[Game Thread] Pokerole Mystery Dungeon: Primal Shadows

[Dragonstrike]

For the Private Conversation with Haxorous...is it fine to be hosted via PM, Dragonstrike?

Perfectly fine!  I've cleared out some space in my PMs, and Haxorus will find a discreet room in the inn where he and Platina can talk privately.

[Lord Windos]

Sometime later but before the day ended, Platina would finish her conversation Haxorous and return to the group, giving them instructions that they are to meet with Haxorous tomorrow morning. If any of them ask what she was doing with him, she'd simply say "I was just getting some advice from him. Nothing more, nothing less." She'd also appeared thoughtful until she turned in for the night, as if something was heavily weighing in her mind....

[Spiritmon]

While everyone was doing their things, Kogeki was training in his room. After the battle against Landorus, and the revelation of their next enemy, he was restless. He see the level of power of Shadow Ho-Oh, and could understand one undeniable truth: From now on, the enemies will be stronger and stronger. So he retired to his room to pratice his sword training:

How he his been training:

For almost a hour, Kogeki only train more and more, using his ninja training to keep going. After taking a break and take away the sweat, he look at a window, and talk. "Train alone can only take so far. I was not strong enough to defend my team against Ho-Oh. And I was barely able to fight with them against Thundurus and Landorus. And we didnt face Sandaconda, leaving our companions behind. And without insight, I foolish let Platina get shadowed..." Kogeki think more, absorbing everything of todays fights. He then remember the combination attack of him and Keldeo. How the Sword of Justice was strong and powerfull. How he was a master swordsman. He might be young, but still a legendary, and with sword power far superior to Kogeki himself. After a while he came to a decision. He take a piece of paper and a pencil, and write a message within it. He take from his room, still sweat from the training he been doing. He pass though his companions, maybe even passing though Platina while she returned from her conversation with Haxorus. He did what she was doing with him, but after she explained, Kogeki just nod his head, and said okay. And if she need something just shout.

Kogeki finally found Swana, and ask her two things. "Heya. Sorry in bother you but I need to ask two things: First, is there a place where I can take a bath? I was training a bit, and I sweating like a Tepig. Also, can you deliver a message to Keldeo tomorrow morning? He said he need to rest so I dont want to bother him." After such exchange of words (and after a good bath) Kogeki return to his room and after go to rest.

[Dragonstrike]

Karen has Dedenne relay what she learned from Xatu to the guildmaster. (link to original post for convienence) Might be important, she'll let Delphox decide that.

Platina is fine with mostly going full transparency with all the info and discoveries, with a few exceptions: she doesn't want to talk about what happened to her due to that Giga Shadow Sandaconda, she doesn't want to talk about that weird fire she produced, and she doesn't want the group talking about The Sky Plate or any missions related thereof. The former two things only get a curt 'They're personal matter, and NO ONE elses,' while the later she professes that she is very hesitant to let anyone but their most trusted allies know about such a Divine Artifact for fear of others trying to steal it or use the group/her to exploit its Power. If the group has already revealed the full extent of their Mission from God (which Platina doesn't know about, btw, and I also don't think the group has revealed anything about their origins or overall purposes?) , she still wouldn't want to reveal the info but could be convinced otherwise if a good argument is made.

At Dedenne's reminding/insistence, the teams send a general report via the Connection Orb that's light on the details to Delphox, briefly explaining what happened to Karen and what she learned after meeting Xatu, that they found Braixen, that they ran into a little more trouble than expected, where they are now, and when they can be expected to be back (as Haxorus wants to question them further about what happened).

They get a brief response in reply.

Stay in Post Town for now.  I'll be there tomorrow morning.  Make absolutely sure that Braixen doesn't run off again.  Please.

After that, everyone retires to the rooms that Swanna so kindly offered them for the night.

Kogeki finally found Swana, and ask her two things. "Heya. Sorry in bother you but I need to ask two things: First, is there a place where I can take a bath? I was training a bit, and I sweating like a Tepig. Also, can you deliver a message to Keldeo tomorrow morning? He said he need to rest so I dont want to bother him." After such exchange of words (and after a good bath) Kogeki return to his room and after go to rest.

End of the Day: Goodnight - PMD: Explorers of T/D/S

Swanna takes the letter from Kogeki and tucks it away into her feathers.  "I'll make sure he gets this letter.  You just worry about resting as well for now.  As for that bath, there's plenty of water outside that you can cleanse yourself in.  There's a pond both at the top of the hill and at the base of it, right next to the plaza.  I sometimes take the opportunity to cleanse my feathers in one of those spots, so they should suit your needs."

Post Town is very quiet at night, the plaza and hill dimly lit by the light of a few torches around the edges of the paths.  Kogeki walks past Panpour, Pansear, and Pansage as they're patrolling, making sure the torches are in working order.  Aside from those three, though, there isn't a soul in sight, and Kogeki is able to cleanse himself in peace in the pond of his choosing.

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

During the night, Platina once again dreams.  But this time, it's strange dreams.  Dreams she can barely comprehend.  Large open fields that she's viewing from above, the Sky Plate in her talons glowing with a comforting, divine light.  Bipedal creatures with no fur or feathers tending to them using strange tools she's never seen before.  One of them is accompanied by a Bronzong, who calls upon the power of a Rain Dance to change the weather.  Many other pokemon can be seen as well, including Nidoking and Nidoqueen, Linoone, Manectric, Baltoy...

She cannot make out any faces besides those of other pokemon, and she cannot glean any understanding of what is going on nor why she is receiving this vision.

But there is one thing she can remember about the dream.  One detail that she isn't sure how she knows, but is absolutely certain of.

A name.

A name that she hasn't heard before.

(The name shall be sent to Windos via PM)

It won't make sense to her now, but given enough time, she might be able to learn what the significance of this name is...

Platina gains 1 Logic.

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

The Next Day...

The next morning is surprisingly normal for our heroes.  They wake up and are offered a good breakfast by Swanna, and they feel refreshed and well rested.  There's no lingering sense of doom in the air, though some may still be haunted by the memories of Shadow Ho-oh raining fire and destruction on the Seasonal Shrine.  Braixen is off sulking in a corner, mumbling to herself and clearly thinking about something (much like she was doing back in the Guild), though she hasn't attempted to make a run for it even though Delphox stated she was coming to Post Town.

Dedenne, Bunnelby, Zeraora, and Madame Twintales are all in the lobby of the Swanna Inn with our heroes, while Keldeo and Emolga seem to have made their way back to their accommodations in Paradise.  None of the regular townsfolk are present, as Swanna seems to have shooed them away so the guests can have a peaceful morning. Team Raiders isn't in the lobby either, though Swanna mentions that they stepped outside if asked about their whereabouts.

The sounds of crunching and munching can be heard as everyone fills their bellies at the various tables scattered around the lobby, but none are louder than the cacophony of three heads chowing down on three plates simultaneously, coming from the one table where a pokemon from Paradise seems to be waiting for everyone.

It takes him a moment to realize everyone else is awake, but Hydreigon is once again eating his fill of Swanna's delicious homemade meals, and all three of his heads smile as he sees everyone is awake.  "Ah, good morning!  Everyone rest well?  I heard you found yourselves in quite the scuffle.  When you're ready to head on over to Paradise, let me know!  I'll be joining in on this little group briefing Haxorus has called for."

Hydreigon goes back to packing away the pounds (how can he possibly eat so much?!), and everyone is free to converse with the members of their groups or the NPCs that are in the room with them before heading to the briefing.

[Mikaruge108]

Karen is mildly perturbed by Hydregion's excessive scarfing down of food.
"Blech"
--
Karen approaches Braixen (preferably after having eaten), clearly concerned for her. "Is everything okay? If you need to talk about anything, I'm glad to listen."

Once the conversation with Braixen is done, Karen will be ready for the briefing.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

One member of the team is definitely haunted of the first-person-experience of Shadho-oH's (that's what I'll call Shadow-Ho-Oh for now) appearance and performance: It's the monochrome crittercoon Kee, who is perking up in fright at any sudden unexpected noise. A good night's sleep has helped restore his strength and vigor (greatly so even!), but it looks like he'll still need a bit of time until he's back at his chipper and joyous self - emphasis on 'a bit', he feels that getting back into work and meeting up with Haxorus - for whatever they need to talk about, he wonders? - will do well on distracting him from his thoughts for now.

Therefor, he opts to be relatively and unusually quiet this morning, bar fond and genuine welcome-and-good-morning-greetings. Dire times need a serious mindset maybe? Kee doesn't enjoy that, not in a single bit actually, though he opts to adapt somewhat. Shouldn't prevent him from looking ahead and planning what to do next at least.

[Spiritmon]

Kogeki did sleep, and thankfully didnt had any nightmares while resting. He awake very much early in the morning, and did a bit of training swings with his blade (not a training session, just casual training to keep his body ready for anything). After some light training and another good bath, he join with the others in the inn. He see everyone inside the lobby. He...was not a very bright mood because of yesterday fights and not so pleasant surprises. He did see Madame Twintales in one of the tables. He didnt get the chance to thank her for the battle against Tornadus and the help to take care the giant Sandaconda. He approach her and gave her a respectful bow.

"Good day Madame Twintales. Did you sleep well?" If there was someone else with her, Kogeki will also give the other person (or persons) a morning greeting.

[no one]

Daxter watches the Hydreigon scarf large amounts of food with mild amusement. "Uh, mate. You sure that's good for you? I mean, I know you've got three heads and all, but don't you only have one stomach?"

Daxter then carefully approaches Sheena. He looks around warily, making sure that nobody is eavesdropping before gently nudging her with a claw. "So, love, you give my proposal from yesterday any thought? You seem like you could handle yourself, obviously, but I think your 'mum' would be a bit more calm about you going off on adventures if you had a proper group to do it with."

After that, Daxter exchanges hellos and good mornings with the rest of the Night Wardens before nodding at Hydreigon to signal that he's ready to go and meet with Haxorus.

[Lord Windos]

(Due to currently being BUSY on getting the Foundations of my campaign started and actually getting everyone started, I request Platina be Autoed for the unforeseeable future. Once everything is DONE enough for me to dedicate time to making good posts here. Getting this stuff written up takes tiiiiiime, forgive me mates! You should know what my PC wants to do, and she woud revea the dream to Hydregion + the Group [Including the Name to Hydregion, hesitantly] )

[Dragonstrike]

Karen is mildly perturbed by Hydregion's excessive scarfing down of food.
"Blech"
--
Karen approaches Braixen (preferably after having eaten), clearly concerned for her. "Is everything okay? If you need to talk about anything, I'm glad to listen."

Once the conversation with Braixen is done, Karen will be ready for the briefing.

Daxter watches the Hydreigon scarf large amounts of food with mild amusement. "Uh, mate. You sure that's good for you? I mean, I know you've got three heads and all, but don't you only have one stomach?"

Daxter then carefully approaches Sheena. He looks around warily, making sure that nobody is eavesdropping before gently nudging her with a claw. "So, love, you give my proposal from yesterday any thought? You seem like you could handle yourself, obviously, but I think your 'mum' would be a bit more calm about you going off on adventures if you had a proper group to do it with."

After that, Daxter exchanges hellos and good mornings with the rest of the Night Wardens before nodding at Hydreigon to signal that he's ready to go and meet with Haxorus.

Hydreigon briefly pauses the scarfing down of food and smiles at Daxter.  "Oh yes, it's quite fine!  And delicious even!  As an emissary of the Voice of Life, I need quite a lot of energy, you know!"

The Human from Nowhere: Partner's Theme (Music Box version) - Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon

Braixen sighs when the Night Wardens approach and ask how she's doing.  "I don't know what to expect, honestly.  It's hard to get a read on the guildmaster.  She's just so...guarded.  I have no idea if she'd even consider your offer or not."

She takes a deep breath, a renewed confidence in her eyes.  "...but that's not going to stop me from trying to convince her.  I'm sick of being stuck in the guild.  Maybe she'll actually listen this time if you're backing me up."

Kogeki did sleep, and thankfully didnt had any nightmares while resting. He awake very much early in the morning, and did a bit of training swings with his blade (not a training session, just casual training to keep his body ready for anything). After some light training and another good bath, he join with the others in the inn. He see everyone inside the lobby. He...was not a very bright mood because of yesterday fights and not so pleasant surprises. He did see Madame Twintales in one of the tables. He didnt get the chance to thank her for the battle against Tornadus and the help to take care the giant Sandaconda. He approach her and gave her a respectful bow.

"Good day Madame Twintales. Did you sleep well?" If there was someone else with her, Kogeki will also give the other person (or persons) a morning greeting.

Madame Twintales politely nods to Kogeki.  "And a good morning to you as well, Kogeki.  Truthfully, no, I did not sleep very well.  The Glacial Ruins being taken over by Tornadus, however briefly...it is weighing heavily on my mind.  As a disciple of Master Kyurem, I do not fully understand how I could not have foreseen that.  Nor why Master Kyurem would have allowed such a thing to occur if they knew about it."

Zeraora is sharing a table with her, and he gives Kogeki a brief nod of acknowledgement, before resuming their conversation with the icy fox.  "Maybe Kyurem was busy with more important matters.  I hardly think you have much reason to be concerned about them."

"True, I do know they are at the Altar of Ice at least.  My condolences for what happened to your own master."

Zeraora grunts.  "...sympathy isn't gonna help.  We need to find Lord Raikou, and quickly."

"Yes, time does seem to be of the utmost essence."

(Due to currently being BUSY on getting the Foundations of my campaign started and actually getting everyone started, I request Platina be Autoed for the unforeseeable future. Once everything is DONE enough for me to dedicate time to making good posts here. Getting this stuff written up takes tiiiiiime, forgive me mates! You should know what my PC wants to do, and she woud revea the dream to Hydregion + the Group [Including the Name to Hydregion, hesitantly] )

Hydreigon finally looks away from his plates of food and gives Platina a confused and curious look when she describes the dream she had.  "...a name, you say?  How strange..."

He thinks very carefully for a moment, choosing what to say very deliberately as he appears to be lost in thought.

"From what you are describing to me, it sounds as if you were shown a memory.  A very hazy memory and a name to accompany it.  It's reminiscent of what little a recently transformed human might recall, in fact.  I know for a fact though that you are not human.  How strange...in all my time on this mortal coil, I have never heard of anything like this before.  Of humans retaining all of their memories, yes.  Sue was one of those lucky few that never lost who they originally were to begin with.  But for a pokemon to suddenly recall the memories of a human?  Unheard of."

Hydreigon looks back to Platina.  "You should seek the Voice of Life at the World Tree once you have returned to Sahra Town and gotten your current affairs in order.  As the representative of everything living thing on this planet, they may know more about why you are remembering those things.  Unfortunately, I am only a mere emissary.  I was more once upon a time, but I have given up much of that power to remain here and watch over Paradise and the Mist Continent."

...and then he goes right back to chowing down on his food, aiming to finish it before everyone is ready to go to the meeting with Haxorus.

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

Moments before everyone is ready to head to Paradise, thumps are suddenly heard outside, before a familiar yellow pokemon bursts through the doors of Swanna's Inn!

"Never fear, the Dashing Wanderer is here!  I do hope I'm not late for the debriefing!"

The Dashing Wanderer!: Wandering Ampharos - Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon

Dedenne facepalms and Bunnelby just shakes his head.  Ampharos's terrible sense of direction strikes again!

"Ampharos, the meeting place is in the opposite direction from the town."

"Oh?  You mean it's not here?  But everyone's here!"

"Everyone except the one who actually called the meeting."

"And also Guildmaster Delphox."

"Ah, the Guildmaster!  Wonderful!  I was hoping to have a chance to speak with her about some matters.  I've heard there's been new Mystery Dungeons popping up on the Sand Continent recently.  Lead the way!"

He then promptly turns around and bumps into the wall next to the door, and Bunnelby and Dedenne have a hushed conversation about the cirumstances.

"Whoops!"

"...that's our boss for ya."

"I'm impressed he even managed to get here on his own.  Did Mawile not come with him this time?"

"Guess not.  Maybe something's keeping her busy back home."

With full bellies and much to think on, everyone eventually files out of Swanna's Inn and begins making their way to Paradise, where Haxorus's team and Delphox await...

(Next post will be the big meeting!  Gonna work on that separately a little later)