[Event] Dungeons and Luncheons

[Energy: 34 - 15 (Dungeon entrance cost) = 19]

Yigo's Bag:

Items sent to stash:

With the dawn of a new day came a new resolve for the incidental team. The last day was time for leisure. Today it was the time for duty. The two Pokémon woke up and geared up for the journey ahead of them. Yigo gathered his resources, fitted them into his satchel, and tied it to his stamina band on the side. The riverside camp provided a very useful landmark to guide the pair of Pokémon forward. If they were to find a sacred creature, Yigo guessed that the Monochrome ruins would be the place to check out. They only needed to find the Monochrome Falls that shrouded the entrance to the ruins. Easy enough to find, considering they only had to follow the river upstream.

Eventually, the landmark that was the waterfall was in sight, its roaring streams crashing down onto a seemingly peaceful lake devoid of all color. Knowing that Yigo is physically unable to endure water, much less cross the waterfall through, he made his own way by tunneling right on the side until the passage to the Monochrome Ruins was accessible, allowing Powar a safer way into the cave as well. Dry as they can be, the two walked along the tunnel, the light at the end of it revealing a new section of the dungeon. This was not going to be an easy exploration, he can't even rely on his sight properly at this point. The darkness enveloped it all but, just like Powar had shown him a light to guide his actions, he'd shown him the way forward. A surge of light surrounded Yigo, golden and fierce, giving some much-needed visibility to cross through. The trick to this was what Yigo had in his satchel alongside his consumables: a Z-Crystal. Touching it, he channeled its energy, making it shine like a torch for a few moments, hardly containing the energy inside without spending it in a devastating move "To write this last chapter. For a better world where everyone gets along. So that I may find friendship again..." He spoke, determined with an inner fire filling him with valor "We will triumph! Together!"

With that inspiring speech, he dispersed the energy of the crystal. This was no way to use it and was better spent on an emergency. At least Powar now knows that he wasn't the only one with a trump card.

Powar's Energy: 20 - 15 (entry cost) = 5

Powar's Bag:

Adrenaline flowed through Powar's small body, the thought of bringing a friend along on the quest to bring the world together igniting and kindling a similar fire in his soul. Unfortunately, he also knew that since he was working on the world's scene, that which sought the duo's failure (and maybe even the fall of all Powar stood for) would do all they could to bring it to reality, thus leaving little if any room for leisure, fun, or maybe even crack humor. His slightly frayed small bag, a sign of freelance adventuring, would wrap around his shoulder with a nearly overhauled selection of items as compared to his entrance the previous day as the pair set off upriver toward the Monochrome Falls, the site of entry to the supposed mission destination known as Monochrome Ruins.

Unfortunately, as soon as the falls came within sight, a slight fear settled in once more. Even though he was, as are all Turtwig, resistant to the Water Type, he still didn't want to have anything to do with water except for occasional bathing sessions and eating and drinking to survive. The very thought of that soil on his shell eroding sped up his breathing a bit...

Only to be relieved when, even if for a different reason, Yigo carved a dry path into the Ruin with his claws. A few deep breaths in the dim morning light was the last he'd be getting of that for a while as he ventured into the Ruin besides Yigo. Down a path he went, aimlessly following into the darkness...

Powar had to find reasons to be optimistic in this moment, lest he find himself completely helpless in the dark of the ruin he had never before stepped foot in. For one, his task would be for the greater good; once it was complete, the world would be in a much better place. For another, Yigo was here, one of the best friends he could ask for... and wait... was he channeling a Z-Crystal? Another fantasy brought to life as far as the Turtwig was concerned, and it was indeed comforting to know that Yigo also carried a powerful item of his own, even if the Z-Power had already been dispersed on a non-combat encounter. For now, though, he could see this first open area of the ruin, and get a bearing for the environment he'd be venturing through to find their lost client. If his hunches were correct, this client would be a very rare Pokemon, which would give Powar the same kind of experience Yigo had already had twice over by now. For now, however, his job would be to work on the here and now... figuring out how to maneuver this ruin.

"We will, we must, we shall! Together!"

Leaving the passageway, the group arrived at what was known as Monochrome ruins. Even if there was somewhat more light than in the cave, colors were not going to return for the remainder of the dungeon. Replacing the trees, grass, thorns, and pebbles were pillars of ruined stone and rabble, enclosing them and leading them on further into this new area. Despite knowing about this place, the nomad hadn't been in there in the past. No longer was this the enjoyable and comfortable Shadowhue, but the remains of a cataclysm amongst which Pokémon can hide and prowl.

Yigo was alert, more than usual. Even if the group's safety wasn't a concern, he still had to look for... something. Now that he thought about it, the Sandslash didn't have a clue about what he was supposed to find. Powar didn't say anything about what his objective was "Tell me again what we are looking for. Do you think we are set to fight it?"

As far as Yigo knew, this could have been their dwelling and the wreckage in front of them the testament of previous attempts to battle it. He stepped forth into the first chamber, searching on all fours with haste for traces of other Pokémon. The rocky, arid and desolate floor had no pawprints that he could spot, moreover, the only scent strong enough that he could catch was Powar's. Ready on all fours, he stared at Powar "I can't sense anything for now, but I don't know what should I be expecting" He paused, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves "You lead, I follow"

Powar's Energy: 5

Powar took the opportunity to look around, trying to make sure he at least saw that which would attack him... or knock him out... or eat him alive... In the Monochrome Ruin, anything could happen, including a godlike Pokemon being held captive, so the odds of the weak Turtwig getting annihilated looked like a print.

Powar started to shake a bit, but had to take what air he could and breathe, trying to not panic under the circumstances. When Yigo started to ask Powar a curious question, he only saw it as more of a reminder of the reason he was down here. His will to take the pledge and endure whatever it would take to make sure Arceus's will, and by extension Powar's dreams, became reality, helping him calm further.

"We're looking for a Pokemon that is held captive here 'by those who would do harm' if the retold scripture of the prophecy is accurate. And, if this is like the other Pokemon in this whole conflict, it's rare and powerful. What 'those' probably don't know is that strength of will can be as important as the strength of body, or of mind, and I'm not giving up until my limp body is tossed out the door every day for a week."

With this fire in his heart alight, the Turtwig tried to get any sight in the monochrome darkness, still only able to make silhouettes. With a hefty deep breath, comparable to those made in harsh sunlight but here in the dark, he'd let out a "Let's do this." and venture deeper into the ruin. Perhaps he was too confident right now, but he couldn't let that doubt cause him any vulnerability or chance of failure.

Those words from Powar made the Sandslash raise an eyebrow. His expression turned worried as he had just realized the zeal of his partner, and how easy he was getting inspired by it. Luckily, the dark is a good ally when one wishes to hide emotions, and perhaps the Turtwig hasn't noticed yet. Yigo was first and foremost a survivalist. Having to fend off for himself for many years has given him a sense for self-preservation and a love for life itself as a gift not to be wasted or thrown away, even when hope is dwindling. Now Powar was willing to go to waste to achieve this quest, causing Yigo to act.

He rushed to his side and got a claw on the shell by his neck, as one would on a shoulder for a bipedal Pokémon, trying to stop him "Not like this, no" He spoke, serious "I am willing to help, but not if the price to pay is your..." Yigo had already internalized the fact that there would be fighting involved. He's been struck many times before and has received scars and bruises. Nevertheless, what Powar was saying was more akin to headbutting a stone wall until either the wall breaks or the head doing the wrecking, but how to try to make him change his mind? "Be open to the chance of retreating if needed as brawn and brain are strengths that may surpass u-us and..."

And here he was failing to make his idea clear. The Sandslash's heart started to burn with fear, a fear to lose his partner while his words seemed to convey the idea of giving up. But that wasn't the point! Kneeling to the Turtwig's level, he brought him closer into a hug, his head resting on the shell by the side of his head "Whatever happens here, we must be able to come back! A world of order is not worth it if we had to die for it!" His body shivered as if he was in the snow, growing somewhat emotional from his words and not letting Powar go immediately.

PrimordialPrim carried out 10 launched of one Monochrome Ruins :

, , , , , , , , ,

Powar's Energy: 5

With the touch on his shoulder that seemed initially to be of comfort and then of concern for both of them... Powar realized that his claim of strong will was a bit of an exaggeration, and then taken to a similar literal degree by Yigo, putting them both on-edge. With a deep breath over Yigo's shoulder, and a few Turtwig tears getting close to the Sandslash, Powar aimed to soothe both of them with his own words. "Look... I don't want to die for this, either... I just... don't wanna give up... I understand retreat, but I'm not going to let this fail when Arceus is this close to realizing a perfect world! I... can't let us lose..."

But Powar had to cut himself from the warm embrace they were in as a Roggenrola entered his peripheral vision. "Look out!" He'd jerk out, roll, and tuck into his shell to prepare for his first hostile encounter of this whole endeavor as the rock being started to charge in...

Arestortle carried out 5 launched of one Monochrome Ruins :

, , , ,

At least some reassurance was given on the part of the grass type. The hug may have helped him accept the idea of falling back should things not go their way. Noticing that Powar also started to grow emotional, proof of how invested he was in this reality that was promised. And the Sandslash had to accept that.

But before he could bring himself together and get back onto his feet, his partner had warned him about an incoming danger. The Turtwig wasted no time getting off of the ground type to avoid the charge, but Yigo had no such luxury. He glanced back and got onto a battle-ready stance, on all fours with the snout low and a claw ready to strike an approaching foe. However, the darkness now played against him, causing the rock's silhouette to blend in with the dark, stone ruins until it was too late to respond.

The rock charged and struck at the head of the Sandslash with its own, causing Yigo to groan and turn to the side, stunned momentarily after the Headbutt and flinching, causing him not to retaliate himself and be open for a second attack. Yigo could just crush it by making the stone below the Roggenrola collapse into itself and damage greatly the rock type via an Earthquake, but he's unable to act, not without some support.

One dumb move already left Yigo hurt and vulnerable against the foe he knew not of its strength... But with his previous flight to back himself away, had bumped into an orb he could only faintly make out and even then guess as an orb of use in the situation. At this point, he felt desperate, and he hoped for a miracle that would help him create many more as he grasped the item in his jaws and slammed it down, creating a strong gust that blew the Roggenrola to a wall and away from his ally and friend before it could capitalize on the situation it had created.

Thank Arceus that was a Blowback Orb... Powar said with a huff and a sigh, but before he could regain his bearings after that bold move, he was already blown himself by a new foe yet unseen by himself. Whereas Yigo was a little more seasoned on this occupation and seemed to take the hit well, Powar was already forming second thoughts about making this journey in the back of his head as the pain was excruciating for the small turtle under the super effective attack. He had to stay determined, but... how long would it last?

The support of the Turtwig came in clutch as the rock type was readying a second head bash that could have caused similar staggering effects on the ground type. The gust of wind countered the momentum of the Headbutt and send it crashing into one of the ruins, bumping against one of the leftover walls and bouncing off of onto the ground.

It was a brief respite, but this wasn't a Superpower that had sent it away through sheer force. The Roggenrola could continue the fight and Yigo couldn't allow an aggressive Pokémon to harm them any further. Quickly shuffling his feet into a more stable stance, he rose his left claw and struck at the rocky ground right below him as if Yigo intended to pierce thought it like a chisel. An epicenter formed right below his feet, sending a shockwave that travelled in a straight line with the crust of the fragile rock being torn apart on the way until, right below the rock type, the epicenter became active and caused the ground below it to collapse as if an Electrode had exploded in its position.

The Roggenrola felt its outer shell be torn apart, as the crash into a wall left cracks that comprised its Sturdy-ness. Although still whole, the Roggenrola became inanimate, fainting after the super-effective ground type move. Yigo exhaled, but didn't have time to breathe when a second gust of wind blows at him. The zephyr thrashed the Sandslash, making him lose his footing and roll sideways until the winds died out.

He groaned and tried to pick himself up, staring at a shadowy flyer looming over them. A quick glance to his side confirmed that, not only Yigo hadn't been the only one affected by the surprise attack, but he may not even have been the main target. Worried, he stared at Powar, wishing for him to remember that retreating is an option if he saw his defeat near. After all, Yigo could probably take on this foe and return to Powar to recover.

When he was about to get back on all fours, he hears the ground being crushed near them as metal structures surged from within. An otherworldly energy surrounded them as they floated, a loud and head aching ring being produced on their way above. Their eyes, red as Cheri Berries, indicated that they hadn't appreciated the earthquake that had awoken them from their slumber.

The odds were stacked against them, and Yigo started stepping back "P-Powar... We can't win this. Run! Let's head back to the cave before it's too late!" He urged, afraid of what was in front of him. Still, Yigo decided to stand up, raise his arm, and swing it at the flying foe. Commanded by the Sandslash, a few Swift starts showered the enemy from above. This may be enough to catch its attention and give Powar the chance to run away. If anything, it'd be better if Yigo took the hits, someone without anyone that'd miss him or remember him. What was the loss? Arceus could just find Powar another friend. It is best to give him a certain escape and have him face the worst odds.