Remram

Pokémon: There and Back Again

@Zarkun

The floating pumpkin creature looked at Jason worriedly as he spat out rocks and dirt, which was still an improvement to nearly meeting the fine edge of a Scyther's blade though perhaps he didn't feel like it was given that he had a pebble in his nose. It did however perk up when the trainer asked about a woman that never leaves this forest.

"Pumpka? Pumpka!" It cried out, bouncing in the air before it dashed off. It turned around to check if Jason was following it. "Pumpka," the Pumpkaboo yelled out as if to say 'This way!'

Considering what he had experienced before in the forest, it would have been against his own better judgement to go and follow a Pokemon that may lead him to his doom though this was his only lead. Jason had already learned first had that the forest was a one way death trap for many that were not prepared; the residents of this forest were quite prone to murder and wanton violence. Was he really going to trust this Pokemon to lead him through?

(GM Note: Please make your decision before reading forward)

If Jason Follows

Taking a leap of faith, Jason would decide to follow the helpful Pumpkaboo through the forest. Through the mist, past the webs, over the roots, and past the edges with running rivers he would not miss a step as was led by the ghost. It always made sure to stop to make sure that he did not fall behind though luckily he never did. It was hard to be sure if the Pumpkaboo was actually helping him or was just having a lark with leading him around randomly. Still, it was leading Jason in a way that avoided any confrontations with any of the wild Pokemon.

After an undeterminable amount of time, Jason would arrive at a clearing.

Welcome to

Helga's Retreat

To find this cabin this deep in the woods meant someone really went out of their way to find this place. Anyone could tell that if a person lived all the way out there, then they were someone that wanted to be well enough alone. It was a dark, damp place; the only source of light were those coming from the cabin itself. At first glance it would appear that way, but there were more orbs of light floating around and with no close inspection needed they were all Pumpkaboo of great proportions though apart from that they seemed to be the only Pokemon to be around.

Pokedex Entry #710-Pumpkaboo, the Pumpkin Pokemon. Supersized Pumpkaboo are very partial to the spirits of people who were of similarly superior proportions. Pumpkaboo of this size are said to be the product of areas where a great number of lost souls lingered.

The cabin itself was well maintained on the outside though one could hardly imagine anyone living somewhere like this. It was completely isolated from the rest of the world, true isolation. There were no people, no civilization, nothing. In most cases, most people run away from finding a lone cabin in the woods in fear of being chopped up into tiny pieces or find someone in a hockey mask rise from the water. Is whatever that needs to be done worth it?

Suggested Actions

1. Find Pokémon.Can be specified what kind of Pokémon is being searched for, and how you search
2. Talk. Only one person here to talk to.
3. Exit. Exit the area.
4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result.
5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you.
6. Go to the cabin. Knock on it. See what happens.

Starbor Forest-Deep Woods: Helga's Cabin

Common:
#710-Pumpkaboo

If Jason Does Not Follow

After a near death experience the day prior, Jason saw it best to avoid its aid in fear that it would lead him astray. These woods were not a kind place and if yesterday was proof of anything, it was that Pokemon could be just as malicious as human beings so he'd rather take his chances with the woods than possible deception.

Jason would continue to walk through the woods aimlessly in search of Helga's residence when he felt the ground give way and fell down into what he would discover to be a pit trap. He would sit on his butt looking up only to see bipedal Pokemon with leaves on their head looking down at him, laughing at what they had caught.

Pokedex Entry #274-Nuzleaf, the Wily Pokemon. Nuzleaf live in densely overgrown forests. They occasionally venture out of the forest to startle people. This Pokémon dislikes having its long nose pinched.

The only thing Jason could do is climb up.

---

@samreaper

As Tristan bore witness, this Gossifleur sang it's cheerful, beautiful tune. It was as if nature itself was singing through this adorable little flower. Eventually, its song would reach a climatic end and would land back on the ground. It had a self-satisfied look on its face when it heard clapping behind it.

"Gos?" The shiny little diva looked curiously towards the source of the applause. It did not expect to actually have an audience, albeit an audience of one, but an audience nonetheless. Still, being the natural little showman it was the Gossifleur gave Tristan a bow with a flourish from its stubby arms.

"Gos!" It seemed to respond to Tristan's comment with a charming smile and swayed around in the wind with a gentle dance as if just to show off its performing prowess.

What does Tristan do?

---

@Sanguine Rose

The man's eyes widened when Faye asked if there was something wrong. He just looked tired as if he already had a long day even though it was still the morning. She had never heard a man sigh as heavily as he did, as if the air was being forced out of his lungs.

With great exhaustion he said, "Oh, um, it's my grandfather. We were supposed to receive a shipment of apricorns from an associate from route 1, but for some reason they failed to do so... again. That stubborn Mudsdale of a man went to meet them though knowing him he's probably going to make the situation worse."

It did not take a genius to figure out how a business not receiving its building materials was a detrimental. If the store did not have apricorns then it meant that they could not make Pokeballs and if they could not make Pokeballs, then they could not fill up their stock, and without their stock they had no business.

"I wanted to go with him, but he refused to close the shop so I'm stuck here.

What does Faye do?

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

@Zarkun@Sanguine Rose

Well, judging by the hug Ria was definitely quite on friendly terms with the older man, Damian. She introduced him to the swordsman and the swordsman to him and just continued to talk. She really did talk quite a lot, but then again compared to him just about anyone did save the guild mute and the walking keg though that was who she was; a cheerful, chattering dervish that barely could sit still. Nolan watched her walk away and was quickly going to follow her though the swordsman had motioned for the monk to walk with him. Well, Nolan found no reason to object since they were walking the same direction, a poor choice on his part.

The moment he heard Damian say he had 'somewhat a reputation' Nolan fought the overwhelming urge to roll his eyes. That is something someone either says as either a humble brag or to exaggerate their meager accomplishments, so this swordsman was either an arrogant prick or incredibly insecure. It didn't matter which one it was, Nolan already was beginning to find him to be annoying existence and it did not even end there. Damian just talked on and on about himself with no relenting. At this point, it would not have surprised him if Damian pulled out an accordion wallet filled with photos of his kid or talk about how he was some ladies man in his youth. The worst part? The worst part was that this man did not explain why he was even there to begin with, which was why he even asked to begin with!

By the time they reached the carriage, Nolan almost ripped the door of its hinges. He could not get rid of Damian quickly enough. The young monk looked at him dead in the eyes and said, "Mr. Pendragon, do you just speak in exposition? I asked who you are, not your autobiography."

"Enjoy your trip, Mr. Pendragon. Don't talk the driver's ear off." Damian would have had the door slammed in his face.

Did Nolan insult a very powerful warrior? Yes. Would he have still insulted him even if he knew who Damian really was? Also yes.

The horses were pulled up, something he did not expect for a kingdom as technologically advanced as Pergrande. Things were really down the shitter, but it was no matter. Nolan got one foot in a stirrup and threw his leg over the horse. The convoy soon went on their way, albeit at the brisk pace of pleasant stroll through the park. He just sat there on his horse, his hood pulled up over his head to give him some relief from the sun beaming down on him. The mage had nothing to say as he looked at the road ahead of them.

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

@Zarkun@Sanguine Rose

Thankfully, the soldiers did not continue to doubt the capability of the two soldiers and made show of resistance to Nolan taking charge specifically. They were desperate of course so there was no real need to convince them, but even if they refused to bite their tongue and swallow their pride Nolan would've just done his best to make sure they did not bite the dust. However, it was the willingness on their part that gave him a sigh of relief. As much of a burden it was to have their lives in his hands, it only made the job easier to know that they were willing to do whatever it took to stay alive because for them it was about surviving instead of delivering whatever cargo they were ordered to risk their lives for.

The guards saw no use in discussing any further details, something that Nolan could get behind. That was until another unexpected variable came into the picture; a man with a gruff expression, yet an air of ease approached Ria. The man was a warrior, that much was obvious to Nolan though it was not the weapons that gave it away. Anyone could buy a sword and a pistol and call themselves a fighter, but this man had the eyes of one; alert and sharp, always taking in his surroundings. They were the same eyes of the experienced, hardened mercenaries and mages he worked with before Pergrande.

Nolan was not sure to make of this man, but he was familiar with Ria and judging from his friendliness towards her he was not someone to be wary of, at least not yet. The monk didn't like this at all. Not the man perse, but the fact that this swordsman was an unexpected variable in a job already riddled with them. At the same time, he could not help, but wonder who this swordsman was; he wasn't part of the guard and certainly was not the cargo. It only stood to reason that this man had enough sway that he could get a ride approved by the garrison commander.

Still, Nolan made no effort to hide his annoyance with the sudden new character involved. He looked at the swordsman with the same grump apathy that he always had and said sarcastically, "And I see you're the man with no name." The monk made it clear that he had no patience for whatever bullshit the swordsman was going to do.

"You weren't mentioned in the briefing at all. Now pardon my ignorance, but who the hell are you?" He curtly said, looking to get straight to the point.

Pokémon: There and Back Again

@Sanguine Rose

While her less than ideal traveling companion went off to see the sights and sounds that Florasong had to offer, Faye had the goal to restock her desperately dwindling supply of Pokeballs. Yes, she walked with great purpose through the town of song and flowers though wisely cautious of having Tilia out in the open. A shiny Pokemon, one as rare as a Rowlet, would surely draw attention towards her, but Eevee is certainly not a Pokemon that one saw ordinarily as well either though no one really paid her any mind. After all, it was an everyday occurrence for people to walk around with their beloved Pokemon just as she and Tristan did.

For Faye, being a skilled and knowledgeable trainer was everything. Certainly she did not have any interest of being a tourist though walking through this town even she would have had a difficult time not to be pulled into the town's mood. Compared to the vastness and bustling industrious nature of Grand Glory or the historical majesty of King's Cross, there was a comfort to be found in this small, colorful town. The music and flowers were important factors, but above all else it was the people. They simply lived their lives in peace and appreciation, enjoying the moment though not with complacency. Faye of all people would know better than that. In some ways, it was like being back in Fenris though perhaps more festive.

Eventually, she would arrive outside her destination. The outside of Critical Capture is like most of the buildings around the town with a very floral front though it had a wooden sign hanging that said its name surrounding a Fast Ball model Pokeball as its logo mark. The window had a display that showed of many kinds of Pokeballs, each one made from various apricorns.

Upon entering the store, she would be surrounded by all kinds of Pokeballs, some she had never seen catalogued before. At the counter there was a man that was in his very early twenties wearing a green apron and bushy brown hair that was held back by a green hairband.

"Ah, uh, hello! How can I help you?" He asked weirdly nervously.

Critical Capture Prices

Heavy Ball - 800P
Lure Ball - 800P
Friend Ball - 800P
Love Ball - 800P
Level Ball - 800P
Fast Ball - 800P
Moon Ball- 800P
Steam Ball- 1000P
Mineral Ball- 1000P
Sky Ball- 1000P

Steam Ball: Improved catch rate for fire and water types
Mineral Ball: Improved catch rate for ground, rock, and steel types
Sky Ball: Improved catch rate for flying and electric types

---

@samreaper

So, with a Pokeball in hand Tristan looked around for a potential new Pokemon to add in his team. There were so many options to pick from and some that he had not even discovered yet in the area. However, while walking around her was captivated by a song, a joyous beautiful tune. Perhaps he was beckoned by it or it was simply curiosity, he walked through the garden to find the source of the song. Peaking through the bushes, he would see the charming sight of a Gossifleur whirling around in the wind singing its song like an operatic diva center stage, except its coloration was far different than the other versions that he had seen. With each swaying movement, sparkles came off it.

Gossifleur

What does Tristan do?

---

@Zarkun

Against better judgement like the first character to be killed in a horror movie, Jason turned around and tried to be as sneaky as possible to see if he could see what was following behind him. Then like a horror movie character, he got his foot caught on a root somehow and went face first into dirt and ate it, literally. There was dirt and grit in his mouth and some even up his nose. Somehow, death by Scyther would had been preferable to the embarrassment to what he must had been feeling in that moment and yet, somehow this was the last embarrassing thing to have happened in this game so far.

He could sense that there was something in front of him. It would have been hard to not notice it as he lifted his head up, he would see two orbs of bright light hovering in front of him. After whatever reaction, he would have had he would soon see that they belonged to something; a strange floating creature that resembled a pumpkin, a jack-o-lantern specifically though its body was pink and black rather than a pumpkin's orange. It had two holes in its body were bright light shone out.

Pokedex Entry #710-Pumpkaboo, the Pumpkin Pokemon. Supersized Pumpkaboo are very partial to the spirits of people who were of similarly superior proportions. Pumpkaboo of this size are said to be the product of areas where a great number of lost souls lingered.

"Pumpka?" It said with concern for the trainer. Perhaps it thought that Jason was lost.

What does Jason do?

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

@Zarkun@Sanguine Rose

For a trained soldier eager to serve and protect his station, his grip was rather lacking. The corporal did at least have manners to give himself a proper introduction though it was quite obvious that he was holding something back. The PFC though was quick to drop the facade and then the other guard confirmed that this would have been a suicide mission if they were not able get any of the guild mages to accept the job. Nolan could feel his back ache from how much he was going to have to carry the job for these three jobbers and yet, the corporal really had the nerve to even ask them if they knew how to fight.

Nolan just stared the corporal down with his cold gaze until he just took long deep breath, pinched the bridge of his nose, and closed his eyes tightly. "Right, training accident," he breathed out before opening his eyes. "If your commander didn't think our guild was up for the job, we wouldn't even be here in the first place," Nolan pointed out to the corporal.

There was no doubt that he was rude, perhaps uncalled for. These guards were just scared, everything that could have gone wrong did. Monsters were overwhelming them, wearing down their numbers while aid was nowhere to be seen or heard from the capital. These young men afraid that they were going to be sent to their slaughter and their only hope were these mages from foreign lands beyond. The whole point of Nolan even taking part of this absolute shit show was because Ria was trying to do her best to improve his dirt poor reputation within this town starting with the guards.

It was hard to be sure, but it looked like he was mulling over something reluctantly. He sighed and said,"But I do understand that there must be good faith on both sides. If you have questions about our abilities, then ask. However, in exchange I will take point."

Pokémon: There and Back Again

@Zarkun

Shaking off the nightmare, Jason went about on his business and stocked up on supplies to resume his search in the Deep Starbor Woods.

Eventually he would arrive in those dark woods, the thick canopy offered little sunlight as the mist rolled in. Jason still had to be careful of the various webs strung about the forest lest he would become the next meal to a very hungry Bug-Type Pokemon. Memories of being hunted by Scyther should have been fresh in his mind, so he should exercise great caution.

It would occur to Jason that he was aimless. Sure, he was told about this woman that lived alone in this awful forest though how to find her was completely up in the air. There was no maintained path in these woods, it was just a rocky moss covered path going nowhere and one could get lost in these woods as there were no distinct landmarks.

However, as he was walking he could hear foliage brush behind him and from the peripheral of his vision an odd flash of light.

Does Jason investigate?

---

@samreaper

Walking away from his travelling companion, Tristan would walk through the town of Florasong and took in the sights, sounds, and smells. There was a man playing his violin, an outdoor cafe with people reading the local paper or chatting away, a student rushing towards school struggling with an upright bass case. For someone like Tristan, it was a chance to learn about a place that he had never been to before without the influence from his family. It was something he could take at his own pace, to make up his own mind and plans, and to form his own perspective of the world away from his bubble.

As he walked through the town, he found it slowly getting quieter. The music that had once made up the background noise of the town slowly faded. Tristan would find himself standing in front of an arched wrought iron fencing with an arch that acted as the doorway. Walking through it, Tristan would be greeted by a quite sight.

Welcome

Aria's Park

Beyond the joyful, improvised tunes of musicians one would find a silent serenity. Aria's Park is one of the crown jewels of Florasong, a public space filled to the brim with an unsurpassed collection flowers as far as the eye could see. One could see the love and care in maintaining the garden and in the artistry from every plant that was planted and in their arrangements to be as visually pleasing to the eye as possible. To step into the park is to feel like stepping into an idyllic painting.

People could be seen as one would walk around taking in the pleasant surroundings. There were those passing through to take their daily walk while there were those having a picnic in what one could see to be a designated area. Artists with their easels sought to capture the beauty of the park through their craft. Of course, maintaining the garden beds in the park did not happen magically. There were gardeners working away to make sure that there was nary a weed sprouting or flower with wilting petals.

In the middle of the park was a manor painted white with large windows that let in all the sunlight, vines with blooming flowers of various colors climbed up its walls. There was a slab made of red brick that held in place a plaque engraved, 'Aria Eberg estate. Aria Eberg founded Florasong in 1892 to spend her final years and in her charity and love of community left a legacy that cannot be erased. Aria Eberg donated her estate to the citizens of Florasong and her home is now a research facility to respect her love of learning and growth.'

There were Pokemon that one would expect to find in such a garden. A Pokemon that would be considered a pest was eating the weeds in the garden, a strange insect that adorned itself with leaves. Not too far off though were walking flowers with great yellow petals and something akin to red hair

Pokedex Entry #540-Sewaddle, the Sewing Pokemon. This Pokémon makes clothes for itself. It chews up leaves and sews them with sticky thread extruded from its mouth.

Pokedex Entry #829-Gossifleur, the Flowering Pokemon. It anchors itself in the ground with its single leg, then basks in the sun. After absorbing enough sunlight, its petals spread as it blooms brilliantly. Gossifleur whirls around in the wind while singing a joyous song. This delightful display has charmed many into raising this Pokémon.

Flying between flower to flower were these hexagonal flying creatures. One could see that they were collecting nectar from the plants before flying away in the same direction.

Pokedex Entry #415-Combee, the Tiny Bee Pokemon. The trio is together from birth. It constantly gathers nectar from flowers to please Vespiquen. Combee in the Evig region work in squads and report back to their assigned leader, Vespigard.

What does Tristan do?

Suggested Actions

1. Find Pokémon.Can be specified what kind of Pokémon is being searched for, and how you search
2. Talk. In cities, there are considerably more people one can talk to.
3. Exit. Exit the park.
4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result.
5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you.
6. Aria's Manor It's open to the public. It's a good start to learn more about the park and the plants and Pokemon that live in it.

Connected Areas

Florasong Town

Florasong: Aria's Park

Common:
#415-Combee
#540-Sewaddle
#829-Gossifleur

Uncommon:

Rare:

Persona ~ Alone at Sea (PERSONA WITH A BOAT 𓊝)

Every night Victor was pulled back in. Every bloody night he stood on the docks waiting for that man in blue to appear again, but the man never did. All he had were questions and the only response he received were the lapping waves under a quiet moonlit night. Sometimes he stared into the water and thought about jumping back in in search of any possible answers, but at the risk of being maimed by another demonic Frog and the Toad or some other strange aberration of nature Victor saw that it was best to avoid entering that world again for the foreseeable future.

Perhaps it was better to forget it ever happened. There was nothing to be gained from obsessing over it. The island was a death trap; they were lucky to have gotten out of it alive and yet, it called to a part of him.

It was eating him alive, but to the rest of the world he was just his usual charming, sociable self. It was business as usual as if nothing had ever happened. One did have to keep up appearances after all. He threw himself into his every day routine, putting all of his energy into maintaining a well connected social life and of course all preparations for the HATS auditions for their next stage play, whenever that may be.

It was better to focus his time and effort into something that was anchored in his own reality. Victor made no attempts to approach the other island castaways to even dare broach the subject. They were most likely trying to put the ordeal behind them and move on with their lives, not that he could blame them. He had no right to dredge up unwanted memories after an experience like that.

Speaking of dredging unwanted memories, there was Victor in the men's locker room changing back into his own clothes after a post-workout shower. While changing, he saw a couple of guys looking at a phone with smirks. They were just some acquaintances that frequently visited the gym that he was friendly enough with. One of them looked up at Victor with a grin and held his phone out to the Frenchman.

"Hey did you see this?" The boy asked, showing the screen to Victor. It was a video of the campus at night, specifically focused on a tree and there were the sound of girls muttering. It was familiar, strangely so as he did not know where he had seen it before, but he had. Then he felt the weight of his sins on his back when from the video came the loud moan of a valley girl calling out Daniel's name.

"Word has it that it's Daniel Burkley. Rumor has it he was making moves on a girl and then snuck out to have a go with another. The man works quick!"

The other boy said, "I didn't realize how much of a dog he is! The girl sounded kinda hot though. Got any idea who she is?"

She's standing right in front of you, thought Victor.

Outside he maintained composure, but inside he was screaming. With all that had happened, he had forgotten about the video and it was now part of the campus latest gossip. Still, the only comfort that he could find was that no one suspected him of being the valley girl in the video. This was a secret that he was going to take to his grave.

After dealing with the consequences of his own actions, Victor walked out of the locker room with his gym bag in tow. He was about to go and grab dinner from the cafeteria when two strangers approached him. One was a youthful man and another was an older, grittier man that looked like he had seen it all. Victor did not recognize either one of them as teacher's or staff around the school. The younger man's attire was too sloppy to be a teacher at this school; his tie was too loose and his shirt's top buttons were unbuttoned among other things. The older man was dressed more sensibly though not many teacher's walk around wearing trench coats and look like they were about to ask someone if they were feeling lucky.

"Hey kid, are Victor Lafayette?" Asked that younger man, earning a stern expression from his companion.

"Mind your manners, Jones." The older man chided the younger one. His gaze returned to the teenager when a look of realization crept upon his face. "Wait, Lafayette? As in the actor? Are you his son?"

Victor cautiously took a step back from the two strange men asking too many question. "That is correct. Pardon me, but who are you two?"

The older man was quick to pick up on Victor's distrust and was quick to remedy his mistake. "Right, our apologies." Both men pulled out case that when unfolded presented a badge and an ID. "I'm Inspector Diego Harris and my partner here is Inspector Nathan Jones. We would like to ask you some questions."

Victor did relax when he saw that they were just police though it did raise questions. How did they even find him? Well, it's not like he had a sporadic schedule so it would not have been hard to track his whereabouts, but still. Also, why him? He was not involved in any illicit activities and as far as he knew, he was certain that those in his friend group were not doing illegal, or at least enough to warrant the involvement of the cops. Unless it was about the other world, but there was no way that had to be the case. If there was some secret government cabal that knew about this, the last thing they would do was send cops in to question him.

So, with no choice to comply Victor was led to a makeshift interrogation room and sat down on an oddly damp chair. It was almost pitch black save for the solitary lamp at the table that lit up the room. He sat there watching the two detectives fiddle around with a file before they sat down across from him. Inspector Jones angled the lamp just so that it was hitting the student's face enough to make it uncomfortable.

Inspector Harris placed a recording device on the table and clicked it. "September 20th, interview with Victor Lafayette." His gaze focused on the boy in front of him. "So, how's school going for you? Are you enjoying it? Making friends?"

Victor arched his brow at the line of questioning. "I've been having a good time. I haven't had a hard time making friends here."

"Good, that's good. So tell me, where does Sofia Wright fit in your friend group?"

"Well, she doesn't. She was assigned as my group leader for orientation. My contact with her and the rest of them has been minimal at best. I'm sorry, but why are you asking about her?"

Inspector Jones interjected, "The girl has been reported missing."

His eyes widened in shock from this revelation. "Missing? What do you mean she's missing?"

"She had been reported missing on the 16th, but was last seen on the 15th. You and some other kids were the last to see her before her disappearance. Can you tell us what happened on the 15th?" asked Inspector Harris. His tone wasn't harsh nor kind, just direct with the intent of digging for the truth.

Sure Victor had not seen her around after the island fiasco, but it was not like he saw her around before then anyway. He had just assumed that as soon as she escaped that she ran back to her dorm to forget that any of it ever happened. Then again, he did not see what happened after he was forcibly removed. Before it was safe to assume that she escaped with the others, but no one told him what happened after he accidentally returned to their world. Perhaps they lost track of her in the chaos.

It's not like he could tell the detectives about the other world without thinking he was a loon. No sane person would accept it as any rational explanation. He could only hope that his shock did not give anything away and was just that of a concerned student.

"Of course. Sophia invited the entire group to take part of some traditional hazing to jump into the freezing ocean. Some were adamant towards the idea, but there was an accident; somehow we all fell into the water, but no one was hurt." Technically it was the truth. They did fall in and it did not hurt them. All he did was neglect to tell them what happened after they fell into the water.

"Did anything else happen afterwards?"

"I don't know. I was the first to leave." Again, it wasn't a lie technically. Victor by all accounts was the first to leave albeit forcibly via getting smacked into the spring. "I'm sorry detectives, but that is all I know"

"That's fine Victor. Thank you for your cooperation. If you think of anything, please call my number," said Diego, handing the French teen a business card.

With that ordeal finished, Victor walked to the cafeteria though his thoughts were far away from whatever half-baked cuisine the school served. There was no way that he was the only one that was interrogated. They probably grabbed the rest of the Icebreaker group. The group and him were the only ones that knew the truth of the matter. They must return to the island to find Sophia regardless if she was dead, alive, or in some other state of being altogether. However, it was going to be difficult with the cops breathing down their necks. No doubt they were going to monitor their movements. They had to find away to get together without raising suspicions.

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

@Zarkun@Sanguine Rose

Nolan looked down at Ria and for the first time that she knew him, his cold dead expression had morphed into one of complete confusion; his brow was arched and he just had a look in his eyes that tried to figure out the mental gymnastics that she went through to suggest putting him in any position of power. In any freelance work when hired by another group, it was typical to be under the orders of someone else as long it was within the agreed arrangement. Mercenaries ran a tight ship and hierarchy was the lifeblood within any respectable group, so to go as far as to suggest putting an outsider like Nolan in any position to command a platoon was absurd. It's also why one doesn't hire many freelance mercs at the same time; there were many egos. It would have led to everything falling into shambles, but it looked like things were set on that course anyway.

The suspicious glare from that one soldier did not escape from Nolan's notice, which was returned with Nolan's own icy stare. Of course, the one that was leading this mission was the one that was distrustful of guild mages. It was not as if the tension between him and the guards was already palpable already. It was as if this mission was preordained to be an absolute shitshow. At this point, he would not even wonder how it was going to get worse because it just would.

"Well, we better play nice. That's why you brought me here anyway," said Nolan to Ria before he walked over to the Corporal and the three other soldiers with that usual resting bitch face of his, casually glancing them over not to size them up, but to get a read of what he was working with. They had the kind of faces that screamed that they would be killed the moment things went wrong. His focus shifted back to the one in charge of the platoon.

"Nolan, A-Class Mage of Rising Star. I look forward to working with you," said the young mage, placing heavy emphasis that he was working with the Corporal rather than working under him. He held his hand out for a handshake towards the Corporal who was no doubt giving him the evil eye at this point. It wasn't Nolan trying to make nice, it was a power move. If the corporal refused to shake his hand, then he looked like he was uncooperative in front of his superior and made Nolan look like the bigger man in the situation, but if he did shake the mage's hand then he shook the hand of someone that he hated very much and was forced to treat him as an equal. It was only a win-win situation for Nolan.

Pokémon: There and Back Again

@Zarkun

Wisely, Jason retreated from the Deep Woods given that he was woefully underprepared for what laid ahead of him. There was no trouble thankfully and he returned to Starbor with no incident. There he returned to the ground floor Pokemon Center of the sprawling village where he would retire for the rest of the night, occupying one of the bunkbeds used for traveling trainers like a government issued hostel. He would get under the covers, close his eyes, and drift off to sleep.

Then there was darkness. Jason found himself standing in a void, not really knowing his orientation in relation to the space. Was he up or was he down? Well, it didn't really matter. The darkness rippled like a disturbed pond from his feet and above him was a white crescent moon that was reflected below him as well. In the background he could hear 'tick tock tick tock' rhythmically repeat just loud enough to be noticeable, but enough that he would have had to strain his his hearing just to make it out.

With no warning just as he was finally able to make out that sound, he heard something else. A voice, gravely and graver than any he had ever heard, something inhuman. It sounded like static, its own voice cutting off as if it was someone calling with poor reception. However, there was one thing that Jason could clearly hear.

"Seek me..."

A burning, throbbing pain ripped through his head and woke up with a start. It was weird, lucid dream, but only a dream. Other than that, the entirety of Starbor was his to explore. Of course, he probably went to the Pokemart just like he planned and if he did he was greeted by a store clerk.

"Hi there! How can I help you?"

(The mart items list is in the discord)

Welcome to...

Starbor Village

Ground Level

Starbor Village was a village only in name. This place was more of a city that married tradition, technological advancements, and nature into one eco-friendly package. The trees were not cleared away to make room for the buildings; they were either built on and around the massive trees that made up the forest and some were even built inside them, yet, somehow in a way that was not harmful to the trees. Even the buildings were covered in various foliage. Everything about this village respected the nature that residents made their home in while representing great progress towards an ideal future for both humanity and Pokemon.

Just by breathing the air in this village one would feel rejuvenated compared to about any city in the world and there is an energy in the air that could be described only as one of ease that could only come from being around so much nature, or perhaps for some a feeling of excitement as they explored the very tops of the canopy that made up the uper layer of the city. After all, Starbor is known as the 'village that scrapes the stars' and whether or not that is a hyperbole, one could not deny the sheer absurd height that the trees had. Just by going to the very top one could get an incredible view of most of Eastern Evig.

It was a multi-tiered village, making use of the vertical space offered by the trees and each tier was broken into several districts; the Agriculture District, the Scholar District, the Market District, the Residential District, and the Entertainment District. In fact, Starbor Village was the model for Lacritasia City. Being on the ground level, one would see more and more buildings above while cable cars were used to get move around the village, unless someone had a large, strong Pokemon to fly them around.

On the ground floor, there were a variety of common Pokemon roaming around.

Caterpie, the Worm Pokemon. For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antenna on its head to drive away enemies. Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls.

Bellsprout, the Flower Pokemon. Bellsprout's thin and flexible body lets it bend and sway to avoid any attack, however strong it may be. From its mouth, this Pokémon spits a corrosive fluid that melts even iron.

Skowvet, the Cheeky Pokemon. It eats berries nonstop—a habit that has made it more resilient than it looks. It'll show up on farms, searching for yet more berries.

Connected Areas
Starbor Forest. A forest filled with ungodly huge trees and many secrets.
Lake Charity. A massive body of water. Used to travel between Starbor Village, Valstille City, and Florasong Town.
Blue Lichen Cave. South of Starbor Village.

Suggested Actions

1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in towns and cities.
2. Talk. In cities, there are considerably more people one can talk to. Specify what kind you’re looking for.
3. Exit. Exit the town to any of the connected areas.
4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result.
5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you.
6. Notable Buildings. Visit any of the facilities of the city!
6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon.
6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things.
6.3. Kiosk. Great place to ask for directions.
7. Rail Carts. Take a cart to help you get around the village. Agriculture District, the Scholar District, the Market District, and the Entertainment District

Starbor Village Ground Floor

Starbor Village Ground Level Known Pokemon:
Common:
#010-Caterpie
#069-Bellsprout
#819-Skwovet

Uncommon:

Rare:

Strange Gospel: A Heavily Persona-Inspired Urban Fantasy RP

Kauro held his knife out at the approaching creatures. It really was hopeless wasn't it? The were screwed from the moment that they used that damned app. They wandered into eldritch territories, ignorant of the grander powers at play and were going to pay the price with blood. The monsters just kept getting closer and closer, and then there was nothing, but white before him.

Was he dead? He looked around his new strange surroundings, the first thing he did was look up to see if there an end to the borderless white only to see a star filled night sky above him. From his periphery, he noticed that not only the kids with him from earlier were with him, but other poor saps that he did not recognize as well, no doubt attacked by the aberrations of this world. The strangest thing though was not this place's appearance or the people he was pulled in with, but the thing that resided in the void.

Just like the rest this crap sack world, there was another humanoid creature with them. It was a young girl though with all manner of segments and crevices along her joints just like a marionette and yet had the strange uncanniness of a porcelain doll. Every movement she made was followed by a metallic clicking and jingling, very different from the monsters that they encountered earlier. Nothing about this thing was human though it sure had a sick, macabre sense of humor. It giggled and teased them for the impending doom and yet coyly vague of what it was even talking about.

And then it mentioned salvation. Of course it was just as vague, but he got the gist though with no warning an immediate wave of uncontrollable panic and dread washed over him. Fear prompted by that damned doll, but it was not of death, at least on its own. There were worst things than death. Something like that is what an edgy anime character would say and be reiterated by some fourteen year old on the internet. It was another platitude.

Living a pointless life and then dying an equally pointless death, however, was another thing entirely.

Followed was the sensation of something inside trying to get out literally. Kauro could feel something slithering inside him like cold snakes, bulging against his skin trying to escape. Black branches erupted from his back in a never ending flow. Kauro screamed as he felt like his insides were being ripped from the inside to the outside for the world to see. The end of result was a mass of black branches with a strange texture similar to wrought iron floating in the air. The mass then began to move, cracking and twisting to give itself form.

Kauro watched, exhausted and panting, until what stood behind him was a towering monstrosity, blacker than any darkness and more decrepit and foul. It was a gangling beast with long, branch like limbs and ten abnormally long humanoid fingers though had the feet of a bird. This thing had no real torso except for its visible rib cage made from those branches and the crooked, jagged spine that connected it and its head to the rest of its body. It had wings that on first glance that had feathers, but one could tell that they were not real. They looked like they were carved and welded from metal. The creature had no recognizable facial features save for its raven like beak.

It slouched and tilted its head downwards to look at the creature, opening its beak to show rows of human teeth and a sharp tongue that slid out and slouched on the side.

"How ugly," Kauro said smiling at the creature, patting its beak. He did not pretend to understand what it was though he felt a strange connection to it.