You decide to let Syurm handle this. She’s smart and she knows what she’s doing.

You think back to the little tent she made for herself last night.

“Jus’ leave her be.” You mumble. “Le’ her do the ca’opy firsht.” You add.

Gareth hesitates, giving you a doubtful look, but concedes, going back to tending the fire as Cinder and Syurm weave a silken dome over the camp, Syurm providing the silk, Fie’s Blaziken strengthening it by weaving in cut grass and sticks.

Half an hour later, the wind is blowing into the camp in earnest and the pair have finished weaving the dome. There’s even a cleverly don chimney on the left side to allow the smoke from the fire to escape, while not letting the wind and rain in.

(Part 1)

File: 631.jpg (2.09 MB, 3648x2736)

2.09 MB JPG

>>4953155
(Part 2)

Fie has also stitched up the worst cuts and the two lacerations the Rufflet left and is busy finishing up the dressing on your arm.

Your head is swimming pleasantly from the measure of gin Fie gave you.

It would seem Syurm isn’t quite done though. She’s chittering at Cinder, as she moves towards the gap in the rock the westerly wind is howling through.

The Blaziken listens for a spell, before tapping Fie on the shoulder, then on getting a nod, heads out into the howling wind as the first splats of heavy rain drops hit the canopy.

She returns shortly with an armful of branches, before laying out a rough frame, which Syurm gobs together with her silk, before the pair start the same process as previously, weaving an impressively strong door out of silk and branches, before Cinder lodges it in the gap between the two rocks blocking the majority of the wind from the west, then running back off, returning with more branches which, judging by how she picks up Syurm, then jumps up on top of the huge boulders with her and the branches, are intended to reinforce the canopy.

It’s another fifteen minutes before they finish, an exhausted Syurm falling fast asleep by the fire. The air has warmed considerably and in the gaps in the rocks, you can see the blended white and grey of more panels stuck into the ground, acting as windbreaks to keep the wind from whistling into the camp from the sides.

>Good job, Syurm!
>Let her sleep. She’s more than earned it.
>Pick her up and let her sleep in your lap.
>Other

File: Better_Map_2.png (5.67 MB, 2560x1440)

5.67 MB PNG

OP is brainlet.

Better version of OP.

>>4953170
>Good job, Syurm!
>Half-drunken thumbs up

>>4953170
>Pick her up and let her sleep in your lap.
Job well done.

>>4953170
>>Pick her up and let her sleep in your lap.

>>4953170
>Let her sleep. She’s more than earned it.
Have Volta join her and watch over her in case something happens.
Use something as a blanket to cover them up.

>>4953267
+1

>>4953170
>Pick her up and let her sleep in your lap.

>>4953189
>>4953211
>>4953276

Roll for me.

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>4953319

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>4953319

>>4953170
>Pick her up and let sleep on lap
>Check Pokedex for local fire pokemons

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>4953319
Ah shit

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>4953319

Rolan

>>4953437
+ fire pokemon

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>4953319

>>4953321
>>4953396
>>4953456

You move to pick Syurm up, overbalance, lurch and teeter on the brink of falling before you regain your balance.

Okay, being tipsy and having lost an appreciable amount of blood is not a great combination.

You sit back down as Fie sits you back down from where she was tending the fire.

“No, no, no, no, you take it easy.” She says, scooping Syurm up and bundling her into your lap. “Gareth and I have got this tonight, you just rest up.” She adds, going to your bag and fishing your towel out, draping it around your shoulders like a blanket.

It’s kind of sweet she’s going to all this trouble for you, but you kind of want to be doing something right now.

With not much else to do, you turn to your pokedex.

>Check what pokemon live around Route 2
>Study the map.
>Other

>>4953466
>Check what pokemon live around Route 2

>>4953466
>Check what pokemon live around Route 2

>>4953466
>>Check what pokemon live around Route 2

>>4953466
>Check what pokemon live around Route 2

>>4953474
>>4953478
>>4953515

You decide to see what other pokemon live on Route 2.

It’s awkward typing with your off-hand, but you eventually are presented with a list.

Unfortunately, it’s for the whole of the Route without differentiation, though there appears to be a subsection for Lake Clarity.

Route 2 appears to have a lot of diversity though.

It seems you got pretty unlucky with the Rufflet though. They seem to be on the rare side.

Besides them, there’re also reports of Riolu and Fennekin being seen occasionally.

Aron, Geodude and Sandshrew are apparently pretty common in the area along with flocks of Starly and Fletchinder.

Machop and Mienfoo are also known to inhabit the area, along with Vulpix and Growlithe, both of which, are introduced from overseas and have been outcompeting Fennekin.

You're snapped out of your reading by Gareth bringing you a plate of food and releasing the rest of your team.

"How are you feeling?" Gareth asks.

He looks concerned.

>Great.
>Alright.
>Kind of tipsy.
>A little sore.
>Other

>>4953527
>Alright
Aron, huh? And Riolu too, if we want to be edgy. Otherwise, no Pokemon I personally vibe with too much.

>>4953527
>Alright

Fletchling/Fletchlinder for me.
We already have a Fighting pokemon with Kay O-o. Aron, why not but we'll have to switch out someone in long term for including a water type.

Our team could be quite good if we switch out Syurm, like keeping her as an adventure companion for utility but getting a "fighter" replacement for 6v6. Last spot should be Swampert

>>4953527
>Fletchling and Growlithe.

One of these two pls.
Maybe catch an extra Growlithe to send to our brother and when we have the opportunity later on a ponyta for our sister.

"I'm fine Gareth, just a bit tipsy. I'll have the wound looked at on town. Maybe I should buy a coat made out of wooloo woll in town, if I had that my hand would have been without a scratch."

>Kind of tipsy

>>4953565
Sister is a Joy, we have to send her a Happiny

File: Camp_cooking.jpg (147 KB, 900x600)

147 KB JPG

>>4953544
>>4953555

“Alright.” You reply. “Just a little tipsy. I’ll get these checked out when we reach Newport.” You add, holding up your bandaged arm for emphasis. “Maybe get a Wooloo fleece jacket.”

Your head is still swimming. It’s kind of hard to think about if there’s any pokemon on the list you want or not.

“If you say so. And that might be a good idea.” Gareth says, though he looks a little doubtful, returning to his own spot around the fire and picking up his own dinner as his team dig into their meals.

The wind picks up and you can hear the rain hammering down outside. Syurm’s handiwork speaks for itself as time ticks by:

There isn’t so much as a drop of water leaking through the canopy or trickling down the boulders and it’s lovely and warm with the heat from the fire being trapped by the canopy and wind breaks. It’s not even smoky, the smoke getting funneled up and out of the chimney opening.

(Part 1)

>>4953592
(Part 2)

It’s surreal. Or maybe it’s the gin giving everything a dreamy quality, but you swear you’ve had dreams like this as a kid.

Once you’re all finished, Fie collects the plates and starts washing up with the help of a Skrelp you vaguely recall her mentioning when she battled Mike.

Gareth meanwhile busies himself setting up the remaining two tents.

To your surprise, Syurm hops down from your lap with a yawn before heading to the eastmost crevice into the rocks. Cinder joins her, collecting a few of the extra sticks you’d taken for fire wood.

They disappear outside and you wonder what they’re up to.

>Go check it out.
>Ask Fie what they’re up to.
>Ask Gareth what they’re up to.
>It’s probably nothing. They’re having fun. Study your map.
>Other

>>4953593
>Ask Fie what they’re up to.
>Also, thank you for taking care of me

>>4953593
>Go check it out.
But tell Fie first.
>Fie I'll just go check what Cinder and Syrum are up to.

Syrum is our high IQ Pokémon with the philosophy "Work smart not hard"

>>4953598
>>4953638

You struggle with your curiosity for a moment before yielding to it.

You lurch to your feet and after a moment of vertigo, walk around the fire.

"What are you doing?" Fie asks.

"Just seeing what Syurm and Cinder are up to." You assure.

She blinks, then shrugs, apparently not seeing any harm in the decision.

"Alright, just yell if there's trouble." She sees, before she and her Skrelp return to the dishes.

When you reach the gap, it's to find Cinder holding another wood frame togegether.

Except, this one broadens out from the top, which you're relatively certain is going to attach to the main canopy.

Neither pokemon appears to have noticed you.

>Get closer and ask what they're doing.
>Watch.
>Go sit down again. Let them have their fun.
>Other.

>>4953640
Watch

>>4953640
>Watch

>>4953640
>>Watch.

>>4953656
>>4953659
>>4953660

You watch curiously as the pair construct the awning, before Cinder attaches it to the canopy, then the pair fashion two supports and prop the awning up, creating a sheltered ‘porch’ looking out eastward into the dark, where you can just make out the waving of wind-blown grass.

Cinder picks Syurm up as they sit down just ahead of where you’re leaning around the boulder to watch.

It’s nearly five minutes before this addition to your shelter becomes apparent:

The first arrival to the porch is a battered-looking Rufflet, which you recognise as the one from earlier, who settles just under the awning and flaps and shakes water off itself, apparently grateful enough for the shelter not to ask questions.

After him, a group of Geodude, both the normal variants and the less commonly seen variety first seen in Alola take shelter as far in as they can without encroaching on Syurm and Cinder’s space. Close behind them come a group of Growlithe.

You watch with no small amount of amazement as the crevice the awning is covering fills up within about five minutes, more than you would’ve credited, with steadily more formidable and clearly older pokemon crowd the outer edges, shepherding offspring in ahead of them and packing the younger and weaker ones in tight.

>Try and catch Fie’s attention.
>Try and catch Gareth’s attention.
>Get closer.
>Go get your bag and pokemon.
>Let them be.
>Other.

>>4953663
>Get closer.
Sit down beside Cinder and Meditate.
Try attracting a Growlithe with your fiery aura.

>>4953663
>Get closer.
Ok for sitting down and Meditate. But I'm not sure I'd want a Growlithe
>with steadily more formidable pokemon
More one of this ones.

However, the place is not an Aura Shrine.

>>4953708
Sure but then again Growlithe evolves into a pseudo legendary.

>>4953663
>Let them be
This ain't for us to intrude on. Go back and let Fie and Gareth know so no accidents happen.

>>4953663
>Let them be.
I wanna stop thinking about catching em all for a while.

Stay
>>4953686
>>4953708
Leave
>>4953713
>>4953726

Next vote decides.

>>4953727
Tie breaker
Dice can speak

>>4953686
>>4953708
There's representation from every pokemon family that got mentioned up above, so if you do decide to try making friends, you have options. Just wanted to keep things brief.

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>4953731
Okay:

Odd, leave, Even, stay.

>>4953734

You take the sight in before you step back and return to your spot.

Let those two bask in their good deed. No need to go ruining that sight by getting greedy.

“So, what were they doing?” Fie asks curiously. You notice Gareth and his pokemon are meditating again.

“Making an awning.” You reply. “There’s a whole bunch of pokemon sheltering over there.” You add.

“Really?” Fie asks, before going to look herself.

You can tell the exact moment she realises what she’s looking at.

She watches for a minute, then returns to her spot by the fire.

“That Sewaddle of yours is something else.” Fie says, shaking her head. “I’m going to have to get a picture of her handiwork tomorrow.” She adds reflectively.

“Got to admit, I kind of want to see what exactly she’s done myself.” You admit.

>Keep talking. (What about?)
>Study your map.
>Other

>>4953752
>Keep talking. (What about?)

Can we study the map together to plan our travel better?
Today pretty much shows we need to be ready to make camp early when necessary so it's best we have nearby spots planned beforehand.
Also when we get to Newport we might need to spend a few days there, my aunt is going to kill me if I don't report to her in the next pokecenter.

>>4953752
>Call it a night
We're going to be sore in the morning. Better try to get some sleep before he alcohol wears off.

>>4953752
>Keep talking. (What about?)
Thanks her for taking care of us.

Also, supporting>>4953757

>>4953757
Supporting
Make sure to thank her

>>4953757
+1

>>4953757
>>4953759
>>4953766
>>4953768

"Well, hopefully tomorrow, if this rain has stopped." Fie says.

There's a comfortable pause. You feel like you should say something.

"Thank you for patching me up." You say after a moment's thought.

"No problem." She says. "Had to learn how to stitch injuries as part of the Gym Leader exam." She explains. "By the way, mind putting me up for the night?" She asks.

She says it so casually and comfortably, you can't tell if she's serious or not.

>What? (Completely taken aback.)
>What? (Cautiously.)
>What about Gareth staying in my tent and you take his?
>Hah. You got me. I'll put Gareth up and you can take his tent.
>Other.

>>4953800
Saw this coming. From miles.
>Of course. I definiteley owe you that.

>>4953815
For clarity's sake, she's not thirsty, but she does like fishing for reactions

>>4953815
Supporting
Two can play this game

>>4953819
>She's no thirsty
Of course, but still haven't seen her pull that of to Garett or any else.
In my interpretation, she's "testing the water" and flirting under cover of teasing

>>4953815
+1,

>>4953800
>I'd like to but my instincts tell me your brother would beat me into a pulp if I took you up on that offer just like that. Gareth can come crash in my tent and you can take his. We should ask him first tho.

>>4953815
+1

>>4953815
>>4953821
>>4953849
>>4953864


“Sure.” You reply. “It’s the least I can do to thank you for stitching me up and volunteering your tent for this.” You agree.

Fie gives you a happy smile, before yawning sleepily and releasing her Flareon.

“Cinder and Flareon’ll keep a look out, make sure our guests don’t do anything too crazy while we sleep.” She says, before heading into your tent to change.

She’s going to be a minute.

>Study your map. Focus on the cities.
>Study your map. Focus on noting down established campsites, roadhouses, trail cabins and other shelters.
>Play with your pokemon.
>Give Fie a couple of minutes, then go turn in yourself.
>Other

(Last update for the night.)

>>4953866
>Study your map. Focus on noting down established campsites, roadhouses, trail cabins and other shelters.
I wasn't expecting the travel between cities to be so intensive - not that I'm bothered by it, mind - so it's best we scout out our routes

>>4953866
>Study your map. Focus on noting down established campsites, roadhouses, trail cabins and other shelters.

Prepare for the road.
Note down potentially agressive/dangerous Pokémon for each route the Dex mentions.

>>4953873
Supporting

Also I then we better get the TM for secret power.
It's a decent physical move that allows us to physically use our environment and create shelters.

>>4953866
>>Study your map. Focus on noting down established campsites, roadhouses, trail cabins and other shelters.

Imagine if we had taken the trail instead of going down the route.

Ok guys time to make a plan for tomorrow.
Do we want to catch some of the mons of the road?
In my opinion, both Aron and Fletchling could fit the team.
However, if we get Aron we lock the last spot. I'd prefer us to catch a Fletchling and fill the last spot with a swampert. Also, we can use Syurm while adventuring and switch her out in towns for a better combat oriented pokemon

Also, Supporting >>4953877
Syurm could definitely become a good user

>>4953883
All of our pokemon could be great users since all of them are physical attackers.
Let's see if there's a Growlithe still there in the morning, we can send it to our brother and use it as a reserve team member from time to time letting our other pokemon rest with our family when we need to switch.

>>4953890
Damn haven't noticed all of them are physical.
We can always set up Umbreon as using special instead of physic, That and last spot primarina instead of swamper?
Ok for getting a growlithe for the family, but still hard set on Fletchling as a better use of a spot for a fire type. Should we get an Aron?

>>4953909
Anon while all of them are primarily physical attackers they have a good special attack stat across the board.
Umbreon has both Curse and Nasty Plot as set up moves and can actually pull them of due to bulk and two healing moves.

I suggested catching a Feebas.
To evolve it into Milotic we only need to raise friendship and beauty by taking her to a grooming salon a few times.
Clawitzer is my second guess for a good water type (we can hold it like a handgun too).
Btw Growlithe/Arcanine is also a great mixed attacker.

Counterpoint: Get a Larvitar because they're my favorite. Balance be damned.

>>4953946
Larvitar is a good option and one of my famvorite too. If we get him, maybe we can evolve fluffy in a water type instead of umbreon? What's your poisiton for fire pokemon? Larvitar would fit the same slot as Aron in my opinion

>>4953981
While gen 2 has always been my favorite, I'd say Blaziken is still my favorite for fire. Though the litwick line is up there.
(ID change cause mobile)

>>4953869
>>4953873
>>4953875
>>4953881

Alright, I'll go ahead and at least make a start on updating the map again for this.

As a sidenote: You're going to want at least a little bit of depth to your team's roster, both for utility and flexibility later on, so don't stress too much about filling up your party.

>>4954383

Your head is starting to clear some now. Your arm is sore and you're thirsty and tired from a long day's walking.

You make a note to ask Fie if she'd mind putting the billy on before you turn in.

In the meantime though, this little incident has been a bit of a wake-up call:

If this hillock hadn't have been here, you'd have been in a bit of a predicament, insofar as places to wait out the howling gale and driving rain outside is concerned.

So it might be prudent to at least start planning your trip a little more. You open your map again and punch in a search for campsites, roadhouses and cabins along the various Routes throughout Arnet.

As it happens, from Newport to Saltcoast, you're spoilt for choice and out along Routes 5 and 8, there're a bunch of well-established and well-known campsites and cabins used by the drovers.

Outside of these though, things tend to get sparser the further west you go. They don't completely dry up, but there're maybe one or two roadhouses apiece for the central Routes, along with an advisory to have some sort of riding pokemon, since journeying along these routes can take up to a week.

You're interrupted by Fie tapping you on the shoulder. She's done changing and when you turn to look, she's wearing Torchic print flanelette pyjamas.

"Watcha doin'?" She asks.

"Just planning out the trip a bit better. Or, making a start." You reply.

She nods.

"Probably a good idea." She agrees. "Anything you want before we turn in?" She asks, sounding concerned. "How're you feeling?"

>I'll be alright.
>Not bad.
>Tired. A little sore.
Also:
>Nothing. I'll be alright.
>A hot drink wouldn't go astray.
>Paracetamol sounds good.
>Other

>>4953946
I like magnezone and metagross.

>>4954405
>Not bad.
>Nothing. I'll be alright.

>>4954405
>Nothing. I'll be alright.

>>4954441
Metagross is cool as fuck. Plus he's big enough to ride.

>>4954405
Also >Tired and a little sore
No need to be a tough guy about proper medical care.

>>4954405
>Not bad.
>Nothing. I'll be alright.
She's done enough for us. I wouldn't want to impose.

>>4954560
Magnezone too plus they are both big tough bastards.

File: Six-man_Tent.jpg (33 KB, 500x500)

33 KB JPG

>>4954441
>>4954453
>>4954592

"Nothing. I'll be alright." You reply. "Thanks for asking though." You add.

"Hey, if you're travelling with someone, you look out for them. That's how it works." Fie replies as you go to your tent to change.

You notice that Fie's not wasted any time in making herself at home on the opposite side of the tent to where Gareth's left your things.

You notice he's not put down the tent carpet though.

>OCD demands you put the carpet down. It'll be a lot more comfortable that way.
>Eh, it'll be fine.
>Other

>>4954821
tent carpet

File: Map.jpg (67 KB, 963x708)

67 KB JPG

Okay. Hopefully, you'll be able to make out the marks I've made.

This isn't scaled, but the four big, long routes on the cardinal directions out of '6' are about a week-long journey riding each.

As for a legend:
RH is for Roadhouses. Think 'a pokemon center in the middle of nowhere'.
C is for Cabins. These aren't fancy, but they beat sleeping in a tent.
X is for good camping spots. Some of them are used often enough to have amenities provided.

>>4954821
>OCD demands you put the carpet down. It'll be a lot more comfortable that way.
The carpet compels us. Try not to kick up any dust.

>>4954821
>Eh, it'll be fine.
No point to bother any more, it's just time to sleep.

Regarding the "no roster issue" : we need to catch Aron and fletchling tomorrow. Maybe Growlith too for a good mount.

>>4954821
>OCD demands you put the carpet down. It'll be a lot more comfortable that way.

>>4954832
>>4954902
>>4954960


Nope. This is bothering you. It's bothering you a lot. You bundle your things up and place them outside the tent, then do the same with Fie's things as she looks at you quizzically.

You grab the tent carpet, then unroll it and secure it in place at the corners and sides, ensuring you’ve got a nice, cushioned and more importantly, warm floor for the tent.

Once you’re satisfied with your handiwork, you replace everything back in its prior position and get changed.

When you’re finished, you open the tent flap and Fie comes in and stops as she realises what you’ve done.

“Oh. Wow, this is nice.” She says, walking around in bare feet on the carpet.

“It really is.” You agree.

“Careful, I might make a habit of this.” She teases, grinning as she climbs into her sleeping bag, sighing gratefully.

You follow suit and it hits you just how tired you actually are.

>Fall asleep.
>Keep talking. Tease her back.
>Study your pokedex.
>Study your map.
>Check the forecast.
>Other

>>4954967
>Keep talking. Tease her back.
Let's not be too heavy-handed though

>>4954967
>>Keep talking. Tease her back.
Well, if you don't snore too much, I might make an habit of allowing you to sleep in

File: Camp_Pillow.jpg (10 KB, 400x164)

10 KB JPG

>>4954972
>>4954974

“If you don’t snore too loud, I might even let you.” You reply without missing a beat.

A half-pillow comes sailing across the tent and hits you in the side of the head.

“Thanks.” You say, stuffing it under yours. “That’s really considerate.”

“Hey!” Fie says.

You can see she’s climbing out of her sleeping bag and the next thing you know, she’s trying to wrestle the pillow away.

>Yield. Give her the pillow back.
>A little rough-housing never hurt anyone. Just, be careful of your arm.
>Hide the pillow in your sleeping bag.
>Other

>>4955065
>Hide the pillow in your sleeping bag.
Even she has her limit.

>>4954974
+1

>>4955065
>little rough-housing never hurt anyone. Just, be careful of your arm.

Armwrestling with our good arm should work.

>>4955065
>>A little rough-housing never hurt anyone. Just, be careful of your arm.

>>4955070
>>4955075

Roll 'em. Nothing to worry about unless you crit-fail.

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>4955079

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>4955079

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>4955079

Nice rolls

>>4955080
>>4955089
>>4955092

You grin and grab her arms, using them as resistance to eel out of your sleeping bag, then pin Fie down.

There’s a beat as she looks up at you, surprised at the sudden reversal in position, before you grin.

“No…” She says warningly as you use your good hand to pin her wrists, grinning wider.

“No…” She says again, sterner as you reach for her waist.

“No…!” She shouts, before she erupts in uncontrolled laughter and squirming as you tickle her mercilessly.

She tries to break your grip, bucking and squirming as she fights for breath inbetween laughing as you dance your fingers up her sides and over her stomach, earning further gales of laughter until she’s grinning and tearing up.

Then there's the sound of the zipper working and Gareth is in the doorway looking alarmed.

"What's going on?" He asks, sounding concerned.

>Nothing.
>Nothing!
>Just screwing around.
>Other

>>4955103
>>Just screwing around.

>>4955103
>Nothing
Panicking will only make him unzip it faster.

>>4955103
>>Just screwing around.

>>4955107
>>4955138

“Just screwing around.” You reply as Fie catches her breath and finally manages to free herself, sitting up and waving Gareth off.

“It’s fine.” She assures, before turning to you. “But Arceus, that was slick.” She complements.

“Thanks.” You say, modestly, before Fie moves.

The next thing you know, she’s got you pinned with her ankles locked behind your head and she’s trapped your legs against her chest and she’s repaying the favour to your feet.

>Don’t react. Keep it together.
>Turns out, you’re not ticklish, much to Sarah and Tom’s disappointment.
>Nononononono...Hahahahahaha…! Stop!
>Other

>>4955146
>>Nononononono...Hahahahahaha…! Stop!
>I yield, I yield...
>Nice sneak attack, I guess all's fair in love and war

>>4955146
>Try to keep it together
>Fail miserably at keeping it together

>>4955146
>Nononononono...Hahahahahaha…! Stop!
>AIIIIEEEEEEEE, I KNEEL

>>4955151
>>4955152
>>4955153

You forgot how fast she can move when she wants to. You barely had time to register she'd started to roll before she had you in this lock.

And now, all you can do is flail helplessly as she sends you into convulsions with her dancing fingers.

"Nononononono...Hahahahahaha…! Stop! Stop! Stoooop...!" You manage in between uncontrollable gales of laughter.

"Mm..." She pretends to think about it, even though you can't see her face from where you are. "No." she says and keeps going.

"Gareth! Help...!" You beg before you're swept up in more uncontrollable laughter.

"...No, I think I'll leave you two alone." He says, sounding more confused and non-plused than anything as he zips the tent flap back up and leaves you alone again.

"Please! Stop!" You beg, tearing up.

"Hm... What's in it for me?" She asks, thoughtfully, pausing in her relentless tickling and going for a much more torturous means of playing on the fact you're ticklish, tracing feather-light strokes of one finger tip on the soles of your feet, making you twitch, jump and giggle as she expertly targets the really sensitive areas of your feet.

>Another backrub
>You'll make dinner from hereon
>You'll set her tent up from now on
>She can stay in your tent
>Other

>>4955169
>I don't know... What do you want? If nothing, I'll owe you a favor?

>>4955169
>Anything, just let me out!
I'm sure this won't come back to bite us

>>4955194
Supporting
That's the right thing to say

>>4955186
>>4955194
>>4955202

“Anything!” You reply desperately. “Just lemme go!” You manage desperately fighting back another fit of giggles.

“Hm…” Fie says thoughtfully, trailing another path up your foot with her finger and setting you off laughing again. “Okay.” She relents and lets you go, before pushing herself up, then arranging herself cross-legged next to you with a flexibility and grace that’s surreal.

Or, maybe that’s the gin softening you up.

She smiles as you sit up.

“It’s nice to just have some fun sometimes.” She says.

“Yeah.” You’ve got to admit, childish as that was, it was fun.

Fie turns serious again after a beat.

“Seriously though, I want my pillow back.” She says.

Evidently, not enough to burn that ‘anything’ you owe her, but you wonder just how far she’s willing to push. There’s nothing stopping her taking the pillow back or from having taken it back earlier.

>Give it back. You’re tired, time to sleep.
>Or what? If this is a game still, you’re willing to play.
>Okay, what’s your game?
>Other

>>4955227
>Give it back. You’re tired, time to sleep.
We've played enough.

>>4955227
>Give it back.
>Already using your request, I see

>>4955235
Supporting. Teasing game is on point tonight, /qst

>>4955227
OK ok.
>pull a fast one and tickle her again as she grabs the pillow

>>4955233
>>4955235
>>4955238
>>4955240

“Okay, okay.” You say, pulling her pillow out from under yours. “Using your IOU already, huh?”

“Did I say that?” Fie asks, taking her pillow.

You’ve not let go.

There’s a beat, before you pull her in and attack her sides again.

She yelps and starts laughing.

>Roll ‘em.

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>4955241

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>4955241
This will end poorly

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>4955241

>>4955243
>>4955249
>>4955254

You overbalance and Fie falls on top of you.

She freezes.

It’s hard to tell why, from the get go because of the button digging into your cheekbone, but as your vision refocuses, you find yourself looking at bare skin.

Oh.

“Ah…”

At least she didn't land on your injured arm. And your stitches don't feel like they've popped.

>Sorry.
>Shut your eyes.
>Turn away quickly.
>Don’t move, let Fie untangle herself.
>Other

>>4955258
>Shut your eyes.

>>4955258
>Turn away quickly

>>4955258
>>Don’t move, let Fie untangle herself.

>>4955264
>>4955271
>>4955277
Well, looks like a tie. All of that in that order?

>>4955258
>Shut your eyes
>Let Fie untangle herself
It'll only get worse if we move

>>4955258
>Don’t move, let Fie untangle herself.
>Shut your eyes.

>>4955264
>>4955277
>>4955311
>>4955313

You shut your eyes and don’t move.

Fie waits for a beat, before sitting up and clambering off of you.

“You can open your eyes now.” She says.

You do so, cautiously. She’s back in her prior spot, top safely buttoned again and trying her best to look completely nonchalant.

>Apologise.
>Turn in.
>Talk a bit more.
>Other

>>4955801
>Turn in
Just gonna pretend nothing happened just then

>>4955801
>Apologise.

>>4955801
>Turn in.

>>4955801
>Apologise
Sorry about that ma'am. Won't happen again.

>>4955818
Supporting

>>4955818
Changing my vote to this but do it badly by murmuring : "I did nothing, I saw nothing"

>>4955818
>>4956072
>>4956129
>>4956197

“...I think that’s enough screwing around for the night.” You say politely, slipping back into your sleeping back.

“Yeah, probably best we call it.” Fie agrees, going to her own sleeping bag and zipping herself back up. “Don’t be surprised if you wake up surrounded.” She warns. “Cinder can be kind of forgetful about closing tents behind her.”

You nod, eyes already drooping.

Man, you’re tired.

“Night.” You manage, then you’re out.

>Roll.

(Captcha: JANXX As Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is the meme of this Quest, figured I'd share.)

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>4956213

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>4956213

>>4956229
Thanks for saving my shitty roll

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>4956213

>>4956228
>>4956229
>>4956237

Zzzzzz...

…! You jerk awake at the sound of the tent zipper.

Backlit by the light of the coals, you recognise Cinder as she walks in, before walking over to Fie and curling up next to her at a slight remove.

Huh.

You’re about to drift off again when you notice your team padding in cautiously.

They look over to Fie and Cinder, before they cautiously approach you.

>Pretend to be asleep.
>Make room for your team.
>Go back to sleep.
>Check the time.
>Other

>>4956253
>Make room for your team

Wave them over so you all can sleep.

>>4956253
>>Make room for your team.

>>4956253
>>Pretend to be asleep
Let them come and make themselves comfortable

>>4956253
>Make room for your team

>>4956253
>Make room for your team.

>>4956266
>>4956267
>>4956298
>>4956301

You sit up and shift over to give your team some room.

They pause, before huddling in next to you and settling down to sleep.

You settle back down into sleep and drift off again.

The next time you awake, you get the sense it’s early. A little bit before you normally wake up.

>Lay in and bask until your alarm goes off.
>Get up.
>Other

>>4956307
>Get up
If I woke up, might have something unusual around

>>4956307
>Get up.
The early worm gets the bird or something

>>4956345
The bird is a fletchling?

>>4956307
I cannot think of a reason, when given the choice between "do thing" and "do not do thing", that anons would choose to not do thing, except that Thing has immediate and obvious negative consequences to something anons value
>>Get up.

File: Pile_magikarpdoodles_Tumblr.png (414 KB, 680x525)

414 KB PNG

>>4956311
>>4956345
>>4956372


You lever yourself upright and kill your alarm.

It's while you're wiping the sleep from your eyes that you stop and stare.

It's not just your team and Cinder in here.

Looking around, you don't think you could move much more than you already have without disturbing a wild pokemon.

In the open door, you can see Fie's Flareon is fast asleep.

It seems most of the pokemon in here are the younger, first-stage pokemon.

To your surprise, that Rufflet is sleeping next to Volta, wing draped over her.

There're also a litter of Growlithe curled up next to an Arcanine that's squeezed itself into a corner, cutting you off from your pack.

This makes you feel oddly nostalgic to camping with your dad. He's never very far from his Arcanine.

In front of Fie's things is a mixed group of Vulpix and a few Fennekin, huddled next to a Ninetails and what, at first glance, looks like a Dermanitan.

Also, Arceus above it's like a furnace in here.

More problematic still, you can make out a bunch of Geodude and Aron have made themselves comfortable on the other side of Flareon.

>Throw a pillow at Fie.
>Throw a pillow at Cinder.
>Get up, try not to disturb anyone.
>Other

>>4956372
Those sorts of options are there since they are options and they're generally going to to be for reflection, relaxing, etc.

In this case, getting up was definitely the smart move though.

>>4956377
>>Get up, try not to disturb anyone.
Also, looks like a golden opportunity to catch some of our list.
>>Try to lure nearby a Fletchling, Fennekin or an Aron
Sorry growlith-fan anon, bit difficult to pull off with mommy lion.

>>4956388
Not really give them food and show them you are a good trainer she'll probably entrust one to us.

> get up without disturbing anyone
>sit and Meditate for a while just channel your aura and do nothing else
Gareth did say it could be used for healing

>>4956377
>>Get up, try not to disturb anyone
Damn. Let's be really careful.

>>4956388
>>4956404
>>4956410

Alright, roll.

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>4956465

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>4956465
Limp bizk it

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>4956465

>>4956473
>>4956477
>>4956480

Alright,update tomorrow. Got a rotten headache just now.

>>4956487
Hope you get well soon QM

>>4956492
+1

>>4956487
Take a time out. This is a slow board anyway.

>>4956480
F Alex.
You had one job to sit quietly and Meditate.

>>4956543

I'll be doing that today, but I can't very well go keeping you all in suspense.

>>4956473
>>4956477
>>4956480

You shimmy out of your sleeping bag and start getting dressed.

This is easier said than done, since you’ve got to retrieve your clothes from under your team.

You’re about halfway done when Fie stirs and starts groping around until she makes contact with Cinder’s arm.

Cinder, apparently familiar with whatever this is, shifts out of the way as Fie goes to flick her.

“‘Ve told you… not so close…” She mumbles, sitting up and wiping her eyes sleepily having missed.

You can pick the exact moment she returns to lucidity.

She blushes red as her hair at the sight of you and turns around abruptly, before she registers the fact that you’re both surrounded.

You know exactly how she must be feeling right now, because the overwhelming urge to crawl back into your sleeping bag and die is at the forefront of your mind as well.

Despite the first half dozen things that she probably wants to say and do likely being actively deleterious to everyone, she manages not to yell anything and after downing half of a litre bottle of water she must’ve grabbed from her bag sometime during the night, she pokes Cinder again.

“You and Flareon had one job.” She hisses. “Now get them out of here.” She says, pointedly not looking at you as you continue to dress, now safely modest at least.

So far, so good, but this is still a scarily precarious situation.

(Part 1. Feel free to write in.)

I wish to pet a Vulpix and ask if it wants to come with us. Might not be feasible right now, but if we wake up the Arcanine and the Ninetales without causing a stampede in our tent we could probably do it.

>>4957157
Let's prepare an explanation for the eventual question Gareth is going to bring up again about our relationship with Fie. He is definitely not convinced after last night.

>>4957402
That's not a good idea. I know I wouldn't react well to a stranger touching me out of nowhere.

>>4957157
Ask Fie to give some poke food out of her bag so we can lure out the arcanine without startling them.

>>4957157
Try to act friendly to see if we catch some attention with some of them

>>4957157
This is a great opportunity to try our meditation out again

>>4957427
LOL
We got to talk about the birds and the bees with him.
Tell him openly it really is just messing around just that sometimes people that are curious and interested in others go about it this way.
Anyway guess he can't switch his psychic aura off whenever he wants.

>>4957765
That or maybe he heard Fie saying "no, what are you doing, stop!" and misunderstood

>>4957157
(Part 2)

Once you’re dressed -sure, your clothes are blood-spattered and your shirt and jacket are shredded, but you can’t get to your bag right now- you turn around to give Fie her privacy as Cinder nudges Flareon awake and the pair start politely moving your uninvited guests back outside.

“Sorry about that.” Fie says as you hear her dressing behind you. “I didn’t think the locals would be quite that bold.” She admits as you watch as your tent empties of freeloaders.

Except for the Rufflet, which Cinder eventually resorts to picking up, despite squawked protests and carrying out.

When you exit the tent, you notice that the campsite is relatively empty.

Some of the Geodude have tucked themselves in nooks and crannies as the wind beats against the pavilion, which is holding up admirably in the wind, but it seems like most of the pokemon who took shelter under the awning migrated into your tent after Cinder came in.

Gareth’s stoking the fire and watching the exodus with a curious expression while Fie is giving Flareon and Cinder a dressing down.

>Go help Gareth with breakfast. Explain what happened last night.
>Change into something that isn’t ruined.
>Take a look outside. See if the rain has stopped.
>Try and befriend some of the pokemon who were rooming in the tent.
>Other

>>4957867
>Try and befriend some of the pokemon who were rooming in the tent.

We can explain to Gareth later.
Play jump rope with Kayo and Fluffy (endurance/hp exercise) .
Play a lateral ladder movement game with Syrum and Volta (speed exercises).
See if any of the Pokémon would like to join in and befriend them that way (muh jolly Growlithe here I come).

Also talk to Fie to go easy on Cinder since we are also to blame when she warned us about her habit of leaving the tent open.

>>4957867
>>Try and befriend some of the pokemon who were rooming in the tent.
Still interested in Aron, Fletchling, fennekin.
Growlith could became a decent mount for later

>>4957881
We can swap pokemon as we need them and have them at home with our family when we can't bring them along.

+OP seems to be riding with the idea of our parents being the two doors from Team Rocket after settling down/rehabilitation (meaning we have a dad at home that already knows how to raise pokemon well).

>>4957888
>doors

Meant the two doofs named Jessie and James.

File: Spoiler Image (48 KB, 1000x500)

48 KB JPG

>>4957888
>>4957890

Oddly, doors still works.

And you can go along and start calling yourself 'Sherlock', because you figured that out pretty damn quick.

Hell, I only settled on going that route last night.

>>4957900
I suggested it in the previous thread OP.
Glad you picked it up.

>dad accused and has previous history with it

This some good lore now too.

>>4957940
That would be my short-term memory having its usual sieve-like effectiveness.

But yeah, that accusation suddenly has some awesome weight to it.

Anyway, I'll update in the morning. Give folks some time to nail down a strategy.

>>4957867
>Change into something that isn’t ruined.
I wish you didn't give me your headache, QM

>>4957871
+1

>>4957900
You telling me our arrested dad is a cinnamon bun of a human being? Nooooooo

>>4957992
I mean James seems like a chill dad... Jessie after rehab tho should be the strictest nurse Joy there is.
Glad she made it through nurse school this time instead of joining a Chansey school by mistake.

>>4957867
>Try and befriend some of the pokemon who were rooming in the tent.

Guess either doggo or foxes are fine for now. We can send them of home to our siblings when we can't take care of them.

>>4957867
>Try and befriend some of the pokemon who were rooming in the tent.

>>4958045
I wonder if she ever got to team up with her original Chansey turned Blissey friend or not. Plus you gotta give credit to both in terms of engineering and ingenuity. They might have had terrible luck(fucking plot armor) and poor resources but holy shit was those two are innovative as hell. Jessie would be a terrifying Mom...I feel sorry for James but he's chill as fuck and helps mellow her out, but still. He has it rough. Just gotta knock her up more often or something.

This WOULD also explain why the family needs money so badly. James probably needs startup funds for his projects to start over again and Jessie cannot afford it with her nurse Joy pay.

>>4958094
That's where Alex comes in.
Make sure Alex vets his parents silly money making ideas tho.
If it wasn't related to food team rocket botched every money making scheme they had.

>>4958123
To be fair the biggest reason why they failed so badly was due to bad luck and plot armor. Still, though it must have sucked to be Alex as a kid. Being the only one to call out their harebrained schemes. Not to mention all his younger siblings. Poor kid no wonder he had to wait so long before his journey. Gonna be real interesting bringing a girl home considering how notorious those two were back in the day. Say what you want but they were very good at escaping trouble and not getting locked up.

File: Distant_Storm.jpg (47 KB, 700x467)

47 KB JPG

>>4957871
>>4957881
>>4957992
>>4958048
>>4958094

A gust of wind pushes the westward door taut and you can hear the patter of rain.

Seems like the rain hasn’t passed.

This in mind, you go and get some breakfast as your team files out of the tent.

Once they’re busy eating, you bring Fie some food. She’s currently doing push-ups with Cinder while Flareon does sprints around the edge of the camp.

“Just leave that there, we’re almost done.” Fie says, nodding to a rock within arms reach.

“Sure. Just don’t be too hard on Cinder. You did warn me she’s got a habit of leaving doors open.”

“Right. Well you can join in once you’re done eating.” Fie replies.

“I’ll ah, I’ll do that.” You say weakly, before going to eat your own breakfast

>>4958505
Once you’re done eating, you gather your team together. Fie’s got a good point. Might as well get some training in.

After some thought, you go and get your rope and tie it off to one of the rocks.

That done, you go and gather some sticks from the pile of kindling and start laying out a ‘ladder’.

After some instruction and demonstration, you’ve got Volta and Syurm running a lateral ladder drill while you have Kay O-o and Fluffy doing jump rope.

>Roll.

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>4958515

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>4958515

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>4958515

>>4958522
>>4958527
>>4958539

You’ve not been at this for more than five minutes, before you’ve suddenly got company:

That Rufflet is back and has made room for himself with Fluffy and Kay O-o.

Considering your altercation yesterday and how Volta messed him up, his insistence on hanging around with you is kind of confusing.

It’s not worth stopping everything to chase him off though. It’d send the wrong message to all the other pokemon here as well.

After another five minutes, one of the Aron is running the drills with Volta and Syurm and shortly after that, you have to let the rope out as a Growlithe, then a Fennekin and then a Vulpix join in.

“Look at you, making friends.” Fie says sitting up from where she and Cinder have just finished doing sit-ups.

“I don’t know why they’re so friendly.” You admit, baffled but also awed by what you’re seeing.

“They can tell it was your tent they slept in last night.” Fie replied. “Otherwise, they’d be all over me and Cinder right now.”

“You’ve also got a very welcoming aura.” Gareth notes from by the fire where he’s doing the dishes. “It puts them at ease.”

“What about Rufflet?” You ask.

Your arm is starting to cramp, but aside from Fluffy, none of the pokemon doing jump rope show much sign of tiring.

“Rufflet are most concerned about getting stronger.” Gareth said. “I guess after you and Volta beat him so soundly yesterday, he’s decided that you’re the best way for him to do that.”

Huh. Well that makes sense, in a backwards sort of way.

>Take a break.
>Set up a new activity. (suggestions?)
>Train a specific pokemon. (In what?)
>Talk with Fie.
>Talk with Gareth.
>Change into something not ruined.
>Let your pokemon play and study your map.
>Other

>>4958551
>Change into something not ruined.

>>4958551
>Let your pokemon play and study your map.

>>4958551
>Take a break
>Change into something not ruined
>Let your pokémon play and your map

>>4958553
>>4958574
>>4958645

Now things have calmed down a little, you decide to tidy yourself up a bit.

You dismiss your team to play for a while, then go back to your tent and change into a set of clothes that aren’t bloodstained and ruined.

You’re going to have to buy some more clothes when you reach Newport. And maybe some more hard-wearing ones.

When you exit your tent, your pokemon are playing tag. Kay O-o seems to have taken it on himself to keep things from spiralling into chaos and Cinder is making sure he doesn’t cause any problems.

Satisfied that they’re all happy, you take out your pokedex. Time to brush up on your geography some more.

You go and sit down by the fire and start reading.

>Study up on the towns and cities.
>Study the major lakes and mountains.
>Study the major cave systems.
>Study the Islands.
>On second thought, go talk with Fie and Gareth.
>Other

>>4958707
>>Study the major cave systems.
>Also, can we catch Aron, Fennekin and growlithe once we're done playing

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>4958707
>Study the major cave systems.

>>4958729
You can certainly try.

>>4958707
>Study the Islands.

File: Map_Rough_2.png (146 KB, 963x708)

146 KB PNG

>>4958729
>>4958737

After going into Origin Cave, you're kind of curious about the other caves in the region, so you decide to start with them:

C1 Origin Cave: A small, relatively isolated cave that has provided shelter to pokemon for time immemorial. There is a shrine at its heart where Aura Guardian novicess first journey to gain further attunement to their abilities.

C2 Genesis Cave: The most isolated cave known in Arnet, Genesis cave is often used as shelter by local pokemon, but the shrine in its depths is always a silent, solitary and lonely place. Aura Guardian novices on pilgrimage come here to meditate and further awaken their powers.

C3 Prover’s Cave: Prover’s Cave is one of the most stable and unchanging places in the Scorch Islands. Aura Guardian novices on pilgrimage venture to the shrine here to prove that they can wield their abilities confidently and competently at the stiflingly hot shrine in its depths.

C4 Challenger’s Cave: The final test for an Aura Guardian novice, Challenger’s cave is an expansive labyrinth with a shrine at its heart, guarded by a powerful pokemon. Any novice who defeats it and returns with proof is recognised as a true Aura Guardian.

C5 Guardian’s Cave: The home of Arnet’s patron Guardian, where all Aura Guardians, upon reaching here from Challenger’s Cave, are recognised by said patron and assume the title and responsibilities of an Aura Guardian.

You blink and stretch. Man, that took a while.

>Keep studying.
>Take a break. Do something else.

>>4958754
take a cue from Fie and do some basic stretches and exercise?

>>4958759
some more*

>>4958754
>>Take a break. Do something else.
Catch Aron, Fennekin and growlithe
Gotta catch 'em all. Except Ruffet.

>>4958770

This Rufflet is going to be your Jigglypuff, isn't it?

>>4958771
Following us around, not really counting as a party member, still part of the group?
Why not.

>>4958759
+1

>>4958759
>>4958780

You put aside your pokedex, stand up and stretch.

Your arm feels a bit tender and doing anything too strenuous is probably not going to do your stitches any favours but you can still do some exercises.

You start out with some basic stretches, before going over to where you were before and starting on some exercises.

Sit ups first, then some basic punches and kicks until you start to feel the exertion.

>Keep going.
>That’s enough for now. No need to go overdoing it.
>Play with your pokemon. Try befriend some of the wild pokemon playing with your team.
>Go back to studying.
>Talk with Fie\Gareth\Both.
>Go check what it’s like outside.
>Other

>>4958785
>Play with your pokemon. Try befriend some of the wild pokemon playing with your team.

>>4958785
>>Play with your pokemon. Try befriend some of the wild pokemon playing with your team.

>>4958785
>Play with your pokemon. Try befriend some of the wild pokemon playing with your team

Aron, Growlithe, Fenekin.
>Gareth in the background befriending an Alolan geodude and Aron.

>>4958786
>>4958793
>>4958823

Alright. Roll again. This is a process.

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>4958785
though admittedly, I'm not particularly fond of aron or growlithe

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>4958842

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>4958842
rolling
>>4958843
Aron is a good tank, not a fan of growlithe too but one anon is diamond set on him. That plus Arcanine would be an awesome mount for longer roads

>>4958843
>>4958856
>>4958862

You decide to spend some time playing with your team and the younger wild pokemon.

The Rufflet brings you the rope in a very pointed manner.

You acquiesce and soon, you’ve got a sudden death circuit running to and fro in and out of the impromptu jump rope.

After a while, the pokemon tire of the game and instead, you find yourself as the centrepiece of an impromptu game of king of the hill.

At the end of it, you’re battered and exhausted but no one is seriously hurt and all the pokemon seem content to take a break for a bit.

Looking around, Fie is practicing an unfamiliar martial art, sparring with Cinder, though even though it’s obvious that the Blaziken is pulling her punches, every one that connects sends Fie staggering.

Gareth meanwhile is training with Druddigon and Mienfoo, doing push ups.

>Taking a break sounds good. Sit down for a bit.
>Go talk with Fie or Gareth.
>Keep studying your map.
>Check the weather.
>Other

>>4958868
>>Taking a break sounds good. Sit down for a bit.
Keeping trying to lure one of the target pokemon

>>4958868
>Taking a break sounds good. Sit down for a bit.

>>4958868
>>Taking a break sounds good. Sit down for a bit.

Pet the pokemon that were playing.
I´m sure a good belly rub goes a long way.

>>4958871
>>4958891
>>4958914

>Roll.

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>4959482
Vulpix get!

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>4959482

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>4959482

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>4959482

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>4959482
Go go go

lol
anon so desperate for these pokemon

>>4959516
>>4959527
>>4959606

You sit down next to one of the rocks and breathe a sigh of relief.

You need a break.

Apparently, the pokemon you’ve been playing with agree.

No sooner have you settled in than one of the Aron has crawled into your lap, effectively pinning you, while a Fennekin and Growlithe tuck themselves under your arms and a Vulpix makes itself comfortable on your shins.

On the other side of the camp, you can see Fie and Gareth are still hard at work training.
“Um…” You manage awkwardly as your own team joins in on burying you alive and the tall fox with the huge ear tufts you mistook for a Darmanitan, the Arcanine and the Ninetails sit themselves at a polite remove either side of you while the tall one sits down on a nearby rock and studies you curiously.

Looks like you’re trapped.

>Try and meditate. You’re not going anywhere, might as well.
>Try and politely extricate yourself.
>Headpats for everyone.
>Other.

>>4960005
>Try and meditate. You’re not going anywhere, might as well.
Let's reach out for them through the power of the aura.

>>4960005
>>Try and meditate. You’re not going anywhere, might as well.
Trying to reach first the Fennekin.
Second Aron
Third Growlithe. Not interested at all in Vulpix in our team

>>4960005
>Try and meditate. You’re not going anywhere, might as well

Since there's fire type pokemon around us try and sense/resonate our fire type aura with them.

Flashback to James explaining how the healing machines at pokecenter work by sending out a pulse of bioelectricity that syncronises with the individual pokemon.

>>4960028
Vulpix only gets to join if it's Ice type.
Growlithe and Aron for me.
Not really interested if the furr bait.

>>4960036
You're on the wrong side of the region for Ice-type Vulpix.

>>4960008
>>4960028
>>4960033

Anyway, rattle those bones.

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>4960041

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>4960041
Fennekin is fire/Psy special.
Good stats and tools for the team for a heavy special hitter with decent coverage options as our movepool is not limited (god I would love so much an unlimited movepool Landorus)

>>4960053

The Zubat line is absolutely, gloriously cancerous with unlimited move pool, by the by.

>>4960055
I'm not sure I'm interested in playing the person using an unlimited movepool crobat, but sub Toxic roost leech-life in addition to a full offensive movepool seems balanced.

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>4960041

>>4960051
>>4960053
>>4960060

Well, you’re not going anywhere.

You close your eyes and relax.

This worked out well enough in the cave, so time to give it another try.

You’re not sure if the red you see is the insides of your own eyelids or a signifier that you’re making progress, but the warmth of the Fennekin and Growlithe especially help you focus.

They remind you a lot of Dad’s Arcanine and how he used to let you cuddle up to him in the dead of winter when you were a little kid and it was raining outside.

Only, now you’re in Arcanine’s position.

You’re familiar with responsibility. It’s fallen to you a lot over the years to spot the glaring holes in your parents’ various money-making schemes before they risked money on something catastrophically stupid.

It feels doubly heavy right now, with your team lounging around you while the guardians of these young wild pokemon watch you like hawks.

You can empathise with their caution though.

(Part 1)

>>4960062
(Part 2)

…

Ah.

You feel your perception tilt and suddenly, you can feel the whole camp:

Close at hand, you can feel the general sleepy content of the wild pokemon and your team as they rest up after their play.

Just under that general content is a wary\curious\assessing welter of feelings, which you assume is the three guardian pokemon watching you and their charges.

And at the edge of your vision is…

Two beacons. One flaring red with such intensity that you can feel the heat and exertion of intense exercise from where you’re sat and the other, a serene, steady blue. Not as bright, but you get the sense of a smile.

The blue grows brighter and brighter, turning white, before you jump as a hand touches your shoulder.

Your eyes snap open and you’re face to face with a grinning Gareth as he leans forward from where he’s knelt in front of you.

“You really are a natural.” He says, sitting back to give you space. “I guess now is a good time to practice, considering… Well.” He gestures to the dozing pokemon you’re pinned by.

You notice the Arcanine and Ninetails are sniffing at Gareth curiously as Delphox looks between you with what you can only assume is a frown.

>Thanks.
>Ask Gareth something.
>Other.

>>4960066
>>Ask Gareth something.
What are the next steps to improve meditation? I think I'm starting seeing auras.
>Other : pet aron on one hand, fennekin on the other

>>4960066
>Ask Gareth something.

Are there any exercises one does to improve in a specific area like sensing, healing, strength, reflexes?
Is it allright if you just describe the general ghist of it?

>>4960089
Also add "Do you practice any martial arts?"

>>4960066
>Ask Gareth something.
Is there anything we need to be wary of when it comes to this aura stuff?

>>4960068
>>4960089
>>4960100
>>4960117

This seems like a good opportunity to ask Gareth more about aura.

You’ve got a few questions in mind, but there’s one above all the rest you feel is especially pertinent.

“Are there any risks to using aura?” You ask tentatively.

“There are.” Gareth confirms. “Psychics have their own code of ethics when it comes to telepathy. Aura Guardians have one as well. We do not intrude on others’ minds. It’s extremely dangerous, for both the one doing the intruding and for the one being intruded upon.” He warns. “So, don’t try reading anyone’s minds.” He says, lightening up slightly. “Besides that… there’s the possibility you could wind up altering your own or someone else’s personality if you’re not careful and you try something you’re not used to. And there’re stories of some exceptionally powerful pokemon being able to manipulate people through their auras.”

(Part 1)

>>4960128

(Part 2)

You nod.

That sounds… disturbing, honestly. But that’s probably a long way off being a problem.

“I think I’m starting to see auras.” You admit after a beat.

“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Gareth replies. “Fie is really quite something, isn’t she?” He asks, sounding awed.

For a moment, you think he’s making a comment on her as she lands a truly impressive spinning jump-kick on Cinder, prompting them both to pause in the aftermath, evidently satisfied for the time being.

Then you realise that the bright red flare you saw wasn’t Cinder, it was Cinder and Fie. And Gareth was seeing them close up.

“Yeah, she’s…”

“Blinding.” Gareth finishes with a smile. “I suppose you’re wondering what the next step to developing your aura is?” He asks.

“Yes.” You admit with a nod.

“Practice. Lots and lots of practice.” Gareth replies with a sardonic sort of tone.

“Makes sense.” You agree.

>Ask if he does any martial arts.
>Ask what he thinks of Fie.
>Ask about something else.
>Time you got up and did something else.
>Study your map.
>Other.