Veiled in Shadows

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My Precious Scarf! Mission Info:

The trees started to grow larger and more frequent the further into the forest the pair of Pokémon went. With that, the canopy above became fuller with less holes, letting in less and less light. In the Pecha Forest, the sunlight was filtered through some leaves, but not enough to really darken up the place. But Shadowhue Forest? It was an entirely different beast altogether. As barely any light managed to get through the thick foliage, the ground was shrouded in shadows with some of the darker spots looking like there was nothing but complete blackness. Who knew what could be lurking in there... But the forest was deathly silent with just some very soft footsteps treading on the patchy grass, barely even audible except to the pair that was causing them.

Varda hopped along, finding it very easy to keep going forward when the ground seemed like it had some kind of road. He didn't have the best sense of direction, oh no, and while the paths and roads in this forest were clearly less traveled, some still existed as Pokémon had walked here before. Occasionally the bird would take a look at the smaller mouse-like Pokémon by his side, smiling happily as if there were no worries in that little head of his. Indeed, the Swablu wasn't afraid of the dark at all. That might have been one reason why he had agreed to help the smaller Pokémon out, as he had been to the forest before and didn't find it very scary at all! He was certain he could help...
"It's a bit dark in here, but I'm sure we will find the scarf if we keep our eyes open!"


Current Energy: 32 (42 -10 from entering. Sky Powder in use, every other Pokémon encounter costs 1 less energy)

Varda tilted his head and blinked a few times as he listened to the explanation. A mere seed gone wouldn't paralyze anyone, now would it...? But the Pokémon in the trees – a real seed connoisseur one could say despite his simple looks – had a better idea. The bird seemed to perk up. Yes, a Stun seed sounded like it would fit perfectly! After all, many of the seeds looked so similar that Varda too had trouble telling them apart at first. That's why he usually took the ones he found to someone else for examination before trying to eat them himself!

"That could be it!" The Swablu chirped to the Pokémon in the tree and turned to look back at Joey with a smile on his face,
"And these... Are probably Blast seeds," he continued, lowering his wings slightly as he let the seeds fall on the ground gently in the middle of both of them. They looked like such harmless little things... But Varda picked one of them with his feet and raised it closer to his eyes.
"I've seen them used for many great things... And a friend of mine said that you could usually let the sunlight shine through seeds so you can see what is inside them and figure out what kind of a seed it is that way! But there's really no sunlight here..."

Joey grunted as he didn't care for the explanation... "I still hate them... I still don't trust them." he said as he looked out into the distant darkness. A pair of eyes glow as a dark object floated up and down from a spot in the shadows... If anyone else was to look in that direction, it would fly back further to prevent being seen.

"Huh?", Joey noticed this figure just before it sunk back into the shadows. "ummmm.. Varda... What is over there?" he asked the fluffy bird as he pointed in the direction he saw the pair of eyes staring at him. However, those eyes were no longer visible. It seemed to give Joey the creeps. "Something... is watching us I think..." he added. "hmph... little games veeno plays... no worry... she no harm you. She be, you say... creepy?"

Varda closed his eyes for a moment in thought before he looked back at Joey and smiled. He opened his own bag and gathered the seeds, putting them in for safekeeping – for now at least.
"I'll hold onto these for now, then! Just tell me if you want a few, you might be able to make use of them one day – you never know when they will save you from a tight spot," the bird chirped and nodded, not minding having to carry the Blast seeds for now. He did hope that the Pichu would eventually want to try out a few, though...

The Pichu suddenly seemed a bit confused, asking the Swablu what was in the shadows. The bird Pokémon tried to peer into the direction his friend was pointing, but he was unable to see anything but the darkness no matter how hard he tried. Eventually, he had to give up.
"I can't see," he cooed, a bit defeated. But according to Joey, something was watching them – and that indeed sounded a bit creepy! But the forest itself could have been taken as a creepy place, so was it just their imagination or...?

The Pokémon in the trees ended up speaking up and explaining the sight Joey had witnessed, apparently. Varda tilted his head slightly, but apparently there was no need to worry, so he was happy about that! But then, he got an idea.
"Ah, sir! Have you happened to see a scarf around here anywhere? We're looking for one, it should be pink," the Swablu chirped as he looked up at the seed-eating Pokémon.

"As long as I don't have to eat them.. Fine." he said as he cringed at the thought of getting sick again. "I really really don't like seeds." he finished as he looked up at the pokemon as it stated that he didn't need to worry about veeno. "Veeno? umm... alright." Joey responded as he looked towards Varda.

Varda must of gotten the idea to ask this pokemon if it had seen a scarf around here... It was actually a really good idea since it was not being hostile. It might even have information!! I didn't think about asking him about the little pichu thought as he got his hopes up about varda's idea.

As varda asked his question to the seed eater... It seemed to stop eating for a moment. "hmph... Scarf..." it thought for a moment as it bit into another seed. "I no know scarf... pink soothing thing maybe..." it added as it bit into its last seed. The pokemon seemed to sigh as it was out of seeds that were edible at the moment. It then dropped down from above.

"Seeds gone... VEENO! here." he started then shouted towards the direction of where Joey originally saw glowing eyes. Just as that happened the pokemon that had originally been staying in the shadows watching them slowly flied towards them to reveal themselves. Around its neck was a pink scarf.

"This thing?" the pinsir asked the two. Joey seemed quite shocked as he saw the item on the pokemon. "I... I think that is it! Where did you get it?" Joey seemed quite curious on how they acquired it. The pokemon turned towards him and was about to respond, however the flying bug type interjected before he even got a word. "Mine! You no take! It gift from dragon." it stated as he backed away slowly. It had an expression of fear of having something taken from it on its face.

"Did... you say dragon?" Joey asked as he took the mission paper out from his bag. It did describe a dragon type took the item originally. A sad expression crossed his face. It was what he thought. The pokemon that originally took it must of given it to this pokemon...

((Feel free to control some actions on npc, currently venomoth is neutral and might become hostile if we try to take the item. For peaceful approach maybe a trade? However I would like heracross to jump in and snatch item at some point before they get it... possibly causing a chase to fill the rest of page?))

Varda smiled as the Pichu agreed with taking some of the seeds – no, he was just positively beaming with a big goofy grin on his face. If Joey would always avoid seeds, he would miss out on so many helpful items the nature could provide them! It was an excellent first step and one never knew when when they would come in hand! With a nod, the bird reached into his bag and dug out two of the Blast seeds, handing them to the Pichu. He should have more of them, that way he would have more chances to use them when he needed and learn more!

The Pokémon above seemed to think of the bird's question for a while, even stopping to munch on the seeds for a while... However, it seemed like it hadn't seen the scarf, causing Varda to look more defeated and deflated, letting out a breathy sigh. It was a good idea, but no lead – or? As the Pokémon trailed off, the Swablu looked back up, his eyes glimmering with hope.

Yelling at the Veeno they had heard mentioned before, a moth with large eyes appeared from the shadows. And indeed, around its neck, there was a scarf. Pink, just like they had told the scarf would look like... Yes, Varda had a very good feeling about this! Overjoyed, it seemed like Joey had come to the same conclusion. There was just one issue... The bug Pokémon wasn't willing to just give the scarf away – though it did mention a dragon, the original culprit of the missing scarf.
"A-Ah! Miss, that item, it... It was stolen from our client! We're here to get it back, she's missing it so much and needs it back..."


((Sure thing, just make magic happen when you feel like it!))

"But... it gift!" it responded back to the bird. The pinsir simply shook its head. "You no like other take stuff... Other took that... Other gave you." the pinsir responded, seeming to try and reason with the pokemon. "I... why you take from me!!!" he shouted. The situation starting to grow volatile fairly quickly.

Joey seeing that the pokemon was not going to just give up the item. It felt as if it was really theirs.. "Please... calm down... Wait a second." Joey said to the pokemon as he went into his bag. The pokemon seemed to shut up as Joey did so. "Why...Why you take..." it repeated. Joey then took out one of the scarf's he had found earlier... A defense scarf. "How about a trade then?" Joey asked the pokemon. The pokemon then remained silent for a bit. Eventually slowly approaching Joey as if it wasn't sure if he was really trying to trick the pokemon or not.

It then stopped a few feet from Joey as it couldn't decide whether or not to trust him. "Here.. I will leave it on the ground and you switch it... Will that be better for you?" he said as he put the item down and backed away. The pokemon seemed to remain there for a moment.. Slowly approaching the item. It stopped a few inches from it and then began to swap the item. Just as the trade begin to occur. Two blue beetle's sprang out from nowhere and snatched both items. "They take!!! THEY TAKE!!!" the venomoth screeched as it bolted after the two pokemon. The pinsir seemed to follow suit.

"Varda!! They are getting away!" Joey being completely surprised by this was caught having to chase after them from a little ways behind.

"Well, it was a gift that was taken wrongfully by the one who gave it to you," Varda cooed, his tone a bit saddened. Who would like hearing that the gift they had received from someone – a gift that was clearly liked, even – was actually stolen and thus had to be returned? It would be even worse if the person who had stolen it originally was a friend, but in this case, he didn't know if the moth-like Pokémon actually was good friends with the dragon they had heard about. It still didn't feel nice – but they couldn't disappoint their client, the rightful owner of the scarf, either...

While it seemed like they had another Pokémon on their side who understood the issue and tried to help them, the moth grew angrier and wasn't willing to give up the scarf easily. The situation was starting to get out of control! Joey with his quick thinking abilities tried to calm the bug Pokémon down, suggesting... A trade. Another pink scarf was pulled from the Pichu's bag, and indeed, it could work. But that scarf was Joey's...
"Are you sure?" He chirped as he looked at the little mouse, a bit concerned about this all.

The moth Pokémon was still very distrustful, the ways of the Pokémon in this forest very simple. Perhaps it wasn't smart to trust others when there really were so many hostile creatures here. But little by little as they stayed away from the scarf that had been left as an offering, the bug was coming closer and closer, eventually starting to switch the two items on the ground...

And then, two flashes of blue dashed from the side and disappeared before Varda even had the chance to figure out what had happened! But both of the scarves had disappeared with the moth letting out a distressed cry. The other two bugs ran after the thieves. And they would have to do the same! The Swablu spread his wings and took off into the air, having the advantage of flight as long as the beetles stuck to the ground... But unfortunately the Pichu didn't have wings and was a rather tiny Pokémon in any case. And the beetles? They were fast!
"A-Aah! I'm trying!" He chirped, flapping his wings as hard as he could as he tried to catch up to the thieves. There were two of them, so the chances of him actually being able to stop both of them at once were rather slim... But Varda still tried, flying as fast as he could and attempted to dive at one of the beetles to stop it.

Joey nodded as Varda questioned if he was sure about giving the scarf away. He then continued to attempt to offer it to the pokemon.

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As Joey had givin chase to the two pokemon. Varda went flying ahead of him after the pokemon. This was because Joey was on the ground and Varda was in the air. Considering the beetles could fly, which they were. Varda had a much greater chance at at least catching one of those pokemon. Joey eventually had passed the other two pokemon that were being mostly friendly to him and varda. The venomoth gasped as Joey passed her. "No take! No take!" Joey smiled, "I will get it back for you. I promise" he stated as he started passing them. The beetles still far ahead with Varda somewhere in between. He shouted for varda to move to the side slightly as he began to charge his his energy. Despite some pain he had, he was solely focused on catching the pokemon. He didn't quite feel it at all due to his burst in energy.

"Varda! Move over a bit!" he shouted as the sparks begin to fly off his cheeks. As soon as Varda moves over enough, he would fire a bolt of energy at the two pokemon. Hoping to strike at least one of them.

Varda kept flying after the beetles, still very tired after their earlier fight, but at least he hadn't really pushed his wings too hard there. His legs were aching the most, but as he flapped his wings harder, he could feel how hard his muscles were working and how exhausted he was. The little rest they took really helped and he didn't just drop from the sky due to how tired he was, but he didn't really know how long he could keep this up! The bird still forced himself to get closer and closer to the thieves, catching up little by little...

A yell from behind ordered him to move aside, a sudden command that the Swablu did listen to. Dipping to the side, a flash of lightning struck past him, hitting one of the beetles. For a moment, that bug lost its ability to continue, falling down to the ground. Varda didn't know how long the beetle would stay there, but as there was one more thief on the run, he couldn't stop. Using the last of his powers, he flew closer and dived at the bug Pokémon with his beak. It was a solid hit, just... As the two collided, the bird ended up being bounced back from the impact, momentarily losing control of his flight path as he somersaulted through the air and landed in a bush nearby.

The second bug that varda had collided with ended up losing its height from the ground. Causing it to what some would call a face plant against the floor. Sliding across the ground just ahead of Varda. The bug was definitely going to be angry over its failed escape.

The bug Joey had zapped into submission got back up as Joey reached it. "Give the items back! Or face the consequences!" Joey shouted at the pokemon. Charging up enough for sparks to start jumping from his cheeks as he said so. Giving meaning to his threat. The pokemon seemed to look back towards its partner in crime and then back towards the Pichu. The other two pokemon that had been following the bugs started arriving. However both the moth and the seed eater kept their distance to give Joey room to battle if needed.

Joey waited to see what the bug's next actions were going to be before engaging. However, to prove a point that he will battle to get the item back. He fired a bolt of energy directly in front of the bug about 3 feet away. It seemed to flinch slightly as the energy came.

Varda fell into the bush, the leaves softening his landing just slightly as he rustled through them. It was rather dark inside the bush, but luckily the bird noticed that he hadn't actually gotten stuck this time! He felt a little sore all over thanks to the rather rough landing and his wings were feeling extremely tired after being pushed so hard, but otherwise he was in one piece and feeling just fine! He had to get back to the others and see what was happening with the scarf thieves, though! He had no time to waste.

The Swablu started to make his way through the bush, but as he did so, he bumped into something that rattled when it was pushed aside. Leaning closer to the ground and brushing his wing over the dark silhouette, he could feel... A box of some sort. Yes, it was definitely a small box that was locked, as he found himself unable to open it. This wasn't the first time he had found something like this, so Varda knew what to do! But as he was busy, he couldn't celebrate or announce his find. Instead, the box was slipped into his bag before hopping out of the bush.

It seemed like the beetle he had quite literally bumped into had also fallen from the sky based on the marks on the ground and the layer or dirt covering it – and it certainly looked angry! With a hiss, the blue bug Pokémon opened its shell a bit and spread its wings, as if to intimidate the bird. But it wasn't really working. Varda just looked at the display in confusion for a while, tilting his head. Well, he would probably have to deal with the thief somehow... But before he really managed to finish that thought, the beetle ended up charging at him.

Joey, not knowing what was going through the beetle's head at the moment, wondered why it was just standing there. "Just hand the item over! You don't need to get hurt." he said once more. The pokemon looked at the item for a moment, then back at Joey. It decided not to take this crap and got down on all fours and charged after Joey with its horn starting to glow.

Joey quickly noticed the pokemon had decided to charge him instead. He quickly jumped out of the way of the pokemon and blasted it with electricity. This time it stayed on the ground a little while longer. It seemed to struggle as it got up. Joey decided that the pokemon must of had enough if it was having trouble getting up. As Joey had approached the pokemon the pokemon dropped the item.

"You shouldn't steal..." he said as he picked the item up. The item seemed to be the one he was going to give to the moth pokemon. "That's the defense scarf... Now for the pecha scarf!" he said as he looked towards the direction he thought he saw Varda land at. He then noticed a few glowing pin like objects shoot into the tree tops from that direction. Joey looked over to the other two pokemon. "Here... As promised." he said as he put the item down near the moth. He then ran over towards the direction of the stray attack.

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As the beetle pokemon had charged Varda, its horn had started to glow as it got close. It was attempting to ram the bird with its horn it seemed!


((At some point, try to get a pin missle out...))

Varda was quite surprised by the sudden charge attack by the beetle, just barely managing to spread his wings and hop into the air to avoid it. The bug rushed past underneath him, the bird Pokémon only staying up in the air long enough to jump over the attack and land as gracefully as a little plump ball of fluff could. The beetle ended up ramming into a tree, the mighty impact shaking even the rather sturdy tree, sending some leaves floating down from above. A Pokémon that had been in the tree almost fell off as well, a small sloth just barely managing to catch onto the bark with its long claws before it fell...

But the beetle wasn't done with just that. In fact, it just looked angrier as it turned around and shrieked. The Swablu wasn't quite as prepared this time, having just landed and turned around after the earlier sudden attack, truly caught in a bad spot. The bug Pokémon was awfully fast, suddenly sending a barrage of needles in Varda's direction! The bird in question of course tried to move out of the way, barely managing to dodge the first one... But the ones following struck him, the first hit digging into his plump flesh. Trying to use his wings as shields, the Swablu wrapped those thick cottony blankets over his face as he did his best to endure the spikes shot in his direction.

Joey had continued to run in the direction of where the pins he saw that were launched. He could still hear them even though he didn't see them. This made Joey worry as he didn't hear anything else as he ran towards the scene.

He broke through the bush to see the bug type shooting the pins at Varda, who was currently shielding their face from the attack with their wings. Joey didn't delay as he quickly fired a bolt of energy at the pokemon. Causing it to stop the stream of pins. "Leave my friend alone!" he said as he ran into the pokemon. He didn't have a lot of force in that attack. ^{Doesn't know the proper move} He then held onto the pokemon and started to release as much energy as he seemed fit until the pokemon dropped down to the ground fully.

The pokemon eventually did fall to the ground, and just as Joey went to cut the power. It threw him into the nearest tree and charged him. Scoring a direct hit.

Joey cried out in pain as he got pinned to the tree.

Coaster carried out 3 launched of one Shadowhue Forest :

, ,

Varda could feel the spikes being shot at him, digging into his skin. He was really starting to feel like a pincushion of some sort, full of needles that well, honestly didn't hurt all that much when he thought about it. It was a little prick as they hit him, some falling off while some stuck to him... It would take some time to remove those from his body, but all in all it could have been much worse! He didn't dare to open his wings that shielded him before the attack had come to an end however, not wanting to get hit in any sensitive spots...

A sudden yell made the bird flinch slightly as he opened one of his eyes and peeked over his wings, the attack that had been hitting him suddenly stopping. He noticed Joey running at the two, eventually trying to ram the much larger beetle that barely even budged. The Swablu... Had a bad feeling about it. Perhaps the scene had looked much worse to an outsider, but he honestly wasn't that hurt and he didn't even feel like he was in a very bad spot!

The Pichu electrified the bug, which seemed to work... For a while. The moment Joey stopped, the beetle managed to get back on its feet, throwing the small mouse into a tree and then charging! Some items seemed to fall from the tree, but the bird didn't have time to check them out. Varda chirped as he heard the cry of pain, forcing himself to move despite his own shock. Running at the beetle, he jumped and pecked the bug.