azume | Test 5.

Test 5.

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Miphanus's ball is still held for a moment before he green eyes light up and, ] ... That's right! You're a research assistant, are you not? [ And she makes to put her backpack on the ground and whips out the journals on grass types that Kazuma ~~stole~~ borrowed. ] I have studied this extensively! And I have also taken my own field notes on all of the Pokémon we've encountered before now, and charted the development of my own companions! I am a scholar myself, and I would surely love to know more about your research - and to begin with, you might test me on my knowledge!

[...oh my god zelda hang on let him come over to take a look - ]

Oh, wow, this is actually really cool - are these Gardenia's? We thought Team Galactic might have taken them...

They are! There's three journals, covering details on every grass type in the region - habits, capabilities, environment... and then there's also a book extensively detailing ghost types as well, and how to avoid conflict with them.

[ She beams, stacking all four there! As well as her own personal journals.

... She's on volume 2 of her own journals. ]

[...oh gardenia]

Yeah, she was really afraid of ghosts for some reason. Found them really spooky.

[Anyway.]

What sort of notes have you been keeping?

[ She opens up her first journal. It has her notes first about her initial impressions of Beldum, trying to work out its type and some of its attacks, notes about its eating habits (through the eye) and some other things. As she offers it to him, the next section will actually go on to be about all the region's (or at least what she could find in the area around Pastoria) water types, going into detail about her observations of habitat and such. ]

All sorts. To be honest, Kayneth was the one who clarified the need for me. Initially I was simply taking pictures and putting bookmarks into the books I could find, but there was simply so much to note, and so I worked backwards on my findings.

[ Actually, speaking of pictures, maybe she should take out the Sheikah Slate? ... One thing at a time. ]

[Oh, wow, this is neat - he still seems a little off, in a way that the affected people tend to do, but it's seeming a little less muted, at least. Like something is trying to happen.]

This is really great - I think Professor Rowan would really like talking to you.

And I would love to meat him too! [ Huff huff!! She's... way too excited about this ] Truth told, I've wanted to meet a scholar here this whole time, or at least go to that one library we were told is in the region!

The one in Canalave City?

Yes, that one! ... Months ago, we were told it is a real repository of knowledge for the region.

[ By Cynthia but like.......... yeah. ]

It definitely is. I know one of the Elite Four used to spend time there, but I don't know if he still does.

The Elite Four...?

They're really powerful trainers - they were in charge of the Pokémon League. Kind of a final test for trainers to be crowned Champion of the region.

[ Champions...

That makes a lot of sense to her, actually. She smiles at that and nods, ]

Well then, perhaps we shall see them there, if we are to end up there. But... regardless. I've loved this world, to explore it and come to know it better. There are horrors to be found, and the state of it is - ... it is difficult, but I want to help save it, if I can.

...A few of you have said that. It's nice of you.

[ She nods. ]

... We all have our reasons. Many people simply have that tendency, to want to help where they can. Others of us - well, all of us want to protect our own worlds, to en that threat to them. For me... I do not know how I could face a dear friend of mine if I did not do my best.

...Yeah, I...

[...Words.]

I don't think I could face Dawn, either. She's the girl I was talking about. So I'm going to do my best, too.

[ Dawn... ]

Everyone we've met until now has been doing their best, honestly. [ Well okay Jupiter and maybe Saturn should do less of their best, but. ] It's quite admirable.

...Those guys from Team Galactic should probably stop trying to do their best...

[...lucas that was. rude. it sort of happened without thinking but still, goddamn.]

[ ... I mean. ]

I cannot say I disagree. Jupiter in particular should perhaps ... lower her efforts, some. If she will not change her morals.

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