Old Warmth
The mons finally finished their meals. The rest of their respective groups arrived a few minutes before and finished their meals as well.
Von Gold gets up after paying the bill.
Von Gold: Well that was a fine meal.
Snaptooth: Indeed. Well, time to head off to Gangplank Cove!
Blik Hiney was stunned.
Blik Hiney: You're going to Gangplank Cove?
Von Gold: Based on your reaction I take it Armin must have told you about me. I'll have you know that I'm going there to open a new office there!
Holstown Inn
Hearing the call for Narcia, Jack responds.
Jack: Aye!
He then turns back to Grigori.
Jack: It's been about a month already so he probably found something else to worry about, so I think I'm safe for the moment. Besides, I'd rather not go after someone unless I know what I'm dealing with, not to mention that I'd rather just explore the area around Gangplank Cove as there's plenty of rumors and legends about hidden treasure and unsolved mysteries.
Tikagala Archipelago - Unknown Island - Somewhere Underground
A Dusknoir leads a Salamence into a dimly lit rock chamber with a single small natural window, though the window itself was covered by a banner. The only things in the room were a bookshelf lined with books, some torches, a crudely-made throne made of stone, two chains attached to the left and right walls near the throne respectively, and some bones scattered around the throne.
The Salamence looks at the Dusknoir in confusion.
Salamence: I thought you said your boss was here?
Suddenly a dark aura surrounds the bones as if in response, and they immediately swirl around the throne until they form a body, the chains attached to the wrists. All that can be made out of the entity is his arms and legs, as the rest of him was shrouded in a black flame-like aura. His eyes glowed a bright purple as he spoke, red sparks of lighting appearing on his bones as he yells in anger.
???: YAAARRGGH! Who dares wake up the Lord of Darkness!?
Dusknoir: Lord Çamil, we have a new recruit for you to determine. His name is Zavik.
The red sparks disappear as the ghost calms down.
???: A new recruit you say? Very well then. You are dismissed.
The Dusknoir exits the chamber, leaving the Salamence alone with the skeleton.
???: So, what brings you here?
Zavik: Well, your minions overheard me say that I like being cruel to others with words alone and that I live for plundering. Though I most enjoy the thrill of battle.
???: Ah, a fellow battle lover. I can get that. Do you have any goals?
Zavik: I don't have any big ones, but I just want to teach others to be like me.
???: An instructor huh? With some proper experience I reckon I could have you yell at new recruits to whip them into shape! How'd you like that?
Zavik grins.
Zavik: That sounds delightful.
He paused.
Zavik: Also, what are you? Never seen a talking skeleton before.
???: Me? Oh, I was the Lord of Pirates back in the day, making the seas my own. I was quite handsome for my kind until my defeat. I was cursed by an entire counsel, having multiple curses placed on me. These chains that you see is the keystone curse, as it's the only thing stopping me from wrecking havoc myself. Naturally, I aim to break that curse and continue on what I did in life.
Zavik: Wow, seems like you were as big as The Scarred One back in the da—
He is caught mid-sentence as the enraged ghost skeleton again sparks red as he envelops the Salamence in his own dark aura, causing the dragon to choke on the foul-tasting eldritch darkness. In that same moment the ghost uses the power of the aura to lift the dragon up into the air and send him flying hard into the other side of the room. As the Salamence crumples in a heap the skeleton falls back into his throne, his voice now weaker but still full of anger.
The Pirate Lord: Rrrrggh, if it weren't for these blasted curses draining my power every time I do that you'd be in even worse shape right now! Never mention that name in my presence, got it?!
The Salamence groans in pain as he struggles to get up.
Zevik: G-got it.
The Pirate Lord: Good. Now begone, if I find work for you I'll let you know as soon as possible.
Edited by TheGamechanger on Sep 30th 2018 at 10:07:27 AM
The League of HeroesHolstown Inn
"I'm in!"
"Yeah, me too, I s'pose."
Again, the contrast between Philo's almost boyish enthusiasm and his companion's nonchalance could not be more stark.
Hail majestic corporate light, heaven born and ever bright!Blissparce, Dos Santos home
Tiff slowly awakens after a long night's rest to quickly remember what lies ahead of her, her siblings, and everyone else involved in this mystery. Climbing her way out of bed, and slipping on another of her tank tops, she slips into the hall, calling for her siblings.
Mia? Tiago? ¿Ya se despertaron?
Old Warmth
Yeah, he is...tell me Doc, what else have you done since leaving me to die in Hoard?
June 27thOld Warmth
Von Gold: Well Armin, ever since I last saw you at Hoard I started a successful business as a prosthetist. Speaking of which, how'd you get out of Hoard?
The League of Heroes[Catacombs]
The group would come in to somewhat spacey room made of stone. Eroded stone pillars stand at the corners of a square on the floor of the room's center. A staircase is further back, but whatever it once led to is broken off, and beyond that broken staircase, rather than a wall, a waterfall pours down. Some scant essence of a descending sun come through the wall of water, lighting up the room somewhat where the scant torches fail to.
In the center stands a lone, shiny Noctowl in a bowtie. He stares straight ahead, his expression determined.
More towards the back of the room, a few spectator are gathered. A shiny Bisharp in a white tie and black butler jacket, a battle-scarred Aerodactyl, a Beedrill with a dull expression, a Lurantis with a strange crown/veil of feathers, a Vespiquen in a purple cloak with overwhelming beauty.... And Nyquil?
"So", the Noctowl said, "You have come after all. Those of you who do not wish to fight me, step out of this room's main square and go as far back against the wall as you can. That is your final warning."
"..."
Noriaki simply glares back at him.
Nephenee takes in the rooms architecture, wondering what it may have once been for before glaring back to the Noctowl.
[Holstown]
"Aye", said Achilles, raising his fist.
Monty Showdown
(I find myself feeling incredibly nervous once again once we enter the room and are faced with all of Noriaki's old enemies. I gasp upon seeing the Vespiquen who I can only assume to be L'Arachel herself. I feel my knees beginning to turn toward each other. This is the woman who has had such a sway on everyone, beat everyone within an inch of their lives, and has assimilated so many innocent lives. My eye catches the Beedril with a dead-eyed expression on their face. How long has he been here? Was he formerly one of the Combees?)
(And Nyquil...he definitely looks very unlike how he did when we last saw him. What [[purple: have they done to him? I try my hardest not to begin hyperventilating as I face all of these Pokémon who would very much like to kill me or anyone else. I hate to include Nyquil as one of them...)
Yeahs, like heck am I gonna do dat, Monty. Yas are goin' down. (I hear Marsha as she stands her ground. I likewise see Noriaki and Nephenee doing so. Not wanting to be a coward again like last night, I try to get the gumption to stay here and not run again. I recap everything these Pokémon have done and will do in my head to try and push myself into wanting to fight. This fellow is partially responsible for all of the heartache Noriaki and the rest of us are going through...he's an accomplice to a very evil woman...if we lose, everyone we know could be in danger, including Pokémon innocent in all of this like Goobert, Delilah, Benji...Lucy...)
( I grip Lucy's bracelet and stay facing Montresor as well. I try to glare at him as best as I can, a snort escaping my nostrils before I even realize it. Oof, I hope nobody else heard that...)
(While she has no idea currently, Dinah's ability is Intimidate, so this may have an effect on Montresor.)
Blissparce (Dos Santos Manor)
Well, I'm up and ready to go, sis. (Mia says, coming down the hallway toward Tiff. She is now wearing a tank top with a fire-pattern on it.) Mom's feeling really down today, so Tiago's gonna keep her company for a bit since Dad's gonna be out all morning.
(Mia sighs a bit, thinking about how devastated their mother has been since Izzy's death. She hasn't even left Alakazam form since yesterday morning. She continues to speak to Tiff.) We're still gonna go out there, though. Hey, how about we get the others breakfast so we can eat as we run over to the police station to get started for the day as soon as possible?
(Mia is really anxious to figure out who killed Izzy after having had another restless night the night before, hence why she wants to use up as little time as possible.)
Edited by kablammin45 on Oct 1st 2018 at 8:25:41 AM
"Hey, least I didn't lose all my artistic talent when I crash landed in the arena here."Catacombs
Yeah, like hell if I'm gonna do that. We're taking it to you.
I stand to one side of Marsha and adopt a fighter's pose, standing ready to take him on, eyes darkening to their deep red shading.
Old Warmth
How?
The Beleaguered Psyduck closes his eyes and prepares to recount the tale. Being the Psyduck he is, he feels confused as to what exactly happened and begins to feel pain.
Blissparce
Yeah, that's a good idea..
Edited by Team42Larson on Oct 1st 2018 at 8:28:18 AM
June 27thHolstown Inn
Let's not worry about it until this business is over. (With that, I respond to the Dragalge) Count me in.
Let's hit the road! We've got friends to make. (With nearly everyone accounted for, Arsene moved outside the inn and on the path towards Narcia.)
Edited by Ore-O on Oct 1st 2018 at 10:31:46 AM
"I treasure every day with you, darling." "No need to be so sappy, love." "You know that's how she is, Nia." - AU!Pyra, Nia, MythraOld Eluant Catacombs
"And I'm hovering like a fly, waiting for the windshield on the freeway..."
[I lower the lantern, look to the Noctowl.] "Monty." [I let out a huff of air, then focus my attention on Niles.] "Niles," [I say to myself. Glancing at Autumn, I suspect she'll sit this out...would she be the only one to do that?]
Holstown, Outside the Inn
"F-friends?" He'd ask about what's going on, but the last time he went off to do that, he got roped into a fight. Besides, there's still the matter of Mila, and even if it doesn't look like she appreciates it, he'd rather stick by her just in case.
"Well, you all stay fresh. I'm gonna keep right here." Again, he takes his spot beside her, touching his paws together as he watches the others head off.
Old Warmth
Blik Hiney looks at Armin in concern.
Blik Hiney: Are you okay Armin?
Holstown Inn
Jack follows Arsene out the inn.
Unknown Island - The Pirate Lord's Lair
As soon as the Salamence was no longer within earshot, the Dusknoir returns. The ghost pirate is still miffed, but he regains his composure as one of his top minions enters.
Dusknoir: So based on the fact that red sparks are still on you, I take it that the recruit brought up your archenemy's name or the state of your reputation?
The ghost pirate lets out a exasperated sigh, which sounds like an unnerving hiss.
The Pirate Lord: Yes, Murtagh, that's exactly what happened. He didn't mention my current reputation, but he reminded me of it when he compared me to that bastard.
Murtagh: Ah. Did he mention or express any interest in the treasure?
The Pirate Lord: No. I don't know if he was telling the truth about his motives or not so I didn't ask. I'll have some of my loyal followers keep an eye on him just in case. Speaking of which, how's our surveillance in Tikagala doing? Got any good leads I can use to break my boredom?
Murtagh: None yet, unfortunately.
Red sparks appear on the ghost pirate again as he tilts back his head and lets loose a stream of purple flames from his mouth at the ceiling, which judging by the numerous scorch marks on the ceiling this isn't the first time he's done that.
The Pirate Lord: Rrrraargh, and the annual search for the treasure is coming up soon! The keystone curse must be broken during that search for my revenge, and I still don't have any leads that can help me!
The League of HeroesHolstown Inn, Outside
Mila keeps herself quiet as the other mons have their discussion next to her. She only-half listens, still formulating her thoughts, but she catches enough to know that they're leaving somewhere. Thankful for the respite, she sinks slightly lower into her sitting posture; moments later however something brings her back to a proper position and a straight back. She's not sure how she can tell, maybe it's the sound of something she can barely make out, maybe it's a pair of footsteps that she's not hearing, maybe it's the edge of a shadow... maybe it's that he literally said that he'd stay, whether she was listening or not. Whatever it is, the fur on the scruff of her neck confirms her suspicions as it prickles slightly: someone's still staying around her. It's not too hard to make an educated guess about who it is, but that makes it no easier to understand why they'd choose to stay even after everything she'd done today, let alone what she'd said to top it all off.
"What do you think about us... —I mean me and Autumn? Is she being unreasonable— am I? Or are we both bad people?"
As before, Mila doesn't turn to face Woodruff, and she allows for a fair amount of time both before she speaks and between each thought. If it were most any other day, she'd be all too happy to have a face-to-face reasonable chat with the Furret, but today has been a different tale altogether.
Catacombs
Autumn struggles with finding a way to respond to Eliot and Noriaki's rebuttal, barely taking in the area they're walking through as she runs through the things she'd want to at least attempt before resorting to combat. When they come across the arena, though, her attention is brought once more to the pokemon around her, in particular those who are standing opposed to them. As soon as she can see Nyquil she can tell that something is wrong, but her recent thoughts overpower her concern and she calls out to the Quilava once more, hoping beyond hope that it will somehow go better than last night.
"Niles! Please, I saw how scared you were last time, please just come over here and we can go without any fighting... I want you to be safe."
Edited by Cabe_Bedlam on Oct 2nd 2018 at 12:34:12 PM
I need to update these things more oftenNyquil looks directly at the Braixen as soon as she called his name, his glowing red eyes scanning her and those standing closest to her. He blinks. Twice. Aside from his name, he couldn't quite catch what Autumn was saying. He was too preoccupied trying to determine her motive that he didn't pay attention when she was verbally announcing it. He turns to the Vespequien and whispers. "Milady, it appears Princess Autumn would like to speak to me. May I go over there to converse?"
If I don't clash, I don't change. The world ends at my borders, and the best moments slip away.Blissparce (Manor)
Okay, sis, let's go! (Mia says, heading to leave the manor.)
Blissparce (Inn)
Well, everybody's up now. (I say. I look over to Maran, Sunny, and Cortez.) What'll you guys be doing?
Bzz, Sunny suggested last night that we explore the beach today, so we'll probably be there. (Maran explains.)
(Cortez snorts.) Guess I'll just stay here, dunno what else I could do today.
Well, let's all get goin', mateys! Time's wastin'! (Rich says, lumbering towards the stairs. I follow him, as do the rest of the cursed mons.)
(It's at the bottom of the stairs that we find Mia and Tiff; Mia carrying two large paper bags with two of her arms.)
Oh hey, morning, guys! (I say.)
Ola, guys. (Mia says, she sounds just a bit tired, like she didn't sleep all that much last night.) Tiff and I brought some breakfast for us to have as we head back to the police station. Tiago will probably show up later. He wanted to keep Mom company this morning. You guys ready to get going?
"Hey, least I didn't lose all my artistic talent when I crash landed in the arena here."[Catacombs]
" I would not bother ", L'Arachel scoffed, " It is merely more drivel involving begging you to come back. Of course, you are free to go ahead and address that still. "
Montresor saw everyone prepared to confront him. He breathed in, twinging a bit from all the glares.
"With daggers in your eyes you come to face me", said Montresor, squinting a bit, "Then we begin..."
Montresor swiped his wing forward and... A single fancy stone was levitated in the air right in front of him. The Noctowl placed his wing over the stone, it glowing in resonance with himself.
Noriaki cautiously took grip of the hat he was still using as a bag, his glare at Montresor unrelenting.
"I had an ill feeling... You haven't shown your full power yet."
Montresor's cold, empty stare was unchanged as he was enveloped in an sphere of energy that shattered open, revealing a much more powerful-looking Noctowl
◊ with an array of steel needles levitated at his side. As the Mega Evolution ended, a powerful surge of Psychic energy could be felt, like a strong gust of wind. A mass of droplets from the waterfall behind were thronged forward in a spiral motion.
There could be felt the presence of an incredible Psychic power.
L'Arachel chuckled and said, " Feel the power of Montresor The Enigmatic. "
Nephenee sweated nervously and said, "Never seen a Mega Noctowl before, but if I could hazard a guess I'd say he's a Psychic type now."
Montresor ascended in the air a bit, his wings moving... Far to slowly to keep him in the air. It seems he is actually levitating.
[Holstown]
Minato simply stayed and watched over Mila and Woodruff.
Achilles went along with those heading to Narcia.
As the group advances, they would see that reparations are still being done, along with some general renovations, involving the erecting of a few bird Pokemon statues around. There seems to be a line much further down that almost resembles a soup kitchen.
Edited by Konkfan7 on Oct 2nd 2018 at 4:13:57 AM
"Thank you, milady. I'm sorry for inconveniencing you," He replies with a quick bow before beginning to make his way over to the main group, making sure to stick closer to the walls and away from the ensuing skirmish. As he runs, he looks over to Montresor. Even he had not seen his Mega Evolved form before… He nears Autumn and the other spectators before coming to a gradual stop and bowing to her as well. "Pardon me, I was unable to hear you earlier. May I ask that you reiterate?"
If I don't clash, I don't change. The world ends at my borders, and the best moments slip away.Catacombs
Ok what the fuck...!
I droop down a bit more, still adopting said defensive pose. This is some real fuckin' shit now...
I immediately pull my hand behind my back and attempt to form a shadow ball.
Holstown Inn
Kevin silently follows along.
Blissparce
Ok everyone, the goal is simple. Figure out what our possible connection was.
Old Warmth
Madame, I am but a Psyduck! I get confused easily...
Armin begins to weave a tale....
Sorry for dragging this out, I do need time to figure this out.
Edited by Team42Larson on Oct 2nd 2018 at 10:41:46 AM
June 27thCatacombs
Nice belly-clock, Monty. (Marsha laughs. Though she like everyone else can feel the Psychic power in the room rising drastically and braces herself, putting her arms up.)
(I can barely keep myself from shuddering between Montresor Mega Evolving, L'Arachel's voice, and just how Nyquil sounds. I try to speak with Nyquil since he is very close to me.)
N-Nyquil, we want to h-h-help you... (I catch myself trailing off as the scene last night where Nyquil accidentally killed Soten flashes in my mind. Should we let him back? He killed someone right in front of m—it was an accident, he didn't mean to. He was just as horrified as the rest of us. Then why is he still willingly working for L'Arachel?
(I freeze in place completely as I try to discern what to say or do next to Nyquil or...anybody really.)
Blissparce
Aye! (Rich says.) Well, if we're jest gonna eat along the way, we should go ahead and git goin', aye?
I reckon... (I say, taking a couple of bread rolls and a Wiki Berry out of one of the bags.)
Good luck, mon amies! (Sunny says to us as we prepare to go.)
Thanks. I think we're gonna need it... (I say.)
(We leave the inn.)
(It's not too long before the police station is right in front of us.)
Well, are we going to check in with Taylor and Taylor to see what we need to do next? (I ask.) Maybe if they found out anything from Wendy?
"Hey, least I didn't lose all my artistic talent when I crash landed in the arena here."Holstown, on the Road to Narcia
Róisín spares a glance at the repair work going on around them.
"What happened here, then?"
Philo's expression grows stern.
"I get the feeling this has something to do with - how did they put it? - the bee we are aiming to squash."
Hail majestic corporate light, heaven born and ever bright!En Route to Narcia
(As we approach the city, I noticed a line of people waiting on something. Guess the poor are actually getting some relief. As the Ninetales inquired, I replied.) Partially. She had her slimy claws on this place to "fill out her warchest" as the former owner says it. Before then, I heard it was some hole filled with rich people to flaunt their wealth like some sort of parade float. That is until we kicked said former owner's ass. His old man now works the place, wanted to make it better.
"I treasure every day with you, darling." "No need to be so sappy, love." "You know that's how she is, Nia." - AU!Pyra, Nia, MythraOld Eluant Catacombs
[The Noctowl souping himself up right off the bat puts me a little on edge, but my focus is square on Niles as he makes his way across the room towards us. I heard what L'Arachel said, the acoustics of the room and my superior hearing made sure of that, and even if she's right, I bear my teeth. Finally, he stops right in front of us, greeting us.]
"Sh, she...she was...wanting you to..." [...come back...I know this shouldn't be the case, this was, well, at least someone I considered a friend, but...I feel like it won't be worth it.] "...look, I, I wanted t'say I'm sorry for not going back t', t'fetch you at Foxfell. And...I, I'm sorry for not being there for you when Dana left 'n all that, a'guess a'was too busy wi'the whole Anastasia thing to realize what'd happened..."
Holstown, Outside the Inn
"...well...how long have you two been together? Ya weren't flingin' when you were in Silversand, and that was just a couple weeks ago." Woodruff glances out into the forest. "Could just be growin' pains...sometimes, the things you see in someone, that seem endearin' at the start of a relationship, become bugwears for ya later on." He remembers something. "...though...I didn't even know she was royalty 'till in the past couple days. Was she keepin' that on the down-low...did y'all even know?"
Nyquil looks at Dinah and Eliot with a blank expression. "I see. That was all in the past and there is no reason to cry over spilled milk, so I forgive you," he says, emotionless. While monotone, his voice wouldn't sound dismissive or anything else unpleasant.
If I don't clash, I don't change. The world ends at my borders, and the best moments slip away.

Ruins (coming down the home stretch)
(Hearing Eliot quietly singing to himself leads me to start humming the song I was singing to myself earlier again as we move onward.)
Blissparce (Next morning; Day 24)
(I'm currently dreaming that I'm on the Shifter with Delilah and Benji when Delilah suddenly begins kicking me on the side.)
Hey, Goodra, wake up, it's mornin'.
(I wake up and see that Cortez is currently nudging me. I drowsily sit up and stretch.) Grrrrrrraughhhhh...morning Cortez. (I say to Cortez.)
Everyone else is up and runnin' but you, ya need to get goin'! (He says to me.)
They are? (I say, my eyes opening up wide. Am I holding everyone up?) Oh no, I gotta hurry!
(I grab my glasses and run into the bath to freshen up. I spend several minutes just soaking in the nice warm water like I usually do. Kinda wish I could just stay here for a while, but we've got work to do.)
(Once I'm done, I admire the shininess of my sheen for a second before hurrying out the door into the hallway. I see Rich, Cortez, Maran, and Sunny already standing out there.)
Heya, guys. (I say, putting my glasses on.) I'm not holding things up am I?
Naw, matey, Dieter's still gettin' ready, too. (Rich says.) How are yeh?
Doing okay. (I say.) Ready to hopefully crack this mystery wide open today. How are the rest of you guys?
(Cortez just shrugs.)
Oh, wonderful! (Sunny says.) It is a lovely day outside! Oops...
I'm fine, too, bzz. (Maran says.) Good luck out there.
Yeah... (I say, turning to see if Dieter's coming out the door to their's and Rich's room yet.)
"Hey, least I didn't lose all my artistic talent when I crash landed in the arena here."