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[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Grace would quickly share with Ruby all that Tali had learned. A pitch-black scene with labored breathing. A Pokemon? Andy Blackadder ? Whatever the case was, something was within these caves, that much she could trust. Before she could share what she had learned, however, Hideo Kino made the smart decision to stay back, with Arashi Akiyama apparently arriving soon after to keep him company. She'd give him a gentle nod before speaking up. [break][break]

"Yeah, good idea. I'll have Grace contact you two as well if anything happens." With her own Shiny Gardevoir blinking in curiosity at her own mirror image, Grace inevitably just continued to push forwards with their trainer. [break][break]

Of course, with Eris Halla now the only one who was still a proper child remaining with them, Ruby would stick close to their side. There wouldn't be second chances if something went south again. [break][break]

"... Hey, I know the mood is kind of, really serious. But it might help us all from going mad if we talk a little." Or perhaps more accurately, keep her from going mad herself. She'd let out a quiet sigh, holding her flashlight out in front of her in an attempt to illuminate the dark abyss of the caves. "Just, you know, simple things, I guess?"[break][break]

In an attempt to help assist in lighting up their path, Grace the Gardevoir would let out a fairly weak Dazzling Gleam forwards, hoping to at least reveal anything that might stand out obviously.[break][break]

F7V5Xfx9

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notesGardevoir uses a weak Dazzling Gleam to illuminate the cave for a brief moment.

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These rocks were downright dangerous, it was time to get moving. Before she could encourage the kids to climb, it appeared a Phantom Force had pulled them all further up the mountain. It was so similar to teleportation, and yet almost entirely different. The feeling would have been examined more if the artificial sun and the volcano itself weren't threatening to melt her skin right off the bone. The shade from Hideo Kino 's Gardevoir was certainly appreciated, and might just help save their hides.[break][break]

"Alright, you two. Attack with everything you got. Hold nothing back!" She spoke directly to the kids, watching their Pokemon fly off and attack. [break][break]

"Amor! Strike the sun!" The Togekiss let out the closest thing to a warcry they possibly could get, swirling their wings as an Aura Sphere flung towards the burning ball in the sky. [break][break]

"Bea! Defend them with your life! Cobalt, strike now! Meteor Beam!" The Urshifu quickly spread its legs into a proper martial arts pose, leaping its way in front of Andy Blackadder and Hideo Kino both, ready to Endure anything that came their way. [break][break]

However, Cobalt was strictly ignoring the commands of it's trainer. The Shadow Metagross firmly believed it knew better, eyes staring directly at the Groudon and the Red Orb within it's side. [break][break]

"Cobalt! What are you doing?! Strike!" [break][break]

And yet, the Metagross refused to answer. It's ego had grown too large, corrupted inside and out by power fueled by that which dwells in total darkness. With its incredible Miracle Eye, it would begin to properly aim and calculate proper angles of attack in fractions of a second. It would never allow it's eyes to drift from the stone so long as it lived to breathe.
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LU8hYz2K

[break][break]
notes Shadow Togekiss used Aura Sphere on the Artificial Sun. Urshifu uses Endure to take whatever was coming. Shadow Metagross disobeyed it's trainer, and began using Miracle Eye to track the Red Orb and ready its aim. Metagross still under the effects of Magnet Rise. 3/5

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[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Her excitement was genuinely infectious, she had to admit. It was quite refreshing to speak with someone who was so genuine in their passion. "No stars there! You want to check out the Space Center in Mossdeep! The Weather Institute, well, studies the weather! But it is really cool, you know! With the so-called 'Weather-Trio' legendary pokemon here in Hoenn, it makes sense to try and understand it better!" [break][break][

Ruby paused as Eris continued to speak. Did they not remember when they last went camping? To be fair, they were quite young. She couldn't expect them to remember everything. "Oh, no not at all! I'm actually from the Galar Region, you know! I grew up there all my life. I only came to Hoenn two years ago. You know, on my Pokemon adventure and all that? It's really fun, but it is kind of tough sometimes too." [break][break][

No need to talk about the difficulties and dangers. Definitely, not the time. Any kid trusted to run around all by their lonesome had to understand at least something, in this day and age anyway.[break][break][

Eventually, a thought slowly dawned on her. Her eyes widened as she blinked at Eris. "... You know, if you wanted to. You could always stay in my tent if you want! It's big enough for both me and a little girl like you. You don't have to, but I figured the offer would be nice!"

[break][break][break]

notes It's official. Come camping with your entirely unofficial older sis.

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[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]
Guardian angel was certainly a term to put it. Whisper had protected her from so many different incredible dangers at this point, from just wild Pokemon to literal aliens, as wild as the concept still sounded. She slowly reached over to grab the end of the Hatterene's tentacle, a soft smile on her face. [break][break]

"That's so lovely. I have a few other pokemon from when I was very young, but none of them as early as Whisper here. When I was still but a child, my parents assigned an Indeedee to babysit me, and they are still a sweetheart of a Pokemon." She'd chuckle quietly, giving a fairly genuine smile as she examined the other individual and their pokemon. The Teddiursa was adorable beyond measure, that was for sure. [break][break]

Grabbing the bag of pastries, the forest witch simply seemed to smirk and gently nod their head in return at the kid's respect. Of course, with such a wide-brimmed hat of hair, it was quite visible. [break][break]

"Well," Ruby began, only to hand the bag of pastries up to Whisper's face. Suddenly, little hands reached out of the hair, only to begin to dig into one of the tasty treats from within. "We can fight as soon as you're ready, then! I'll be waiting!"[break][break]

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notes Only the bravest of us can price fictional food.

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Ruby was running across the beach on foot herself, her bare feet kicking up the sand with every step. Of course, she had no actual intention of being able to grab the flag and competing with actual pokemon, but she could only hope the distraction would throw them for a bit of a loop. [break][break]

"Hey!" Ruby called out, trying once more to grab as much attention as she could. "What are you waiting for? Fight!" [break][break]

Meanwhile, her Zoroark was finally getting into position. The words Ruby had spoken were absolutely meant for them, it was time to move. With sharpened claws, they chuckled quietly behind the Onix, protected from the Mean Look by its incredible bulk. [break][break]

With incredible AGILITY, the illusory Laurence Anderson would suddenly rush across the battlefield. Utilizing the rocks sent out by their ally, Zoroark would dash from stone to stone appearing as if Lars was practically running at top speed if one were to even notice them.[break][break]

Of course, given the bootleg head ranger on skyler dross 's shirt, it was bound to cause a bit of a reaction regardless.


[break][break][break]

notes (Lars) runs across the field, using Agility. Attempts to use the rocks summoned by the Onix as cover.

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Eruptions explode across the mountainside as soot and ash continue to rain down from above. Quickly wiping off her goggles, Ruby called out to the two kids. "Just stick together! Don't leave each other's sides for a second!" [break][break]

As her Pokemon prepared to move, the entire landscape suddenly shuddered and seemed to, almost transform before her very eyes. Ruby's eyes widened dramatically as she examined everything. A jungle, fossil pokemon alive and well, there was no logical explanation for any of this. But then again, she had experienced a fair share of illogical things lately. [break][break]

Her eyes quickly scanned the scene around her, and the notice of FERNANDO SILPH in the distance certainly brought some relief. She still hardly knew him, but his level head had proved himself in previous dangerous encounters. There would be time to waste thanking him for his presence later if they survived. [break][break]

"I don't know," Ruby shouted out, her Togekiss circling anxiously overhead of the kids. "Fossil pokemon don't just run wild. Time is-" Sure enough, an Archeops swarm began just as predicted by Grace. It wasn't her first experience being out of time, but there were bigger priorities right now. [break][break]

"Just stay safe and climb! Cobalt, Expanding Force, push those birds back! Bea, prepare yourself!" The Urshifu quickly began to Bulk Up as the Shadow Metagross was ready for battle. Almost, too ready. Its eyes gleamed with a shimmering hatred to them as it was finally able to let loose. A psychic bubble would blast out from around him, attempting to harm all wild pokemon and rocks in the way.
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fmUSXbWk

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notes Urshifu uses Bulk Up. Shadow Metagross uses Expanding Force.

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[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]A cavern. Ruby certainly wasn't a fan of going back into the earth, but if it meant any chance of finding Andy Blackadder then it was a risk worth taking. "Tali," Ruby called out to her Xatu, the Pokemon flying down to rest by her side before strutting into the cave alongside her. It wasn't a Pokemon she used often, but her trust in psychic pokemon was quite extreme. "Come on girl, use Future Sight for me." [break][break]

The Xatu would simply continue to strut forwards, its eyes shimmering with a bright blue coloration as it began its own search into the future, and as Xatu was known for, potentially the past as well.[break][break]

Retrieving most of her Pokemon asides from Grace the Gardevoir and Bea the Urshifu, Ruby would quietly walk alongside John Sullivan . Of course, her suspicions when they first met of him being someone important to the League certainly seemed well-founded, but she couldn't help but allow herself to wonder. Did the League have some policy about recruiting underage individuals? One up to the rank of captain especially?[break][break]

It was a silly time to think about it, truly. But thinking about Andy's potential fate wasn't a pleasant thought to let linger.[break][break]

After a few moments of silence, Ruby quietly spoke up to all around as she dug a flashlight out of her backpack. "... Let's keep going guys. We'll find him yet."[break][break]

rt2OdsRu

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notes Ruby's Xatu attempts to use Future Sight, and maybe learn something.

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[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Suddenly, huge chunks of molten rock sprout from the ground, stabbing into the Gondola directly in front of the one she was preparing to protect. At the same time, her Gardevoir's vision shared with TELEPATHY revealed a potential swarm of Archeops approaching. "Hold on-" Ruby began to shout, glancing into the car only to see Hideo Kino vanished into a portal, seemingly accompanied by Andy Blackadder who was still incredibly injured. What the hell was he doing here like that? He shouldn't even be walking![break][break]

"Damn it!"

[break][break]
Ruby grumbled under her breath, having to waste precious time locating them down at the mountainside as the gondola itself crashed and fell to the ground below. Eventually, her Togekiss located them and let out a cry. Unfortunately, it seemed there would be no time to take this slow and methodically with two kids apparently intent to get themselves killed. Returning Grace to her Pokeball, Ruby and Amor the Togekiss quickly began to descend. [break][break]

"EXTREME SPEED!" Ruby all but shouted, the Togekiss immediately getting an intense burst of speed as they flew to the ground, intent to avoid the majority of the smoke and ash, paired with any explosive material.[break][break]

As she descended, Ruby let go of her mounts back just enough time to send out two of her other pokemon. Her Urshifu landed with a dramatic drop, immediately scanning the scene and using DETECT to source any incoming danger, willing to literally grab a kid and leap them out of the way if required, or even both of them.[break][break]

Her other Pokemon didn't even land, Cobalt the Metagross immediately used MAGNET RISE, floating in mid-air nearby. Of course, his physical form was... visibly malformed. Huge chunks of black crystal covered its body and legs in a very strange formation, clearly unnatural.[break][break]

"Andy Blackadder ! Hideo Kino !" Ruby shouted out loud, flying close to the other kids. "Tell me next time you're about to abandon ship!" [break][break]
pE8n7cam

[break][break]
notes Ruby recalls Gardevoir. Descends using Extreme Speed on Shadow Togekiss. Sends out Urshifu using Detect, and Shadow Metagross using Magnet Rise.

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[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]"I know you're not a stranger, silly. It's just an expression!" Ruby chuckled, shaking her head a little bit. The girl certainly seemed more excitable in more pleasant situations, something she could absolutely eat up and enjoy the hell out of. [break][break]

"Well, be careful while exploring Eris! But interesting things, huh?" She paused to think for a few seconds. "Well, Fortree City is that way!" She'd point in a few different directions as she'd speak. "That way is the Weather Institute! And over somewhere over there, is the river! If you follow it down, you'll eventually find this massive waterfall! Just be careful not to get too close, huh? It's a bit flooded this time of year."[break][break]

"But aye, I like to travel around a lot! While I can, you know? Camping in the woods is one of my favorite things to do! If you're still in the area when night falls, you can always share my campsite if you want! Do you have a tent, dear?"

[break][break][break]

notes The best Lil' Stranger.

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Ruby easily slid across money from her purse across the counter of the stand, exact change too. No reason to carry around extra coins if she didn't have to. She wasn't thinking of much, sort of unfocused and just thinking about food for a few seconds before she had been spoke too. Ruby quickly blinked, snapping back into focus. [break][break]

"Oh! Yeah, we've been together... Pretty much all my life, I think?" She'd glance up at Whisper, who simply returned nothing more than an emotionless stare, with the faintest hint of a smirk on the forest witch's face. "Yeah, something like that! I met her when I was just a tiny little child running in the forests back home! She's been my best friend ever since."[break][break]

With the Tournament brought up, Ruby was quick to smile. "Yeah, I'm participating! Why, are you looking to compete too?" Whisper, for her part, seemed to smugly chuckle completely silent, ever cocky and confident. Ruby simply rolled her eyes at her Pokemon, as if quietly telling her to be nice.[break][break]

"Don't mind her, she's just always like this. If you want, we could absolutely have a battle as soon as you are finished up!"
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notes Only the bravest of us can price fictional food.

[break]

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[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]The pun of Bea's name certainly encouraged a chuckle from Ruby. Whoever this stranger was, they certainly seemed quite lovely. She shook Robbin's hand back in return as she introduced her various Pokemon. As she did so, Ruby happily handed a few marshmallows to the excitable Mawille. She had a suspicion that the cutie wouldn't hesitate to just eat a few before they could even make smores, but that was perfectly fine. She had plenty to go around.[break][break]

"If you're lost, I can always help you find your way out of the woods later!" Ruby spoke up, a soft smile on her face. "I've been in these woods a few times, finding the hiking path again shouldn't be too difficult."[break][break]

Finally, the attention was brought back to her Urshifu. At the mention of her name, Bea simply remained still, curious eyes glancing about at the stranger and their pokemon. "Of course, I don't mind sharing!" Ruby slowly reached up to pat Bea's arm as she spoke. [break][break]

"I actually met her when she was just a Kubfu! There was a Dojo Challenge last year, that my team and I won by completing these really difficult puzzles on every single floor. And when we did win, apparently the Dojo Master's own Urshifu just recently had cubs, and thus, Bea." Bea, for her part, was blushing furiously from behind all the fur but didn't move from her spot. Embarrassed, sure, but it was quickly apparent she'd refuse to lower her guard. [break][break]

"So what about you?" Ruby would once again turn her attention towards Robbin as she reached into her bags to grab some of the marshmallows. "How long have you been traveling with your Pokemon?"

[break][break][break]

notes N/A

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[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Ruby didn't even have time to get out of her pajamas when the call to evacuate Lavaridge came in, but she certainly couldn't abandon the pleasant town of hot springs to its eventual doom. Groudon was one of Hoenn's most powerful legendary pokemon, regarded with awe and respect, but what happened when one got angry? Nothing good. [break][break]

When she soared onto the scene, she didn't expect it to be so bright. Her stomach churned at the sight of the secondary sun in the sky, lucky for the foresight that she had to bring her goggles and mask she used to avoid the worst of the sandstorms on Route 111. People were already scrambling for ways up the mountain and from her elevated position couldn't recognize anyone just yet. However, the gondola system seemed to spark to life and she made her decision. People could get drastically hurt if those cables snapped, best to prepare for the worst. [break][break]

"There, go down Amor." The Shadow Togekiss let out a cry in response as it quickly descended to the ground, landing directly outside the Gondolas. Ruby was intending only to take a quick peek inside before following along and protecting the cars from the outside, but the sight of a familiar face inside all but demanded she speaks. [break][break]

"Hideo Kino !" Ruby would shout into the car, hopefully, her voice alone was recognizable. She certainly wouldn't endorse a child heading into a place like this... but then again, she would be a hypocrite at this point. "I'll fly on the outside protecting this car! Shout if you need me!"[break][break]

Sending out her Gardevoir, Ruby quickly spoke. "Grace! Use your Future Sight and see if you can find anything that's a threat to the gondalas. We're not taking our chances, we're striking first if we can." The Gardevoir would simply nod, closing her eyes as she began to focus.[break][break]
vLkvIWND

[break][break]
notes Ruby descends to the car with Hideo within. Intent to fly outside it to protect it. Uses Future Sight on Gardevoir to attempt to predict any threats to the Gondolas system.

[break]