Pokemon Mystery Dungeon- The Ancient Tree of Eons

[Jesse Drake]

The Tree of Eons- a very special place. It's rumored to exist in a small pocket world, kept safe from the world and anyone who might want to eat the fruit from it. The powers the fruits give let whoever eat them change themselves, into a pure, primal form.

The tree came into existence when a powerful Pokemon gave her life, to prevent war among the weaker Pokemon. The Pokemon were divided, into supporters of the powerful Pokemon, and those who believed she wielded too much power. She died, and produced several eggs- each one turned into her lower form- the basic Eevee. Then, each one eventually evolved into a different Pokemon, each wielding a single power that their mother possessed.

Mama Kahn finishes her story. Larxene sits in the Nursery, with a few baby Pokemon around her. The story was known to everyone in Sarrana, but for some people, it was more than a story. However, as a story, it was a perfect way to sooth the children.

-----

The Hunter's Guild has been very boring lately- not that that's a bad thing though. It's just nothing really has been going on. So, they have Skipper and Alexander going out to the Open Market- Zander has just stocked up on new items, and the guys are tasked with buying some standard supplies for the guild. On his way in, he notices the usual riffraff hanging around the market- and one of them is looking particularly sharp in his shades.

Pip is splashing in the river that goes through the center of the town. Such a quiet, reserved guy, there was a silent strength to him. A quality the mayor admired from afar- he was truly an upstanding citizen. And today, she decided to speak with the citizen...

Until the sky went black. There was a sudden chill in the air- then a sudden burst of warmth- all the meanwhile, everyone's hair stood on it's end. Something was drawing near...

Before she can reach Pip, Mrs. Mayor lets out a loud screech. She alerts everyone in town. Before Skipper or Alexander can purchase anything, Zander closes up shop, and ushers them out.

Mama Kahn pushes all the cradles into a back room with minimal, mighty pushes, and ChaCha and Ansi begin taking defensive stances around them. "Larxene deary- go see what's going on!"

Both Pip and Riley see a giant shadow up above. Far above... Whatever it is, it's blocking out the sun almost.

[Tsumeken]

Riley the Murkrow

Riley looks up over the top of his shades. He let out a low whistle. Usually whenever trouble reared it's head, he'd head the other direction. But this didn't seem to have any other direction. He slowly backed away as his feathers tended to know what static electricity felt like and he wasn't in the mood to feel it again as he made his way to the nearest shelter to avoid any stray bolts.

[Woodsman]

((Don't call him Skippy :smalltongue:))

Skipper looks thoroughly confused as to what the heck is going on. He notices a Murkrow in shades and walks over to him, asking, "hey, do you have any idea what's happening?"

[VirgoBushin]

Larxene the Houndoom

Larxene had been remaining lying down, allowing all of the young Pokemon that were snuggling beside her to stay there. She didn't mind kids doing this with her so long as it was only children. Now if it were a full-grown Pokemon.... well.... better have a damn good reason to try that with her. As the story was finishing,, she looked upward. Something was beginning to feel off. But... what? What is it?

Though she didn't exactly get an answer, she did get one about her instincts having been correct as Mama Kahn asked her to go check out the source of the uneasiness. "One step ahead of you." She replied, quickly getting up and running outside, ensuring to avoid bringing any of the young ones with her. It hadn't been so late that the sun was gone last she recalled so, as she looked up, Larxene easily assumed that whatever was up in the sky was what she was supposed to check out.

But... how am I supposed to determine what that is when it's so high up?! Upon noticing a Murkrow and Mudkip already there, she barked to get their attention. "Oi! Either of you been able to check that.... thing out? Or at least deduce what it is or isn't?" She looked back up, numerous possibilities trying to race through her own mind. The first thing had been an eclipse... but there'd be no way it'd give off such an.... eerie aura if that were true. She growled, mainly at herself, as she kept trying to figure out what this was.

[Croverus]

Alexander follows Skipper, looking round with a worried expression. When they approach the Murkrow he stands behind Skipper, peeking over his friend's shoulder. "Skipper, What is that?" He points up at the thing blotting out the sun.

[Blue Ghost]

Pip jumps quickly out of the river at the appearance of the shadow. He wonders what it could be. A Legendary Pokemon?
Trying to keep calm, he approaches the Mayor. Ma'am, what's going on?

[Jesse Drake]

The shadows above begin to split into three separate forms- one heads towards the mayor's house, one towards the guild, and one towards the middle of town. The mayor turns to Pip, and says "I'm not sure- if you'll excuse me..." then she quickly flies to head off the figure approaching her house.

As the figure approaches, the air begins to get warmer. Then, it outright gets hot. Finally, you see the sight of a fierce flaming Pokemon. It's got a sharp beak, and razor talons- and it's eyes are... not as fierce as one would imagine. They're rather beady, actually.

"Rargh!"

[Blue Ghost]

The young Piplup gulps as the flaming figure approaches him. He stands his ground, as courageously as he can muster, clutching the water necklace around his neck for luck. Okay, be brave...

[VirgoBushin]

Larxene the Houndour

Larxene looked as the figures all separated and went to different parts of the town. Her paws and legs were almost prepared to jump and run towards the Guild... but what stopped her was the form she was now seeing before her and the others. Isn't... that....???

Her eyes went carefully up and down the figure, trying to ensure she wasn't imagining things. The eyes... the beak... and even the talons. Only one name escaped her lips softly as her thoughts were sorta mentioned aloud now, ...Moltres?!" Noticing the Piplup was beginning to approach it, she followed suit with him. There was no way they were all here without a reason... and maybe, just maybe, she could help him negotiate and try to settle things out.

Yet as she felt herself approach, words weren't leaving her very well. Tons of questions were still racing... but none actually left her lips. Finally, she bit her lower one, forcing herself to whimper a bit before she inhaled and exhaled deeply, managing to muster enough to be able to begin to talk, "Is.... something wrong?" Sure she realized how ridiculously stupid it must have sounded... but she had to start somewhere and, for now, this was a good place.

[Tsumeken]

Riley the Murkrow

Riley pushed his shades further up his face to take off the glare from some of the flaming Pokemon but also to hide the fact he was so frightened right now. His feathers were on edge... he could literally feel them wanting to run without his body. But he stood his ground --- somehow. Maybe he somehow convinced himself in his mind that this wasn't really happening,, that it was all just some horrible dream and soon he'd wake up to Zanders smacking him with a broom and yelling at him, "Get out freeloader!"

Aaaaany second now..... He mentally prepared. In case this wasn't all a dream, however, he got as best prepared for the rude awakening he'd soon get.

[Jesse Drake]

"Rargh!" The Moltres roars as Larxene speaks it's name. It seems to be set to do whatever it's doing- so it does so. With a mighty roar, it signals that the only thing it will do is fight. "Rrragh!!!"

[VirgoBushin]

Larxene the Houndour

Larxene felt another whimper leave her as not only did her guess get identified but also it stood it's ground firmly. "But... why?!" She couldn't believe it really wanted to fight...let alone with what appeared to be no rhyme or reason. She bowed her head, at a loss for words.

It was the image of all the kids that Mama Khan and Ansi were protecting that made her look upward then dare to growl at it. "If that's really the way you feel... so be it. I'm not letting you hurt anyone here, especially the children and if that means losing my life to ensure they live.... so be it!" She, too, showed she was standing her ground as her paws dug into the dirt, preparing herself as best as she could. She looked out of the corner of her eye to see if she would be alone in this or not. Hopefully at least one of the others agreed that this wasn't right at all. It wasn't just Larxene who felt this way.... right?

[Woodsman]

The sight of Moltres descending from the sky had majorly freaked Skipper out. But if this Houndour could stand against it, well, then why couldn't he?

Skipper hops up next to Larxene, ready to fight as well. "I'm with you."

[Blue Ghost]

Pip catches Larxene's eye and nods. He turns to the fiery bird and calls his challenge. We're not afraid of you!
He hopes that he sounds a lot more confident than he feels.

[Tsumeken]

Riley the Murkrow

Riley can't believe his ears. These fools were suicidal! "IT'S A FREAKING MOLTRES!" What could they do against it?! Still though, he felt really bad being the only person that didn't seem to have the balls to stand up to it. Shakily, he moved forward, standing with the others, not saying any words. He couldn't seem to form them.

[Jesse Drake]

The Moltres doesn't seem to want to respond to anything you guys say. Far away, you hear screams coming from the guild, and on the other side of town, the Mayor's estate seems to be glowing with electricity.

Finally, the Moltres stops roaring- it gathers a fireball, and spits it Pip- with the gathering of weak Pokemon, he feels he can easily wipe them out.New Plan- I'm using group initiative. So, you guys have 7.X, and he has 9. So, he goes first. After his attack, it will be your guys turn. You have about 24 hours to respond, then I'll move things along.

[roll0] for [roll1]

[Tsumeken]

Riley the Murkrow

Riley's eyes go wide as he jumps to put some distance between himself and Pip, he knew this was a bad idea. Bad or no now he had to go with it, hopefully this wouldn't come back and bite him as he flung himself upwards toward the Moltres

Pursuit
(2+ Evasion to hit)[roll0]
[roll1]
STAB [roll2]

[VirgoBushin]

Larxene the Houndour

Larxene growled loudly as the Moltres attacked at the Piplup. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before opening her eyes and staring right at the Moltres. If they were all about to fight, defenses being lowered would be a good idea... at least it sounded like one in her head. Please let this work....

Leer:
Accuracy Check: [roll0]

[Woodsman]

Skipper rushes at the Moltres, trying to hit the bird head-on.

Tackle
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Blue Ghost]

Pip reels from the fireball. He quickly picks himself up and tries a reckless headlong charge at the bird.


Pip used Tackle!
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Croverus]

Alexander worries fora moment about what to do, then gathers himself and takes a deep breath. He growls loudly at Moltres to lower its attack.

Alexander uses Growl
AC roll: [roll0]
Effect: Growl creates a 5-meter Burst. Growl lowers all Legal Targets Attack 1 Combat Stage.

[Jesse Drake]

Striking out of nowhere, Riley manages to barely hit the Moltres. Then, Larxene glares at the foe, causing him to be open for Pip and Skipper to strike. However, he's still up- and ready to strike again. Alexander growls at him, causing him to grow slightly unnerved- yet, he comes in swiftly, with a stiff wing. However, it seems the conditions are getting to him, as he is unable to make contact.

[roll0] for [roll1] - Defense

[VirgoBushin]

Larxene the Houndour

Larxene growled at herself once again. She knew in this current state she was probably way out of her mind for even trying to go against the Moltres... but at least she had help. She was amazed (and happy), however, to note that it actually missed them, making her smirk a bit. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.... Her eyes went back to her target as she shot small jets of fire at the Moltres.

Ember:
Accuracy Check: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]
STAB: [roll2]
Burns on 18-20

[Blue Ghost]

Seeing the bird reeling, Pip picks up his confidence and charges in once again.


Tackle!
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Croverus]

Alexander gets up the confidence to charge as well, passing Moltres as he swings his claw. He just hopes it will do anything.

Alexander uses Scratch
AC: [roll0]
Damage" [roll1]
Alexander passes Moltres, ending up behind it.

[Tsumeken]

Riley the Murkrow

Riley flie around and comes back for another strike this time flying right in front of the Moltres' face and trying to make it flinch

Astonish
[roll0](2+ to hit flinches on 18~20)
[roll1]

[Woodsman]

Skipper tried again, thankful the Wing Attack had missed.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Jesse Drake]

The Moltres falls back after Riley's strike- but when Skipper hits it again, it begins to flare up uncontrollably. "Wha... noo!" From not too far away, you all see the other two approach- on top of one of them, an Eevee rides, strapped onto a black leather saddle on top of Articuno. The two birds fly down to the battlefield, and the Eevee begins to tisk. "Well, congratulations- I told you Blotter's Moltres wasn't ready for usage yet. Anyways, they will pay- Blob, grab him- Bubbles, take care of these pests." The Articuno reaches down and picks up the Moltres with her beak- and while that happens, the Moltres shifts into a pink blob.

The Zapados stares at the party, his beady eyes looking fierce. As he crackles with electricity, suddenly, the Mayor shows up. "Leave them alone!" She cries out, flying forth. She strikes the Zapados with amazing speed- causing it to strike her full force. And then, the Zapados began to teeter in the air- then lands on top of the Articuno, shifting to a Ditto as well.

"Hm... this is most disturbing. Oh well, you are granted a reprise, for now. So long, losers!"
It grabs onto it's reigns tightly, and they fly off... The mayor slowly falling from the sky, in a spiraling motion.

100 XP each.

[Woodsman]

Skipper looks very confused. "What just happened?" he asks no one in particular.

[Blue Ghost]

Pip does not answer. He is diving after the mayor to try to catch her as she falls.

[Jesse Drake]

Pip catches the charred mayor. She's not dead- not yet. However, she sounds bad. Really bad. Electricity crackles along her feathers, as she coughs to the party. "Ugh... young Hunters..." She calls out for Skipper and Alexander, presumably, but she doesn't care who listens. "Go... the Crawling Path..." Then, she closes her eyes- and nothing more.

[VirgoBushin]

Larxene the Houndour

Larxene felt herself shake ever so slightly upon watching the Zapdos appear, then leave with the other two birds. She was, needless to say, amazed that she'd actually survived that. As she saw Pip catch and aiding the Mayor, she turns and runs back to the Nursery. "Is everyone here okay?!" She asks quickly, looking around to ensure none of the children or Mama Kahn are hurt.

[Jesse Drake]

Mama Kahn is holed up with the children, keeping them quiet. The electricity in the place seemed to be off here- probably due to the disturbance. "Wha... what's going on out there?" She almost doesn't want to ask.

By the way, I didn't mention, but none of you know what The Crawling Path could mean- you know there's The Open Plains, the only place youngsters like you were allowed to visit, and Ever-Rest Forest........

[Tsumeken]

Riley the Murkrow
While everyone is busy tending to their crisis or another Riley looks around at the remaining Pokemon who were still here, [color=darkviolet]"So.....anyone know where ths Crawling Path is?"

[VirgoBushin]

Larxene the Houndour

"They're gone now... but the Legendary Bids were here...." She bit her lower lip as she looked downward. "We all tried to reason... but they wouldn't hear of it. I still don't get it though... they showed up at the completely wrong circumstances and, to my knowledge, were supposed to protect us... not attack us. Aside from what I saw, I can't say much more on what did or didn't happen." She finally looked back up at Mama Kahn, sighing softly. "Sorry I can't say more...."

[Jesse Drake]

Mama Kahn's eyes go wide, as it seems like she begins firmly planting herself in spot. "That... is... disturbing."

"No..." ChaCha murmured. "It couldn't have been. The birds... they are here to keep us safe." She doesn't want to believe what she's hearing. "Articuno- Zapdos- Moltres... are you sure it was them?"

[VirgoBushin]

Larxene the Houndour

"I... I know! But I'm also sure of what I just saw and that was Moltres fighting against us for a bit before getting defeated. Zapdos arrived soon afterwards and....." Her head bowed again as she finished her sentence, "...began to attack us, but the Mayor found us all in time and took the hit for us. She's just unconscious and hurt but nothing more." There was no possible way, at least not in her mind, to make copies of Pokemon and that was the only real possible way she could explain what she'd just seen.

[Croverus]

Alexander shook Skipper, "Come on, we should go see if we can find out something about the Crawling Path at the Guild."

[Jesse Drake]

ChaCha and Mama Kahn are both very concerned. After a moment, ChaCha finally says "Well, if the guardian birds are attacking us, then we really stand no chance... however, you said you and... some others... managed to defeat Moltres. That's a very good sign indeed. I've always known you were bigger than this old nursery... but I'd sure like to meet whoever it was who stood with you in combat."

-----

At the guild, Alexander and Skipper find the place is somewhat in shambles. A few Pokemon lay around, shocked pretty badly- though no one seems to be dead- you can tell by all the groans of pain. However, not too far in, you can hear someone talking to someone else.

[VirgoBushin]

Larxene the Houndour

Larxene nodded, understanding perfectly what was being asked of her. "Of course. I'm not sure if they are all still there but hopefully at least one other Pokemon is." That'd be all she'd need to vouch for her on whom else had been there. She waited to ensure ChaCha was following behind first then began to lead her to where the Piplup, Murkrow, and Mudkip had all been. She finds, thankfully, two out of the three still there as she nods her head over to the Murkrow and Piplup. "We had one more but I'm guessing he went off somewhere...."

[Jesse Drake]

ChaCha stands at the door and smiles. "You are two our young warriors huh?" She steps forth softly, and pulls out a small piece of parchment from her pouch, and hands it to Larxene. "This is a map of Sannara. I'm marking the spots where the birds are resting- if you wouldn't mind... please check up on their followers- maybe they might know what is going on."

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk255/salvymansalvy/AMap-1.jpg

She hands over the map, and then goes on. "I know the spots are quite a bit away- but should you ever leave 'Sky Island', please check up on them." Sky Island is the name of the plateau that Everest City, Cyclone Mountain, and the Forest are all on. "Well, you guys should take the Mayor to the guild- the Guild Master should know what to do with her. I'd help, but all of our machines only work for small Pokemon." She chuckles softly, and then goes back to the building.

[Blue Ghost]

Pip nods and begins carrying the Mayor's limp body to the guild. Oh, please be all right.
Tears pour down his cheeks as the little Piplup staggers along.

[Tsumeken]

Riley flies overhead as he surveys the damage trying to find any others who may need rescuing from th rubble or anything..

[Croverus]

Alexander motions to Skipper to follow and moves closer to the sound of talking, hoping to overhear what it was. He wasn't sure why he wanted to be cautious but he had a feeling it'd be a good idea to listen.