Meet the Makers - First chamber (Dorthea~Aglaia~mod)

[Marchbaby]

The crafty Smeargle was having a lot of fun after coping it's opponent's move. Its odd fighting style was unique among Pokemon as only it was able to directly copy the moves used against it which under most circumstances would prove useful. Due to Thanh's typing however Steel Wing was not a great move to copy and Smeargle was left with few other options but to stick with it as it was the only move it was able to copy. Be that as it may it was not discouraged by the situation it found itself in. Instead it would try and stick to it's creativity to try and win as it believed it had the advantage in that category. Being the faster Pokemon helped as well as now it was able to strike first.

Smeargle began to paint a set of wings on it's tail before running towards Thanh and as it did its new "wings" turned into steel before slamming down onto the young duck. As creative as the move was however it did not do very much damage at all. On the other hand Thanh was ready to give Smeargle another example of his strength this time with a ranged attack. He filled his lungs with air and his mouth with water before exhaling which sent the small amount of water towards Smeagle at a high velocity. It was not particularly painful but it was annoying and disgusting which threw Smeargle's concentration off a bit. The normal type was still in decent spirits as it had not lost this battle yet but it did begin to worry how it could turn the battle around.

With another round finished Smeargle had a bit of time to think of some way to still win this battle. It would need that time as the way things were currently going there was no way it would win and there was little of escape if it was defeated.

---

Battle

---

Smeargle | Level 9 |
HP: 52% (16/31)
Status: Normal
Used Steel Wing!

VS.

Thanh | Level 5 |
HP: 68% (15/22)
Status: Normal
Used Water Gun!


Weather: Normal

---

Ooc: Yes that is usually the case. I am not sure why off hand it was included but I will bring it up in the staff boards just to be safe.

[Thirdie]

Dorthea grimaced, when Aglaia reminded her that Aglaia didn't trust any Pokemon, maybe her Wystan being the only exception. At least Dorthea was only uncomfortable with a small part of all the Pokemon in the world, and it made her feel bad for Aglaia. "How do you manage to stay sane, if you don't trust any of them? I mean, to me most of the Pokemon are amazing, and I enjoy their company, but I don't know how I would handle being this afraid of everyone, and still having to keep them around for protection. How do you do that?" She studied Aglaia, seeing her in a new light. She thought about Aglaia's other questions, about Madam and why she was actually afraid of the birds. "I know Madam is afraid of me. She is more fragile, and doesn't sound the same, so it's not as bad." She explained her reason for accepting Madam, even though she initially had been furious with grandfather for tricking her like that. "She's just a bug that happened to grow wings..." Where her worry had come from, was more difficult to explain. "As to where," she began. "Remember how I was supposed to find a Spearow back on route 29? I said I didn't meet any birds, but of course it was the first thing that crossed our path, just as I had decided I wouldn't even look for one. I didn't check it on the Dex, because I didn't want the proof that I had met one, but I'm pretty sure it was a Spearow, so aggressive it was fighting. It beat Squirt bad. I had no one else, so I ran, but it kind of feels like the birds have been following me ever since. With their talons, and cawing, and beating wings... Dorthea hugged herself and ensured Paloma was still sitting tight in her spot. "I wish I could just ignore it."

~~

Diarm accepted the praise from Freyr with a happy chirp and puffed up his chest, feeling good. "Oh, yes. Do we get to play too?" he asked Freyr, almost jumping in excitement at the thought, though immediately seeking cover, when water splashed, and quite willingly following Freyr away from the threat. "Is water always in this play?" he asked as they retreated. "If water isn't there, it looks very fun."

(Ooc: ~)

[Tarlar]

Aglaia smiled fondly when Dorthea asked how she could stay sane, but she did't say anything before Dorthea had finished speaking and came to a conclusion of her problems.
"To start at the beginning, I think there is a difference. I am nervous around all pokemon I don't know, cause I can't see their mood or what they are about to do next, and I know they can be really strong and really do damage. My problem is that I don't know what to expect and therefore I prefer to keep them at a safe distance," Aglaia explained calmly and then smiled, "the reason it isn't a bigger problem is because I'm not alone and it is getting better with the pokemon I have myself. Most of them at least," she added and glanced at Paloma.
"But I'm working on it. It just takes time since I need to learn how all the pokemon react and their behavior so I know what it means and when to be afraid and not, I don't want to end like some of the pokemon I have seen in the tv," Aglaia said and shuddered.
"Speaking of it," Aglaia said and found a pokeball in her pocket.
A moment later Wystan stood at her side and looked questioningly at her, was everything alright. She gave him a hug.
"What have helped me most though, is Wystan and you. Wystan Is keeping the others in check and knows if there is trouble, and I know he will protect me. While you are always so brave and positive, you show me we can do much more than I think," Aglaia laughed and winked to Dorthea, "so I want to help you too."

Aglaia stood thinking a bit and then looked at Dorthea with a apologising smile.
"You're not going to like what I'm going to suggest, but my fear of pokemon is getting better because I get to know them and their behavior, so I think you should get yourself a bird," she said seriously and expected Dorteha to protest.
"Not a spearow of course, that is too much and even though they say pidgeys should be easy and kind, Paloma has proved it otherwise, so not a pidgey either. I'd suggest a bird that perhaps doesn't look as much as a bird and has another more prominent type that the flying one," Aglaia paused as she remembered something.
"One moment," she said as she found her pokedex and smiled when she found what she searched for.
"What about this one? Natu is really small and more psychic than bird, and it lives in this area," Aglaia suggested cheerfully and showed her cousin the picture on her pokedex.
Wystan had moved to Dorthea's side as she seemed troubled by something and he patted her gently on her arm, with the side of his stinger to try reassure her. Aglaia looked closely at her cousin as she tried to read her reaction.

"YI know it's not funny nor easy, but I'll suggest you do something about it before it becomes a real phobia which you don't want, believe me. You can think about it, and perhaps spent some more time with Madam to help on both of your uneasiness?" Aglais suggested and looked towards the cave opening.
"They have been in there for a long time now, I should probably go look for them," Aglaia said and Wystan looked shocked at her.
"Bee?"" He exclaimed and pointed at the tunnel entrance.
"I guess you ask who there is there, It's Freyr, Thanh and Diarm, but I'm sure they are fine. But we should go look for them, I know, sorry." Aglaia said embarrassed as Wystan went to the entrance and looked impatiently at her.
"Will you be alright on your own for a bit? Just relax here a bit, I'll take Paloma with me," Aglaia sai, before she and her two pokemon went back into the tunnel.

~~~

"If you want yes, but we need to find someone without water, since that is not fun," Freyr agreed with Diarm and made sure he was between the battle and the young torchic.
"Hey Thanh, you are doing great! But I think the wing slapping worked better," Freyr called to the ducklett in the hope of getting him to stop using water gun.
"You think? Oh I know! I wanna show Paloma!" He suddenly exclaimed and ran towards the smeargle to slash it with his wings.
"You can't catch me!" He shouted playfully and ran towards where he had last seen the pidgey, and towards Aglaia.

Freyr pressed himself and Diarm against the tunnel wall as the bird ran past them and hopefully the smeargle would follow.
"Let's go the other way and see what we can find, shall we?" The fennekin asked his little friend.

(ooc: Thanh uses Steel Wing and attemps to start a game of tag with the smeargle and lead it towards the girls)
----
I'd like to switch Reignar the Pawniard for The alolan Vulpix.
Info for the vulpix

Name: Keo
Gender: Female
Level: 10
Attacks: Powder Snow, Tail Whip, Ice Shard, Baby-Doll Eyes
Ability: Snow Cloak
Nature/Personality: Quiet, Nothing much is known about Keo and she shares as little as possible, as she likes to be seen as strange and mysterious. She does it so well the others has no clue if she really is wise with exceptional powers or if she is faking it all. Her age and her reason for joining Aglaia is unknown as well.

Ready for a mod

[Noerd]

The Smeargle had few options in terms of what it could do to harm Thanh, but that didn't seem to bother it at all. It was probably quite used to having limited choices, after all, and it didn't appear to be aware of the type disadvantage. It looked as determined as ever, as it painted itself another set of wings. This time, it put the 'wings' on its fist, all the while watching Thanh. The little Ducklett seemed to be having a conversation with its friends. "How incredibly rude!" thought Smeargle. "This Ducklett and I are supposed to be having a one-on-one duel, and there he is chatting! I must teach this youngster a lesson in Pokemon etiquette!" The Smeargle ran forward, pulling its 'wings' backward as it charged toward the offending Water type. "How dare you!" it screamed in Smeargle-ese, and punched Thanh with its glowing fist-wings. Thanh's retaliation was to return the Steel Wing, but he then flew away. This enraged Smeargle. "That coward! Don't you dare run away now!" it thought to itself. Picking up its tail, it gave chase to Thanh, a furious expression now engraved on its face.

Wild Battle

---

Smeargle | Level 9
HP: 35% (11/31)
Status: Normal
Used Steel Wing! Critical hit!

VS

Thanh | Level 5
HP: 40% (9/22)
Status: Normal
Used Steel Wing!

[Thirdie]

Dorthea really made an effort to understand what the difference was between Aglaia and her own discomfort. Though Aglaia didn't mention directly what might be different, her description of her own situation did tell something, and Dorthea pieced it together one by one. Aglaia's fear sounded logic and reasonable, manageable somehow, whereas Dorthea couldn't logically argue why her mind tuned in on birds like they were some kind of horrible monsters she should escape from by all means. Even though Paloma hadn't moved from her spot, Dorthea constantly checked her whereabouts and struggled to keep her attention on Aglaia instead, but she thought she managed to listen to everything regardless. It did encourage her that Aglaia admired her bravery and positivity. She should use her energy to grasp that and hold on to the thought of all the Pokemon she loved and wanted to be with, she thought. Then she might be able to transfer that to bir... Tough thought. She might need a bit more time to get used to that idea.

Back to what Aglaia was suggesting right now... Dorthea looked at Aglaia's mouth forming the words, but somehow it wouldn't translate entirely. She furrowed her brow, trying to connect the dots between Aglaia getting to know the Pokemons she feared, and Dorthea getting a b... Still didn't make sense, and Aglaia was still talking. Dorthea's wrinkle got deeper, while her brain caught up entirely and she wanted to protest on pure princip "but that's what grandfather want..." Stupid argument. She didn't even know if she said it out loud. The grandfather only had a partial role in starting this silly fear. He should have nothing to do with how to solve it. Dorthea opened her mouth again to come with some other argument against the idea, but nothing came out. She was drawing a blank, and Aglaia knew how to put a case together. Dorthea sighed, and looked half-heartedly at the picture on the Pokedex, a small ball of feathers with a tiny beak and little feet that kept it from tumbling over. She giggled weakly at the thought, not paying much attention to Wystan's attempt at comfort. "I'll think about it." she finally gave in and put her head on her knees. She was tired, and nodded a little when Aglaia mentioned Madam. Madam she could manage. If for nothing else she was going to show grandfather that she didn't throw a Pokemon away just because it turned into something unexpected.

When Aglaia started talking about the three left behind inside, Dorthea was happy for the change of subject, though only really relieved when Aglaia said she would take Paloma with her. "I'll manage. Don't worry." she ensured the cousin and watched the little assembly leave into the darkness. She would be fine. She had time to figure this out, and a great help by her side. Now she just needed to get used to the frightful solution to her problem. She waited in comfortable silence, finally feeling like she was starting to relax again.

~~

Diarm wholeheartedly agreed with Freyr on the water part, and though he didn't fully understand why Freyr said what he did to Thanh, he saw the result and enjoyed the lack of water afterwards. He didn't think to get out of the way of the running bird, so it was lucky enough Freyr pushed him aside, while he looked curious after the two fighters. Diarm was still looking after them, when Freyr suggested they went in the other direction, and he hesitated shortly. He instinctively didn't like the idea of splitting from the flock, but on the other hand he would still be with the fox, and he would definitely be away from the risk of more splashing water, if he stuck with Freyr. Desicion taken he chirped a happy "Okay" and tripped delighted after him.

(Ooc: An encounter on Dorthea's end would be fun now, if manageable in next mod post.)

[Tarlar]

Aglaia was sure Dorthea would be alright, she was so strong and full of gumption all the times, at least when Aglaia helped her find solutions to problems. Dorthea would probably already have caught the bird they had talked about when Aglaia returned.
Of course it wouldn't solve the problem and most of the work were still ahead of both of them, but Aglaia didn't doubt that Dorthea at least would get over it.
She was a bit more uncertain with herself, but that was mostly because she didn't know how to stop being scared of pokemon she knew could squash her if they wanted to. Smaller and less dangerous pokemon she would be able to get along with as soon as she learned what they could do and not.

Paloma and Wystan lead the way back into the tunnel or cave or whatever it was, in the search of the missing pokemon.
Wystan was actually a bit disappointed in Aglaia, and that she hadn't gone to look for her missing pokemon earlier. It was a thing he would need to teach her, if her pokemon should respect and help her, she needed to show she cared for them and not just only a selected few.
Paloma was rather indefferent. She didn't really have any connection to any of the others and her goal in life was to prove what she was worth. In her oppinion everyone should think of themselves first and use thier own skill to earn respect, and she expected the missing ones to do just that. If they didn't it was their problem and she wouldn't have any respect for them.

Speaking of the sun, Thanh arrived soon after and headed straight to Paloma.
"Hi! I have met this really funny thing, right? And we battled and it made wings with it's tail, right? You wan't to see?" Thanh said excitedly and looked expectantly at Paloma who did her best to pretend he wasn't there.
A movement caught her attention and she tensed as the smeargle arrived, ready to fight if necessary. Though if Thanh had been battling without much trouble it wouldn't really be a challenge for her of course.
"You haven't finished it!" She scoled the ducklett, who looked over his shoulder and grinned.
"Then I couldn't have showed it to you!" He explained excitedly.

Aglaia froze when the sound of running feet reached her and the moment she saw the pokemon running straight at her, she grabbed a pokeball and called out Saury.
"Sleep Powder!" Aglaia ordered frantically.
Saury took it calm as usual, he braced for an attack as he wouldn't be able to react before it was too close anyway, and then he filled the air around him with spores.

~~~

Freyr was really happy when Diarm chose to go with him, even though he hesitated a moment which Freyr did notice. The torchic was still quite attached to the human, which was alright, it was just a problem if he didn't learn to have fun on his own before he got too affected by the humans and they kept the little cute bird back to just watch at. It would be a boring life, just like hi himself had had before learning to sneak away.
A part of him of course also wanted a partner and a friend to always have fun with, but he did really believe that the trainers would treat Diarm as he had been himself his whole life.

He lead the way deeper down into the ground, not knowing if it was a cave or a tunnel, they had found.
As they walked the temperature began to drop and as the tunnel took a turn they encountered a pure white pokemon, which sat in the middle of the tunnel. Freyr stopped abruptly and then tilted his head to look at the stranger.
"Hello?" He called but got no reaction.
"This looks interesting, let's check it out!" Freyr said to Diarm but didn't wait for his answer. It was only an icetype so it shouldn't be any problem.

"Greetings Diarm and Freyr," The white vulpix greeted them when they came within hearing range, and Freyr paused again.
"How do you know our names?" He asked and the vulpix smiled mysteriously.
"Perhaps I have followed you?" She answered in a tone that made it sound like that probably wasn't the case, beside she was in front of them, not behind them.
Not once had she looked at them, though she would look directly at Diarm should he talk to her, and with kind eyes.

(ooc: Saury switches in and uses Sleep Powder. Could Wystan's broken sprite get fixed by the way?)
~Wordcount: 786
Ready for a mod

[Lamont]

Smeargle chased the fleeing ducklett furiously, rather put off by the disrespect. It knew that the little Thanh was quite young but that was no excuse for such discourteous actions; especially in the sanctity of a duel. The artistic beagle was so focused on correcting the blue duck's mannerisms that it completely glossed over pinprick of light trickling into the tunnel being blocked by the approach of the trainer. Only when more pokémon's voices echoed off the halls did it realize, and at that point it had just run headfirst into a tougher gentleman's duel than he had originally anticipated.

A fresh face showed itself, stout and green, but it was not matter. Smeargle was going to show proper etiquette of engagement despite this rise of anger flushing through it. In a quick flurry the painter brought to life another set steely wings, this time on its feet, and jump kicked the bulbasaur; of who had already prepared himself for the assault. Yes. This one knew how this went. Unfortunately it also appeared the bulbasaur was much, much, more experienced.

The wild pokémon pirouetted backward, snatching up its colored tail and brandishing like one would a fencer's weapon. En garde didn't need to be spoken to get the message. Saury went into action spreading the soporific powder from the bulbous growth on his back. With great care given the enclosed surroundings the dust was directed toward the posing Smeargle. At first the wild pokémon didn't realize what was happening, hopping on the spot before taking to a defensive approach. In the next few seconds though it dawned on the painter pokémon. But it was too late. Already the drowsiness was setting in, eyes heavy and tail drooping. Soon the Smeargle was curling up comfortably on the cavern floor and snoozing away.

Wild Battle

---

Smeargle | Level 9
HP: 35% (11/31)
Status: Asleep (1/2)
Used Steel Wing!
Snoozin'

VS

Saury | Level 16 | Overgrow
HP: 91% (41/45)
Status: Normal
Switched with Thanh!
Used Sleep Powder!

[Thirdie]

Not long after Aglaia had disappeared into the ruins once more, Dorthea began to pay attention to the calm atmosphere in the grassy spot they had found. The air smelled nice of fresh grass and flowers too, and Dorthea took a big breath of it all to really enjoy it. Heidrun climbed out from under her shirt, and Dorthea giggled when her tiny feet tickled her neck. "I should probably start with the easiest of Aglaia's suggestions and spend a little time with Madam..." Dorthea said after a little while more. She picked out Madam's ball and looked at it for a moment before letting her out. She kept completely still, and for once didn't feel inclined to try and hug Madam when she materialized. She wouldn't know how to go about it either, since the new form mostly consisted of the big fluttering wings that looked too fragile to touch. "Hi, Madam." she said in her most calm voice.

Madam had found rest in the grass just in front of Dorthea, but she didn't actually notice her until she spoke. She twitched and wanted to take flight immediately; she finally had an open sky above her and wings to make an escape possible; but she was still thinking about her small talk with Squirt, and Dorthea was acting stranger than usual. Madam didn't remember seeing the girl so still, and it was weird and wrong. Squirt had said they were friends and looked out for each other. Madam didn't remember if she had ever had any friends before, and she was starting to doubt that she would even have gotten to this evolution if Dorthea hadn't caught her back then. Madam knew her inherent nervousness was a massive obstacle to get anywhere. Keeping all this in mind she stayed put, and looked at Dorthea to see what she wanted.

~~

Though the darkness made it difficult to see much of anything, Diarm looked around as if they had been walking in bright daylight. The darkness of course made him stumble that more often, but it didn't deter him, and he just used the added closeness to the ground to peck at the thing that had gotten in the way of his feet. One of those times he let out a small ember by pure accident, and delighted he found that the ember made things easier to see. At least for a moment before it flickered out. From then on Freyr's travel partner spouted new embers at random, while he experimented with this new found use of the attack.

This took a backseat however, when they came across a glowing white creature in their path. Diarm mimicked Freyr's motions of freezing on the spot, but then ran up to the other fox the moment she had spoken their names. "Hello," he said back, and moved his head up and down as he looked at her closer. As his name was Diarm, he didn't find it odd that she knew it. Everyone he had met and talked to knew his name. "What are you?" he asked instead, only really interested in knowing what to call her, since they apparently were friends.

(Ooc: ~)

[Tarlar]

Saury took the attack stoic and was happy he had been trained so well, so things like this didn't hurt much. He was rather surprised with what it had done with its feet and the skilled kicking, though it didn't feel like a normal kick.
He would have loved to have asked it, but he had his orders and he had to obey. A moment later his opponent had curled up and was snorring away peacefully, and Saury looked back at Aglaia to see what she wanted to do.

Aglaia had taken a few steps forward and stretched her neck, before she found her pokedex and it told her what she had thouhgt.
"It is a smeargle. Granma worked together with those for a long time, I bet she'd like to get one again," Aglaia said excited, happy she could give her grandmother something again, as it had usually been the other way around.
"It is quite fitting now she is a trainer too, and she should know how to use it," Aglaia continued mostly to herself, though all four of her pokemon watched her.
"Bee?" Wystan asked but got no answer as Aglaia was busy finding a pokeball to catch it with.
"Be ready Saury, it may wake up from it," Aglaia whispered a warning, before she looped the great ball at the sleeping pokemon. It was luckily rather easy when they laid still and didn't run around.

"What is she doing?" Thanh asked Paloma.
"Catching it, you dimwit," she answered annoyed. Why was this youngster hanging in her tailfeathers all the time?

~~~

"Wait!" Freyr gasped quietly and hurried after Diarm as the torchic fearlessly went straight up ot the the unknown pokemon. She just smiled down to the young one as she answered him, "I am a vulpix, though from a far away region."
Freyr arrived and looked suspiciously at her.
"But vulpix are orange," he said doubtfully. He had never seen one, but he had often heard potential owners compare him to the species and as it had mostly been in the vulpix's favor, he wasn't thrilled about them.
"As I said, I'm from far away, there all vulpix's are ice type and white, though you are correct that in other areas we are fire types," the vulpix answered and raised her head to stare past him down the tunnel.
"So what are you doing here?" Freyr asked and the vulpix smiled mysteriously.
"I'm waiting for my trainer," she answered and Freyr sighed disappointed.
"She is just here with her trainer and he is coming to get her in a moment," Freyr told Diarm, and the vulpix didn't argue against it though she looked like she found what he said very amusing.
Freyr walked in a cirkel around the vulpix, he wanted to see how his "rival" looked, even though her color an typing was different. He had to admit that he could understand why vulpix was so popular, she was very elegant.

(ooc: attempting to capture the smeargle with a greatball)
~Wordcount: 400
Ready for a mod

[Noerd]

(Trying out some different formatting to see what I like best, so if it looks ugly that's why.)

The Smeargle continued to snooze quite happily, any previous ire currently subdued as it slept. Despite all of the conversations going on elsewhere, the Normal typed painter failed to stir in the slightest. It dreamed of a better world, one where good etiquette was observed in all manners of life. One where even babies knew how to fight honourably. This world was a much more comfortable one for the dog-like creature to live in, and it wasn't going to go back any time soon if it could help it. It happily traipsed around the landscape, free to paint as it saw fit. Of course, it was the only one to see any of this, and Aglaia had her own important matters to deal with. She tossed out a blue and white Great Ball, which snapped open to trap the snoozing Smeargle. As it fell to the floor, it seemed that the captive still had some fight left in it. One had to wonder exactly how a sleeping Pokémon was capable of resisting capture, but such were the trends of this world. It wriggled about frantically, softly whirring.

Once...

Twice...

Aaaand...

Ding!

---

Congratulations! Aglaia has caught the Smeargle!


Saury gained 1 level for his participation, reaching Level 17!
(I assume Aglaia hasn't completed the Happiness Quest, looking over her profile)
Saury can evolve! Should he?


Thanh gained 1 level for switching out like a coward, reaching Level 6!
Thanh learned Defog!

Please fill out the below info for your new Smeargle:

SPOILER: Click to show

Smeargle
Name: [choose]
Gender: [choose]
Level: 9
Moves: Steel Wing
Ability: Own Tempo OR Technician
Nature/Personality:

[img src="https://pldh.net/media/pokemon/gen5/blackwhite/235.png"]
[b]Smeargle[/b]
Name: [choose]
Gender: [choose]
Level: 9
Moves: Steel Wing
Ability: Own Tempo OR Technician
Nature/Personality: [choose]

[Thirdie]

Dorthea and Madam spend a long moment just looking at each other. Madam sat very still, only letting her new wings move slowly up and down for balance. Her eyes were alert and set on Dorthea's every move, but the girl seemed just as intend as her not to move. In the end Dorthea had the least patience however. She drew a hand through her hair, sighed and spoke softly: "So, you got yourself a pair of wings" The girl wrinkled her nose and leaned even more back against the crumbled wall behind her. Her eyes sought the sky for a moment, but refocused soon on Madam again. "They are really very beautiful and nothing like a bird's feathers..." Madam dared to glance at her own wings. She didn't quite follow what the deal was. From Dorthea's shoulder a new Pokemon chattered lightly, introducing herself as Heidrun. Madam hummed back if she knew what the girl was talking about. Dorthea shot a look between them, shushed the tiny spider and gave Madam all her attention. Miracously, she actually answered the question.

"I have a thing against birds," Dorthea finally offered, deciding the truth was the best approach here. "But you're an insect, not a bird, so I think we can make this work. I just have to get used to your new look, and I guess until then I'll likely be as nervous as you are around me." Dorthea gave a melancholy smile. She thought she had gotten pretty well away with explaining the situation. Madam had looked at her intently the whole time. It must have gotten across. At least she thought so, until the Beautifly decided to flutter her wing rapidly, and Dorthea flinched in surprise at the suddenness. The fluttering got Madam airborne, and she landed delicately on Dorthea's hand, the one closest to her. Dorthea kept still, and asked exaggerated when Madam was still once more: "Did you get anything of what I just said?" The bug nodded very slowly. "Then that was just mean. I didn't know I was scaring you, when I did it." Dorthea sulked. Madam looked to hang her head a bit, her feelers just brushing Dorthea's bare skin. Heidrun tickled her neck again. Dorthea grinned involuntarily, and accepted her faith with a sigh. "Alright, but I sure hope you don't plan on taking more revenge than that."

~~

"Vulpix?" Diarm chirped, halfway just trying the word out. He almost asked if that was her name, but Freyr interfered, and he understood by the conversation, that it was her kind instead. Diarm ran a circle around them as they talked, and stopped again beside Freyr. "What's your name?" he asked, and went on without much pause "Is it cold where you're from?" The feel in the air was almost the same as his first day in the world, and some of the other Pokemon had called it cold, and all the white stuff 'snow', but the cold had disappeared again, and now he wondered if he would have been a different type if the cold had stayed. Diarm looked between the two foxes as they continued exchanging words. "Why does her having a trainer make you sad, Freyr? Does it mean we can't play anymore?" he asked a moment later, because why else would Freyr sound down at that?

(Wordcount: 556)

[Tarlar]

Aglaia bit her lip as the pokeball kept wiggling, was it really that difficult when it was sleeping? She of course had read theories and statistisk on how well the different pokeballs worked, but since it gave different answers for all the different pokemon, there hadn't been any other conclusion than things like sleeping made the trainers chance bigger. Aglaia would have preferred to know how much more, but she had to do without that.

Saury had embraced himself but the smeargle didn't jump out of the pokeball again, and he relaxed as it dinged affirmative. Aglaia too relaxed and a big smile spread across her face, now she had a good gift for her grandma. She was sure the old woman would love to work with a smeargle again, like she had while she had at the police.
She went and picked up the pokeball and stood hesitant with it in her hand for a moment.
"Beedrill?" Wystan asked, ready to continue deeper in to find the missing members, and Aglaia sighed and put the pokeball away in her back with one last look back towards where Dorthea would be.
She still weren't very keen on continuing further alone, Dorthea clearly were more experienced and Aglaia was also quite excited about showing her cousin her newest catch.

A bright light interrupted her thoughts and she stared gaping at her now ivysaur, who looked quite surprised as well. Then she grinned, now she didn't felt like she was trying to catch up to Dorthea now her own starter had evolved too. Only problem was that she even more than before wanted to return.
A squabble from her two flying types interrupted her again, Paloma had finally got enough of all Thanh's questions, and he had had plenty with what had just happened, and the pdigey tried to discourage him from turning to her all the time.
Aglaia recalled them, with Wystan and newly evolved Saury at her side, the birds weren't needed and would probably just make more trouble for her.

"Beedrill!" Wystan said impatiently and Aglaia squirmed a bit from guilt.
"I'm coming, let's find them," she said and followed Wystan with Saury beside her. She had to find the missing pokemon, they were her responsibility and the faster she found them, the faster they could get back out.

~~~

The vulpix smiled and blinked slowly at Diarm's many questions.
"There are some who call me keokeo, but my trainer might be calling me something different," she said and Freyr looked weirdly at her, why didn't she know what her own trainer called her? Had they been together for that short amount of time, or perhaps it was just something she imagined.
The vulpix didn't care for what he thought about her answers and instead continued to answer Diarm.
"It is hot in a lot of areas, but the high mountain where I was born, it is very cold with a lot of snow."

When knowing a trainer was on his way, Freyr wasn't much interested in the white vulpix anymore, he would rather find another place to explore. Somewhere where humans didn't interfere and put an end to all the fun.
"I fear so, humans want us to behave in a specific way and that is either to be quiet beside them or, if you are lucky, to fight a few battles. No time to explore, no time to play or anything else that is fun," he told the young torchic while the vulpix listened curiously.
"I'm sure you will be alloved while you are young and they think you are adorable, but as soon as you get a bit older, they will demand another behavior or perhaps find you another home," Freyr said seriously. He hated to be the one who popped the bubble for young Diarm and would have loved to protect him for this harsh knowledge. It was necessary though, as life otherwise could be really harsh and lonely as Freyr himself had experienced, until you figured what was wanted of you and avoided being traded off again.
Furthermore he really liked Diarm and would like to keep him around. It was good with another one to sneak off on adventures with.

This time Freyr didn't get to sneak away again, as footsteps were heard and he checked his fur with a sight before he sat down.
The vulpix on the other hand rose and looked expectantly ahead, so Freyr expected it to be the vulpix's unknown trainer and prepared for a unwanted battle, if not their own trainers appeared in the meantime.
Big was his surprise when it was Aglaia who appeared, and it didn't become less when the vulpix happily stated, that her trainer had arrived and ran elegantly towards the human.

It was the beedrill who blocked the vulpix's way, and she glanced surrised at the ivysuar who in turn looked curiously at her before he called out a greeting to the two fire types.
"What are you up to?" Wystan asked suspiciously not wanting an unknown pokemon too close to Aglaia.
"I'm just greeting my trainer," the vulpix answered and smiled faintly at the shocked expressions around her.
"I have met all her pokemon, and you are not one of them," Wystan declared and the vulpi smiled secretly.
"Yes I am, she just hasn't caught me yet," she explained and Wystan and Saury exchanged looks, while Freyr looked confused at the scene.

Aglaia hadn't understood anything, but as the missing team members had been found, she wanted to return.
"Are you alright? Then come on," Aglaia called to Freyr and Diarm, and the fennekin gestured the torchic to follow as she did himself.
Wystan waited while looking suspiciously at the vulpix as Aglaia headed back towards Dorthea with Saury, Freyr and hopefully Diarm following her.
The vulpix followed them as well, but in a respectful distance and Wystan kept an eye on her all the time. She didn't act threatening at all and had an air of purpose around her, he couldn't quite place.

~~~

Aglaia was relieved when she reached the open air where she had left Dorthea and looked eagerly for her cousin. She had knew to her, and would call out to her and join her as soon as she saw her.

(ooc: correct, Aglaia doesn't get any happiness, and Saury evolves.
I'd like for Alter to learn Bulldoze instead of Mudslap, as asked here)

Smeagle code, please put in Astrid's box.
[img src="https://pldh.net/media/pokemon/gen5/blackwhite/235.png"]
[b]Smeargle[/b]
Name: Lorenz
Gender: Male
Level: 9
Moves: Steel Wing
Ability: Technician
Nature/Personality: Hardy. Lorenz is an artist at heart and sees himself as special. He demands that everyone around him to be courteous and well-behaved and is easily insulted when that isn't happening. He only paints Landscapes.

Ready for mod

[Lamont]

The group had finally gathered together, with a plus one. The area was still what one could consider enclosed, thanks to the high spanning walls clawing into the sky with the mismatched heights of a gothic tower, but the clear blue sky dotted with threads of white clouds was visible overhead. It was a stark difference to the blackened tunnel from which the secret door had led them down the rope. The clearing's floor was overgrown and knotted, thick growth spidering its way around like a thick web making even just stepping through the grass a difficult experience unless one didn't mind tripping over thick weed and hidden roots.

Not quite center of the area was the remains of an altar. Its markings have long since been lost to the ravages of time and moisture of the plant life that had snaked its way up its sides. Who knows what sort of mysteries the relic could spur of ancient times as now it was near as rotted as the crumbling walls surrounding the visitors. One thing it was good for was hiding spots.

A rustling song wisped through the tall grasses and spindly weeds as something began moving toward Dorthea & Aglaia. It may have been difficult to note considering all the activity and noise their own pokémon generated around them, but soon the two young girls would have more than just a sound to signal that they were not alone in this expanse. Two colorful characters fluttered out of the grass and onto near rocks that had once been a part of the walls. They chirped excitedly, crooking their ball of a head to opposite sides as they stared at the newcomers. The squinted eyes holding an inquisitive sheen as the two odd little bird-like pokémon sized up the visitors.

A pair of curious Natu (LV 9 & 10) have appeared!
Each of you select a pkmn for a double battle

[Thirdie]

Diarm cocked his head at Freyr's explanation. Though he thought he understood what the fox was saying, something didn't make sense to him. And the part about him growing older completely flew over his head. "But the humans let us out to play on this trip, even when there was no strangers to battle." he chirped curious, and watched Freyr intently. "It only takes one for a battle, right, and we have been many more all the time in here." He added without really knowing where he was going with it.

Either way he didn't get any further as Aglaia arrived to pick them up. Diarm greeted the flock as gladly as he would have Dorthea, though he didn't understand Wystan's sudden suspicion. "She's a new friend!" He added his cent to the conversation and tried to run past them to get to Aglaia, so he could say hello properly. He stumbled on the way, but disregarded this fact, while he told them all with excitement what the Vulpix had told of herself. "She says she's a Vulpix and comes from another place with cold mountains." When he had succesfully butted his head against Aglaia he ran back to Freyr. "We're exploring!" He then announced very proudly. He was too excited to notice the tense atmosphere.

~~

After a little while more Dorthea decided it was enough for now and let Madam back in her ball with a quiet "See you later." Heidrun crawled down her sweater and placed herself on her knee appearing to take an overlook of the area around them and the grass. Dorthea waved to Aglaia when she reemerged all their Pokemon in tow. She also gave a big smile, feeling fine now, and got to her feet. Diarm decided in that moment to run at her, and Heidrun jumped away and scuried into the nearest patch of grass, while Dorthea gave Diarm a moment of attention.

She didn't hear any noise over their own pack of Pokemon, so when the two tiny balls of chatter jumped out, she startled and sprang to Aglaia's side. She took an extra look at the things. "Are those the birds, you were talking about?" she enquired, too stunned to actually be afraid. They were tiny, almost as small as Heidrun. Heidrun! "Heidrun! Where are you?" Dorthea called, remembering her little bug and looked to the grass where she had last seen it. The Joltik scuttled out and ran towards the closest bird, electricity charging around her small body. "What a minute, Heidrun. What are you doing?" Dorthea didn't wish to startle the birds more than neccesary, and began to panic just a little. She fumbled with finding Heidrun's Pokeball.

Wordcount: 449

(Ooc: Heidrun uses Thunderwave on level 10 Natu

[Tarlar]

Freyr look troubled at Diarm, who clearly hadn't got the point in what he had told him. Yes they had been let out, which he admitted was a bit weird since it had been out in no-where instead of a place with a lot of humans around. Usually they were let out for battles which happened rarely for Freyr himself or for showoff, but here there had been no-one to show them off to.
It wasn't a thing he had thought that much about, since the answer had been rather obvious. The humans had wanted to "get to know them", which meant enjoyed having them walking around them and make sure they acted as expected.
Freyr knew what was expected at him, and he was sure Diarm would learn as well, though he hoped he could learn the young torchic before he got too disappointed, or even worse, the humans got annoyed with him and sold him off.
The only problem Freyr had was that he didn't know what the humans would expect from Diarm, but at least it gave him a bit of time to figure it out, since hatchlings usually was allowed to do anything. Oh Freyr missed his younger days where he could play without a care in the world.
He watched calmly as Diarm proclaimed both who the vulpix was and what they had been doing, though he worried it may give him trouble later on. For now though, the other seemed more interested in the vulpix, so perhaps that would be his rescue.

Aglaia took a nervous step backwards as the white pokemon headed towards her, and once again when Diarm headbutted her gently, as no-one tried to stop him. She was relieved when all the pokemon followed her without further delay, though she was a bit unsure what to think about the white vixen.

"Hey, Dorthea. I found them!" Aglaia called out happily when she saw her cousin. She beamed happily and couldn't wait for Dorthea's reaction to her ivysaur! And to tell her about the smeargle she had caught to Astrid.
It was limited what Aglaia got of time for her show and tell, since a couple of birds appeared and Dorthea instantly got distracted and reacted kind of strongly. The reaction could have been worse and Aglaia was pleased that Dorthea stood her ground, although rather disappointed she didn't got to share her news.
"Yes, these are the birds I told you about. They are practically not birds, can you see how small their wings are? I am sure they are bad at flying too," Aglaia said but couldn't sound as cheerfully as she had wanted.
Dorthea probably didn't noticed anyway, as she was beginning to panic due to the joltik having disappeared and probably in danger.

"Calm down! It wont help at all, if you lose your head!" Aglaia barked at Dorthea, a thing she had often been told herself.
Aglaia looked at her pokemon and wondered who would be the best to help out here as both Wystan and Saury were at a disadvantage. Her eyes paused at the vulpix and that was more than enough for the ice type. She elegantly stepped forward and placed herself so she didn't bring Heidrun in the line of fire.
"Duk little one!" She called out before blowing an ice wind with snow particles appearing as it flew towards the two natus.

Aglaia looked surprised as she had not expected the vulpix to step in and help them, and she began to wonder who it was and why it was here. Perhaps it had been lost and hoped they could help it and find it's trainer?
She pushed the thoughts away to concentrate on the battle and what best could be done. For that she needed the pokedex, which she opened a moment later while glancing at Dorthea.
Heidrun with her electricity would definitely be a perfect choice, but it was clear Dorthea didn't want to use her here.
"Which one are you going to try capture?" Aglaia asked expecting Dorthea to capture one of them as they had talked about.

(ooc: Keo in and using Powder Snow)
~Wordcounts: 600+ Heat lamp bought