Holstown Inn

(After Nori went back inside, I thought to myself. On one hand, the idea of both kicking his ass and sending her a message is tempting. On the other hand, I don't have beef with him as much as I do his metal buddy... Slipping back into it again. It's just a scratch, that's all. With that in mind, I made my decision.) As much as I want to go, I'm gonna have to stay. I've gotta score to settle with his partner.

Forest

"Hey.." Jyut reaches out for Mila, but as soon as she touches her she realizes she probably shouldn't. She'd probably done enough, anyway.

Old Warmth - Blik Hiney's Booth

Within view of Blik Hiney and Armin were the docks. Parked near Blik Hiney's ship was a good-sized ship that's clearly built for luxury. The ship had gold-painted railings and golden ships. A wave pattern in gold paint lined the hull. Painted in gold lettering on the side of the ship were the word Serenity. It's Von Gold's ship.

Blik Hiney take notices of the ship and nudges Armin.

Blik Hiney: Wow Armin, I've never seen a ship with gold sails before!

It was at that moment the Spinda waitress returns with their mystery drinks.

Spinda: Your drinks are ready! I forgot the menus, so I'll be right back with them!

She puts the drinks down on the table and walks away.

Armin's drink tastes like a bad mixture of chocolate milk, mustard, strawberries, and pickles

Holstown

...

Well, no convincing her here. With one quick turn in the opposite direction I return toward the others and come to a stop for now. For the fact that I don't want to do this, there's a level of having to do this. For Soten..

W-well..I have my reasons for going as well.

I nervously look inward toward the inn's entrance, then equally nervously outward to our intended path. I slowly start to advance.

Kevin has already made his mind up; he in no way wants any more part in this for the moment. He returns to the inn's inside proper.

Old Warmth

Admin takes in the ship within about the same moment he drinks...

Isn't zat the..BLEEECH!

He spits out the drink.

What is in zis drink???

Edited by Team42Larson on Sep 16th 2018 at 7:31:12 AM

[Inigo's Inn]

Noriaki has finished gathering a few useful items in a rather... Unorthodox container.

As he was about to head out, he ran in to... Minato, coming inside.

"Ah, hello Noriaki", said Minato.

"... Mr. Minato", said Noriaki, "Are you not accompanying us?"

"I'm afraid not...", the Dustox answered solemnly, "I'd probably just slow you down. All the recents scraps we've been getting in to have been making me realize more and more than this old soldier can't just keep acting like he's going to learn new tricks. The best I can do from now on, I think, is just hold the base wherever I may be."

Noriaki slowly nodded and responded, "Alright. I respect your decision."

"Of course, it'd be a shame if this went to waste, so I'm letting you all ahve it", the veteran said as he pulled out his Flynium-Z, "Whether it goes to you or someone else in your group, I know it'll be in good hands."

Noriaki was silent for a moment, but slowly reached his wing out and took the Z-Crystal.

Thanking Minato, the Dartrix head outside and caught up with everyone else.

"Then it seems that we are off", said Noriaki.

Everyone else may notice that he has a dark top hat slung over his shoulder for some reason.

[Forest]

Upon realizing that Mila wasn't getting any of what he was saying, Achilles sighed to himself, "So I guess we'll have to just bring her back that way..."

The Pinsir walked out of sight for a moment and returned with two planks of bark he presumably had ripped off of a tree.

"I'd carry her plainly myself, but I have a gut feeling that may be a bad idea", he explained before he placed on slide of bark flat behind her and tried using the other to push her on to it.

Edited by Konkfan7 on Sep 16th 2018 at 6:01:10 AM

Holstown, The Forest

Woodruff circles around Achilles, helping to move Mila onto the pane of bark before going to the other end to lift.

"Y'know, Mila...you remind me of when I was a kid. Mom lost her job, suddenly everything came crashin' down around us. Like a wave just swept through all our lives. And we were so close to losing our house. And...well, I took it pretty hard. All these things pilin' up outta my control, everything goin' crazy, I started micromanagin' and scrutinizin' myself, to see what the hell I'd done for everybody around me, everybody I loved to get what they got."

He sighs, his voice getting a little shakier. "And it hurt. Every single day, it hurt, cuz I never had anything nice to say about myself." ...he can't really continue...those were bad times; even thinking back to it pains him.

Holstown, Outside the Inn

[Sketching Ana a second time, I finally let out a deep sigh...]

"...A...AA—" [No, no, noooonononono...I manage to stop the sneeze before I...oh, dammit. The bark's grown back over again...I hope it still went through. I walk back towards the inn...my stomach feels totally vacant, I really need food...and context...and something to drink...I need a lot of things...needy me.]

"Hey." [I wave at the others once I get back to them.] "...what's the, the letter about? A'jss saw the Combee...drop it." [I ball my fist, my brow furrows as I let out a bitter breath...that was a person...I can't fucking believe it...]

Blissparce, Outside the Police Station

"I suppose it's no harm in wantin' t' go with yes. Either way, it's been a long day out...alright, I'll head with ye." Rich moves beside the others, taking in the evening air.

Holstown (Setting out)

(I begin to move on towards the inevitable face-off with Montresor and...who knows who else will be with him. I'm curious about why Noriaki has that hat, but Marsha beats me to the punch about asking about it:)

What's with da hat, Nori? (She asks.)

(In the meantime, I hear Eliot ask what's going on.) Montresor has...he's challenged Noriaki to a fight...to the death, as he put it... (I answer, still nervous. I do hope that this doesn't end with someone dead again...)

Blissparce

Arrighty, mateys, let's git somethin' t' eat now, aye? (Rich says, moving to go on. I set off as well, and Mia looks at her siblings and gets going as well.)

(We don't walk very long before we arrive at Pappa's again, and Pappa himself is out front.)

Hello again, friends! Come back for...more? (He's momentarily confused by the presence of a second Tyranitar that looks identical in every way to the other one who visited his restaurant earlier.)

Yeah, Pappa! Been a long day. Table for seven of us, please. (Mia says.)

Right! Right this way, everyone...

(Pappa leads us to the table we ate at earlier. As I sit down, I happen to notice that Maran (currently in his female form) and Sunny are also in the restaurant, a ways away from where we're about to sit, talking and laughing with each other. Something tells me that they've worked out their issues? Cortez is at a nearby table by himself, staring at them.)

Edited by kablammin45 on Sep 16th 2018 at 7:00:56 AM

Forest Outside Holstown

Mila still can't understand well what's happening, though her senses are slowly returning to her. At one point, she feels a paw touch her, but it seems to retreat before she can find its source. Moments later, she can feel herself being moved slightly by someone, and tries to grab ahold of them as best she can to make sure they don't leave her. Woodruff would probably be able to slip out of her grip easily if he wants to, as it's not exactly the most accurate of grasps, but she's clearly trying to hold onto him nonetheless.

"...ease don't go please don't go please don..."

Holstown Inn, Outside

As much as Autumn would love to stay inside instead and avoid this conflict, her desire to find some way to better deal with the situation leads her to sprint inside when it appears they're beginning to leave, picking up the first aid kit from Mila's bag and bringing it with her back outside, trailing the fighters maybe 10 feet behind. She's not in the mood for talking, as she glowers to anyone who looks over to her, hoping that it'll give her the time she needs to collect her far-strewn thoughts. In all the current chaos she's nearly forgotten about Mila, focusing instead on trying to find ways to rein in the rest of the group, as infeasible as that seems to her for now.

Beginning to leave..

I notice Nori's suddenly acquired top hat.

Are you preparing to take down another unsightly woman, Nori?

If I had a fedora I'd totally be tipping it.

I suddenly feel the need to acquire a certain [b]otion..

Blissparce

Tiff sits down with the others.

Edited by Team42Larson on Sep 16th 2018 at 8:21:46 AM

[Leaving Holstown]

"'Tis something I had purchased recently", Noriaki explained upon being questioned about the top hat, "It is a notably durable formal top hat with some small pockets and such inside that could be used as a storage unit. It is... A bit big for me, I hadn't noticed until recently, but still, I have a few berries in it that should come in handy."

Upon exiting the town, there is a straight path bordered by trees that leads out to what looks to be an open field.

[Forest]

Achilles holds up Mila on the bark with one hand.

"Alright, let's go", the Pinsir said, beginning to walk back.

Old Warmth - Blik Hiney's Booth

Confused as to what kind of mixture Armin had, Blik Hiney takes a sip of her drink. What greets her was something that tastes like a blend of oranges, peaches, mangoes, and pineapples.

Blik Hiney: Wow, don't know what this is but this tastes great!

Then the Spinda waitress returns with the menus, placing them in front of the two.

Spinda: Here are your menus! So, how are the drinks?

Blik Hiney: Mine was excellent! What berries did you use?

Spinda: Oh, that's a mystery even to the chefs! We pick them from a large container full of various berries blindfolded before blending them. We take the blindfold off once it's blended! The only one who knows which berries the chefs chosen is their supervisor.

Blik Hiney's Booth

Weedle enters the building.

Forest

"... Don't worry, we won't leave you behind."

Leaving Holstown

"..." Dana trudges on in silence.

Holstown, The Forest

Woodruff laughs nervously, letting her hold onto him if it makes her feel more comfortable. "We're not, we're takin' ya back to the inn..."

Holstown, The Inn

[I snicker...is that guy butthurt or something? He...fucking killed one of our guys, what the hell is he upset about? Couldn't get enough of us, want to bump more of us off before we're done?]

[...I move inside and towards the dining area before I upset myself more with this...]

Blissparce, The Restaurant

Arriving at the restaurant, Rich notices Cortez, the little fella, over at another table from the two lovebirds. A little unbecoming of him...he wonders if something's up. Looking briefly to the others, he elects to sit down with Cortez.

"Aye, mate. How 'ave ya been?"

Holstown (Heading out)

Well, dat's good, I reckon. Hey, maybe yas'll grow inta it? (Marsha chuckles to Noriaki.)

(There is something about this path we're arriving at that seems...foreboding, despite looking fairly innocuous. I feel that the only reason it feels that way to me is only because of what lies ahead; the inevitable face-off with Montresor. I may be determined to stay steadfast in this unlike last night, but I still really hope nobody dies again...)

I hope no one else dies... (I say out loud.)

Blissparce

(I notice Rich (wait, no, it's the other Rich) go over to speak to Cortez. Huh, wonder how that's going to go down. My thoughts are interrupted by Mia asking:) So, what have we found out today?

Oh, uh, we know we're probably dealing with four killers, that's one thing... (I still can't believe I'm involved in a big murder mystery like this...)

The mortician seems t' be gettin' somewhere, too. (The original Rich adds.) Think he'll have somethin' new fer us in th' mornin'?

(He then notices the absence of the second Rich and spots him talking to Cortez. He wonders what that's about and if he should go over there, too.)

(Meanwhile, Cortez notices Rich sitting down with him, figuring that he probably saw him sitting there by himself and wondered what was up. Grr, I knew I shoulda just sat with 'em. Now everyone's gonna ask me what's wrong?)

Fine, I reckon... (Cortez snorts. He really doesn't sound fine, though. He periodically looks over to Maran and Sunny.) I sorta pushed Maran and Sunny back t'gether. Why I did that, I'll never know...just couldn't stand t' see 'em miserable after whatever it was that Cosby creep said to 'em, I guess.

(He sighs bitterly, looking between the couple and Rich(?) with a scowl. Cortez hasn't seemed to notice that this Rich isn't the original Rich yet.)

Leaving Holstown

I take in the field ahead of us. Indeed, foreboding, as we are closing in on a showdown with one of her henchmen..and doing nothing to quell my present nervousness.

We're gonna make sure that that won't happen..right, guys?

I also posit a potential idea.

Maybe I could use my psychic ability to feel also round this field and make sure he isn't trying to spring any trap?

Blissparce

Tiff sighs, also not thinking that the death of their sister would lead to this big a mystery...

He better...if we have four killers, how do we figure out who killed Harvey..Izzy..

Old Warmth

Armin looks cockeyed at his boss, attempting to then explain what exactly was in this drink.

Madame...zis drink tasted horrible! What is ze word I am looking for...it tasted like...like rotted berries!

Edited by Team42Larson on Sep 17th 2018 at 6:04:48 AM

[Leaving Holstown]

"Well, I'd certainly hope so", Noriaki said to Marsha before looking to Marlon, "Thank you, but I am sure we should be fine. Montresor is intent on keeping to his word for a duel such as this."

Noriaki continued to lead the group out in to the open fields ahead.

[Forest]

Achilles continues to carry Mila back, eventually coming back to Holstown.

Once they arrive, Achilles approaches the inn and sets Mila down in front of it.

Leaving Holstown

Weedle:"Well, best friend, looks like it's time to leave."

Weedle takes Caterpie into the forest.

Forest Outside Holstown

Mila continues to hold on to Woodruff, regulating her breathing bit by bit as her panic dies down, each breath the tiniest bit longer and deeper than the last. Once they're near the inn once more, Mila finally processes what she's been seeing and realizes who she's been holding on to, only then finally letting go of the Furret and rubbing her own arm sheepishly. She looks down to where she's resting before she speaks, deliberately trying to avoid any of their gazes for the moment.

"I'm sorry, I don't know why I did that— any of that. You shouldn't have to take care of me all the time... maybe you'd get sick of me, maybe that's why Autumn wasn't there. Even though I really needed someone to hold on to"

Mila tries to get up after a few more seconds of sitting down, but when her knees refuse to cooperate and send her tumbling back down to the ground she decides to simply curl up for a little longer, and try to forget about the things that had just been tormenting her.

Leaving Holstown

Autumn soon regrets following the others in silence, as it forces her to think about the fiasco with Mila when she'd first returned to the group earlier in the day. If she was surprised, why did she run? Would she have wanted to go fight Montresor, had she known about the challenge? Surely she'd want revenge, but it might lead to her having got hurt worse. And given the situation, Autumn can guess that Mila wouldn't be coming if she knew that Autumn was also going to watch them. Maybe it was good that she'd come, then. She wouldn't be able to handle the fight if Mila was a part of it like last time.

Please respond soon, dad, I don't know what to do, what to say.

Edited by Cabe_Bedlam on Sep 17th 2018 at 9:31:34 AM

Holstown, The Forest

"Ah, that ain't fair. No one's gotta be left hangin' like that."

Woodruff watches in surprise as Mila tumbles again. After some thought, he goes over to try and help her up. "Take it easy, girl. We got no obligations, no need to rush..."

Holstown, Leaving the Inn

[I rush out, cradling all manner of foodstuffs in my hand (and some in my cheeks). Chomping away at each parcel of food I was able to grab, I start walking through town towards an open field...even with all these delectable goodies, I can still catch the odor of a dozen disgruntled mons headed this way. With some added pep in my step (and a couple lost goodies...R.I.P.), I'm able to see them up ahead, ravenously scarfing down the last of my impromptu meal as I approach.]

"Well, so much for a fair duel." [I let out a little belly-laugh before my gaze settles on Autumn, who looks...worried to say the least. Hang on...I don't think I saw Mila at the inn...well, dammit. I reflexively and futilely look back for Mila before fixing my gaze forward (despite my better wishes).]

[...I feel something fuzzy come up against my feet, why is there something fuzzy against my feet, this is a dirt path and it feels like—] "WHOA!" [Grass! Grassy Terrain! Good, it went through...I thought I was boned there. Well, congrats, Eliot, you've now become the group's dedicated healslut (I'm using that term correctly, right?)]

Blissparce, The Restaurant

Rich looks back to the couple as Cortez speaks about them before returning his gaze to the Tyrunt. He cocks a brow at the little guy, leaning over a little to address him. "Ye prefer it if ye didn't help 'em out? What's a wedge between 'em gonna do for yew?"

Holstown

(I continue to follow Noriaki. As I do, I suddenly hear a shout behind us. I jump and spin around...oh good, it's only Eliot surrounded by...grass? Oh, I get it, he must have sketched a new move.)

Take it easy, Bookworm, it's just Sparky. (I hear Marsha say to me.)

I know, Marsha... (I say. Ugh, I need to calm down...maybe if I think about seeing Benji and Lucy again, that'll help? I look down at Lucy's bracelet for a moment and try to think about what the three of us will do when we're finally back together as I continue on with everyone else.)

Blissparce

Could always just ask Wendy what...what condition they found her in...maybe the...the injuries on her body will tell us something... (Mia says. I can tell that she seems to be struggling to get the words out.)

It's just... (Cortez snorts.) Now they're gonna be perfectly happy when they're not cursed anymore; they have each other. Hell, you yourself have a wife who loves ya very much and you love back with all yer heart, and you're probably gonna have a hundred kids when ya get uncursed like ya keep talkin' about! What am I gonna have to go back to? Nothin'. My inn that took me ten years of anger and tears to build and made me feel at least a little good about myself is gone for good now, I'm not going to have a position on the Hoard council, everyone in Hoard probably doesn't care that I'm gone...I'm the only one who's not gonna have anythin' to go back to. I may as well not even bother gettin' uncursed. Whether I do or not, I'm just gonna have nothin' and be nothin', like usual...

[Main Group]

Those who continue following Noriaki would eventually go through a series of trees that begin dispersing as they advance further, eventually showing a large marshland covered in mud, ponds and dull-looking plants.

There are a scant few Palpitoads and Seismitoads around, but none seem much for conversation and appear more interesting in croaking at each other.

"These would be the marshlands Montresor had mentioned....", Noriaki said to the group before turning back to them, "Is everyone still feeling alright? We could take a rest if you would prefer."

[Holstown]

Achilles simply leans on the side of the inn and watches silently. He awaits for Mila to be able to get up and speak clearly.

Edited by Konkfan7 on Sep 18th 2018 at 3:15:27 PM

Obsidian Castle - Secret Docks

Spade went through a series a corridors and arrived at docks of Obsidian Castle, which were a natural sea cave that's been carved to accommodate the ships. On each side of the cave's opening was a massive sliding door made of the type type of rock as the cave, together they were big enough to completely cover the opening of the cave. A guard station was at each side of the opening above the doors, with tiny slits for windows carved into the rock.

Spade boarded his ship, which is a small ordinary-looking galleon with black sails. Onbaord were a Machamp with chipped frills, a metal lower jaw, and a big gut for a belly that makes him quite ogre-like. The other crew member on board was a Decidueye whose green feathers were almost black and whose tan feathers were paler and more grayish than a regular Decidueye. The Decidueye speaks to Spade.

???:   We all set to go, Spade?   

Spade:   Yep. Let's set sail to Gangplank Cove!   

The pirates man their stations and soon the ship was moving. As soon as Spade's ship leaves the cave, Xavice outstretched his arms and focused on the rock doors before bringing his arms together, causing the doors to close, enveloping the docks into darkness.

Old Warmth - Blik Hiney's Booth

The Spinda was confused.

Spinda: Rotten berries? We don't serve rotten berries here! I'm going to check with the supervisor to see what was in your drink!

The waitress then leaves. Blik Hiney picks up her menu and opens it as she turns to Armin.

Blik Hiney: So, what was that ship again?

Old Warmth - Von Gold's Booth

The Spinda waitress arrives with their drinks and the menus.

Spinda: Here are your drinks and menus!

She sets the menus and drinks on table and leaves.

Von Gold takes a sip of his drink. It tastes of pears, grapes, and watermelons.

Von Gold: Mmm, this is good.

Malica takes a sip of her drink. It tastes of bananas, cherries, and blackberries.

Malica: Mine is great too.

Snaptooth also takes a sip of his drink. It tastes of apples, raspberries, and blueberries.

Snaptooth:   Same here.   

They open their menus. Inside is a large selection of pancakes, waffles, eggs, french toast, crepes, and biscuit and bagel sandwiches.

Harnicara Marsh

Huh, I almost do want ta stop and rest... (Marsha says, observing the group's current surroundings.) Dose ponds look pretty comfy.

(Marsha may think so, but I certainly do not. The swamp seems rather unnerving to me, almost like the one I nearly starved to death in as a child before the Haunter found me.) I'm not sure...I could probably keep walking, personally...

The marshland

We come to a halt at a set of marshlands, probably the only thing that's keeping us from Montresor. Don't know what exactly is leading me to think this, but I also find this to be inviting..

I could also almost stop to rest as well..but once we get moving again, at what points are we going to need to swim across this at any point to get across?

I do stop to think about this, and give an aside to Marsha.

Uh, do you know why I just thought these marshlands looked inviting?

Blissparce, Pappa's

Tiff puts a reassuring arm around her sister as she thinks about what exactly to do herself.

I guess that's the thing to do...or..what if we set a trap, bait the killers into coming out? Then we could catch them red handed!

Old warmth

Once the embattled Psyduck calms down he explains.

Its...it's ze boat of Dr. Von Gold. My old boss, as you know. I tell you what, madame, it was not a fun experience to be on zat thing...

Edited by Team42Larson on Sep 19th 2018 at 7:26:12 AM