I missed this

>>2206958
Welcome back! We missed you!

Happy New Year Gobble, I hope you enjoyed the holidays

File: regiiiiiii_wc97.png (264 KB, 1184x687)

264 KB PNG

My body is regi

File: Roselia Shiny 2.png (93 KB, 326x300)

93 KB PNG

“Would you like a Shiny Stone? I have many. It wouldn’t be a bother. I could even oversee the evolution if you’re unsure. Doing it now while she has her strength up from Growth would make it very easy for her, and be a great reward for her efforts, I’m sure.”

You think for a moment. Is this the right time for Bella? Is she ready? Do any of your feelings of reservation come from a place of just not wanting to see the little Pokemon you’ve grown from an egg.

No. You’re thinking only about what’s best for her. You take the Shiny Stone that he offers you and take to to Belladonna under his kindly looking smile.

She looks up at you, at first confused, and then ecstatic.

“Do you know what this is?” You ask Bella. You can tell from her face that she already does, though. “And you want to evolve?”

She nods eagerly yes, but then she starts to slow and lose her enthusiasm. Doubt grows on her face. You turn and look to where her eyes are going and see Laki standing behind you.

“What?” Laki says, feeling the eyes on her. “I didn’t say anything! You need to do what you think is right.”

Bella is still uncertain now. She looks at you, wondering what you’d prefer. She’s not asking you to make a choice for her, just what you’d do in her situation.

>She earned it. Go for it, Bella!
>You should never hurry to grow up
>Refuse to give a comment. You don’t want to influence her decision
>If it were you, you’d want to make yourself stronger to support your friends
>Being honest, you’d probably hold back if you sensed Laki didn’t want it
>Something else

>>2207043
>She earned it. Go for it, Bella!

>>2207043
>There won’t be a perfect time but if you’re not sure then it’s ok to take it slow.

>>2207043
>She earned it. Go for it, Bella!

She wants the SS

>>2207043
>You should never hurry to grow up but you did earn it and you can do it if you feel like you're ready

>>2207043
>"If you're ever unsure of what to do you should *point to her heart* listen to this. Where your head fails your heart will guide you."
Let's get sappy.

>>2207043
>She earned it. Go for it, Bella!

>>2207043
>>2207072
>>2207091
These

File: roserade 01.png (238 KB, 484x504)

238 KB PNG

“I think you earned it, Bella. Not just from this fight, but from your growth inside. You’ve become a responsible young lady.”

She still hesitates. You think she isn’t satisfied with the answer. Not because you said anything wrong, but because she’s still trying to understand how she feels.

“There’s never a perfect time to move forward. If you're ever unsure of what to do,“ you put a hand on her chest, ”you should listen to this. Where your head fails your heart will guide you."

There’s a chorus of awww’s from the girls, and one half-hearted ‘lame’ muttered under Abigail’s breath. The gym leader nods in approval.

Bella thinks for a moment before quickly reaching out and grabbing the stone. It’s so fast that you almost jump.

And just like that, her transformation begins. Slowly, the light pulses and grows.

“Oh wow!” Hana gasps happily.

Keira snaps herself out of her thoughts and quickly makes a blessing gesture with her hands, muttering words you can’t quite make out.

Laki says nothing, but she does maintain a smile.

Abigail has a nice smile, too. It’s the same one she usually has, but without the smugness and sarcasm in her eyes.

When it’s over, you see a beaming, twirling, and very happy new Belladonna.

“You look amazing!” You hug her. She hugs back and squeezes the breath out of you. “You’re stronger, too.” You wheeze.

There’s a series of congratulatory comments, and laughter. Then a strong whoosh as Mace vanishes out the door. In its wake follows an awkward silence. There’s an instant damper put on the mood.

“Ah. I sensed he was upset.” The gym leader says. “Forgive me for not saying anything. I didn’t want to intrude on your domain.”

You rush to the door. Mace is already out of view but you can see a trail of brush spreading across the way.

>Ignore him. Chase after Mace full speed without missing a precious second
>Ask the gym leader and everyone else to help you find him
>Let him go. He just needs some alone time
>Something else

>>2207203
>Ignore him. Chase after Mace full speed without missing a precious second
We'll be back eventually.

Odor Sleuth should be enough, right? Even if he's a rock, I'm sure Mace is recognizable to Gobble. And maybe the beams Mace fires leaves their own smell anyway.

>>2207203
>Chase after Mace full speed without missing a precious second
>Ask the gym leader and everyone else to help you find him
Shout a request for help finding Mace over our shoulder as we chase him.

What if he does something rash because he thinks it's what we expect of him?

>>2207203
>Ignore him. Chase after Mace full speed without missing a precious second

>>2207203
>Let him go. He just needs some alone time
Not going to ruin Bella's moment for Mace's brooding

>>2207203
>Ignore him. Chase after Mace full speed without missing a precious second
Poor Mace

>>2207203
Whatever we do, keep Bella with us. It's not very nice to leave her not even a minute after she evolved.

Also, I hope you had a nice Christmas season, Gobble.

>>2207203
>Send Gobble to go talk to him.
He probably needs some space right now but I think we can trust Mace to come back when he's sorted his thoughts.

>>2207203
>>Ignore him. Chase after Mace full speed without missing a precious second
>Put Bella onto shoulders

File: 1364059897726.png (300 KB, 704x563)

300 KB PNG

>>2207248
>>2207031
>>2207009
>>2206974
[Thanks! It was nice! Tiring, but very nice. I hope yours was too.]

>>2207203
>Let him go. He just needs some alone time

File: roggenrola 1tfc7x4o1_1280.jpg (61 KB, 1280x720)

61 KB JPG

“Mace!” You chase after him. You stop for a fraction of a second to beckon on your pokemon to follow. You make sure to make eye contact with Belladonna to reassure her. The look she offers back is confused, but still somehow understanding.

You rush off again into the brush. You think you might have heard someone yell your name and fell a little guilty about not being able to respond. But you press on, after Mace.

“Gobble, can you use Odor Sleuth?”

Gobble nods, running alongside you. He’s able to keep pace, too. At least, until he looks up to nod and trips over a small tree root. He quickly ups himself and performs the move.

While he inhales, you hold your breath.

He points the way.

“Good job, Gobble!”

He gives a thumbs up, and again trips.

Finding Mace turns out to be relatively easy. He’s sitting on a rock in a clearing. Although he never turns to you, you know he knows you’re there. If he had ears, you’re sure they’d be standing up.

He sighs a gust of energy at the nearby stream. Small fish scatter from the light disturbance.

>Go talk to him
>Send Belladonna to talk to him
>Gobble is his best friend, send him
>Dice and him are buddies too. Maybe he can help give perspective
>Send Sorbet. She might have some insight
>Something else

>>2207532
>>Send Belladonna to talk to him

>>2207532
>>Go talk to him

>>2207532
>>Gobble is his best friend, send him

>>2207532
>>Go talk to him
He'll probably want to stay here for a bit after our talk with him. We should leave Bella or Gobble behind to talk with him afterward and take everyone else back to the Gym.

>>2207532
>Go talk to him

>>2207532
>Go talk to him

>>2207532
>Go talk to him
Wax poetic a bit how bittersweet Bella's evolution is for Herb. Try to get him to open up a bit.

File: roggenrola_by_all0412-d6a1udn.jpg (49 KB, 1024x610)

49 KB JPG

“Hey.” You come out into the clearing. Mace turns back to face you for a moment. Despite the massive advantage in age he has over you, you see a vulnerable, almost childish look on his stony, featureless face. Or maybe it’s in his posture. You don’t know how you know, but you do.

You take a seat next to him, slowly. He doesn’t budge. If he wanted to, he could probably take off into the woods without you catching up. He’s come a long way with his control.

“How are you feeling?” You ask.

He huffs another very light puff of energy into the pond, and looks back towards the pokemon you left waiting at the clearing’s edge. You didn’t expect him to be so sad.

Belladonna looks pretty self-conscious. Maybe even a little guilty. You hope she’s not blaming herself.


>Wax poetic a bit how bittersweet Bella's evolution is for Herb. Try to get him to open up a bit.
>Mention that the others will probably keep evolving, too. He’ll have to come to terms with it
>Say nothing. Just stay there for a bit
>Tell him how his outburst is bad for Belladonna
>Motion to your pokemon to send someone for Gardevoir or Keira
>Something else

>>2207726
>Tell him he's being immature and should act his age.

>>2207726
>Say nothing. Just stay there for a bit
>Something else
Just give the little guy a hug and wait till he's ready to say something.

>>2207726
>>Mention that the others will probably keep evolving, too. He’ll have to come to terms with it
>They won't stop being them by unlike you they don't see it as a bad thing. I'm not going to hold their desires back or against them a and neither should you Mace. I don't care if they do or do not want to evolve and neither should you.

>>2207726
Tell Mace he doesn't need to evolve to matter or be a valuable member of our team, he's already one of our best battles and all our other mons rely on him

>>2207726
>Something else

I guess I'll just ramble for a bit on talking points for this.

How does he feel about everyone else embracing change when he doesn't? Does he feel like he's the odd one out, somehow more childish than others in his beliefs in spite of his age?

We like him for that. He helps keep the others grounded. If he feels like he can only be a weight or a drag on the others then that's fine, because that's what the others need. They need someone to slow them down and give them time to consider their own actions before they've seen them through.

He has a place in this world, and in our group. As long as he's happy with his own choices, we'll continue to support him in his choices as well.

File: Spoiler Image (138 KB, 350x350)

138 KB PNG

>>2207759
I guess you could say that he's their rock.

>>2207768
If this were the end of the thread or a more upbeat moment, I'd take this as a challenge to a Carlos-off.

I'll have to pass for now, though.

>>2207759
This is good.
Maybe emphasize what's good for one individual may not be for another. That they can make the choice to evolve more freely as they don't have to make as great a sacrifice for the power evolution brings as he does and while that sucks the gap in raw power will never be something that can't be bridged by technique, cleverness, and grit. And that he's the grittiest guy we know.
We should ask him to talk to Bella to she doesn't feel like this is her fault.

>>2207811
Yeah, it wouldn't be very gneiss to Mace to make light of this situation.

>>2207845
You shouldn't take his feeling for granite afterall.

File: Roggenrola.png (23 KB, 256x256)

23 KB PNG

You lean in and give him a quick hug. You can feel some grumbling noises as you do.

“It’s going to keep happening.” You say, not trying to be cruel.

He stiffens a little.

“You don’t need to evolve. You don’t need to change who you are. But the others, they still have a lot of growing to do. Maybe some won’t evolve, but everyone, everything, is going to change over time.”

Mace lets out a less soft burst into the water, but he doesn’t fly off. You put a hand on him again.

“It’s okay, Mace. I understand how you feel. It’s like just yesterday, Bella was this fragile little egg, and now she’s fully evolved and needs me less and less. At least, that’s how it feels, but she needs both of us. They all do.”

He looks up.

“I need you too. It’s a lot to put on you, I know. But you keep us from being too rash and rushing into things. You’re not dragging us down or keeping us back, you’re keeping us grounded. We’re all a team. As long as you’re happy with your choices, we’ll support you in them. But you also need to know that what’s good for you might not be good for others. Everyone’s different.”

He gives you a look that teeters on annoyed.

“Okay. Sorry if I’m sounding preachy. You know, don’t you?”

He nods wisely. His poise is returning. He seems to have come a bit more down to earth. He does give you a funny look though, like he’s asking what to do next.

>Whatever you feel is best. I trust your judgement and experience
>Go apologize to Belladonna. It’ll be good for both of you
>Take a day off to think. Come find us when you’re ready
>Hide out in your pokeball. Get some privacy and safety
>Train. Focus your energy into something productive
>Something else

>>2207951
>Train. Focus your energy into something productive
So manly! Let show our feelings through battle!

>>2207951
>Whatever you feel is best. I trust your judgement and experience

>>2207951

>Whatever you feel is best. I trust your judgement and experience.

inb4 he leaves

>>2207951
>>Go apologize to Belladonna. It’ll be good for both of you
I'm sure she wouldn't mind hearing Mace out on his thoughts, too, if he's willing to share them. Maybe they could train together afterward to help patch things up and get Bella used to her new body.

Bella throws out leaves while Mace tries to hit them out of the air?

>>2207951
>Whatever you feel is best. I trust your judgement and experience

File: roggenrola-clipart-9.png (10 KB, 325x561)

10 KB PNG

“What should you do?” You ask, confirming the question. “I trust your judgement and experience. I think you should do what you feel is best.”

Mace thinks for a moment. He looks back at the pokemon, then to you, and then, to nowhere. You’re just about to break the silence when energy bursts out from under him.

You move back. The grass and dirt under Mace begins to blow away as he...prepares to take off?

“Mace.” You tear up.

He looks at you. An assuring look. He’ll be back. But it may not be for a long time. You choke. You know you said for him to do what he thinks is best, but this is...this is too much. Your vision blurs and you sniffle.

He lifts off the ground.

“Good-” you hiccup. “Goodbye, Mace.”

A set of powerful jaws latch onto him. Dice!

Mace panics. He’s firing right into Dice and doesn’t want to hurt him. Dice doesn’t let go though. Gobble quickly grabs on as well. Then Belladonna, and even Sorbet.

Mace stops firing his energy and settles down to the ground. He looks to the group and gets completely mobbed by hugs. You cry harder, but for a different reason.

The group hug lasts for a good long while. Long enough for things to calm down. You see Mace offering what you think is an apology to Belladonna. She smacks him upside the head, but then brings him in for a hug again afterwards. It’s hard not to interfere or say anything, but they seem good now.

You head back to the others.

“How’d it go?” Laki asks, picking up Belladonna.

“Things are good.” You say, patting Mace. He seems to be growing grumpy with all the concern about him. He probably wants everyone to just forget about what happened and move on. He does snuggle into your hand a little, though.

“So, we’re going to meet my parents, huh?” Laki asks.

“What about your dad’s Heracross?” Keira asks. “It’s buried somewhere here, isn’t it? Didn’t you want to see it?”

>That sounds nice, Keira. Let’s find and visit the grave
>Let the Heracross rest in peace. Let’s go to Laki’s parents on another island
>You want to go back to chat with the gym leader first
>Something else

>>2208141
Weren’t we planning on seeing Hana’s parents first, while they’re in the area?

Did Hana challenge the gym?

I’m down for either, but Hana’s is the time sensitive one.

>>2208141
>>That sounds nice, Keira. Let’s find and visit the grave
won't take that long

>>2208141
>>2208155
Yeah Gobble we were going to meet Hana's adoptive parents first.
>That sounds nice, Keira. Let’s find and visit the grave
This sounds like a nice opportunity to visit an old friend.

File: Spoiler Image (172 KB, 561x650)

172 KB PNG

>>2208179
>>2208155
[Oops. My bad. The vote would be to visit Hana's adoptive parents right away then. Guess I had a memory glitch]

>>2208141
>Visit Hana's "parents"
Heracross isn't going anywhere frankly...

>>2208141
>You want to go back to chat with the gym leader first

File: sample-cf194c13a4a401867d(...).jpg (239 KB, 944x1000)

239 KB JPG

“Well, I’d love to see the grave and pay my respects, but I don’t want to miss Hana’s parents.” You say. Hana tries not to correct you on the technicality of them being her parents. “They’re just visiting, right?”

“Yeah.” She says. “But they’re not leaving for awhile. We can visit the grave first. Umm, assuming we can find it.”

Keira thinks. “The way it was described, I think I can narrow it down to a few spots.”

Mace makes a noise.

“You think you can find it, Mace?”

He nods. He and Keira talk for a bit. From what you gather, he’s able to narrow it down even further by knowing the general suitability of the locations she lists for digging. You’re amazed. You never would have thought of that sort of thing.

“Wait. Wait.” Abigail says. “I know the place.”

“You waited until now to say something?” Jane leans on the much smaller redhead.

“I didn’t figure it out until now!”

“Shocker.”

Abigail ignores Laki and continues. “I’ve heard of the place. It’s a haunted area. At least, that’s what the local kids say.”

Keira stands up straight.


“Relax, Keira. I’ve been there at night plenty of times. I just spooked some horny kids making out by pretending to be a ghost. There’s nothing scary there except for hormones.”

The group is almost about to head off when Laki stops everyone. “We’re forgetting about someone.”

“Who?”

Jane comes out of the brush, out of breath and sweaty. “I,” she wheezes, “ I saw your Roggenrola path through the trees. What happened?”

Mace shrinks, embarrassed. You quietly explain to Jane that it’s nothing to worry about and that you’re all about to go to visit a grave.

Jane wipes the sweat from her brow. “A hidden grave that hasn’t been blessed?”

“Yes.” Keira says, knowingly.

Jane thinks. “It’s been so long that the remains should be taken to the portal to the next world if the spirit still lingers here, right?”

Keira hesitates. She looks to you. You know mom wouldn’t approve. Dad...well, he’s not really religious. “I have a duty...” Keira says. “But...”

“But?” Jane wipes more sweat away. She really must have ran hard.

>We’re not digging the graves up! No way!
>Tell Keira it’s her choice
>Sure. You’ll help
>We’ll see when we get there
>Something else

>>2208444
>Sure. You’ll help

>>2208444
>We’ll see when we get there
not our call but maybe call dad to see what he wants to do

>>2208444
>Jane leans on the much smaller redhead.
>Jane comes out of the brush, out of breath and sweaty.

>We’re not digging the graves up! No way!
she can bless the grave, no need to dig it up

>>2208444
>>We’ll see when we get there

>>2208444
>We’ll see when we get there
But
>you don’t really wanna grave dig

>>2208444
>>Tell Keira it’s her choice

>>2208444
>444
Spoopy

>Don't dig it up.
This is really a matter for Herb's father to consider. Not Herb.

Do we know for a fact that the burial wasn't done in the traditional island manner?

File: Spoiler Image (68 KB, 650x920)

68 KB JPG

>>2208461
[Woops]

>>2208460
This and a half. Imagine if your son and his religious friends dug up your childhood dog.

Valerie has been awfully quiet about everything...
Did you forget she was present Gobble?

>>2208491
I keep thinking the same for Gardevoir.

Big cast.

>>2208476
hoo boy.

Also, we never got to see Hana’s reaction to the gym leader...

File: 1ba6260d805a84d0e68327c05(...).jpg (116 KB, 1024x724)

116 KB JPG

“I can’t approve of that.” You say.

“It’s cruel to let a spirit stay lost.” Jane says. “And it’s an important part of the island culture and religious beliefs. I’d think you of all people would be willing to give our religion some leeway.”

You get the feeling that she’s laying down a reference to Rayquaza. But still, you couldn’t face dad if you did something like that to his old pokemon. Then again, they’re trying to show their respect and help in their own way. “I...I don’t want to be a part of it.”

“Does that mean you’ll let us?”

“We’ll see when we get there.” You say. You’re not really convinced at all, but you feel that there’s still an outside chance that you could be.

“You can’t be serious.” Valerie says. “Digging up that poor pokemon?”

Gardevoir looks among the group and makes a wide variety of faces. There’s a good deal of conflicting emotions here.

“Other way around.” Laki says. “Leaving a poor pokemon to be lost as a spirit.”

“So, you’re for this?” Valerie asks Laki.

“I am. But my man isn’t. So I’m going to oppose it.” Laki states plainly, walking defiantly beside you.

You look up at her in awe. She looks back for a moment, and her expression softens until she shows a hint of embarrassment and looks away.

“Well, I can guess where you and Abigail stand.” Jane says to Hana.

“The only thing Abigail needs to stand on is a ladder so she can be face to face with Bella.” Laki rubs Abigail's hair. The group laughs at the short redheads expense. Even Jane lets out a small chuckle. The tension seems to vanish for most of the walk after that.

Hana comes to walk alongside you. Before she can say anything, Laki asks her “what did you think about that gym leader?”

“Oh. Uhh.” Hana mumbles. “I can’t believe such a nice man would hold those beliefs. I’m so used to thinking of bigots as being these...I don’t know, cartoonish villains. All I could think about is, ‘where do I fit in’?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I’m not very Loanan, am I?” Hana looks at her hand. “That’s not a joke about being half manufactured from the mainland. I mean, I spent so much time on the other side of the ocean that I know less about this place than Herb probably does by now. I’m the biggest outsider here.”

The entire group goes silent, as if to reflect on how they all believe that statement about themselves.
You’re almost there now. As the group walks a little farther apart, Laki once again comes by your side. This time the conversation can be a little more private.

“You didn’t react.” She says.

“What?”

“When I told the gym leader about you putting kids in me. I thought you’d panic or something.” She bumps her wide hips into you playfully. “You’re usually so easy to tease.”

>”Oh. You were joking?”
>Panic and stutter
>”Well, one day.”
>”Are you hinting at something?”
>Something else

>>2208604
>Panic and stutter
Herb reacted, his brain shutdown

>>2208604
>>”Well, one day.”
>>”Are you hinting at something?”

>>2208604
>>”Oh. You were joking?”
COUNTERHIT

>>2208604
>>Panic and stutter
>>”Well, one day.”
>>”Are you hinting at something?”

Laki best girl

>>2208604
>”Well, one day.”

>>2208624
Hana's pretty good, too. I feel bad that she can't have kids. Then again, that worked out for Kat.

>>2208604
>”Oh. You were joking?”
>”Well, one day.”

>>2208604
>”Oh. You were joking?”

>>2208604
>”Oh. You were joking?”

File: Roserade-pokemon-37791000(...).png (449 KB, 458x500)

449 KB PNG

You begin to sweat. “I-, well, I mean.”

She’s already giggling. Why is she giggling? Oh jeez oh man. “You’re too fun, Soft Hands.” She puts an arm around you.

“I-just... well, I’d like to, one day.”

She pauses, then begins to sweat herself. “H-hey! Don’t kid around about that sort of thing!”

“But you just-”

“There it is!” Jane points. “Burial markers.”

“They are?” Keira asks. “How do you know....nevermind.” The priestess backs away from that topic. “Wow. It’s so...simple.”

You climb over to look at the graves. Apparently dad wasn’t the only one burying here. There are maybe a dozen markers. All simple, makeshift graves. And just as your group looks over it all, the sun begins to set.

Hana holds your hand. Valerie holds her other one.

Keira looks to you before she begins her blessings.

“This could take awhile.” Laki informs you.

Gardevoir looks around at the darkness with unease. You’re not sure if that’s her own fear, or just her picking up on the others. Considering her track record on haunting places though, you’d assume she’s fine in the dark on her own.

You make dinner, with everyone helping out. Maybe they just want to be near the fire. You wish you started earlier instead of putting this together in the dark. You must have lost track of time on the walk.

Keira takes a break to enjoy the meal with everyone. It’s a very atmospheric dining experience. During it, Belladonna takes advantage of the bonfire light to show off her twirls and new form. When she’s done, she comes over to you.

“You look great.” You tell her.

She beams. But afterwards, she has a question. You aren’t sure you understand this one.

“She wants to know what her new responsibilities are, now that she’s clearly your strongest pokemon. She wonders if she’ll be in charge the next time you’re indisposed, instead of Gobble.” Gardevoir says, sipping tea. Huh. Gardevoir likes tea.

Wait, what did Bella say? You turn to look at her lording over the other pokemon on your team.

>It doesn’t matter who’s strongest. Gobble’s best suited.
>Don’t be so sure about that, Belladonna
>Sure. It’ll be a good learning experience for her to be in charge. In fact, why not lead them on a little task? [Will trigger new vote]
>Laugh it off. She’s just riding a little high right now. She’ll forget that sort of talk by tomorrow
>Something else

>>2208704
>Sure. It’ll be a good learning experience for her to be in charge. In fact, why not lead them on a little task? [Will trigger new vote]

>Power doesn't necessarily mean wisdom

Sorry I'm too tired ot think of something creative or constructive. Good night gobble.

File: Spoiler Image (99 KB, 701x1000)

99 KB JPG

>>2208710
[Good night!]

>>2208704
>be careful what you wish for, Bella. Once Gobble evolves he'll squash us all

>>2208704
>>Sure. It’ll be a good learning experience for her to be in charge. In fact, why not lead them on a little task? [Will trigger new vote]

>>2208704
>>Power doesn't necessarily mean wisdom
>And when Gobble evolves he will probably be your equal if not better.
>That said when she shows she's the responsible big girl she evolved into being? That's when she gets more responsibilities. Let's start with helping me cook and keeping watch for the night and work up from there?

>>2208704
>Sure. It’ll be a good learning experience for her to be in charge. In fact, why not lead them on a little task?
"Being the leader has almost nothing to do with strength Bella. The burden of the strong is to protect."

>>2208704
>It doesn’t matter who’s strongest.
>Power doesn't necessarily mean wisdom

>>2208704
>Sure. It’ll be a good learning experience for her to be in charge. In fact, why not lead them on a little task? [Will trigger new vote]

If Gobble is miffed, then peacemaking is a thing we're good at.

>>2208783
It generally takes a lot to make Gobble lose his cool. As long as you don't get in the way of him eating. If that happens then pray for mercy.

File: Roserade_Shiny.png (68 KB, 265x373)

68 KB PNG

“Power doesn’t necessarily mean wisdom.” You tell her. Hana nods in support.

“Holding enough of it does.” Laki says. She quickly covers her mouth and gives an apologetic look though. You guess she doesn’t want to contradict you in front of Belladonna. “That’s a school of thought, anyway.”

“And I’d be careful of going down that road.” You warn her. “Someone like Gobble could evolve and get even stronger. You’re lucky that Gobble knows that the burden of the strong is to protect.”

Belladonna considers your words. As she does, Sorbet comes to snuggle on your lap. She’s still a bit standoff-ish when you pet her too much though. Bella stares at Sorbet a bit, thinking. Then she looks up at you expectantly.

“You still want to have some new responsibility, huh?”

She nods.

“Well, nothing wrong with that. That’s a good attitude.” You take some time to think about a job to give her.

Jane comes back from standing over the graves. She must have been doing some major thinking. She stretches her back. “It’s too dark out to dig, and I’m getting the feeling our priestess is changing her mind. More of that mainlander influence creeping in.” She gives you a look. She’s still flinging blame your way, but her tone has an air of friendly banter to it.

“Aren’t you scared?” Hana’s conversation with Valerie takes your attention away from Jane.

“I want to say that I’m used to ghosts by now. But I’m so not.” Valerie shyly admits. “I just can’t get used to it.”

Bella tugs at your leg. She’s getting impatient for her job.

Are you going to give her a lot of responsibility? A little? Would it be unfair to give her a lot or insulting to give her too little? Would she care? Would the others resent it if she was given too much over them? Would they care?


>She can be the lookout for tonight. See how it goes and take it from there.
>Gather firewood for the breakfast and dinners
>Her job is to make sure nobody wanders off
>She can be Gobble’s second in command from now on
>Something else

>>2208803
>>She can be the lookout for tonight. See how it goes and take it from there.

File: 1520d494da69151f084d49790(...).jpg (106 KB, 700x947)

106 KB JPG

[That's the last one for tonight. We'll be starting tomorrow much earlier since I don't have to work for once. Have a great night, everybody!]

>>2208803
>She can be the lookout for tonight. See how it goes and take it from there.
We'll think of something more suitable later, this whole situation kind of caught us off guard.

>>2208812
Goodnight! Don't stay away so long anymore.

>>2208803
>>She can be the lookout for tonight. See how it goes and take it from there.
It'll be boring, but there is a chance for ghosts appearing. We need someone to watch over the group.

If she wants more responsibility, she could spend some of her time on lookout coming up with training exercises for other pokemon. They don't need to be just for our pokemon, either. It'll give her practice in thinking what other's strengths and weaknesses are and how to use/work around them.

>>2208812
Good night, Gooble!

>>2208812
>Nighty night!

>>2208803
>She can be the lookout for tonight. See how it goes and take it from there.
>>2208812
Goodnight Gobble, I missed a lot of tonight's thread. But just read it. Another great run!

>>2208812
Missed the run, but I'm glad to see you in the new year! Hope you had a rad Christmas, if you do that sort of thing.

File: Loanah locations with card4.png (91 KB, 1024x768)

91 KB PNG

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Pokemon%20Island%20Adventure%20Quest
https://twitter.com/GobbleQM
Character info pastebin in progress: http://pastebin.com/iB0tb7rz
Dice odds for best of 3: http://pastebin.com/994WTT3g

General rules:

There is a 10 minute voting period after each post. Non-contradictory votes will be combined as best as possible.

Write-ins for all votes are always welcome and encouraged. They may not all make it into the post or be altered to fit in, but I'll do my best to at least try to address the spirit of the write-in.

Very important or contentious votes may be redone in a stricter voting system as circumstances warrant.

Combat mechanics involve three rolls of 1d100, taking the best, and using the base accuracy and crit ranges of the the PTU system, roughly, but the 'turn order' will be more like the anime, where sometimes you can do a few moves in a row or be hit by a combo of moves yourself, all depending on circumstances. Stronger moves tend to take more time and have more cooldown than weaker moves and also may leave you open to an interrupt, so beware of that timing. Speed is more important for closing ground, intercepting, and other things and doesn't necessarily mean going first.

Pokemon and trainers are unique, and may have certain specializations, skills, or other things that the video-game mechanics might not allow. Some examples: That kung fu Bellsprout in the anime, that crystal Onix, or a Roggenrolla that can fly. Herb's perception skills, pokemon knowledge, context clues in general, and other things will hopefully come into play to avoid completely unfair, unforeseeable bullshit, but expect more bullshit from more advanced trainers.

Call me out on a mistake and receive a suggestive picture, mostly likely a butt.

Pokemon:
Gobble (Munchlax)
Mace (Roggenrola)
Belladonna (Roselia)
Dice (Croconaw)
Sorbet (Vulpix)

Location: The hidden graveyard on Tabo Island

>>2209799
Oh man, this is awesome! I get to participate in a thread! Woo!

>>2209799
Yay, Gobble!

Easy butts, too!
>Belladonna (Roselia)
should now be
>Belladonna (Roserade)

File: 4efc10e4156ae64f26ed6a3f7(...).jpg (44 KB, 960x720)

44 KB JPG

“Alright, Bella. You can be in charge of lookout tonight.”

She cocks her head. She wants you to explain. That’s not usual.

“Well, since it’s a graveyard, some of the others might get a little spooked, and there’s always a chance of Ghost pokemon.” You can’t help but feel a nagging sensation that you should have included yourself in that, but you don’t want Bella to think you’re scared.

She nods eagerly, looking forward to her chance to prove herself.

“Just wake me up if there’s any new pokemon or people or...other things nearby, okay?”

She salutes and walks off to find a good vantage point. Before she settles on one, she grabs Mace, easily lifting the surprised rock, and drags him along to her chosen spot to act as a listener and something to stand on. He sighs but goes along with it, probably a little out of guilt.

You find yourself getting a little self conscious as Laki and Hana flank you in your sleeping bag in front of the others. But as nobody comments on it, and the weariness of the day weighs on your body, you manage to drift off anyway.

You’re awakened to soft, then increasingly hard slaps on your face. Your eyes submit to the commands to open from your brain after some resistance, and you see Bella standing over you. She’s pointing off at some bushes.

“Is something there?”

She nods, eagerly. You push yourself up and look around. Seeing nothing, you turn to Mace. He doesn’t seem to have heard anything. He thinks she’s just being overly eager.

>Go back to bed, Bella. It’s nothing
>Wake everyone up! Full alert!
>Go investigate with her and Mace
>Something else

>>2209868
>Go investigate with her and Mace

>>2209868
>>Go investigate with her and Mace
Levetating ghosts are quiet.

>>2209868
>>Something else
Investigate with just Bella. Mace should stay on lookout and make sure nothing gets the drop on us from behind or above.

File: Spoiler Image (122 KB, 850x945)

122 KB JPG

>>2209866

>>2209896
Booty!

>>2209868
>Go investigate with her and Mace
Try not to think about how this is how people in horror movies die. Fail.

>>2209868
>>Go investigate with her and Mace

File: d5680f581df9c9c5a54b968e5(...).jpg (102 KB, 1024x656)

102 KB JPG

“You’re sure you saw something?” You ask her.

She nods, keeping eye contact.

“Alright. Let’s go check it out.” You whisper, slithering out of your roll as best you can without waking Hana or Laki. There’s some mumbling, but they don’t stir awake.

“Mace, I’ll need your help too. If you’re up for it.”

Mace comes along. He glues himself to your side. Even though he doesn’t think there’s anything there, he seems pretty adamant about protecting you. You sense he feels a need to ‘make up’ for the times he didn’t stop attacks before. You wish you could get through to him on a deeper level that you don’t blame him.

“Ready?” You whisper to the group, grabbing your lighter just in case. They nod and follow along.

You slowly creep into the bush, keeping your eyes and ears open. It takes a bit for your vision to adjust, and even then it’s hard to see, but you don’t find anything.

After searching around, you lean down to Belladonna. “Whatever it was, it looks like it’s gone.”

Fear comes over her face. She’s stuck in her spot, looking at something behind you. She points. You turn around and see...nothing. Maybe it moved. Whatever it is, it’s not just some random small rodent pokemon or she wouldn’t have reacted like that.

“Mace?” You whisper.

He tries to listen, but comes up with nothing. You know how keen his sense are. And he was right there beside you.

You look to Belladonna again and this time she's almost giggling. But then her face turns to fear once more. What's going on with her?

>Imply that if Bella is playing a prank, it’s not funny
>Chase after it to flush it out
>Bella! Stun Spore the bushes
>Lets investigate it, slowly and carefully
>Something else

>>2209980
>Imply that if Bella is playing a prank, it’s not funny
Oh man abusing her new power, color me surprised.

>>2209980
>>Lets investigate it, slowly and carefully
>If Mace can't hear it, it's probably an illusion of some kind or a ghost.

>>2209980
>Lets investigate it, slowly and carefully
>Bella! Stun Spore the bushes
It might be a ghost, which should be able to move without making any noise.

>>2209980
>Bella! Stun Spore the bushes
I'm guessing either prank or ghost possession at this point.

Stun spore shouldn't hurt much. Just keep using it until we either find what she's pointing at or she's tired. If this was a prank, the tiredness should be punishment enough. If it's real, then hopefully we hit it before she's done.

>>2209980
>Bella! Stun Spore the bushes
>Lets investigate it, slowly and carefully
If it's a ghost then we got the first strike, If it's Bella being a goof we just keep making her Stun Spore until she's exhausted, teach her a lesson about the proper time to play jokes.

>>2209980
>Bella! Stun Spore the bushes

File: 4bb544e2e54667e86d90526fa(...).png (694 KB, 833x1179)

694 KB PNG

[roll!]

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>2210034

>>2210034

>>2210050
forgot to roll anon

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>2210034
Whoops, I'm retarded.

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>2210034
Here goes nothing.

File: pokemon_go_valor_team_lea(...).jpg (1.79 MB, 2500x2984)

1.79 MB JPG

Rolled 89 (1d100)

[Ignore me]

>>2210065
No kidding

File: [Concern].jpg (25 KB, 480x433)

25 KB JPG

>>2210086

File: ghost.jpg (14 KB, 480x360)

14 KB JPG

You look down at Bella again. You did smirk and smile before, but you still can’t shake the feeling that the fear she showed was genuine. Whatever’s going on, if it makes your poor Bella afraid, you’re going to face it head on and worry about the consequences later.

Oh jeez did you just think that?

“Come on.” You say, motioning her and Mace to stay close. You very carefully peer around the bush. You see nothing.

“Bella, if you see it again, use Stun Spore, okay?”

She hesitates for a moment, but nods. She still looks uncertain, though.

You creep forward some more, and this time, you come face to face with a terrifying presence. You’re not sure what exact shape or size it is, but it’s right in front of you and you lock up for a half a second.


Mace flies right into you, knocking you out of the way. In your place, he’s hit with some sort of ghostly attack.

“OOF!” You mostly catch yourself on your forearms with minimal scratching.

The presence is hit by the Stun Spore. It recoils back, clearly reacting to it. Despite the thrashing, it remains silent. Seeing it being able to be hit does at least something to alleviate your crippling fear. You go to pick up Mace, but he pushes himself up instead, further relieving you.

But all that relief vanishes when the presence once again turns to you. It’s angled in such a way that Bella and Mace could accidentally hit you if their attacks aren’t extremely accurate

>Mace! Bella! Hit it in the back!
>Use Polu’s bone clip
>Try attacking it
>Try healing it
>Run. Tell the others to go back to camp and wake everyone up
>Something else

>>2210143
What would the bone hairclip do again? Is it a one use item?

>>2210143
>Try healing it
Who knows, maybe something cool will happen?

>>2210143
>Throw a pokeball at it. At worst, it'll give you a few seconds to reposition yourself

>>2210143
>>Mace! Bella! Hit it in the back!

>>2210143
>Run. Tell the others to go back to camp and wake everyone up

do NOT use the bone clip, that is a terrible idea why would you even mention it?

>>2210162
put down ghost and make Keira never trust us again.

>>2210143
>>Run. Tell the others to go back to camp and wake everyone up
>>Something else

Bella can use status effects to (hopefully) keep it pinned. Mace is the fastest with his beams, so have him blast back into camp and wake everyone up, then bring them here.

Keira would be best at figuring out the right course of action here. We'll want her ASAP.

>>2210163
I'll back this too. If it doesn't work, then we're dealing with something really weird.

File: c7f17f7421ee309d81b9c9437(...).jpg (574 KB, 982x1539)

574 KB JPG

>>2210160
[Yup! Break it in half and it disperses ghosts. A gift from Polu in case you find yourself in this sort of situation. Keira would not approve though, as she sees it as cruel because the spirit takes a very long time to pull itself together again and she'd be unable to help guide it until then.]

>>2210167
>put down ghost and make Keira never trust us again.

I meant to link to
>>2210160

>>2210143
>Try healing it

>>2210143
>Mace! Bella! Hit it in the back!
>Run

Fighting retreat!

>>2210160
It breaks ghosts into fragments or something that have to piece themselves back together before they can hunt anybody (or pass on, or form a coherent thought). Keira said it was very no bueno.

>>2210143
>Run. Tell the others to go back to camp and wake everyone up

>>2210143
>>Run. Tell the others to go back to camp and wake everyone up

>>2210143
>Try healing it

File: Ghostfrlg.png (1 KB, 318x278)

1 KB PNG

“Run!” You tell Mace and Belladonna, and take off, heading away from them. The presence follows you, which once again relieves and horrifies you.

Your heart threatens to burst out of your chest as you duck and dodge branches. You’re already lost, but have faith your pokemon and friends will be able to help you. Gobble found Mace quickly, didn’t he? You just hope they don’t take too long.

Jeez, you’re getting tired. But you can’t stop running! It’s probably right behind you! You turn around and see...nothing. Where did it go?

You shiver with fear. There was just something so unworldly about that thing. It wasn’t like a normal ghost pokemon. It felt different.

>Quick, hide!
>Make noise and use your lighter. Draw it and your friends
>Run back to the camp
>Sit down, meditate. Calm yourself
>Something else

>>2210260
>Run back to the camp
I bet you it the spirit of dad's mon.

>>2210260
>>Run back to the camp

>>2210260
>>Sit down, meditate. Calm yourself.
Well, we did do a spirit shield before. Maybe we can draw it here and do that again?

>>2210260
>Run back to the camp
There's not much we can do at this point, so let's go back and ask our resident ghost expert about it.

>>2210260
>>Sit down, meditate. Calm yourself
SPIRITUAL POWER

>>2210260
>Sit down, meditate. Calm yourself.

>>2210260
>Sit down, meditate. Calm yourself
We are too spooped, we need to chill.

Shit man, where's a frying pan when you need one. But seriously considering the island death rites concerning treasured possesions it would probably wield some power against whatever this thing is.

File: cd68e3e8abc830439ab29aba6(...).png (885 KB, 957x1467)

885 KB PNG

Rolled 65 (1d100)

[Roll roll roll!]

>>2210260
>Sit down, meditate. Calm yourself

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>2210290

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>2210290

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>2210290
Don't panic. We should be fine...

File: 1c329fa7t_Yellowroom-5624(...).jpg (1.09 MB, 1115x1410)

1.09 MB JPG

>>2210299

File: Dark-forest_00222748.jpg (749 KB, 1920x1200)

749 KB JPG

You sit down and meditate. You aren’t sure if this is the most productive thing to do in a crisis, but you know that if you can’t think clearly, you risk doing something really dumb and panicky. You sweat, shiver, and can’t quite get your breathing entirely under control.

Oh gosh. You can sense a presence. Or maybe you’re imagining it. You’re not sure, but you feel very vulnerable. Oh jeez oh man. But whatever is going on, it’s not outright attacking you yet either. Maybe it’s curious. Maybe it’s toying.

There’s something coming at you from the direction of the camp. At least, you think it was that direction Trees and bush are parting rapidly. Whatever it is, it’s moving incredibly fast. And only because you’re sitting still, did you really hear it coming. You open your eyes and duck

SHWOOOM! It slams right into the spirit that was floating over you. A shockwave blows over the area and you feel cool winds from it blowing the sweat off of you.

“Mace!” You shout as he recovers from his attack. “Amazing!”

He comes to a rest by your side. He looks exhausted. He must have put a lot into that. He stands between you and the presence. You guess the others are on their way.

The presence seems more menacing now. You sense an incoming attack.

>”Wait! Calm down. We don’t mean any harm!”
>Mace, Tri Attack!
>Mace, Rock Blast!
>Mace, Iron Defense and run interference!
>Gravity, try to pin it
>Cover Mace with your body
>Something else

>>2210377
>>”Wait! Calm down. We don’t mean any harm!”

>>2210377
>”Wait! Calm down. We don’t mean any harm!”

>>2210377
>”Wait! Calm down. We don’t mean any harm!”

>>2210377
>”Wait! Calm down. We don’t mean any harm!”
and if that doesn't work try to get
>Mace, Iron Defense and run interference!

>>2210377

>”Wait! Calm down. We don’t mean any harm!”
Stall until everyone gets here

>>2210377
>>”Wait! Calm down. We don’t mean any harm!”

>Cover Mace with your body

>>2210377
>Mace, Rock Blast!

File: herecross.jpg (27 KB, 381x495)

27 KB JPG

“Wait! Calm down!” You say, standing tall in front of it. “We don’t mean any harm.”

The presence doesn’t attack yet, but you don’t exactly feel safe in letting down your guard. It’s hard to get a good look at it. It’s like it’s there, but not. Like there’s an invisible liquid in front of you that’s entirely transparent and only becomes somewhat visible when it moves and creates ripples. How big it is and it’s exact position is hard to pin down.

Once again, the spirit moves aggressively towards you. Mace quickly positions himself in front again. He’s not taking any chances. He huffs a furious burst of energy as a warning. You think you even hear a sort of growl from him.

“We’re not here to cause problems.” You say. And the spirit seems to see your posture and hear your words, and slowly calm down. As it approaches a little closer, Mace blows more energy out in a wide but close burst, defining a distance it shouldn’t dare to close in on.

And that sets it off. It comes at you once again. But this time, there’s another presence. A hard shelled pokemon, slightly transparent, and fitting the description of your dad’s Heracross. It catches a blow, holding the presence still.

“Herb!” You turn to see your friends approaching. Keira leaps into action, sprinkling some sort of water and muttering chants. The presence flails back, alarmed. It strikes out at her but misses wildly, like it can’t really see her. Then, as if under a spell, it begins to calm and slow. She turns to sprinkle the other spirit that came to your aid. There’s very little time to act, if you want to.

>Do nothing. She knows what she’s doing
>Signal Mace to burst that water away before it touches the ghostly Heracross
>”That thing isn’t like a normal ghost pokemon. Be careful!”
>Something else

>>2210523
>Do nothing. She knows what she’s doing

>>2210523
>Do nothing. She knows what she’s doing

>>2210523
>>Something else
Just yell at her to wait on sprinkling the Heracross. She might not realize we recognize that one yet.

I'd rather not use an attack. That might upset the other spirit.

>>2210523
>>2210552
Supporting this guy.

>>2210523
Seconding>>2210552

File: Heracross_OS_anime.png (47 KB, 669x669)

47 KB PNG

Against your instincts, you hold back and decide not to interfere. This is more than Keira’s speciality, it’s her whole life. If anyone knows what they’re doing, it’s her. But you also feel you should at least say something.

“Keira! That Heracross helped us. It’s on our side.” You tell her. She stops mid sprinkle and still gets it, but not with the whole thing. The Heracross reacts like a pokemon who got splashed with a little water, shaking it’s face to throw the droplets off before slowing down.

Both ghosts slow to a crawl, calming down and falling asleep. Keira begins to perform a ritual on the violent presence first. With the light provided by some of the other pokemon, you see it transform. Slowly, it becomes a Marowak. A mainlander one. It curls into a sleeping ball, and slowly fades away after Keira says a series of blessings and throws a dust in one direction several times. She seems like she’s guiding it.

“What happened to it?” Valerie asks, looking around the forest and sticking herself firmly in the middle of the group in the most well lit area.

“Doesn’t your dad sell Silph Scopes?” Jane asks.

“I...what?”

“It’s sort of the same idea. Seeing spirits so that you can help calm them. Then she helped point it to the portal to the next world.”

“Portal?” Valerie asks again.

“Yeah. That big hole under the water you flew over on the way here? Jeez. Your dad made a big deal about wanting to send a submarine down there to investigate. Don’t you read the news, or at least talk to him?”

Valerie looks down.

All the pokemon look to Heracross though. He approaches you, confused, slow, tired.

“I sprinkled him with spellwater that helps make him, umm, less spirity than physical.” Keira tells you. “He won’t be able to interact with the physical world as much, but he’ll be able to see the portal to the next world so brightly that he can’t miss it. He’s fading.”

Fading!

Heracross doesn’t look alarmed, though. He looks at you as if you’re an old friend. Does he think you’re dad?


>Pretend to be dad. Give him that same corny thumbs up dad always does
>Try to explain who you are
>Keira! Reverse it! Dad has to have a chance to see him!
>Try to catch it. Maybe you can return it to dad somehow
>Something else

>>2210673
>Try to explain who you are
This first but if it doesn't work
>Pretend to be dad. Give him that same corny thumbs up dad always does


I want to catch him since Heracross is a favorite of mine but he needs to pass on

>>2210673
>>Pretend to be dad. Give him that same corny thumbs up dad always does.
I'm sure he'll figure it out.

>>2210673
>>Try to explain who you are
Do the corny thumbs up, though. That sounds awesome.

Maybe he won't recognize who we really are, but I'm sure he'll feel better whether he thinks we're our dad or he learns we're his son.

>>2210673
Gobble there are 3 voting to stop her versus 2 for letting her spritz the ghost

>>2210673
>thumbs up

>>2210702
Eh. Keira was too quick for us to stop her by talking. We only cut her short.

Having Mace blast the water would have been a more sure-fire method of stopping her, but I didn't want to vote for an attack. And if we put forward half-measures then we can expect to sometimes get half-solutions.

>>2210673
>>Try to explain who you are
>>Give him that same corny thumbs up dad always does

File: Spoiler Image (136 KB, 850x478)

136 KB JPG

>>2210702
[I know, but they were to use words instead of action. Looking over it I didn't really make it clear that yelling out to her would take more time than using a move to stop her, that's my bad. I wanted to make it be a choice in terms of the risk of taking an action that might not make sense to everyone around you vs another option.]

>>2210737
Fuckin lewd!

File: Volkner.jpg (31 KB, 457x598)

31 KB JPG

You’re not sure why you do it, but you feel like it’ll help put this poor ghost at ease. You think of that specifically corny way dad gives a thumbs up. It’s a full body gesture. Heracross’s face looks years younger all of the sudden.

“I’m not who you think I am. I’m...I’m Herb. I’m his son.”

It looks at you for a moment, unsure.

“Dad’s okay. He’s just not here right now.”

Dice approaches slowly. He sniffs the ghost, then tries to bite but falls right through him. Sorbet is puffing her fur out like crazy and staying behind Gobble.

It looks up at you again, like it has a question. Like it’s holding on until it knows for sure. But what? You look to Gardevoir, but it’s expression is clouded over with the awe and fear of the group as a whole.

You guess it wants news about dad. Something that would be important to know. What, in your mind, is something you feel would a primary concern around dad that an old friend would want to know? Time feels like it’s running out

>He still plays music
>He’s healthy
>He got and kept the girl in the end
>He never forgot you
>Something else

>>2210815
>He never forgot you

>>2210815
>>He never forgot you

>>2210815
>He never forgot you

>>2210815
>He healthy, still plays music as much as he can, got and kept my mom, and he never forgot you. Said you were the best mon he could ever have hoped for.

>>2210815
>He never forgot you
inb4 this isn't actually Dad's Heracross.

>>2210815
>He never forgot you
>He’s happy

>>2210815
>>He still plays music
We did learn that he dropped music for a while, and it was one of the changes that almost broke his marriage. I'm not sure if Heracross was alive to see him abandon music in the first place, but if he was then he'd probably be happy to hear he started back up again.

Are there any old songs we could hum to Heracross? I'm guessing our dadd plays more for the fun of it, but it'd be nice if we could see Heracross off with a familiar tune.

The thing I don't get about Mewori is how people and pokemon that die on the mainland are supposed to get to the big ol' ocean hole.

I gotta wonder how Herb/Val/Hana feel about that, as opposed to the others.

I'm a little worried that Heracross is hoping to hear that our dad is happy now, and that
>He never forgot you
is code for "he never really found happiness again, so I'm saying something generic to make you feel a little better.".

>>2210815
>>2210850
This is better actually. Knowing he's happy is pretty legit.

>>2210884
Well, worst case scenario he's sad until Dad dies and they get to catch up in the ghost hole.

>>2210815
>>2210850
Doing both, crap voting a little late

>>2210850
>>2210815
supporting this

>>2210815
>>He never forgot you
>He’s happy

File: HeracrossAlva_.png (139 KB, 290x376)

139 KB PNG

“He’s happy, and he never forgot you!” You tell it as it begins to fade away. That seems to really touch it as it vanishes.

Your group stands around for a moment in silence, reflecting on what happened. Laki’s hand on your shoulder feels like it weighs a ton. Hana awkwardly stands around you, not sure what to say or do and just sort of fidgets a lot.

“WHAT THE EFF JUST HAPPENED?” Abigail breaks the silence like rock on glass.

“We helped guide a lost spirit.” Jane says, quietly, and somehow still in a peaceful mood. She holds her hands out as if to catch snowflakes.

“That was good of you to tell him.” Keira says. “Spirits have an easier time letting go if they feel things are okay. I know you wanted me to stop and give it more time here, but...I couldn’t. I shouldn’t have hesitated. I’m not supposed to leave a chance for it to get more attached and confused. That just makes it harder in the end.”

“What if they have something important to say?” Hana asks cautiously.

Keira shakes her head. “We still shouldn’t listen. It just indulges the urge to stay. It makes it more complicated for them. But when you talked to him, I could see it. He didn’t worry any more. Only the wisest elders should talk to the spirits. They know how to do it without distracting them or drawing them back.”

“So what happens now?” Laki asks, in the same way you’d ask a mechanic how long your car will be in the shop.

“We should look into what kept the other spirit around.” Keira says.

“She’s too polite to say it, but it’s because they were buried and not properly guided.” Jane says to you, Abigail, Valerie, and Hana.

Keira looks down. You guess Jane was right, Keira was thinking that.

“It could be something else.” Abigail says. “Maybe they’re foreign pokemon, so they leave to the light of Arceus,” she lets that hang in the air for a second, “differently than island ones.”

“There’s no difference.” Keira says, rubbing her chin, deep in thought over the mystery.

“We can wait until morning, right?” Valerie asks, looking around the dark forest, visibly shaken.

The group agrees. They won’t find much in the darkness. You all march back to camp.

It takes awhile to get settled down again. You doubt you’ll get much sleep tonight. As you’re getting ready, Abigail approaches.

“Shit.” she says.

“What?”

“Her witchcraft worked perfectly.”

You cock your head.

She looks at you like you’re an idiot. “There’s nothing in the scripture about spells like that? Get it? The spirits of the departed either turn into Ghost pokemon or pass into the light of Arcues. It’s simple. No voodoo nonsense”

>You don’t know, but you’re just glad everyone is alright/
>Maybe it’s all the same, just different interpretations
>Maybe the mainland religion is more valid than you think
>Change the subject. Ask what you should tell dad
>Something else

>>2211011
>>You don’t know, but you’re just glad everyone is alright/
>Change the subject. Ask what you should tell dad

>>2211011
>This sounds like something you should talk to a pastor about...

>Honestly at this point you wouldn't be surprised if all the religions were right.

>You're going to call your dad. What should you tell him?

>>2211011
>>Something else
Maybe things are different here because something makes them different here. Maybe there are multiple pokemon of god or demi-god tier, and in their domain certain laws must be respected. Maybe Arceus does rule over them all, but respects the changes that other pokemon instill on an area.

I'd be curious how well Loanah rituals work on the mailnland.

Sleep is more important, though. We won't crack the mysteries of the universe overnight.

>>2211011
>You don’t know, but you’re just glad everyone is alright
>Change the subject. Ask what you should tell dad

File: roserade_by_fireflea_san-(...).png (232 KB, 800x800)

232 KB PNG

“I’m not sure. I’m just glad everyone is alright.” You pat Belladonna on the head, making sure she knows she had a great role in that. ”I think it’s something you should talk to a pastor about.”

“I’m talking to you about it. You’re close enough.”

“I am?”

“Sure. Well, I don’t know. You’ve got this whole spiritual healer thing going on.”

“I do?” You had no idea anyone saw you that way.

“I can never tell if you’re humble or stupid.” She teases. “But still, I want to hear your perspective on this.”

“Well, like I said, I really don’t know. Maybe it’s possible all religions are right. Maybe it works different here. I have no idea. I don’t even know what I’m going to tell my dad.”

She squats next to you, rubbing her chin in the same way Keira did earlier. “Was your dad stressed about Heracross?”

“Well, he seemed nostalgic and wistful about him, but not stressed, no.”

“Then keep your mouth shut. That’s my advice. He’s probably in a good place about his pokemon and all telling him will do is make him worry that he made Heracross feel it had unfinished business all this time. Plus who knows what we really saw.” She gets up, stretches, and goes to find a place to sleep.

Yeah, sleep sounds like a good idea. You find your way back to your back, Belladonna hopping behind you.

“You okay?” Laki mumbles, half asleep, grabbing Valerie like a stuff doll. To your surprise, it seems like it’s Valerie’s idea. She seems happy to be a small spoon surrounded by safe, bigger Laki.

“Yeah.”

She falls into dreamland almost instantly.

Hana is less tired. She clings to you all the same. Valerie is awake too.

“Sorry for stealing Laki.” Valerie half jokes.

“Are you okay? Want to talk about it?” Hana asks.

You shake your head. You’re tired. She looks more uncertain.

“Sorry I’m not good at this stuff. I know less than anybody and I’m not good with comforting.”

You grab her hand under the blanket to assure her not to worry.

You fall asleep, somehow feeling like the world is just a little more at peace.

At least, until you wake up.

“I so called it!” Abigail shouts, pointing at a grave market.

Jane rolls her eyes.

“What’s going on?” Laki asks, still mostly sleeping.

File: 3f16afb85a782dc9e4b423fdf(...).jpg (6.85 MB, 5098x3624)

6.85 MB JPG

>>2211169
“Some Loanan’s desecrated this marker. See? “My brave Marowak.” The writing is tagged with swears. “That’s why it haunted the area. Probably disturbed the others, too. Not because they didn’t get priestly blessings or have their bodies tossed into a hole.”

“Abigail...” Hana says, trying to keep the peace.

“What? This is good for everyone, right? No need to dig anyone up, no more spirit activity, right Keira?”

Keira nods.

“And no reason to disturb anything further. We did it. It’s solved.”

“Keira should still bless the site.” Jane says.

Abigail groans. “Do you really think the people that buried these pokemon want that? Come on guys. Let it go. Let’s meet those rich famous robot people that made Hana already.”

Hana giggles a little at the description.

>Right. Let’s go, then
>There’s no harm in blessing it
>Call dad. Tell him what happened
>Question Abigail’s logic or motives [write-in]
>Something else

>>2211174
>Clean the graffiti off of the grave marker.
>>Right. Let’s go, then.

>>2211174
>"I think the people who buried their pokemon here would want to give them every chance to find peace in death. I don't think there's any harm in Keira blessing the site. What's really bothering you?"

http://alexanderlozada.com/iasip/?IkhlcmIgR2V0cyBHcmlsbGVkIEJ5IFRocmVlIE1vbXMi

File: __kasumi_pokemon_drawn_by(...).jpg (227 KB, 520x829)

227 KB JPG

[That's the last one for the night. Thanks for coming everyone! I'm looking forward to the next thread with meeting Robin and the others. Don't worry, there won't be another long break like the one we just had for awhile. I did get some modest pastebin progress done and hope to have more or complete it by the weekend. Lots of small stories about different character stuff mostly. Please let me know if you want to see anything specific in there and don't be afraid to be repetitive. As demonstrated by how many butts I post, I tend to be forgetful.

Have a great night!]

>>2211192
Fuck my sides.

>>2211193
I'm having a hard time remembering what's been requested. Do you have a list?

Goodnighty!

>>2211192
[Awesome!]

>>2211169
>grave market
>Come one, come all! The fantastic phantasmal macabre bazaar is open for business, with all the graves a dead person could shake their severed arm at!

>>2211181
Backing that.

>There’s no harm in blessing it
>Question Abigail’s logic or motives [write-in]
She already mentioned that everything either turns into a ghost pokemon or passes on. If it turned into a ghost pokemon when it died, then it wouldn't have changed into a ghost and haunted the area due to the graffiti since this graffiti clearly came much later. If it passed on, it wouldn't have come back due to the graffiti since it, y'know, passed on.

Why is she fixated on this? Does she just want them to be wrong so it'll make them wrong to try and kick mainlanders out over a sham culture?

>>2211191
>>2211203
I think she's just used to people, specifically priests and priestesses, telling her that her religion (and the things that come with it like burial rites) are wrong.

A blessing might not hurt anything, but if the people who buried their dead there had wanted a blessing they would have gotten one themselves. It's about respecting the wishes of people who don't have anywhere they can bury their dead, and have to hide them away here.

>>2211193
Good night, Gobble!

If you're working on small stories, seeing Val go through one of her contests would be nice. Not the main events, mind you! Just the politicking and sniping that goes on between events and preparations. It'd be a nice contrast to how our group functions.

Maybe short stories about Keira learning at the Ghost/Grass temples or Jane spending time with her grandfather? The latter would be amusing, since I'm sure we'd see some embarrassed Jane events there.

>>2211193
Nonlewd:
Some of Herb's dad's adventures with heracross.
LakixHana bonding
Laki and Hana's thoughts and dreams for the future.
Kiera's doubts.

Lewd:
Impregnation dirty talk.
Laki vs Hana competing to deepthroat Herb the farthest

>>2211221
I'd accept that reasoning if she gave it. If that's the case, though, she should be more honest about it. It'll ruffle some feathers, but we'll all get over it and she *might* get Keira to cave in on not blessing the site.

Not sure how Jane would react, but part of a journey is supposed to be confronting things outside your comfort zone and learning where you really stand with respect to everyone else's beliefs and morals, right? I guess Abigail isn't on her journey, but the rest of us are and we'll learn a little more about ourselves from how we react to this.

I'd like a what if we picked Jane instead, she was 3rd in the vote and we didn't kiss. Would val be in the 3some ?

>>2211174
>>2211181
Supporting this one.

Gotta respect people's beliefs yo, even if they're not your own.

>>2211283
Respecting beliefs just for the sake of it is why we still have religion in the first place. Cut that shit out.

>>2211307
Need some linkin park man, or are you gonna tip your fedora fine on your own?

>>2211307
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPjAtPqqdhM

Here you go anon.

>>2211318
Why's there no cute inchworm pokemon?

>>2211325
Wurmple?

>>2211335
Wurmple's very cute, but we can go wigglier.

>>2211174
>Right. Let’s go, then

I know it was a bad idea but fuck man, Ghost Heracross would have been badass.

>>2214459
I'm glad we were able to help the spirit of our dad's Heracross even a little.

...I wanna bug too.
Heracross can learn shadow claw you know.

>>2214618
I like charjabug. Don't even need to evolve it cause its a pretty cool Mon on its own. I also like grubbin, but we may be too far along our adventure for that Mon to survive any given battle on its own.

File: just an old lady.png (161 KB, 1018x827)

161 KB PNG

>>2211237
>>2211249
>>2211254
>>2211270
[Added! Some might just be very quick Q&A and others a bit longer. I'm doing some right now.]

File: 1480574758515.jpg (118 KB, 642x1316)

118 KB JPG

>>2219162

>>2219162
Oh, boy! I can't wait to read them!

>>2219162
WHAts the forecast for this weekend Gobbo?

>>2224422
[Thread tonight! Not sure how long from now exactly]

File: Loanah locations with card4.png (91 KB, 1024x768)

91 KB PNG

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Pokemon%20Island%20Adventure%20Quest
https://twitter.com/GobbleQM
Character info pastebin in progress: http://pastebin.com/iB0tb7rz
Dice odds for best of 3: http://pastebin.com/994WTT3g

General rules:

There is a 10 minute voting period after each post. Non-contradictory votes will be combined as best as possible.

Write-ins for all votes are always welcome and encouraged. They may not all make it into the post or be altered to fit in, but I'll do my best to at least try to address the spirit of the write-in.

Very important or contentious votes may be redone in a stricter voting system as circumstances warrant.

Combat mechanics involve three rolls of 1d100, taking the best, and using the base accuracy and crit ranges of the the PTU system, roughly, but the 'turn order' will be more like the anime, where sometimes you can do a few moves in a row or be hit by a combo of moves yourself, all depending on circumstances. Stronger moves tend to take more time and have more cooldown than weaker moves and also may leave you open to an interrupt, so beware of that timing. Speed is more important for closing ground, intercepting, and other things and doesn't necessarily mean going first.

Pokemon and trainers are unique, and may have certain specializations, skills, or other things that the video-game mechanics might not allow. Some examples: That kung fu Bellsprout in the anime, that crystal Onix, or a Roggenrolla that can fly. Herb's perception skills, pokemon knowledge, context clues in general, and other things will hopefully come into play to avoid completely unfair, unforeseeable bullshit, but expect more bullshit from more advanced trainers.

Call me out on a mistake and receive a suggestive picture, mostly likely a butt.

Pokemon:
Gobble (Munchlax)
Mace (Roggenrola)
Belladonna (Roserade)
Dice (Croconaw)
Sorbet (Vulpix)

Location: A hidden graveyard on Tabo Island

Morning, Gobble.

>>2227286
Opening image needs to be updated with Roserade and the grass badge Gobble.

Also, we just straight up fucking ditched out on doing that whole "making a wish on a new seed" deal, didn't we?

File: Fly_OW.png (92 KB, 400x240)

92 KB PNG

You look over the grave markers, then take out some of your dish scrubbing supplies. It’s not as useful as you’d like, but soon your pokemon and some of your friends help. Keira though, stands there, unsure about what to do.

She must think you’re offended, because she starts stammering. “I-I, part of blessing a site is a symbolic cleaning of the area. S-so if I help clean, it could be seen a-as- well.”
“It’s okay.” You try to assure her. It’s not like Keira to be sound like that.

Abigail sighs. “Come on, grab a scrubber. It’s not like anyone who buried them would see it that way. Just don’t say anything a prestiess says.”

Keira holds the scrubber. “But everything I say is what a priestess says.”

Jane’s face twitches almost imperceptibly, and Gardevoir, standing behind her lets out a giggle. The group gets back to work.

With the job done, everyone seems to be in good spirits. The area really does look a lot better, and doing a good deed always makes everyone happier. At least, it always makes you happier. You collect your things and head off.

“I asked them to come to this island.“ Hana says.

“Huh, that’s weird. You’re usually super annoying about trying not to burden other people.” Abigail says as she cautiously tries to lift Sorbet for head scratches. Sorbet actually allows it.

“Annoying?” Hana whispers under her breath, sounding concerned. “Oh. Well, they usually insist. They can get around quickly and don’t like to wait.”

A massive shadow covers everyone for a brief second. The sun and trees obscure whatever it was in the sky by the time you look up, but you can get a good idea of where it lands.

“That’s them.” Hana smiles almost apologetically, motioning for everyone not to panic.
“What...what did they fly on?” Jane asks.

Hana just sort of mumbles and scratches her head. “Just don’t make a big deal out of it, okay?”

Everyone runs towards it. The excitement and mystery is too much. Valerie is behind with you though, and hands you a mirror. You’re confused until you see the little bit of dirt on your face from cleaning. You have a small dirt stain on your shirt too, but you can’t get that out right now.

“Thanks.”

She nods. “So what sort of impression are you going to go for?”
Ah! She’s right! You’re both fashion people. You know how important that is. They’ve seen you before, sort of, but that was awhile back and you don’t know if they’d even remember you. You want to impress them, right?


>Quickly style yourself to look high class
>Just clean up a little, show some respect
>You’re fine. Being a little dirty is sort of who you’ve become on your journey, so it’s honest
>Style yourself to look unthreatening. They don’t need to worry.
>Something else

File: 8c2813a2705cf9d96a1b18b25(...).png (1.66 MB, 1061x1500)

1.66 MB PNG

>>2227355
[Aww jeez, I owe two butts. We'll circle back on the seed.]

>>2227380
>Just clean up a little, show some respect
What did they fly in on Dragonite?

>>2227380
>>Just clean up a little, show some respect
Wipe your face, comb your hair, pat yourself down. You've sort of already made your first impression on a couple of them, so, there's not too much to actually worry about, is there?

EXCITE

>>2227398
I'm guessing Lugia...

>>2227406
Ah that's right, forgot we caught that at the end

>>2227406
Probably right

>>2227380
>>Just clean up a little, show some respect

Respect yo, gotta keep it real.

Hope you're having a good night so far Gobble!

>>2227380
>Just clean up a little, show some respect

File: 1473033932989.png (1.35 MB, 1920x1080)

1.35 MB PNG

You just wipe off as much dirt as you can in a hurry, adjust your hair a little, and press your clothes down. Valerie wipes something off your shoulder.

“You look very handsome. I’m sure they’ll like you. Just be yourself.”

“What was it?” Valerie whispers to Keira.

“I don’t know, we just saw something go under the water. It looked big, though. I asked Gardevoir but she isn’t responding.”

Gardevoir’s eyes stay wide, but she doesn’t answer. Not fear, exactly, just sort of surprise and awe. Keira pulls her by the hands to the group setting up a small picnic. You see the two you met before, and a few others you don’t recognize. A very skinny teenage boy who, oh, wait, that’s a woman. She’s just really small and has short hair. Her feminine form becomes a lot clearer as the wind presses on her oversized clothes. There’s also a beautiful tall blonde woman, playfully hanging off of a huge man surrounded by little kids. He has a friendly face that offsets the intimidation factor from how massive he is.

Kat waves you over. You rush towards them, trying to keep good posture and not look too nervous.
“Hey!” Kat says. “You’ve met Clair.”

Clair gives a casual one-handed wave before turning back to eating.

“And this is Robin.” Robin yelps and holds her bottom, turning to Kat with an annoyed look. “Vance, and Jeanine.”

You shake everyone’s hands. They seem very casual and relaxed except for Robin who’s a little more standoffish. You get a sense that she’s just not as outgoing. She has a friendly face.

“Well dressed.” Jeanine comments openly. “But not pretentious. You seem like an honest kid.” Her demeanor looks like she’s looking past you almost. Like she’s searching for something.
“So, Herb.” Robin says. “Tell us about yourself.”

It seems like all four of the adult women focus on you, waiting to dissect every detail of what you’ll say. It could be just your imagination, but the way Hana shrinks in embarrassment seems to validate your instinct.

Oh jeez. How do you answer such an open ended question? How do you want to present yourself?

>Talk about your hobbies
>You’re just a guy that loves Hana.
>Talk about your family
>Talk about all the good deeds you’ve done
>Something else

>>2227526
>Talk about your hobbies

>>2227526
>Talk about your hobbies
>Talk about your family
I hope we gush about cooking and fashion like a huge nerd

>>2227526
>I've just moved to Loanah with my family and started my journey.

>It's been kind of overwhelming sometimes but it's been really incredible too.

>I've learned a lot about myself, got superpowers, made so many great friends, people and pokemon.

>I'm even dating two incredible girls.

>I guess I'm just a really lucky guy!

>>2227526
>Something else
Talk a bit about your journey, focus mostly on how you met your pokemon