This secret base isn't exactly an indoor space, like most others are. Instead, it is a hidden little grove found in a secluded portion of Route 123 - near the waterways around Mt. Pyre. Despite it being winter - transitioning into spring - the trees are the colors of autumn, leaves crunching beneath your feet. And just beyond the trees, the shapes of bushy-tailed creatures darting in and out of view can be seen - though they are too indistinct to be identified as any one pokemon. Those from Johto - especially Ecruteak - may find themselves feeling as though they're home again, if they close their eyes and listen to the distant chimes of bells...


- Guardian: Tsume the Zoroark -

Tsume is not the direct sort of guardian that will be in your face. Instead, he'll watch you from afar - and using his penchant for illusions, he will put them to full use in bamboozling you. If you are not careful, he'll send you wandering in circles through the winding paths of this secret base - not so much for his own amusement, but more just to see how clever and determined you are to get to the end. Unless you are particularly clever or keen-eyed though, you'll likely only spot him once you have obtained your flag - whereupon he'll give you a straight path back out.


- Decorations -
The base's visuals are a mix of genuine decor, as well as illusions painted by a certain zoroark and zorua duo. The trees that make up this grove are painted in oranges and yellows, crunchy autumn leaves scattered across a lightly-paved path that winds along. Hanging from the branches are a number of bells - and as the wind blows through the trees, the bells chime gently. The path splits or turns on an occasion - sometimes in ways that seemingly make no sense...

And yet - no matter what path you take, as you make your way past the obstacles the base has to offer - you will eventually find your destination. It will lead towards a clearing with a large stump in the center - upon which a little shrine, and a number of flags, are set. Some of Makoto's fox pokemon can be seen lingering around here as well, wearing little kimonos fitted to them.


- Traps/Obstacles -

If you stray from the path, either to try and cut your way through directly to the end or to investigate the shadowy shapes in the trees beyond, you're likely to run into Kuro, the Hisuian Zorua. Though it's unlikely to show itself, it will attempt to frighten people into going back onto the path - supplementing Tsume's illusions with its own, to turn the mysterious fox-like phantasms into monstrous looking shadows that'll chase you until you return to the road!


Yurei the Wyrdeer may be large and imposing - and being the first pokemon people see, they may be mistaken for the guardian. But as long as you behave, they'll be content to just watch you explore and act as a 'guide' through the base...

... That is, unless you bring food with you, or you've cooked recently. If Yurei smells any food-smells on you or your pokemon, they'll beeline to shove their face into your pockets and bags, in search of whatever the source is! On top of this, they're likely to use their burgeoning psychic capabilities to try and communicate their wants, by filling your brain with nothing but thoughts of food. Good luck keeping them at bay!