[Game Thread] Pokerole: Mount Coronet Mystery

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Kee's giving his sparkly-blue faeeveelution a frowning look. "Whatever's in there's still alive, huh? Alright then.... Gonna trust in ya if ya're saying it doesn't pose any threat to us. Though just in case...." He glances sharply at this big vivid individual trapped in the block, as if he's not yet fully convinced, "Stay on guard, attack back with an echoed voice of yours and seperate 'it' from us with a well-placed Light Screen SHALL it be necessary."

A non-STAB'd Heatwave from Mercury should do the trick of thawing the block of ice without roasting what's trapped inside, so he's summoned and eagerly starts the countdown before launching his attack: "Gonna count tha seconds it'll take me to unfreeze it too, yes I willlll!~" Said countdown Kee's Chatot's starting is long enough for the others to arrive, only once all or at least most of us (depends how long it takes for Kogeki to find his mask again) are there the act of unfreezing is attempted. Brigid on Ran's side could help too if she likes, that'd be apprecitated even, though Kee urges him not to 'help' with a full-fledged Inferno: "D'you wanna defrost or outright burn what's inside? (-_- )"

[Lord Windos]

(Bit busy right now, so I'll just make orders for my character. If Ran is able to arrive before Kee gets started freeing whatever is trapped in the ice, then Ran would of course lend Brigid's own Heat Wave to help (though he'd give Kee an unimpressed look at the implied accusation). If Lucas is around, though, he'd ask if they could also release the 'thing' from the ice by breaking it appart with that welp of his, and/or ask if one of Kogeki's Ghosts can phase whatever is in there out if he too is with the rest of the group. Also, Ran would ask Amethyst to try and find Kogeki's mask too, since he did made it for him and hate to see it (and his hard work) lost cause of those darn Ghosts! )

[Dragonstrike]

Kogeki doesn't find any loot outside in the snow or in the branches of the tree.  If Froslass had been guarding something, it wasn't in the cold, white outdoors.

Moments later, the ice wall that had been glowing red is shattered!  A Lucario stands amidst the wreckage, fist still outstretched in front of her, having dealt the blow that broke the dam.  Lucas and his Magmortar, Victoria, stand behind her.  The Lucario straightens and dusts herself off.

The Lucario's 'voice' echoes in everyone's heads.  Well, that was easier than I was expecting it to be.  That'll teach those Froslass to not mess with us.

"Good work, Sally, Victoria.  Get some rest now, okay?"

Before Lucas can recall his pokemon, though, Karen manages to melt through her ice wall, as does Randolph.  Karen's Rapidash has been battering their wall with fire after fire move, eventually melting it with sheer fire power.  Randolph's plan to fan the flames also worked excellently, as the fires left behind by the Inferno only spread more quickly and burn hotter when blown around haphazardly.

Back to Karen, though, she takes one look at Lucas's Lucario and..."Eep!"  She nervously hides behind her Rapidash.  Sally rolls her eyes and sighs, somewhat sarcastically 'saying', I'm not going to hurt you.  Don't know why on earth you'd ever think I would...

Then it's Lucas's turn to give Sally a stern look.  "That's enough of that, Sally.  Return, please."  Sally rolls her eyes again, but she does as Lucas asks.  "Sorry about that, Karen.  Sally's...not very empathetic for a Lucario, to be blunt.  You gonna be okay?"

"I...it's f-fine.  I...I'll be okay..."

"Alright, if you say so...oh hey, Kogeki, I think you dropped this!"

Lucas walks over to the ninja and hands back the mask.  "Don't go losing it again, ya hear?  Might fall in a lake next time."

-----------------------------------------------------------

Karen eventually makes her way over to the cave, as does Lucas.  Both look at the ice block curiously.

"...is something in there frozen solid?  Was it the Froslass that did that?"

"Well, if someone was captured by that Froslass, I'd imagine that they'll be grateful for us getting them out."

I assume that Kogeki and Randolph make their way over as well, and that several carefully used Fire moves are fired at the ice block. (Lucas abstains from helping since his pokemon are so powerful that overdoing it would probably be a little too easy, even if they held back a little)

The ice begins to steam as the heat starts melting it, and over the course of several minutes, the contents of the ice are revealed.  A sleek red armor-like exoskeleton covers them from head to toe, two thin retractable wings peek out from their back, and two large pincers that are decorated with what appears to be yellow eye spots proudly announce what exactly the group has stumbled on:

A Scizor.

But there's more.  The Scizor's wearing a scarf, some kind of bag is slung over its shoulder, and a badge seems to be pinned to the bag.

Spoiler

As the last of the ice thaws, the Scizor collapses to its knees, and the contents of the bag spill open as the bug hits the ground, unconscious.  Oran and Sitrus berries, apples, seeds of some variety, and a strange blue orb all spill out of the bag and onto the ground.

Lucas rushes over and starts examining the large bug pokemon.  After a quick examination, he doesn't seem to be too worried.  "I don't think they've caught frostbite.  Just looks like they're exhausted.  A little rest and a warm fire should be all they need to recover.  I'll stay here and keep an eye on them.  You guys mind trying to find a place where we can set up camp?  Maybe there's a spot deeper in this cave that'll be suitable.  It definitely looks like this is only a small part of a larger opening."

[Spiritmon]

Kogeki do summon his ghost Nagi, and Susano'o to break the prison of everyone.

Kogeki was hiding his face right. He was behind Susano'o, so Hime get closer to Lucas and grab the mask. After some minutes, Kogeki get out fefr his hiding place. "That's better. Those ghosts was strong."

When Kogeki see the Scizor, he waste no time and summon Nagi. "Even if he has no health danger, Kogeki will be able to keep Scizor warm. Make sure to not heat to much Nagi. Fire is Scizor worse weakness.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After setting the camp, Kogeki did this course of action:

Since Kogeki got some time after such difficult battle (and finally found his mask), he decided to take the previous day to train with his Pokemon. More specific Ralts, Larvitar and Ed the Pochyena. He call the three young Pokemon and ask then. "Alright. Are you three ready? We soon gonna go to Mt. Coronet, and that place is nasty and dangerous. You three need to get a bit stronger since dangerous battles will be difficult. To help with the training, I request the help of some strong Pokemon."

Kogeki then summon Heracross, Gama-no-senin the Greninja and Susano'o-no-Mikoto the Daikatuna. The powerful Fighting bug and steel fish have a aura who imply strength and intimidation, while Gama have a more calm aura. "Susano'o is with me for quite a long time, and Heracross have some good experience in battle too. Gama is one of my most adapt Pokemon.. They will be your teachers in the training session. Heracross, please don't scare then to much or beat way to much. They are still young and need some motivation to get strong."

"Gama, you will train with Pochyena. The focus in your training Ed is speed. Hime could help you with, but since you already know Gama, train with him will be more comfortable."

"Heracross, you will train with Larvitar. He barely had any battle, and he will someday become a powerful and intimidating Tyranitar, a pseudo-legendary, so train with you and your intimidating aura might help him grown and reach his potential. The focus in your training is strength. Restrain yourself in use Fighting-type moves Heracross."

"And finally Susanoo. You will train Ralts. She still young, but someday she might have to face powerfull Steel-type in the future, so training typing disadvantages could prepare her for future battles. Restrain in the use of Steel moves old friend, and help grown the potential of her strengh."

Action: Training session Ralts, Larvitar and Ed with Susanoo, Heracross and Gama help! Since this is a more specific training each one of them, I suppose they deserve some bonus of XP since they didn't grab many battles, and I still gonna use them in the future. Also, maybe a bonus training to them for being in training with Heracross around? That intimidating aura from Heracross might be a interesting motivator to those baby Pokemon put extra effort in the training. Kogeki also request some energy drinks and other food to help motivate and treat well those three. It is possible @Dragonstrike?

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(...)

Before Lucas can recall his pokemon, though, Karen manages to melt through her ice wall, as does Randolph.  Karen's Rapidash has been battering their wall with fire after fire move, eventually melting it with sheer fire power.  Randolph's plan to fan the flames also worked excellently, as the fires left behind by the Inferno only spread more quickly and burn hotter when blown around haphazardly.

Back to Karen, though, she takes one look at Lucas's Lucario and..."Eep!"  She nervously hides behind her Rapidash.  Sally rolls her eyes and sighs, somewhat sarcastically 'saying', I'm not going to hurt you.  Don't know why on earth you'd ever think I would...

Then it's Lucas's turn to give Sally a stern look.  "That's enough of that, Sally.  Return, please."  Sally rolls her eyes again, but she does as Lucas asks.  "Sorry about that, Karen.  Sally's...not very empathetic for a Lucario, to be blunt.  You gonna be okay?"

"I...it's f-fine.  I...I'll be okay..."

"Alright, if you say so...oh hey, Kogeki, I think you dropped this!"

Lucas walks over to the ninja and hands back the mask.  "Don't go losing it again, ya hear?  Might fall in a lake next time."

-----------------------------------------------------------

Karen eventually makes her way over to the cave, as does Lucas.  Both look at the ice block curiously.

"...is something in there frozen solid?  Was it the Froslass that did that?"

"Well, if someone was captured by that Froslass, I'd imagine that they'll be grateful for us getting them out."

I assume that Kogeki and Randolph make their way over as well, and that several carefully used Fire moves are fired at the ice block.  (Lucas abstains from helping since his pokemon are so powerful that overdoing it would probably be a little too easy, even if they held back a little)

The ice begins to steam as the heat starts melting it, and over the course of several minutes, the contents of the ice are revealed.  A sleek red armor-like exoskeleton covers them from head to toe, two thin retractable wings peek out from their back, and two large pincers that are decorated with what appears to be yellow eye spots proudly announce what exactly the group has stumbled on:

A Scizor.

But there's more.  The Scizor's wearing a scarf, some kind of bag is slung over its shoulder, and a badge seems to be pinned to the bag.

(...)

As the last of the ice thaws, the Scizor collapses to its knees, and the contents of the bag spill open as the bug hits the ground, unconscious.  Oran and Sitrus berries, apples, seeds of some variety, and a strange blue orb all spill out of the bag and onto the ground.

Lucas rushes over and starts examining the large bug pokemon.  After a quick examination, he doesn't seem to be too worried.  "I don't think they've caught frostbite.  Just looks like they're exhausted.  A little rest and a warm fire should be all they need to recover.  I'll stay here and keep an eye on them.  You guys mind trying to find a place where we can set up camp?  Maybe there's a spot deeper in this cave that'll be suitable.  It definitely looks like this is only a small part of a larger opening."

The moment Ran gazed upon Sally as he broke through the ice, his already irritated expression turned sour, and seeing her treat the wee lass so disrespectfully only served to intensify that look. Ultimately, this leads to him use her as a verbal and (in opinion) well-deserved target of some good old fashion venting and back sass!

"That piss-poor attitude of yours and acting like a Mudsbray may have something to do with her aversion towards ya. Among other things, but I doubt you'd care to find out for yourself without someone yanking your head out of you arse, ya Frosslass cold, self centered brat."

ICE BURN!

Once the 'honorable' anubis is put up (or not), the midget man turns his attention towards Lucas, looking supremely unimpressed.

"Blue bitch is Charming as ever, I se. Ya think she'd grow up or pick up some damn manners after all this time, but I guess saying 'Old dogs can't learn new tricks' ring true for her, huh lad?"

Ran's not sparing the champ from his displeasure, oh no!

He's happy to see Kogeki get his mask back, though, which DOES improve his mood a tad bit!

***

"....... Wie heißt ein Scizor in der Ersten Flamme, der hier oben gefroren ist? Und warum ist es so eingerichtet wie ein Geselle oder so?"

Translation: ...What in the First Flame's name is a Scizor doing Frozen up here? And why is it kitted out like some.....journeyman, or something?

That's what the dwarven craftsman has to say upon seeing the ironclad insect fully thawed out and released from its icy prision, a puzzled look adorning his face, before he shook his head with a small frown. Whatever the case with this red mantis was, it probably has something to do with the Tauros shit supernatural mystery force, so puzzling over it won't do him any good. Not until the group has a chance to do a proper inspection of and  'question'  it, at least.

He would've offered to take care of the mystery Scizors (Something he probably has a little experience in, via his friend Alman), but after the champ and cyborg ninja swoop in to do so he just and leaves it to them. As for Lucas' request, the bristly blacksmith politely frown and respectfully as he could shook his head.

"Can't. Got to check out that Frosslass that tried to turn us into ice encrusted statues and see if they'd that 'old lady's' friend, and then deliver them to her ASAP. Promised to her that I would 'take care of them' in exchange for more information about this goddamn mojo jojo mucking about with everything, and I'm a man of my word. If you have a Pokemon that can FLY or Teleport me and them over to them, though, I'd appreciate ya lending them to me, so I can get that done quick as a Zebrastrike and back just fast."

His tone is firm yet chagrined and regretful, as if he didn't want to ditch everyone and duck out of this, but a promise is a promise, and he wants that info the old crone is holding out from him until he's fulfilled it.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

The moment Ran gazed upon Sally as he broke through the ice, his already irritated expression turned sour, and seeing her treat the wee lass so disrespectfully only served to intensify that look. Ultimately, this leads to him use her as a verbal and (in opinion) well-deserved target of some good old fashion venting and back sass!

"That piss-poor attitude of yours and acting like a Mudsbray may have something to do with her aversion towards ya. Among other things, but I doubt you'd care to find out for yourself without someone yanking your head out of you arse, ya Frosslass cold, self centered brat."

ICE BURN!

Once the 'honorable' anubis is put up (or not), the midget man turns his attention towards Lucas, looking supremely unimpressed.

"Blue bitch is Charming as ever, I se. Ya think she'd grow up or pick up some damn manners after all this time, but I guess saying 'Old dogs can't learn new tricks' ring true for her, huh lad?"

Ran's not sparing the champ from his displeasure, oh no!

He's happy to see Kogeki get his mask back, though, which DOES improve his mood a tad bit!

***

"....... Wie heißt ein Scizor in der Ersten Flamme, der hier oben gefroren ist? Und warum ist es so eingerichtet wie ein Geselle oder so?"

Translation: ...What in the First Flame's name is a Scizor doing Frozen up here? And why is it kitted out like some.....journeyman, or something?

That's what the dwarven craftsman has to say upon seeing the ironclad insect fully thawed out and released from its icy prision, a puzzled look adorning his face, before he shook his head with a small frown. Whatever the case with this red mantis was, it probably has something to do with the Tauros shit supernatural mystery force, so puzzling over it won't do him any good. Not until the group has a chance to do a proper inspection of and  'question'  it, at least.

He would've offered to take care of the mystery Scizors (Something he probably has a little experience in, via his friend Alman), but after the champ and cyborg ninja swoop in to do so he just and leaves it to them. As for Lucas' request, the bristly blacksmith politely frown and respectfully as he could shook his head.

"Can't. Got to check out that Frosslass that tried to turn us into ice encrusted statues and see if they'd that 'old lady's' friend, and then deliver them to her ASAP. Promised to her that I would 'take care of them' in exchange for more information about this goddamn mojo jojo mucking about with everything, and I'm a man of my word. If you have a Pokemon that can FLY or Teleport me and them over to them, though, I'd appreciate ya lending them to me, so I can get that done quick as a Zebrastrike and back just fast."

His tone is firm yet chagrined and regretful, as if he didn't want to ditch everyone and duck out of this, but a promise is a promise, and he wants that info the old crone is holding out from him until he's fulfilled it.

Lucas doesn't look amused with Randolph's comments.  "If you're going to badmouth me and my pokemon, Randolph, think about your words a little more carefully.  Her attitude has nothing to do with why Karen's nervous around her, and you and I both know that, particularly since this is the first time they've been in the same general vicinity as each other.  I'm working on it.  People and pokemon don't change in a day."

Lucas simply recalls his pokemon at that point and ends the conversation there.  No attempts to be clever or fire back at Randolph, just a simple, straightforward response.

--------------------------------------------

As for Randolph's request to borrow a flier, Lucas asks for some more details first.  "Did she specify exactly what she knows?  If she knows something about what might be going on with Mount Coronet, then I see no issue with a quick trip back, but time is of the essence.  If she doesn't know much, it might just be wasting time.  Also..."

Lucas looks around the cave, a little confused.  In the rush to make sure everyone was okay, it seems he'd missed a few details.

"...where IS that Froslass, anyways?  Kee, you said you were fighting the real one, right?  Where'd they go?  Did you catch them?"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Lucas doesn't look amused with Randolph's comments.  "If you're going to badmouth me and my pokemon, Randolph, think about your words a little more carefully.  Her attitude has nothing to do with why Karen's nervous around her, and you and I both know that, particularly since this is the first time they've been in the same general vicinity as each other.  I'm working on it.  People and pokemon don't change in a day."

Lucas simply recalls his pokemon at that point and ends the conversation there.  No attempts to be clever or fire back at Randolph, just a simple, straightforward response.

--------------------------------------------

As for Randolph's request to borrow a flier, Lucas asks for some more details first.  "Did she specify exactly what she knows?  If she knows something about what might be going on with Mount Coronet, then I see no issue with a quick trip back, but time is of the essence.  If she doesn't know much, it might just be wasting time.  Also..."

Lucas looks around the cave, a little confused.  In the rush to make sure everyone was okay, it seems he'd missed a few details.

"...where IS that Froslass, anyways?  Kee, you said you were fighting the real one, right?  Where'd they go?  Did you catch them?"

Oh no, Ran's not going to let the champ get the last word in on this. He's far to steamed about nearly getting killed by the Frosslass' doppelgangers AND seeing that the aural jackal had practically remained unchanged since his first meeting to let their defense go without a little backlash.

"To that, I say this, lad: you're ultimately accountable and responsible for her behavior and conduct. The Sawsbuck goes to you whenever and whatever something bad happens involving the pooch, and you should've had plenty of time since she stared acting like a snotty bitch or so indifferent to other not close or 'worthy'  to correct that before it become ingrained.  Either by teaching her better, or just by ordering her to shape up and discipline her if she shan't.  And even if you disagree with me about that or I'm just plain wrong, you then you COULD and TOLD and ORDERED her to be nice to the young lass, or at least understanding, nonabrasive, and on her best behavior around the girl until some sense of trust could be established between them. And if you did, you didn't do a half-decent job with that."

"REGARDLESS of anything I've said and what you take from it, keep this in mind, lad: I won't be cutting Sally any slack if she keeps acting rude and ill-mannered unless she damn well earns it. She keeps acting like a bitch, I'll keeping treating her as she deserves. If you don't want that, sort her out pronto, or get used to me not having a kind thing to say to or about her."

And that's all he has to say on the matter. He equally (if not more so) unamused as Lucas about the matter, and while that is partly due to his volatile mood at the moment, a big part of that is due to having legitimate concern and grips about Sally's behavior, and what's it solved for both his and everyone else's shake.

 Whether or not the later is apparent is another matter entirely.

***
The midget man thoughtfully frowns as the boy hero pointed, thinking back to what exactly she promised to tell him about, before he let out a heavy *Sigh* and shook his head.

"From what I recall....no. She only said she had Knowledge on the area around her neck in the snowfield, and specifically said she didn't know much about Coronet itself. And she was pretty vague as what she knew too. So...its likely she doesn't have the sort of info we need, now that I think about it. *Sighs* ....So you're probably correct about not spending time checking in with her about it. Especially when we don't seem to have much anymore. *Sighs Again, and drags a hand across his face* ....Goddamn it. Knew I should've pressed her for more details, 'fore I agreed to her request as is. Grarwar.... *Heavy Sighs* At the very least she warned me of her 'friend', so we had a chance to prepare for them freezing us solid. *Growls* Fat load of good it did do in the end. Bah.....!"

At their inquiry to the devil may care punk, Ran turned his attention to them as well, raising an eyebrow as he did so.

"Good question. What did you do with the Yuki-Onni, Kee?"

He then shakes his head with a slightly aggravated *SIGH...* and turned his attention towards Amethyst, who was probably on guard for any more disaster and staying well clear out of the way of her master's sour temper.


"Amethyst, would ya search 'round for that Frosslass, and make sure if she hasn't vanished or not like...whatever those copies of her were. *Sighs* If she's gone, we'll probably end having to take care of her again given our rotten streak of luck with this ungodly job, so try your hardest to find and drag them over to us."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

+++ Concerning the now-defrosted Scizor: +++


Mercury's doing as asked and glides back to perch onto Kee's shoulder after the act of defrosting has succeeded. "Took exactly 197 seconds with that firely tutle's help, squawk!~" He receives a gentle pat on the head and a tasty cracker as a reward, which the musical parrot thankfully starts to nibble on.

Octavia stays on guard... But upon realizing that this Scizor is both unconscious and no harm, she quickly relaxes - and helps Kee to gather all the stuff that spilled from their back. Huuuuh those apples look filling and tasty, and those Berries...! What interest her the most however is that strange blue Orb - she sniffs at it, tries to bite on it and then rolls it over to Kee with an expectant expression. "What's wong, dear one...?" He picks that Orb up, "Does this thingy interest ya? ....Well, I'll take it then, once this Scizor's fine again we can ask 'em what this is for." Means, Kee's taking and pocketing it for now. Octavia looks delighted.

In the colorful musician's view, this Scizor is strange in SO many ways: What is it doing here? What has happened to them that they got freeze-dry'd? How long were they frozen like that? What's with that badge they hold? And obviously, WHY THE HECK does it look like some kind of traveler or explorer??? So many questions without answers, Kee can only frown in confusion.

"Uh... We can't leave this steely bug like this, though...", he speaks up regardless how befuddled he is, "We should prolly help 'em recoverin' their vigor, and we should do as well... B'fore we'll...." He looks in direction of Mount Coronet, this look says more than any amount of words.



+++ Concerning Ran and Lucas getting at each other over the latter's Lucario: +++


This fight is not missed by Octavia, she decides she's having enough of that and sharply hisses at BOTH Ran and Lucas. In addition she also waves her ribbons around in an attempt to calm the situation down and takes a protective stance in front of Karen. Soon enough Kee's attention is caught too, all he does however is throwing a calm "CUT IT OUT, ya two, NOW. Lucas, please take care that yar Pokemon aren't actin' rude to people. Ran, please don't start fights whenever there's 'n opportunity to do so, we've got more important issues." That's all, he averts his attention again.



+++ Concerning this: +++

Spoiler

(...)Lucas looks around the cave, a little confused.  In the rush to make sure everyone was okay, it seems he'd missed a few details. "...where IS that Froslass, anyways?  Kee, you said you were fighting the real one, right?  Where'd they go?  Did you catch them?"

(...)At their inquiry to the devil may care punk, Ran turned his attention to them as well, raising an eyebrow as he did so.
"Good question. What did you do with the Yuki-Onni, Kee?"

He then shakes his head with a slightly aggravated *SIGH...* and turned his attention towards Amethyst, who was probably on guard for any more disaster and staying well clear out of the way of her master's sour temper.
"Amethyst, would ya search 'round for that Frosslass, and make sure if she hasn't vanished or not like...whatever those copies of her were. *Sighs* If she's gone, we'll probably end having to take care of her again given our rotten streak of luck with this ungodly job, so try your hardest to find and drag them over to us."

Adressed blonde guy gives both Lucas and Ran a glance, then raises his hand defensively in front of himself and shakes his head. "....I DIDN'T do anythin' to that Froslass APART from defeatin' her, did NOTHIN' gross or illegal, did NOT catch her either. Actually, I'm lost what dafaque has happened to her... Core gave her the rest with a massive psychic assault, then she screamed as if she was in huge pain, black 'n shadowy stuff manifested and then left her body - boi, it looked like she was possessed by this spectral  black stuff 'n by defeatin' her in a fair battle I exorcised her!!" He talks like he can barely believe this himself. "Have ya also noticed how this blizzard suddenly became worse 'n then just stopped? This occured the very moment this shadow-demon-thingy left her, it phase'd outta her and into the air."

"The spectral and snowy lady herself..." Kee looks honestly sorry now, "Dunno where she went unfortunately, she vanished b'fore I could do ANYTHIN'."

Then his expression becomes a serious one. "Yes I KNOOOW, that's quite the tale. But consider this, WHY should I lie to ya 'bout this? If ya're not believin' me, proof that I'm tellin' the truth by letting Octavia or Karen check on my emotions."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Oh, what Kee also does is reviving Stella - back to 3/6HP and into his open and loving arms she goes, he's honestly sorry for having let her faint. "I'll make...up for this in some way, promised. Okay, dear one? Stay with me, some proper rest will restore your remainin' vigor." More warm and apologizing cuddles are given to smol firely kitsune.

Draven gets send to the PC and into the hands of a professional nurse at the next Pokemon Center though - with a note that says "This Minyan of mine is tame and disciplined, but should still be treated with caution as he can bite if angered." The toxic catbat and Kee went through enough things together that he's not going to begrudge him for letting him faint in a battle. An overnight-stay by the Healing Machine will do him well - Yurei takes his spot in the party for now.

[Dragonstrike]

Concerning the argument:

Lucas was originally trying to drop the topic, and gives Octavia a thankful nod and a pat on the head.  "You're right, Kee.  We have other things to worry about besides how well I'm doing my job.  As I said, I'm working on it.  I'll talk to Sally a little later about her behavior...again.  No need for anyone else to concern themselves with it unless it directly affects them."  Lucas gives Randolph one last unamused look before turning his attention to the cave that Froslass had been guarding.

Oof.  Shots fired.  And hopefully the end of the argument right then and there.

Karen's quietly standing on the sidelines, trying to stay out of the argument as best as she can.

----------------------------------------------

Concerning Froslass:

Lucas looks rather troubled by Kee's description of what happened with Froslass.

"...black and shadowy?  If that isn't ominous, I don't know what is...if she vanished afterwards, though, she might not be in the area any more...and if that's what was causing all the trouble on the Routes, then maybe we don't have much to worry about right now...still, conducting a little surveilance just in case sounds like a good idea to me.  You have that covered, Randolph?  Kogeki and I can handle Scizor."

-------------------------------------------

Concerning Scizor:

Octavia would definitely be interested in that blue orb, and it isn't hard to tell why once Kee picks it up.  He can feel the orb has a...strange energy about it.  It seems like quite a powerful item.

The food is still spilled all over the floor, and Lucas helps with picking it up and putting it back in the bag as well.  He looks puzzled when he does so, though, as he's examining something else he found...

"...that's weird...why are there papers in this bag?  Looks like...a map of some kind?  And are those...footprints?  Some kind of writing, maybe?  Hmmm...oh, can I please see that orb, Kee?  I have a feeling Scizor is gonna be wondering where it is if it isn't in his bag when he wakes up."

Nagi's fire is great for keeping Scizor warm, so long as he's careful to not touch the bug. Lucas carefully directs the ghost to maximize the effect as best as they can manage.

Karen speaks up again as Kee wonders what to do about Scizor.  "...well, Lucas and Kogeki are gonna be keeping an eye on them, and Randolph is going to search for that Froslass, so...how about we go check the deeper parts of the cave to see if we can set up camp there?"