The Border had been strange then - but in a way, the Ultra Deep Sea was an even stranger place. To be able to swim through the air as if it were water, the dim and eerie lighting, a pulsing rumble like a beating heart...

Really, the primary reason why Ettie was here was cause of Johanna Joy . When she heard that her friend had been preparing a trip into another one of these strange rifts, the wildchild was eager to follow after - ready to explore someplace new! The fact that another person she knew - namely Nikita Sokolov - was present was a plus, too! But upon entering the Ultra Deep Sea, it became readily apparent that this was an opportunity for something a little different.

Namely, it was a chance for the seals to come out and play.

Pago, Penny, and Aurien all would be out and about - the trio happy to swim to their hearts content in this strange environment. Ettie would be seated atop Pago in particular - whilst the offer was open for Nikita or Johanna to ride atop the other two. Aurien was eager and daredevil in nature, enjoying flipping and twisting about through the 'sea'. Penny, on the other hand, was a bit more lax - but also a diva, who enjoyed nothing more than having her rider's attention on her.

Otherwise, there was also Anne, Duchess, Princess, and Haru - the others waiting in their pokeballs for the time being. With the awkwardness of 'swimming', only some of the pokemon were interested in dealing with the fuss. Anne stuck around because of her dislike for a pokeball, wanting to be near Ettie and able to assess their surroundings. Duchess, meanwhile, would use this as a chance to practice moving about with Magnet Rise - Princess following close behind.

And Haru took to lighting the way with her staff - a flame at the end providing visibility, much like a torch.

Finally though, there were two others. Scarlet was present, remaining sheathed at the small of Ettie's back - and a certain Marshadow hid within her shadow. For now, Scarlet was dormant - the doublade simply content to slumber until it was time for them to be drawn. The Marshadow, on the other hand - given the name Delle - would watch her surroundings from Ettie's shadow, full of awe and curiosity alike...

It had been some time since they initially entered this place, though - and thus far, there didn't appear to be any visible threats. At least, not yet. Ettie was relaxed, looking around with about as much awe as she did when they first entered - though Anne remained on the alert as always, keeping a close eye on the group's surroundings... Who knew what might dwell down here, after all...?

Completed 03



Johanna Joy , Nikita Sokolov

As Johanna and Nikita introduced themselves to one another, Ettie smiled brightly. "Nikita-friend! Johanna-friend! Both good!" She chirped, as Pago passed overhead - upside-down, though the wildchild appeared completely unbothered hanging from his saddle like this. Before long though, the dewgong flipped back upright - and Ettie giggled all the whilst. "Friends good!"

It was hard for Ettie to find the eerie surroundings all that troubling, when she had companions at her side. There were strength in numbers, after all - and it went both ways! She hoped that by having the pack around, that Johanna and Nikita both would feel safer, too. Even if something scary came along, they'd all be able to face it together!

Which, speaking of... Ettie blinked, as something ahead caught her eye - pale shapes like jellyfish, drifting through a crossroads beyond in the winding tunnels that made up a good portion of this otherwordly dimension. The pack came to a stop as they observed from afar - Haru carefully dimming the torch, so as to avoid drawing undue notice. Though Ettie's gaze did not pull away from the distant nihilego, she'd still speak - softly, to not draw the wild ultra beasts' attentions. "What-is?" She asked, seemingly directed to Johanna and Nikita both.

What were those pokemon? Were they pokemon? They certainly weren't any that Ettie had seen before...

But even as the group observed the drifting nihilego, they were not alone. Something brushed oh-so-gently against the sides of Ettie's neck, and her upper arms - as if something were attempting to embrace her. At the same time, she could hear a snarl from Delle as the Marshadow rose up from her shadow, swinging a Shadow Punch at something..!

... And yet - when the pack whirled around to look at whatever it was that was behind Ettie, they'd see nothing.

No matter where the wildchild's gaze scanned - her teeth bared in a half-snarl, and the hairs on the back her neck raised - there was nothing that they could see, in the inky dimness beyond the reach of Haru's light. Anne inhaled deeply as she 'swam' around - but... Though there seemed to be an unfamiliar scent, the lycanroc couldn't make heads or tails of it, letting out a confused-yet-agitated growl.

Neck feeling itchy, Ettie would bring up a hand to scratch a little at one of the spots that she had been touched. "Wh-what was...?" She asked - a sense of unease in the air, her heart refusing to settle quite yet. But even though whatever it had been had been able to get close to her, it didn't seem like any harm was done..? Glancing back to Johanna and Nikita, Ettie made a soft and puzzled whine - asking "Ettie-okay - friends-okay...?"

... ... This place was strange...

Basically the start of completing 01?


Johanna Joy , Nikita Sokolov

As Nikita came close, Anne would watch him like a hawk - the wolf's gaze sharp, her agitation clear to see from her half-curled lips, stiff tail, and ears tilted back. One wrong move would more likely than not set the lycanroc off, when she was on-edge like this - her protective instincts demanding her to be prepared to ward off any threat.

Ettie, however, just appeared a little quizzical at the detective's examination - the young girl allowing him to look more closely, and even tilting her head to the side to make it easier. Even in the dim lighting, it was easy to see where Ettie's pale skin was reddened - but it was hard to tell whether this was because she had been stung, or if it was because she had been scratching herself but moments ago. "Ettie... Feel okay," She spoke - briefly pausing to gauge how she felt - before casting a gaze over her shoulder once more. "Just... Surprise." Which, could one blame her? One second, she had been watching some distant nihilego - and then the next, everyone is up in arms due to something having snuck up on them.

Which, the surprises were about to continue. As if drawn by the lights and commotion, a swarm of sharpedo and veluza approached - corrupt beasts, twisted just enough to appear off to the naked eye. The pack began to bristle and growl, prepared to protect themselves against the approaching predators...

... Johanna, however, was keen on protecting them so they could run. Ettie's expression shifted into one of worry - to leave allies behind didn't exactly feel right to her. And yet, it was clear that the swarm of corrupt predators was more trouble than it was worth to fight. To stand their ground would just mean people getting needlessly hurt.

Thus, while Ettie was visibly reluctant to leave Johanna, she nonetheless followed the gym leader's instructions - the pack turning around to make their retreat. However, the wildchild glanced to Aurien, and with a gesture in Johanna's direction, she stated "Help friend."

Aurien, being the dutiful and brave primarina that he was, saluted without a second thought. He'd charge into the fray with an Aqua Jet, that was quickly followed up with a Play Rough to smack away a nearby sharpedo as he helped Retnuah cover Clay. All the while though, he let loose a valiant cry - as if to say 'Have no fear, Aurien is here!' ...

... It would likely become easy to see that this primarina had a taste for superhero antics.

But before long, Clay would form a blockade in the tunnel to hold back the swarm; and Aurien took this as a sign that they were to skeedaddle! As Johanna turned to run, Aurien would swoop down to attempt to scoop her up in his arms - as if she were a damsel in distress - before he was off, swimming as fast as he could to catch up with everyone else...!

But even as Aurien aided in the escape, he could hear the sounds of thuds, and crumbling earth, as the corrupted swarm was striking at the blockade. The primarina spared a glance behind him - though it was too dim to make out much, beyond the way the rocks occasionally shifted under what must have been quite the assault....

Meanwhile though, Ettie's pack was moving with purpose - Haru having dimmed the light of her torch, to help avoid drawing any more attention to themselves. Anne's eyes scanned their surroundings warily, unsure of what to expect around any corner. They were tense, on high alert, and it was safe to say Ettie was pretty concerned for Johanna, as well. Was she doing ok? Was Aurien able to help?

The wildchild made a soft whine as she gazed over her shoulder - bringing a hand up to her chest, as if hoping to soothe the quickened beats of her heart. It had yet to calm down - though these hectic situations were sure to blame for it... That, and the sense of building unease that seemed to be sinking its grip into her... It was like her instincts were screaming at her that something was wrong - and yet, she wasn't sure what exactly... There was just something, about this whole place, that she didn't like...

Anne, picking up on Ettie's unsettled demeanor, would sidle all the closer to her - 'swimming' alongside Pago, and nuzzling against her smaller sister's side. The wolf couldn't help but share in the sentiments, even if she did not feel the same persistent heartbeat and building unease - this place was very different from the Border, in a way that she didn't like.

Johanna Joy , Nikita Sokolov

Nikita's observation would make Ettie's shoulders jump a bit - and for the briefest moment, there's a hue of fight or flight in her gaze as she glances back to him. As if she weren't sure whether she had heard a friend or foe. But as soon as she sees it's just him, her gaze returns to that of the friendly young girl, even if she was still unsettled. "Kinda," She confirms with a nod. "Johanna-friend alone... Ettie worry."

She didn't like the idea of leaving others behind - a pack stuck together. There was safety and strength in numbers - and Johanna being on her own meant that she didn't have that, at least not to the same degree as if they all stuck together.

But thankfully, Johanna soon returns - and as soon as Aurien caught up with the group, the primarina would carefully set her down on her feet. Ettie - atop Pago - as well as a few of the other canines are quick to move to Johanna's side - Duchess sniffing, Princess looking up and down, and Haru briefly conversing with Aurien and Johanna's pokemon - all to make sure that she and the others were okay.

With things seeming fine though, the group continues moving - and when they come across a crossroads, Nikita chooses that they take the left path. Ettie is happy to be one of the first atop Pago and alongside Anne - though the rest of the pack ends up a bit interspersed throughout the rest of the group, to help keep eyes out for danger.

But even as things were quiet whilst everyone moved, Ettie couldn't help but find herself lost in her own head - the back of her mind itching, pacing like a caged beast. Something was wrong. Something wasn't right. But she couldn't exactly figure out what. It wasn't even as if she lacked any words, but more that she couldn't figure out what she was applying words to in the first place.

And not only that, but her head has begun to throb - low, pulsing, but present. But rather than express it in words, she can't help but whine softly - a hand brought up to massage her temple.

Anne glances to her - and with a concerned gaze, drifts closer to nuzzle Ettie.

The wildchild glances over, and makes a soft chuff in response, rather than reassuring her in words - trying to think of words is tough right now - and leaned down to nuzzle Anne back.

Though, it wasn't long before things began to go awry once more. It would be Duchess's resounding Howl from the back of the group that signifies something is wrong - and immediately, the pack is on alert.

The swarm - fewer in numbers and bottlenecked by the path, but still present - has returned, Sharpedo and Veluza charging forth to try and continue pursuit. The pokemon are immediately ready to go on the offensive to fight them off - though it would likely come as a surprise, when they aren't the only ones fighting. Because as a Sharpedo manages to squeeze through to swim overhead, fangs glinting in the dim light, and scratches on its body dripping with darkened blood...

... It was almost as if Ettie were a shark herself, with the sudden ferocity she displays. Something in her head snaps - and it's with a howl of her own that she leaps at the Sharpedo. It thrashes, but she digs her nails in like claws as she grapples it - and without any hestiation, she sinks her teeth into it with a wild snarl! Prey. Prey. PREY. A voice like-unlike her own has scented blood, and her instincts know injured prey when she sees it.

Anne is alarmed, unsure of what has come over her human sister - and even Pago is bewildered by this sudden act! But nonetheless, they join in the fray in hopes of getting Ettie and the Sharpedo away from one another..!

TLDR:

SPOILER: Click to show

- Ettie confirms she's nervous - particularly out of concern for Johanna.
- When Aurien brings Johanna back to the group, he carefully sets her down on her feet. What a gentleman! c:
- Ettie + the pack come to check up on Johanna to make sure she + her pokemon are okay
- When Nikita chooses the left path, Ettie and co are happy to head on in - the pack being somewhat spread out throughout the group, to better keep an eye out for everyone.
- While everyone's walking though, Ettie's symptoms are getting worse - including a throbbing headache, and a difficulty with words.
- The swarm - fewer in number + bottlenecked in the narrow path - eventually return, Duchess giving a Howl both in warning and to buff everyone.
- While the pack is prepared to fight back, a Sharpedo slips towards the front of the group... Only for Ettie to snap - as she pounces on and begins attempting to maul it, her addled mind regarding it as prey.
- An alarmed Anne and Pago engage the Sharpedo to try and get it + Ettie away from each other.

Johanna Joy , Nikita Sokolov

(Putting a CW for violence here just incase?)

The sharpedo thrashed, it slammed into one of the walls - but even as a sharp rock bit into Ettie's arm and drew blood, that seemed to only further encourage the feral behavior she displayed. When a particularly vicious buck tore her teeth away from the shark's flesh, she simply found a new place to sink her fangs into once more - snarling wildly, her sharpened nails clawing against its skin and digging in for hold.

With how violently the sharpedo is moving, none of Ettie's pack can get close enough to put a stop to the mayhem - even as Anne tries to tackle into the beast to subdue it, it bites down on her and throws her into Pago. Duchess' fur sparks with electricity, and yet she's afraid that she'll shock Ettie as well, if she attempts to attack!

In the end, it's Nikita's alakazam who is able to separate Ettie from the shark - pulling her away, and bringing her into a bubble of telekinetic energy. Initially, her eyes dart about - and upon noticing a nearby Veluza, she slams into the bubble in an attempt to pounce at it. But when she briefly scrabbles at it with her nails and finds it impassable, she lets out a low growl, before stilling.

Unnaturally dark - yet still vivid red - blood drips from Ettie's teeth and nails, and her eyes are wild, less child and more wolf. She is perched in a seated position as her gaze darts between those around her, her breathing heavy as though she is catching her breath from the prior exertion. For a moment, something flickers in her gaze - she moves her lips as if trying to form words, and sounds do escape her mouth...

... But whatever she's trying to say trails off in a soft snarl as she holds her head with one hand, unable to form anything coherent. In such a small body such as her's, even a small dose of nihilego toxin would likely be fast-acting.

The pack's concern is apparent, as Ettie's pokemon begin to gather around the bubble. Anne is pacing, Duchess lets out a soft whine of concern, Haru watches Ettie with worry, and Princess - normally sedate and lazy - is visibly agitated and growling softly. Anne, however, casts a gaze towards Johanna - as if the normally distrustful wolf were hoping that the gym leader would have an answer, in all of this.

TLDR:

SPOILER: Click to show

- Ettie gets a cut on her arm from being slammed into the wall by the sharpedo, but continues mauling it.
- With how violently the sharpedo is acting, none of the pack can get close enough to safely separate Ettie from the shark.
- When Ettie is separated and bubble'd, she initially attempts to pounce at a nearby Veluza - but upon failing, seems to settle down (even if a little growly about it.)
- Ettie's teeth/nails are visibly bloody, the blood itself being unnaturally dark (partly doing this cause they're described as corrupted,) but still noticably red
- Ettie attempts speaking, but instead makes unintelligible noises, trails off in a snarl + holds her head with one hand, unable to put together words. With how small she is, even a small dose of nihilego toxin is likely going to be fast-acting.
- The pack is concerned/agitated over Ettie's current state. Anne looks to Johanna for help.

Johanna Joy , Nikita Sokolov