Akech-All for October

[truthdecided]

Who: Akechi, quest partners, and YOU!
What: Various quests + one OPEN prompt
Where: Various locations
When: Throughout October
Warnings: Borb in a cloak

Woodn't You Know It - Cedric;

[It hardly surprised Akechi that Mightyena would choose him as Cedric's... tutor. Setting aside his high standing in the guild, he's one of the only birds among their lot. And, seeing how Akechi's had over half a year to accquaint himself with the ways of guild life, a simple quest like this shouldn't be an issue at all.

Plus, as birds, they have the advantage of flight to make transporting supplies more manageable.

So, as they make their way through the forest, Akechi scans their surroundings for viable wood. For the sake of extra preparedness, he's brought a basket with which they can carry their load.]

I doubt they're expecting as much as they would from larger birds, but we should still try to make a good impression. How used to aerial movement are you?

Geistly Behavior - Archnemon, Anasui;

[How did Akechi end up in this situation?

Obviously, he was going to attack the ghosts. He has the type advantage, and the fall is a pivotal season for harvesting crops...

But Anasui and Archnemon are both psychic types. Ergo, they are weak to ghosts. Ergo, Akechi is the only one without a type disadvantage. Though, Anasui is a bird, and psychic types are known for their variable moves...

Still, to be safe, he's whipped up a Tailwind to enhance their speed, and has chosen to take to the front of the pack to divert ghostly attention.

Speaking of which, there's some giggling from the pumpkin patch.]

All right. I believe that's our cue...

Intimidation Tactics - Kinger, Chara;

[It had to be tunnels...

Fortunately, as a resident of the Spire, Akechi is used to navigating the terrain. There's less room for vertical movement, but just enough for him to comfortably hover and ascend ever soo slightly. As he often does on missions, he's whipped up a Tailwind to hasten their search.]

Bear in mind that Tailwind only lasts a short duration. I can reapply it, of course, but we'll want to take advantage of our boosted speed in case we encounter inteference.

[The tunnels have calmed since the fog receded, but there's always a risk out here.]

OPEN - The Molt;

[Unfortunately, not all is well despite Akechi's hard work this month. Typically, corvids molt in the summer, and he has shed feathers on occasion, but now? Now, he's itchy, he's patchy, and he's decided that won't do.

Which is why he's going around in a cloak, still carrying out his business. It may look a bit silly, with his round shape, but he can be found in all his usual haunts: perusing the Archives for research, training in the Spire, and perching in high places for the sake of perching.

It's a bird thing.]

[ooc: Open to prose or brackets!]

Comments

[cedricthegreat]

[Cedric is trying to not feel like he's been reduced to cheap labour. Yes, of course he understands that he's low-ranked because he just got here, but what kind of a royal sorcerer collects home-heating fuel? Nevertheless, he carries his avian form with dignity, standing especially straight upon Akechi's question.]

Actually, I'm quite accustomed to flight. I used to turn myself into a raven all the time when Wo- [He stops himself with a wince.] ...When I needed to collect ingredients myself. But I must admit, I've never had to carry anything as large as wood in such a form.

[For the record, he, too, is observing their surroundings, if only because these lands are still very new to him. But he's also quietly wondering to himself just what size of wood they're expected to get - presumably not sticks, but surely not whole logs either, right?]

[truthdecided]

So you were capable of transformation... Fascinating.

[Size is a tricky matter. Akechi may have refined the move Fly, giving him a bit more wiggle room, but with Cedric so new... hm.]

I doubt they'll expect us to carry pieces as large as a more imposing Pokémon. Sticks suited for firewood should be perfectly acceptable and manageable.

[Akechi may only be around the size of a volleyball, but by ordinary bird standards, that's still a respectable size. Many songbirds certainly don't compare.

Either way, some loose hanging branches catch his eye, and he flutters over to give some experimental pecks.

The wood snaps, and down it goes. It's a start.]

[cedricthegreat]

I'm a sorcerer, it's part of the job. [Unlike this, but that's his luck.

He watches Akechi and follows suit; he at least knows how to peck, and the two of them together should take down more branches at once. Sure enough, a pile is beginning to amass underneath them.]

Hm. I suppose we're lucky to have beaks. Are we really the only birds in the entire guild?

[truthdecided]

That is an excellent question.

[Admittedly, he hasn't memorized every member yet. Still, while he mulls it over, he'll peck down a few more branches. They can start to organize them in a moment.]

I imagine the Canopy draws more toward the Cheri Berries simply due to the accommodations being better suited to their needs. The Lum Berries at least benefit from more 'proper' housing, though I'd certainly rather work with Mightyena-san than the likes of Ribombee.

[Hmm, peck, peck, and... There. That's a good starting point. Nodding at the pile, he swoops down to start filling the basket.]

But as for 'outsiders' like us, the only other bird among us is rather flightless.

[cedricthegreat]

Ah yes, the ostrich who thinks he's a peacock. [The one who messed up his stack of ribbons and is so privileged to have the closest thing to real magic, unlike him.

Eh hem. He follows Akechi to the ground and manages to pick up a large chunk of the fallen branches to drop in the basket - the benefit of a long beak.]

What's wrong with this "Ribombee" exactly?

[truthdecided]

Truthfully, it's merely a hunch.

[More sticks drop into the basket, and he pauses to peer at the surrounding tries.]

Ribombee has a cheery and friendly demeanor, yet the lower ranked among the Canopy have, until recently, received no proper roofing, even if they're types weak to the elements. With the Spire, Mightyena-san has confirmed that it's largely a matter of time, resources, and man power and that she would much rather have everyone on equal footing.

I'm... apprehensive that it's the same in the Canopy, because one would think a top priority would be ensuring the health of those enlisted in the guild.

[cedricthegreat]

[That raises an eyebrow from him. Resources definitely seem scarce in their guild, but Mightyena is compassionate and cares for them, he could tell from their first meeting. This Ribombee... doesn't seem that way.]

You think they're wearing two faces. I'd believe it. Wouldn't be the first time I knew one.

[Feeling bold, and perhaps overly confident with himself, he swiftly flies over to another tree and starts pecking away. With his enthusiasm, the motion is a little too aggressive as the leaves rustle violently and substantially larger branches fall.]

Ha, see? Nothing to it-

[In his haste, he pecks a twig that doesn't feel like breaking, instead bouncing back to whip the side of his face.]

Ow!

[truthdecided]

Indeed. It's possible that I'm mistaken, but I've worn many a mask myself.

[He winces when that twig snaps back. All the same, it's a valuable lesson.]

That twig may be a bit too 'fresh' to use as kindling. If the wood's too green, it won't hold a flame nearly as well.

[cedricthegreat]

Yes, I knew that. [Mostly.] I just got excited, is all.

[He makes a 'hmm' noise as he shakes his head and retrieves the good twigs on the ground. Akechi's statement would be enough to rouse suspicion for some... but then again, it'd be a bit hypocritical coming from him, wouldn't it? Not that he necessarily wants to admit it... so when he speaks, it's in a low voice, directing his words to himself as much as his companion.]

Takes one to know one, I suppose.

[truthdecided]

[With a contemplative hum, he resumes his work, pecking and picking and organizing in an almost mechanical rhythm.]

Well, this world provides a fresh start. Whatever we were before, here, we're unshackled by the past.

[cedricthegreat]

I already unshackled myself back home, I just earned my fresh start. And then what happens? I wake up here.

[He stops pecking - he almost hit a green twig again. He never is good at concentrating when he's agitated.]

You may find something better here, but that's highly unlikely for me.

Geistly Behaviour

[dripdrive]

[How did Akechi end up in this situation? Well, there was a non-zero chance it was because he saw two Psychic-Types signing up for the same mission and didn't want them to die. Anasui is here because he's good at fighting and even had a good track-record fighting a variety of ghosts despite his typing. He's more than happy to stand behind Akechi though, ready to switch with him at a moment's notice.]

About time. Bastards wasting my time keeping us waiting.

[Anasui takes a deep breath and looks down to 'Hatenna'. Support moves first? Or should he start with just shining various lights on the poor ghosts and seeing what hurt?]

[wovensecrets]

[ For her part in all this, Archnemon (Hatenna) is simply here to keep busy as usual. It's an opportunity to constructively avoid any (personal, annoying) issues.

That said, a little annoying factor like "type disadvantages" wouldn't get in the way of that. They had options. Akechi was... an advantage if he wanted to be useful and go along. Mostly, she's assessing. The other two have a lot more speed at their disposal and advantages against at least the fact that they're grass typed as well as ghost... ah, and that's Anasui waiting for an opening. The giggling likely means they've been spotted, even though the pokemon themselves haven't yet appeared... they needed to use their speed to their advantage. ]

Here, after you~

[ It's both a move and a call out... usually how she helps set up others so she can be prepared to react accordingly if they're able to draw the opponents out into the open. At least it also provides a boost to her adjacent partner. ]

[truthdecided]

[The command succeeds, drawing out one of the Pumpkaboos, which shrieks out an Astonish at Akechi.

Snarling, he retaliates by beating his wings in an Air Slash that sweeps over the other, ascending Pumpkaboo.]

If you're wise, you'll leave.

[Alas, it seems they are not wise, as while two of the ghostly pumpkins switch, the others bound back, ready to retaliate!]

[dripdrive]

[Thankfully, so is Anasui. Taking advantage of both the Tailwind and Arachnemon's support, Anasui uses Ally Swap with Akechi to put himself in front and then immediately uses Aerial Ace. The Pumpkaboo yelps, not having expected the giant bird, and before it can dodge, Anasui kicks it hard. The flying slash sends the Pumpkaboo back into the other one.]

Pests. [Anasui moves forward to try and get the drop on the other two but the Pumpkaboo weave under the giant Pokemon to attack his smaller companions. The Pumpkaboo are ready...

Trick-or-Treat!]

[wovensecrets]

[ Archnemon had been preparing one of her moves to use, so when the pumpkaboo lines up for it's shot on her, she can't immediately dodge it or block it. Feels weird, but she'll worry about that later.

In retaliation, she redirects her annoyance into energy as she launches her confusion attack at the offender instead. How's that for a trick. ]

Go attack your friends, if you want to mess around!

[truthdecided]

Ah, well, if it's confusion you want...

[He dives at one of the ghostly menaces, flashing an oddly charming smile.]

What do you hope to accomplish by fighting us? You'd be far better off retreating...

[The Pumpkaboo gives an indignant shriek, glancing around in confusion. Swagger has its perks, especially when you resist the enemy...]

[dripdrive]

Get back here, bastards!

[While Arachnemon's confusion ironically didn't confuse the Pumpkaboo, it does knock the Pokemon towards Anasui. Taking advantage of the opening, Anasui lashes out with Drill Peck, attacking with the same viciousness as the Pumpkaboos did. Even though it's super-effective, it does a surprising amount of damage, which is largely in part to Anasui's ability, Opportunist. Even though Akechi used Swagger on the other Pumpkaboo, Anasui still got buffed by subconsciously mirroring the enemy's strength.

Speaking of the Pumpkaboo Akechi had Swaggered, it's not doing much better. While it swings around in an attempt to defy Akechi with a Seed Bomb, it hits itself in confusion.]

Retreating means they can come back to bite us. We should finish them here.

[wovensecrets]

[ The Pumpkaboo are a little more put off about the response toward ending them, the not-confused one of them easing back into the grass - only to use that opportunity to use shadow sneak on Archnemon instead, the shadows reaching past the front line to get her from behind them.

Which elicits her to respond - mostly by her using disarming voice as a way to play off how startled she actually is - because for some reason, that ability felt like it hurt a lot more than it should... ]

Hey! You're not going to get away with that!

[ There's more rustling in the grass. Are there more in their numbers coming forward, or are some trying to retreat after all... ]

[truthdecided]

I believe we'd be better off knocking them out and capturing them.

[But one thing at a time. First, he tosses a berry over to Archnemon, then he launches an Air Slash at the fleeing pumpkins, hoping to flinch at least a good chunk of them before they get too far.]

[dripdrive]

Hmph... If you think that'd be better. May be more trouble than it's worth. [Anasui glares at the Pumpkaboo that struck Arachnemon, internally cursing that he hadn't been ready to switch again. At least Akechi has her covered, so he can keep moving.

It seems that the little ghosts are intent on retreating, if only to have another opportunity to strike again. However, Anasui runs to get to the far side of the tall grass to stop any Pumpkaboo from getting too far. The Pumpkaboo try to dodge Anasui but Anasui uses Aerial Ace to kick them back towards the others. One Pumpkaboo is knocked out, not having expected the super-effective move, while another hisses angrily.

One of the Pumpkaboo shoots a Shadow Ball at Anasui while the confused one tries to shoot a Seed Bomb at Akechi and Arachnemon! Anasui grunts as he takes the super-effective hit but remains standing, and he quickly looks to check if his teammates are okay.]

Intimidation Tactics

[0dchess]

[Kinger is fascinated at how the Tailwind not only literally gives them wind at their backs, but seems to make all of his movements feel a bit more smooth and quick. He whips his mycellium tendrils around experimentally.]

Are these tunnels usually dangerous?

[consequerer]

[ Well. They might have responded properly. Buuuut. ]

These tunnels? Oh, yes! As I've heard it told, they can be quite prone to collapse. You know how old ruins are, the floors simply aren't structurally sound anymore. [ Just look at the ones in the Underground! ] And you can never quite trust your senses when dealing with ghosts like us...

[ Said in playful singsong. Because that's what they are! A ghost! Between them and Akechi Kinger's really the only one who'd have to worry about a floor collapse, huh. ]

That said. If we have to maneuver in a way that has us doubling back on ourselves, I can imagine the wind might also be a hindrance then.

[ Which doesn't seem unlikely, in the tight spaces of an underground? What are the odds of them only having to go one direction the entire time in a Fight or chase... or flight? ]

[truthdecided]

[It's a fair point, and Akechi concedes with a quiet hum.]

Perhaps it's best saved for when we're prepared to leave. That, or when we're more certain of the tunnels' layout...

[For now, it's not too treacherous. Whether or not that will change... remains to be seen.]

[0dchess]

I can't trust my senses most of the time, don't worry!

[Kinger studies the tunnel around him.]

I could probably root myself to the wall if the floors started to go... I'll let you two lead the way!