Feat Of Strength

requirement: any pkmn

• robin coello with Snorlax
• Michael Navidson with Greninja
• howard slayte with Armaldo
• Thomas Benoit with Urshifu
• Beau Fontaine with Pangoro
• Elise Calcifet with Calyrex
• Caleb Harcourt with Lapras
• El Sunderland with Nidoking

Safe to say, it was quite warm out here with all the steam that the 'Suicune' was giving off; though El was at home in this humid warmth... But, El could tell at a glance that Baron and the theropod both were having a tense staring contest; they trusted that Baron wouldn't start anything unprovoked, but what over the other paradox?

Either way, as Josh spoke, El would cast him a smile. "Isaac's doing well!" They responded, adding "Been pretty much the usual - which, well... It's sometimes hard to have a usual day in Hoenn, but yaknow." El shrugs a bit with this, chuckling softly. "How about you?"

Though, their attention soon drifts back to the Walking Wake, as they mention "I guess there's - uhm - more new Paradoxes than those Sword fellas popping up down here? And you found one for yourself, too... Looks a bit like Suicune...?" They wondered what Isaac or the real Suicune would think of that. Did that mean the other beasts had similar Paradoxes running around now?

El had long-since adjusted to the recurring cries from deep within Area Zero, though; and as a result, they only blinked a bit as they once more heard it echo from somewhere distant. This time, they glanced to Haro. "Same kind of vocalizations?" They were trying to figure out if there was some pattern in the different calls they had been hearing - and was having Haro try to analyze and compare whatever it could record...

The Porygon2 responded with a -DING!- sound effect, which must have been some form of 'yes.'

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Josh Devlin

"So... While I've been running around these tunnels, I had run into Josh, right? I guess he's been trying to figure out how this place affects his Type: Null and Paradoxes, cause they're calmer down here."

For the time being during this particular excursion, things were quiet down in Area Zero. El hadn't run into any notable dangers, aside from the occasional ornery wild pokemon. All in all, it'd been much like a typical survey trip up above - going around with Haro, Bibidi, and Baron, to continue tracking the shifts in populations in this new ecosystem.

"My guess might be maybe cause this is a familiar environment to them - a lot of pokemon can get a bit stressed out by new places, right? - although it doesn't really explain the Type: Null as much..."

But, this time, it was with a very special someone at their side - namely, that of Isaac. And of course, they were eager to tell him about their past treks down here - be it them helping out DESIREE BLOOMS , or cataloguing the local pokemon with Elise Calcifet , or in this case... Them having run into Josh Devlin in these very same tunnels.

"Although, well... There's something about one of the Paradoxes that Josh has that is both interesting, and uh... Kinda funny." They scratch their cheek a bit as they chuckle, pausing to consider where to start.

They supposed that first things first, they'd start with the important bit - which for this, they glanced over to Suicune. "I guess there's been Paradoxes showing up that... Resemble you, Raikou, and Entei. Your Paradox is shaped kinda like a Theropod - think something like a Tyrantrum or Cranidos, or the 'zolt' half of a Dracozolt or Arctozolt. And the Raikou one, uhm, is shaped like a Sauropod like Meganium or Aurorus. Then Entei's is a ceratopsian like Bastiodon."

(Josh had claimed them to be some form of variants, but... Those pokemon were paradoxes, they were pretty convinced.)

"I had actually run into one of the Raikou ones with Desiree, and Josh had one of the Suicune-looking ones; and uhm..." They paused for a second, sheepishly scritching the back of their head as they glanced to Isaac once more. "He called 'em Suicune, too."

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Isaac Merlo

So far, it indeed seemed that Area Zero - though it did have more ordinary species of pokemon around - was not as ecologically varied as the Giant Chasm above. This wasn't to say that there weren't non-Paradox pokemon down here - there actually were a decent number of them...

... But safe to say, the Paradoxes proved to be tough competition for territory and food alike. Their hope is that these otherworldly pokemon don't end up pushing out all of the pokemon who had hoped to migrate here, but at the moment it's hard to say...

In any case; as El continued to trek through the crystalline tunnels, a distant call soon caught their attention. It... Sounded a bit like Suicune - although the call was a bit off. They chalked it up to distortion from echoing through the tunnels like this - but the sound was still significant. Was Isaac Merlo down here, too?

Eager to possibly meet up with their brother, they'd pick up the pace through the tunnels - Bibidi, Haro, and Baron following close behind - to try and track the supposed duo down... Only, they didn't find Suicune, or Isaac.

Instead, Josh was there - alongside a bizarre Paradox that they had never seen before. It resembled Suicune, yes - but in a more theropod-esque shape instead. It was fascinating, although also concerning in its implications...

... All the same though, they'd step out into view, waving. "Josh, hello!" They called, glancing over the pokemon present. "What's going on over here?" Given that there wasn't any active fighting, they assumed that this was a Paradox that Josh had caught - though whatever was going on with the water had their attention...

(Baron, though, would still stare the Walking Wake down; the Iron Valiant was clearly on guard all the same.)

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Josh Devlin

El would listen patiently as Desiree spoke - it seemed that Paradoxes, for the most part, were the majority (at least, in the deeper parts.) Which given the presence of the tera crystals, it made sense. The Paradoxes often seemed to be a step above ordinary pokemon, even if only by so much.

Though, it honestly was their hope that ordinary pokemon would be able to take shelter here. All things considered, this was a unique biome - one more or less untouched by man and pokemon alike, unless you counted Kyurem having been the main reason this place existed at all. There was so much that one could learn, from the migrations of pokemon coming in and how the ecosystem would develop alike!

But at the mention of rifts and the distortion world, El blinked. "I'm... I wouldn't be sure," They confessed - adding "Most I know about anything like that would be, uhm... That strange rift, that had shown up back in November, up in Mount Pyre?"

It was a strange occurrence - especially given how being there had affected Ysera, with her having learned Shadow Sneak - but they didn't know much about it or the pokemon behind it.

But ultimately, they shrugged. "It'd probably be something I'd ask my brother about - he's had his fingers on the pulse of any typical Hoenn goings-ons for a lot longer than I have." Typical, of course, referring to weird or odd things like this.

Glancing to the scratches on Desiree's arm though - scabbed over as they were - El's expression immediately shifted to concern. "Ah, geez - you should've told me you'd gotten scratched up. Could've had Akero use Life Dew before I sent her off... Probably would've helped preemptively avoid any ankle aches, too, now that I think about it..." They hummed fussily, briefly taking a closer look. "At least it's no longer bleeding - although were you able to get a proper chance to clean it?"

El didn't fuss without reason - claw wounds weren't as bad as bites, but they still had a risk of infection...

and then koraidon call ghdkfjgh-

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DESIREE BLOOMS

The sandstorm, safe to say, had been a bit of hell for the two. But at the first glimpse of sunlight past the swirling sand and flying rocks, El is quick to direct Akero out of the storm. They're a bit battered by it, and it certainly took a bit more out of the two than they had expected...

... But as El shakes a bit of sand off their jacket, they're ready to continue forwards..! "Ehehe; we can see, we can fly!" They'd crack a joke to Akero, spirits still feeling good.

Akero, in turn, would whistle cheerily... Though, her call would rise into a startled keen as a few Bullet Seeds nearly hit them! El, similarly, couldn't help a yelp as they had Akero bank to the side to avoid the barrage!

Seeing as the Toucannons were above, though... "Keep your distance, Akero!" The more space they had to dodge, the better!

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Alexei Ivanov

Alright; so far, so good! El certainly wasn't top of the charts; but they were doing good all things considered, and the contest was far from over! And what better way to finish off their performance, than with a bang?

"Yggy's plenty tough, right? But a Crunch or two ain't the extent of what she can do. If there's anything that she excels in, above all else? It's rocking the house!" El called with a bright smile, enjoying the theatrics of it all. "Give us a good Earthquake, Yggdrasil!"

Of course, the Torterra couldn't let loose a full-power Earthquake; it'd be dangerous. But with the contest hall likely being made with bombastic performances in mind, Yggy would still be able to create some impressive tremors - letting the ground shake with a hearty bellow!

As Desiree praised El for their kindness, they couldn't help but flush a little - smiling bashfully. "I-I mean... I'm just trying to do my best for the people around me..." They respond somewhat meekly, scratching the back of their head. This sort of praise - especially one as hearty as Desiree's - honestly flustered them a little!

Any further response would be cut off by the aforementioned mysterious call, though - and everyone, human and pokemon alike, seemed to be on the alert. El wasn't sure what pokemon it could've come from - and that Bibidi and Haro both were equally unsure didn't help matters. It only stood to prove that this pokemon was either exceedingly rare...

... Or, perhaps, something that only came to be recently - like a Paradox.

Not long after, another cry - this one different, but equally unfamiliar, would call out. Was it a response? Or coincidence?

Either way, as Desiree suggested continuing on, El nodded. As they walked, they'd try to smile a bit brighter to the fellow trainer - adding "Thank you, though... You've been really sweet, yourself." She really did seem so selfless - always so caring to the wellbeings of those around her, even when she's hurt...

... They'd tell her something like to not burn herself out for others - to put her own oxygen mask before helping others - but... That'd be a little bit hypocritical of them, given they found that they had similar habits.

(At the very least, they were thankful that they had pokemon like Bibidi to help keep them in one piece.)

Instead though, they'd glance ahead. "What sort of pokemon have you found down there? Paradoxes are a bit of - uhm - a given, but... Are there any particular species that caused you guys trouble?" They imagined Glimmora were probably a good example - they were likely abundant. There were a number of other species of pokemon migrating down here, too...

and then koraidon call ghdkfjgh-

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DESIREE BLOOMS

El smiled and nodded, as Elise explained where the names of her own pokemon came from - and they couldn't help a sheepish chuckle as they mentioned "I kinda grew up a nerd; couldn't get enough of watching cartoons, playing videogames, and - uhm - whatnot." Granted, Isaac had given Bibidi her name; but many of El's pokemon could have their names drawn to some form of story - be it literature, videogames, or a show.

When they had broken their knee as a kid, they didn't exactly have as much time for the sports they originally enjoyed.

As Elise agrees to joining together though, El nods with a bright smile. "Great! Let's see what we can find!" They responded, eager to continue onwards...

... Although, even as the group proceeded, they couldn't help but take note of the static that seemed to be lingering around them. Baron perked visibly in the Electric Terrain, the lights that the Iron Valiant had glowing a little brighter than usual. "Huh; wonder what left this Terrain here..." An electric-type? A Paradox?

In the moment, it was hard to say.

ROLL A 50. - Experience the weather becoming HARSH SUNLIGHT or the ground turning into ELECTRIC TERRAIN.

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Elise Calcifet

The mention of Rocket and the paradox pokemon alike were met with a nod, and a gentle smile. "Hey - it's okay. Whatever comes along, we can watch eachothers' backs." El reassured Desiree. "We've got our pokemon to lend a hand, too, so I'm sure we'll be okay."

As Desiree mentioned that the aches weren't bad though, El nodded. "Let me know if the aches spike, or if it feels like it's gonna give out, okay? I don't want you hurting yourself." Joint injuries can get in the way even after they're healed, El knew it quite well themself, given their bad knee.

But with the two on the same page, El would glance to Akero, thinking... Before letting out their Iron Valiant, Baron. "Akero, Baron, can the two of you patrol out that way?" El questioned, gesturing to the open air of the Chasm. "Keep track of the numbers of any wild pokemon you spot, and let us know if you find any trainers - especially anyone in need of help - okay?"

Baron nodded in response - and would climb into Akero's saddle. The Valiant was light enough, and the Togekiss strong enough, for the two to comfortably fly together. Thus, Akero would take off with Baron in tow - flying off to scout.

With the duo doing their thing, El would let out another two pokemon - Bibidi the Alakazam, and Haro the Porygon2. "I've got a couple more pokemon on my belt for if we get into a fight - but for now, these two will help us keep an eye out." El mentioned to Desiree with a reassuring smile. "If Thomas or Andrea come up from the deeper parts, we'll know,"

But for now, the only option the group had was to keep moving - which, with a gesture from El to come with them, they'd begin walking forth. Hopefully, things would be okay...

... Although, the distant cry of some creature - something echoing from far deeper below - would make them blink. "... Did you hear that?" They questioned, glancing to Desiree. What sort of pokemon did that belong to...?

Miraidon call prompt-

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DESIREE BLOOMS

El nodded along as each pokemon of Elise's was introduced. However, their eyes lit up a little at two in particular - Revali on an avian pokemon, and Decarabia on a star-shaped one? Sure, maybe the latter one was less likely a reference compared to the former - but it made them wonder, was Elise a bit of a nerd, too? "Those are some pretty nice names, eheh!"

The subject of Haro, though, would get a chuckle from El. It certainly enjoyed putting to use whatever they gave it; although... They wished that it'd stop breaking into their laptop to download less appropriate sound clips and textures. They didn't need a Porygon2 who could curse, or flip people off!

(The closest compromise El could get, was to have Haro agree to try to instead use a bleep sound effect, if it got worked up enough...)

As Elise mentions the work Revali had been doing though, El smiles and nods in turn. "Since we're both studying the pokemon moving in here, maybe we - uhm - could explore together, some?" They suggested - adding "I bet Revali and Haro can trade notes as we go, too." Unless Elise had something that Haro could hook up to, at least - but otherwise, letting the psychic-type chitchat with it should also suffice for sharing what they know.

Haro, visibly inquisitive, would glance to Revali with a little chirpy-sounding beep.

There was sure to be interesting data down here, though, El had a feeling - even if some of the slash-like marks that they could spy here and here told of danger lurking deep below the earth.

ROLL A NUMBER WITH A 3. - Encounter sword-like slashes on various rocks, trees, and more.

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Elise Calcifet

As Desiree mentions having gotten separated from Thomas and Andrea both, El's expression shifts to one of concern. This definitely didn't seem like the sort of place one wanted to get split up in; especially with word of caverns deeper down that were not unlike the one that they had explored with Josh.

The question of the hordes and malice though, was met with a shake of their head. "I got here relatively recently. Just been gliding around with Akero, cataloguing the populations of pokemon moving into here that we could spot." El explained. "If you need help though, I'm happy to stick with you - we can both look for them." They were sure that Thomas and Andrea were okay - the two were capable trainers - but there was no harm in making sure.

Which, with this in mind, El would lightly pat the pokeballs on their belt. "Even if I've just been doing Ranger work, I came prepared to go deeper if I had to." Baron, Yinjiao, and Jinjiao all were formidable pokemon - they felt safe with the three at arm's reach on their belt.

But, the main concern they held was for Desiree ultimately. "How bad're the ankle aches? I keep a foldable cane with me as backup - it wouldn't be any trouble for you to borrow it while we're down here, if you want." It wouldn't be good if her ankle gave out cause she overdid it out here. Though that being said, they were no doctor, so they could only trust that Desiree would be honest about how much her ankle could take.

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DESIREE BLOOMS