She had been far too surprised with the Sharpedo-tooth to notice the oncoming attacker. Luckily Aaron pushed her out of the way, saving her from certain death.

But as Altagracia regained her bearings, dread set in. If there was one, then there would surely be more. It seemed Alec knew as well. As he ushered them into the next path. As they ran and before Alec would block their path, she spotted the Sharpedo’s and their fellow hunters Veluza. Which was odd given the two hunters shared similar prey and therefore didn’t often share territories willingly.

With their pathway back blocked the group could only move forward. And they did so until they stumbled upon a large spacious clearing.

Elise was quick to point out the use it might serve.

Altagracia gave her a nod and said. “It could.” However, as the clearing came into view and the light revealed more of it, something became obvious.

This place was already being used by something. “Be on the lookout, this place has already been claimed. We might have to fight whatever it might be.”

But for now, she could not see its resident. And so she began to study the place. Walking about, looking for tracks, but saw none. What she did find was rocks gently bundled together as some form of bedding. Presumably to lay eggs on? Besides the bedding lay the skeletal remains of a couple of Sharpedo.

So, whatever lives or lived here includes Sharpedo in their diets.

“Hmmmm. Seems like we might be in the clear for now.” Altagracia pointed her flash light at the bedding of rocks and the clean-picked bones of Sharpedo. A quick onceover of the rest of the place revealed the same bedding and clean picked bones at various places around the clearing.

“While I can’t be certain. I think this might be the breeding grounds for some native species, but it doesn’t seem like they have been around for a while. Still, let us all be cautious.”

Altagracia spoke matter-of-factly, eyes gazing toward each member of their merry band.


PROMPT CLEARED: PERSONAL PROMPT: "ALTAGRACIA CONTRERAS's expertise in biology and ecology must be pivotal in some way.
LOCATION: ULTRA DEEP SEA

Elise Calcifet alec foster Aaron Toral

“That’s true. But I’ll admit I know very little on the subject of Royalty.” Altagracia spoke with no hesitation. She saw no shame in not knowing about those perceived to be better off purely because of their blood.

But their conversation moved on, advice was given and Elise was quick to act upon it. The Fuecoco seemed to appreciate its trainers' efforts, and honestly that was all that mattered.

A mild tugging at her leg caught her attention. Cisco looked pleadingly at her as it gestured for its stomach.

A mild Chuckle escaped her. “Hungry?”

The Spheal nodded.

Altagracia gave the little blue sphere a nod and turned her attention to Elise. “Well, it seems Cisco here wants to go grab some food.”

The Spheal jumped into its trainers arms.

“But should you find yourself in need of more advice, then don’t think twice about calling.” Altagracia fetched a business card from one of her pockets and handed it to Elise. It was a simple but professional looking card with all the needed contact information on.

“Well, see you around.” And with that she’d move to take her leave with Spheal in her arms.


LOCATION: PETALBURG CITY PARK
OOC: Mission thread for BOND BRIDGE

“It would indeed have been wishful thinking.” Altagracia acknowledged alec foster as she retrieved a flashlight of her own. Turning it on, on the gentlest of its settings.

“I have no objections to that.” Altagracia spoke, as Elise Calcifet made her presumptions known.

Things seemed to go alright for now. Everyone got along. Nothing out of the usual.

But as they made their way into the cave system something began to bother Altagracia. The only living creatures they seemed to spot were the occasional bouts of bioluminescent moss growing on humid rocks.

Not a single cave dwelling creature to skitter away at their light. This was the first unsettling thing.

The second thing, and this was perhaps something she’d notice only as they got further away from the portal, but it seemed they and by default the objects they carried weighed less, almost floated in the air like certain water Pokémon were capable off.

The third worrying thing was a faint thumping like that of a beating heart. Constant in her ear. Perhaps these three things were unrelated, but perhaps they were a sign of something bigger?

Whatever they may be, the group would come across a passageway that split. The light of the Flash using Banette fighting valiantly to light both passageways at once, but failed. Altagracia moved closer, examining both closely.

Even in the dim light, she could see signs of a struggle. Unnaturally broken rock, and something else. A glint a bit further in caught her attention. She carefully moved closer, bending down while she put on a glove, before grabbing the small sharp fang.

She moved back to the group as she studied the fang. “Well, that’s something I didn’t expect to see here. This is definitely a Sharpedo tooth.”

Little did she know that the very thing whose tooth she held was about to jump them.

OOC: Prompts fulfilled: 16
LOCATION: ULTRA DEEP SEA

Elise Calcifet alec foster Aaron Toral

An expedition into the Ultra Deep Sea had been put in place. Altagracia had to admit that this was exciting. To go where nobody had gone before, explore what nobody had seen before. The scientist in her was almost uncontrollable with glee.

Unfortunately for them the world wasn’t much to look at or perhaps they had merely found themselves somewhere very unfortunate as the portal had sent them into what seemed to be a cave system of sorts.

There was barely any light to be seen save for the smidgen of bioluminescent moss growth that allowed Altagracia to barely see the outlines of the people that had accompanied her. Honestly the group had surprised her, only one of them even seemed appropriate for their little excursion, but who was she to question The League’s decision to allow civilians into these sort of things.

“Alright everyone, listen up.” hints of a paldean accent in her voice, as she summoned authority into her voice. “Remember why we are here. We are to explore the place and find somewhere safe to build a base camp.”

Eyes strained to gaze at the three others. “And just a small reminder. We don’t know what lives here, so don’t touch anything unnecessarily and definitely don’t eat or drink anything before making sure it’s safe.”

A small reminder, to those who hadn’t visited foreign places before.

“As you might’ve noticed visibility in this area is rather low, so if you have a Pokémon or a flashlight, now might be a good time to find it.” Altagracia was quick to look for the latter in her case.

OOC: Worked under the assumption they'd introduce each other before walking into the strange portal.
LOCATION: ULTRA DEEP SEA

Elise Calcifet alec foster Aaron Toral

The Spheal enjoyed the compliments. It even pretended to blush, knowing full well that any blush would be barely noticeable due to its ice type body.

A confident grin and glint in her eyes as Elise continued to speak.

She gave a light nod as she began to speak. “Yeah, I do consider myself fairly knowledgeable on them. I am from Paldea after all.” Not that Elise would know, but Altagracia would state it matter of factly, as if it should be common knowledge just from her appearance, and what little of her accent was left.

LOCATION: PETALBURG CITY PARK
OOC: Mission thread for BOND BRIDGE

The apology was quickly accepted, which allowed Altagracia to ease the tension she found herself with.

The Spheal eased too now that it realized that it did not need to fear its trainer’s wrath.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Elise, Domon. My name is Altagracia and this is Cisco” Altagracia smiled and gestured for the Spheal which happily bounced a bit again.

“As for bonding with your Fuecoco.” Altagracia looked thoughtful. “I would suggest trying not to push it. The bond will form. But Fuecoco’s are notoriously known in Paldea for going at their own pace, and sometimes being too easy going, much to the detriment to themselves and others.” Altagracia chuckled.

“But, since, their flame sacs are still developing they often can't maintain a temperature were they feel comfortable and so it's commonly advised for new trainers to snuggle with their Fuecoco while wrapped in a heated blanket or near some other heat source.” She offered her advice, but whether Elise would take it or not was left to be seen.

LOCATION: PETALBURG CITY PARK
OOC: Mission thread for BOND BRIDGE

The Spheal swooshed by as the Fuecoco managed to get out of the way. Its trainer was quick to jump in and comfort the little fire Pokémon.

A quiet “Dios mío…” mumbled beneath her breath as she got up from her seat and loudly proclaimed.

“Cisco!”

The Spheal halted in its tracks. Small pearls of nervous sweat forming. It turned around to see Altagracia, as well as the Fuecoco being consoled by its own trainer.

“Cisco you almost hit that Fuecoco.” Altagracia walked with stern steps towards her Spheal. Though her face did not radiate anger, rather it was disappointment it showed.

“Roll over there and apologize.” With a stern but very expressive gesture of the hand, did Altagracia make her intentions to the Spheal clear.

The Spheal looked disheartened but accepted its punishment. And so rolled over to the woman and the Fuecoco and with its best most polite Spheal voice, begged forgiveness.

LOCATION: PETALBURG CITY PARK
OOC: Mission thread for BOND BRIDGE

Altagracia sat leisurely sprawled across one of the many benches at the Petalburg City Park. Clad in casual clothes, a long almost labcoat like jacket protecting her from most of the January chill.

With the advent of Paldea Pokémon being introduced into Hoenn’s ecosystem, and by extension excitable trainer pockets, she had barely had the time to work on her research. And yet, she didn’t feel bad about that. She was slowly coming to a realization that perhaps she ought to have a change of occupation. So many trainers didn’t know how to handle or even care for their Pokémon. They needed the help, even wanted it.

The more she thought about it, the more it seemed to be the right thing to do.

Speaking of caring for Pokémon.

A Spheal rolled around obliviously to its surroundings. Clearly having fun seeing how quickly it could spin. As her eyes gazed upon the path it was taking. She realized that would it continue on its trajectory it would roll into…

Wait, is that a Fuecoco?!

The sight of the Paldean Fire starter surprised her for long enough that she did not get to warn the Spheal.

The Spheal did not change its trajectory.

LOCATION: PETALBURG CITY PARK
OOC: Mission thread for BOND BRIDGE

Altagracia had not expected the woman to agree to help. Far too often was it the case that people did not even deign to look at wild Pokémon, much less help them without wishing to catch them.

But the stranger helped all the same, with precise application of SWIFT, the cracks in the shell widened letting the Minior finally struggle free of its shell.

Excitement welled up in her as Naomi arose from the impact crater carrying the little shining star.

Naomi asked a question.

The Answer obvious. “It is!” Altagracia was quick to move closer, bending down slightly to have a better look at the little meteor Pokémon. “I will admit. It’s the first time I’ve have come this close to a Minior.”

She had seen them from afar, true, even read books on them. But she hadn’t had the pleasure of being this close. And so, she would do as any good pure hearted scientist would.

Attempt to touch the Pokémon with a gentle hand.

OOC: As always Altagracia is there to observe, but can't help getting handsy
MISSION: Minior Mayham
LOCATION: SLATEPORT BEACH

For a moment she had been so caught in her intention to help the Minior that she hadn’t noticed the approaching woman. So, when Naomi spoke, it caused a mild jump of surprise.

Luckily was not so easily startled or it might’ve caused unfortunate consequences for the Minior it was trying to cool down. A task it was succeeding at.

“That would be very much appreciated.” Altagracia said returning her attention to the Minior. It’s shell had been cooled down by now. The Minior inside tried to struggle free but could not.

“This little Minior seems stuck in its shell. I am just trying to help it out.” Altagracia quickly explained. While the was cracks in its shell, it was clear the shell was still too thick to break easily.

OOC: As always Altagracia is there to observe, but can't help getting handsy
MISSION: Minior Mayham
LOCATION: SLATEPORT BEACH

Darkness fought bravely against the Slateport City light pollution, but for however much it fought the darkness was losing. The stars twinkled weakly in the night sky. A cool autumn breeze washed over Slateport Beach.

Altagracia had come here, not in search of stars but Pokémon. The dome that had cut Hoenn off had caused given her more work than she could possibly handle. And tonight was no different.

Twinkling spheres of fire blinked in the sky before descending closer and closer. Falling at ever-increasing speeds until they slammed into the beach sand with such force that it caused a minor crater to form. One by one the crash landed, and there was still more to be found in the skies. But for now, there was peace.

Altagracia hurried over to the crater a gentle shinning flashlight in hand, an Elgyem floating by her side ready to protect her while she looked for the poor unfortunate souls. Her eyes quickly spotted the first of the Minor. Shell sizzled with heat, as the tiny one was caught within, fighting to get out.

She felt the heat radiating from the shell as she came closer. And though she probably just shouldn’t engage with it, she had to help. She quickly summoned another of her Pokémon, a Froslass. “Gently now, let’s cool the shell and help it out.”

It nodded and slowly breathed cold air upon the shell.


OOC: As always Altagracia is there to observe, but can't help getting handsy
MISSION: Minior Mayham
LOCATION: SLATEPORT BEACH