It was around Wednesday night that you finally got the file that Leaf was talking about. You were starting to worry about her so you asked if she was okay. She responded with a heart emoji and chibi Pikachu gif giving a thumbs up. Probably the best you're gonna get out of her, huh?
Field Exercises Mechanical Explanation:
Field Exercises take place over the course of 4 Days. You'll be spending a week starting Monday up till Saturday in the location of that Month's Field Exercise.
For Field Exercise 1: Cortondo, you'll be heading to the province on Monday and the field Exercise proper starts on Tuesday. Since Cortondo is a pretty short distance train ride away from Mesagoza you will get 2 AP to be spent on Actions during the First Day. You'll even be able to buy items, though be aware that the items available to Cortondo, a rural settlement, will be much more limited compared to Mesagoza, the largest City in the world. Each Day will operate on a similar AP System.
Groupings and Locations: Provinces are big places and a single group isn't expected to take it all on their lonesome. Classes are typically divided into two to handle different parts of the province. Since this is your first FE, you will not be able to choose who you are grouped with (I will choose for you) but you will be able to choose which of the two parts of the province you will be assigned to.
This will dictate the Tasks made available to you as well as your Pokemon Encounters. Types and species available will be dependent on the biomes available. So do not take the official Scarlet and Violet encounter lists too seriously. In Tera Steel, you can encounter wild Tepigs and Snivys in Paldea. With the latter being native to here and Kalos.
You will gain free Bond Points with the people you're grouped with, do be handed out as the Field Exercise progresses. You can still hang out with Class VII members who aren't part of your Group, it will just cost AP.
Mandatory and Optional Tasks: Every Day during the FE proper you will be given Mandatory Tasks to complete. They can range in complexity from changing light bulbs to something as complex as hunting a loose Trainer Pokemon. They will serve to further your understanding of that FE's location as well progressing the plot. Completing Mandatory Tasks will provide rewards during the Field Exercise Proper and League Points once the Field Exercise is over. They will also be the basis for your grades.
Do not worry they will not cost AP outside of specific circumstances.
Optional Task on the other hand does cost AP. Do you want that S-Rank? That high Field Exercise grade? Optional Tasks are harder but give more rewards than regular Mandatory Tasks.
Example:
[-] Day One Mandatory Tasks: Taking you from the sleepy homes of the settlement itself all the way to the edges of the provinces routes, this day's Tasks is meant to get you acquainted with the Great Imperial Breadbasket.
Weed Whacker: Harvest Season is still a month away, but the duty of keeping Bug and certain Grass Types away from the crops is a year long duty. All of Group 1 will do a 1d20+SKLL Roll. DC 24. Failing Roll will apply Wound but still accomplish Task
Crafting Cholesterol: A cavalcade of errors across the bakeries and restaurants of the town has led to multiple orders ending up in the wrong places or customers. All of Group 1 will do a 1d20+CHRM and 1d20+PROW Roll. DC 20
Rewards: Cash, Pokemon Materials, Poke and STAT XP
[-] How Many Students to Change a Lightbulb?: Route Lamps are a big part of human infrastructure out in the routes. Something about how certain light frequencies only achievable via orbal technology, can keep away most Wild Pokemon. While they do nothing to actually deter a truly dedicated Pokemon or a ranged attack, they still dot the paths and rails of the region. MAJOR BATTLE. Group 1 will battle multiple Pokemon that have set up near the Route Lamp. -1 AP
Other Activities: From Challenging Gyms, to trying to catch Wild Pokemon and in Mariana's case, checking up on the Stakes, there are a number of Other Activities that can take up AP during a Day in a Field Exercise. It can even include Social Events involving Class VII members belonging to the other Group.
Example:
[-] Yo! Champ in the Makin': One of the big draws and privileges of Academy Students over regular trainers (aside from the connections and resources made available to them), is essentially getting to cut in line for Gyms during Field Exercises. And what a line it is. With Gyms opening up in August, trainers have begun to flock towards the nearest Gyms to register early and get the chance to fight the Gym Leader. (1/3) -1 AP
As a Mesagoza Student your application to fight a gym will be fast tracked.
(1/3) While you do get to schedule your Gym fight much earlier and much quicker than regular trainers. You still have to schedule it, which means getting in a line, in the first place. Will reserve 1 AP tomorrow for Gym Trainer Fight and 1 AP the day after that for Gym Leader Fight.
(2/3) Since this is your first Gym, you will fight a Gym Trainer to gauge your competence. 1d20+SKLL Roll. DC 18
(3/3) Winner of the 2018 Paldean League Conference. Managed to beat Rika and Poppy's predecessor, Old Man Tenma. Lost to Elite Four member Larry Laureano. The second youngest currently reigning Gym Leader. A proud supporter of La Primera's reformist agenda and a Bug/Normal dual Type Trainer. Katie Aracelli would like to battle. vs. GYM LEADER KATIE ARACELI. MAJOR BATTLE 2V2
[-] Going into Tall Grass: Field Exercises are an opportunity for Academy Students to go out and catch new Pokemon. With the Six Pokemon limit on all Trainers with less than 8 Badges. Your choice for your third member will be a major one and shouldn't be taken likely.
Will look for your third Pokemon in the part of the Province assigned to you
Available Pokemon species will based off of Biomes accessible to your Group
Wounds and Exhaustion: A Field Exercise is a Marathon, and while healing up in a Center is an option, that takes time. And the more banged up a Pokemon is the longer they'll be stuck in a center. Healing items are key to removing status ailments, healing Pokemon of Wounds in the field and just combatting general exhaustion from multiple fights in a row.
While HP goes back to full between Major Battles, if a Pokemon's HP goes to 25% or below. A Wound will be applied to them after battle. Representing lasting injuries and exhaustion, they go on a scale of 0-5, affecting a Pokemon's performance in battle the higher it is.
How long does a Pokemon have to stay at a Pokemon Center depending on their Wounds?
[X] Plan: Roland gets Buff
-[X] You Can't Run from a Trainer Battle
-[X] Advanced BATTLE
-[X] Roland
-[X] Nemona
It's during occasions like this, that you're really grateful that you've grown used to waking up early in the morning. As you look over the instructions Wiggly left behind (you're gonna hug that furball once they get back) you continue to prepare breakfast for Class VII. The instructions, thankfully, also contain what you're supposed to serve during breakfast and dinner during the days that your Instructor and her Pokemon are gone.
Without saying a word you smack Roland with a ladle to stop him from trying to eat some of the berries you're gonna use. The little hellion grumbles, already after having been woken up early to help you. You look at the clock. 5:30 AM. Classes start at 7:30 AM, and your classmates usually start to wake up after 6 AM.
With some exceptions.
"Are you sure you don't need me to help, Mariana?" Elise asks, having gotten back from her jog.
You level a flat look at her, all but asking her if she's ever cooked before. From how sheepish she looks, the answer is probably no. Sighing and thinking about the mountain of work you're going to be doing, you finally relent.
"You can help set the table and later wash the dishes." You say with the most authoritative voice you can muster. Elise solemnly nods and gets to work.
Monday's morning itinerary was Berry Omelettes with Kalosian Toast. You're really thankful for the Cooking Club lessons, shame you won't have a club meeting this Friday. With the cooking finished just in time for some of your other classmates to wake up, both you and Elise start on washing the pans and utensils you used to cook.
"Hmph. Not bad." The first trio to wake up for breakfast were Manuel, Atticus and Theodora. You take Manuel's compliment with the spirit it was given.
"Where'd you say Miss Leaf was headed for the week?" Asks Theodora, likely fishing for gossip. And you're all too eager to provide, unable to help yourself.
"What business does she have in that city state in the first place?" Manuel asks in between mouthfuls of omelet. Theodora gives one of her classic cryptic smiles before responding.
"What indeed…" You get the feeling that Theodora enjoys being all-mysterious like.
With their meals done, the three head off to prepare for the day. You did have to wave off Atticus from volunteering to help wash the dishes. He eventually and reluctantly acquiesce to your refusal, saying that they'll go back to his room.
As the two nobles head out the dorm, Jacinto descends down the stairs almost as if on cue. You have a gut feeling that he likely woke up much earlier but decided to stay in his room in order to avoid the two nobles. Before sitting down though, Jacinto decides to turn on the TV.
The morning news seems pretty normal aside from more reports of poachers in Cortondo, which worries you. Poachers were a real nasty problem in the Highlands, often preying on the rare Pokemon only found in that part of the region. Your clan had little lenience and mercy for the ones that managed to find and catch.
Eventually the morning news settles on playing clips from Champion Geeta's speech to the Diet from last night. The only member of the Imperial Family in attendance was Crown Princess Arcadia, who stood out with her line's iconic silver hair. As with any event necessitating the presence of the Arnors, she's yet again standing in for the aged Emperor Eugene Vasco Arnor, who's mostly been confined to the Imperial Palace for the past few years.
Princess Arcadia is the heiress apparent of the Empire, despite being over forty years old herself. She was the Champion of Paldea around 30 years ago and was an eager supporter in court of reforming the Empire. She's also the one who backed Geeta's appointment as Champion of Empire following some incident a decade ago.
Unlike in other regions, an ascension of a Champion is based on the reigning Emperor or Empress appointing one, after having chosen from the Champion ranked Trainers in the region. Historically the position had been dominated by either the Arnors themselves or by the Three Great Houses. Geeta Heraclea's appointment as Champion made her the first commoner-born to hold the position in Paldean history. Thus her title, La Primera. The First.
During your musings, Erika and Nemona had woken up (much earlier than they usually do) to eat breakfast. The news was still talking about the Geeta and the Diet and how the Champion put forward another Infrastructure Bill.
"The Imperial Reform Party had been been convinced to support the bill despite worries about the budget and increased RMP influence by party whip and Elite Four member, Minister Larry Laurea—"
The TV screen goes black as it was shut off by Jacinto. Who looks rather embarrassed at having done so.
"Why'd you turn it off? I was still watching." Ever since your History Instructor's added news of current events to your recitation, you've made an effort to at least be aware so you won't embarrass yourself like that poor kid who didn't know the Emperor's name.
"Well it's getting kind of awkward since more people have, well, y'know—"
"Don't bother hiding it, we know your dad's Elite Four. Nice omelet by the way, Mary." Erika shouted with an omelet still in her mouth. You stamp down the urge to wipe her jaw with how messy she's eating.
Jacinto for his part looks between a mix of embarrassed and horrified. "You guys knew!?"
"Well duh. I've memorized the names of all the Elite Fours in most regions. I wonder when Saguaro is challenging Poppy next…" Nemona muses to herself, having already finished breakfast. A compliment would've been nice but if she didn't say anything, then your cooking probably wasn't good enough.
"Does everyone know!?" Jacinto was beet red from embarrassment, now you're starting to feel sorry.
"If it makes you feel any better, I and Mariana didn't know.." Elise provides to which you nod in support. You also don't really spend that much time with Jacinto in the first place. He storms off, heading out of the dorms.
"I was trying to keep it from him but it is of little use now." Atticus complains while washing the dishes—
Your head quickly turns to face him. How'd he manage to sneak by you!? Atticus gives you an almost apologetic smile. Damnit, you're the Class President, it's your responsibility!
With breakfast coming to a close (and you unable to wrest away cleanup duties from Elise and Atticus), you feed the leftovers you piled onto a plate to Roland, who gobbles them all up. You also pack some food you specifically made for Ostia. It feels bad how often they're left out from the Class VII dynamic because of Raifort. Hopefully the Field Exercise will help in making them feel like they belong in the class.
The day's classes pass by without incident or anything of note happening. You've gotten used to the routine of an academic life. You wake up, get ready for class, hang out with your friends, do your routine with Renne, go to sleep, repeat for an entire week. Sometimes with space for things you wanna do in your free time.
You do pass by the Maria Hall to borrow some beginner language books about Paldean and Andosin.
With Leaf gone, you're currently stuck at the dorms after class. A lot of the chores that Wiggly did are now your responsibility. Thus with you stuck inside for the rest of the week, it's high time you taught Roland how to read.
Pokemon Literacy is a rather fraught subject mostly because it's directly tied to Pokemon Intelligence. From what you remember from your lessons, most fully-evolved Trainer Pokemon know how to read or at the very least can fake it well enough. Psychic and Fairy types take to reading the easiest out of all the Pokemon types. Doremi and Chimu knew how to read and so did your brother's Mudsdale and Mudbray.
Not every Pokemon that can learn how to read wants to, though. Ravs can recognize words and letters well enough, but he always flies off whenever you or your siblings invite them to Sunday School. You know that Roland is a pretty smart Pokemon. You also know that he's rather selective on what words he sees or remembers.
Case in point, your current teaching session had him recognize the word 'Battle' when written down. For now you're practicing word association, writing down the Andosin for 'Berry' and 'Sleep'. His two favorite things aside from battle. You mostly keep the words related to the trio of topics. Because whenever it strays, Roland doesn't get it as easily.
But it's going pretty well all things considered.
'You're mothering him.'
Commentary from the peanut gallery notwithstanding of course. With Leaf and thus Missy gone, Renne is a lot more comfortable talking and communicating. You haven't tried to ask her about what happened to her yet. But you're getting used to each other's presence in a more relaxed environment. And as such, Renne is currently watching a remake of Thom and Jeri on the TV, a Unovan kids show about a Liepard and a Patrat. She seems pretty enraptured by it even if she gets distressed whenever Thom, the Liepard, loses.
The dull pain of telepathy remains, which you're starting to get worried about. It's not that painful at all anymore, but at this point you shouldn't be experiencing any pain at all. An issue for later.
"Well he's my wittle boy, aren't you?" You rub Roland's face against your own ignoring his halfhearted protests. You kiss him on the forehead, cause of how cute he is. He croons in delight at your affection. The fact that you promised to go battling during the weekends, if he behaves during the teaching sessions, also helps.
The rest of the week continues, with you getting more confident in being temporary Dorm Manager. You've even officially conscripted Elise and Atticus' help with some of the chores. If they're offering to help, might as well make use of them. Ostia is delighted whenever you give them the cooked meals from that day's breakfast.
They even briefly introduce you to their new Pokemon. Poly the Staryu. They seem really affectionate to Ostia, which the kid returns wholeheartedly. It's hilarious seeing Argy seethe in jealousy at another Pokemon being the center of Ostia's attention. You put the memory of the weird Pokeball in Ostia's bag out of your mind.
It was around Wednesday night that you finally got the file that Leaf was talking about. You were starting to worry about her so you asked if she was okay. She responded with a heart emoji and a chibi Pikachu gif giving a thumbs up. Probably the best you're gonna get out of her, huh?
You distribute the printouts during Thursday class, prompting a discussion on potential catches and new Pokemon. Of your class, the only ones without a second Pokemon are Erika, Jacinto, Theodora and Manuel. Nemona meanwhile was muttering something under her breath.
"I'm surprised you haven't gotten a Pokemon from your family's prized breeders yet." Jacinto jabs at Manuel. Oh here they go again.
"Considering your performance during the Round Robin, I'm tempted to give them a call for your sake. You'd think a Pokemon that was sired by an Elite Four's Altaria would be stronger, but I don't blame Pokemon for the shortcomings of their Trainers." Manuel's response was filled with venom, shocking the entire class. Jacinto looked incandescent with rage. Manuel gives him a look all but daring the bespectacled boy to hit back. This might actually come to blows—
"So, Nemona darling, I heard you mention something about wanting a third and maybe even a fourth member already?" Theodora raises her voice, interrupting the two boys.
"Huh? Uh, yea. Maybe not a fourth member, the schedule's already gonna be kinda tight. I was thinking of catching a third member and getting my first badge during the Field Exercise. And once we get back on Saturday, we are going back on Saturday, right?" You reread the handout and tentatively nod. "Yea once we're back, I'll challenge my second Gym, probably one of the Glaseado Range ones. Should take about a week accounting for the Gym Challenge." What.
"After that I'll challenge the other Glaseado Range Gym before the second Field Exercise, maybe the Montenevera one, though I don't have a good type against Rocks and Ghosts…" What.
"And then hopefully by the second Field Exercise, it'll be my fourth Gym Battle. I'm not sure I could train my team to a fourth Badge level in time but even if I lose, It'll be a great experience and an amazing battle!" Nemona clasps her hands together in excitement.
You feel dizzy. Four Badges by the Second Field Exercise!?
S-s-urely she's just speculating, right? She'd have to be a Red-tier prodigy to even be capable of that. Someone who'd be able to tear through a Pokemon League and challenge a Champion within a single year. Erika looks at you in worry.
"Maybe Cascaraffa? Manuel says it's a beautiful city and my parents never took me there on any of their business trips." Nemona looks wistful while talking about her family.
Nemona's declaration has sent the rest of the class into a discussion about badges and challenges, Jacinto and Manuel's argument almost forgotten. Almost. The two boys have distanced themselves as far as they could away from one another.
You take a seat. Assuming you challenge your first Gym during the Field Exercise, it'll have to be with just Roland unless you catch a third Pokemon. You already asked Renne if they wanted to try battling and they said no. You're not gonna force them on that no matter what. It'll be a 1v2 or a 2v3 with the third Pokemon. It's…possible.
You'll think about what to do in August once you get there.
"Don't take what Nemona is saying too seriously." Erika walks up to you, clearly concerned.
"Do you think she's bluffing?" You retort. Erika scoffs.
"Of course not, she's serious. She'll try for four by the second Field Exercise or die—well not literally die, you get what I mean." You giggle at Erika's botched hyperbole. You feel bad at how most of the times Erika makes you laugh, it's at her expense.
A gasp from Nemona brings everyone's attention back on her.
"Saguaro's gonna fight Poppy later tonight! Who wants to watch with me!?"
And that's how you ended up part of a Class VII live watch of the Saguaro vs. Poppy battle later that night. You're currently adjusting Erika's laptop so that Ostia would be able to watch with the rest of the class despite not being there. The fight, like most Elite Four and Champion fights, will be broadcast and recorded nationwide.
It's already Thursday night, Leaf said she'd be back by now. You're slightly worried, causing you to occasionally look at the door or check your phone for a message from your Instructor.
"A~nd I think we're all set up. Is it good on your end?" Ostia nods at your question, giving you a thumbs up. You go to take a seat on one of the chairs in the Dining Room. Checking the time, the broadcast should start soon. Fights at the level of the Conference above usually take an hour, sometimes more for battles against the Elite Four and Champion.
With setup done you decide to listen to Nemona talking about the Conference Winner, Saguaro Carnegie.
"He's generally an attritional fighter, his entire team except for Pachirisu have recovery options but that one makes up for it by being really good at paralysis and offense. Sometimes when he thinks he needs it he'll switch up to hyper offense, attacking viciously and using said recovery to eke out a couple more seconds of damage on his opponent. It's how he won the Conference. He only made his challenge to Rika last week though."
The Conference is the culmination of a Trainer's Journey lying at the end of a Yearly Circuit. It occurs every June and lasts the entire month. All Trainers with Eight Badges in the Paldean League are eligible to take part in that year's Conference, though once they do so they'll have to challenge all Eight Gyms again to take part in another Conference. Most Trainers who do get all Eight Badges only participate in the Conference once. The ones who are Conference 'regulars' participate regularly for the fame and prestige either for their corporate sponsors or to garnish their careers for employment with the League.
According to Nemona, Saguero is a Conference first-timer with this being the third year of his Trainer's Journey. Surprisingly he isn't a Mesagoza graduate, usually half of the Trainers taking part in the Conference in a year are Academy Graduates.
Conference winners are given the privilege of undertaking the Champion Assessment. Where they'll have to fight the Elite Four and the current reigning Champion so that they can be considered a Champion Rank Trainer. The Conference winner has until the start of the next Circuit in August to issue their challenge, once they do they can't back out and have to fight the Elite Four until they either make it to the Champion and win or they lose.
Hearing it all be explained by Nemona really makes a Trainer's Journey even more daunting than it already was.
"It's starting!" Nemona announced. Half of your classmates have a notebook to write down Nemona's commentary. You're not really all that fast of a transcriber so you're just gonna listen as best you can.
As discussion quieted down and the announcer introduced the two opponents, you got a good look at Saguaro. A massive well-built brick house of a man, he had black hair, a well groomed mustache and a terrifying visage. On the other side was an 8 year old. The girl looked pale, her skin almost porcelain, and she was even shorter than Ostia. She was wearing one of those fancy dresses for kids of the nobility.
They both sent out their first Pokemon: Saguero sent out his Alomomola, which instantly set up Rain Dance due to their mastery of Water TE. Poppy, meanwhile, released her Copperajah. She cheered them on, and the battlefield shook with every step the titan took.
They were in one of the Grand Arenas in the League Headquarters, which overlooked Mesagoza from the cliff sides surrounding the Great Crater. The Crown Princess was watching from a pavilion overlooking the arena, as was Geeta and the rest of the Elite Four, who sat next to her. Also in attendance representing the Great Houses is Sophia de Cascaraffa, who according to Manuel, is his cousin who's older than him by an entire decade. He had a genuinely respectful tone when talking about her.
As the camera finished sweeping over the battlefield, giving the audience a full view of the arena, the announcer shouted.
"Begin!"
"Oh, it's over. Saguaro's lost." Nemona suddenly says, mid battle, as she stretched her arms and leaned back onto the chair.
Your class turns to look at Nemona like she just gained a second head. The fight was still ongoing, Saguaro still had four Pokemon remaining while Poppy only had two left. She had just sent out her Metagross, this was one blue unlike Argy.
"Huh?" You ask, voicing the confusion on the tip of everyone's tongues.
"All of Sabuero's remaining Pokemon have already taken a decent amount of damage, he's out of switches, and his last answer to a bulky heavy hitting Psychic-type was just taken out. Metagross are nasty Pokemon, they're smarter than humans so most Trainers just let their Metagross think up strategies on their own. The really good trainers like Steven Stone nudge their Metagross to keep them focused and prevent them from getting overconfident. Metagross are apparently really arrogant, even rivaling some Dragon types from the interviews Steven gave a long time ago. If I had to put money on it, I think Poppy's entire setup for this fight was trapping Saguero into forcing him to fight either Poppy's Metagross or her Tinkaton which she still hasn't sent out yet. They fill similar niches, though the latter is more focused on offense…"
Nemona ranted, her eyes focused on the screen. And just as she prophesied, Metagross dismantled the exhausted remnants of Saguro's team before finally going down to a Hatterene who was on their last legs. With Metagross down, Poppy sent out her last Pokemon, her Tinkaton who was fresh and ready to battle. It wasn't even a contest as in the blink of an eye, Tinkaton slammed her massive hammer onto the side of Hatterene sending them flying crashing onto the barrier.
Nemona was right. It was over.
"That..was..awesome!" Nemona squealed in delight.
"It was so close, too! If that frozen slime ocean thing Saguero tried with Alomomola, Goodra and Froslass had kept Empoleon trapped, it might've been able to prevent Goodra from getting knocked out. Goodra and Pachirisu was really his only answer to Metagross, but the fact that he got that far despite a really bad team matchup is impressive…"
The discussion and arguments continued on for another hour before people got tired and went to bed, Ostia fell asleep halfway through, and it was Argy who turned off their screen. You and Elise were left behind to clean and lock up for the night, when you heard a knock on the door and a very familiar voice.
"Mariana, are you still there? Please… don't tell me you kids actually go to bed on time. It's barely even 10 PM!" You hurriedly open the door to let Miss Leaf in. She walks in through the front, with Wiggly carrying her luggage behind her. She has, to your shock and concern, her left arm in a sling, she was wobbling slightly and her breath reeked of alcohol. She stumbles her way into the dorm, nearly falling before Elise catches her.
"Wiggly will…clean up here. You two scurry on over to bed…I'll give you your souvenirs tomorrow." Her speech was slurred and Elise was adjusting herself so that Leaf didn't put her entire weight on her..
"Do you…need anything? A glass of water? Help to get to your room or…?" You ask, worried about her condition. When she doesn't respond, you look at Wiggly and Missy, who just emerged from Leaf's shadow. Both of them shake their heads before pointing at Leaf. She's snoring.
"I'll get her to bed, you finish up here, Mary. Missy, could you…?" The Mismagius grabs the keys off of you before guiding Elise, who was carrying Leaf on her back, up the stairs to your instructors room.
With no forthright answers coming from Wiggly, you help her clean up and afterwards carry Leaf's luggage upstairs before going to bed.
"Good Morning, Duckletts!" When you woke up earlier that morning, Leaf's Pokemon had already moved your instructor from the sofa to her room. Right now is your first class of the day, theoretical Battle Studies with Miss Leaf.
"I hope you've all read the guidelines for next week's Field Exercise. As I'm sure you're all aware, your first Field Exercise will be in Cortondo." Your class tentatively voices their agreement. Most of you still focused on Leaf's arm, which was still in a sling. She waved off your classmates' concern earlier, saying that the arm was just from an 'occupational hazard.'
She's also wearing glasses indoors. Must be a nasty hangover.
"If we're all on the same page, then I'm gonna be handing out your groupings and location assignments for next week." Here's hoping Manuel and Jacinto aren't in the same group.
As Leaf distributes a printout map of Cortondo, your eyes narrow in on the groupings at the bottom.
Group 1: Elise, Theodora, Ostia and Mariana
Group 2: Manuel, Jacinto, Erika, Nemona, Atticus
Oh that's not good. And from the shouting going on it seems your class is in agreement. You take one last look at the handout before jumping into the fray, just to see where your group is gonna be conducting its Field Exercise for the entirety of next week.
Group 1 Location Vote:
[] West Cortondo Province: Grasslands dotted by hills and ridges overlooking the valley where Cortondo is located, most of the farmlands in this part of the province were only recently established. Part of a recent Land Reform program begun by Champion Geeta, to both distribute lots to landless sharecroppers and to increase Cortondo's agricultural productivity to support Paldea's skyrocketing population. These new arrivals often come into conflict with the traditional landholding nobility of the Province.
Across the Guadania River lies the Marida Forest, with Marida Lake at its center. While normally a popular tourist destination, increased aggression and hostility from Pokemon alongside persistent rumors and reports of poaching in the area have seen the visits to the idyllic lake plummet.
Group 1 will be assigned to West Cortondo, Group 2 will be assigned to East Cortondo
Biomes Available:
Guadania River: One of two rivers leading into Lake Toletum, the massive body of water surrounding Mesagoza. Rather deep in some places. Jumping in is ill-advised.
Northern Grasslands: Much closer to Cascaraffa Province and the Beja Frontier. Covered in hills and rocky outcroppings. Cave entrances, both mapped and unmapped, are common. The latter are regularly patrolled by RMP and local Trainer Associations.
Northern Farmlands: Recently established, some Bug and Grass types typical of large scale human Agricultural projects have begun to migrate in. Cortondo agricultural productivity and economic exports are reliant on a working relationship with said Pokemon Types, wild or otherwise.
Lake Marida: Idyllic and tranquil, the lake hosts a number of rare aquatic Pokemon. Though capture of them is strictly regulated. It and the forest holds one of the last operating Ranger Stations in Cortondo.
Marida Forest: Stretching from the Guadania all the way to the mountainside leading to Mt. Niebla, Marida Forest, while old, cannot compare to places like Tagtree or Fede. Most agricultural Pokemon in Cortondo Province had migrated from here.
Southern Grasslands: Recently slated for expansion as per the Geeta's Land Reform program. Progress on that has crawled to a halt as noble intransigence has put the program into a deadlock. Contains a number of estates and farmsteads belonging to the Count de Cortondo and the Duke de Cascaraffa.
[] East Cortondo Province: The agricultural and economic heart of Cortondo. Vast farmlands managed by humans and Pokemon, occasionally broken up forests occupied by various Pokemon operating in mutually beneficial relationships with the locals. To its north lies the former Badajoz Province of pre-Great Collapse times. Built on its namesake plateau, it was fully abandoned by the time of Emperor Rodrigo's reunification of Paldea. But the centuries of human habitation, both its presence and its absence, have left its mark.
Group 1 will be assigned to East Cortondo, Group 2 will be assigned to West Cortondo
Biomes Available:
Badajoz Heights: Badajoz was a mining settlement, the natural riches of its namesake plateau feeding the settlements prosperity, and if local legend is to be believed, its eventual downfall.
Badajoz Ruins: Attempts throughout the centuries were made to resettle Badajoz after the Reunification. But none ever came to fruition. Now, rare Pokemon of all sorts inhabit the ruins.
Cortondo Breadbasket: How does a region feed a population of millions while remaining hostile to local Pokemon? The answer is they don't. Long standing agreements and traditions between the people of Cortondo and wild Pokemon have led to a form of cohabitation. A farmer could manage his crops while a Vespiquen Hive was nearby, its Combees scouring the skies of the field for Pokemon that are a threat to both. Anything that could threaten this relationship could be catastrophic, so catching is extremely regulated.
Badajoz Forest: Oh hey, it's the place where you nearly got trampled by a Sawsbuck. Well traveled and watched, most of the forest is, by the standards of Paldea, safe. Emphasis on most.
This took a while to finish cause I kept getting distracted by replaying CK2
Moratorium for 12 Hours
Thanks to Nemastrea for proofreading
"Instructor, this is unacceptable!" Yells Jacinto, who was quicker on the draw. Him speaking first caused Manuel to stop whatever he was going to say, resulting in the latter just grumbling discontentedly at Leaf.
"Jacinto will be unable to control himself. He'll mouth off and anger someone important. Especially since you've assigned us to West Cortondo." Manuel finally said. Leaf had a thoughtful look on her.
"Well I'm not changing it. This class is gonna be together for at least three years. You don't have to like each other, you just have to work together." Leaf said in an authoritative tone. The playful look on her face was gone, replaced by that same expression you saw before she left that Sunday. Her change in demeanor seems to have thrown Jacinto and Manuel off balance.
"I will hear no more of this. Are we clear?" The boys grumbled out an affirmative to Leaf's satisfaction.
With that done, she gives out a few more instructions before dismissing your class for the day. You turn to look at Elise and nod at her, which she returns. You had coordinated earlier this morning to do this. The two of you stay behind while the rest of your class pours out of the classroom.
Your instructor sits down on a chair and deflates in exhaustion. "Go and ask away." She takes off her sunglasses before pinching the bridge of her nose.
"What happened to your arm? You looked terrible last night." Elise asks, taking the lead. You didn't want to dwell on it much last night, but Leaf came home, drunk and with a broken arm. Whether she got it in Rime or when she got back doesn't matter, the two of you were worried about her.
"...I suppose I should give you two explanations on what happened. At least you didn't ask me last night. Would've been a mess." Leaf whispers that last part, before turning to the two of you.
"...Let's just say I got into a fight with a couple of old enemies from my past. I've met a lot of people in my career." Even now Leaf seems to be dancing around the topic of what happened.
"Was it Team Rocket?" Elise suddenly asks. You think back to the gossip and conversations you've had with Erika and Theodora. The latter clearly knows who Leaf is, beyond just knowing her as your class instructor.
Leaf rolls her eyes and scoffs. "Please, it's just some wannabees picking through the bones of a corpse. Malignants lining up to make sweet love to the shit smeared on the underside of a Capo's boot." There's venom in her voice, oozing hatred and disdain. Leaf quickly puts her glasses back after seeing the mildly shocked looks on your and Elise's faces.
"That's enough storytime for today. You two get going, you have an entire free day ahead of you. I'll clean up here." With that Leaf dismisses the two of you. You offer to help her clean up but she brushes you off. As you and Elise head out, ruminating on what she just said, you speak up.
"We're worried about you, Miss Leaf, if there's anything we can do—" Leaf interrupts you by flicking your nose. A shadow of a smile on her face.
"Geez, you're tall. I'll be fine, you two. I'm a grown woman, You learn to get used to it." With that she closes the door and that's the end of that.
"...Should you, though?" Elise whispers something under her breath. With no more answers forthcoming, you two split and head on with your day.
"Wow! You're really good! No wonder you're Class VII!" You're currently in the school Battle Arenas training Roland for the first Field Exercise. There you encountered someone you haven't met since the entrance exams.
Astrid de Ambrette had her hair in the same style as when you met her, she was wearing a purple uniform with the Pasio Numeral for two on her collar, signifying that she was a member of Class II and more importantly a noble. She also had an Ekans wrapped around her neck.
She was also just as energetic as ever.
"Hehe, thanks..." Unlike when you first met her, you're a lot less nervous. You could actually focus on a conversation with her. The two of you had just finished battling, Roland flew circles around her Ekans, going intangible whenever the Snake Pokemon tried to wrap around and trap him.
The two of you made small talk about each other's Pokemon. She prefers to fuss over and pamper her Ekans, which weirdly seems to make the latter dissatisfied. Like they're irritated at the constant affection and worrying Astrid was giving them. Apparently her Ekans was a gift from her parents, which makes sense. The Arbok line isn't native to Atlantei, the continent where the regions of Galar, Paldea and Kalos were in.
"Wait!" Astrid suddenly interrupts. She narrows her eyes to look at someone behind you. "Is that Manny?" Who?
"It is! Is he also Class VII!?" You turn around to look at 'Manny' and find Manuel looking at you and Astrid, panic clear in his eyes.
"It'sbeenfunMarianabutI'vegottagotalktoMannyHere'smynumberseeya!" Astrid speeds off after Manuel, who immediately books it. Before she leaves she shoves a strip of paper onto your uniform's breast pocket. You look at it, and it has her email and number.
Manuel is probably gonna be fine.
With Roland all rested up, you gather up the confidence for what's to come. The entire reason you wanted to train today was to prepare Roland, regardless if you're challenging the Gym or not. Two Pokemon are currently registered in your Trainer Card, Roland and Renne. You're technically eligible for a Gym Battle. But with how Renne isn't interested in battling or even training, if you did challenge the Gym, Roland will have to do it on his own.
Can Roland 1v2 a Gym Leader? You're gonna find out Sunday, in the Mesagoza Battle Arenas. With the opening of the circuit so close, there are more trainers than ever preparing for the start or continuation of their Journey. There's so many of them, in fact, you had to challenge people ahead of time and book arena's for you to use rather than just walking and randomly challenging strong looking people.
You put your condition in the challenges that you're only accepting battles from Trainers with two Pokemon and one Badge, and that it'll be a 1v2 in their favor. You put a little extra cash to sweeten the pot for some of them. But that's two days away. Right now, you need to find out if you're even capable of taking that first step.
You're gonna challenge Nemona again.
Back during the first Round Robin, you decided that Nemona was going to be your measuring stick, the one whose progress you're gonna compare yourself to. In order to judge your worth as a Trainer. Knowing full well it's not gonna be easy.
Nemona is for all intents and purposes your rival. Even if she doesn't know it. God, just saying it like that makes you feel pathetic—
Roland's tail smacks onto your face. He has an impatient look on his face. Right, he also has a little bit of a rivalry with Sunny and Mercury. He probably couldn't wait to fight them again.
Mustering up all your courage, you go over to where Nemona was sitting spraying potions on Sunny.
"Hey Nemona, do you wanna battle?"
Yesterday was a blur.
You challenged Nemona to a battle, she of course used her Wattrel against Roland, and you won. She even congratulated you and everything. Sure she might've been going easy on you, she hadn't sent out Sunny after all. A part of you thinks it doesn't even count.
But now you're fighting her for real. Coaching it in a request of wanting to train against a stronger opponent, Nemona is going to be battling you using Sunny. From the glimpses you've caught of the Monferno, they're even faster and stronger now. You doubt you're gonna win. But you have to see just how far you still have to go.
"Are you ready?" Nemona asks from across the arena, she's also been spending the weekends training her Pokemon, you're pretty certain battling and training are what she spends most of her free time on.
"Ready as I'll ever be—thanks for agreeing to this by the way." You send Roland out onto the Arena and Nemona follows suit, releasing Sunny.
"I'd never say no to a battle!" Nemona enthusiastically replied.
This is the first time you'd be battling Sunny since the Round Robin. You don't doubt that they've gotten stronger. The question is how much.
"Close the distance with Mach Punch! Don't let him escape!" Sunny throws his arm back for a punch, his fist glowing white, before he swings and vanishes, only to reappear in front of Roland. Roland for his part had already sunk into the shadows, using Shadow Sneak to slighter away.
Sunny's tail was suddenly covered in the tell tale signs of Dark TE, and you yell at Roland to emerge and strike. He emerges just in time to avoid the Monferno's Knock-Off from slamming into his shadow. Roland crashes right into Sunny's face, biting his nose, before speeding off with Quick Attack to dodge the Monfernos efforts to grab onto him.
Putting distance between them, Roland activates Agility and soars off into the sky. Infestations, already building up in his mouth. You might not win but you're gonna make her work for it.
"You wanna show Roland what you've been working on?" Nemona asks her Pokemon, who howls in excitement in reply. Sunny leaps up into the air as fire spews out of all of his limbs. The Monferno rocketed off after Roland. Fast. But nowhere near enough to—
"Mach Punch after them!" Sunny's left arm stops spewing fire, as the Monferno pulls his arm back and throws it forward in Roland's direction. In an eyeblink, Sunny has crossed most of the distance between them. Not great.
"Send them out now!" Roland unleashes the Infestations at Sunny, while continuously playing keep away. Your practice has finally gotten him used to multitasking with Infestation, as a steady stream of green lights emerge from Rolands mouth and hone in on Sunny.
As Sunny rushes headlong into the veritable swarm of Bug TE, you wonder what Nemona is planning. At the very last moment before impact, Sunny's arm swings right, sending Monferno out of the path of the still homing swarm.
The chase has reversed, as Sunny flees and evades Infestations, using Mach Punch from his arms to maneuver away. Behind the swarm of Bug TE was Roland who's focusing more and more effort into Infestation, even experimenting with using the much slower Will-o-Wisps. Directing them onto Sunny's path, as per your instruction.
Yet not a single one has hit. The swarms are numerous now—even if all of them hit Sunny, it wouldn't take them down, but the move's homing nature would make it so that just a single hit would mean the other swarms would follow in quick succession. Infestation's unique nature means that they wouldn't be able to fly like that anymore. And that'd force Nemona to rely on ranged options, which you don't doubt she's also prepared for.
As the swarms begin to corner Sunny more and more, exertion visible in his face, you're unable to help yourself. You're beginning to believe. Could you do this? Could you catch up to Nemona? Is it possible—
"Now, Sunny!" The Monferno stops flying, cutting off the flames from all of its limbs. As he lays in freefall, Sunny draws back both of his arms and aims in Roland's direction once more. Before you can even shout for your tired Pokemon to dodge, Sunny was already on him. And so was the swarm now homing onto his new location. Oh shit.
Sunny grabs Roland with both arms and puts him between themself and the Infestations. As the swarms impact the two Pokemon, a massive explosion sends both Pokemon flying.
Sunny lands on all fours before stumbling, their leg was bent in a weird shape and their arm was broken. He had a massive grin on his face, even as sparks of green Bug TE surrounded him. But it doesn't matter as Roland crashes into the ground unconscious. It's over.
Of course the moment you get your hopes up, it all goes wrong.
"Great Battle!" Nemona walks up to you with a smile on her face. You two go and recall your Pokemon to get them healed up.
You battle once more after your Pokemon are healed up enough from Potions and the Academy Battle Arena's healing machine. You did finally learn what Nemona's ranged options are though. Not including the obvious of Sunny getting better at continuous streams of Incinerate. Nemona's developed a modified Rock Throw, where Sunny would Rock Smash with his tail to carve out objects to set aflame and throw from afar.
You thank her once again for indulging you. Maybe one day it'll be a more even fight so you don't feel like you're wasting her time just challenging her. You go back home exhausted.
With that humbling from Nemona, you and Roland throw yourselves into Training and Battling during Sunday. Thankfully you decided to spend all day at the Mesagoza Arena so not only were you battling, you were able to rub elbows with people who at least seem to know what they're doing. By the time the day was done, you were exhausted and so was Roland. He's gonna be so lazy because of this, even if he did enjoy the battles.
Finishing up your nightly routine, saying Good Night to Renne and explaining what a Field Exercise is and that she's going with you to Cortondo for a week. She seems excited to be getting out of the dorms again so you're wondering if you can maybe hang out with her and Roland in the town. Cortondo is pretty famous for its pastries.
Checking your phone for the night, you see that you got a message from your mom.
'Remember your letters! It has to be handwritten, and it's good for you to remember how to write in Andosin!'
You roll your eyes at her message but don't. She's right that it's important to keep your connection to Andosin language and writing. Thankfully you bought some letters, stamps and paper in anticipation for this.
As you stare at a blank piece of paper, you think about what to write. Probably what's happened in the month so far, though you should probably leave out the parts involving you being pathetic and also nearly dying to Renne.
You look out the window of your room. You've gotten used to routine in Mesagoza. It's pretty nuts just how fast you've managed to adapt. Mesagoza is still pretty alien to you but you no longer feel like you're a stranger in a strange land. You think about the friends you've made. Even if you are still estranged from the world's largest city, at least you won't be alone.
NEXT UPDATE:
ARC 1: FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD
CHAPTER 1: BUG BUZZ
No vote for this Update, was technically gonna be part of the prior update but I decided to split it since I was busy this and last week with irl stuff.
330 KNOW XP
1000 SKLL XP
1000 POKE XP
2 MXP
Fundamental Fundamentals has now expired
Thanks to Nemastrea for proofreading
Alright, you put these worms directly into my brain, and a day later and 3000 words in this is the result. I hold you personally responsible for what follows:
Valentine's Day Omake - As Sweet as Chocolate (decidedly non-canon)
"Say, Erika, why's the 14th marked in red on your calendar?" Mariana asked idly during a study session in Erika's room.
"The 14th? That's Valentine's day of course. Why do you ask?" Erika replied.
"Valentine's Day? I don't think we celebrate that back home. What's it about?"
"Ah, uuh, w-well, it's a day where you give gifts to those people around you that are important to you and that you like very much!" Erika responded with a visible flush that quickly spread across her cheeks and her ears.
"Gifts!?!" Mariana exclaimed at the same time as she put a hand to Erika's forehead to make sure the poor girl wasn't suffering from a fever. "Nobody told me I needed to prepare gifts!"
Luckily it didn't seem like Erika had an elevated temperature, though the colour had now spread all the way across her face and even to the roots of her hair.
"I-It's really no big deal, I don't even know if the school is planning anything for the day." Erika squirmed under her touch until Mariana retrieved her hand and started to pack up her things.
"No no, I'm sorry Erika, but as class president I need to set a good example, so I'll have to cut this short for now. Thank you for letting me know about this! I'll see you at dinner, okay?"
With that Mariana swiftly exited the room and barely even registered the muffled scream of frustration Erika let slip into her pillow.
Two days later Mariana got up early again to prepare breakfast, as Miss Leaf had once more been abruptly called away. All the more surprised was she to find the kitchen already in use by a clearly frazzled Erika, who looked like she hadn't had a wink of sleep yet.
"No! No! Noooo! Why is this not working!?!"
She looked like she was close to tears when Mariana greeted her with a side hug while looking over her shoulder.
"What are you working on?" Mariana asked her suddenly nearly petrified friend.
"M-Mary? What are you doing here already?" came the non-response.
"Preparing your breakfast of course, what else? Plus I need to finish some baking I got started on yesterday, the dough should be nice and chilled now" Mariana replied as she made her way over to the fridge where she pulled out two large rolls of brown dough wrapped in cling foil. "So, what's that project in front of you that's kept you up through the night?"
"I-It's nothing, it's stupid and I hate it really," Erika squirmed in front of the workspace that held the big heart-shaped baking pan filled with slowly cooling chocolate that Mary had seen earlier.
"Oh Erika, nothing you make is stupid. Tell me what's not working out, maybe I can help you out!" Mary offered easily.
"Alright," Erika conceded, "the chocolate just refuses to melt right. It becomes lumpy and grainy and fatty, and that ruins the look and everything is terrible and I hate it and why can't things just work out for once?"
"Ah, I see what you mean," Mary said as she inspected the offending object. "Chocolate can be finicky like that, it's all in how you melt it, you gotta have the right temperature, otherwise the fat will separate from the cocoa and then you get this," she gestured broadly in the direction of the pan. "How have you been melting the chocolate?"
"I put the chocolate in a pot, put that pot on the stove and turned it on while stirring, how else do you melt chocolate?"
"Ah, that explains it. You're most likely overheating the chocolate. It's much more reliable to do it in a bowl over a pot full of water, that way it won't overheat as easily. We've been learning about that in the cooking club." Mariana explained to her friend.
"Urrrrghhh, why does everything in the kitchen have to be so complicated?" Erika protested "So what do we do with this mess?"
"It looks to me like you've tried melting and cooling it down a few times?" Mariana asked to a nod from the other girl. "Well, I don't think we can make this batch work anymore, but I can still use it for a bit of hot chocolate for everyone's breakfast, no need to throw it out. Why don't you go to bed for now and we'll give it another try after classes on a fresh batch. I'm sure whoever you wanted to make this for won't mind getting it a bit later in the day."
"But I wanted tomake it for y-" Erika trailed off into mumbling that Mariana couldn't quite make out.
"No arguing! Plus, I need the kitchen now myself if everyone is going to have breakfast!" Mariana lightly swatted Erika's back with a towel she had just grabbed. "Off you go, you can still get at least an hour or two of sleep if you go to bed now. I'll make sure to wake you up in time for class."
After that and a bit of grumbling Erika finally retreated from the kitchen, letting Mary set up the baking trays and sheets of baking paper she'd need in a few minutes.
When Elise came downstairs an hour later, Mary was busy frying up a small spread of eggs and omelettes. While most of the kitchen had been cleaned up again already, several baking trays were still stacked up next to the sink, waiting to be washed. On the kitchen counter ten little canvas bags were sitting, each tied closed with a little drawstring.
"Good morning, Mary! Is Miss Leaf away again or why are you cooking?"
"Oh, good morning Elise! You're up early! Yeah, she left late last night, must've been in a real rush. And Happy Valentine's Day to you! I made some chocolate cookies for everyone, would you like to try some?"
"Oh so that's what that smell is? Yes, of course, thank you so much!" Elise agreed as she sat down on a chair next to the counter.
"Alright, say aaah!" Mary instructed as she pulled out a plate of cookies and carefully fed one to Elise.
"Theshe are delishush!" Elise beamed around a mouthful of cookie. "Oh, and they are heart-shaped too? How cute is that?"
"I know, right? Missy gave me the cookie cutter when I told her I wanted to bake something for today. I wouldn't even have known to prepare anything if Erika hadn't told me the day before yesterday that you are supposed to give gifts to the people you care about today, so I decided that as Class President I should make something for everyone."
"Aw, that is so sweet! Thank you so much, I'm sure everyone will love these!"
"Oh, that reminds me!" Mary put away the omelette she had just taken out of the pan and grabbed something from a pocket beneath her apron. "This is for you. I saw that there's an exhibition match by the Orden de Verde the weekend after next, and I thought maybe we could go and watch it together."
"That sounds like fun!" Elise replied as she took the offered pair of tickets. "Of course, I'd love to!" At that the two were interrupted by a weird noise from the stairwell, but since nobody showed up for several moments after, they didn't think too much about it. "Ah, but I didn't get you anything! I'm so sorry! I didn't expect to get anything, so I didn't prepare anything in return! I'm so sorry, I will make it up to you, I promise!"
"No need, it's all my fault, I should've told you in advance that I was going to get you something, but it all happened so quickly, so I didn't even think about that!"
"No no, I'm so sorry, I should have been more prepared, I-" before the two of them could really get started on an apology-spiral, they were interrupted by the arrival of Theodora, whose unsteady steps and flushed face were definitely not the result of listening in to the conversation for the last few minutes, and how dare you even ask!
"Good Morning Elise, Mariana." she greeted the two of them, as behind her several other students started trickling into the kitchen area. "And happy Valentine's Day Elise, this is for you." she said as she handed over a small box covered in velvet.
"Oh, what's this?" Elise asked as she opened the box and revealed a smooth stone shining in the darkest purple that Mary had ever seen. "That's a Dusk Stone! Aren't these really expensive? This is way too much, I couldn't possibly accept it!"
"Nonsense! It was a trivial expense and I know for a fact that you will need one for both your Murkrow as well as your Duoblade to evolve. I won't take no for an answer on this!" Theodora declared imperiously, ending any chance of further debate on the topic.
"But I don't have anything in return for you either!" Elise panicked "Sorry everyone, I really have to go, I'll see you all in class!" Elise announced to the room, as she grabbed two slices of toast Mariana had just put on a plate and jammed a whole omelette between them, before hurrying out of the room at breakneck speed.
"Ah, so much drama between the girls this morning, is there even anyone in this class who likes boys?" Atticus joked from the sink where he had started cleaning the baking trays. This in turn only earned him angry glares from Jacinto and Manuel, who were busy exchanging chocolates with one another over the breakfast table.
"Alright everyone, make sure to grab your Valentine's Day cookies before you leave for class!" Mariana announced as she handed her pan to Atticus. "One bag per person, and Theodora, if you could take Elise's along, she seems to have forgotten it. I'm going to go and make sure Erika gets up. Oh, and I guess I'll have to put Miss Leaf's in a box so they don't go bad."
Erika was currently dying. Once again she had chickened out at a crucial moment and as a result, she was currently watching Mariana hand a Valentine's Day gift to Nemona of all people. Apparently her family had sent her some Pokémon materials from their tribe a while ago, which she was now passing on to Nemona, who was already writing down a list of possible TMs she could make from them. And to top it all off, Erika was also horribly sleep deprived, due to that stupid chocolate not melting properly. Just what had she been thinking?
She was interrupted in her self-recriminations when Ostia arrived in the classroom and sat down on their seat, causing Mariana to pivot away from Nemona and towards Ostia, already digging through her backpack. She pulled out a thickly knitted hat, made from coloured yarn, and handed it to Ostia.
"I asked my mom to make one for you after I saw how much you were struggling with the cold in the Highlands during the Field Exercise," she explained. "I was planning on giving it to you for the Glaseado Field Exercise, but then Erika told me that today is a day for giving gifts to your friends," Erika cringed internally at this, "so I figured 'why not now?'"
"Oh, is that how Valentine's Day is celebrated?" Ostia asked innocently. "I've never had friends before to celebrate with me, Ms Raifort always disallowed me from associating with others." Mariana's face visibly darkened for a moment before she took the hat again and put it on Ostia's head, pulling it down by the ear flaps until it sat properly on their head. Erika wasn't sure whether Ostia really was so sheltered that they didn't know about Valentine's Day, or if they were just playing along with her rather… incomplete explanation of the holiday, but either way she decided not to poke at it.
"Well, Miss Raifort isn't here now, is she?" Mariana declared to some giggling by Ostia. "The colours of the wool are also the Ganzorig clan colours by the way, so every Andosin will know where you belong as long as you are wearing it!"
"Aw, thank you Miss Mary!" Ostia exclaimed while running their hands over the soft wool. "I'll make sure to take great care of it!" After a moment their expression turned pensive however. "Ah, but I have nothing for you in return! Oh dear!" And before Mariana could even get started telling them that she needed nothing in return continued: "Oh, I know! I recently heard about this famous restaurant that offers Alolan cuisine. How about I invite you and Miss Erika for dinner there? Oh, but you'll need some formal clothing, it's quite upscale apparently, so how about a shopping trip and then dinner together, as thanks for being such good friends to me over the last few months. How does that sound, Miss Mariana and Miss Erika?" they concluded happily.
Okay, now the brat had to be messing with her. Right? Right?!?
The afternoon found Erika once more stuck in the hateful kitchen, trying to melt a block of chocolate. This time however she barely dared to breathe as Mariana leaned against her and gently guided her hand through slowly stirring the partially melted chocolate in a glass bowl lodged atop a pot of boiling water.
Erika could barely hear her speak over the sound of blood rushing through her ears: "See, once you know how to do it, it's not all that hard. It just requires some patience and care. Now, do you have the baking pan ready?"
Erika nodded stiffly as she grabbed the pan and put it next to the stove. Mary took a step back and leaned against a counter, watching her. "Okay, so now you take the glass bowl and slowly pour the melted chocolate into the pan. Be sure to spread the chocolate around somewhat evenly, you can still distribute it afterwards, but it's much easier if it's not too uneven from the start. See, there we go!" She commented as Erika did her best to follow the instructions.
When she was done she put the pan aside and let out a tired breath. "Alright, now we just need to let it cool down," Mary said. "You could put it in the fridge too, but you might get some condensation on it that might cause the chocolate to split, so it's safer to just let it cool to room temperature on the counter. Oh, I completely forgot to ask, who are you making this for anyway?"
"It's for you, you giant dummy." Erika mumbled only to herself.
"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that, can you say it again?" Mary asked
"It's for you!" Erika nearly yelled out of frustration before reining herself back in and continuing in a quieter voice, "I was trying to make it myself and surprise you with it, but I couldn't even manage that and now you had to help me out with your own present." She slowly trailed off towards the end.
"Awww, aren't you the sweetest?" Mary almost squealed before grabbing her in a hug. "But you shouldn't have!" Erika's heart almost stopped before Mary continued speaking. "I don't feel like I've been a particularly good friend lately, between the gym challenges, training my team, managing the dorm whenever Miss Leaf is away, and schoolwork, I haven't really been able to spend much time with you or the others, I've just been a terrible frie-" she was cut off as Erika hit her forehead lightly with the side of her hand.
"Hey, no self-deprecation on my watch, alright? You have responsibilities and you fulfil them to everyone's benefit, nobody is going to fault you for doing so. Just look at how you dropped everything to make sure everyone had a good Valentine's Day. Anyway, don't apologise for being busy while you're attending the country's premier institution of learning, alright? We all are busy. We are meant to be!"
"Alright, I'm so- I mean thank you Erika." Mary said alongside a few sniffles. "Before I forget though, I did find something for you! The day has just been so busy, I nearly forgot to tell you! A few weeks ago I found some stables that will rent out Mudbrays and Mudsdales, I figured when the weather clears up a little we could get two Mudsdales, pack a picnic basket and take a ride through the Cortondo Forests, there's some really nice spots there that Elise and I found during our Ranger work." Erika's heart stopped for a moment before Mary continued. "How good are you at riding? I don't think I've ever asked."
"I've never done it before, it'd be my first time." Erika forced out before Mariana continued.
"Ah, in that case we can also just rent a single Mudsdale and get a two-seater saddle, they are strong enough to carry two people, and I can do all the work. As long as you are fine sitting behind me and holding onto me." She asked before immediately continuing. "Or I could sit behind you, but I'd basically be hugging you the entire ride so I can hold the reins, so as long as either of those options work for you we could totally do it. What do you think?"
"YES! I mean yes, I would like that very much!" Erika's idiot heart forced out before her too-smart-for-her-own-good brain could have any input. Her face had moved right past looking like a tomato about half a minute ago and now more closely resembled what she figured the surface of the sun must look like, both in colour and in temperature.
Maybe it wasn't entirely fair to Mariana, but the idea of spending several hours snuggled up against this ravishingly beautiful, effortlessly caring, frustratingly obtuse and intimidatingly tall girl just completely blotted out every other thought she could possibly have for the moment. Plus, it had been her idea, right? Right.
"When do you think we can do it? The sooner the better, right?"
"Are all the rooms upstairs clear?" your instructor asks as she double checks her office. With all of Class VII heading out for their Field Exercise, Leaf has decided to lock up the dorms for the week. You're currently helping Wiggly take stock of the perishables in the cupboards and fridge, while Theodora and Elise were upstairs making sure nothing was plugged in, and all the windows and doors were locked.
Group 2 had already gone on ahead after breakfast, leaving Group 1 behind to clean up. To be fair, you also needed to wait for Ostia.
"All clear here, Miss Leaf," Elise reports as she and Theodora descend the stairs. You keep sneaking glances at the dorm entrance waiting to see if Ostia shows up. According to Miss Leaf, one of Ostia's guardians will bring them to the Class VII dorms.
You hope it isn't Raifort.
"Wiggly! Mariana! Remember to bring the lunches for everyone!" You're snapped back to attention by Leaf's orders. Rather than let some of the perishables go to waste, Leaf had you and Wiggly make a few lunches for the rest of Class VII. You've really gotten used to cooking, if you say so yourself.
You and Wiggly finish up in the kitchen, putting the tupperwares of lunches into a bag. According to Miss Leaf, the inns your groups will be staying at for the week should have microwaves.
"Are we all done here?" Leaf asks. She is wearing her Ranger Uniform today and she has four Pokeballs connected to a belt around her waist. You and your classmates nod. Elise takes one of the bags containing the lunches from you, letting you carry your own luggage much more comfortably. Roland's Pokeball is strapped to your belt, while Renne's Pokeball is in your bag. It feels irresponsible just leaving her here.
"Now, how are we gonna pick up—"
A knock on the dorm's main door interrupts your instructor. Raising an eyebrow, Leaf motions for Wiggly to open it. The puffball eyes glow as the door opens on its own. At the main entrance is Ostia and Argy, the latter levitating the little kid's bags. Behind them is someone you hoped you'd never have to face again.
Raifort.
Ostia is nervous, they look almost afraid. You give your best reassuring look to them as Leaf sneaks a glance to you. Internally you're already seething. A fairy like Wiggly can probably pick up on that. The look she gives confirms it.
"You must be Ostia's guardian." Leaf says in a neutral tone. Elise seems confused, while Theodora does that face she makes when she's unsure of something. Raifort gives a little smile at your teacher.
"Indeed I am, my name is Raifort Arasia, you must be Leaf Midorikawa." There's tension in the air. Leaf's shadow is writhing, meaning Missy is agitated. But why?
You take a second look at Raifort, and you catch it. It is near imperceptible. It is only your familiarity with Missy that allows you to see it. Raifort's own shadow writhes. She has a Ghost-Type with her.
Both women remained silent, an unspoken conversation passing between them.
"Well, take care then, Ostia. You have your instructions." Ostia nods glumly at that. Whatever happened, Raifort turned away first.
"Do send my regards to His Highness, Miss Midorikawa." With that, she turns around and vanishes. Probably teleporting away.
With Raifort gone, Ostia runs to hug you. You reciprocate as best you can. They're shaking. You feel utterly helpless, just forced to watch as your friend suffers. Turning your gaze to Argy, your eyes ask your question for you.
'Later. Gengar still has his eyes on us.' That answers the question of what Ghost-type that was.
As you comfort and calm down Ostia; Elise and Theodora immediately barrage your instructor with questions.
"...Look, like it or not—I don't, for the record—she's Ostia's legal guardian. I barely know anything about her. Surprisingly little paper trail for a lab researcher." Leaf mutters that last part under her breath. Elise looks unsatisfied with your instructor's explanation while Theodora is outraged.
"...Do you want me to?" You ask Ostia who seems to have calmed down. You could probably explain some of what you know. They furiously shake their head.
"...I wanna go to Cortondo now." Ostia says meekly. You give them another hug as you shake your head at your classmate. With no explanation forthcoming, your group heads out, locking the dorms behind you.
What a great start to your Field Exercise.
Throughout Mesagoza, there's a decent number of urban trams that allow people to commute across the city. The month of August brings with it the last stretch of Summer and with that the Trainer Circuit is once again in full swing.
Trainers, young and old, greenhorn and veteran, scramble to head out from the urban settlements and back into the wild. To train, journey and eventually battle across the region. While taking the railways between cities isn't explicitly forbidden, for regular trainers there's a taboo to their usage.
Using Airships and Trains is seen by most Trainers as contrary to the spirit of a Journey. Just one of many reasons why a lot of them deeply resent Mesagoza students. The glares are out in full force today. While Mesagoza residents look at your group with a mix of pride, affection and nostalgia; a decent number of people with Pokemon have nothing but disdain for you.
It's even starting to get to Ostia, who's fidgeting. Elise is meditating, Rin placed on her lap, while Theodora is seemingly thriving at the looks of hostility given her way. You try your best to shrink away from the looks people give you.
At last you finally arrive at Naranja Station, the main railway artery connecting the capital to Western Paldea. Not to be confused with Naranja Gate, the primary way foot travel leaves Mesagoza.
Miss Leaf had sent Group 2 to go ahead and book tickets for the class. As Mesagoza Students, your Field Exercise is already covered by the Academy but your class still has to actually get the tickets at the station.
You look up at the morning sky. It's still pretty early. The trip from Mesagoza to Cortondo takes nearly two hours. You should arrive at your destination an hour or so before lunch.
Entering the station and the interior is just as grand as its counterpart in Uva Station. Ostia looks around wide eyed at the mosaics on the walls and ceiling of the building. The murals depict humans and Pokemon working together in harmony, and some even depict moments from Mesagozan history. The most striking one is a mural of Emperor Rodrigo atop his Imperial Rapidash, wielding Durandal, his Aegislash.
"Oh thank granmo—god you're here." A haggard looking Erika walks up to your group. She hands Group 1's tickets over to Elise before explaining what happened before you arrived.
"We've managed to split them apart for now. Nemona and Atticus are good at corralling them but Jacinto is way too easy to needle and Manuel likes needling him out of spite. We've split them up for now." To emphasize this, Erika points at the rest of Group 2. The two offenders are seated far apart from one another, Jacinto conversing with Nemona while Atticus discusses something with Manuel.
Before Leaf can say anything, Theodora speaks up.
"I'll try and have a word with Manuel. Elise, dear, could you talk with Jacinto for a bit?" The Medali heiress has a serious and unamused look on her face. She still occasionally sneaks glances at Ostia, asking either you or them if the kid is okay. You appreciate her concern, and from how Ostia smiles at them so do they.
As the two Group 1 members head to their respective quarries, you ask Erika if she's okay.
"Oh I'm fully prepared to do all the tasks with just Nemona and Atticus. Loathe as I am to say it, when it comes to battling, Nemona is the superior of everyone in class. With my intellect and Atticus' physical abilities, we should be able to make up for the two millstones around our necks." That's pretty mean but considering those two, probably not unwarranted.
Currently Theodora has grabbed Manuel by scruff of his neck, while Elise is whispering something to Jacinto. So that's going well.
"See! Things are working out!" Leaf commentates with a shit eating grin on her face. Erika looks unamused. Your instructor rolls her eyes.
"Fine, I'll keep an eye on Group 2 for most of the Field Exercise. Missy can keep watch over Group 1. Miss Class President!" You stand at attention at Leaf, who snorts and starts giggling at how serious you are.
…Stop it!
"Alright, Alright. First off, here." Leaf hands you a disc- it's a TM. "Forgot to give this to you during the weekend. Consider it a souvenir from Rime. Secondarily, while Elise is in charge of Group 1, try to keep an eye on your groupmates, it'll be part of your duties as Class President." Leaf's tone takes a turn for the serious as her instructions end.
You solemnly nod, promising to do your best. This causes your instructor's expression to ease up. With that she turns to face the rest of your class, a massive grin on her face.
"Alright, Duckletts! I hope everything is in order, 'cause it's time to go!"
Beyond the Queen of Cities, to its west, lies an endless green horizon.
Beyond the windows are the vast vistas of farmland that make the Imperial Breadbasket what it is. The Breadbasket is one of the largest stretches of land reserved entirely for agricultural use on the planet. Attempts to replicate something on a similar scale in other regions often face pushback, from Pokemon or otherwise, as they usually correlate with expansion of human habitation to the detriment of the Wild and the Pokemon inhabiting them.
Despite its already massive size, expansion is still ongoing at least to the west of the settlement. Paldea has historically been underpopulated in comparison to the sheer scale of the region. The books you've read give a myriad of reasons, ranging from things like carrying capacity—
"No fair! I want a rematch!" You're taken out of sightseeing and contemplation by Ostia being a sore loser. They're currently playing card games with Elise and Theodora. Group 1 is currently residing in a private passenger's cabin similar to the one you rode on the way to Mesagoza.
Prior to Ostia asking to join in on them, Elise and Theodora had been playing something called Triple Triad. You were interested but you apparently need your own deck to play. Fortunately Theodora had a set of playing cards on her, so you and her were able to teach Ostia how to play Pusoy dos, a popular shedding-card game. You remember the first time your brother taught you how to play, said it was a great time waster and you have to agree.
"Are you done staring wistfully out the window?" Theodora teases while shuffling the deck for another round. You roll your eyes in response.
"Don't worry, Ostia, I'll help you beat these two," you reassure them.
Unfortunately for the two of you, even with you and Ostia openly colluding, neither of you were able to triumph over your opponents. You weren't surprised at not beating Theodora but Elise is surprisingly good at card games herself. Your Group spends the rest of the train ride to Cortondo playing again and even some other card games, like Tong-its and Tycoon.
You're only occasionally interrupted by the sounds of yelling coming from Group 2's cabin. Miss Leaf had decided to stay with them, likely to keep an eye on them.
Your last game is interrupted by the conductor announcing that Cortondo is only a few minutes away. You finish up another round where Elise wins, and begin to prepare your bags for arrival.
You're not the only ones departing the train. There are those who commute between settlements for work, those wanting to visit friends and family (the start of the Circuit is technically a working holiday for most Paldeans), and even some wanting to see battles at the Cortondo Gym live. That's not even counting the occasional tourist deciding to visit Cortondo as part of their itinerary.
Miss Leaf corrals your group to a corner of the station for final instructions before the groups split up. You also take the opportunity to distribute the lunches you and Wiggly made for Class VII. You brush off the chorus of thank yous that you receive; it was the least you could do and it was better than letting the ingredients go to waste.
"Group 1 will be based during the Field Exercise at the Pirotin Inn, located in the eastern half of the settlement. Group 2 will be at the Sevaro Inn, at the western half of Cortondo. Since some people are unable to behave themselves I'll be spending most of my time with Group 2, only occasionally popping by to see how Group 1 is doing. Missy will accompany them, though."
As your instructor finishes, Missy emerges from Miss Leaf's shadow. She makes her way over to your group before diving into Elise's shadow. Your classmate rubs her hands together, exhaling to keep them warm.
"Your instructions for that day's Field Exercise will be handed out every morning by the innkeepers cooperating with the Academy on the matter. For today, you're allowed to roam about and get yourselves familiarized with Cortondo since you'll spend the next week here. I want you all to be on your best behavior. You are representing not just Class VII but also Mesagoza Academy as a whole." Leaf raises her voice for emphasis before it suddenly turns saccharine. "You all don't wanna embarrass your instructor. Don'tcha?"
At that, your instructor finally lets your Class go out into Cortondo proper. The sweet aroma of food is the first thing that hits you. The sheer difference between the settlement and Mesagoza is striking. There are very few buildings that you'd say look modern. Quaint and antiquated, if you were to describe the feeling you get from just looking at them. Bakeries and restaurants, houses and inns, there's even an old Geomantic parish here.
If Mesagoza is a city of the past and future of the region, Cortondo falls squarely onto the past side of the divide.
But there are modern buildings, greenhouses, orbal workshops, Battle Arenas, Pokemon Centers and, of course, the Cortondo Gym. Arguably the largest building in the settlement, built onto an old fort but modernized to fit with the changing times. Though they only make up a minority of the settlement's landscape, a microcosm of the image of Paldea as a region of ancient history reinventing itself for the current world.
There is also a massive line in front of the Gym for the start of the circuit. Trainers local and foreign to Cortondo are probably signing up as soon as possible. That could be an issue if you're wanting to sign up yourself. From how Nemona and Elise's smiles falter at the sight of the crowd, they're thinking the exact same thing.
As Class VII splits up and says goodbye to one another, the two groups go their separate ways. Your Mesogoza uniforms clearly mark you as outsiders. You get looks of curiosity from those who you assume are the locals, and the increasingly frequent disdainful stares from regular Trainers.
Occasionally flashes of recognition appear in people's eyes as they look at Theodora and sometimes even you. She takes it all in stride, pretending to not even notice the stares as she converses with Elise.
The looks you're getting on the other hand form a knot of anxiety in your gut. Do they recognize you as an Andosin or what? Sure, you have your hair tied up into a braid in the Andosin style, but that's not really something your people advertise to the world at large. They look away quickly enough that you can't really tell otherwise.
Ostia's grip on your hand tightens, as if sensing your nerves. "It's okay Miss Mary, lots of people just like staring. Most of them don't mean anything by it." Why are you getting lectured by a child? You chuckle, feeling like you've lost control of your life, if you even had it in the first place.
You finally arrive at Pirotin Inn. An archetypal example of the old wood and brickwork architecture that you've seen across Cortondo. The sign outside has a drawing of an Alcremie as its logo. Going inside, you're greeted by an old matronly woman who is tending to customers at the front desk. She, unsurprisingly, had an Alcremie helping her.
"Oh my, you must be the Academy students Leaf was talking about. Apologies, we weren't expecting you until lunch, we haven't even made anything yet." The old lady explains, her hair is entirely white due to her age and she's holding onto a walking stick.
"It's no problem at all. I hope we aren't intruding too much. We're Class VII of Mesagaza Academy Academic Year 2022." Elise introduces each member of your group to the old woman.
"Oh they have a new class now? But how rude of me, I haven't even introduced myself yet. My name is Ronah Araceli and here is my partner Pirotin." She gestures to her Alcremie who waves a hand at us while delivering the orders to the other customers. Wait…Araceli?
"Araceli? As in the Gym Leader?" asks Theodora before you can say anything.
Miss Ronah beams in pride at the mention of that. "Why, yes, little Katie is my beloved little granddaughter. She was a graduate of Mesagoza as well. Class V, if I remember correctly. My little inn frequently received students from the Academy even before Katie graduated. But we can tell stories later, let's get you settled in."
She leads your group upstairs while Alcremie takes over the front managing the customers. The room she provides your group is a pretty spacious one: it has four beds, a bathroom and even an old TV. You and your friends settle in and put down luggage, with Ostia even testing the bed. They give it their certified fluffy rating.
"If you need anything, just ask me. Field Exercises are a pretty stressful time from what Katie told me and I'm willing to lend an ear." With that, Ronah says goodbye, leaving your group to your devices.
You let Roland out and he immediately beelines straight for your pillow, monopolizing it for himself. Hm…you should probably introduce Renne to your classmates at some point. Hopefully she takes well to other people.
You're brought to attention by Theodora clearing her throat.
"So darlings, what are your plans for today?"
FIELD EXERCISE 1
FREE DAY MONDAY VOTE
AVAILABLE AP: 2
Pokedollars: 33,000 on your Person
League Points: 6,000 on your Trainer Card
Vote will be by Plan Voting
[] Yo! Champ in the Makin': One of the big draws and privileges of Academy Students over regular trainers (aside from the connections and resources made available to them), is essentially getting to cut in line for Gyms during Field Exercises. And what a line it is. With Gyms opening up in August, trainers have begun to flock towards the nearest Gyms to register early and get the chance to fight the Gym Leader. (1/3) -1 AP
As a Mesagoza Student your application to fight a gym will be fast tracked.
Increase Bond with Nemona and Atticus
(1/3) While you do get to schedule your Gym fight much earlier and much quicker than regular trainers, you still have to schedule it, which means getting in a line in the first place. Will reserve 1 AP tomorrow for Gym Trainer Fight and 1 AP the day after that for Gym Leader Fight.
(2/3) Since this is your first Gym, you will fight a Gym Trainer to gauge your competence. 1d20+SKLL Roll. DC 16
(3/3) The winner of the 2018 Paldean League Conference: she managed to beat Rika and Old Man Tenma, Poppy's predecessor, and lost to Elite Four member Larry Laureano. She's the second-youngest currently reigning Gym Leader, and a proud supporter of La Primera's reformist agenda. A Bug/Normal dual Type Trainer: Katie Aracelli would like to battle. vs. GYM LEADER KATIE ARACELI. MAJOR BATTLE 2V2
[] When In Rime: You briefly explored Mesagoza during your first week in the city. Cortondo is much smaller in comparison, you could probably spare a couple of hours seeing the sights, visiting the locales and just exploring to your heart's content. -1 AP
Lowers DC of all Mandatory and Optional Tasks for Tuesday and Wednesday by 2
Increases Bond with Elise and Ostia
[] Cortondo Cart: You've kept it on the down low but you haven't bought any supplies yet for the Field Exercise. You just didn't have the time to spare while in Mesagoza to buy any. Aside from things like exploration equipment, rope, and other Trainer essentials, you'll probably also need some healing items. The local stores have some selection of TMs but there's much less variety than in Mesagoza. And they're much more expensive here. -1 AP
Lowers DC of all PROW Rolls during the Field Exercise by 2
Current Pokedollars: 33,000
Increased Bond with Erika and Manuel
Allows the purchase of healing items as well as some Simple and Advanced TMs
Healing Item Cost Range: 3,000 - 10,000
Simple and Advanced TM Cost Range 15,000 - 40,000
[] Going into Tall Grass (Badajoz Heights): Field Exercises are an opportunity for Academy Students to go out and catch new Pokemon. Your choice for your third member will be a major one and shouldn't be taken likely.
Badajoz was built on a Plateau of a similar nature but a much smaller scale to the Aragon. It is unclear whether the name for the Heights or the former settlement came first. What is known is that the riches and minerals of the plateau fueled the prosperity of Badajoz during the First Empire. Now the mines along with the settlement lay abandoned, the reasons lost to local myth and legend.
In the absence of human habitation, the vacuum was filled by Pokemon. -1 AP
Will look for your third Pokemon in the part of the Province assigned to you
Increase Bond with Theodora
Currently Available Pokemon Choices: Nacli, Aron and Drilbur
One reason or another has prevented the large-scale mineral exploitation of the Heights. This has resulted in all sorts of Pokemon making the caves of the plateau their home. Sizable salt deposits hint at the long term habitation of the Nacli in the area, while the presence of iron and copper ore attract Arons and Drilbur who feed on said minerals to fuel their evolutions.
Pokemon Choices unlocked via Mandatory and Optional Tasks during the Field Exercise: Pawniard and Tinkatink
A Tinkatink Guild had recently moved into the Heights bringing it into conflict with the local Pawniard Battalions. Led by a Tinkatuff and a Bisharp respectively. The two species have been feuding and fighting for the past few years for territory and resources. The former require rich minerals for their weaponry and the latter need the same for sustenance and the maintenance of their blades. However…
[] Going into Tall Grass (Badajoz Ruins): Field Exercises are an opportunity for Academy Students to go out and catch new Pokemon. Your choice for your third member will be a major one and shouldn't be taken likely.
It was said that at its apex, Badajoz could rival Cascaraffa and Artazon in splendor. There were even historical records of the Counts of Badajoz pushing to be made an equal of the Great Houses. That ended during the Great Collapse. Whatever calamity befell Mesagoza during it, also struck at the nearby settlement. The constant conflict between the successor states of Cascaraffa and Mesagoza likely did not help efforts to reestablish a settlement in the area.
For one reason or another the Imperial seat never made the resettlement of Badajoz a priority, even in the aftermath of the reunification, an era where despite its subservience to the Imperial seat. Nearby Cortondo was still firmly under the thumb of the Dukes of Cascaraffa.
But that is history, today the Ruins are host to all sorts of rare Pokemon. -1 AP
Will look for your third Pokemon in the part of the Province assigned to you
Increase Bond with Elise and Theodora
Currently Available Pokemon Choices: Yamask, Woobat and Charcadet
In some areas of the ruins, there are still buildings large enough and intact enough that entire ecosystems of Pokemon exist within them. Both known variations of Yamasks have been sighted wandering the Ruins aimlessly at night. A few decades ago, a trainer's Swoobat had set up a colony in the remains of a church of the Geomantic Faith. Flights of Woobats going forth at night to hunt Bug Pokemon. As with any ruin in Paldea, Charcadet squads are also a common sight, as they search for tinder and fuel for their unceasing fires.
Pokemon Choices unlocked via Mandatory and Optional Tasks during the Field Exercise: Gimmighoul and Bronzor
Local legend claims that during the Great Collapse, a Courtier of the Imperial Family had fled with the Imperial Treasury while chaos consumed the capital. What followed varied, some claimed he was beset upon by bandits, the wealth scattered to the winds; others say that he had fled to Badajoz with the Treasury, cursing the settlement in the same manner as the capital and even some said that he had successfully hidden the Imperial Treasury in the caves of Badajoz before he was slain. The Treasure lost forever to time.
[] Going into Tall Grass (Cortondo Breadbasket): Field Exercises are an opportunity for Academy Students to go out and catch new Pokemon. Your choice for your third member will be a major one and shouldn't be taken likely.
How does a region feed a population of millions while remaining hostile to local Pokemon? The answer is they don't. Long standing agreements and traditions between the people of Cortondo and wild Pokemon have led to a form of cohabitation. Locals and historical records claim that this relationship with Pokemon had existed since the settlement was founded millenia ago.
Many of Cortondo's exports, aside from foodstuffs and crops, have been Pokemon material, edile or otherwise. Combee Honey, Kakuna and Metapod shells, Moomoo Milk and so much more. This more than anything else, is the cornerstone of Cortondo's identity and pride as a province of Paldea. Anything that could threaten this could be catastrophic, so the catching of Pokemon is extremely regulated. -1 AP
Will look for your third Pokemon in the part of the Province assigned to you
Increase Bond with Ostia
Currently Available Pokemon Choices: Smoliv
The small Grass-type is common enough that despite the value of its olive oil, locals aren't particularly too fussed about Trainers catching one for themselves, as long as the Pokemon agrees, of course. After all, there's more to Cortondo's world famous Lusia Olive Oil than what the Smoliv line can provide, its recipe being a secret amongst the families that cultivate it.
Pokemon Choices unlocked via Mandatory and Optional Tasks during the Field Exercise: Fidough, Combee, Fomantis and Applin
On the other side of the coin, historical influences from Cascaraffa have led to the practice of Pokemon Familial Adoption. Where Pokemon are registered in the Familial records of the households they coexist with. Not quite Trainer Pokemon but not quite Wild either. It's actually a process you're quite familiar with as an Andosin. You're likely going to have to convince both the Pokemon's guardians (human or otherwise) if you want to catch one.
[] Going into Tall Grass (Badajoz Forest): Field Exercises are an opportunity for Academy Students to go out and catch new Pokemon. Your choice for your third member will be a major one and shouldn't be taken likely.
A rather archetypal forest in Paldea, most of Badajoz Forest is well traveled and watched by Trainer Associations from Cortondo and Mesagoza. As a result it's actually rather safe in comparison to places like the Tagtree Thicket or the Fede Great Forest. You doubt there'll be any big surprises here. -1 AP
Will look for your third Pokemon in the part of the Province assigned to you
Average Starting Strength is higher than in other Biomes
Currently Available Pokemon Choices: Deerling, Pineco, Shroodle
The forest are the typical feeding grounds of the Woobats located at the Badajoz Ruins, this has resulted in a vacuum where Bug Pokemon unable to resist a Woobat's attacks have been forced out. This combined with the frequent presence of humans have made the most of the Pokemon of the forest much more hospitable to humans and have made them more resilient in comparison to the average in the rest of the province.
Pokemon Choices unlocked via Mandatory and Optional Tasks during the Field Exercise: Teddiursa and Foongus
The size of the forest is actually rather deceptive, attempts to reach the deepest parts of the woods by outsiders ending in confusion and them getting lost. Simultaneously well-traveled yet possessing a mysterious inner sanctum. It is in the boundary between the two that someone can hide in, undetected by the wider world.
Moratorium for 18 Hours
Gain 200 CHRM XP for passing Raifort CHRM Check
Received TR for Substitute (Pokemon in team that can learn it: Roland and Renne)
Thanks to Tempera and Nemastrea for proofreading
[X] Plan Prepping For a Successful Week
-[X] When in Rime
-[X] Cortondo Cart
"Thish ish ghreat, Mhary!" Ostia says with a mouthful. You rub some of the food on their lip with a napkin. Talking with their mouth full is becoming a habit of theirs.
Currently, Group 1 is enjoying the lunches you made at Pirotin Inn. Your group was eating in your inn room, using the tables to avoid messing up your beds. Alongside you were most of your group's Pokemon, intermingling with one another and enjoying their own meals courtesy of Miss Ronah.
Most of them get along well enough. Murkrow and Rin are conversing with Ostia's Staryu. Sharon and Argy are huddled together discussing something between the two of them, occasionally looking at Renne who is eating next to a reluctant looking Roland.
You had decided to introduce Renne to your classmates, since you're hoping you could use the opportunity during the Field Exercise to bond with them.
"So are you certain she doesn't want to battle?" Asks Theodora, referring to Renne.
"Yeah, she's not interested in helping me in Gyms, but she seems okay with helping during the Field Exercise." The Pokemon being discussed in question spares a look at you before going back to annoying Roland. It was something you discussed the night before.
You suspect she agreed to do so because she's starved for interactions with Pokemon other than Roland. You kind of get the feeling that there's something more to how frostily Roland acts towards her than you suspect.
"So three members of our little group will be planning to get a Pokemon during the Field Exercise. Are you sure you don't want to join us, Ostia?"
The person in question shakes their head while looking slightly downcast. You wonder why they don't want to. Ostia loves Pokemon. They were so excited to introduce Poly to you and whenever they talk about Pokemon, you can feel the infectious enthusiasm in their voice and tone.
The look on Theodora's face tells you she's thinking something similar.
Ostia finishes swallowing what they were eating and responds to Theodora's question. "I, uh– wanna go exploring today." The attempt to deflect is obvious, you and Theodora share a look between the two of you. From how uncomfortable Ostia looks, you two decide to drop the line of questioning.
"Oh, I was planning on roaming around Cortondo today to get a lay of the land. I could accompany you, if you wish?" Elise asks Ostia, to which the latter rapidly nods in response. Ostia's shoulders relax, seemingly unaware that they had been tense in the first place. You feel awful at having doubted your friend in the first place. You need to make it up to them.
"Cortondo is pretty famous for its baked goods. We could go around town trying the local delicacies. Wouldn't that sound fun, Ostia?" Any traces of nerves and anxiety have fully vanished from how their eyes light up in excitement. It's been awhile since you've spent some time with Ostia outside of Cooking Club. Ostia must've been looking forward to spending time with you again.
It's settled, you're gonna make sure Ostia has fun today no matter what!
"Oh? Are you kids going to be partaking in the delicacies of our little town? How about I give you youngins' a taste? Free of charge!" Seemingly overhearing part of your conversation, Miss Ronah walks through the open door with a platter of homemade slices of apple fritter pie.
While you're enjoying your share, you wonder what a pie made from Applin would taste like. If you recall correctly, they can regrow parts of their apple pretty easily. Hopefully you'll be able to find out during the Field Exercise.
After lunch, Theodora and the rest of Group I went their separate ways. She was headed to the Badajoz Heights and Ruins in search of a specific Pokemon. Elise also apparently wanted to search in a similar location but decided she'll just catch up to Theodora later. For now, she's alongside you and Ostia in exploring Cortondo.
The first location in your itinerary (suggested by a completely unbiased Miss Ronah) was Katie's bakery, Patisserie Soapberry. Founded shortly after she won her 8th Badge, the establishment achieved region wide fame and acclaim after her victory in the 2018 Conference. Focusing on quality pastries and baked goods, Soapberry primarily caters to customers in Cortondo, Mesagoza and Cascaraffa.
Katie became Gym Leader a little over two years ago—you wonder how she has the schedule to run her shop and manage a gym full-time. As you approach the establishment itself, you find out how.
At the front of the shop, managing a decently sized line was a girl around your age assisted by an Orbeetle. The building with its blue tiled roof is larger than some of the other bakeries you've seen in Mesagoza. Your group lines up and waits your turn to order.
"Hello! Welcome to Patisserie Soapberry! What would you like?" Looking at the menu, most of their sweets are made to look like all sorts of Bug-Type Pokemon. A Pecha berry tart made to resemble a Combee, a Tarantoula cupcake with the frosting resembling the Pokemon's yarn ball, and all other sorts of pastries.
Ostia buys a couple for your group, insisting that they pay despite your and Elise's protests. Eventually the two of you relent after Ostia insists repeatedly on paying. At least they seem to enjoy the Combee tarts.
You spend a little more time going around town, trying out the various snacks and meals for sale in the various bakeries and street vendors in the settlement. You almost regret making a heavy lunch for your class now. You're so full that you feel lethargic.
Next in your itinerary was going to see a Gym Challenge held at the western part of town. Today's challenges are for those regular Trainers who signed up extremely early. It's something you won't really be experiencing as a Mesagoza student if you do challenge the Gym during the Field Exercise.
For most trainers, there are two parts to a Gym Challenge (technically three parts if it's your first badge, though). What people informally call the Gym Test, where a Trainer's skill beyond just battling is measured and put to the test by a course of the Gym Leader's own making. And the Gym Battle itself, where you fight the Gym Leader with a badge appropriate team.
From what you've read, it's a hybrid of the battle heavy Shinwan Gym method with the ones more common in regions like Unova and Galar.
A pretty large portion of land has been reserved for use in the Gym Test. On it is an artificial forest, grown and managed by the League's Grass-Type. The trees are infused with the Grass TE of the Gym's stronger Grass Types. This makes it so that the challengers Pokemon will have a difficult time just burning through the test venue.
Your group is currently in one of the viewing areas of a nearby stadium. Requisitioned for use by the League to broadcast the Gym Tests of the day's challengers. Challengers take the Gym Test in batches in accordance to their Badge level. With the difficulty and complexity of the test adjusted the more badges you have.
The current batch of challengers is, according to the commentator of the broadcast, at the 3rd Badge Level. There were around a dozen of them and none of them really stood out all that much to you. Pokemon-wise, the challengers seem to mostly have Flying Types with a Grass or Bug Type alongside them. The flying camera (apparently connected to a Combee) pans over the challengers and you can see the myriad of nervous and anxious faces on them.
It's then that you realize that if you ever do challenge a Gym, it's going to be broadcast to the entire town and later recorded for the whole region to watch.
"Are you okay, Mariana? You look queasy?" Asks Elise next to you, who looked up from polishing Rin's blade. Is it that obvious?
"Oh…you know…just feeling sorry for the challengers. Their Gym Test is being broadcast for everyone to see." Elise nods in response.
"I get it. I'd feel nervous if I was in their situation, too. I think it's okay to feel things like that." You look away, why do you feel like you're getting lectured?
"It's starting! It's starting!" Ostia interrupts the two of you from brooding any further as the announcer officially begins the Gym Test.
Cortondo's Gym Test is a cross between a scavenger hunt and a cooking competition. Challengers are tasked with finding berries and Pokemon ingredients throughout the forest, after gathering them they are to cook a meal for themselves and their Pokemon. All while being harassed by "Wild Pokemon." Who are in actuality Gym Trainers with their own Pokemon tasked with hindering the challengers.
You watch the various trainers scatter into the forest in groups of two or three. How the test is run makes any groups larger than that difficult. In comparison, solo trainers are easy to pick off and are forced to rely entirely on their Pokemon which can be a valid strategy. Speaking off…
You wince as the first challenger is knocked out of the test. Both of his Pokemon, a Starly and a Pansage, got taken out by a Gym Trainer's Dwebble while he was gathering berries.
Another aspect of the Gym Test is coordination between your team. Challengers are encouraged to have multiple Pokemon out at once to protect from the "Wild Pokemon" and to help find their objectives.
It tests the cohesion of a Trainer's team and their ability to coordinate more than one Pokemon at once. Once all your Pokemon are knocked out. You lose the test and by extension the Gym Challenge. Only those who accomplish the objective are allowed to progress and fight the Gym Leader.
Unless, of course, you're a Mesagoza student; then everything above is irrelevant as long as you challenge Gyms during Field Exercises.
A number of other trainers in the viewing area are taking notes while watching the challenge, likely for their own attempts. Occasionally, some of them send glares along your way.
Ruminating on it, it strikes you just how unfair it must feel for your average trainer. Mesagoza students technically don't even go on a Journey. Regular trainers have to hike and travel all across the region, from settlement to settlement to get their badges. A part of you understands why they're so bitter at students like you.
Even if you could do without the glares. Thankfully, Ostia is too entranced by the Gym Test to notice. Both you and Elise stare back at the trainers glaring at your group. You're interrupted by the sound of the buzzer announcing another challenger was knocked out.
Of the original dozen, less than half remain. It's been a little over 30 minutes and the entire Test lasts for an hour. You see one of the Trainers use their Woobat to communicate with the Whirlipede guarding one of the objectives: Combee honey. All of the objectives have a Gym Trainer and their Pokemon nearby to defend against Trainers that get close.
According to the announcer, you can apparently gather extra than what you need for your own cooking task. Spending more time at a single objective so you have items to bargain with later. The Gym Pokemon are encouraged to act like Wild Pokemon, so making them mad would cut negotiations short. Like what just happened with the girl that was negotiating for the Combee honey. You wince as the girl nearly gets bowled over by the Whirlipede.
Only three challengers remain, all of them in a singular group that's been working together the entire Gym Test. Now comes the final part of the challenge. With all of the items and objectives gathered, they're supposed to head to a clearing in the middle of the forest where a makeshift campsite awaits. Using the fire and the cookware available, they're supposed to cook something edible to eat. While, of course, defending against "Wild Pokemon" attracted to the smell of food.
The trio takes shifts cooking their individual meals. One watches the food, while the two defend against the "Wild Pokemon." It's obvious from how they're panting and breathing that they're exhausted. The constant battle and running around from objective to objective has worn them down. It's a genuine nailbiter. No wonder people consider the 3rd Badge to be where a lot of less dedicated and skilled Trainers are filtered out.
The sound of a loud buzzer announces the end of the test, with all three of the last group making it, to the cheers of the audience. Even Ostia's yelling out of sheer joy and excitement. The trio nearly collapse onto the forest floor out of sheer exhaustion. The announcer says that the next Gym Test will be in 30 minutes as the current batch's challengers are escorted out.
"So that's how Cortondo manages its Gym Test…" You hear Elise whisper to herself as your group heads out of the stadium. She's from Glaseado, right?
"It's my first time seeing one. Does Montenevera do something similar?" You ask, curious about Elise's hometown. She looks away rather embarrassed.
"Do you go snowboarding during the Gym Challenge!?" Ostia asks bright eyed. Elise, now being pressured at two fronts, has no choice but to answer.
"I-I mean I can't speak for how Sir Grusha runs the Glaseado Gym, I mean he's a Ranger I can probably…" Elise mutters the last part before shaking her head. "But Miss Tyme has challengers navigate through the old caves and mines lower down the mountain, eventually heading up to where Montenevara is situated. What they're tasked with doing in the caves depends on the challenger's badge level."
"Montenevera is pretty lively around this time of year. A lot of trainers and tourists like staying at the hot springs Father runs as part of his duties as Baron." There's an affectionate tone in Elise' voice as she talks about her home.
Elise's phone suddenly rings, she picks it up and a panicked look grows on her face.
"I am so sorry Thea, I just lost track of time! I swear I'll be on my way!" You check your phone as Elise offers apologies to who you're assuming is Theodora. Huh, it is pretty late. Gonna be dusk in a few minutes or so. You didn't expect that Gym Test to take so long.
"Eli is in trouble." A mischievous look accompanies the sing-song tone of Ostia's voice.
"Is Eli the nickname you gave her? That's adorable." It's Ostia's turn to be embarrassed, as they deny the adorable allegations to little effect. Elise breathes a sigh of relief at having escaped teasing just yet.
"Take care, you two. I gotta run to meet up with Theodora. See ya! Today was great!" Bids Elise goodbye as she takes off to head east to where she and Theodora were supposed to meet up.
Leaving only you and Ostia behind.
"Does adorable wanna go shopping?" You ask them. Ostia, pouting, grumbles in agreement.
As a settlement, Cortondo is a lot less crowded and filled with people than Mesagoza. Which isn't to say that it's empty; most cities probably feel empty in comparison to the capital. But you're already getting used to traveling and commuting throughout the settlement even though it's just your first day. Though the fact that you're actively focusing on your surroundings probably helps.
After commuting via tram, you and Ostia are currently in the largest Poke-Mart in Cortondo. The selection is probably going to be a lot less varied in comparison to Mesagoza. Not that you could really tell since you've never gone there. You're just taking Ostia's word for it.
You did, however, encounter two fellow members of Class VII. Erika and Manuel.
"It's actually surprising just how well rich-kid over here can haggle." Erika points to Manuel who's carrying two bags of Trainer supplies. Currently the four of you are in the PokeMart's TM section. Ostia's looking through the selection and wondering what new moves they'll teach their Pokemon.
"There's a lot this class doesn't know about me. Do you have what you need for tomorrow?" Manuel asks to which Erika nods in response and pulls out a container with rare looking berries.
"Are you gonna use that to try and catch a Scyther?" You remember one of Erika's Buneary-brained schemes involves bribing and challenging a Scyther on a 1v1 with Cornelia. You wrack your brain remembering how she mentioned that certain mixtures of food and berries can attract Scythers. Is she actually going through with it?
"Of course! I've invested far too much time into this to give up now! By tomorrow, I will be the proud trainer of a Scyther!" Despite the outwardly confident tone, you can tell she's deeply nervous. She puffs up her chest and scratches at her finger whenever she's like that
"I believe in you, Erika. You're you, after all." You try your best to give her the confidence boost she needs. She looks away, embarrassed for some reason.
"...Atticus wasn't kidding, this is dire." Manuel's comment earns him a glare from Erika.
"What about you, Manuel, what're your plans for tomorrow?" He's probably the person you've spent the least amount of time with. Which you kind of feel bad about. You're failing your duties as a Class President.
"I will also be seeking to add a second member to my team. Maybe even the third, if I'm lucky." Manuel responds looking pensive.
"Are you actually serious about that Gyarados thing?" Pretty sure most Magikarps take a long time before evolving to Gyarados. If you're going for one, you'll have to commit." Erika's look is skeptical of Manuel's plan. Wouldn't that be his second Water-Type?
"I'm…mostly certain of it. We'll cross that bridge when we get there—" Manuel is interrupted by Ostia finally coming back to you with a few TMs and a plushie in hand.
"Mary! Aren't we supposed to go shopping!?" Right, that's what you're here for.
Items
Description
Effect
Cost
Potion Pack
A baker's dozen of Potions for use by Trainers
Heals 1 Wound. Does not Work on Pokemon with 3 Wounds or More. Will Last for 5 Major and Minor Battles
3000
Super Potion Pack
A baker's dozen of Super Potions for use by Veteran Trainers
Heals 2 Wounds. Does not Work on Pokemon with 4 Wounds or More. Will Last for 5 Major and Minor Battles
8000
Full Heal Pack
An assortment of Antidotes, Awakenings and other Healing Items
Heals All Status Ailments. Will Last for 5 Major and Minor Battles (Not including Gym Battles)
10000
TR Trailblaze
A non reuseable disc containing the move Trailblaze
Advanced Move. +3 to Next 2 Initiative Rolls. Mastery Unlocks Grassy Glide
12000
TM Trailblaze
A reuseable disc containing the move Trailblaze
Advanced Move. +3 to Next 2 Initiative Rolls. Mastery Unlocks Grassy Glide
28000
TR Incinerate
A non reuseable disc containing the move Incinerate
Advanced Move. Can Burn. Mastery Unlocks Flamethrower
14000
TM Incinerate
A reuseable disc containing the move Incinerate
Advanced Move. Can Burn. Mastery Unlocks Flamethrower
30000
TR Protect
A non reuseable disc containing the move Protect
Advanced Move. Take No Damage from Moves that Turn. Limited Number of Uses in Battle
16000
TM Protect
A reuseable disc containing the move Protect
Advanced Move. Take No Damage from Moves that Turn. Limited Number of Uses in Battle
34000
TR Rest
A non reuseable disc containing the move Rest
Fully Recovers HP. Inflicts Self with Sleep.
18000
TM Rest
A reuseable disc containing the move Rest
Fully Recovers HP. Inflicts Self with Sleep.
40000
TR Thunder Wave
A non reuseable disc containing the move Thunder Wave
Causes Paralysis if User's Effect Roll is at least 20 (Trainer SKLL included)
15000
TM Thunder Wave
A reuseable disc containing the move Thunder Wave
Causes Paralysis if User's Effect Roll is at least 20 (Trainer SKLL included)
35000
Mishy Doll
A doll of Rime City's Meowtic Mascot. Incredibly Fluffy and Lovable
Next Regular Turn Bonding Event with Renne will Greatly Increase Bond
8000
Aviator Goggles
For those with an interested in flying high into the sky
Next Regular Turn Bonding Event with Roland will Greatly Increase Bond
8000
It's been a long day and the Field Exercise technically hasn't even started yet. You and Ostia say farewell to the members of Group 2 and head back to Pirotin Inn with your haul alongside you. Since there's a lot less people out and about, you and Ostia decided to send out your Pokemon. Well, Ostia only sends out Argy so they can help with levitating your bags.
Renne's enjoying being out and about, she seems to be much more happy at night than in the day. Roland meanwhile is wrapped around your neck as always, the lazy bones, napping and enjoying the cool night breeze.
Back at Pirotin Inn, you meet up the haggard looking duo of Theodora and Elise. And from the lack of new pokeballs on their belts, the two came back empty handed.
"No luck looking for Pokemon?" You ask, wondering what happened. Theodora only grumbles in response.
"We went searching, but the Pokemon Theodora was looking for was nowhere to be found. Which is surprising, the locals said Pawniards were pretty common around the Heights. I wonder what happened." Elise responds, wondering out loud.
"Well there's always tomorrow, darlings. How about you two, was your trip at least fruitful?" Theodora asks, though she actually looks exhausted.
"Well, I bought some stuff that would probably help us during the Field Exercise, and we ran into Erika and Manuel, so I say it turned out alright." Theodora sighs after you finish talking, before standing up from her bed.
"At least this day wasn't a complete drag. Come, I'll help arrange what you bought so that we'll be able to eat dinner soon. I believe Miss Ronah has something delicious in store for us." Theodora says.
"It'll be a new day tomorrow."
FIELD EXERCISE 1
TUESDAY VOTE
AVAILABLE AP: 3
Pokedollars: 33,000 on your Person
League Points: 6,000 on your Trainer Card
Vote will be by Plan Voting [X] Day One Mandatory Tasks: Taking you from the sleepy homes of the settlement itself all the way to the edges of the provinces routes, this day's Tasks is meant to get you acquainted with the Great Imperial Breadbasket.
Weed Whacker: Harvest Season is still a month away, but the duty of keeping Bug and certain Grass Types away from the crops is a year long duty. All of Group 1 will do a 1d20+SKLL Roll. DC 22. Lowered due to Prior Actions. Failing Roll will apply Wound but still accomplish Task
Crafting Cholesterol: A cavalcade of errors across the bakeries and restaurants of the town has led to multiple orders ending up in the wrong places or customers. All of Group 1 will do a 1d20+CHRM and 1d20+PROW Roll. DC 18 and 16. Lowered due to Prior Actions
Rewards: 8,000 Pokedollars, 3 Pokemon Materials, 200 Poke and STAT XP
Unlocks Breadbasket Encounters (Combee and Fidough)
[] Day One Optional Task: How Many Students to Change a Lightbulb?: Route Lamps are a big part of human infrastructure out in the routes. Something about how certain light frequencies only achievable via orbal technology can keep away most Wild Pokemon. While they do nothing to actually deter a truly dedicated Pokemon or a ranged attack, they still dot the paths and rails of the region.
The rare metals that often make up the Route Lamps make them juicy targets for certain Steel Type Pokemon. -1 AP
MAJOR BATTLE. Defeat will accomplish the Task but will apply Wound and Status Ailments to battling Pokemon. Defeat will still unlock Encounters
Group 1 will battle multiple Pokemon that have set up near the Route Lamp.
Rewards: 10,000 Pokedollars, 4 Pokemon Materials, 400 Poke XP
Unlocks Heights Encounters (Pawniard and Tinkatink)
Is mutually exclusive with: The Lost Woods
[] Day One Optional Task: The Lost Woods: Last night, Trainer Associate Watterson was seen stumbling drunkenly out of a bar on the edge of Cortondo. He had accidentally left his Pokeballs in the bar's men's washroom. Local search and rescue had pinpointed his location to somewhere within the Badajoz Forest.
Do find him and return him to the Local Trainer Association so his superior can give him the dressing down of his life. -1 AP
All of Group 1 will do a 1d20+PROW Roll. DC 24. Lowered due to Prior Actions. Failing Roll still accomplish Task but give lower rewards (50% less)
Group 1 will look for a Missing Person
Rewards: 15,000 Cash, 2 Pokemon Materials, 200 Poke XP and 400 STAT XP
Unlocks Forests Encounters (Teddiursa and Foongus)
Is mutually exclusive with: How Many Students to Change a Lightbulb?
[] Yo! Champ in the Makin': One of the big draws and privileges of Academy Students over regular trainers (aside from the connections and resources made available to them), is essentially getting to cut in line for Gyms during Field Exercises. And what a line it is. With Gyms opening up in August, trainers have begun to flock towards the nearest Gyms to register early and get the chance to fight the Gym Leader. (1/3) -1 AP
As a Mesagoza Student, your application to fight a gym will be fast tracked.
Increase Bond with Elise and Jacinto
(1/3) While you do get to schedule your Gym fight much earlier and much quicker than regular trainers, you still have to schedule it, which means getting in a line in the first place. Will reserve 1 AP tomorrow for Gym Trainer Fight and 1 AP the day after that for Gym Leader Fight.Will Unlock Further Options to Train and prepare for a Gym Battle
(2/3) Since this is your first Gym, you will fight a Gym Trainer to gauge your competence. 1d20+SKLL Roll. DC 16
(3/3) The winner of the 2018 Paldean League Conference: she managed to beat Rika and Old Man Tenma, Poppy's predecessor, and lost to Elite Four member Larry Laureano. She's the second-youngest currently reigning Gym Leader, and a proud supporter of La Primera's reformist agenda. A Bug/Normal dual Type Trainer: Katie Aracelli would like to battle. vs. GYM LEADER KATIE ARACELI. MAJOR BATTLE 2V2
[-] ...Do as the Rimeans do: There's still probably some nooks and crannies of the settlement you haven't seen yet. You find that you enjoy exploring places, especially if it's with friends. -1 AP
Lowers DC of all Mandatory and Optional Tasks for Thursday and Friday by 2
Increases Bond with Elise and Ostia
Available starting Wednesday
[] Cortondo Cart: While you've already most of what you expect you'll need for Field Exercise, it won't hurt to go out and buy some extra. You never know when you'll need it.
Current Pokedollars: 33,000
Allows the purchase of healing items as well as some Simple and Advanced TMs
Healing Item Cost Range: 3,000 - 10,000
Simple and Advanced TM Cost Range 15,000 - 40,000
[] Going into Tall Grass (Badajoz Heights): Field Exercises are an opportunity for Academy Students to go out and catch new Pokemon. Your choice for your third member will be a major one and shouldn't be taken likely.
Badajoz was built on a Plateau of a similar nature but a much smaller scale to the Aragon. It is unclear whether the name for the Heights or the former settlement came first. What is known is that the riches and minerals of the plateau fueled the prosperity of Badajoz during the First Empire. Now the mines along with the settlement lay abandoned, the reasons lost to local myth and legend.
In the absence of human habitation, the vacuum was filled by Pokemon. -1 AP
Will look for your third Pokemon in the part of the Province assigned to you
Increase Bond with Theodora
Currently Available Pokemon Choices: Nacli, Aron and Drilbur
One reason or another has prevented the large-scale mineral exploitation of the Heights. This has resulted in all sorts of Pokemon making the caves of the plateau their home. Sizable salt deposits hint at the long term habitation of the Nacli in the area, while the presence of iron and copper ore attract Arons and Drilbur who feed on said minerals to fuel their evolutions.
Pokemon Choices unlocked via Mandatory and Optional Tasks during the Field Exercise: Pawniard and Tinkatink
A Tinkatink Guild had recently moved into the Heights bringing it into conflict with the local Pawniard Battalions. Led by a Tinkatuff and a Bisharp respectively. The two species have been feuding and fighting for the past few years for territory and resources. The former require rich minerals for their weaponry and the latter need the same for sustenance and the maintenance of their blades. However…
[] Going into Tall Grass (Badajoz Ruins): Field Exercises are an opportunity for Academy Students to go out and catch new Pokemon. Your choice for your third member will be a major one and shouldn't be taken likely.
It was said that at its apex, Badajoz could rival Cascaraffa and Artazon in splendor. There were even historical records of the Counts of Badajoz pushing to be made an equal of the Great Houses. That ended during the Great Collapse. Whatever calamity befell Mesagoza also struck the nearby settlement. The constant conflict between the successor states of Cascaraffa and Mesagoza likely did not help efforts to reestablish a settlement in the area.
For one reason or another, the Imperial Seat never made the Badajoz resettlement a priority. Even in the aftermath of the reunification, an era where despite its subservience to the Imperial Seat, nearby Cortondo was still firmly under the thumb of the Dukes of Cascaraffa.
But that is history, today the Ruins are host to all sorts of rare Pokemon. -1 AP
Will look for your third Pokemon in the part of the Province assigned to you
Increase Bond with Elise and Theodora
Currently Available Pokemon Choices: Yamask, Woobat and Charcadet
In some areas of the ruins, there are still buildings large enough and intact enough that entire ecosystems of Pokemon exist within them. Both known variations of Yamasks have been sighted wandering the Ruins aimlessly at night. A few decades ago, a trainer's Swoobat had set up a colony in the remains of a church of the Geomantic Faith. Flights of Woobats going forth at night to hunt Bug Pokemon. As with any ruin in Paldea, Charcadet squads are also a common sight, as they search for tinder and fuel for their unceasing fires.
Pokemon Choices unlocked via Mandatory and Optional Tasks during the Field Exercise: Gimmighoul and Bronzor
Local legend claims that during the Great Collapse, a Courtier of the Imperial Family had fled with the Imperial Treasury while chaos consumed the capital.
What followed varied, some claimed he was beset upon by bandits, the wealth scattered to the winds; others say that he had fled to Badajoz with the Treasury, cursing the settlement in the same manner as the capital and even some said that he had successfully hidden the Imperial Treasury in the caves of Badajoz before he was slain. The Treasure lost forever to time.
[] Going into Tall Grass (Cortondo Breadbasket): Field Exercises are an opportunity for Academy Students to go out and catch new Pokemon. Your choice for your third member will be a major one and shouldn't be taken likely.
How does a region feed a population of millions while remaining hostile to local Pokemon? The answer is they don't. Long standing agreements and traditions between the people of Cortondo and wild Pokemon have led to a form of cohabitation. Locals and historical records claim that this relationship with Pokemon had existed since the settlement was founded millenia ago.
Many of Cortondo's exports, aside from foodstuffs and crops, have been Pokemon material, edile or otherwise. Combee Honey, Kakuna and Metapod shells, Moomoo Milk and so much more. This more than anything else, is the cornerstone of Cortondo's identity and pride as a province of Paldea. Anything that could threaten this could be catastrophic, so the catching of Pokemon is extremely regulated. -1 AP
Will look for your third Pokemon in the part of the Province assigned to you
Increase Bond with Ostia
Currently Available Pokemon Choices: Smoliv
The small Grass-type is common enough that despite the value of its olive oil, locals aren't particularly too fussed about Trainers catching one for themselves, as long as the Pokemon agrees, of course. After all, there's more to Cortondo's world famous Lusia Olive Oil than what the Smoliv line can provide, its recipe being a secret amongst the families that cultivate it.
Pokemon Choices unlocked via Mandatory and Optional Tasks during the Field Exercise: Fidough, Combee, Fomantis and Applin
On the other side of the coin, historical influences from Cascaraffa have led to the practice of Pokemon Familial Adoption. Where Pokemon are registered in the Familial records of the households they coexist with. Not quite Trainer Pokemon but not quite Wild either. It's actually a process you're quite familiar with as an Andosin. You're likely going to have to convince both the Pokemon's guardians (human or otherwise) if you want to catch one.
[] Going into Tall Grass (Badajoz Forest): Field Exercises are an opportunity for Academy Students to go out and catch new Pokemon. Your choice for your third member will be a major one and shouldn't be taken likely.
A rather archetypal forest in Paldea, most of Badajoz Forest is well traveled and watched by Trainer Associations from Cortondo and Mesagoza. As a result it's actually rather safe in comparison to places like the Tagtree Thicket or the Fede Great Forest. You doubt there'll be any big surprises here. -1 AP
Will look for your third Pokemon in the part of the Province assigned to you.
Average Starting Strength is higher than in other Biomes.
Currently Available Pokemon Choices: Deerling, Pineco, Shroodle
The forest are the typical feeding grounds of the Woobats located at the Badajoz Ruins, this has resulted in a vacuum where Bug Pokemon unable to resist a Woobat's attacks have been forced out. This combined with the frequent presence of humans have made the most of the Pokemon of the forest much more hospitable to humans and have made them more resilient in comparison to the average in the rest of the province.
Pokemon Choices unlocked via Mandatory and Optional Tasks during the Field Exercise: Teddiursa and Foongus
The size of the forest is actually rather deceptive, attempts to reach the deepest parts of the woods by outsiders ending in confusion and them getting lost. Simultaneously well-traveled yet possessing a mysterious inner sanctum. It is in the boundary between the two that someone can hide in, undetected by the wider world.
Moratorium for 16 Hours
Plans for Shopping will be Separate from Plans for Tuesday
Here's an example of a Shopping Plan vote
[] The Bare Necessities
-[] Potion Pack x2 (-6000 Pokedollars)
-[] Full Heal Pack (-10000 Pokedollars)
[X] Plan: That Trail of Cold Steel
-[X] Day One Optional Task: How Many Students to Change a Lightbulb?
-[X] Yo! Champ in the Makin'
-[X] Going into Tall Grass (Badajoz Heights)
"So you kids will be assigned to Section 35, it's the one to the northwest. It's pretty close to the forest, so it's been…" you adjust the aviator goggles you bought onto Roland's head while listening to the man's instructions. Elise and Theodora are asking questions and clarifications for the first mandatory task while Ostia is double checking everyone's supplies.
"Do we have enough potions?" You bought some yourself for use, just in case.
Ostia holds up three fingers on their right hand and circles their left. Thirty potions and other assorted healing items should last your group a decent while in the field exercise.
While you checked up on Ostia, Elise and Theodora finished talking with the farmer Miss Ronah directed you to. She was the one who handed your Group the day's tasks. From how the farmer talked about her, you're not surprised she's pretty well known and an influential person in the local community.
"Then we should get going while it's still early. We're to patrol Section 35 for a few hours until a local who goes by Alice relieves us for the day." Theodora explains.
"According to Mr. Jimenez, she'll have a Vespiquen and a bunch of Beedrills with her." Your eyes widen at Elise's follow up. Isabella must be a pretty strong trainer then.
"She'll be providing us lunch later so we shan't worry about accommodations. Now, shall we?" Theodora asks with a grin on her face, excitement clear as day.
There's something tranquil about just spending some time alone with your thoughts. Staring off into the distance, your mind focused. It's really helped you put this past month into perspective—
"Maaary, I'm bored." Right. Who's bright idea was it to put the kid on watch duty.
"Hey Bored, I'm Mary." you respond. Ostia blows a raspberry at your dumb joke.
The two of you are currently watching over a couple of farmhands go about their daily routine amongst the veritable ocean of greenery. Some crops are even taller than you. Section 35 consists of a couple hectares of farmland at the furthest reaches of Cortondo, one of the smallest in the Imperial Breadbasket. Its location makes it relatively hard to reach, even looking in the direction of the settlement only lets you see the outline of the tallest buildings there.
Group 1 is the only one standing between the Wild and the farmers doing their work. Even now, you can tell from the looks on their faces, their posture and tense shoulders that they're expecting something to come or to happen.
"Behave, Ostia, people are relying on us." Elise and Theodora are patrolling the other end of the Section, and you've been relying on your ARCUS to communicate and update each other every thirty minutes or so.
But currently, alongside you and Ostia in the small clearing amongst the field are Renne and Argy. The both of you had sent Roland and Poly to patrol from above for any Bug Types. The most common ones that fed on the crops were Nymbles and Nincadas.
"I know but it's—" Whatever Ostia was going to say was interrupted by Roland coming back. He was doing the circling motion signal you agreed upon. It means someone was getting attacked.
You. pick up your gear, making sure to tightly strap on your new boots. Your old running shoes aren't cutting it. You pick up Renne with both hands and you immediately run towards the direction Roland is leading you towards. Ostia and Argy follow close behind.
"Renne, could you ask Roland what's wrong?" You didn't want to go in blind to whatever it is that's got Roland agitated. Renne stares at you from where you were holding her, before sighing.
You look behind you to check if Ostia is keeping pace with your sprint and surprisingly they are. Surprisingly athletic for someone that couldn't be older than ten.
'He says he saw the other humans in your group being attacked.' What?!
Focus. Speculation later.
"Thanks, could you tell Ostia and Argy—"
"M-miss Mary! Argy says Miss Eli and Miss Thea are under attack by meanie Pokemon!" Ostia yells from behind, worry and fear evident in their voice.
"C'mon, we have to hurry." You push yourself to run even faster, you don't know what you're gonna do if your classmates get hurt under your watch. You promised Leaf, youpromised *itshappeningagainitshappeningagain.*
You and Ostia burst to the clearing below where Roland stopped. There, Elise and Theodora were surrounded by dozens of Nymble, Nincadas and Tarountula. The unspoken question of why they haven't contacted you is answered by the sight of both of their ARCUS webbed to their sides.
Elise and Theodora were standing back to back, both girls had their Pokemon out. The ground around them was overturned and the crops closest to the clearing had been ruined or damaged. Elise had her Honedge gripped in her hands deflecting and striking from attacks and lunges by the surrounding Bug Types.
A short distance from them are a number of farmers and their Pokemon huddled together behind Sharon, Theodora's Braixen. Said Pokemon was using Psychic attacks to throw back the enemy and small wisps of fire to keep them away.
It just struck just how dangerous having a Fire-Type in the middle of a massive field of crops was.
Overhead of the clearing were Roland and Murkrow, the two occasionally swooped down to attack one of the many Bug Types in the clearing, barely dodging webs from the Tarountula. You can see from the legs poking out of Murkrows that they decided to have a little snack from the attacking Pokemon.
Amongst the wild Pokemon, one caught your attention. Closer to the thicket of crops and surrounded by Tarountula was a Spidops seemingly in command of the pack of Wild Pokemon. The tittering of its mandibles signaled orders for the wild Nymbles and Nincada. It shot webs at any fainted Pokemon, pulling them back to its position, to be carried away by the Tarountulas.
But…there's this feeling in the air, like you're being watched. Short glimpses amongst the crops of a black carapace, keeping watch. Stalking like a predator. Waiting.
You shake your head and immediately order Renne to put up barriers over your classmates and the beleaguered farmhands. She thankfully doesn't protest, as she sets up pink semi-translucent barriers over the two groups keeping them safe.
This, combined with your arrival, brings the clearing's attention to you and Ostia. Argy immediately jumps into the fray at Ostia's order. The Beldum smashes and bowls over many of the Bug Types surrounding the others.
"Where's Poly?" you ask Ostia, wondering where their Staryu was; you could use the extra firepower.
"Argy told them to come back and watch over the other farmers." Probably a good idea, it wouldn't do if both of you left and they got attacked without you even learning about it.
You look back at Elise and Theodora, both of them seem mostly unharmed even if parts of their body were covered in webs. Elise's shadow writhes, meaning that Missy was nearby and agitated, meaning she wasn't intervening. Does she think your Group can handle this?
Roland and Murkrow sweep down to help Argy clear the path to the other members of Group 1, meanwhile Theodora yells something at Sharon and the farmers causing them to slowly inch their way closer to where the three groups were converging.
You pet Renne's head as her eyes glow, maintaining three separate barriers at the same time. You ease up a little at how well your group is doing.
The Spidops gives an irritated hiss as the horde of Bug Pokemon are pushed back. Wild Pokemon that were knocked out or worse were being dragged back and rescued by the retreating Pokemon. Even the other members of Group 1 are letting out sighs of relief.
Suddenly Renne swivels her head left and right, her eyes narrowed and focused at something that you can't see.
'Null! Get down! It's going to—' Elise and Theodora flinch, likely receiving Renne's message telepathically for the first time. Whatever they were going to say was interrupted by Renne's Psychic grip pushing you and Ostia down on to the dirt.
A black blur lunges out from behind you barely missing you. The thing—Pokemon, you can see them clearly now, lands in front of you and Ostia, between you and the others. The Pokemon stands up to its full height.
Black serrated carapace, baleful orange eyes and two antenna pointed backwards. The Pokemon was covered in Dark TE, every one of their limbs was suffused in it. They were missing an arm from the elbow onwards. A misty smoke of Dark TE wafts in its place.
It was a Lokix.
The entire clearing was silent. Not a single human nor Pokemon made a sound. You could hear nothing but your own breathing and the drumming of your heart pumped with adrenaline.
It turns a head towards Spidops, who responds with a chittering of its mandibles. The Wild Pokemon are in full retreat, with even the commanding Bug Type disappearing into the grass. They leave only Lokix as the last wild Pokemon in the clearing.
It moves again.
Leaping towards the barrier that Elise and Theodora were in, it slams one of its legs on the back of its abdomen onto the Psychic shield, shattering it. Landing in front of your two classmates, the Lokix extends another leg to strike at Theodora who's shocked still. She's shoved out of the way of the hit by Elise, who has Rin take the brunt of the attack. The force of it still sends her flying across the clearing. Rin lashes out of Elise's grasp and stabs onto the ground, ribbon wrapped tightly around its trainer's arm, arresting their flight before they could hit anything.
Argy, Roland and Murkrow all rush in to attack the Lokix, who nimbly dodges out of the way. A lean to the left avoids Roland's Quick Attack. An appendage slams onto Argy's side and knocks them back towards Murkrow, and they were kicked towards Sharon and the farmers, who screamed at the incoming collision.
The impending crash didn't come when a beam of red light recalls Argy and Murkrow to their respective Pokeballs.
Before the Lokix could follow up, it erupts into flames as Theodora all but yells at Sharon to scorch the Bug-Type. It's clear from her eyes, tone of voice and how she's shivering that Theodora is terrified and panicking.
The fire combined with the continued efforts of Roland and the others, give Theodora the opportunity to run to Elise, who's back on her feet. From how tightly the ribbon on her Honedge grips onto her arm, though, you aren't sure if she can keep this going for much longer.
"Do you think you can take them on?" you whisper to Renne, having scooched over to where Ostia was. In front of Renne, a similar hexagon to when you first met them appears. Rather than a snowflake, a symbol of a flame appears at the center.
'Nulls are difficult to combat but I must.' A stream of pink fire emerges from Renne's hexagon. You shout at the three Pokemon to get out of the way as the Incinerate approaches and covers the Lokix. The sheer heat of the flame causes some of the crops to catch on fire. They are quickly snuffed out by Sharon who continues her own fiery attack; even Roland launches Will-o-Wisp at the Lokix, all while still engaging them in a melee.
.
The flames are now forcing Lokix to fall to one knee, still swiping at and evading Roland's attacks who rams and dodges them in turn. A green glow manifests in Lokix's orange eyes telling you that despite the damage, the battle is far from over.
Using the legs on its back to help propel itself, the Lokix leaps. It leaps past Roland, past the flames surrounding them and towards Sharon and the farmers.
Before the Lowkix could reach them, though, something slammed into them from the left knocking them away from their target. A mass of Bug TE resembling Roland's Infestations but bigger and much more numerous. Two blurs then fly in from outside the clearing to attack the Lokix, who barely dodges out of the way.
Two Beedrills simultaneously attacking and jabbing at the Lokix. The swarm that had hit them earlier glows green and disperses all the Pokemon present except for Lokix. The injuries that Roland and Sharon have sustained during the battle have begun to disappear. Heal Order?
"Phew, barely made in time. You're getting nastier and nastier every time I see you, Lokix." Descending from above, a Vespiquen carried a girl with dirty blonde hair tied into twin tails. She looked about as old as your brother and on the belt attached to her overalls were three Nest Balls.
The Vespiquen herself is surrounded by the little Bug simulacra made out of Bug TE. Just looking at her hurt, a pounding feeling in your head. Like insects crawling all over you—
You shake your head, to snap out of it. Pressure. An ability that causes a Pokemon to exert a passive force that distracts and disorientates opponents.
For the first time in the entire battle, Lokix began making noise. It was a low droning sound that grew into a painful ear splitting noise. Everyone else in the clearing, bar the new arrival and her Vespiquen, dropped to their knees to the crippling noise.
By the time you and everyone else recovered, Lokix was already gone, a cleared path across in the crops telling you that they'd already booked it. The new girl scoffed and began barking orders to the two Beedrill and Vespiquen.
"Dee, check the place. Make sure there aren't any other Pokemon hiding in the area. Dum, go to the other group. Spidops is a tricky little git. I wouldn't put it past her to use Lokix as a diversion. Iri, keep healing 'em, I ain't gonna have a buncha hurt kids on my watch." With that, the two Poison Bee Pokemon flew off.
With her Pokemon gone, she turns to Elise and introduces herself.
"Name's Alice. Hope you kids are alright."
After checking in on the other group and making sure the farmers were alright, Alice led your Group to a small farmhouse in Section 35 for some food and beverage (and your reward as well but that went without saying). You and your friends' Pokemon also got healed by her Vespiquen, though they'll still need to rest up after the battle.
"Are you sure you're okay, Elise?" You ask for what feels like a dozenth time after the battle. Not even including the times Theodora or Ostia asked her.
"I'll be fine, I promise. I'm a pretty durable person, especially with Rin's help over." You don't know much about how Honedge and its evolutions work but that sounds ominous. From how Theodora's is staring at her while sipping tea, she likely agrees.
"A~nd some lemonade for your three. Again, I'm so sorry you kids got thrown into the deep end. We were thinking it was just gonna be Spidops and her regular posse. Didn't expect Lokix up and about already after the trashing he got last week. Of course it had to be the day I decided to take half my team to the center…" Alice grumbled the last part under her breath.
"Are attacks like these a common occurrence?" Elise asks your host.
Alice took a seat while she explained the situation. "Sorta. Pokemon lose and gain territory from each other all the time. Losers that are pushed outta the forest typically run amok around here. Spidops' one of em."
"I'm sensing a 'but' there." Elise interjects as Alice began to trail off.
"Lokix is new, showed up around two months ago and has been causin' a ruckus. After he showed up, raids like that became more and more common. This year's rogue's gallery got a shot in the arm after he showed up. Fightin' him, Spidops and Ninjask at the same time is a damn nightmare. We've spread thin beatin' em back, a lot of raids just go through and cause all sorts of havoc. And the damn garrison won't…" She had a tired and distant look on her while explaining. Looking closer you're noticing the bags under her eyes, barely concealed by makeup.
A Combee flew over carrying a pitcher of lemonade. "Refills anyone?"
Ostia took her up on that offer and was already gulping their glass. You ruffle their hair causing the little kid to laugh. At least they're taking the battle pretty well.
"What happened to his arm?" Theodora finally speaks up. She's been silent the entire time aside from occasionally asking about Elise. Alice shrugs in response.
"I dunno. Was already like that when he showed up. Been thinking he might've been a former Trainer 'mon. He's good. If I hadn't shown up when I did, he could've torn through you kids with Swarm up." You look down at your own drink at her words.
Yea, you were lucky. You don't even want to…
"There's a lot of Combees, are they yours, Miss Alice?" Ostia suddenly asks as a Combee approaches their face to nuzzle them.
"Yup, it's the family business." Alice leans back on her chair, more comfortable with the new topic. "Grangran and Gramps had a Vespiquen and Beedrill back in their day. Decided to set up a ranch and a joint hive thing. Iri there's one of their daughters." The Vespiquen in question makes a buzzing sound from where they're resting out in the veranda.
Alice suddenly jumps up from her seat with a manic grin on her face.
"Y'all wanna see somethin' cool? Consider it a bonus for the whole fightin' Lokix thing."
Alice then led your group to one of the greenhouses nearby, Beedrill and Combee regularly flew in and out of the greenhouse, some of them approached Alice in order to get pet by her. Inside the greenhouse was a miniature forest, but that wasn't the most interesting part.
"Most folk think of Bug-Types as evolving early and not all that strong, especially the cocoon form ones, but that's cause they don't know the trick all big Bug Trainer use. Out in the wilds, Bug Pokemon have to evolve ASAP if they wanna survive and defend their hives, but the really big and safe hives store their Kakuna in the deepest parts of the hives, and they just let 'em store power for years and only call on em' to evolve if the hive needs it. Kakuna not only live decades longer than Beedrill but when they do evolve, they'll be way stronger and live longer as well. Dee and Dum were Kakuna since I was 10 and they evolved when I got my 4th Badge during my Journey. Could have gone for more but—nevermind that, the Combee here help feed the Kakuna making their cocoons harder and…"
Ostia and you listen to Alice's passionate explanation about how Beedrills and Vespiquen cooperate in the wild, often setting up hives near one another.
From the corner of your eye you see Elise talking to Theodora about something away from your group. Hopefully she'll feel better, Elise is much closer to her than you are so she'll know what to say to her.
For now you distract yourself with the wonders of Bug Pokemon.
"YOU WANT TO WHAT!" Catching that Lokix!? Is Theodora insane!?
"Do quiet down, it's still something I'm ruminating on." Theodora chides you like you're the one in the wrong.
After your first mandatory task, your Group had decided to tackle the second one. This time you were to contact a bunch of bakery and pastry shop customers about their wrong orders. In order to save time, your Group decided to split up. This time Ostia went with Elise while Theodora asked to be paired with you. You'd have said no if you knew this was what she was planning.
The two of you had finished up your end of the task pretty quickly. Running around town was way easier than fighting a wild Lokix. So currently the two of you were waiting at the last location, a brewery that got its orders mixed up. Your Group had agreed to meet up here and get lunch afterwards before tackling the optional task.
"I can't explain it, there's just something that…calls to me about them. I had already confided to Elise about this and she had a similar reaction to yours. Well, actually, she was more polite about it." There was fondness to her voice when talking about Elise.
"Polite!? I'm not the one here who's considering catching a Pokemon that tried to—" You immediately shut your mouth. Roland was eating a meal you had ordered at a nearby pastry shop, and he was currently giving the nastiest look he can muster. Renne just looked amused.
Alright, you're in no position to judge.
"I'll be taking precautions, of course, you three will be with me and I'll see if my Pawniard idea comes to fruition first." Theodora explains, expression not even budging from the serene slightly smug one she's had since the conversation started.
"What was that second thing you wanted to ask me about?" You ask, feeling defeated. A more serious expression suddenly graces Theodora's face.
"Does the description of the Pokemon attacks sound like a Wild Hunt to you?" Those combinations of words snap you back to attention. It was a thought nagging you at the back of your mind during Alice's explanation, but you refuse to entertain it then.
You think back to that day Jenkins showed you a Wild Hunt in progress and you recall hearing about how the Spidops and Lokix lines are natural enemies in the wild.
"...Maybe." You finally answer. From what you've learned, Wild Hunts don't happen spontaneously.
Wild Pokemon become agitated, increasingly hostile to travelers and any humans they come across. Attacks and raids on outlying homes become more common. Differences between Pokemon that would typically be enemies break down as they grow more organized. You have a bad feeling about all of this.
"Before you get any ideas, living near the Asado and Casseroya, one gets used to the concept of Wild Hunts rather quickly." You weren't gonna mention it but you did wonder why Theodora asked you specifically about Wild Hunts.
Any further conversation was interrupted by Elise and Ostia arriving, having finished up their half of the task. The four of you get lunch at Pirotin Inn and then head out to a local orbal workshop to start your optional task.
Route Lamps, conceptually, aren't meant to keep all Pokemon away. Just most of them. They primarily serve to deter curious Pokemon away from human infrastructure. They have very little capacity to deter a determined Pokemon aside from making them uncomfortable. Despite that, they drastically reduce the amount of attrition infrastructure experiences in the wild.
At least that's what the mechanic told your group when he instructed you on how to replace one. You've seen a couple of route lamps throughout your time in the Highlands, though you never really paid them much attention aside from using them as a marker to identify when you're near the fort town.
Once a route lamp does get broken, they're often juicy targets for Pokemon to use as either shelter or in the case of Steel-Types, as lunch.
…You just ate, why are you thinking of lunch again? You shake your head to focus.
Each member of your group has a Pokemon out as you make your way towards the area where the route lamp is supposed to be. It's supposed to be somewhere near the Badajoz Heights. Behind you, was the gear and replacement lamp you're supposed to install just in case it's been completely totalled by wild Pokemon.
Thankfully Renne and Sharon are kind enough to help by levitating the equipment for your group. You idly scratch behind Renne's ear. She's gotten used to being carried around in your arms, now seemingly too lazy to walk on her own. You've no idea why Roland doesn't get along with her. They're both incredibly lazy when they want to be.
The squawking of Murkrow signals to your group that they've found it. Your group makes their way over to where Murkrow is flying overhead. What you see doesn't shock you one bit.
A bunch of Steel and Ground Types have been cannibalizing the lamp for the rare metals within it. You and your classmates send out the rest of your Pokemon, getting ready for battle. As a precaution, Renne sets up a barrier surrounding your group.
Though one of the wild Pokemon did catch your eye. Who was it?
[] Nacli: They were tied to the back of one of the Pawniard using a makeshift rope. From that position, Nacli used salt and thrown rocks to attack your group's Pokemon. They're a dirty and unrelenting fighter, throwing salt in people's eyes. Wrapping salt around the blades of the Pawniard to make their attacks hurt more. Literally pouring salt in people's wounds, offensively and defensively. After the band of Wild Pokemon were scattered, Nacli stayed behind trying to fight Roland by themselves, the two seemingly having grown a rivalry in the span of under an hour.
Third Pokemon will be Nacli
Nacli will begin at the Early 1-Badge Level (0/2000)
Ability: Purifying Salt (Protected from Status Conditions and Ghost Moves are Not Very Effective)
Tera Types: Rock, Ground, Fighting, Dark
Will know additional moves (Curse, Smelling Salts)
Evolution is relatively simple, they just have to get stronger
Salt In the Wound: Can heal 1 Wound of an ally Pokemon every Day. Gets stronger as it Evolves.
Kind of a Stubborn and Spiteful Pokemon. Gets along well with Renne, has what it believes to be a good natured rivalry with Roland.
Will be your Opponent during the Major Battle
[] Aron: A number of the Pawniards were riding on Arons during the battle, the two Pokemon coordinated their attacks to decent effect. Even if some of the Arons did keep getting distracted trying to eat the replacement lamp. One of the Arons, seemingly the partner for the commanding Pawniard, threw off their rider after they lost. With the other Pokemon scattering, Aron stayed behind to keep eating at the wrecked route lamp. Your Group decided to let him finish since that made disposing of the old one easier. You did have to stop them from trying to eat the fainted Wild Pokemon, though.
Third Pokemon will be Aron
Aron will begin at the Early 1-Badge Level (200/2000)
Ability: Rock Head (Prevents Recoil Damage)
Tera Types: Rock, Steel, Normal
Will know additional moves (Curse, Body Slam)
Evolution requires a steady diet of minerals (Both drug and metallic kinds)
Can Mega Evolve
Not all that smart and they know it. A little stubborn. Gets along great with Roland. Tried to eat Argy and Rin.
Your opponent during the Major Battle will be the Commander Pawniard
[] Drilbur: The battle with the band of Wild Pokemon was going decently well. At least until you felt the ground shake. Your group barely got out of the way before a Drilbur emerged from underneath the barrier. Everything erupted into chaos after that, you were pretty sure the Drilbur enjoyed it. After the Wild Pokemon were scattered, she stayed behind, preoccupied with chasing and being chased by Roland underground after he gave chase to the Drilbur for making faces at him. With the battle concluded, she all but begged to join your team to Roland's horror.
Third Pokemon will be Drilbur
Drilbur will begin at the Mid 1-Badge Level (1200/2000)
Ability: Sand Rush (Boosts Initiative during a Sandstorm)
Tera Types: Ground, Rock, Steel, Electric
Will know additional moves (Curse, Spark)
Evolution requires a steady diet of minerals (Just the metallic kinds)
An incredibly fast and speedy Pokemon once fully evolved.
Considers Roland to be the best playmate she's ever had, to his consternation. At least Renne finds it funny. Is kind of young.
Will be your Opponent during the Major Battle
[] Pawniard: Not every Pawniard in the band rushed in to fight your Pokemon, a small number of them stayed behind, whispering to the commanding Pawniard what you assume were tactics during the battle. One of them even got into an argument and scuffled with the commander mid-fight. After the Wild Pokemon were scattered, one of the "advisors" stayed behind cursing and screaming at the retreating Pawniards. Afterwards they approached your Group and the Pawniard, according to Renne, was offering their services to the victor.
Third Pokemon will be Pawniard
Pawniard will begin at the Early 1-Badge Level (400/2000)
Ability: Inner Focus (Effect cannot be decreased by enemy moves)
Tera Types: Dark, Steel, Fighting, Psychic
Will know additional moves (Curse, Coaching)
Evolution to Bisharp is relatively simple. Evolution to Kingambit is much more difficult.
A tenacious and brutal fighter when necessary, prefers to lead from behind. If that strategic side of them develops enough they might even be able to command Pokemon in your stead
Your relationship will initially be a professional one. Rubs Roland the wrong way, and Renne refuses to even speak with him. Already knows how to read.
Your opponent during the Major Battle will be the Commander Pawniard
[] Tinkatink: A majority of the Wild Steel-Types surrounding the Route Lamp were Pawniards and their Aron rides. There was an exception though amongst their ranks. Wearing a little helmet made to resemble a Pawniard's head was a Tinkatink, complete with a little rattle hammer. They were the first to charge at your Pokemon, ahead of all the others in their band. After the Wild Pokemon were scattered, only Tinkatink remained standing and defiant, only giving up after the Commander Pawniard had run away. Throwing their helmet on the ground, the Tinkatink looked lost and irritated, unsure of themselves.
Third Pokemon will be Tinkatink
Tinkatink will begin at the Late 0-Badge Level (800/1000)
Ability: Mold Breaker (Moves are unimpeded by the Ability of the target.)
Tera Types: Fairy, Steel, Fighting, Fire
Will know additional moves (Curse, Rage)
Evolution is reliant on a steady supply of Steel-Type Pokemon Materials
Will gain access to moves depending on their weapon specialization.
Would've stayed behind just wandering the battlefield if not for Roland's invitation to join your team. Has a mutual rivalry with Roland. Has a frosty attitude towards Renne which the Espurr returns.
Will be your Opponent during the Major Battle
Pokemon Materials Gained:
Tarountula Web, Nymble Legs, Nincada Shells
Cash and STAT Gains in reserve
8000 Pokedollars, 200 Poke XP, 200 SKLL, CHRM and PROW XP
Moratorium for 16 Hours
Thanks to Nemastrea for proofreading this update
Drilbur felt the humans before she saw them, the thump thump thumping of their feet on the ground. From how the thumping sounded (she remembers how Mama taught her) there's four of them and one is a small human. She peeks up from her hole, a small gap just for her eyes, to see the humans walking along the path.
There were four of them, which means she remembered her Mama's lessons well. One of them was a small human with a weird white arm-looking Pokemon next to them. Floating behind the humans was the target, one of the weird light-thingies the Pawniards and Arons like to eat.
Flying above was a spooky ghost which she's never seen before, she can tell it was a ghost from how they smelled. They were flying-fighting next to a Murkrow, she wonders what they're doing out during the morning. The rest of the Pokemon she doesn't know, which is not fun, she does smell fire on the fluffy looking one with the stick. Hopefully Commander Blue is okay with that, so she can get her reward.
Drilbur burrows back to the camp around the broken light-thingy, thinking about gnawing on one of the Naclis all the while.
"You are certain your report is accurate, Auxiliary Drilbur?" She nods to the questions from Commander Blue, she calls him that cause unlike the other Pawniards he's blue. The other Pawniards say that he got it from his Papa, a Bisharp, the boss of all the Pawniards around her home. Mama is right, others say the neatest things if they think you're not listening.
The camp was near where the light-thingy was built and thus the road the humans go through. The sheer size of the battalion, dozens of Pawniard strong, not even including the Arons and Naclis or herself. Near the path was a small little forest that leads to the cave entrances of her home.
The camp itself consisted of rocks and stone that the Pawniards use for tables and chairs. She's spent a week here now alongside the battalion, her job consists of seeing any approaching humans and saying if they're too strong to fight. Most of the humans prior to this group were pretty weak with only one or two Pokemon.
"My liege, the presence of a Fire type and a strong enough Psychic to carry one of the lights might suggest that this force is beyond us—not that I doubt your skill of course." One of the Pawniards says to Commander Blue. It's the really smart one that can read the human words like Mama can. He always sends her on the best missions!
"Enough, you sycophant! This is the entire reason we've camped here! These humans would be a fitting test to my rise above my squabbling siblings. I alone am the only one fitting to take Father's mantle." Drilbur nods in support, all the other Blue Pawniards are meanies. The other Pawniards say they got way worse after the boss Bisharp went missing. Commander Blue is the only one nice to her, he even lets her gnaw on the Naclis!
"Ready the force for battle, we will prepare an ambush!" The other Pawniards look unsure, the mention of a Fire type putting doubt in them. That's no good!
"We can do this! I wanna know what a brand new light-thingy tastes like!" Her encouragement motivates some and the mention of potential spoils motivates the others. Drilbur sees Commander Blue give her a grateful look.
The Pawniards head to their positions in the bushes and trees in the nearby forest, picking up the Naclis and riding on the Arons on their way. She spots Tinkatink with her helmet, she still has no idea why the other Pawniards don't notice her. She helped sharpen her claws, though, so she's alright despite being so grumpy.
"Auxiliary Drilbur, you may feast yourself upon one of the Nacli before the battle begins, as reward for your excellent work." Yes! She thanks Commander Blue before waddling off to get one of the Naclis. Most of the other Pokemon in the battalion are only allowed to lick, even the Arons; only she's allowed to gnaw.
It takes some time before the humans arrive, the ambush mostly set up. From how they react to the unoccupied light-thingy, they immediately suspect an ambush. A pink barrier goes up just in time to prevent the humans from getting hit with rocks and mud from her and the Arons.
"CHARGE! BREAK THAT BARRIER!" Commander Blue orders a frontal assault, a dozen Pawniards (and Tinkatink) emerging from the bushes to attack the humans behind their shield. Of them, half were riding Arons led by Commander Blue, the other half led by Tinkatink were running towards where the humans were.
For their part, all the humans are now facing in the old light-thingy's direction in a 'U formation'. The new light thingy dropped to the ground in the middle of the humans.
Emerging from the barrier were the humans' Pokemon, the ghost and Murkrow attacking from above, not getting close to the advancing Pawniards. The floating arm flies over to the middle of the Pawniards with a star-like Pokemon that has a tasty looking gem backing them up. The arm Pokemon slams down onto the ground and even from afar you could feel the earth shake. The star Pokemon behind them shooting jets of water at the Aron and knocking the Pawniards off of them. That's no good!
Drilbur stabs her claws into the ground and wills away the energies the iron arm Pokemon was using. Then she shoots a short stream of mud at the iron arm Pokemon to knock them back—and the star Pokemon retaliates by shooting water. She dodges out of their way, and the Pokemon's stream of water hits the trees behind her. She doesn't like baths, she likes being dirty, thank you very much!
The attack is facing its second obstacle. Fire. Fireballs and jets of flame from the fluffy stick wielder are taking out Pawniards who do manage to approach the shield. With their Pawniard riders knocked out, the Arons scatter away. It's while looking at that burning field that she realizes—
The battalion is done for.
Commander Blue is fighting a human wielding a ghost-smelling sword. Tinkatink is fighting and losing against the arm and star Pokemon. The Nacli you like gnawing on is being carried away by the Murkrow. The Pawniard that always whispers to Commander Blue is leaving, taking some Pawniards away with him.
That's…not fair! She just joined the battalion a whole moon ago! How is she gonna show her face to Mama showing how she's a big girl now if she has to go back already!? What is she gonna do?!
The light-thingy! She can destroy it and make it even. Like Commander Blue says, it's better if no one wins than to lose.
She starts digging down, burrowing towards where the light-thingy is. Hopefully the shield doesn't go into the ground. The muffled sounds of battle go on above her, she just has to guess where to emerge. She's not that good at digging, actually; not enough practice, Mama says.
This feels like a good place.
Drilbur bursts out of the ground, sending dirt and rock flying all around her.
Well she didn't hit metal so she must've missed the light-thingy. Looking around, Drilbur gets a good look at the humans. They're all wearing the same clothes, even the small human, so they might be a human version of a battalion. In front of her, wearing a shocked face was a human with long red hair holding a little furry Pokemon in her arms.
"Hello!" Drilbur greets them while waving her claw. "I'm gonna break the light-thingy you humans have, m'kay?"
The little furry Pokemon blinks once. "Roland, someones trying to attack your trainer."
No, she's trying to attack the light-thingy, completely different. Aw, it's floating again, and the furry Pokemon's eyes are glowing. Are they a Psychic Pokemon?
"WHAT!?" Drilbur hears a screech from above and barely dodges by jumping out of her hole from something hitting where she just was. Oh hey, it's that ghostie from earlier that was floating. Dribur waves and says hello to the ghostie who snarls in response.
"Do you require assistance, wyrm?" Drilbur turns around to see the fluffy Pokemon with the stick looking at the both of them. Roland scoffs before responding.
"I can bring them down myself, neither of you witches get involved." A play fight!? Drilbur hasn't play-fought in a while! The other Pokemon in the battalion were always too grumpy to say yes 'cause they were sore losers. Even Commander Blue didn't wanna play because he was scared of losing!
"How can someone as gracious as Mariana have you for a Pokemon, I do not know." The stick-wielder spits in response. A hurt look crosses Roland's face as she says it.
"You wanna fight, Mister Roland, just the two of us?!" She yells, eyes glittering with excitement. Her claws glow a metallic sheen. No one should be sad during a play-fight!
"Yes, we shall do glorious battle—gaah!" Drilbur leaps and slashes right at Roland, who dodges out of the way of the second slash. Roland glows blurry, zipping across the small arena that the humans have cleared for the two of them. The human holding onto the small furry Pokemon, shouting words at Roland.
"You're only using Agility now!?" The small furry Pokemon asks.
"It was beneath me against such weaklings!" Roland yells back at Renne. The human yells something that causes Roland to dive right into the dirt, vanishing from sight.
"Wait, can you dig, too? I thought we were in a play-fight—" Whatever Drilbur was about to say was interrupted by Roland erupting from her shadow, wrapping his tail around her snout, lifting her up and slamming her back down. Ooh, tricky!
Roland's grip around her snout was pretty tight, but he's not expecting this! She rubs both her claws together, to make that tingling feeling. Electricity is wrapped around her claws and Roland lets her go before she could grab him with them.
With her snout freed, Drilbur pushes herself back up to face Roland who's backed off, giving her some distance.
"That was a really good hit, Roland!" She yells at the ghost, who blinks at her compliment.
"O-of course! It is expected of—enough! You will pay for daring to attack my human!" The human orders Roland to dive right in, jaw wide open. Drilbur is readying herself to take the attack, claws still rubbing together to gather more static.
Roland crunches down onto her arm as she unleashes the spark of electricity she'd been gathering. He eventually lets her go, before he's hurt badly by the electricity, but the damage has been done to her. Another good hit like that and she's out. This Roland is really strong!
Before she could attack again, Roland dives into her shadow. "Get out of there! That's my shadow!" Drilbur stabs onto the ground where her shadow is, how do ghost and shadows work again—
She's knocked out by a tail hitting her in the back of the head.
Drilbur is woken by the smell of salt on her snout. Did they win?
Opening her eyes she sees herself and all the other Pawniards being tended to by Commander Blue and his personal healing Nacli. Behind him was the mean fluffy stick Pokemon, orbs of fire surrounding her ready to hit at any time.
"Did we win, Commander Blue?" Drilbur asks, but she already feels like she knows the answer.
"Nay, that is not my name and we were defeated badly. The humans are merely gracious enough to let us heal ourselves rather than leaving us behind to be carrion for other Pokemon."
"What do we do now, Commander Blue?" This is the first time they've lost. Defeated battalions don't last long. Other battalions attack them while they're down, not even considering how demoralizing it is to the Pawniards.
"It is over for us, the deserters have likely already made it to my siblings. They will pick up the scraps of our territory and the members that have escaped. I have no excuse, I crumbled before the first truly strong humans we encountered. One of my sisters killed a human that wandered into her battalion's territory. I cannot compare. So much for finding Father." Commander Blue answers despondently.
Drilbur looks around. Very few of the Arons have stayed, only two of them and they were busy eating the old light-thingy while two of the humans were putting the new one in its place. Of the Pawniards, only five, including Blue, are still here. At least Tinkatink was still here, even if she was helping the Arons tear up the old light-thingy.
"Why do you surrender your goals so readily?" The meanie with the stick asks Commander Blue.
"What do you know of goals, witch?" Blue snaps at the meanie, who only smiles in return.
"My mistress has an offer for you, Commander Blue." Blue gives Drilbur a small glare, who can only sheepishly smile in response.
"Fine, but you will not call me by that name. Auxiliary Drilbur, you are relieved of duty. Go do…whatever it is you want to do." Former Commander Blue waves you off as the meanie with the stick brings him to speak with one of the humans.
What does Drilbur wanna do?
Well, she wants to play with that ghostie again.
She spots him talking with his human who just finished helping another human put down the light-thingy. It's already starting to annoy her just looking at it. She doesn't know why humans love putting them down in their roads.
"Roland! I wanna play again!" She waddles up to the ghostie challenging him.
"Didn't you lose?" Roland says in a smug tone. Looking over from where his human was fussing over him.
"Yea, but I wanna do it again! A race this time!" She yells, she hasn't raced anyone in a long while. Mama's too old to race and all the other Pokemon in the battalion were too slow.
"And if I say no?" Roland taunts her, like a sore winner.
"Well you suck and—" Drilbur puts up her claws and blows a raspberry at him.
"Why you little—"
There's something odd seeing the Drilbur from earlier taunt Roland and your Dreepy taking the bait. As the two Pokemon chase one another, even going as far as to go into one of the holes the Drilbur's dug, you can't help but like that this situation seems familiar to you.
'Ugh, they're both children.' Renne says to you telepathically, causally ignoring how she loves watching children's cartoons.
The chase lasts for almost an hour, wherein the remaining wild Pokemon go off and scatter back to the Heights. Pawniards like that will likely end in a new battalion sooner or later. Though the mystery of why they had a Tinkatink wearing a Pawniard helmet among them will have to remain unanswered.
The only Pokemon that remained in the area where the orbal light was located, was the Drilbur playing with Roland and Theodora's brand new Pawniard. It's blue coloring marking them as unique amongst their kind.
Eventually the play session came to an end and an exhausted Roland floated his way over to you. Drilbur, however, seemed still as energetic as they were hours ago.
"Sorry, but Roland's tired and we'll have to leave soon." You explained to the Pokemon, hoping that Renne would translate for you.
The Drilbur looked up at you with wide eyes and squeaked something in response that caused Roland to hiss and Renne to giggle.
'She says she wants to join you, so she can keep playing with Roland. I'm okay with it, by the way. The faces and sounds he makes are hilarious.' You blink. That's a pretty big decision to be decided entirely on something like that.
"Are you sure about that?" You go on your knees to try and get as close to eye level with the Drilbur. She nods enthusiastically at you.
"How about you, Roland, is that okay with you?" Roland looks like he just ate something sour. But reluctantly he agreed to Drilbur joining your team.
"Well then, Drilbur, welcome to the team."
With your optional task done for the day, your third Pokemon in hand, you and your group head back to Pirotin Inn to rest. Still having some time before the sun sets, you and Elise decide to head to register for a battle at the Gym. Theodora wants to spend some time getting acquainted with her new Pokemon while Ostia was all tuckered out from the day's excitement and wanted to rest in the Inn.
"Are you sure you don't need anything else?" You ask Ostia as they settle onto their bed, Argy and Poly by their side. They shake their head before grabbing the remote and turning on the room's TV. It's an older model of an orbal flatscreen. There's a weird juxtaposition between the deliberate older aesthetic of the room's furniture, from beautifully carved wooden chairs and nightstands, to the modern orbal air conditioning and TVs right next to them.
"I wanna see you battle at the Gym, Ms. Mary. You can do it, I know you can!" The heartachingly sincere smile eases your worries and fills you with a little confidence in what you're getting yourself into. Ostia's attention is distracted by their channel flipping seemingly ending up on a show about a young gadget-using girl and her adventures with her partner Tyrantrum.
You say goodbye to Ostia who's eyes were glued to watching their show, and they idly wave at you while giggling at the show's antics.
"Is she gone, Argy? We have a few hours before they get back. We should check the forest first…"
"So how'd your talk with Theodora go?" you ask Elise on the way to the Gym, the two of them had discussed something for a bit while you were checking on Ostia.
"Well I don't think she's gonna go out and try to catch that Lokix anymore so that's at least something." She sighs as her hand goes to touch Rin's hilt, the Honedge sheathed and attached to her belt. You think it might be a calming ritual of hers. Said Honedge remains as taciturn and stoic as always.
You two make idle talk as you near the Gym, or more specifically the Gym Offices. Adjacent to Cortondo Gym proper, the place where the Gym's Trainers and Pokemon operate from and battle in, is a modern office complex around three stories tall. The Pokemon League is a vast bureaucratic apparatus, it doesn't surprise you that a Gym, even for a settlement as relatively small as Cortondo, needs its own dedicated space for day-to-day operations outside of battling.
Thankfully the afternoon wait for the Gym registry isn't as long as yesterday—it's still pretty sizable, mind you—but it's no longer large enough that people are waiting outside. The two of you were currently anticipating your turn, sitting down inside the reception area. All around the lobby were large tv screens either airing Gym Challenges and fights that were ongoing right now or showing the available time slots to book for appointments.
The entire next week and the next were entirely booked. There were however a few time slots, mostly in the afternoon or night that were labeled RESERVED with the Mesagoza School logo next to them.
It's while you're waiting in the line that Elise got a message from Jacinto.
"Huh, apparently Nemona and Atticus are having Gym Trainer battles right now. Jacinto wants to know if we wanna hang out after we register at the Gym." You ask Elise how'd he know you two were at the Gym. "Oh, I've been messaging him, asking him how Group 2's first day went. From how they described it, they went through as much excitement as we did."
"Oh, that's…" Understatement aside, why didn't you think to call Erika to check up on her? Well, you know why. You didn't wanna bother or distract Erika while she's out trying to catch a Scyther and you really don't know anyone in Group 2 aside from her and Nemona.
You're not really great at this Class President thing.
Before you could say anything, Elise looks at you, her turquoise eyes making you feel like she's staring right through you. The moment passes and she looks away.
"What's wrong, Mariana?" Did Elise notice your brooding? You school your expression as best you can before responding.
"Oh nothing, just thinking that maybe we should set up a proper group chat for Class VII. Though having Jacinto and Manuel argue online as well as offline doesn't really sound great." You slap a little joke at the end hoping that your idea can salvage you being derelict in your duties.
"It's not a bad idea, Manuel doesn't really strike me as a person that's online a lot. We could set it up later if you want, I can give the socials of all our classmates." You nod at Elise's offer, grateful for her help in this.
Soon enough it was your turn to register at the front desk of the Gym. Helping you was a receptionist at the desk who looked positively exhausted, yet he still had a smile plastered on his face.
"Welcome! Would you like to register for a Gym Battle?" The line was rehearsed and the man was basically operating on autopilot. You nod, handing them your Trainer Card, which he takes and inserts into a machine.
"I take it you'll be availing of the Academies' Gym Program?" There's an undercurrent of disdain in his voice, cutting through the professional guise. You keep your gaze steady and confirm, asking him what time slots are available.
"Well, miss, we can have you booked with a customary Gym Trainer battle tomorrow at 5:00 PM since it'll be your first badge. If you win, you'll be able to move forward and challenge Katie at a similar time on Thursday." That works for you, hopefully nothing happens during the last few days of your Field Exercise that could disrupt that.
"Please answer the questionnaire honestly, lying would be grounds for disqualification for this year's Circuit." He hands you a pen and a piece of paper. On it were questions that tried to gauge a challenger's experience and skill level. Asking if this is your first time in a Trainer's Circuit and if you've had any experience as a trainer in another region. Asking about if you've had any battling experience prior to challenging the gym. And—huh?
At the bottom, is a question asking if the challenger would consent to have their gym challenge be broadcasted or publicly accessible once recorded. While the battle will be recorded by the League for recordkeeping purposes, they would be prevented from releasing it for public viewing. Your face would also be blurred out in case of a Gym Test. The League will however be unable to prevent an audience from watching your battle live.
You tentatively answer yes, you're okay with your gym challenges being public. You'll be able to rewatch them at your leisure and it'll be easier for your family and any future employers to check your battle record. You'll just…try not to let the pressure get to you.
With the questionnaire done, you turn it over to the receptionist who double checks it before returning your Trainer Card to you alongside a slip of paper with a time and date printed alongside the Gym logo.
"Printed on there is your schedule, we would appreciate it if you were present around 30 minutes before your battle. Miss the appointment and you will have to wait another two weeks before being allowed to challenge the Cortondo Gym again. Do not lose the ticket or we will consider your appointment missed. Have a nice day!" With that done, you go back to the lobby to wait for Elise to finish her registration before the two of you head to meet up with Jacinto and the other members of Group 2.
"...was it really that quick?" You can barely hear Jacinto asking Nemona who was drinking a fruit smoothie.
The two of them were seated on a pretty big table in an open food court near the Gym's parking lot. Aside from the typical food selections you've come to expect of Cortondo, there were a couple of fast food joints you recognized from passing by them in Mesagoza.
"Yup, didn't have to send out Sunny at all. I think it's more of a way to make sure people who'd absolutely lose to the Gym Leader don't—Oh hey! Mariana! Elise! Over here!" Nemona waves to the two of you. Already you can see you're not the only one who's caught another Pokemon for their team.
Floating next to Jacinto was a Magnemite who seemed to be engrossed in a conversation with Nemona's Wattrel. On top of Nemona's head meanwhile was a Cutiefly, the small white and yellow Pokemon having fallen asleep on top of their trainer's head. And right next to Nemona, sitting on a chair, holding a smoothie of his own was Sunny.
You and Elise greet the two members of Group 2. Wanting to get Drilbur used to your classmate's Pokemon, you release her and Roland, giving the Dreepy specific instructions to keep an eye on her. From how Drilbur immediately runs off to play, you doubt Roland's gonna have an easy time of it.
"So how was your end of the Field Exercise?" Jacinto asks Elise, who takes a seat next to him. You meanwhile sit down next to Sunny, waving to the Monferno as a greeting which he returns.
"Well it was definitely an…exciting day…" Elise mostly focuses on explaining how your first mandatory task went. She does give some detail of how you and Theodora caught new Pokemon during the optional task.
"The Pokemon are agitated out east as well, so Erika was right then…" Jacinto whispers something to himself.
"What's this about Erika?" You ask, having heard her name being mentioned. Hopefully she hasn't gotten herself into trouble.
"Oh, she just mentioned something earlier about how the Pokemon were too aggressive. And it was kinda weird, if something like that happened near Cabo Poco, the local garrison would've already been all up at arms about." Nemona explains, waking up the Cutiefly asleep on her head. The small Bee Fly Pokemon flew down on her hand to be pet by Nemona's finger.
"Wait, what happened on your end then?" Nemona explained how they had to help relocate a small nest of Ribombee and Cutiefly away from Marida Forest.
"Erika said that the Ribombee lost a big turf war to the local Butterfree and had to get out for their good. This little cutie right here helped us and even decided to stick around with little ol' me. Who's a little cutie–ow!" Nemona pulled her finger away having accidentally poked herself on her new Pokemon's proboscis.
"Okay that definitely feels like something the Rangers—er—Trainer Association should handle." Elise had a mildly concerned look on her face, as if she hadn't just described getting attacked by a group of Bug Pokemon earlier. She's right, though, Pokemon migration and relocation is something typically handled by Rangers in the Highlands.
"I mean we did have an Associate guide, but he was—"
"Bad. Pretty sure Jacinto could beat him. Might've been an intern." Nemona interrupts Jacinto, before explaining how the Trainer Associate panicked under pressure getting both his Pokemon knocked out by rampaging Butterfrees and himself hurt earlier in the day. "Manuel and Atticus took his Pokemon to a center and took him to the infirmary."
You look over to Jacinto to gauge his reaction to what Nemona said and aside from the telltale signs of gritted teeth, it could be worse. He clears his throat and brings everyone's attention back to him.
"Well, I had the pleasure of briefly speaking to him and he apparently was a new hire. Word is that the Cortondo Trainer Association is stretched thin. Hiring people who haven't even gotten badges yet." Everyone's eyes widened at that.
Elise leans back on her chair, sighing. "Well, this promises to be an interesting Field Exercise. How'd Miss Leaf react to what happened?"
"She took one look at our guide and stormed off, leaving her Ditto to keep an eye on us." That definitely doesn't sound great.
"Ditzy is real fun, though! It's the first time I've seen a Ditto up close, I wonder how Miss Leaf has them fight in battle? There's not really that many big trainers that use Ditto aside from this guy in Kalos but he didn't get that far in the last…" Your class essentially lets Nemona take the reins of the conversation as you use the opportunity to wind down and relax. Making small talk and discussing plans for the coming days.
According to the two members of Group 2, Erika and Manuel are out looking for a second Pokemon, with Atticus promising to help them after he finishes up his Gym Trainer Battle.
Nemona herself is resting and going to sleep early tonight since it'll be her first Gym Battle tomorrow. According to her, she's spent some time researching what kinds of Pokemon the Gym Leader uses at the 1st and 2nd Badge level.
"Where'd you meet your new Magnemite?" You ask Jacinto about their new Pokemon. The Magnemite has mostly been silent during the whole conversation.
"Found them wandering up north while I was looking for a Pokemon. Normally Magnemites are rarely found alone. Even before they evolve, Magnemites travel in groups. But Storm here, it's what I called them, was all alone. Basically just started following me."
That is odd. Even in the highlands, Magnemites are only really found in places where a lot of electricity has been built up. Large numbers of them congregate to feed on static electricity. The conversation then turns to Jacinto's new Pokemon and how he plans on raising them.
As afternoon turns to night, your group splits and says goodbye to one another, heading back to your respective Inns.
It was when you came back that you found Theodora drinking tea next to her new Pawniard, the Pokemon's blue and black exterior now much shinier compared to his earlier dirty and rugged appearance. Serving both of them was Sharon who's telekinetically lifting a kettle of tea.
"Why hello there, darlings, you've found us at an opportune time. Leo and I have reached an accord as to our new partnership." The Pawniard has a contemplative look on his face, only reacting to the outside world by nodding at Sharon refilling his cup of tea.
"Mariana, darling, can I have a word with Elise? Ostia should still be upstairs." You nod and wave to the two girls as Elise sits down across from where Theodora was sitting.
You make your way upstairs, you hear the sound of a Pokeball recalling mechanism as you approach the door. Right where you left them was Ostia, though they only had Argy out. Meaning they must've recalled Poly for the night.
"You're back, Miss Mary!" Ostia exclaims from their bed, turning their eyes away from the TV.
You chat and spend some time with Ostia, letting your own Pokemon out. Argy remains silent, not even talking or responding to you or any of the other Pokemon. They did get beaten pretty humiliatingly earlier, so they must still be embarrassed about that.
You spend the rest of the night with Group 1 and your Pokemon, getting ready for the next day.
FIELD EXERCISE 1
WEDNESDAY VOTE
AVAILABLE AP: 2
Pokedollars: 22,000 on your Person
League Points: 6,000 on your Trainer Card
Vote will be by Plan Voting [X] Day Two Mandatory Tasks: From the edges of the Breadbasket to the peripheries between Cortondo and old Badajoz. Sightsee and Experience the tension brewing in the province
Herding Wooloo: Yesterday's attack has caused some local Skiddo and Wooloo to flee from their pastures. Track them down and bring them back before they get hurt or eaten by the local Wild Pokemon. All of Group 1 will do a 1d20+PROW Roll. DC 18. Lowered due to Prior Actions. Failing Roll will give Wound to one of your Pokemon
Not so Abandoned: Reports from trainers passing by suggest that the Badajoz ruins aren't as abandoned as previously thought. Do some light investigative work, it's probably nothing but better safe than sorry. All of Group 1 will do a 1d20+KNOW Roll. DC 18. Lowered due to Prior Actions
Rewards: 8,000 Pokedollars, 3 Pokemon Materials, 200 Poke and STAT XP
[] Day Two Optional Task: Herbal Horticulture: Historically berries have been used as makeshift medicine for Pokemon and even sometimes humans. While modern medicinal technology has long surpassed such practices, certain parts of Paldea still regularly use such medicines to heal sickly Pokemon. However what would normally be a routine harvest of berries and herbs has been complicated by the recent agitation and hostility of Wild Pokemon. -1 AP
All of Group 1 will do a 1d20+SKLL Roll. DC 20. Lowered due to Prior Actions. Failing Roll will not apply Wound and will still accomplish Task but no Berry Juice item will be received
Group 1 will battle multiple Pokemon that have set up near the Route Lamp.
Rewards: 12,000 Pokedollars, 4 Pokemon Materials, 400 Poke XP, Gain 2 Berry Juice (Heal 1 Wound below 3 Wounds and Status Ailment)
Is mutually exclusive with: The Lost Woods
[] Day Two Optional Task: The Lost Woods: Last Monday night, Trainer Associate Watterson was seen stumbling drunkenly out of a bar on the edge of Cortondo. He had accidentally left his Pokeballs in the bar's men's washroom. While his location is relatively known, they've confirmed that he still hasn't emerged from the forest.
Do find him and return him to the Local Trainer Association so his superior can give him the dressing down of his life. -1 AP
All of Group 1 will do a 1d20+PROW Roll. DC 26. Lowered due to Prior Actions. Failing Roll still accomplish Task but give lower rewards (50% less)
Group 1 will look for a Missing Person
Rewards: 18,000 Cash, 2 Pokemon Materials, 200 Poke XP and 400 STAT XP
Is mutually exclusive with: Herbal Horticulture
[X] Yo! Champ in the Makin': One of the big draws and privileges of Academy Students over regular trainers (aside from the connections and resources made available to them), is essentially getting to cut in line for Gyms during Field Exercises. And what a line it is. With Gyms opening up in August, trainers have begun to flock towards the nearest Gyms to register early and get the chance to fight the Gym Leader. (2/3) -1 AP
As a Mesagoza Student, your application to fight a gym will be fast tracked.
Increase Bond with Nemona and Atticus
(2/3) Since this is your first Gym, you will fight a Gym Trainer to gauge your competence. And while you're already at the Gym, might as well use that opportunity to watch Nemona's and Atticus' Gym battles. 1d20+SKLL Roll. DC 14. Pokemon used in Gym Battles witnessed by Mariana will not be used against her during her Gym Battle.
(3/3) The winner of the 2018 Paldean League Conference: she managed to beat Rika and Old Man Tenma, Poppy's predecessor, and lost to Elite Four member Larry Laureano. She's the second-youngest currently reigning Gym Leader, and a proud supporter of La Primera's reformist agenda. A Bug/Normal dual Type Trainer: Katie Aracelli would like to battle. vs. GYM LEADER KATIE ARACELI. MAJOR BATTLE 3V3. Depending on Outcome, Pokemon may gain Wounds. Greatly Increase Bond with Roland and Drilbur
[] ...Do as the Rimeans do: There's still probably some nooks and crannies of the settlement you haven't seen yet. You find that you enjoy exploring places, especially if it's with friends. -1 AP
Lowers DC of all Mandatory and Optional Tasks for Thursday and Friday by 2
Increases Bond with Elise and Ostia
[] Cortondo Cart: While you've already most of what you expect you'll need for Field Exercise, it won't hurt to go out and buy some extra. You never know when you'll need it.
Current Pokedollars: 22,000
Allows the purchase of healing items as well as some Simple and Advanced TMs
Healing Item Cost Range: 3,000 - 10,000
Simple and Advanced TM Cost Range 15,000 - 40,000
[] Dig Deep: With a new member on your team, it seems like a good idea to spend a couple of hours getting to know them. Drilbur is a hyperactive little Pokemon, surpassing even Roland during your first week with him. From how she reacts to everything, she's not used to being on the surface most of the time. Spend some time just the two of you getting used to each others tells and expressions
Increase Bond with Drilbur
Gain 300 Poke XP (Roll 1d20+SKLL. DC 16)
[] Song of Roland: Even with your new capture, Roland is going to be the star of the show during your Gym battle. Beyond just getting him trained and prepared for Thursday, you should spend some time with him to show just how much you appreciate and care for him. Nothing too extraneous though, he'll need a full day of rest for the Gym Battle.
Increase Bond with Roland
Mutually Exclusive with Dig Deep and Crystalline Cat
[] Crystalline Cat: You're pretty sure you've yet to spend time alone with Renne, Roland was always with you during your sessions with her. Time to fix that, see the sights of Cortondo with her, taste the locales, feel the grass beneath your feet. Hopefully your arms don't get tired from carrying her all day.
Increase Bond with Renne
Can become a Greatly Increase under a Hard CHRM Roll (DC 26)
Mutually Exclusive with Song of Roland
[] Knowing is Half the Battle: Good preparation and intel is key to any successful operation. Or at least your more military minded teachers tell you. The 1st and 2nd Badge recordings of the Cortondo Gym should be publicly available on their website. Spend some hours watching a few of the videos, learning the likely roster of Pokemon you're going to fight and find out how Katie Aracelli introduces rookies to the world of Pokemon.
+2 to Effect Rolls during Gym Battle
Find out roster of potential Gym Battle Pokemon
Increase Bond with Elise
[] The Other Half of the Battle: You'll be performing in front of a live audience, while you won't be able to hear them, the pressure will still be there nonetheless. With a new member on your team, it'll be prudent to get them used in battling in the relatively safe environment of official League battles. Maybe even get some last minute training in for Roland.
Gain 200 Poke XP and 1 MXP for both Roland and Drilbur
Increase Bond with Drilbur, Theodora and Erika
Pokemon Materials Gained:
Tarountula Web, Nymble Legs, Nincada Shells, Aron Armor, Pawniard Blades, Nacli Salt, Tinkatink Hair
Cash and STAT Gains this turn
18000 Pokedollars, 600 Poke XP, 200 SKLL, CHRM and PROW XP
I'll post the Battle report for Roland vs. Drilbur but yea it was a stomp
Moratorium for 14 Hours
Thanks to Nemastrea for proofreading this update
[X] Plan: A Woodland Rehearsal
-[X] Day Two Optional Task: The Lost Woods
-[X] The Other Half of the Battle
"You have to understand Ostia, Wooloos are really stupid." You lift up your third Wooloo of the day, this one having gotten stuck face-first halfway into a small crevice, luckily it didn't fall any deeper. It took a bit for you and Ostia to pull them out, you had to send out Drilbur to dig under the Wooloo to help push them up.
"I guess…but they're so cute and fluffy though…I feel bad…" Ostia has a downcast look on their face because of how you've been corralling and herding the Sheep Pokemon. Pushing and pulling one way or the other, it'd be way easier if you had a crook with you but the herder who gave your class the task had it with him as a crutch for his broken leg.
While your Group was fighting with Lokix and Spidops' band of wild Pokemon yesterday, a pasture nearby had been attacked by the other member of what the locals are now calling the Triad; Ninjask. The Bug Type had led a decent number of Nincada and a Shedinja of all things to try and steal some of the local Wooloo and Skiddo.
The herder who gave the task, Pietro, had his Growlithe and Yamper fight them off. But as a result he got injured and both of his Pokemon were badly hurt to the point they had to go to a Pokemon Center. So while his son is at the center making sure his dad's Pokemon are okay, Group 1 has been tasked with retrieving the Wooloo and Skiddo that got loose after the attack.
"They are very fluffy, yes." You look over to Ostia who's riding atop one of the Wooloo, a small flock of them following behind, being led by Argy and Poly. You feel something pull on your braid and with your free hand, you flick the nose of the Wooloo you're carrying. Little hellion was trying to eat your hair!
Drilbur, who's carrying her own Wooloo and waddling along next to you, snickers at the sight.
Even back in the Highlands, raising and herding Wooloo flocks were a big part of your life. So you know what to expect and do, which is why you've been paired with the kid while Elise and Theodora are off looking for the Skiddo.
You wonder how they're doing.
Elise nimbly dodges out of the way of the Skiddo's headbutt, sidestepping their attack. Rin's ribbon tightens around her right arm as power briefly floods into her body. She rams her shoulder onto the Skiddo's side and sends the Pokemon tumbling.
The Skiddo turns to face her, hooves pawing at the ground as it readies for another attack. She readies her stance, sheathing Rin in order to prepare for an Autumn Leaf Cutter.
An attack from the 4th Form of the Eight Leaves, One Blade School of Swordsmanship. Developed by Shinwan Honedge trainers while observing the movements and battles of Bug and Grass Pokemon like Scyther and Leavanny. A manipulation of Tera Energy to temporarily manifest an attack of utmost precision. A perfect strike.
Elise exhales and briefly looks around her, circling their makeshift arena is a small herd of Skiddo, one led by her current opponent. According to what Sharon translated to Thea, the Skiddo were kept in line by Pietro's Growlithe. But after yesterday, one of the stronger Skiddo took over in Growlithe's absence.. He's now looking to lead the other Skiddo out to greener pastures.
So here she is, challenging him to a battle. If she wins they go back with her and Thea to the herder, if the Pokemon wins the both of them go back empty handed and pretend they never even saw any Skiddo. Essentially a challenge for the leadership of the herd.
If they went with Thea's plan, they'd have just knocked out all of the Skiddo and had Sharon levitate them all back to the pasture. She refused and argued with her friend to let her do this.
The Skiddo didn't flee just because they were scared but because they lost confidence. Places like Cortondo and her own home of Montnevera rely on that gray area between Trainer and Wild Pokemon for their livelihoods are built on those same Pokemon thinking it's better to coexist alongside humans than to live in the wild.
The Skiddo have, in their eyes, a good reason to try and leave. Stomping them all down like what Thea wanted would just breed resentment that the locals will have to deal with. Challenging them on their own terms might cause them to grumble, but it's the better alternative.
It's the duty of a Ranger to balance the needs of humans with the well-being of the environment and of Pokemon. One of the things Grusha drilled into her head in the odd moments he was free and willing to teach her. Thinking about it, she's not all that of a student is she?
She looks at her opponent, the Skiddo is larger than his peers, almost going up to her chest. Getting hit by an attack from him would hurt. Elise pulls on her bond with her Honedge. Straining her ears to listen to his whispers.
"....strong , yet something bars 'em from the cusp of greater strength. Difficult, yet thou shall triumph, if thou focus." Her grip on Rin's hilt tightens, she ignores the pain in her chest, her ever constant companion.
She spares a moment to glance at Thea, while she and her opponent circle one another looking for an opening. She's wearing that same neutral look she has whenever she disapproves of something. Elise pushes down that niggling feeling of familiarity whenever she looks at her.
Elise shakes her head, Thea just doesn't get it—
Her opponent charges.
With one swift motion, she strikes.
"Autumn Leaf Cutter!"
The two halves of Group 1 meet back up at the Section 35 pasture alongside your quarries. Numbering a little over two dozen Wooloo and Skiddo, your group managed to bring back most of the missing Pokemon with the remaining missing handful likely having been taken by the Nincada during the attack proper.
"Well, it's better than I expected for a bunch of kids." Pietro says, sitting on the veranda of his farmhouse. You wrinkle your nose as he smokes a cigarette, you're trying not to judge him too much. That broken foot, now wrapped in a cast, must really hurt.
But it's really trying.
"Luckily for you, my brat just came back so he can take over from here. Yer pay's in the envelope." He passes it over to Elise who takes it with a shallow bow. She has a pensive look on her face, like she's contemplating asking something.
"Well, spit it out girl, you look like you wanna ask somethin'?" It seems you're not the only one who noticed. You and the other members of Group 1 turn to Elise in expectation of what she's going to say.
"How common have attacks from Wild Pokemon been lately? Because when I—my Pokemon fought the big Skiddo, they seemed close to evolving. If something like this happens again…"
Pietro had a thoughtful look at Elise's question. He takes a whiff of his cigarette and blows a puff of smoke to his side.
"They've been a lot more common lately, used to be that my boy Cinders—that's me Growlithe by the by—could handle 'em. But with those Ninjask and all the other Bugs runnin' around, I had to get some help. The Yamper's technically my son's but he's been helping with the herd for a couple of months now. It's still a mess." Pietro has an irritated look on his face, he takes one last whiff of his cigarette before putting it out on an ashtray on the table next to him.
"Why haven't the garrison—"
"Cause they've left us to hang!" The herder all but snarls, crushing the new cigarette he had pulled out from a pack of them, interrupting Elise's followup question.
"That malignant little Count is fucking with our lives and that Aracelli is too busy playing politics to do shit about him." You cover Ostia's ears as Pietro starts swearing and cursing out the local noble in charge. The herder got so agitated that veins started to form on his head. That doesn't seem healthy.
"Careful, pops, remember your blood pressure. And c'mon Katie's trying her best." Coming out from within the farmhouse was a boy around your age. He had two Pokeballs on his belt. "Knowing dad, he prolly hasn't introduced me yet. I'm his son, Peter."
Pietro scoffs at his son's chastisement before speaking up.
"What the Joy's say about Cinders and your Yamper?" Peter hands one of the Pokeballs over to his father who immediately takes it and releases the Pokemon inside. Out comes a Growlithe who the herder quickly dotes upon.
"Who's my brave little boy?" Pietro cooed at his Growlithe, petting the hound's face with both his hands. Cinders responded by licking his trainer's face and all but hugging them.
"Joys said to keep from any strenuous activity for a few days, other than that he should be fine." Peter goes on to pet the Fire-Type Pokemon before he remembers your group's presence.
"I heard about you from Alice. Thanks for helping out around here." Oh good, it was getting kind of awkward just standing around after Elise asked her question.
"It was no problem, right, guys?" Elise responds to which you and the rest of Group 1 agree.
"That's a relief, c'mon, Pops, let's get you inside. You can watch some shows with Cinders while you recover." You group says goodbye to the two as you and your friends head to the next Mandatory Task. A contemplative silence falling over all of you, broken only by Ostia's reaction to your fussing over them and the sounds of your surroundings.
"So, Theodora, any idea why the local Count is acting like this?" Elise suddenly asks while the four of you are headed to the Badajoz Ruins.
Unlike with the other locales visited so far, the path to your destination isn't as well maintained. There used to be a small Ranger Station near the outskirts of the ruins but it got abandoned when Ranger presence in the region started to decline.
"My, why are you only asking me now? We left the home of our prior clients an hour ago." Theodora has a teasing look on her face which causes Elise to look away.
"I mean, I was just uh—thinking of what to say to you and all…"Elise had an embarrassed look on her face which only got worse as Theodora's smile grew bigger and bigger. The teasing continued as Theodora poked and prodded at Elise's reactions.
You feel like a third wheel at this point.
You send a glance to Ostia who looks deep in thought. They've been rather out of it ever since they found out that the next destination were the ruins. They've barely been paying attention to their surroundings, relying on you and Argy to prevent them from getting lost or stumbling onto anything.
"Are you alright, Ostia? You seem kinda distracted." Your friend turns to you, seemingly snapped out of deep concentration.
"I'm a-okay, Miss Mary! Just um—thinking about Pokemon is all. I heard there were uh—Psychic Pokemon in the ruins. So I was wondering about them." You think back to the Pokeballs that Ostia had when you first met them and you wonder. Has Ostia ever caught a Pokemon before?
"Well if you wanna catch a Pokemon just tell me, I can help you! It'll be fun!" Ostia looks down on the ground as they walk before mumbling a thank you. You ruffle their head causing them to giggle.
They soon however returned to that same pensive look. This time they sent Poly out of their Pokeball, holding the Staryu tight as the Pokemon's gem glowed. Next to Ostia, Argy's eye also began to shine as a silent conversation took place between a trainer and their Pokemon. You probably shouldn't disturb them.
You make a whistling sound, Roland's signal to come back as he comes back from patrolling on ahead. The little Pokemon wrapping themselves around your neck like a dragon on its hoard.
"Don't you fall asleep on me, it's not even lunch yet." Roland makes a chirping noise complaining about you being mean. You resist the urge to mention how the little hellion just woke up, since you mostly used your new teammate Drilbur to look for the Wooloos.
You sigh, with Ostia clearly busy and your lazy ghost of a starter, you surrender yourself to going back to being a third wheel for the other two members of Group 1.
"Sorry I had to check up on Ostia, what'd I miss?" You ask Theodora and Elise as you jog back up to where the two were. No point being out of the loop in the conversation.
"Not much, what do you know about how civilian and military responsibilities are divided in Paldea?" That's an odd question, you try to remember scattered lectures from your Civics classes during Sunday School and recently classes in Mesagoza.
"Um, I think it was, the Nobles with the Imperial Family on top handle civilian affairs while the Paldean League and the Gym Leaders handle military affairs. With some exceptions, of course." You think of the supposedly special relationship the Highlands have with Paldea. Where the Andosins are self-governing under the Great Khural, a council of all the biggest and most powerful clans in the Highlands.
"Not exactly, while the Gym Leaders do operate as liaisons between the Nobility and the League, many of the noble households still maintain trainers under their employment primarily for the purposes of maintaining law and order in their province. But as a whole it's not an inaccurate statement for most settlements in Paldea. Though at this point there are more exceptions than not." You're starting to think that Theodora loves hearing the sound of her own voice.
"Could you list some of those exceptions, Elise darling?" She turns towards Elise who starts enumerating examples with her fingers.
"Well there's Levincia which is a Free City that governs itself and only answers to the Imperial Family. I think Fede is in a similar deal, though I'll have to ask Erika more about it. There's Cabo Poco which I think is run by the navy. And I heard Alfornada might be a Free City as well but I'm not sure." Theodora does a little clap as Elise finishes before speaking.
"Very nice, though you missed two. Medali is run by an elected mayor. Meanwhile…Porto Marinada is ruled by a Governor-General in command of League forces in the city." A strange look crosses Theodora's as she finishes her explanation.
"For all that Miss Leaf and others might speak of Paldean despotism, it's a rather complex system. Which brings us back to Cortondo, it was up until a few years ago governed wholly by Count Jose Hipolito de Cortondo. Do you know what changed that?" Theodora asks and you wrack trying to remember recent news reports for an answer.
"The Cortondo Governing Council thing?" Elise answers for you, to which Theodora claps in response.
"Correct. Following Katie Aracelli's appointment as Cortondo Gym Leader, she established the Cortondo Governing Council. It was officially an advisory board consisting of the citizens of the settlement, made to aid the Trainer Associations in their responsibilities following the…decrease of Ranger activity in Paldea." Elise looks away as Theodora continues her explanation, a worried look on the latter's face.
"However it may have started, in the past year the Council has taken on more and more responsibilities in Cortondo, undermining the Count's authority." You can see where this is going.
"So the Count is letting things get worse, to what, stick it to Katie?" You respond, incredulous at the idea.
"I won't put it in such a way, but yes, that is what is likely happening. The Count has confined the garrison to their barracks under the excuse that issues in regards to poaching and Pokemon attacks beyond the settlement are under the Gyms and Trainer Association's jurisdiction." Theodora answers with a frown on her face, distaste clear on her as well.
"...It's not technically wrong, but something tells me there's more to this. Even if the Trainer Associations aren't as experienced as the Rangers, they should be able to handle something like this even just through sheer numbers alone." Elise mumbles.
She has a point, Trainer Associations recruit from all across the Trainer population in a settlement. Even not counting the ones who have more than Six Badges or already have another job, that's still more than enough to address the poaching issue.
Theodora looks at the two of you and smiles.
"While this has been a rather interesting conversation, I believe we've reached our destination." Looking around you see where the old dirt and stone paths that once led to Badajoz ends and where the old Imperial marble of the ruins begins.
What does a destroyed settlement look like? Human construction that isn't maintained rarely lasts long out in the Wild. Facing attrition whether through the natural elements or destruction from conflicts between Wild Pokemon. By that consideration, Badajoz is in remarkably decent shape.
Many of the outlying homes and buildings are no longer standing aside from walls or the odd raised floor mostly overtaken by nature. But larger structures closer to where the "center" of the settlement should be are mostly intact and from hazy silhouettes of Pokemon flying in and out of them, inhabited. Not even including the various Pokemon going about their day.
You hear Ostia running up next to you, conversation with their Pokemon done. The small kid looking around in wonder at the ruins, eyes darting to follow the shadows and silhouettes of Pokemon that consider the place home.
"Alright, Group 1, according to the person who gave the task to Miss Ronah, there's been strange noises and activity coming from the ruins reported by trainers passing or flying by the area. They don't think it's a new Pokemon that's moved in but they have no clue what it could be. We'll split up into twos as usual to cover more ground. It's still a protected heritage site and Pokemon habitat so we're discouraged from breaking anything." Its moments like these where you're reminded of just how much Elise would be better at being Class President.
With Elise's briefing done, your Group split up to handle different parts of the ruins. Elise and Theodora will head closer to the center of the settlement where they'll be going with Missy's implicit support. Meanwhile, you and Ostia will cover the outskirts closer to the cave systems of the Badajoz Heights and the edge of the forests nearby.
You pull out your ARCUS as you look around the area, catching glimpses of Bronzor and Yamask occasionally floating by. Both Pokemon are common sights in old ruins like these. With the former typically being seen doing maintenance and repairs to the old abandoned buildings they come across. The latter's presence is one you're more curious about.
Yamask are Pokemon typically associated with grief and loss. Old Andosin legends mention how people used to mistake them for the souls of the recently departed due to how nearby Yamask would often congregate around graves and funerals. Some stories even mention them following the families of the deceased back home. It's a reasonable misconception to make as you look at the mask the Pokemon is carrying. The Yamask you're inspecting has been drawn to you and Ostia by the berries you packed for the trip.
As the Yamask eats the offered berries, joy clear in its face (and jealousy clear in Roland's) you take the opportunity to ask the Pokemon questions about its home. It's Renne's turn to feel lazy as the little Espurr was too sleepy to help translate for you. So it falls to Argy to communicate with the Wild Pokemon of the ruins.
To mixed results.
"Argy says that the Yamask haven't noticed anything unusual, the Woobats don't really hunt them so they don't care." A similar response is given by most of the Yamask you ask from then on. Local Yamask aren't that observant of their environment, seemingly content to let months pass by them without a change in their routines. Some Yamasks are even shocked when you bring the local Woobats. It's still a better response than the utter nothing that the Bronzors provide.
The Bronze Pokemon ignore your group's attempts to communicate with them, some even going as far as trying to attack the two of you once you get near, but considering how they mostly focused on Argy, you have an inkling as to why.
You have to hold back Roland from picking fights with the local Pokemon once you've gotten out of the way, the little guy is a lot more confrontational lately. With no leads so far the two of you decide to take a break, it's around two hours until noon but you did pack some snacks for your group with you.
"Here you go, Ostia, eat up." You hand them a sandwich you made, taking into account how Ostia is uncomfortable eating Pokemon parts. Thankfully Pirotin Inn had a supply of non-Pokemon food products in storage.
"Thank you, Miss Mary. Can I um—send Poly up to look above? Maybe they'll see something we missed." Ostia fidgets with their hands nervously, you give the most reassuring smile you can.
"It's okay. We can talk to more Pokemon while Poly is up there, if you want." A bright smile lights up Ostia's face as they send up their Staryu to float in the sky. You two finish up your snack and continue interviewing the various Yamask of the ruins.
You've even encountered a couple of the Ruin Yamask, a variation of the Ghost Type that carry stone or clay slabs rather than an ornate mask. They're a lot meaner and much more rude compared to their mask counterparts. Though you're not sure whether that's because Argy is agitating them or what.
You know a lot less about them than you do regular Yamask. You know that internationally, they're known as Galarian Yamask for a reason you're not quite sure of. Like most Ghost-type they can be found all over the world and Ruin Yamask are pretty common in Paldea as well. It's one of the many arguments between the various scientific communities of the Atlantei regions. One of the ones you're more familiar with are the ones about the Imperial Rapidash. Or as it is more commonly known outside of Paldea, the Galarian Rapidash.
You take a look at your ARCUS and surprisingly you have a signal. You know that the Paldean government has recently been trying to spread internet and communications access throughout the routes, but it's still shocking to be in the middle of an ancient millenia old ruin and be online. You send a quick message to Elise in the Group 1 chat asking how it's going on their end.
You also send a quick message to Erika sending her a picture of Ostia playing with a Yamask. Maybe she'll like that.
"Miss Mary! Poly found something!" Wait, already? You turn to Ostia who's already running off in Poly's direction. The Staryu is floating above a mostly intact home that's only missing its roof. You follow after them while typing a message to Elise saying that Poly might've found something.
"...this idea is super convoluted, Argy, but I trust you." You hear Ostia mutter something while coming to a stop in front of the broken down home. There Ostia stares at something inside, Argy next to them as Poly floats over to be pet by a waiting Ostia.
"What'd they find?" You ask approaching the entrance as Ostia just stands there staring at what was inside. In the middle of what would've been the home's living room was a strange bulky device.
It was broken, that was clear by the charred metal and missing panels on its side. It was nearly as tall as Ostia and rather massive to boot. The device had a number of pipes and valves connecting its torso to its rounded head. It had three legs holding it up from the ground, though one of them was broken causing the object to slant to the side.
"It looks like a mailbox." Ostia suddenly says next to you, face scrunched up in thought.
"It's more of a weird stove, but not one." You answer, thinking that the charred parts of the machine might give a hint as to its purpose.
Whatever it is, it does not belong here.
You take a few quick pictures and send them to the other members of Group 1 while you look around the house in case anything else stands out.
Aside from broken tiles and stone from the now missing roof, nothing seems out of place of what you'd expect in an ancient ruin. It is incredibly dusty though which is why you told Ostia to stay outside.
You feel your ARCUS vibrate as you get a message. It seems whatever it is that you and Ostia found has gotten Theodora riled up. She all but orders you to stay where you are and make sure the thing doesn't go away.
It doesn't take that long for the other members of Group 1 to show up, while Elise looks fine at having seemingly run their way here, Theodora is panting and sweating, hands on her knees and breathing heavily.
"Are you sure you're gonna be okay, Thea, I could carry if you—" Elise offers before getting interrupted by Theodora putting a finger up to the former's mouth. Her face was red with exertion.
"I'll…ha ha…be…fine. Let's just…see to…our quarry first." Theodora sends Sharon out of their Pokeball, the Braixen heading inside the home. Ostia offers Theodora a water bottle, which the latter takes with gusto, downing half of it in a single swig.
"Right. Thank you, dear. And my, what an interesting device the two of you have found." Theodora saunters over to where the machine was and crouches down to inspect it.
"What is that, a vacuum cleaner?" Elise asks, confused as you are to the object's purpose.
"Not quite, tell me darling Elise, have you heard of what a Gigaremo Machine is?" Recognition lights up on Elise's face as she stares at the device with a mix of incredulity and horror. Ostia meanwhile looks away, seemingly interested in something else.
"That's a Gigaremo!?" Elise's hand immediately goes to draw Rin before being stopped by Theodora.
"There's no need for that, it's already broken, quite thoroughly as well." Theodora turns back with a twirl of her skirt to inspect the machine before continuing. "It seems we've found the source of the local disturbances and the source of our missing Chacadets."
"Wait, what do you mean Charcadets?" You ask curiosity piqued. "And what is a Gigaremo anyways?"
"Gigaremos were something that the Rangers in Almia encountered a while back when Dim Sun was still in operation." Elise looked like she was trying to glare a hole in the side of the machine. "They used them to mind-control Wild and even sometimes Trainer Pokemon. After they fell, a lot of them ended up in the black market where weaker copycats were made. Miss Leaf called those ones Miniremos and they're what I'm more familiar with."
You grimace and feel disgust at the wretched little hunk of junk.
"Oh, that reminds me. Missy, could you be a dear and tell our instructor what we found? I believe she finds it most interesting." Mismagius pokes her head out of Elise's shadow to nod at Theodora before disappearing back down.
"Excellent, according to Sharon, Missy will use one of her shades to alert Miss Leaf. Now as for your other question Mariana, dear, Elise and I had interrogated the local Woobat colony to ask them of any disturbances in the area. And according to them, one day the entire local Charcadet population just vanished overnight." Your eyes widen, rumors of poaching in the province combined with a mind control device is a recipe for disaster.
"With those questions answered, we should bring this back with us to the local Association Headquarters. Mariana, Ostia, could the two of you please send out your Psychics? I do not believe Sharon alone can carry it, since they are not a full Psychic just yet." Theodora asks to which you comply, sending out Renne.
The Espurr looks at you with a flat expression, grumpy at having been woken up.
"H~ey, sorry I woke you up. But I need your help bringing something with us. It's called a Gigaremo…" You explain to Renne what the purpose of the machine is and how your group plans to bring it back to Miss Leaf to be investigated and confiscated before people do worse things using it.
As you finish your explanation, Renne has a strange expression on her face. A distant far away look seemingly in contemplation of something. You give them some time to process what you just said by looking around you. Elise and Theodora were in conversation while Ostia and Argy were helping Sharon look for all the broken parts of the Gigaremo.
'...very well, I shall do it.' You thank Renne, picking them back to rest in your arms as the now trio of Psychic Pokemon lift the Gigaremo. With your objective done, Group 1 heads out of the ruins and back to Cortondo.
As Elise was heading out of the ruins, at the front of the group to make sure no one was ahead, Rin felt a presence.
'Thou are being observed. To thy left.'
She turns her head to the direction Rin spoke off and there she sees it.
On top of one of the taller buildings nearby, there stood a lone Charcadet. The Pokemon was watching her group intently. Even in the morning sun, their burning eyes had an intensity to them noticeable to her even from this distance.
She blinks once and the Pokemon is gone, like they were never there in the first place.
"I was mighty surprised when Missy told me what you kids stumbled onto." Miss Leaf had apparently rushed to your Group after Missy told her what happened. She only has Ditzy with her, who's currently transformed into a Drifblim.
"Are Field Exercises supposed to be this…exciting?" You turn your head to Elise giving her a questioning look at the word she used. Leaf responds by shrugging.
"Kinda, I'm not the one who chose the task you're handed. I think it's split between Ronah and Leila." At your group's confusion at the second name, Leaf explained who she was.
"Leila Watterson, the Director for the local Deux Association branch. She's a former Ranger, so she's halfway decent at her job." Wait, Watterson? Isn't that…
"Any relation to the Watterson in our Optional Task?" Elise asks Leaf, causing a massive grin to appear on her face.
"Yeah, he's her husband, do be dears and find her husband for her, will you? He's kind of a loser."
With the debriefing with Leaf over, she and Ditzy take the Gigaremo from your group, saying that she'll be the one to take it to the local Trainer's Association. With it still not being lunch yet, your group takes a quick break before heading to Badajoz Forest for the day's final task.
After a short break, your group decided to tackle the optional task while it's still bright out, heading to the Association station noted down in the request. There your group got briefed on who your target is and how you're supposed to track him.
Messa Watterson was a Trainer Associate for over four years. He previously worked as a League Trainer before retiring. He has three Pokemon, a Kirlia, a Houndoom and a Sableye. He goes drinking every week with his coworkers. This Monday night, he had accidentally left both his Sableye and Houndoom in the men's washroom of a bar near the edge of Cortondo. It is believed that he might've stumbled drunkenly all the way to Badajoz Forest.
Your task is to take his Houndoom and Sableye with you to track him down and drag him in front of his wife to be reprimanded and demoted.
So now here you are checking your supplies and fussing over Ostia making sure they're wearing protective gear. Meanwhile Elise and Theodora are communicating with Messa's Pokemon in order to help them track their Trainer.
You take a look at the Houndoom and Sableye, the former looks well-fed and groomed, with deep healthy looking black fur and pristinely maintained horns and fangs. The Sableeye meanwhile floats in and out of the shadows with ease, the gems consisting of the Pokemon's eyes are extremely shiny and polished.
Whoever Mr Watterson is, he takes good care of his Pokemon. Him just forgetting their Pokeballs, doesn't fit with how obviously cared for the Houndoom and Sableye are. And from how Elise and Theodora are staring at the two, you suspect they've noticed as well.
"Is everything in order?" Theodora turns to ask you, conversation with the two Pokemon finished. You and Ostia give a thumbs up. "Excellent, Sharon has helped us in communicating with Mr. Watterson's Pokemon. As long as we follow them, finding him shouldn't be too difficult."
The rest of Group 1 nods and prepares to head out. You and Elise share a brief look at one another, as the two of you once more head into the Badajoz Forest.
It is officially the second day of his investigation/mini-sabbatical and he's starting to think he should "get lost in the woods" more often.
Messa Watterson is woken up that morning by Basil, his Kirlia, the one Pokemon he managed to sneak over to the forest before his little act earlier that week. They do their morning stretches and clean up the little makeshift bed that his gracious Sawsbuck hosts arranged for him last night.
He takes in his surroundings, he's not alone in the little corner of the woods. A small group of Shroomish there, the occasional Shroodle and even a handful of Sunkern. Most Pokemon spend the night hiding, usually from the Woobats up in the ruins. But recently…
Well, that's the reason he's here after all.
"I once more thank the generosity of my hosts." He says while doing a formal bow. While there weren't any Sawsbuck right in front of him at that moment, this part of the woods is their territory, anything he does or says, they'll know. It's simply good etiquette. Trees and bushes twisting out of the way, revealing a path of the grove is his answer.
"C'mon, Basil, the only ones left to interrogate are the Ursarings and the local Amoongus colony." His Kirlia follows after him loyally, as he pats his trench coat in search of his notebook.
'You dropped it, sire.' Basil levitates his pen and notebook to him, proving that once more, he'd actually be lost without him.
"Thank you, thank you." He flips through his notebook, finding everything in order. Including his sketch of…
"By the way Basil, did our little 'friend' show up again last night?" At around a little before 4 PM Tuesday, Basil detected a human-Pokemon duo making their way through the forest a decent distance away from him. With the circuit underway, something like that wouldn't be anything out of the ordinary. However…
He looks at the sketch he made in his notebook of what he saw while the memory was still fresh the day before, but even now he still has no idea what he's looking at. It was a bizarre mishmash of parts, a blue fin for a tail, a thick black coat of fur for its torso and lower body, green scaly front legs and finally a head covered in gray feathers underneath a bizarre mask for a head. Most curious of all about the Pokemon, was that it was strong. Went toe to toe with some of the strongest Pokemon in the forest with barely any hint of exertion.
But that wasn't the worst part, the most worrying thing was that neither he nor Basil can remember what the trainer looked like. Him being forgetful isn't anything new; he'd forget to put on his clothes in the morning if not for his wife or Basil. But Basil, like most Fairies Type Pokemon, doesn't forget things easily. It's helped a couple of times in this line of work.
At around 5 PM, their little 'friend' had been wandering at the edge of the local Ursaring territories. Around thirty minutes later, they managed to piss off the Ursarings enough that a battle ensued. He and Basil managed to make it to them just in time to see its conclusion. It wasn't even close.
Whatever that Pokemon was, it easily trounced half a dozen Ursaring. Afterwards, their 'friend' went deep into Ursaring territory before leaving a little over twenty minutes later. Kirlia confirmed that the duo left the forest at around six thirty PM and haven't come back since.
Never let it be said that he lets a good opportunity go to waste. He makes his way to a tree marked by a deep gash on its side. The furthest extent of the Ursaring's territory. About a fifth of the forest, stretching all the way from the ruins and the breadbasket and into the parts Rika told him was classified.
'The Ursaring greets us and once more thanks for our help against the intruder.' Basil translates the growls and snarls of the Ursarings, he can see a couple of little Teddieursas peeking out from behind their legs. A show of good faith and trust. From the sounds of his surroundings, or rather the lack of such, them and the Ursaring are the only Pokemon around, everyone else has vacated the immediate area.
"I humbly accept your thanks." He's been doing a lot of bowing lately, small price to pay dealing with human egos and Pokemon pride. "On that matter we spoke of yesterday…"
The Ursaring snorts before stepping aside and gently nudging one of the Teddiursa forward with their paw. The little one looks up at him with wide eyes filled with curiosity and wonder but tiniest hint of fear. Prolly hasn't left the forest their entire life.
'They say that the child was the one who saw the humans you were looking for.' He takes a seat down onto the dirt, to level with the Teddiursa, Basil right next to him as he pulls out his pen and notebook. Kids, humans or Pokemon, always like it when you take them seriously.
"Thank you for this, now little one, what did those humans look like and what Pokemon were with them…"
He falls into a familiar routine, asking questions and squeezing out testimony from witnesses. The little Teddiursa is smart, incredibly so. Has an eye for detail that if he was younger would be great for a trainer. But he's old now so there won't be any recruitment happening today. The other Teddieursas grow bored soon enough, playing around the Ursaring who he assumes is their parent.
"And you're certain about this one?" He asks, seeking clarification. It's the fourth person that Teddiursa saw. The other three are consistent with the testimonies from yesterday, faces familiar enough that he should have a profile once he gets back. But this fourth is…familiar.
The Teddiursa nods vigorously and further description deepens that sense of familiarity. When the little Pokemon says that they had a Gliscor with them, it all but confirms it.
There's a rat in the Trainer Association.
"I hate it when Rika is right."
The search has hit a snag and it's not even half an hour in.
Houndoom is supposed to track Mr. Watterson via his scent and Sableye would search for him through the shadows in the forest. Relatively simple and with both Pokemon being stronger than anyone in your group it should go quick, right?
Houndoom keeps getting led into dead ends, to the Pokemon's frustration. While Sableye dives into the many, many shadows beneath the trees and bushes of the forest and always, without fail, ends up back where he began, right where your group is.
All the while your group is stumbling through the forest, growing more and more tired with each passing moment. Finally it seems, Theodora's had enough.
"I believe we are being led around by a third party." she suddenly exclaims bringing your entire Pokemon and all to a halt. The Houndoom growls in irritation and confusion.
"What do you mean, Thea?" Elise tiredly asks, not helped by the fact that she's the one that's had to clear the way of branches and foliage with Rin.
"We've been in this exact spot before, look. That's even the stone I asked you to mark earlier." Theodora calmly points at a pretty large rock, surrounded by moss, bushes and a tree half upturned, roots surrounding it. And right at the center, was a fresh cut onto its surface.
"But I made that cut a while ago, when we just started going in, are you saying we're back all the way to the beginning?" Theodora nods at Elise's question, causing your entire group to groan in exhaustion.
"Can we turn back? Maybe Mr. Watterson will be fine?" Ostia asks while pouting, causing Sableye to emerge right next to them hissing, scaring Ostia. You pull your friend back and growl at the Pokemon staring them down.
"There will be no need for that, I believe I have an idea." Theodora sends out her Braixen. "Sharon here can help us."
'Sire, there is another Pokemon stalking us.' Magnificent. Great, honestly.
After he had finished interviewing the Teddiursas, he decided to head to the Amoonguss colony; he was halfway there when Basil detected a Pokemon stalking them from afar.
He only caught a small glimpse of it when it closed in but he's certain.
It's a Gliscor.
His co-worker Bragg's Gliscor, to be precise. Awfully unfortunate to run into one just as he's uncovered their ratfuckery. Just his luck.
So here he is running for his life, thankfully the Ursaring are doing their best to mess up and confuse anyone going through the forest right now. Somewhat slowing down the Gliscor chasing him.
Unable to help himself, he takes a peak at his surroundings while running. Trees, rocks and bushes shifting, roiling earth shifting around to his sides and behind him. The movement sends all sorts of Pokemon scattering. He dodges out of the way of an errant Pineco nearly hitting his face, sent flying by the tree they were hanging off of standing up to move, using its roots to drag themselves forward.
Rika can probably explain how they're doing it, she has an Ursaluna after all, but right now he has bigger problems.
"What're they doin' right now, are they actually after us?" He asks Basil, who he's carrying on his shoulders right now, to give his Pokemon a vantage point to attack anyone in front or behind him.
'They're keeping a distance, they do not seem to be hindered by the Ursaring manipulation of the forest.' Messa jumps out of the way of a massive root before continuing his pace. 'I can't tell what sort of Pokemon they are. It's like it's shifting.' Oh, if it's their friend from last night, then he's pretty sure he's fucked.
He thinks for a moment, only a moment, before coming to a decision.
"Basil, you prolly know what I'm gonna ask of you." He knew that not having Basil practice Teleport is gonna bite him one day, he didn't think it'd be now. But his Kirlia should be good enough with it to get himself out.
He feels a force squeezing down on his brain, like a vice grip crushing his forehead.
'Hopefully that has removed any thoughts of me abandoning you, sire. It is not quite over yet.' Thoroughly chastised, he focuses back on Plan A. If they can just…
A comforting and a familiar (in a good way) presence fills his shadow. Oregano, his Sableye.
'Oh, you're here. I suppose that might help. Hopefully Paprika is not far away.' Basil teases Oregano, causing the Sableye to hiss goodnaturedly at his teammate. He allows himself to take a break and relax. He listens as Oregano explains the situation through Basil.
"Sending a bunch of kids? But why…" Then he realizes it.
Damn, that's cold of you, Leila.
Him disappearing after he supposedly got lost would barely get a peep. Whoever responsible would get away easily, but a bunch of kids from fucking Mesagoza? That'll bring the hammer down on all of Cortondo. And sure enough.
'Gliscor has ceased the pursuit, they are heading out of the forest,' Basil says with no small amount of relief.
"What about our other friend?" He asks.
'Disappeared entirely from my senses' Basil turns to Oregano, who hisses something at them. 'Though it seems that presence has been one that's keeping watch over the students for a while now as per Oregano.' Huh, one of them must be the kid of a bigshot. Everyday Leila reminds him why he took her surname.
"How far away are these kids anyhow? Might as well introduce myself to them." It's polite manners to thank people who go out of their way to save you.
After what felt like more than an hour of searching, they finally found Mr. Watterson who looked no worse for wear. Slightly ragged and smelly but looks good for someone who was reportedly missing in the woods for over a day.
"How'd you kids manage to find me, anyways? The Ursarings here can play mean tricks on any humans that wander too close to their territory, it's why I got lost for so long." Says Mr. Messa as he introduced himself in a rather lax and laidback tone.
"W-well Sharon here, she's my Braixen, used her Psychic type abilities to track you down." Theodora looks bizarrely nervous for someone who basically singlehanded accomplished the task on her own.
"Oh, really?" Says Messa with a massive grin on his face. "Well, y'know my wife has a Psychic of her own, maybe you should meet her." He rubs his nose as he happily talks about his wife.
"I know I'm gonna get yelled at, but I'm just happy to be out of there…"
You take a look at the time. A little over an hour until your Gym Trainer appointment. It's been a long day and it's nowhere near over yet.
Pokemon Materials Gained:
Teddiursa Fur, Wooloo Wool, Yamask Shards, Skiddo Leaves, Deerling Leaves
Cash and STAT Gains in reserve
26000 Pokedollars, 400 Poke XP, 600 PROW XP and 200 KNOW XP No vote for this update
Thanks to Nemastrea for proofreading this update
