The group heading towards the apparent duel are joined by the Ball.

"Something something came in like a wrecking ball."

The Marshlands

[Laying my eyes on the marshes, hearing the sounds of faint croaking, the rustling of reeds and grass by the eastward breeze, the light trickle of water through the little creeks that flow through it all...from a glance, it appears stagnant, even the scant number of Pokémon already here sitting like statues, but there's a subtle, constant life to it. It's certainly not as populated as the marshes back home, the ones we'd pass over as we journeyed to a second home by the sea...those were teeming with life, crabs dotting the bicycle paths and scurrying out the way, swarms of gnats here and there, just catching a dragonfly or two in your periphery before they made themselves scarce by speed. And underneath the water, there was bound to be schools upon schools of many different kinds of coastal water fish mingling where the rivers met the sea, maybe a dolphin or two in the summer months if you were lucky enough to spot one. And even then, it was never busy; you had to look to see the life all around you.]

[I feel overwhelmed. Too much has been happening. This should be helping but it doesn't...the ends of my eyes start to feel heavy.] "Yea...that'd be fine by me..." [We've certainly walked a good deal...all my shit's still kinda sore from yesterday. I cradle my left arm, feel the cut down the side of it...it's...better. Still needs some more time, though...I could probably help myself with my new Moves a little, but for now, I just want to not have this constant numb hurt in my legs. I wipe my eyes, still trying to get the sleep out. Ever want to just...sleep forever? At least then, you don't get any aftershocks after waking up.]

Holstown, Outside the Inn

Woodruff rests by the inn as well, looking to Mila to see how she's doing. He thinks to last night...well, not what he was doing last night, he was regretting the idea of getting so drunk to lose yourself, no thanks to the throbbing headache he got only after a single drunk (which...literally how? He's not that much of a lightweight, is he?

...anyway. Mila. What she'd done last night. What he heard, at least. That wasn't some idle moment of courage. That was a snap. That was the dam bursting. And this was a steadfast dam...she fears herself. That's...and he doesn't mean to be rude, but that's what petrifies children. And she's clearly not a child, but this...this seems very, very new to her.

...it's that thing that Eliot was gonna talk about with him, the planet thing, the TV Quotes...thing...isn't it. They're new...they're all new...it's like those stories of extraordinary mons washing up on the beaches and changing the world.

Blissparce, The Restaurant

Rich nods along, drinking in the hopelessness of Cortez' situation. He neglects to mention he's not the original Rich, but that should be neither here nor there.

"Ahhh, that can't be true. There's got t' be someone ye'd have at the end 'f all this. What about them, what about us?"

Edited by BlackMageAnolis on Sep 19th 2018 at 4:01:29 AM

[Main Group]

"Very well then", said Noriaki, roosting on the ground for now.

Nephenee curled up a bit as she rested as well.

"... I by no means wish to rush any of you, perish the thought, but I'd prefer we start moving again sooner rather than later", the Dartrix explained, "So, as soon as you feel able, let us continue."

"I totally get ya, Nori", said Nephenee, looking up from the ground, "If I was in your situation right now I'd want to move on ASAP myself. But I know trying to trudge through marshland after such a long walk would be a bad idea."

Noriaki nods in agreement and looks to Philly.

"Ah, Philly, nice of you to join us", the Dartrix said, "You came at a good time, we were just taking a quick break."

He then pulls out a cheri berry from the hat he was carrying. He bites it off the stem and begins juggling it with his tongue.

Edited by Konkfan7 on Sep 19th 2018 at 3:38:58 PM

Harnicara Marsh

Couldn't tell yas, Marly...maybe you've just been around me too long, ha ha. (Marsha laughs as she sits down.) Or maybe you're thinkin' of da visions you've been havin' or somethin'? I dunno...

( I spin around upon hearing the sudden noise.) Wha-...oh, h-hello, Phil. (I greet Phil. Ugh, ease your nerves, Dinah. Stop being so jumpy. Stay strong...)

(I'm somewhat relieved that we are indeed going to rest. Maybe I'll have time to calm my nerves down. I sit down on my haunches and look around at everyone and the vast marshland.)

Will we need to swim through some of this? ( I ask.) I know that isn't a problem for some of us, but...

Blissparce

But what would we even bait 'em with, lass? We don't even know why they're killin' mateys or why they killed th' ones they have already. (Rich points out.) Think we should wait 'til we know what they want t' see before we try settin' a trap for 'em.

(Cortez snorts.)

Pfft, my old Haxorous pal wants nothin' more to do with me and I want nothin' more to do with him, if I see Sheila and Wendaline again it'll be too soon, Maran's got Sunny, you've got Polly... (Cortez grumbles.) Sure, I've got the four of ya, but I bet I'm not gonna have you all for very long. Yer gonna be raisin' a family, I bet anythin' Maran and Sunny are gonna be doin' that eventually, too. Where does that leave me? Alone, jobless, and homeless while you guys go on about yer happy lives...

(Cortez rests his head on the table again and stares up at Rich(?).) You wanna know somethin'? I give ya so much grief about yer curse, and yet...ugh, this is gonna sound so stupid, but honestly, lookin' back I actually kinda liked bein' you. I remember yer anticipation toward gettin' ridda yer curse, lookin' forward t' bein' close to yer wife without turnin' her into ya if ya touch her and havin' a bunch of kids, just generally feelin' like ya had a purpose in life...I almost wish I could be you for good, just so I would actually have somethin' like that...it'd probably be better than the life I lead now and probably'll lead after this...

The Marshland

I plunk down as well and take in our surroundings. These marshlands are bizzarely comforting...

Maybe a bit of both?

...but still, in spite of my nervousness, I have to come up with some plan to help us fight him...if we have to...

I think we'd have to..but thenwhat's the plan for when we get across? We send one or two in there directly and then the rest of us just try to jump on Montresor?

I look across at the others, and then to Nori, still wondering about how to proceed through this swamp.

Blissparce

Tiff swallows and gathers her thoughts.

Serial Killers have patterns, M Os, right? The killer has to have a pattern, a method for which he hunts and kills his victims, one that he wouldn't break, one that he's done to a T. My point, is that we need to find things that are consistently done across every murder.

Edited by Team42Larson on Sep 19th 2018 at 9:57:01 AM

Holstown Inn, Outside

Mila doesn't take long to notice that her "rescuers" aren't leaving any time soon, which is only a minor comfort considering her previous concerns. Nonetheless, she gets the sense that there are things they wish to tell her, and she tries once more to stand up to show them that she's ready to listen. Her motion is still somewhat unsteady, but once she manages to brace herself against the side of the inn she can give her body the time to readjust and let the blood flow normalize. Once her vision has stopped being spotty, as it sometimes does when she stands up too suddenly, Mila looks over towards Woodruff and Achilles and finally responds.

"... Thank you. Why did you do this, though, why did you stay?"

Marshlands

Autumn doesn't sit down when the others do, choosing instead to pace around the group, encircling them from a small distance away. In truth she doesn't know whether or not she wants someone to approach her, but she's not about to start that encounter herself. The travel has given her time to thing, too much time as far as she's concerned. All her troubles and criticisms are stuck rattling around in her head, souring her mood and giving her nothing in terms of progress or aid. Was this really what she wanted? Did their travels have to always end up like this?

Holstown Inn, Outside

"I don't really have a reason to, I just care. Y'know?"

"... Also I want to apologize for shaking you."

Main Group

Dana still doesn't seem to be registering much, and simply curls up on the ground.

Old Warmth - Blik Hiney's Booth

Blik Hiney looks back at the menu.

Blik Hiney: Hmmm... these pancakes sound good... what are you having, Armin?

Old Warmth - Von Gold's Booth

The three mon look at their menus while they wait for the waitress to come back.

Von Gold: Thinking of going with the Frosted Rawst Crepes...

Malica: Might go with an omelette or toast of some kind...

Snaptooth:   The Spinda Sunrise breakfast combination seems interesting, maybe with a side order of Watmel strips...   

no good...

Edited by Team42Larson on Sep 20th 2018 at 7:14:41 AM

[Marsh]

Noriaki finally eats the cheri berry before responding to Marlon, "I have taken notice of the fact that does seem to be some stable mud hidden among the plants between these ponds, that should suffice. I myself could fly."

"And as for our approach...", Noriaki continued, beginning to stand up, "... I would rather we did not attempt to ambush Montresor with a trick. He thinks of me a liar who knows only of falsehood for my own gain. I would not want to prove him right. Besides, I doubt that we can even set up such a tactic, given he intends to fight us past a series of catacombs."

Noriaki begins flapping up in to the air and flying forward.

"Well, let us continue", said Noriaki, leading the way forward.

Nehphenee got up and followed, trudging through without hesitation.

The group would not pass by much of note until they can make out what appears to be... Sunken cabins (?) in the distance.

[Holstown]

"Well", said Achilles, "It's pretty hard not to care, seeing you break downa nd run off like that... I haven't known you very long, but I can tell you're someone I'd like to see improve more, and someone I know who wants to."

Edited by Konkfan7 on Sep 20th 2018 at 6:30:12 AM

reworking this test post from the bug instead of a new post

Marshland

I get up and start walking in as much lockstep with Nori's flight as possible through the swamp, still taking care to not get myself dirty but not exactly avoiding it completely....

...what are those? Are those...houses in a swamp? Who in their right mind would invest in real estate for a home in serial killer territory, the very places that allowed slasher movies to thrive...

Who would buy a house in a place like this?

Old Warmth

I'll...just have what you're having, madame.

Edited by Team42Larson on Sep 21st 2018 at 3:35:48 PM

Marsh

Someone who wouldn't mind dair houses half-buried in da swamp, dat's for sure. (Marsha says to Marlon as she walks on, not really bothering to avoid walking through any of the more wet and swampy parts of the path.) Dunno if even I'd want my house like dat, ta be honest...

(I swallow nervously as I stand up and begin to follow onward.)

(Now that we have moved further in, I can clearly see the other pathways that Noriaki mentioned. I feel a bit better about this...)

(Never mind...those...abandoned houses? Those buildings up ahead are making me nervous.) Are those...houses? Abandoned houses?

Edited by kablammin45 on Sep 21st 2018 at 3:42:05 PM

The Marshlands

[Seeing everyone else starting to move along, I notice Autumn pacing around nervously, and gravitate towards her. I'm...guessing she's still upset about us going along with the letter...frankly, I kinda share her sentiment, but really, it's either do this or do nothing. She wasn't really there for the fight with L'arachel, but she had to have seen how badly we were trounced. And last night wasn't a whole lot better...at least it's just one guy now. And he's probably gonna be a right pain, but with all of us against him, I don't really see too much of an issue in how this will play out.]

[I follow alongside her, taking note of the dilapidated houses up ahead...it's something like Goneaway Lake.] "Hey...you, uhhh...doin' okay?" [Of course she isn't, ya dummy. I mean...that's kind of customary with this sort of thing, whether or not it's obvious.]

Blissparce, The Restaurant

Realizing the depths of Cortez's hopelessness, Rich reaches over and caringly rests his paw on the Tyrunt's head, patting it a couple times (and inadvertently betraying his true nature). "Ahh, don't ye think yer gonna get me Polly, ahahaha!" Returning to a calmer tone of voice, he continues, "But don't ye worry, lad. Ye can't give up hope just yet...yer in a precarious place right now, but ye can start over. Nothin' but th' past behind ye...ye got the whole world in front a' ye."

Old Warmth - Blik Hiney's Booth

The waitress comes back with a new mystery drink and puts it next to Armin.

The new drink tastes of strawberries, starfruit, oranges, and persimmons.

Spinda: It turns out that a Oren berry and a Stark berry got into your drink sir, which are lookalike berries for the Oran and Starf berries. So we've made a new one with the right berries. So have you decided what to get?

Blik Hiney: Yes, I'll have the Old Fashioned Pancake Platter.

Spinda: And what syrup do you want? We have a variety of them.

Blik Hiney: I'll have maple syrup.

The Spinda writes the order down before turning to Armin.

Spinda: And you sir?

Old Warmth - Von Gold's Booth

The waitress comes back.

Spinda: Have you decided what to get?

Von Gold: I'll have the Frosted Rawst Crepes.

She writes down the order and turns to Malica.

Malica: I'll go with the buttered toast with scrambled eggs.

She writes the order down and turns to Snaptooth.

Snaptooth:   I'll have the Spinda Sunrise breakfast combo with a side order of Watmel strips. Also, what's the soup of the day?   

Spinda: The soup of the day is noodles and dumpling soup.

Snaptooth:   Then I'd also like a bowl of that too.   

The waitress writes the order down then leaves.

Edited by TheGamechanger on Sep 21st 2018 at 5:29:38 AM

Blissparce

Yeah, maybe that should be our focus for tomorrow! (I say, standing up.) We should work on finding out that pattern, yeah?

Aye, but remember we're probably dealin' with more than one killer if what Wendy said is true, mateys. (Rich says.)

He's got a point... (Mia says. She scratches her head with one arm, trying to think.) Maybe we should try figuring out what the victims might have had in common, too.

Yeah, that's a good idea... (I nod.)

(Cortez still doesn't feel confident about what he could do once his curse is lifted but...deep down inside his cynical self, he does feel that maybe he should listen to Rich...and Maran and Sunny, who would, and already have told told him the same thing. Maybe he can try to find a new purpose in life? Despite still inwardly debating whether he can actually do that or not, he decides that he'll at least try to do so, at least for their sake. And his sake, too, of course; he doesn't want the three of them hounding him over this for who knows how long.) Ugh, fine, you're probabwy right. I'll try t' find somethin'. But only 'cause-...

(Suddenly, it occurs to Cortez that "Rich" is patting him on the head bare-handed...and Cortez is not becoming another Rich. He backs out from under "Rich's" claw and nearly falls off his chair in the process.)

Wait! W-What the heww? You're not the weal Rich! Who are you?! (Cortez barks at the Rich clone, horrified that he may have just poured his heart out to a complete stranger.)

Holstown Inn, Outside

"I... is it okay if I don't talk about that just yet? I-I-I won't run again, but I need time alone to think."

Mila can't bring herself to explain just how difficult it is for her to tackle this matter to Achilles, especially not so soon after she'd just made a terrible scene because of it. Even though she's feeling better, that pit of raw emotion is still stuck in her gut, and every time she tries to think of some way to formalize it the thing only grows more painful. Even then, though, she's afraid of being by herself. Why couldn't it be easier to just have someone to stay by her quietly, just sit next to her to convince her it'd all be okay.

She used to have someone like that, come to think of it, but she has no way to tell where she is now.

"Autumn, where did she go? W-why'd she leave?"

Marshlands

"No, I'm not. Thanks for noticing at least, even if you're not going to do anything about it. Why does everything we do end up in a fight? Why do I even stick around for all of this? Why does Mil—. "

Autumn's frustration seems to crack almost immediately into doubt, which she aims at herself for the most part and quickly cuts off as soon as her mind wanders to Mila, remembering that she's talking to someone else. She takes her pace slow, so she remains near the back of the group, but even then it's difficult to verbalize her growing concerns and fears to anyone, let alone people she knows are willing to go off for a fight because they think they'll gain something from it.

[???, Marshlands]

Noriaki perched n top of one of the partially sunken cabins and inspected it.

"Hm...", the Dartrix said, "It would seem that they are. Not quite what I would call "ruins", but..."

"We can probably guess that these might be the first sign of the deeper ruins with catacombs we were told about", Nephenee interjected, still trudging forward.

Noriaki nodded and took flight again to continue moving ahead, taking note of what looked like more stable ground and some... Stone constructions in the distance, which may enter the rest of the group's line of sight soon.

[Holstown]

"It's fine, take all the time you need", Achilles said in an understanding tone.

Upon being asked, the Pinsir looked around and responded, "... Damn, they must've left while we were out in the forest. I guess something important came up?"

Just then, Minato came out from inside the inn.

"Exactly", the old Dustox said, "A letter was delivered while you were all out, be it the forest or Soten's funeral, of one of that Vepsiquen's men challenging this entire group to a "duel", apparently. Seeing some opportunity to be had in this, they set out to the specified location. Some of us stayed, though."

"Aye, well...", Achilles sighed out, "I guess it's better that there are some of us here just in case... Still gotta guard the village... But still, I hope they'll be alright."

The....ruins?

Coming across more of these stone structures continues to feel a bit daunting. Daunting, because I can only assume that they'd be remnants of things that'd be back home, or some kind of bizarre recreationl..Daunting, because apparently Montresor found a great place to quite possibly kick our asses...

What do you guys think those things are? ..Matter of fact, why would Montresor choose this area to hide?

Blissparce

Yeah...hey, wait, what if the killers worked together? Then we'd be able to figure out the pattern of their combined efforts to do the killings. Then, we could figure out what was so similar about the victims that made them targets.

Old Warmth

The Psyduck drinks a much better drink than he initially had. Contentedly sighing, he turns to face the waitress.

I think I'll also have ze Old Fashioned Pancake Platter, same as her.

Old Warmth - Blik Hiney's Booth

The waitress writes down Armin's order then leaves. It was at that moment a cool breeze from the sea drifts over the patio that their booth was on.

Blik Hiney: This is quite the refreshing breeze...

Old Warmth - Von Gold's Booth

Von Gold hears the breeze of the ocean and grumbles as his booth is inside the building.

Von Gold: Darn it, I want to feel the ocean breeze! As soon as that waitress is back I'm gonna ask if the dividing wall can be removed!

The Feraligatr nods.

Snaptooth:   I know that feeling.   

The Marshlands

[I put a hand on Autumn's shoulder, following her pace.] "I can at least try." [I get a little smile on my face.] "And don't think I couldn't hear that." [I simply point to one of my ears. Can't put that kinda thing past me, not like this at least.]

"Look, I know this isn't ideal. Frankly, I'm getting tired of it myself...it's not fun bein' bat around the island like a tennis ball, y'know? Even before with Anastasia, too...they're pussies, all of 'em...baitin' us with shit, wantin' us t'toe them so they feel better about themselves like we're a bunch of fuckin' puppets. And all we can do is follow along 'cuz a'the off-chance we actually get to fucking succeed!"

[That's not really her point, but that's out of my system at least. I heave a sigh, gritting my teeth before looking to her again.] "Look, this isn't ideal. If I could have it to where this experience is as smooth as possible for everyone involved, I'd snap my fingers and make it so. But...L'Arachel, all her cronies...'n lord knows what they did with Niles...they're not gonna be talked off their keep, and they're not in the mood for talking. And I'd love to talk, but they just...cluck out."

[I shake my head...hey, does Nori see something?] "Yo," [I call out,] "Whatcha lookin' at?"

Holstown, Outside the Inn

"Ah...well, guess that's that, then." Woodruff then notices Mila's getting anxious about Autumn's absence. He tries to assure her, "It's alright. Don't know why she left myself, but we can keep ya company here. If you're really too worried about your power, then maybe it's for the better." That last part was a little disingenuous, but if it helps.

"So," he says to Achilles, "you don't think they'll attack this place, will ya? If they're really all off on their way..."

Blissparce, The Restaurant

Rich takes his hand off, nervously rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry, laddie. Ah woulda said as much, but yew were already off blabberin'. Ah'm that Servine-shaped bundle a'energy yer pals were helpin' look into this whole awful mess, or I was." He thinks of the time...it's probably gonna be a little more before he turns back into Taylor...

Approaching the Catacombs

I dunno, cause he's a creep and he wants ta scare us? (Marsha suggests in response to Marlon's inquiry.) Well, if he thinks dese are gonna scare us, he's got anotha thing comin'! (She throws a few punches with her hands as she says this. She can't help but feel a little nervous, though, given the beatdowns they have all received already at the hands of L'Arachel and her companions.)

I think he's looking at those intimidating ruins... (I answer Eliot, pointing ahead.)

(I feel tired of using the word "foreboding" or "intimidating" to describe the things we keep seeing on our journey to face Montresor, but there are no other words I can use to describe these stone structures ahead of us. They actually somewhat remind me of some I have seen in book illustrations in a book I've read, "The Catacombs of Virian". I hope we don't get lost within them like the main characters of that book did...)

(Stay strong, Dinah, just tell yourself that you are simply living out that book like you often imagined you would. You're in the Catacombs of Virian...you're in the Catacombs of Virian...)

Blissparce

Sounds good to me, sis. (Mia says.) So, to recap, we need to figure out what the victims and our sister might have had in common and what made our killers go after them, right?

And if they were working together in all of this. (I say.)

Ótimo! (Mia says.) Well, we have a game plan for tomorrow. I hope we find answers soon...

I hope we get some food soon, too. (I say, looking around for a waiter.) I'm hungry...

Oh joy... (Cortez groans. He scans the restaurant and eventually spots the real Rich sitting at the table with the rest of us. He snorts and turns back to the Rich clone who is really Taylor A, about to begin shouting, but he holds his tongue and shakes his head. He speaks quieter and slower.) I suppose the real Rich woulda told me the same thing you told me anyway. You have his brains wight now, after all. But...yeah, I reckon I'll try a bit longer to find some new purpose in life. Doin' that would probably be better than some of the other ideas 'n outcomes I've been bouncin' around in my head.

(Cortez quickly adds:) Oh, and one more thing: When you turn back t' yer normal self, don't you say a damn word about this t' anybody. I just poured out some of my most personal secrets about myself to ya, and I want 'em t' stay that way unless I'm the one tellin' 'em. Got it?

Marshlands?

"Maybe he secretly wants to feel like he has the advantage, this terrain isn't exactly something I'd call favorable to mons who can't fly..."

Holstown

"Hopefully they won't.. and even if they do, we'd at least be able to hold down the fort for a little, right?"

Phil notices the ruins up ahead.

"Hey, check that out."

He pulls ahead and stops by it, his Ball opening so he can get a closer look.

"Who do you think put this here?"

[Ruins]

Upon coming closer, the group would find themselves standing on more stable ground and grass rather than wet marshland mud. The surrounding stone constructions seem to be crumbled old buildings that may have been home to someone long ago, but that time is clearly long gone.

At this point, the sun is not quite setting, but it is not shining as brightly as it was previously. The ruins do not feel empty or lifeless, but there is somewhat of a hollow, chilling feeling upon entering.

... And a faint sound of a group chanting.

"Shadows of the lowland, leading to the cold and darkened days, without any hope, Without a light for long..."

Noriaki responds to Marlon's inquiry, "I do not know, although I can postulate that Montresor had an affinity for the somewhat somber atmosphere places like this provide... Perhaps it is nostalgia of a place that has clearly remained over such a long time... Or perhaps he has some sort of cathartic feeling of slaying us in such a... Dead place."

"Hard to say, honestly", Nephenee said to Philly, "These ruins are known around here, but where they come from is up to speculation on our part. I heard some people calling it "Old Eluant" before, but I wouldn't count on that name's accuracy. I'm not sure if it's meant for those cabin back there, these here ruins, or both."

Noriaki twinges a bit once he notices the distant chanting. He turns to the party before looking forward and advancing.

As the group moves further in, the chanting becomes more audible.

"Will this suffering, suffering, ever come to an end...?"

"Even so... Even so... Even so..."

The group would notice more crumbled constructions, a distant opening leading to some sort of cavern-looking area, and... A moderate crowd of Ghost Pokemon all gathered in the center, conducting the chant. The Dusclops that stands over them claps his hands together in 1 second intervals to give a sense of rhythm, as do others among the crowd.

"Pride keeps us strong today, glory will be with us... Now the time has come, to fight and seize the day... When will our prayers be heard, high up in the sky above...? Soon fate will, show us the place, where we belong..."

Noriaki muttered under his breath, repeating something from Montresor's letter, "Forlorn spirits..."

[Holstown]

"It's a low chance, but higher than I'd like it to be", Achilles explained to Woodruff.

Edited by Konkfan7 on Sep 24th 2018 at 5:57:09 AM

The catacombs

Well, l-let's take it to him then and make sure he won't feel those feelings.

What the fuck? What. The. Fuck. Here we have...a cult? I read a ton into Jonestown, and Waco, that one movie with the Paris Catacombs..and everything else to know that this looks sketchier than all hell...or maybe they are in fact forlorn spirits that have yet to-

I shuffle along quietly.

Jesus Christ...

Blissparce

Yes! Let's eat. But for now...any early idea as to what could be that connection?

Old Warmth

The Psyduck relaxes.

Indeed....