Main RP: Mount Deckbi

@Roulette

"Starmie, cast a weak Signal Beam out to light up the path," Boyd said to his jewel Pokemon. Its intricately carved jewels began to radiate a bright green glow before errupting as a beam, shooting far into the cave. The light illuminated all of the long cave ahead for a split second and dying down to a faint glow, enough for us to see ahead. "Alright, if everyone is ready we can go along."

And so it was the three of us headed-- no, the woman had fallen behind. Her face was a deep shade of red and before I could ask what's wrong, she began to speak in a hurried fashion, "I-I have to go." She didn't elaborate but after a quick call to the Ranger Outpost located not too far away from here, a Ranger Landrover came shooting by. I signed the release forms and she was brought back by a fellow member of staff.

"And then there were two," I said, slipping into the still-glowing cave. The walls were quite tightly packed so we had to walk in single file; myself at the lead, then Stunfisk, Rod and then last was his Starmie. I paused after a second and made a hushing gesture. I heard it again, a scratching noise from somewhere. It was a faint scratching but it sounded nearby. It wasn't until Rod leapt up into the air that I noticed the Sandshrew. It was a little shrew like Pokemon that often curled up in balls.

"Well, what a cute fella. Interested?"

- - - - -

Trainer: Agent Rod
Location: Mt Deckbi
Area Effects: Slightly rocky, sloped.
Items (Roulette): Super Ball (X5), Hyper Ball (X6), Max Potion, Camera, Pokeplayer, Uncommon Voice Disc (Litwick)

Encounters Remaining: 13
Pokemon Encountered (Roulette): Geodude [?], Sandshrew [?]
Pokemon Caught (Roulette): None

Character Count (Roulette): 0

- - - - -


Battle Stats:

None


- - - - -

Pokemon (Roulette):

Starmie G, Natural Cure (Gentle) [100% HP]
EMs: Thunder Wave, Thunderbolt, Psychic, Rain Dance, Ice Beam, Surf, Waterfall, Brine, Hidden Power (Ground), Substitute, Grass Knot, Skill Swap, Signal Beam, Barrier

Nidoking M, Sheer Force (Hardy) [100% HP]
EMs: Strength, Surf, Cut, Flamethrower, Fire Punch, Ice Beam, Ice Punch, Thunderbolt, Thunderpunch, Earthquake, Counter, Substitute, Dragon Pulse

Scrafty (Señor) M, Shed Skin (Bold) [100% HP]
EMs: Strength, Rock Smash, Substitute, Dragon Dance, Drain Punch, Fake Out, Ice Punch, Thunderpunch, Fire Punch, Stone Edge, Dragon Claw, Dragon Tail, Rock Slide, Low Sweep, Taunt, Return, Bulk Up, Roar, Detect, Amnesia, Toxic, Snarl, Torment, Counter, Zen Headbutt

 

@Synthesis


We continued down the cave, Starmie lighting the way for us. Nothing could be heard but our collective footsteps, and the sound of our ranger's stunfisk gliding slightly above the ground. The tunnel around us seemed to become a little tighter and darker, and then I remembered how bad Ophelia's claustrophobia was. I turned to look at her, but it was already too late. Her face was read, and she was stammering. She backed away from us, only saying that she had to go. The ranger quickly made a call to the outpost, and when she made it back to the mouth of the cave, a vehicle picked her up. I guessed it would be a solo mission from here on out.

"And then there were two," said the ranger. I nodded. We walked further into the elaborate network of caves, and suddenly a scuffling noise could be heard. It sounded like clawing or digging, and it was getting louder. The ground beneath my feet began to crumble away, and I sprang into action. My instincts took over, and I managed to evade a Pokemon who popped out of the ground where I had been standing only moments before. Now that I was seeing the Pokemon, my reaction seemed a bit much, but it never hurts to be too careful. A Sandshrew was sitting on a mound of freshly tilled dirt in the middle of our path.

"Well, what a cute fella. Interested?" he asked. I considered how a Sandshrew might help out against Team Magma. The different plans swirled around in my head for awhile.

"No, let's keep moving. I have cash ready for a doll. By the way, I have this thing," I said, producing what seemed to be a 90's style disc player "I've also got a disc that it said to attract Litwick, mind if I start playing it once we lose this Sandshrew?"

 

OOC: Post money deduction next post please. Also you get very lucky having a disk roll work first try

"No, let's keep moving. I have cash ready for a doll. By the way, I have this thing," Rod said, producing what seemed to be a disc player "I've also got a disc that it said to attract Litwick, mind if I start playing it once we lose this Sandshrew?"

"Sounds good to me."

As we began to move on, I noticed the Sandshrew was still curious and Rod didn't want to battle it still, so he payed 500 to buy a Pokedoll. The one he got was a limited edition Snubull one, the one's few Rangers stocked because they were quite rare. After dropping it down on the rocks below, I saw Sandshrew eye it disdainfully. After moving on a little more, still in single file, I saw Sandshrew was at Rod's heels once more. The Sandshrew purred as he brushed up against Rod's legs and I laughed.

"Sure seems like he likes you. Why don't we let him hang around with us for a while? You never know he may come in handy."

Thankfully, the cave grew larger and eventually all five of us were walking side by side... well slithering for Stunfisk and hopping for Starmie, but who cares about the technical crap, right? Sandshrew darted off into some of the darker parts ahead, but I wasn't worried. This Sandshrew would know his way around here as it had grown u- I was cut across by a loud wailing sound.

"Shreeeeewwwwwww!" Sandshrew screeched, darting back to us. I noticed he seemed to light up for a second, but then I realised they were flames licking at him tough exterior, which Stunfisk quickly diminished with his Water type move. However, from the darkness, a lone candle with a deep purple flame hovered. It had a very sad look to its semi-melted face and its yellow eyes looked rather eery in the darkness.



- - - - -

Trainer: Agent Rod
Location: Mt Deckbi
Area Effects: Slightly rocky, sloped.
Items (Roulette): Super Ball (X5), Hyper Ball (X6), Max Potion, Camera, Pokeplayer, Uncommon Voice Disc (Litwick)

Encounters Remaining: 12
Pokemon Encountered (Roulette): Geodude [?], Sandshrew [?], Liwick [?]
Pokemon Caught (Roulette): None

Character Count (Roulette): 0

- - - - -


Battle Stats:

None


- - - - -

Pokemon (Roulette):

Starmie G, Natural Cure (Gentle) [100% HP]
EMs: Thunder Wave, Thunderbolt, Psychic, Rain Dance, Ice Beam, Surf, Waterfall, Brine, Hidden Power (Ground), Substitute, Grass Knot, Skill Swap, Signal Beam, Barrier

Nidoking M, Sheer Force (Hardy) [100% HP]
EMs: Strength, Surf, Cut, Flamethrower, Fire Punch, Ice Beam, Ice Punch, Thunderbolt, Thunderpunch, Earthquake, Counter, Substitute, Dragon Pulse

Scrafty (Señor) M, Shed Skin (Bold) [100% HP]
EMs: Strength, Rock Smash, Substitute, Dragon Dance, Drain Punch, Fake Out, Ice Punch, Thunderpunch, Fire Punch, Stone Edge, Dragon Claw, Dragon Tail, Rock Slide, Low Sweep, Taunt, Return, Bulk Up, Roar, Detect, Amnesia, Toxic, Snarl, Torment, Counter, Zen Headbutt

 

@Synthesis 6k-.5k=5.5k and Male unless it's genderless ^^.


My ranger placed a small doll I had never seen on the ground. Unlike the typical Cleffa Pokedolls that were popular among children and Pokemon alike, this one was based on Snubull. I had never seen the attraction to these little beasts. To me, they had always seemed remarkably ugly, but they were popular pets among girls of all ages, and children seemed to like them too. The Sandshrew looked the doll over a bit, and while he was distracted we walked off. However, after a few steps, we turned around to see that the Sandshrew had left the doll unscathed and was following us once more. Perhaps he had taken a liking to us.

"Sure seems like he likes you. Why don't we let him hang around with us for a while? You never know he may come in handy."

I agreed. I had no issue with having a Pokemon follow me around that might serve a future purpose, especially if I could use it without having to keep it afterwards. I knew that Sandshrew were renowned diggers, which was definitely a worthy skill in tunnels like these. The Pokemon stayed close behind me, occasionally bumping my feet when I slowed down a bit.

Once we had walked for a few minutes, Sandshrew’s nose turned upwards. I stopped to watch him, perhaps he had smelled an unwelcome visitor in his cave, hopefully a Team Magma member. The tiny Pokemon shot off with great speed into the inky bowels of the cave, far past where Starmie’s beam of light extended. I half expected the Pokemon not to return. For all I knew, it had found its way back home and was now inside its burrow. But soon I was proved wrong. A terrible squeal echoed throughout the cave around the corner where Sandshrew had run.

The tiny yellow digger came running full speed back at us, with orange and red flames shooting at him the entire way. The fire surrounded him as he desperately tried to escape it. I looked down the cave at the scene, trying to figure out what was creating the fire that was torturing Sandshrew. It would be just like Team Magma to use one of their fire types to hurt a harmless, innocent Sandshrew. The Pokemon was nice, and seemed to enjoy our company. It made me sad to see it in such pain.

However, I didn’t have to watch it burn for long. The ranger’s Stunfisk quickly shot a jet of water onto Sandshrew, an attack that would normally hurt a ground type. But considering the circumstances, the Sandshrew was grateful to be relieved of his pain. It scuffled off, escaping its still hidden enemy.

I looked down the corridor more, and finally an eerie shape came into focus. It was very small, and hard to make out in the darkness, but I noticed that it was producing its own light. It was white and very small, and had a purplish ghostly flame spouting from the top of its head. It floated above the air, illuminating the area of the cave around it with a dark purple, yet somehow bright light. I finally recognized the Pokemon as Litwick. This was the first one I had ever seen.

I knew I was on a mission, but I had heard too much about this particular species. It was elusive, only found in hot caverns such as these. They weren’t from Hoenn where I lived. I knew that now was going to be one of the only chances I would ever have to catch one.

My mind was made up. I was going to stop and have a (hopefully) quick battle with the Pokemon, attempt to capture it, and then continue my mission. I thought about the Pokemon I had brought with me this time. Nidoking, Starmie, and Scrafty. They all had obvious type advantages over the ghost and fire type. Nidoking was really in his element here in the rocky cavern, and Scrafty was also used to rough terrain. I knew Scrafty was the best overall battler and knew more moves, so I grabbed his Pokeball from my bag.

“Starmie, come back!” I shouted, sucking the Pokemon into its ball with a flash of red light. The Litwick’s flame lit the cave up enough that I didn’t need Starmie’s Signal Beam for the time being. “Scrafty, come on out.”

Scrafty (and all of his cockiness) came out into the cave. He took one look at the Litwick and crossed his arms, clearly thinking that he had the major advantage here. I somewhat agreed with him, though. Scrafty was my favorite battler, and was by far more experienced that either Starmie or Nidoking. It had mastered its fighting style, so I couldn’t help but think that Litwick wouldn’t be that much of a threat. However, I knew that it was also part ghost, and they were tricky. I began to think of a strategy.

I knew that Scrafty was a cocky motherfucker, and that usually played into his strategy and battling style. He was similar to a street brawler, and was known to use dirty tactics. I didn’t really care how he fought, just as long as he came out the winner.

“Scrafty, start out by using Taunt on it! Make him come after you,” I shouted, my voice echoing through the cavern. I knew that he could handle Litwick in a fist fight. Taking his tricky and annoying moves might give me the edge in this battle.

Scrafty nodded and turned toward Litwick. He popped his knuckles and then his neck, and then hopped around a bit like a boxer warming up for a bout. When Scrafty’s warm up was over, he smiled hugely at Litwick. He raised both hands and motioned for the Pokemon to come at him. He grunted and shouted, trying his hardest to pick a fight with Litwick.

I hoped our enemy would fall for the ridiculousness that Scrafty was putting out. Scrafty could take a hit like a boss, and Litwick lacked the sheer attacking power that its evolutions had. It was time for phase two of this turn.

“Alright, now I want you to use Amnesia! Get ready to take some hits from it!” I commanded. I watched as a blank, focused look came over Scrafty’s face. I didn’t know how well this combination would work, but I watched and waited for Litwick to make a move.

I knew what was going through his mind. He was forgetting all of his fears. The goal was to prepare him for any attack, and to put pain and defeat in the back of his mind.

 

Ranger: Gaius Tyrannius
Trainer: Agent Rod
Area: Mt Deckbi
BP #1
/--\

It was a dark and cold day at the ranger office. A storm had blown down from Mt Oktori and was dumping copious amounts of rain on the surrounding areas. The forecasters had been predicting this storm for two days now. As such the traffic going through the National Park was slow for the day. A ranger and his trainer had already been caught out in the wild weather on their return trip and no others were in any of the other territories. Inconsequentially I was sitting at my desk lazily enjoying a sudoku puzzle while I waited for my shift to end.

“Hey, Gaius,” Chainy, one of the lead rangers, said, coming into my office.

“Yo,” I said, lifting my head up and giving him a nod.

“We have a trainer that needs an escort,” he ambled on.

“In this weather? He must be dedicated.”

“Not really, he is at Mt Deckbi and his previous ranger needs to reach an appointment.”

“And here I thought nobody was in the park,” I grumbled. I stood from the oak desk and walked over to where my pancho and gear was.

“No need for that, the weather is fine over there.”

“Gotcha.” I grabbed my gear and walked over to one of the teleportation tiles.”

In a flash I was at the base of the mountain near the gate. I did a quick consult with my ipad and found that the trainer and ranger were just a little ways up the mountain. I could reach there in a jiffy.

Just as I reached the pair further up the mountain I saw the ranger’s Stunfisk fire a stream of water at a Sandshrew wreathed in flames. From the caves emerged a small candle Pokemon and it seemed quite mad at being disturbed.

“I got this,” I said to the ranger, who nodded and disappeared with a flash as he teleported back to the office.

“Starmie, come back,” the trainer said, holding out a Pokeball and recalling his purple stared Pokemon. “ Scrafty, come on out.” He was so intently focused on the battle I was sure he didn’t realize I was there, he must have really wanted the Pokemon. “Scrafty, start out by using Taunt on it! Make him come after you.”

The yellow lizard that was Scrafty nodded at his trainer before turning to the Litwick. The dual typed Pokemon popped his bones that made a come get me gesture at the smaller Fire Pokemon.

“Alright, now I want you to use Amnesia! Get ready to take some hits from it!” Rod shouted.

Up to this point Litwick had been stoically watching Rod call out attacks. But now it moved into action. Around its white body small specks of energy began to swirl around its form, and every time one speck hit another they would combine, until all the particles of energy had materialized in a ball of energy, which it promptly fired at Scrafty. Scrafty made no move to dodge because it was trying to use the Amnesia move and the Confuse Ray spun around its head before meshing with the Pokemon’s body.

A blank look came over the Fighting Pokemon as it started to stumble around, now confused on what was taking place. But Litwick didn’t let on the pressure, the small flame floating above it immediately grew in size until the flame matched its body.

“Lit...” the Pokemon cried before the area became filled with a quick a burst of hot light. I quickly shielded my eyes with an upraised forearm, but Scrafty had no such chance because of the confusion and was full pelted by the attack.

I grimaced after the series, Litwick had hit back hard at Scrafty and was determined to win this fight.

//--\\

Battle Stats
Scrafty 79.34%[Con1]
VS
[M]Litwick 100%{Used Confuse Ray | Flame Burst}

Trainer Info

Name: Agent Rod
Location: Mt Deckbi
Area Effects: 12 Encounter Remaining
Trainer Items: Super Ball (X5), Hyper Ball (X6), Max Potion, Camera, Pokeplayer, Uncommon Voice Disc (Litwick - used once)

Encounters Remaining: 12
Pokemon Encountered: Geodude [?], Sandshrew [?], Liwick [M/???]
Pokemon Caught: None
CC since last Encounter: 5959 | 15,000

//==\\

Pokemon:

Gentle Genderless Starmie @ Natural Cure w/ EMs: Thunder Wave, Thunderbolt, Psychic, Rain Dance, Ice Beam, Surf, Waterfall, Brine, Hidden Power (Ground), Substitute, Grass Knot, Skill Swap, Signal Beam, Barrier | 100%

Hardy Male Nidoking @ Sheerforce w/ EMs: Strength, Surf, Cut, Flamethrower, Fire Punch, Ice Beam, Ice Punch, Thunderbolt, Thunderpunch, Earthquake, Counter, Substitute, Dragon Pulse | 100%

Bold Male Scrafty @ Shed Skin w/ EMs: Strength, Rock Smash, Substitute, Dragon Dance, Drain Punch, Fake Out, Ice Punch, Thunderpunch, Fire Punch, Stone Edge, Dragon Claw, Dragon Tail, Rock Slide, Low Sweep, Taunt, Return, Bulk Up, Roar, Detect, Amnesia, Toxic, Snarl, Torment, Counter, Zen Headbutt | 100%​

 

Team RP — K'sariya Yeboah & Antonio — Non-Battle Post #1

A grey-and-black-clad figure stood atop a ridge, silhouetted against the dim sand- and ash-choked air of the Mt. Deckbi foothills. Above and behind her, like a wall of solid stone whose imposing façade was broken only by wire-thin—at this distance— traceries of glowing lava flowing downhill, loomed the mind-numbingly vast shape of the volcano. Mt. Deckbi was one of the twin monoliths— Deckbi and Oktori— that were visible from nearly anywhere on the surface of the whole continent-sized Park. The mountain's incredible bulk rose up into the thick ash-black clouds that obscured the sky, and one could only suppose that it kept going from there.

Clad in a thin grey windbreaker jacket over a bulky set of hidden underclothing, heavy black polyester ski pants, and black combat boots, the figure had a pair of orange goggles and a thick black scarf wrapped around the lower half of her face. At her waist were six Poké Balls, five of which were the size of grapes and set into inlaid holders in her belt and one of which was attached to a specialized clasp just underneath the belt.

On the Ranger's back was a compact, squarish black pack, its compartments carefully organized and full of the gear she would need for long-term survival out here, or for any sort of emergency situation. In fact, given where she was heading, there was a little more than strictly necessary. Mt. Deckbi was perhaps the second most dangerous location you could go in the National Park.

The Ranger turned to regard the horizon as the distant sound of an approaching vehicle alerted her to exactly what she'd been waiting for. Stationed here at Mt. Deckbi, she received few notifications via electronic means— the ash that choked the air around the active volcano and the sand kicked up by the volatile temperatures surrounding it prevented a clear signal— but a hardy Talonflame belonging to one of HQ's comms specialists had fought its way through the turbulent atmosphere to deliver her news that someone was coming.

The issue was, she didn't know who, or anything about them. The message's capsule had fallen open at some point during the flight, and had been rendered nigh illegible by Mt. Deckbi's harsh elements: she could only determine that it was a Team Run, a rare occurrence with a high rate of early quitting.

Whoever they were, it was her job to make sure that no harm came to them. She'd do her duty: if they stuck around, good for them! And if they quit early? Well, the Ranger would simply be glad of the opportunity to be alone again.


~~Park Run Statistics~~

• Trainer Names:
  K'sariya Yeboah
  Antonio
  
  
• Location: Mt. Deckbi
  
  
• Remaining Encounters: 15
  
  
• Characters Written by Trainers (since last encounter):
  K'sariya: 0
  Antonio: 0
  
  
• Active Effects: None
  
  
• K'sariya's Pokémon Stats:
  Invictus the Aggron
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Female
  Ability: Rock Head
  Nature: Brave
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM26 Earthquake, BM Head Smash, TM Substitute, BM Magnet Rise, MT Ice Punch, TM Aerial Ace, TM Sandstorm, TM Shadow Claw
  
  Raigho the Hydreigon
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Levitate
  Nature: Hasty
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM100 Flamethrower, TM31 Dark Pulse
  
  Alixra the Venusaur
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Female
  Ability: Chlorophyll
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM Substitute, TM Sunny Day, SM Ancient Power, BM Ingrain, TM Hidden Power (Flying), TM Psych Up, TM Earthquake, TM Sludge Bomb
  
  Mimulnir the Noivern
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Infiltrator
  Nature: Jolly
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM Shadow Ball, TM Flamethrower, TM Psychic, TM Substitute, BM Draco Meteor
  
  
• Antonio's Pokémon Stats:
  Kazoo the Electivire
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Motor Drive
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Ice Punch, Flamethrower, Confide
  
  Nully the Silvally
  HP: 100%
  Gender: N/A
  Ability: RKS System
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Flamethrower
  
  Valentine the Poliwrath
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Damp
  Nature: Gentle
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Defense Curl, Ice Punch, Poison Jab; BM: Growth; HM: Surf, Whirlpool, Waterfall
  
  Conkeldurr
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Iron Fist
  Nature: Bold
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: BM: Mach Punch, Drain Punch; MT: Ice Punch, Knock Off, Thunder Punch
  
  
• Total Items:
  K'sariya:
  • Park Balls (x 7)
  • Super Balls (x 4)
  • Hyper Balls (x 2)
  • Energy Powder (x 2)
  • Energy Powder Plus (x 2)
  • Lava Cookie (x 2)
  • Poké Doll (x 2)
  • Honey (x 1)
  • Digital Camera
  • Apricorn Box
  Antonio:
  • Park Balls (x 2)
  • Super Balls (x 4)
  • Hyper Balls (x 2)
  • Energy Powder (x 1)
  • Lava Cookie (x 1)
  • Poké Doll (x 1)
  • Digital Camera
  
  
• Total Captured Pokémon:
  K'sariya:
  None yet!
  Antonio:
  None yet!

 

Time passes.

It amazes her how quickly life speeds by once she’s carried off the frozen mountain and back to the warmer streets. Suddenly, she appreciates a little more the way the pavement holds heat even into the depths of the night, though it doesn’t make her living situation suck any less--only the slightest bit more bearable.

One the first night, though, when the city falls a bit more quiet, she huddles in her makeshift abode and releases him from his ball, seeking to give him breath from the new prison that he has likely never known before. He is weak, but he is trusting, and slowly takes what little offered food she has from her fingers. Milo, she decides. He stares up at her. Crimson eyes reflect acutely the stray light that filters in between the cracks of her shelter.

Slowly, he grows strong.

***​

She folds her arms, resisting the urge to step in and help when she sees pale blue limbs shaking slightly. Milo’s grip on the steel beam tightens with his resolve. Triumphantly, he raises it high above his head and into place. K’sariya rushes to secure it, adjusting bright yellow helmet as it slips a little, just slightly too large for her head and salvaged only the bulk of frizzy hair stuffed up under it. Calloused hands slide the hook into the chain and gives the thumbs up to the operator. The crane groans as it raises the girder high into the air. Dark grey surface sinks into pitch silhouette as its length is pulled in front of the light of the setting sun.

Incredibly bright lights click on with a flash, illuminating the skeleton of a building with a blinding, fluorescent wash. K’sariya lets the slightest of smirks crookedly quirk the corner of her lips at their crew’s progress, illuminated like the stars of a stage beneath a myriad of spotlights. Milo picks his way toward her. She returns him to his ball in a strike of crimson.

The woman trades in her hard hat for an envelope on her way out of the gate. She leaves the chain link enclosure far behind, though much more slowly than she’d like to. It takes tremendous effort to maintain her normal, casual pace back home. It grows dark, and to look suspicious now would bring her world crashing down again.

K’sariya rips open the envelope as soon as she’s safe inside. She pulls out the perforated slip of paper and scans it beneath the shaft of the street light that washes in. A soft smile pulls at her features as she gives herself a quiet, reaffirming “yessss!” of self-indulgent pride. Fingers scramble to release Milo again.

They crack open a can of peaches to celebrate.

***​

The longer she stays, the more of a reputation she obtains for her silence--and her temper. After the first write-up, she learns to hold her tongue and her fists, as three strikes is for baseball, and she is lucky to be given even one. The next time someone makes a remark about her face or Milo’s smaller-than-average size, she deals with them off the clock, with rolled up sleeves and bleeding knuckles busted raw on deserving skulls. From that point forward, she eats her meager lunches alone, accompanied only by Milo, while the rest group into raucous crowds roaring at each others’ jokes.

It takes a while, but eventually, another loner captures her attention. Feeling less than friendly, K’sariya observes the youth from afar with suspicious, narrowed eyes. She thinks of how she’s unnervingly close to double the kid’s age by now. He comes and he goes without any seemingly regular pattern and with a Conkeldurr that Milo can’t help but grudgingly admire. It’s this awe that snags the Machop into a slow but steady orbit around the beefy Pokemon, so gradual that K’sariya doesn’t notice until he sits beside the concrete-wielding behemoth one day for lunch. The first time, she watches from afar, glaring daggers at her traitor of a companion. The second day, her gaze softens, but remains hard still. Finally, the third day, she sits grudgingly beside her wayward Machop and eats with the teen in total silence, a generous distance between them.

The girl is relieved that neither of them talk much.

Eventually, when they do, she doesn’t learn too much. He’s your average kid, really, doing odd jobs on odd days to fund his embarkment on becoming a better Trainer. Antonio reminds her of herself a bit, except instead of pitting Pokemon against one another, she’d been in college. The warmth of that nostalgia opens her up a bit in the conversation department, but never about herself. She drives exchanges in every direction except for herself and makes sure she always smells of the dust and grime of the construction site, but not too much. He earns points in her book for being one of the few that didn’t stare at her face too much.

The first money she spends on something other than food is on supplies for her Pokemon--including Pokeballs. And before she can even realize it, she’s a far-too-empathetic ‘mon-lady hoarding stray creatures. First comes the Trapinch she finds in the landfill, then the Bulbasaur she finds weakly struggling to sprout through the cracks of the smoggy city. One day, she comes home to a Noibat snoozing on the pile of all of her things in the center of her shelter. He refuses to let her near and just like that, she envelopes another into the fold. The first turns out to be a trickster, fond of filling her shelter and her socks with sand, and the second a peacemaker, pulling apart Raigho and Invictus, fully evolved after their encounter at the Park, with her powerful vines on the rare occasion she finds to release them all. The Noibat, Mimulnir, blooms into an impressive, winged creature particularly fond of snuggling and roosting, with more of a maternal instinct than K’sariya has ever had herself.

Days continue to slide by. At night, alone, she thinks of the mountain. The memory of the cold gives her the chills every time. However, there is a warmth there, in the gift that the slopes gave her. If it weren’t for that god-forsaken trip, she wouldn’t have Milo. And that makes all the difference.

Still, when Antonio suggests a park run, she nearly spits out her drink with incredulity, asks him if he has a death wish. As it turns out, his experience had been vastly different than hers--a mild stroll in a pleasant, sun-filled garden, only really having to worry about thorns and Zigzagoons, of all things. There is a bitterness at the fact of her original coupon having forced her to the ruins, and the ruins choosing to spit her into a freezing death trap. She promptly dismisses the idea.

She’s rummaging through her bag when she finds the weathered voucher. Brow furrows with confusion as she pulls the crumpled ball of paper from the bottom of her bag and unravels it, having completely forgotten. As she reads the worn fine print, K’sariya scowls. It felt like charity. However, she can’t help but look over at her belt of Pokeballs beside her, at the fifth one down the row where Milo rests.

All because of the park.

When she sees him next, she agrees to the team run--and quite confidently. Her next paycheck goes into her pockets instead of straight into her savings. This time, she is determined to come prepared. She’s not quite ready to bring Milo back, though; the girl leaves his ball, along with the rest, with the attendants at the gate. At the Park Shop, she buys more balls, and then a way she’ll hopefully be able to make her money back: a camera and an apricorn box. The investment takes a daunting chunk out of her pockets. K’sariya prays that it’ll pay off.

Anxiety strikes her unexpectedly as she climbs into the vehicle. It hits her so heavily that she forgets to function like a normal human being and say something on the drive. Instead, she merely stares out the window and rubs her thumb in slow circles on feather pendant.

She’s better geared, though on a budget. She’s strapped into her dirty, steel-toed work boots and wearing a threadbare (but present) pale windbreaker, the thin jacket sporting the slightest of worn blue hues and covering a familiar white tank top. It drapes over her same belt where four shrunken Pokeballs rest. One of her better pairs of dark blue jeans is all the protection she’ll have against the elements, but she hopes it’ll be enough. A deep brown backpack that’s seen better days is an upgrade from her previous waist pouch. Inside is her entire paycheck and then some things she’d already had, like goggles and a thin scarf, which she’d been forced to buy to brave her Trapinch’s trickster antics.

The mountain is an impressive sight, one much warmer than adversary she avoids looking at in the distance. As they travel, she sees the way the sand picks up. For once thankful for Jecht’s shenanigans, she pulls the dark grey scarf up across her nose. Upon closer inspection, the goggles are intended for swimming, but K’sariya hopes that no one gets that close to look. They’ve worked okay so far, after all. She pulls her hood up over her frizzy hair.

Heart pounds in her chest, her instinctive reaction to remembering Mt. Oktori. They’d chosen this place for its warmth, but of course, they’d managed to pick a day where there’s a fierce sandstorm raging, also. K’sariya forces herself to breathe and to not panic. She’s grateful for the way her ragtag mask shields her features. However, she manages to function enough to finally look over to her younger companion.

“Good luck, kid,” she manages, voice clipped. Their transport slows. She hops out the moment it stops, impatient.

A figure is silhouetted at the top of the ridge, clad in clothing that makes it nigh impossible to tell gender, let alone any other characteristic. The thought that it won’t be Tella has run so strongly through her head that K’sariya doesn’t even begin to fathom that it might be her. She simply assumes that it’s been too long, that there’s no way. So she hovers her hand over her Pokeballs and looks back at the door, waiting for the Ranger to notice them and for Antonio to emerge.
​

 

Here he was, back at it again. For some unknown reason, Antonio was drawn back to the park. Something was calling his name, calling him to one of the most dangerous areas of the park. There was no way he could brave this place alone, just the ride up on the “magic” carriage gave him the chills.

That’s exactly the reason why he isn’t coming here alone. He brought what he likes to think of as his friend, K’sariya (although she would think of him as an acquaintance). She was definitely a tough nut to crack. She took a while to convince, but in the end succumbed to entering the park. She made it seem like she had had a bad experience. Antonio couldn't understand how the park was bad, seeing as how his first run was extremely joyful.

He loved thinking back to those days. He used to be so fresh to the “Pokémon training thing”, barely able to memorize Frog Kid and Kazoo’s moves. Antonio thought about Frog Kid, his second ever Pokémon buddy. Oh, how he missed him. Antonio had decided against bringing Frog Kid along due to the fact that he wanted to test out some of his new buddies. Thankfully, Antonio knew Frog Kid was being kept company by Oddish. Oddish was one of his more interesting captures, refusing to evolve while still being a very powerful Pokémon. Antonio had decided on 4 Pokémon to bring along for the adventure: Kazoo the Electivire, Valentine the Poliwrath, Nully the Silvally and Conkeldurr.

~~~​

First off was Kazoo, his starter. These two shared a bond like no other of Antonio’s Pokémon. Kazoo could tell what he was thinking at all times, causing Antonio to rarely have to call out attacks. They even had a signature special move: SUPER AWESOME FLAMETHROWER LIGHTNING ROD FAN. They were still working on the name. Either way, cool name or not, the move was awesome, giving Antonio and Kazoo the ultimate high. Eve without his special move, Kazoo was still one of the coolest looking Pokémon Antonio had ever seen. He had long, warm yellow fur that could protect Antonio from anything, with casual black stripes here and there making him look like a ninja of some kind. All that added with tentacles coming from his back made him all the more badass

~~~​

Next was Valentine the Poliwrath, although Antonio didn't know why he was called that. Probably because of how gentle he is, although Antonio had no way of knowing. He had received Poliwrath’s Pokéball in the mail with a letter attached. The letter said this:


Dear Antonio,

I am no longer able to take care of this Pokémon here. I hope you can take on the many adventures I’ve heard of

Yours truly,

A special friend

P.S. His name is Valentine



It was definitely one of the stranger things that had happened to Antonio in his lifetime. Although he didn’t know who this “special friend” was, he took care of Valentine anyways. Whenever Antonio had trouble sleeping, he stared at Poliwrath’s large swirls, which can cause anyone who stares at it to fall asleep. Valentine was Antonio’s first fighting type Pokémon, which constantly helped Antonio train to get into better shape.

~~~​

Not long after receiving Valentine, Antonio stumbled onto…something. He didn’t know exactly what it was, but it had a tag. It was a rare species of Pokémon named “Silvally”. Although about 5 seconds later Antonio discarded the name and decided to call it “Nully”. It was a combination of Pokémon while still being completely unique. It had lizard’s feet and a fish tail perturbing from its butt. It decided to stick around after quickly making friends with Kazoo. It was extremely powerful, using its attacks precisely and efficiently.

~~~​

Last, but not least, was Conkeldurr, a very peculiar fella. Antonio had caught it in the wild as a small Timburr. Timber loved to carry around a dainty piece of wood to increase his strength, but as he evolved, he picked up new things. Now, Conkeldurr carries around two large blocks of cement. These two large blocks are what caused Antonio to meet his friend(?) K’sariya. He had been taking Conkeldurr to construction sites to earn a little extra cash, when a Machop started following Conkeldurr around, seemingly impressed by its strength. He immediately took the little guy under his wing, teaching him new techniques to improve his strength. After all, fighting types have to stick together.

~~~​

Anyway, that was all 6 months ago. This was the present. Antonio and his buddies (and K’sariya!) were arriving at Mt. Deckbi. Antonio came prepared to Mt. Deckbi, full on Lawrence of Arabia style. He was wearing a veil over his head because he had heard rumors of people’s hair catching on fire. He wore a long white sheet over his body to protect himself from the massive heat. As for the rest, he wore his trusty pair of running shoes and a t-shirt and shorts underneath.

Looking out the window, he could see a figure, too far to make out. He had only met one park ranger before, that very interesting woman, Tella. Antonio would also like to think they were friends, but it was hard to tell. (Although he thinks Venny the Venomoth thought he was pretty cool). Either way, he hoped it was her. Although she was different, she was responsible. More responsible than he could ever be.

Five minutes later, they arrived. K’sariya hopped out of the car instantly, quickly followed by Antonio and his Pokémon. And to their surprise, look who it was…

 

Team RP — K'sariya Yeboah & Antonio — Non-Battle Post #2

The distant figure descended from the ridgeline in a controlled skid, riding a miniature landslide of loose igneous rock down the steep side of the hill. The Ranger, who was indeed Tella who had taken the two on their first runs through the Park— one year ago and six months ago, respectively— arrived at the bottom of the hill perhaps half a kilometre away from the spot where the two had descended from the vehicle. A moment later, another figure appeared in silhouette atop the ridge: the outline of a Blaziken watching carefully from above, keeping a wary eye out for any threats that might be approaching the Trainers below.

Tella sized up the newcomers as she approached them. From what she could tell at this distance, one of them was dressed in a hijab... and what appeared to be a giant pillowcase. A Muslim believer with questionable fashion sense? Tella supposed. She doubted the garment would offer the protection the Trainer expected— a billowy thing like that would be snatched away by the first gust of high-altitude wind...

At least the other Trainer looked to be prepared for the upcoming ordeal: that one, whose figure suggested she was female, was wearing a serviceable— if ragged— bluish windbreaker, goggles, a grey scarf, and a hood that failed to completely contain the shock of frizzy hair that spilled from all sides of it. As Tella's quick pace brought her to within fifty metres of the two, a glint of green through the untinted swim goggles sent a jolt of recognition through Tella. She hadn't expected to see that unique glint of green again, not since the disastrous ending that had followed her last meeting of those eyes...

"...K'sariya?" she asked, haltingly. "...You're back—"

The Ranger cut herself off abruptly as she caught sight of the other Trainer's face. Her eyebrows rose as she recognized who this was, and took in his strange garb. Not much surprised Tella— her difficult childhood and odd supernatural talents had long ago given her the skills to easily anticipate and pick apart ambushes, sleight of hand, Pokémon moves, and martial artists' tricks alike— but the idiosyncrasies of human beings sometimes still astonished her. "...Antonio? What in the absolute hell are you wearing? Is that a bedsheet?"


~~Park Run Statistics~~

• Trainer Names:
  K'sariya Yeboah
  Antonio
  
  
• Location: Mt. Deckbi
  
  
• Remaining Encounters: 15
  
  
• Characters Written by Trainers (since last encounter):
  K'sariya: 9,984
  Antonio: 5,385
  
  
• Active Effects: None
  
  
• K'sariya's Pokémon Stats:
  Invictus the Aggron
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Female
  Ability: Rock Head
  Nature: Brave
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM26 Earthquake, BM Head Smash, TM Substitute, BM Magnet Rise, MT Ice Punch, TM Aerial Ace, TM Sandstorm, TM Shadow Claw
  
  Raigho the Hydreigon
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Levitate
  Nature: Hasty
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM100 Flamethrower, TM31 Dark Pulse
  
  Alixra the Venusaur
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Female
  Ability: Chlorophyll
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM Substitute, TM Sunny Day, SM Ancient Power, BM Ingrain, TM Hidden Power (Flying), TM Psych Up, TM Earthquake, TM Sludge Bomb
  
  Mimulnir the Noivern
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Infiltrator
  Nature: Jolly
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM Shadow Ball, TM Flamethrower, TM Psychic, TM Substitute, BM Draco Meteor
  
  
• Antonio's Pokémon Stats:
  Kazoo the Electivire
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Motor Drive
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Ice Punch, Flamethrower, Confide
  
  Nully the Silvally
  HP: 100%
  Gender: N/A
  Ability: RKS System
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Flamethrower
  
  Valentine the Poliwrath
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Damp
  Nature: Gentle
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Defense Curl, Ice Punch, Poison Jab; BM: Growth; HM: Surf, Whirlpool, Waterfall
  
  Conkeldurr
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Iron Fist
  Nature: Bold
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: BM: Mach Punch, Drain Punch; MT: Ice Punch, Knock Off, Thunder Punch
  
  
• Total Items:
  K'sariya:
  • Park Balls (x 7)
  • Super Balls (x 4)
  • Hyper Balls (x 2)
  • Energy Powder (x 2)
  • Energy Powder Plus (x 2)
  • Lava Cookie (x 2)
  • Poké Doll (x 2)
  • Honey (x 1)
  • Digital Camera
  • Apricorn Box
  Antonio:
  • Park Balls (x 2)
  • Super Balls (x 4)
  • Hyper Balls (x 2)
  • Energy Powder (x 1)
  • Lava Cookie (x 1)
  • Poké Doll (x 1)
  • Digital Camera
  
  
• Total Captured Pokémon:
  K'sariya:
  None yet!
  Antonio:
  None yet!

 

The Ranger descends from the ridge line and K'sariya prepares her brutal judgement. This first impression would make or break it for their poor guide--after nearly dying, there was no way in hell that she would be letting some inexperienced beginner take her through the Park. She'd rather just go alone instead of having some fresh sprout slow her down. It was suffice to say that the woman was no longer playing games.

She sees the recognition in the others' eyes and her jaw falls slack behind veiling scarf. Hand reaches up to wrench the covering down. Brow furrows about cheap goggles with confusion for a small moment as a flurry of emotions whirl through her countenance and her brain, too loud and mixing too fast for her to process immediately.

Her Pokemon, however, have no such issues and reservations. As soon as the Trainer's name is said and the voice reaches them, the first two Pokeballs on her belt explode with bolts of crimson.

The first deposits Invictus with a massive thud of rock hitting the earth. She's grown into a hulking behemoth with two sharp horns rising from silver skull. Helmet juts straight out in a protruding visor, shielding dark nostrils and familiar, brilliant blue eyes, as well as overshadowing unhinged jaw as she lets out a deep, metallic rumble of joy. Plates trace a line down her spine, giving away to a long, banded tail that gives the ground an excited smack. Triple-clawed hands make grabby-hands at Tella as she steps forward toward her, but doesn't step too much closer.

Raigho, however, looks to have no sense of personal space. The violet-crested creature excitedly beats spindly black wings and streaks toward Tella. Black-tipped tail swirls happily, looking almost comically like a propeller as he tries to tackle her. He gives a small roar, a sound that finally manages to stir K'sariya from her momentary trance of shock.

There is no shame, though. Instead of her previous fury retiring to shame, it rears its head. Gaze hardens and lips draw taut. She pulls her scarf back up over her nose.

"Hey," she manages, voice short and clipped. Well, at least most of the fear of dying in the hands of a new Ranger was gone. Now, she just hoped she wouldn't relive the Oktori experience with the same seasoned one. She offers a stiff nod, looks over to once again take in Antonio's outfit. She can agree with Tella's assessment of that, at least. Eyes soften, just a bit.​

 

Antonio was disappointed that Tella hadn’t appreciated his Lawrence of Arabia costume. It was supposed to help in the heat. Either way, Antonio was glad to see his old “friend”. (Though you should never call Tella old). Kazoo was also happy to see her, instantly sticking a tentacle out for a handshake.

Antonio looked around, hoping to see her Pokémon. He saw only a Blaziken, but no sign of Venny the Venomoth.

“I’m supposed to be Lawrence of Arabia, I heard it gets as hot as the desert here,” Antonio said, “Anyways, where is Venny?”

 

Team RP — K'sariya Yeboah & Antonio — Non-Battle Post #3

Tella opened her mouth to explain that Venn was in his Poké Ball, and would remain there until absolutely necessary since he was not fond of the cold— but she never got the chance to say so, because an older, bigger, heavier Raigho than she remembered from last year tackled her at full speed, all three heads chomping at her torso in what passed for play among Raigho's species.

Tella leaned back to absorb the impact of three-hundred-fifty-odd pounds of dragon slammed into her. Muscles strained as, impossibly, Tella leaned further and further back, almost all the way into a gymnast's backward bend. Planting palms on the ground with slender body in the shape of an arch, straining muscles slowed Raigho's momentum all the way to a creeping sandstill as he landed bodily on top of her; if the two Trainers and their Pokémon were watching closely, they'd see a brief burst of light, tinted orange by her goggles, flare from her eyes, at the exact moment that she brought his plummetting tackle to a halt and then forced herself upright with a mighty heave of her legs, shoving scaly black-and-blue body a single step back. Nipping mouths sank into her skin, but drew only tiny pinpricks of blood from skin reinforced by psychic power.

Scarf had been knocked aside by the impact; but oddly enough, Tella was smiling— an expression neither of the Trainers could remember seeing on her face— even as she panted with exertion and roughly wrapped her arms around Raigho's central neck in a headlock, pulling the dragon off-balance. "...Good to see you, Raigho," she murmured, almost too quietly for anyone but the Hydreigon to hear her. Then, she turned to Invictus, wonderful patient protective Invictus, who was waiting so politely to be acknowledged. The Ranger walked over to place a hand on the Aggron's side and look into Invictus's eyes. "...You, too, Invictus. You've grown since I last saw you... You both have."

At that, Tella's gaze drifted over to acknowledge K'sariya's part in the two Pokémon's growth; but the older woman's covered face revealed nothing, and Tella looked away quickly, shifting her attention back to the young fellow dressed in a bedsheet. "...Antonio, that thing's going to rip itself off you the moment we hit our first sandstorm. Here, let me have a look..."

She swung the compact square pack off her back, and reached deep into the largest compartment, past a folded-up coat, and a thermos full of bitter medicinal wild herb tea, and a foldable cooking pot, to pull out what looked like... a metal tin of cookies? Then she opened the colourful round tin to reveal a carefully organized sewing materials kit, with heavy-duty plastic replacement zippers, metal replacement buttons, a pincushion full of needles and safety pins, and several spools of tough black thread, among other things.

Tella, safety pins already in hand— when had she removed them from the pincushion?— stepped forward so that her face was within inches of Antonio's, and in a single efficient motion she pulled one of the flapping edges of the bedsheet taut around his body. In an instant, one safety pin was pinning the slack to the back of his shirt, and Tella quickly had the rest of the sheet pinned in spots that kept it wrapped around Antonio's body without restricting his movement. The whole time, Tella's nose was almost touching Antonio's; her arms were wrapping around him, working on his clothes, which made it look almost like she was giving him a hug that never actually made contact. A few seconds later, there was a needle in Tella's hand; another twenty (likely uncomfortable) seconds after that, the changes were made permanent and Antonio found himself wearing a completely inelegant, utterly ugly, and perfectly effective white wrap garment sewn together with thick black thread, a form-fitting robe that tightly covered his arms and legs and would protect everything from the neck down from the elements without giving any purchase to the wind.

Tella stepped back, and smirked a little bit. "I figured after the way we met, personal space wasn't something you paid much attention to," she told him by way of explanation, one corner of her mouth quirking upwards a little bit more at her own personal joke. Tella did not tell jokes for others to laugh at; she told them for her own amusement.

"Now let's get going." Still smirking, she turned and started trudging up the steep slope she'd slid down earlier, towards the silhouette of her Pokémon, Blaze. "Come on, the foothills won't cross themselves."


~~Park Run Statistics~~

• Trainer Names:
  K'sariya Yeboah
  Antonio
  
  
• Location: Mt. Deckbi
  
  
• Remaining Encounters: 15
  
  
• Characters Written by Trainers (since last encounter):
  K'sariya: 12,432
  Antonio: 5,385
  
  
• Active Effects: None
  
  
• K'sariya's Pokémon Stats:
  Invictus the Aggron
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Female
  Ability: Rock Head
  Nature: Brave
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM26 Earthquake, BM Head Smash, TM Substitute, BM Magnet Rise, MT Ice Punch, TM Aerial Ace, TM Sandstorm, TM Shadow Claw
  
  Raigho the Hydreigon
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Levitate
  Nature: Hasty
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM100 Flamethrower, TM31 Dark Pulse
  
  Alixra the Venusaur
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Female
  Ability: Chlorophyll
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM Substitute, TM Sunny Day, SM Ancient Power, BM Ingrain, TM Hidden Power (Flying), TM Psych Up, TM Earthquake, TM Sludge Bomb
  
  Mimulnir the Noivern
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Infiltrator
  Nature: Jolly
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM Shadow Ball, TM Flamethrower, TM Psychic, TM Substitute, BM Draco Meteor
  
  
• Antonio's Pokémon Stats:
  Kazoo the Electivire
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Motor Drive
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Ice Punch, Flamethrower, Confide
  
  Nully the Silvally
  HP: 100%
  Gender: N/A
  Ability: RKS System
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Flamethrower
  
  Valentine the Poliwrath
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Damp
  Nature: Gentle
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Defense Curl, Ice Punch, Poison Jab; BM: Growth; HM: Surf, Whirlpool, Waterfall
  
  Conkeldurr
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Iron Fist
  Nature: Bold
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: BM: Mach Punch, Drain Punch; MT: Ice Punch, Knock Off, Thunder Punch
  
  
• Total Items:
  K'sariya:
  • Park Balls (x 7)
  • Super Balls (x 4)
  • Hyper Balls (x 2)
  • Energy Powder (x 2)
  • Energy Powder Plus (x 2)
  • Lava Cookie (x 2)
  • Poké Doll (x 2)
  • Honey (x 1)
  • Digital Camera
  • Apricorn Box
  Antonio:
  • Park Balls (x 2)
  • Super Balls (x 4)
  • Hyper Balls (x 2)
  • Energy Powder (x 1)
  • Lava Cookie (x 1)
  • Poké Doll (x 1)
  • Digital Camera
  
  
• Total Captured Pokémon:
  K'sariya:
  None yet!
  Antonio:
  None yet!

 

Antonio’s outfit had gone from a cool, stylish Lawrence of Arabia costume to a normal outfit in a matter of seconds. Conkeldurr, Valentine and Nully stood guarding Antonio, preparing for Tella to attack. Kazoo stayed still because he knew that Tella could kick everyone’s ass and still make it home for dinner.

After having a look around, Antonio noticed that Mount Deckbi wasn’t really a “mount” after all. It was a series of hills and valleys covered in sand a dust, with dry cracked stone underneath. Antonio could not spot many Pokémon hanging around mostly due to the fact that there was a brewing sandstorm restricting his vision.

His Pokémon seemed worried, none of them being rock type to be protected from a sandstorm. Either way, Antonio knew they could out and so could he. He looked over at K’sariya to check what her reaction to the brewing sandstorm was.

 

A victorious chortle echoes from all three of Raigho's maws as his tackle proves successful. Confusion strikes ridged expression, however, as the woman never quite falls. Spindly, black wings beat more furiously at the resistance, almost in a startled panic, but in the end, he's no match for the near-supernatural powers of the Ranger. K'sariya cannot keep her eyes from widening with surprise (and is that a bit of admiration?) as she watches the other slowly begin to force the massive dragon back.

As soon as she takes a step forward, Raigho's wings calm from their rapid flurry, forfeiting. This causes him to be especially caught off-guard when the much smaller individual's arms wrap around his neck and throw his balance. He nearly topples to the ground; he catches himself only with a firm, saving ripple of ailerons that tugs his center of gravity back upwards. At her murmur, he gives a low, purring croon, tilting his forehead into Tella's cheek affectionately.

Invictus looks on, perhaps even with a bit of jealousy glinting in cerulean eyes. Her turn comes, though, as the Ranger strides over. Comparatively small hand is placed on scarred steel hide. Abyssal pupils swing to meet Tella's. The praise of having grown causes a metallic ring of happiness to echo through plated form. K'sariya's Pokemon were always vocal when it came to their affection.

The Trainer notices the woman's smile. The slightest bit of warmth trickles into her countenance.

Tella looks over and in an instant, any vulnerability that had been present in her gaze disappears, leaving only old scars and an unreadable set of eyes set above a veiling, ash-gray scarf. The Ranger averts her eyes just as quickly as they'd met hers. And surprisingly, the woman feels no joy, where normally the sight of someone looking instantly away would fill her with smug satisfaction.

If the Ranger had held grudges, K'sariya wouldn't stand a chance right now. That much she is sure of after seeing the woman push back a three-hundred-fifty pound dragon. Even if it came down to Pokemon, the dark-skinned femme would be crushed--the Ranger carries more Pokemon on principle, knew the terrain far better, and knew exactly how to cut off every exit she'd have to the Park.

If her display of disrespect had ever struck the wrong chord, there would have been no hope for K'sariya. And while it's humbling, that concept of helplessness also infuriates her, to a degree. The Park had given her a sense of control over her life that she hadn't been able to feel in a while--not since the incident, that is. Even when it had brought her near death, she'd managed to fight her way through. Guiding Tella successfully through the storm back to their shelter had been, in retrospect, one of her crowning moments of empowerment, that whole almost-died thing aside. It was validating to know that someone relied on her. And now, here she was, powerless again.

All of this ticks slowly through her mind as Tella fusses over Antonio's garb. Her eyes are on the scene but notably distant as she thinks. She only regains focus once the subject has shifted. Clarity returns to her sight at the mention of getting going. K'sariya grabs the straps of her backpack and pulls them a little more securely about her shoulders. Hand reaches up to pull her goggles down, the other returning her Hydreigon to his ball.

Invictus is prepared to weather the storm. She trawls to her Trainer's side and lowers great skull. Side of horn rubs against K'sariya's arm gently, with care impressive from such a large beast. Her Trainer raises her hand to scratch the rough surface of rocky chin.

"Alright, let's go," she murmurs gently to her beloved companion, and steps forward after Tella, ready to get on with the show.​

 

Team RP — K'sariya Yeboah & Antonio — Non-Battle Post #4

The foothills of Mt. Deckbi stretched out like a tapestry of ash and sand: each hill rose to a wind-blasted ridgeline where nothing grew and the bedrock was exposed; after each hilltop, the landscape fell away into a valley filled with hardy plants capable of growing in the dim light and choking ash. The clouded sky was brownish-red, as though the sun itself were stained with drifting smoke.

For nearly twenty minutes, the three Trainers and their Pokémon trudged across this landscape as the foothills steadily got steeper and steeper, seeing nothing that moved except the occasional silhouettes of wary Pokémon that appeared on distant ridges and then vanished down the other side once they spotted the intruders on their domain. Only then did something begin to emerge from the horizon, becoming visible perhaps ten kilometres away through the blowing dust and drifting ash that filled the air: was it a wall? No, too big to be a wall... Eyes would struggle to take in the enormity of what rose in the distance. Mount Deckbi's vast bulk rose into the clouds and stretched to either side, filling the horizon entirely and leaving nothing to compare its size to except the tiny-looking foothills that merged into its lowest extremes.

Far, far above, the red glow that filled the sky wavered and grew larger for a second before receding. Ten long seconds passed before a loud but distant rumbling indicated what had just occurred: the light above wasn't the sun at all, but the glow of the molten lava pouring— and occasionally exploding— from the volcano's caldera far above the clouds.

"Look sharp, Digletts on the way," Tella commented, calling the attention of the visitors back to earth where they were walking through a small valley in between foothills. Sure enough, twin tracks of disturbed dirt were racing toward the group from near the base of some thick ash-choked brambles.

"Diglett!" piped a high-pitched voice as a dome-shaped brown head atop a comically cylindrical body popped up from the dirt near Invictus's feet.

"Dig!" came another cry as a whole section of the ash-and-dirt ground fell out from under Kazoo's feet; the Electivire barely managed to jump away from the sand trap in time.


Current Encounter: Diglett and Diglett

Diglett 1: 100%
Diglett 2: 100%
??: 100%
??: 100%


~~Park Run Statistics~~

• Trainer Names:
  K'sariya Yeboah
  Antonio
  
  
• Location: Mt. Deckbi
  
  
• Remaining Encounters: 14
  
  
• Characters Written by Trainers (since last encounter):
  K'sariya: 16,200
  Antonio: 6,255
  
  
• Active Effects: Incoming Sandstorm
  
  
• K'sariya's Pokémon Stats:
  Invictus the Aggron
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Female
  Ability: Rock Head
  Nature: Brave
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM26 Earthquake, BM Head Smash, TM Substitute, BM Magnet Rise, MT Ice Punch, TM Aerial Ace, TM Sandstorm, TM Shadow Claw
  
  Raigho the Hydreigon
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Levitate
  Nature: Hasty
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM100 Flamethrower, TM31 Dark Pulse
  
  Alixra the Venusaur
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Female
  Ability: Chlorophyll
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM Substitute, TM Sunny Day, SM Ancient Power, BM Ingrain, TM Hidden Power (Flying), TM Psych Up, TM Earthquake, TM Sludge Bomb
  
  Mimulnir the Noivern
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Infiltrator
  Nature: Jolly
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM Shadow Ball, TM Flamethrower, TM Psychic, TM Substitute, BM Draco Meteor
  
  
• Antonio's Pokémon Stats:
  Kazoo the Electivire
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Motor Drive
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Ice Punch, Flamethrower, Confide
  
  Nully the Silvally
  HP: 100%
  Gender: N/A
  Ability: RKS System
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Flamethrower
  
  Valentine the Poliwrath
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Damp
  Nature: Gentle
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Defense Curl, Ice Punch, Poison Jab; BM: Growth; HM: Surf, Whirlpool, Waterfall
  
  Conkeldurr
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Iron Fist
  Nature: Bold
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: BM: Mach Punch, Drain Punch; MT: Ice Punch, Knock Off, Thunder Punch
  
  
• Total Items:
  K'sariya:
  • Park Balls (x 7)
  • Super Balls (x 4)
  • Hyper Balls (x 2)
  • Energy Powder (x 2)
  • Energy Powder Plus (x 2)
  • Lava Cookie (x 2)
  • Poké Doll (x 2)
  • Honey (x 1)
  • Digital Camera
  • Apricorn Box
  Antonio:
  • Park Balls (x 2)
  • Super Balls (x 4)
  • Hyper Balls (x 2)
  • Energy Powder (x 1)
  • Lava Cookie (x 1)
  • Poké Doll (x 1)
  • Digital Camera
  
  
• Total Captured Pokémon:
  K'sariya:
  None yet!
  Antonio:
  None yet!

 

The strange, barren landscape is nothing like she's ever seen before. Dark eyes roam quietly and curiously about as they walk. It is interesting but at the same time, it is humbling. And when she realizes the massive swath of dark red at the bottom of the swirling ash is not the sky, but the mountain, she cannot help but stop in her tracks and look up in awe.

Behemoth structure emerges, its presence nothing short of overwhelming. Mouth gapes behind concealing scarf as her eyes continue to draw upward, almost endlessly up in the sky. Lids narrow as she squints at the glow that ripples from its top. Invictus feels it first and offers an anxious croon. The beast's posture bends as her head lowers a bit protectively to hover near K'sariya's. Her companion's wariness helps her realize that it's not the sky and the sun that she sees but a volcanic eruption.

She swallows, hard, and wonders if this might have been a mistake. The cold they could protect against with layers. Heat, however, was a different story. Her Aggron could gather frost about her fist in an attack but other than that, she had no way to cool off anything, except perhaps Mimulnir's gusts. Nervousness crops up in her gut.

However, there's no time to be anxious. Tella calls out and her eyes flash back down. Invictus notices the trails also and spreads her legs, holding her ground fearlessly as the tilling furrow races toward them. K'sariya balls her hands into fists and can't help the smile that fights its way back onto her features.

"Give 'em your best Whack-a-Mole impression, chicka!" she says to her Pokemon as she jumps back and out of the way. Invictus looks back to her with a mischievous shine, encouraged by her Trainer's faith in her.

Banded rock tail begins to glow a brilliant white. Invictus shuffles her feet in a way that almost comically reminds K'sariya of the way a batter charges up a swing, raising her glowing tail. The beast's feet finally plant as the Diglett charges her from beneath the ground. Shielded eyes lock onto that trail and--there! She sees the tiny pause in the second before the red-nosed creature rises. The Iron Tail seeks to slam down right on top of the Diglett the second it surfaces from the earth, looking to try to pop it right back down!​

 

Antonio looked at the upcoming Digletts. Digletts are very strange. Antonio had always wondered where the rest of their body looked like. But that doesn't matter now, he had to focus on taking these Digletts out.


“Valentine!” Antonio shouted, “Use Ice Punch!”


Valentine jumped in front of Antonio. Valentine’s swirl started spinning, as if it was some form of clockwork preparing Valentine’s attack. Valentine’s color started turning into a pale blue, his eyes becoming colder. You could see his breath leaving his mouth all while he started slowly shaking. He shot a beam of water on his right hand, instantly freezing as soon as it touched his skin. Within seconds, his hand was covered in ice.


The Diglett were getting closer.


“Wait for it,” Antonio ordered.


They were within meters now.


“Now!” Antonio shouted.


Valentine jumped in the air, right fist raised towards the Diglett on the right. Valentine started falling at the speed and force of a nuclear (frozen) missile. His icy hand ready to shatter at the moment it touched the Diglett. He was a meter away from the Diglett with his fist cocked back, waiting to strike at the perfect moment…

 

Team RP — K'sariya Yeboah & Antonio — Battle Post #1

The Diglett on the left— its presence betrayed only by the furrow of displaced dirt above it— moved swiftly around to Invictus's left, more swiftly than Invictus could pivot, making it difficult for even the powerful Aggron to bring her heavy tail to bear in time to strike. The furrow of earth disappeared as Diglett tunneled further underground, and abruptly the earth underneath Invictus's left foot collapsed inwards like a pit trap, the shift in weight yanking the steel juggernaut off balance. Barely a split second later, Diglett popped up underneath Invictus's right foot; this overbalanced her completely, sending her tumbling heavily to the ground and wrenching her still-trapped left leg badly.

Invictus wasn't helpless, though. By exposing itself on the surface, Diglett might have achieved a highly effective attack, but it had also left itself vulnerable. As Invictus crashed heavily to the ground, her intelligent focus remained on her foe: instead of trying to break her fall, she made use of the momentum and slammed her tail down on top of the Diglett's head, driving it back into its hole with ruthless force.

For Valentine's part, his tactic of taking to the sky seemed effective: he was able to evade the Diglett's move entirely as the little mole burst out of the ground. Diglett's little button eyes peered skyward, straining to see at a distance— eyes meant for the dimness and enclosed spaces of underground were ill suited to staring into the abyss of the sky— but the leaping Ice Punch was a cinematic and highly telegraphed technique: even such poor eyesight made clear exactly how much danger was hurtling downward at the mole's head.

Diglett ducked underground just in time as the Ice Punch landed, avoiding the attack itself; but the chill that raced like a shockwave through the ground from Valentine's fist still chilled the mole Pokémon; frost rimed its domed head when it popped up next to its much-the-worse-for-wear ally. The two little creatures rotated to stare at one another briefly, as though wondering what now?

Across the expanse of dry earth, Valentine wrenched his hand out of the small tunnel Diglett had left behind, and Invictus hauled herself upright; but her injured leg was giving her pain, hampering her movements.

Current Encounter: Diglett and Diglett

Diglett 1 (battling Invictus): 16.51% (Used Dig)
Diglett 2 (battling Valentine): 91.96% (Used Dig)
Invictus: 74.41% [Paralyzed] (used Iron Tail)
Valentine: 100% (used Ice Punch)


~~Park Run Statistics~~

• Trainer Names:
  K'sariya Yeboah
  Antonio
  
  
• Location: Mt. Deckbi
  
  
• Remaining Encounters: 14
  
  
• Characters Written by Trainers (since last encounter):
  K'sariya: 18,472
  Antonio: 7,417
  
  
• Active Effects: Incoming Sandstorm
  
  
• K'sariya's Pokémon Stats:
  Invictus the Aggron
  HP: 74.41% [PAR]
  Gender: Female
  Ability: Rock Head
  Nature: Brave
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM26 Earthquake, BM Head Smash, TM Substitute, BM Magnet Rise, MT Ice Punch, TM Aerial Ace, TM Sandstorm, TM Shadow Claw
  
  Raigho the Hydreigon
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Levitate
  Nature: Hasty
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM100 Flamethrower, TM31 Dark Pulse
  
  Alixra the Venusaur
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Female
  Ability: Chlorophyll
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM Substitute, TM Sunny Day, SM Ancient Power, BM Ingrain, TM Hidden Power (Flying), TM Psych Up, TM Earthquake, TM Sludge Bomb
  
  Mimulnir the Noivern
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Infiltrator
  Nature: Jolly
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM Shadow Ball, TM Flamethrower, TM Psychic, TM Substitute, BM Draco Meteor
  
  
• Antonio's Pokémon Stats:
  Kazoo the Electivire
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Motor Drive
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Ice Punch, Flamethrower, Confide
  
  Nully the Silvally
  HP: 100%
  Gender: N/A
  Ability: RKS System
  Nature: Calm
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Flamethrower
  
  Valentine the Poliwrath
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Damp
  Nature: Gentle
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: TM: Defense Curl, Ice Punch, Poison Jab; BM: Growth; HM: Surf, Whirlpool, Waterfall
  
  Conkeldurr
  HP: 100%
  Gender: Male
  Ability: Iron Fist
  Nature: Bold
  TM/HM/BM/SM/MT: BM: Mach Punch, Drain Punch; MT: Ice Punch, Knock Off, Thunder Punch
  
  
• Total Items:
  K'sariya:
  • Park Balls (x 7)
  • Super Balls (x 4)
  • Hyper Balls (x 2)
  • Energy Powder (x 2)
  • Energy Powder Plus (x 2)
  • Lava Cookie (x 2)
  • Poké Doll (x 2)
  • Honey (x 1)
  • Digital Camera
  • Apricorn Box
  Antonio:
  • Park Balls (x 2)
  • Super Balls (x 4)
  • Hyper Balls (x 2)
  • Energy Powder (x 1)
  • Lava Cookie (x 1)
  • Poké Doll (x 1)
  • Digital Camera
  
  
• Total Captured Pokémon:
  K'sariya:
  None yet!
  Antonio:
  None yet!

 

It's easy for K'sariya to forget how deceptively quick Diglett are as a species. Smirk falters slightly as she watches its rapid movement swing to coil about Invictus' heavy bulk. Before she can shout a different command, the earth caves in beneath her companion's foot. Just as suddenly as it falls, however, something else rises--the Diglett strikes and her Pokemon is fully toppled.

There is hope, however; Invictus is as focused as she is heavy. The Aggron smartly puts the momentum of her falling form behind the swing of glowing tail, effectively bopping it back into the ground. However, Invictus does not escape unscathed. The vicing earth badly wrenches her leg and she gives a metallic cry as large body slams into the earth.

The Trainer's eyes briefly flash over to the other battle, if just for a moment, and remembers the presence of a Water type. Swirl-featured battler seems preoccupied with an Ice Punch rather than flooding for the moment. However, K'sariya has no idea how long that will last. The potential of soggy earth would only complicate the situation--her Pokemon needed to be lighter.

"Autotomize!" comes the shout of the familiar order. The Trainer hopes the Diglett will be stunned by the harsh blow for long enough to give them some breathing room. Stiffly, the Aggron rights herself, dredging her trapped limb from the ground. Air huffs painfully through the metallic creature's nostrils with a ringing echo. Rocky arms flex as the towering beast momentarily strains. She winces with the effort. Suddenly, the iron rings clamped about her limbs pop unlocked, falling to the earth with a heavy thud. In unison, ashen stone ridges of her tail also crack away like chains. Freed from her leaden weights, she feels a sort of comparative weightlessness pulse through her. This all seeks to happen in a matter of a couple of seconds, just in time for K'sariya to deliver her next shout, both individuals still keeping a keen eye out for their opponent should it resurface.

"Ice Punch into the tunnel! Freeze it up!" she calls quickly, words running rapidly together, forever mindful of time being of essence. The great horned beast nods, then immediately cocks back her fist and thrusts it downwards. Her fearlessness, coupled with her trust in K'sariya, prevents any and all hesitation. An almost whimsical tinkling, crackling set of small chimes rings from steel claws as they freeze over, fading to a more dull groaning of rock as the pallid ice creeps to dark, stony arms. The Aggron aims to punch into the hole where her tail had forced the Diglett back under. She is trying to freeze the inside of the tunnel, to either try to trap her adversary if it has not moved or to try to at least disable the burrow and force it to expend energy digging others.​

 

Antonio was surprised at the Diglett’s speed. But the only thing they didn’t count on was Antonio’s ability to quickly analyze situations ad logically come up with an answer. He had realized that the Diglett’s holes were pretty much a one way trap, effectively putting themselves up against the wall if anything were to enter it.


Antonio looked over to Aggron and K’sariya, Aggron was able to get back up without any trouble (Antonio expected no less), and was now about to put a finishing blow on the other diglett.


“Valentine,” Antonio said, “use waterfall into the hole!”

Valentine’s swirls once again started spinning. Valentine closed his eyes as if he was concentrating heavily on using the move. Then, out of nowhere, torrents of water started falling towards the hole Diglett had dug. It was as if Valentine had created something that could rival the likes of Niagara Falls.


Within seconds, the hole was filled to the brim with water. Unable to look inside, Antonio wondered what had happened to the Diglett…