Shadows In The Night [Sudowoodo Quest] [F]

[Morrigan]

Fleeing from the city of Goldenrod, Sharada had her sights finally set on the next city of the Johto region. She had been in the golden metropolis for quite some time, mainly due to her ties with Team Rocket. Proving herself in one form or another, she had been granted permission to explore ahead and even take on much harder missions in the future. Not that it was something to be happy about, if anything, it had just placed more pressure on her shoulders. But gaining some form of acknowledgement from her superiors had made life as a worthless Grunt a bit more bearable. Secretly working undercover, the last thing she wanted was for her cover to be blown at this point. Being a criminal was not exactly second nature and she found daily tasks becoming more and more difficult as she needed to be cautious about every little thing she would do or say. Which was why, despite it being in the dead of the night, she had decided to continue on with her journey. The next city would undoubtedly be full of more mishaps and Rocket shenanigans but tonight, she could atleast pretend to be a normal trainer by travelling along the route.

In her Rocket Uniform as usual, Sharada had opted to wear a dark jacket, zipped right up to her neck in order to disguise her affiliation. She had been involved with more than enough trouble and though she was told to wear her red R with pride whilst out in the open and to strike fear into everyone and everything, Sharada didn't feel that way. If she wasn't on a set mission, then she wasn't going to flaunt anything. All she wanted to do at this point was travel from point A to point B yet somewhere along the lines, she had managed to get herself lost.

"It should... Be around here somewhere! I don't understand... We were right on the path and now we are in the middle of nowhere!" Stumbling through a bush, Sharada wore an irritated glare as she tried to stare through the darkness, which was to no avail. Her own footsteps being swiftly followed by a much lighter pair, it was her Zorua partner, Tenebrae, who had decided to brave the night with her. Panting under his breath, it appeared the duo were on the right path but as the night set in had managed to lose there way. Going purely by gut instinct at this point, she found herself wading her way through another series of trees, all until she ground to a halt. Walking straight into the back of the brunette, Tenebrae shook his head and grabbed at his nose comfortingly before peering his head around from Sharada's back. "Just what the heck is... This?!" Somehow managing to stumble across what could only be described as a disaster, the duo took in the sight around them. Mangled trees, mounds of upturned earth and shattered fences sat in the centre of this thick woodland. It was a bizarre sight.

Sniffing his nose, Tenebrae stepped to the side of Sharada, "I can smell something. Berries?" His nose twitching once again, Sharada turned her head into the air but she, herself couldn't smell anything. "Strange. I wonder what happened here." Lifting her foot to take a step forward, Tenebrae's ears twitched and instinctively, he grabbed Sharada's arm and pulled her back into the bushes. Following his lead without a single doubt, Sharada allowed herself to be yanked backwards and soon after, a group of people waltzed by. Mumbling to themselves in a half hearted conversation, Sharada listened in closely and learnt that this clear vandalism was happening often. Waiting for them to fully pass before poking her head back out, both herself and Tenebrae stood back on the dirt path and looked from left to right. "So, something has been going around doing all of this? I didn't hear anything on Team Rocket's side, surely they would've mentioned something." Scratching at her head, Sharada considered moving on and not getting involved at all, the reactions of Tenebrae being the only reason she stuck around.

His eyes immediately falling on the sight of an injured bird Pokemon, he looked down sorrowfully, "If only we could help..." His words striking Sharada right in the chest, she clenched her teeth tightly together. If there were civilians simply walking around, could she get away with not being seen? But at the same time, would she be able to forgive herself if she walked away from this mess? A hand rubbing across her forehead, the answer seemed simple enough. "Alright. Alright. We'll have a walk around. Maybe we can find a clue or something. No promises though, okay? You know we can't stay around here for long." Exchanging nods, the duo decided to walk forward, unaware they were entering the private grounds of the destroyed berry plantation.

[latani]

Route 36 - Nighttime
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

While Tenebrae and Sharada talked, a pair of gleaming eyes watched from the safety of a nearby bush, the owner disappearing with a faint rustle. Given what had been happening as of late, it wasn't surprising that the man running the plantation had decided to take extra measures to protect his crops. So any intruders were dealt with swiftly, and harshly. Lost nights of sleep, business suffering from loss of berries and land, and people terrified to travel the area. Rumours abounded, many of them unkind; whispers that ol' Bernie was losing his marbles and was trashing his land to claim some insurance. It was enough to have him seething mad and ready to vent that fury on whatever unfortunate soul crossed his path.

The man was wandering through the wreckage, hands clenched on his pitchfork hard enough to cause fine cracks to appear on his leather gloves. A slender Pokémon approached him, his beloved Furret, trilling. "Trespassers? Good job findin' 'em. This ends tonight, gosh dang it. I WON'T HAVE ANY MO' OF THIS, Y'HEAR ME?" he roared to the night sky, shaking a fist at the star-studded horizon. Following in his Furret's wake, Bernie stormed through the trees and shrubbery, making enough noise to easily alert Sharada and Tenebrae to his impending arrival.

Furret trilled again as she rocketed out of the bushes and landed neatly, directly in the way of the duo. Her normally sweet face was now a mask of anger, fur along her body puffed up to make herself appear bigger. "Furr, ret furret!" she cried, rising up on her hind legs. They weren't getting past her no matter what, especially when Bernie stomped into view, face flushed from the intensity of his rage. "YOU!!" the plump rancher bellowed, pointing an accusing finger at Sharada and advancing forwards a step. He took a deep breath, as if trying to calm himself a little before continuing.

"Every night. Every single night I come out here and find it in ruins! Trees upchucked, berries gone, Pokémon lyin' around all beaten and bruised... and now I see you, shady girl. Wanderin' onto my property like you don't even know what's been goin' on. Why you dressed up like that, girl? Got something to hide?" he growled out, slamming the end of the pitchfork into the ground. "BAH. Doesn't matter. I got you and your little cohort now, and I'll be damned if I let you sneak away again. The mistake of returnin' to the scene of the crime is the last one you'll be makin', missy." Nodding once to his Furret, the Normal type ambled forwards and hissed at them. It seemed a battle was on their hands whether they wanted it or not...

Attention!

---

Rancher Bernie has had enough of your crimes and demands a battle!
He sends out his Furret (Level 23) to fight!

[Morrigan]

Already getting a bad feeling by simply walking through this mess in the dead of the night, Sharada tried to put on a brave front for Tenebrae but deep down, she knew something wasn't right. Being in Team Rocket had hardened her up some, she was constantly in the presence of criminals, after all. But this was something else entirely, the atmosphere was just plain eerie. The two remained at each others sides, eyes staring through the darkness to try and piece as many pieces of this obscure puzzle together. "I don't understand what the cause of this is..." Trailing off, her light footsteps came to a halt as she became much closer to an injured Pokemon. Sprawled across the floor with feathers tattered was a tiny Pidgey, body twitching in pain. Backing off to the side, Sharada bit her tongue and walked past the Pokemon, leaving Tenebrae to glance helplessly between the two. "...I will find the cause of this. I assure you." His gentle voice whispering calmly to the injured Pidgey, the Zorua placed a comforting hand on the Pokemon's body, before standing back up to his feet and playing catch up with Sharada. She had stopped close by, giving him just enough time to catch up. However, had it not been for this small distraction, he may very well have sensed the approaching figures.

Turning to acknowledge Tenebrae's return, they both instinctively jumped at the sound of rustling, a long Pokemon appearing from the bushes before them, ultimately blocking their way forward. "A Pokemon!!" Staggering back a step or two, Sharada pulled Tenebrae closer to her, keeping him protectively behind her arm as a second figure, this time human, charged out from the bushes. His shouting voice causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end, she began to panic, thinking that he had followed her all the way from Goldenrod and knew that she was a Rocket. This wasn't the case however, as by remaining silent, she soon realised she had become the blame of the destruction that surrounded them. Her face creasing up angrily in defence, the brunette figured something like this would happen. "What?! Where's your proof that I did any of this?!" A hand immediately falling onto her jacket to ensure that it was still zipped up in order to hide the Rocket logo, she understood that she looked suspicious but it was still much better than being so blatantly obvious. "Tsk. It's cold, alright?!" Trying to brush off her suspiciously dark colour choice of clothing, she tried to shift onto a different subject, even if her short tempered fuse was already leaning towards booming point.

At the mention of a cohort, Tenebrae's ears twitched and with it, Sharada stood protectively in front of him, her heavy frown only deepening. "Look. We were just passing through. I didn't do squat to this area. Heck, how do I not know that it is either of you that did this?!" Just as uncertain of Bernie and he was of Sharada, Tenebrae tugged carefully at the back of her jacket, as if trying to suggest her to calm down some herself. Instead, it looked as if the farmer wasn't going to be backing down and even if they turned to run, there was no doubt that the Furret would be able to catch up with them. Especially considering they already had no idea where they were. The long brown Pokemon moving forward with a hiss, Sharada could only understand that as a sign of battling. "Hmph. You're making a big mistake." "W-Wait! We can come to an agree--" "Be quiet. Tenebrae." Turning her head to give the human disguised Zorua a swift glare, she swiftly turned back and raised a Pokeball in her hand. "I dunno what all of this is about but one thing is for sure and that is the fact that we have nothing to do with it." Pulling her arm back, she tossed it forward, a gentle flash morphing into a shape of an old partner, Breloom.

His eyes blinking, the mushroom look creature jab it's arms and tail forward in a boxing like manner. "If I've gotta beat you to get you to understand, then fine!" Her own fists clenched at this point, she flung an arm forward. Coming across as uncaring, if anything, it made her seem more like the culprit. "Don't hold back, Dimitri! Drain Punch!" A competitive grin spreading across the face of the Breloom, he psyched himself up to launch his special attack.


OOC: Breloom using Drain Punch.

[Tyger]

Rancher Bernie

Breath leaving his mouth in foggy tufts of cold, cool air, Bernie heaved angrily as his Furret geared up for battle. Despite what the woman said, the Rancher wasn't having any of it. "We'll just have to let this battle decide it then, won't we? I'm going to defend my home, and make sure that berry-crushing, Pokemon-thrashing crooks like you two get the justice you deserve!" Not too terribly far from the truth with some of his statement, the Rancher rested a hand on his pitchfork in an eerie-like fashion. "This place has been destroyed long enough. I can't wait ta put ya in yer place now." Spitting off to the side with disgust, Bernie held out a finger to point at the girl and her Breloom. "Alright. Let's start off with a-"

Quick to his nature, with adrenaline pumping from the tip of his head to the tip of his tail, the Breloom shot forward to punch into the Furret. Technically, Bernie had started the battle, and if he was going to continue to prattle, his Pokemon was going to get defeated, and get defeated quickly. Furret let out a cry, slowly dying out in it's throat as the large creature fell to the ground with an unceremonious plop. Bernie's eyes widened, and he stared at the Pokemon before his mouth closed from it's gape. ".... No... no way..." Convinced that this woman had destroyed his route and berries, as well as the wildlife around the area, it was easy to see what was going to happen next. As Furret was returned to it's pokeball, Bernie began to walk towards her.

Bernie's Furret - Level |23|

Health: 0/79

Current Status: W... What?

No Attack!

Sharada's Dimitri - Level |24|
Health: 74/74

Current Status: Believe me now?
Successful Drain Punch! OHKO!

---

Dimitri fought valiantly, and has gained +3 Levels and +1 Happiness! (+1 for Lucky Egg!)
Dimitri is now level 27.
Dimitri is trying to learn Counter.
Delete a move to make room for Counter?



Carmilla observed, and gained +1 Level!
Carmilla is now level 24.

---

The Rancher, Pokemon less and weapon less, approached the pair in the night. "... I... Pl.." After stuttering for a few moments, he fell to his knees and held his hands up in the air. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to accuse you! Please don't thrash me like the rest'a this route 'ere!" The man stuttered, slowly picking himself up off the ground. "Ye wouldn't believe how many people'a come through here and not care about the route! Criminals always come back to the site one time, ya know? I simply thought, and well... ya kinda look like a hoodlum, no offense..." Blabbering at this point, Bernie caught himself and cleared his throat. 

"Alright. If you really aren't the one trashing this route, then think ye could help me find 'em? There are a few paths close to here that are completely littered with berries, like the culprit ran off to eat 'em or somethin'. I can't leave, cuz, well, I figure the crook might come back for round two..." It was clear that Bernie needed the help if he really was about to shake a pitchfork and Pokeball at the first person he sees. Wanting to avoid any more conflict with the woman, Bernie pointed towards the three paths to take. The first was totally littered in berries. The second, heading off in a different direction, only had a few berries on the ground. The last path was a mix of the two. Not too many, but not as few as the middle path.


Which path do you take?

[Morrigan]

Sharada kept her narrowed eyes leering eerily on Bernie, still just as suspicious of him as he was her. There was no point hiding from the truth. She was a criminal, technically but this actually had nothing to do with her and she was certain to prove this. Any Rocket activities she did partake in usually led to her being as careful as possible, rather than being up in people's faces. Her last mission betrayed those ideals but regardless, deep down, she would try to find any way possible to avoid physically hurting people or Pokemon. In this case, a random amount of birds had been affected, there was no reason for her to thrash their habitat. Sharada had accepted that fighting in some form was usually how people tested one another so if winning proved that this was not done by her, she wasn't going to hold back. Portraying strength seemed to lead people places and raise them higher on the ladder, atleast in Team Rocket, anyway. Selecting a Pokemon who had been through a decent amount of experiences with her, Sharada was firm in believing that the Furret would be no problem for Dimitri.

Agile and well focused, before Bernie was even able to properly order his move, Dimitri had dashed forward with stumpy claws poised into a fist. His arm stretching out almost akin to a slinky, a single punch was all it took for the cute and fluffy Pokemon to be hammered into place. A sigh escaping from Sharada's lips, she glared at Bernie, cautious incase he had any other Pokemon. But instead, he began to approach. Her foot sliding back cautiously, his motions were enough to visually surprise her. Blinking in surprise as he began to apologise erratically whilst perched on his knees with his hands clenched in a praying posture, a nervous look spread across her face. She never knew how to handle situations like this, when people were begging you to not beat them. If she eventually decided fully to become a student under a member of Team Rocket in order to blend into her position even better then this sort of sight was something she would perhaps need to get used to.

Swallowing slowly, she relaxed her tense shoulders and shook her head at Bernie, suggesting for him to stand up. "C'mon, stand back up. You don't need to apologise." Her face creasing as he mentioned her looking like a hoodlum, she tried to shake it off and forced a false smile, "-Ha-haha-ha... N-No! I'm nothing of the sort! Just a passing trainer." Tutting to herself in the back of her mind after listening to how rigid she must've sounded, it was finally the turn for Bernie to explain a little deeper on what had been going on. Tenebrae peering out like a shy child from the side of Sharada, the two listened to his tale, her eyes glancing away as she pondered deeply. "A berry thief and land destroyer, huh." Half of her simply wanting to move on and not get involved, the other half was intrigued and knew that Tenebrae would probably not forgive her, considering how heavily his stare was boring into her. Sighing once again, she turned back to Bernie and nodded her head, even if she did seem begrudged to do so.

"Alright, I'll have a look around. If it'll clear my face and make you less likely to accuse random passers by, then we'll get to the bottom of it. Agreed?" Her final point being aimed to Tenebrae as she turned her head downward, his youthful face merely nodded slowly. "It's settled then." Withdrawing Breloom back into his Pokeball, she slowly folded her arms and looked between the paths offered to her, "I think I'll go look down the one with the huge berry trail first. Surely that is a clear sign the culprit must be nearby." Stepping away from Bernie, Sharada began to follow the trail that was heavily littered with berries, in hope of finding a lead of some sort.

- Sharada takes the Right path. -

[Kataya]

Right Path

The trail of squished and half eaten berries was a bit daunting, but it wasn't the worst of the paths Sharada could have taken. Though Tenebrae felt unsettled coming down this way, and it only got worse with audible moans of pain when they got far enough down the path. If Sharada hadn't stopped in time, she might have tripped over a battered brown heap of quills.  Nearby, an axe head lay battered and forgotten at the side of an equally as messed up man, who was groaning in pain. He heard the footsteps, and looked up, at first with panic, but then relaxed as he realized it was not his assailant returning for him. "M-Miss..." He mumbled quietly, briefly meeting eyes with young Tenebrae as well. "B-Beware the living tree..." he mumbled, taking a deep breath. "Sandslash and I heard rumors about it...so we came hoping to get rid of it but...Sandslash's cut wouldn't do it...now it's angry..." He breathed again, looking around. "It's gone now...but its still on this farm...beware...young miss, the tree is...not all that it seems." And with that, he passed out beside his Sandslash. It would be Sharada's choice to alert Bernie that someone needed help later. -- Attention! The man advises you of, 'The Living Tree'. However, it doesn't seem like you'll get anymore from being around here, so why not try a different path?

made by redox of gs

[Morrigan]

Both Sharada and Tenebrae's footsteps crunching against the dirt path they followed, the two of them looked hesitantly through the darkness, a slight feeling of fear and apprehension beginning to build up. The story itself was bizarre and the fact that all of this was happening during the dead of the night made things even spookier. "Creepy stuff always happens at night time. Urgh, how did we get caught up in this." Rubbing her forehead gently, if she hadn't gotten lost in the first place then maybe they would've been in Ecruteak by now. His own ears drooping, Tenebrae mumbled softly, "I apologise... But something strange is afoot. I can sense something but I... Don't know what it is." Her head turning, Sharada looked Tenebrae in the eye. His instincts were usually spot on, perhaps due to his life in the wilderness of Unova but his uncertainty gave her a cause for concern. Was this thing human, Pokemon or something else altogether? Shuddering at the thought, she turned to face ahead, focusing back on the path, "Whatever it is, I don't like it either."

His ears suddenly perking up, the Zorua quickened his pace in order to walk by her side, "I can hear something." Her expression turning into a frown, they both slowed down until slowly, the sound of pained moans entered even Sharada's ears. Still following the hefty berry trail, instead of finding the culprit, they both came across an injured man and a fainted Sandslash. Blinking her eyes in confusion, she couldn't help but jump slightly as the Hiker began to react to her footsteps, peering up with the last bit of his strength, "W-Woah!!" About to rush forward and ask if he needed any help, the words that instead came out from his weakened gasp caused the hair on the back of her neck to stand up on end. This really did feel like something straight out of a horror movie. Even when he had said his piece, he instantly collapsed, simply speaking to her being even to drain the last remaining part of his energy. "A living tree?" Sharada repeated out loud with a hint of disbelief in her voice. Looking around at the ground, she spotted the cracked axe head and frowned.

"We're heading back." Sharada ordered with a turn on her heel, walking back down the path they had just travelled up. Panicking, Tenebrae followed after her, "W-Wait! Are we not going to help them?" His smaller legs needing to jog to keep up with Sharada's vicious strides, the brunette waved a hand in the air. "We don't have time. Whatever this thing is, it is still around. We must've just missed it so we're taking the other path." The two of them falling silent for a few moments, she did eventually look over her shoulder to him, "I'll tell that farmer. We'll get him help at some point but right now, we've been asked to find this culprit. Keep alert and let me know if you feel anything is wrong." A gentle smile appearing on Tenebrae's face, he nodded once and together, they returned to the fork in the road. "Hmm. The middle path is the way that farmer went, right? We'll take the left this time." Berries splattered along this path too, they walked onward with a little more haste.

- Sharada takes the Left path. -

[Tyger]

With Bernie nowhere in sight, the left path seemed the logical choice. The darkness was thick, but the occasional moon beam flickered through the branches of the tree, giving a little bit of illumination. A breeze ruffled through the orchard, sending a chill up the spines of those not fully prepared for the night cold. It was uneventful, until Sharada approached what appeared to look like a body. In the darkness, it was hard to tell of the body was breathing or not. Either way, it was still, and with the wind blowing through the trees, there was no way to hear it either. 

A few berries were strewn around the path, and it appeared as though a few bushes and trees had been smashed to the side. Had a fight happened here? Did the culprit beat down the police officer? "Hnng..." The body groaned, before the officer's hands moved to hold his own stomach. "Man... stuffed...." He murmured, opening his eyes weakly at the sound of Sharada's snooping. "I... Nothing to report here... I was, -urp- searching the area... Found something holding a lot of berries." The smears around the man's mouth and hands definitely indicated there were quite a few berries here before he'd eaten them.

"My flashlight startled it, and it dropped all the berries." The officer rolled over onto his side and pulled his knees up closer to his chest. "Oh dear God, my stomach..." He whined, using a hand to shoo-gesture at Sharada. "It ran off after I startled it, towards the east. Crashed right through that brush there." The officer pointed with a shaking finger towards the debris and trampled trees. If it had traveled East, it's possible that it'd be on the middle path, fighting with Bernie as they spoke! "I'd hurry though, it's still around here somewhere..."




The stuffed Policeman reports nothing here! -urp-
Only one path left, it seems...

[Morrigan]

The duo continued down the second path, swiftly fleeing the injured pair that they had met previously. If what they said was true, then the culprit was still nearby. Whilst she knew it was hardly human like to abandon an injured man and Pokemon, Sharada felt that this problem was more of a priority to fix. Running a hand through her hair, her eyes glanced around hesitantly at their surroundings, which only grew darker as the night had fully sunk in. Often checking to make sure that Tenebrae was still close by, mainly because she didn't want to be alone at this point, they passed through the familiar fork in the road and continued down this new path. "How about it, Tenebrae? Feel anything out of the ordinary?" Hoping for a bit of guidance, Sharada pondered to herself, believing that since he was a Pokemon, he could probably see through this darkness much easier than she could. For the young Zorua, despite his sudden goal to build in confidence, he couldn't fight this fear of the darkness. Far too fidgety and worried about every little thing at this point, it was unlikely that he would be able to give her a useful response. Gripping onto her arm, he simply shook his head from side to side.

"It's alright... We are on the right track. I think." Trying to keep a calm and clear head, Sharada pushed ahead down the path, immediately stopping when yet another pained groan entered her ears. Her eyes suddenly picking up on another collapsed figure, her heart froze at the sight of a uniform all too familiar. The police. About to immediately flee, it was far too late as the officer had already noticed her. Luckily, he was in a similar state as the Hiker, even if it was for a different reason. Becoming a little less defensive, Sharada shot him an unimpressed look. "He is like this... For eating berries? Fat load of use these cops are. Probably been sent out here to help and what does he do but eat whatever little evidence this... thing, left behind." Turning slightly to view the direction he was pointing in, the path he motioned toward had literally been bulldozed through. Trees and bushes were trampled and slung to the side, the mess leading straight for Bernie's berry plantation. "That... Farmer." Sharada's voice staggered, a foot instinctively going forward. "Dammit, we wasted more time coming this way. C'mon, we'll head straight there!"

Giving her order to Tenebrae, Sharada gave a nod to the police officer before charging down this new path... Then quickly shaking her head in disapproval. "This is exactly why... People don't rely on the police!" Sharada panted softly as she jogged down the path with Tenebrae by her side, when they were out of earshot from the stuffed man. "I ain't even going to send... Help for him!!" The duo now heading straight for Bernie down the final path, they hoped to finally catch this living tree once and for all.

- Sharada takes the Middle path. -

[Tyger]

Eerie silence met Sharada on the middle path. The police officer had been correct with the trajectory of the culprit, but where was it? The farmer was no where in sight as the path continued, and it seemed as though there was truly nothing here. The filtered moonbeams through the trees left much to be desired as Sharada and her companion strode forward. After a few moments, a figure was seen. However, it wasn't 'tree-like.' It was simply the rancher, standing guard and looking around. At Sharada's approach, the Rancher spun around, almost frightened by her visage. Okay, he was scared. 

"By golly, ya done scared me ta death, ya hear?" He sputtered, using his pitchfork to hold himself up. "What's with that look on yer face? You look like ya done seen a ghost, child." The Rancher looked around, and then back at Sharada. "I take it ya haven't found nothin', eh? Me either. Just Pokemon rustling in the bushes, but they don't come out 'cus I guess their just scared." The Rancher was going to suggest for Sharada to check the other paths, but he was sure she probably had at this point. There was a shared silence for a few moments before a metallic clink popped, and the sprinkler system for the orchard came on. 

Bernie's face sagged. "Well that's just plain unfortunate." He was already soaking wet, but didn't move. His whole posture just appeared to be defeated. "This don't turn on til almost mornin', so I guess we're outta time to find our culprit." Turning around proved to be a fatal mistake. As Bernie turned to face Sharada and walk down the path back towards where they'd met at the lip of the route, an angry, gritting cry was heard. Bernie didn't have enough time to turn around before his eyes rolled upward and his body hit the ground with a thud. Behind him stood a tree-esque Pokemon currently using it's arms the best it could to rid itself of the water pouring down on it. A huge bump from where the creature had hit Bernie was beginning to form on the rancher.

Sudowoodo stepped over the body and glanced up at the woman dressed in black. It's Pokemon eyes weren't deceived; there was someone else here! Angrily, Sudowoodo began to run towards Sharada. She'd have to move quick, or she was about to get Smashed. 




A Wild Sudowoodo (Level 24) is smashing and crashing it's way towards you! Send out a Pokemon to defend yourself, QUICK! Or, prepare to get Smashed.

[Morrigan]

The looming silence only being struck by the sound of their crunching footsteps, Sharada and Tenebrae both began to move quicker as they ventured down the central path. Both times they had encountered people who had witnessed this so called living tree and being drawn into the situation, it meant that she was eager to finally find whatever this thing was. Feeling a mixture of nerves, fear and worry in case the culprit had managed to swindle it's way out of meeting her face to face once again, a part of her did secretly hope that Bernie was atleast okay. From the words of the Police Officer, she was under the impression that it had sped his way, meaning that he could very well of been in trouble. Walking past the bashed foliage, her large eyes were met with the outline of a figure, one that belonged to a human which was the cause of her inclusion in this mess. As she grew closer, almost hesitantly, she couldn't help but jump herself as Bernie spun around, pitchfork still in hand. Her hair practically standing on end, a hand fell to comfort her pounding chest as she made a small sigh of relief. Feeling Tenebrae grab hold of the back of her arm, Sharada drew in a few breaths before responding.

"We... Found some stuff. But nothing that would exactly help." Trailing off, she exchanged glances with Tenebrae before turning back to Bernie, perhaps now would be a good time to offer the poor Hiker some assistance. After all, he was more than likely still sprawled across the path, left wide open for thieves or wild Pokemon. "We found an injured Hiker down one of the paths who could do with some aid but--" Pausing in her own explanation, something Bernie had just said lingered over her. "Wait. Rustling...?" About to question further, her words were once again put on hold. Standing in the centre of the orchard, the trio became soaking wet from the sprinklers, the silence becoming almost deafening. It certainly matched with their unimpressed expressions. After getting lost, being forced into a battle and randomly accused, running around down different paths and then finally being soaked with water, there was no way that she was planning on giving up. However, she kept these emotions and thoughts bottled inside, her eyebrow twitching angrily at just how quickly this man was giving up. Watching as he turned on the spot to perhaps start walking away, something unexpected happened.

Sharada's face contorting in horror, she staggered back as Bernie's eyes suddenly rolled backwards, his body slumping forward in a limp motion and hitting the muddy earth. "H-Hey, hey! HEY!" Shouting out in surprise, Sharada looked ahead in confusion only to see someone or something, step over the fainted body. "What the?... What the heck is that?!" Being faced with a Pokemon what she didn't recognise, Sharada didn't have much time to react before it made a lunge at her. Gritting her teeth, she instinctively grabbed the same Pokeball from before. "D-DIMITRI!" A light erupting and revealing her Breloom from earlier, the Pokemon was already on his toes and ready to attack. Without being verbally given an order, he acted out of pur instinct, jabbing a hand forward and using his Drain Punch move.

OOC: Using Breloom and using the attack Drain Punch.

[Kataya]

VS. Sudowoodo

Dimitri wasn't all that sure what was going on. It seemed like there was a problem, but he wasn't sure what it was until her saw the rancher crumpled over. Oh...that... Dimitri sighed, but realized suddenly there was no time to waste as the Tree Pokemon came out from the shadows. Oh how annoying. He charged up a fist, ready to strike. The quick, Mushroom-clad Pokemon drove his fist into the creatures wooden stomach, hearing a cry of pain as it was knocked over. It wobbled, its energy falling off of Dimitri in light orange droves.   The Sudowoodo wasn't nearly ready to give in yet. Crying out, it lifted a large rock and flung it at Dimitri, catching the Mushroom Pokemon by surprise and knocking him back. Well, this thing was more irritating than it had to be. -- Battle! Wild Sudowoodo |Level 24| HP: 15/75 Status: Water u doin?;Normal Sudowoodo used Rock Throw! VS. Sharada's Dimitri |Level 27| HP: 68/77 Status: What are you doing out?; Normal! Dimitri used Drain Punch! Dimitri's HP was Full!

made by redox of gs

[Morrigan]

Pushing his confusion of the situation to one side, Dimitri was able to land a clean blow against the shady tree looking Pokemon, knocking it back from it's raging lunge forward. Breath coming back to Sharada, her eyes focused on this unfamiliar opponent, unsure of how to continue. Able to examine it a bit more carefully now that her conciousness was less at risk, she could atleast understand where the title of living tree had come from. "Looks like we found the culprit." Sharada muttered under her breath to Tenebrae, eyes leering as the Sudowoodo staggered back up after the powerful punch from Dimitri. "I don't know what that thing is though. We're just going to have to roll with the punches but..." Mentioning punches, it seemed that the Breloom's had done quite a number on the wild Pokemon. It's posture a bit more slack and previous cry clearly being that of pain, Sharada had lucked out by throwing Dimitri forward. Hopping on the spot and throwing a few mock punches at the air, the Breloom seemed ready for more but neither of them expected what the Sudowoodo was capable of. Each of their eyes widening in surprise, they watched as the tree literally up heaved a boulder with it's bush like hands and held it overhead. "M-MOVE!" Sharada shouted out, grabbing hold of Tenebrae and dashing out of the way.

Standing his ground, Dimitri took the blow head on, giving his trainer just enough time to move back as the boulder shattered around him on impact. "Dim! Are you alright?!" Surprised more than physically injured, the Breloom made a swift nod back before looking to the Sudowoodo. He certainly liked challenges but surprises, less so. "Tsk. I can't read this Pokemon at all. What are we going to do?" Looking between the Sudowoodo and Dimitri, Sharada figured that with a bit more force, there was a chance that her Breloom could simply knock this Pokemon out. The bouncing, mushroom clad Pokemon still held his usual amount of energy so despite the view of the boulder being quite shocking, perhaps the damage was less so. But then there was the pure unique aspect of this Pokemon. Maybe it would aid her in the long run if she took a different approach. Deciding that she would rather take the alternative risk, she had to remember why she was in this situation to begin with. This Pokemon was causing havoc and even if she were to defeat it in battle, there was no telling that it was going to return with vengeance and by that time, she would've moved on and Bernie would likely be knocked out... Again. She may have been posing as a Rocket but she still felt guilty at the thought.

Pulling out a special type of Pokemon from her belongings, she was going to give this a shot. "Alright Dimitri, be on guard incase this doesn't work!" Giving her team member a warning, she threw the Duskball forward at the Sudowoodo.

Used;

x1 Duskball (Updated)

[The REAL Joey]

As Sharada chucked the Duskball forward, it soared and found itself dabbing against the Sudowood's rocky body. Yet another reminder that it was never going to be a tree in which it so fervently emulated. Absorbing it in a red light, the Pokemon was covered from head to toe as it was digitised and scooped into the centre of the spherical capture device. Falling to the floor with a plonk, the capture was now under way. Rocking back and forth, it was processing the newly acquired Pokemon. Given how much of a rampage this trouble maker was on, it would be difficult to predict whether or not it would be successful.

Once...

Twice...

Thrice...

---

*CLICK*



Congratulations! The Wild Sudowoodo was captured!


Please fill out the following information about your new Pokémon:

Sudowoodo
Name: [choose]
Gender: [choose]
Level: 24
Attacks: Rock Tomb, Mimic, Block, Rock Smash
Ability: [choose one: Sturdy OR Rock Head]
Nature/Personality: [choose]

[img]http://www.serebii.net/blackwhite/pokemon/185.png[/img]
[b]Sudowoodo[/b]
Name: [choose]
Gender: [choose]
Level: 24
Attacks: Rock Tomb, Mimic, Block, Rock Smash
Ability: [choose one: Sturdy OR Rock Head]
Nature/Personality: [choose]

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Victory!

---

Your Breloom fought courageously and has gained 1800 Exp thanks to the Lucky Egg!
Dimitri also gained +1 Happiness!


Your Altaria observed brilliantly and has gained 1200 Exp thanks to the Exp Share!

---

With the Duskball now apprehending the spiteful Sudowoodo, it meant that she not only had saved Bernie's berry plantation from further destruction but she had also acquired an elusive and powerful ally to her own forces. Before the ball itself could be retrieved, a certain figure came let out a groan as he slumped upwards and nursed his bruise from the impact he had received at the Sudowoodo's revenge. "Ooooof... That's gonna leave a right mark in tha morn'. Good grief." Slowly getting to his feet, he noticed the Sudowoodo was nowhere in sight and the figure from before was still there. Lumbering over, clutching his head, he let out a wheeze but was celebratory in his voice. "By jove, I do believe you jus' gone done and helped me out thar. Is that it? Trapped away in that little contraption, thar?" Eyeing it somewhat nervously, he looked back and sported a hearty smile. "Well done m'lover. Looks like ol' Bernie can go back to doin' his berry growin' and not a bump in tha road t'stop me." Reaching into his dungaree pockets, he pulled out some items for Sharada. "Alright, Bernie's got some items for'ya." Extending out his hand with a number of berries, there was also a peculiar shaped disc. Most TM's came in somewhat lacklustre packaging but this one was none other than a Hidden Machine. "I got no use for it, y'see. Maybe you oughta take it, aye." With the items passed on, he looked to his field and had pulled out a hankerchief to place over his head. "Time fer some rest I do believe but tomorrow is gonna be a day of sowin' the seeds, oh ar."

Congratulations, you saved Bernie's Ranch and neutralised the Sudowoodo!
In thanks, Bernie hands you some items for your efforts:


x1 Chesto Berry, x1 Pecha Berry, x1 Cheri Berry.


HM06 Rock Smash

You've completed the quest, Night Of The Living Tree!

[Morrigan]

Throwing the Dusk Ball in hopes of ending this whole situation quicker, her icy blue eyes watched as the object engulfed the rocky tree and drew the creature inside. Rocking backwards and forwards as the capturing device fought to keep the struggling Pokemon contained inside, Sharada had her fingers crossed. As of that moment, Sharada had no use for this mysterious and mischievous Pokemon but it was much better than letting it go wild only to cause more mischief for local farmers and travellers alike, then there was a chance of an actual Rocket getting their greedy mits on such a rarity. If she could stop all of those possibilities, then she was going to. Poised incase the Sudowoodo popped back out, Dimitri the Breloom hopped on the spot lightly, red claw like hands ready to lash out at any signs of resistance. Tenebrae had merely remained silent, his own set of eyes resting on the ball to see what would happen. The final click causing her arms to slump, a huge sigh of relief exited her lips, "Ahh. What a relief!" Wiping a hand across her forehead, it felt as if all tension had been lifted from her body. Taking a single step forward, she was about to go and claim the ball until Bernie decided to join the concious once more.

Stepping back again as he sat up, groaning wearily and rubbing his injury, Sharada gave him a look of concern, "Erm... Are you alright?" Her words awkward as she knew fully well that if she was struck by a Pokemon her answer would likely not be yes, it was still something she couldn't help but ask. Their attention then turning to the sight of the still Dusk Ball, Bernie twigged on quickly that Sharada had managed to capturing it, ending the days of his berry plantation being destroyed. Or so she hoped. "Whatever that thing was, it shouldn't cause any more trouble. I'll take it with me and make sure of that." Nodding her head sternly, she was once again going to try and collect the ball when Bernie suddenly bestowed some items upon her. Multiple berries and an item most trainers would find a use for, for Sharada, it was all useful. Blinking her eyes slowly at what was being handed to her, the brunette accepted them, finally managing a small smile. "This is... Thank you. These will come in handy." Her hand protectively holding the HM in particular, she placed everything she had received in with her other belongings and watched as Bernie said his farewells. Lifting a hand, Sharada was glad to be of some sort of assistance. It had been a while since she had done anything remotely nice. "Be careful out there."

Bowing her head, Sharada turned on the spot and began to walk along the dirt path they had followed earlier. On direction had a sign which pointed them to Ecruteak, their next destination. "If there is something we got from this, it was the way to the next city. C'mon, we'll get there if we follow this path." Glancing across her shoulder to Tenebrae, she noticed the Zorua human staring down to the floor, an odd atmosphere around him. Frowning out of concern, Sharada leant her torso forward, "Hey. Tenebrae. You okay?" Jumping, his youthful face hurriedly looked to Sharada's own, his hands raising to his face, "...N-Nothing! Nothing at all!" Giving him a suspicious stare for a few seconds, he still didn't drop any thoughts and so instead, Sharada straightened up and walked on ahead. "Alright. You're probably tired, right? A lot has gone on after all." Going a few paces ahead, Tenebrae remained behind with Dimitri hopping by his side and after a few moments, he spoke to the Breloom in his own tongue.

"I don't think Sharada believes in me." He mumbled, gaining Dimitri's attention. "I battled once but she immediately withdrew me. Does she not think I am strong enough? I was with her this entire time but why did she not choose me to protect her when the Sudowoodo attacked us." Trailing off, his ears drooped sadly atop his head. He had always been quiet, nervous and shy and still was to some extent. But after watching and learning from other members of Sharada's team, it almost made him jealous when he wasn't able to battle aswell. "You don' need ta feel down!" Dimitri suddenly chimed in, causing Tenebrae to jump a little himself as he wasn't expecting an answer. "When I was lil', Shar' kept eggin' me on! All until I got to this 'ere point now. Gi'e it some more time, you'll be hoppin' about and landin' punches like nobodeh's business before ye know it!" Talking to another Pokemon making him feel a bit better, the duo walked a few paces behind Sharada still, "Say... Could you tell me some stories? About how you grew?" "Hah hah! But o'course! It all started in Ilex Forest..." Going into his tale of evolution, all Sharada could here was a nattering of Pokemon voices. Smiling to herself, she decided to not interfere, "Good... Make friends, Tenebrae."