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

[azumods]

...It's good to see people who really like Pokémon. It's been a while since people have been so happy about it.

[anythingforyou]

If it weren't for this world's state, I'd honestly ask why they wouldn't be. These creatures have all been so wonderful to see and befriend--there's so many wonderfully adorable creatures in this world, and so many fierce, beautiful ones as well. Even the ones in-between have their own charm to them!

[Camilla's actually going to let out one of her Pokemon at that, Arion popping out easily and kind of receding in on himself. It takes a little coaxing from Camilla, who kneels down next to him and ruffles the Deino's mane a little bit to try to calm him and he sniffs in Lucas's general direction.]

...He's usually much different in demeanor than this, I assure you, but this is my sweet partner, Arion--he's a bit of a silly child from time to time, but I love him so much. He's so precious to me.

[azumods]

Where did you get them...? Your Pokémon, I mean - some of them have been captured, I'd bet, but you have a bunch from other regions, too.

[anythingforyou]

We awoke with them, when we first arrived in the region--I suppose it would be more accurate to say that they were assigned to us, but your guess is as good as mine what the criteria was for such a thing.

[Shrugs.]

They were quite emotionless from the start...it's so wonderful to see how they've grown, in such a short amount of time.

[azumods]

...Who assigned them to you? I thought you were brought here by Team Galactic.

[...He's pretty sure that's what Ignis said?]

[anythingforyou]

Team Galactic, assumedly, since we were meant to be among theirs...? Before we got out and Cynthia gave us a direction to go.

[...did she say something confusing?]

I'm not altogether certain...well, why we have such foreign species, if that's the question.

[azumods]

Oh, it's just...weird, to think of them giving stuff like that out.

[...]

Usually Professor Rowan does that? He gives people their first partner sometimes, he gave me mine.

[anythingforyou]

[Ah, okay, that makes a little more sense.]

Considering the people in the admin seat, really, I couldn't agree with you more dear. Perhaps they just wanted to make us useful.

[...Though, the Professor topic gets some interest, if mostly for him speaking of his partner.]

It's a shame; I imagine meeting him would be wonderful. But I must admit that I'm curious now; who was your first partner? Are they with you now?

[azumods]

Yeah, he is.

[He kind of...tips his head toward the Pokéball in his hand.]

He stays with me, no matter where I go.

[anythingforyou]

[Ah...]

Your most trusted of partners...

[Camilla genuinely seems to smile at that? Like, that's sweet, even with the state of the world being what it is.]

...The two of you must have forged quite an incredible bond; one perhaps even stronger than steel.

[azumods]

Yeah.

...I can show you, if you want.

[anythingforyou]

I would love to see, dear.

[azumods]

[He shifts a bit, then, moving his grip on the ball in order to release what comes down to a giant-ass terrain turtle - surprisingly, it seems a bit less dead behind the eyes than any of Team Galactic's Pokémon, seeming a bit closer to the ones you've hatched than anything. Not as far along as yours, but he's doing his best.]

This is Torterra.

[niceoppai]

Whoa, he's huge! Nice to meet you, Mr. Torterra! He... is he getting his feelings back, like ours?

[azumods]

Yeah, he is. Slowly, but it's good.

[So many headpats for Torterra right now.]

[anythingforyou]

[...Woah.

That, little sir, is a big friend, and Camilla's eyes go wide in a way that definitely implies that on one hand, this was exactly what she was expecting--but on the other hand, that this is still so cool looking?? Like, holy shit? Were it not for the fact that she's trying to be somewhat mature, she would love nothing more than to pet it all day holy shit--]

Torterra...it's a pleasure to meet you, darling.

[...Arion kind of trots up to sniff at the new Pokemon, though it's not with too much energy behind it.]

You've raised him to be so wonderfully strong, from the looks of it...and his eyes look like they're starting to become brighter, as well. [Camilla smiles to Lucas.] ...You're doing a very good job, dear.

[azumods]

Thanks. I really liked raising him; it feels almost like we can't lose now, you know?

[enjoymyatelier]

...

Ah, he looks like a world turtle! That's really fascinating!

[he's gonna come in and check that boy out!]

[azumods]

Yeah!

[I MEAN HE DOESN'T HAVE THIS REFERENCE BUT HE IS A TURTLE THAT IS KIND OF THE WORLD SO SURE??

that said torterra is a good boy and will allow this]

[discutio]

[Ignis stopped just sort of 'don't tell me, it's a giant turtle' and managed a smile instead of friendly sarcasm.]

Sounds quite the sizeable partner. You must be the formidable pair, I'm sure.

[His Absol stepped a little closer for a better look, the Altaria behind him craning its neck over Ignis' shoulder.]

...This is Hemera, and the slightly uncoordinated bird is Highwind.

[azumods]

[Oh, hello - ]

We've done research on these in the lab - did Highwind just evolve recently? I think they tend to take a little while.

[divinedescendant]

Oh, my. What a marvelous creature.

[Consider Duma's curiosity piqued, as he kind of shuffle-rolls his way around from behind Emmeryn's feet. Emmeryn does sort of step sideways, though, half-blocking his path before he can run off and start touching things with his face again without permission, but it's obvious Duma wants to investigate.]

May he?

[perfectselfie]

Aww, he's so cute! I'm glad to meet you, Torterra.

[swiftasacoursingkawa]

Woah...he's amazing!

[Monta's still like...in a despairy kinda mood, but his hastiness shows through enough to make sad jealous monkey noises. sena why aren't you paying atteniton to him he feels so saaaaaad and he's your starter toooooo]

[semistableman]

[That is a big friend.]

He looks like a powerful guy. A friend of mine would get a kick out of him.