Twilight Glade

[necroix]

As the warmth melted away the snow of the winter, the glade could be once seen in a beautiful view. Though most of it was covered by the large trees that kept their secrets hidden. Wildflowers had begun to bloom and on normal occasions, pokemon could be seen enjoying everything the Glade had to offer. Yet since the destruction of Ilex Forest things had never been quite what they were before. While some Pokemon still remained in the Glade and sometimes came out to enjoy it, the Glade had become far more dangerous. Evil spirits seemed to threaten and loom over the trees that seemed too high to actually see the top.

Even now there is a chill in the air that should not be there. It sends shivers down the spines of those that dare to come this far into the forest. Especially with the little grass type that so desperately needed to be healed. It called to the evil spirits that lurked in the trees. A cackle seemed to come, had that been the wind? There was no way the wind would sound like that. The ghost seemed to appear above the trainer as it slowly started to float in and out of sight. Playing with this girl the ghost was, especially since it knew there was nothing they could do as they were.

"Oh how absolutely futile you are~" its voice is reminiscent of nails to a chalkboard. "You have no chance against my leader, no way to even call them out." A shrill laugh seemed to form as it echoed in the trees. Any Pokemon that may have been out fled at the sound, hiding away from the unsafe area. "Why not just hand that little pokemon over to me, since you have no hope of helping it." yet another fit of giggles came terrible things how it was teasing the girl. "Did you truly think going to the forest guardian would be that easy? I'll show you right now how impossible your desire is." the ghost moved closer prepared to finish this here and now with a fight.

An Evil Spirit appeared!

Level 17 Shuppet. Decide what Penelope and her team will do here.

[Tiki]

Zuroy powerfully batted the Shuppet away with her powerful Aqua Tail like a batter swinging a ball of cloth with a high pressure stream of water. The ghost type blasted off somewhere into the cloudy sky, never to be seen again. With another ghost creature gone, Penelope wondered how many left. The rain was still going nowhere, and the quartet of them, Penelope holding onto the Chikorita, Azumarill, Bellsprout, and Skiddo, continued on looking for the next ghost sighting.

ooc:
going to majestic grove. please lock and archive the previous battle thread

[Caramell 🍬]

Team Notes: Kumaneko HP 30/60 | Ika HP 42/66 [38/62 before level up].
Ghost Encounters: Cypress Rest, Eerie Wood, Putrid Swamp, Sombre Valley

 
MISHU MIZUMA
Dark Type Trainer •
Education / Science

They ran into another fork in the road, though the one that led off and towards the south was all too familiar. There was another trail that seemed to lead further towards the west, though it curved through the trees and tall bushes back towards the north. Mishu paused as she ran up on the divide and studied both pathways thoughtfully, followed by Kumaneko. The small bear rushed over to a nearby tree and began punching it with her fists, creating large dents in the thick wood. This tree wasn’t as easily toppled though. With each punch, it only swayed a bit from the impact, and remained firmly in place with its roots. “AHH!! SEE?! We’re back in this murky SWAMP!!!” The small bear roared.

Ika hid up in the tree with tears streaming down her face. Her voice blended with the loud claps of thunder. Her tears mixed with the rains that poured from the heavens above. Why was she like this? Why couldn’t she help her friends? Why couldn’t she help the spirits who must be lashing out because of the pain they felt, as well? She only wanted to assist, and yet she couldn’t. She only ruined things and made it worse. The spirits would only faint and fade away, and Kumaneko seemed to hate her despite her best efforts. “Please…someone...tell me? Why am I not strong enough?”

Mishu gently nudged her panda as Kumaneko stared off down the path that led away from the Putrid Swamps towards Sombre Valley in anger. “Look…another path.” She stated softly with a firm gesture. “Maybe Ika was onto something after all?” She asked her panda and stepped back to allow Kumaneko the time and space to process everything herself. Small black eyes turned away from the path they were so sure they’d be stuck going down to the newfound path they hadn’t realized before with a soft smile. “Oh…well…we would have escaped faster my way, though!” She snapped firmly.

Mishu smiled, staring up into the trees to see her familiar squid there. “Ika! Please come down! It’s ok, you’re doing a great job! This wasn’t your fault, please know that!” Ika turned to her trainer, tears clinging to the corners of her eyes and dampening her soft, jelly-like flesh. She slowly floated down though she couldn’t bring herself to look at Kumaneko as they ventured off into the glade. Twilight Glade was a strange place, where the broken lights from the sun’s warm ways created large shadows that danced across the ground around them. “Kumaneko…I was…only…” Ika spoke, trying to find her voice.

Kumaneko spun on her feet and pointed a claw at Ika as she narrowed her gaze sharply on her friend. “Only trying to get us lost!?” She snapped, causing the small squid to pull away in fear and guilt. “Look…” Kumaneko’s eyes dropped to the ground as she relented. There was no doubt in the fact that she needed Ika’s help. It hurt her and dug into her pride. If only she were part Dark Type as well. Or perhaps, knew better moves that could strike these ghosts down where they lurked. But alas, she was cursed to be weak in this moment – weak, when Pancham were only meant to be strong. “I do need your help. And I do appreciate you tackling these ghosts for me. But you can’t keep getting us lost! Understand?!” Kumaneko growled angrily, before reaching out to gently wipe a tear away from Ika’s eye. The small squid pulled away though, too hurt and emotional to allow her friend to touch her. The words felt…nice? But not. Sincerity mixed with accusations, that still stung for the small squid to hear.

Set at Day

WORD COUNT: 628 words
OOC: Coming from Putrid Swamp! Waiting on Ghost Encounter.

^{Mishu | Ziggy | Wanigara | Sakka | Yōsei | Ika | Kumaneko}

[Tiki]

Internalizing her inability to help the poor Chikorita, the floating squid Pokemon floated up to a tree as she underwent her powerless episode. The internally lost duo type was both encouraged by her human and fellow Pokemon, but would the words be enough? Her insecurity and cries drew something sinister toward the trio.

"Weeeakkk!" A sly sinister voice echoed. "Yoouu'rree weeaak!" A floating grey cloth appeared in the air, revealing itself from the dense towering trees and pouring rain. As if feeding off of Ika's negative energy like a typical horror movie trope or anime villain, the Shuppet smiled and continued to taunt the psychic and dark type some more. "Pooorr weeakliiing. You can't help your friends. You can't even help yourself! Haahahahahahaha!!" The ghost type floated and giggled manically, twirling itself in the air as it mocked the dark type down on her self esteem.

---

The (Level 17) Shuppet wants to fight!

Weather is still raining!

[Caramell 🍬]

Team Notes: Kumaneko HP 30/60 | Ika HP 45/69 [42/66 before level up].
Ghost Encounters: Cypress Rest, Eerie Wood, Putrid Swamp, Sombre Valley, Twilight Glade

 
MISHU MIZUMA
Dark Type Trainer •
Education / Science

Ika felt a flurry of emotions pulse from her inner core as the malevolent spirit disappeared deeper into the forest. She felt that simply battling them individually wasn’t the answer though she couldn’t determine what the answer may have been. Was there some other hidden force that drove them on? A creature or entity raising these spirits en masse to attack on a whim? They craved the injured soul carried carefully in Mishu’s arms, chasing after her team in a flurry of strange appearances through the icy rains that poured from the thunderheads above them. How, then, could she solve such a strange riddle and release them from their captor, whilst also protecting herself and her team from their dangerous grasp?

“Good work.” Bright amber word lit up as the characteristic smile returned to her trainer’s face. Ebony hued reached out and stroked her small blue squid with their manicured fingertips gently gliding across Ika’s squishy, velvety flesh. A fish out of water, held suspended in the air around them due to her naturally born psychic abilities that allowed her to levitate freely. The skies were her ocean, as much as they were for other flying Pokemon such as the birds and bats that frequented their domain. “I’m really proud of what you’ve accomplished so far. You’re growing so strong, too!” Mishu added sweetly.

Ika’s own charcoal hues stared deeply into Mishu’s rich amber tones. The two gazed in silence for a brief moment, conveying thoughts without words. Ika’s gaze was broken, like the dark clouds that loomed overhead, as saddened hinted around the edges. She was happy – ecstatic, really – to please her trainer in combat. That emotions shared its bed with the heartbroken images of what she worried these apparitions must be suffering through, to only chase and torment the living so. “This doesn’t feel right.” She commented softly underneath her voice, almost whispering it to herself. “There has to be more to this mystery.” Ika insisted, stretching one of her translucent tentacles that hung down from her large, bulbous head towards her trainer and gently placing it on Mishu’s shoulders.

“I know you’re worried.” Mishu added, using the same free hand that wasn’t currently supporting Chikorita against her chest to place it atop Mishu’s tentacle carefully. She nodded her head towards the unseen path with a soft sigh and narrowed her gaze sharply. Whatever awaited them beyond this, whatever lurked further out there… Mishu was sure it was only the beginning of this strange and dark journey they’d already begun down. “We’ll do whatever we must to set this story straight.” The blue-haired educator insisted insightfully with a soft hum. Ika followed her trainer’s gaze skeptically. Would they? It was hard to tell, and even harder for Ika to believe.

Kumaneko would lead the charge, as she’d done many times along their trek. “Ika, come on!” She laughed in high spirits, sensing that most of their work seemed to be nearing it’s close. They’d battled four apparitions and had chased each of them off with ease. Even if she wasn’t the Pokemon to land these impressive blows, and therefore lacked the ability to confront her demons head on alone, the teamwork from her partner invigorated her. What were they all waiting for? A personal invitation from whatever ‘boss’ of a beastly ghost awaited them deeper in the forest? “We’ve got them on the run now! Let’s not ease up yet!” Ika shook her head and laughed a little as she floated off after her friend, leaving Mishu to chase behind them in close succession. No matter what ups and downs they’d taken so far, she could always count on Kumaneko being the same Pokemon she’d always known her to be.

Set at Day

WORD COUNT: 630 words
OOC: Headed to Majestic Grove.

^{Mishu | Ziggy | Wanigara | Sakka | Yōsei | Ika | Kumaneko}

[Tiki]

-Putrid Swamp-

She's back in this decently lit canopy of a forest yet again, but this wasn't where she wanted to stay either with the cursed Chikorita in her arms. She quickly moved through as there was absolutely no reason for her to stay here at all. Not at all! She hurried along with her Pokemon coming from behind her, like the cast of some movie targeted at children, but there was no singing either amongst them. She was sure she was getting close to the forest shrine.

-Majestic grove-

[Venominon]

Arriving from the Putrid Swamp

Having left a trail of stones behind in the Putrid Swamp, Shinya finally managed to reach the Twilight Glade without too much difficulty. With that, the Bug type trainer was on the home stretch. Only two more areas of the Ilex Forest stood between him and the Forest Shrine, where he was fairly certain that something very evil was lying in wait for him and Silas. And speaking of Silas, he appeared to have fallen behind yet again. Having never been one for patience, Shinya decided to push on all on his own, but in doing so ended up committing a possibly grave mistake. "WOAH! OOF!" With the dense fog still present all around him, Shinya ended up tripping on a fallen log and falling onto the ground, landing on his front.

Thankfully, Shinya was completely uninjured, but was more than a little annoyed by this, getting back on his feet and brushing himself off. "Urgh! Damn it! Stupid fog!" The Alolan trainer took a moment to curse the fog itself in a very irritated tone of voice, failing to notice that he was now a Pokemon short. When he hit the ground, one of his Pokeballs got away from him and rolled off into the fog. Said Pokeball soon came into contact with a rock, and opened all on its own, revealing that the Pokeball in question belonged to Wimpod. Surprised and very confused, the Bug/Water type looked all around at his rather creepy surroundings and began to shake with fear and uncertainty right away. "Uhhh...Boss?!...Joltik?!...Scizor?!...Anyone?!..." Wimpod called out through the fog, hoping to get the attention of someone he knew before things got any worse.

Hearing the sound of one of his Pokemon's voices through the fog, Shinya narrowed his eyes and slowly glanced around for a moment, thinking that this was just another wandering spirit's trickery at work. Unfortunately, as soon as he reached for a Pokeball and discovered that one of them was missing, Shinya was shocked by the fact that this was no trick. "Wimpod! Where are ya?! Stay put, and if ya see any ghosts, hit 'em with your Sand Attack for now!" Shinya called out to his lost Pokemon, gave him some instructions, then began to walk around and search for him himself. Wimpod heard his trainer's voice loud and clear, but this did little to calm his nerves, as he gathered up some sand and raised his guard as high as it could go. "G-G-Ghosts?!...There are ghosts here?!...Please find me soon, boss! Please!"

OOC: Wimpod will use Sand Attack on the wandering spirit when it appears. Or two Sand Attacks via the Running Shoes if Pixel wants to have Silas' Pokemon of choice use two attacks as well.

[Pixel]

 
Silas did fall behind. All because of that swamp making him nauseated beyond measure from sheer stench alone. But he would catch up in time, though it was hard to tell where either of them were relative to each other given the fog. He looked around and might have appreciated the scenery...if he could have SEEN IT. Alas, the weather made it so that everything was a blurred scene draped in white.

It felt a little warmer out here, however. Though maybe Silas had simply lost all sense of time while wandering.

But he swore he could feel the warmth of spring already.

Even if just in pulses of on errant breezes.

Silas paused when he heard Shinya's voice. It sounded like he and one of his pokemon were separated? Had the boy gotten himself lost or injured? Easy to do in this place. 

"Mercenary, give me some light and burn away some of this fog," he called out. The houndoom howled as she was released and eagerly breathed hot embers, setting their surroundings momentarily aglow. Silas spotted Shinya, a little surprised by how close they were. And that was when Mercenary must have spotted something because she suddenly launched a dark pulse into the gloom.

—

Word Count: 000 | OOC:

Houndoom used Dark Pulse. x2 if allowed. 
(But I assume not. xD)

Syndicate HP [ 85/89 ]
Mercenary HP [ 80/85 ]
King's HP [ 59/67 ] | Status: Poisoned
Ghosts defeated: Cypress Rest, Eerie Wood, Putrid Swamp, Sombre Valley

Coming from Putrid Swamp

[Rexman]

Both trainers had been at this all night, and so it was expected that a ghost would appear as opposed to the ghost appearing and scaring them. Shinya and Silas were prepared, if perhaps a bit weary of this exercise and were likely hoping that it was almost over.

The spirits didn't even have a chance to say anything before Wimpod threw up a cloud of sand, getting the gritty material into the eyes of one of the Shuppets.

<Ahhh, it burns. Sand in the eyes hurts when you can't rub it out,> the hankerchief looking ghost cried, its eyes now red from irritation. The second Shuppet floated a bit closer to its friend to try and help, before it was blasted by the Dark Pulse attack. Between Mercenary's strength and the type deficiency, the second ghost didn't have a prayer and after a cry of anguish, disappeared in a cloud of smoke and haze. Glaring at the Houndoom for hurting its friend, an electric charge crackled across the spirit's body before it released it, trying to hit the canine. Unfortunately the aim was off, and the electricity strunk the ground next to him.

Level 17 Shuppets attack. Please go Here to continue the battle.

[Pixel]

 
It took two dark pulses but those cowardly ghosts screeched and fled, banished from sight, the eerie presence lifting from this part of the forest. Silas rubbed his temples and put a step of distance between himself and Shinya (as per his request), "Pardon, I did not see you in the fog. I was more focused on my pokemon and only noticed you were there when you shouted at your wimpod. I believe the Shrine is nearby. All we need to do is continue our trek forward and we will be back in the grove I believe. Though I suspect even more of those annoyances will be waiting for us. Though for what are supposed to be a threat, they are rather pitiful."

Silas' mouth drew into a line as he considered a few things, "However, the presence I—we—felt at the shrine seemed...stronger than these peons. I doubt we have encountered the strongest amongst them yet. Perhaps these ghosts are merely here to weaken us and have our guard lowered before the real fight occurs. After all, why fight a well-rested foe when you can wear them down first before you deal the final blow? It simply makes good sense."

And with that, Silas grabbed one of Mercenary's horns again, "Mercenary, back to the shrine. And keep the way clear."

—

Word Count: 000 | OOC:

Let's keep going

Syndicate HP [ 85/89 ]
Mercenary HP [ 80/85 ]
King's HP [ 59/67 ] | Status: Poisoned
Ghosts defeated: Cypress Rest, Eerie Wood, Putrid Swamp, Sombre Valley, Twilight Glade

Going to majestic grove

[Venominon]

Both Shinya and Wimpod wouldn't help wincing when the wandering spirits let out their respective screeches, keeping their ears covered until it was finally over. Fortunately, said screeches only lasted for about five seconds. "Damn...I don't know who they were when they were alive, but I so do not envy anyone that has to spend the rest of eternity with those two banshees." Staying true to his nature, Shinya made a smart-mouthed remark, showing absolutely no respect for the dead whatsoever. Still, hearing that his trainer hadn't lost his quick wit was actually quite reassuring to Wimpod, as he suddenly found himself chuckling a little bit without realizing it. And now that they could hear the world around them again, they were able to hear the words that came from Silas' mouth, turning to face him as soon as he spoke.

"Don't sweat it, suit. It's cool. I was just...worried about Wimpod. That's all." Shinya admitted in a mildly bashful tone of voice, once again powerful down his Tapu Bulu power, causing his hair and eyes to stop glowing. Those words caused Wimpod's spirits to rise even higher, as he skittered up onto Shinya's right shoulder and smiled at him in his own way. "Thanks, boss. I'm okay now. Really." The Team Skull grunt glanced at the Bug/Water type on his shoulder, smiled back a little, then took out Wimpod's Pokeball and called him back to it for the time being. "Yeah, well, you'll be a lot better once ya finally evolve, pal. But I'm afraid your Leech Life is a bad match up against Ghost types. So, just take a breather for now." Shinya said to Wimpod before he vanished into the ball, then turned to listen to Silas' words once more.

"Yeah, I felt it too. On the one hand, I gotta commend this spirit for its underhanded tactics. I do respect that. But on the other hand, anyone who messes with Team Skull gets destroyed. If this ghost wants a fight, then Team Skull will be more than happy to kill it all over again." The trainer from Alola declared, smirking menacingly and already imagining all the ways that he and his Pokemon could send the head spirit to an even worse afterlife. And with those thoughts fresh in his mind, Shinya followed Silas and Mercenary right out of the Twilight Glade, heading for the Majestic Grove next. If any wandering spirits were left, they were about to wish that they stayed dead.

OOC: Bound for the Majestic Grove.

[Pixel]

Freedom!

The pair gulped down fresh air as they emerged from the swamp and entered a dark but not putrid part of the forest. Tommy thanked Heimdal and patted him for being such a good fast boy and Adrian had to shake his head a bit. Ah well. Maybe the arcanine was the hero of this story in the end. As long as the kid was a little happier. That last ghost encounter had shaken the boy so terribly that he'd been momentarily concerned that he'd turn into a skittish mess that wanted to bolt.

However, the relief did not last long. The fire-type slowed his pace and growled, fur standing on end. Adrian slid off the pokemon's back to look around, Zoro trodding up from behind, snorted and shaking his massive head. He laid a hand on the bull's horn, a grimace on his face as he remained attentive to possible danger.

"M-maybe Data can help too..."

"Data?" Adrian asked absently.

"My porygon."

"Oh, its name is Data?"

"I dunno. Maybe? Glitch might be better. It's art-i-ficial. A glitch, dad said."

"Finally bonding with it?" Adrian asked, turning his attention momentarily to the kid.

The kid grimaced, "You're helping it get stronger. Byte is probably more bonded to you now anyway."

"A name is a great first step to bonding with your pokemon," Adrian deflected. "You seem to know a lot of computer related words."

"Oh, yeah. Dad uses a lot of big words like that on the phone," Tommy admitted. "Like Binary and Data Structures." He picked up the ball that Adrian put the EXP Share on to help the porygon grow stronger as he battled. Tommy frowned softly. 

"Well, whatever its named, should probably stay in its ball. Because I think we found another ghost," Adrian said, standing defensively in front of the kid. "Zoro, clear our way of any spirits!" He watched as the bull barged ahead, swinging his head.
 

—

Word Count: 324 | OOC:

Ghostie encounter~

Zoro uses assurance x2

Sarge HP: [70/72]
Zoro HP: [56/74]

Ghosts Defeated: Cypress Rest, Eerie Wood, Putrid Swamp, Sombre Valley

(Adding an NPC and mini side quest for fluff)
Porygon is holding exp share.

Coming from Putrid Swamp

[Caramell 🍬]

Large blue eyes watched with delight as some strangers crawled inside of his domain. He’d spent his previous life causing so much pain and suffering to others, he’d hardly expected the pain that eventually befell him. Now locked in the endless turmoil and suffering for eternity, the restless spirit hunted for creatures it could delicately pluck apart, through suffering and series of unfortunate events, until it could drag their souls away to the other plane of existence. “Oooohhhh soooouuulll!” The words screamed from each and every tree.

Illusions played through the trees. Large shadows encircled them from all ends. There were thousands of eyes and hundreds of bodies, all staring from the edges with ghostly arms that rose up and reached out to Adrian and the small lad. “Heeelllppp uussss!” The screamed, crimson-colored water trickling from the corners of their eyes and flowing out of their mouths, down their chin to drip, drip, drip on the ground below. “It buuurrnnnss….Ohhh iiitt buuurrnnnsss!” The screaming rose louder to a near-deafening sound.

“Joooiiinnn mmmyyy aaarrrmmmyyy!” Shuppet delighted, sneaking out of the shadows to slam Zoro with all its might. It was a pathetic attempt to say the least, managing to carve just the smallest chunk of health from the massive bull. Zoro immediately whipped around and slammed into the gostly apparition, breaking the illusion in an instance, and causing the hundreds and ghostly ‘spirits’ to dissipate back into the abyss. “Nooooo! Myyyy ssooouuulllssss!” Shuppet screeched, zipping off into the distance.

---

Zoro gained 1 level.
Zoro increased to Level 24!


Porygon gained 1 level.
Porygon increased to Level 14!

SPOILER: Click to show

Shuppet's Shadow Sneak: (crit) BUUdQ7UMp_1-16 (strength) p_1-16
Zoro's Assurance is 100%+ damage so...lmao.

Zoro's HP is 50/74 before level up. 1-16·1-16

[Pixel]

Tommy watched Adrian's pokemon battle again and again. He defeated the spirits without hesitation, commanding them with presence that the young lad couldn't even start to dream of possessing. He looked down at the pokeball in his hands and the exp share that Adrian put on the ball in an effort to help the artificial pokemon grow a little stronger so it could protect the boy and so they could bond. Had it really helped? Was Porygon actually stronger than before? Could it protect him?

He absently tugged at the device on the pokeball, meeping softly when it popped off. Oops. That was an accident. Tommy hurriedly tucked the exp share into Adrian's bag to hide his oopsie. Though as he did so, his hand brushed a small satchel that felt like...berries? He pulled out a handful and looked at them, uncertain of what they did. He knew that the bull had one... Maybe he should give porygon one too! That way, when it was in battle, it could have a tasty snack to help motivate it! Then again, porygons weren't exactly expressive...

Pondering this predicament, Tommy missed the latest ghost being banished. Adrian hopped back onto the arcanine and urged him onward, "We're almost back to the shrine. This is nearly over. We'll get chikorita sorted and get you home."

Home.

Tommy fiddled with the pokeball.

Yeah...he was ready to go home.

—

Word Count: 000 | OOC:

Removing exp share from porygon.
Giving Porygon a chesto berry.

Sarge HP: [70/72]
Zoro HP: [50/74]

Ghosts Defeated: Cypress Rest, Eerie Wood, Putrid Swamp, Sombre Valley, Twilight Glade

(Adding an NPC and mini side quest for fluff)

Going to Majestic Grove!

[Pixel]

Freedom! 

They were free of the stench of the swamp! Now able to breathe again, Freya sent out Arcanine so that she and Lola could once more remount. She soothed her companion. His sensitive nose and that awful swamp just did not get along. After some reassurances that he was still a good boy, he would allow them to climb on his back once more.

With the summer sun unable to penetrate the forest canopy to light the glade below, it was almost cool here in the Twilight Glade. Dark even. One couldn't tell the time of day at all.

With all sense of time lost while traversing this stretch of the forest, it was little wonder that some spook made its home here. Decided to lurk and wait.

Teddiursa was the great slayer of ghosts, however, and if she saw one, she would leap off Freya's shoulder to smite it with her jaws.

—

Word Count; 000 | OOC:
Coming from Putrid Swamp.
Teddi uses Crunch x2 on encounter

(Adding an NPC to my journey for flavor)