The battle finished. Shalin caught their foe. With a deep relieved sigh, Altagracia found herself rejoining Shalin’s company. No longer needing to fear the wrath of some angry Ice Pokémon. She returned her Magneton to its Pokéball as Elgyem rejoined with Altagracia’s back.

The Never-Melt-Ice began to vanish revealing to them Shalin’s query. The blue glow caught her attention at the north of the room. Following Shalin, her eyes looked at the imagery of Articuno, before turning to the center of the dais.

A curious gaze fell upon the medallion which Shalin promptly snatched. For a brief moment, she pondered if that had been wise, perhaps there would be a trap.

But there was nothing. For a moment Shalin wanted to show her. But clearly, the cold was getting to her. And so suggested for them to make their way out. “Yes, let us get out of here,” Altagracia replied in agreement. Readying herself to take whichever path Shalin would.




OOC: N/A
LOCATION: Mossdeep - Shoal Cave

The struggle continued. Though its Mirror Shot hit square it was not yet enough to subdue the wild Alpha. But from there Shalin and her Pokémon seemed to do the majority of the fighting and even attempts at taming the creature.

Meanwhile, Altagracia and Elgyem were keeping themselves moving to avoid being struck by stray attacks. Luckily Altagracia was in rather a good shape and so while she could do that the Elgyem focused on CALM MINDing itself into peak mental fortitude.

The Elgyem deflected the pieces of Pokéball that flew directly at Altagracia, saving her from a rather unfortunate fate. Magneton tried to fire off another MIRROR SHOT but was definitely too slow as it felt the stored power was over it, though it was saved only by its own STURDY body.

But perhaps that was an opportunity for the shifting of the battle. Elgyem left Altagracia’s back and joined the fray as it sent a powerful wave of PSYCHIC energy towards the Ninetales intent on subduing the wild beast.



OOC: N/A
LOCATION: Mossdeep - Shoal Cave

They entered the Arena. Shalin urged her to summon a fire or Poison type. Alas, she owned neither. That didn’t stop Altagracia from summoning something though. If it was powerful, perhaps even big and agile then she had only one option.

From one of her Pokéballs, she summoned forth a Magneton. The very same she had used earlier.

But little did either know that they had to contend with an Alolan Ninetales of a peculiar size. The Alolan Ninetales quickly seized an opportune attack against Shalin’s Pokémon. But in doing so Shalin found herself capable of getting onto the Ninetale’s back or so she planned, but the Pokémon jumped back.

In doing so Magneton took action. Shiny metallic energies swirled in front of the Magneton as it triangulated the trajectory of its MIRROR SHOT for a brief moment, before it fired it toward the Ninetale’s mouth, hoping to halt the Ice Beam about to be fired.

Meanwhile, Altagracia dodged the sudden icing of their exit. Well nothing to do now but battle, I suppose? She thought slightly amused.



OOC: N/A
LOCATION: Mossdeep - Shoal Cave

It was merely a fact of nature. Youth would take the place of the elderly at some point.

“Perhaps if we approach carefully,” Altagracia stated. Though before the words had left her mouth, her feet had already taken the first step forward.

With slow steady steps would Altagracia walk toward the aging Absol. She was so focused that she barely paid attention to the low grumbling of some of the other Absol as they slowly awoke with what might best be described as a very strong hangover.

It seemed Altagracia’s words had induced in Shalin some measure of fear. She certainly decided to move quicker through this place. Understandably so, though as a Scientist Altagracia didn’t feel the same fear wanting instead to actually go greet their mysterious hosts, her logical side kept her on a safer path.

After the long climb, they all found themselves at the Arena’s observation chamber. By now the Spheal had been put into a Pokéball and her attention was fully on looking for any clues of dangers and the like. While she did that it seemed Shalin was busy finding treasure.

At the request of Shalin, Altagracia covered her ears. The Elgyem on her back did the same. Even with her ears covered she could still hear the loud rattling of the Hakamo-o scales. But the Pokémon served its purpose and freed the treasure from its icy prison. With the new objective in hand, they would descend.

Altagracia took the slide back down. If speed was of the essence then she would waste none of it.

Before long they stood before the locked vault. With the insertion of the key Altagracia readied herself, if there was a fight to be had then she would do her best.


OOC: N/A
LOCATION: Mossdeep - Shoal Cave

While her clothing provided lots of warmth, she was still feeling the cold as it tried to dig its way through each layer that she wore. Luckily the Warmth of the Elgyem on her back helped somewhat, and the LIFE DEW granted to her reinvigorated her body as well.

Moving on to the question. Shalin tried to answer as truthfully as she could. But This had definitely not been a Delibird, though her assumption was sound. The combined strength of Ice and Flying types would grant an affinity to create such winds. Alas, the only other known Ice/Flying-type Pokémon was.

“Sure, I can think of one…” But she shook her head. “But the likelihood of it is near impossible. Why would a Kanto native Legendary Pokémon stay here? Oh, I am of course talking about Articuno.” She pondered for a moment. Before her face grew thoughtful and mumbled words escaped her. “First Glastrier, and now Articuno. What sort of place is this cave…”

Only when she noticed that Shalin was moving on, did her ponderings end. Luckily just in time for her to hear the loud howl of a Ninetales. “I can.” She replied when Shalin asked her. Though they moved towards the sound, they found their path blocked. Shalin suggested backtracking, and Altagracia nodded. “Lead the way.” She spoke, an enthused smile on her lips. For some reason, she was actually starting to look forward to meeting with these Ninetales.

However, to get to the observation floor, they had to walk the stairs once more. And it was upon these stairs that Altagracia found her next wild Pokémon. An oblivious Spheal was rolling down the stairs lazily. It made no motion to stop as the humans came into view, it quickly rolled past Shalin, but alas it miscalculated its roll either through dizziness or laziness and managed to slam into the sturdy legs of Altagracia.

It was halted in its tracks, it sighed. It was about to start rolling once more when it felt a hand on each of its sides. Then suddenly one of two things happened, either gravity stopped working or the gentle hands of this peculiar human carried it into the air, before hugging it.

“That’s Dangerous little one. You could get hurt.” Altagracia spoke. "Want me to carry you up the stairs again?"

The Spheal did not reply. I guess this is my fate now… The Spheal thought as it nestled against the human.

And with the Spheal in hand, Altagracia followed Shalin to the observation deck. Deciding that no answer was acceptance of her question.



OOC: Trying to catch Spheal
LOCATION: Mossdeep - Shoal Cave

Shalin and her Pokémon’s reaction to the apex predator Pokémon pleased Altagracia. She was so used to people assuming the worst that she could count on one hand the people who had reacted differently. As Shalin spoke, explaining that she had one of her own caught in Customs, it all made sense.

“So do I!” Altagracia replied as Shalin informed her of her hopes. She always enjoyed seeing how the trainer/Pokémon relationship differed between groups.

But yes, back to work. Once the passage was clear, she recalled the Tyrantrum knowing very well that it would much prefer the warmth of the Pokéball to the icy cold of the floor. And cold it was. Even warmly dressed as she was, Altagracia felt the bone-freezing cold of as they descended the staircase. Eerie blue flames illuminate their path.

A horde of Vanillish hurries past them at the sound of an avian screech. Altagracia gave a nod. ”I did.” And she was not too pleased to have heard it. She grabbed the Pokéball belonging to her Magneton and held it ready in her hand. The Screech had been avian, so most likely a Flying-type of some sort, but she couldn’t quite place it.

She reluctantly followed her companion as curiosity got the better of both of them.

And then the cry repeated, followed by a powerful ICY WIND, one whose strength she had never felt before, where she, not a person of science, she would’ve been quick to proclaim divine interference. But not yet.

Still, like her companion, she was sent back to the Antechamber. But the Pyroar had gotten the brunt of the deal. She was about to offer a warming tincture of ICE HEAL when the Pokémon was recalled, perhaps for the best given it would surely wish to attack the creature who did this.

“How bad is it?” Altagracia asked, looking towards Shalin. But moving on, “You wouldn’t happen to recognize the cry we heard before entering that tunnel, did you?” Altagracia decided to ask.

The Elgyem on her back had protected her from most of the cold. Still, it needed a moment to RECOVER. And so any Pokémon in their area went unnoticed.



OOC: Skipping
LOCATION: Mossdeep - Shoal Cave

It seemed the combined assault between Shalin’s Pokémon and her own proved enough to weaken the Frosslas enough for the Pokéball to do its work. Altagracia nodded reassuringly towards Shalin as she spoke. The wide confident smile on her lips, as the Pokéball announced the finished capture.

After putting Manectric back into its Pokéball, she would walk with careful steps through the icy arena to retrieve the Pokéball. While doing so, it seemed Shalin befriended an imprisoned Dewgong.

Altagracia gave Shalin some space to converse with the Dewgong, while doing so, she would take a good long look at the Arena. It seemed to be a rather peculiar creation given its location. She could not help but wonder what ancient society would have created it, for surely this was not the work of a Pokémon.

Anyhow, she rejoined with Shalin just in time to hear the question. Altagracia took a good long look at the wall. It seemed thick. “It might take a bit if we want it done pretty.” Altagracia retrieved a Pokéball from her trainer’s belt.

With the ball in hand, she summoned a large Tyrantrum. It growled in a menacing greeting as it shot an intimidating gaze toward Shalin. Asserting his dominance. Unfortunately what intimidation he tried to exude was quickly swiped away as Altagracia’s hand quickly began to scratch that perfect spot hidden beneath its feathery beard. Its tail began to wag, and a sound that could best be described as a purr escaped the dinosaur while Altagracia mused to it. “Be nice. Soberano”

The Tyrantrum sighed in defeat, knowing it would not win a clash of wills between him and Altagracia.

Once Altagracia figured she had given the dinosaur enough scratching, she walked to the icy barrier. “We need you to cut a hole this size.” She gave a rough estimate using her fingers to show the size and shape they wanted the entrance. “But do be careful, we do not want the whole place to fall upon us.”

The Tyrantrum nodded and walked with powerful steps towards the soon-to-be entrance. Its claws dug deep into the ice floor to keep it in place. And so it began to work, DRAGON CLAW empowered claws slicing bits and pieces off of the ice until at last a passage was available for them.

“After you.” Altagracia would gesture once the entrance was ready for the two of them.


OOC: Skipping
LOCATION: Mossdeep - Shoal Cave

It seemed they had reached the known limits of Shalin’s prior traveling, now they were in unknown territory.

A pleased smile spread upon her lips. Excitement spread through her. So much so that she met the gaze of the Frosslas with brave defiance as it proclaimed that they should leave. However, it gave them little time to do so as it spread FROST BREATH into the arena before disappearing.

Elgyem kept Altagracia safe with a barrier of PSYCHIC energies.

And then the battle began. Shalin was quick to respond, thankfully so.

It allowed Altagracia a moment to consider her options, and at last, she found what she believed to be the right Pokémon for the job in the Arena. A Manectric was summoned.

It growled in aggression towards the enemy as it felt the presence.

“Shockwave!” Altagracia commanded.

Manectric jumped into action, sending a wave of electricity towards the Ghost, who was already preoccupied with the Pyroar. Electricity struck true, causing a great deal of discomfort to the wailing ghost, though not as much as the flames caused.

Waves of POWDER SNOW were sent in Altagracia’s and Manectric’s direction. Though the woman and Pokémon were quick to dodge as the sheer cold of the attack tried to freeze them in the already cold could-be tomb.

Manectric sent another burst of SHOCK WAVE towards the Frosslas, which once again struck true.

Thinking this might have been just enough Altagracia threw a Pokéball toward the ghostly creature. Hoping to capture it or at least provide enough of a distraction to allow Shalin a chance to deal the finishing damage.



OOC: Intent on catching Froslass
LOCATION: Mossdeep - Shoal Cave

Right, she was supposed to be the expert in these matters. For a moment she had forgotten as she battled between wanting to relieve these Absol of the tension which had clearly caused a stark change in behavior and simply observing them.

Altagracia sighed. “Yeah, you are right. They would definitely assume that we are attackers if we come waltzing in. And while I do want to help them, perhaps stressing them like that isn’t worth it.” She paused, thinking it through. “Let’s continue observations and if they do not seem to recover, we will intervene.” Though, with ample rest, the effects of a PERISH SONG usually faded.

And while the two scientists had been debating their course of action, the Absol Rap battle had concluded. The Greying Absol’s legs buckled beneath the eloquence of the Younger’s PERISH SONG. With a victorious howl did the new leader proclaim its glorious victory, only to fade into unconsciousness soon after from the effects of its opponent’s PERISH SONG.

“It could be,” Altagracia responded thoughtfully. Though she doubted it. If there was one constant in this world, then it would be the heedlessness with which trainers would pursue the promise of Legendary Pokémon for capture. Given how this place didn’t seem to get many visitors, such rumors must have been dispelled a long time ago.

She kept studying the sight, as Shalin took care of her Pokémon. The Elgyem on her back began to voice some worries. Felt a weird eerie presence as it tried to extend its telepathy to the surrounding area.

But before Altagracia could ask for Elgyem to prod further, Shalin required her presence. And so the pair walked over to what seemed to be an ice slide of some sort. Long and slick, definitely a real back-breaker if something went wrong.

“You might be onto something.” She replied as Shalin spoke about the area feeling like remnants of a long forgotten castle. Now that it had been pointed out, she saw the similarities. “Worry not, I am sure the two of us can handle it,” Altagracia assured Shalin. Alas, she did not have time for further words as Shalin descended upon the icy slide.

Altagracia quickly followed, the two of them slid down and high speed, Shalin keeping herself in front all the way to Icy Arena. Elgyem made sure the landing would be a pleasant one with its psychic power.

A curious gaze watched the arena. But then she felt the trembling of Elgyem. “What’s wrong?” She asked. The Elgyem pointed towards a Leering Froslass that stood between them and two cages. Altagracia’s attention was caught by their soon-to-be opponent, enough in fact that she did not see what was in the cages.




OOC: Intent on catching Froslass
LOCATION: Mossdeep - Shoal Cave

The Beartic was caught. A quick victory, one she had quickly acknowledged and rewarded her two Pokémon for with some treats she fished up from one of the many pockets in her attire. And then she retrieved the Magneton back into its Pokéball and returned her attention to Shalin who seemed to have done her part.

In the midst of battle, the crashing of the large icicle had gone unnoticed by the professor. But now, that Elgyem had reclaimed its spot on her back, she could focus on the two new paths given to the group. She allowed Shalin to go first. Atop the Pyroar, she would be safer and react quicker in case of danger.

Altagracia’s eyes went wide as they went into the room. She hurried over to the west side first, seeing the view below was magnificent. She grabbed her phone and tried to take a picture of the view. Were it not for Shalin’s words, she might’ve been caught up in the view. But then she saw it. The tapestry, the footprint. She hurried over there, as much as she could while still walking carefully.

She began to take pictures from every possible angle of the two subjects as Shalin asked a few questions. “Yes and no. I have never met nor seen a specimen if it even is the Pokémon that I am thinking of. But from appearance alone, it seems to be a Glastrier. A Legendary Pokémon of Galarian myth it is said to rule and torment a particular area of Galar in days gone by. But I am afraid I know little on that subject. But why would it be here?”

For a moment Altagracia got caught in her thoughts, barely noticing that Shalin was leaving her behind. But she quickly followed along, they entered the next room. Where they both found a small metal chest. Another curious find. She couldn’t help but wonder what this place was. They found Ice Gems and a Map. Both women quickly snatched a picture of it and laid the map back.

“Sounds like a kind choice, I would personally have taken it with me. But I will let you decide on that matter, as for a split. That sounds good.” Altagracia grabbed her part of the Gems and placed them securely in a bag.



OOC: Skipping
LOCATION: Mossdeep - Shoal Cave

Their journey began. Shalin seemed to prefer the back of her mount. Altagracia preferred the security of her own two feet. Wouldn’t be the first time she had traversed dangerous terrain. However, as the group entered the icy cavern. The Elgyem floated behind her, gently latching onto her back as a sort of make-shift backpack, ready in case things got slippery.

And that it did. While Altagracia did her best to keep her footing secure. She didn’t have claws nor paws that could dig into the icy floor beneath them. And so, Listo’s levitating powers came in clutch on more than one occasion.

While Shalin and her mount found themselves sliding down the Staircase of ice, Altagracia hurried after, though not sliding like their companion, but rather floating down. “Are you alright?” Altagracia hurried over to the crashed pair. She quickly noticed the Pokémon seemed alright, but Shalin seemed shaken perhaps wounded, she wasn’t sure.

Alas, it seemed whatever medical attention Altagracia could provide would be disturbed by the presence of Wild Pokémon. A Walrein and a Beartic, nothing out of the ordinary there. “I presume you can handle the Walrein?” Altagracia asked looking first at Shalin and then the Pokémon.

Whether they replied or not didn’t matter for she turned her attention to the Beartic. It glowed an ominous white as the already very low temperature began to drop further. No time to play nice or fair, eh? She thought. If that was the case. She grabbed a Pokéball from her trainer belt and released the Pokémon inside. The Magneton looked fighting ready. “Magne, Listo take care of that Beartic.” She pointed at the Pokémon who was just about to fire off what she presumed was a SHEER COLD.

Listo was the first to jump into action. While the Magneton gathered a ball of bright steel-type energy in front of it, The Elgyem teleported behind the Beartic. And then, with a shining bright head did the Elgyem ZEN HEADBUTT the Beartic, flinching it mid-move, before the Elgyem teleported away once more. And rightfully so, as the Magneton fired off its MIRROR SHOT right at the Beartic, sending it to its knees.

Altagracia threw a Pokéball at the Beartic, beginning the process of its capture. Worried that leaving a Pokémon wounded like that, might cause more trouble in the long run.


OOC: Trying to capture Beartic
LOCATION: Mossdeep - Shoal Cave