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Lutgarde gives Aubre a thumbs-up, hoping that both of them wouldn't regret it - but this seems important, too, somehow, something that they couldn't just leave ... "Of course," Lutgarde replies to Shalin, relieved to see that she's managed to regain consciousness a little bit - part of their tension seems to drop, even if it still reverberates in their bones. Or maybe it's just the aftershocks of Sandy's Boomburst, an explanation they much preferred over the probable truth.

They hold their breath as the final showdown - despite best efforts to keep the Corviknight at bay and, more importantly, focused away from Aubre and the automaton, the mechanical bird turns its head towards her nonetheless. Their mind runs empty, not- they look immediately at the creature as it shouts, and then saves Aubre. Another good chunk of tension drops as they see that, indeed, this creature isn't hostile - even if they can't really tell what it is about, but it seems to have the regal bearing of a princess and the looks to match it, too.

"Yeah, let's," they agree, carefully picking up Shalin to carry her without worsening any of the wounds. "Take care of the worst, and then head back to Hoenn..."

They exhale slowly while they're walking, not noticing that their steps are slightly in sync with the ever-going ticking noise in the background.

"Let's head home."

Shalin Nariya Aubre McKenna-Settentrione ooc. end!

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The lack of a saddle is almost more surprising than the appearance of the Paradox pokémon itself - but another glance says why, giving its less tamed, wild demeanour. Definitely a huge difference to Raikou from before.

"Maybe it feels the challenge in the air?" they grin, and nod. "Let's go for it then!" They call Oreo for themself, and the horse neighs in greeting, lowering her head to be patted. "Hello, Oreo. We're going to have a little mounted battle here, are you up for it?" they ask. The Galarian Rapidash turns their head to look at the other pokémon, before nodding and bowing, slightly - it's not a full bow, but they do lower teir head, with one front leg angled while their body leans backwards a little bit.

"Can we get saddles somehow here or will we just do it bareback?" Neither Suicune nor Oreo were saddled up, which could be a bit of a complication. "And then ... wanna do it lance-tournament style, just with sword attack versus shield bash?"

Josh Devlin

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Lutgarde couldn't help a grin at Eris' words and Reiner's reaction to them, smiling at their friendship. "That's very cool!" they laugh, wondering what kind of abilities this suit might have - but for now, it's not as important as getting the rest of the route cleaned and finished up. Gladly, with the biggest patches gone, the rest of the clean-up is a breeze and their team effort has the route returning to its former state.

"Glad there wasn't anything more sinister lingering," they comment, taking out the receipt from their lunch to scribble some notes on it to report later - maybe they should see about getting a notebook to write things like this down ... (they were such a slow typer, despite being rather well-versed with technology overall). "Actually, I was," they reply to Eris, who seems to share the same destination as them. "Was hoping to catch Navy in a free moment if he's got one, or just enjoy the seaside scenery" they add, as they take one last look at the route.

But, there's nothing left from the poisonous sludge, nor are there any poisoned crystalblooms either, so their job here is done. Sylv immediately walks over, wrapping a ribbon around their wrist, while Sylph seems to retreat to a comfortable distance for her after receiving a berry snack. "Well done, everyone," they smile, giving Noh and Garnet some berries to snack on as well, before recalling them to their pokéballs.

"Seems like the boat's ready for take-off now, too," they say, nodding towards the waiting boat whose captain seems to eye the duo, wondering if they wanted to hop on as well or not.

Eris Halla

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Red, literal and metaphorical, fills Lutgarde's vision. In contrast, their knuckles turn white as their hands are clenched to fists, as their eyes look upward - a glare that seems to shine red. Even without physical connection, Sylv and Sylph notice a change in their trainer as they are up to fight off the Corviknight. They seem conflicted, but don't hesitate as Lutgarde gives their orders, with a chilling voice, "Extreme Speed, then Air Slash. Aim for its wings. Quick Attack- the key."

Then, they hurry, shaking their hands, arms, everything, to Shalin's side, finally realising there's bleeding to stop. Not only this numbing inferno, not only this feeling of helplessness. This anger, this rage. "Shalin-" they say, taking a deep breath, before tearing apart their many layers of dress fabric to bandage her wounds, while also seeing if she could find the icy horse's pokéball to recall it.

In the meanwhile, their fairies join the fray, with Sylph leading the charge with Extreme Speed, rushing right into the bird to get it off balance after it drops Sandy and goes for a dive on Aubre, pushing it off course to follow up with an Air Slash to wound one of its wings - she keeps at it, and also brings Sylv closer in position to the chest. In one swift motion, Sylv pushes off with a Quick Attack, leaping for the key, severing the chain to which it's attached, before leaping once more back to the Togekiss, who catches him in time.

"Aubre!" Lutgarde shouts, feeling like the waves of their mind calming down, even if they're still shaken by it - they can't let it affect them now, there's things they have to do. Even if their hands are trembling with a whole tornado of emotions. "We've gotta get going now," they say, a slight hint of desperation slipping through a more composed mask. They carefully lift the smaller ranger up, hurrying towards the door that their pokémon were also heading for. To distract from the unconscious Shalin in their arms, they focus back - a mental map of the place. Where's the entrance through which they came ...

Their thoughts there were interrupted also by the automaton in the middle. Now, the glowing ball has been inserted, but- nothing happened yet. "We-" they begin, but exhale then. They're not someone to take the lead in a situation like this, or many other situations. Sylph and Sylv fly by them, standing by the door, but immediately turn around after dropping the key - ready to continue fighting, despite bruises and wounds. "... Maybe for a moment longer, but we've got to go," they call, and Sylph immediately charges forward again, attacking with a combination of attacks, while Sylv occasionally dives in with a Quick Attack or setting up Light Screens for protection.

Shalin Nariya Aubre McKenna-Settentrione

REDEEMING

welcome to the poké mart!

redeeming all from PC
1X ability capsule (togekiss sylph's hustle > super luck)
1X tm/tr (sylveon sylv forgets draining kiss and learns magical leaf)

TOTAL

do come again!

0 PD

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Admittedly, even with a mask on, it's really hard not to figure out that Lutgarde is who they are amongst all masked individuals. Their curled twin tails are one indication, as well as the gothic lolita style, even if it's now fashioned into something they consider less casual for the occasion. Which, interestingly enough, has resulted in a pants suit with a light, long coat jacket. A few bows and frills, as well as some lace adorn the black suit and accent it with dark red hues. Their mask is actually not Sylveon-themed (but they are, as ever, accompanied by the black-red dyed pokémon, who also wears some accessories), but just simple black with red ornaments.

Overall, their appearance may be described as mysterious, somewhat dark - which does not mix all that much with their easy-going demeanour as they smile and look around the event curiously. That is, until the scavenger hunt takes place, and hmm ... "I wonder if this could be anything?" They hold a mushroom that could maybe resemble a Parasect - but they aren't quite sure if it's actually fitting or not, but hey, it's worth a try!

L28XJQPS

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It got hurt, which is a plus - however, it's not as effective as Lutgarde is used to, which is a reason for concern. And the list only gets longer - each head gets an attack, flavoured to fit the odd colouring for this pokémon. "Light Screen, but also get away - Fairy Wind, Quick Attack!" they command their pokémon. Sylv almost reflexively has put up the protective light, before dashing away, just like Oreo who uses the kicked up wind to try and distract one of the heads as well.

As Shalin's Bass Boost lets out a torrential pour to douse the flames, Lutgarde picks up that, on their own, each would be devastating - together, however ... they'd rather not see what could happen then. "Oreo, come back for now - Noh, Garnet!" they call, "Garnet, use Captivate - Noh, try and guide the electricity with Bubble Beam!" Bubbles wouldn't be as effective as a proper water beam, but it would have to do for now - at least its strength is boosted by the rain, too.

"Do you know of any weakpoints, Shalin?" they also turn to ask Shalin.

Shalin Nariya
choice confront a hallucination made real, 50pts
150pts

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Lutgarde's eyes widen slightly as there's not only the alternate version of Entei, but also Raikou. This feeling is quickly replaced by a chuckle as they see the pokémon nuzzle Josh affectionately - but no doubt that this, too, would be a terrifying sight to behold on a battlefield. A battlefield like the one surrounding them, mayhaps ...

They straighten up as Josh's tone suddenly became more serious than they were used to, and nod at the information relayed to them. Indeed, this explains while they didn't have any idea ... ... no, actually, that's just sort of their default state (even prior to arriving in Hoenn; they only tried keeping up with the constant stream of information now, seeing as it becomes more and more relevant to know what they're dealing with). "Got it," they nod, sincerely. "... may I ask if there's also a Suicune or?" they couldn't help but ask still, curiosity winning the upper hand. It'd be strange, right, having two but not three of a trio?

Anyway, they are arriving at odd ends now with the decision, and if they were remembering correct - the simulation needed a decision unisono to continue. "Mounted Combat, huh? Sounds like something to pick up for sure," they smile, standing in front of the shield with a pensive glance. "Wanna put it to the test? Sword versus Shield?" they suggest, a bit with a playful, challenging grin in this battle-torn landscape. "I've done some blocking in martial arts and stuff, so if you're rusty with a sword, we might be evenly matched."

Josh Devlin

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Lutgarde's been called to check in on things as the distortion appears, forming a dome in which most effects seem to be contained - somewhat. As they approach, they feel the crackling energy, and soon are met with terrifying, aggressive pokémon. "Let's keep them from getting outside!" they shout towards their pokémon, wanting to focus fire on themselves so others couldn't be harmed. Sylv steps forward first, as always, and is quickly followed by Sylph and Oreo. Noh and Garnet make up a team that is joined by Zylf, who has recently involved into a Morgrem. Now, however, it seems like there's more energy surrounding him, too ... but they couldn't focus on that for the moment.

They command their pokémon, keeping a careful eye - and then also wondering. Is it possible for the pokémon here to escape? But it would seem strange if not ... they'd have to ask someone later about those distortions. For now, they ... "Noh, is that Aqua Ring?" they ask as they see an unfamiliar attack with their Primarina, who also seems surprised upon realising - but then nods, singing affirmatively.

And it's not the only change - as Zylf goes to Sucker Punch a pokémon, he is encased in bright light, evolving into Grimmsnarl! "It seems like there's more than meets the eye here, huh?" they wonder, before smiling and giving Zylf a thumbs-up. It seems that time is, indeed, working differently here.

rewards
- 1x blue shard
- noh the primarina forgets bubble beam and learns aqua ring
- zylf the morgrem evolves to grimmsnarl

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"Yeah! Did some more when I was younger, but used more motorbikes then ... and am getting more into it again," Lutgarde replies with a grin, as there's also a familiar name that drops. "Oh, Josh? I've actually gotten a lesson with Oreo and him recently, he's really good, hmm?" they laugh.

They do a bow at Thea's compliment, smiling satisfiedly. "Thanks a lot. I can tell you all the secrets if you want ... unless you already know them. Is your friend wanting to become a hairdresser?" they wonder - or maybe they're just really into hairdressing and styling? After all, not every passion leads to a job!

Speaking of job, ... it's part of the ranger job description, but they smile fondly nonetheless. They haven't known Thea for a long time, but they're already quite fond of her and have the feeling it might be mutual. "I'm looking forward to it!" they grin, "Is there any way I should adress you in class?" they ask as they follow Thea to the Tatami mats. That's some comfortable flooring!

Thea Naito

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Lutgarde is a naturally sociable creature, so they couldn't quite understand Ever in that regard - but they also weren't the type to judge, and simply grinned in reply, "There is an upside to everything!"

Their personal changes in height were often simply solved by hopping onto Sylph, so ... well, that is certainly true. "Honestly ... I've never thought about it that way, but that's pretty great indeed ... I'm spoiled by my Togekiss and elevators," they laugh, "but! I do work out, so there's that." Personal fitness and honestly? They simply like exercising, and even if they switched their simpler garb for frills and bows, they're still a jock after all!

It doesn't take long for them to meet a cluster of pokémon, who gladly don't take their arrival too badly. Lutgarde leaves Sylv to talk and communicate with the pokémon while moving closer to the apparent blockage - and they frown, a frown that only becomes deeper as Ever agrees with them. "Guess we'll have to see when the blockage is gone ..." There's chances the culprit might already be gone, but if not ... they might need to prepare themselves for a battle.

They have a closer look at the blockage while Ever's asking the pokémon, and he'd also find support in Sylv who picks up on the situation and also asks the pokémon. The cluster is growing visibly uncomfortable about being squished into one tiny place, so they're gladly quite open to helping. Some step forward to the blockage, even if they quickly also stop - seemingly quite appalled by whatever the blockage is composed of.

"It's really something," Lutgarde says, standing up from their crouched position, "But maybe some parts should be able to be dissolved with acid? It's the best idea I've got right now. Sylph can also try and use Air Slash on some, while Sylv's using Light Screen to keep everything from spilling everywhere."

ever blackwell

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It's by a hair that they manage to all escape safely, with Lutgarde offering to help Aubree on foot should she need it. Once they're near the gates, Sylph also started racing forward, pushing herself faster and faster with Extreme Speed. Lutgarde quickly moves everyone out of the way, and Sylph hard crashes towards the floor to have it help her lose speed quickly, or she might overshoot way too much. The ranger's running towards their Togekiss, but she just spits to the side, recovering herself on her own with Life Dew. "Way to go, Sylph," Lutgarde smiles, the worry not entirely hidden, as they take out a berry and throw it for Sylph to snack on.

It's only then that they start taking in their surroundings. Sylph has stopped a few ways to something in the middle - a creature with a hole in its middle, but more worrying is ... a giant Corviknight. "Oh-" they say, turning to Shalin and Aubree, and- They stare at the round object in Aubree's hands, which seems to pulsate with soft energy. They then turn towards the creature again, maybe something like a robot, an automaton ... "Does it go there?" they ask the red-haired, before nodding at Shalin.

"We've gotta keep that Corviknight at bay ...!" they say, motioning for Aubree to focus on getting whatever's done that she needs to get done. They don't believe for a second that there's anything malicious coming from that stone and automaton - but maybe that's just their gullibleness. "Sylph, are you up again? Carry Sylv up!" they say as the Corviknight starts to move at their commotion, roaring with mechanical clicks and starting to charge. "I'm- It might be a guardian, focus on disarming, fainting!" they add.

Sylv and Sylph nod as the Sylveon hops onto the Togekiss' back, and they start taking off to meet the Corviknight halfway. Immediately, Sylv starts chanting with a charming, beautiful voice - his tone is soothing, calming. However, from that point, the duo also spots something else - a variety of cages, open and seemingly waiting for prisoners ...

Shalin Nariya Aubre McKenna-Settentrione
prompt battle, flee or become captured by a massive mechanical corviknight that continually hunts you to cage in the castle.

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After the dodge and a couple of metres across, Lutgarde notices that Shalin's not ahead of them anymore and quickly slows down, as quickly as that goes when you were going speedy before. "Sorry, focused a bit too hard on getting away from there," they apologise, but are glad that they haven't gotten seperated in that moment.

It's only more fortunate as another beast comes up entirely. It just seems to appear, making Lutgarde think that it might be similiar to what they've seen before in Eternatus - a hallucination made manifest, real in ways only an illusion could be. They look at Shalin, and see that look of recognition, of horror, soon followed by- oh.

"What is that?" they ask, not being able to answer Shalin's question, but then quickly shake their head. "Let's keep it at bay for now. We've got this," they reassure Shalin, before nodding to Sylv (who detangles himself from Lut) and calling out Oreo as well. "Dazzling Gleam, Oreo! Sylv, use Disarming Voice!" The Galarian Rapidash neighs, filling the air with sparkles that, in this environment, seem more lacklustre than usual. Sylv seems to put extra effort to make his voice calming and soothing, even if his eyes fixed on the Hydreigon are fierce.

They really aren't sure if the typing's still the same, but it won't hurt to try ...

Shalin Nariya
choice confront a hallucination made real, 50pts
100pts