Test 5.

[azumods]

VERITY The journey this month has been easier on you in several ways; despite your losses, your numbers have been bolstered by the addition of two more this month, and unlike the unforgiving terrain on the way to Lake Acuity the routes to Lake Verity seem downright hospitable - they're straightforward, the climate is far more temperate, and there are patches of cheer visible here and there along the paths in the form of those brightly-colored flowers, even as you make your way toward the lakefront. But the lakefront itself is perhaps unsettlingly silent; a reminder, perhaps, of what you're here to do, of the importance of your task. You'll reach the lake sometime in the evening. The sun isn't down yet, but it looks as though it won't be too long before it dips below the horizon; there's more than enough light for you to see what the lake itself looks like, however - the water is still and clear, to an extent where you can see straight down to the bottom regardless of how deep it gets. There's no bridge or other way to cross over the lake that you can see, but once again there's a large rock formation rising out of the center of the lake and a good-sized opening in the stone, leading to what's likely a system of caverns further inside. Your exploration starts here, next to the crystal clear waters of Lake Verity; what happens next is up to you.

Comments

[gekkaju]

[Oh. Oh...]

...Hi.

[Atsushi echoes, his expression softening a little. It's clear he's not presenting any interest to battle, at least not right off. He's holding his Wimpod, but said Wimpod still is about as lively as a sack of potatoes over here, so.]

No, I- ...trust me, we're not looking for trouble either, if we can help it.

[He hesitates, just for a moment, before chancing just one step closer to the boy.]

We didn't know anyone else was here. My name's Atsushi. The others here are my friends.

[azumods]

[He doesn't seem interested in lowering that Pokéball he's brandishing at you, at any rate.]

Lucas. I'm...Lucas.

[Like with most of the locals, words seem. Hard? Though he's not a complete mess with it, at least.]

Why are you here?

[gekkaju]

[It's better than nothing, and that's all they can ask for, really.]

It's good to meet you, Lucas-kun.

[He inclines his head a little before continuing, swallowing.]

We're looking for the guardian of this lake. They've really been the only hope of fixing the damage Team Galactic has done so far, and...we really need its help.

[enjoymyatelier]

The other ones have been in fairly bad shape, too, so we're also here to provide healing in various ways.

[azumods]

Yeah- ...Yes. They're not doing well, and that's why I'm here.

[gekkaju]

[So he came here to find the guardian too...]

You came out here all by yourself?

[azumods]

I was sent here. I'm...a research assistant, I work for Professor Rowan.

[eudaimonikos]

Is it normal to employ very young children here?

[azumods]

[...so much staring.]

I'm over ten.

[LIKE THIS EXPLAINS EVERYTHING.]

[discutio]

...That's not that young, Michael, let him be.

[ignis scientia was a member of the lucian royal court at six do not listen to his standards]

[eudaimonikos]

......okay.

[honestly, that explains about as much to Michael as the real explanation would]

[hyruglyphics]

At that age... that is quite the task you've had put upon you.

[gekkaju]

[Oh shit that sounds important.]

I'm guessing Professor Rowan told you what we already know then...that helping the guardian here is our best bet for getting things back to the way they should be.

[He's honestly surprised...but it's great to hear there are still people out there trying to fight back, even if it's next to impossible when your spirit has been all but completely sapped.]

[azumods]

It's...important to help it. Mesprit...according to the legends, it...

[...Words are hard.]

When it first flew...we were granted emotions. Maybe it can...help give them back.

[gekkaju]

[No worries Lucas, you take your time to find those words.]

Granted emotions?

[If it can do something like that...

Atsushi feels a chill pass over him, one that reaches the tips of his fingers and toes. Chazuke gives an almost-whine, burying his face against his forearms.]

...that might explain why our Pokemon are acting this way. Mesprit...something must really be wrong with it.

Lucas-kun, we want to help you. I think we're all in agreement that helping Mesprit and putting things right is what we all came here to do.

[enjoymyatelier]

...right. That's what we're hoping, anyway.

[he's going to approach, hand outstretched to shake!]

We'd be happy to work with you, then, Lucas. Is this your first time visiting the lake since the Team Galactic business?

[semistableman]

Uxie told us something to that effect.

[There was a lot of crying, too?

There was a lot of things.]

We want to help them.

[swiftasacoursingkawa]

Th...then we can work together, right? We already helped the other two, so there's no reason why we can't help you out, right?

[ignore the fact that he sent a creepy ghost bug shell to stalk you, Lucas.]

[azumods]

[There is a pause.]

I don't know. I was...sent here, who sent you?

[discutio]

...Cynthia, technically. Are you familiar with her?

[azumods]

[That gets him to bristle, actually. It isn't massive, the reaction is slight, though it's likely evident anyway - a shifting of posture, a brief catching of breath.]

...Yes.

[discutio]

Before you ask, we don't know where she is and haven't seen her in quite some time. It's something of a stretch to say she even sent us at all, but it was her that provided us with knowledge of the guardians as a means to help this place.

[swiftasacoursingkawa]

Uh...I guess it's technically Cynthia?

[Do you even know who Cynthia is. She seems to be someone of well-renown amongst the Galactics, anyway.]

She found us the day we escaped from Galactic's base...and told us that we should seek out the gods in the lakes...

[azumods]

[M-Mnngh. That gets him to bristle, actually; he knows who Cynthia is, and it doesn't seem to be a good association.]

Did she... Did she say why she came back?

[swiftasacoursingkawa]

Um...no?

[Sena sweats nervously - everyone here already is kinda wary of how distant Cynthia's been, and this guy's reaction, limited as it is, doesn't help.]

She was super vague about everything...she just kinda, um, helped us get back on our feet and made sure the Galactic guys in the area let us leave town safely. And she wouldn't let us get involved to help, either, since we were all kinda new to all this...

[He presses his fingers together, and Shell silently floats back to rest on his head now that he doesn't need to stalk poor Lucas.]

Um...who is Cynthia, anyway? She seems really strong, but...I really don't get what she's doing, or what she's been doing all this time...