[Game Thread] Pokerole Mystery Dungeon: Primal Shadows

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

With Gurdurr and Swannas' departures, that leaves Team OS with Espeon, Umbreon, and Hydreigon, and the conversation takes a more serious turn after Kogeki mentions that humans have been disappearing recently.

"Ah.  I see.  Yes, I can see why that would be concerning."

Espeon and Umbreon look a bit down.  "...our own team's human disappeared recently.  Sue, a human turned into a Raichu."

"Normally we wouldn't think much of it...she always came back, after all.  But..."

Hydreigon's smile is replaced with a much more serious looking expression now.  "I haven't heard from her in far too long.  Team Paradise's founder and Sue's partner, Haxorus, is very worried about her.  I think it was Virizion, Emolga, and Dusnaprce that saw her last.  They're currently at Paradise proper if you want to hear more."

Hydreigon seems intrigued by what Kee states about why Team OS is here as well, though Espeon and Umbreon just seem confused.  "A mission from Arceus, you say?  Now that's a name even I only barely know.  One does not simply just state the name of the Alpha without good reason.  Whatever your purpose here may be, if you need any assistance, know I'll be more than happy to offer guidance if I can be of help.  I'm guessing that's a more long term goal, though, given Espeon and Umbreons' confusion.  What brings you to the Mist Continent currently?"

Kogeki himself had another serious deadly tone. "Indeed. Thats what I fear indeed. So the disapearance of other Pokemon type like us has been happening. Someone or something is doing that. We dont know how long these disapearances is happening, or for what kind of benefit the kipnapers could have, but they have some either something against our kind, like a vendetta or something, or have a even greater plan. We will do our best to find your friend Sue while we doing our investigation, but I deeply suggest you not hold hope. We must always consider the worst scenario of your friend not be anymore in the land of living."

"Hope is something strong, but sometimes is the cruelest liar and killer." Kogeki serious face kind shifted to a more sad and hurted face, because these words somehow hurt him too. "And hope can even poison your soul, break your spirit to pieces and when you try to pick up the pieces of the spirit you once had...you could make yourself angered, spiteful and carry a pain far greater you can carry." Kogeki than try to change his tone of voice. "Sometimes, having to much hope is a mistake. All you can do is carry on, be strong, and do everything you got."

"I will do everything I can do to find your friend. As my code of honor demands it. I sworn to do it. Not because I a member of Delphox Guild. But in the name of my honor as a ninja."

He said those words with seriousness and conviction. Despite the grim possibility Kogeki words was before, he was determined to do everything he can to help those people. He might not remember the loss he had, but his soul and spirit remeber the price of having to much hope. How it can break someone and make hope become despair. And then transform despair to become hatred. Thats why he feel the weight of such words. 

Its like a old saying: The less expectations you have, the less you get yourself disapointed.

Kogeki doesnt know how the people in front of him will react to his words. He doesnt have social skills. He is just a honest man. Thats something his Pokemon side didnt take away when he get transformed into a Riolu.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Hummm.... The more Espeon and Umbreon reveals about that 'Sue' and her case, the MORE Kee wishes to help; he somehow feels a lot with the two Eeveelutions as they look down and even more when Hydreigon states that her partner, Haxorus, is very worried about it all. He still manages to give the big dragon a grateful smile for their offer of guidance though. "Very 'onoured t'have yar s'pport in our boat, Hydreigon, hehe!~ ( ÒωÓ)و☆ Really. Many thanks, gonna come back to it when it'll be needed."

"Eh, what brings us to that Mist Continent is...." *more coughing from the crittercoon* "Well, letsa call it 'family issues' since our Guildmaster Delphox's daughter, Braixen, d'cided it's a good idea t' run away from home nowhere t'be found." Kee looks down, remiscent, leans further into Platina's slightly fuzzy coat. "Really hoping that's she's alright an' that we, or any other team sent t'a d'fferent continent, is able t'find her soon."

Kee blinks. "Oh, and there are off storm aaaall 'round tha world. Chances are a fellow team of tha Guild we're member of went t'investigate these and disappeard 'nto the void as they did. Strange as f#ck however, gives they're a STRONG an' EXPERIENCED team."

Eventually Espeon, Umbreon as well as Hydreigon are given areassurance glance from the furry raver, his deep-red eyes literally gleaming with support. "Seems like we 'rrived here at tha right tme though, given there's one more thing I'd like t'help ya with: Which is, finding Sue an' making sure that she's returned safely t'Paradise and Haxorus's side. Cannot be indifferent 'bout that, nopeeeee!~" He looks over to Kogeki and down to Platina. "...If ya'd like for me and my team members t'help at all, but I for mah part shall NAT return to tha Guild b'fore I haven't done whatever smol big me is able t'do to in order to bring Sue back where she belongs, HECK YES!!" ( ÒωÓ)و☆ He huffs a little to underline that Kee MEANS it.

"Along with what my partner said, we are also investigating the mysterious storms that has been happening across the world, lookign for clues for the cause and searching for the whereabout of Team Raiders. And Delphox daughter too."

Kogeki already show determination and stern seriousness toward Kee and everyone. "Indeed. You don't need to tell that twice. Despite what I said just now, I already give my word as a ninja to do everything I can do to find Sue. My own honor as a ninja is on the line too. A ninja do everything he can to acomplish in what he promise to do. With or without Espeon and Umbreom permission." He said those words with determination and give Hydreigon a gaze so sharp he coul almost cut the air with such seriousness. He expecting some words of the superior Pokemon, but Kogeki himself is resolute and determinated to acomplish his mission. Or die trying.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(...) Kogeki himself had another serious deadly tone. "Indeed. Thats what I fear indeed. So the disapearance of other Pokemon type like us has been happening. Someone or something is doing that. We dont know how long these disapearances is happening, or for what kind of benefit the kipnapers could have, but they have some either something against our kind, like a vendetta or something, or have a even greater plan. We will do our best to find your friend Sue while we doing our investigation, but I deeply suggest you not hold hope. We must always consider the worst scenario of your friend not be anymore in the land of living."

"Hope is something strong, but sometimes is the cruelest liar and killer." Kogeki serious face kind shifted to a more sad and hurted face, because these words somehow hurt him too. "And hope can even poison your soul, break your spirit to pieces and when you try to pick up the pieces of the spirit you once had...you could make yourself angered, spiteful and carry a pain far greater you can carry." Kogeki than try to change his tone of voice. "Sometimes, having to much hope is a mistake. All you can do is carry on, be strong, and do everything you got." (...)

As the otherwise so silent deltadoggo of ninja raised his voice, Ziggy Kee's all ears; literally. However...if it weren't for him holding close to the fainted Platina right now, he would immediatly intercept and shush him as Kogeki DARED to speak out(!!) the worst case scenario of Sue not dwelling in the land of the living anymore. All that Kogeki receives - lucky for him! - is a shocked expression from the crittercoon accompanied by light growling through bared teeth before Kee looks down and away, visibly hurt now.

"Uh...", Kee speaks up with an embarassed smile once Kogeki's finished, "There there, K'geki, let's NAT go down the path of l....loosing hope, now shall we?~ (^v^╬ )" He staaaaares and smiiiiiles at him with a determination that matches the ninja's seriousness. "Look, yeah 't can surely happen that ya end up d'sappointed due to high expectations, but me feels that once HOPE is lost, basically ALL is lost. Why carry on with somethin' if it's h...hopeless, ya see?" Kee himself struggles to speak it out, it's clearly uncomfortable for him to do so. "Dear-me for mah part will hang on t'hope with mah everything, pushing forward an' forward OUT OF HOPE. Imma just refusing t'give up, k? K, thanks!~" Another semiforced smile from crittercoon to deltadoggo, and the former is back to a chiper nature as he cuddles a bit closer to Platina.

[Dragonstrike]

Espeon looks up and stares right at Kogeki after his pessimistic comments.  "We have to have hope.  Sue gave us...gave everyone hope for the world in its darkest hour.  She sacrificed so much to save us."

"It's our turn to save her if she's in trouble.  She's out there somewhere.  She has to be."

"Your friend is right, Kogeki.  If we have no hope, we've lost her already.  If the world had lost hope when the Rainbows of Hope disappeared and the Bittercold threatened all of life with extinction, there would have been nothing left to save.  I hope you remember that as you search for Sue and your own objectives.  Unfortunately, I may not be of much immediate help in your search, but I am always available if you need me."

Hydreigon goes back to having three carefree smiles plastered on his faces soon afterwards.  "Well, it's been nice chatting with you, but it sounds like you have some important business to attend to!  If you need me for anything, you can usually find me here!  I do recommend you talk with Virizion, Emolga, and Dunsparce if you intend to look for Sue.  You can find them somewhere in Paradise, I'm sure.  And I believe you two need to catch up with Keldeo, yes?"

"Correct, Hydreigon.  Shortly before we left for the Sand Continent, he said he was on the verge of discovering something revolutionary.  That was how he put it, right Umbreon?"

"Sounds about right to me.  Can't say I have any idea what he might mean by that though."

"I suppose you're all off to Paradise then!  On a related note, though, do you need me to keep an eye on your feathered friend there in the meantime?  I expect carrying her might not be particularly easy.  You can trust she'll be in good company when she wakes up, though, and she definitely won't be wanting for something to eat!" Hydreigon's heads all have beaming smiles as he says that.

Umbreon sighs.  "...I guess that's gonna go on the team's tab later, like everything else..."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Kee lets of a conficent 'hmpf' and gives off a smug (UwU )-face as Hydreigon agrees to him over hanging onto hope. He also loves these 'Rainbows of Hope', so they're literally visualizations of keeping and having hope still?! Damn, dat's awesome af to the smol crittercoon!~ He takes a mental note to appreciate these special rainbows more when he happens to come across them.


His determination to help finding Sue also raises by 100% as Espeon and Umbreon speak about how important of a human-now-pokemon Sue is. "Onwards towards that Paradise then, yes please!!~ ( ÒωÓ)و☆", he shouts out, "Expecting it to be quite a p'radisiacal place, ahahaha!~~" Kee gently cuddles up to the still-fainted Platina and gives her a soft lick over her beck too before he nods to the big scary dragon over keeping an eye on their feathered friend until she wakes up again. "Gladly 'ccepting that offer of yars, Hydreigon, thanks! Please do tell her that she'll find us somewhere in Paradise, k? Lead her there if needed. Don't want her t'be left out on any 'dventure or search for clues 'fter all, nor be derived of the pleasant company of such a beautiful an' shiny lady~" Kee gives her another very soft lick over the shining beak, then carefully shuffles Platina over to be left in the care and watch over the  dragon.

[Spiritmon]

"I will try." Kogeki touch his own bone exposed eye, almost feeling a ghost pain (no pun intended). "I will try..."

"So, that Paradise is our next stop then. Tell her to meet us on Paradise. The sooner we get the information, the sooner we can find Sue."

"Thank you again for the information Hydreigon. And again, don't tell anyone about our identies."

I ready to go! Just for curiosity people, did we remember to bring Zorua with us for training along with Barracuda?

[no one]

Daxter waves his hand dismissively at Snom. "I'll be fine. Pretty sure I've taken way worse beatings than that. Don't need to worry yourself about it, love."

At the mention of Star Cave, Daxter tilts his head in thought. "Huh. Maybe some day soon then? I wouldn't mind making one of those wishes. It's my friend, you see. I've been trying to find him for a few weeks now and I didn't really get anywhere with it. Wishing him here would be useful, eh?"

He listens to Jirachi once more, and pauses in confusion. "Astrology? Isn't that telling the future or something with stars? Is that something you do with Future Sight? Or did your narcolepsy just toss 'astrology' into the mix?"

At Ampharos's suggestion, Daxter nods. "Alright. Come on, lads. Gotta get moving. Communications and legwork, huh? How do you do your communication stuff, Dedenne? You just run around real fast? Or you got Telepathy or somethting as an ability? You don't look much like a psychic type to me..."

Daxter will then lead Dedenne and Bunnelby to Café Connection to speak with Kangaskhan and to the Kecleon brothers before asking them all the same thing:

"Say... You lot are pretty well informed here right? I'm guessing just about every sod tired from their day of travelling would come through your establishment. Have you seen a group of very powerful Pokemon from Sahra Town pass through? A Gallade and a couple of other heavy hitters. Or maybe a Braixen? You seen one of those around?"

As an afterthought, he asks, "What about a blue coloured Growlithe whose breath is so cold it mists the air around his mouth? Seen him? Please say yes..."

[Dragonstrike]

(Secondary party members such as Zorua and Arrokuda are currently unavailable, but will be available at a later point in the chapter)

Kee, Kogeki, and the eeveelutions leave Platina with Hydreigon and Swanna, then begin making their way over to the luxuriously named Paradise, home base of the aptly named Team Paradise.  Espeon and Umbreon lead the pair out the town's front gate and down a trail.  The trail passes a signboard with a map on it before splitting off in two different directions.

"The trail behind that map leads to a few nearby Mystery Dungeons, in case you're wondering.  We're not going that way right now, of course."

"Paradise is straight ahead, farther down this trail."

A short walk later, Kee and Kogeki find themselves following the duo through a gate that precedes a large, open area.  The ground is rather barren, dotted with patches of grass and decorative tiling, but despite how unimpressive it looks at first glance, it's surprisingly lively!

Paradise: Pokemon Paradise: Arrangement 3 - PMD: Gates to Infinity

A few pokemon seem to have set up stalls around the clearing, advertising a variety of services.  Immediately upon entering the area, a loud shout is heard from the party's left.

"V-Wheeeeeeeeelllllll!  Try your luck, manipulate the V-Waves!  Free spins available!"  A very enthusiastic, strange looking pokemon with a red shaped V on their forehead can be seen behind a counter with a spinning wheel to their right.

A Scraggy can be seen slouching in a chair and dozing off behind another counter, seemingly not paying much attention to their surroundings.  Gurdurr walks up to them and says something, the Scraggy opens an eye to see who's bothering him, and the two can be seen conversing.

An Azumarill can be seen at another counter next to a signboard with many different flyers posted on it.  They speak with a group of pokemon, then walk over and open a gate, waving as the group of pokemon exits through that same gate.

There's also a few trails that split off and seem to head to different parts of Paradise.  One trail seems to head to a Forested area, and faint singing can be heard from within.

Another trail seems to head up into a rockier, more elevated area.  Pokemon seem to be chatting excitedly among themselves as they go to and from there.  A third trail seems to head to a flatter area, and the sound of running water can be heard.

As Kee and Kogeki are looking around and getting their bearings, a Quagsire walks over from another counter near the Scraggy's.  "Hm?  Hm hmmmm.  Hmmmmmmmm..."

"Oh, Quagsire!  Hello there!"

"Yes, greetings to you too, Espeon and Umbreon.  Who are our new friends here, hmmmmmm?"

"These are Kee and Kogeki of Team Omega Seekers, from the Sand Continent."

Quagsire looks the two newcomers over with an impressively neutral expression.

"The Sand Continent, hmmmmm?  I see.  Well, they are more than welcome here so long as they don't cause any trouble.  I am Quagsire, the team organizer and manager for Paradise, and communications liaison for the HAPPI organization.  So what brings your team to the Mist Continent, hmmmmm?"

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Daxter waves his hand dismissively at Snom. "I'll be fine. Pretty sure I've taken way worse beatings than that. Don't need to worry yourself about it, love."

At the mention of Star Cave, Daxter tilts his head in thought. "Huh. Maybe some day soon then? I wouldn't mind making one of those wishes. It's my friend, you see. I've been trying to find him for a few weeks now and I didn't really get anywhere with it. Wishing him here would be useful, eh?"

He listens to Jirachi once more, and pauses in confusion. "Astrology? Isn't that telling the future or something with stars? Is that something you do with Future Sight? Or did your narcolepsy just toss 'astrology' into the mix?"

At Ampharos's suggestion, Daxter nods. "Alright. Come on, lads. Gotta get moving. Communications and legwork, huh? How do you do your communication stuff, Dedenne? You just run around real fast? Or you got Telepathy or somethting as an ability? You don't look much like a psychic type to me..."

Daxter will then lead Dedenne and Bunnelby to Café Connection to speak with Kangaskhan and to the Kecleon brothers before asking them all the same thing:

"Say... You lot are pretty well informed here right? I'm guessing just about every sod tired from their day of travelling would come through your establishment. Have you seen a group of very powerful Pokemon from Sahra Town pass through? A Gallade and a couple of other heavy hitters. Or maybe a Braixen? You seen one of those around?"

As an afterthought, he asks, "What about a blue coloured Growlithe whose breath is so cold it mists the air around his mouth? Seen him? Please say yes..."

"If we can both find a free moment when our assignments are done, sure!  It's been awhile since I've visited my old home.  I have to warn you, though, the trip won't be easy.  I have to be in the deeeeeeepest part of the Mystery Dungeon to use my wish granting abilities, and there's lots of wild pokemon there that could keep you from getting that far into the cave."

Daxter's speculation about what astrology is gets a chuckle from Jirachi, seemingly ignoring the comment about narcolepsy.  "I suppose you could kinda say that's what I do.  I mostly record the positions of the celestial bodies in the sky.  I actually do very little in the way predicting the future.  Just making sure there's no doom and gloom from the sun getting closer or a stray meteor about to collide with the planet!"

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

Dedenne doesn't seem to mind Daxter asking about her skills.  "It's because I can pick up and send electromagnetic signals with my whiskers!  You'd be surprised how sensitive they are, especially when it comes to negative charges!  We designed the Connection Orbs' communication features with that in mind.  I can communicate with you from practically anywhere as long as you have a Connection Orb and we're on the same continent!"

"It really is quite something.  I don't claim to understand exactly how it works, but it's definitely been real helpful many times during our expeditions."

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

In Café Connection, Daxter has a little luck with questioning Kangaskhan, though maybe not as much as he'd like.  "A Gallade and some other strong pokemon?  Hmmmm...yeah, I remember a pokemon like that.  I couldn't tell you where they went, hun, but they definitely stopped by to pick up some supplies.  I assume they were preparing to explore somewhere nearby, though.  As for the others, I don't think I remember a Braixen or a Growlithe stopping by recently, to be honest..."

A Krokorok walks up to the counter and sets a crate of milk on the counter.  "Here's your delivery for the day, Kangaskhan!  Sorry it's a bit late!  Boss was having a bit of trouble with the missus."

"Oh, it's fine hun.  Say, Krokorok, your little group has all sorts of eyes and ears around town, yes?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"Maybe you could help this pokemon.  He's looking for some rather...notable individuals."

"Notable individuals, ya say?"  Krokorok turns to Daxter.  "Maybe da boss could help.  What's it worth to ya, though?  Da boss don't talk to just anybody."

Dedenne and Bunnelby interrupt.  "This is an important investigation by the Expedition Society!  Do we need any more reason than that?"

"Yeah, I thought you all were turnin' over a new leaf!  Can't ya just help us with our investigation?"

"Sorry, no can do bud.  Ya wanna talk to da boss, you'll need to do a little convincin', if ya catch my drift."

Krokorok hangs back as Dedenne and Bunnelby converse with Daxter.  "What should we do?  I'm a little lost about what he wants us to do..."

"Maybe we should just give 'im a good wallopin'?  Ya know, assert dominance and stuff.  That's what Buizel did whenever they bothered him, at least."

[no one]

At Jirachi's explanation of its abilities, Daxter frowns. "Uh... Mate, you sure that's astrology? Sounds like something different to me. What was the word... Uh, Astronomy? Yeah, that's right. Astronomy. Pretty sure Astrology is some weird mystic crap. Astronomy's the more scientific one with the charting and tracking and all of that other egghead stuff. I think, anyway."

Daxter groans inwardly. No Buddy here too... No Braixen either, but at least he's on the trail of Gallade and his team. And a skeevy Krokorok asking for a bribe? What the heck was up with this town? A weirdo dancing Ampharos, a psycho sleepwalking Jirachi and now this sleazebag Krokorok? Daxter had enough. He nods at Bunnelby's suggestion. "Let's try sweating him a little first. Doubt he'd be up for messing around with a water type like me."

He then turns to Krokorok and speaks in a low, threatening tone. "Convincin', you say? How about this? If you don't take me to your boss, I'll drag your sorry arse into the sea and leave you to the Sharpedo!"

Action: Intimidate the Krokorok

If the Krokorok isn't affected by the Intimidation, Daxter will flex his claws menacingly and prepare for combat.