PTU: Through the Fire and the Flames

[Arcran]

It's another average day on Cinnabar. Well, as average as any day can be on Cinnabar. You can hear the bellows of Charizard in the distance as the elite Cinnabar Air Force trains. The babble of the marketplace that can be heard from a mile away.

But you have to focus! THe morning prayers to Molters are more than just important, they're crucial to the survival of the island. Without her blessing crops will fail, the mountain will explode, and the savage beasts of the volcano will pour forth, wreaking devastation across Cinnabar.

That's when you feel the familiar surge of flame, of heat, that had become all too familiar of late. This time though, it feels different. Stronger, somehow.

Focus check!

[Bad Situation]

Shourei sits in the empty prayer hall, seated directly across from a finely carved shrine of the goddess Moltres. Flames and incense licked at his face from all four corners of the room, a fire cast in every cardinal direction. His hands slide from seal to seal, forming various shapes and structures as he mutters the various tantric verses beneath his breath.

Morning prayer wasn't exactly a popular chore for the monks of Cinnabar Island, but he didn't mind it any. It felt good to be alone sometimes. And besides, somebody had to do it, and better him than any of the other monks. If Moltres saw how devoted he was to the faith perhaps she would...

No, that was a dangerous line of thought. One could not ask of the gods so arrogantly.

And then, as if in response to his selfish thoughts, the fire comes. His body tenses and though he does not stop his prayer sweat begins to bead at his forehead and the shivering wracks at his body, making every distinct handseal a trial.

Focus Check: [roll0]
He ends the process and shakily, he lifts up a small cup of ash off to the side of the shrine and sprinkles it in a circle around the open flame lit under the shrine, careful not to extinguish the light.

[Arcran]

This time though, while you manage to suppress the flames, something odd happens. While normally the flames seem to go inward, fueling some sort of inner fire, this time they tried to flow outward, as if they were trying to escape your body.

Looking down, you see the ground where you had been kneeling had scorch marks where your knees had touched, and smoke is rising from your slightly singed clothing. It seems Moltres didn't appreciate your selfish thoughts either.

As you look through the stained glass image of Moltres, you see a thick pillar of smoke billow upwards from Cinnabar Volcano. That was new.

Come to me, Child of the Flames... you feel in your mind, like burning words dripping heat. Come to the volcano.. it says as it slowly fades away, just as the pillar of smoke does.

Perception please.

[Bad Situation]

Breathing ragged breaths, Shourei clutches at his heart and looks down at the scorch marks in fear. Blinking back the sweat, he uneasily stands to his feet, grabbing his khakkhara from its spot by the door on his way out. He opens his mouth to speak to the voice but closes with an audible snap when he realizes just how silly that was. "Moltres...she has never spoken like this to me before...has my time of trial finally come?"

Outside of the prayer hall he rouses Agni from its nap, lightly smacking the fire Pokemon with the blunted shaft of his staff. He sighs audibly, already displeased with the outlook on the day. Agni was a strong, dependable Pokemon but by Moltres the thing was a lazy sack of bones when it wasn't looking for a fight. Fortunately he had just the thing to wake the slothful beast up.

Perception Check: [roll0]

He smiles lightly at the lizard, repeatedly tapping at it with his staff all the while. "Agni, we will be...training today. Obtain your morning meal from the refectory and be ready to leave in half an hour. The volcano awaits us..."

Without further ado, he stalks toward his room and begins packing his belongings. One never left the house without being adequately prepared, even if 'outside' just meant one's backyard.

[Arcran]

You leave the hall, not seeing anything odd as you do so.

You make your way to your room uninterrupted. The few others monks there are rushing about, apparently in a fervor over the smoke, something that happened in decades. A few shoot you dirty looks, likely remembering what had happened all those years ago.

You manage to collect your gear quickly, as well as collect a bag of provisions. A trip all the way up the mountain would take at least a day, likely more, and food would be needed. Vajra would come in handy, if you could get her to carry things.

Soon enough your supplies are packed. When you attempt to open your door though, you hear a sharp squeal, only to see Agni hop up, glaring at you. He must have been taking a nap in front of the door.

[Bad Situation]

When the monks pass by him, Shourei unconsciously raises his shoulders, trying to hide his shame and failing miserably. When the various goods and provisions are finally collected, he makes his way to the front door.

Only to waken the sleeping Charmander.

Shourei glares back, or rather, frowns back at Agni. It would not do for him to allow his temper to flare so irresponsibly. Agni was his friend, in spite of their differences, and an actual fight between the two would prove dangerous for both parties. Instead he sticks his tongue out at the lizard and brushes past him, looking down at the creature with an amused stare. "Your laziness becomes you, Agni."

But then his tone becomes somber and says very seriously, "Today is...a special day, Agni. More important than anything else I have asked of you in your life. I will need you at your best today." He bows his head down, "Please."

Intuition Check: [roll0]

[Arcran]

The Charmander harrumphs, a burst of fire flying off its tale. After seeing how dedicated you are though, it nods respectfully, the most respect you've ever received from the little Charmander. Somehow you got it to understand the monumentality of this day.

[Bad Situation]

Shourei smiles a genuine smile for once and reaches down to rub Agni on a specific spot atop its crown, right where he could feel its evolutionary horns setting in. The charmander would never admit to it, but it loved be scratched up at the top of its head. Nodding once in affirmation, he sets off and hopes his Pokemon will follow after him. "Good. I'll feel a little safer with you at my side."

When he's a bit away he mockingly adds, "Only a little, though."

[Arcran]

The Charmander tags along, hurrying to keep up with your much longer strides. It runs ahead of you, as if to assert that it wasn't just following in your footsteps, but does occasionally look back to make sure that you're following.

A few guards give you dirty looks as travel for having the Charmander out, but nobody says anything about it. It wasn't vicious at least, and seemed to not be interested in the other people.

Going straight to the base of the volcano or do you need to pick anything up?

[Bad Situation]

Shourei settles through the town with a fake smile plastered on his face, staff clinking with every step. The noise, he realized, was something Agni paid special attention to when running ahead. Knowing that the small fire Pokemon knew when and how to stop and wait for him was heart-warming to say the least.

Shourei never has business in town. Straight to the volcano.

[Arcran]

The guards guarding the gate, recognizing your status, quickly let you through.

The initial trek up is quite easy. The land surrounding the volcano is mostly farmland, fortunately, which also means that it is fairly well patrolled. The wilds are few and far between, and rather weak.

It's when you reach the secondary gate that you know things will get dangerous. Even from here you can see the packs of moving flame that signify Magmar and other such monstrosities.

The guards give you a look of pity? respect? something else? as you pass through the second gate, quickly closing it behind you.

Up ahead is a long trek on a winding road. About halfway up you can see a smallish settlement; if you hurry, you should be able to reach Carmine Village.

Survival and Perception, as well as how hard you're trying to avoid a fight.

[Bad Situation]

Shourei marches up the path proper, using the staff to help alleviate some of his bag's burden, but still careful not to make too much noise with the khakkhara's tin rings. For good reason though. If Agni saw a wild Pokemon he would probably get drawn into an unnecessary battle. Moltres knew what was ahead of them. Their provisions needed to hold out for a long way still.

Survival: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]
Shourei tries not to look for a fight and takes great pains to avoid the signs of inhabitance when he can but is lenient where his Charmander is concerned, understanding that if he keeps Agni from fighting, the ensuing argument is likely to attract even more wilds onto them.

[Arcran]

Your novice survival skills help you considerably; you see the beginnings of a Fearow's territory and are able to skirt around it without much trouble, avoiding a fight that would have likely ended badly.

That, however, isn't enough to save you from all the troubles. Very faintly in the distance, you hear some sort of hooting...

Pokemon Education.

[Bad Situation]

Inwardly, Shourei groans. If he could hear the hooting then he could bet on Moltres' feathery down that Agni could hear it as well. He strains his ears and mind to pick out the hooting though. The better he understood the call the easier he could skirt around anything dangerous, or if worse came to worst, battle it out on more advantageous conditions.

Pokemon Edu: [roll0]

[Arcran]

While you don't know much about Pokemon, your best guess would be something that travels in a pack, due to the multitude of hoots. The specific species escapes you.

Fortunately, Agni's hearing is not quite as acute as yours, and he seems to not have yet noticed.

[Bad Situation]

Shourei breathes out in relief when he sees the lack of response from Agni. Still, the idea of an entire pack of birds potentially bearing down on his team didn't make him feel any better. Corralling Agni away from the noise, he refocuses his ears to try to make some sense of the commotion. If the birds were in fact searching for something or another, it was for the best that they avoided anything like that.

Intuition: [roll0]

[Arcran]

The hooting doesn't seem to fit right for birds at all. Something more mamallian makes much more sense, just from the sound. Less squackish and more of a guttural hoot.

You have no evidence to support it, but it would seem they are looking for food. Whether you qualify as such remains to be seen.

[Bad Situation]

Shourei clicks his tongue, pulling the khakkhara free from its entanglements, and pressing onward. If his gut was right about this, the pack was looking for a meal which meant being nearby was especially dangerous. A single misstep at this point would lead him and Agni right into the jaws of a hungry Pokemon. Moltres was waiting for him damnit. Tapping Agni's back with the butt of his staff he whispers, "C'mon, we need to speed up. Nightfall is fast approaching and I would rather be in Carmine Village before then."

[Arcran]

Stealth, Survival, and Perception to go unnoticed.

[Bad Situation]

Stealth: [roll0]
Survival: [roll1]
Perception: [roll2]

[Arcran]

Unfortunately, you seem to have abysmal luck, and just in the distance you hear a triumphant hoot, as if the source of the sound has found something. In this case, likely you.

Agni has finally heard the noise. His tail flame flares violently, and he seems aggravated, to say the least, as he looks towards the source of the sound.

Consider this a "prep" round. Whatever you think may help, roll and try to pull it off.

[Bad Situation]

Eyes widening in panic, Shourei slams the butt of his staff into the ground to catch Agni's attention with the jingling. This was no time for a fight, not when they knew little to nothing about the enemy's fighting strength. But if nothing else, it was almost sure to be greater than a single monk-in-training and a low-leveled Charmander. "Agni, lay down a veil of smoke and follow me. A warrior you may be, but if we are to have any hope of defeating this foe we must first know what we are up against. A proud warrior bears his fangs only against something worth it's time, yes? The smoke should hide our scent and keep it from locating us by sight. From there we will strike whatever emerges in a coordinated attack, as we practiced." He slams the staff against the ground once more, as if to emphasize his point. Hopefully, an appeal to his warrior Pokemon's sense of tactical awareness and pride would work.

Intuition: [roll0] If the speech was enough I guess you can ignore this roll. Unless you want to apply circumstance bonuses or something?

[Arcran]

The smoke blocks the trail immediately after, and the two of you manage to find a quick hiding place.

It only takes about ten seconds for the creatures to rush through the smoke, apparently not hesitating. You can see two shapes immediately behind, still trapped in the smoke.

A quick look recognizes the Pokemon as a Mankey, well known for the viciousness and territorial tendencies. Odds are you stumbled into their territory and they're dealing with it. Any further knowledge escapes you.

I'll give you +1 SPATK or ATK Stage on the 'mander for the speech.

And we have maps! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akuo1v6xJCoXdHgwektzWTI3X253Rll1Z09qaDlMV mc#gid=22)

[Bad Situation]

Shourei grumbles beneath his breath, "Just what I needed...looks like we're not getting out of this one without a fight..." Breathing out sharply to calm himself he steps out from behind his cover and shouts, "Agni! Show them a dragon's rebuke!" Then, quickly muttering under his breath he slams the butt of his staff down to call down a plume of flame over the Mankey's head.

Shourei
Standard Action: Fire Pulse
-- Accuracy Check - 2: [roll0]
-- Damage (Fire): [roll1]
-- Target: Mankey (E10)

Charmander
Shift Action: Shift to E9
Standard Action: Dragon Claw
-- Accuracy Check - 2: [roll2]
-- Damage (Dragon): [roll3]
-- Target: Mankey (E10)
Swift Action: Intimidate Unknown (G11)

[Arcran]

The other two beasts rush out over the charred and falling body of their comrade, hooting loudly. One's hoots are quieted somewhat by Agni's glare, but both rush forward, trying to rake the Charmander with their claws as they near you.

Agnia manages to force one to miss with a quick blast of heat, but the other hits straight on, causing a thin line of blood to appear on the Charmander's shoulder.

14 damage. I always calculate DEF and such.

Also, nice work laying out your actions. Nicely done.

[Bad Situation]

Shourei clicks his tongue in annoyance as the Mankey continue their approach, giving Agni a meaningful look before throwing his shoulder in a roll to escape the monkey Pokemon. It was just as they practiced. When he's a good distance away he forces himself upright in the middle of his flight and scrapes against the ground to brake himself and calls out "Now!" before directing his staff at the closest Mankey and giving the attached links an echoing ring. "Moltres, consume you."

Shourei
Shift Action: Shift to I4.
Standard Action: Fire Pulse
-- Accuracy Check - 2: [roll0]
-- Damage (Fire): [roll1]
-- Target: Mankey (F6)

Charmander
Shift Action: Shift to G7 before Using Scratch, ending at D4.
Standard Action: Scratch #1
-- Accuracy Check - 2: [roll2]
-- Damage (Dragon): [roll3]
-- Target: Mankey (F6)
Standard Action: Scratch #2
-- Accuracy Check - 2: [roll4]
-- Damage (Dragon): [roll5]
-- Target: Mankey (E5)

[Arcran]

The flames connect solidly with the ape, staggering it slightly while not dropping it. Agni's sharp claws inflict heavy damage on the both of them, but somehow both remain standing.

The more heavily injured of the two, obviously in a rage, rushes at you, claws aimed for a strike. Despite your attempt to dodge, the claws rake into you, cutting your shoulder. While not particularly damaging, it still burns.

12 damage.

The other, healthier ape hoots angrily. It seems being attacked hasn't lessened their vigor; in fact, being hit seems to have made them more aggressive. It swipes at Igni, once again slashing the small Charmander. It hits a similar spot on the shoulder, likely making it difficult for Igni to strike.

14 damage. Because Igni passes 50% HP, that's an Injury. -1 Attack CS until Injury is fixed.

[Bad Situation]

Acting quickly, Shourei leaps back slightly, barring the monkey-Pokemon from getting anywhere closer to Agni and fishes a Pokeball from his belt, throwing it directly into the injured Mankey's face. Agni could handle the rest on his own hopefully but just in case he holds up his staff in preparation to end the monkey's life.

Shourei
Shift Action: Shift to F4.
Standard Action: Throw Great Ball.
-- Accuracy Check - 6: [roll0]
-- Capture Check: [roll1]
-- Target: Mankey (I3)

Agni
Standard Action: Dragon Claw
-- Accuracy Check - 2: [roll2]
-- Damage (Dragon): [roll3]
-- Target: Mankey (D3)

[Arcran]

Your Pokeball flies through the air, connecting with the Mankey and absorbing it easily. The ball barely shakes as it falls to the ground.

Level 6 Mankey, Female.
Anger Point
Relaxed Nature

Agni's strike floors the other Mankey, forcing it to fall to the ground, unconscious. As soon as it falls, the Charmander hops onto it, claws viciously raking the chest of the Mankey as it quickly ends it.

[Bad Situation]

Shourei breathes out a sigh of relief as he bends down to pick up the Pokeball, haphazardly shoving the now full Great Ball into his pocket. There would be time to acclimate the Pokemon to his command in the future. Right now they needed to get away before more of the herd came to deal with them. Taking a moment to compose himself, he ambles over to Agni and rubs the salamander's rounded head. "Won't be long before the horns start coming in huh..."

He clears his throat and points toward Carmine Village. "We need to get a move on Agni. I can look over your wounds when we're somewhere safe."

[Arcran]

The Charmander glares viciously at the other unconscious body before snarling, following your lead.

In the distance, you can just barely hear the continued hoots of likely the rest of the Mankey pack.

[Bad Situation]

Shourei breaths out in relief as they make their escape but anxiously picks up the pace. It would cost them their lives in they tarried much longer. Besides, winning a single battle wasn't something to be proud of. Not on the grand scale of things at least. For now, he would be satisfied with just getting somewhere marginally safer. That would be his victory.

Unless something keeps them, he continues ahead.

[Arcran]

The rest of the day is uneventful, which is fortunate. By the time night is beginning to fall, you can see Carmine Town in the distance, with great columns of flame shooting around. A small part of you hopes it is some sort of annual festival, but you're fairly sure that is not the case.

As you get closer, you see a massive shape flying in the night, at little less than ten feet long. It doesn't take long for you to recognize it; after all, almost everybody in Cinnabar seems them every day. A Charizard, and likely a young one at that, judging by its size.

You can see the occasional return fire; the guards have crossbows at least. There even seems to be a few guards who had Flying Pokemon, the birds harassing the beast in the air. Fortunately, as a Wild Charizard, unless it has a particular reason to attack the town, it will leave if wounded enough. If that isn't the case, then, well, the town is in for some trouble.

[Bad Situation]

Shourei looks up into the sky with some amusement, nudging Agni's back with the point of his staff and points off into the sky where he knew the fire Pokemon's attention lay. He smiles lightly and says, "Some day, huh? I hope I can rely on you, when the times comes." A wild Charizard attack was worrisome of course but it wouldn't do to unnecessarily distress over it. He still had a job to do and by Moltres he'd see it to completion.

Hiding his tension for now, he leads Agni into the village and toward the Pokemon Center where they could rest for the time being.

[Arcran]

A few guards look at you expectantly due to your monk status, but when they see help is not forthcoming they return to their frenzied attack.

A few houses are aflame with folks with Water Pokemon, mostly Horsea native to the local reefs, trying to desperately put them out. Of course, the heat doesn't bother you. Agnia continues to glare at the Charizard, likely wishing to prove himself, but continues to follow you, albeit reluctantly.

There doesn't seem to be a Pokemon Center in a town this size, but there is a small inn that functions as a sort of proxy Pokemon Center. Inside multiple guards are being treated for extensive burns. An older woman ordering others around, likely the inn keeper, doesn't even notice you entering.

[Bad Situation]

With a reluctant frown, Shourei shakes his head when the guards look his way. Dealing with wild Charizard was difficult even for the senior monks at the temple. And even his talent wasn't enough to make up for his lack of experience. Sadly he makes his way further into the village and calmly enters the inn, Agni close at his heels.

What he sees of course, comes as shock. His eyes widen at the sight of guards being treated. "How long has the Charizard been at this, then? If it's getting this bad I may have to do something about it after all, my inexperience be damned..." Looking around the room and realizing his lack of presence, he clears his throat and slams down hard on the floor with his staff to catch their attention. First, he needed some answers. He looks toward the older woman and says, "Excuse my insolence, but I am here to help. As I am quite inexperienced in these matters I must first ask some questions. I hope you will humor this humble monk's request."

[Arcran]

"Help? Thank Moltres," she says, dabbing at a burn with some sort of salve. "I'm a little preoccupied here, but I'll do my best to help out. If you can get the damn thing out of here, it'd be much appreciated. What Pokemon do you have? Magmar? Rhydon? An Onix maybe?" she asks hopefully.

[Bad Situation]

Shourei looks at the woman and blinks, unsure of how exactly he was going to explain to her the situation. On one hand, telling her about his inexperience was likely to cause a panic but on the other, lying to her would give the people in the room expectations that he wouldn't be capable of meeting. Instead, he chooses not to answer her question. "Not as such, no." Withdrawing some paper from his pockets, he pens down a number of ingredients and holds it out to the lady. "Can you get me those ingredients? There's something I'd like to try but it's not likely to work unless you hurry."

If they burned enough incense and let loose the smoke into the air, there was a chance that the discomfort and sluggishness would force the Charizard to leave. If not...he would have to deal with the best on his own, which would involve somehow hailing the thing down to the ground and getting within a dangerous range of it...

[Arcran]

The woman gives you an odd look, but agrees.

"There should be some of that in the general store. James, take the monk there!" she says, still treating wounds.

A child that can't be older than ten comes forward, looking at you intently.

Follow me, he whispers, clearly terrified. The general store has smokey plants that make people lazy, he says with child-like innocence before looking out the door apprehensively.

[Bad Situation]

Shourei finds himself forcing a smile in spite of himself and nods along, "Lazy indeed. Lead the way, James."

When they're outside and on their way though he asks, "You seem frightened, James. What seems to be the matter?" and watches the boy's reaction closely.

Aura Reading

[Arcran]

Just the fire... he mutters in a barely audible whisper.

His aura is almost entirely yellow, signifying an overwhelming amount of fear. Can't really blame the kid with what's going on.

Soon enough, you're at the General Store. The flames continue to lick through the town. At one point the Charizard crosses only meters above you, closely followed by two Pidgeotto. Still, it ignores you and you somehow make it to the general store in one piece.

Looking around, there appear to be the necessary materials. A few pots that would work quite well. The correct incenses and spices aren't here, but there is something else; cannabis, and large amounts of it. While it will be less potent than a normal incense, you can easily make at least a couple dozen. The lack of the correct ingredients also means much less mixing, meaning you can make them quicker than normal.

[Bad Situation]

When they enter the general store, Shourei takes a large, welcome sniff out of the air and nods his head after personally inspecting the ingredients. "Good, I can make use of all this." After setting his staff against the wall he immediately sets out to work, pulling out as many large containers as possible and carrying several of the available ingredients toward his workspace before looking at James and waving him off. "Shoo, go tell everyone you can to stay in doors and to cover their mouths with anything they have on hand. When you're done with that go find a healthy adult who warn the guards about the very same thing before you hide away again."

When the boy finally leaves, Shourei pulls out some fabrics from his bag and drapes it around his face as well as Agni's. It probably wouldn't matter much but it paid to be careful when using ingredients one wasn't entirely sure of. Before he begins however, he warns Agni to keep his tail flame well away from the work but remain close enough to lend a hand if possible.

Gonna use Aura Sight on the Charizard as it passes by. If it's possible, that is.

Inside the general store, Shourei gets down to business.

[Arcran]

When they enter the general store, Shourei takes a large, welcome sniff out of the air and nods his head after personally inspecting the ingredients. "Good, I can make use of all this." After setting his staff against the wall he immediately sets out to work, pulling out as many large containers as possible and carrying several of the available ingredients toward his workspace before looking at James and waving him off. "Shoo, go tell everyone you can to stay in doors and to cover their mouths with anything they have on hand. When you're done with that go find a healthy adult who warn the guards about the very same thing before you hide away again."

When the boy finally leaves, Shourei pulls out some fabrics from his bag and drapes it around his face as well as Agni's. It probably wouldn't matter much but it paid to be careful when using ingredients one wasn't entirely sure of. Before he begins however, he warns Agni to keep his tail flame well away from the work but remain close enough to lend a hand if possible.

Gonna use Aura Sight on the Charizard as it passes by. If it's possible, that is.

Inside the general store, Shourei gets down to business.

James nods, his aura flashing brighter yellow with fear, but he still leaves, hurrying quickly.

Fortunately for you, the Charizard declares itself with a loud roar as it flies by and you are able to get a clear look out the window as it flies by. It's aura is almost entirely red with overwhelming rage, except for for a slight purple tinge, signifying love, and odd combination to say the least.

Soon enough though, you have a dozen of the impromptu Lax Incenses created. The few fumes have made Angi drowsy and sleepy. At least you know it effects the Charmander line, but the Charizard is many times larger and will likely only get wiffs.

You still have at least enough supplies to make another dozen, but from the panicked squawk you'd guess at least one of the Pidgeotto is down.

[Bad Situation]

"Anger and love? A downed broodmate perhaps? Or no, would it have something to do with its clutch? But if that's the case, why would it be attacking the town? Have the townsfolk done something to warrant this attack? If I was suspicious before, I am now..."

Standing up to his full height, Shourei nudges Agni with the pointed end of his staff to rouse him from his drowsy state, hoping the bells do their part in waking the beast. "I don't suppose you could tell me what exactly the Charizard wants would you? No? Figures as much." When the pair make their way outside, Shourei fishes out Vajra's pokeball and releases him before the general store before attaching the incenses a few feet away from the charging rock Pokemon. "I apologize for the burden but I'll need your strength today."

With that said and done, Shourei points his gaze up at the sky and attempts to track the Charizard's path before leading his little group toward the fighting, slamming his staff into the ground intermittently. "Now let's see if we can do something about this.."

[Arcran]

"Anger and love? A downed broodmate perhaps? Or no, would it have something to do with its clutch? But if that's the case, why would it be attacking the town? Have the townsfolk done something to warrant this attack? If I was suspicious before, I am now..."

Standing up to his full height, Shourei nudges Agni with the pointed end of his staff to rouse him from his drowsy state, hoping the bells do their part in waking the beast. "I don't suppose you could tell me what exactly the Charizard wants would you? No? Figures as much." When the pair make their way outside, Shourei fishes out Vajra's pokeball and releases him before the general store before attaching the incenses a few feet away from the charging rock Pokemon. "I apologize for the burden but I'll need your strength today."

With that said and done, Shourei points his gaze up at the sky and attempts to track the Charizard's path before leading his little group toward the fighting, slamming his staff into the ground intermittently. "Now let's see if we can do something about this.."

The bells do in fact wake the Charmander.

The Rhyhorn glares at you with her beady eyes as the equipment is strapped on, but otherwise does not protest.

The fighting is all over town, to say the least. The Charizard is just that fast. But there is one area it tends to linger just a short time longer around the northern edge of town.

Soon enough you are there. The flames bother neither Agni nor Vajra, both being used to the heat of volcanoes. After a little careful planning, you find yourself in the same path as the Charizard's next flame strike. It's more heavily wounded now, but its aura continues to burn redder and redder.