bottlecaplogs | June Catch-All

Edited 2025-06-07 18:07 (UTC)

Admittedly, playing into the whole ranking system leaves a sour sort of taste in his mouth that he'd rather do without. Reputation and rewards, he could naturally forgo either, but the bounties — they had him curious, if not downright eager to know what exactly could be out there in a world seemingly populated by all manner of cutesy critters. Being one himself now, though, meant going at it on his own didn’t feel possible, much less survivable.

So, it was just his luck that Flamebringer happened to mention the Middle Forest in passing. Despite being recent recruits to the same guild, they hadn’t spoken much outside of formalities during training. Not that Bigby could really complain — sometimes the less said, the better — but it does make it harder to know what to expect when they finally decide to head out together. It's still early when they arrive at the quest board, the hope being that they could catch a stray third member to round out their team before anyone else did. Of course, one figure in particular catches his attention in the midst of the morning crowd.

“Well, if it isn’t the good doctor,” Bigby starts, well-aware that there’d be no point in avoiding a conversation between familiar faces. Mightyena did say he was the first Morpeko she’d seen around here; no doubt he’d be easy to spot outside of a Grumpearl, too. “Out taking house calls this morning?”

His tone is cheeky, if only to distract from the fact that he hasn’t been anywhere near the clinic since their last talk. While his lips curl into a hesitant half-smile at first, he can sense an odd sort of tension fill the dead air, one that surprisingly has very little to do with him at all. He glances up at Flamebringer, his nose scrunching up with consideration before he asks the obvious: “... I take it you two have met already?”

Go figure, he thinks, but maybe this isn't so much of an unlucky coincidence as it is an opportunity. A medic on the team could be useful, especially one where no introductions are necessary.

Staring at the bounties the previous day had been both familiar and bizarre. Bizarre because he had no idea what he was looking at- The creatures and descriptions in front of him mostly foreign, even compared to the ones he'd already met. With no knowledge or mental database of experience for him to piece together... anything. He was completely green. Familiar because it certainly wasn't the first time he'd looked down a bounty board. It made him idly wonder about his own bounty back on Terra... But musing on those things was pointless. This wasn't a dream, unfortunately, so he had to make due, and first priority was holding his own again.

This was a good enough activity as any to start with. The team requirement had him rolling his eyes. Not so much for his own sake- as grating as it was to admit, he was in no shape to hold his own. Having others to supplement his gaps in knowledge would be smart. That's when he happened to run into Bigby. Having perused the available quests for their level he briefed the smaller musbeast on what he'd found- and they'd made a choice.

Bigby was tolerable. Which was plenty to Flamebringer's standards. He reminded him somewhat of Hoederer, if Hoederer was shrunk into a tiny musbeast body. Between them a sentence could have all of four words, but he liked it that way. No superficial musings and time wasted on superficial idlings.

Whether or not Bigby was trustworthy in combat was another thing, but he was no stranger with working beside backstabbers and cowards. It'd be like home.

The thought gets a sardonic huff out of him.

As they approach the bounty board the next day, he hears Bigby call out to someone else and he turns- a doctor? That would be a smart call- And his expression immediately flattens.

Why oh why did the little musbeast have to grab his attention of all people. He'd been hoping that their third member would be someone else he could tolerate- he was surprised already how many individuals didn't piss him off, even if he found several of them lacking in their own ways. But this one in particular... His lack of enthusiasm is evident in his voice when he answers Bigby's question, "He's a nosy fool."

The accusation earns a confused tilt of the Slowking's head. While he won't argue nosy, or rather inquisitive,

"My grades were pretty high, though..."

Despite fitting the appearance of a team prepared for combat, a bounty was never the sort of first mission Akira had had in mind. But just as some youkai still caused trouble that could only be solved through violence, it was understandable for the same to be true of Pokemon. If one needed to be punished for misbehaving, then who better to do it than a doctor capable of treating every injury dealt?

In truth, all he'd wanted was a cover to explore the forest without appearing to neglect his other roles. To reach that end with the quests available... Well, fighting would just have to be the trade-off. And so being greeted by two who seem unlikely to be startled by whatever they find, he's already chosen his teammates whether they like it or not.

He turns his attention to the Morpeko instead, now beaming with enthusiasm.

"That's right! I'm going to visit that mystery Ground type, since I haven't seen them as a patient yet. I heard this one's pretty big, so you two should come along in case I need help holding them down!"

Flamebringer's comment gets an amused huff out of him. As to be expected, given what he knows of both of them so far. Fortunately — or not, depending on who's asking — Bigby is a little less disgruntled by his last interaction with Akira. Not that he's volunteering to be the Slowking's next case study, but he could at least play it off as the usual eccentricities to be expected from a doctor. Even the unassuming ones he knew back home had their own interesting ways of showing off their field of study.

Casually, he folds his arms over each other, ears flicking at the mention of the ground-type in question. Bigby doesn't quite match the other's enthusiasm, but he responds with a light enough tone: "How noble. It does sounds in need of something, alright."

Though, a medical consultation isn't exactly what he has in mind. He looks up at Flamebringer again, tilting his head with an unsaid question, before going back to Akira. Of all the people to play mediator, Bigby never thought it'd have to be him. "Might be your lucky day, Doc. We were planning to take on that bounty today," he starts, before adding, "What do you think, Flamebringer? Would be nice to have another big Pokémon on our side, considering what we're up against."

He's not happy saying it, given the furrow visible in his brow now, but he's also not stupid enough to ignore the obvious height disadvantage he brings to the table.

He snorts humorlessly. From his experience, intelligence did nothing to offset foolishness. One of the smartest people he knew was also consistently the most idiotic.

Although this was the first time he heard of him being a doctor. That explained some things. He seemed to have a disposition for running into those. It also explained his earlier curiosity, to some extent. It made Flamebringer like him even less for his nosiness. He wanted nothing to do with being a toy for a medical researcher.

He follows Bigby's comment with a growl, "I am no one's henchman. And this isn't some leisurely stroll. It's a bounty. A mission." And a threat to eliminate. He wasn't interested in bringing along liabilities.

But all the same- his look is still one of disdain as he thinks, but he considers Bigby's argument. Whatever this fool was, he was large. Larger than both of them at the moment. And their foe was likely even larger than he was. The size advantage couldn't be understated. And if he was a researcher to boot, that might prove to their advantage on the field. He didn't like him. He would rather leave him out. But beggars couldn't be choosers. There was no promising they would find a better option amongst the throng. He could leave the social niceties to Bigby since the musbeast already seemed buddy enough with him. As long as he was left be, he could put up with it.

"Can you hold your own in a fight?" He asks Akira. "If you prove to be a problem, I won't be covering for you." His eyes narrow, "Our lack of information is a disadvantage already. If you can't help, we will be sending you back home and handling it ourselves." It wouldn't be ideal. But it would be safer than keeping a third eye out.

Akira lets out a thoughtful hum as he presses a fist into his other hand, a familiar enough motion to crack his knuckles in either of his old forms, made fairly pointless with the claws he has now. Can he actually fight? It's as good a time as any to find out!

"I'm not too bad at it. But how about as a Slowking? I can tell I'm not as strong as most oni, anymore, so it sure would be helpful if the others were right that our patient's something weaker like a bear!"

There can't be any denying that he sounds confident, even if his words might not be the most reassuring. Even if he starts to appear sidetracked as well, and can't help making an attempt to pick Bigby up as he speaks. Of course on the surface he wants to learn more about Electric types just as he wants to learn everything about their bounty. But he's not so lacking in perception to miss that forcibly making himself some sort of package deal with the smaller Pokemon should increase his chances of being brought along further.

Whether successful or not, though,

"Any information we don't have, I'll find out for us as soon as we get there. Nobody can hide anything from me for long."

While not directed at him, Bigby still tilts his head in thought at Flamebringer’s question. It's good to ask outright, even if he doesn’t exactly agree with the Absol's approach as a starting point; at least Akira hardly seems phased by it, if at all. They each would have to hold their own out of necessity, there was no doubt about that, but information – that was a valuable thing to have against a foe that so few knew much about. Akira’s access to the Archives remains in the back of Bigby’s mind, knowing full well that the doctor has been wasting no time studying Pokémon to satiate his curiosity.

Suddenly, however, Bigby finds himself pulled out of his own head, his ears flicking at the mention of oni. He might not know any personally, but he's definitely familiar enough to shoot Akira curious look now. If he says a bear would be no match against his strength back home, the Morpeko can't help but believe it. “... I didn’t realize you were a yokai,” he starts, quieter this time, before turning back to Flamebringer. "Can't say much about Slowkings, but if he really is an oni, then we have nothing to worry about."

Other than the obvious, of which Bigby becomes the prime example when his attention is fully on Flamebringer. Guard down, he doesn't notice when Akira moves forward a little too closely, reacting only when he's abruptly lifted up from the ground. Hoisted by his arms, he's only able to kick his feet in protest. Bigby growls up at Akira, doing everything in his power not to cause a complete scene at the quest board.

"H-hey! What the hell are you thinking?" he huffs through his teeth, still trying to pull himself away. After a moment, though, he stops himself, ears lowering as he glances between the two others in defeat. No shot in hell would Flamebringer willingly offer him a ride to their bounty; this is going to be as good as it gets. He scowls, any semblance of niceties completely gone based on his tone. "Alright. Can we just get on with this already?"

Barring any last objections, it's off to the middle forest for the three of them, where the light of dawn will be quickly swallowed up by the dense foliage. For what it's worth, Bigby will eventually settle into Akira's arms, channeling all of his focus on the sounds and scents of their location instead of how fucking embarrassing it feels to be carried around like a child.

He glances at Bigby. He knew what an Oni was- or more, he new what an Oni was to him, but he sees the way Bigby's expression changes and that word 'yokai'... it seemed to be of more significance to him than it was to Flamebringer. Oni were strong of course- they had a natural genetic disposition towards strength and height compared to some other races- but not to the extent where he'd be easily impressed.

Still- If Bigby was so sure... Akira's own words were humble if nothing else, he wasn't looking to prove anymore than he had to. Which had its benefits and deficits, but he would take someone honest about their abilities any day over a boaster. But before he could express his final verdict, the Slowpoke is picking up his teammate without warning. Flamebringer blinks- completely caught off guard by the display of a lack of personal boundaries- Bigby obviously isn't happy, not that Flamebringer makes any move to help. He knows the musbeast can defend himself if need be-

And Bigby is right, Flamebringer remains, watching the display- Maybe even having the gall to look slightly amused by the whole ordeal.

"... Fine. This is acceptable." They would make better ground with Akira handling Bigby, and they needed to get moving. Akira was satisfactory enough. "Let's hope you can put those investigation skills to good use." Even if he might still harbor his own doubts about the other's combat skill, and personality, he was interested in seeing if he could, in fact, provide useful information.

... In his own way he'd already proven that he could, with the way he had observed and categorized Flamebringer upon their first meeting. He wouldn't mind pointing that at a common foe.

His expression grows even more amused. Ha, at least Bigby had his priorities enough in order not to cause a fuss. He's sympathetic to the manhandling, but not enough to intercede. "If we're prepared to depart, then lets not waste anymore time."

Flamebringer is taking point in their party. He's the most maneuverable at the moment, since Bigby is indisposed and Akira's general bulk, well, there's a reason he supposes his beast form is called 'slowking'. While Bigby might not like being carried, it does allow him to focus on sensations in a way Flamebringer physically can't. His own senses have changed slightly since arriving- smells are certainly sharper to him than they were normally, but Bigby was clearly in tune with his senses already. Better to leave him too it then.

He doesn't like anything about this already. The forest felt claustrophobic in a way that it shouldn't, the fog clinging to his fur once again, just like it did when he first arrived. So far there's no signs of their quarry, but he stays alert all the same.

Already in full agreement that there's no need to worry, getting on with their quest is simple enough to do as Akira happily follows the Absol's lead.

While there may be varying expectations surrounding his own capabilities, they're not what he's most looking forward to testing out, himself. Two of them are youkai in these forms, and he can't help but hope that a certain ability to foretell danger will make an appearance while he can observe. Of course it means that such danger will need to be present, but what's wrong with that? He's already made it this far, after all.

As they travel deeper, Akira's focus constantly shifts between every sight the forest has to offer, the challenge of having to take a more active approach to such basic observation seeming to leave him far more excited than frustrated. Not even the fog deters him, instead providing encouragement that they're closer to their goal.

But if that's the case, it may pose the same risks he'd encountered ~~and largely ignored~~ upon his arrival. It won't just be a matter of losing their way. Rather,

"While we're in range of the forest's effects, don't hesitate to tell me if either of you start feeling ill or confused." There's an eagerness to the warning, despite its sincerity. A suggestion that he'd sure enjoy more patients to treat. "Since you're both feisty as it is, watching for heightened aggression may be beyond even my abilities. As curious as I am about the unique conditions here, I can't have anyone-- dying..?"

For a moment, he manages to settle down, looking almost mournful as he catches sight of a few bones already littering the ground. He'd been prepared for them, the signs of those who'd lost to this creature earlier. Surely they all had. But...

As quickly as that calmness began, it passes, with an enthusiastic effort to pick up his pace instead.

"Wow, so even this far in is dangerous! I wonder if we'll be next?"

Feisty. He scoffs at the Slowking's choice of words, glancing at Flamebringer with a flat expression. Bigby definitely caught that amused look earlier, but he can't really blame him, never mind mention it when there are other priorities at hand. Focused on honing in on the right scent, his ears start to perk up when something finally catches his attention, quickly followed by Akira's shift in tone. He glances at the ground, brows furrowing at the morbid remnants before taking in a deep breath.

"Let me down for a second," he mutters. Not bothering to wait for a response, the Morpeko pushes against the other’s hold, just enough to slip back onto the ground. Freed at last but with no time to revel, he scurries over to the closest piece small enough for him to pick up. The scent of dried blood immediately fills his senses, but the creature it once belonged to is indiscernible, masked by the smell of bear and soil somehow mixed together into one. He tosses it back onto the ground with the rest, noting the jagged breaks that seems to be present in most. Silently at first, he begins to survey the surrounding area for any other signs. "Well, now we know this was the right direction after all."

There's a flippant undertone to his words, more at himself than anyone else, if only because he couldn't help but mistrust his own capabilities in this body. At least their bounty is becoming more tangible beyond a written description in his mind. The doctor's comment immediately makes him look back though, exasperated at first, until his eyes slowly start to widen. There's no sudden movements from him, but he seems transfixed, unable to look away from something that doesn't seem to be there.

Through the fog, he sees Akira and Flamebringer not as they are, but laying motionless beneath a figure still shrouded in shadow. He takes a step back, ears flattening as his cheeks start to spark, only for him to hear a voice — a voice he knows isn't here — call out to him. Suddenly, the gaping maw of the beast seems to disappear entirely, but his body can't seem to release the tension it built up.

"... Speaking of not dying, let's not waste too much time around here. The trail leads that way." He motions with his head, but his gaze remains somewhere off in the distance. It'll take him another moment to fully let it go, but he doesn't speak on it, not yet.

Edited 2025-06-30 07:14 (UTC)

Its for the best that Flamebringer is in front so that Akira can't see how flat and annoyed his expression is. Then again, its not like he was hiding it in front of him before either. He catches Bigby's equally unimpressed look and can't help but smirk slightly in solidarity. Misery loved company after all. Akira wasn't even trying to take this seriously, was he? Then again, it wasn't like he wasn't already used to dealing with someone with that personality. Same old, same old; even on the surface of a different planet entirely... the thought sobers him more than he would expect, a cold, empty feeling curling in his stomach.

He had a rather severe and up close and personal experience with the fog earlier- one he wasn't eager to repeat, if he wanted to he could very easily just give Akira information from that occasion before anything happened... he'd consider it. He wasn't eager to share, but if it kept them in one piece-

His train of thought is halted by the skeleton. Even Akira quieted down... he wouldn't have expected that from his overall lack of reading the room so far... he eyed the remains... but it didn't tell him much of anything. He was used to corpses. It came with his line of work, and the home he came from... all the same, his expression was somber, and grim.

"Its not out of the realm of possibility." he says to Akira... although it lacks his normal acidic sarcasm.

There was a sense growing in his chest... his fur standing slightly more on end. A caution, a wariness. But nothing had happened yet- Besides stumbling upon this rather obvious clue- and it wasn't the same as his normal sense of paranoia... no... He glances nervously at the trees, the fog, but there's nothing... he's loath to let go of his instincts though... he doesn't bury the feeling, keeping it in mind as he returns his eyes to look at Bigby-

Who looks like he's just seen a ghost.

Flamebringer blinks- bewildered, then remembers- Right, the fog. Illusions of the past, or just nightmares, haunted the people lost in it. They were no exception. Experienced or no. Bigby brushes it off and moves ahead before he can comment. He follows after him quickly, eager to get this over with and get out of this cloying place. He's also not enthusiastic about the idea of losing the musbeast to the fog. Not that he thinks Bigby would recklessly charge ahead. Its the fog he doesn't trust.

When he gets closer he mutters, "You saw something." He doesn't want to pry. Its not like he wants to know. But he'd rather confirm his suspicious so he knows what all of them will be facing as their excursion progresses.

[Quest Results]

---

[Despite having done what he could with his new form, Akira's just not satisfied.

Winning, losing, rewards.. when he'd taken up that mystery bounty, it hadn't been about any of that. With everyone's speculation having piqued his natural curiosity, he'd only wanted to learn! About the threat, about the fog, about those bones... What might studying the remains further tell him? The creature's dietary habits? A hint towards the rest of the local fauna? And what about their types? More importantly, were there enough scattered about to piece back together and discover a species he hasn't seen yet? He'd so desperately wanted to stay longer and bring whatever he could carry back with him.

Yet in the end, left to carry a wounded pokemon back to safety, it just wasn't an option.

Now in the city once again, he knows he needs to check in on those two at the clinic. But unable to hold back such overwhelming thoughts of what he'd missed out on, it's the quest board that he's returned to instead. If he can just find a group that seems capable on their own, and follow along as they do their own thing, then surely he can find the opportunity to continue his studies!

... Or, that would be the plan. But as various Pokemon come and go, the sight of one far too small showing interest in the same bounty catches Akira off guard. How interesting! Would that Pokemon count as a bear's natural prey as well? ... No, he doesn't have the tools necessary for that level of reconstruction, here. Perhaps aiming to scare them off, the Slowking heads over to approach the little one's group.]

Is your party all set? That bounty's really quite the terrifying one, you know. It'll eat you right up if you're not careful!

[Well, maybe. But with the selfish need to get back there steadily beginning to win out, he can't very well care to dissuade them that much. Then playing the role of someone concerned, he offers a gentle smile.]

I can guide you, if you'd like. It never hurts to have extra numbers.

Edited 2025-06-07 18:06 (UTC)

[The Yungoos—the smallest of the three—is the first to turn her head, her face lighting up in recognition.]

Oh—hello, Dr. Takahashi! It's lovely to see you again.

[Even if he's... staggeringly tall in person. Even while standing on her hind legs, she still has to crane her neck back to look him in the eye.

Having already completed one bounty quest of her own, she's well aware of the dangers—which is precisely why she's been hovering around the Cubone and Charmeleon at her side now. Truthfully, they have more experience than her in this world, but they're still only children (she thinks, judging by the limited interactions she's had with them thus far). If they're going to insist on tackling the bounty themselves, she must insist on going along with them to provide adult supervision. They need her.

Still, Akira's warning earns him a disapproving frown.]

Now, no one's going to get eaten. Gracious...

[She agrees that it would be unwise for them to go alone, but he doesn't have to be so grisly about it! He'll scare the poor things!

Though he says that... he seems to change his tune a moment later, offering to join them instead.]

Hmm... I wouldn't be opposed. Having a medical professional present certainly can't hurt. [Her smile returns, bright and full of sharp teeth.] And we need to look out for these young ones, don't we?

Huh?

[With his helmet on, Emporio is practically unrecognizable as himself. The town very much knows him as 'that weird cubone who won't wear his helmet' after all. But for a mission, it's vitally important, and so on the helmet goes.

Originally, it was just him and Guilmon. Very quickly though, they gained Lusamine- which, honestly Emporio was rather pleased about. Just him and Guilmon definitely wouldn't have been enough, and he'd rather someone who knows about Pokemon. He doesn't completely know what to think of the mustelid-like Pokemon here but...

She seems nice enough, right?

Emporio turns just as Lusamine does, blinking at the Slowking. Tall...but not too tall, not when you live with Anasui the Espartha at least. But boy, that's...]

Oh- ...yeah, that's more than fine with me. Like you said, it doesn't hurt to have extra numbers, [Emporio agrees with a nod.] We just need to be careful to look out for each other. The fog is the worst in this branch of the forest, and we also need to be sure to toss stones ahead in case of a sudden drop. We can listen for the sound!

[Well, if nothing else, Emporio at least knows Something about where they're going.] I actually do volunteering at the clinic to learn some first aid, so having two Pokemon who can manage that will be really helpful I bet...

...Uh. Dr. Takahashi, that's your name? [Since Lusamine's the one who said it...] I'm Emporio Alniño.

[And if nothing else, he definitely sounds like a kid.]

[Hmm... Guilmon takes a moment to soak in Akira's words. And sniff the air. Pardon his curiosity. New smells are interesting! But he looks big and smart. That's a good thing to have. Plus he knows what they're up against. That's important, too!

His claws flex, and his head tips down.]

Guilmon can dig and break rocks... If I could evolve to Growmon, it'd be easier because Growmon's really big. We don't have cards, either, so we can't get stronger that way...

But maybe Guilmon can make smoke for us to hide in? And you can tell us where to go!

[How strange that despite its status as a common species, both of his encounters with a Yungoos would prove to be the same one. As he's addressed, then, Akira happily waves to return the greeting.

It's soon the other two that draw his attention, though, in their novelty. Two creatures that with their body structures could almost be of related species if it weren't for the fire. A divergence based on element, then? Or does something about this world promote convergence when becoming bipedal? ... Examining them to find out can come later. For now,]

Ohh, it's even more dangerous for children! It's a good thing you've already planned ahead. Hearing and smell will be suuuper useful once we can't see what's around us. [... Well, not that it smelled like anything other than a forest, last time. Clearly his senses haven't improved with this form.]

I'll have to ask all about these cards and what a Growmon's like once we're finished. Until then, Emporio, this might be your lucky day. Whether it's us or that bear, I'm sure we'll have lots to practice on.

[That all out of the way, it's Lusamine he looks back to, almost as if for approval.]

Then I take it we're all in agreement~?

[There's no harm in starting to head off, all things considered. Surely anyone at all can keep up.]

[Lusamine listens closely to Emporio and Guilmon's input... albeit with the patient, unserious smile of a mother listening to a nonsense story from her young child. How darling it is, that they think they can come up with a sound strategy all on their own!

(She is a bit confused by Guilmon's words, wondering what exactly a Growmon is—but, like Akira, she'll save those questions for another time.)

In any case, they are all in agreement.]

It seems that we are indeed. [Her grin broadens.] I look forward to working with you all.

* * *

[It's straight off to the middle section of the forest then, while they still have the brilliant light of dawn on their side. Lusamine automatically scurries to the front of their troop, side by side with their guide, Akira. She is very mongoose-like indeed in this moment, occasionally standing on her hind legs to survey the area before moving on (it isn't that she doesn't trust Akira as a guide, really; she just trusts herself more, and the behavior seems at least partially instinctual).

The light doesn't stay on their side for long, however. Soon, darkness descends upon them, the sunlight swallowed under dense foliage and creeping fog. Though Lusamine tries to look ahead, ears and nose twitching, soon she can hardly see a few feet before her, even with the aid of Guilmon's tail-flame. The scent of soil and rot hangs heavy in the air, overpowering any other scents that may have reached her otherwise. She frowns.]

Hm. I see now that you weren't exaggerating about this fog... [Her steps slow.] Sweet Emporio... Perhaps your idea with the stones is in order...?

[She didn't bring any with her herself, having focused more on bringing healing items instead, and she can't see clearly enough to find any on the ground.

There's that issue... But it seems that isn't the only thing amiss. Lusamine trails off at the end of that sentence and comes to an abrupt halt, her gaze turning distant. She seems... confused suddenly, as tendrils of fog coil around her limbs and throat, embracing her like the arms of something alive.

She says nothing more, only staring silently, blearily into the mists.]

I don't think we'll need something to hide in just yet, but that's good to know, [Emporio says to Guilmon after the charmeleon's offer.

From there however, it's just a matter of taking in what the others are talking about. ...He still doesn't really see it as an age matter so much as an experience matter, but it's not really anything worth arguing over.

So, he just nods- and even smiles when Akira remarks on the potentially incoming learning exercise. They're all in agreement- the very gesture says it all!

So off they go, into the fog...

....which, while pressuring, is at least not getting to him at the moment.] Right, [he answers Lusamine, glancing around briefly before finding a stone.

It's tossed ahead to skip, and from there they can give a listen for any long pauses on the sound.] ...I can't hear anything that indicates a fall, but you guys might have better hearing than I do, so-

[...Hold on, did Lusamine just stop mid-sentence actually? From where he had moved to get the stone in the first place, he turns.]

Lusamine..?

...AH-

[Oh! That's new!]

Wah! Are you okay?

[Guilmon's eyes widen, and he tries to adjust his tail flame to better illuminate the area.]

[At first, Akira's unsure what to make of the Yungoos' sudden stillness. A problem up ahead? Or a natural pattern in her scouting behaviour? Whatever the case, his response is curiosity rather than concern. As the other two react as well, though, he quickly adopts a more serious approach and moves closer. It is a mild paralysis? Some kind of daze? What about proximity to something that hasn't affected anyone else just yet? Quite a few possibilities can all be tested at once, as he reaches for her.]

Careful, now. We can't have anyone taken out this early. Steady breaths.

[It's pointless to worry about breathing the fog in, after all. Whatever it's going to do, contact's more than enough. He'll move Lusamine back a few feet if uninterrupted, to see what happens. Either way, to the rest of the party,]

Last time, the forest started showing us premonitions about this far in. If it's different now, it might be that it's playing with our own capabilities. I wonder if that means we'll experience it, too?

[Distantly, Lusamine hears a stone skidding over earth. That sound—and the other sound, a voice calling her name—make her flinch but not turn. Instead, she stares down at her front paws (Paws? That can't be right, can it?) and the tendrils of mist weaving around them.

(For a single, blistering second, she sees them as long, white tentacles, and feels countless needles plunging into her flesh, poison searing through her veins—)

Guilmon's voice and the light of his tail-flame spilling over her finally makes her turn her head, but the far away look in her eyes remains as she stares at him and Emporio, blinking unevenly. She seems not to recognize them, in that moment, eyes narrowed in confusion.

She doesn't seem to recognize Akira either, when he approaches her (the tall, pink shape that is him at first brings to mind her Bewear—powerful arms and soft fur—but that isn't right, either), and when he reaches for her, she suddenly springs backward on all fours, back arched, fur bristling, and fangs bared.]

Don't you touch me—!

[Her movement breaks the coils of fog, though it still clings to her fur as dew. As she half-stumbles away from Akira—suddenly clumsy, as if unused to the overlong shape of her own body—and sees the way they're all looking at her, some fragmented awareness returns to her.]

... Oh... Doctor? For—give me... I don't know what—came over me...

[She should know, after how many times the fog has been discussed and how many times she's experienced it herself... But the memory of it is gone, and that apparently isn't the only thing she's forgotten.]

Where... Where is this? What were we...

Oh-!

[It becomes more evident when Akira addresses it, working to calm Lusamine down. This is what it must look like, when the fog connects.

Doing his best to do his part, he chimes in-] It's okay, Lusamine. Just focus on us. You know who Guilmon and I are right? And the doctor, too. Just think about-

[Lusamine snaps, and Emporio flinches...but, she does at least regain herself. He sure hopes that doesn't happen to anyone else...

Still.] We're making our way through the middle section of the woods. We're looking for a mysterious creature- probably a Pokemon. It's okay. You wanted to help us!

[It's not only Lusamine hearing voices. For a fleeting moment, Guilmon hears a voice calling through the fog.]

Takato...?

[But then Lusamine lashes out, snapping him from his daze. His eyes widen, and his body tenses as he tries to figure out what to do.

But Akira steps in, and then Emporio's voice cuts through...]

Not Digimon... This isn't the Digital World. Takato isn't here...

[It's sad, but he needs to be strong. They all do.]

[Ahh.. there's the reaction all animals eventually seem to give him... Well, it's not too surprising, at least.

Leaving the Ground type to explain, Akira simply continues to assess their situation. So while contact's enough as he'd thought, it can also be broken! Then, how to navigate. Though he does glance to the trees for a moment, over doesn't seem like an option with anyone's current form. On the other hand, around will keep them from ever reaching their goal.

It does have to be through, after all. If he could just look ahead to see how deep the fog reaches, he could probably throw someone far enough to be free of any danger once they land. But without a way to know where to aim...

... No, Guilmon's voice brings with it a simpler idea.]

Is this Takato your friend?

[Though he doesn't need the answer, it's still asked with the same attentiveness he'd offer any of his own fostered children. Of course the open honesty of a younger mind would help to sort things out the quickest.]

So while their content's changed, they're hallucinations just the same.

It really is fascinating to see these effects adapting firsthand. If it's settled for trying to distract us rather than scare us away, maybe it's getting worn out? As long as we can stay focused on who we're traveling with, it might not be too difficult to carry on after all.

[Lusamine despises the way Akira and Emporio look at her—studying, cautious, as if she's a ticking time bomb. It makes her flesh crawl and keeps her hackles raised. Surely she can't be the one reacting strangely! They are the strange ones, aren't they? Strangers, taking her here, acting as if nothing's wrong...

Still, to her credit, she listens to Emporio's words, straining to understand them.]

Yes... Yes, of course I remember you... Sweet Emporio. But... the woods? Why would I...? [She's still confused and disoriented, as if out of time, but simple, direct sentences seem to slowly but surely calm her. There is a mysterious creature they're looking for, Emporio says, and she wanted to help them. Yes, she thinks; that does sound like something she'd do, doesn't it?] Oh... That's—that's right... I wanted...

[To protect them. After all, they are such small, young-sounding Pokémon—helpless without her.

It's harder for her to detangle Akira and Guilmon's words, but Guilmon's confusion at least takes some attention away from her own, and she manages to grasp the meaning of carry on.]

Yes... We must continue on. We cannot allow that creature to continue running amok.

[Yes—that sounds like something Madam President Lusamine would naturally say, doesn't it?]

It's okay. You've still got friends here now...right?

[He's not affected by the fog, but it's not exactly hard to miss the sadness in Emporio's tone as he gently tries to calm Guilmon down. He can't even meet the Charmeleon's eyes while saying it- there's quite a lot of weight there, no fog needed.

He needs to do his best though, at least to keep these two in check.] Mm. We just have to keep moving.

Here- I can, uh...take your hand, and maybe yours..? [He's not so sure about what that will do when Lusamine is typically quadrupedal, but he'll try dammit.] I'm, um. Glad you remember me too at least! I know I haven't talked to either of you that much, but I guess others were talking about me..?

I didn't think I left that much of an impression, but I'm also not really used to interacting with so many people...

[Ahhh, well.] I wonder if the fog and the Pokemon we have to find are actually that well connected... ...Rather, they're connected for sure, but do they really have the same goals?

Takato is Guilmon's Tamer...

[But again, Takato isn't here. The others speaking helps ground him more, even if he doesn't fully grasp everything they're saying.

He shakes his head a few times and scratches his cheek.]

Mmm... Guilmon can try to smell? But I don't know if the fog is the same as this big Pokémon. All of this is really weird...

[Sniff, sniff... Guilmon bristles.]

But there's something in here! Something big and smelly...

[Spurred by Lusamine's agreement, the Slowking steps forward, oddly eager with anticipation for what kind of trick he might be shown this time around. Only.. whatever it may be, it isn't making itself apparent.

Looking back, then, he tilts his head at Emporio's question.]

Connected?

[It's not a bad theory at all. But,]

I'm not so sure about that. They both make the forest quite a fearsome place to be. Maybe they'd both prefer to keep adventurers like ourselves away from something, too. Even so, this could just be a Pokemon that thrives under these conditions. Blinded and disoriented travelers make for veery easy prey.

[So is its violent behaviour a result of being infected longer than most can survive? Or has some unknown factor allowed it to develop a resistance? There's just so much that he could ask, none of it easy to answer without facing that bear once more.

But as Guilmon announces of the discovery of a new scent, maybe that opportunity is getting closer!]

That might be it! Let's go see!

[Without any thought as to whether it's safe or if he'd only heard what he wanted, Akira continues on right away, with only the red glow of Shellder's now opened eyes to keep the group from becoming separated.]

[Tamer? Lusamine squints, trying to make sense of it all through the fog in her brain... to no avail. Her memory and thoughts are scattered, and she can hardly think. The more she tries, the more estranged from her body she feels. Vexed, she huffs. She can pretend well enough that her mind is perfectly clear and sound, but it's still taxing, humiliating.

At the very least, Emporio redirects her attention by offering to hold her hand. That's humiliating, too (Why should she need to be led around by the hand by a child?), but if she recontextualizes it to herself as Emporio asking obliquely for comfort and trying to seem capable in front of the adults, she can allow it.]

Oh... How kind. If it isn't too much to ask...

[After politely brushing the dirt from her claws, she places one paw delicately in Emporio's own.

Truthfully, she needs that contact. Fortunately for both of them, she can walk on her hind legs when she wants to, but the feeling of disembodiment still lingers with her (her limbs are too short, the shapes of her claws strange and unwieldy), threatening to make her stumble if she doesn't find some way ground herself.

In reply to his words, she is quick to reassure,] Nonsense. You left quite an impression, in fact.

[She says it easily, without much thought—and the memory of why returns to her moments later, delayed but clear. She had been told about him, prior to meeting him at the Questboard, by a certain Espathra...

But that's a conversation for another time; Guilmon alerts them to something big and smelly, and Lusamine smells it, too, heavy on the air.

As Akira strides forward, she chides him automatically,] Careful now, doctor... What was that you just said about "easy prey"? [Then, as a hushed aside to Emporio and Guilmon:] A spirited one, isn't he?

[She's apparently returned to her senses enough to muster a bit of humor, at least.

As they continue onward, it will gradually become clear to them that it isn't just dark because of the fog; though they departed at dawn, it seems to suddenly, inexplicably be nighttime. Moonlight shimmers above, visible even through the mist and trees.]

Right, exactly. One intends to disorient or claim their victims, but the other just takes advantage. More like a parasite, than a partner.

[Emporio jumps at Guilmon's statement though, and quickly turns to the others for some guidance.] R-right- Or at least, it's probably another Pokemon of some kind...

[He seems...a little worried that Guilmon didn't take his offered hand, but oh well. Lusamine at least is, and he smiles quite warmly at her in turn.

Best keep recontexualizing, Lusamine.

And then again, maybe he does need a bit of comfort himself. He certainly holds on tight enough that it feels that way.]

Haha- Thanks? [He doesn't sound sure- of himself, more than anything- but to be fair, he has no idea what impression he left.

...and...speaking of impressions.] ...There he goes... [he says quietly, shaking his head.] ...it's like being back with Hermana...

[They carry on though. They walk onward, eyes wide to what's around them until abruptly what's around is darkness. The night. Moonlight-]

H...Huh?

[The shift in their surroundings makes Guilmon bristle. His normally bright, innocent eyes narrow. His pupils slit. His lips curl back to reveal his sharp teeth.]

It's coming.

[Growling, Guilmon scans for the scent. That crimson moon, glistening in the dark...

He charges.]

Fireball!

[Flames spew from his maw, targeted at the beast. Logic and reason have left the building, ladies and gents.]

Do you think it'll try to eat me??

[He's.. not worried about the idea of it, somehow. Even as that light begins to impossibly shine through the fog as it had before, Akira's initial response is to happily continue his approach-- just narrowly stopping in time to avoid taking that Fire attack himself.

But was a preemptive strike the best idea? Something feels off. And while it takes him a moment, the realization brings along laughter.]

I wonder if we made it angry..?

[His reflexes might not be the quickest anymore, but he's sure his intuition's just fine. The height's wrong. He'd never forget a detail like that. Large as their still hidden opponent might be, the moonlight seems to be above it. An attack, then?

No longer the only one in immediate danger, Akira turns back to try forcing the other three away, soon aided by Block in place of reaching them himself. Though the effect may only last a moment, it's all it takes to prevent anyone stepping into Blood Moon's range as it lands. What it can't prevent, however, is the bear's figure soon becoming visible behind him.

... Maybe he'd rather not have that Shellder's help just now.]

Okayyy, looks like we're fighting. Guilmon, your move was good! Special attacks seem to be the most effective, but everything helps. Let's just try not to get hit...

[The ground where they could have been standing without interference isn't looking too great, after all.]

[Lusamine is about to lightheartedly tell Akira that yes, perhaps the creature would be interested in trying to eat him—more just to see his reaction to the idea than for any other reason—when she, too, finally takes notice of the moon shining above them. Something about it sends a spike of cold dread into her heart; suddenly, she imagines golden claws and great, star-filled wings unfurling. She tenses, gripping Emporio's hand a little tighter as if anticipating pain—but it doesn't come.

Akira forces them to stay back, just as a beam of light lances through the air, carving into the earth in the space that they might have been standing in if Akira hadn't Blocked them from it. The light in Lusamine's memory was a blinding blue-white. This light is bright and red as blood.

It's also bright and red as the disk glowing in the head of the creature that's just materialized before them. Its hulking, shadowed shape, lit up briefly by the flames Guilmon spit at it, towers over them all—Akira included. Lusamine realizes with shock and awe that she has no idea what it is. Its outline almost resembles that of an Ursaring, but...

Looking at the unsettled and charred earth at their feet is the last step it takes for her battle instincts to take over. Releasing Emporio's hand, she drops to all fours and pushes her way to the front of their group, teeth bared and fur bristling. With a deep, bloodcurdling growl, the beast strikes, lunging forward and swinging a colossal arm at them, claws shining. Lusamine leaps up to meet it, surrounded by a green glow—Protect.

The creature's claws glance harmlessly off of her; taken off guard and thrown off balance by its own deflected attack, the creature staggers backward a step—an open target.]

[Everything is happening very quickly, and immediately. The others rush into action- Guilmon first, followed by Akira- but it takes until Lusamine moves that it truly clicks.

They're under attack- and this massive bear is the culprit.]

A...Aaaah...

[Hurriedly trying to pull himself into focus, he takes a deep breath to hone what power he knows he can.] Th-Thanks Lusamine..!

Right....I need something to throw-

[For the meantime he can work on Focus Energy. That's something right?

But as the Ursaluna comes a bit too near, he quickly has to change tactics. Instead of gathering the power, it all comes rushing out. Looking like...

...Needle Arm??? ~~But it doesn't really do much to the bear... ...Oh, that's Secret Power.~~]

June Catch-All

Mad Moonlighter Pt. 1 - Closed to Flamebringer and Bigby

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Sounds of Chair scooting up

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Mad Moonlighter Pt. 2 - Closed to Emporio, Guilmon and Lusamine

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