[Game Thread] Pokerole Mystery Dungeon: Primal Shadows

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

6 of Karen's current exp will be used to increase her channel from 1 to 2!

"I- I'm fine," Karen manages, still somewhat uncomfortable around Lunapup. "Yeah, there's a bit of history... He took the Dread Plate and mentioned something about the 'Primal Shadows' whatever that is..." She is going to be intentionally vague on any further questions about the plates and the mission from Arceus, as she is somewhat wary about the Lunapup.

"Hmmmm...I do not like the sound of that.  What are you up to, Darkula...?"

Lunapup seems to be lost in thought for a moment, then shakes his head.  "Unfortunately, I'll need more information to determine what he's planning.  For now, I need to pursue that vile bat.  I cannot let him forcibly coerce more pokemon into doing his bidding.  I leave the fate of these Growlithe to you.  We shall meet again, I'm sure."

Lunapup burrows into the ground and vanishes without another word!  Mudbray blinks, not quite sure what to make of all that.

"Well, he's certainly...something.  So, uh...do you think these Growilithe really were being forced to attack us?  What should we do with them?"

Regardless of what Karen decides to do with any/all of the Growlithe (this can be resolved in a flashback), when Ponyta finishes talking with Blitzle, the party will continue onwards.

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The group of adventurers don't encounter any further difficulties on the current floor of the dungeon, and it does not take them long to reach the cliff where Delphox said Xatu spends their days staring at the sun.  Nor does it take them long to find the mystic bird once they are there.

As Delphox described, the bird has their wings folded around themselves like a cloak while they stare at the horizon, watching the setting sun from the edge of the cliff.

It doesn't appear that Xatu has noticed the group of pokemon approaching their perch, either.

"...soooo...do you think we should try bothering him?  He looks pretty absorbed in what he's doing..."
"I dunno...we need to talk to him though, right?"

Ponyta nudges Karen.  "I think you should go get his attention, Karen.  I don't know what Delphox is thinking, but if both she and that Darkula fellow are interested in you for who knows what reason, I'm guessing Xatu will be too."

Karen does exactly that. She approaches Xatu, and talks to him; "Um... Hello?"
Should that fail to get Xatu's attention she will (surprise) tickle him.

(Reminder that you can still address what Karen would like to do with those wild Growlithe that Darkula left behind in a flashback)

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Xatu does not respond initially when Karen simply speaks to him.  He doesn't seem to respond when she tries tickling him either.

Then the bird starts to tremble.  And is that a chuckle that can be faintly heard?  He seems to be holding back a laugh...

Then he suddenly stretches his wings skywards, startling everyone with a loud, "CAAAAAWWWWWW!"

And holding that position, staring straight at the setting sun, the mystic begins uttering a prophecy.

Xatu the Mystic: Great Canyon Remix by Auditory Music - PMD Rescue Team

Disturb not the harmony of Fire, Water, Ice, nor Lightning, lest these spirits wreak destruction upon the lands in which they run to and fro.
Though the sky's great guardian has descended to quell the fighting, alone its efforts have failed. Thus the world shall be blanketed in Shadows.
Oh Chosen Ones, by thine hands, bring together all four. Their powers combined shall help tame the Beast of War.

The bird then finally lowers his wings and turns to face the party.

"Thus, our hopes lie with those summoned to this world and those who they choose to align with.  The four seasons have begun to run amok.  Ill tidings of what is to come.  But there is still hope."

He looks directly at Karen next, his all-seeing eyes seeming to stare straight through her.

"I have foreseen your arrival, as well as the struggles of your friends as they search for what is causing the forces of nature to run wild.  I am sure you have many questions.  Darkness clouds my vision, obscuring events both present and future, but I shall answer what I can."