[Game Thread] Pokerole: Mount Coronet Mystery

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

As soon as Kee touches the statue, the Explorer Badge glows really bright!  It's almost blinding!  Moments later, three pillars of light Teleport the rest of the party to the statue.

First comes Randolph, Rui, Karen and Scizor.  Rui and Randolph stumble a little since this is their first time experiencing this, but they aren't surprised since they saw it happen at the start of Floor 2 and Scizor warned them right before it happened.  Karen's excited to see Kee!  "Kee!  Did you find the stairs?"  Rui's looking around the room, puzzled.  "...this is weird...where are we...?"

Scizor, by contrast, calmly walks over to the statue and touches his badge to it, then starts fiddling with something.  He gives Kee an approving nod as he walks past.  If he had thumbs, he'd totally be giving the man a thumbs up, too.  Good job!

Next is Kogeki, who doesn't stumble because this isn't his first time Teleporting.  He's just not used to Teleporting in this manner, and he had no warning, so he was likely caught off guard.

Last but not least is Lucas!  He momentarily looks surprised for similar reasons go Kogeki.  "Whoa!  Okay, what the heck is...oh?  Oh hey, there ya guys are!  I was trying to find ya after that avalanche separated us!  Turns out I was chasing a Zoroark, not an Absol.  So...where the heck are we right now?"

Looking around the room, there's one path behind the group and in front of the statue (which has now been obscured by a mysterious fog.  This is the entrance Kee used), and one path behind the statue (also obscured by fog).  Aside from the Kangaskhan statue and the exits, there's nothing else of note in the room.

Scizor finishes fiddling with the statue and sits down in a corner of the room, taking a moment to relax.

"...so...do you mind explaining where we are, Scizor?"

Lucas summons Sally to translate again.  She looks confused as Scizor explains at first, but she closes her eyes and accepts the strangeness of it all after he finishes.

Scizor says we're at a rest area of sorts.  We're safe here according to him.  If we take the path in front of the statue, it'll get us out of the Mystery Dungeon and put us back at the entrance.  The path behind the statue, meanwhile, will take us to the next floor.  He recommends we rest while we have the chance.  The dungeon's only going to get more difficult to traverse from here, and statues like these are usually only found when there's great danger ahead.

Lucas thinks about that for a moment and what that means.  "...well, you heard him.  If anyone wants to turn back now, this is your last chance, it seems.  We're getting close to Spear Pillar.  I imagine the section ahead is going to be the upper levels of Mt. Coronet's cave system, and those link directly to the Spear Pillar itself.  Once we're there...well, I don't know what exactly we'll find, but chances are that Dialga's waiting for us...for one reason or another.  If anyone doesn't want to continue, then I don't blame you.  Facing a Legendary is not for the faint of heart."

Scizor startles when Lucas mentions that.  Wait, what?!  Nobody told him that Dialga was here!

Rui startles too.  "...a...L-Legendary pokemon?  Are you sure about that?"

Karen nods (and notably is also trying to keep her distance from Sally again).  "Unfortunately, yeah...something's wrong with Dialga, apparently.  We talked to the Lake Trio earlier, and...well, they gave us a Red Chain to help seal Dialga's power!  So...I'm staying.  Honestly, I'm scared, and I don't know what to think of all of this, but...if there's something I can do, I want to help.  Whatever's causing all this trouble that's pulling pokemon and people from other worlds to the mountain, the source of it all must be at the top!  If we go there, maybe we can find out how to return you to your worlds, Kee and Scizor!"

Scizor has to think about that for a moment.  He nods after a little thought.  He's gonna stay too.

Rui looks uncertain.  "...do you think the reason I lost my memory is related to what's going on at...Spear Pillar, you said?"

"Maybe.  Can't really say for certain.  But if you ask me, I think it's the best lead you're probably going to get.  If we can calm down Dialga, I'm sure they can help you with that little problem, too."

Rui thinks about it...then also nods.  "...a-alright...guess I don't have much of a choice but to tr-trust you on this..."  Espeon cuddles with Rui, trying to comfort her (and also completely unphased by the idea of facing a Legendary pokemon, weirdly).  It'll be all right.  Rui absentmindedly pets the cat pokemon.

The group can rest here for the night, as it's isolated from the rest of the dungeon.  If there's anything you wish to do before the end of the day/before heading to the third floor of the dungeon, do it now.  This is the midway point of the dungeon, so you guys can have a short break from the action if you wish.

(Sorry for not getting back sooner to post but....well, I feel asleep at my keyboard while watching some youtube videos. Let me try to make up for lost time....)

Before we get into the current stuff....

*Minor Flashback!*

- "Ha! You say that's ambitious, but I say its just accepting nothing less but the best for myself! Otherwise, what's the point of being a Trainer , if you're not going to try your damndest to achieve whatever you set out to do? Getting a Heatran to partner up with me may turn out to be an impossible goal, but I'm not going to give up on that just yet! Not when I haven't even BEGUN it! *Coughs* ....Anyway, if I do track down a Heatran, I'll be sure to let you know about it, and get your help with persuading it to join me if its amenable to such a proposition."

- Ran would give Johnathan firm grip on his right shoulder after passing off the notes to him, giving him a very grateful nod. "Thank ya, Johnathan. Hopefully you won't have to do what I've asked ya, but...if worst comes to worse, Sinnoh's now prepared to deal with it."

That's it, and perfect timing, for as Scizor's Explorer badge starts to shine, signaling a Teleport to the Stairs of this Floor....

*Minor Flashback End!*

....Ran suddenly find himself in a smallish room with what looked to be a Kanguskhan Statue, wobbling on his feet a bit from the unusual feeling of that transportation before resting a hand against his head and shaking it to clear it away. He gives Rui a half-shrug at her question, and simply answer back with "Not sure. Scizors 'said' we'd be Teleported to the next Floor once somebody found the Stairs and progressed up them, but this is different then what he described...."

Once everyone else is Teleported in and the ironclad insect 'explains' (Via Sally) what the heck is up with this room/Statue , the bristly blacksmith closes his eyes and lets out a gruff *Sigh*

"....So we're half way through this Mystery Dungeon and to Spear Pillar, and it's only going to get tougher and meaner going forward? Mit Feuerstein und Stahl, fick mein Leben mit einem glühenden Hammer....."
Translation: By flint and steel, fuck up my life with a red-hot hammer....

When asked by Lucas if anyone wanted to quit, Ran's eyes immediately snapped open and focused on them, and he let loose a *growl*  and snapped his arm out in a very definitive 'NO' gesture.

"After all I've suffered through for this fucking absurd and dangerous job, with the stakes surrounding it higher than this mountain we're on and the promises I made to the Pixies and the duty I have towards my people? Fuck no am I giving up now. No matter how much I hate this blasted mission of ours, it isn't just about me or getting paid for it in the end. If this Tauros shit supernatural mystery force ain''t addressed and fixed by us ASAP, then Sinnoh and who know how many other places are screwed, and if I can do anything to prevent that, I MUST. Even if mean having to stand against Time Lord Dialga themselves and subduing them, so be it. I'm in it until the end, whatever it may be!!"

A rather impressive and impassioned response from the wee little man, eh? Hopefully his words galvanized the other more uncertain and timid members of the coalition!

Ran would also be there for Rui after she expresses her doubtful affirmation to continue on, going over behind her to lay a hand on her shoulder. 

"Have faith, lass. If not in Lucas or anyone else, then in yourself and Espeon. You'll get your memories back after all this is done and sent on ya way home, and if not I'll find a way to restore both to ya, I promise. Alright, Rui?"

Kogeki's own speech and resolve to continue has the scruffy smith frowning, as having revenge against the gods being your primary motivation for a quest not a great thing, but he doesn't say anything against it. If that's what it takes to get him on-board with the rest of this godawful mission, then let his embittered hatred flow. Besides, he's the last one to criticize someone about seeking to correct an injustice........

Their news of capturing a Ditto and offering to trade it to him got two eyebrows raised from the dwarven craftsman, followed by an appreciative whistle.

"Well, pluck the feathers off a Fearow if that isn't a fine catch you got! Hmm....not sure if I have enough to adequately Trade for it to your liking, but we don't know that until we haggle it out, eh? Right, I was thinking of Trading you a Sword Dance TM and Big Nugget I found, and....what about a couple Great Balls and Potions, a Revive and Super Potion, and a Gyarados too? Dittos are a real versatile treasure, so the Big Nugget and Gyarados should be worth plenty to ya in exchange, and the TM and supplies should be useful to ya while we're stuck up here. How's that sound to ya?"

(I'll say the rest of what I want Ran to do after this Trade is finished!)

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

(Sorry for not getting back sooner to post but....well, I feel asleep at my keyboard while watching some youtube videos. Let me try to make up for lost time....)

Before we get into the current stuff....

*Minor Flashback!*

- "Ha! You say that's ambitious, but I say its just accepting nothing less but the best for myself! Otherwise, what's the point of being a Trainer , if you're not going to try your damndest to achieve whatever you set out to do? Getting a Heatran to partner up with me may turn out to be an impossible goal, but I'm not going to give up on that just yet! Not when I haven't even BEGUN it! *Coughs* ....Anyway, if I do track down a Heatran, I'll be sure to let you know about it, and get your help with persuading it to join me if its amenable to such a proposition."

- Ran would give Johnathan firm grip on his right shoulder after passing off the notes to him, giving him a very grateful nod. "Thank ya, Johnathan. Hopefully you won't have to do what I've asked ya, but...if worst comes to worse, Sinnoh's now prepared to deal with it."

That's it, and perfect timing, for as Scizor's Explorer badge starts to shine, signaling a Teleport to the Stairs of this Floor....

*Minor Flashback End!*

....Ran suddenly find himself in a smallish room with what looked to be a Kanguskhan Statue, wobbling on his feet a bit from the unusual feeling of that transportation before resting a hand against his head and shaking it to clear it away. He gives Rui a half-shrug at her question, and simply answer back with "Not sure. Scizors 'said' we'd be Teleported to the next Floor once somebody found the Stairs and progressed up them, but this is different then what he described...."

Once everyone else is Teleported in and the ironclad insect 'explains' (Via Sally) what the heck is up with this room/Statue , the bristly blacksmith closes his eyes and lets out a gruff *Sigh*

"....So we're half way through this Mystery Dungeon and to Spear Pillar, and it's only going to get tougher and meaner going forward? Mit Feuerstein und Stahl, fick mein Leben mit einem glühenden Hammer....."
Translation: By flint and steel, fuck up my life with a red-hot hammer....

When asked by Lucas if anyone wanted to quit, Ran's eyes immediately snapped open and focused on them, and he let loose a *growl*  and snapped his arm out in a very definitive 'NO' gesture.

"After all I've suffered through for this fucking absurd and dangerous job, with the stakes surrounding it higher than this mountain we're on and the promises I made to the Pixies and the duty I have towards my people? Fuck no am I giving up now. No matter how much I hate this blasted mission of ours, it isn't just about me or getting paid for it in the end. If this Tauros shit supernatural mystery force ain''t addressed and fixed by us ASAP, then Sinnoh and who know how many other places are screwed, and if I can do anything to prevent that, I MUST. Even if mean having to stand against Time Lord Dialga themselves and subduing them, so be it. I'm in it until the end, whatever it may be!!"

A rather impressive and impassioned response from the wee little man, eh? Hopefully his words galvanized the other more uncertain and timid members of the coalition!

Ran would also be there for Rui after she expresses her doubtful affirmation to continue on, going over behind her to lay a hand on her shoulder. 

"Have faith, lass. If not in Lucas or anyone else, then in yourself and Espeon. You'll get your memories back after all this is done and sent on ya way home, and if not I'll find a way to restore both to ya, I promise. Alright, Rui?"

Kogeki's own speech and resolve to continue has the scruffy smith frowning, as having revenge against the gods being your primary motivation for a quest not a great thing, but he doesn't say anything against it. If that's what it takes to get him on-board with the rest of this godawful mission, then let his embittered hatred flow. Besides, he's the last one to criticize someone about seeking to correct an injustice........

Their news of capturing a Ditto and offering to trade it to him got two eyebrows raised from the dwarven craftsman, followed by an appreciative whistle.

"Well, pluck the feathers off a Fearow if that isn't a fine catch you got! Hmm....not sure if I have enough to adequately Trade for it to your liking, but we don't know that until we haggle it out, eh? Right, I was thinking of Trading you a Sword Dance TM and Big Nugget I found, and....what about a couple Great Balls and Potions, a Revive and Super Potion, and a Gyarados too? Dittos are a real versatile treasure, so the Big Nugget and Gyarados should be worth plenty to ya in exchange, and the TM and supplies should be useful to ya while we're stuck up here. How's that sound to ya?"

(I'll say the rest of what I want Ran to do after this Trade is finished!)

[Dragonstrike]

I just remembered that I never gave anyone exp for the Jonathan encounter.

Randolph, Scizor, Karen, and Magnezone all get 2 exp for heroism.

Now then, back to the present after that brief immersion break.  Sorry 'bout that!

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"Hmmm..." Kogeki think for a few seconds, trying to decide the terms of the trade. "Well, Swords Dance it is a great buff move. And healing items and more monetary chances seems a great trade too...."

"However...I must see how it is good the trade. Gyarados is also infamous by its unholy nature. Even for a Water Ninja like me it can prove a challenge to tame his nature. Well, I could request the help of the Tsukinami Village most experience ninja to try tame a bit more the Wild Nature..."

"I accept the Big Nugget, Great Balls, Potions and Super Potion, Revive and the Gyarados. The Swords Dance you can keep it, since Hime and Susano'o already know such move. I have a little request however. If you by chance during your travels you found a Ghost or some kind of odd Pokemon, like a Delta Pokemon or with other special attributes, please try to capture without hurt to much to make it more disobedience. I am someone who like unique Pokemon, and someone who really like Ghost Pokemon. I can help ya in buying a few Quick Balls if you want."

''How this terms sounds to you Master Rans?"

Ran thinks about the additional term the cyborg ninja tacked on to their Trade request, before eventually nodding his head.

"Alright, that sounds fair enough. You got yourself a deal, Kogeki."

With that said, Kogeki would obtain all the Items specified and Gyarados! (OOC: Quick question for you Dragonstrike - Can Trades of Pokemon be done with the Portable PC, or will me and Spirit have to work out some sort of temporary pseudo Trade where I swap one of my character's Pokemon for their Ditto to use it on Mt. Coronet?)

If Kogeki doesn't have anything else to say/ask him, then Ran would go about the rest of his business at camp, which would be:

- First, he wants to make sure everyone that was not in his mini-group is fine, and help out if necessary. If anyone wants to talk with my character, this would be the time to do so.
- Second, he'll want to check on how Paula's doing, now that he has the time and is in a safe enough spot to do so, couching down to examine her closely and with concern. "Paula, how ya feeling? Did that Fight with that Rhyperior wear ya out, or was it all the battles before that? And how's ya voice too? Any better, now that you've had a little rest...?
- Third, he'd want to check on his Portable PC for any Items/Messages he got from Alman, Roark, and his friend back in Canalave City . Its been a few days since he sent out his gifts to them, so they probably have sent him some brief messages back, and he's curious to know if that Amber he found in Snowpoint Temple had any DNA that Roark could get revivified ! 
- Forth, he'd want to check out the cave the group's in for any goodies or unusual stuff the others may have missed . He's the resident cave expert, so its possible he could turn something of interest up!
- Fifth and finally (for now), he'd want to have a private chat with Lucas once everything has settled down for the time being. He'd be discrete about asking for it, as he doesn't want to attract unnecessary attention to it from the rest of the group. Depending on the outcome of this he might have more to do with him, so I'll just leave it at the conversation for now.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(I'm in the middle of typing some stuff up, so please wait with advancing until that's done, alright?)

[Dragonstrike]

(OOC: Quick question for you Dragonstrike - Can Trades of Pokemon be done with the Portable PC, or will me and Spirit have to work out some sort of temporary pseudo Trade where I swap one of my character's Pokemon for their Ditto to use it on Mt. Coronet?)

Trades can be done with the pokedexes everyone has, just like in Skull Ruins, so nothing is stopping you from trading pokemon.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Yaaaaay, so that weird but beautiful Kanga-Statue was indeed functioning like Stairs. How it can do that is completely lost on Kee, but just like with all the mysterious stuff happening around, he just opts to accept that it does so. After all, that's a Mystery Dungeon they're in, that 'MYSTERY' within it isnt's there just because.

(...) Karen's excited to see Kee!  "Kee!  Did you find the stairs?" (...)

Aww THAT's certainly enough for Karen to earn a welcoming and equally tender and teasing ruffle through her hair from Kee, Octavia's also delighted to see the nice lady with her empathy and differently colored eyes again and is quick to up run to her for some strokes and pets. <3

"Well, not QUITE tha Stairs, Karen-dear.....~" *points to the Kanga-Statue/Rock*, " ...But something that's 'ppearantly EQUAL to tha Stairs." *charming and dear smile* "'n what about YOUR wanderi' 'cross this floor, did everythin' went well, found nice stuff or spotted curious Pokemon without feral or shadowy ones messing with you, Ran, Rui an' Scizors?~" (Potential cue for her to tell about the loot including the Big Nuggets they've found)

Scizor, by contrast, calmly walks over to the statue and touches his badge to it, then starts fiddling with something.  He gives Kee an approving nod as he walks past.  If he had thumbs, he'd totally be giving the man a thumbs up, too.  Good job!

Edward Kee approves Scizor's approval!~

When the steely explorer of a Bug Type starts 'doing something with that Kanga-Statue', Kee's curiosity has been awoken and he watches them with interest. Once they're done, he's carefully yet with some honest interest in his voice ask them: "Soooo Scizors... Mind to maybeh update me what these Kanga-Rocks are actually good for? How can they benefit us, how to 'use' 'em? Ya're sayin' that we're SAFE here... Safe for long enough to catch up on some sleep? It'd be...weird as heck if they're just 'there' without a cert'n purpose, or so I'd guess.... Just call me curious, 'nd yar tha EXPERT 'bout these Mystery Dungeons 'fter all~" Sally's asked to translate like before if needed, of course.

(...) In the exactly moment Kogeki finally capture Ditto, he and his Pokemon get teleported. He was quickly enough to not stumble very much messy, and quick recover. "...If I can be honest, I pretty sick of these sudden teleports. First time is okay, but now its getting ridiculous." (...)

This initiates the return of one of Kee's paper fans (a pretty one in various shades of green this time), and it is used to give Kogeki a playful slap onto the shoulder that connects to his non-robotic arm. "If ya're not the biggest fan of those teleportations, then ya better be the first one or with those that find those Stairs, simple as that!~~" Then he gives Kogeki a VERY teasing and EXTRA-OBVIOUS smile of sarcasm: "Unless ya're BAD at navigation as ya let ME lead tha way AND scribble a rough map of the area to make sure we're not runnin' 'round in circles?~ 'N just to make sure, I'm being sarcastic again, no need to answer in a super-serious manner, 'kay?"

Lucas thinks about that for a moment and what that means.  "...well, you heard him.  If anyone wants to turn back now, this is your last chance, it seems.  We're getting close to Spear Pillar.  I imagine the section ahead is going to be the upper levels of Mt. Coronet's cave system, and those link directly to the Spear Pillar itself.  Once we're there...well, I don't know what exactly we'll find, but chances are that Dialga's waiting for us...for one reason or another.  If anyone doesn't want to continue, then I don't blame you.  Facing a Legendary is not for the faint of heart."

About that, Kee just shrugs, appearantly not very impressed as he just calmly continues sipping one some freshly-made black tea with a hint of gin. "Nah, too late to turn back now. Dunno why should do that either, 'nd a Legendary 'Mon is still a 'Mon at its core." Octavia mirrors that calmness mixed with boldness her dearest person in the whole world expresses here as she yawns a little, then curls up with her head resting in Kee's lap.

There's something different that gives the colorful musician with the Slyveon food for thought: "Lucas, ya're sayin' you've been chasin' not an Absol but a ZOROARK? An' your Absol was not a real one but 'nstead a Ditto?? That, ugh, means that tha only REAL Absol 'round here was the one I was runnin' after...? Huh...." He scratches his head, "Lucky I guess, 'n quite hilarious. Speakin' bout it - " *nudging Kogeki/@Spiritmon* "Mind to give that very Absol of mine a nice Heal Pulse? Please?~~ Just one for tha obvious wounds, some good rest will do tha rest, I just don't wish for 'em to suffer unnecessarily, ya see?"

If the semi-cyborg ninja agrees, said Ex-Shadow-Absol sitting at 1HP is summoned by Kee and carefully explained that they'll receive some initial treatment for their injuries via a Heal Pulse, after that they're allowed and even encouraged to rest. They're also offered some qualitative food (Gourmet Food in particular mixed with some dried berries and sugary treats that Kee always carries with him) and fresh water to regain some strength. How do they react to that and to Kee in general, @Dragonstrike?

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

First, he wants to make sure everyone that was not in his mini-group is fine, and help out if necessary. If anyone wants to talk with my character, this would be the time to do so.

Hummmmm, now to think about it, yes there are a few points Kee would ask/tell Ran when they make sure that he's fine. But not before he would give Ran a welcoming pat on the back, a delighted "Ahhhh Ran, Randolph, it's good to see ya again!~☆" *offering a cup full of hot and steamy liquid* "Here, have a nice hot tea, I just made a full can of it, d'ya want it with or without gin?" Where Kee gets all those spirits from for his drinks, he just enjoys a good drink. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

He waves him off, indicates that he's fine, safe and sound. "Well, all went well in the end, d'spite we ran into some ominous eerie singing 'nd THEN a freakin' AVALANCHE started. That could have endedn nasty if it weren't for some Absol - or, one REAL Absol and its two rip-offs - that somewhat helped us escape via runnin' off with us runnin' after 'em, ending up seperate from each other. Say, did you hear any of that strange singing, did ya encounter somethin' similar, did ya pick up on that avalanche?"

Furthermore: "Do tell also, is your Absol - Amethyst, right? - more of a loner or do ya think she'd be interested in meetin' a fellow dark prophet? If we're goin' off in seperate groups 'again on tha next floor, me thinks it'd be useful if BOTH groups would have one Absol in store due to their natural danger sense, or what do ya think?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Ohhhhh, one more thing!~ @Dragonstrike (sorry for another ping, just to make sure it's not missed), what Kee also does at some point is gently asking Stella to user her Secret Power, just because he's curious whether/what an effect will be triggeed if used within this curious cave.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Hummmmm, now to think about it, yes there are a few points Kee would ask/tell Ran when they make sure that he's fine. But not before he would give Ran a welcoming pat on the back, a delighted "Ahhhh Ran, Randolph, it's good to see ya again!~☆" *offering a cup full of hot and steamy liquid* "Here, have a nice hot tea, I just made a full can of it, d'ya want it with or without gin?" Where Kee gets all those spirits from for his drinks, he just enjoys a good drink. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

He waves him off, indicates that he's fine, safe and sound. "Well, all went well in the end, d'spite we ran into some ominous eerie singing 'nd THEN a freakin' AVALANCHE started. That could have endedn nasty if it weren't for some Absol - or, one REAL Absol and its two rip-offs - that somewhat helped us escape via runnin' off with us runnin' after 'em, ending up seperate from each other. Say, did you hear any of that strange singing, did ya encounter somethin' similar, did ya pick up on that avalanche?"

Furthermore: "Do tell also, is your Absol - Amethyst, right? - more of a loner or do ya think she'd be interested in meetin' a fellow dark prophet? If we're goin' off in seperate groups 'again on tha next floor, me thinks it'd be useful if BOTH groups would have one Absol in store due to their natural danger sense, or what do ya think?"

Ran would jolt slightly at the unexpected contact, and give the colorful musician a raised eyebrow for it and being their usual whimsical way, but he'd accept the tea without complaint, nodding when they also offer to spike it with some good o' alcohol.

"Yes, please. I need some libation after all the harrowing fights I've gotten into. Fought a Tyrantrum, a rampaging Shadow Gyarados, Shadow Mandibuzz and Shadow Rhyperior, and all of the were terrible, nasty bastards to fight. *Smirks* Well, except the Gyarados. Between Espeon's help and my girls Diam and Paula's debilitating tactics, we manage to subdue that big carp beast  unscathed. That was gratifying as hell, let me tell ya!"

Their talk of that singing being connected to that avalanche he head earlier nearly made him chock on his tea mid-swig, causing him to hack a few time before shooting him a look of alarmed intrigue.

"Wait, that darn singing caused that avalanche, and it almost got your little group swallowed up?! *Pinches nose in frustration* Gottverdammt. Shouldn't have brushed off both when it happened.... *Sighs* To answer you question, yes, I did, in case you couldn't tell. My group didn't get caught up in one, but some other fellow did. Found traces of his existence in the aftermath of an old avalanche, then we ended up tracking him down and saving his hide from falling straight off a cliff. He went by the name Johnathan, and he was some rich and fancy Fire type collector and breeder of sorts. Bit of a eccentric, but he was a nice enough gentleman. Scizors helped get him out of the Dungeon with that Badge of their's , so he's safe and sound by now, assuming he can make it back to civilization."

Lastly (for now), Kee's question about their Absol meeting gets them two raised eyebrows from the bristly blacksmith for a moment, before a pensive look crosses his face.

"....I'm not entirely sure. She's real Skittish, paranoid, and a tendency to be a wee bit more independent in her decision making than I like, but she doesn't seem all that adverse to company. We can do little meet-up between the two, if you want to find out for yourself, but if anything goes awry 'cause of it I'm holding you accountable. As for your idea, I think it has some merit. Amethyst's talents haven't been too useful in navigating this Dungeon or detecting danger in advance, but she's been able to pick up something nebulous, if her behavior 'round me after my fight with that Shadow Mandibuzz was any indication. I'll see if I can't fit her in my Party's lineup for the next Floor, alright?"