Shady Glen

[Kataya]

Just how many times was this now? It hadn't even been a week since he last lost his father's Farfetch'd, and already... they had gone off elsewhere. Sylvester couldn't imagine what his father would do to him if he returned without the birds at his sides. Actually, yes, he could indeed picture his father's angry face and the words that would be uttered if he went home now.

"Boy, ya ain't gonna' be able to look outta' your right eye fer' weeks...." Sylvester repeated, shivering to himself as he realized exactly how rough his father could be sometimes. But, that mattered not at this point. He had to find those birds... or else cross the border into Kanto... yes, he could change his name to something undetectable... like Jaquis or something. Yes, his father would never suspect him of being french!

He hadn't even heard the footsteps when Tobias entered, not until he had stepped on a large twig, which gave an extra strong snapping sound as the resilient hold of the bark gave way to his foot. Sylvester straightened out and walked over to Tobias, however intimidating he was. Maybe he'd find these stupid birds with help.

"Hey, have you seen any Farfetch'd around here? My dad's ran off while I was collecting firewood." Needing to ask got the best of him, and he put a hand sheepishly behind his head.

"Actually, I was going to ask if you could help me. I saw one of them run off north of here. I forgot the name of the area up there but...I know a lot of Black Apricorns grow around there." Pausing, he sighed and held up their Pokeballs.

"I'd look for them myself but I don't have Pokemon of my own. Could you please go look for them. The other one ran in the same direction, but I don't think wherever they are is too far apart.." waiting for his answer, Sylvester looked pretty pitiful.
----------------------------------------------------

Sylvester of the Charcoal Kiln has lost his father's Farfetch'd, and has asked you to retrieve them for him!

[The REAL Joey]

Not quite able to believe the extent of his luck, Tobias' jaw actually expressed a show of emotion as he tried to overcome his surprise. Barely five minutes into this forest and they had already come across their target. Given the files he had found on their website, this was no mistaking the younger member of the Azalea family kiln. Trying to disavow his surprise, he cleared his throat and straightened out his jacket, buttoning it up as he moved forward to meet with the wood cutting child. Hoping to catch him with his guard down, all it would take was a retrieval of his gun from his holster and a number of his Pokemon to take him completely hostage. However, Tobias' plans were cut loose as the boy managed to get a word in that caused the criminal to rethink his strategy. "Oh...? You say you're in a spot of trouble?" Trying his best to feign emotion at the sad tragedy of Sylvester losing his Pokemon, it didn't take much for Tobias to connect the dots. If he was going to force the kiln into a partnership with Team Rocket then he'd be needing the business operational. Therein lied the problem. If the workers had gone on strike and went missing, it meant that this teenager and his father were useless to him.

"That is terrible news." Gesturing out a hand as if to shake off any suspicion to the character, Tobias did his best to act as a friendly, helpful trainer. As much as he hated going on a fetch quest it was for the greater good of his plan. From the looks of things, this youth was near enough a dastardly oxygen thief and an inexcusable waste of space. "I believe I recognise you. Do you not work down at Azalea's Charcoal Kiln? Such a terrible prospect for the town and your family if those birds are not found." Shaking his head glumly, as Sylvester decided to place his trust in him, Tobias had trouble suppressing a sneer. Prometheus however didn't seem so uptight and openly sneered with its toothy grin at the trainer. "Tell you what, I shall offer my assistance. I ran into this forest in order to seek shelter from the elements. A little nose around was on the agenda too. I shall make haste and reclaim those Farfetch'd of yours." Nodding his head, Tobias began to head past him as he followed the trail leading into the darkened maw, deeper into the woods. "That went easier than expected..." He mumbled as he fiddled with the cigarette in his mouth. "As much as I hate such a menial task, it is instrumental we recover them. Holding the birds hostage to get at the kid... Sounds the obvious choice."

- Travelling to Gloomy Ravine -

[The REAL Joey]

- Striking from Enchanted Orchard -

Striding his way forward through the forest path, Tobias surely looked the business in his white and black suit cutting against the dullness of the forest. With Prometheus sitting on his left shoulder and the hulking Flak and dazzling Lateralus proceeding behind him with Farfetch'd in tow, it was perhaps going to be a mixed sight for Sylvester. Arriving at the heart of Shady Glen, Tobias wasted no time in homing in to where the teenager was loitering around. Thankfully the hurricane had not uprooted him away, that would have been bad for Tobias' plans. Standing directly before him with ample distance, Tobias clicked his fingers. At the very sound of a click, Prometheus shot into action. Slipping out a cigarette with his tail and planting it into Tobias' mouth, the fire monkey clambered forward and clicked the fingers of his own and made a small burst of fire appear to ignite the smoke. Inhaling a dreg, Tobias breathed it out through his nostrils as he stared down the youth with a particularly scathing look.

"I'll cut to the chase." Taking the cigarette out of his mouth, he held it close by but first began speaking clearly with clarity so that Sylvester would hopefully understand the situation he was in. Tobias was never really a man fond of repeating what he had said. "Listen here. I got two very appealing business propositions for you. The first? I want you to hand me that Hidden Machine you and your family business possess. HM01 Cut if I recall its called." Blunt with his demand, Tobias had little interest in the HM but knew it was of mandatory necessity if he were to be able to partake in the racket they had going in Slowpoke Well. Letting his demand sink in, Tobias fell to the second call of business. "Secondly, I am going to make this a very easy choice for you. I have here your Farfetch'd." Contorting his face disgustedly, he murmured. "And you best make sure you do not lose sight of these again." Placing his cigarette back in his mouth and taking in another puff of tobacco, it seemed enough to just steady his tempers. "What I want of you and your father is that you acquiesce Team Rocket's protection for your little business. It would be a most dreadful event if something were to happen... And oh, how it could given how effortlessly fire can spread."

Breathing his cigarette's fumes through his nostrils, he pulled a smile. Not just any smile, this vile smirk on his face was a true display of expression from the wicked man. "Now. Let's think this business offer though, shall we? Let us say that you impudently act rashly and without consideration... I will have no qualms in destroying your family business by slaughtering these geese. Prometheus?" Shifting his shoulder forward slightly, it was just enough for the fire monkey to make a worrying example of what might happen. Holding his hands up, Prometheus shot up a hefty burst of fire that laid waste to the trees above, even despite the fact the weather conditions were less than savoury. "I hear Farfetch'd are a delicacy in your region." Clearing his throat as he inhaled another dreg, he pressed on. "Now of course, you can agree here but I am aware your father may be less than willing." Pulling out the empty pistol from his jacket, he aimed it directly at Sylvester's forehead. Tobias' favourite part of bargaining was here and it always entertained him to think they never knew he was calling a bluff. "You had best make his mind think otherwise. I'm sure he wouldn't want his favourite and only son to wind up dead with a bullet to his head. Just relay a smidgeon of my discussion here today and i'm sure he'll come round."

Gesturing his head for Sylvester to make a reaction, Tobias kept his gun trained on the boy. "I also have many, many other means of ensuring that you pay your due to Team Rocket. Many ways." As soon as he had finished his sentence, Flak stomped forward with a hefty lean and gritted his teeth while gripping onto his girder threateningly. "Grrrrr... Just go ahead and turn down the offer ya little runty chump. I'm just SPOILIN' to see what's inside that head o' yers." Failing to keep Flak on his leash, Tobias merely made a nonchalant shrug. "Should you accept on both fronts, I will be more than happy to release these Farfetch'd back into your... Less than astute care." Leering his eye and concluding with a raise to his voice, Tobias finished. "THINK it through, yes? Young you may be, the day will come where you will have to carry the family business' burdens on your shoulders through tough decisions and the like. It may as well start now."

[Kataya]

Sylvester hadn't heard him coming until a twig snapped under Tobias's foot. Turning, he spotted the man he had enlisted the help of earlier, though, it hadn't been exactly as he had been expecting. The Farfetch'd were with him, but they were trapped in some sort of laser dome, with not the slightest bit of room to move it seemed. At first, he thought it was just a way of keeping the Farfetch'd at bay, but soon, he realized it was something completely different.

"Wha-What?" The young boy seemed genuinely confused at what he was saying. He didn't understand at first, but the proposition soon cleared itself as a threat.

"C-cut?" I can't let you h-have it...I mean, it's our-" He paused as he watched Tobias pull out a pistol and aim, particularly at his forehead. His legs felt like jelly. He had never been in a situation like this before, and it was purely terrifying. His wide eyes resembled that of an innocent child, not that Tobias cared of course. The Cold-heated man didn't seem to have a kind bone in his body.... well of course...

"I c-can't do either, y-you see, my father is-" Before he could move any further, a shriek resounded through the area of the forest, sounding much like the word 'Stop!'. Before Tobias had a chance to react, a lithe creature slipped into the scene, knocking the pistol from his hand. Landing far from Flak and Prometheus, it had been revealed to be a Linoone. It growled as it glared at the four in front of him.

"Please..." Stepping in front of Sylvester, a pretty young woman was now in Tobias's line of sight. She stood with tears in her eyes, confronting Tobias had taken more courage than she expected.

"Please don't harm my son. I shall give in to your demands and make sure my husband complies as well. My son doesn't hold the HM with him and nor does my husband." She stepped forwards and kneeled in front of him, placing a rather large box onto the ground in front of him.

"N-Now kindly leave my son be, give us our Farfetch'd, and go." She mentioned as Linoone hopped in front of her. It probably could defeat Tobias, but not when he had four Pokemon out all at once. Instead, it leered at him. He had retrieved what he came for, and even with all of his Pokemon, the Linoone would protect its family if it was called to do so.
-----------------------------------------------------

You have received HM01 Cut for...um.... returning Sylvester's Farfetch'd!

[The REAL Joey]

Tobias' face contorting angrily at the sheer dumbfoundedness of the boy, it didn't help that the chill in the winds was starting to pick up. Tobias on edge and the cold were never a good recipe to mix together. "Stop stuttering. I'm giving you exactly five seconds before I start to make good on my warnings." However, despite Tobias' threat, as Sylvester went on, all he could muster was more confused signs of resistance, something that was making the vein on Tobias' forehead throb angrily. As he raised his gun and gripped it tighter, the temptation to fire off the trigger numerous times despite the issue of no bullets was all too overwhelming. Before he could destroy his ruse however, the sudden drop from something above took him completely by surprise. As his gun was knocked out of his hand, he took a step backwards as to protect himself from the as of then unidentified interception. Steadying himself as his feet gripped against t he floor, he looked to notice an unusual looking mammal. It was unlike anything he had seen but the fact it was growling and baring his fangs at him spelt one thing: Resistance.

Standing up as he straightened out his tie, Tobias allowed Flak to take a step forward with his large, spiked girder. However, before the interruption could be duly taken care of, the arrival of yet another being onto the scene made Tobias hold back his brutal enforcer. "Flak. Desist." Standing in front of the fool of a boy, was a middle aged woman. The look of fear and tear in her eyes did little to invoke any sympathies within the cold hearted criminal. Instead, his lips flickered into a smirk as he heard her beg for mercy. The weakest link had been found and there was no way he was going to pass up on such an opportunity. Listening to her words, he felt somewhat perplexed as there was no mention of the woman on the kiln website. No matter as this had proven to be a fortunate revelation. As she stood forward and dropped the goods, he remained stern in both expression and stance. As she stood back and made a demand of her own, Tobias made a small chuckle. "I never expected a woman to be much good at business." Folding his arms, he nodded. "But you have an acute business sense. Far better than your waste of a son."

Raising a hand from his folded arms, he clicked and signalled two of his Pokemon into action. "Prometheus, retrieve my pistol. Lateralus, drop off the prisoners and retrieve what we came for." Letting his Pokemon do all the work, they scurried in with no lax whatsoever. Scurrying off into the bushes where the gun had flung off to, Prometheus disappeared off out of sight. Lateralus on the other hand floated over with the Farfetch'd in tow. Getting half way, the cyber Pokemon dropped the two birds from their captivity and with a rather ungraceful drop off, landed them unceremoniously on the floor. Before the Porygon retreated back fully, it used the same prison like program to pick up the parcel containing the hidden machine. Fleeing back to Tobias it floated above him before dropping the box into his hands. Hurriedly tearing it apart to look inside, he checked the contained disc thoroughly. The extra marking on the disc along with its serial number imprinted on the circular groove was all he needed to know this was authentic. "Good. Any attempts to have short changed me would have resulted miserably." Raising his voice, he turned his back and began making his way back into Azalea. "Come! We move on to our next stage."

Just as Tobias, Lateralus and Flak were moving away, Prometheus made a jump out of the bushes and landed directly opposite Sylvester, his mum and their Linoone. Brandishing the pistol around, the monkey had a look of utter malice over his face mixed with insanity. Aiming the gun at each and everyone of them as he cycled through each target, the Pansear slowly backed away until it reunited with Tobias as it scurried up his back. Now standing directly outside the entrance to Ilex Forest, Tobias turned and rather bluntly said his farewell. "I will be in contact about our little partnership. For now, I have urgent business to attend to."

Returning to Azalea Town

[The REAL Joey]

Entering from Ilex Entrance.

Pressing forward, Tobias returned along the familiar entrance path into Shady Glen. It had been certainly a great deal of time since he last came here but thankfully this time around the issue of wintry prohibition wasn't an issue. However, getting out of here was his main prerogative. The forest was warm in orange, red and brown hues as they were currently in the season of Autumn but considering the tales he had listened to whilst living in Azalea, there was a strong chance he could take a wrong turn and lose his way, unable to escape as winter took hold over the lands. As worrisome as the threat of getting lost in the woods was, Tobias had a plan to trump the eventuality. He had originally hoped to make use of the satellite navigation system that his Porygon could utilise however there were so many factors wrong with that choice he had to abandon. Not only did the thick, dense overlay of the forest interrupt communications but now Silph Co. had their hook in the Pokemon, he was cautious to use in case they found out information on Tobias.

Instead, the criminal mastermind relied on a scheme deviant to his usual technological skills. Stopping still as he looked at the path ahead, he wasn't going to take a step further without the use of his guide. Reaching into his inner jacket pocket, he pulled out a shrunken Pokeball, extended it with a tap and tossed it forward. "Go forth, Charon." As the light faded from the opening of the Pokeball, a floating, billowy spirit hovered in front of Tobias and Prometheus. Taking a deep bow with one ragged arm bending in front of its ethereal body, the Pokemon spoke out in a dreamy, unrecognisable tongue. "What is thy bidding, master." Remaining bowed, Tobias looked down on the ghost and made clear his demands. "Guide me through the myriad forest. Our destination is Goldenrod." Nodding his head with a small bob, the Duskull heeded Tobias' orders. "Your will shall be done. Follow this way, master." Tucking his arms behind its back, the Duskull floated on slowly forwards. Remaining silent, Tobias followed on behind with a stride to his step. Before long, the two made it to the inner sanctum of Shady Glen. Pausing his steps, Tobias recollected the trouble they had to go through in their first visit.

"Hmph. I suppose as much trouble as it was, it allowed me a foothold into this community. Now with the majority of businesses paying their dues, it turned into a tidy profit. I'll have to leave some enforcers in place to ensure they continue their tribute." His face showing the slightest hint of disdain, he recalled the young boy Sylvester. "The lad had best hope we don't cross paths in this forest." Looking to Charon, it had appeared the phantom butler had communed with the spirits of the forest and ascertained their next direction. "Master, if you will." Waving out his arm in a dreamlike state, the Duskull pointed to a south easterly direction. "Very well. I've already had enough of this overgrown forest." As he finished, his hand ran through his overgrown beard. It had sprung up since he first came to Azalea. Partially from trying to combat the cold but perhaps it was a reflection of just how wild this forest was. One thing was sure, once he reached Goldenrod, it'd be back to to the stylish sophisticated look he originally sported.

Progressing on to Dense Thicket.

[Tyger]

"Hup two, three four, we got pictures to take!"

Justin chanted, his Luxray walking alongside him with a bored expression on it's face. The trip back and forth through Ilex to get to Goldenrod, back to Azalea, back to Goldenrod... it was taxing! However, errands needed to be run, and Justin seemed to find a way to make them work somehow. Pictures could always be taken. That was always his argument. But instead of errands, today they were on a mission.

"We're on the hunt. I've got a plan, too. Pokemon will be instantly interested in my camera if I use it enough. M' Logic is flawless, aye?"

Justin chuckled, rubbing Simba's mane. The Luxray rolled his eyes, but walked alongside his trainer nonetheless. Shady Glen provided quite the bit of shade, but Justin was heading for different trees. Maybe with a bit more scent of... pine?


Travelling to Luminous Vale

[Deleted]

As Marchbaby approached the entrance to the Ilex Forest he felt rather uneasy as the forest seemed to emit a rather dark energy. He had never been to the forest before but some of his neighbors in Blackthorn City had told him and others stories of hauntings and curses not to mention stories of how easy it was to get lost while visiting the forest. As he entered the Shady Glen he was rather suprized by how quiet the forest was despite the abundance of Pokemon rumored to be living in the forest. The young Dragon apprentice was taken aghast by the natural beauty of the Ilex Forest but could not stop thinking of tge stories he had been told.

As he walked around he thought he could hear talking in the distance. Marchbaby decided to check things out as he was hoping to do some training before he reached Goldenrod City. As he got closer to the noise he could tell it was a voice. He could not quite make out what was being said but it sounded like somebody was looking for someone or something. After walking a bit longer Marchbaby noticed a young man walking in the forest calling out for something called a Farfetch'd. Marchbaby realized that it must be a Pokemon the young man was looking for and he approached to offer his help.

[Tyger]

"Oh man, oh man... I'm gonna get skinned alive for this!"

Sylvester fretted, practically biting his nails with fervor. This had happened before, usually with a tool, or the pet food, but now this? both of the Farfetch'd? Sylvester begged every traveller that passed him, but most merely turned up their nose. Having no Pokemon of his own (and the Farfetch'd continued to make his opinion of them drop) he couldn't go after them himself. "Man, is no one really willing to help?" He practically whined to himself, until March came into view.

"Yo! Hey you! Yeah you! Can you help me? I'd be totally in your debt, man."

Sylvester flagged Marchbaby down and began to explain his predicament. "So... My name's Sylvester, and i'm supposed to have 2 Farfetch'd with me. However, I don't have any badges, and they ran off. I work for Kurt, back in Azalea, and he sent me out and I just couldn't control the birds, and they ran off."

Sylvester seemed really distraught, and for good reason. A small stack of firewood sat next to him, so his chore was done, all he needed was to get the birds back before Kurt found out what was going on.

"I've totally got something useful I could give you, if you could just find those two birds... I know that the first run ran off into the mist, while the second one can't be too far away..."



Sylvester needs your help!
Find Kurt's 2 Farfetch'd in Ilex Forest to continue onto Goldenrod!

[Deleted]

Marchbaby was glad to had found the voice that he heard. He could tell the young man was quite worried about something and listened to what he had to say. As the young man spoke Marchbaby could not help but feel sorry for him. The poor kid would likely get in a lot of trouble if he could not help find the Farfetch'd soon. " I will gladly help find you missing Pokemon. They sound like they are quite useful to your family. As a Dragon apprentice of Blackthorn City and a trainee police officer you have my word I will find them."

As Sylvester gave him a clue as to where the first Farfetch'd had headed off to he headed off to find the Farfetch'd. " It looks like there is a lot of mist over here." The young man said as he headed for the Gloomy Ravine.


Moving onto the Gloomy Ravine.

[Deleted]

Coming from the Enchanted Orchard.


As Marchbaby walked down the path he began to worry that he would not make it to Sylvester in time. He had taken quite a bit of time trying to find and battle the Farfetch'd and he was not sure if Sylvester would still even be there. The young man knew that if he was going to have any chance of making it to Sylvester in time at all that he would have to start running as tired as the group was. Marchbaby and his Pokemon began to run as fast as they could hoping that they would still make it back to Sylvester before the young man got in trouble for losing the Farfetch'd again. Sylvester was counting on him and as he had given his word as a Dragon Apprentice he was not going to stop until he kept his word.

As the group sped down the path they could hear what sounded like yelling off in the distance. The sounds was coming from quite a ways out but Marchbaby thought that it sounded familiar and as time was running out he made the decision to follow the sound and hope for the best. As the group followed the noise it began to sound more and more like a human. It was still too far off to be able to identify it as Sylvester but as Marchbaby was desperate to find him he was hoping that the voice was that of Sylvester trying to find his Farfetch'd/ Marchbaby and his Pokemon kept listening for the sound hoping that it would turn out to be Sylvester when all of a sudden off in the distance Marchbaby noticed a human about the size of Sylvester off in the distance and iit seemed like he was calling out for something.

Not wasting any time Marchbaby yelled at the figure hoping to get it's attention." Sylvester is that you? I have found both of the Farfetch'd that you were missing. They put up a heck of a good fight but me and my Pokemon managed to best them in a battle so they would come with us. I must say those two birds were quite strong for their size but in the end I am glad to have found them and they are now safe." He said hoping that the figure would be able to hear him and respond to him as he really did not have much time left.

Ooc:

Staying to return the two Farfetch'd the Sylvester.

[The REAL Joey]

Slowly getting himself up off of his stump that he had melodramatically set himself down on, Sylvester couldn't help but perk up as he heard the familiar sounding voice of the new acquaintance he had made earlier. The return of his voice meant one of two things. Either he had found the last trouble making bird brain or he had given up and was telling him to man up and look for himself. Dashing over to Marchbaby, he listened intently as he greeted him. Thankfully, what he heard was positive. "Oh my... You have no idea how danged happy I am to have these birds back. I was seriously expecting to go back home empty handed... Maaaaan." Shuffling around in his pockets, the youthful teenager seemed as if he had just dodged a near fatal death experience. "If I had turned up with these two gone then da-... I mean, boss would have wrung my neck. Not to mention Kurt. My da- err, boss, is scary but Kurt's a whole other league. Yikes." Eventually finding what he wanted in his pocket, Sylvester shoved the circular disk into Marchbaby's hand as he carefully took back the naughty Farfetch'd. "I seriously can't repay you enough. I hope that Cutting Attack proves good enough for ya! Should be able to get ya outta this sprawling forest no troubles! Heh!"

Evidentially happy that his goose wasn't going to be cooked, he made another little gesture of good will towards him. "I really ought to run back now but lemme remind you again. My pops and... Dammit. I mean boss and I run the Azalea Charcoal Kiln! We're world famous. So if you ever manage to come across another firewood from chopping away with that special attack then give us a bell. We'll make you some worthwhile charcoal! It's pretty swell for powering up Fire type Pokemon just so you know." With both Farfetch'd knocked out safely under his arms and wrapped up tightly, he began to dash off. "I best head off now and make up some excuse as to why I lost all of the wood I was supposed to gather for today! Errr... What would work... An Ursaring attack? Yeah!" Now fading off out into the distance between all the foliage and grass, he yelled out once more. "I'll never forget your kindess! GOOD LUCK!"

For Marchbaby's painstaking efforts, Sylvester hands him HM01 Cut!

[Deleted]

Ooc: Teaching Kamikaze Cut and she forgets Quick Attack.

Maarchbaby was quite relieved to see that it was in fact Sylvester that he had heard. He was so glad to have made it in time so that the young man would not get in trouble. Marchbaby could tell that Sylvester was absolutely thrilled to have the Farfetch'd back so he could do his job. " It sounds like Kurt is pretty strict but I am sure it is because he cares for these Farfetch'd and wants to keep them safe." He said as he listed to see if Sylvester had anything else to say. As he listed to Sylverster he was quite happy that the young man had kept his word and given him the HM for cut as he would need it to go further into the Ilex Forest so he could get on his way towards Goldenrod City.

Marchbaby was rather interested by what the young man said about Charcoal. Even though he did not have any fire types currently on his team having a held item that would make them more powerful sounded like an awesome idea." That sounds great Sylvester if I manage to collect enough wood I will be sure to pay you and Kurt a visit as Charcoal sounds pretty useful. I hope these two Farfetch'd behave themselves and do not try to run off again as it seems like this forest can get pretty dangerous. I must be on my way now but I look forward to seeing you again some day." He said before he started to walk away. Now the young man just had to think about where he wanted to go next. The way he had gone looking for the Farfetch'd led him back to the beginning of the forest so he knew that way was not an option but there seemed to be two other ways that he could head.

At first he was going to head down the path to the right but Kamikaze seemed to have other plans. She began to run down the middle path and Marchbaby knew that he would have no choice but to follow her as he did not want her to get lost or worse end up battling a stronger Pokemon that may live in the area. As he began to run down the middle path the trees around him got a lot thicker and he could hardly move. He then noticed Kamikaze standing there pointing at a fallen tree that looked like it could be cut.



Heading to the Dense Thicket.

[Tyger]

Rhoan glowered to herself, trekking through the town of Azalea to get to the beginning of the forest of Ilex. It loomed like a sore thumb in front of her like an eyesore, almost taunting her. Yes... Yes, you really have to fight through me! It seemed to say, and she rolled her eyes. Give her a few days and she'd be on the other side, lollygagging through Goldenrod after her mission was complete. Given a real chance at prestige and glory, Rhoan wasn't about to mess it up. But, of course, the only way to get what she needed was to get the Cut HM. And, of course, the only way to get the Cut HM rested with Kurt's apprentice, who was currently in Ilex. 

A sign in front of her said something along the lines of 'Welcome to Ilex Forest!' and 'Shady Glen.' The forest was so large, and so maze-like, that signs had to be placed everywhere in order for people to know where they were in an attempt to help limit the number of those who got lost. As she signed the guest book, she wondered just how many of these people - names, truly, she didn't know any of them - had gotten lost and never made it out. Some of the markings were fresh, while others were old. Perhaps she'd find someone decent enough to challenge in here? She'd have to be careful or she just might burn the entire forest down. Wouldn't that be a shame? At least she'd know where she was heading at that point, right? Instead of winding around, it'd become a straight shot. 

"Whatever. Gotta find..." Rhoan pulled a piece of paper from her pocket to check the boy's name again. ...Sylvester first." Shoving the paper (which did contain her orders for after this excursion) into her pocket without so much as another thought, she shoved her hands in her pockets and began walking. The crisp autumn breeze was a bit chillier than expected. Winter was coming, and soon. Quicker she got this done and into Goldenrod the better. The last thing she wanted was to have to camp out in the cold in the middle of Ilex. Banishing that thought before it could fester, Rhoan began to approach a strange looking boy who was probably a few paces past distressed. Maybe this was the bloke she was looking for?

[The REAL Joey]

Having been so wrapped up in his troubles, the young man had been totally unaware of Rhoan's approach up to him. Still racking his head physically with his hands, the man was about ready to yell out loud but the unexpected presence from Rhoan had meant his rage was misplaced into surprise. "Yeeehaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!" Jumping into the air and swivelling around to see who the presence belonged to, he held his hands up high to his face to obscure any possibility of it being one of the forest's malicious spirits. Not fully seeing that it was just Rhoan before him, the youthful male cowered and spoke with a baited stammer. "N-N-No! Don't come for my soul! It's not tasty honest! I-I-I'll leave, I p-promise, gaaaah!" It was only when he had seen through the cracks in his fingers that the man lowered his guard as Rhoan certainly didn't look like the incorporeal ghostly type.

"Oh...Ohoho... Ah. I see." Getting up from the grubby flooring he had fell to, the young man blushed deeply at his mistake and nervously scratched the back of his head while nervously grinning. "Ahaha... You got me real good there. I seem to lose all competence when I enter this forest." Sighing exasperatedly, the male was absent minded enough to not introduce himself. "Not only am I terrified by rumours of ghosts prowling the woods but I seem to have lost the Kiln's livelihood. Our two Farfetch'd... Maaaan..." Abruptly blinking, he realised his mistake. "OH! I forgot to introduce myself! The name's Sylvester! But you can call me Syl! Hah!" Giving a curt bow of his head, he explained his predicament. "My pops and I run Azalea's Charcoal Kiln business. It's nothing fancy but its our main income. I collect the wood and pops back home fires it up into Charcoal with his Magmar's special technique."

With a strong sense of pride in his voice, it quickly faltered as he finished. "But! Listen! That might come to a sad end if I don't get these Farfetch'd back...!" Sighing again, it was clear this guy was either terribly poor at looking after Pokemon or just had the whole world conspiring against him. "My pa used to own the Farfecth'd but since I came to look after them they never listen and just do their own thing. I keep telling them to use Cutting Attack to get the logs we need for the kiln but they just squawk and paddle off." Shoving his hands deep into his pocket he kicked a leaf on the ground. "I don't have any Pokemon either so I can't go looking for them. Yup, just stuck here." Looking at Rhoan's formidable demeanour, a funny idea crept into his head. "Say, you look like someone who doesn't take any nonsense. And with your get up, i'd say you're trainer and you have Pokemon. Why don't you go searching for me?"

Seeing a flicker of hope ring in his eyes, Sylvester jumped at the chance. "I would be real grateful if you could help, like!" Unsure if she would do it out of the kindness of her heart or if she would be needing an incentive, he was quick to find something to bribe her with. Something about Rhoan's tempestuous stare told him he'd be needing to make with the rewards. "Say, you wanna get out of here right? Only way out is if your Pokemon can cut things up good. If not..." He pulled a face and blew his lips. "Pffffft, you're stuck. It's a good thing I have that Cutting Attack on me! I could give you the HM to teach your Pokemon." With the offer on the table, he proceeded to give her some hints. "Now, when I was out and about I distinctly remember losing the two Pokemon in two different neck of the woods..." Rubbing his chin, he tried to remember something unique about the locations. "Well, the first had this real lazy Pokemon there. Guess the Farfetch'd got inspired by it living the easy life. Err... The second... Yeah. It was a part of the forest which had a sunny bright hue to the place. The trees were real tall thin. Not really ideal for fire wood."

Clapping his hands together, Sylvester seemed confident she had enough to go on. "Ya can try knockin' them out in battle or setting traps about the forest. They're wily though so don't think they'll be easy to find. Plus one of them is a real high tailer. If he spots you, he'll break a leg and dash off." Moving over to a stump nearby to them, he stretched his arms before getting comfortable. "Best of luck, i'm here if ya get confused." Leaving Rhoan to her own devices, Sylvester sat himself on top of the tree stump but nervously looked about as he heard a distinct cry sound off in the nearby vicinity. He may have dumped a wild goose chase on her hands, but at least Rhoan would be able to use her keen skills as a hunter to track down the offending ducks.