Hideo was used to having high-profile challengers; Gym Leaders, ex-Elite Four members, even the Champion. The Galarian Ambassador was a whole other tier in his mind, so he would make sure to do his best.

(Which wasn't to say he didn't try for his other challengers).

He was quick to go meet her once his Pokemon informed him of her arrival. Quite a few of his Pokemon notified him; a lot of the ones staffing the Gym took a chance to take a look at the Pokemon accompanying her, for even a shard of Calyrex was an impressive sight.

But today wasn't about admiring Legendary Pokemon - she was here to do his non-traditional challenge, and he'd treat her like any other challenger.

"Thank you for coming, Ms. Calcifet," he said, raising a hand to greet her. The "Ralts" on his shoulder helped guide him to her, though its attention seemed squarely on the Shard Calyrex. "I've already got the room set up for your non-traditional challenge. I'll lead you to the room, if you'll follow me. Your Pokemon there can join us too, though uh, he's not exactly gonna be joining you in there."

With that said, Hideo would lead her towards the challenge room - though it wouldn't be a quiet walk. "So I like to ask all my challengers this: what made you decide to go with There's A Monster In The Woods for today's challenge?"

The "Ralts" on his shoulder wasn't doing its job, still focused on the Calyrex shard. Hideo's other Pokemon picked up the slack, seamlessly keep him oriented so he didn't veer off track.

Elise Calcifet

"It's fine if Charles is in the room with us. Just, he won't be joining you in the dream itself."

To the rest, Hideo nodded along. "That's a pretty noble goal to have! I imagine you got a lot on your plate, being a princess and an ambassador. The story you chose is a good test of how you behave with power."

They'd soon reach the room, a Pokemon opening the door psychically for them. The room itself was well-furnished, with a nice chair for Hideo to sit upon and a comfy couch for the challenger. A pair of Musharna sat upon both seats, and a number of Psychic and Fairy Pokemon were scattered about, watching Hideo and Elise as they entered.

There was more than enough space for the shard Calyrex to sit, if he so desired. He was also free to wait outside if so desired.

(And wherever the Clayrex waited, the "Ralts" would wait as well).

Hideo went to his own seat, the one with a book resting upon it; there was little in terms of illustrations on the book, the words A Monster In The Woods its most striking feature - apart from the braille lettering one could run their fingers along. He swept it up, taking a seat with the same motion.

The Musharna above him descended onto the armrest of his chair.

"You can take a seat on the couch," Hideo said, the Musharna upon it willing to move as needed. "You'll want to make yourself comfortable, 'cause this'll take some time."

Once Elise was seated, Hideo would begin. "All you'll need to do is close your eyes, and give it a moment. Just focus on my words, and let them do their work."

His Pokemon went to work, the Musharnas letting out some Dream Mist as they would Hypnotize Elise into a peaceful slumber.

"You'll find yourself in the middle of a dark, foreboding forest…"

Elise Calcifet

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[attr="class","puppycat"]Elise Calcifet

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[attr="class","puppycat"]It Begins

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In The Thick of It

"Now open your eyes…"

The transition was instantaneous, Elise now standing within a dark forest. The trees covered the sky, and yet an eerie light illuminated the woods, with no clear indication where the light came from.

Hideo's voice could be heard around her, spoken from above, yet clear, as if it were coming from her own head.

A long time ago, when men still fought with blades and bows, there was a forest that few ever dared venture into - and none returned to tell of what they found within.

And so, people made their own answer: there must be something in these woods. Something that tears apart any who enters the woods, something that none have laid eyes upon. Something that, one day, may leave, and spread its hunting grounds.

There's A Monster In The Woods

And yet…one person had chosen to enter these woods, of their own free will. They had entered despite knowing the risks…or perhaps, because of them.

For they were far more capable than the average person.

Elise Calcifet may choose one Pokemon they possess. Elise Calcifet will be able to function as if they were this Pokemon, and is instinctually aware of how to use all its attacks/abilities. They still are human in form, but they may choose to possess minor physical traits (fur, coloration, claws, etc.) appropriate to the chosen Pokemon.

But just who were they - and why had they chosen to enter the woods of their own volition?

Prompts:

Choose a Pokemon for Elise to base her capabilities on.


Choose an Identity for Elise from the following:

- Inquisitor: A powerful warrior, seeking to slay The Monster In The Woods

- Seeker: A detective, seeking to uncover the fates of those who were lost to the woods.

- Wanderer: A vagabond, seeking a place to settle down - even if it's in the woods.