected the others to at least say something, but both of them kept quiet. Perhaps they were intimidated by this man's...swollen vocabulary. Catriona could readily admit that she, herself, was unsure how to react. His manner of speaking reminded her of some of the nobility she'd talked to in the past, but there was something different about it all the same. She just couldn't readily figure out what that was. Link moved closer, perhaps sensing a threat from the man in front of them. Or he noticed my lapse, the woman thought with a trace amount of bitterness. She mulled over how to respond--it didn't sit well with her to make a choice for the group when most of them weren't present, but this decision could very well mean the difference between them resting in a bed tonight or camping out once more. And it had been quite a while since she had gotten to sleep in an actual building, the empty cabin in the fox village notwithstanding. Not that she wasn't used to roughing it, but there were others who weren't quite so experienced. Penelope, for one. For her sake, it might be better to accept the offer now, and then-- "Rohns!" Link snapped, moving forward. BGM Catriona glanced around in confusion. Her gaze snapped forward upon hearing a howl from the man in front of her. He was currently doing a jig, which was a little odd, but--no, wait. He was trying to shake off Rohns, who was currently attached to the back of his left calf. Horrified, the princess stepped forward...and then stopped. She was no good at dealing with animals. But she could at least smooth things over diplomatically. "My apologies for this! That cub has not been fully trained yet." "It's a perilous peril is what it is!" the man shook his leg further before reaching down and grasping Rohns by the ears, attempting to pull him off that way. "And you allegate that it's with you?! What kind of barbarosity is this?! And here I took you for refinited citizens." It took Catriona a second to sift through his words, many of them she had not heard before. While she was not herself an expert in all things lexical--that was more Penelope's area of expertise--she could still claim to have a decent grasp on the language due to her upbringing. And while it could be that this man was of a type with Penelope, the similarities between the terms he used, and actual, existing ones could not be ignored. Thus, there was also a chance he was misusing his words, perhaps due to never learning them properly. Still, the man's dubious education was of little importance right now. No, what mattered at the moment was getting the wolf cub off of him. And that was a feat that would best be left to Link. "Please calm yourself, Lord Gaston. Link will be able to get him off of you in short order." She turned to the mercenary, hoping that he would, in fact, be able to follow through on that. If not, she would have to help, and she was not confident in her ability to do so. We are fortunate that he is still young, so the wound should not be that deep. Though I doubt that will calm Pylauses's ire that much. Indeed, the man looked positively apoplectic as he continued to jump around and make a scene. Many of the villagers, who had been ignoring the group as they went about their business, now stopped to stare and point at the scene as they whispered among themselves. Surprisingly, they seemed to be smiling, some even outright laughing, none of them making a move to help Pylauses out with his predicament. At the back of the group, Remy whinnied in what sounded remarkably like a laugh as well. -- Sienna "I...I'm sorry, Sienna," Phai approached the Protean gingerly. "It uhh, sounded like she was pretty important to you, so I'm sorry. But," she perked up, "you could probably ask one of the adults to guide you through the marsh if you wanted. I mean, since there's only one path, so they probably know where she ended up, unless uhh, Licorice went off the path, in which case, she's probably dead." She shook her head in horror. "Agh! I mean, uhh, that came out wrong. She's probably not dead since she's your friend and she was able to cross the river by herself and all. So, umm, yeah, don't worry?" she cringed slightly as she finished speaking. There was some silence before she spoke up again. "Sorry, I'm not the best at uhh, knowing what to say. Or saying things right. But what I mean is, you could still find her. Maybe. Or uhh, probably! Yeah, probably." -- Gunther and Tsetseg The barking continued for a short while before it stopped. It wasn't long, however, before it picked up again, a little louder and faster than before. OOC

Decided to make two different versions of the app for fun. There's the boring, shorter version and the not-so-boring, but longer version. The boring version comes first. Application Application - Interview Style Also a fun link to a D&D 3.5 character sheet. Because why not? Character Sheet

Jacklyn continued her mini cheerleading session as she taunted the Rising Star. Which Belle wasn't really sure was a good idea, but then again, it wasn't a bad idea either. The boy looked disappointed as he saw that his Cacnea had lost. "Aw c'mon, a Poamoo? Using such a rare Pokémon....you know what, that doesn't matter, in the sand I still have an advantage even against a Poamoo!" "Well, using a rare Pokémon helps even the odds when you're using the sandstorm to your advantage like that," Belle said tonelessly. The boy wasn't listening though, and sent out...another Pokémon! Crap. And it was...what was that again? Belle hadn't seen that Pokémon on any memes. She aimed her Pokédex at it. Apparently it's a Trapinch. It's jaws are strong enough to chomp through boulders, and it likes to dig in the sand to lie in wait for its prey. Great. Another desert Pokémon. It also looked pretty aggressive as it pawed at the ground. "I caught this guy yesterday! He was pretty stubborn but once we worked together a bit I realized all he wanted was to win battles! When he found out I did too it came together like paper and glue! Hey, that rhymed!" Belle thought about that. I wonder if I can use that with that dang rat? But who knows if it'll even listen long enough for us to figure that out. With a grin Allen called out for his Trapinch to attack Moo in a Feint Attack. "You've met your match today!" "Not at all," Belle smirked. The dex said Trapinch is a ground type--though it looks more like a bug type--which means it's weak to grass moves. "Moo, use Vine Whip!" The Poamoo sent out his vines. Though he was too slow to avoid the Feint Attack, the Trapinch was also too slow to move away as the vines wrapped around its body. Slamming the ant pit Pokémon into the sand, the landing was a bit softer than usual, but it still seemed to do some damage. "Focus on lashing it instead when you use Vine Whip," Belle suggested. Then she hesitated. While Tail Whip was the sound, strategic move to use here, Moo was already poisoned. So it would be better to get the battle done with as quickly as possible. Which meant she couldn't afford decreasing its defenses. She would have to just go all in with power. "Again, Vine Whip." Moo nodded, tanking a Bulldoze in the process. Letting out a moo, he lashed out with his vines, sending the Trapinch tumbling backward into the sand. The Pokémon got up easily enough, though, eyes blazing as it seemed ready for more. "Feint Attack!" maybe the other trainer was having the same thoughts as her, or maybe he wasn't thinking at all, but he was using a very different strategy than before. "If it works once it'll work again!" I guess that's...a valid strategy. Moo, once more, let out a low as the Trapinch barreled into his side. Almost in reflex, he kicked it back with a hoof, then used Vine Whip to further attack it. By now, Belle could see that the Vine Whip was having some effect, but Moo also looked to be getting tired. Especially because he was poisoned too. The cow jerked his head to the side as his wound bubbled purple. "I have to end this soon..." the blue-haired girl muttered.

Yeah, Lachlan knew it had been a bad idea to tell Ellie that he had smelled her. Honestly, he wasn't even sure why he had said that, except maybe that his brain had gone dead for a second there. He immediately regretted it though when she came closer, giving him a closer look at the dusting of freckles across her face, before she...gave him a big sniff. "You," she paused, somewhat dramatically, "smell like a wet horse. Either that, or the bar does, but I’m guessing it’s you." "Oh, uh...yeah that's umm...probably me," Lachlan rubbed the back of his neck as he leaned to the side more, further away from the other. "I uhh...yeah, horses. They're kind of...my thing, maybe?" He wasn't really sure how to explain that, so he decided not to. "Unless the bar has a stable or something. I'm not sure." "Anyway," Lachlan breathed a sigh of relief when Ellie changed topics, "In my experience, there are two types of tavern names, those named after the town they’re in, like, uh, I visited this place called Barrelhaven and the tavern was just named 'The Barrelhaven Tavern.' The other kind are the weird ones, and those generally have some sort of inspiration behind them. That’s why I asked. If I had a tavern, it’d be called 'The Witch’s Brew' or something like that, I think." "Uhh, huh. You're right. Not that I'm saying that I'm surprised you're right or anything," Lachlan waved his hands, then realized he was in danger of touching her if he did that too much, so he lowered them. "Just that uhh, I never really...thought about it before. That's all." He tried to slide to the side again. "But 'The Naughty Crow' is nice," the witch continued, not letting Lachlan even slink away like he had planned. "Got some story behind it, even if I didn’t get to hear it all. It’ll be fun staying here, I think, while we get ready for tonight. So, eat up, gossip, I dunno, ask more questions? Oh!" Her two different colored eyes lit up. "What did you find out, anyway?" "Uhh..." the man took a second to catch up on everything Ellie had said. "Well, uhh, Wada or the Prince, uhh the other prince? Tricky Oberon. They might have said something already, I'm not sure. But I guess, if you want to hear what I took from it, well..." he paused to take a breath, "I guess these attacks are uhh, kind of...unusual? What I mean by that is this town hasn't usually had consecutive attacks like this. So the fact they are...is pretty weird. And they're always during the err...witching hour. No offense to uhh, you. But the attacks have been getting worse as nights go by." What else was there? Lachlan's memory was decent, but it wasn't perfect. He looked up at the ceiling, taking in the sight of soot-blackened wood before lowering his gaze back to Ellie. "There's also fog. An ominous dark fog right before the attacks. And what started with one creature...has now multiplied into several...or at least it has several followers now," his voice was low and soft, wary of listeners. "And we don't know where it happens either...just that they attack and torment people within this town." The man shook his head, forgetting his nervousness for a second as he set his thoughts on the problem at hand. "We got more than we expected, but I don't know if it's enough to really get a handle on things." He left his own ideas on what could be causing it to himself. Best not to provide misinformation if he were wrong. "Did you umm..." he bit his lip. "Did you find anything out, too, Ellie?" He flushed red. "Not that it's uhh, bad, if you didn't. I'm not trying to say that at all. If you did, that's great, and if you didn't, well that's great too. Or well, not great, but it's not bad either. So uhh, don't worry?"

As Easter sat, Nine took out a can of lemonade, which didn't really strike him as the sort of drink he'd...well, drink. But then again, he wasn't really sure what kind of drink he'd drink anyway. Alcohol, maybe? "That's fine," the fairy type nodded. He wasn't the type to drink lemonade in the first place. Nothing could compare to soda or sweet tea or hot chocolate or literally anything that was sweet. Unless it was sweet lemonade. Then it wasn't so bad. “Yep. Not much left past here.” Nine rose, walking to the teleporter. "I hope so, anyway," Easter followed. What awaited him on the other side...was not pretty. Seeing Dora so heavily injured on the ground like that was enough to make the fairy type's blood boil. He wanted to rush forward and take her out of harm's way. But in doing so...that would put himself open to take a hit from the Godslayer. And this one would not be so simple to take down. He could tell...he was a cut above even Ankou and Nikora. The last time he had felt like this...was when he had stared down Kyurem. Looking around the room, he could make out some familiar faces, which was a relief. At least Brooke and Denku were all right, but Dora...he clenched his fists. I'll kill him, he thought, losing the fragile hold he had over his bloodthirst. I'll blast him into smithereens, but first, I'll rip out his-- this continued on even as the Lucario spoke up. "I assume this means the others are defeated. Shame. I wanted to crush them myself once this was over. This one was kind enough to betray us and let me face him myself. Disappointing as it was." He let out a sigh and shifted his position slightly. "I was promised battles with powerful Legends. Yet here I am facing you all instead." Easter growled, blue eyes narrowed into animalistic slits. "I'm tired of this. I don't care what he says. Once I sweep you aside I will go up and take the fight to them. I've waited long enough. If you want to live then run away now. There's no point in fighting you when there are much greater opponents but you can't continue without beating me first." "Oh, I don't mind fighting you. Not at all," Easter's rage seemingly evaporated as he smiled, though his brows were still tilted down in anger. The Lucario's aura flared then, and he not only changed appearance slightly but he even grew larger in size. It was mind-boggling, but Easter thought he had heard of such things before. It was very rare though. That this man could do it...meant he might even be in a league above Easter. Then again, I've fought plenty of people above my league before, especially lately. "You have heard the term Godslayer before. But none of those weaklings you faced before represent that word better than me. Flee, or die, either choice is acceptable for me." "How about neither?" he rushed forward then, aiming a kick at the Lucario. However, his leg was blocked, and then grabbed, as the Lucario flung him down onto the floor. Gritting his teeth, Easter glared up at the Godslayer. -- "She wanted to do the right thing...but she went about it in about the worst way possible." "She just wanted to help..." Lok repeated, clenching his fists. "...in desperation, she teamed up with those... monsters." "Yeah..." Keanu couldn't help but wonder. If he had washed up on shore, alone, without Randy or Marie, and met the same person that Kalia met...would he have done the same? The sad thing was, he probably would've. It was only by the whim of fate that he had avoided a similar scenario. As if reading his mind, Taiga spoke up. "Weird to think that in a different world...I'd probably be in her shoes, huh?" she smiled then, and Keanu wasn't sure whether he should find that smile attractive or terrifying. Probably terrifying, considering what she just said. "As if I'd lose to you two, though! Fufufufufu!" Yep, terrifying for sure. "Having to fight you... that's a scary thought!" Keanu was impressed by the boy's courage for voicing what he had been too afraid to. "...I'm just glad both of you are on our side." He gave a nervous chuckle as he bit into his berry. "I'm also glad both you cousins are on my side," Keanu said, opening his eyes. It wasn't just Taiga who had shown some terrifying ability out there. Lok had too. He might not have the Sharpedo's raw power, but his strategic use of moves reminded the Raichu a bit of himself. Sometimes, it was less about strength, and more about technique. There's probably a dirty joke in there somewhere, but I'm not gonna worry about it now. It wasn't long before Keanu blacked out, though he thought he heard Taiga start to snore as he drifted off. But it was Lok's voice that woke him up. "Well, we didn't just come here just to stop now, right?" The Raichu yawned, stretching himself like a cat. "Guess not, though I wouldn't mind it." Still, he knew this had to get done, so he forced himself to his feet all the same. Upon going through the teleporter, however, he couldn't help but be surprised at what he saw. A bunch of other gijinka, some of them he recognized, either as teammates or just having seen in the big melee with the robot gijinka. But there was one in particular he recognized that was lying off to the side of the room. "Marie!" he cried out, glancing over at Nani and Randy. How would the others react? Randy wouldn't be dumb enough to just charge right in, right? Especially against a moke who seemed as tough as this one. He'd only ever felt an aura like this when he faced off against legends. Even if Marie was injured, they had to be careful or they'd all get themselves killed here. This thought was only reinforced when the other began to change in both shape and size. Except then somebody rushed forward like a brainless idiot anyway. Who would be so stupid to--oh. It was that scary cutie. The one in pink who talked about tallying up the number of robot gijinka she had taken down. Except even she was tossed to the floor like nothing, and Keanu wanted to go forward and help her, scary or not. Except he was too scared to... But I need to, he thought. I need to start the fight sometime...I can't have this girl here showing me up. Even if her attack failed, it took a lot of courage, or a lot of stupidity, or both, to attack after seeing that transformation. As he was agonizing over his decision, somebody else had already rushed forward. And somehow, he wasn't surprised by who it was, either. "You're all talk, but it's gonna be easy to beat your ass with that blindfold on, chump!" Taiga chortled as she ran at him, gnashing her teeth together in preparation for a Crunch attack. However, this time, perhaps because she was going against him with an actual move, rather than slamming her into the floor with basic martial arts, the Lucario shifted his stance as he prepared to unleash something that looked really, really nasty. Something Keanu couldn't let happen. Without thinking, he threw out an Electro Ball from the other side. The Lucario was forced out of his stance as he dodged it, taking the Crunch attack head-on. "So this isn't impossible, then," the Raichu breathed. His nerve had failed him at seeing the ease with which the Godslayer had handled that Sylveon, but they weren't as doomed as he thought they were. "We just need to work together." Immediately afterward, Taiga was knocked backward by a Forceful Palm. "Nope. We're doomed. Dead. Make loa," Keanu moaned.

You can do it, Pincurchin! I know you can!

"A command seal? I don't know how to use those!" I shout out, turning to Berserker. "Hey, Berserker, look, the scary drinks are gone. Everything's fine now." I then look at Caster's Master with some suspicion. "There's no reason for Berserker to get so upset about the drinks. We've eaten before and she was just fine." I don't want to say it, but I feel I have to. "What was in those drinks?"

I glance at Caster suspiciously, especially after hearing what Berserker had to say. "I'm not sure if I want to participate...it sounds like it could be dangerous." I nod suddenly. "What about you? You can't test it on yourself, then?" I look at their Master. "So we just ignore it then?" I think for a bit. "That's probably for the better. I'm not really keen on confrontations, and that definitely sounds like a confrontation. Or a celebration. Is it a holiday today?"

Alois, Penelope, Edrick, and Abdul “Ah, I had a good feeling you were a man of culture and good taste lord mayor!” Abdul replied enthusiastically as he retrieved another cup from his tea set, “Perhaps if you are not too occupied with your duties, you may stay a little while and enjoy a cup? I still have a few cups of tea left, if you do not mind it a little strong.” "Not at all, not at all," the man chortled. "I much prefer strength of flavor over the alternative." He took the cup gladly, his mouth quirking upward, eyes crinkling slightly as he began to drink from it. "Sir mayor. Do you ever think this Pylauses is attempting to pull a ruse over you? After all, you live quite...well for a village such as this. I wouldn't doubt you have the occasional con-man attempting to take advantage." The mayor paused to think for a second as he took in her words, during which time both Abdul and Alois added their agreement. He sighed. "Well, I do believe that there is that possibility... Of late I find myself questioning his actions, and my own for taking him in," he muttered the last part. "But they are only suspicions, nothing more. He has not done anything openly to suggest that there is more to him than he seems, so there's really nothing I can do about it," he shook his head, before turning to Alois with an almost reflexive sneer. "You caught him snooping around then? Are you sure you weren't the one snooping around, boy?" "Mayor..." Mene started. "Yes, yes, all right. Well, regardless, there's nothing that can be done without solid evidence. Not to say that I couldn't just throw him out anyway--heavens know the other villagers wouldn't mind--but unless I get actual proof of any sort of doings on his end, it wouldn't feel right to do so," he paused to drink the tea, the tense lines on his face smoothing out slightly. Swallowing, he let out a sigh. "This is good tea. It's not often I get to taste this," he nodded at Abdul approvingly, much of the earlier wariness melting from his demeanor. Some minutes passed as the man took the time to enjoy the drink, eyes closed. Upon finishing, he did nothing but sit for a minute, before suddenly opening his eyes with a flinch, as if thunderstruck. "Actually, Pylauses is actually part of the reason I came here. You see, I wasn't just figuring out the details of the fete these past hours. I was also trying to make housing arrangements for you all." He huffed. "I know Alois has his own, but I highly doubt Goodwife Mene has room enough in her house. Er, no offense, Mene." "No worries. I knows meself that there's not much space 'ere," the woman looked around the interior with a slightly abashed smile. "Anyway, I've cleared out that old house down the road. You know, the one that's been empty for a while now. However, it's rather small, so it might not comfortably fit all of you." While the others wouldn't know what he was talking about, Alois would. There was a house--about the size of Mene's--that had been abandoned after its owner had died of old age. "And, err," the mayor paused, grimacing, "Pylauses has offered to let you all stay at his...manor. He says he has more than enough room." Mene sighed. "Aye, he might have the right of it there. It's certainly big enough for everyone." "Unfortunately," he coughed as he turned to the others, "I mean, fortunately, there is room enough for you all if you stay at his place. And since you all seem so suspicious of the man, and I don't blame you," he muttered the last bit, "this could be seen as an opportunity, though it comes with the unfortunate side effect of having to put up with his spirits-forsaken personality." "What think ye?" Mene asked, turning to the group. "Not that ye have to make yer decision now, mind. There's still some time left afore ye need to bed down fer the night." -- Catriona, Link and Citron Acantha nodded. "Good, that's how it should be." Watching Catriona assist Citron in loading the troubadour atop the wyvern, she said, "If you're fine, then I'm gonna head out myself. If all goes well, I won't have to deal with you again." With that, she exited as well, though she stopped for a second before saying, "Don't forget about that girl's mount," while pointing at Ciela. "Humph, it's always up to me to remember things, isn't it," the redhead muttered as she left. "Now where are those two brats? I hope they haven't caused any trouble while I was gone..." "Ah," Catriona replied, at a loss for words. She, indeed, had forgotten all about the horse, not being one to worry about animals herself. "In that case, perhaps we should stop by the mayor's first," she suggested, leading the group toward the house. It was just across the street from the town hall, so it was little more than a quick jaunt. The horse in question, Remy, was standing obediently, though his ears twitched as the trio approached, head raising and giving a warning neigh. Nostrils flaring, he seemed to relax as he recognized their scents, and let them approach without incident. Transferring Ciela from Peaches to Remy was a quick but careful process with Catriona's help. The reins were long enough that she was even able to perform a makeshift tie to keep the girl from falling off. The horse whickered softly, seeming a little nervous, but was obedient enough at the familiar weight of his owner atop his back. He would not let anybody guide him, however, but followed from behind of his own volition. While Link had not accompanied the main group the entire way, he did at least seem to know the general direction, leading the group with a brisk pace that Catriona matched easily, though Citron would perhaps have more trouble with it. Upon reaching where Link had separated from the group, Catriona paused to take in the garish manor nearby once more. At that moment, she felt a strange shiver down her spine, before turning suddenly and locking eyes with green. The man chuckled, expression unreadable beneath the hood he wore. "Like what you see? Enjoy it while it lasts. Not too long now and your eyes will be closed...forever." She took a step back, the color draining from her face. No, no, get away-- She blinked, and the vision was gone. No, not a vision. A memory. The woman sighed. It's the wrong shade, besides. That man's eyes were like acid. These eyes are a muddier hue, almost brown in comparison. It was pathetic, how she had overreacted just now. I can only hope that nobody saw that. The man's eyes glinted as he stared at her, unblinking. "My most forthright apologies if I agitated you, my lady." He gave a brief bow, taking her hand and kissing it. "My name is Pylauses Gaston, at your pleasurement." Pleasurement? I did not realize that was a word. Still slightly off-balance from earlier, it took Catriona a second to reply. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Goodman Gaston." The man wrinkled his nose before coughing. "Er...yes, well, I am, in all actualization, the lord of this demesne." "Oh?" Catriona had not heard that Histia still retained its nobility. Many of the noble houses had intermarried with the merchant or peasant classes, and the land was now owned either by the state, lesser municipalities, or individuals. A village, even one of this size, would either be managed by the mayor or divided up by the villagers. At least, that was what she had learned from her tutor. "Indubitably," the man nodded. "So the properific form of addressitude would be Lord Gaston." "Then, my apologies Lord Gaston," Catriona replied. While she had her doubts as to the veracity of his claim, it was not worth an argument, especially since she was not a Histian native herself. For all she knew, he could be the literal lord of this place, and she would be committing a grave faux pas by refusing to acknowledge his title. "Be not aggrieved, it is how things go," the man waved a hand airily. "I am sure there was no transgression in your cerebrations." "...Indeed," the woman nodded. "There was not." "Fabulousness! In that case, is there any method that I may be of servillitude?" he turned his gaze from Catriona to look at all three of the group. "Perforce, are you inquiring as to where you shall be residing after hours? In which circumstance," he spread his arms wide, "My domain is well equipped to accommodate the entirety of you." -- Gunther, Sienna, and Tsetseg Phai looked relieved upon hearing Gunther's words. "W-Well if you can't keep going, then that's fine. We can just, uhh, head back--" "Well... You don't have to if you don't want to... This whole chase must be taking its toll on you more than anyone. You can head back if you want, but Gunther... I appreciate that you were willing to go this far just to help." Sienna jumped down beside the militia girl soon afterward. "Er, well, I guess we can uhh, get moving then if you really think that's best." "I'm going to stay here with Gunther. But if you need me or anything just fire and I'll come riiiiight away! After all, it's no good to leave your friends by themselves. So I'll be right here with you!" "Ehhh?! You're not coming either Tsetseg?!" the girl looked up at the other pleadingly for a moment, before sighing and turning to the Protean. "Er, in that case, maybe we should just return to the--" But Icleias had already gone running down the bank, back northward to where they had originally come across the river. Without much choice in the matter, Phai followed. She turned back once, "We'll come back! Er...don't get lost or anything!" Following the dog, both Sienna and Phai would eventually reach the spot where Licorice should have crossed. The dog sniffed around the area for a second before lifting his head and letting out a loud bay, tearing off into the wilderness. "He's caught the scent! Let's follow him!" Phai shouted excitedly as she ran after him. She seemed rather light on her feet, easily keeping up with the dog. Without Gunther, the two would more ground more quickly than they had before. Following the dog through the underbrush, batting away weeds and branches in the process, the two would feel the earth turn to mud beneath their feet. Eventually, they would come across either another river or more likely, part of the same river, doubled back. Fortunately, there was a bridge there. While it looked as if it had seen better days, with wooden slats a dark gray, almost green color, it still seemed serviceable enough, taking their weight without issue. However, Phai's expression had morphed from uneasy to pale at seeing the bridge. "That's...no, it can't be," she muttered before she set her face and turned to Sienna. "I don't think we should go any farther," she said. "After this is--" but she was cut off when Icleias started to run again. The girl stood still for a moment before continuing, though her limbs had started to tremble. It wasn't much longer before they would be forced to stop, even the dog. The already muddy ground had softened further, and they could feel themselves sinking into the ground. Just ahead lay cattails and reeds for as far as the eye could see. In the distance, they could hear the raspy croak of a heron. "This is the Great Marsh," Phai said softly as she stepped back to firmer footing. "We won't be able to go any farther. It's said that those who wander into this place and don't know the way find themselves swallowed up by the place." She gulped. "And I, uhh, don't know the path. There's said to be one, but I wasn't ever taught it." Icleias whined as he sniffed around the reeds before giving up and heading back toward Phai, tail dragging in the mud. Meanwhile, Gunther and Tsetseg would find there wasn't much to do. The forest was quiet, but not unnaturally so. Time passed, and the silence was broken by the faint cry of a dog, though the direction and sound was wrong for it to be Icleias. OOC

It was over. Nine had delivered the finishing blow with a move Easter hadn't seen him use at all that fight. Counter. A strong move that used the opponent's force against them. Easter himself hadn't gone up against those types of opponents often, though that one time he had fought a Wobbufet in the arena had been interesting...and frustrating. So he could only imagine how badly Nikora, a literal Godslayer, felt after having his own power used against him. But however brutal that move was, it had been necessary. And besides, I'm not one to talk about brutality, Easter thought with a grimace. He wasn't one to overthink his past, but it was getting harder and harder to ignore. He had thought he had changed...and he had. But was it enough? I can only hope it is. But he had gotten lost in the maze of his thoughts once again. In the meantime, Nikora had slid to the ground, the sudden silence as the fighting stopped enabling Easter to hear his muttered words. "Stop him. Before he does something. He'll regret." Easter nodded, "We will. But first..." he turned to look at Nine. "Should we rest up first?" He wanted to reunite with the others as well, but he had learned something of patience since the last time he had met the Houndoom beside him. Sometimes it was better to wait than dive in headfirst. Sinking to the floor, he sat leaning against one of the trees that had given him such a difficult time this battle. It's not so bad as a chair back though. The fairy type took out another Poffin, biting into his with gusto while offering a second to Nine. "Ooh, Pecha Berry flavor. Yummy," he sighed. Whether Nine chose to move ahead without him or he stayed to recuperate, Easter would eventually rise from his position, pushing his hands against the soft forest floor as he did so. "Time to go, then," he muttered. -- They had won. It had taken a lot of effort, along with some impressive moves from Taiga and Lok, but they had finally won. Keanu let out a sigh of relief as he let himself fall back to sit on the cold ground. Kalia hadn't gone quietly, though, that was for sure. Even now, she was still talking. "I...I just wanted," the woman's eyes began to cloud over, "I was going to save...my home." She slumped over then in Taiga's jaws. Keanu frowned. "Da kine's...what I wanted too," he muttered, lowering himself, even more, to lie supine on the snow-covered floor. "How is it," he wondered out loud, "that two braddahs can want the same thing, but end up in a scrap too?" He sighed, spreading his arms and legs out to make a snow angel. He wasn't used to the cold, but he had been in this room for so long, he had gone numb to it. The Raichu yawned. "Just a little nap..." he blinked suddenly mid-yawn. "Oh yeah, here," he passed around Berries like before, then, with another yawn, lay back down on the ground. Eventually, he would wake up--if not from having been purposefully woken, then just by hearing the sounds of his fighting companions as they began to leave. "Guess I gotta get going, too."

"You can do it Belle and Moo! Show them what you got!" Things weren't looking so good, but Belle had her own personal cheering section. It was kind of annoying, but also kind of...nice. Not that she'd ever actually tell that to the girl. It wouldn't do to give her a big head. So instead Belle looked forward, toward her opponent. Strategy. I have to use strategy, she thought. Or at least I have to figure out what to do. That's the first step. It was all about knowing what to do, and then making sure you did it fast enough, without cracking under pressure. Meanwhile the other person, the Rising Star whose name Belle had already forgotten, seemed to be taking lessons from Jacklyn in being loud and annoying. "You may have figured out a way around one of my strategies but that doesn't matter! Do you know why? Because Cacnea has Poison Sting just to deal with other Grass types! How about that? I call it Covering Types!" The girl's cheek twitched. "Really? Covering Types? Why don't you just not give it a dumb name instead? That sounds more reasonable." Before the boy could answer, his Cacnea did for him, rolling forward and releasing a spray of poisonous needles at Moo. I could try and lower its defense with Tail Whip, but this battle has gone on long enough. Even with Absorb, that Cacnea has to be getting tired. It's best to just take it out as soon as possible, to prepare for the possibility of there being multiple Pokémon, Belle thought. But the real reason is, the sooner I finish this battle, the sooner we might be able to get out of this desert. That was incentive enough for her. "Okay, Moo, use, pbbft, Rock Smash!" she spat out sand from her mouth. The cow lowed, before charging at the Cacnea through the Poison Sting. Though he was slower on the sand than on solid earth, he wasn't as handicapped by it as he could be, having already participated in one desert battle. Which meant he knew what to expect. Right before reaching the other grass type, he raised his front hooves high before smashing them down on the cactus. The Cacnea let out a cry of pain, rolling backward before popping up and retaliating with another volley of Poison Sting. Though it hit, and seemed to do some damage, Moo stood as strong and confidently as before. "Okay, Moo, keep using Rock Smash!" Vine Whip wasn't a good idea since it was another grass type, so it was either Tackle or Rock Smash. And according to the Pokédex, Rock Smash could lower defense. So it made sense to keep using it. This time, Moo missed. But she couldn't do anything about the sand. It raged on as hard as ever, giving the Cacnea an advantage, as its trainer had been eager to declare. Honestly, Belle couldn't think of any way to get around that or turn it to her advantage. It was just something she would have to keep in mind. Thankfully, she didn't have to keep it in mind for long, as after a couple of fruitless charges, the sandstorm had died down somewhat. Belle could now speak without sand getting in her mouth, and she could see more clearly too. Which meant so could Moo. She didn't bother shouting out orders though, as she had already said what needed to be said. It was now up to Moo. The calf swished its tail from side to side as it stared down the Cacnea. Two opponents, both using only one move. Who will go down first? And then Moo was running, hooves digging into the sand, his heavier weight and small hooves working against him, but his tireless stamina making up for it. Soon enough, he was right in front of the Cacnea, raising his hooves high. The cactus raised its arms to fire off another round of Poison Sting, causing the cow to cry out in pain, eyes squinting closed. A small opening in its face bubbled a purplish hue, small purple bubbles erupting from the sore. But his hooves continued their descent, and instead of sand, this time they slammed into pulpy flesh, a loud squelch resounding throughout the area as something gave way underneath. The noise was a little unnerving, but as far as Belle could tell, nothing had been broken. But the opposing Pokémon's face had been smashed in like a pumpkin, cactus juice dripping from its mouth as it lay on the sand, completely passed out. Belle let out a sigh of relief. They had won, but now her Pokémon was poisoned, and she hadn't thought to buy an Antidote. I really hope this boy only has the one Cacnea, she thought. --

He gives you one of the best copy abilities too!

Poyo!

Alois, Penelope, Edrick, and Abdul Alois could be considered fortunate that his comment about "enrichment" had gone without any commentary of its own. Though the mayor's frown deepened, he kept his mouth shut while Edrick spoke. To the side, Mene shook her head in exasperation. On the bed, Edrick was scowling thoughtfully. "That... yeah that sounds like who I'm lookin' for." He lay back down then, face pale, though he seemed to be fighting to stay conscious still. While the lancer seemed lost in thought, Penelope replied to the mayor's question. "No, I doubt it. That's a rather personal matter for Edrick. As to what you said before, don't worry, I can certainly already see the charms of this place. Why, this young woman has plenty of it herself." She smiled at Mene, drawing a flattered smile from the woman. "I'm glad you do," Mayor Dresogon nodded, pleased. "We may not be as flashy as Ithome, but unlike the capital, we are completely self-sufficient, save for a few specialty goods. That in itself is something to be proud of." "Though...I do wonder about that man, Pylauses I believe? And his companion. They don't seem to, ah, match the charm of this town much." "Yeah. He seems to hate pretty much everyone and every house in this town that isn't his, so why did he even come here in the first place?" "Oh, him," the mayor groaned. "He came here a while back, claiming this land as his fief or some such nonsense. Despite all that, he hasn't actually done anything harmful, so I decided to let him stay. And I've regretted it ever since," he mumbled the last bit under his breath. "It's best if'n ye just ignore him," Mene suggested. "That might not be such a good idea--" the mayor cut himself off at hearing Edrick's question. "Wait, what else is in this part of Histia? Where would someone be going if they passed this village by?" Mene shifted her weight from foot to foot, humming nervously as she wrung her hands together. "Oh, 'ere? Er, well, nothin'. Nothin' at all. Though if'n yous mean westward, err, well, then that's, uhh..." "That's Galtea," the mayor chipped in. "Though there's not much in that part of the kingdom, or so I've heard. Most people don't come through here if they're trying to go there--they'd head to Ithome, or Trikka even. Both of those cities are connected to the main roads." He thought for a moment. "I suppose they could've headed north though, or south even. North of here are the mountains, but south of here's Sochen." "That's our mayor for ya," Mene nodded. "Knows the most outta anybody in the village, savin' my smart boy 'ere," she patted Alois's shoulder. "Erhem, that's a matter of opinion," the mayor scowled at the fighter for a second before turning back toward Edrick with a shake of his head. "But that's all I know. I'm not so sure what sort of destination that strange rider would have if they headed through here though." He paused, noticing the tea that Abdul was serving everybody. "Is that tea? And masala chai, if I'm not mistaken." "Oh, ye know it, mayor?" "Know it?! Course. Tea is a fine drink indeed, and I consider myself an expert of sorts in those," the mayor puffed out his chest. -- Catriona, Link and Citron “Th… Thank you, Your Majesty. I’ll do my best to help contribute in any way I can.” Citron gave a small bow. Catriona fought back a sigh. Right after she had just told them not to call her "Your Majesty." It seemed either Link was rubbing off on this girl already, or Catriona was just deficit in acting the commoner. She would need to improve herself there if she did not want to look suspicious. “Oh, and um… Also… If you don’t mind me saying. Nice word-play there. The um, ‘diving’ part. Y’know, after I used an anecdote involving water.” The wyvern rider giggled, rubbing the side of her neck. Catriona stared at her, nonplussed. "I did not use word-play," she stated flatly. "I merely spoke what came to mind." The two were saved from the inevitable awkwardness that would follow that by Acantha's interruption. “Ah, you’re right!” the Isaurian walked toward Peaches. “I wanted to thank you again for taking care of Peaches. She seems to be doing much better! You also raise a pretty good question,” she adjusted the wyvern's harness. “Where should we go? Is there anywhere to stay, like an Inn, or somewhere to procure a tent? Or… Do you have any ideas, Your Majesty?” "It was no big deal," Acantha turned her head to the side. "Just make sure not to let that happen again. Your mounts are almost as important as your life." She stretched. "And unless I'm off my mark, the mayor should have taken care of such things on his end, so you shouldn't have to worry about that. He'll probably contact us soon. You might as well try and group up with the others." The princess nodded. "A sound plan. The sooner we reunite with the others, the sooner we can see about making preparations for the night." She also disliked the idea of staying separated for too long, especially in a strange village. Though she knew that with Gunther there, she wouldn't have to worry too much, and Alois seemed trustworthy enough as well. She glanced at Ciela, and then at Citron. "Citron, would Peaches allow somebody other than you on her back?" She was able to carry Ciela herself, but doing so would mean she wouldn't have any hands free to defend herself or the others should danger arise. The longer she's unconscious, the more dangerous it is for her, the woman thought. I thought her wounds nothing serious since Adel seemed fine, but I forgot that Ciela is much more fragile. They would have to figure something out if she still didn't wake up by the time they were ready to leave the village. Whether Peaches was able to carry Ciela or not, the group would soon exit the town hall from the main doorway, though the door itself had fallen off of its hinges, a large wyvern-shaped hole in the wood. Crossing the threshold, it almost seemed as if they stepped into a different world, the hushed atmosphere of the town hall falling from around them like a shroud, replaced instead by the cacophony of tools knocking against stone and timber, and voices shouting out instructions. The scent of velvet, dust, and varnished wood was gone, in its place, a barrage of smells found only in areas where people gather and bathing is a privilege rather than a necessity. Catriona blinked, shading her eyes against the bright sun above. A far cry from yesterday, she thought. Would it had been so nice on the road. She expected such weather in Garon or Sethis, not Ramesoth. Still, she shouldn't have been that surprised. The rain came no matter the month. "Will you lead us then, Link?" the woman asked, turning toward the mercenary. He had gone with the main group, after all, so she assumed he knew the way. -- Gunther, Sienna, and Tsetseg Icleias lapped up the attention he was receiving joyfully, giving a happy bark as his tail wagged so hard it seemed it would fall off. Phai, however, did not seem as happy as she listened to the responses. "It's up...to you two. I'll keep going if...if you wish it." "Well, it's important to find your friends and family right? And you really want to find her right Sienna? So we gotta keep looking! After all, she's all by herself right now and the longer we wait the harder it'll be to follow her!" "Ehhh?! W-Well, I suppose, that's, err, true, I guess," Phai said, twiddling her fingers together. "Umm...in that case, there's a place to cross not far from here, if you all are, uhh, fine with that." Unless anybody voiced any objections, she would lead the way, heading south along the riverbank. There, the ground sloped up, a gradual incline that became steeper and firmer, mud replaced by pale white stone like the statue they had fought earlier. Eventually they reached a point where the rock hung over the river like the talon of some large bird of prey. At the very tip, an oak tree clung to the edge with grasping, finger-like roots. "You should be able to just jump down from here, but it'll be harder to make the return trip," the girl said, and it was apparent that she was correct. The cliff hung far enough over the river that one could easily jump across from there, but getting back up was another story. "I hid a rope on the other side though, and I'm a good thrower," she knocked a fist against her chest with a confidence that seemed at odds with her earlier behavior, "so we should be able to make it back from here too." She glanced at Gunther for a second before nodding, some of the nervousness returning to her expression, "Even you, I think." The girl took a deep breath then, stepping back a bit before running forward and leaping over the edge, landing on the other side with a soft splash. "Come on, it should be a soft landing!" she called out to the trio above. "The ground's all muddy and stuff here, so there shouldn't be any problems. I, uhh, think so anyway." With a bark, Icleias followed, splashing into the water in a belly flop, though he seemed none the worse the wear for it, quickly exiting the river and lowering his nose as he sniffed around on the opposite bank. OOC

"Go aboard the ship. The three of us down here will hold for now." Yue jerked at that. Three? She looked to the side, spotting Edda. I didn't even notice her in all the excitement. The archer nodded, "A-All right, got it," and turned back toward the boat, taking in a deep breath. I just need to follow Susanoo then. “I’ll put yer damn head on a pike!” She winced. Yes. Follow him. Okay. I can do this. Maybe. No, she really couldn't do this. But she had to. Leon had ordered it. And Alexis was back there too. Even if she was annoying, she was still Leon's friend, so Yue couldn't just let her die. Nodding once again, the archer tightened her grip on her bow before moving up the wooden boarding ramp connecting the boat to the docks. There, she saw Susanoo in a battle against the leader of the bandits. The other bandits were just watching, which was what Yue wanted to be doing too, but she had to fight. So instead, she approached, careful to skirt around the two combatants, and nocked an arrow on her bowstring. The others didn't even notice her, so fixated were they on the big showdown between Susanoo and the leader. Which was good. Because it meant she might be able to get more attacks in before they reacted. So Yue took aim--left to right. I can do this--and fired. And then added another arrow, took aim, and fired again. As she fumbled to add another arrow to her string, the bandits finally reacted. One of them, the leftmost one, had fallen to the ground with a gurgle, a feathered shaft sticking out of his throat, but the other one was still up and able to move, having been hit in the shoulder instead. And the third was uninjured, but he was just as mad as the others as he held his axe high in a downward chop, running toward her. "Eeek!" Yue cried, releasing her third arrow at the bandit, watching as it buried itself into his knee. He fell forward onto the deck, but the middle one was still running toward her, the arm with the injured shoulder lying limp at his side, the other one holding an axe. Roaring, he slashed it down, tearing a gash down her chest. Gasping, Yue had to work to keep from falling to the deck herself, head spinning as she held a hand to her chest. Small mercies, but it didn't cut that deep. It still hurt though, especially since she wasn't wearing much in the way of armor. And now the bandit was too close to hit with her bow. She coughed. I hope...I don't have to fight these people alone. The one had fallen down, but he was sure to get up and join her attacker soon enough. OOC

Easter hadn't expected such quick reaction times from Nikora, though he supposed he should've expected as much from a Godslayer. He had been blown back into a tree--they really were everywhere here. He rubbed his head as he rose to his feet, taking in what Nine was saying. He didn't think there was anything particularly unusual about the words, but apparently Nikora thought otherwise. His usual unflappable calm had been shaken, voice raised in a shout. Easter raised a brow, impressed despite himself at the effect. "Guess I still have things to learn in the art of taunting," he smirked. And then the man ran forward, arms outstretched, and of course having no trouble at all with the swampy ground. As he ran pins fired from his arms straight toward both of them. As he approached, Easter prepared himself, but he wasn't able to dodge the attack fast enough, and found himself slamming into yet another tree. "You have quite the arm there," he choked out, shaking his head. "But I'm not quite out yet." And with that, he flipped himself off the tree to land on the ground, spinning around to fire off a Moonblast. Nikora pulled up a Spiky Shield, but, surprisingly, the large pink orb went sailing past him, as if the Sylveon had missed in his excitement. But instead of annoyance, the fairy type's expression was one of smug satisfaction as he leapt past the Godslayer. It started out as a creak, and then a groan, as timbers split. Easter's Moonblast had torn a path right through the trunk of the tree behind the Cacturne. As it swayed from side to side, Easter gave it a firm kick--right in Nikora's direction. But even a falling tree wasn't enough to stop the Godslayer as he sent out a Dark Pulse that vaporized part of the tree, jumping through the hole toward Easter. The Sylveon leapt back in surprise, barely avoiding the Energy Ball that was shot in his direction. "You've changed," he observed. "You've lost your cool." I'll have to thank Nine for that later. Normally, he would indulge, no, delight in the panic of his opponents, but this was work, not play. He had to get through this and reunite with those who mattered most to him. He sent out a wave of Swift pink stars as he dodged attack after attack. Now that Nikora was keeping him on the defensive, it was hard to get time to charge up his Moonblast, which was annoying, but not debilitating. Allowing a Pin Missile to hit, he ignored the pain to launch out with a kick to the other's solar plexus, throwing the Godslayer backward and into a tree. At least I'm not the only one getting smacked into trees now. The both of them were breathing heavily as they stared each other down. Judging by the lucidity in the other's eyes, the confusion had worn off. More's the pity. It didn't matter though. With Nine here, the fight would end. It was only a matter of when now. The two of them began to charge up attacks at the same time--Easter a Moonblast, and Nikora an Energy Ball. Just like before, but this time Nikora was faster, throwing the large green sphere with powerful force. The Sylveon released his own attack, but it did little more than defend him from the blast. Gritting his teeth, he dove through the explosion, ignoring the pain, to launch a surprise attack on the Cacturne. As the other threw up a spiky arm in surprise, Easter let his momentum carry him forward, twisting his body into a spinning kick instead of a regular side kick, coming at him from an angle that let him bypass the arm. Following it up with a Moonblast-charged punch to the gut, the Sylveon's eyes widened when the Cacturne took the attack instead of blocking it this time, exchanging it for a Drain Punch of his own. It hurt, but that didn't matter. "Now, Nine!" Easter shouted, jumping backward. -- Aue, those two are lolo strong, Keanu whistled as he watched both Taiga's Waterfall and Lok's Hex hit at almost the same time. Kalia seemed to feel the effects of it too, if the way she trembled while holding her arm was any indication. "I don't understand. I'm just doing what I must...I'm saving my region. I deserve to win. I've...trained so much. I was blessed by the Tapu themselves. I should be able to beat anyone!" A blessing from the Tapu...no wonder she's so strong. Most Alolans would give their right arm for a chance like that. Keanu wouldn't, but that was only because he needed his arm to help surf. Now, something less important, like his hair, or nose. He'd give that, sure. "Well, I don't know, this is Adarid. The rules are a little different here," he replied, running forward, breathing a sigh of relief when the Hail died down and didn't look to be returning. It would be a lot easier to coordinate with the others now, at least. Except now, Kalia had begun to lift entire piles of snow to lob at the group. In the midst of these projectiles she also sent out Swift stars and shards of ice as she began to shamble toward them. It was stressful, and slightly terrifying, but Keanu kept running, throwing out an Electro Ball that managed to hit this time. He stopped just out of range of a Crush Claw, but that didn't matter, as now a rain of Icicles were Crashing down on him amidst a flurry of snowballs. Backing up, he sent out a Thunder Wave that didn't seem to do anything at all as the Sandslash kept moving forward, slow but persistent. Why that was, was answered soon afterward as she winced from a flicker of fire around her form. Aue. She's already burned. That's right. Panicking slightly, Keanu attempted to use Psychic, but lost his focus at the last minute when he was hit by bright yellow Swift stars followed by Shards of Ice that knocked him to the ground. And then Kalia was right there, jabbing a Claw with Crushing force down on him. Rolling to the side, the Raichu just barely avoided the attack, turning up to send out an Electro Ball which caused the Godslayer to freeze for a second as the electricity coursed through her system. Taking that opportunity to roll further away, Keanu hopped to his feet, shivering slightly as he brushed snow off his body. "Just give up!" he shouted as he shot his arms down, and then up suddenly, a wave of water rising with the motion of his arms. Hopping on the water, he rode it toward the Sandslash, jumping off at the last minute as the tide crashed into her. He wouldn't risk getting too close to her, not after all that he'd experienced this fight. He watched as the Godslayer fell to the ground, before slowly rising to her feet, body trembling in exhaustion. "Come on!" Keanu called out to the others. "I think we might just be able to beat her!" He didn't want to jinx them, but he was hopeful, anyway. Immediately afterward he was smacked to the ground by a pile of snow. Spitting out snow, he sighed. Of course da kine had to happen right after I got confident. S'what I get for getting cocky, I guess.

It seemed that Lachlan's awkwardness had not gone unnoticed. And here he was, trying to learn to be normal and all! Like a natural, human person. Except he just wasn't any good at those sorts of things. Which he already knew, but still, it was one thing to know that, and another thing to have somebody else know about it. The bartender at least seemed nice about it, even telling him to help himself to what was on the menu! Though he knew better than to take that offer at face value. Last time he had, he had gotten an angry mob after him because apparently, eating involved paying first. And if you didn't have the money to pay, then that was stealing. That was something that had taken him some time to learn. After all, he had never had to worry about money before when he was living in the lake. He wasn't sure how likely he was to want to eat here, with all the people around him, but he probably had to eat something at some point. Mibbe they 'ave-- “Lach, hey!” and suddenly there was a person there! In his face! “How’s things? I’m pretty excited myself to stay up the whole night looking for monsters, what about you?” Oh, it was just Ellie. Not a scary stranger. Not that she wasn't scary herself, being a witch. But she was still way too close for comfort right now. The witch leaned in and put a hand on the wall to balance herself. “Oh, I guess also I learned why this place is named The Naughty Crow. Would you believe it’s named after the bartender there? She won’t tell me what she did that was so naughty, though. Little disappointed about that, but, you know, it’s whatever.” "U-Uh, oh?" Lachlan asked, his mind struggling to keep up with Ellie's verbal barrage, a feat made even more arduous by her leaning forward like she was right now. Yes, there was just something about being a mere foot or so away from danger that made it difficult to concentrate. He took in a breath of air...and stopped. And then took another breath, leaning forward a little. Shae smells like watter. It sounded kind of dumb, and impossible, but she did. Or rather, she didn't smell like water, but like everything that came with water. The crisp, fresh taste on the tongue, the heavy, almost sweet scent of algae and moss, and the earthy petrichor that followed a rain shower. But there was something else too...something else that was very much not water. A sharp, spicy undertone that he had only come across in certain foods and medicines. It was this last scent that brought Lachlan to his senses, and he abruptly backed up, smacking his head into the wall behind in the process. "Ach!" he yelped, rubbing the sore spot, before sliding to the side, to put some distance between the two of them. The scent was less strong now, making way for the usual tavern smells of food, alcohol, and unwashed bodies. Aye. This was much safer. Now he could actually think. "Hello, sorry about...er, that," he flushed, looking down, away from her two-toned eyes to focus on the stitching in her robes. "You uhh, just smell like uhh, water, for some reason." He reddened as he realized what he said. "Ach! I mean uhh, not that that's bad. I like water. It's a very uhh, fresh scent." Wait. Now she probably thought he was some creep that went around smelling people. "Sorry. I uhh, didn't mean to smell you or anything. You were just really close and I had to breathe, so it kind of, err, happened? Not that I'm blaming you for that. It's not your fault. It's mine. For breathing." Yeah, he should probably just stop while he was ahead. "Anyway, uhh, I'm not super thrilled, I guess? I think night might actually be, you know, the worst time, or I guess the best time? Not that I should be making any guesses. I'm probably wrong, so uhh. Yeah." He shook his head. "And it's called the Naughty Crow? That's really weird. Not that weird is bad. Not at all!" he quickly glanced over at the bartender. "It's just uhh, unusual? Or rather, I'm not used to names like that. But then again, I haven't been to many taverns, so I can't really say I guess." He really, really didn't want any trouble from anybody, least of all because of something he had said. "And if she won't tell you, then it's probably something she err, doesn't want to talk about? Lots of people have things like that. At least, I think so." He did, anyway. He didn't go around telling people he was a Jaeger, or that he used to eat people. That was the kind of thing that ended conversations and opened the way for angry mobs. Wait, did he accidentally imply Ellie was in the wrong for asking then? Ach, ah 'ave tae say summat or risk a ragin'. "Not that I'm saying it's your fault here either. You didn't know it'd be a sore subject or anything, especially since it's the name and all." He waved his hands in the air in supplication, sliding away from the redhead even more in the process.

"Ha, you see that? That's master class strategy at work! No longer will I be just a Rising Star, soon I'll be the ace of all Ace Trainers! With the sand and leech seed and my Cacnea's evasion there's nothing you can do." "Okay, cool. Nice," Belle deadpanned, yawning openly. The boy snickered. "Especially not with a well-known weak Pokemon like Rattata. Alright. Now for the second part! Use Poison Sting until you get a Poison off, Cacnea! Sand, Leech Seed, AND Poison! A triple combo attack that can't be beat!" "A wombo combo?" the girl mused, head tilted down. "No...probably not." She looked up. "Anyway, you do...you, I guess," she said. "And uhh, Rattata, you do you too." The Rattata sniffed, and if it could speak, it would probably say something like "of course, that's what I was going to do anyway." Or at least that's what Belle assumed it'd say. Immediately afterward it charged forward, heedless of the needles coming its way to smack right into the Cacnea. The cactus Pokémon rolled backward before rolling back into an upright position, arms outspread to fire off another round of Poison Sting. Not bothering to yell out for her Rattata to dodge--of course it was going to try to do that. It didn't need her telling it that--Belle instead put her brain to work. She needed to figure out how to handle the whole "not wanting to listen to her" thing. Because, honestly, just charging in all the time wasn't a good strategy, and especially not a good one in this sand. But with her Pokémon not listening, it was going to be pretty hard to use a different one. So what do I do then? she wondered. Try doing the whole opposite thing again? It worked last time, so maybe... She turned to the Rattata. "Rat thing, I want you to go all in! Charge right at it! I think that's the best strategy!" The Rattata glared back at her with a hiss, tail waving slightly, before turning back toward the fight. And ran forward with high speed in a Quick Attack, dodging the Poison Sting in the process. Unfortunately, it also missed. This isn't working. Belle groaned. At this rate, I'm going to lose. Should I just replace him with Moo? But no, grass against grass isn't a good matchup either. "More Poison Sting, Cacnea!" Yet again, the Rattata used Quick Attack, this time hitting, but the Cacnea was still going strong. Another round and it missed this time. And then missed again. At this rate, they would get nowhere. And even worse, after that last exchange, Belle caught the site of a purple ooze in one of the Rattata's many cuts. It was hard to see because the Pokémon was also purple, but once she saw it, she knew right away what it meant. It was poisoned. It looked like the Rising Star saw that too. "Oh yeah! Go Cacnea! I knew you could do it! Now use uhh...oh yeah! I should use that move! Growth!" Growth?! That's not good. If I don't finish this thing off soon, it'll be my loss. "Listen to me, Rattata. You won't get anywhere with this strategy. Use Focus Energy." The Rattata hissed and shook its head at her. And then...charged straight forward. Again. "Use Growth again, Cacnea!" In that second, it was almost as if Belle could see the future. She knew what was going to happen as sure as anything. Except it wasn't actually seeing the future. It was just common sense. With her opponent setting itself up and her own Pokémon refusing to listen to her, she just would not be able to win this battle. Not unless a miracle occurred. Maybe I should just hope for one? Believe in the heart of the Poké Balls, or something? Would that work? It worked in the shows, after all, so maybe it would here too. The Rattata hissed as it kept diving for the Cacnea, its movements slowing somewhat from the poison and leech seed combo taking root. With that, it was even easier for the grass type to avoid its attacks. Its earlier surprise had changed to boredom. This is just bad. I can't even watch this. Belle shook her head. "Give it up," she told the normal type. "You're not going to win." The rat hissed at her before lunging at the Cacnea again. Of course it refuses to listen. Of course. Belle fumbled for the ball that she had put back into her bag, taking it out and hoping it was the right one. She really needed a better way to label these things. "Return!" The Rattata dove to the side to avoid the beam of red light, charging at the Cacnea. But unlike before, where its tail had waved upright like a flag, now it was drooping. The vines from the Leech Seed were still wrapped around its body and sending energy back to its opponent. So even when it hit the grass type, it was just keeping it at the same amount of health. "Finish it off now Cacnea! Use Absorb!" The cactus spread its arms wide as a large wave of green light separated from the Rattata's body to head toward the Cacnea's. Immediately afterward, the rat dropped to the ground with a whoof, sand whirling up in a small cloud from its fall. "Return," Belle muttered as she clicked the button on the Poké Ball. This time, her Pokémon went in, not even giving as much as a twitch of protest. It had been knocked out cold. It looks like it'll be some time yet before this one's ready to be in any trainer battles. Shaking her head, the girl reached into her bag, grasping at a random Poké Ball and hoping it was the right one. "Go...Moo?" Thankfully, this time she had chosen correctly. With a soft low, the Pokémon was released, shaking its body slightly like a dog as it turned its head toward its trainer. "This one wants to fight," Belle said, pointing at the Rising Star. She didn't remember his name. Names weren't important, anyway, for random NPC-mob types like him. "Your opponent is this one," she pointed at the Cacnea. "Time to show them what you're made of." A loss. She had lost. Not the whole battle yet, but that didn't matter. A loss was a loss. Now, she would just have to recover from it. That's what all good competitive gamers learned to do. To roll with the punches. When you lost, you either let it snowball into a complete defeat, or come back twice as hard. I don't really care about battling, but I really, really hate losing, she thought. So if I'm being forced to fight, I want to make sure I take home the gold. Literally, in this case, since I'll probably get paid for winning. And...I'd have to pay money if I lose. She sweated. There's more than just my pride on the line. I'm sticking with this stupid journey so I can get enough money to laze around. If I lose all my funds along the way, then that just defeats the point, doesn't it? In other words, she had to win this fight. But she was already at a disadvantage...unless that Cacnea was the only Pokémon her opponent had. I hope that's the case, anyway.

It hurt. It hurt so badly. But she had to grit her teeth and bear it. As she was thinking this, Leon had charged forward in defense, a quick exchange of blows that showed just how far above in skill the mercenary was. This was one of the many reasons she was proud to serve him. He quickly showed another reason when he gazed at her in concern, "are you alright?" "Y-Yeah," Yue gasped out. "Thanks Leon." She glanced around, trembling slightly. There was only the one enemy nearby, but he didn't look very friendly. Not at all. And if she attacked him, she might get hit as well. Actually, it was pretty much a sure thing. And she wasn't sure she could survive that. And even if she did, she'd just force Leon to defend her again. She loved open spaces, but as an archer, she really was better off indoors. So that meant she should stay behind somebody. But who? When in doubt, ask the leader. "Um, Leon, what's the plan?" she asked. Originally she had been going to follow behind Susanoo, but it didn't really look like he needed the help. "Do you want me to stay on land, or try to board the boat?" She knew Rona was supposed to be staying on this side, but Yue wasn't sure what she herself was supposed to be doing. For now, she would just stay where she was, though she tried to keep the others between her and the bad guys. OOC

Alois, Penelope, Edrick, and Abdul "Dragon what?" "Oh, er...nothing. Don't mind it, young man," Mene replied in a shaky voice, though she straightened somewhat at hearing Alois's remark. "Well, thankfully the ground and me have gotten pretty familiar with each other these past few weeks." The boy looked to the ground and jokingly said, "ain't that right buddy?" The woman shook her head at that. "Well, it'll only be for a night or two methinks. Or, well, as long as yer friend there needs it." She turned to look at Mayor Dresogon questioningly, but he was busy in reply to the others, having recovered from his earlier shock at seeing Sienna run by, and then Gunther run past him. "It is no problem, of course," the mayor said, a small, grudging smile on his face. It was a face that wasn't made for such things, and so the few smiles that found their way there usually vanished just as quickly. "And there won't be anything there that'll impress royalty, but I think you'll find our village fare has a charm of its own. The wine, in particular, is my specialty," his chest ballooned with pride, though it quickly deflated upon hearing Alois speak, the smile morphing to a more natural frown. "I see your tongue works as well as ever," he said, lifting a pudgy finger to jab it angrily toward the boy. "Rest assured, we're not holding this fete for you or your return." "An' why not?" Mene put her hands on her hips, a move that caused Mayor Dresogon to sigh and hold his head. "Alois here did just as much to help the village as his friends did. He's a hero is what he is, an' I'll not have ye tryin' to say as he isn't." "Yes, I know, but a hero or not, it doesn't change the fact the boy's a menace! And look!" he pointed at the stack of books Mene had moved earlier. "Those are my books! He's a thief to boot! And you're trying to defend him?" "I already talked t'him about that," Alois's mother scowled, picking up the books and handing them back to him. "An' I'd think ye'd be happy to know there's another person in this village who likes books as much as ye." By her words, it was hard to believe she herself had been scolding Alois for taking the books not more than fifteen minutes ago. "No amount of book reading can make up for his attitude," the mayor snorted, before waving his hand. "Anyway, this isn't what I came to talk to you all about." "Then what did ye--" "Um, Mene, right?" Edrick's raspy voice caused all eyes to turn toward him, abruptly silencing the argument. "Aye, that's me," the woman approached, fussing with the covers. "Are ye too cold?" "I'll honestly be fine on the floor. I've got a good bedroll that's seen me through worse than this. Can't be worse than being buried in snow anyways!" the boy laughed quietly, eventually trailing off. "But um... alright this is a weird time to ask but have any of you seen a rider come through on a red roan mare with a strawberry mane recently? Would've been riding up out of the Southeast?" "A rider on a mare? Can't say that I have. What about you, Mene?" the mayor turned toward the woman, whose eyes were squinted in thought. "Aye, I thinks I might've, though I can't says fer sure it was red. It was on the month o' August, the night of that storm. When we had to go out the next day an' chop up that tree that fell down." "Oh, that night! Yes, I remember you saying something about seeing someone then, now that you mention it," the mayor nodded. Alois would recall that night as well, though he would mainly remember the next day when he had to help out with the chopping. That was one of the few times the mayor hadn't found a reason to yell at him, as his woodcutting skills were more than passable. "I'd been called out to help settle the sheep down. Poor Paulos was laid up with a broken leg then, and Timotheos ain't that experienced yet. My house is the closest to the east gate an' the sheep, so's I went out t'see if'n I could do aught. The sheep were all up in a right fuss, more so than usual, an' then they got worse alls of a sudden. An' I'm not sure why, but I turned to look behind me, I couldn't see nothin', but I felt like I was bein' watched. An' then the night lit up in a flash of lightning, an' there 'twas. A rider covered head to toe in a hooded cloak--'cause of the storm, no doubt--atop a horse. Though I couldn't see much more than that. See, the lightning made it so's I could see them, but I couldn't see's much more than that with the light behind 'em like that. Like they were naught more than a shadow, or summat." "Their silhouette," the mayor corrected. "Aye, sorry I'm not one fer book learning or nothin'," the woman replied with some embarrassment. "But I knows what I saw, an' I don't know if'n that was the mare yer talkin' about or no, but could be. Can't say more 'cause when the next flash lit up the sky, they were gone. But they were in the east, all right." "But that was a month ago. They're probably long gone," Dresogon shook his head, before turning to Penelope. "Does this horse have anything to do with what you said earlier then?" he glanced at Abdul warily. -- Catriona, Link and Citron Catriona had not expected the words that had left her own mouth. To throw away her title, something that defined who she was, went against her very being. But it was true. She was a princess, yes, but right now, she was a traveler. As they all were. It was a strange thought, and not one she had ever dreamed she'd have. But I will die soon enough anyway, and what will titles matter then? I have heard that Isaurians believe differently, but I am Galtean, and when I am gone, I shall become naught more than ash on the wind. She frowned slightly. Would that my remains could be thrown into the Galtean Sea, like my forefathers before me. At the end, I shall ask Penelope to carry them there. But as Acantha had pointed out, casting off her royal bearing was easier said than done, a sentiment Link seemed to agree with if his reply of, "yes, your majesty" meant anything. The princess fought the urge to sigh. It appears there is a long road ahead of me yet. I shall need to practice at speaking more like a commoner. I shall have to observe how the others speak--those that are commoners, that is, and imitate them. She thought for a second. Mayhap Alois will be willing to teach me. He seemed interested in my swordplay when last we sparred, so I could frame it as an exchange of sorts. It will be less embarrassing than asking him outright, anyway. And then Link brought up Citron, and Catriona snapped her attention back to the present, and what the merchant was saying. The lord took her time to think over what the girl had said afterward, though her attention was shortly diverted by the baying of a hound. One hound, not multiple, like she was used to the few times she had accompanied her father on his hunts. "How odd," she said, though she turned her focus back to Citron without much more thought put into it. "It is good that you have an idea of what you're getting into. More so than I had expected, I will admit." But not enough. It wouldn't ever be enough. No amount of foreknowledge could ever prepare one for the realities of battle. She knew that firsthand and had seen that with her sister as well. Did she want to drag this unassuming merchant girl into fighting, from which there would be no return? She was young. Far too young for this. She had the calluses of a hard worker, but she stood like the civilian she was. Out of everybody in the room barring Ciela, hers was the only back in a relaxed slope, though it was slightly stiff from nervousness. Even Acantha, who wasn't a soldier but part of the town militia, had the hard look of one who had seen battle. Though she sat, her back was as straight as an arrow, her chin raised defiantly. But it was her eyes that gave away the most, for they flitted between the three of them in a watchfulness mirrored thrice over in Link, who kept his attention on the exits in an almost paranoid manner. But Citron had seen battle already. She had helped them fight against the statue, had not let the fear of the unknown and unnatural hold her back from helping out. She had nerve, that was for sure. Most ordinary people would have fled the town hall at the first flap of the monolith's wings, but she had not. And, loathe though Catriona was to admit it, they needed people with that kind of courage. For their journey would take them ever further into the realm of the unnatural. "You may regret diving further into this," Catriona warned. "But if you are sure..." Once Citron gave a reply, she nodded. "Very well. Citron..." she paused to remember the name, "Paradisi. If you are willing, you are welcome to join us. You showed courage back there, and we will have need of such courage in the future." "Well, now that that's over with," Acantha rose to her feet. "What's the plan now? Are you three, or four," she glanced at Ciela, "going to stick around here forever like bumps on a log? Your friends all left you behind." She looked at Peaches. "I think your wyvern's good enough to move if she has to, though I wouldn't have her fly around just yet if you know what's good for her." -- Gunther, Sienna, and Tsetseg Sienna gave a sigh, rubbing her head. "Sorry for the commotion... I'm just trying to find my friend...Gunther?" For once, the knight's entrance had been quieter than Sienna's, though that was only because the Protean had been accompanied by a loudly barking dog. His armor was still loud enough to draw attention as he gasped out a question. Tsetseg waved her fishing rod proudly, "we're fishing. And see, I caught one!" "Oh, okay," Phai nodded in reply to Sienna, expression brightening. "Well she's right here!" she pointed to Tsetseg, then looked at Gunther to reply to his question, echoing the archer a little nervously. "We're fishing, and--" she cut herself off at seeing the fish, eyes going round, "WOW! Nice one, Tsetseg!" she complimented, voice going back to its prior chirpy tones. "See, I knew you could do it! You'll be a master fisherman yet!" "I... I was borrowing this dog from a person I helped... I'm trying to find out where Licorice went. But at this point... I'm starting to wonder if she just ran completely away..." Sienna sat down quietly. "She ran away, huh?" Phai tilted her head. "That's no good. Er, if you don't mind me saying so," she squeaked. "But, well, that's usually a bad thing anyway. Ahem," she cleared her throat. "I'm, uhh, sorry to say this, but you're probably right. There's not much past here. Well, there is a river, but beyond that, it's just a bunch of swampland, or so Acantha's told me. And she's told me to never go there either." This would sound familiar to all three of the group, as they had crossed that river just that morning. At that moment, however, Icleias lifted his head and bayed, immediately capturing everybody's attention. And then, he resumed his run. "It sounds like he found something!" Phai shouted, following behind. "Let's go!" In the heat of the moment, her nervousness had vanished. The puppy took them past the pond and through the forest. Here and there the group would see signs of a large animal having come through previously, though after some time following behind the dog, the obvious ones disappeared. Only Tsetseg, with her experience in hunting, would catch any after that. Small signs, like spots of mud on rocks, or twigs sticking up at unnatural angles. It seemed that Licorice had transformed into her humanoid form at some point, as her fox form would've left behind far more signs of her passing through. Eventually, the group made it to a river, the same one they had crossed earlier, though it was far wider here than when they had crossed, splitting into two branches. One ran north, the other east, and it was here that Icleias finally stopped, circling the ground in confusion. "Uhh, it looks like we won't be able to go any farther," Phai said timidly. "I think that uhh, your friend might have crossed the river. Or something like that. And I don't think we should try and follow her. Not here, anyway. There is a place to cross south of here, but..." she looked up at the darkening late afternoon sky, "I think it might be better to just head back for now. Unless, you want to keep going?" She looked at the group with a nervous smile. OOC

"I can't let this be the end of me. Just a little more...just a little more and it'll all be over." Nikora said, planting his feet firmly into the ground before blasting a barrage of Pin Missile in an almost 360° area around him. Tch. I see he's trying to make up for his confusion with this. Crafty, but I would expect no less from a dark type. The thought caused Easter to glance at the other dark type in the room. I wonder if he's hatched up any plans himself. I wouldn't put it past him. Whatever he had planned, Easter would try to coordinate. It wasn't so long ago I'd have tried to fight them both at once, he thought, lip curling in amusement. I suppose I've grown. For all the years he had spent fighting, the many, many years, he had become stronger, and he thought that was growth. It's funny to think that what I really needed, all along, was what? Taking care of a kid? The thought was laughable, and yet there was no denying its truth. He had been hit by the Pin Missile, but he managed to avoid taking repeated damage from it by ducking behind a tree, where he had paused to collect his thoughts. Now, staring up at the tree, he quickly began to climb. This isn't so different from shimmying up the mast on the S.S. Showdown, he thought. In fact, it's much easier. Upon reaching the top, the Sylveon shot out a Moonblast toward the Cacturne. For a second, it seemed as if it would hit him, and perhaps they'd be done with this fight, but of course, things could never be that easy. Instead, the Godslayer had turned, as if sensing the attack, or perhaps having heard the rumble of sheer power as it careened through the air, almost as if it were a physical thing. An actual ball, and not a burst of energy drawn straight from the moon itself. With a sound like a thunderclap, the pink orb crashed against an orb of green that formed around the Cacturne, and once more the pink fizzled into nothingness. That Spiky Shield really is a pain. But there were only so many times Nikora could use that move without it eventually failing him, and when that happened, he and Nine would be ready. But before that, he would have to move. The Cacturne had turned toward him, eyes still closed, before drawing back his hand and then suddenly thrusting it forward, a large green Ball of Energy releasing from his palm and headed straight for Easter. The fairy type jumped, grabbing for one of the vines trailing down from the canopy above him. It lacked the rough texture of a rope, but it was sturdy enough. At that moment, he could see a snake, also hanging from the branches above, angling its head down, jaws opening wide in a hiss. Wasting no time, the Eeveelution let the vine carry him through the air, swinging down straight toward Nikora. Easter felt a sharp piercing sting on his fingers--the snake had bit him, but he didn't let go. While the pain could make others lose their grip--both literally and figuratively, it did the opposite for him. With the added focus that pain gave him, the Sylveon let the momentum of the swing take him to the end of its arc--to Nikora. Legs outstretched, he ended his swing with a heavy kick to the Cacturne's chest, causing the other to fall onto his back. It was only then that he let go. Shaking his hand idly, he heard the plop of the snake falling to the ground behind him. Releasing another wave of Swift, which hit not only the snake but also Nikora, Easter felt yet more pain from the front as he was hit with a Pin Missile. But not a Drain Punch. Perhaps he has gotten more cautious since last time. The Cacturne had risen swiftly, but Easter wouldn't let him regain his bearings so easily, especially not since Nine had warned against that particular scenario. Ignoring, or rather thriving in the pain, the Sylveon let himself drop to the ground, balancing on both hands and one leg, the other angled up in a kick that swept the Godslayer's legs out from under him. He rose then, charging up a Moonblast in his left hand, and throwing a fist forward with his right. For a second, it seemed as if he would try to strike with both, but at the last moment, he pulled back his left hand. Yet he kept his right fist flying forward, toward Nikora's face. And then pain. Such, such pain. A piercing pain that matched the spikes that pierced his fist. Warm blood leaked out from the holes in his hand, landing on the floor with a slow dripping sound. "I have to thank you for giving me such wonderful sensations," Easter leaned up to whisper near the other's ear, though he kept his face away from the Spiky Shield surrounding the Cacturne. His fist was still buried in spikes, but he didn't move it. Instead, he kept it there, a blissful smile on his face. "Are you having fun?" he asked in a voice positively saturated in sugar. "Because I am. You try so, so hard, you even closed your eyes. What a smart boy. But it's. Just. Not. Enough." He giggled, a sinister shine to his eyes as he stared up at the dark type. He licked his lips. Oh, the fun he could have with this-- A Wooper. No, a Quagsire. An Emboar. A Pupitar. All three faces flashed through his mind. The Sylveon shook his head, the smile slipping away from his face. Maybe the pain is causing me to lose my grip after all. He was better than this. He couldn't let himself fall back into his old ways. He had to end this quickly. There were lives at stake here. "Well, I suppose that goes both ways." The honeyed lilt had disappeared, his voice back to its usual polite staccato. "I can tell that even this won't be enough to take you down. But it'll expedite the process, at least. And with Nine here too, this won't last long at all." The shield flickered out, causing the pink-haired gijinka to tense. They say you shouldn't always believe what you see, but the same goes for what you hear as well. He raised his other hand, revealing a fully charged Moonblast. By charging it at the same time as his basic attack, he had fooled Nikora into believing that it had been a Moonblast headed toward him, prompting him to throw up a Spiky Shield to block it. But it had just blocked his basic attack instead. His real attack had been waiting in the wings. But now, it was time for it to take center stage. This time, there was no green to stop the pink from reaching its target. -- Keanu let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding at the sight of Taiga bursting out of the storm, sliding up the frozen wave to kick Kalia in the ribs. There's something to be said for her type, he thought. I'm just glad she's on my side. He could've done without the insult, at least. Hell, he could've done without her following complaint too, but beggars couldn't be choosers. He was still alive, and that's what mattered. Even better, she had freed him from the ice trap. "Fight, would you? It's sad to see you still tryin' to bargain with this lunatic." Keanu opened his mouth to protest that it was either he bargain or get gored, but he didn't have time to say it, or even say thanks before another barrage of icicles rained down on them. "Just great. Get out of my way." In the next second, the Raichu was flying backward away from the Sharpedo, the wind knocked out of him in the process. While that had caused him to avoid the icicles, it meant that Taiga hadn't managed to escape the attack, or at least he assumed so by the fact she was shouting. Or she could've just been shouting. He wasn't sure, as he couldn't actually make out what she was saying with the wind whistling in his ears. There was a silence where Keanu assumed Kalia was fighting against Lok. Or maybe Taiga. Again, he couldn't actually tell what was going on. It didn't help that he was still lying down where he had been kicked. Getting himself up--and barely avoiding an embarrassing slip on the icy floor--the electric type started walking in a random direction. Can't see, can't hear, I'm pretty useless right now, he thought. All he could do was rely on his newly sharpened sixth sense, which was more or less a feeling that this was probably the right way. Eh, at least I was right, he thought upon hearing a familiar voice. "You did well to survive this long but now all that will ends now." At that moment, he could make out a blue glow even through the hailstorm. A blue glow that was probably Kalia. And then he was looking up at two large pillars of snow that had appeared out of thin air. He couldn't see much beyond that, but something told him that Taiga and Lok were right there as well, which wasn't good. They'd be buried at this rate. Would Surf work? he thought. But what if it freezes again? Then he'd just be a sitting Farfetch'd. No, he had to figure out a different way. Provide a distraction maybe? Yeah, that could work. The Raichu shot an Electro Ball toward the blue glow, a cry of pain confirming the hit. "We're gonna keep on surviving!" he shouted, running forward. A barrage of Swift stars came his way, but he ignored the pain--or tried to not think about it anyway, skidding to a halt and closing his eyes in concentration. The blue glow surrounding Kalia intensified as she was lifted forcefully from the floor before being slammed back down. At the same time, the snow pillars threatening Taiga and Lok had collapsed. That was a relief, but now Kalia was focusing on Keanu, which wasn't a relief. Or he would assume she was because a giant snow pillar had appeared in front of him now. "I've learned my lesson!" he said a second before the snow buried him. There was silence for as the Sandslash waited for signs of motion before stalking forward, Crush Claw at the ready to stab into Keanu's trapped form...except he wasn't there. Just a small doll in the snow. She stared at it for a long moment before jolting in realization, turning around just in time to get bowled over by another Surf attack. The Godslayer tumbled head over heels to lie prone on her back, though she rose to her feet soon enough. Keanu hopped off the wave to land on the wet floor, though it was quickly turning to ice beneath his feet. The Raichu jumped to a patch of dry ground then. "And the lesson is not to get stuck like before." Kalia said nothing, glowing blue again as the snow condensed to form yet another large pillar, though this one had patches of ice as well from where the Surf water had frozen after making contact with the cold floor.

Okay these last two won't be randos. Pincurchin Snom

Alois, Penelope, Gunther, Edrick, and Abdul "There are no secrets for me to hold!" Abdul replied, "I am one who greatly appreciates tea, but unfortunately not one who grows it." He paused to take a sip before continuing with an explanation of the tea's contents. "Oh? What a shame, then," Mene said. "But e'en so, ye knows a lot fer one as has nothing to do with the makings of it." She shook her head. "And e'en if I can't get the recipe from ye, I can still enjoy this..." she paused, "...what'd ye say it was called again? Tea? Aye, I can stills enjoy it here and now." "Your pasteli is delicious as well madam! You are definitely correct in your assessment of the pairing! A little sweetness complements the tea. A wonderful pairing!" "These are rather delicious." Penelope said. "I'm impressed that such simple ingredients can make something like this." The slight stiffness in Mene's expression faded, her shoulders dropping back to a relaxed slump. "Oh, yer too kind. They're just a little old thing I whip up every now and then," while her tone was bashful, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled betrayed her delight on the compliment. "I'm just glad they go with yer tea and all." Sitting there, in that homely hut that smelled of baked goods, earth, and tea, the door slightly open to keep the air circulating, it felt as if the group had reached the ending to a long, long day. Indeed, the sky that peeked in through the glass window had deepened in color--no more the careless blue of midday, instead the richer hue of late afternoon. That time just before the showy purples and golds of true evening, where a person can still conceivably call it "day," but only for a short while yet. Perhaps it was that cozy atmosphere that led Mene to say what she did next. "It's the mayor's famous wine. The Dragon's Breath wine," the woman stated in reply to the questions that came her way. "Nobody knows what's in it, though some can hazard a guess from the name. Which would make sense, after all, since we're the Dragon--" she paused, eyes widening. "Oh, but I've said too much. Listen to me, gossipin' away like an old biddy," she waved a hand in dismissal as she gave a nervous chuckle. "Pay no mind to me. I can really get to natterin' away if I gets the mind fer it." She began to check on Edrick as if to distract herself, hands shaking slightly as she checked the boy's temperature. "Now, now, seems to me like ye all might need a place to stay fer the night. I don't have enough beds fer the lot o' ye here, but this boy, Edrick, can stay here if he wants. Alois, ye might have to sleep on the floor, sorry," she shot her son an apologetic look. The woman wrung her hands. "Really, the mayor should've found a place fer ye all himself, but I doubt he's remembered it, what with gettin' the village up and runnin' again. Aye, and he might be aimin' fer another feast. He does like his feasts an' all." "That I do," a familiar voice could be heard from outside. Soon afterward, through the partially-open doorway, the group would see the rotund form of the mayor of Phar walking toward the house. "Aye, yer finally here then, mayor?" Alois's mother asked with a wave. "I was wonderin' where ye'd be." "Organizing the village, of course," he replied as he opened the door further, though he did not step inside, perhaps mindful of the number of people already within. "Is that your famous pasteli? Did you save some for me?" "Afraid not. You'll just have to wait till next time." "Curses. Next time, then." He shook his head. "Well, that's not what I'm here for anyway. You all," he looked the group over--eyes narrowing when he met Alois's gaze--and paused, "oh, there are even fewer of you here than I thought there'd be." "A couple stayed behind, an' some others went off somewhere," Mene replied. "Yes, yes, I know. Regardless, I thought it best to drop by and let you all know that you're welcome to stay the night here at the village. We'll also be holding a fete tomorrow around lunchtime, which you'll be invited to. I was planning for tonight, but there was more to get done than I thought. Doesn't help Amas broke his bow either," he grumbled. "Luckily, Dorosid told me he saw young Phaidra heading to the fishing pond with one of your friends just now--I think he said her name was Sessegg? So we'll at least have plenty of fish if that girl is anything like her usual--" he cut himself off as a small brown-and-black blur whizzed past, followed by a larger, white blur. "Oh? I think that was your fox friend just now. Wherever could she be going? And in such a hurry too." -- Link and Citron "Your majesty." "Rise," Catriona said to Link. "You need not be so formal in these settings. We are not in Galtea, and I have just given away my signet ring. Henceforth, unless it is needed, I am Catriona, and nothing more." She waved her hand imperiously in odd contrast. Though her words were humble, her bearing was every inch that of royalty, prompting a disbelieving snort from Acantha. "Yeah, right. Some advice to you, Catriona nothing more," her tone dripped with sarcasm on the last words. "Talk a little more humbly if you want to try to pull that one off." The princess frowned. "I am unsure of your meaning. I do not believe that I am--" "No, no, no, no, no! Not like that! Like, uhh, one of us. Put some more ain'ts and don'ts in there. You talk like a freaking stiff." "I...I see. I thank you for your gracious advice," the woman's brow furrowed in thought. Acantha rolled her eyes. "Another thing. Say thanks instead of thank you. Things like that." "I...thanks, then." Catriona dipped her head to the girl before seeming to mull over what had been said, though as Link continued speaking, her head snapped back up, cobalt eyes flicking toward Citron and staying there as the other began to stammer her way through her speech, narrowing in on her with a single-minded intensity. Gone was the confused princess navigating her way through the straits of commoner speech. Now she seemed more like a commander assessing a potential recruit...and revealing nothing of her thoughts on them. The lord nodded. "I believe I have grasped the essence of your words." She gazed at the merchant, face largely shadowed from the light that shone through the high windows of the hall. Her eyes were dark holes cut from ivory skin, so still they were, like a painting's rather than a living being's. "You need not stand on ceremony around me. As I have told Link, it is unnecessary while we travel like this." And then she blinked, head tilting slightly, the angle allowing the light to shine over more of her face, and she was human once more. "You ask to join us, but do you know what this journey entails? It will be dangerous, and as you said, it will take us to 'some crazy places' and more. There will be a very real chance of death where we are headed. That statue we fought earlier...shall be the least of the things we face. Things even a trained soldier will have had little preparation for, let alone a civilian fruit merchant." She shook her head, her gossamer hair glittering like molten gold underneath the late afternoon sun. "Knowing what you know now...do you still wish to join?" As the last echo of her words died down, there was no more sound to replace it. Nothing but a silence which weighed heavily down upon the occupants of the building. Eventually, however, it would need to be broken by Citron's reply, whatever it was. And not long after that, further so by the loud bay of a hunting dog, ringing out clearly even through the thick stone walls of the hall. -- Sienna Amas paused in his whittling then, turning toward Sienna with a gimlet stare. One second, two seconds, and then, after three, he nodded. "Aye, and I think I know what ye want t'be tracked as well," he set down the stick. "It's that other fox, ain't it? I saw her meself, gone toward the eastern gate. Icleias here actually started chasing her fer a bit afore I stopped him." He paused to get confirmation from Sienna before whistling, prompting the puppy, who had been previously sniffing around the Protean's ankles, to sit down where he was, ears slightly lifted, head tilted to the side. "Now, do ye have summat of that fox's fer Icleias here to catch the scent? Actually," Amas shook his head. "Never mind. We won't need that. Be gettin' daft in me old age," he grumbled to himself. "Follow me," the man told them both, stepping down from the barrel and making his way through the square toward a specific spot. "This is where he began to chase--yep," he nodded to himself as the dog whined, sniffing the ground in a circle, tail standing straight up like an exclamation mark. "He's got the scent." Immediately afterward, the dog let out a hoarse bay and began to run through the plaza, coincidentally taking the same path that the main group had earlier. "Best follow him if ye don't want to be left behind," Amas warned. Icleias would run at top speed through the square, every so often letting out another bay, a sound akin to a howl but different. Whereas a howl was one long, mournful note, a bay was a mixture of notes of varying lengths. And while the dog's cries caused no small amount of attention from nearby villagers, none of them blocked their way as the hound raced through the streets, stopping every so often to sniff the ground. Eventually, the two would make their way to where the wall opened up into a gate. Sienna would recognize the rounded form of the mayor standing in front of one of the houses, but the puppy paid him no mind, streaking past the man to the eastern exit. There, the Protean would see large fields of fluffy sheep, a shepherd's boy resting beneath a tree, and a herding dog lounging beside him. But not even the presence of sheep or another dog was enough to break Icleias from the hunt. The pup bounded across the fields with untiring energy, not stopping even after entering the forest ringing the village. Here and there Sienna would catch signs of Licorice having come this way. A broken branch here, a few black hairs there. It was enough to prove to her that Icleias was everything Theusido had said and more. Eventually, the two would reach a large clearing with a still pond. Two girls were there with fishing rods, though only one was fishing at the moment. A bucket of fish stood between them, the buzzing of insects a soothing drone in the background. A peaceful atmosphere, but one that was instantly broken by Icleias, who ran between the two with a loud bark as he overturned the bucket. He stopped then, circling around the area with his nose as he struggled to find the scent again. One of the girls, a brunette in similar armor to Cora and Acantha, seemed to recognize the dog, introducing him to the other girl, who Sienna would recognize as Tsetseg, before catching sight of the fox. The militia girl jumped slightly, staring at her with wide eyes. "Oh! Who are you?" She flushed slightly. "I mean, uhh, that was rude, sorry. But I don't know you are. Unless..." she brightened. "Are you one of Tsetseg's friends? I think I remember seeing you at the battle earlier!" -- Tsetseg Phai watched Tsetseg fish with a grin, though it faded somewhat at the other's mumble of the difficulties of fishing. "Yeah, I had a lot of trouble too at first. These fish can be really, really smart. Then again, they can be really, really dumb too. But," she stopped talking suddenly, body straightening as if she had been hit by an electric shock. With a focus that seemed almost unnerving compared to her earlier garrulous self, she tugged on the rod. Not a lot, just enough to cause the cork floating atop the surface of the pond to move slightly. And then another tug, and another, until finally, she snapped back with a sudden pull that lifted the line clear of the water, a wriggling perch attached to it. With an enormous surge of strength, she pulled the rod back further, causing the fish to land on the grass. And just like that, the focus was gone as the girl picked up her explanation right where she had left off. "You just have to make sure not to tug too hard too soon. It's all about timing! But when it is the right time, then ker-blam! Pull! Just like that!" she nodded. "And that's how you fish! Now let's do this again! We're not quitting till you get yourself a fish!" As time passed, Phai would get much more fish, but after collecting a sizable amount in a large wooden pail, she stopped her fishing to focus on Tsetseg's progress. "Come on! You can do it! Just give it a bit more oomph! Except not too much. Um..." she paused to think, "What is it that Polanthos told me? Uhh...try to know the fish? Yeah!" she nodded. "Think like a fish. Be the fish. You are the fish." She flapped her hands to the sides as she spoke, though she looked more like a bird than a fish that way. Eventually, however, the brunette stopped speaking, watching Tsetseg's rod with quiet intent. The stillness of the area, with nothing but the steady buzzing of insects and the occasional quack of a pair of ducks bobbing in the reeds on the far shore, was suddenly shattered by a loud thumping noise as a small beagle jumped between the two with a loud bark, overturning the bucket of fish in the process. Its tail wagged happily at seeing them, but it also seemed more preoccupied with the ground at the moment, nose to the earth as it circled the area. "Icleias?!" Phai asked. "What're you doing here? Oh, yeah, this is Icleias," she introduced, pointing with a grand gesture toward the puppy. "He's Amas's dog. Amas is the village hunter. Not sure what he's doing here though unless Amas is trying to hunt or something." She turned then, catching sight of a familiar-looking fox girl, excitement turning to surprise and embarrassment as she addressed the other. OOC