Viola could under the following days confirm that the Minutemen had apparently failed to do something about Sheila at the Rockers. Possibly worried about what Sheila might have done, she kept her distance from her sister, but let her keep them alive.
Meanwhile, Sheila was a lot less worried about if they’d survive to the next day. Having money was a blessing. Now, it had been time for her to build up Creep’s existence. Where Wisp had been white… Creep would be black. The laser-pointers had to be left behind, while she did what she could to change who she was, just in case she was ever intercepted. Even if Creep was ever discovered, she wanted Wisp to be free to live with her sister should she escape.
Creep used black gloves, of course. No way she could leave fingerprints anywhere. She also tightly bound a hood over her hair, to limit white hair falling down onto the floor during missions. In case she was seen, she had a black blindfold bound around her eyes, and she had a cloth-mask over her mouth, leaving only her nose uncovered. In the mask, she had a voice-changer that she had stolen, just in case she had to talk, because Wisp was the one who made letters in the air. Her light-powers meant she could see just fine even with the blindfold, she just guided the light through the small holes and saw everything. The rest of the clothing was black, too, wearing socks because they were silent.
It was with some hesitation that she stole for the Rockers. Stealing had been something she did even before she had been doing it on behalf of the Rockers, and it was possible a line was drawn between her own personal thefts and the Rockers. … But it wasn’t as if she could stop stealing. Then she’d be confirming that they were the same individual. Sheila continued stealing as she had, but she acted a bit differently when she stole as Creep. Left the calling card, perhaps broke something, left damage or stole some snacks as a “brute” perhaps would. Wisp would never leave any signs of her theft behind.
When looking for weapons… At least once, Creep should have found a gun. The blinked at it in realization, before coming to a conclusion. Creep could have use of a gun. She figured that since with her power she had a laser-sight basically built into her, she should have an easier time aiming than most people. It didn’t mean she would automatically become good at aiming, but even if her hand was shaking she’d at the very least know exactly where the bullet was going when she messed up her shot. She would have heard with Shatterpoint if he could get her non-lethal rounds for it. The rest of the weapons were handed over as instructed, and she gave her reports on the areas.
Now, in present day…
Creep
Sheila Hopkins
Rocker Town
Wherever Shatterpoint wanted her now, Creep was on the way, cloaking herself. As usual, she kept her wits about and scouted for potential danger first, before she entered the area. She looked around for Shatterpoint, and if she saw him she’d approach him and show a speck of light in his vision that meant she had arrived. If he wasn’t there… then she’d wait. Walk around so that she was a mobile target if someone was aiming for her (Sheila is very paranoid and distrustful), looking in various directions he might come from, but otherwise just hanging around.
On the subject of the Geodudes, wild Pokémon are knocked out all the time. They recover eventually after a good nap. Because there is nothing bad about battling wild Pokémon, assuming you’re not obviously abusing them under bad circumstances.
And, um. On the subject of the river. There’s a bridge over, to ensure that travellers don’t need to wade additionally, they did enough of that in Wet Caverns. But, she could wade over if she wanted to. That’s entirely up to her. (I will admit I imagined the river to be a bit too big to wade, though)
‘It was our great pleasure to escort you through the cavern, fair maiden.’ Joshua bowed deeply as he said, smiling and knowing how ridiculous he was being. Ewan seemed indifferent to it, but gave her an affirmative nod. Then, they were onto Lakewatch Town, and all it meant.
‘I have an interest in the guide-service has to offer, as well. I’ll accompany.’ Ewan says, nodding to Erika.
‘… And I’m not going to be leaving you alone with Ewan! Besides, if he gets any strange thoughts when looking at guides I need to be there to make plans with him!’ Joshua grinned, talking as if he was the dependable one of the two. Ewan raised an eyebrow at him for his words.
‘Regardless. We have plans on heading north, afterwards. There’s a Minor League Gym in Stillwood Village, and Joshua wants to then head on to the Contests of Redcoast City.’ Ewan continues.
‘Of course! It’s the highlight of it all! Just you wait, we’ll be shining on the stage!’ Joshua looked really happy on the stage.
‘Me too, huh.’ Ewan looked away, still with his normal neutral expression but looking just the slightest pale, forced to think about it.
So, apparently with these two as companions, Erika headed through the flooded(?) town, and towards this particular service that caught her eye. On the way she saw many others using canoes and various Pokémon to cross the town, either by water or flying, and just living ordinary happy life in a town covered mostly in water. They seemed quite happy, and numerous markets advertised to tourists. The main attraction was definitely the Lakewatcher’s tours of Dragon Lake, but other souvenirs and such could be bought. Anyways. Eventually, Erika found her way where she wanted to go.
Now, the Explorer’s Guide Service building itself was but a small dent into a building, a door and windows full of advertisement for the service. Inside was a cozy little store-like room where lots of fliers advertised the accomplishments of several presumably employed individuals while good reviews of their services hung around like newspaper articles, the walls covered by papers, maps of Isson and the likes. By the door stood a sign with some info for a visitor.
“Lakewatch residents live somewhat out of the way, meaning we need to travel to find our callings! On our travels, we have learned a lot! Here we offer our experience for you to use!”
There’s also a map of Lakewatch under the message with a “Our guides live HERE!” showing small arrows pointing at various spots throughout Lakewatch Town. It was vague enough that’d it be somewhat hard to find the person based on it, but with the number of arrows and how spread it was it delivered the message that this was an honest occupation in this town.
And, in the back on a chair behind a desk covered in paperwork and a strange small stone-statue of a Trapinch sat a girl staring at her mobile phone. Except, the moment Erika came in, she quickly looked up, gained a mildly interested look and leant forward. The girl’s wearing a jacket, a hat with some adventurous-looking goggles on and a large backpack lies packed on the right of her chair. She looks like she’s basically already on a journey.
What’s she biting on? A straw? A tiny stick? A lollipop? If I knew I would have described it, but as it is… … … Oh, right, I’m the GM, I could just decide. … Eh!
‘Oh? You’re a new face. Heading somewhere?’ The girl asked in a casual yet sharp tone, with hints of interest as she looked at Erika with considerable focus. Meanwhile, Ewan and Joshua had momentarily stopped outside to look over some of the notes.
Now, a list of the place’s services are listed to the girl’s immediate right.
1. Tips! Get a tip about any of the serviced areas! Small tip - 50P. Considerable tip - 200P. Masterful tip - 500P. 1.1. Wet Caverns. 1.2. Route 6, a.k.a, the Vast Plains. 1.3. Frozen Cave/Route 9. 1.4. Dragon Lake. 1.5. Mt. Strength. 1.6. Mt. Chill. 1.7. Route 7, a.k.a, the Desert Eye. 1.8. Endless Forest.”Tips” don’t help in Endless Forest. 1.9. Anywhere else! Name a place, and we’ll see what we can do! 2. Maps/guidebooks! To ensure you’ll never feel lost on your own! 2.1. Wet Caverns. Shows paths and water-ways. 300P. 2.2. Route 6, aka, the Vast Plains. Habitat guidebook. 500P. 2.3. Frozen Cave/Route 9. Maps and survival tips. 500P. 2.4. Dragon Lake. Habitat guidebook. 700P. 2.5. Mt. Strength. Maps. 1000P. 2.6. Mt. Chill. Maps and suggestions. 1000P. 2.7. Route 7, aka, the Desert Eye. Maps, and guide to finding the Oasis. 1000P. 2.8. Endless Forest.Any attempt at making a map or guidebook to Endless Forest is doomed to fail. We have hundreds of attempts, feel free to take one for free. 2.9. Anywhere else! Name a place, and we’ll see what we can do! - Price varies. 3. Hire a guide! To accompany you and help out with your needs in said area! - 2900P. 3.1. Wet Caverns. 3.2. Route 6, a.k.a, the Endless Plains. 3.3. Frozen Cave/Route 9. 3.4. Dragon Lake. 3.5. Mt. Strength. 3.6. Mt. Chill. 3.7. Route 7, a.k.a, the Desert Eye. 3.8. Endless Forest.Service discontinued due to complaints of getting lost despite having a guide. <There’s a drawn face rolling its eyes next to this one> 3.9. Anywhere else! Name a place, and we’ll see what we can do!
The Raltses looked a bit confused that Amelia denied the special treatment, but eventually acknowledged her wishes and left. They left the mug of water behind, though, just in case she got thirsty.
The Flabébés that accompanied Amelia are still here. They’re floating about inspecting the insides of the shrine and making occasional pleased noises in the sound of their names, looking happy. The Raltses don’t seem to mind them.
‘Hm. I suppose I could have.’ Lorette confirmed about Amelia’s suggestion. ‘But, eh… This felt more natural.’ She got to think about a few things she hadn’t expected to think about. But, she got to smile a bit. ‘Teh-heh. Thanks. And don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll be able to find something on your journ-’
She didn’t entirely get to finish that sentence. It wasn’t really that anything interrupted her, but there was suddenly a bunch of Raltses running inside the shrine and taking cover, throwing somewhat frightened glances outside. The Raltses on the inside also looked in that particular direction, before starting to run off, leaving the two young girls on their own along with the Flabébés and Larvesta. Lorette threw around a few mildly inconvenienced looks, and then stood up.
‘Looks like someone’s coming. You can keep warming yourself, I’ll have a look.’ She said and then walked outside.
Now, if Amelia looked outside…
On the street surrounded by forest outside, two men in soaked white clothes stumbled through the rain. They were looking around intently, seeming surprised at where they had found themselves. Other than the fact one had red hair-color, they looked basically identical on a range.
‘Who knew there was a shrine like this in here…?’ The white-haired one asked, looking around.
‘Hey look! A girl!’ The red-haired one noted, pointing at the shrine where Lorette was walking out.
‘Think it’s, uh, our girl? There’s no Drifloon…’ The white-haired one asked, looking a little unsure.
‘… Well! It’s better we take her and it turns out it WASN’T her than that we let her go and it turns out it was her!’ The red-haired one reasoned, before he acted. He walked forwards, pointed at Lorette and raised his voice.
‘You there! Young girl! There has been a warrant issued among Team Virtue for a young girl in Silent Forest! As you’re currently a young girl in Silent Forest, I insist you come with us, or we’ll have to resort bringing you in by force!’
Lorette stares at them in a bit of silence. She breaths in, preparing to say something, then breathes out again, a bit dumbfounded.
What happens next depends on if Amelia does something or not.
Ralia Growled and Del Hardened, and the effects took place. Conkeldurr’s offensive strength decreased a little, while Del’s defense increased. … But would that actually make a difference?
Ritz was forced to dodge as the giant lept for him, swinging his concrete slabs. He dodged the first, deftly flying up above the horizontal swing! He dodged the second, managing to duck precisely below the other slab swinging horizontally in the same direction! … However then Conkeldurr swung around, using the centrifugal force of his swings to spin around 360 degrees and swing again with frightening speed, and this time it was too sudden. Ritz was hit by the first slab and was sent flying across the room by the impact, rolling a bit before coming to a stop. Ritz has fainted, unable to escape the far more experienced monster of an opponent.
Meditite smirked where she floated. Yeah, not much else to do but to Confusion and hope it all adds up. Conkeldurr wasn’t exactly hard to hit. Another Confusion was shot, to similar effect, Conkeldurr taking the blow with but the slightest of reaction. But, that smile on the Pokémon may have dropped just the slightest. As commanded, Froakie jumped around, blowing out his bubbles and doing his best to cover the area. Which sure, it did, but Conkeldurr wasn’t even bothering with seeing it even as a it hit a considerable amount of them with each move.
‘Conkeldurr. The Confusions are going to pile up eventually, so let’s not let them. The Meditite. Chip Away!’ Hector commanded.
‘DURR!’ Conkeldurr acknowledged, and threw the two slabs a bit up into the air before gripping them both at their middles. With the weapons balanced like that both back and forward, Conkeldurr had considerably increased finesse with its giant weapons. He then turned towards Meditite with a violent grin, and the floating yoga-Pokémon could but awkwardly smirk back while charging another Confusion.
Conkeldurr made ready to leap at her. Meditite made ready to attempt dodging. Bubbles covered the range between them, but Conkeldurr wasn’t about to lose track of her because of them as they weren’t so numerous and tight to completely obstruct vision.
‘Flabébé, stop, dodge!’ Cathia quickly commanded after hearing Martin command another Leech Seed, and the fairy-type once again disengaged from making her attack and instead focused on dodging the Leech Seed. No Fairy Wind came.
‘Flabébé, use Fairy Wind when you can, but focus on avoiding the Leech Seeds!’ She commanded.
‘Flabébé~!’ Flabébé acknowledged, looking at Sprout with the smile that appears basically plastered onto the fairy-Pokémon and charging another Fairy Wind, although once again ready to dodge if needed. So, she couldn’t dodge the Leech Seed and make an attack at the same time. One or the other, and Cathia was prioritizing dodging.
Meanwhile, Bagon had come out and started dashing for Wooper and Sprout, but took a Water Gun on the way, stopping slightly in his tracks because of the sudden surge of water. Bagon glared at Wooper, taking another Water Gun before blasting off an Ember right after into Wooper’s face. Now, Water Gun was Not Very Effective, but coupled with the damage from earlier, Bagon was getting seriously hurt. … But the same was true for Wooper. Wooper had taken a couple Embers, a direct hit from Fairy Wind, and it was starting to pile up and now Wooper didn’t have much left, either. Bagon glared at Wooper, eyes overcome with…
‘Rage, Bagon!’ Cathia commanded, seeing the increasing damage on Wooper and decided to finish it.
‘BAGON-!!’ Bagon gave a little cry of rage as he dashed forth, intent on bashing his face into Wooper.
@Pirouette Teh-heh, you actually headed there, eh. Alright. Let's see if you actually make use of the place in any way. Or just talk to the clerk. That works too.
@Joshua Tamashii And, now this will be happening. Feel free to do something, or not. I'm going to guarantee one of those options will have the situation be resolved way faster than the other. Well, the other can still be very fast. ... Well. Depends. Haha.
Also, no, I didn't put much effort into that edit. I just wanted to make sure I could have a way of referring to them that didn't confuse them. Hah.
@Rune_Alchemist I will say. You're just a little low a level to take on this Gym challenge. But, perhaps you can pull it off anyway? Haha.
@Pikmin Eye@Eklispe Yeah, this match is going towards its end. Cathia has made a little miscalculation. Haha. Now, then. What do you do?
@Eklispe Yupp, nicely posted. Now, let's see if I can get a post in fairly soon.
@TheIrishJJ I'll note Erza has spoken to you. It'd be nice if you could respond, since he'll be frozen there otherwise. It wouldn't take much, a couple of words would do it. Like, a twelve-word post could potentially do. Depends on if you'd like to do more, of course, but it'd be nice, anyway.
@t2wave@Shifter_Master So, then. Should we wrap up the evening with a collaboration or just a write-up of what we figure would happen? I can just figure that Mariette's going to be her usual self, perhaps be a bit surprised at tastes because she's not had much sweet ever. Deni's probably going to be active in regular conversation, and because hilarity she's going to drag in Eli after it's clear nobody else is probably coming, and perhaps she can convince Mariette to be more present than through a portal. It'll be a nice friendly dinner, after all. That's about what I can comment on immediately. Yeah.
@Eklispe Alright, that'll be nice. My apologies for currently playing a solo character that needs creative attention. I will say I feel a little guilty about that. Thank you.
I'm fine with us just writing a wrap-up of sorts, potentially collaborating on it. But, heh. I think Broken has some kind of plan. Not sure what or when, but I don't believe we can wrap it up without her first doing what she intended on doing. But, yes. Mariette's intending on just spending a lazy evening. I don't have anything more I'd like to add, really.
Am I correct to assume I am waiting for a post addressing my situation and what Shatterpoint has made Wisp do as Creep for the past two weeks? Or am I to make my own impression of what might have happened, make my two-week-jump and write what might have changed between the sisters (and come up with a reason why Viola hasn't been calling the Minutemen more) and then write Wisp arriving at the next place of gathering?
Oh, and I suppose I should say, Wisp was planning on telling that "This place is not to be used as a gathering point from this point on. Choose another" as that place has ties to Wisp. So, the place to meet two weeks later should be someplace else.
Savo
Xaltwind
Framing A Moose
Ariamis
Not a Sayan
SkyeOfStars
Remram
Apollosarcher
