Priest of the Temple of Syrinx
CW: death
Owen Edmundson's House- Pewter City- June 2022
And with that having been said, the group settled around to listen to Tyrie's story.
October 13th, MYA
For about... well, he wasn't really sure at this point; he didn't really know about this strange concept of "time". But it seemed to him as though it had been a relatively long time now that the young Tyrunt's Tyrantrum family had ruled over the prehistoric Pokemon period. From what he'd seen of them, he didn't really know much about his royal family. Even then, though, to him the whole "king" stuff seemed... a bit weird.
And confusing.
And maybe a bit boring.
From what he could tell, being a "king" basically involved stuff like standing on a giant rock and giving speeches to other mons, getting into fights with other Tyrantrum about how terrible the rest of the family was, and going out to find other Pokemon to eat for lunch. A relatively short time ago his father had returned from a hunt with a pair of what he called "peasant birds" who had been "infringing on his territory" and "challenging his authority". The young Tyrunt prince initially had been really excited for some new food he had never tried before— but then he looked in the eyes of the "peasant birds" and saw nothing but fear and sorrow.
He was too scared and sad to eat them, and ran away from the table in horror. His whole family, from behind him, was laughing about something; maybe they had seen something funny?
He had figured that he'd go ask them what had made them laugh later; for now he needed to get away from all the weirdness that had been going on with his family lately.
He didn't hear them as they jeered things like <Look at Prince Panic again; too scared to eat meat anymore?> and <How are you ever going to be king?> and <Fine! You don't want to eat this; we'll eat it without you!>
Well... he'd heard one thing.
<Prince Panic.>
His family had called him that because he always seemed to be scared of things. Scared of what they considered "kingly" things. He was terrified of enemies; he was terrified of giving speeches; he didn't want to participate in all the family drama; and while he was perfectly fine with eating meat, there were strangely some kinds of meat he was scared of eating. Meat such as Tyrantrum meat, Cradily meat, and, lately, the meat of these strange colorful "peasant birds" he'd never seen before. And it was true; he was rather cowardly. He didn't know what being a "king" was, but if it was anything like what his parents were doing, it seemed pretty bad.
Still, though: all of a sudden he found himself being next in line.
Earlier that day, a massive earthquake had struck the valley that the Tyrunt prince had been living in. The Tyrunt prince, of course, had ran away and hid in desperation, but his family hadn't seemed to let it faze them. They went out of their cave, screaming about how an enemy was coming and they had to defeat it at all costs.
And the young Tyrunt prince was just standing there and hiding behind a rock in his family cave, wishing he could be as brave as his parents.
Eventually, the shaking stopped, and the Tyrunt excitedly went outside, delighted.
<Y-you did it!> he cried happily. <You defeated the enemy! I'm so happy!>
But when he walked outside, he noticed something strange.
His whole family wasn't moving.
They were all on the floor. The young Tyrunt prince tilted his head and walked up to his family.
<Mommy?> he asked. <Daddy?>
He shook them. They didn't move. Confused, the prince shook more members of his family.
<Brother...? Sister...? Aunt...? Uncle...? Why are you all so sleepy...?>
And then he looked up and saw something he never thought he would ever see.
There was a whole herd of Pokemon headed towards him.
Aurorus, more Tyrantrum, Carracosta, and even some more of the peasant birds that his family had been talking about. They all came to a stop in front of him, and then—
They all lowered their heads.
The young Tyrunt didn't know how to feel or what to do.
After a few moments of uncomfortable and weird silence, one of the other Tyrantrum came forward with a crown made out of stone that he placed onto the young Tyrunt's head.
<Your family is gone now,> he said. <We are immensely proud to call you... our king.>
No voice to cry suffering
La Academia de Naranja y Uva, Lecture Hall
-Carmen looks up to meet Mitchell's glance, scowling-
Carmen: Are you bothered.
-her eyes are strange—somewhere between cerulean and lavender, if not quite either, and nearly seething with boredom-
Carmen: Discard your heart and follow feebly along, then—see if it makes any difference.
-...she seems to have rendered her home-brought stone to a fine powder without Mitch hearing-
-having evidently lost interest in him and everything already, she turns back to her work…idly dipping a pinky in the small pan of Apricorn juice she had set to the side-
(-at least the Apricorn seems to be one supplied-)
-she sticks that pinky in her mouth-
Carmen: -...scowls-
-and almost begrudgingly, she tips the pan bit by bit into her bowl of powdered luminite-
Abilene: -continuing- Sometimes one breaks a few hearts in the process of becoming. It happens.
-Carmen stirs as she goes: one measured tilt, two twists of the spatula, then again-
Abilene: Ensure it is for your own sake, yes? One can live with any broken heart but one's own.
-Carmen snorts-
-her mixture's taken on an appearance somewhere between mercury and paste-
-it's then that Mitchell might realize everyone has a mortar and pestle, and Abilene's been talking the whole time-
-Carmen begins brushing the shimmering paste on the inside of her Apricorn shell in smooth, clean strokes-
No mind to think. No will to break.
Person, or Idea?
Carmen's words anger Mitchell. Cruel and haughty words like those had no place in an Academy classroom, in his opinion. Fuelled by his fury, Mitchell dropped the stone into his mortar and methodically crushed it to dust using his pestle.
There. It's done, Mitchell thinks. Now, the next steps are...
Mitchell grabs the pan he'd earlier filled with his Apricorn's juice and a spatula near him, then alternates between pouring some juice into the mortar and stirring the mixture with the spatula. It was a process that was somewhat amateurish and somewhat mechanistic.
After five repetitions, the mixture, almost paint-like in quality, was ready. Mitchell then brushed the inside of his own Apricorn shell with the mixture he made, in short, borderline-violent strokes.
The Orthworm keeps tunneling, speeding up as Bulbal does, eventually coming out and opening up a cave with white herbs shining inside.
Trill: "We got it!"
The Orthworm quickly starts chowing down on a sprig as an aura surrounds them.
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
The Wanderer
East Province Area Three, past
Iridium: -Dismounting from Bulbal and resending out Ammit- Let's finish it then!
Ammit: -Immediately goes to blasting them with a Flamethrower-
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
The Orthworm screeches in rage, decides violence is the only thing Ammit will understand and goes to Wrap her again.
Trill: "Use that opening!"
Sweet Kicks: <Already on it!>
She goes to Low Sweep the Orthworm and see if she can prevent the wrapping from happening.
Edited by CorvusAtrox on Mar 6th 2024 at 10:03:36 AM
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
The Wanderer
East Province Area Three, past
Ammit: -Manages to dodge the Wrap this time thanks to Sweet Kicks- <Not getting caught up in that again.>
Iridium: -Pulling out her Tera Orb as it starts glowing- Okay Ammit, let's Terastallize!
Ammit: <Yeah!>
Iridium: -Throws the Tera Orb in the air-
Ammit: -Is enveloped in crystal and bursts out covered in crystal and a Tera Gem resembling a three-pronged candelabra atop her head-
Iridium: Let's roast this worm with Flamethrower!
Ammit: -Tera Gem flashes as she blasts Orthworm with a glittery Flamethrower-
Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 6th 2024 at 11:57:28 AM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Trill: "Coool... Terastalization... Wonder if I should take that class..."
The Orthworm writhes again as a result of the boosted Flamethrower and even with it, he might not take another one. He tries to kick up a Sandstorm and go more defensive instead, Sweet Kicks missing another attempt at a kick.
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
The Wanderer
East Province Area Three, past
Ammit: -Looking from side to side as she tries to identify Orthworm's location- <The sand's too much!>
Iridium: -Gritting her teeth- Where is it...?
-Her eyes briefly glow rainbow-
Ammit, aim your Flamethrower at the spot where I point.
Ammit: -Nods- <Okay!>
Iridium: -Points-
Ammit: -Aims and fires at what appears to be the largest mass in the cavern obscured by the sand-
Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 7th 2024 at 7:21:40 AM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Meet The New Boss
Outskirts Of Medali
-Mithos pauses for a moment. Then turns to Sombra and smirks-
Mithos: "...Do you wanna go in?"
Contact Me!
That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth
Montenevera
A man is sitting here with a tired expression, behind a table with a sign strapped to the front. The sign says "I'll talk to your ghosts! (Ꝑ200)"
He's dressed a little bit light for the weather. Just a hoodie and a white t-shirt, and sweatpants. He is wearing snow boots at least. There's a Houndstone themed mask strapped to the side of his head. His shaggy hair is blonde, though given that there's a few inches of black creeping in from the roots it seems that's not his natural color.
His eyes are purple.
off the shits
Veronika
Outskirts of Medali
-Sombra looks deep in thought for a few moments. Eventually, she nods and smiles towards Mithos-
Sombra: “Heck yeah! Let’s go!”
you will seeeeee, that all the people are wonderful~
No voice to cry suffering
Paldea, Montenevera
-another man walks by, with a similarly tired expression and a kebab-
Hiro: -raising his eyebrows- Bold choice.
-he's layered for the chill—it's a bit difficult to make out the rest of his outfit beneath the cape drawn over his shoulders-
-his hair is smooth and well-tended, and fades faintly into a reddish ombre-
Hiro: Also typically one charges more for that kind of service. This kebab alone cost ₽1200.
-he takes a bite-
Hiro: That's about enough for a single avocado at Deli Cisco. Or two and a half eggs.
-strapped to his front is a Cubone-
Cubone: <Can you talk to my mom?>
No mind to think. No will to break.
That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth
Paldea
???: "...?"
???: "Not sure what you mean by that."
???: -shrugging- "Price is what it is because that's what people are usually willing to pay. For me, at least."
The Midday Lycanroc lying behind his chair rouses for a second.
Lycanroc: <Y're gonna have to have your trainer ask that bud. Moss' don't understand us.>
The apparent "Moss" tilts his head and squints.
Moss?: -leaning towards Hiro and placing his head on his hand- "... Might charge extra for you, though. You don't have a whole lot of lingering will hanging around for some reason..."
off the shits
No voice to cry suffering
La Academia de Naranja y Uva, Lecture Hall
-Mitchell may feel a hand on his arm-
Abilene: Gently. This is meant to house a companion of yours.
-her attention, suddenly there, turns up and away from him-
Abilene: …Ms. Avila, you have great spirit.
Carmen: Don't patronize me.
Abilene: You were part of Team Star, yes? That coalition delinquent from school grounds a short while ago.
-Carmen stares at her, affronted-
(-Abilene, being blind, doesn't return the expression-)
Carmen: …you are a substitute teacher.
Abilene: Guest speaker. One must learn before she can teach.
-Carmen takes a chisel—from her bag, not school supplies—and begins cutting an intricate pattern of lines into the solidifying inner surface-
Abilene: -to Mitchell- Don't imitate that. The remaining steps are fairly simple: watch to ensure the coating is even and smooth, then apply the latch and locking mechanism.
Abilene: -walking back to her desk- The hinge and button today are provided—it's said one can recognize the amateur Pokéballeur by her clattering collection of such, ha ha. Whittling a screw and button from the Apricorn lid and spare material would do if purely from scratch.
-she sets her own wooden button on the desk, giving it a singular satisfying click-
Paldea, Montenevera
Cubone: -shrugs- <Oh it's fine. I don't have a mom.>
-Hiro absently strokes the Cubone's skull-
Hiro: Hm.
-his eyes, a very ordinary brown, seem to gleam, looking Moss(?) over-
Hiro: That's a shame. The genuine article
Thespi: IT'S THE PRESENTATION
-the guy startles, just barely restraining an instinctive…punch…to the head emerging from his backpack-
Thespi: Do people visit fortunetellers because they want to hear they'll sprain their ankle later? Generally no!! They want comfort! They want excitement! To hear as true what they want to hear is the foundation of the mystic roadie!
-ah, the head is a Castform. that speaks Paldean for some. reason-
Thespi: …also you look kinda skrunkly.
Hiro: Thespi, not everyone wants to advertise so hard. Also, you're advocating lying.
Thespi: Skill issue.
No mind to think. No will to break.
South Province Area Three
The slightly weakened Titan Klawf was taking a pounding from both a Terastallized Shroomy, and a newly-evolved Sunrise.
Sunrise: Hey, I think I'm feeling a new move inside me! How about this?
Poppy: How about we finish this giant crab off? Shroomy!
Shroomy: It helps to know type matchups!
The attack finally took down Titan Klawf as it scuttled away.
Poppy: Woohoo! Excellent work, Shroomy! And you too, Sunrise! Cause you evolved! Look at those nine tails - they weren't kidding!
Sunrise: Yep. Plus I'm yellow now, so that's cool too!
Poppy: Now, where's Donut... there he is!
She ran over to Donut, as he was investigating the herbs.
Poppy: Whatcha got there, Donut?
Donut: These herbs... I licked one and it tasted... sweet. I wonder what their purpose is.
Poppy: Well, Donut, we better get going. Artazon's not too far away, so-
She was interrupted by what sounded like the snapping of branches, and looked down to see Lila with a piece of the herb in her mouth.
Poppy: Lila?! When did you get out - what are you doing with that in your mouth?
Lila: I saw a sparkly thing. And I had to steal.
Poppy: Lila, I - hang on. I feel like I've seen this somewhere before. But where...
She studied the piece of herb.
Poppy: Of course! The Academy! I remember reading about it, but what does it do... I've gotta check!
Naranja y Uva Academy
Poppy: Here it is! This book helped me know what the herb you 'collected' was. I think it was called Herba Mystica or something?
Lila: I knew my stealing would come in handy someday, yet you all looked at me like I was crazy.
Poppy read through the book's writings on Herba Mystica.
Poppy: So... the Herba Mystica can cure a variety of sickness, and when brought together can cure almost any ailment... Lila, I have an idea.
Lila: Does it involve stealing more?
Poppy: It involves stealing more-
Lila: Yes!
Poppy: -To be more specific, the other four kinds of Herba Mystica. Once we collect them all, we can make a sandwich with the ultimate healing capabilities, to save my brother.
Lila: Alright! When can we steal the next herb thingy?
Poppy: We'll go to Artazon next, though. All a part of the plan to get stronger.
And Poppy left the Academy, setting off for Artazon once more.
That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth
Montenevera
The Lycanroc harrumphs and goes back to her nap.
Moss(?)... rather than jumping out of his seat or anything, leans back with a surprisingly reserved look of indignation on his face.
Moss?: "... I'm no stranger to lying, but I'd rather not lie about something I can actually do. Underpromise, overdeliver, weird... talking Castform."
Moss?: -seeming genuinely put out- "And who cares what I look like?"
off the shits
The Wanderer
West Province Area Three
Chiyo: -Confused- What sort of Terastallization is this?
-The Tera Lilligant before her has a Tera Jewel resembling a crown with Type Symbols surrounding it, capped with what looks to Chiyo to be some sort of crystal turtle-
Stellamaris: <Pretty...>
Chiyo: -Pulling out a Tera Orb- <Let's get pretty ourselves shall we, Stella?>
Stellamaris: <Right!>
Chiyo: -Tera Orb glowing- Time to Terastaliize!
Stellamaris: -Is enveloped in crystal before bursting out wearing a Tera Jewel resembling a snowflake on her head-
Treasure Eatery
Receptionist: -To me- So what would you like to order?
-To the Receptionist-
Grilled rice balls, medium heat, extra crispy, Fire Blast style, with a lemon garnish.
Receptionist: ...
...
...
You've passed this Gym challenge, the Gym Leader will be with you shortly.
Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 12th 2024 at 11:39:54 AM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Artazon
At last, Poppy and the team reached the city of Artazon, which apparently had recovered by a recent attack. What happened, she wondered, but first she had to explain a few things.
Poppy: Alright, Shroomy, Crusher, Nessa, Lila, listen up. My plan for the Artazon Gym is to Terastallize Sunrise, and sweep Brassius' entire team. But because of the equal Pokèmon thing, I'm also bringing Stormwind and Donut along, which leaves you guys.
Shroomy: Which means?
Poppy: It means that you guys can go explore the city while I do the Gym. Shroomy, you're in charge of making sure none of them stray off too far.
Shroomy felt something sneak behind him, turned around, and sure enough, Crusher was hiding behind him.
Crusher: Being without Poppy sounds scary. I think I'll stay with you...
Poppy: Right, well, Shroomy, keep an eye on Nessa and Lila. Nessa's, for better or worse, extremely naive, and Lila's going to try to steal anything that interests her. See you later, Shroomy!
Shroomy: So, I'll have to babysit three Pokèmon, essentially. Sounds easy enough-
And Nessa and Lila were already out of his sight.
Shroomy: Aw! Looks like I have to find them... least it looks like you aren't leaving me, Crusher.
Crusher: New city... so scary...
Shroomy, with a terrified Crusher following close behind, began looking around for Nessa.
Shroomy: She's a big blue aquatic Pokèmon who floats around on land to get around, she couldn't be too far to find.
Eventually, Shroomy did find her. She was spraying water over the Sunflora to invigorate them, in typical Nessa fashion.
Nessa: There you go! All ready to be found by trainers now?
Shroomy: Ah, there you are, Nessa! Come on, we gotta find Lila!
Nessa: Oh, coming!
And Nessa began floating towards Shroomy - at a very fast pace.
Shroomy: Nessa! Slow down! You're going to crash!
Too late. Nessa ended up slamming right into Shroomy and Crusher, creating a Poke-pile in the middle of the city.
Nessa: Oops! Sorry!
Crusher: You're... really heavy...
Nessa: Oh no! Crusher! I'm so sorry! Here, I'll fix you right up!
While it didn’t get the team off of each other, it did calm down the air somewhat. Eventually, they crawled off of each other.
Shroomy: Listen, we gotta find Lila. She's the most... cunning out of us, who knows what she's trying to do right now.
Crusher: Look! There she is!
Shroomy: Where?
Crusher, out of the corner of his eye, managed to spot Lila stroll into the sandwich shop, Every Wich Way.
Shroomy: Good eye, Crusher, let's go!
In the store, a hungry Lila sought to gain food in a... slightly unethical way. She sat near a Trainer and their Pawmi, and looked up at them with soulful eyes.
Lila: [[green: Oh, do have pity, for I am a lone Sprigatito who never found the right trainer. My body howls in pain at the lack of digestion. Could you spare a piece of your delectable sandwich?
The trainer seemed willing to give Lila a piece. Her mouth spread into a devious smile.
Lila: Perfect!
She lunged to eat the sandwich whole, but was stopped by Shroomy's extending arms.
Shroomy: Lila! What are you doing, acting all cute to eat entire sandwiches?
Lila: Oh, but I was starving...
Shroomy: Poppy can get you something. Don't you know stealing and lying aren't okay?
Lila: ...No.
Shroomy groaned and went outside, carrying Lila in his arms.
East Province Area One
The team, that night, were enjoying a dinner after Poppy's victory at the Artazon Gym, which was won by Terastallizing Sunrise and frying all of Brassius' Pokemon.
Crusher: Sunrise, you've evolved. Like I knew you would!
Sunrise: Crusher... I appreciate it but... I think I'm still getting used to having you on the team. No offence.
Crusher walked away and sat down, seemingly alone. But he was taken aback by looking behind and seeing he was sitting near Nessa.
Nessa: Don't worry, I'll be your new best friend!
Crusher: Oh, uh... thanks, Nessa.
Nessa: I don't think you're a scaredy-cat, you know.
Crusher: Really...
Meanwhile, Poppy was eating a sandwich, and looked next to her to see Lila looking up at her.
Poppy: Oh, of course you can have a piece, Lila!
As Lila ate the piece she was given, she had a feeling inside her.
Lila: I... don't get it. Shouldn't you have to beg harder to have food?
Sunrise: What do you mean?
Lila: Well, you always have to beg for or steal what you want, right?
Sunrise: But you don't. Poppy's no abusive trainer! She makes sure we all have what we need, and we're all comfortable.
Lila: But doesn't everyone... never mind.
No voice to cry suffering
Paldea, Montenevera
Hiro: Ignore her.
(Thespi: Hey!)
Hiro: -shoving her back in- Well, I think you look…
-he gives Moss another once-over, musing-
Hiro: …I'm sorry for your loss.
-and shifts on his feet-
-...he opens his cape, revealing an agglomeration of Litwick shrunken down to tiny size-
Hiro: Will doesn't tend to linger around me. It finds purpose to bend itself to or burns itself up.
Litwick: -waves-
Cubone: <Cold.>
-and lets the cape fall, chewing on his lip-
Hiro: …all the same, if you could speak to my parents, I would pay handsomely for the attempt.
No mind to think. No will to break.
Person, or Idea?
A chill falls down Mitchell's spine as Abilene's hand touches his arm. The manic spell on his mind breaks, and he is able to hear Abilene's words.
"Yes, teacher", Mitchell murmurs, as he examines the inner lids of his Apricorn and re-applies the coating on each with a gentler touch, unclouded by rage. Thrice fold he checks his work on the coating, and eventually, he is satisfied.
Then, using the provided materials, Mitchell connects the two halves of the Apricorn to the latch and the locking mechanism, ensuring the button and the hinge are on opposite ends of the ball. He studiously ignores the chiselling Carmen is doing to her ball, despite his curiosity regarding the purpose of the marks she carves.
At last, the Pokéball is prepared. All that Mitchell needs to do now is close it, and see if it holds steady. Taking one half in each hand, he slowly pushes the halves of the Pokéball into each other.
Closer.
Closer still.
Just about there.
click
The newly crafted Pokéball is shut tightly. Mitchell can almost hear the victory fanfare now.
That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth
Montenevera
Moss?: "... ?"
It's unclear if he's unaware of what Hiro means or is just playing dumb.
He looks curiously at the shriveled Litwick.
Moss?: "I could try..."
His eyes glow for a second. Given the relative lack of lingering ghosts, if there's anything left of his parents, it should be simple to find, right?
... Right?
off the shits
No voice to cry suffering
La Academia de Naranja y Uva, Lecture Hall
-despite the…unfortunate distraction, Mitchell finishes ahead of a good portion of the class-
-Carmen remains stoic in her focus, and Abilene at the head inspects the Pokéballs of her students, deeming each suitable or not for use in the field-
Abilene: -to Mitchell, tapping it here and there- Excellent work. Studious application, workable fitting - slightly uneven inner coating, though it should be stable as containment. Perhaps sand down the mating edges, just gently, and you have crafted your first Pokéball.
Abilene: Stop that.
-she gives him a nod of approval, waving the next student on-
Breloom: -shrooms-up-
Paldea, Montenevera
-first, Moss may encounter a pane of shimmering light-
-he might prod at it; his gaze may sink in, infiltrating, or be rebuffed by the shine-
Hiro: -...exhales, low and long-
-regardless, it folds away-
-to Moss's senses, the Litwick may sidle back too…some more begrudgingly than others-
-who he seeks is not among them-
-true to form, the shape of this man's soul is oddly…tidy, regrets and griefs enumerated and packed away-
-stark black and bright white-
-well-lit-
-candles flick alight - it hardly takes any doing to find the Ties That Bind-
Thespi: -staring- …
-in him, they're braided together around a distant sun, and then to a place beyond seeing-
-a wick ever-burning; a timer to unknowable fate-
Hiro: …don't, uh. Strain yourself. If it starts seeming strange.
-...is he shy?-
-the Litwick glare from the periphery, but the threads, luminous and long, lie before him-
No mind to think. No will to break.
That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth
Montenevera
Moss? does blink a couple times, the light hurting his eyes.
But where there is bright light, there is dark shadow.
And shadow is something Moss? has experience with.
Moss?: "... Depends on how much you're willing to pay me, really."
Regardless, he 'tugs' on a few threads experimentally. Follows them as long as he can with his gaze.
Moss?: "You're definitely not the strangest I've seen."
off the shits
East Province Area Three, past
Bulbal: -Snorts- <This is nothing!>
Iridium: Faster!
Bulbal: -Picks up speed, breaking through some rocks as they follow closely behind the burrowing Orthworm-
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.