Violet spent the next few days meandering across the island in search of Pokemon. She wasn't sure whether or not she'd add a Pokemon to her team, but she thought that there weren't any problems shopping around so to speak.
While the maw of the caldera was an attractive locale for Violet, she knew that such a trip would occupy the entirety of the time she had. Instead, her meandering path took her only to the middle of the volcano where specialized equipment wasn't needed. During this, she found more than one unexpected Pokemon. Practically stumbling across a Skarmory nest, she to briefly fight the Armor Bird Pokemon before they realized just how outmatched they were and flew off. Surprisingly, Violet also found a Pidgeot flying above the island.
Taking pictures of the various Pokemon she saw, there were other surprises as well. A mini-adventure occurred when Forretress noticed a few odd tracks, which led to Violet tracking down a Ninetales. While she was rather nice, the Fox Pokemon also made it clear that they were happy on the island. Still, the few hours spent tracking her down was fun for Violet.
Once her tour of the volcano ended, Violet returned to more touristy sights. Briefly spotting a Vulpix on her way towards one of the less occupied beaches, her sightings of various Pokemon only continued. A Kingler and Psyduck played on the edges of the beach while a herd of Lapras was resting. Spotting a Pokemon ranger trying to covertly shadow the herd, Violet chose to leave them alone. She didn't want to complicate the ranger's job.
Instead, Violet let her Pokemon roam the beach freely. As Dragonite flew out above the water to test out his new speed, Violet stretched and lay on the beach to sunbathe. Magnezone drifted over the water, attracting the attention of a wild Lanturn before the two of them began a series of pranks on the local Shellder population. Forretress chose to observe the Lapras at first before she got bored and moved towards the slightly more hostile Tentacruel who was very annoyed that Steel Pokemon couldn't be poisoned. With Gengar busy trying to catch fresh fish in the water, his efforts were helped by Blissey who found the task interesting … at least at first. It took only a few minutes before she grew bored and drifted off towards a few Slowbro. The last was Umbreon, who took a few seconds to observe the various Pokemon. Finding nothing interesting, he simply curled up into a ball and slept.
Violet spent a quarter hour sunbathing before she stood up. Dusting the sand off her arms and legs, the young girl looked at her Pokemon and smiled.
A few seconds later, a Gyarados emerged from the water and roared at Dragonite. An act which caused Violet's smile to turn brittle. Noticing the sheer aggression in the Pokemon's frame, Violet was about to order Dragonite to avoid their territory before she noticed the tell-tale signs of ice forming in its maw. "Magnezone!" She called out, catching the Magnet Pokemon's attention. Pointing at the Gyarados. "Zap Cannon!"
A cone of electricity blew apart the water, sparks dancing as the air around the attack turned to plasma. As the Atrocious Pokemon lunged for the playful Dragonite, they were struck by Magneton's attack and fell back into the water.
Squinting her eyes, Violet made sure Gyarados was defeated and turned towards Magnezone. "Good work," she said, giving a small thumbs up.
Magnezone hummed in contentment before returning to their game with a very impressed Lanturn. The Pokemon ranger present briefly gave Violet an appreciating look before returning to their work with the Lapras.
Violet meanwhile was drawn over to Blissey who was waving to her excitedly. At her side was a Slowbro who was looking at Violet with an approving eye. The trainer walked over, studying the Pokemon's relaxed posture.
"You're a calm one," Violet commented softly.
Slowbro simply tilted his head, pondering her words. A moment later he tapped Blissey on the shoulder, as if asking for permission.
Violet's eyes sharpened, causing Slowbro to take an instinctive step backward. "Shall we Blissey?" Violet asked calmly, having already decided not to make use of a type advantage for this battle.
Blissey clapped her hands together in agreement, giving Slowbro a cheery smile.
Slowbro on the other hand, looked as if he had just made a monumental mistake. Even if his pride prevented him from simply giving up and falling asleep, the sharp look in Violet's eyes and the thoughts in her mind were intimidating.
"I'm not that scary," Violet pouted, a mixture of bewildered and pleased that Slowbro was already this impressed by her.
Behind her, Umbreon woke up from his nap to comment that yes she was before falling asleep once more.
The battle that followed was surprisingly short for one where two defensive Pokemon with healing capabilities faced off. With Violet easily reading Slowbro's every move, the outcome was never in doubt. And at the end of it, Slowbro was caught and joined Violet's team.
With her time on Cinnabar Island now at an end, Violet and Willow headed to Fuchsia City. Although they did still have to decide on how to travel there.
Pick 1
[] Flight - The quickest option, it'll get them there this week.
[] Boat Rental - A lengthy trip for two inexperienced mariners, it would be rather fun to do. However, it'd take all week and they'd be at risk of getting lost.
[] Bribing Lapras - While neither of them have a Lapras, there is a herd of them here. Bribing them with something would allow for a fascinating trip. Even if it'd take the longest.
[] Write-in
GM Note: I'll be updating the Pokemon sheet Friday in addition to the next update as I'm a bit behind on that.
[X] Bribing Lapras - While neither of them have a Lapras, there is a herd of them here. Bribing them with something would allow for a fascinating trip. Even if it'd take the longest.
I'm taking this in place of our dedicated non-training action before the league.
[x] Bribing Lapras - While neither of them have a Lapras, there is a herd of them here. Bribing them with something would allow for a fascinating trip. Even if it'd take the longest.
one one hand we're in a rush, on the other hand, free plot hook!
[x] Bribing Lapras - While neither of them have a Lapras, there is a herd of them here. Bribing them with something would allow for a fascinating trip. Even if it'd take the longest.
[X] Bribing Lapras - While neither of them have a Lapras, there is a herd of them here. Bribing them with something would allow for a fascinating trip. Even if it'd take the longest.
[X] Bribing Lapras - While neither of them have a Lapras, there is a herd of them here. Bribing them with something would allow for a fascinating trip. Even if it'd take the longest.
Violet and Willow stood at the edge of the beach. The sun was low in the sky, casting golden reflections on the water as the Lapras herd began to slowly wake up. "Did … did we get the right stuff?" Violet asked, glancing down at the several bags of berries Willow and her bought.
Willow grinned, adjusting her hat in the sun. "You betcha, there's no way they'll refuse." As she spoke, her hand reached down towards one of the berries causing Violet to glare at her.
"That's our bribery supplies, stop snacking on them."
"What can I say?" Willow's grin only widened. "I chose well."
Nearby, a Pokemon ranger leaned against a tree, trying to pretend like he wasn't paying attention to the proceedings. Violet felt a little bad about what they were about to do, he'd have so much more work tracking a Lapras herd across the seas.
As the two girls approached the Lapras, Willow stepped up, drawing attention to her. "Hey there, we have a proposition for you." She held up a bag of berries, shaking it enticingly.
Several of the Transport Pokemon looked at each other, with some of the bolder ones approaching Willow and Violet for handouts. Before they could accept, the eldest Lapras chirped at the two of them, asking what their offer was.
"A ride to Fuchsia City," Willow explained. "It's a long way, but we brought snacks!"
At her side, Violet held out some of the best berries for the Lapras to sample, momentarily flinching back as one of the Pokemon's teeth brushed against her fingers. Behind them, she heard the Pokemon ranger audibly groan followed by whispering, "Please say no. Please say no."
The eldest Lapras attempted to hide their interest in the offer. Feigning reluctance, they asked for more than just berries for the trip. Violet shifted slightly, signaling Willow that they'd accept the deal if pushed.
"Alright, alright, you drive a hard bargain," Willow stated, deciding that a little generosity was worth a good relationship. "How about we help protect the herd during the trip? Does that work?"
A short conference between the Lapras began, discussions on whether they should accept and what they should do if so. Several different ocean routes were brought up and discarded, with the Sevii Islands eventually being what they settled on due to the placement. With a chirp, the deal was struck.
Behind them, the Pokemon ranger's audible complaints continued. Eventually, however, he let out a sigh and stomped towards them. "...I'll be following on Charizard," he warned before immediately turning around and walking away.
The Lapras looked at each other, then chirped at the two girls asking if they knew him.
"I've never seen that man before in my life," Willow commented, glancing at Violet for confirmation.
"He's a Pokemon ranger," Violet explained what she knew. "I … think he's worried about poachers?"
"You think he'd share that with us then," Willow added, a thoughtful expression crossing her face as she tried to determine what the ranger was watching for.
Despite their curiosity, the two girls eventually decided not to pressure the ranger for answers … yet. Instead, they boarded a set of Lapras for the journey with their Pokemon scattered throughout the herd. Much to the Pokemon ranger's displeasure, Dragonite and Charizard got along excellently in the skies above while Starmie raced some of the younger Lapras and easily won every race. Violet herself spent time chatting with her Pokemon, Willow, and some of the Lapras.
The ride itself was surprisingly smooth. Out here in the ocean, there weren't many waves which meant there wasn't even the bobbing that she expected. She slept like a rock the next day, only awakening the next morning to the rising sun. However, the calm was swiftly broken by a nervous chirp from one of the Lapras.
A dark shape loomed in the water, and as they drew closer they quickly realized it was the remains of a shattered boat. It was coated in ice with giant gouges ripped out of the side. The deck itself was a tangle of twisted metal and it was a miracle the ship remained afloat. Debris surrounded the craft, bits of broken crates and dozens of exotic Pokeballs floating in the water.
Willow leaned forward, trying to get a better look. "Did they run into Articuno?" She asked, only half joking.
Violet's eyes scanned the wreckage, her unease growing with every passing second. "...I don't know what else could have done this."
Willow glanced upwards, trying to draw the attention of the Pokemon ranger who was wearing a nervous expression. The crowd of Lapras began looking at each other, now very nervous at their proximity to the Sevii Islands. "It can't be Articuno, right? The boat would be debris if it was." She eventually said, trying more to convince herself than Violet.
"The only way to know is to check."
[] Board the Wreckage - Digging through the wreckage is the only way to get answers in full. But whatever did this may return.
[] Grab the Pokeballs for Examination - Grabbing the Pokeballs will take a few minutes and they may have trackers in them. But it may provide some answers.
[] Leave - Even being here is dangerous. You should leave, now.