splicedskies

[splicedskies]

@poise-n-poison - "They don't see who they are is who they'll always be."

The teen had been mid-bite into a berry. His sharp teeth cracking the otherwise hard, and slightly spikey exterior of something a normal person should not be able to break. It was a Tomato Berry, one of his personal favorites for it's more spicy and savory flavours.

But.. he froze, blinking up and staring at the woman with bewilderment, even confusion in his eyes

Then he looked out at the conservatory itself, Pokémon simply.. being. Was that what she was getting at?

He unlogged his teeth from the berry, looking back.

"... I don't get it."

[splicedskies]

The teen tilts his head as the Professor speaks. He'd only met one or two in his time, and the way he found that they looked at the world always unnerved him. That.. calculating, knowing gaze of those of the scientific persuasion.

It.. bothered something deeply inside of him. A recoiling reflex.

"Kinda..? I could hear it, and see it. I can tell it's something that nature here needs to survive. Reminds me of a few places I've been to.. places untouched by most." He hummed a bit, but not willing to elaborate. Likely the same as he'd act with this place to others. Vague descriptions, nothing more.

Though when they continued with finding use of his 'talent' he looked up curiously. Then again, it did seem rare to have any individual able to understand Pokémon on any level outside of vague guesses and observations.

"Ah.. It might take a while. The only one I have is 'registered' in Alola.." He frowned a bit.

"And even that's kinda.. not super great. I have no public records or anything. So getting any license is almost impossible in most places for me." Most of it.. all of it.. was lost with his mother. Then again, he didn't have any in Sinnoh either, from what he remembered. Nothing registered, anywhere.

Still, he'd nod.

"That's fair." Especially when it came to N. He was mostly somewhat happy that he'd been here before. Someone familiar to him, a friendly face. Someone that laid some patchwork of trust.

"I may not understand everything about this place, but I at least understand that there's importance in protecting a places ecosystem.. Considering how many horrible people out there are willing to hurt people or worse over even a small bit of power." He frowned. His words were full on pain. Personal experience, one in which he'd told Nata, Alma and Gemma in that cave.

"It's.. why I don't trust just anyone.. No matter what." His gut was always what he went by.. Gut and actions.

"HMM . . ." FABIUS TAKES THIS IN QUIETLY. Nata watches the professor's gaze fall towards the floor slowly in thought. It seemed even he was puzzled by this information—a rare thing that made a bout of nervousness bubble up in Nata's stomach. Fabius was among the heads of this entire operation, after all; if anyone could narrow down the truth, it'd be him.

"If Zapdos displays this behavior again in the near future, we will look into it." He decides after a pause. "While I hate to expedite the business N has to conclude in Unova, I may reach out to him soon about asking for his assistance on the matter. Speaking of which . . ."

"You are aware of the wyrmways, and the energy they conduct now, are you not? I hope you understand now why we must maintain a strict surveillance of this land during our operation. Outsiders are generally not welcome without prior authorization . . ."

". . . However, in the case of N, ultimately when he returns is his decision. Until then, we could use an individual with your talent to assist in this operation. It will take time for your trainer's license to be authorized, and I would like to confirm with N about your connections. But, if you swear to guard the secrets of this land . . . I am willing to submit an application for you to have access to this area."

[splicedskies]

Altra simply tilted his head with all these explanations. Not quite fully understanding it on his own, and simply... trying to absorb what information might be useful. Not much would sink in, however. Due to the lack of context Altra truly understood.

"It kept yelling out proclamations of challenge. And anytime someone else got in it's way, it'd yell at them to 'get out of the way' or 'this doesn't concern you'." Altra sighed, arms crossing over his chest as he spoke. He still didn't know why it'd singled him out as if he was some sort of 'threat' to Zapdos' domain. None of his Pokémon were particularly powerful after all. And even then.. only Ardbert was with him.

As much as the little Zorua pranced himself around, he wasn't as powerful as some supped up thunder bird.

"It's more than simply 'understanding' them. I can understand Pokespeak the same way we understand each other." His brows knit a bit as he explained. Something he had to always correct because some thought it some sort of 'psychic' trait or simply 'knowing' Pokémon.

Not their language itself.

"It was angry, agitated... insulted even. When we escaped to the cave, I'd even say livid. I could hear it crying out 'Coward'..." His eyes moved to the ground, thinking back, picking through the sounds of the storm with Zapdos' booming voice with every crack of lightning.

"I didn't hear anything when it left.. hard to over that 'Wyrmway' constantly humming.."

"IT'S CERTAINLY SOMETHING WE WOULD HAVE TO LOOK INTO, if it continues to exhibit this sort of behavior. Though, we have reason to believe Zapdos' aggression might be caused by something entirely." He ponders aloud. "Astrum Unit reports potential sightings of pokerus spreading in different parts of the region. This affliction is known to make pokemon exceptionally aggressive, a sort of 'frenzy' if you will."

"In addition, the local apexes' aggression seems to occur in tandem with more volatile inclemencies throughout the Eastlands. As you all have observed last night, the storm over the Windward Plain was exceptionally long. It coincided with a heavy Downpour in the Scarlet Forest, and an intense Firespring within the Oilwell Basin."

Fabius lets that sink in for a bit. "As expected, all of the regional apexes emerged from their lairs during these inclemencies. However, none of them exhibited quite the same behavior as Zapdos did last night."

"Are you suggesting that Zapdos is the only one that has caught the strain thus far?" Alma interjects. "Perhaps. And yet . . ." Fabius returns his gaze towards Altra. "I've been told you possess a natural talent with pokemon—the ability to understand them, the same way N does. What did you take from Zapdos' behavior last night?"

[splicedskies]

It weas refreshing to see his Pokémon out and about. If it were up to him, he'd never put any of them in Pokeballs. But sadly, the chaotic group made that near impossible to keep track of. But at least Desmond's antics were getting a few people to chuckle as he bolted around with neigh constant energy.

"Usually I'm the one sleeping terribly.. Some nights I have nightmares that barely let me rest at all." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he followed Nata to the research tent.

"Or I wake up feeling like a boulder..." The teen grumbled as Nata pushed the tent flap back and they both entered. Altra's ears twitching as he picked up on the tail end of the adults and their conversation. Though.. seeing Fabius there. He mostly moved to make himself less visible by being behind Alma once him and Nata were waved over.

Especially when Fabius' attention shifted to him.

"Y-yeah... We don't know why Zapdos was specifically after me either. Outside of what it kept screaming." He kept his eyes low, his words clean, precise and simple. Nothing like how more relaxed he sounded back in the cave with just Nata, Gemma and Alma.

"HEHE, IT'S OKAY." Among Altra's team, Nata is the most intrigued by Desmond—he seemed to be the most outgoing, barring that nasty habit of nipping the heels of anyone who got to close to him. The zigzagoon was running loose circles around the camp, and Nata quietly remarked that he'd never seen his particular variant before.

The fact that he was quite unlike the local species around here attested to Altra's nomadic ways. The guy really got around! "Yes . . . I was having some bad dreams last night, but I'm fine now. I'm just glad one of us slept well last night."

Considering how draining the past few days likely were for Altra, he looked like he definitely needed it. It brings a smile to the younger's face knowing that his friend was doing better. "I'll show you to the research tent. Olivia and Erik are there too. Don't worry—Alma already talked to them and Fabius about you being here."

As they approach the tent, the sounds of conversation are already heard. Nata brushes past the tent flap, into the large space that made the research tent. While it was frequently where the expedition's scientists stayed, it doubled as a meeting space—somewhere all the units could gather to discuss their next moves.

"—Right. In that case, your next objective will be to collect specimens in Wyveria for examination." Fabius was speaking to Olivia, who acknowledges the instructions with a nod. "The sooner we have an extracted strain, the sooner we can work on producing a vaccine." "Of course, sir."

"Nata, Altra!" Alma waves over the two boys. "Good of you to come." "Alma has made me aware of what you endured last night following Zapdos's appearance." Fabius turns toward Altra, hands behind his back thoughtfully. "I've also been told that you are now aware of the nature of the Dragontorch, the source of this region's limitless energy."

[splicedskies]

Starter for @insectperfection

Nature was such a fascinating place. Thick trees, vines, the quiet ambiance of life proceeding without a care of the world humans chose to live within. Away from fabrication, away from tall buildings and too much noise.

Though of course, sometimes that natural silence was disturbed by something else. Usually one of said people choosing to pass through, unabated by the vines, brush and the wild Pokémon there-in.

But that didn't change the fact that Aaron was being watched.

In the shadows of the trees, close to a secluded section of the forest, the flash of gentle glowing blue eyes would be seen, keeping their distance and simply watching what the other was doing.

And indeed.. Altra was confused. Most people didn't go this far into Eterna Forest. And after some silence...

"Who are you...?" His voice coming through the foliage as he kept an eye on the person. This was.. essentially the teens home, after all.

[splicedskies]

[ I'mma play some vidja games to destress a bit~

Sooo leaving this as a starter call. Like and all that good stuff and I'll make a starter for us~ ]

[splicedskies]

As the morning went on, Altra checked on all of his Pokémon, finally letting them out and giving them all a chance to stretch and relax in the open fresh air. Of course, likely turning at least one or two heads at the rather rag-tag menagerie. As Altra's team severely lacked a 'theme' unlike some trainers.

Luna, the Teddiursa kept to the inside of the tent. Too many eyes, too many people made the little bear anxious. Meanwhile Desmond, the Galarian Zigzagoon was happily rolling around in the dust and running around with get his energy out. Occasionally nipping at the heels of anyone who got too close.

Sigmund, the Gabite was more fretting over his trainer. Knowing something had gone south with the fact they hadn't been let out the night before. All the while, an old, well scarred, and greying Braviary watched the general controlled chaos around Altra's tent. Renard was an old bird, with wisdom beyond his years, after all.

Ardbert simply took to napping in the tent, occasionally opening an eye to look toward Luna in her fretting.

So when Nata approached a little before Noon, Altra looked up, having sorted again through his backpack to make sure everything was there.

"Huh? Oh.. yeah! This is everyone! Bit of a rowdy bunch but.. they're basically my family." He motioned to each, telling Nata their names. Of course Desmond was more than happy to pause his 'zoomies' to look curiously at Opal and Nata before resuming his near constant laps around the camp.

"Hopefully he doesn't bite anyone too hard. Tends to be his way of saying 'hello' much to my constant headache." Altra offered a chuckle before looking back to Nata. Unlike the other three, Altra seemed to have more energy in him than the days before.

"Alright.. did you sleep better here? I imagine sleeping in that cave was rough.." He frowned, looking back to the Braviary.

"Renard, you're in charge while I'm with Nata, okay?" The old bird simply nodded his head, no response needed between the two before he nodded to move with the other boy.

"OF COURSE." Alma gives Altra a nod, as Nata is helped down from the saddle and escorted back to his own tent. Gemma, whilst dismounting from her own Dodtrio, follows Alma intently.

"Lemme help you get that report taken care of. The sooner it's done, the sooner we can all get some rest." For the time being, the group would disperse. It would be about late morning—close to noon—when Nata finally re-emerged from his tent, Opal in tow.

The boy is gingerly rubbing one eye, ridding of the last few traces of drowsiness, when he finally saunters over towards Altra's tent. Opal lingered behind, but never strayed further than a few feet from her trainer While the pokemon seemed to no longer deem Altra as an immediate threat, the wary, stubborn look she bore told of her distrust. She still didn't like him.

"Altra, Alma wanted me to ask if you could meet us in the research tent when you're ready." It is then that he notices some of Altra's pokemon. Blinking again, Nata raises his brows in alert. ". . . All of these are yours?"

[splicedskies]

Worry certainly coated the teens face, though he knew there wasn't much he could do to help. Sometimes people just slept terribly, right? He had it happen all the time. Waking up exhausted, hungry, barely able to get up some mornings. But still pressing through if he could.

Though as they approached the Base Camp, he perked up, seeing.. two new faces? Well certainly new to him. He never really took time to memorize the people at the Base Camp. Or maybe they're from one of the other camps this group had around the Orre region.

It was possible.

But as with any new face, Altra was very quiet. Not even looking up toward them and instead keeping his attention elsewhere as he moves off the saddle, Ardbert idly napping on his shoulders through the whole ride. And only now did the ghostly Zorua open one eye to see the commotion.

'Mmm.. back already? That was a nice way to travel.' He grumbled, yawning and nuzzling into the teens jacket.

"I'm going to check my backpack where I left it, okay Alma?" He looked toward her for a moment before moving off to the edge of the camp where his tent was set up. He mainly wanted to make sure it was where he left it an undisturbed. His Pokémon deserved a chance to come out since they'd been cooped up all night.

"Renard's gonna let me have it once I let him out.." He sighed, not paying much mind to the other two faces out of his usual anxiousness around older figures.

"OH, A NAP IS CERTAINLY IN ORDER," Alma replies with a sheepish smile, touched, but attempting to waving off Altra's concern. She seemed to be the type who didn't like when others worried about her too much—even if she was quite the worrywart herself. "Of course, I'm going to report to Fabius first about what transpired. That storm was unprecedented. But, once things have settled, I'll be sure to get some rest."

"Ugh, I hate to say it but I'm pretty tuckered out too. Guess the forge is gonna have to wait," Gemma sighed. "But at least Nata's getting some sleep." She too, glances at the young boy who was quite frankly, out like a light against Alma. "Sometimes I miss being able to sleep like that . . ."

Whereas climbing the ledges that lead up to the camp was a chore on foot, the pokemon they rode accomplished the obstacles with ease. Nata was abruptly shaken awake before then—probably to lessen the risk of him falling out of the saddle in the process. "Alma . . . ?"

"We're almost back to Base Camp. Just hang on a little longer and you can go right back to sleep, okay?" His guardian glances over her shoulder, and smiles warmly at him. "Mm'kay . . ."

Towards the entrance of the camp, two figures are standing; what appeared to be a young man with blonde hair and a heavy green overcoat, and a grizzled middle-aged woman, confident and donning ranger's gear. Alma perks up at the sight of them, adjusting her glasses. "It's Astrum Unit!"

"Hey! You're back!" The young man waves them over with a wide arc of his arm. "Glad to see you're all in one piece. That storm was really something last night, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was." Alma replies as she slides out of the saddle. "Erik, could you walk Nata back to his tent? He didn't sleep very well last night. I need to speak to Fabius."

[splicedskies]

One would have expected sleeping on the cold, hard, dusty ground of a cavern to not be the best way to sleep. But for Altra, it felt like the exact opposite. He always slept rough, but this night? It was as if he had the best sleep he's ever had.

Altra had awoken oddly chipper. Awake, well rested even. He even turned down any sort of ration before heading out saying he felt 'perfectly fine'. Though he did notice the exhaustion laden on the faces of the others. Nata looked the worst for wear, and it made Altra worried as they rode on the backs of the Dodtrio across the now seemingly peaceful plains.

How bewildering it was.. Especially since that storm seemed to last so much longer than they claimed it did.. And seemed especially violent. Altra was quietly hoping the camp was alright.

"Hmmm... Kind of like 'mini' seasons.. Like how the cycle of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter work.. but on a smaller, quicker scale. That's interesting." Altra's eyes were bright, compared to the others. Fully alert and taking in the scenery.

But his eyes pulled toward the massive arching structure, and thus he frowned. He hopped Zapdos was calmer now, hopefully that bizarre idea of challenging him it had long since faded. He still didn't know why it singled him out, specifically.

Still.. his eyes pulled away before he looked toward Nata.

"Maybe you should take a nap when we get back to your guys' camp? You all look exhausted." Even though they all slept through the night.

THEY'D SLEPT POORLY. By the time the raging storm outside had died down, the group was seemingly fast asleep. Every single one of them, sans Altra, awoke weighed down by the memories of unpleasant nightmares. Though Alma and Gemma were used to going without a decent sleep, Nata, being younger, was still somewhat prone to heavy drowsiness. After they'd packed up their things and prepared to head back out to the Base Camp, the youngest among them fell right back asleep in Dodtrio's saddle, leaning against Alma for support.

For having been ravaged by violent winds and surfing sands, the plain that they crossed into as they left the dunes behind looked surprisingly lush and placid. Seated beside Altra, Gemma yawned from their mount. Alma kept her voice low for Nata's sake, and occasionally rubbed her eyes from beneath her spectacles.

"And the cycle begins anew," Alma observes, tired, tender smile finding its way onto her lips as they ride along the riverbank. Like clockwork the herds of Mareep and Zebstrika had returned to graze. Squawkabilly were singing from their perches in the acacia trees. It was as though the chaos of the evening before had never even occurred.

"This is the power that the Dragontorch holds. After each inclemency, a season of bounty arrives, and both the people and pokemon that live here flourish. Eventually, that supply of energy will fade, and the season of fallow will begin," Alma hums. "Plenty, Fallow, Inclemency. That's the way of this land. No matter how many times I see it, the Windward Plain in Plenty never ceases to take my breath away."

In the distance, the Wind's Gasp arcs towards the sky, standing tall over its domain. Compared to the volatile storm that brewed within it, it looks majestic. There was no sign of Zapdos either, confirming their suspicions that the thunderbird had returned to its lair to nest for the season.

@splicedskies // plotted starter

[splicedskies]

What a curious Pokémon, Altra had never seen such before in his travels. Maybe they were rare? Would make sense for them to be so deep in the forests. Though he noted a slight distraction in her voice. He's guessing she only just woke up. Then again, the teen couldn't blame her for doing so.

It was a lovely morning.

"Yeah, I'm a traveler. Backpacking from place to place, trying to find my place in the world." He smiled with his words, settling himself to sit down in front of his tent to watch the large Pokémon.

"I'm Altra, I'm from Sinnoh. I'm not super knowledgeable about Unova, so I just kinda pick a direction and hope for the best." He explained with a warm smile. To him, it was just easier to talk to Pokémon in general.

"What's your name?" Something he always asked a wild Pokémon. Always curious of the names they chose for themselves, or did not. Though with the verbal commotion, something finally poked it's sleepy head out from the tent. A black and white Linoone that looked like he could easily go for another hour.

'Eh.. you talkin' ta' someone ki-?' He froze, eyes going wide as he sees the bright, white, giant Pokemon. HArd not too.

"It's okay Des, she's nice! And sorry for disturbing you." He reached over, giving the long racoon-like Pokémon a pat on the head.

<- PREVIOUS.

does Truth dream? nobody knows for sure except she, and reshiram did have a disturbing trip through muddled memory lane last night. that empty, hollow feeling of something missing—that pain accompanying separation and the shedding of icicles to make way for something lesser then what birthed it.

reshiram had not such visions in her dreams since she was reawakened. up until now, she hadn't known why such things occurred. blue eyes rest on the person below. the dragon senses things as they are, and therefore she finds the one standing before her a curiousity that she cannot pinpoint precisely. reshiram finds this a pleasant reason for social interaction.

"i never mind company. it is a fine day," she affirms, snout lifting as she looks toward the tree leaves and sky. "not many find this place, but it is an adequate campground. are you a traveler, or merely on a hike?"

[splicedskies]

He'd gone on many treks along the many winding paths of Mt. Coronet at this point. He'd memorized trails, pushed off boulders that had fallen or blocked others, and generally enjoyed his time venturing to and from various spots to overlook the entire Sinnoh region.

It was what kept his hope in his heart for the most part. Memories of the part, when he was still with his Mother. Happier, simpler times.

Normally he was alone on these trails. Rarely seeing any other people so he didn't care if he stopped in the middle of a one off tunnel to rifle through his pack. After all, as much as he hated being in water. he still had to drink it. So he was sifting through his pack for his canteen.

And of course, his own partner needed her snack. Luna, his Teddiursa was looking through the backpack as well. Her little claws grabbing around until she found the pouch of pressed berry pulp cubes.

Though then he heard something coming from the tunnel. A sound he'd never heard before. And it certainly didn't belong to any Pokémon that were native to this region. Too loud, too obnoxious even.

Before he could even react, what ever *it* was came to a screeching haut barely before barreling him over. A large Pokémon, rearing back before settling back down. The dust kicked up cause the teen to cover his face with his sleeve for a moment before he stood up. Luna, startled from the noise and the sudden appearance of something nearly five times her size, quickly hid behind her trainer's leg.

Though hearing a persons voice, there was a moment of apprehension. Sounded older, an adult perhaps considering they called him 'kid'. And a different accent, though slight.. Which meant they weren't a local either.

Worrisome.

Still, their words caused Altra's eyes to squint a bit before answering.

"It's say if you're barreling through the trails so quickly, the only one with a 'death wish' is you, sir. There's sheer drops at the end of most of these." He motioned over his shoulder, many of the trails lacked railing due to keeping it naturally preserved. And this was no exception. A sheer drop that hardly had any incline.

His eyes did pass to the Pokémon. He'd never seen this one before.

"The sharp bends here are no joke.." He seemed to direct his words to the Pokémon itself.

"I've seen even some of the wild Pokémon roll straight off without looking." though his tone was much kinder toward the Pokémon and not the one who seemed to be their trainer. So he assumed.

@splicedskies liked for a starter (-> Ignacio)

With its spiraling rivers and towering mountains, Sinnoh was quite different from the plains and valleys of Paldea. But of course, that did not the least deter Ignacio to keep using Zephyr as his singular mode of transportation during his stay in the old region.

If nothing else, the little practice he'd gotten riding through alpine terrain when coming back to his family in Blackthorn proved useful, the altitude of Mount Silver being only slightly lesser than that of Mount Coronet. As long as the pair remained low enough for the Dragon-type to handle the lower temperatures, they could go basically anywhere and nothing would be able to stop them.

At least, that's what he believed, but as Zephyr darted through a tunnel, he came to a sudden, completely unexpected halt, nearly throwing his trainer off his back.

Ignacio steered his companion a few steps back, asking him what was wrong. In response, as soon as the Cyclizar's front claws were back on the ground, he angled himself so the light on the headpiece of his harness would shine a literal light on the reason of his sudden halt.

There, kneeling right in the way of the tunnel's exit, was... some teenager, Ignacio could tell at a glance. But as for what they were doing, he did not have any idea. All that mattered was that they were in his way, and he rarely took kindly to that.

It's always some fucking kid, he would have mumbled out loud if he wasn't pretty certain his voice would echo.

He dismounted from Zephyr's back, slipped a treat from his jacket into his maw, and then went to confront whoever that weirdo was.

"Hey kid. Do you have a deathwish or something?"

[splicedskies]

"Ah..."

He frowned a little but knew when to not prod where he didn't need to. It wasn't really his problem in the end, was it? They clearly knew what they were doing after all.. and he was just some kid that seemed to stumble in at likely the worst possible time.

Certainly felt like it.

With the storm still raging, it likely meant they'd be in this cave for a while. Which hardly bothered Altra. He was used to sleeping on the ground. Though not having his bedroll was mildly annoying, and only one of his team was a bit disheartening. There wasn't much he could do.

So as the time ticked on, he'd take the time to find a place to lay his head. Even taking off his coat to fold it in order to use as a makeshift pillow. It worked well for that.

At this point, there wasn't much to do other than idle chatter and likely winding down to wait out the storm till morning. Even so, Altra's eyes occasionally looked back from the Wyrmway, then the group themselves.

It was unlikely he'd stay in this place, he already didn't stay put for longer than a few days or weeks at best. And with everything that'd happened, the environment moving to be so hostile..

Oh well.

Ardbert would curl up against his trainer as the teen found himself drifting off, the idle conversations of the group lulling him to sleep.

"OH . . . MAYBE I'VE SAID TO MUCH. IT'S . . ." Alma cuts herself off, frowning. "It's not worth mentioning." Her gaze directs itself towards Nata.

It might have been subtle, but they could see the boy's expression morph slightly into something akin to sadness and uncertainty. In truth, Nata pitied Zoh Shia, just as he feared and hated it. It was a product of man's hubris, a creature that had been unable to escape its programming and destructive nature. In the end, it had become a foil to Aggron, and was also the death of her.

Even if Altra was trustworthy, even if he did stay . . . there was a reason why Wyveria's darkest secret was better kept a secret. Nata pondered if it would even be right to inform him of the guardians, and the sins his ancestors had committed in their hubris.

Even if he had broken free of the chains that held him bound to his people's legacy, he still felt guilt and grieved over the loss of Mega Aggron. And to this day, he still questions if he and N had done the right thing in sealing Zoh Shia away.

"And besides, the likelihood of its involvement is slim now. It's just something we'll have to look deeper into when the storm ends." Alma finally says.

[splicedskies]

Altra frowned at her words. Sure, plenty of people were good swimmers. He.. was not one of those.

"No..." He turned down such an offer, because he knew he couldn't do it. Not with how water drained his strength.. he barely even managed to survive his forced 'swimming lesson' a year ago with the ferry incident. And only because his Pokémon all broke from their balls to help him.

"I.. can't do it." He looked down, his pointed ears lightly drooping as he spoke. It was an acceptance, something he understood long ago. The water was NOT a place for him.

"Like I said. It drains my strength, my energy. I can barely take a bath without needing a desperate nap afterwards. Guess I'm just not cut out for it like some people." He sighed, refusing to even look out at the ocean at this point instead looking back inland.

The Wingull outright avoided being near the teen, choosing to take their chances with getting swatted or snapped at by the large leviathan. All the while some watched cautiously from the shoreline while bobbing along the waves.

"I can do other things though.. Punching boulders to dust, I can walk for hours on end without feeling tired. And I can lift things most people can't.." He smiled a bit at this.

"I may not be good in the water, but I can do things to make up for that." It was about this point that the sound of heavy wingbeats came over head. A massive avian shadow descending downward with a parcel gripped in it's large talons.

It was Altra's old, scarred Braviary, Renard.

The old Pokémon, with greying, frazzled feathers and bearing a scar over it's left eye and rendering it blind on one side, looked to be holding a bag that it gave off to Altra before settling itself down on the rock next to the boy.

"Thanks Renard!" He smiled brightly. He'd given the old bird some of his money to get a snack for the three of them. Simple treats, malasadas that he enjoyed greatly.

'... Mmmhmm...' The old bird nodded his head. All he did was give a written note to the seller with the money and collected the parcel. Simple and easy. But Altra still offered the old bird one of the treats. Which he'd happily take.

And of course, he'd motion to offer one or a few to Wani.

[Uncomfortable...] Wani repeated, with that signature hiss of hers following the word very, very closely.

To refer to water as 'uncomfortable' was nothing short of anathema to her. After all, she was a member of an aquatic species, to whom mastery over the seas meant the difference between Life and Death. She herself admitted to it being risky, with rival (and even the rare superior) predators able to attack her from all possible angles, yet it was where Wani was at her mightiest. It was where she found most of her food. Even potential mates she encountered there; from the young upstarts, their scales still shiny and blue, to the aged veterans, their hides tough and black as her own.

To her, water was shelter. It was home.

Still, Wani listened to Altra's reasoning, and she was no stupid beast. Simple, yes, but not stupid. Wani had learned from a young age that not all living beings depended on the fathomless depths as much as her own kind. After all, she had dragged many past opponents and prey alike to their watery graves, allowing the notable lack of breathable air to do the dirty work for her.

Still, she went on to argue, [Many humans are good swimmers.]

The Wingull flock returned, having regathered their collective courage and now picking at her obsidian scales. Topace regularly ensured that all of their beloved Pokémon were clean as a whistle, and that no parasites dare attempt make their home upon Wani's skin, yet one may never know what delicacies a dedicated (and hungry) bird may find.

[Learning from young age,] Wani rumbled, [some swimming like fishes.]

Again she scratched at her side with a hind leg, finding that spot particularly itchy. A Wingull squawked at her almost indignantly, wanting to get at that spot, yet she did not even bother to heed it.

[I can... teach you?]

[splicedskies]

The teens' brows furrowed the more he listened. If it hurt Pokémon and put a strain on both them and the trainer.. then why was it allowed. He hardly seemed to see any benefit to it all if it simply meant more power.

Were.. people not satisfied with the power their Pokémon already had? Did they really have to push such a thing further than it needed to be.

Suffice to say, the look on Altra's face was telling, his thoughts running a mile a minute. Something the Metagross or anyone sensitive to psychic energies would be able to pick up on quite easily.. As if there was a latent energy swirling about Altra in his distracted state. Odd.

"If it's so dangerous.. then.. why? It just sounds like an easy way for everyone to get hurt. Especially in the hands of someone who's careless." He sounded like he had a distaste for such a thing, even when just hearing it.

"Are.. people not satisfied with the power their Pokémon have?"

"Mega Evolution is a phenomena that occurs when a trainer and Pokemon both hold corresponding Keystones and Megastones. If the bond between them is strong enough, and each trusts and is powerful enough, then that Pokemon can reach a temporary even more powerful form. They're practically overflowing with Infinity Energy, so if you're not strong enough, the Pokemon may rampage... It can cause the Pokemon a lot of pain. But if done with moderation, training, and consensual understanding between trainer and Pokemon, it can be an invaluable tactic in battle."

Steven explained, tapping the keystone pinned to his lapel, and pointing towards the Mega Stone attached to a metal anklet on Metaross' front leg.

"So it's quite different to a Z-Move, as it can be used for an extended period of time. However, it causes a lot more strain and is a lot more dangerous and complicated to use than Z-Moves. Does that make sense?"

[splicedskies]

Altra shrugged his shoulders.

"Probably. They probably though since it was Galactic, that is was 'Sinnoh's problem'.. Even if it happened in Unovas' waters." Altra sat awake many a night thinking about how dumb and suspicious it all felt. At one point he had to wonder if someone in Galactic itself was paying off authorities to keep what they were doing quiet.

They certainly seemed to have that kind of deep influence in places.

Even so, all Altra could do was shrug. He didn't understand why, and when he tried to poke more at it himself, he was met with a stone wall of no one listening or believing him.

Though his eyes remained on the glow coming from the Wyrmway. What a strange glow, to think it meant something so ominous was bewildering when it sounded almost peaceful.

"Hmm? Is Zoh Shia a Pokémon in this region?" His attention was pulled toward Alma. Sure, she may have muttered but seemed Altra heard her without much issue.

"I learned from other places.. like in Alola, Pokémon like the Tapus can influence the world around them a lot. Is.. it like that?" It almost reminded him of what he was told about the Tapu's.. mainly. But he had a feeling each region had something similar.

At least it was his reasoning.

"THAT . . . DOESN'T SOUND RIGHT." Alma would remark in thought. Yes, while it could have just been that officials really didn't care, the fact that no one bothered to even try to recover the wreckage or retrieve the ferry's blackbox sounded highly suspicious. "It's almost as if they were trying to avoid giving it attention. I'm not one for conspiracies, but . . ."

"Although, its also highly plausible that officials back in Unova already had their hands full. In recent years, Team Plasma has resurfaced, and, after the freezing of Opelucid City . . ." She needn't go on, not wanting to delve into the rather gruesome details surrounding the fate of many of Opelucid's civilians at the hands of Plasma. " . . . It doesn't excuse the carelessness in the handling of the situation. I'm just wondering why they wouldn't have done any further investigations."

Maybe they really just didn't care. Maybe Altra really did just have horrible luck. Now Nata saw why he didn't trust most people; they'd failed him. But then it made the boy wonder . . . why did Altra still choose to open up to him?

When their attentions are returned back to the glow from the wyrmway, Alma rises from her seat. "I'd hate to think it could go on for the entire night. But at this rate, if it doesn't die down—"

"Hey, it's all right. If it comes down to it, we can worry about it in the morning. The food supply in here will last us much longer than that. We've pulled through worse, haven't we?" Gemma reassures.

"Right. I just wonder what could be causing the storm to last this long. You don't think . . . it has anything to do with Zoh Shia, do you?" Alma murmurs.

[splicedskies]

Relationship Types

Send one or more emojis ( + descriptions ) for the kind of ship/dynamic you’d like to write with my muse! ( for multimuses, please specify. )

ROMANTIC

❤️ committed, romantic relationship 💘 friends to lovers 💔 used to be together but broke up ❣️ skinny love 💗 slow burn 💌 one muse has a crush on the other muse 💕 mutual pining 💝 romantic relationship of convenience 🏫 highschool sweethearts 💒 arranged relationship ( dating, engagement, political, etc. ) 💋 one-sided romantic relationship ( specify which muse, Sender or Receiver ) 🖤 lovers to enemies 🤍 enemies to lovers

SEXUAL

💖 a sexual relationship that could turn romantic 🧡 friends with benefits 👄 a sexual, non-romantic relationship 🏩 sexual relationship of convenience 🔥 unresolved sexual tension 💟 developing sexual relationship ( may include romance ) 💞 one muse approaches the other out of convenience ( specify which muse, Sender or Receiver ) 🔪 enemies with sexual tension

FAMILIAL

👪 biological family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 adopted family 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 family by choice/found family 👩‍👧 older/younger siblings 👭 twins 👥 cousins or extended family 👣 estranged family/feuding family 👨‍🏫 one muse is a teacher/mentor for the other muse ( specify which muse, Sender or Receiver ) 🚸 coworkers like family 🟡 family out of circumstance ⚪ pretending to be family

PLATONIC

💜 friendship 💙 queerplatonic partners ( an intimate, non-romantic committed relationship ) 💚 friends like siblings 💛 childhood friends 💧 friends due to traumatic experiences 🤝 coworkers ⛔ reluctant friends ✅ enemies to friends 🌈 developing friendship ☀️ friends of circumstance 👔 strangers working together ☕ one muse works in service of the other ( specify which muse, Sender or Receiver ) 🕴 partners in illegal activities 👯partners in crime trope ⚡ sparring partners 🩹 friends forced to work against each other 🟥 one muse makes a deal or contract with the other ( magic or non-magic. ) ( specify which muse, Sender or Receiver )

ENEMIES

🦴 mortal enemies 💀 enemies ⚔️ rivalry 🗡️ one-sided rivalry/grudge ( specify which muse, Sender or Receiver ) 🧠 enemies as narrative foils 💬 enemies because of conflicting ideologies 🤫 one muse is secretly an enemy/traitor to the other muse ( specify which muse, Sender or Receiver ) 😨 one muse is using the other muse for their benefit ( specify which muse, Sender or Receiver ) ❌ guilty by association 🚫 friends to enemies 🪓 occupational enemies 🩸 enemies tolerating each other for a common goal ⚫ enemies using each other out of convenience ⬜ coworkers who hate each other

Original by lunarscaled, who is deactivated.

[splicedskies]

"I don't think they even opened a case. No one took my story, or asked me anything." It was still a day he remembered vividly. Soaked, shivering, his Pokémon at his side as they lumbered through Driftviel. He knew at the very least to seek out law enforcement, but they brushed him off.

It was only days later when said ferry didn't arrive that it was even 'noticed'. And even then, all it boiled down to was a brief article of a 'random attack by the Sinnohan crime syndicate' that no one even bothered to investigate.

But he nodded at Gemma when she spoke up. It was messed up. She wasn't the first to say that either, if anything.. it was the friends he'd made so far that all shared the sentiment.

Though with Nata's quiet words, Altra simply shook his head.

"It happened at least a year ago. It barely got any attention, I don't even think anyone went to recover the wreckage either. It.. as some of my friends have told me, 'fell through the cracks'." His shoulders slumped a bit, quietly playing with the little wisps floating idly off Ardbert's form. He found the little ghost fox to be soothing to him. Helped calm his nerves... As much of a headache as the little Pokémon could be.

"So if anything, everyone's forgotten about it." He was the lone survivor of it after all.

"Hmm.. maybe." He still frowned but let it roll off him for now. Zapdos' words still stuck with him though. The outcry to challenge. As if it was trying to proclaim right to it's territory, as if it some how viewed Altra as a threat to it.

Why? He still had no clue. But his eyes drifted to the glow coming from the Wyrmway. Watching it and even listening to the hum coming from it as they waited out the storm.

"The sound coming from it hasn't lessened either.. It's still giving off a steady 'humming' sound..."

"WAIT . . . So, they just swept your case under the rug?" Alma's voice is thick with scrutiny and concern. From the sound of her voice, she didn't seem too surprised, but one should not mistake being unsurprised for being uncaring. Holding her hug to her lap, the handler leans forward, features visibly furrowing.

"Whoa, so you're a kid, and they just up and ditched you like that? It's not even just the abandonment part, did they not care to look into why Galactic attacked a civilian ship?" Gemma looks equally disgusted. "That's messed up."

"Yeah . . . I'd never heard of an organization engaging in attacks like that—not without possessing an ulterior motive, at least." Nata watches Alma stare down into her mug as she hums.

Nata could tell she was thinking. Feeling slightly deflated by hearing Altra's claim—that they were opposites, with different experiences that paralleled one another. It was hard for the youngest among them not to feel a little bad for sharing his story and having an entirely different outcome from Altra's . . . even if neither of them were in control of such outcomes. Nata really just had found the right people, and Altra hadn't . . .

"Is there . . . anything we can do to help?" He asks in a soft, small voice. Nata doesn't know if there was anything he could do . . . but surely, if they banded together, they could make a difference, right?

"Don't take it too personally that they don't trust you as much. The wild pokemon here are generally more aggressive than normal. We assume it's simply because of their far more limited interactions with the people that live here. This region isn't densely populated, and the communities that exist here, including Nata's, are incredibly small. Not that the locals can't manage. They just have their own way of approaching things." Alma explains.