[closed] may quest round-up + other closed prompt(s)

[outbounds]

Who: Emmet and ... I am not listing out everyone he's questing with! and others.
What: Cry for Kelp, Scattered Bug, and the get-along sweater (may or may not feature an actual sweater. or: Oran (?) does an intervention) for now
When: May, At Some Point,
Where: Various (Coast, Northern Forest, Spire at current)
Warnings: Animal/Pokemon death, the general implications of the food chain, Teenagers™

cry for kelp (for conrad, ring-spirit, laios, shoka)

[ Tangela was said to have disappeared somewhere along the coast, so that's where they'll go. the coast, though, is ... a pretty long strip of land, all things considered.

... honestly, it's probably best if they just start at one end of the bay and work their way to the other until they pick up on Tangela's trail? ]

The coast is a lot of ground to cover. Could be anywhere along the cliffs or the beach. Or below it, even.

Think most of us can move pretty quickly if we need to though. [ it's ... probably just Conrad who wouldn't? ] Or if we can't, then we can just couple ourselves to someone who can.

[ if you're here for tangela rescue, please tag in under the subheader for it! no real enforced tag order, we'll treat it like a general mingle open for threadjacks i think, is probably the best way to do it when there's five of us and they are presumably going to tackle it in slightly separate ways up and down the beach because imagine corralling that many of us into a strict tagging order. couldn't be me. ]

scattered bug (for siffrin)

[ the northern end of the forest is the part of it that Emmet has the least amount of personal experience with, as he wasn't on any of the previous trips to explore and map it out, but he's been paying attention to the chatter over the grumpearls. ... and maybe certain other sources that might be prone to talking about it in shared public spaces, but that's neither here nor there. regardless, in the end, he suspects he knows the kind of general thing to expect.

dark, overgrown. mushrooms and strange plants everywhere. vines that will probably try to tangle you up and trap you and who knows what else. the kind of forest that will eat you, straight out of the stories and movies. agitated grass types all over, apparently, and those are definitely a type you'd have to be careful around for all the different ways to incapacitate or otherwise inflict status they have access to. an odd growth, a heart, that probably indicates the work of some sort of experienced, firmly entrenched grass type ... or just a powerful one.

(life energy into the ground, a twisted mass of bark and vines in one clearing ... an insistent sense of familiarity in another. hmm.)

all in all, a great (?) place to work out restless energy and put it towards something productive, disregarding the various tendencies of the other ends of the woods. that's what brings Emmet and Siffrin both out here after meeting at the questboard, at least. probably. ]

... Have you been through this part of the forest before?

[ they have some of dr. denne's medication for the spores, of course, but. just to make sure they're both on the same page? ]

the get-along sweater (for akechi, shoka, ingo)

[ Akechi and Shoka are fighting. or something like it, anyway. all of Oran's probably noticed by now, not just their motley group of offworlders and newbies to the guild, mostly on account of Akechi's continued and quite literal case of ruffled feathers and the fact that the space they're all sharing isn't exactly that big or that private. it's been several weeks and yet the Rookidee has not seemed to simmer down in the least. the Mimikyu doesn't always help, either, even if she honestly isn't acting that different from usual.

(mostly. a.b.a's absence ... probably weighs heavier on some of them than others, huh.)

anyway, it's well into the evening one night when two of the resident ghosts of the group receive a visitor. one bearing... a package (???) of some sort?

"Hey," says the Umbreon through a mouthful of cloth, punctuated with a yawn as they drop it. the Moonlight Pokemon's gaze is somehow no less piercing for it. "You two are some of the new arrivals, right? Or, well, not the newest batch, sure, but you all showed up in that storm a while back?" ]

I am Emmet. We did, yes?

[ the Umbreon nods, before rolling the swaddled fabric in their direction. it wiggles (wait. nope, that's definitely Struggle) as Emmet approaches it with realization dawning on him. "Right, so. Do something about them, will you?" a roll of their eyes as they jerk their head sharply to indicate the bundle, which is... now shaking indignantly? before they start to walk back off. "Before they go and get themselves hurt, or something."

congratulations, Akechi and Shoka, you have apparently discovered what baby jail looks like here. also minor congratulations to Ren for dodging it by way of not constantly riling up the other two in earshot of some of the higher ranked members of the guild. ]

Comments

[dunchies]

[ He watches, maybe a little too excitedly, as Conrad puffs up into the air. It's not the first time he's seen it, but in this kind of context, it's way more cool—or, it was, until he starts to lose his fight to the wind. When Shoka readies her tail-stick, he finally steps forward. ]

—wait, hold on. [ Laios is not outright discounting that idea, but first: ] Conrad! Do you see anything up there? Is… is he even listening? [ Of all the starts to a quest, this was certainly one of them. He looks between the two Mimikyus. ] Can’t your hands reach pretty far? Maybe just… grab hold of him for a while.

[ It’s a stretch, but to Emmet’s point, having an aerial view at least for a little bit would be useful. ]

[outbounds]

[ You know. When he asked 'Can you,' 'no I can't' would've been a perfectly valid answer. ]

Well. If you are not sure if he can or will hear you. Let me try. [ He isn't Ingo, but Emmet sure is getting a lot of practice with this in his time here...

There's a thrumming growl building low in his throat as he says that, which works its way up to a Snarled out: ]

If you are ready to come down. Breathe out! Let some of the air out! Do not worry about falling too fast, you are verrrry lightweight!

[ Not really for the attack; he's putting very little energy into it compared to how he would in a battle, it's really more so that his voice will carry further and maybe manage to jar the Jigglypuff a little.

Also maybe the Mimikyu can catch him if he comes into reach. Maybe. ]

[convalesces]

[Well, he thought he could do this, even if he's regretting becoming air born now. He flails his little arms as he panics for a moment, but Emmet's rather loud voice reminds him he shouldn't keep holding his breath.

He lets out a huff of air and slowly drifts closer, not quite landing, but he's nearer to the group and at least the wind isn't carrying him away. He seems to have somewhat regained control, but if one wants to grab a hold of him that might be helpful.]

It might just be kelp, but I saw some debris on the beach... [He says in a rather breathless voice as he points in the direction they should look. Truth be told he doesn't have great eyesight, but he knows he saw something.]

[improvking]

Hm... Something to check out at least.

[ The Ring-Spirit first peers off in the direction Conrad pointed, then peers back up at him speculatively. Laios claimed Mimikyu have long reach, but the Ring-Spirit hasn't noticed being capable of anything like that... but then again, he hasn't actually thought to try it before either. He should fix that.

So the Ring-Spirit tries swiping a shadowy claw in Conrad's general direction to test his reach and see if he can grab onto a foot or something.

He only bothers trying once, and then starts shuffling his way over towards the patch of beach previously indicated; if he couldn't reach Conrad then the Jigglypuff will be left to his own devices... but if the Ring-Spirit did manage to grab hold, he'll try dragging Conrad along with like a balloon. Very dignified, surely. ]

If it's not kelp - or driftwood or something - debris could be a bad sign. Keep an eye out.

[telewarped]

[Shoka calls cheekily back to Conrad,] Way to be useful for once!

[She kids; she knows from experience that he can be plenty useful when it's really needed. She just can't help herself.

Shoka, unlike the Ring-Spirit, is already well aware of her increased reach, so when Laios suggests it, she's ready to give it a shot... But the Ring-Spirit beats her to it anyway, while she's repositioning her tail-stick. With a titter, she turns back to Emmet and Laios.]

Guess that leaves me with one or both of you bozos. Unless you don't wanna break up the team after all?

[dunchies]

[ All eyes on Conrad, he tilts his head curiously. Debris? That does give him pause, especially with the Ring-Spirit's warning soon after. ]

We could run up ahead a bit to make sure there's nothing to be worried about. Then those two would have more time to investigate around here.

[ He glances between both Shoka and Emmet, wondering if they could sense anything off—other than the missing Tangela, of course. For a moment, his nose twitches, as if trying to catch a scent to follow, but he quietly sneezes instead. ] There... might also be some more clues closer to the cliffs, even if it's a bit steep. Maybe we start around there?

[ He starts to walk up a bit, not quite following Conrad and the Ring-Spirit exactly, but staying close enough to veer back, should it make more sense to regroup. ]

[outbounds]

[ Emmet just blinks inquisitively back at Laios when the Boltund looks between him and Shoka. Some ghosts are said to be guides to lost spirits, others are said to steal them away, and still more are said to just feed on them. Or some combination of the above. In any case, as far as Emmet knows, Hisuian Zoroark are ... none of those? As far as he can tell, he does not have much of a sixth sense for divining whether there's anything tasty in the vicinity, soul wise. Maybe if he worked really hard on developing that kind of sense he might, possibly? For locating intended rescue targets only, of course.

(Probably if he has any special ghost senses at all they'd be related toooo ... memory somehow? At least in retrospect the way Ingo reacted in response to certain things makes more sense now.)

But in any case the question goes unvoiced, so that's all a hypothetical! ]

Hmm, if he's seen something... We're fast. We could scout and regroup.

[ probably. ]

We probably do not need to and should not spread out that much, now that someone's noticed something off. But it is still worth scouting ahead, I think.

[ To that end, he picks his pace up a little to keep up with Laios— Shoka's free to follow or hang out with the other two instead. ]

[convalesces]

[The Mimikyu's claw makes contact with a little pink foot and Conrad lets out a shuddering breath because that ghostly hand is cold. He doesn't like it, but it's pretty easy to tote him along and since he's still higher up he has a decent view of things. As they navigate the shore, there's plenty of sea debris around, but some of it seems... off.

After he watches Laios and Emmet move ahead of them, Conrad lets out some more air, floating down closer to the Mimikyu. He's looking a little unsettled.]

... Does that look like seaweed to you or... something else?

[He's not so sure all the vegetation on the shore is natural. There might be something more worrisome hidden amidst all the kelp.]

[improvking]

[ The Ring-Spirit's view of the beach isn't as good as Conrad's, but... he does think he sees something off. ]

Tch...

What... [ (he doesn't like this) ] ...color is this Tangela? Do you know?

[ Because if any of that mess is actually from someone's body... ]

[telewarped]

[To Laios and Emmet, Shoka replies,] Sounds good.

[She's fastest when Shadow Sneak-ing (and maybe they could use some smaller, stealthier backup, just in case), so down into her shadow she sinks, following close behind the two.

Zipping quickly ahead, she doesn't hear Conrad or the Ring-Spirit's questions... but when she does emerge from her shadow to take a peek around, a long, slimy something catches on one ear of her disguise, draping down over her drawn-on face. It's teal-colored, tentacular, and oozing from the point at which it was severed.

The substance it's leaking more closely resembles sap than blood, at least, but Shoka reacts purely on instinct; with a yelp of alarm and disgust, she swipes at the offending object, inadvertently sending it flying through the air (and possibly directly at one of her teammates).]

Eeugh—!

[So much for being stealthy.]

[dunchies]

[ He nods up at Emmet when he decides to follow close, glancing briefly at Shoka as she disappears into shadow soon after. Nose on the ground, Laios can't help but crinkle it slightly, unable to shake the unease his body seems to be feeling. Too focused on what's ahead, he doesn't pay much mind to the conversation between Conrad and the Ring-Spirit either, only perking up his head when he suddenly hears Shoka's cry.

Something in him reacts before he can think, his eyes growing wide with pure instinct alone. He diverts, bounding toward the flying piece of kelp to catch it before it can reach the sand again. His teeth don't have time to fully sink in when the realization hits, forcing him to spit it back out with a soft cough. ]

That...

[ The taste lingers in his mouth even while he speaks. Immediately, he recognizes it as the scent he caught wind of just moments before, now completely overwhelming his senses. Laios thought it was strange, not entirely like seaweed as he remembered, but was still unable to parse what else it could be mixed with. It certainly felt off, enough for him to wonder if the others noticed too, and now it's entirely obvious why. ]

That's blood.

[outbounds]

[ Emmet skids to a stop on the sand nearby at Laios' announcement, having been following closely enough to manage to take his own closer look (sniff) at whatever it was that Shoka flung over at them in short order. He'd overheard some of what Conrad and the Ring-Spirit were discussing, but, well. ]

Tangela vines.

[ He confirms, for those who might not be so sure of what it is they've found. The Zoroark draws himself up, checking their surroundings again to see if there are any more hints or debris scattered around, before they have to approach the beach, but... no, all signs point to them having to go closer to the water line, where more faint scraps of blue seem to be scattered among the kelp ... and perhaps more importantly, where the scent of blood seems stronger. ]

They are capable of losing them when attacked. Doesn't have to mean anything ... but check safety. Proceed with caution.

[ Especially because there doesn't seem to be any signs of struggle on the drier portions of the beach and cliffs. Which really only leaves the rockier portions overlooking the— fairly dark— water, which could easily conceal any manner of aggressors. ]

[convalesces]

[Conrad can't help the expression of utter disgust that comes over him as Laios catches that flying bloody vine in his mouth. He'd question why he thought it was a good idea to do that, but... He is a dog. Maybe it's just a compulsion? Still, he's going to look mildly horrified, anyway.]

That is so unsanitary... [He mumbles his sentiment, not really talking to anyone but himself. He floats closer to Emmet, then, or just kinda drifts in his direction.] So... this may or may not be a murder scene?

[He squints, eyeing the remnants of more Tangela vines along the shore, and frowns.]

... Maybe it ended up in the water? Something could have dragged it out to sea.

[improvking]

Mn, could have.

[ The Ring-Spirit looks over the scattered torn vines with a critical eye. ]

We need to check the area more thoroughly before assuming that, though...

[ The glowing eyes hidden within his costume's "torso" narrow as he starts to notice a pattern in the debris... there's no sign of struggle out here, but the torn bits of vine seem to follow a certain path...

And really, of anywhere nearby there's only one spot they haven't looked at.

He dips into his shadow, inadvertently releasing Conrad, and zips over to the rocky area, sticking his head out just high enough to check one crevice before going to the next one. He saw how dark the water was in this area, and he doesn't want to risk being in the open too long, in case the attacker's still nearby.

He stops when his check prompts a shriek from a well-hidden Tangela. ]

Calm down, I'm the search party - stop kicking - ugh, one of you get over here! Found em, but they're freaking out.

[ Apparently, haunted dolls climbing out of the shadows are not a reassuring sight! Who knew? ]

[telewarped]

[Did Laios seriously just fetch that thing?]

Gross...

[Fortunately for him, Shoka is too preoccupied with checking the smears of Tangela sap left on her disguise rag (Which better not stain!) to react beyond that. When a shriek rings out and the Ring-Spirit calls to them, however, she does move quickly, dutifully toward him... only to then think better of it and stop herself short.]

On second thought... Maybe one of you should go in first.

[If Tangela was freaked out by one haunted doll, they probably won't appreciate two.]

[dunchies]

Oh... [ Unsanitary. Gross. Yeah, probably. ] ...sorry.

[ Luckily, everyone seems to be moving on fast enough to avoid having to explain himself. He licks his chops, trying to get rid of the lingering taste of blood-like sap and sea salt. The latter makes his brows furrow when he realizes it's there, but his head perks up at the Ring-Spirit first followed by Shoka.

Glancing at Emmet, he considers that between them both, the yellow dog may actually be the most appropriate. ] I can go.

[ And he does, following the sound of the Pokémon's cries and carefully navigating the rocky terrain. When he reaches the right crevice, he only pokes his snout in first, not wanting to cause even more alarm. ] H-hey, don't worry. [ The Tangela seems to hesitate, as if finally willing to listen. ] We're not here to finish you off.

[ That just seems to set them off again. ] We're not! I promise! [ It's not working. Maybe he wasn't the best choice. ]

1/2

[outbounds]

[ If the fairly innocuous looking but admittedly haunted dolls aren't a good idea, and then Laios, who is just an overgrown puppy, isn't a good idea, then the five foot some revenant ghost fox almost certainly isn't a good idea. Given their apparent luck so far, Emmet wouldn't be surprised if Tangela decided to think all the red in his fur was blood from a fresh kill or something. Given that three of them haven't had any luck yet, and there's only two left, maaaaaybe. They should take as many precautions as possible, just so they don't have to send yet another team out after Tangela.

But what can he ... well. This will either work out okay or it will be very unwise for him to try, and someone will need to hit him. But okay! If looking like a scary Zoroark is a bad idea then he will have to try to look like just the opposite? So as he follows along after Laios at slightly more sedate pace, the edges of his shape begin to blur, until eventually, what's navigating his way through the rocky terrain is... ]

2/2

[outbounds]

[ An odd looking Audino?

Between the perked, tufted ears and the fact that for the most part, the natural, pale white and red coloring of Hisuian Zoroark still lingers if fainter in hue given that he hasn't exactly ever practiced this particular illusion ... honestly, he looks a little more like the intersection of a regular Audino and a mega Audino? Just with yellow eyes. Audino but from memory, as you do. Hopefully it's close enough to not be uncanny?

Arms folded behind his back as he approaches the crevice everyone seems to be gathering around, he'll just give a cheery wave and smile through the opening before folding the paw behind his back again. ]

Hello! Please do not be so alarmed, it is quite all right! We were sent by the guilds to search for lost passengers. It is not safe to remain at your current station, and we are willing to escort you. Will you return with us?

[ Dubiously, the bundle of vines rustles a little from somewhere in the crevice, before a pair of eyes comes closer to get a look at them again. Well, it's a start?

Wait, everyone present knows he can do this, right. ]

[convalesces]

[With a long huff of breath, Conrad finally plops back down to earth. It's not like he needs to be up in the air any longer, since they've found the lost Pokémon. He is relieved that the Tangela is alive, at the very least, he didn't think he had it in him to deal with the alternative scenario.

As he approaches the Tangela's hiding spot, puffing up when he needs to skip over the precarious rocks, he give Laios a sideways glance. Apparently he's not exactly helping the situation.

Then he blinks as Emmet transforms into, well, something else. Conrad had not been aware he could do that, no.]

What the hell...?

[He utters the sentiment under his breath as he raises his brows. He's not even sure what Pokémon he is now. Conrad is a relatively harmless looking Pokémon, himself, but... He isn't as cheerful as the faux Audino, so maybe it is better that Emmet takes the lead. Conrad just kind of waves one pink arm from behind him.]

You're hurt, right? We can help you get out of here if you need, ah, assistance.

[Hopefully the Tangela is still able to walk, but if not he figures they can still escort it back home, regardless. He watches as it pokes itself out of it's hidey-hole a bit more, some of that sappy-blood dripping off its vines. It doesn't exactly look to be in great shape, but at least it's coming around.]

[improvking]

[ Between Emmet's calm demeanor and Conrad's harmless appearance (sorry Emmet, but you do look just a tad bit uncanny, even if your attitude is soothing) the Tangela finally decides this must indeed be a rescue rather than a hunting party. They stumble out from the rocks and slowly make their way towards Conrad, rambling about having been on their own mission, and then being attacked... something about the water.

They're unsteady on their feet, but at first shy away from any assistance offered by the rest of the party... all y'all still seem kinda creepy to them!

As they calm down further, the story becomes clearer: they'd come out in search of a missing Squawkabilly, but as they searched the beach they were attacked - their memory of the attacker is hazy, but it was something large, and it came from the water. It tried to eat them, and they think it must have already gotten the Squawkabilly.

If everyone else stays chill as they escort the Tangela back towards the clinic, they do eventually warm up to the rest of the party. They comment that it was smart for the group to be so large... and they've decided against trying to do any more rescue missions solo. Bottlecap Bay is a much more dangerous location than they'd realized! ]