Holstown Inn

A little obvious, don't you think? (I did remember him reading my aura back at Foxfell. Hesitantly, I responded.) ...It's about that "aura" I had back at Foxfell, is it?

(Eliza looked on as the Raichu had her... issues sorted out. She didn't want to get involved with this with the threat of that L'Arachel breathing down her neck. She continued the conversation from earlier, mostly directed at the fox and rose.) If you want to join in, just give the word, understand?

Holstown Inn

Jack: Yeah... what's your story? How long have you had that... thing?

Old Eluant Ruins

"It's likely the geography...probably was an old building, but the roof caved in at one point or another. You see these kinds of things with these old cities, the walls have a remarkable ability to stay there when nothing else does."

[I continue forward, lowering the lantern for now, it's not really necessary at this point...Marlon's ping startles me, and I somewhat instinctively glance towards him.] {I don't know if that's gonna be the case, man...but yea, I guess keep it up.}

[I look to the statue to my right...it's nearly unrecognizable, there's pieces of it strewn around the bottom of it, likely smaller details that were attached at thinner points to the base statue. It looks like some kinda quadruped laying on its belly and looking out steadfast...like those lion statues you see in front of churches. I sigh...it would've been nice to see in its former glory. Nevertheless, I trudge on towards what looks to be the catacombs...]

Holstown, Outside the Inn

Woodruff shrieks as a small shock emanates from Mila, curling up in defense. He really didn't mean for her to get this riled up. Stupid, stupid, stupid...

...Mila's calming down...he relaxes a little, hoisting himself back up. With some trepidation, he steps towards her, still clearly worried.

Holstown Inn

Turning to Eliza, Philo can't help but break into a bit of a boyish grin.

"Why, I'm absolutely going to help! It's been too long since I truly tested these old bones!"

"Yeah, guess I'll help too."

Róisín is a lot less enthusiastic than Philo, to put it mildly.

Holstown Inn A Zangoose asked for directions. I told him I didn’t know where I was, and then he... disappeared, and I ended up looking for him. I ended back at the inn... well... at least that’s where everyone is.

[Old Eluant Ruins]

Trudging along, there is simply more and more crumbled old constructions.

It feels somewhat melancholic to Noriaki, shambling through these old ruins that may once been a place of worship, a place for people to gather, or even simply a large home, but is now nothing more than... Ruin. The Ghost Pokemon that were living here must have given it a new sense of life in their own way, but being driven out gives the ruins a very empty and lifeless feeling... Hollow and somewhat sad... Almost like...

Noriaki jumps a little at Marlon's sudden ping, but he responds in thought, Good thinking, Marlon. But I doubt that Montresor would not be able to listen to this if he wanted to. It is good for if we happen to get separated, but... I would not count on it for strategizing together in the midst of battle.

He remembers.

He remembers when he was a child. He remembers being in pain.

He remembers a figure looming above him before swinging, his mouth opening only to release more pain on to him.

He hated it.

He remembers long walks out in the wilderness by himself, despite being a child, because he felt his own home was more dangerous.

The day his talent of Mind awoke, and yet he never felt satisfied with it, entirely. Some even met it with fear and ostracized him.

He hated it.

He remembers not having someone he truly felt was a family.

He was nothing.

He hated that emptiness.

But then, there was something.

And he loved it.

"..."

Montresor was standing in the center of a mostly empty room, save for a few pillars that decorated the corner areas. everything was made of old stone, moss and vines growing over some parts. His eyes were closed as he was contemplating his past.

"   Is everything alright, Montresor?   ", L'Arachel called out, against a far-off wall, the other vassals lined up next to her.

The Noctowl opened his eyes and looked back to his master as he responded, "Oh, no, I am quite alright. I am simply... Thinking everything over, pre-battle meditation."

"   ... Very well, if you would say so   ", said L'Arachel.

"..."

Notte's stern face, for a brief moment, showed a glint of ever-so-slight concern in his eyes.

Montresor stared forward and continued thinking to himself.

Those were the darkest of days... It is because of Lady L'Arachel that I... That I have life. She... Understood my plight. We need each other. Noriaki was another example of the horrid world we lived in and now serves as one for this one. Liar. Traitor. Wretch.

I will protect Lady L'Arachel... I will fight for her honor... I will regain peace of mind... I will kill him...!

As they come closer, Noriaki speaks out for a second.

"Autumn", he says, "I overheard much of what you had said to and about Montresor previously... I completely understand why you feel the way you do and think he is "evil", but..."

"... Please do not hate him for any of this. He... Is not very different from myself. I believe that deep down he is a good man. His endless loyalty to L'Arachel, however, has twisted his heart and mind in to something terrifying. I hold my own resentment and animosity for all the pain he has caused me due to this, but I also feel sad. Not only for myself, but for him. It is only by branching paths in the road that we are as different as we are now."

Noriaki looks on solemnly before continuing, "... In truth... Every single day of my life, I wish that he would only believe me when I tell him of L'Arachel's lechery and malicious nature."

Nephenee is quiet, but then speaks out herself, "I'm not sure if I'm ever going to forgive him, but I'll try to understand who he is instead of just what he's done. If you really think he might be worth salvaging or whatever, I guess maybe we could try and just plain subdue him. Can't promise I'll be able to, emotions or power. Also, we're here."

Noriaki looked forward and saw the entrance leading to the deeper catacombs was right there. He nodded and went forward.

Edited by Konkfan7 on Sep 29th 2018 at 7:30:43 AM

Ruins

I'm perfectly fine with any solution that doesn't end in someone's death... (I say as we continue on.) I'd rather we not have to watch more Pokémon die. Is there any way we could get through to Montresor if he isn't as far gone as you say he is?

Think Nori's got a point, Marly. (Marsha points out to Marlon over pings.)

Somewhere in/around Blissparce

(Norwood sits under the tree where he typically meets the Pokémon he is carrying out these deeds under. After a bit of waiting, the Pokémon arrives and asks him why he's here.)

I just...I can't do this anymore. I can't live with the knowledge that I ended that young woman's life... (He laments.) I want out...

(The Pokémon reminds Norwood of just why he is carrying these actions out for them.)

I know why you're doing this. I haven't forgotten about that. (Norwood protests.) I just...I just can't kill anyone else...

(The other Pokémon tries to tell Norwood that this is for the greater good.)

Since when is killing other Pokémon in cold blood ever done for the "greater good"? (Norwood says angrily.) I know we want Blissparce to be clean of the Viral Aggression so it doesn't end up like Hiveton and Milklett but...this messed me up more in several days than living in Kreimhild did in two years! I just...I just want out without needing to do something so horrible to anyone else....including myself...

(The Pokémon then tells Norwood that he's come too far to to bail out, and tries to remind him of what'll happen if he doesn't stay on, ending it by threatening to pin the blame for all of the murders onto him and him alone.)

(Needless to say, this leaves Norwood very shaken up. Either he is imprisoned for one murder and simply does community service for years after he is released...or he is blamed for every last one and is exiled from town to live in a no-mon's land somewhere far away, never to be seen or heard from again.) ...Ugh...why did you have to say that...can I just...can you just leave the next several killings to Ramona, Dole, and Cedric? I don't want to do that again for a very long time...

(The Pokémon relents, giving into Norwood's pleas, but inwardly calls him a coward.)

Thank you...I just...I need to recuperate from doing...this... (Norwood says.) That's all I wanted to say. Good-bye...

(Norwood and the other Pokémon part ways and go back to their respective homes. Norwood inwardly curses the fact that his employer will not simply let him go, though he feels that it's to be expected. At least he probably won't have to kill again for probably a while...maybe he could somehow weasel his way out of committing any further crimes all for the so-called "greater good" before then?)

(Norwood shakes his head and tries to scrub the horrific images out of his head as he returns home to return to his very unsettled slumber.)

Holstown Inn

(I spoke to Jack, keeping as quiet as I can, but not quiet enough to avoid someone eavesdropping.) As far as I remember, I had it when I first met all of you. I think I had it for longer, but I can't tell. It happened when I was waiting for a Crabominable with uneven pincers. Apparently, he led a meat-smuggling ring or something like that, and I had to take care of him. (I'm not sure if I should spill all this info on someone who wasn't there when I got it, but I figured he would be curious.)

(Arsene overheard the conversation and narrowed his eyes. He knew Umberto's name was dragged through the mud ever since that Kingston incident. An assassin among the group would prove problematic, especially if Eliza's plan fell apart because of him. He would attack that owl now, but that's practically a death sentence. And denying him would arouse suspicion. For now, he kept quiet and waited for everyone planning on leaving to get ready.)

(As she turned around, she heard the conversation about her boss and thought to herself. She's not sure about that owl before; she at first thought he was foolish, if well-meaning. Now, with him being an assassin, she wondered how he carries them out. Admittedly, she didn't want to resort to murder, but given that an arrest is too risky, she does not have many options left. For now, she didn't interfere.)

Holstown Inn

Jack: Huh. Reminds me of some crooks I came across at the place I came from, which is a sea port called Gangplank Cove. Still don't know what they were truly up to, the only thing for certain is that I ruined their plans. I overheard them mention the name of their boss, though I'm pretty sure it's a nickname. Any ideas on how to get rid of that thing of yours? It didn't exactly look healthy in your aura.

Holstown Inn

I'm not sure if there's anything we can do. Personally, I'll just live with it. (After that dream, I just know that it isn't the inner demon I thought it was. It's a part of me that just speaks to me, telling me to stop holding my emotions back. Given those violent outbursts, it's more right than I thought. Meanwhile another thought came up in my head, curious about the "boss of the crooks.") May I ask what's his name?

Holstown Inn

Jack: The name I heard was Spiritbreaker. Don't know if the guy is bad enough that he lives up to that name, but the crooks seemed wary of him.

Holstown Inn

(Spiritbreaker? Seriously? You couldn't have come with a more ridiculous sounding name. That's definitely a nickname, because if that's his name, then he must have really shitty parents. Struggling to not bust out laughing, I respond to Jack.) How'd you manage to screw up his plans?

Holstown Inn

"... I know this isn't your fault, but please let me be."

Mila takes long pauses between each thought, trying to figure out what to say and calm her rage. She remains facing away from Woodruff even as she speaks to him, her head lowered to look towards the ground just in front of her feet.

"I don't want you to think I'm always like this, please don't assume you know everything about me..."

Mila seems to consider her last statement, weighing it in her head to see if she'd balanced her point well enough with the abrasiveness of the statement. She's not satisfied, but she doesn't feel like amending it now that she's already made so many mistakes.

"I hope we can talk again once I can get something from Autumn, an explanation or an apology, but I can't do more now."

Ruins, Catacomb

Eliot's agreement does something to cheer Autumn up, even if it's not much. The fact that he'd noticed that Niles was okay lights her up, however, giving her hope that they really will be able to find some way to bring him back if she wasn't just imagining things. Quickly after she begins mulling over the possibilities, however, Marlon's ping reaches to her and breaks her out of thought. She nearly responds, but just after Noriaki's comments shift her focus once again. Once she's processed them, she puts a paw on the Dartrix and stops still, looking right into his eyes.

"Can you truly tell me that he only enjoys hurting people because of her orders? You know how much I'd give for that to be true, right? If I could just... get rid of that impulse, that evil, by finding a way to free him— free both of them from her influence, I'd do it. I'd give anything to know it's not a part of him, not a part of Niles."

Holstown Inn

Jack: Well again I don't know for sure what those crooks were truly doing. I was going about my business until I saw them in a dark alleyway. Making sure they didn't see me, I hid behind a corner and eavesdropped. They were handling some packages with some strange markings, muttering something about underwater and having to kill others to make what's in the packages as it was hard to make or something. I fired an Aura Sphere at the packages while they were still holding them, causing the crooks pain and the packages and whatever was in them to be blown to tiny pieces as a result. They ran after me and when I turned a corner I hid behind some barrels. They went past me and while I was hiding I heard one of them say to the other that I've ruined something that they're spent years trying to obtain.

Edited by TheGamechanger on Sep 29th 2018 at 12:42:34 PM

Holstown Inn

Sounds like you really stepped in it, did you? (Must've been something expensive. I guess Mr. Spiritbreaker's some sort of treasure hunter, given that he's poured a lot of resources for it.)

Holstown Inn

Jack: Yep. Went on the nearest passenger ship after that just to be on the safe side that they won't go after me. Would like to go back to Gangplank Cove again one day as it's a nice city, but I wonder if those crooks are still there or not.

Gangplank Cove - Maritime Museum

A Crobat and a Glaceon stood outside the Museum of Oceanic Legends and Discoveries. The building was two stories tall and was fittingly big at the base as one would expect a museum to be.

The Crobat turns to her friend.

Crobat: Well Gwen we're here. Hope there's more stuff this time than last time.

Gwen: Me too. Seems like there's not much big things happening at the museum these days.

The two enter the museum and into the main room, decorated with replicas of lost treasure. The room was square in shape. The doorway on the top left leads to the Hall of Captains, the doorway on the top right leads to the Hall of Ships, the doorway on the bottom right leads to the Hall of Weapons, and the doorway on the bottom left leads to the Hall of Culture.

The information desk near the entrance was empty, with a note on it that reads "not feeling well today, sorry for the inconvenience".

Shrugging, the two Pokemon enter the Hall of Captains. The wing was long and was lined with the descriptions of past and present notable sea leaders. The two starts reading some of them:

Bernard "Death's Hand" Oswald ~ A pirate hunter gone rogue, he started killing those he thought would ally themselves with pirates before they even got the idea. Was ultimately brought down by one of his own.

Çamil "Sea Devil" Blivon ~ A remorseless pirate who struck fear into the mightiest of pirates. Was defeated in battle by his rival at the Void of Lost Souls, which is the most infamous recurring maelstrom in Tikagala.

Kalisto "Ripper" Petto ~ This pirate loved to rip apart his victims and display their skeletons all over his lair. Was abandoned and left for dead by his crew.

Millard "Shank Eye" Torvic ~ A pirate hunter who was really a pirate masquerading as one, he got his eye stabbed out when he was found out. He lived and went on being a regular pirate until he was thrown into an active volcano by a surviving victim of his.

Robert "Silent Slayer" Ernesto ~ This pirate stalked his target at night, making sure that every one of his attacks was as silent as possible so that his targets never knew what hit them. Was brought to justice by a blind mon who could sense his movements.

Gangplank Cove - Shipwreck Saloon

For the past several minutes the two mon that have followed the Pirate Queen have watched her movements and interactions and are now quite bored.

Scrafty:   Ugh, so for we've learned nothing interesting about her and her crew!   

Shiftry:   I know, right?   

Bored, they look around the bar and see a familiar Klefki. They move on over to her.

Shiftry:   Yo, did anything interesting happen here on your end?   

Klefki:   Yes, there was a Salamence here today. He seemed like a promising recruit, so I had him sent to the Lord of Darkness for evaluation. He should be entering the boss' chamber any moment now.   

The Scrafty shudders.

Scrafty:   Ugh, if the new guy checks out I hope he doesn't upset the boss, he isn't exactly pleasant when angry.   

Catacombs

The deepest parts lay ahead. Damn, they've got a point. Who's to say Montresor isn't going to hijack the feed and attempt to screw with me? Who's to say he'd get the jump on us based on what he hears? I blink a few times, briefly flashing between the pink that is indicative of my pings, to their normal red color, to purple, when I use Psyshock, and then finally, the deeper shade of red from when I had lost my shit over Zelgius managing to break my Mega Stone-

Yeah. I settle down back into the normal color of pink, and dart my eyes about again to send out another message.

Mmm...and I probably won't be able to drown him out, then if he finds a way in? Would I be putting myself in some kind of danger if I keep the link during battle?

Holstown Inn

Sighing, and bringing his focus back away from Mila, Kevin looks over toward Woodruff.

So...we gonna help these guys out with whatever they're talking about?

"Yeah... definitely. For the sake of everyone here."

Old Eluant Ruins, To the Catacombs

"I don't think there's a way t'beat that kind of influence outta someone, Autumn." [I slow down, look to her.] "Niles is different, I hope...likely forced upon him...it's the same thing she's got with her Combee, only apparently he's still...hu...well, not a Combee." [I chuckle at my near-faux pas.] "...but...if he's as much like Noriaki as he says, this is gonna be a hole he's dug himself into. One so deep, if ya sit in it, nobody else is gonna be able to reach in unless y'go in with'm."

[I bring up the lantern again, peering into the void of the catacombs. I catch a whiff of the air...birdy stench, honey...char...it's really the whole gang. With some amount of unease, I trudge on...]
"...trudgin' across the tundra, mile after mile..."
"Trudgin' across the tundra''...right down to the parish of Saint Alfonzo..."

Holstown, Outside the Inn

Woodruff nods, conceding to Mila. He looks to Kevin, with some confusion. "I...I didn't catch what they were talkin' about...or who, do ya mean, uhh...Philo 'n..." Philo Peritopolous...hot damn. If he can, he's gonna have to get some small talk in with him.

[Catacombs]

Noriaki is about to answer, but simply nods as Eliot says exactly what he was thinking.

"I do like to believe that perhaps he could be reasoned with, and I am mostly certain that he only does what he does in obedience to L'Arachel", said Noriaki, trudging along, "... But I begrudgingly accept that he most likely will not want to listen, and we should not show up with refusal to fight him."

He then answers Marlon before moving in to the catacombs, "I say it still works fine, but do not expect it to be as confidential as it usually is."

The catacombs are dark, damp, and quiet. Overwhelmingly quiet. It is the type of quiet that actually disrupts your thoughts somewhat from how silent it is.

Silently moving along, Noriaki can't help but reminisce on memories of the man he is about to face again.

...

He remembers being face to face with Montresor, who stood in his way to go confront L'Arachel once again, but by himself.

"Why will you not let us be?!", the long-haired butler screeched as he pushed Noriaki away, "Your obsession is straining us!"

"No, Montresor", Noriaki responded, picking himself off the ground, "It is your obsession that is driving you mad! Your blind loyalty to someone that you do not truly know hurts so many people including myself, but above all it hurts you more than you even are willing to admit!"

Montresor's eyes narrowed for a second, but he regained a determined expression.

"... I do not need you. I do not need your pity. Me? Mad? Preposterous! You are the only one who is mad, you seem to believe this delusion you have set for yourself! L'Arachel had no interest in you, only me. Only me... ONLY ME!!!"

Montresor smashed his fist on a nearby wall, causing one of the torches lighting the room to fall down and scatter small flames on the floor.

The two former allies stared each other down for several seconds, both breathing rather heavily.

Noriaki broke the silence, "... And what of what she is planning? What she intends to do and has been doing?"

Montresor lowered his head, his long hair obscuring his face, as he responded, "... Noriaki, we humans are fools. I hate humanity. I hate this world. I hate you.... But I also cannot stand myself. I am nothing. But because of L'Arachel..."

Montresor sputtered a bit.

"... Under the wings of this absolute.... Goddess made flesh, we can be so much more! I care not what it takes, I care not what I must do, my entire existence is only given substance under her, and perhaps all of humanity needs that guidance! With her, we take a step closer to the only Paradise mankind deserves!"

As he yelled those last words, Montresor swung his arm as he lunged his entire body down towards Noriaki, preparing to unleash a strong slap, several large steel needles following behind him.

...

... That is as far back as Noriaki's memories of his old life can go.

What had happened past that? the Dartrix thought to himself, Was it L'Arachel's doing? Is that why we are all standing here today?

... Is that what he truly thinks? Is that why...?

Noriaki's attention is grabbed by the sound of running water up ahead, and some light appearing at the end of the catacombs.

...

"... Fools indeed. They will be arriving shortly."

[Holstown]

Stepping outside, Achilles answers Kevin, "Yeah, I think it's the best course of action. Minato said he's holding down the fort here. You could stay here and maybe help with that at most if you'd like, Mila. Unless you do want to come to Narcia...?"

Ruins

(I swallow nervously, but keep my gumption up as we approach the source of the running water. Marsha stops for a moment to stretch, presumably to prepare for the fight, as she continues on.)

Blissparce

Let's make it so they'll be able t' sleep well tomorrow, aye? (Rich says as he lays down.) Well, g'night, matey.

Edited by kablammin45 on Sep 30th 2018 at 5:41:28 AM

Holstown Inn

If this "Spiritbreaker" is still around, then I'd suggest you lie low until he forgets about you. Unless you want to face him straight on, by all means, go ahead. Just after squashing the bug, of course.

(Arsene then called out to the group as a whole.) Last call for anyone heading to Narcia! (Let's hope this works, he thought.)

Catacombs

I crack my knuckles and advance on.

Holstown

Yeah, we'll be ready.

Edited by Team42Larson on Sep 30th 2018 at 5:43:37 AM

Blissparce

Dieter nods. "Yeah, night, Rich."

And they turn in for bed.

Old Eluant Catacombs

[Running water...I'm guessing we're getting closer. I raise the lantern higher, taking in a deep breath...]

"Something solid forming in the air...
"And a wall of death is lowered in Times Square...

[I can hear my voice bouncing off the walls of the catacombs...if they don't see the light, the first they'll know of our presence will be the song.]

"No one seems to care, they carry on as if nothing was there..."
"The wind is blowing harder now, blowing dust into my eyeees..."
"The dust settles on my skin, making a crust I cannot move in..."

Holstown, Outside the Inn

"We're going back?" Woodruff approaches Achilles in confusion. "Wait a tic, is there somethin' goin' down in Narcia? There's not nothin' else comin' after us, is there?"