[Game Thread] Pokerole Mystery Dungeon: Primal Shadows

[Dragonstrike]

East Sea Gastrodon very happily takes both the money and the treasure box once payment is presented.

"Ah, don't worry about the box's contents.  I'm not so barbaric as to break these open with with my head like a certain other 'locksmith'.  Just give me a minute, and this box will be open!"

Gastrodon disappears into the back of his shop, and a lot of loud squelching can be heard coming from the back room soon after.

"...and there we have it!"

*click*

Gastrodon returns and sets the box back on the table after unlocking it.  It's definitely intact, but there's a lot of goo around the keyhole now...

"All yours!  Go ahead and open it up!"

When Kogeki pops the lid open to check what's inside...

(6)(3)

He finds an orange disc that clearly looks like a TM!  The label on it reads Bulk Up.

Gastrodon whistles.  "Whoo, that's a lucky one.  A lot of those blue boxes tend to have some fairly mundane items.  It's a bit of a 50-50 if you're gonna get something good, and TMs like that are on the rarer side.  Now, if you ever find a red Treasure Box, that's a different story.  Those are almost guaranteed to have something rarer in them.  And I can't say I've ever seen one personally, but I've heard that there's black Treasure Boxes as well, and that those contain the rarest loot of all."

[Dragonstrike]

The less than mischevious lil' fiendess hums curiously at the absence of the other jobs her team had lined up to do, resolving to ask Floette about this later to see if anyone has already completed them.

Oh yeah, I didn't address this earlier, but the other jobs the team has accepted haven't been completed yet.  I just didn't list them with the other jobs because it would have been a bit redundant.

In a trademark zigzag-manner the colorful crittercoon Kee is making his way back to the Guild, shaking himself of any sand that caught up in his fine fur upon arriving. He approaches Floette, who is hopefully not too busy at the moment/is present at all. "Good mornin' there, my dear!~" he greets her, "Sorry if this comes outta tha blue, but I wanted t'ask ya somethin'... *cough* Say, do ya by chance know whether someone at this Guild or Town can read 'Unown Script'?

Oh and while he's already here, he'll take a look at the Job Board and eagerly snatch the F Rank Mission called 'The current was too strong!' from it: First because these Oran Berries as a reward will come in very handy, second because that Valley of Strong Winds sounds like an exciting place that just asks to be explored. (The one described here. That'll be the 4th mission we're accepting. I've just went ahead and claim it now, this day can still be a day without going on missions, but I dn't want this mission in particular get lost. I take we can still discard accepted missions if coming along better/more rewarding ones?)


In case Floette can't point Kee to someone, then he'll head to the dock of Sahra Town to see Lapras:They get the same greeting and same question, with the edit that instead of 'someone at the Guild or Town' he'll ask for someone in general. "Doesn't matter on which continent they may dwell!~ Kinda confident that at some point I'll set a paw of mine onto each of 'em, ya see?" Kee's just too curious and interested in this writing to give up on finding someone to decipher it for him!

The current was too strong! has been added to the accepted jobs list.

As a reminder, story objective missions don't count towards the maximum number of jobs that can be accepted.  There's still room for one more normal job on that list.

Floette looks at Kee very curiously when he brings up Unown script.  "I don't think so?  Nobody I can think of, anyways...I think the most likely Team around here that might know something about that would probably be...Team Raider.  They're not a part of this Guild, though.  They're visiting from another continent, and are currently doing the Guildmaster a favor.  Not sure when they're going to be returning from that mission."

Lapras, unfortunately, has a similar answer.  "Unown script, you say?  Hmmm...unfortunately, nobody comes to mind.  Nobody that's readily available, that is.  I do believe the humans that are lingering on the various continents are able to read it, but they tend be very busy and difficult to get ahold of.  And then there's the matter of the recent disappearances...I haven't gotten a chance to ferry a human in awhile, thinking about it...not to my knowledge, anyways.  Ahahahaha.  Not that I can blame them for wanting to stay hidden in these troubling times.  If you don't mind travelling to other continents and paying for the ride, though, maybe pay the Guildmaster of Wigglytuff Guild a visit if you're passing by Treasure Town on the Grass Continent.  If there's anyone who would know someone, it would likely be him."

[Dragonstrike]

Dax nods in thought as Karen tells him her suspicions. The Grandmaster did indeed look like she wasn't telling them everything. A little investigation would be the best move.

"Alright, I think so too. Let's ask around a little. Who do you think might know something about it? Maybe some of the more experienced members? Like that enormous orange dog. Or his partners. Or Coldwell or Kangaskhan. Restaurant owners usually have an ear to the ground. We could ask them?"

"Hmmm...well, we could ask Coldwell, I suppose.  That'll probably tell us a lot about what the Guild thinks if he listens to what's going on.  He also seems a lot friendlier than most of the Guild, to be honest...Kangaskhan also seems like a good bet, though.  It definitely seems like there's a lot of gossip in that café."

[no one]

Spoiler

Dax nods in thought as Karen tells him her suspicions. The Grandmaster did indeed look like she wasn't telling them everything. A little investigation would be the best move.

"Alright, I think so too. Let's ask around a little. Who do you think might know something about it? Maybe some of the more experienced members? Like that enormous orange dog. Or his partners. Or Coldwell or Kangaskhan. Restaurant owners usually have an ear to the ground. We could ask them?"

"Hmmm...well, we could ask Coldwell, I suppose.  That'll probably tell us a lot about what the Guild thinks if he listens to what's going on.  He also seems a lot friendlier than most of the Guild, to be honest...Kangaskhan also seems like a good bet, though.  It definitely seems like there's a lot of gossip in that café."

"All right then. Let's see if he's willing to help us out."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(...)

*click*

Gastrodon returns and sets the box back on the table after unlocking it.  It's definitely intact, but there's a lot of goo around the keyhole now...

"All yours!  Go ahead and open it up!"

When Kogeki pops the lid open to check what's inside...

(6)(3)

He finds an orange disc that clearly looks like a TM!  The label on it reads Bulk Up.

Gastrodon whistles.  "Whoo, that's a lucky one.  A lot of those blue boxes tend to have some fairly mundane items.  It's a bit of a 50-50 if you're gonna get something good, and TMs like that are on the rarer side.  Now, if you ever find a red Treasure Box, that's a different story.  Those are almost guaranteed to have something rarer in them.  And I can't say I've ever seen one personally, but I've heard that there's black Treasure Boxes as well, and that those contain the rarest loot of all."

Before I get to addressing this post, a brief response to Blitzle's farewell: She doesn't visibly react or acknowledge it, and simply lets them go without further issue. As for her thoughts about his parting words......well, she frankly doesn't care about whatever reasons or justifications Ponyta had for their transgression, and even less about the fiery foal themselves. They selfishly and callously choose to leave Karen to the wolves (or Traprinches, rather) without any real consideration, and so in turn they recieve no sympathy, empathy, or forgiveness for that or their behavior in general until the right reparations were made.

*Now, onto the next Scene!*

By the time Kogeki coincidentally meet up with her at the Treasure Box 'Shop'  the lil' demoness was in a better mood than she was.....sorta. She was still quiet, unsmiling, and thoughtful (much more so the later after her chat with Blitzle), but the distraught and troubled air she previously carried was gone and she was no longer distracted by her own internal conflict. Seeing the phantom brave almost managed to restart that dismal state of hers, but she managed to muster the Will to resist that and instead gave him a light but warm smile and a wave as he joined her.

"Good mornings and greetings, my dear Kogeki. Was your slumber restful and good? Have details and information to share about the Jobs for today, yes, would you like to hear it if you do not know?"

The whole process of lockpicking of the Treasure Box greatly intrigued her, especially after seeing the slimy residue around keyhole, prompting her to looking at the boneless sea slug with a look of intense curiosity.

"Did you use your body to unlock and release the bindings of this once closed chest? Would it be possible for others to learn how to do the same-similar as you?"

Once TM: Bulk Up was revealed to her Pyra had a sudden flare of intense desire and anticipation, which threw her for a loop and caused her to blink a bit in mild shock, as she never felt that way about....well, anything but her friends (in a sense) before. It was an almost frightening feeling, really, but her Instincts and interest in said feeling and the Item that inspired it overuled any trepidation she might have had. She took a longer look at it, before she turned to Kogeki with a strange expression of yearning and with a hopeful tone.

"Noble Spirit Kogeki.......would you let me have this TM, claim it for my selfish desires? In exchange for it 1 Gold Bar I shall give. So, if you be willing to this trade......?"

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

East Sea Gastrodon very happily takes both the money and the treasure box once payment is presented.

"Ah, don't worry about the box's contents.  I'm not so barbaric as to break these open with with my head like a certain other 'locksmith'.  Just give me a minute, and this box will be open!"

Gastrodon disappears into the back of his shop, and a lot of loud squelching can be heard coming from the back room soon after.

"...and there we have it!"

*click*

Gastrodon returns and sets the box back on the table after unlocking it.  It's definitely intact, but there's a lot of goo around the keyhole now...

"All yours!  Go ahead and open it up!"

When Kogeki pops the lid open to check what's inside...

(6)(3)

He finds an orange disc that clearly looks like a TM!  The label on it reads Bulk Up.

Gastrodon whistles.  "Whoo, that's a lucky one.  A lot of those blue boxes tend to have some fairly mundane items.  It's a bit of a 50-50 if you're gonna get something good, and TMs like that are on the rarer side.  Now, if you ever find a red Treasure Box, that's a different story.  Those are almost guaranteed to have something rarer in them.  And I can't say I've ever seen one personally, but I've heard that there's black Treasure Boxes as well, and that those contain the rarest loot of all."

Kogeki took a moment to analyze such item in his hands and after a while he talk to Gastrodon. "Hmm. It might come in handy. This item might help my companions very soon. Thank you Gastrodon."

Next Scene!

@Lord Windos

After deal with Gastrodon business Kogeki meet Pyra. "Heya. I okay I guess. Took care already of the problem with Braixen. We in good terms now after I apologise, so you can rest your mind about it. There is also a few things to discuss. Follow me."

While Kogeki was walking with Pyra, he make sure no Pokemon was around and tell her some information. "There are rumors indeed about a possible crime organization where that Monferno was a member. The Guildmaster send a group to the Hall of Magic for investigation to see if there is anything else left there and who can lead to Monferno companions. For now, we act as we were doing before. Do missions, and taking breaks after everything."

"There something else..." Kogeki approach Pyra and whisper some words who only he and Pyra can hear. "There are rumors coming around the town about humans. Some Mail Peliper see the lights where we came from. The Guildmaster inquire if we know anything, but we say we don't know anything about it. Don't know if she suspect us, but stay alert every time Pyra."

Kogeki then explained what he get from the treasure chest, and about Pyra inquire him about taking from him, Kogeki nod his head and give to her. "Sure. You been helping us quite a lot since we meet, so you can have it. It will do wonders with your Intimidate ability."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Kogeki took a moment to analyze such item in his hands and after a while he talk to Gastrodon. "Hmm. It might come in handy. This item might help my companions very soon. Thank you Gastrodon."

Next Scene!

@Lord Windos

After deal with Gastrodon business Kogeki meet Pyra. "Heya. I okay I guess. Took care already of the problem with Braixen. We in good terms now after I apologise, so you can rest your mind about it. There is also a few things to discuss. Follow me."

While Kogeki was walking with Pyra, he make sure no Pokemon was around and tell her some information. "There are rumors indeed about a possible crime organization where that Monferno was a member. The Guildmaster send a group to the Hall of Magic for investigation to see if there is anything else left there and who can lead to Monferno companions. For now, we act as we were doing before. Do missions, and taking breaks after everything."

"There something else..." Kogeki approach Pyra and whisper some words who only he and Pyra can hear. "There are rumors coming around the town about humans. Some Mail Peliper see the lights where we came from. The Guildmaster inquire if we know anything, but we say we don't know anything about it. Don't know if she suspect us, but stay alert every time Pyra."

Kogeki then explained what he get from the treasure chest, and about Pyra inquire him about taking from him, Kogeki nod his head and give to her. "Sure. You been helping us quite a lot since we meet, so you can have it. It will do wonders with your Intimidate ability."

(I sorta implied that Pyra's request happened while with Gastrodon, but it being moved down the line and in private isn't a huge deal so I'll adapt)

*Scene Before the Request*

Pyra's mood immediately brightened when her spectral ninja friend told her the good news, suddenly grasping both his paws and hop-dancing with a smile.

"Good, great, wonderful! Now shall we not have to fear the wrath of Boss Delphox or the Guild, yes yes! Thank you, my gratitude to you Kogeki!"

His request for privacy for the next thing(s) he wished to discussed was easily aquisted to, and soon enough she was listening quietly but intently about what he said about the criminal network that Monferno they caught belong too. Once all was said about that....

"*Tilts yer head* .....Hmm, *Nods* Okay and indeed, Kogeki. "

...she didn't have too big of a reaction to the news. In fact you could say she just didn't really care about it much at all. Seems like she doesn't consider this matter a big deal to her, hmm....

His suspicions about the group's true nature, however, caused her to straighten up immediately with a somber expression, and she silently nodded back to his warning. The brimstone imp didn't care about her former humanity or thought it was a more than an incidental fact about the group at large, but she knew that others had much different views on this and that other former humans had been targeted/disappeared lately, so caution must bet taken to keep those in the know about  their 'humanity' small and well vetted. 

*Scene of the Trade!*

As the phantom brave breezily agreed to her request and handed the TM to her, she was stunned for just a moment, before a positively brilliant smile grace her impish features. Then, acting on impulse, she reached over with a free hand to grab him by the shoulder and pull him close to kiss him on the cheek, not pulling away for several long seconds. When she did she still had that same smile, though it was tinged with a certain impishness and something....else. It was also at that moment that Kogeki would notice that his Bag had gotten heavier, and upon inspection he'd find exactly one Gold Bar among whatever else was in it. How in the world did she....?

"Oh my deepest thanks, dear sweet Kogeki the Phantom Brave! Our pact-transaction is done and sealed, yes, and let us together be happy with our deal!"

Welp, that happened! 

Afterward that burst of affection from the mischevious demoness, she'd inspect her newly acquired TM closely and thoroughly trying to figure out what about it called to her so strongly (IE: She Learns Bulk Up from it, but in an accidental way if possible Dragonstrike. After all she doesn't know what TMs are exactly or how they work!). Let her burgeoning curiosity unveil this brick red discs' secrets.....!

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

(I sorta implied that Pyra's request happened while with Gastrodon, but it being moved down the line and in private isn't a huge deal so I'll adapt)

*Scene Before the Request*

Pyra's mood immediately brightened when her spectral ninja friend told her the good news, suddenly grasping both his paws and hop-dancing with a smile.

"Good, great, wonderful! Now shall we not have to fear the wrath of Boss Delphox or the Guild, yes yes! Thank you, my gratitude to you Kogeki!"

His request for privacy for the next thing(s) he wished to discussed was easily aquisted to, and soon enough she was listening quietly but intently about what he said about the criminal network that Monferno they caught belong too. Once all was said about that....

"*Tilts yer head* .....Hmm, *Nods* Okay and indeed, Kogeki. "

...she didn't have too big of a reaction to the news. In fact you could say she just didn't really care about it much at all. Seems like she doesn't consider this matter a big deal to her, hmm....

His suspicions about the group's true nature, however, caused her to straighten up immediately with a somber expression, and she silently nodded back to his warning. The brimstone imp didn't care about her former humanity or thought it was a more than an incidental fact about the group at large, but she knew that others had much different views on this and that other former humans had been targeted/disappeared lately, so caution must bet taken to keep those in the know about  their 'humanity' small and well vetted. 

*Scene of the Trade!*

As the phantom brave breezily agreed to her request and handed the TM to her, she was stunned for just a moment, before a positively brilliant smile grace her impish features. Then, acting on impulse, she reached over with a free hand to grab him by the shoulder and pull him close to kiss him on the cheek, not pulling away for several long seconds. When she did she still had that same smile, though it was tinged with a certain impishness and something....else. It was also at that moment that Kogeki would notice that his Bag had gotten heavier, and upon inspection he'd find exactly one Gold Bar among whatever else was in it. How in the world did she....?

"Oh my deepest thanks, dear sweet Kogeki the Phantom Brave! Our pact-transaction is done and sealed, yes, and let us together be happy with our deal!"

Welp, that happened! 

Afterward that burst of affection from the mischevious demoness, she'd inspect her newly acquired TM closely and thoroughly trying to figure out what about it called to her so strongly (IE: She Learns Bulk Up from it, but in an accidental way if possible Dragonstrike. After all she doesn't know what TMs are exactly or how they work!). Let her burgeoning curiosity unveil this brick red discs' secrets.....!

Once again, Kogeki was caugh off guard when Pyra just grab his paws and hop dance around. He is not very much...used to be that energetic, but he just try to show his friend the gratitude he can do. He is not very used to smile though.

"Err...no need to thank me Pyra. It was my mistake after all, and a ninja must clean its mess."

"Hope you like the TM. I pretty sure it-" Kogeki words cut when Pyra suddenly take his hand and a kiss in his cheek. Such actions from his companion once again leave Kogeki without much words to the sometimes serious ninja warrior. Pyra was close enough to see Kogeki face receive some red colors similar to her own, showing all the embarassing and flustered way the ninjamon is experience right now. He try to recomponse himself by trying to make a strong pose, but failing in the process since his legs begin to tremble a bit. 

"I-I...I-Umm. I-mean...You...TM..." Kogeki words at this moment this make much sense, and Kogeki was literally doing his best to say anything who makes sense. "I...It is nothing Pyra." Kogeki cough. "I...hope you like the TM...and thanks for the gold bar."

[Dragonstrike]

"All right then. Let's see if he's willing to help us out."

The sounds of plates clinking can be heard from the kitchen as Daxter and Karen enter the rather empty mess hall.  A Vanillite looks over the counter and notices them come in, then looks into the kitchen and yells, "Hey boss, looks like we've got company!"

Coldwell comes floating out of the kitchen moments later to greet the two pokemon approaching.  "Ah, if it isn't our petit new recruits!  So, what brings you to moi kitchen today?"

"Actually, we had a question, Coldwell.  Have you heard anyone in the guild talking about humans recently?"

Coldwell looks at the small Ralts curiously when she asks that.  "Well, that is a very interesting question, mademoiselle.  Why do tue ask this of moi?"

Karen hesitates slightly and looks towards Daxter expectantly.  "Um...Daxter, do you want to tell him?"

[Dragonstrike]

The whole process of lockpicking of the Treasure Box greatly intrigued her, especially after seeing the slimy residue around keyhole, prompting her to looking at the boneless sea slug with a look of intense curiosity.

"Did you use your body to unlock and release the bindings of this once closed chest? Would it be possible for others to learn how to do the same-similar as you?"

Gastrodon chuckles when asked that.  "Trade secret, I'm afraid!  It's not as easy as you might think to open those boxes!  But to answer the questions, yes, my natural talents are involved in the process of opening the boxes without damaging the contents.  It is also possible to learn how to open the boxes yourself, and there's a lot of different ways to do it, but we're not looking for any apprenticeships right now.  Plus, I don't think you'd be capable of utilizing my methods of opening these things anyways.  Not slimy enough."

Afterward that burst of affection from the mischevious demoness, she'd inspect her newly acquired TM closely and thoroughly trying to figure out what about it called to her so strongly (IE: She Learns Bulk Up from it, but in an accidental way if possible Dragonstrike. After all she doesn't know what TMs are exactly or how they work!). Let her burgeoning curiosity unveil this brick red discs' secrets.....!

It's strange, but just by looking at the disc, Pyra can almost feel the knowledge contained within it, begging to be released and learned.  She just can't resist touching it, trying to break the seal and reveal the hidden contents of the item...

*poke*

And just by merely touching the disc with the intent of learning the knowledge contained within, Pyra suddenly feels like she knows how to use the move Bulk Up, how to hold herself in such a way that she doesn't just appear to be Intimidating.  Flexing her muscles even now, she can more easily feel the raw Strength flowing through them, is more aware of her own Vitality.

A phrase floats to the front of her memory, spoken by the voice of an old man.

'Knowledge is power, as they say.  You would do well to remember that, Pyra, for this world will not take it easy on you if you do not learn.'

But as quickly as the phrase comes to her mind, it disappears just as fast.

The TM loses its color and becomes dull after being used. No longer does it beckon for someone to learn the knowledge contained within.