[Game Thread] Lord Windos’ PokeRole Adventure 2: The Wild Lands

[Mikaruge108]

Spoiler

Before the Fight begins the Dude Bro goes "Wow, hold up - never seen that type of Hermit Crab before! What sort is it? Be nice to have one so I can get all the sea shells for my lady!?

The Friktiki gives their master a long aside glance before sighing - now was not the time chating, mi amigo...

Still, this gives you a good chance to talk about Bugs to someone - always a good thing to spread awareness and more appreciation for the oft overlooked and ill-liked Type!

(Battles will come later, but I want to give you something to think about after a long wait, mate!)

"It's a bug, originally discovered in Unova. 'Bout as strong as a Pinsir, but nowhere near as mean."

[Iron]

Vernon thinks it might be wisest to catch this Pokemon, considering it attacks innocent beachgoers. And the current battlers don't have any Blocking moves, and Palossand would just slip through Vernon's grasp if he tried to interfere himself.

He just orders his Pokemon to try to faint it before it can escape - if that succeeds, Pokeball.
If it looks like it's about to get out of range, Pokeball at the very last second.

When the battle is over, Vernon will consider his options for flight if the running person turns out to be hostile. I'm thinking maybe floating away on a giant lilypad! If the person just wants to talk, Vernon will talk.

[Redstone]

Penelope looks ecstatic at your acceptance, and soon enough you're rushed off inside the building, which is like a mini-water theme park in of itself. They had everything she described, and even some stuff she didn't, like a wave generator pool for Surfing or Gravity Deep Dive pools to see how far your or your Mons can go down before the pressure gets to you! You're lead the Swimmer's backrooms, containing many a place for private rehearsals, stalls for showing or preparing certain Pokemon, and showers and changing stations gallore! 

"Here you go! I'll let the supervisors and judges know about your participation in the Deep Sea Prelims! 'Til then take your time in getting to know the place - and get a look at the competition if you're interested, he he!"

You're left alone shortly - now's the time to summon a certain Dragon and make your pitch!

Nalu is more than qualified to particpate in any Swim Prelim, but they don't seem all to enthused about it - they much rather stick with you and the fun battle, after getting fished up by The Lady of the Lake.

After thanking Penelope and getting a quick look of his surroundings he would summon the derg in question.

''Come out Ecclesia, it's time for something new. Have you ever wanted to be the very best? To get all the *praise and honor* worthy of a champion? Well here is your chance. There just so happens to be a category for endurance in deep sea conditions which would be right up your alley.''

''So what do ya say lady, wanna show the competition how it's done? I'm sure there'll be a real nice prize in it for us.''

After that he will check out the competiton (human and pokemon) to get a feel on who she'll be facing or not. Might as well go for a warmup in the Deep Dive pool if she's up for it.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

...

Best be prepared for your partners to go through the meat grinder, even if you are prepared out the wazoo and have Fighters tougher than Steel. Better yet, have Full Restores and Max Revives at the ready - the later can even be used as a Held Item by Mons if you teach them right, though in most proper Battles that's Illegal. In Hunts or in the Wilds, though...well, go wild! I can teach you and your friends how, though it'd probably be best I show everyone going on the Hunt all at once than trying to daisychain the teaching."

...

"Yeap, it is. If you're looking for another Team Member that's capable of tangoing with one of them nasties on short notice....well, I can try scrounging up lead on that. Least I can do for someone willing to put their life on the line and after the horror show Nyan put you through. In the mean time I suggest poking around the Resident Distinct, The Ports, or the Military District - perhaps you can find some sellers of powerful and nice enough Mons for the task, though they won't come cheap, especially if you get one that is Trained for Hunting or Military Action. The Bounty Offices offices round the city might also have some choice critters on offer too, either by request or in stock, though they'd likely be rather unruly if they're recent Catches. The Government and Military District Offices usually has the 'best' , but getting them without a lot of red tape and Poke is Tough, even if you bring in a good 'nuff reason for trying to get one. Luckily for you the Afterlife is one such 'unofficial' *Finger Quotes* Bounty dive and hangout - perhaps you or your friends will have good Fortune in rustling something up! Between me vouching for ya and after last night you pretty much got a free pass to come and go as you please, though it you bring anyone it's on your head to make sure they don't make a mess of things - or at least make ones that'll earn you some laughs and jeers from the regulars. Got all that, sheela?"

...

Off to the side Rabsca and Ceruledge are just minding their business, though both are giving the Dandy Man rather analytical looks for differing degree. Your sand roller appears frustrated, however - they can't seem to get a good read on them, despite their own talents in that area. Ceruledge...well, you already know how she feels about him.

Seddi nods thoughtfully at Dodger's suggestion to teach everyone how their pokemon can use Max Revives in a pinch.  "Sounds like a solid plan, and even more reason to ensure everyone is gathered tomorrow night."

He also listens carefully to what Dodger is saying about the Afterlife club to Oz.  Definitely sounds like a place worth checkin' out when he gets some time to do so.  He'll have to coordinate that with Oz at a later date it sounds like.

If Dodger is going to be looking for pokemon for Oz though...

"Mind if I make a suggestion about something specific to keep an eye out for, Dodger?  Given we'll be facing a Ghost type, a pokemon with Foresight; Odor Sleuth; or Soak would be particularly potent when paired with some of my pokemon.  Especially Soak.  Have a few aces up my sleeve that unfortunately just don't work against Ghosts, so I'll probably be doin' a little diggin' for a critter with one of those moves myself."

Seddi gives Ceruledge and Rabsca a glance to check up on them and what they think.  Ceruledge still looking baffled and wary is to be expected of course.  Rabsca looking genuinely frustrated though gets a brief eyebrow raise from Seddi.  Ceruledge not being able to get a read on someone is one thing.  The Psychic bug being unable to do so?  Hmmmm...

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Source post here

....Until you were stopped as a man approached you, wearing a black turtleneck, kaki pants, black shoes, and a ring on his left hand. He had short, spiky brown hair, and his eyes were brow and...anxious as rubbed his hand together nervously with an apologetic smile. 

"S-so sorry, Sir Scimitar, b-but might I have a moment of your time? I-I just want to ask some questions about y-your Un-n-n-icorn is all...."

Huh? Very well then. "Don't be shy and ask anything you want. For I am always there to aid those who seek more knowledge and wisdom..." Just in case and as a safety measure, Bernhard remains attentive and keeps a close eye on their surroundings AND on that anxious man. For you never know...

The nervous man let out a relieved sigh at not being turned away - it was not uncommon for Magi to refuse to deal with strangers - and gave you a small, nearly faltering smile.

"I...I....thank you, oh wise Scimitar. I'll...I'll b-be quick, and not w-waste your t-time. *Deep breath, exhales...* ....Is it true about what they say about Galarian Rapidashes? That they have special healing powers, to cure the sick and grant health and vitality to those in need? That their...horns have miraculous healings properties, if used right?"

He says this all in a breathy, tremulous voice - their was a faint hope suffused in his tone, as well as a long suffering sense of despair and uncertainty.

For your part you know for a fact that what he asks is True - the Veil Color alone is potent in all sorts of brews and creations, and between the Species' Ability and natural Healing capabilities and Affinity doing all sorts of revitalizing magics with them or their aid is a relative breeze, even unpracticed as you are in the Healing Arts. More importantly, though, what he said about the Unicorn's Horn was true - It indeed is a potent Healing Ingredient, if willing given and harvested. Otherwise it is a source of potent curses or unsavory magics - G-Rapidashes are creatures of purity and Fae, and Intent matters very much when dealing with them.  You haven't harvested one before - only in recent times have you become well Bonded with Nirix, and you are well aware of the systemic fear and reservations him and his kin have about giving such things to others. Their is a very good reason why Unicorns and other magical creatures like him are so Rare now in days - being hunted down to near extinction does that to such wonders of Nature, tragic and infuriating as the covertness and avarice of Man can be.

How, exactly, are you going to Answer this man?

Hmm. Bernhard does certainly take their time to respond, seems to contemplate and consider their answer for quiiiiite a while. For long, there was nothing but silence between them and that man, making it seem like Bernhard refuses to answer. But as they eventually do, a certain sense of pride rings through.

"It is true to a certain degree and depending on you intent, dear citizen. Very much and especially so on the latter: The more pure and honest your intent, the better the results and the healing properties. Their presence alone is enough to ward off poisoning, and what essence of their veil my exemplar has granted me is a prized source when it is coming to healing and revitalizing creations. Their HORN however..." *another long pause* "...more so, though ONLY if received in an intent as pure and honest as Galarian Rapidash itself. As a gift or token of trust, to be specific. Unsavoury acts, hunts of unspoken force, being driven away into constant and utmost waryness, all done to these unicorns when the species was higher in numbers than it is nowadays even in its home region Galar, and fake horns - or medicine made of it - sold at horrendous prices are still sought out, even in today's time."

"Do excuse my open question and assumption: Are you or a close one, perhaps, in need of these healing skills? For I have solely the afforementioned Veil Color - something to be used in my arts; it is useful for healing arts and medicine to be specific - and my own magical and alchemistic talent to offer you. Nirix has been with me for long, quite long - though not long enough to part with their horn yet. Too strong and rooted is the species' waryness and reservation towards humans that have done unuttered harm to his kin..."

It is not so that Bernhard is beyond helping those in need - he will, if it is possible for him and if he's approached in a polite and respectful manner like that man did (twice so if you butter Bernhard up further with a decent reward, triple so if you're a fellow Magus). For Bernhard certainly did pick up the desperate and faint hope in that person's voice.

[Lord Windos]

Seddi nods thoughtfully at Dodger's suggestion to teach everyone how their pokemon can use Max Revives in a pinch.  "Sounds like a solid plan, and even more reason to ensure everyone is gathered tomorrow night."

He also listens carefully to what Dodger is saying about the Afterlife club to Oz.  Definitely sounds like a place worth checkin' out when he gets some time to do so.  He'll have to coordinate that with Oz at a later date it sounds like.

If Dodger is going to be looking for pokemon for Oz though...

"Mind if I make a suggestion about something specific to keep an eye out for, Dodger?  Given we'll be facing a Ghost type, a pokemon with Foresight; Odor Sleuth; or Soak would be particularly potent when paired with some of my pokemon.  Especially Soak.  Have a few aces up my sleeve that unfortunately just don't work against Ghosts, so I'll probably be doin' a little diggin' for a critter with one of those moves myself."

Seddi gives Ceruledge and Rabsca a glance to check up on them and what they think.  Ceruledge still looking baffled and wary is to be expected of course.  Rabsca looking genuinely frustrated though gets a brief eyebrow raise from Seddi.  Ceruledge not being able to get a read on someone is one thing.  The Psychic bug being unable to do so?  Hmmmm...

You get a grin and thumbs up from the Quicksilva Speedster, and he nods along at your suggestions of possible acquisition targets for the hunt.

Until you brought up the idea of Soaking the GWH, which caused him to freeze and a thoughtful but conflicted expression to appear.

"Uh....huh, never thought about doing that to a Malefic. Usually go with a more, ah, how to say it....decisive approach to taking those mean Sucker Punchers down. The quicker, the better, 'fore they can wise up and start ramping up to the A Game, Nasty Plots and all. Nyan is specialized in that style of combat, but...well, you two saw how THAT turned out. Such Tricks are Effective, especially if so happens that the Mon you're Hunting is 'weak' to them. Not sure if you two know or not, but the more Strange, Special, and POWERFUL critters have additional vulnerabilities compared to the common 'Mon[/u]. Similar to how the Legends were before, all virtually invincible outside of specific Banes or circumstances, but... *Grimaces* ....yeah. *Sighs* Anyway, it's usually hard to suss out such things 'less you're the Alakazam sort, a real Sherlock, or just have plenty of experience, but if you can find and hit'em in those areas? *Pounds a fist into a open palm* Blam! Fighting those Toughies becomes a whole lot more manageable - not easier, Inferno no, but the Metronome is tilted more in your favor."

*Sighs, rubbing bridge of his nose*

"That being said .... exploiting such 'weaknesses' with Pseudo and beyond is a more Iron Barbed matter than you thick. Especially with the Malefic Monstrum. Suffice to say, fucking with them like so will not only be harder than not - more so than ever with the clever and old ones - but....they're going to take it personally. Real personally. The more devastating effect of what you end up cooking up for them, the more serious or vindictive they get. Or, Stars forbid, Interested. Trust me when I say you don't want to be on the receiving end of a Hunt by a Malefic - plenty of horror stories and ol' stories are born from a person catching that sort of attention from creatures like them...."

*Shakes head*

"Sorry, got a bit sidetracked there. Point I'm making is that Tricks like that? If you get them to work, you'll reap all kind of Fortune, and you won't know if it'll be for the better or worse until it's all said and done. Going for a more 'fair' and straightforward way of Fighting them might be Inferno-ish, but at least most of those baddies won't immediately go full aggro from my experience - though you never can be certain when dealing with them. *Frowns thoughtfully* Then again I don't think you two are quite on the level yet to pull stuff like that or plans similar to mine without a heavy Helping Hand, so....hmm. *Sighs* Anyhow, that Soak strat you suggested? Pretty sure it'd work real well on a Wander Hurricane, based on what gleaned from my tango with one yonks ago. As a Pseudo Spiritual Weather Entity I think that would mess with it something FIERCE; heck, I'd say screwing with the Type and Ability of most of them would hit Payday, one way or another. *Shakes head* It would also piss them off just as fierce too. And that's before they could possibly adapt to such a change. Malefics are resilient and clever buggers, and much much more, and that's not even getting into some of the Stranger Tauros shit they can do or just ARE. You go fundamentally Changing a Malefic like that and who knows what trouble bubble would come from it...."

*Shrugs*

"Still, don't let my ol' wisdom spook ya out of trying that idea of yours, or brainstorming anymore you'd thick would put a real stick in the caw of that dang living storm. Risks stretch alls the ways into the stratosphere, but the plays you make might earn you the bullseye you nee to succeed. You just got to be prepared if you're going down that route, s'all right mates?"

"*Nods* In anycase I plan on sharing...well, my general plan and strats I've been making and baking for dealing with GWH all these years with everyone joining me in Hunting it down. Once it's laid out hopefully everyone can chip in and help improve or add onto it, like that Soak Idea of yours. How's that grab you two?"

[Spiritmon]

Oz nod her head towards Dodge suggestions of places to find a new partner. "Resident Distinct, the Ports or Military District as the best places. Bounty offices also good. The government and Military District offices are the best places.  And Afterlife can also have some interesting choices. Got it. Might take a look in the Military District office later, since it was your suggestion. Might come pricey, but since its a Malefic Monstrum we are talking about, we cant leave ourselves be cheap. Might take a look there to find my 4th Pokemon."

Oz is happy for Hecate enjoying all the affection. She give a few more hugs.

Oz towards Seddi and Dodger suggestions...She nods in agreement. "Sounds a good plan of partner. If that Malefic Monstrum is ghost-type, Fortuna migh be able to use her dark moves against it. Persephone maybe for a lesser extent, but she might be vulnerable too. Hecate is Psychic/Fairy, and despite her mega form grant her a enormous power boost, it makes her double vulnerable to Ghost-type moves, so I might avoid make Hecate go Mega during our battle, only if it was necessary."

"She can do one special move while in Mega, but it is risk since it is a AoE move, and depending of the situation might not grant the final strike against ou enemy. She however is pretty tough in the defense department, but despite that, it would be good to have a strong backup and only her Mega Evolution as a last effort. Persephone have Lucky Chant who might protect us against powerful strikes from our enemies and grant us good luck. And Fortuna have two moves who might come in handy: Tailwind and Quash, so grant us speed and give our enemy a bad time in speed."

She look at Dodger. "I go with your guys idea, since having sinergy to battle such powerfull enemies migh help us. I think we should go now, since we have a long day ahead of us."

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

You get a grin and thumbs up from the Quicksilva Speedster, and he nods along at your suggestions of possible acquisition targets for the hunt.

Until you brought up the idea of Soaking the GWH, which caused him to freeze and a thoughtful but conflicted expression to appear.

"Uh....huh, never thought about doing that to a Malefic. Usually go with a more, ah, how to say it....decisive approach to taking those mean Sucker Punchers down. The quicker, the better, 'fore they can wise up and start ramping up to the A Game, Nasty Plots and all. Nyan is specialized in that style of combat, but...well, you two saw how THAT turned out. Such Tricks are Effective, especially if so happens that the Mon you're Hunting is 'weak' to them. Not sure if you two know or not, but the more Strange, Special, and POWERFUL critters have additional vulnerabilities compared to the common 'Mon[/u]. Similar to how the Legends were before, all virtually invincible outside of specific Banes or circumstances, but... *Grimaces* ....yeah. *Sighs* Anyway, it's usually hard to suss out such things 'less you're the Alakazam sort, a real Sherlock, or just have plenty of experience, but if you can find and hit'em in those areas? *Pounds a fist into a open palm* Blam! Fighting those Toughies becomes a whole lot more manageable - not easier, Inferno no, but the Metronome is tilted more in your favor."

*Sighs, rubbing bridge of his nose*

"That being said .... exploiting such 'weaknesses' with Pseudo and beyond is a more Iron Barbed matter than you thick. Especially with the Malefic Monstrum. Suffice to say, fucking with them like so will not only be harder than not - more so than ever with the clever and old ones - but....they're going to take it personally. Real personally. The more devastating effect of what you end up cooking up for them, the more serious or vindictive they get. Or, Stars forbid, Interested. Trust me when I say you don't want to be on the receiving end of a Hunt by a Malefic - plenty of horror stories and ol' stories are born from a person catching that sort of attention from creatures like them...."

*Shakes head*

"Sorry, got a bit sidetracked there. Point I'm making is that Tricks like that? If you get them to work, you'll reap all kind of Fortune, and you won't know if it'll be for the better or worse until it's all said and done. Going for a more 'fair' and straightforward way of Fighting them might be Inferno-ish, but at least most of those baddies won't immediately go full aggro from my experience - though you never can be certain when dealing with them. *Frowns thoughtfully* Then again I don't think you two are quite on the level yet to pull stuff like that or plans similar to mine without a heavy Helping Hand, so....hmm. *Sighs* Anyhow, that Soak strat you suggested? Pretty sure it'd work real well on a Wander Hurricane, based on what gleaned from my tango with one yonks ago. As a Pseudo Spiritual Weather Entity I think that would mess with it something FIERCE; heck, I'd say screwing with the Type and Ability of most of them would hit Payday, one way or another. *Shakes head* It would also piss them off just as fierce too. And that's before they could possibly adapt to such a change. Malefics are resilient and clever buggers, and much much more, and that's not even getting into some of the Stranger Tauros shit they can do or just ARE. You go fundamentally Changing a Malefic like that and who knows what trouble bubble would come from it...."

*Shrugs*

"Still, don't let my ol' wisdom spook ya out of trying that idea of yours, or brainstorming anymore you'd thick would put a real stick in the caw of that dang living storm. Risks stretch alls the ways into the stratosphere, but the plays you make might earn you the bullseye you nee to succeed. You just got to be prepared if you're going down that route, s'all right mates?"

"*Nods* In anycase I plan on sharing...well, my general plan and strats I've been making and baking for dealing with GWH all these years with everyone joining me in Hunting it down. Once it's laid out hopefully everyone can chip in and help improve or add onto it, like that Soak Idea of yours. How's that grab you two?"

Seddi calmly nods as he listens to Dodger's musings on Soak and Pseudos.  "Oh, I'm well aware that stronger critters still have vulnerabilities.  I've even had some experience with those kinds of vulnerabilities being exploited already.  I'd normally go with a mostly straightforward approach myself, but that beastie's typing is going to be a thorn in my usual team's side.  Need to either get creative or come up with a different plan of attack."

The mention of sharing strategies and fine tuning them tomorrow night gets an approving nod from Seddi.  "Sounds good to me.  That's part of the point of that gathering, even.  Interested in hearin' what folks think about various plans and how we can make them happen."

[Lord Windos]

@PhantomUnderYourDesk

The sweater clad man visibly brightens as you enlighten him about the healing properties of G-Rapidashes, a small but earnest smile growing bit by bit as you went on.

"R-eally? Truly? T-then..."

Your immediate questions causes him to jump a bit, looking caught off guard and looking vaguely guilty for a moment....before slowly nodding, reserved and timid once more.

"Y-y-y..... *Deep breath, Sighing* ....Yes. My....daughter. She's...she's sick. Badly so. Caught something a month ago. Nothing...nothing has worked in treating her. Not regular medicine, special treatments, experimental therapy....nothing. My daughter, my precious Saph...she's...she's....!"

The man looks to be on the verge of tears, before he takes a shuddering breath in and tries to stabilize.

"...M-magic....P-Pokemon H-Healing M-Magic....it is the only thing I haven't tried left...! I read up on all it I could, and learnt a bit about unicorns, and when I saw you performing while I was searching for anything...."

Suddenly, the fairly distraught man reaches forward to grip your hand *Flips coin* your 'natural' one, looking at you with such undisguised earnestness and desperation it was heartbreaking even for stand-offish man like you.

"P-Please, help me good Magi! I'll....I'll give you anything I can, if you can....if you can cure my daughter!! Please, oh please....!"

In the background, you notice a shift in the crowds - a lot of people were suddenly checking their phones or Dexes, and almost all of them looked startled by what they're reading. Already some were heading towards the central plaza of the department store - you could vaguely pick up something about a sudden store-wide announcement about to take place. The nervous man in front of you was far too distracted to pay attention to such things, but not you - dividing your focus is something you're quite adept at, at least when it comes to non-research matters such as fieldwork or spellcasting. Hmm....?

====


@Redstone

Your sea drake looks somewhat aloof at your blatant flattery, but you could tell she was vaguely intrigued despite herself. Praise from land dwellers attempting to mimic the prowess of Water Pokemon was questionably desirable at best, but the chance to show off was awfully appealing...

Before you could decide anything, however, a change went through the atmosphere of the place. Swimmers , competitors, spectators, and others started leave the area, being sheparded by what appeared to be the event officials and other important looking figures. A great deal of people looked confused, and some of them were upset at this - everyone, one and all, was surprised.

Soon, one of these official came up to you - though he did pause at seeing your Dragon until you let them know it was okay to approach - and gave you a polite bow, a deeply worried look etched into their face.

"Uh....I'm sorry to say, but today's competition has been canceled....due to...."

They shake their head.

".....Something truly horrendous. We've only now received word about it, and are being updated on how things are proceeding about it...but what we've heard so far? It's bad. All of us - the officials - will share more details once we've gathered everyone up. Of course if you want to leave for elsewhere we won't stop you, but....*Shakes head* I think as a Trainer you'd want to hear about it...."


====

@Iron and @Mikaruge108

For the sake of brevity, time, and just to get things moving, the following Encounter of Iron's and Mika's have be Resolved as thus:

* Vern managed to catch Palossand without a hitch or anymore damage to his Mons; investigating it's former resting ground....he finds the skeleton of a young child there. The person that was running toward them turns out to be a life guard/coast guard type Trainer, who came running once he caught wind of your tangoing with such a dangerous and notorious beach menace. He's surprised but relieved you managed to handle things well by yourself, though the grim discovery makes his mood go severe. He offers to take it off your hands for $2500 Poke, citing such Dangerous Pokemon often have Bounties on them, and furthermore the family of this child - once their identity is discovered - would most likely want to get their hands on this critter to enact justice themselves. In the end the choice is yours.

* For Darren, he Wins his match up in a clean sweep, gaining 5 XP for himself and his Pokemon. The guy refuses to give you any Poke for thrashing him, storming off in an embarrassed rage, his girlfriend rushing off after him after shooting you an apologetic and harried look.

Both of you then see and hear a commotion going on in your respective areas, before getting word of a public announcement about to take place - Vern's at a pier near the beach he's at, and back in the bar Darren was just in. Oh my....


====

@Dragonstrike and @Spiritmon

Dodger was casually slouching as he watches you two casually banter and share info, his groovy mood now back on track despite the previous unpleasantness of his feline amigo and the rather dour subject matter, a confident and receptive grin in place.

Then a loud and piercing *Eeeeeeeeeeeee!* resounded throughout the arena, it's tone quite unique as it was grating, like a cross between a Bug Buzz and Metal Sound that was stretched out.

Immediately the dandy man's face went Rock and Ice as he yanked out what appeared to be one slick and hi-tech phone - a extremely high end one, from what Seddi can tell from recent experience on the matter - took on look at the screen (which you couldn't see), and his expression twisted as if he had eaten something sour and terrible.

"Fuck."

He turns toward the park's exit and nearly storms off, before remember you two were there. A complicated look appeared for a second, as he was thinking about something, before with a decisive *Nod* he turned to face you, arms cross and utterly serious.

"That noise you heard? That was an Emergency Alert, straight from the Government. Something big and bad has happened. I'm planning on heading on over and trying to help sort things out. Between me and the other on call Trainers, suits, and police we should have things covered....but you two are free to join me if you wish. I'll explain everything on the way. If you got other plans, though, don't let this hold you up - things will be taken care of, sooner or later. Hopefully sooner - we really don't want trouble lingering around with what we're planning to do soon, *Sighs....* "

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

The sweater clad man visibly brightens as you enlighten him about the healing properties of G-Rapidashes, a small but earnest smile growing bit by bit as you went on.
"R-eally? Truly? T-then..."
Your immediate questions causes him to jump a bit, looking caught off guard and looking vaguely guilty for a moment....before slowly nodding, reserved and timid once more.
"Y-y-y..... *Deep breath, Sighing* ....Yes. My....daughter. She's...she's sick. Badly so. Caught something a month ago. Nothing...nothing has worked in treating her. Not regular medicine, special treatments, experimental therapy....nothing. My daughter, my precious Saph...she's...she's....!"
The man looks to be on the verge of tears, before he takes a shuddering breath in and tries to stabilize.
"...M-magic....P-Pokemon H-Healing M-Magic....it is the only thing I haven't tried left...! I read up on all it I could, and learnt a bit about unicorns, and when I saw you performing while I was searching for anything...."
Suddenly, the fairly distraught man reaches forward to grip your hand *Flips coin* your 'natural' one, looking at you with such undisguised earnestness and desperation it was heartbreaking even for stand-offish man like you.
"P-Please, help me good Magi! I'll....I'll give you anything I can, if you can....if you can cure my daughter!! Please, oh please....!"
In the background, you notice a shift in the crowds - a lot of people were suddenly checking their phones or Dexes, and almost all of them looked startled by what they're reading. Already some were heading towards the central plaza of the department store - you could vaguely pick up something about a sudden store-wide announcement about to take place. The nervous man in front of you was far too distracted to pay attention to such things, but not you - dividing your focus is something you're quite adept at, at least when it comes to non-research matters such as fieldwork or spellcasting. Hmm....?

Hmm... Alright and very well then. Bernhard lets their gaze rest on that riled up man for a bit, how he tries his hardest to not break down in front of them, before it very quickly becomes too much for them to witness and watch: They look away to the side, letting out a light sigh, their stoic facade crumbling for short to display a sort of...compassionate expression. Blink once, blink twice, and it's gone again however. "...Do let me and Nirix see your beloved daughter then. Just briefly so should suffice... Perhaps and mayhaps my exemplar of the Galarian unicorn can be enticed to gift a potion of their precious horn to aid a pure and virgin maiden in despair? Maybe, maybe not, but least we can do is TRY..."

Then, Bernhard musters that man again, this time with a very subtle - however honest(!) and genuine(!!) - smile(!!!), perhaps in a way to comfort him, to give him a faint glimmer of hope. "It's worth a shot as one might say, now wouldn't you agree? You are indeed lucky for having crossed my path, and I do acknowledge your courage to ask a capable Magus like me for help. Now, let us be off then and see what we can do, lead the way if you may - if you could please let go of my hand, that'd be also appreciated."

Oh, about that store-wide announcement - Yes Bernhard did pick that up, but he chooses not to be bothered with it, for he is busy and occupied enough already. He prefers not to get caught in any troubles if he can avoid it, if whatever's up is that important or affects him in any way, he's certain that he'll find out what's wrong early enough.