[Game Thread] Pokerole Mystery Dungeon: Primal Shadows

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

No rolls required for anything here!  Gallade already knew about the Sky Plate since he was present when it was received.  Keldeo, Zeraora, and Haxorus are intrigued by Platina's mention of the artifact and how it needs to be protected.  Quagsire and Delphox are rather hard to get a read on though.

Keldeo is looking at Kogeki curiously, but doesn't say or do anything in particular that would indicate they got the letter.  Maybe he'll say something after the meeting.

Delphox, Ampharos, and Haxorus all listen rather intently to what the two teams' members have to say about the events that happened.  Ampharos is the first to speak up.

"Goodness me, Ho-oh and Rayquaza made an appearance?!  That is worrying if whatever is going on is drawing even powerful Legendaries into some kind of larger conflict...if Ho-oh is involved, it likely ties into why the Lord of Thunder was attacked as well."

Haxorus nods.  "Keldeo and Emolga mentioned that Sue had noticed the Rainbows of Hope were starting to fade again.  If the Rainbow Pokemon has been corrupted, that's likely to be related as well."

Delphox is silent for a moment longer, eyes closed as she ponders something.  It's almost uncomfortable, waiting for her response.

When she opens her eyes, she nods. 

"Thank you for finding Braixen, Daxter.  And thank you for confiding in us about the Sky Plate, Platina.  When we're done here, I'd like to talk with both of your teams about our next steps.  Haxorus, I trust we can leave the search for the Ivory and Obsidian Peaks to Paradise?"

Haxorus nods.  "We'll have those mountains mapped out faster than you can construct a building."

"Ampharos, we'll need some map data to coordinate these searches, both for the twin peaks and for Lord Raikou.  Can the Expedition Society supply it?"

Ampharos salutes.  "Absolutely, Guildmaster.  And if I may make a suggestion, I remember hearing that there was a particular individual on the Grass Continent that's spent a great amount of time searching for Ho-oh and the Legendary Beasts.  Maybe they'll know of some way to track them down."

"That sounds like an excellent suggestion, Ampharos.  As you are from that continent, Team Raiders, could I ask you to look into that for us?"

"I think I might know who you're talking about already.  They've been a bit of a fixture in Treasure Town for quite some time now.  Gives us a chance to go say hi to Wigglytuff as well, assure him we're okay.  Don't need him leveling his guild because he's upset."

"Very good.  I think that gives us a good grasp of the situation now.  Is there anything else you needed clarification on, Haxorus?"

"Think I've got the gist.  We look for the twin peaks and Kyurem, Expedition Society coordinates the mapping, Team Raiders questions this eccentric about Ho-oh and the Beasts.  All doing our part to figure out what the heck is going on here.  Though...what's your guild gonna do?"

Delphox takes a deep breath, a tension surrounding her despite how confident her words sound.  "We'll be on the front lines.  As soon as we know where to go."

It's what she says next that comes as a surprise to some, though. 

"As the only guild with humans currently among our number, we don't have much of a choice."

Ampharos blinks, seeming to be the only NPC not in the loop by now.  "Excuse me, humans?  As in, multiple?"

"Ah, right.  Hadn't been able to get around to telling you that yet, boss.  Yeah, there's humans at Delphox's Guild."

Madame Twintales nods.  "And it will be them and their destined allies that will end this conflict.  The future may not be clear to me, but I have seen their power for myself.  They can fight the Legends and dispel the Darkness.  A task which no normal pokemon would be able to accomplish without assistance."

"And assist them we shall."

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

With the initial meeting finished, the organizations split off to discuss their individual plans, with Madame Twintales going with Paradise and Zeraora talking to Team Raiders and the Expedition Society.  

Delphox takes TNW, TOS, and Braixen aside for a quick chat.  After the shock reveal that she knew there were humans among their number already, it seems pretty obvious what she wants to talk about.

"So, you all defeated Landorus with the help of Gallade.  I'm impressed.  Very impressed.  For Bronze ranked teams, you are quite capable.  You can expect that to be reflected in your teams' ranks later, though I'll have to keep some of the details concerning why discreet.  It would be rather inconvenient for the public to panic at the thought of another worldwide calamity being potentially imminent."

She sighs.


"I know you all don't particularly trust me.  And I do not blame you.  I assume that you heard about the reputation of the Sand Continent's inhabitants, and chose to hide your identities.  I believe you were wise to do so.  However, if this conflict grows in scale, it may be become difficult to continue to hide your identities."

Delphox looks at Braixen.  "Sheena, I believe it would be wise for you to join one of their teams.  As another human, I believe you will be key to the coming conflict."

Braixen looks very confused.  "...huh?  Hang on, you're not lecturing me?"

Delphox shakes her head, seeming to have dropped all pretense at the drop of a hat.  "While I don't approve of you running away to go adventuring without explicit permission, there's clearly more going on here than I initially suspected.  The time for you to find your purpose is now."

Braixen is left speechless at that.

The guildmaster then looks at Platina as she addresses everyone else.  "If you are all wondering how I knew you were human, the answer lies in something that I found long ago.  Something that not even Sheena was aware of."

The Guildmaster reaches into the fur draped around her arms...

...and pulls out something quite curious indeed.



"Platina, are you aware of how to utilize the Plate that you were entrusted with?  It is a powerful artifact, but mastery of it is demanding.  I can teach you what I know, if you so desire.  I am not fully in control of everything this Plate is capable of, but there are ways to influence the effects it can have, direct them towards achieving your desired goals."

The Plate gives off a powerful aura of Psychic energy, but none sense it more acutely than Platina, as the Sky Plate hanging off of her taloned leg almost seems to resonate with its counterpart.

Delphox puts the Plate away, then lets her guild's teams take the floor.  "I assume you all have questions for me.  Ask, and I shall answer as truthfully as I am able."

Platina wishes she had a better bead on the two respective leaders of these Adventurers, but with a internal sigh she pushes those anxious reservations down. For now it was what it was, and she didn't get to this point in her life without learning how to Rollout over uncertainty and continue as she may.

To Ampharos she has this to say, a frown etched into her face: "Indeed. I fear all it's retinue may be under the umbral thrawl of whatever evil perverts and puppets them. Call it a mere hunch, but if virtually all the Genies of Seasons succumbed to these Dark Forces and with Lord Raikou's abscene....*Shakes head* ....the signs are not very promising that the Lord of Clear Waters, the Lord of Rumbling Fire, and the Lord of Swirling Seas escaped harm or malice. Best we keep a close eye and closer ear about any unexplained phenomena relating to Them, and be prepared to subdue them the best we can."

The shiny bird merely bowed her head at Delphox, accepting both her thanks and request. Though being around them was now more nerve wracking due to not precisely knowing what they knew about her or her comrades, but that doesn't mean she would be impolite or impertinent with her 'boss'. 

The rest of the discussion goes by without much contributions from her, though the mention of Wigglytuff gets a blank tilt of her head and a muttered 'Who?' . Her Guild Leader explicitly revealing that fact nearly causes her to break composure to gawk and facepalm - just why are they making such a big deal out of it, when as a Leader they should be abundantly clear about the sort of trouble that follows when such revelations become too widely known? Yes, this even includes herself to an extent - if she didn't have her prior Quest and other things to focus on....well, she probably wouldn't be nearly so calm about this news or the Truth about her companion's Hidden Nature, ashamed as she is to admit it. Not negatively - by the Dragon Gods no! - but....well, she'd certainly make quite the embarassing scene, oh dear...

In any case the moment passes and everyone splits up to do as request, with her and her number going with Delphox in accordance to their whims and curiosity. What more could they want from them, now that they had the 'full story' ? Hopefully it was not to further 'grill' them about it and/or engage in more mind games that'd leave her a bundle of jittery feather, oh dear oh dear...!

Thankfully, what they had to say was better than expected. Getting praise and accolades for a Quest above and beyond what was expected was richly deserved, and hearing them grant Sheena their blessing brought a smile to her face. That...was very good of them indeed - she'd fear that they'd end up Cloystering them away after all was said and done like....hmm.

(Un)Fortunately, however, they where not yet done with dropping bombshells when they revealed It .

"The Psychic Plate."

The words escaped unbidden from the Iron Lady's mouth, her composure gone as she gapped at the Divine Relic before her and then at Delphox, a look of clear unguarded surprise plain for all to see.

"How....*Shakes head* No, that is impertinent of me. *Looks at them* Forgive me for my presumptions, but...I take it you are it's Guardian and Caretaker? I must admit I am curious as to how such a Divine Item came into your possession, but if you do not wish to share that is your Right. I doubt I would be so clear about how I earnt 'my' own after everything, let alone reveal it's Existence if most others at the meeting where not already aware of It."

*Sighs, closing eyes, then opens them with a Nod*

"Very well - I do wish to learn more about how to Use the Relic in my possession. The closest I have done to test It's Power is trying to grant a Blessing to Landerous and Enamorous before we had to leave - *Shakes head* and I'm uncertain if it amounted to anything. However, to be clear I would rather not overly use It - I am it's Guardian first and foremost, not it's True Wielder. It's Power should only be used when needed most or the need most dire, and relying on Power not mine own - and one so intertwined with Divinity at that - is foolish indeed. Power can corrupt too, if unscrupulous used - those Befallen to the Dark Forces is a testament to that, if nothing else."

Platina has many questions for the Guildmaster, but not a lot she could ask without drawing undue suspicion or engaging in more intrigue or mind games than she is comfortable at the moment. For now, she settles on three of the most pertinent and least incriminating/arousing questions to give to them:

"First...what shall be your Intentions for Daxter's and mine own comrades? Kee raises a good point - though some of us are more special, what plans and thoughts have you so far about it all? Will you put us on the 'frontlines' , or will we be something akin to shinobi - secret forces to be deployed when the need for our overall capabilities are desired? What protections will we have in place, should anyone with less than Ideal thoughts of the matter make any discovery and try to extort or expose us?"

"Second, what assurances (Read - Prestige and resources, as well as more details and overwatch) can you give us now without arousing suspicion within your Guild and among your peers and associates? Presumptuous as it may be to plainly state it, but the facts are clear and the Legends about these matters do not lie - trouble of all kinds will be coming for me, my companions, and those that have joined them hand and hand, and as such having some degree of safety would go a long way to ensure things remain good for everyone involved. *Shakes head* I rather we not be chased off or persecuted without being abundently prepared for it, at the very least, and I know from word of mouth that their are already other nefarious forces seeking the Plates for their own nebulous and no doubt foul ends - hence my desire for such Relic to remain Secret as possible, futile of an effort that might be."

"Third, and lastly...has anything strange happened to you while you have been Guardian to your Plate? With such Divine Relics and the now apparent brewing Calamity...any Insights we can glean would greatly help us deal with this expediently."

[no one]

While Ampharos takes the news in, it finally just... clicks for Daxter. Other people knew about his being human? He feels an intense feeling of discomfort at that, resulting in him taking a few stacks back and trying to hide in a shadowy corner of the room.

The Guildmaster's permission for Sheena to join one of their teams causes him to grin. He shoots Sheena a look, before piping up. "Yeah, I was gonna suggest the same thing. I'd be happy to invite her to my team! Thank you, ma'am!"

He then turns to the Guildmaster. "Uhm, listen, ma'am. I dunno when you realised we were humans but... uh... I don't appreciate not having the... what's the word? Autonomy, I suppose? Would have liked to be able to do that kind of thing on my own time, at my own choosing, you know? I don't even know most of those people!"

The Plate does induce feelings of extreme discomfort in Daxter, however. Everything about it, from the strangely perfect shape to the pure power that radiates from it causes his tail to involuntarily slap against the floor. "I don't like this at all. We should find every single one of them that we can and throw the lot of them into a box and chuck that down into an abyss. Nobody should be able to use this kind of power. I don't think anyone can do it responsibly. Myself included."

[Spiritmon]

Kogeki look at Delphox, looking at her about te revelations. He nod his head and then tell her. "This kinda explain a lot of things to be honest. And yeah, it was a group decision in not tell anything. After all, we doesnt want to get hunt down like animals by furious people just because we are humans. It was more than enough rough with we are be rookies and get punched like we were at the start."

The revelation of the Psychic Plate and the other information was enough to put Kogeki on a mystify look towards Sheena. He take a breath and then ask a few questions. 

"First: Among other questions of our friends, why do you decided to trust us with such important information, and decided to tell us that now? Aside of course of we be humans. Shouldnt this kind of information be trusted for more experience and powerfull members like Galade team?"

"Second: Aside from taking care of Sheena safety, what other responsabilities our teams should do?"

"Third: I know what we might gain if we accept your deal, but what you gain in exchange of this deal Delphox. Sorry about me act the way I do, but so far in the Guild, most of its members want something in exchange, OR dont trust in help others. Just like Team Gallop refuse to help our team when one of our members get lost in a dungeon, and we ask, nay, beg their help to us find Karen."

"So forgive me if I dont trust you Guildmaster, but members of the Guild sometimes reflect the vision of its leader. So forgive my skeptcism with your goodwill without wantin something else in return. I hold no grudge against you Guildmaster if you think that way. I simply a honest person and say what I think is the right think to ask. Its one of most important things a shinobi must ask to guarantee the safety of their team."

And Kogeki was indeed honest. He is not the same grudge and angry Riolu he was at the start of the journey in this world. If Delphox gonna ask their help to do what she wants, they must be in the same page. He forgive but not forget, as the old saying goes.

About Sheena join in what team. "...I honest think Sheena could join Team Omega Seekers. We very much powerfull and skilled, and we also have a member in our group who have a Plate with her. We have 2 members in our team who is human, and very powerfull and walking to become even more. And again, the Sky Plate is in possession of Platina." Kogeki points at Platina. "I have no doubt you are strong in your merit Daxter, and I can imagine your team have the same merits too in their own ways, specially with Karen in your team. So Team Night Wardens is also a good choice in case she decide to join their team."

Then Kogeki shrugle. "Again, I just a honest person who say what I think is necessary, so if you hold any grudge against me Daxter just because of it, suit yourself. You not gonna be the first. I think both teams have enough and equal merits to keep Sheena safe, and help her reach her true potential. But me thinks its not up to us such decision. By the end of the day, its in Sheena hands the decision what team she will go. Me and Daxter said our two cents. In your opinion Sheena, what you want?"

Kogeki then look at Sheena, waiting for final decision.

[Dragonstrike]

Kogeki Questions

Kogeki look at Delphox, looking at her about te revelations. He nod his head and then tell her. "This kinda explain a lot of things to be honest. And yeah, it was a group decision in not tell anything. After all, we doesnt want to get hunt down like animals by furious people just because we are humans. It was more than enough rough with we are be rookies and get punched like we were at the start."

The revelation of the Psychic Plate and the other information was enough to put Kogeki on a mystify look towards Sheena. He take a breath and then ask a few questions. 

"First: Among other questions of our friends, why do you decided to trust us with such important information, and decided to tell us that now? Aside of course of we be humans. Shouldnt this kind of information be trusted for more experience and powerfull members like Galade team?"

"Second: Aside from taking care of Sheena safety, what other responsabilities our teams should do?"

"Third: I know what we might gain if we accept your deal, but what you gain in exchange of this deal Delphox. Sorry about me act the way I do, but so far in the Guild, most of its members want something in exchange, OR dont trust in help others. Just like Team Gallop refuse to help our team when one of our members get lost in a dungeon, and we ask, nay, beg their help to us find Karen."

"So forgive me if I dont trust you Guildmaster, but members of the Guild sometimes reflect the vision of its leader. So forgive my skeptcism with your goodwill without wantin something else in return. I hold no grudge against you Guildmaster if you think that way. I simply a honest person and say what I think is the right think to ask. Its one of most important things a shinobi must ask to guarantee the safety of their team."

And Kogeki was indeed honest. He is not the same grudge and angry Riolu he was at the start of the journey in this world. If Delphox gonna ask their help to do what she wants, they must be in the same page. He forgive but not forget, as the old saying goes.

About Sheena join in what team. "...I honest think Sheena could join Team Omega Seekers. We very much powerfull and skilled, and we also have a member in our group who have a Plate with her. We have 2 members in our team who is human, and very powerfull and walking to become even more. And again, the Sky Plate is in possession of Platina." Kogeki points at Platina. "I have no doubt you are strong in your merit Daxter, and I can imagine your team have the same merits too in their own ways, specially with Karen in your team. So Team Night Wardens is also a good choice in case she decide to join their team."

Then Kogeki shrugle. "Again, I just a honest person who say what I think is necessary, so if you hold any grudge against me Daxter just because of it, suit yourself. You not gonna be the first. I think both teams have enough and equal merits to keep Sheena safe, and help her reach her true potential. But me thinks its not up to us such decision. By the end of the day, its in Sheena hands the decision what team she will go. Me and Daxter said our two cents. In your opinion Sheena, what you want?"

Kogeki then look at Sheena, waiting for final decision.

Karen Question

"What are your thoughts on the cause of the shadowy aura?"

Daxter Question

He then turns to the Guildmaster. "Uhm, listen, ma'am. I dunno when you realised we were humans but... uh... I don't appreciate not having the... what's the word? Autonomy, I suppose? Would have liked to be able to do that kind of thing on my own time, at my own choosing, you know? I don't even know most of those people!"

The Plate does induce feelings of extreme discomfort in Daxter, however. Everything about it, from the strangely perfect shape to the pure power that radiates from it causes his tail to involuntarily slap against the floor. "I don't like this at all. We should find every single one of them that we can and throw the lot of them into a box and chuck that down into an abyss. Nobody should be able to use this kind of power. I don't think anyone can do it responsibly. Myself included."

Platina Questions

In any case the moment passes and everyone splits up to do as request, with her and her number going with Delphox in accordance to their whims and curiosity. What more could they want from them, now that they had the 'full story' ? Hopefully it was not to further 'grill' them about it and/or engage in more mind games that'd leave her a bundle of jittery feather, oh dear oh dear...!

Thankfully, what they had to say was better than expected. Getting praise and accolades for a Quest above and beyond what was expected was richly deserved, and hearing them grant Sheena their blessing brought a smile to her face. That...was very good of them indeed - she'd fear that they'd end up Cloystering them away after all was said and done like....hmm.

(Un)Fortunately, however, they where not yet done with dropping bombshells when they revealed It .

"The Psychic Plate."

The words escaped unbidden from the Iron Lady's mouth, her composure gone as she gapped at the Divine Relic before her and then at Delphox, a look of clear unguarded surprise plain for all to see.

"How....*Shakes head* No, that is impertinent of me. *Looks at them* Forgive me for my presumptions, but...I take it you are it's Guardian and Caretaker? I must admit I am curious as to how such a Divine Item came into your possession, but if you do not wish to share that is your Right. I doubt I would be so clear about how I earnt 'my' own after everything, let alone reveal it's Existence if most others at the meeting where not already aware of It."

*Sighs, closing eyes, then opens them with a Nod*

"Very well - I do wish to learn more about how to Use the Relic in my possession. The closest I have done to test It's Power is trying to grant a Blessing to Landerous and Enamorous before we had to leave - *Shakes head* and I'm uncertain if it amounted to anything. However, to be clear I would rather not overly use It - I am it's Guardian first and foremost, not it's True Wielder. It's Power should only be used when needed most or the need most dire, and relying on Power not mine own - and one so intertwined with Divinity at that - is foolish indeed. Power can corrupt too, if unscrupulous used - those Befallen to the Dark Forces is a testament to that, if nothing else."

Platina has many questions for the Guildmaster, but not a lot she could ask without drawing undue suspicion or engaging in more intrigue or mind games than she is comfortable at the moment. For now, she settles on three of the most pertinent and least incriminating/arousing questions to give to them:

"First...what shall be your Intentions for Daxter's and mine own comrades? Kee raises a good point - though some of us are more special, what plans and thoughts have you so far about it all? Will you put us on the 'frontlines' , or will we be something akin to shinobi - secret forces to be deployed when the need for our overall capabilities are desired? What protections will we have in place, should anyone with less than Ideal thoughts of the matter make any discovery and try to extort or expose us?"

"Second, what assurances (Read - Prestige and resources, as well as more details and overwatch) can you give us now without arousing suspicion within your Guild and among your peers and associates? Presumptuous as it may be to plainly state it, but the facts are clear and the Legends about these matters do not lie - trouble of all kinds will be coming for me, my companions, and those that have joined them hand and hand, and as such having some degree of safety would go a long way to ensure things remain good for everyone involved. *Shakes head* I rather we not be chased off or persecuted without being abundently prepared for it, at the very least, and I know from word of mouth that their are already other nefarious forces seeking the Plates for their own nebulous and no doubt foul ends - hence my desire for such Relic to remain Secret as possible, futile of an effort that might be."

"Third, and lastly...has anything strange happened to you while you have been Guardian to your Plate? With such Divine Relics and the now apparent brewing Calamity...any Insights we can glean would greatly help us deal with this expediently."

Kee Questions

At the sight of their all's Guildmaster pulling out THAT artifact out of her arm's fur, Kee's deeply-red eyes go wiiiiide and he dramatically and audibly inhales! Hope fills his smol furry body - a second Plate, right there and safe and sound from evil hands!! It itches his paws to reach out and touch the Plate, but he resists to do so last second. So close, yet so far away...

"*cough* I have...two questions, Guildmaster, if you permit. First, since when d'you know that we're nat like what we're 'ppearing to be on the outside?" [Read: Since when does she know we're humans] "Also, ya said somethin' 'bout 'at da front lines'... What d'ya mean by that, and - okay, that's a third question - what d'ya want us to DO now?" Kee shivers lightly. "Ya know we're nat ordinary Pokemon, right, and ya got a literal ace up your sleeves with us and our state of former hoomans. But we're not like...superheros or sumthin', ya know... Heck, we're not even real strong or 'xperienced as adventurers or Pokemon. Having been so for mere days'fter all."

He's genuinely worried, and it's ringing through in Kee's voice. Being a hero and helping those in need? Count him in. Straight up trying to save the world that you've been isekai'd into? That's feeling like a little bit too much to upfront ask for as the first task.

"I've known that your teams have had humans in your group since you first walked into the Guild.  Holding the Mind Plate amplifies my Psychic abilities to a degree, allowing me to do things I normally would not be able to, such as read surface level thoughts via telepathy.  Apologies for reading your minds without permission, but a large group of strangers wandering into town is very unusual.  I cannot teach you how to specifically use the Sky Plate, Platina, but I can help you with learning how to harness its power in a more controlled fashion.  I am not a master of it myself, but I have had a lot of time to adjust to using the Mind Plate's abilities.  When I first found Sheena as a Fennekin, I also found the Mind Plate alongside her.  I cannot help but think that it's related, especially now that even more humans have appeared and started finding additional Plates.  Until now, nothing of particular note had happened while I have held this Plate.  You all appear to be at the center of whatever is happening.  That is why I am revealing the existence of this artifact to you and nobody else.

"I do not have any specific plans for your teams, but I do not intend to take away your autonomy.  I want you to follow up on any leads you can find, anything you think is important and might be connected to this looming darkness.  The only times I will have to call upon you to complete a specific task are when a battle with a Legendary pokemon is imminent."

Delphox sighs.  "You have probably heard some of the rumors going around, but humans that have joined other organizations around the world have been vanishing.  Some of the organizations haven't grown concerned about it yet, but I'm worried that they're vanishing for a reason.  And as the only organization that currently can count humans among its number, my guild will have to be at the forefront of this conflict, whenever it arrives.  We will have to track down the Legendary Beasts, and hopefully they can lead us to Ho-oh before it causes any major damage, and help us fight it.  If we have to fight the Beasts to secure their aid...well, we will need the help of humans to be able to combat them.  A group of pokemon with no humans to support them would stand no chance in a direct fight with such powerful entities."

Her expression turns hopeful soon afterwards though.  "Even though you are not particularly powerful now, it is said that pokemon that adventure alongside humans experience much more rapid growth than those that do not.  We will likely have some time before we need to worry about confronting the Rainbow Pokemon.  It may be enough for you to grow strong enough to stand a chance in a fight if it comes to one."

Sheena blinks, seeming to realize something.  "Wait, is that why you wouldn't let me go adventuring?!"

Delphox's expression turns regretful for a second.  "...unfortunately, yes.  Even just being out in the world would have risked revealing your origins prematurely, Sheena.  I am sorry, but I felt it was best that you stay at the guild until the time was right."

Sheena seems to actually be a little upset at that, but she doesn't have anything more to say about it for now, so Delphox continues.

"I can send some of the Guild's other teams out to look for leads if you hear anything interesting that you can't follow up on, but there is a limit to how many I can send out on such tasks without arousing suspicions amongst the Guild and Sahra Town at large.  As for assurances, I can shield your teams from some scrutiny.  Promoting your teams to Silver Rank and rewarding you appropriately for going above and beyond in the search for Braixen and Team Raiders should be a fine cover story for most pokemon in Sahra Town, but we must be careful.  There is only so much I can do, even as Guildmaster.  If you can form alliances and friendships within the Guild and Sahra Town, that will afford you more protection than I would be able to with my position alone.  Earn the trust of the local pokemon, and maybe we can finally alter their perception of humans.  I have long disliked that stigma surrounding humans, and I hope that you can help me prove once and for all to the Sand Continent that your kind are not bad omens."

"As for the cause of these shadows...well, I can only think of one individual who would purposefully try to seek to spread such a thing: Darkula.  He is obsessed with darkness and shadows, and has been searching for ways to manipulate them for years.  And from what Team Gallop has told me about Karen's last encounter with him, he's likely discovered a way to control these shadow pokemon, manipulating them to do his bidding.  I can only hope that he has not discovered how to do so with Legendaries as well...we cannot afford to let these Plates out of our sight.  If Darkula is controlling these shadows, and the shadows are searching for the Plates, then I have no doubt that Darkula is looking for the Plates himself."

Platina and the humans all hear a telepathic voice whistle silently.  Hoo wee, this is getting exciting, isn't it?  We get to go on a Legendary hunt and gather divine relics?  Count me in!  That Darkula character isn't gonna know what hit him when I'm through with him!

Darkula.  A name familiar to everyone in Teams OS and NW except for Platina.  She may not know who he is, but even just hearing the name sends a shiver down Platina's spine.

As for Kogeki's proposal to Sheena, the Braixen immediately shakes her head.  "Sorry Kogeki, but I'm going to join the Night Wardens.  I think they need a Fire type more than the Omega Seekers do."  That's probably not the entire reason she's joining the Night Wardens, but she doesn't elaborate on it further.

If there's any further questions for the Guildmaster, she'll be happy to answer them.  Otherwise, we can move on to the next scene(s)!

[Mikaruge108]

(Karen has no further questions for Delphox)

Karen gives Sheena a hug after she says that she is joining the Night Wardens. "Welcome aboard!"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Kee slowly nods and lets the Guildmaster's words sink in. From the reveal that she knew they all were humans from the very start - even if was due to reading their mind without permission, ugh - over the promotion to Silver Rank(!) - something that is filling the crittercoon with a sense of pride and accomplishment - to the mention of Darkula - Kee shivers and his fur bristles aggressively at the mention of THAT name. If he'd have hands, he'd now ball and clench them to very firm fists. Darkula, that cursed and vile creature... Kee has a strong feeling that they'll meet them again. Soon, too soon even. "Other humans vanishin'...", Kee mutters more to himself, "...makes me wonder when 't's our turn to...vanish."

There indeed is one further thing he wishes to ask Delphox. "It's pleasant 'n reassurin' that ya will allow us to roam free in some way still, Guildmaster... Though do allow me t'ask, if ya're sayin' dat ya can 'send other Teams out t'look for leads' - how possible is it for ya t'send out some other Teams t'look for hints on the Plates themselves? Possible for ya, or d'ya think that'd be too suspicious? Ya see, the sooner we have more hints on these, the more information we can gather on these, the sooner we can p'revent D...Darkula from getting their %#)§-claws on these."

Kee's totally fine with Sheena joining Team NW by the way - because like yeah, that's her decision, and he'll respect that.

[Dragonstrike]

(Karen has no further questions for Delphox)

Karen gives Sheena a hug after she says that she is joining the Night Wardens. "Welcome aboard!"

Karen actually startles Sheena with the sudden hug!  "Eep!  Th-thanks, but could you give me a little space please?"

Spoiler

Kee slowly nods and lets the Guildmaster's words sink in. From the reveal that she knew they all were humans from the very start - even if was due to reading their mind without permission, ugh - over the promotion to Silver Rank(!) - something that is filling the crittercoon with a sense of pride and accomplishment - to the mention of Darkula - Kee shivers and his fur bristles aggressively at the mention of THAT name. If he'd have hands, he'd now ball and clench them to very firm fists. Darkula, that cursed and vile creature... Kee has a strong feeling that they'll meet them again. Soon, too soon even. "Other humans vanishin'...", Kee mutters more to himself, "...makes me wonder when 't's our turn to...vanish."

There indeed is one further thing he wishes to ask Delphox. "It's pleasant 'n reassurin' that ya will allow us to roam free in some way still, Guildmaster... Though do allow me t'ask, if ya're sayin' dat ya can 'send other Teams out t'look for leads' - how possible is it for ya t'send out some other Teams t'look for hints on the Plates themselves? Possible for ya, or d'ya think that'd be too suspicious? Ya see, the sooner we have more hints on these, the more information we can gather on these, the sooner we can p'revent D...Darkula from getting their %#)§-claws on these."

Kee's totally fine with Sheena joining Team NW by the way - because like yeah, that's her decision, and he'll respect that.

Delphox considers Kee's question for a moment.  "If there's a specific area of the Sand Continent you think needs more investigating, I could send a team to search for clues that might have been missed.  A broader search would likely draw too much attention.  For other continents, we should be able to rely on reports from their local organizations and teams.  Paradise and the Expedition Society should have the Mist and Water Continents covered, so I'll talk with Wigglytuff and Absol about assisting us in the search on the Air and Grass Continents."

[Spiritmon]

Kogeki also has no question. And he agreed towards Sheena decision to join Dax team.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"...Very well, an' genuine thanks to ya, Guildmaster. I'll get back t'ya if I - if we? - happen to have any clues on further Plates and are unable t'research ourselves, if I may then." Kee hesitates at first, and eventually mutters something more to himself than to Delphox; "Any help is appreciated on our beeg Quest, 'fter all... I'm not here for no reason, nor am I given a second chance as a Pokemon for no re'son... an' I am gonna make the MOST of dat second chance, I am set on that."

(No further questions or input from Kee here)

[Mikaruge108]

Karen actually startles Sheena with the sudden hug! "Eep! Th-thanks, but could you give me a little space please?"

"Oh, sorry. Got a little excited there." Karen complies.

(Unless there is more from Sheena, no further input from Karen for this scene)