Individual RP: Alaskapigeon

NP#1

Ranger Ivy Frost

---

Ivy released a puff of air as she plopped her large cardboard box down on the steel desk, making the thin metal wobble a bit as her possessions were unloaded. She dusted her hands off as she took in the space. It was a little dusty, like it hadn't been used in a while, but she didn't mind. There would be time to make it more home-like later. She had just started her new job as a Ranger this week, but due to some problems in Outer Heaven, all Rangers were called out to investigate. It left little time for everything else. Thankfully, things were starting to quiet down, and she was going to start taking Trainers on normal runs soon.

Due to the issues, there had been a large call for Rangers, so a lot of them were new around here. They even had to clear out some of the closets and other storage areas so all the Rangers could have a space for their work. She had gotten one of the smaller closets, but after the shelves had been stripped out, it wasn't that bad. There was enough space for the steel desk she brought into the middle of the room, as well as a bookshelf behind the chair, a table next to the door, and a filing cabinet to the side.

She flicked on the light as she took in the entirety of her new space. It might not look like much now, but it meant the world to her. She had always wanted to be a Ranger ever since she had discovered it was actually a job. There was a sense of freedom and adventure to it, and a part of her craved that. Taking Trainers on mini adventures through the Park was time well spent.

A knock on the open door made her jump slightly, and she whirled around to see one of the many secretaries standing at the entrance, a file folder in hand.

“Oh, hi Claudia.” Ivy gave the other woman a smile, taking her jump in stride and using her arm to brush through her reddish hair, moving it over her shoulder as she tried not to look startled.

“Hi, Ivy, this just came in for you. Have fun on your run!”

The woman handed over the folder before leaving, and Ivy took a look through while leaning against the door frame. She tried not to shake as she read over the contents. Technically, this was her first real run through the Park. The strange happenings in Outer Heaven were different. Her mind called up everything she could do wrong against her will, and she had to close her eyes and tell herself she would do fine before her mind focused enough to continue.

Her Trainer was a girl named Alaska, and it looked like they were heading towards Meteor Valley. She knew there were a series of cave systems in the hillsides that formed the valley, and if they made it through the sea of long grass, there was a pond on the far end. The Trainer was only bringing two Pokémon with her, which was daring, but also admirable. They were unique, and Ivy was sure they'd be fine.

After ten minutes of looking at the file, she realized she was stalling. She grimaced and made herself move, putting the paperwork on the desk and starting to gather her equipment. Looks like unpacking would have to wait.

She clipped a coil of rope to her belt and checked her cargo pants' pockets to make sure she had all her emergency supplies. Satisfied, she grabbed her red canvas vest coat from the back of the chair and tugged it on, adjusting it so it sat right. It was supposed to be a nice day, but weather in the park was known for changing abruptly, and sometimes things like the hood on the vest came in handy.

She took one more look at the room before leaving, smiling at other Rangers she passed on the way out. Everyone was still out of the usual sync due to the incident in Outer Heaven, and they were scrambling to catch up and get back into routine so she didn't want to bother them too much. Normally she would've wanted to chat for a bit.

Ivy exited the building, shielding her eyes from the light. It was always the worst going from artificial into natural light. After her sight returned, she looked around the area, trying to spot her Pokémon. It was quiet, but she suspected that. Her partner was sneaky.

“Haxbat, where did you go?”

She walked in the direction of the valley, keeping her eyes peeled for her hidden Pokémon. Haxbat was careful in general, but he had really been adverse to going near the Ranger Outpost. Too many new people had set his alarms off, so she had let him stay outside until he adjusted.

A quiet ruffling caused her to pause mid step and listen, but there was nothing but the breeze. She continued, wary, and she only noticed the giant shadow looming behind her at the last second. A tug on the hood of her vest sent her sprawling backwards with her face to the sky, and then there was a massive bat above her, upside down in her view.

Ivy laughed, swiping at the Crobat as she got up. He made happy sounds as he flew about, coming to hover at her shoulder with a smile once she was standing. The four winged bat was a master of tricks, and most of the time Ivy was on the receiving end of them. That was alright though, since that was how they had gotten to know each other. Besides, she always loved a good laugh.

She brushed the dust off and continued on to the edge of the Outpost Station to wait for her Trainer. Her nerves were giving away to excitement, and she couldn't wait to get the run started. She was really hoping to have a good time. She came to the last storage shed before the park really began and stopped. She leaned against the siding and crossed her arms, satisfied to wait, her Crobat hovering close by.

---

Current Battle Stats: N/A

---

Trainer Stats

Name: Alaska
Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: 15 Encounters Remaining
Pokémon Encountered: None
Pokémon Captured: None
MCR: 0

Items: Park Ball x2, Hyper Ball x1

Pokemon Stats

Pokemon: Sableye
Nickname: Erebos
Gender: Male
Ability: Keen Eye
Nature: Impish
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: None


Pokemon: Dragonite
Nickname: Glaurung
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Jolly
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: Surf, Fly, Ice Beam, Defog, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Aerial Ace

 

I gasped in wonder as I stood at the edge of valley. It stretched for miles and miles, seeming only to end on the distant horizon. Mountains marked its edge far in the distance. Acres of forest and wild flowers carpeted the space between here and there and all the way across the valley was a huge lake. In the early morning sunlight, Meteor Valley was absolutely amazing. I was so awe struck by the magical place before me, I didn't notice that there was anyone else around until I heard the beating of wings.

I jumped around and came face to face with an enormous Crobat. "Gah!" I remarked brilliantly. Hanging from its claws was a girl in a ranger uniform.

"Hello!" she said as the Crobat lowered her to the ground. "My name is Ivy."

"Your Crobat is big enough to rape a Dodrio," I said in a polite tone. "My name is Alaska, by the way. You must be my ranger." I moved to shake her hand while also keeping an eye on her Crobat. "If it's alright with you, I think I'm going to release my Pokemon."

Without waiting for an answer, I pulled two Pokeballs out of my pocket and threw them through the air. They bounced against the ground and popped open. From one came a large orange dragon, who had more than a passing resemblance to Barney. From the other a demonic looking Pokemon popped out. He cackled maniacally and ran over to me, hiding in my shadow. The dragon walked over to Ivy and licked her, coating her in sticky saliva. "Bad Dragonite, Glaurung! Sorry about that. He's a little bit too friendly. You might have some problems from Erebos too," I said, gesturing at my Sableye. "They're both...special. So where should we go first?" I asked. Glaurung flew over to me and started to nibble at my hair.

 

NBP#2

Ranger Ivy Frost

---

Ivy watched her Trainer approach, smiling as the girl seemed absorbed with the beauty of the valley, taking in the long stretch of tall grass and wildflowers in all different colors. The lake was even visible from this height, and the Ranger was glad that she had gotten a Trainer that knew how to appreciate nature for what it was instead of just something to be conquered.

The girl looked younger, but not as young as a lot of the kids that came through here. She had about shoulder length brown hair a shade that was similar to her brother's. She was in simple jeans and a t-shirt, though from here she couldn't tell the logo on the front. She hadn't seen the Ranger and her Pokémon as she approached, only fixed on the scenery.

Haxbat floated forward from behind Ivy's shoulder in a sudden interest, and she watched him curiously. She could see the hint of mischievousness in his eyes and the way he eagerly hovered closer then back again. He looked at her in question, and she just motioned toward the Trainer with her head, letting her Crobat have his fun. Haxbat eased forward and drew near the girl with an almost silent flutter of his wings while Ivy just watched.

Normally he was pretty careful around new people, but she noticed it was more with groups than singles. He probably felt less threatened when he had more room to plot. Once in a while he would also have a sneaky streak come up, and he used those opportunities to pull pranks and tricks. It usually provided a good laugh for her, so she let it be. He wasn't trying to hurt anyone.

Her Crobat approached the Trainer, and just as he was about a food from her, the girl whirled with a jump. “Gah!” she cried, and Haxbat let out a few sharp hitches of breath, what Ivy had come to know as his laughing. He wandered back over to her, and Ivy took the chance to say hi and introduce herself.

“Hello! My name is Ivy.”

“Your Crobat is big enough to rape a Dodrio,” she said politely. Ivy just blinked, unsure what to say to that. She hoped the Trainer didn't have a Dodrio. “My name is Alaska by the way. You must be my Ranger.”

The two shook hands, and then Alaska took a second to release her Pokémon, all the while keeping her eye on the Crobat who had retreated behind the Ranger. Ivy didn't say anything. She hoped the large bat didn't bother the Trainer too much. She couldn't tell from her reaction. She remembered one of her fellow Rangers at the office going deathly still when they introduced themselves. She was pretty sure he had shivered when he walked away too.

With two brilliant red flashes, Alaska's two Pokémon were revealed. The first was a large orange dragon with tiny wings and a cream colored underbelly. The Dragonite wasted no time coming right up to the Ranger, giving her face a lick like a dog would. Ivy just laughed as Alaska reprimanded him and apologized. Ivy just smiled and patted the dragon, who Alaska called Glaurung.

The Trainer also had what appeared to be a Sableye, a smaller Ghost type Pokémon with jewels for eyes. He cackled from behind Alaska's shadow, eying up the Ranger with a look she couldn't decipher. The girl warned her about having problems with Erebos, so she'd keep that in mind. He seemed similar to her Crobat, only she was sure the tricky streak ran much deeper than her Pokémon's.

The Dragonite flew back over to his Trainer and started nibbling on her hair as Alaska asked were they should go first. Ivy saw Crobat watch its every move as he returned to his place by her shoulder. She wondered for a moment if he was getting jealous, and decided that she would have to watch that too. She didn't want to deal with fighting between their group, especially not on her first proper run.

“Well, the Valley is formed by two hills. There's plenty of caves to go poking around in, or we could swim through the sea of grass and head toward the lake while trying not to get eaten.” She smiled. “Or we could do a little of both and make a circle track to end up back here. It's pretty much your call.”

---

Current Battle Stats: N/A

---

Trainer Stats

Name: Alaska
Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: 15 Encounters Remaining
Pokémon Encountered: None
Pokémon Captured: None
MCR: 1706

Items: Park Ball x2, Hyper Ball x1

Pokemon Stats

Pokemon: Sableye
Nickname: Erebos
Gender: Male
Ability: Keen Eye
Nature: Impish
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: None


Pokemon: Dragonite
Nickname: Glaurung
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Jolly
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: Surf, Fly, Ice Beam, Defog, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Aerial Ace

 

"Well, the Valley is formed by two hills. There's plenty of caves to go poking around in, or we could swim through the sea of grass and head toward the lake while trying not to get eaten." She smiled. "Or we could do a little of both and make a circle track to end up back here. It's pretty much your call," Ivy said.

"Hmmm.....I haven't visited my subterranean mole friends for a while. The caves should be great. Plus your Rapebat can show us around down there. Sound good to you guys?"

I looked over at Glaurung and Erebos. Glaurung nodded his head exaggeratedly, his tongue hanging out of his mouth. He was definitely my Pokemon. Erebos answered me through our psychic channel.

(Yesssssss. The dark. Pretty dark. Wonderful dark. The dark would be lovely, massster.)

"Didn't I tell you to stop calling me that?" I said aloud, then shut my mouth. I tried to keep the psychic thing quiet. Erebos giggled and smiled up at me innocently. I rolled my eyes. I wouldn't fall for that again. Not after we almost got lynched in Slovenia.

(Good timessss.)

Erebos was annoying me. I decided to get back at him. I kept my mind cautiously blank and leaned up close to Ivy. "Ask him if he wants the precious," I whispered to her.

 

NBP#3

Ranger Ivy Frost

---

"Hmmm.....I haven't visited my subterranean mole friends for a while. The caves should be great. Plus your Rapebat can show us around down there. Sound good to you guys?" Alaska asked. Her Dragonite seemed to agree by the enthusiastic nod of his head and the lolling of his tongue. Her Sableye, however, just looked at her, saying nothing.

Haxbat huffed a little next to Ivy, and she wasn't sure if it was from Alaska's nickname for her Crobat or the way the Dragonite was acting. She really hoped it wasn't a product of jealousy. The Valley could be treacherous enough without their group having issues.

“Didn't I tell you to stop calling me that?” Alaska suddenly said, and Ivy just rose an eyebrow. She hadn't heard anything previous, and Alaska was still talking to her Sableye.

As if the thoughts reached him, Erebos looked over to Ivy, fiddling with his fingers. Ivy decided to say nothing as Alaska came up to her, leaning close to whisper, “Ask him if he wants the precious.”

That was a strange request, but Ivy just shrugged and decided to go with it, absently touching the compass around her neck. The object was made into a necklace so she didn't lose it, as it was a gift from her brother before he disappeared. It was precious to her. Looking at the Sableye again, she couldn't help but be reminded of a book she read once called Lord of the Ursaring: Return of the Slaking. The Ghost type's twitchy behavior reminded her too much of the creepy coveting Smeargle that kept trying to steal the Secret Key.

Just as Ivy was about to open her mouth to humor the Trainer, she was knocked forward as Haxbat crashed into her. She stumbled but didn't fall, sending her long vest flapping as she flailed to keep her balance.

“Hey, what was that for!?” she yelled at him.

She looked up as her Crobat paused at the beginning of the slope down into the Valley, and a light glinted, showing that her compass was now dangling from Haxbat's mouth. He glared slightly at Erebos before taking off, disappearing over the slope edge. Ivy quickly shot toward the ledge. “Hey, get back here!”

She gave a look back to Alaska, who was coming up to the ledge herself. They gave each other a look and nodded before advancing, trying to be fast but trying not to slip on the loose gravel. They finished the descent with a slide that had Ivy stumbling again, but at least they made it down. Alaska wasn't too far behind, and Ivy took the seconds it took the Trainer to catch up to find her Crobat.

He was lofting near the top a tall tree located in front of the start of the tall grass. It was the only one there not included in the forest of trees that lined the edge of Meteor Valley. The grasses expanded beyond, dotted with colorful flowers, and the woods surrounded the rest.

Ivy put a hand on her hip. “Get down here.” Haxbat simply flew into the branches with only his head peeking out.

Alaska caught up, her Dragonite lightly bumping Ivy's shoulder as he stopped his flight. The Sableye returned to its spot behind Alaska's legs, staring up at the bat.

“Sorry about this,” Ivy said. “He usually doesn't cause trouble. He's usually not this active with new people either.” She sent a pointed look up to Haxbat, who just chattered back at her.

“What's he so upset about?” Alaska asked as the Sableye moved from behind his Trainer's legs and towards Ivy.

“That's what I'm trying to figure out...” At the ghost's movement, Haxbat started to screech loudly, leaning farther out from the branches and glaring. The bat chattered to the Ranger, and then a light bulb flashed on in her mind. She stepped farther away from Erebos as a test, and the screeching stopped, confirming her thoughts. He must have heard what Alaska whispered.

She turned to Alaska. “I get it. He thinks your Sableye is going to take my necklace. Bat knows it's important, so I guess he got defensive. Sorry about that, I'll ask your question now.”

She wasn't entirely sure this was a good idea, but she had already made up her mind. Ivy turned toward the ghost and asked, “Do you want the precious?”

---

Current Battle Stats: N/A

---

Trainer Stats

Name: Alaska
Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: 15 Encounters Remaining
Pokémon Encountered: None
Pokémon Captured: None
MCR: 2918

Items: Park Ball x2, Hyper Ball x1

Pokemon Stats

Pokemon: Sableye
Nickname: Erebos
Gender: Male
Ability: Keen Eye
Nature: Impish
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: None


Pokemon: Dragonite
Nickname: Glaurung
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Jolly
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: Surf, Fly, Ice Beam, Defog, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Aerial Ace

 

Ivy opened her mouth to ask Erebos the question, but just as she was about to, her Crobat stole her necklace and began flying off at a rather fast pace. She ran after it and turned back to look at me, signalling me to follow her. I picked my way down a slope to get to where I had seen Crobat go and almost lost my footing. Erebos darted down the slope like it was nothing and Glaurung simply flew down. After managing to get down the slope without breaking my neck, I saw Ivy and her Crobat standing on the edge of a sea of grass a little ways off. As I approached, I heard Winter scolding her Crobat.

“Get down here," she told it sternly.

Erebos and Glaurung caught up with me about then. Erebos went back to hiding in my shadow, but Glaurung bumped into Ivy gently. He must have liked her. He was a fairly friendly Pokemon, which made it hard to train him. Slobbering an opponent to death had only worked on that poor Slugma....

“Sorry about this,” Ivy said. “He usually doesn't cause trouble. He's usually not this active with new people either.” She sent a pointed look up to Haxbat, who just chattered back at her.

“What's he so upset about?” I asked curiously. I noticed Erebos edging closer to Ivy. I briefly wondered what he was up to.

“That's what I'm trying to figure out...” She muttered. As Erebos inched closer to her, Haxbat began to screech wildly.

“I get it. He thinks your Sableye is going to take my necklace. Bat knows it's important, so I guess he got defensive. Sorry about that, I'll ask your question now." She turned to Erebos and asked. "Would you like the precious?"

My eyes widened. "SHIT! I WAS JOKING! NOBODY EVER ASKS THAT!" But it was too late. I looked over at Erebos and saw he was convulsing.

(Precioussss? PRECIOUSSSS!?)

"Shiiiiiit," I cursed.

Erebos' eyes began glowing red and I felt him tighten our psychic bond. It felt a bit like the mental equivalent of a hand around my throat. Haxbat was totally losing it's shit, making high pitched chattering noises and screaming bloody murder.

"Not again," I moaned. "Last time-" But my words were cut off as Erebos fully posessed me.

(You're posessing me in the middle of a park run? IN FRONT OF A RANGER!?) I demanded.

(Ssssssilly master, you will help me find the preciousssss. MY PRECIOUSSSSSS)

(Dude, she was kidding. I told her to say that. By the way, you never told me what the precious was.)

(You will ssssseee.)

I turned to Ivy, or rather, Erebos turned me towards Ivy. She gasped and I knew my eyes must have been glowing. This would be awkward to explain when it was over.

"Lead us to the caves, human." My voice came out in a harsh, gruff tone that barely sounded on my own. I was interested in how Ivy would react to all this. Glaurung watched amusedly in the background. He was used to this kind of thing.

 

NBP#4

Ranger Ivy Frost

---

Ivy watched Alaska's eyes go wide as she asked Erebos the question. The Trainer swore and shouted, “I WAS JOKING! NOBODY EVER ASKS THAT!”

It was a little late for that, Ivy thought. Why the hell did Alaska tell her to ask that in the first place if it was going to be trouble? Sometimes she really did need to listen to that small voice in the back of her head.

She was about to apologize or try to appease the Trainer somehow, but a pulling sensation made her stop. Movement in the corner of her vision drew her eye to Erebos, who was starting to convulse. His eyes started to glow an eerie red, and Alaska went still as her arms clenched to her sides and her head tilted down. It almost looked like she was muttering to herself, but Ivy wasn't sure. The Ranger backed up slowly as Haxbat started screeching wildly, knowing that something was really wrong.

Her Crobat stopped making noise as Alaska shuddered, and when the girl looked up, Ivy gasped before getting hold of herself. Alaska's eyes glowed an eerie, tainted blue, and when she spoke, it was a gruff voice that was nothing like her own. She said, “Lead us to the caves, human.”

It dawned on the Ranger what was happening as she saw Erebos's body become very inanimate. Along with the strange statement, she realized that somehow the Sableye had taken over Alaska's body. She hoped the Trainer was still in there somewhere. A glance at Glaurung had him with the same happy expression he had carried the whole trip so far, so Ivy hoped this was somewhat common. Sort of.

Ivy sighed to herself, wondering what she was gong to do. Her first real run being a Ranger, and already things were getting weird. She wasn't totally sure it was dangerous yet, and she didn't want to do anything to make it worse either way. Still, she had put up with enough patronizing bosses through the years to be ordered around now. She wasn't angry or anything, but one sucky boss after the next had made her a little stubborn when it came to blindly following commands. She finally had a job and coworkers she liked. She wasn't going to let one run mess that up.

She turned around to address the now Alaska/Erebos hybrid, but before she could say anything, a swooping purple form got in between her and the Trainer with a menacing growl. Haxbat moved shakily, and Ivy knew he was preparing to battle. The problem was, she was pretty sure she'd get fired if her Pokémon attacked the Trainer, even if she was currently possessed by her own Pokémon.

“Gah!”she cried, quickly stepping around her Crobat, holding her arms out. She was a little wary about putting her back to the most dangerous thing on the field currently, but they didn't need any more problems then they already had. She gave Haxbat another pointed look. “We are not starting a fight with a Trainer.”

He chattered at her, but she interrupted him. “No. I mean it.” To further her point, she walked closer to the Crobat, making him float backwards to avoid bumping into her. He didn't look happy, making sure to keep watchful eyes on Alaska, but he didn't try anything.

With one problem out of the way, she turned back to Alaska, looking straight into those glowing eyes without fear. “Alright, first things first, you don't order me around. This trip will be much easier that way. I'm really easy to get along with if you don't try to push my buttons.”

Alaska started to make some grumbling growling type noise, but movement in the trees caught her attention and made her make a shushing movement with her left arm.

She thought the redness she saw before was just an oddly colored leaf or something. Now though, it was floating from side to side, appearing on one side of a thin tree trunk then disappearing and appearing on the other. Slowly, a form took shape, and a skull type mask showed up surrounded in a dark shroud. It completely melted through the tree to come closer, and Ivy figured they might as well do what they came to do.

“Instead of getting angry at me, you might want to direct your energy somewhere else.” She motioned with her head toward the ghost. “We still have a run to do, if you're up for it. Any interest in a Duskull?”

---

Current Battle Stats:

??? ??? Duskull: 100%

---

Trainer Stats

Name: Alaska
Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: 15 Encounters Remaining
Pokémon Encountered: None
Pokémon Captured: None
MCR: 5703/9000 [Uncommon Rank]

Items: Park Ball x2, Hyper Ball x1

Pokemon Stats

Pokemon: Sableye
Nickname: Erebos
Gender: Male
Ability: Keen Eye
Nature: Impish
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: None


Pokemon: Dragonite
Nickname: Glaurung
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Jolly
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: Surf, Fly, Ice Beam, Defog, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Aerial Ace

 

Ivy's Crobat attempted to attack me, or rather, us. I inwardly flinched and got vertigo from not being able to move my body.

(Blah. This always makes me feel odd.)

(I sssshall leave sssooon massster. Let me get to the cavessss. I SSSSENSSSE THE PRECIOUSSSS CLOSSSSE BY)

(Fine, sure. Whatever. There's not a way to do this that doesn't involve possessing me?)

(No.)

I went back to paying attention to what was happening outside. Ivy was now glaring at me and had both hands on her hips. “Alright, first things first, you don't order me around. This trip will be much easier that way. I'm really easy to get along with if you don't try to push my buttons.”

(Maybe you should be more polite to the ranger that has to lead us through the park full of dangerous Pokemon that can kick out asses?) I suggested.

(Perhapssss.)

"At the request of my master," Erebos started out loud.

(Stop calling me that.) He ignored me.

"I shall be more polite to you." Ivy looked pleased. "Please lead me to the caves. We do not require an...erm...Duskull."

(I never said that!)

(Well, do you?)

(No...)

(Fine then.)

We stared expectantly at Ivy.

 

(OOC: In actuality, if you wanted to get a doll, you could just post in a note like how we do it in the mart.)

NBP#5

Ranger Ivy Frost

---

Alaska, or Erebos rather, took a little while to respond, and the Ranger wondered if there was a power struggle battle being waged within the girl. The Trainer didn't really show any signs of it, but you never knew. Psychic happenings were nothing to mess around with. Mental conflicts were so much worse than physical ones, she thought.

“At the request of my master,” Erebos began, “I shall be more polite to you.”

Ivy let out of the tension ease out of her shoulders as a pleased look came to her face. She breathed a mental sigh of relief. Since she hadn't heard anything, the Trainer and her Sableye must've been talking telepathically. If they were still communicating and Erebos was somewhat taking requests, Alaska wasn't lost. Maybe this was a routine thing after all.

“Please lead me to the caves,” he continued, and Ivy wondered briefly why he was so insistent about going there. “We do not require an...erm...Duskull.”

“Wonderful,” she said, and she hoped her pleased attitude was heard in her voice. “I'd be glad to move on towards the caves. They line the valley, so we'll have to make our way through the trees to get to them.”

Ivy kept her eye on the Duskull as they prepared to move. It was hovering steadily closer, though it was moving at a Slowpoke's pace. Haxbat drifted closer, bumping her shoulder as her compass dangled from his mouth. She draped it back over her neck as she started to lead the group towards the thicker woods surrounding the valley, heading in an angle away from the ghost.

However, every few feet they traveled, the Duskull floated parallel, trying to get closer all the while. It was now staring at them, and Ivy knew it probably wasn't going to let them leave willingly.

“Shoot,” she said, motioning for the Trainer to stop. “I don't think it's going to let us leave without some sort of confrontation. It keeps getting closer.” Even as she spoke it neared.

Ivy reached down to dig in her pockets, finding what she was looking for. The small pink dolls she carried were great for distracting Pokémon as a Trainer and Ranger went the other way. Just one pull on the string and they inflated. Thankfully they were convenient for carrying in normal form. She didn't want to have to start carrying a bag. She just wished she could give them out for free.

“We have a couple options here,” she told the Trainer. “You can try to scare it off or distract it with part of a battle while we run, or you can use a Pokédoll.” She pulled one of the fluffy dolls out of her pocket to show Alaska. “Here in the Park, for the sake of the run, I'll keep a tab that I'll have you fill out when we get back to the main outpost. I'll record anything used for you to pay after. Unfortunately, I don't carry around many of them, and there might be something even worse to run from later. It's your call, unless you can think of something else.”

She worried about them just trying to run for it, as she was pretty sure the ghost would pursue them. She knew they had a few tricky moves up their sleeves, and she didn't want to become the target of a curse or something.

Still, if they could distract the Duskull and get away at quickly as possible, that'd be best. Ivy just waited to see what Alaska would do.

---

Current Battle Stats:

??? ??? Duskull: 100% [Currently hovering closer.]

---

Trainer Stats

Name: Alaska
Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: 15 Encounters Remaining
Pokémon Encountered: None
Pokémon Captured: None
MCR: 6810/9000 [Uncommon Rank]

Items: Park Ball x2, Hyper Ball x1

Pokemon Stats

Pokemon: Sableye
Nickname: Erebos
Gender: Male
Ability: Keen Eye
Nature: Impish
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: None


Pokemon: Dragonite
Nickname: Glaurung
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Jolly
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: Surf, Fly, Ice Beam, Defog, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Aerial Ace

 

OOC: For the Pokedoll-3500-500=3000


Ivy looked pleased that Erebos was planning to be less of an asshole to her. Ivy told us she'd be more than happy to lead us to the caves. Unfortunately, the Duskull wasn't super happy with our plans.

“Shoot,” she said, motioning for Erebos and I to stop. “I don't think it's going to let us leave without some sort of confrontation. It keeps getting closer.” Even as she spoke it neared.


“We have a couple options here,” she told us. “You can try to scare it off or distract it with part of a battle while we run, or you can use a Pokédoll.” She pulled one of the fluffy dolls out of her pocket to show us. “Here in the Park, for the sake of the run, I'll keep a tab that I'll have you fill out when we get back to the main outpost. I'll record anything used for you to pay after. Unfortunately, I don't carry around many of them, and there might be something even worse to run from later. It's your call, unless you can think of something else.”

(What do you think, Erebos?) The Duskull floated a littler nearer. It's eyes had a mischievous glint.

(I could easily dispatch of the imp, massster.)

(Still, if we have to fight a big bad later, it might be better for you to be healthy. Tell her we'll pay her back for the Pokedoll.)

(Assss you wisssh.)

"We will pay you back for the use of your...Pokedolls," he said slightly snobbishly.

(Tone it down.) I reprimanded.

"Thank you for your assistance," he said in a nicer tone.

(Good boy.) He responded with a humming noise that only I could hear. The ghost Pokemon version of purring.

 

NBP#6

Ranger Ivy Frost

---

Alaska debated the choice for a minute and then spoke up. “We will pay you back for the use of your...Pokédolls.” It was still that scratchy, gruff tone in a somewhat snobby tone, letting her know that Erebos was still in the driver's seat. Ivy just mentally sighed. She probably was not going to win with him until he got his way.

“Thank you for your assistance,” he added after a moment, and this time it was in a nicer tone. The Ranger smiled, though she made sure to turn her back first.

She took the doll in hand, pulling the small string to make it inflate to a larger, basketball-shaped size. The Duskull was still nearing, though now she could see its eyes fixed on the pink doll. Ivy got as close as she dared before crouching and setting it on the ground slowly. She backed up quickly as the Duskull picked up speed to reach the doll. It looked happy, and fully absorbed with it, leaving them to escape.

The group reached the edge of the trees, Ivy glancing over her shoulder every so often to watch the ghost. It hadn't moved, and she was confident it would leave them alone now. She stopped before going into the brush, checking her pockets before speaking.

“Alright, I've only got two more dolls with me, so after they're gone, we'll have to tough it out. Let's hope we get luckier next time, huh?” She smiled at the Trainer, trying to keep the positive energy up. She motioned towards the woods. “Caves are this way. Watch out for snapping branches. I'll try to miss you.” With that, she ducked into the trees with her arms in front of her, bending the thicker branches away from her as they traveled.

A few minutes later had them hardly further than where they started. The foliage was thicker on the boundary edge, and Ivy tried to let the branches back slowly so they wouldn't smack her Trainer in the face. She was sure she wouldn't win any points with Erebos that way. Then again, could he even feel it if it was Alaska's body?

She focused on the sound of rustling branches behind her as she tried to judge where the Trainer was. She didn't have a lot of time to look back or she would probably trip over something and fall on her face. Or fall into a hole. Sometimes there were craters in the ground.

Ivy heard the tell-tale swish as Alaska let another branch go behind her. Then, there was a sudden snap, and the Ranger paused.

“Woooh,” something cried, and she turned around to get nearer to the source.

A large blue blob scuffled out of the brush into the small path they had made, its eyes squinted together as its arms were raised to its head.

“Wooobbuffet,” it cried again, and Ivy made a face.

“Well,” she told Alaska, “this is a problem. Looks like this Wobbuffet is the next challenge. It's great if you'd like to test your hand against it, but can you feel that?” There was an energy in the air, not too thick, but something that was fuzzy around the edges. “Wobbuffet's ability is called Shadow Tag. It usually prevents its foes from escaping. This means we won't just be able to run. However, I think a doll would distract it enough so it doesn't focus too much on it.”

She waited a moment for the information to kick in then asked, “So what are we doing?” It was kind of nice when she didn't have to make all the decisions. She liked that about being a Ranger. It gave the Trainer a bit of freedom to make their own choices.

---

Current Battle Stats:

??? ??? Wobbuffet: 100%

---

Trainer Stats

Name: Alaska
Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: 14 Encounters Remaining
Pokémon Encountered: ??? ??? Duskull
Pokémon Captured: None
MCR: 1525/9000 [Uncommon Rank]

Items: Park Ball x2, Hyper Ball x1

Pokemon Stats

Pokemon: Sableye
Nickname: Erebos
Gender: Male
Ability: Keen Eye
Nature: Impish
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: None


Pokemon: Dragonite
Nickname: Glaurung
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Jolly
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: Surf, Fly, Ice Beam, Defog, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Aerial Ace

 

Ivy through the pink Pokedoll at Duskull. The disembodied skull thingy happily chased it into the bushes, acting more like a cocker spaniel than a prop from The Exorcist. Ivy warned us that she only had two more Pokedolls, before leading us further into the woods.

“Caves are this way. Watch out for snapping branches. I'll try to miss you.” With that, she ducked into the trees with her arms in front of her, bending the thicker branches away from her as we traveled. Suddenly, a giant blue blob jumped out at us.

"Wooooooobbuffet!"

(Well this sucks. She only has two Pokedolls left....Do you think you can fight it, Erebos.)

(It would be no trouble, masssster, none at all. The only problem isss that it ssseemsss like it will be able to endure a large number of attackssss. Will you help me?)

(Of course, though you might have to go back to your body afterwards. It'll tire me out pretty badly.)

(That'ssss fine.)

“So what are we doing?” Ivy asked and looked at us expectantly.

"We're going to battle," Erebos said in my voice.

(Let's do this.)

(Yesssss, let'ssss.)

(Try a Shadow Ball first, Erebos)

Erebos' body, which had been following us with a dead eyed gaze, suddenly sprung back to life, but I wasn't quite free yet. I felt a surge of energy rush through me. Erebos' body ran back and forth, distracting the Wobuffet as he powered up mine to use Shadow Ball.

 

BP#1

Ranger Ivy Frost

---

“We're going to battle,” Erebos answered in his warped version of Alaska's voice, and Ivy nodded, backing up a bit so they would have some room to battle.

Erebos's body, which she had forgotten about, came more alive as she shivered and the hair on the back of her neck stood up. It jerked out of its zombie-like motions and became more loose. It took a few steps closer to the Wobbuffet before suddenly springing off and running back and forth, drawing the blue blob's attention to it instantly.

Haxbat came down from the canopy to hover at his spot behind Ivy's shoulder, his slitted eyes focused on Alaska's body. Ivy could feel his tension as energy seemed to flow through the Trainer. The glow around her eyes flashed brighter for an instant before dimming back down, and Ivy felt that pull of that otherworldly force coming from the girl. It was just like when Erebos had possessed her at first, and she wondered what they were up to this time.

Her Crobat growled a little, and she hurried to shush him. She understood his caution, but she didn't want any attention brought on the Trainer. She glanced over to the Wobbuffet and saw it's attention fixed on the ghost running about. However, there was a near-transparent ring floating around the Psychic type now. It sparkled faintly, and Ivy knew Alaska would have to be really crafty to get past all its defenses without hurting her Pokémon.

“Be careful, Alaska. Wobbuffet usually fights by retaliating against attacks,” the Ranger called. If Alaska didn't want to catch this Pokémon, she could hope to scare it away. Though the Pokémon in the park were generally more friendly towards humans, some of them were still wary and they still had more basic instincts. Once in a while they ran.

A low hiss and a bump on her right shoulder warned her of Glaurung's presence behind her. He just had that same smile on his face, and Ivy wondered why he liked her so much. Haxbat wasn't happy, but the dragon wasn't doing anything, so he would be fine. Besides, over by her was out of the way, since Erebos was doing the battling.

She took another look at the Wobbuffet, and it seemed to tense up, as if waiting for something. Ivy back up farther, causing the two Pokémon to do so as well, bending back branches to give them more room.

Whatever Alaska was planning, she would have to do it carefully.

---

Current Battle Stats:

??? ??? Wobbuffet: 100% [Used Safeguard and is planning something...]
Impish M Sableye: 100% [Charging up Shadow ball and running around.]

---

Trainer Stats

Name: Alaska
Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: 14 Encounters Remaining
Pokémon Encountered: ??? ??? Duskull
Pokémon Captured: None
MCR: 2881/9000 [Uncommon Rank]

Items: Park Ball x2, Hyper Ball x1

Pokemon Stats

Pokemon: Sableye
Nickname: Erebos
Gender: Male
Ability: Keen Eye
Nature: Impish
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: None


Pokemon: Dragonite
Nickname: Glaurung
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Jolly
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: Surf, Fly, Ice Beam, Defog, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Aerial Ace

 

OOC: Sorry this took me a couple days.

I looked around carefully to make sure Ivy, Haxbat, and Glaurung were out of the way. I now had split control of my body, as Erebos had to be able to control his own as well as mine.

“Be careful, Alaska. Wobbuffet usually fights by retaliating against attacks,” the Ranger called.

Erebos continued distracting the Wobbuffet, at one point darting forward and pinching it. While it was busy, I focused on balancing myself perfectly with Erebos. It took a couple minutes, but once I had our consciences balanced, I felt a small click in my head, and I looked down to see a purple ball of energy around each fist. It felt as though something powerful was coursing through my veins. Suddenly, I felt as though my head were cracking open. A terrible pain and then a release of energy. I could feel my strength draining away as I shot the Shadow Ball attack towards Wobbuffet. I was too weak to see if it hit, instead, I collapsed onto the ground.

(Now use Shadow Sneak) I commanded Erebos mentally.

I felt rather than saw him turn into a shadow and sneak towards the Wobbuffet.

 

BP#2

Ranger Ivy Frost

---

Erebos continued to distract the Wobbuffet, running back and forth and weaving around trees as he stayed moving. Ivy would feel the energy swirling in the air as Erebos seemed almost as animated as he had been before possessing his Trainer. He even was so daring as to run up and pinch Wobbuffet before dashing backwards back into the brush. The Psychic type didn't do anything in retaliation to the baiting, however. It just stayed tense, watching the ghost with its eyes.

A few minutes passed, and Ivy looked over to Alaska to see her hands coated in purple flames. It was the same shade as a Shadow Ball, and the Ranger marveled at how the Pokémon could make his power flow through his Trainer.

With a small cry, she watched Alaska release the energy from her palms, the swirling mist conforming to a ball as it shot towards the blue blob. At the same time, Erebos stilled and seemed to partially dissolve as his shadow flowed to life, stretching out towards the Wobbuffet in curving arc.

Alaska looked weak, and when Ivy took another took at her, the Trainer dropped to the ground before the attack was completed. The Ranger made her way towards the girl, being careful to watch the battle as well. Haxbat followed behind her, and she was sure Glaurung wasn't too far either. If Alaska had passed out, it was her job to protect her until she came to. It wouldn't do to have her first Trainer get eaten or something.

Ivy was pretty impressed by their puppet tactics. It was smart to distract the Psychic to get time for another attack. Double teaming a wild Pokémon was usually frowned upon in the park, but if she thought about it, Erebos was still technically doing all of the battling. He was just doing it from different sources, sort of like when a Pokémon made copies of itself with the evasive Double Team move. The Shadow Ball was still Erebos', unless Alaska had some psychic powers nobody knew about.

But that would be a different case entirely.

The Shadow Ball collided with the Wobbuffet hard, causing the Pokémon to lean back and flail its arms around as it was almost caught off balance. It stayed standing though, and in the next moment was struck by Erebos' shadow.

In taking damage, it seemed to focus more, and the creature shook momentarily before it started to glow. Erebos' shadow froze in place before it could retreat back to him, and Ivy felt the air shift as Wobbuffet let out a cry. In the next second, the shadow went speeding back towards its owner. It slammed into Erebos, sending him flying into the trees and crashing through the branches.

Ivy recognized it as a Counter attack. Wobbuffet was a master at retaliation attacks. In this one, it had waited until it was physically attacked before throwing the attack back towards the owner. In the right circumstances, it could be extremely damaging. She hoped Erebos was okay.

The Wobbuffet had taken some damage though, despite it countering the ghost. It panted slightly, and Ivy saw it favoring one side, leaning in that direction as if to cover it. It waited a few seconds before calling out it's name and shuffling off into the brush. After a little while the heaviness in the air caused by its ability faded, and Ivy breathed a sigh of relief.

She knelt down next to Alaska, shaking her shoulder. The Trainer's eyes were closed. “Alaska, are you alright? The Wobbuffet is gone, but Erebos took some damage.”


---

Current Battle Stats: N/A

[Erebos took some Counter damage, and the Wobbuffet fled.]

---

Trainer Stats

Name: Alaska
Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: 13 Encounters Remaining
Pokémon Encountered: ??? ??? Duskull, ??? ??? Wobbuffet
Pokémon Captured: None
MCR: 0

Items: Park Ball x2, Hyper Ball x1

Pokemon Stats

Pokemon: Sableye @ 90%
Nickname: Erebos
Gender: Male
Ability: Keen Eye
Nature: Impish
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: None


Pokemon: Dragonite
Nickname: Glaurung
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Jolly
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: Surf, Fly, Ice Beam, Defog, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Aerial Ace

 

I felt completely drained after the attack. My head was spinning and for a few moments, my stomach churned.

“Alaska, are you alright? The Wobbuffet is gone, but Erebos took some damage," I heard Ivy say.

"Erebos?" I asked with some worry. "Where is he?"

Just as the words left my mouth, Erebos stumbled out of the forest shaking his head to clear it.

(Are you alright, Erebos?)

(Yessss, massster.)

(No more posessing me for a while or I might go unconscious.)

(Of courssse.)

I stopped again to pass my breath. Just then, Glaurung floated over and licked me. Wonderful timing.

"Glaurung? Can you carry me for a little bit?"

"Nite," he responded and shoved his head into my stomach. He rubbed his head against me affectionately.

"Oof. Be gentle." I climbed onto his back and rested between his wings. Erebos grumbled unhappily. He couldn't follow me onto Glaurung's back. "Shall we continue towards the caves, Ivy?"

(Oh yessss, the cavessss!)

(Why are you so excited?)

(THE PRECIOUSSSSS!)

I sighed and waited for Ivy's response.

 

NBP#7

Ranger Ivy Frost

---

“Erebos?” Alaska asked with worry. “Where is he?” The Trainer tried to sit up to look for her Pokémon, but the rustling of branches stopped her as Erebos stumbled out of the underbrush. The Ghost type shook his head, seeming to clear it from being knocked silly. He looked at his Trainer from where he shakily stood, but made no sound.

Still, it seemed like some understanding went between the two, and Ivy decided that they must be speaking telepathically again. It was a little creepy in a way, but she also thought it would be useful. She could use a Psychic type, or another Pokémon that knew how to speak mind to mind. Buzzer's Xatu, River Tam, was hilarious to talk to, and Chainy's Gallade, Dual, was amusing too, when he was around. She somewhat envied how easy they could understand each other.

A chattering from above made the Ranger look up as Haxbat's shadow passed over her. The Crobat hovered in the trees, staying close to her, and she had to smile. She supposed they didn't always know exactly what each other meant, but what they had was alright. They still had their tricky fun.

In fact, she was sure they owed Chainy one or two for helping Leo make a pass at her. He'd almost been too quick, but she managed to slap his hand away before it could stray too far. The closet locking incident had been a little trickier to escape from him though, especially with Chainy blocking the door. Luckily River Tam had bailed her out of that one, and Ivy had been happy to let Leo sit in the broom closet for a few hours. Chainy had disappeared mysteriously as soon as she was out.

Glaurung brought her back to the present as he floated over towards his Trainer, making sure to give her an affectionate slobbery lick to the face. She groaned a little before asking him, “Can you carry me for a little bit?”

The dragon agreed, and Alaska carefully climbed on his back to rest between his wings. She sighed, a bit more comfortable, while Erebos just grumbled. At least it seemed they were in their own bodies now.

“Shall we continue towards the caves, Ivy?” she asked, and the Ranger nodded. Erebos ears picked up the word and became more alert, still excited to get to their destination. Ivy just shook her head and took the lead as they winded through the trees once more.

Eventually the woods began to thin out as they got closer to the hillside. Tree trunks were gradually replaced by boulders and smaller rocks, and the grassy floor turned to dirt. Ivy could see an entrance to one of the tunnels up ahead, and she was relieved they weren't going to have to go searching for it. She still didn't know this area too well, and she didn't want to look like an idiot by wandering around.

She was about to speak up about the opening when a shiver danced across her skin. It made her stop and rub her arms, and then she felt a slight pulling sensation on her mind. It was similar to when River Tam spoke to her, but a different type of energy.

Scratching sounds drew her eyes to a close group of three medium sized rocks about two feet tall, and she heard Haxbat make an interested sound as flew closer. The Crobat glided soundlessly over the cluster, and then he broke out into chatters before flying back to Ivy.

Soon after, a brownish form peeked out from behind the rock, and upon seeing them, moved out from the stones completely. It rocked back and forth, spinning occasionally as it balanced on it's spike bottom. The top-shaped Pokémon had red markings around its eyes and abdomen. The pulling sensation Ivy felt was coming from this Psychic type.

“Look, Alaska, a Baltoy. I've always liked them.” At Ivy's words, the clay Pokémon made a sound and spun in place, happy to hear it. “It looks pretty friendly. Want to try catching this one?”

---

Current Battle Stats:

??? ??? Baltoy: 100%

---

Trainer Stats

Name: Alaska
Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: 13 Encounters Remaining
Pokémon Encountered: ??? ??? Duskull, ??? ??? Wobbuffet
Pokémon Captured: None
MCR: 1011/9000 [Uncommon Rank]

Items: Park Ball x2, Hyper Ball x1

Pokemon Stats

Pokemon: Sableye @ 90%
Nickname: Erebos
Gender: Male
Ability: Keen Eye
Nature: Impish
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: None


Pokemon: Dragonite
Nickname: Glaurung
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Jolly
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: Surf, Fly, Ice Beam, Defog, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Aerial Ace

 

We trekked through the forest for a long while and slowly, the trees started to grow farther apart and smaller, until we were in an almost desert-like area. The entrance to one of the caves was up ahead and Erebos seemed to be very excited. So excited, in fact, that the air seemed to be filled with it. Wait a second....

An odd Pokemon appeared before us. It looked like a brown doll made of clay. Actually....

“Look, Alaska, a Baltoy. I've always liked them.”

"So it's like...A clay doll, right?"

"No, Claydol is the evolution."

"....Yeah, we'll battle it. Let's go, Erebos!"

 

BP#3

Ranger Ivy Frost

---

“...Yeah, we'll battle it. Let's go Erebos!” Alaska called to her Pokémon, and Erebos seemed more excited now that they were closer to the rocks. Ivy hoped that he'd be a little more pleasant now, though he was doing a fairly good job at being polite so far.

The Baltoy seemed pleased with the decision, and it made a happy sound as it spun in a few circles, making trails in the dirt under it. It wobbled back closer towards the rock clusters, its balancing arms swaying its whole body from side to side as it weaved.

The sun shined off of its curves, and Ivy realized the reflected light was getting brighter. There was that sense of energy being used, and when Ivy looked again, the small doll-like creature looked sturdier and more durable.

The Ground Pokémon started a few test turns, rocking from right to left. It then sent itself spinning like a top, its arms like a whirlwind. The rapid spinning combined with it's defense boosts dug into the ground like a drill, and a cone formed below the Pokémon as it kept spinning. The Baltoy stopped after the hole was about half a foot deep, effectively covering up half of the Pokémon.

“I wonder what it's planning,” Ivy said as they waited for Alaska to make a move.


---

Current Battle Stats:

Mild G Baltoy: 100% [DEF+1]
Impish M Sableye: 90%

---

Trainer Stats

Name: Alaska
Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: 13 Encounters Remaining
Pokémon Encountered: ??? ??? Duskull, ??? ??? Wobbuffet
Pokémon Captured: None
MCR: 1583/9000 [Uncommon Rank]

Items: Park Ball x2, Hyper Ball x1

Pokemon Stats

Pokemon: Sableye @ 90%
Nickname: Erebos
Gender: Male
Ability: Keen Eye
Nature: Impish
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: None


Pokemon: Dragonite
Nickname: Glaurung
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Jolly
TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: Surf, Fly, Ice Beam, Defog, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Aerial Ace

 

I watched curiously for a moment as the Baltoy twirled around like a top. It was kind of....hypnotizing.

(Masssster?)

Oh yeah.


“I wonder what it's planning,” Ivy said as she waited for me to make a move. It was a good question. Psychic Pokemon are notoriously tricky. Hmmm....a few ghost attacks would do wonders.

(Let's start with Shadow Claw.) I commanded Erebos. "He's going to use Shadow Claw, I think," I said aloud for Ivy's benefit. (Is that alright with you?)

(It'ssssss fine.) His clawed hands began to shimmer and were soon surrounded by an odd...aura would be the right word, I suppose. He leaped forward towards the Baltoy.