Shady Glen

[Morrigan]

[ Incoming from Luminous Vale ]

Finding herself pushing through a number of branches and back onto the main path that led the way to the safety of Azalea, the familiar face of the blue yukata wearing boy caught Sharada's attention almost instantly. He was still looking as nervous as ever, rubbing his hands together and frantically looking out into the forest before glancing back to the gatehouse which allowed the residences of Azalea to wander in. If his father, boss, whatever were to wander in now he would surely be in trouble.

With a bit of haste in her step, Sharada approached the lad cautiously, bowing her head polite before ditching the fainted bird onto the floor by his feet. "Alright there, Sylvester? I got your first Farfetch'd back for ya somehow, haha! It's a little, er, tired? But I'm sure after a visit to the good ol' Poke Center it'll be all back to normal." Firmly patting the boy on the shoulder, this time she looked in the opposite direction to where she had been before, the path looking mighty grim.

Arbok had only just caught up to her speedy trainer, coiling up behind the brunette and resting her mighty jaw on Sharada's shoulder comfortably. "No time to rest Arbok, we must hurry to the next area!" Pulling herself away, Arbok's head fell slightly, a low hiss escaping her lips before slithering after the none resting brunette.

[ Leaving to Gloomy Ravine ]

[Kataya]

Sandy Katayko

The scars of your love...

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[Coming in from the Enchanted Orchard]

Sandy held the Farfetch’d tightly as she continued on to get back to Sylvester. Now that she had his second Farfetch’d, maybe he’d go ahead and let her be on her way. She honeslty was only doing this in the first place because she felt bad for him. She was tired, dirty, and cold, and she wanted to get to Goldenrod as fast as she could. Looking down at the brown clump of feathers in her arms, she sighed. Victoria and Hotaru trailed behind her in the snow, each keeping to themselves. Sandy, upon seeing Sylvester, sighed in relief that he was still even where she had left him.

“Sylvester, I brought back the other Farfetch’d you wanted…I kind of had to faint it, sorry…” she explained, looking down at the knocked out creature again. Hotaru sat beside her, wagging her tail excitedly. That game had been really fun! Maybe they could play again sometime? Though, Sandy didn’t seem like she liked the game in the first place.

“Sorry it took so long, they had me looping around the forest…” Sandy admitted with a light chuckle. Victoria rolled her eyes. Sure, they had gotten some training in, but it had been very annoying for her, considering how many times things messed up her fur.

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They leave me breathless...

[Tyger]

As soon as Sandy came into view, Sylvester breathed a sigh of relief. His first Farfetch'd was being taken care of, so that was of no concern. But his second one was a wee bit more important, knowing the stronger of the two Cut's. When Sandy was holding the naughty bird, a smile rose to his lips. Good, you got it back. He smiled, reaching for the brown bird, still holding onto it's leek. Even though it was fainted, it was still back in his possession, no thanks to his assistant. He'd have a stern talking with him later. For now, it was time to talk to Sandy.

You look tired. He shrugged, and held the mass of feathers. Ilex seemed to have taken alot out of you. You best get on to Goldenrod now, thanks for the help! Sylvester turned to walk away, but then thought of something. Sandy seemed so pitiful right now. He was only doing this because he felt bad for her. And was pretty grateful for the return of his birds. Tell you what, take this Cut from me, and you can get through Ilex a bit easier. Thanks for all of your help. He said.

Sylvester dug into his pocket and handed the HM to her, making sure not to scratch it. Before Sandy could say anything, he continued. Be careful, and don't worry 'bout me. My Farfetch'd know Cut, so we'll still be able to do our work. You best be on your way before darkness falls. He suggested, waving before disappearing down the path, leaving Sandy alone to decide where she was going to go.

Sandy recieved HM Cut!

[Kataya]

Sandy Katayko

The scars of your love...

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Sandy listened to Sylvester and nodded every once in a while. She couldn’t help the soft yawn that escaped her as she did so. She was tired, and this forest had taken a lot out of her, but she wasn’t quite ready to sleep yet, she had to get out of this damn forest first.

“I guess I am tired, yeah, but I’ll get where I’m going.” Suddenly, she was handed a package that contained the HM cut, and she stood there for a moment, unable to even say thank you as Sylvester disappeared down the path. She looked down at Hotaru, who looked back up at her, her ears flickering in confusion. Sighing, Sandy smiled at her Mightyena.

“Come on then, I can’t really help it if he left before I could protest, or thank him you know?” Hotaru nodded and followed Sandy step for step, bouding across the snowy area on her trainer’s heels. They trekked on until they reached the start of what looked like a really covered area.

“Guess this is where we’re going…let’s be careful Hotaru.” Hotaru nodded and pushed through some of the hanging branches holding them open so Sandy could head in without scratching herself up too much.

[Exiting to Dense Thicket]

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They leave me breathless...

[Morrigan]

[ Incoming from Enchanted Orchard ]

Slowly escaping the ethereal, enchanting atmosphere of the beautifully lit orchard, Sharada managed to circle around the same group of trees, trip over branches and escape out of hidden ditches with her Arbok in tow. If she was going to learn one thing from this gathering mission, it was that she despised forests and would rather not set foot in one again unless completely necessary. It wasnt even the fact that bugs swarmed every corner, this place was just so huge and alien to her when compared to the wide ocean. It was creepy, giving her the odd feeling that more sinister beings lurked between the myriad of trees and not just random Pokemon.

Somehow escaping the gentle blue glow, Sharada and Arbok found themselves staggering through a line of trees and back out onto a familiar path, the suns bright rays shining down onto her scruffy face, the odd twig and leave poking out between the strands of her messy hair. Knowing fully well where she was as she turned her head slightly to spot a boy in unique blue clothing, she felt a sense of relief to finally have this all over. Nodding to her Arbok, the serpent released her jaw from the Farfetch'd and dropped it into Sharada's arms, the brunette having a few last moments to make the bird seem less... injured, before meeting Sylvester again face to face.

Walking on ahead with the naught bird in her arms, she turned the corner only to see the first Farfetch'd still out cold by Sylvester's feet, causing her to laugh out loud awkwardly considering the one in her possession was in a much more scruffy state. "-ahh-haha..ha.. Hey, Sylvester, right? I found the second one too. No more little birds hiding about the forest, right? Heh. It was a pain but atleast you can return home safely now."

[ Returning the second Farfetch'd ]

[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 her voice meant one of two things. Either she had found the last trouble making bird brain or she had given up and was telling him to man up and look for himself. Dashing over to her, he listened intently as she 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." Eventually finding what he wanted in his pocket, Sylvester shoved the circular disk into Sharada's hand as he carefully took back the remaining 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 her. "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!" 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... 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 Sharada's painstaking efforts, Sylvester hands her HM01 Cut!

[Morrigan]

A slight smile crept over her face as the familiar mass of black hair and traditional blue clothing came stumbling towards her. Sylvester appeared to be shocked but pleased all the same. Noticing he had begun to shuffle around in his pockets, Sharada raised her eyebrows playfully, rocking the fainted Farfetch'd back and forward in her arms, "Come now, you honestly thought I would let ya down? Hah, I know what its like to have a hard working dad who expects highly of you." Hearing an intrigued hiss from Arbok who was hovering over her shoulder, the brunette's icy blue eyes were met with a small, disc like object upon exchanging the bird back to Sylvester. Examining it for a moment, the female trainer recognised it immediately as some sort of TM but it seemed a bit more important than something with just one use.

Hearing a few words she wasnt expecting to hear, the girl was overjoyed to have the one thing she was searching for now in her possession. Suddenly, chasing after two birds didnt seem like a bad deal. "So this is Cut, huh? You honestly dont know how important this thing is needed to me, really. Thanks very much!" Luckily able to say her thanks before he dashed off with both birds under his arms, she completely missed his last shout due to being too transfixed with this marvelous TM. "...This is what HQ wanted, Arbok. If I take it back to Goldenrod, perhaps they can put me on a real Rocket mission instead of these dull collect a Pokemon ones."

Hoping to teach the move to Arbok so she could get out of the forest as quickly as possible, the sly snake knew very well what was coming and attempted to dodge Sharada's random thrust of the TM, completely missing the snake's noggin. Puffing out her cheeks angrily, Sharada grumbled, "What are you doing?! We got the move so dont mess around!... Huh?" Trying her hardest, Arbok began to shake her head rapidly from side to side, slashing her tail about on the ground until the brunette finally realised. "oooOOOOHH! Are you saying you cant learn it? W-Well, I guess you dont have claws or anything... I wonder who else I could try it out on.." Having a few moments to relax and breath out in a relieved manner after escaping from learning a move she quite frankly did not suit, Sharada was now puzzled upon who to teach it to.

Holding the HM in one hand and the tip of her chin in the other, she pulled a confused glare as she thought about her team. "Harionna, Devia and Delphine are much too small, that I they are still so young and probably have some better things to learn. Well, that leaves Santeri, whom probably wont learn it either aaand..." Pausing upon realising her idiocy, Sharada reached for her belt and plucked off a Pokeball, chucking it forward to reveal none other than her battle hungry Nidoqueen, Bellatrix! Yawning with a displeased expression, and still being angry about the previous Delphine incident, Bellatrix looked to Sharada with half opened eyes only to roar out in utter surprise as the energetic brunette forced the HM on her without much explanation.

With the sudden urged to cut down a tree with her razor sharp claws, Sharada knew immediately that this was a success. Pocketing her HM, she looked to both Arbok and Nidoqueen, pointing down the path which led them back into the forest, "We're going to Goldenrod, girls and I need you both to help me do it. Thanks to Bellatrix and her sharp claws, we'll easily be able to slash down any trees which may stand in our way!" The two Pokemon glanced to one another, grunting at the sudden excitement in their trainers voice and side by side, decided to follow her through the blasted place.

[ Leaving to Dense Thicket ]

[Tyger]

Justin and his team had rested up after the battle with Bugsy, something he wasn't too proud of with the damage done to poor Simba. Although the lion purred happily alongside him, he still couldn't help feel a bit of... guilt for the poor thing. He wished he could make it better, or possibly erase that his Pokemon had fainted, but... He'd never had a Pokemon faint before. Seeing Simba so helpless and not being able to do anything really left a mark on Justin. It was almost as if his eyes and finally been open to the damage Pokemon were capable of. He didn't like to see his team in pain, and luckily Simba was the only fallen warrior that day.

Rhoan was the champ of the show though. She didn't let any of the team live it down. At least, those who participated. Simba ignored it though, and merely followed along obediently, waiting for a chance to redeem himself. Looks like this is Ilex! Justin said, shoving his hands into his pockets. His shiny new badge said it all, it was time to move on to... Ugh, Goldenrod. Justin wasn't fond of cities. Oh well! It happens. It would have happened eventually, so... Justin just trudged on with a smile. However, until he met someone close to the entrance. Apparently, someone distraught. Oi, buddy, ya alright?

[The REAL Joey]

Despite how calm the forest seemed on the outside, Justin had rightly picked out that there was a signal of distress dampening the forest's tranquility. The panic stricken male Justin had noticed was kicking up an incredible storm pacing back and forth. The lone teenager kept peering into the further pathways that led deeper into the forest but was quick to falter at a prolonged sight of the murky paths. Sighing downheartedly, the lad found a stump and sat himself down on it, his hands propping his sulking head and the incomparable weight on his shoulders. It had been a case of his inexperience fouling up his foray into the woods and at this rate, he wasn't going to be allowed to live it down. Perking up at the sound of an Aussie voice, the older teenager paused for a few seconds before calling out. "No i'm not alright! I'm in quite the pickle actually!"

Kicking a pebble that was in front of his foot he continued on in earnest of the problem eating away at him. "I kinda goofed up and lost some Pokemon that weren't mind in the woods... Its not that i'm incompetent or anything. They just don't listen!" Realising he had yet to introduce himself properly, the teenager cleared his throat. "Sorry, forgive me. I'm just really lost at the minute with what to do... Name's Sylvester! If you've heard any of the gossip around town you'll know i'm part of the Charcoal Kiln! Me and my pa operate the service." He grinned proudly of this fact but soon raised an eyebrow inquisitively. This strapping young lad sure did seem familiar... "...Hey. Wait up one second. Is that you Justin?! Oh man, am I glad to have a familiar face here." As he finished his face soon turned incomparably sour. "Considering you're from Azalea way, i'm sure you know what i'm gonna say next... My dad's gonna KILL me when he finds out I only went and lost the renowned Farfetch'd duo. They're pretty much the heart and soul of the family business."

He then sighed and shrugged wearily. "Say, you're a Pokemon trainer right? And we're buds? How about you do me a favour. You go and retrieve those two trouble makers and i'll give you our secret cutting technique in return. Only way to get outta this stupid forest as you probably know." Hoping that a fellow Azalean would be able to retrieve the geese, he proceeded on to give him some hints. "I was searching about the forest when they split up. I can remember the scenery but you'll have to go looking yourself. I can't go in because... You know. Those tales we heard when we were younger... The cursed spirits roaming the woods..." Shuddering in fear, Sylvester burst out in reprisal at the idea he may have been a chicken. "DON'T THINK I'M SOME SCAREDY CAT! I just reckon those stories are true and all... Plus the rumours about people dying in this forest. Pah." Roped back into where he had been, he pondered with a hand on his chin and began recalling where exactly he had lost track of them. "I definitely remember losing one Farfetch'd in this horribly depressing part of the forest. Then the other Farfetch'd... Well, he got the same idea and that was in a part of the forest that was full of glowing fields and trees from the sun above. Sure was a nice uplifting contrast to that other area." Pausing, Sylvester was content he had given enough information. "So you in or what? Help an old friend out eh?"

[Tyger]

Justin smiled. Wow! Sylvester sure has grown a bit. I haven't been gone that long, have I? He wondered as Sylvester continued. However, when the boy recognized the Azalea native, he gave a grin. Yup, it's justin all right. Hesaid, and then contemplated Sylvester's problem. Hmmm. Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to look for the birds. I do know they are a bit... er, disobedient, so yeah. Consider it done. I'll go look for 'em. Simba n' I'll keep a good look out. He said, turning away from Sylvester.

Simba seemed irritated, he knew that this was going to be a long trek, and didn't want to search for birds. At least maybe Simba could beat 'em quickly so they could move onto the next city. Alright. So, gloomy depressing place first. Keep your eyes peeled, Simba. He said. The luxio nodded. They treked on until they got to a path. Justin shrugged and kept following.

Moving to Gloomy Ravine

[Tyger]

Incoming from Gloomy Ravine

Simba was the first to spot Sylvester. He was ahead of the group, but Justin and Freyja weren't too far behind. The ant-lion was still holding strong, though her jaws were beginning to stiffen with the bird in them. Just a little bit farther. He said, patting her head. She lumbered on until they reached the clearing where Sylvester was. When he came into eyeshot, it seemed as though the Luxio had begun to stare him down, making sure he was the right person they'd met a few minutes ago. Down boy! Justin called.

They reached Sylvester, and Freyja spat out the bird at his feet. Justin rubbed the back of his neck nervously. We kinda had to faint it, but perhaps we'll do better with the last one. We gotta get going for the second on though. Uh... somewhere bright and un depressing? got it. He said, returning Freyja before beginning to run down another path, hoping it would lead him to where he needed to go. Perhaps they could knock this out quick... Let's go, Simba! He called, and the lion left Sylvester and followed.

Exiting to Luminous Vale

[Tyger]

Incoming from Luminous Vale

The bird didn't stir much in Justin's arms, much to the photographers surprise. They were mischief making birds, there was no doubt about that, but he had expected a bit more trouble. Thankfully, he didn't get any. Simba padded alongside him, eyes peeled for Sylvester. From what Justin could tell it was a straight path, and they were in the right direction. There was the well trodden path, so they had decided to follow it. It was a good move. It also helped that they had passed here before, and Simba was a Pokemon after all, with a good sense of smell.

Ey, Sylvester! He called out, grinning from ear to ear as soon as the boy was back in sight. The sight of the bird was probably a relief, despite the condition it was in. When he finally reached him, he lay the bird at his feet. Simba gave a snort of pride. Ey. Found 'em, but uh... yeah.. that going easy on 'em thing... didn't necessarily work. i tried to make quick work of 'em so we didn't have to chase 'em further. Hope I didn't cause too much trouble... He murmured, hands shoved in his pockets sheepishly. Simba rolled his eyes. Justin and his silly formality sometimes.

[The REAL Joey]

Having accepted the first Farfetch'd and returning it to the safe confines of the Pokeball he had on him, Sylvester was outstanded to hear the familiar sound of Justin coming up ahead once more. Was his old friend a miracle worker or what?! Getting up off the tree stump he had been sitting on while he waited, Sylvester dashed over to meet Justin as he came out of the murky entrance that linked Shady Glen in deeper with the rest of Ilex. "I KNEW I could count on an old buddy of mine. You saved my neck BIG TIME. I'm sure you remember the odd few times when my pops stuck his head outta the kiln." Wiping the bullets of sweat which had appeared in the wait, Sylvester was genuinely pleased to be in possession of the two troubling Farfetch'd once more. "Here, let me return this other one." Extending out a Pokeball, the second Farfetch'd was scooped back up inside and hopefully kept under lock and key. "Don't worry about their feathers being roughed up. If pops asks, i'll just make up some story about a wild Ursaring attacking or something. It'll also explain why I came back empty handed... Eheheh..."

Nervously rubbing the back of his neck, Sylvester tried laughing off his predicament. "Ilex is a dangerous place after all." Not forgetting the debt he owed his friend, Sylvester was quick to take out a special disk that was stored in his pocket. Presenting it to Justin with care, Sylvester beamed at the prize. "I promised i'd reward you duly, right? What you see here is none other than a Hidden Machine, that of Cutting Attack." Unaware he had been getting the attack name wrong all this time, Sylvester carried on. "Don't worry about taking this, me and pops have got loads back home at the kiln. All you gotta remember is, you teach this to a Pokemon and they'll have a hard time forgetting it. On the flipside, you can chop down near enough anything...!" Laughing, he pointed over in one direction that looked particularly menacing. "Remember how we were kids and were always warned not to meddle with the Dense Thicket? Well, you can forget about all them stories with that in your possession." Gulping, Sylvester's eyes narrowed as he went on to remind Justin of what else would await him.

"Don't forget though... Ilex isn't just a walk in the park. There's the inner labrytinth of trees ya gotta keep in mind. Take my advice, I went through that way once with my dad to sell charcoal in Goldenrod and it took AGES. Be sure to pace yourself and rest up camp for the night if it gets too dark." Looking around, Syvlester sighed at the stupidity of his own words. "Not like this place is already under perpetual night time or anything..." Kicking his foot at the ground, Sylvester shrugged and gave Justin a friendly pat on the side of his arm. "Well, i'd love to catch up some more but i'll likely get more than fired if I don't return soon. You take care and all the best okay buddy?" Nodding his head, Sylvester began to move away and headed to the way out back into quaint old Azalea. Stopping midway, he turned on his heel and held a hand to his mouth to yell out to Justin. "OH YEAH! I forgot something! If you ever come across any wood, you're always welcome to turn it into charcoal back at the kiln! We'll be expecting ya! BYEEEE!" With that, the accident prone youth carried on and faded into the distance leaving Justin to go about his business.

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

[Tyger]

The Farfetch'd had been returned, and thankfully enough it was all Sylvester had needed. Justin gave a dip of his head and a smile, showing that it really was no trouble - although it was a bit - to go out of the way and find the birds. He was just lucky enough that Simba had dispatched them so quickly, and that Dayn had found the last one in hiding. If he hadn't have been released, it could have taken hours to find the bird within the trees. It's no problem, no worries. he grinned. Glad ta help an old neighbor out. He concluded with a nod.

After which, Sylvester gave him an HM. Apparently, these could be taught a few times and wouldn't break, unlike TM's. Interesting concept, although they couldn't be forgotten easy. He'd have to figure out who could learn this so they could continue on. After the pondering though, Justin figured that Sylvester was already gone so he couldn't ask his opinion on who should learn it. After thinking, the blonde released Surreo, the Gallade, to his side. Please tell me you're not teaching me that. He groaned, but Justin shrugged. Sorry buddy. Justin went through the process before walking alongside Simba and a reluctant Surreo down the next path.

((Surreo forgets Heal Pulse for Cut please!))

Exiting to Dense Thicket

[The REAL Joey]

Spending many a day holed up within the Pokemon Centre, Tobias was patient enough to waste away his days eagerly in anticipation for Winter to pass and Spring to settle in. Venturing out in such a cold climate as Winter was tantamount to suicide in his case, that or he lose his very sanity as a human being. For most, such a long confinement inside would have driven most into a spiralling pit of madness. But not Tobias. His need to bypass Winter so great along with the fact he had spent time in prison meant the whole affair went by swimmingly. Of course, the fact he could intrude and bypass most security protections on people's computers and networks meant that he enjoyed being privy to endless amounts of secrets and obtaining all sorts of rare Pokemon. Stealing Pokemon via the method of hacking was his art, his unrivalled skill. Sadly, as time marched on, his shenanigans would have to come to an end. Waking up one morning, Tobias poked his head hesitantly out of the window.

What greeted him was a sight most refreshing. Gone were the vile snow clouds and freezing temperatures that gripped the land. At least now he could continue his progress. Feeling a gentle breeze, he raised an eyebrow as he looked down and began to observe his chin. Having spent such a long time holed away, he had grown a winter coat in the form of a bushy beard with no distinct style. "Hmph." He mumbled, he didn't like to look so unkempt but given how Spring could still have a few chills of its own, perhaps it were for the best. Moving over to grab his white jacket and Pokeballs, he had decided on a course of action. Having spied his way through the many computers of Azalea's denizens, he had hatched a rather cunning scheme. Azalea Town was host to a world renowned Fire Kiln and it just so happened they ran a very profitable business. Being as business savvy as he was, it appeared like something Team Rocket could get on in. All he needed to do was target the younger of the kiln and use him as leverage to make the owner see how mutually beneficial it would be for both sides to work as one.

Moving out of the Pokemon Centre and making his way through town, he headed to what appeared to be a gigantic looming forest. "There Prometheus. Just as I had planned. According to the files listed on their computer, they send out the youngster to collect firewood on a day such as this... We must hasten our... Curses." Trailing off before swearing, he looked up to the sky and noticed a horrifying sight. Hurricane Luna was looming, swirling around in destructive force almost as if to greet Tobias. "Is there no end to the miserable weather of this God forsaken region?!" Not wanting to abandon his plans, he made an athletic dash to the gate that connected the town up with the start of the wild forest. "At least in here the effects of the Hurricane should be minimised..." Of course, there would be little advantage to staying here if Luna decided to set its path directly through the location. Entering through into the start of the forest, Tobias trawled to a halt. It was windy, wet and the forest seemed to be rampaging in response to the horrific conditions. Picking out a smoke and turning it to Prometheus, he was amazed to see an even greater amount of fire than usual.

"Your skills have improved. That fire was not dissuaded by the wind." Planting it in his mouth, the soothing feel of the smoke entering his body allowed him to focus matters. "Now to find this youth."