Sweet-toothed Scallywag

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[Energy: 17 - 10 = 7]

Mission Details:

Just east of Grassveil Town, north of Pecha Forest, lay a thick patch of greenery.  The relatively small trail leading there was evidence that it didn't receive many visitors, and upon drawing close, it was easy to see why.  The trees there were dense, tall, and immeasurably old, forming such a gnarled mess of plant life that it seemed more like a cave than a woodland.  There could be no doubt about it.  This was Shadowhue Forest.

It certainly lived up to its name, Darcy thought, restlessly lashing her tail back and forth as she walked.  The Skitty stared up at the sky, watching the canopy overhead grow denser and denser with each step until nothing else could be seen.  The gentle breeze rustling the blue ribbon around her neck came to a stop as it was blocked by the thick trunks that seemed to close in around her.

...It was a little unsettling, but fascinating at the same time.  She had never been anywhere like this before.  "Sure is gloomy...  I wouldn't expect a Sylveon to hang around in a place like this," she absentmindedly murmured to her companion for this expedition.  He was a...  Beldum, was it?  She had seen this Pokemon at the Grassveil Guild in passing before, but until this morning they had never spoken.  She hoped that she wouldn't let him down.

Energy: 1 - 1 (roll's results) = 0

Despite Darcy taking the easy way out and using a Petrify Orb to freeze the Ariados in place, Adamantine was pleased with how quickly the Skitty had reacted. Perhaps it was adrenaline, fear, or a mixture of the two; it didn't matter, now that it thought the situation over again. The point was that she had made a judgment based on what she knew about her own abilities. "Agreed. I also recommend that it not occur today. Completing a mission should be more than enough training, no?" the Metang offered with a lighthearted wink. "For now, I would find it wise to make haste towards town. We are definitely close currently, and the sooner we complete the mission, the sooner we are able to clear Peaches' name and clear the objective."

However, progress wasn't everything to the Steel Type. It knew perfectly well that there was at least enough time to make some idle conversation before arriving at the exit. Small patches of sunlight leaked out from the canopy above, dappling the area with spots much like tiny suns scattered across the floor. "Now that we have a moment of peace, perhaps you could tell us a little bit more about yourself, Peaches? I do not find it very fair that Darcy and I have been doing most of the talking while unintentionally leaving you as a third wheel." it proposed with a small nod. The Sylveon looked like it would be willing to share a bit more about itself, even if they literally had met just a while ago. "That is, of course, if you feel comfortable telling us. I also do not desire you to disclose something you wish to keep secret."

Darcy flicked an ear and glanced up as Adamantine said that she'd done enough training.  "Okay...  I guess so," she said while cracking a smile and returning to her feet.  Combined with this new bite that stung with poison, all of the bumps and scrapes she'd endured so far were starting to weigh on her...  Yeah.  She had earned a break.

She followed after Adamantine and couldn't help but stare at the Ariados as they passed by.  It would be alright to leave it here, wouldn't it?  She didn't think Petrify Orbs lasted forever, and since it was the scariest feral she had seen in the forest thusfar, she doubted anything would have the nerve to harass it while it was helpless.  ...She hoped not, at least.  She didn't want this feral to get hurt, but could think of no other solutions that wouldn't just end in more fighting...

Well, its petrification would be broken if something attacked it, and it seemed more than capable of protecting itself.  She tried to put it out of her mind as she looked up at Peaches.  Learning more about him sounded like fun.  She had some questions for the Sylveon, but was still rather shaky from the shock of her brief scuffle and decided to stay quiet as he smiled at the guild members and cleared his throat.

"Well, alright.  I suppose now is a good time," he began.  "I live in Grassveil Town, as I'm sure you two do.  I've been staying with my family there, until...  Well, until all of this happened."  The Sylveon paused for a moment, then uncomfortably cast his gaze downward.  "...There is...  There is actually another reason that I went to such lengths to get these gummies that I'd like you to know.  I don't expect you to forgive me based on this, but I do hope you understand.  ...They were meant to be a birthday present for my little sister."

He flashed an apologetic smile as he looked back to the two guild members.  "Still, it's ridiculous that I let myself get into so much trouble over this.  She must be disappointed in me.  But she wants to become a Sylveon like I did, and...  I just...  I wanted her to be happy.  ...I guess I thought she needed these gummies more than the people I stole from.  I'm sorry."

Darcy stared up at Peaches as he spoke.  His words had struck a deep chord within her, and his actions suddenly didn't seem so strange anymore...  Sympathy welled up in her heart as she trotted closer and gave him a comforting look.  "Hey, it's alright.  I understand what it's like to be a big sibling...  We'll get things sorted out.  Right, Adam?" she finished, giving her partner a hopeful look.  If they really could manage to reunite Peaches and his sister...  That would make everything she had gone through today worth it.  This was the sort of thing she'd dreamed of doing back when she had decided to join the guild...

Energy: 0 + 1 (new page) = 1

There it was, the true motif behind all of Peaches' actions clear as day. Though it still wasn't appropriate for the Sylveon to resort to illegal actions to obtain the Gummis, it did have to commend them for having good intentions at heart. "I understand. I personally am not aware of the responsibilities of being an older sibling, but I can tell that you have your heart in the right place with such selfless acts." Adamantine stated. The fact that they were remorseful for their actions was enough to prompt instant forgiveness anyways, so the Metang felt no obligation to scold them in any way after hearing this. At least it was nice to know that some Pokémon were still that nice even if it was just an act to a family member.

"Thank you for sharing, Peaches. As Darcy said, we will provide our best effort to sort this out as smoothly as possible in order to reunite your family. I apologize for the hassle; if we had known earlier, we would have prepared to assist you in this earlier." it remarked with a light chuckle. If there was one thing that Adam wanted to take away from this mission from a learning perspective, it was that even the target of a mission had problems and feelings. One would be foolish to instantly assume the worst and charge ahead without first considering the situation from their perspective. Surely this would provide useful in missions to come, no? Though I will not be afraid to fight should the scenario allow it, I should perhaps take a more tender approach to my actions. Definitely not something I am strong at considering my voice and appearance are a bit... Threatening.

As for their current location, they were mere moments from the end to Shadowhue Forest. The twinkle of the exit shined brightly as a beacon of hope and a good omen. All that awaited was the final stretch to the ending. Adamantine felt good that its first mission was a complete success and that it happened to make two new friends in the process, both unique in their own ways. "And so it appears the ending of our exploration is upon us. When we return to Grassveil, we should consult Officer Magnezone at once to clear your name. Are you ready?" it asked with a determined nod.

Peaches smiled.  Not an apologetic smile like before, but a relieved, deeply happy smile, as if his troubles had been wiped away and he was allowed to relax for the first time in days.  He regarded the two guild members with eyes full of appreciation.  "...I'm ready if you two are.  Both of you...  Thanks.  I'm in your debt."

Darcy smiled back.  "Don't mention it, Peaches.  We're just doing our job," she said gently, her tail wagging back and forth.  It warmed her heart to see how much the Sylveon's mood had changed.  He had been so bitter and hostile when they first met, but now he was treating them like close friends...  She couldn't have been happier with how today had turned out.  If it meant she could make more Pokemon happy like this, then...  As scary as it could be, she really did want to continue working at the guild.  She wanted to become as capable as Adam was.  Starting tomorrow, she would begin to take her training more seriously...

But for now, she just wanted to enjoy the moment.  She could see the end of the forest up ahead and really couldn't wait to be out in the sunshine again.  "Now let's hurry!  Your sister's waiting!" she said.  In spite of the bite on her foreleg, she just couldn't restrain herself from gleefully bounding ahead of the group while humming a song.

Peaches stifled a laugh as the little Skitty darted ahead.  "Right, right.  Lead the way, Darcy," he said while cheerfully loping after her.  He did his best to hide it, but it was clear to any onlookers that he was every bit as excited as Darcy was.