[center][h2][color=magenta]Mira[/color][/h2][/center]

Despite her concern for the cursed girl and the way Jean might react to her arrival, when Florentine held her hand, a warm feeling spread through Mira. A smile twitched at her lips, a blush creeping across her face. She gripped back, and with a sudden jolting sensation, found herself surrounded by forest for real this time.

The forest buzzed with presences, adding to her disorientation. While she searched around, images of recent Pokemon battles in the area filled her mind. She frowned, blinking as if it would dispel the visions. This was just confusing - and a reminder that she and Florentine would have to hurry up and find the woman turned Lopunny before any wild Pokemon could.

One presence stood out from the others, one that felt rather like those of the castle's residents. A former human. As Mira led Florentine closer, the shrubs in front of her rustled, prompting the Gallade to take a defensive stance and announce a warning.

[color=magenta]"Florentine, it's alright, that's..."[/color] Before the maid could finish the sentence, the Lopunny popped her head out and instantly pulled back, confirming what she'd been about to say.

[hr]
[center][h2][color=palegoldenrod]Gabrielle Angouras[/color][/h2][/center]

When she heard footsteps and voices, the first thing Gabrielle did was dash into another thicket. Peering out, she noticed two Pokemon she hadn't expected to see in a forest. What were a Gallade and a Gothitelle doing here? Did they belong to a trainer, looking to battle or fill up their Pokedex?

Her stomach plummeted at the Gallade's threat. From the sound of it, that was her suspicion confirmed. She stepped back, only to freeze as the Gothitelle turned her eerie blue gaze on her. Too late to avoid notice now. Even though it would probably be a futile attempt, she did the only thing she could think of. She bolted.

Still not having completely shaken off the dizziness, she tripped over a branch on the ground. Twisting round, she looked up, eyes wide with terror as the Gothitelle approached.

[color=palegoldenrod]"Like hell am I going to be your trainer's newest pet!"[/color] she yelled, trying to disguise the tremor in her voice. [color=palegoldenrod]"Or your training dummy!"[/color]

The Gothitelle's expression became one of confusion, then she shook her head. [color=magenta]"No, no, that's not what we're here for."[/color] Her tone was surprisingly gentle. [color=magenta]"We have no trainer. You see, we weren't always Pokemon. And we know you weren't either."[/color]

Stunned into silence, Gabrielle stared. Was this the truth she was hearing? She wasn't the only one under this curse?