The Island that Time Forgot

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Valen had finally reached Ancient Island, not only with his power of flight, but also a few friendly Water-types who had let him rest on them when he was feeling tired. There hadn't been any specific mission that had made him come here - he had just heard there were ancient Pokemon and plants that could only be found here, and decided that writing up a report on the place and its features would be useful for the Windrose Scouts. Indeed, along with his other supplies, he was also carrying ink and paper to take notes, but unlike for his trip to Pecha Forest, it didn't seem that anyone else had written a report on this island so far. There was also a rare and powerful item Valen had finally managed to buy earlier - a Flyinium Z, a crystal which could change an ordinary Flying-type move into a devastating "Z-move." It seemed that now, the only move he knew that was actually Flying-type was Mirror Move, but still, he thought it might be helpful, especially because of the claims that Pokemon here were particularly aggressive.

Valen looked around. He didn't see any other Pokémon at the moment, and the beach looked fairly normal, with just some very tall trees with big leaves at the top growing there. That did remind him about some unusual things that he had heard and already written down, although not from the Scouts. One was that there had been reports of traps helping rather than harming those who triggered them, and that some Pokémon claimed this was due to a "forest protector." Also, the Pokemon he had met while traveling here had mentioned oddly powerful and long-lasting storms had happened some time back - although thankfully, while Valen had been traveling, the seas had remained fairly calm. Valen wasn't sure whether anything on the island would give clues to either of these, but it was worth keeping in mind. He wrote brief notes on the (not terribly interesting) scenery in this part of the island, but still made sure to watch out for danger.

[Energy: 22 - 15 (entry cost) = 7]

[Energy: 8 - 8 (Cost of Rolls) = 0 => 0 + 1 (Page Regen) = 1]

Visibility was starting to be an issue as their path leads to a misty area. The moisture in the air started to wet the robes and created small water drops on his shell. The words of Valen distracted him from thinking this through that much, opting to continue forward until they find an obstacle or what they are looking for "Agreed then. We will see how effective we are as a team in here"

The discovery of items in the area had eluded the Heracross, busy with finding his way forward and careful not to lose Valen or wander into some danger. While it was surely good fortune for the group to be finding items, the fact that they haven't found Pokémon yet was strange. Perhaps the previous team had cleared the way for them or scared them into fleeing? Before Darios could reply, a loud cry could be heard, like a bird Pokémon communicating with its flock.

And he wasn't all that far off, as a flying Pokémon with a skin of stone swooped into the mist, talons ready to dig into the pair. It was perfect as the Pokémon was silent and the mist had cloaked its advance right until he uttered that cry. It was not a rally, it was a victory cry. The Aerodactyl was about to catch Darios, who turned at the creature at the last moment, seeing its terrifying face as he was about to be caught. There was no time to react. The surprise attack had been successful.

Or it would have been so if something Darios thought was a large palm tree had not moved. Next to him and as if it had been waiting for this very moment, the tree revealed itself to be a Pokémon, and what it looked to be a large root turned out to be a large foot with which to stomp on the charging Aerodactyl. Darios stepped back and prepared for a fight. "Watch out! A battle!"

The two Pokémon seemed distracted with each other, the Aerodactyl struggling to get free from the foot that keeps it into the ground readied a blast of light just outside its mouth to Hyper Beam the Exeggutor. Meanwhile, the latter was shaking its leaves, releasing a spore into the air. They were somniferous and if they made contact with a Pokémon they had a high chance to put them to sleep.

[OOC: Oh, no. Darios got put to sleep for the rest of the page! What? it's over? Anyway...]

Valen noticed the mist as well, although somehow it felt wetter and not quite as refreshing now. He was hoping that it wasn't going to make him too wet to fly when an Aerodactyl swooped down! But before Valen could react, a tree moved to attack the Aerodactyl?!

Fortunately, that gave him time to get back from the Pokémon as he heard Darios shouting. He therefore had a moment to think. The tree that had attacked had heads that reminded him of what he had read about the Pokémon called Exeggutor, but this seemed far taller than they were said to be... As it released its powder, Valen fortunately managed to dodge due to the bit of distance he had already put. "Get away!" Valen cried in return, out of impulse.

(OOC: Do the mechanics of status here mean that it is generally more optimal to roll at the very end of a page? Well, I was planning to roll again now, so I'll go and do it anyway).

[Energy: 12 + 1 (new page) = 13]

Pickup roll:

Shield carried out 1 launched of one Ancient Island :

Regular rolls:

Shield carried out 10 launched of one Ancient Island :

, , , , , , , , ,

The fight between the Aerodactyl and the Exeggutor was starting to heat up and Darios was ready for it. With a step back and after warning his teammate, he was prepared to make a show of his strength and capabilities. His hands were in a sumo position, with a foot stepping back before the backside of his robe opened up. It appeared that the robes were cut vertically in such a way that the Heracross could still deploy his elytra and wings even when clothed, and was about to make used of them to tackle the grass type.

But just as he was about to take propel himself forward, and unknowing that some sleeping spores had already landed on him, that he heard Valen's order and turned his charge around, flying away from the fight and in Valen's direction. Assuming that Valen would be the leader of the exploration team, he'd have to prove that he was responsive when given direct commands, including a retreat. The ground under his feet splashed a layer of mud when Darios landed close to Valen, ready to continue the retreat. He looked around, trying to fight an easy exit before he started feeling shaky, tired and warm.

"Oh, sweet honey. Isn't it... Comfortable here?" Darios uttered before dropping onto the floor, snoozing loud and with a pleased expression on his face.

[OOC: Most status ailments perdure until cured. Sleep is one of the few that only last for the rest of the page. As of why the roll? I thought we needed something to make the thread more interesting after they got to know each other a little]

Valen was relieved to see that Darios had escaped - but then the Heracross suddenly fell asleep. That must have been Sleep Powder - he got hit! Valen realized. "WAKE UP!" Valen shouted, trying to see if that would wake Darios up. Immediately after, he started checking his items to see if there was something that could cure sleep, if shouting did not work.

Before Valen got very far, however, he heard a snort. He turned to see that a tree he was very near was actually another very tall Exeggutor, who appeared to have just woken up. The second Exeggutor sprayed another Sleep Powder, which hit the surprised Valen full-on. The Pikipek swiftly lay on the ground, asleep. After seeing that both of the annoying Pokémon weren't about to bother it further, the tree Pokemon walked away to sleep in a different area. Fortunately, it seemed that the Aerodactyl and the first Exeggutor were still in their battle at a distance and did not go after Valen or Darios either. But the two explorers were still vulnerable...

(OOC: It seems that ever since a rule change, Poison, Burn, and Paralysis last for only "the next 5 pages or until cured," and Freeze prevents next-page as well as current-page rolls. But yeah, it is a bit specific.)

[Energy: 0 this time]

With the team completely affected by the spores and one of the Exeggutor that caused it leaving to find another place to rest, there were only the Aerodactyl and the Exeggutor that interrupted its attack. The former's Hyper Beam was successful and impacted the large plant type, who had been pushed back and forced to fall off. The Aerodactyl was now free but unable to enjoy the freedom due to the spores having settled into its rocky skin. Just like the rest, it too collapsed onto the floor, asleep.

The Exeggutor that was facing it before was retreating, afraid that the spores didn't work and waiting to get some sunlight with which to Synthesise any damaged bark. This all left the trio of Pokémon, one next to the other, alone and at the mercy of whoever finds them...

And the sleeping Pokémon were found, indeed. A Lileep, Archen, Dewpider, and Kabutops walked into the scene, soon noticing Valen, Darios, and the Aerodactyl lying there, vulnerable, in the open. They were incredibly fortunate that their discoverers decided to help.

The group of four started a discussion amongst themselves. Even if Valen or Darios had been awake, they would not have been able to understand the language, but the basic idea of this conversation was about how to carry the sleepers to safety. Eventually, the Dewpider and Archen grabbed Valen, while the Kabutops and Lileep held Darios. Unfortunately, the Aerodactyl was simply too much for them to carry at the moment, so the plan was to go back as soon as possible for the rock pterodactyl and hope that would be enough to avoid bad luck from leaving a helpless Pokémon in danger.

The Pokémon managed to move Valen and Darios back to the rest of the tribe nearby - it took quite a bit of effort, but there were no significant issues. When Valen and Darios woke up, they would see it was a clearing with some small huts. The Pokemon carrying them explained to everybody else there what had happened. Soon, a Crabrawler went into their food storage area, which contained a surplus, and came out with an Aspear Berry, a Grass Gummi, and a Green Gummi. He placed the Green Gummi before Darios, and the Grass Gummi before Valen - and then put the Aspear Berry before Valen as well, because they had no Sky Gummis or White Gummis that a Pikipek would prefer as much as a Heracross would prefer a Green Gummi.

Meanwhile, the group who had originally picked up Valen and Darios went back for the Aerodactyl, but as they went on, the Aerodactyl woke up on its own and, before their eyes, flew away.

(OOC: PrimordialPrim said on Discord that I could arrange the next events, which is why I'm mentioning Darios like this in my post. Feel free to keep the Green Gummi - it's probably more useful to you than to me, and I have a lot of Gummis already. I just put a bunch of explanations here about why the other Pokémon are doing what they are doing because our characters are asleep, so we need something to write in our posts, and I wanted to give the logic I'm using OOC. When our characters wake up, I doubt they will understand everything. Finally, the idea of Pokemon here speaking a language that outsiders wouldn't understand comes from the "Marooned!" Ancient Island thread, by DJOshawott and FoxFireAlchemist, so credit to them for that.)

It all felt in peace in the dark void. No dangers, no hunger or thirst, no tiredness. It was nice being forced asleep. Unfortunately, the effects on the spores don't last for long and the previously immovable void started bobbing. Up and down, rhythmically the motions started waking the Heracross up, feeling his body carried as if he was a bag of supplies above a creature's shoulder.

The scenery in front of him appeared straight out of a picture from a fiction book about fantasy tribes. The clearing was populated by small, simple huts. Someone lived here, clearly organised but the lodging was rudimentary and practical. A glance to his captors made Darios flinch and sudder. A Kabutops? That was an apex predator, thought to be extinct in the main region! The blood of the novice explorer froze before remembering Valen's words. Ancient Pokémon lived here and this was proof. Despite his grievances, Darios and Valen appeared to be let go as those who brought them into the village spoke in a strange language that Darios couldn't understand.

Was it a good sign that they were being let go and announcing their arrival? Had the other team arrived here first and befriended this tribe? Are Valen and Darios their meal? Perhaps their new heroes or deities?

While he let his imagination run wild with wonder and imagination, a Crabrawler had approached him which snapped Darios back into reality. Expecting some attempt at communication, Darios was surprised that it merely offered a Green Gummy, leaving it in front of him and bringing his companion a similar gift "A Green Gummi" Darios comments, picking it up, tempted to eat it right there and then "Those of my kind are always looking for these. They seem to stimulate the mind but, when prepared by a cook, they can increase growth in a matter of minutes... These are so valuable"

Darios felt in awe, taking the gift and bowing respectfully almost to his knees to the Crabrawler as a sign of thanks, eyes closed before getting back up on his feet "I thank you for rescuing us from that situation. We will accept your hospitality and help if required. I will not forget your kindness and will repay it within reason"

He looked to the side, wondering if Valen was feeling the same or if his values clashed with the Pikipek's. The explorer seemed to be having what he wanted already, the means of investigating these ancient Pokémon. Perhaps they too know about the strange traps and the storm if he manages to communicate with them.

Valen slowly woke up as well. He first saw a Crabrawler put a Grass Gummi and an Aspear Berry in front of him and something else in front of Darios. The Heracross started to profusely thank the crab as Valen looked around. There were some huts, which it seemed that the Pokémon there lived in. We've been rescued, Valen realized, ... I was put to sleep too, so we were both completely helpless. This is so very lucky!

"Thank you too!" Valen said once Darios had finished speaking. It wasn't nearly as long, but Valen was still feeling a bit odd, having just woken up. He could see various Pokémon in the area besides the Crabrawler. There was a Dewpider and an Archen, but he couldn't quite recognize the others - a large brown Pokémon with Scyther-like scythes for hands, what seemed like a walking flower, and two tentacled Pokemon with spiral shells. I thought I would have learned all of these by now! Are these ancient Pokemon who only live here? But aren't Archen considered ancient, and they do live in other places?

There was something even stranger though. Many of them seemed to be talking to each other, but it all sounded like gibberish! Valen had barely even been exposed to the mere concept that more than one language could exist, so he was quite confused. Why are they all saying nonsense? It can't be. They wouldn't just be doing that for no reason... he thought. Meanwhile, the Crabrawler was looking curiously at the two. Valen wondered whether he should eat the offered food to be polite.

He decided to eat the Aspear Berry and keep the Grass Gummi for later. At least he could remember what Darios had said - that Gummis could be more helpful when prepared. He could even remember the name of a shop that could use them - the To-Goat Cafe in Grassveil, wasn't it? Was there one in Aileron too? He couldn't clearly remember that. It was ironic how much more time he spent near Grassveil these days than near his home. But that was for later - for now, Valen doubted that there were Pokémon here that could cause freeze, and he had status-curing items stored elsewhere, so he didn't feel too much need to bring the berry back.

As Valen enjoyed the sour taste of the berry, he remembered that apparently, Crabrawler evolved into Ice-types, but well, he was already eating. One of the spiral-shelled Pokemon came up to him and Darios and clearly seemed to be talking to them, but Valen still didn't know what was being said. "I'm sorry, I can't understand you," he replied.

(OOC: Decided to pop in the Omanyte because I did mean there to be more than just the Crabrawler and the four Pokémon from before in this tribe).

Luck was fickle, never allowing a situation to tilt into her better or worse side. The explorers' rescuers were kind but unable to communicate. When the spiral-shelled creature approached Darios, he felt confused, and a glance at his partner made him aware that words were not the way of understanding each other.

"Is this language foreign to you as well, Valen?" Darios asked, trying to not appear disrespectful to the Pokémon that appeared to be addressing him. The noble merchant tried to squat to get on a better height to the Omanyte and tilted his head to the side. Either these tribesmon were too primitive to have a real language or they had a more complicated code. It was not worth testing any of the two theories at the moment since it could compromise their relationship. A more physical language could be achievable but Valen lacked arms and even if Darios tried to do something respectful, such as bowing, it could be mistaken as a battle stance. Sometimes having a horn in the vanguard was an issue. Who would have known?

With a keen mind and trying to show his potential new leader that he could find solutions to these situations, he decided to take a more diplomatic approach with a language anyone could understand. From the small supply he was carrying, Darios grabbed one of the bottles with which he wanted to retrieve a flower and offered it to the Omanyte.

Best case scenario, the tribe would take it as a gift exchange and better their relations. If not, it may appear as a reward for being rescued or a suitable trade for the berry and gummies. He placed the item he was holding on the ground in front of it and took a second one to be placed right by its side. Darios could spare a couple since he would only need one to get what he wanted "You can keep these as a reward for your actions and hospitality"

Now, if Valen had any other idea on how to proceed, he was all ears.

"Language is foreign? What does that mean? There's just, well, language," the still confused Valen replied to Darios... "It's exactly like they're saying something, but we can't understand the words. I mean, there are certainly words we don't know, but why don't we know any of these? It's quite interesting, actually."

Next, Darios gave the Omanyte some bottles. The shelled Pokémon took them, seeming quite happy about the gifts, before looking at Valen. I should give some gifts too, he thought, hastily looking in his bag. He still had the Yellow Gummi from earlier, so he decided to give that, but he felt he needed one more. The Escape Orb he wanted to keep as a safety measure - and these Pokémon lived here, so the Orb might not be so useful to them - and he was worried that giving a Sleep Seed would harm them or at least seem rude, as it was dangerous when eaten. Looking deeper into his bag, Valen saw some items he felt were very important to keep for this exploration - and then, a Purple Leaf.

Valen realized he must have left it in his bag and forgotten about it, as it wasn't very useful, especially here. Those came from Fallen Leaf Copse, but he had gotten this one from the Scouts' collection box because it was pretty, and he had thought he might be able to learn something about that area by examining a part of it. Saying "Indeed, thank you for saving us and giving us food!", Valen placed the Yellow Gummi and Purple Leaf by the Omanyte.

The Pokémon picked up those items as well, said something - still in a happy tone - and crawled away. Now, it seemed that the others were generally pursuing their own affairs. The sun was shining particularly brightly, and Valen noticed that many Pokémon had gone back into their huts, and some had moved into the shade of the forest. It was hot enough that he wondered whether he should have brought the Weather Band he had gotten earlier along. "You know," he quietly mentioned to Darios, "I think they've gone back to doing their own things. It's also getting a bit hot... Perhaps we should move on, back into the forest."

(OOC: One weather condition [harsh sunlight] down, two to go!)

It appeared that the tactic had been successful. Whether he took the item as a trade, gift or payment, the Omanyte left the group with an expression of joy and satisfaction. This ought to free Darios of his debt to the tribe for now, unless more is explicitly required of them.

Despite Valen's reply indicating that not only he didn't know the language but it may not he a language at all, the flying type seemed to have imitated Darios's action to please their hosts with similar results. Soon after collecting the tribute, they went on their way, resuming the tribe's business and returning to their dwellings.

With a sigh of relief, he turned to Valen and put an arm over his eyes to try and mitigate the effects of the harsh sun. The light was blinding indeed, and hot to boot. With a couple of bottles left, Darios thought that he should use them to store water if they ever run into a river "Indeed" He agreed to Valen's idea of delving back into the forest again. Now they know that there's a group wandering the vegetation capable of rescuing them should they fall again, but just in case "Let us learn from our past experience. Camouflaged trees, stealthy swoopers capable of silently charging through the leaves, sleep-inducing spores..." He enumerated, making sure to keep those in mind.

"Not the best place to write about your findings. Speaking of, is your curiosity satisfied or shall we seek something more amusing?" Darios moved the arm above his eyes and pointed forth decisively, full of optimism and eager to continue "May it be a legendary ancient creature or a blessed trap we must uncover, it won't remain a mystery any longer!"

"... I think we can explore for some more time. I'd like to continue towards the mountain," Valen said, "There is something I need to tell you, though. I am indeed a member of the Aileron Guild, but I am also part of another organization - the Windrose Scouts, dedicated to exploration and discovery. This is why, although there is some risk, I am writing notes down now, so that I can write a report on what has been discovered in this dungeon when I return. Apologies for not telling you earlier... I-I just wanted to make sure that you were of... good character."

Valen sounded a bit hesitant, as he hoped that Darios would not think badly of him for not saying this earlier, but nevertheless, continued speaking, "The Windrose Scouts is not as secretive now as it had been earlier, apparently, but - I do not believe it is the sort of organization that just anyone can join. And it does store classified information, although I am not considered experienced enough to gain access to that just yet. So I wanted to make sure that it would be fine to tell you about this - I believe it is!" Valen wondered whether Darios would want to join, especially as he was an explorer as well. It would be nice if he did, but not too bothersome if he did not.

The strange secrecy with Valen's organization had Darios on edge. Despite how the Windrose Scout's goals were presented, could it be that they had more to hide for some other reasons? After all, there is some contradiction to a wish of discovery keeping those in the dark. However, if they are fine with revealing their existence now and only avoiding those that are not "of good character" probably meant that they had a rival organization or, worse, an enemy seeking their end.

Knowing that Valen had to be careful with what he could tell Darios, the Heracross nodded "I see. You needn't go into detail about this organization. I appreciate your openness but avoid getting into trouble because of it. For now, I will only address you as a guild member or as a teammate if our agreement stands"

He paused and tracked the mountain through the harsh sunlight. The rock formation was high enough to provide enough cover from the brightness, painting a dark silhouette towards which they could travel "Our way can be full of peril down on the ground. Should we spread our wings and fly there directly?" Darios suggested.

Sure, the threat of air combat was there if they fly during the light of day, but the sun was a blessing in disguise. While they will shine like beacons from the ground, casting shadows, anyone that looks up or tries to maneuver around them will be at a disadvantage unless they don't mind staring directly at the sun or they are really skillful. Between that and risking trekking through the forests where hidden foes lie in wait, Darios had a clear winner. Nevertheless, Valen was the explorer and scout. Perhaps he knows something that the Heracros doesn't.

Valen thought about what to do. It seemed to him that Darios wasn't too bothered by what Valen had said, but he still had the feeling that he hadn't explained things well enough to the Heracross. He wasn't sure what else he could say, though. He decided, then, to focus on Darios' suggestion that they fly directly to the mountain. It probably was safer, as fewer Pokémon would be able to attack them. Admittedly, it would be more difficult for them to see if there was anything interesting on the ground. But still, seeing how things looked from above might also be interesting, and Valen didn't want to bother the Heracross too much.

"Your suggestion sounds good," Valen said, taking off to above the treetops. As he looked around there, he noticed something quite surprising. Two of the trees each had a treasure chest on top! Valen quickly flew to see one of them. Not only was it a Deluxe Box, a slip of paper had also been placed on the same tree - a Strange Ticket, Valen remembered. He had gotten a few of those tickets as a Christmas gift once, and used them to train and learn Knock Off at the Springfall Dojo.

"Darios!" Valen said, "There are items up here! You can take that treasure chest over there!" He took the Deluxe Box and Strange Ticket, quickly wrote down what he had found, and then pointed to the other Deluxe Box on a different tree.

Deploying Darios's wings always feels great. He takes a step back, his elytra makes room for the wings to spread and the tunic reveals that it is looser from behind, giving it a cape-like aesthetic. Taking a stomp forward, he jumps ahead and allows the wings to get a headstart. Although he can reach the speeds of Valen, their buzzing should be enough for the leader to tell his position.

High above the trees and into the sky. Seeing the, at first, immense island shrink below him gives Darios a sense of freedom and aids him when it comes to orientating himself. It is not a bad idea to remember the general area of the native's camp, in case they need to return without needing to take a look at the Wonder Map. Valen seemed to be enjoying his vantage point too, as he managed to spot some treasure from up there.

Following his orders, he hovered over the treetops, making sure there are no decoys this time, and headed in to get this box. Shiny and light yet inevitably locked. He'd have to contact a specialist to see it appraised. Moreover, from the tree, he was able to see some other interesting items at the base of the tree. Perhaps the mystery dungeon creates these items around the tree and the chests ended up at the top?. Placing the box in his bag (don't ask how, we don't know either), he glanced towards his partner "There are more items to collect near the base. I will catch up to you when I'm done!"

This find had fed his optimism. As far as the exploration goes, they've been lucky! Even more so with finds like these. Landing and recovering the items only took a moment since the Heracross didn't give a sudden ambush any chances to happen. Learning from the past, he's expecting opponents that have naturally developed guerrilla ploys. A Tiny Reviver seed here... a Sleep seed there... A dark blue gummi, an orb, and a TM disc. Without delay, he flew back into the skies and proceeded to follow Valen once more "No incident to report!"