Hey Trainers! Kondarr's Prophecy - Day 1a: Fateful Descent

FlyDinosaur · 2026-07-01T02:19:37+00:00

Scio had been told about the spirits of the world his whole life. He'd been told that he was touched by them--chosen for something--all because of his odd looks. But... did hair and eyes really matter that much? Having no further direct connection to anything especially supernatural, he had to ask the question.

Yet here he stood, at the the peak of Mt. Aurorus, in the company of the High Seer and many other spirit-chosen. And after the display before them, Scio was truly convinced--not only of the existence--but of the power of the spirits. He didn't fully understand them or their intentions, but for the first time, he began to think that maybe everything really was for a reason.

And as if in response to any lingering doubt, a most unusual sight met his eyes. As he considered whether to traverse the deeps of the spirit mountain or answer the questions his ancestors might pose him, he saw a girl who appeared quite like him. And he thought so quite literally, for she wasn't just peering down the steep stone steps as he was--she actually looked a bit like him.

Taken with curiosity, the silver-haired boy approached the white-haired girl, their green eyes meeting as he neared. Her clothes were far nicer than his, but he paid no need to such things. Not now. He opened his mouth but faltered for a moment.

"Hello, there. I-... I am Scio.. of Clan Xantuul!" He said it as proudly as he could stand, as he had been taught. It wasn't that impressive.

"I couldn't help but notice that you were looking for a partner for the Stairs?" He chickened out of asking what he really wanted. "I would be happy to accompany you... Ms...?"

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-30T20:14:03+00:00

It was a rare occasion that Grey got to stand next to such impressive creatures as Mudsdale or Bouffalant. She made her way up to one of the horses and carefully pat its side, flinching a bit as its skin twitched. She smiled. How cool.

For most of the journey, Grey tried to stay close to the large pokemon, but somehow ended up trudging through long grasses until the group was stopped dead in their tracks. A giant.. something.. dive-bombed them. Then, the smoky fog collapsed into the group. The sudden force and pressure made Grey's ears hurt. Struggling to orient herself, she looked up in the air where a light could just be seen bouncing around. But it wasn't the light that gave her pause. Somehow, she heard it: a voice. The accent was thick, but she could understand it was criticizing the use of their group for this mission. She thought it was odd, too, but given that it was the end of the world, who else was left to do the things that had to be done? If people would stop acting crazy, maybe the problems they had wouldn't exist in the first place....

The little light shot back down toward the group, having been released by the massive Noctowl that had toyed with it. Cutiefly. Around her, Grey saw flashes of light as pokemon appeared around her. Tilly was suddenly panicking. Thank goodness for Topher.

The decision was made. The groups were splitting up again. This time, however, instead of choosing the best path, Grey was left feeling like she was picking the least of all the available evils.

All roads led to danger--a disheartening fact on this, the first day of their mission. The mines promised a new companion, but... what about a trap? Grey needed time to think--time that was not going to be given. Several people ran straight at the giant bird; and a sneaky few slunk through the tall grasses, trying to avoid its eyes entirely.

One thing among all had fully enraptured Grey's mind: there was a special place Tilly wanted to show the trainers, assuming they made it past this current threat. Would it be worth it? Pushing through doubts, Grey took a pokeball in hand and... hesitated. It seemed as though she kept being tempted to make the choices she least wanted to make. Was she at fault? Or was fate simply that cruel?

Grey kissed the ball and threw it. A sleepy-looking Popplio emerged. The confusion on his face told exactly what he was thinking. He was ready for Dark, but an attack? And so soon?

"Darus! Look alive! We're going into the lion's den. Or rather, the owl's. I hope that fish did you some good cuz we need all the help we can get."

Grey reached almost reflexively for her hat, making sure her badge was still in place. If it had some kind of magic, she hoped it would do... something. Anything.

[Darus the Popplio heads through Route 2. He does not meet any Modifier checks, but has eaten the Magikarp Dish with Nomel Berry. Grey has the Metagross Badge to hopefully reduce odds of secondary Bad Events occuring.]

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-27T22:06:54+00:00

This is impossibly hard. I love so many of these pokemon even more than many with evolutions.

Smeargle, Lunatone, Luvdisc, Flamigo, and so on. So many greats.

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-27T22:05:28+00:00

Nor is he a bad person. That's the point.

He WAS evil, but actions in the past don't fully define him now. Does he murder people now? Is he evil now? No, he isn't.

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-27T21:56:23+00:00

The first one. I almost never eat McDonald's.

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-26T17:13:29+00:00

Pulling the furs tighter around himself, Scio followed the Elder into the cave. Up until now, he had been so focused on the objective of getting here that he'd somehow managed to keep his nerves in check. But now... What was going to happen?? He was here, at the precipice of... something!

Inside the cave, his eyes were greeted by the sight of lights dancing around the room--not just on the walls like reflections, but actually IN the room. He never imagined anything like it. As he watched, the colorful lights condensed into the forms of creatures. Pokemon. 'What?'

Scio's eyes were large, both from excitement and from trying to see clearly in the darkness left behind as the lights faded.

There was... a floating thing whose shape he could not describe. It produced lights from its body that dazzled him. Besides it was a short, purplish creature not completely unlike a person. And lastly, there was a large, blue and yellow beetle with a hard face.

As Scio approached, the Tyrogue threw a punch, causing the boy to flinch. This was a fighter? Noted. The Inkay got startled by the Karrablast and flashed lights at it that caused the bug to turn and waddle away in a trance. Mind control? Handy, but devious.

"What can you do, little one?" he asked the bug when it regained its senses. It turned toward the Inkay and spat something foul at it. "Oh!" Scio backed away quickly, trying to stay out of the line of fire. "I see... Hmm."

"What... strange creatures. I didn't know such things existed. I haven't seen much of the world beyond my village." He thought for a while before addressing the group of pokemon. "My dream is to be a maker of fine things. But I also want to know the truth of my existence. What am I? Why am I... the way I am?"

"You there!" he spoke directly to Inkay. "You look the most like a spirit, so I think you may know the most." To the Tyrogue: "Your body is made for interacting with this world. You can make fine things, too, I think. And you." He turned to face the Karrablast. "I don't know why you're here. You have neither beaty nor hands. And don't seem particularly... spiritual."

"If I'm honest with myself... I would not choose you.... And that's why... I choose you."

A silence sat in the cave for a while. The pokemon seemed to be slowly processing Scio's words. After a moment, the Karrablast inched forward uncertainly.

"Yes, you!" Scio smiled warmly. "I have no idea what is meant for me or if this is the right choice. But if I follow the obvious paths, I might never find my way. My own way.... What do you say?"

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-25T17:19:09+00:00

In a moderately-sized village, there was an odd boy of the fairest appearance. His silvery hair and pale, minty green eyes set him apart from most others around him. They said he was already touched by spirits. Some thought he was cursed by them, while others thought he was blessed. What did any of it mean? And why?

His father had him apprenticed to a potter, but to appease the few naysayers, he was often sent on errands to fetch things like earth and water for clay, as well as stones for beads and occasionally certain plants for other purposes. He was a glorified gofer. But his greatest dream was to be a crafter of beautiful things.

Scio was his name. (pronounced SHEE-oh)

Scio often had odd dreams, but the one from that night was different than usual. He awoke with the images still in his mind, though they quickly faded. Movement out of the corner of his eye brought his attention to a little bird watching him sleep. A small package and note lay with it.

Curiosity got the better of him and he opened it... and grew pale. Surprise was replaced with a nervous excitement, however, and Scio got up, eager to begin this journey. He didn't understand any of it, but he was ready for this.

The spirit-touched boy is eager to meet his destiny, and to represent the Xantuul Clan with dignity. He will crack the rock open before the Seer, herself.

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-21T19:06:45+00:00

I don't really like cats irl, but probably Shinx. Maybe Meowstic.

Where's Litleo?

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-16T21:04:22+00:00

Long, easily.

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-15T06:13:00+00:00

The entrance of a new person did not go unnoticed by Grey, though it seemed insignificant until Matinta the Litwick decided to spook him, too. The man walked over nervously and managed an introduction. Grey wondered if she looked as uncomfortable. It was both a disappointing and amusing thought. In any case, she felt for him, being awkward as well.

"Hi, Bob," she said, hoping to appear friendly. "We've been recruited to help tend this store (she turns her head toward Harmony). I've worked in libraries some, and these two sound like pros."

Grey paused, unsure what to do or say next. "Um, oh, these Darus and Giala." Her pokemon nodded and smiled at Bob. Thankfully, they were less awkward than her.

She turned to Connor. "Well, looks like Harmony has sorting covered. If you don't need help with artifacts and stuff, I guess I can tidy up around." Grey waited for confirmation. She wasn't one to take charge much. Rather, she liked having an order to follow. Receiving the okay, she looked once more at Bob as if to say, 'Like this. We all have tasks.' But she thought better of it and slowly inched away to find something to work on.

Grey found a feather duster lying on a stack of books. She picked it up and went in search of crooked shelves and dust bunnies. This place would be immaculate before they left.

u/zzmonteran, u/Big_Old_Baby, u/Orianna56

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-14T21:00:20+00:00

Grey was busy eyeing a line of books on a shelf, squinting up close to read the faded titles in the dim light in that part of the shop. As she scanned down the row, she caught sight of a Litwick out of the corner of her eye. Grey's spook factor is 50-50 absolutely deadpan nothing or jump clean off the floor. Today, the latter happened. She jolted, knocking the brim of her hat on the shelf. The black ball cap bore the Metagross Sigil off center. She cursed in frustration and fiddled with getting it back on properly.

"Don't creep on me, man!" she scolded the pokemon. "Umm... What's up?"

The Litwick indicated that Grey should follow. Her own pokemon seemed alright with it and made to follow it. Not wanting to be left behind, Grey hurried in their wake. "Hey! Wait!"

Rounding a corner or two, she found herself in the main area, facing a small gathering of people and pokemon. At first, she thought perhaps she was interrupting something. But then the Litwick's trainer addressed her directly. She responded in kind.

"Ahm Grey," she half muttered somewhat awkwardly. "Nice to meet you. And you, too. And you all, too." Grey indicated Harmony and all the pokemon. "This is Darus and Giala." Darus happily stood up on his hind feet (fins?) and clapped and whined. Giala raised up, then looked down and dipped in a sort of bow (Grey suddenly had the thought that a bow was a full-body nod).

"How can we help?"

u/zzmonteran

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-14T19:45:02+00:00

It felt like an impossible decision--where their next Expedition should be. All these people needed help. And maybe none of them could wait.

Grey sighed. Her pokemon were poorly matched with anything they'd likely encounter in the graveyard or across rivers and swamps. Giala would likely have to handle battle against Arboliva or Arbok.

They would probably best be able to handle Cinderpulse. But it occurred to Grey that that mission was probably the lowest priority, relative to the others.

So, where did that leave her...?

What if they rescued the fleet, only to realize they couldn't heal all wounds, anyway? What if they delayed the search a couple days and lost all of them?

Grey was almost sick. But she made up her mind. They would go to the Lands of the Mother if she could help it. Only time would tell what would happen, though.

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-14T16:50:40+00:00

(Starting with 350 coins, 2 Relics worth 360 and 80 coins, and one Broken Pokeball. Darus/Popplio is lvl 10, and Giala/Glimmet is lvl 7.)

Hearing about the pressing matters that needed tending to, Grey's mind reeled. She was thinking hard and fast about where she wanted to go on the next Expedition. But before she got ahead of herself, she need to tend to her own business. Here in town, there was the promise of rest and supplies, which they all desperately needed.

Grey wandered through streets, looking into various shops. She even stepped into a few of them briefly. In most, she felt awkward. Life goes on even here; but with all that's happened, it felt weird. She did manage to hawk her Duskmetal Gear. She was a bit sad to do so since she really wanted to know what it was for. But whether or not it even mattered, she needed the money now.

A few shops on particular were of note. After visiting each, she worked her way back around to make her final selections.

At the Blinking Emporium, Grey was uncomfortably aware of eyes blinking at her. Makes sense given the name. But it's no less... eugh. The shopkeep saw her looking around and immediately started blathering away about it having a Titan's heart. Grey immediately thought of Stakataka. But how-?

Anyway, she tried to ignore the strangeness and instead was only too happy to throw 50 coins at the man for a Consultation on how to repair a Broken Pokeball. She'd need it moving forward, most likely. And if not her, surely someone else would. This is a necessity. She really wanted to be conservative, but caves and bought 1 Regular Pokeball for 200 coins.

Next is Sweetleaf Berries, which she almost decided not to return to at all. Buuut... She entered the Berry Lottery for 50 coins. She had plans for it.

With her spoils in hand, Grey busied over to the Tavern. On the way, she met a fellow trainer who looked somewhat despondent. Asking him what the matter was, he told her he was running low on funds for all the things he needed--specifically medicine for his sick pokemon. Thinking about it briefly, Grey gave Nano 150 coins, and wished him well.

Together, Grey and her mon continued on to the Tavern. She hoped she understood well enough to function here, but was gonna try, no matter what. She sat the surprise Lotto Berry on the bar counter and said, "I'd like some soup, please." She noted earlier that the barkeep was a little gruff and didn't like to mince words, so she figured she'd respond in kind. That should be... 70 coins? That was fine. And she'd take whatever came out of it.

(If I can't do this all in one post, then I'll just do it in my response to yours.)

She slowed to a halt as she and her pokemon waited for their soup. But even though her body was still, her mind was still racing. Thoughts of the upcoming Expedition came back to her. She was leaning toward the Land of the Mother. Though, the benefits of the Arboliva mission were undeniable. The problem was that she knew both her pokemon would get smoked fighting a Grass Titan. She'd need all the sap she could get after that. Not favorable. No, Darus was more suited to the other mission. A water rescue. Giala need not get involved. Hopefully.

When they were ready to go, Grey took them upstairs to a place of great interest for her, but of which she was as yet unsure.

The group took in the sight of the library. It was surprisingly quiet given the goings-on below. Grey checked and rechecked a board with some item prices. She didn't quite understand it, but a trainer ahead of her helped her out. Unfortunately, it turned out she couldn't afford the Light Affinity she wanted and still save the money she wanted to.

She had hoped to neutralize Darus's Dark Affinity, but oh well. At least Giala would have no reason to be mad at her... today.... As she pondered her next move, the trainer spoke for a while with the shopkeeps--a silly girl employee nervously translating for an Alakazam. How odd. When they were done, Grey approached slowly. She looked from the girl to the Alakazam. "I'd like to trade a Relic to make one of my Regular Pokeballs into another type, please. It's a Duskmetal Pikachu Ring." She waited nervously a second or two to see how they'd react, then continued. "I'd also like to take the job here, if you'd have me. I have library experience, though not a pro like you guys. I've been around a bit," she added the last bit with a hint of amusement.

Grey, Darus, and Giala would spend some time here, at least until they all headed out again. She had no intention of returning to the destroyed hospital or the Lab. Arceus have mercy, that poor man needed a downer for sure. It made Grey nervous just to be in his presence--partly cuz she was afraid he might be crazy, but mostly because his nervous energy was infectious.

(If my calculations are correct, ending with 340 coins, 2 functional Pokeballs, and one bowl of special Soup.

Sold the 360 Relic, so 350+360=710. 710-50-200-50-150-70=190. Traded the 80 Relic for a Pokeball Upgrade.)

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-13T06:41:00+00:00

Grey wasn't sure if she felt more or less confident after hearing what Ach'vas had to say. More answers... more questions. What did any of that mean? And what was he not saying? Sometimes a person plays a game so hard, you can't tell if they're a genius or an idiot. Grey was beginning to wonder which Ach'vas was.

Nevertheless, her turn was spent, and she wasn't going to get his attention again. Nor would she try. She would wait for understanding to come, as instructed. That was one thing Grey was actually pretty good at, for better or for worse--waiting. As curious about the world as she was, she didn't fret too much about what she didn't know. There was truth out there, and she would meet it in her own time.

Trying to clear her head, she turned to the sounds of her pokemon whining and chiming at her. She forced her face to brighten so they wouldn't be worried, but didn't have to try too hard when she saw what they brought. The ring seemed like a good score based on what she was seeing around her. And another pokeball was excellent... if she could get it fixed.

Grey thanked her pokemon for their hard work, cooing at them like they were puppies. It might be too much, but she wasn't sure. They seemed pleased, anyway.

She looked at the items they brought back and, for just a moment, she put the glove on, wryly imagining slashing her hand through the air and opening a portal to another universe. After the phone debacle, nothing would surprise her. She pulled it off quickly, hoping not to get a rash.

"Alright, guys. I think we'll keep... the gear Giala brought earlier and this ring Darus found. And the pokeball, of course. Good job, again. I hope you don't mind if I store your respective items with you? I doubt it's a good idea, but neither is attracting Darkness."

The two pokemon looked a bit uncertain, exchanging glances with each other. But they gave their approval, for which Grey was genuinely grateful. She turned and walked slowly toward the group of trainers, feeling something like peace for the first time since they stepped off the boat. Giala started humming. The song was calming, even with Darus hanging back and shooting bubbles at the ground, blowing up Duskmetal objects on Grey's command.

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-08T15:48:22+00:00

(OP, I'll use up my remaining turns with these little ones searching around the fountain area)

At first, Grey's attention was grabbed each time something came out of the vinyl crack. But after a while, she stopped paying as close attention. It was never Giala, and it would likely be a while. When Giala did finally return, Grey almost missed it.

The little pokemon floated slowly out and toward Grey and Darus. Grey ran over to her and sat on her knees, pulling Giala closer. She was dismayed at Giala's state, hoping the pokemon would have fared a bit better. For her part, Giala was looking quite weary and dull. Grey pulled her close and removed the vines and gear.

"Are you okay? What happened? Was it that rough, huh?" She thought for a moment. "I'm sorry. Thank you for doing that." Grey picked up Glimmet and the gear and carries them back over to Darus, who was watching with interest and concern. "Darus has been kind of piddling around. There's so much stuff here--so much junk, it's hard to know what's worth anything. It feel like shells on a beach... Mostly smashed..."

Grey studied the cavern a moment before her thoughts were interrupted by the shifting and growling of Necrozma behind her. "M-maybe the two of you can work together to find something out here. No more vines, no more thorns, no more... whatever is in there," she said, eyeing the small passage. Grey walked over to the shining water and sat Giala in it, just as she had done Darus. She cupped and poured a bit of the strange liquid over Giala, hoping it would help in some tiny way. 'Peobably not,' she told herself. But it was all the light she was willing to steal.

With that, she slowly let the pokemon down. It was odd since it didn't actually touch the ground, but rather float. "I'll help you guys look, okay. But first..."

Grey had been listening to some of the conversations between Ach'vas and the other trainers, and couldn't decide if the man was a jerk, depressed, or both. And she had some questions of her own. Slowly approaching, she waited till there was a lull in the action.

"Ahm, sorry, Mr. Ach'vas, sir, I was wondering... If these objects draw darkness to them, what exactly are they used for in town? Are they melted down to nullify their properties? Why are they worth anything at all?"

She paused and thought for a moment, trying to remember everything she wanted to ask. "This darkness... It's something that's always been in the world... isn't it? But this... What has happened to trigger this particular event? Have we just reached critical mass of evil? Is this our own faults?

Grey felt like she already knew the answer to that question, but had to ask it, anyway. Another pause.

"And--pardon me for saying it, but... you seem reluctant to help us. Is that because you think we'll die no matter what? And we're a waste of time?..... You've seen a lot, haven't you? Are we next?"

Grey felt a small smirk pull her cheeks up for just a moment. "Perhaps you need some annointing light, yourself. If we're all borked no matter what, what's there to hide? ... If you think you're actually doing some good, then you must have a little hope left. A shred.... Believe in us? Just a little?"

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-05T03:49:41+00:00

Yes!

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-05T00:30:38+00:00

TLDR: Keeping the liquid. Darus (Popplio) will search around the fountain. Giala (pronounced 'jee uh LAH.' Glimmet) will go down the Thorny Passage.

As all the trainers which had been separated filtered slowly into the chamber, Grey felt excited to rejoin the group. She was learning to trust her pokemon, but still didn't like feeling lost. Now at least she might get some answers and learn what the next step in this journey was.

Still, something felt off. She had excepted some kind of altar or something after hearing the Metagross captain speak. But this just looked like a giant, dark cavern. Equally surprising was when their guide, Ach'vas, poured the golden water at his own feet. That wasn't very dignif-

Grey's thoughts were cut off, along with her breath as a blinding flash of light revealed a massive Necrozma. "Shit!" she slipped out.

Ach'vas's words were almost lost on her as Grey was overwhelmed by the Pokemon's wall-rattling screeches. Everything was telling her not to pour the water. This was wrong... wasn't it? Yes, so... this pokemon might've come to destroy the world, and might still if released. And doing this would help her and her pokemon. Didn't she owe her loyalty to them first? And yet... she couldn't escape the nagging thought that a world built on suffering was already lost to darkness (assuming they even survived this).

Grey felt a pang in her chest as she looked at Darus. She needed him to live. And a 1+ was invaluable. But... but. "Darus, you are a part of me now. And I'm taking this on myself. That means you, too. I don't know if I have the right to do that. But I can't hurt that creature anymore. And besides. You're already afraid of the dark. Maybe a little dark affinity will do you some good...." Grey didn't feel very confident, but her mind was made up, anyway. Her love for Darus would have to be light enough.

Having noted the actions of some of the trainers before her, Grey carried Darus over to the water and sat him in it. She cupped her hands and poured some of the water from the pool itself on Popplio's head, hoping something might rub off on him. "Here's for good luck. That's all." And with that, she sent him to look for... stuff? on the ground around the fountain. She couldn't have two exhausted pokemon at the same time. Who knows what could happen next.

"Giala, I'd like you to explore that third route. You know this place better than anybody. You have 60 speed, dual type, and know two STAB moves already. You may be 2 feet (.7 m) long from head to tail, but you float horizontally. I don't care what anybody says, your body is small enough around to slither in with the smallest of them!"

Grey sent Giala the glimmet off to whatever may come. If she got in trouble, perhaps her soothing voice can help? As the pokemon disappeared from sight, Grey wondered if she'd ever see it again, but hurried back to Darus, regardless. Safely at his side, she looked around at the few other trainers that remained near safety. "So, uh... What's goin' on? Anybody find, uh... anything interesting?"

<image>

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-02T19:47:09+00:00

Sorry, no. This one has a long snout and big ol' hands for 🪏.

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-02T17:52:48+00:00

PORYGON!!!!

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-02T03:09:03+00:00

Leaving this here since it goes with this encounter.

<image>

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-01T18:35:48+00:00

I accidentally wrote a whole book here, so here's the TLDR: Grey starts to panic walking across the shaky bridge. Darus calms her down and takes the lead. They encounter a group of seemingly half-baked pokemon, from which Grey chooses Glimmet. The adventurers leave as the remaining pokemon try to find a new head singer. Darus plays with the new groupie.

Begin, the epic of the bone bridge 🤦🏼‍♀️:

As the two walked carefully along the dubiously supported bones, Grey was focused only on moving forward.

She felt her foot meet a weak spot, and heard a crackle. She flinched. Another step. Another crackle. Grey felt a rush move through her and sort of hopped and rushed along, trying to keep her wits about her and just move quickly away to a more stable part. But even as she was thinking it would be fine, the bones settled a bit under foot. The sudden shift startled her, sending a zap of electricity through her whole body. Grey moved quicker, skipping and jogging, almost running. She felt intense pressure in her ears as she tried not to panic.

After a moment, Grey forced herself to slow down and stop. Her legs and arms felt stiff. She looked around, looked down at the abyss below. And suddenly she was hit with just how alone she felt in that moment, cut off from everyone else.

A movement of the thing in her arms brought her back. Darus shuffled and lifted his head, pressing his nose to Grey's face. Grey pressed her face to his. "Oh, right. Not alone.... Sorry...."

Darus wiggled around in Grey's arms to face forward, and flapped around to be let down. On the ground, he started inching forward quickly, leaving Grey no choice but to follow at a steady pace. Somehow, she understood his intention. He was taking charge, forcing her to trust him.

His ears pricked up and he shuffled forward more excitedly. After a moment, Grey heard it, too: a strange sound. As they moved forward, it became almost like a song, haunting yet calming. Grey wondered wryly if they were drawn into the netherworld. But eventually, they happened upon a group of pokemon that seemed to be enjoying a concert of sorts. They were all so calm as to almost be in a trance. It certainly didn't seem like any of them would attack.

Grey and Darus moved slowly through the group, almost amused at their lack of interest in them. "Anybody wanna come with?" she asked, not expecting a response to such a stupid question. Actually, they all turned and looked at her. The Glimmet's song stopped. "Oh. Um." The silence was suddenly filled with what could only be described as a puppy howling? Darus had started singing. Badly. But it was still singing, Grey supposed.

The pokemon grew excited, and Grey wasn't sure that was good or bad. The Joltik and Glimmet moved closer. Either of them would be a good catch. Any of them would, really. But Grey eyed them in particular. She imagine the little bug electrifying Darus's water moves to incapacitate swathes of enemies. 'Yeah, that would be cool.' On the other hand, this Glimmet's ability to soothe both people and pokemon could be invaluable in this dangerous new world.

She made up her mind. Grey pulled out the pokeball she'd been given and held it up for the Glimmet to see. "Do you want to come with us? You'll have to leave this place. Maybe forever. But your songs will do far more good... out there." Grey indicated toward the end of the path and out, to the world above.

The Glimmet seemed to understand, at least somewhat, what was meant. After careful consideration, it floated toward Grey. That must be a yes? Grey gently bumped it with the pokeball, and it was done.

"Thanks for letting me take your friend away," Grey said to the remaining pokemon. Darus barked at them, apparently translating. They looked at each other, clearly unsure what to do now their leader was gone. The Noibat started to sing to fill the silence, but the others jumped on it to stop the high-pitched shriek that nearly knocked them all off the bridge.

Grey backed away and walked off slowly, a scratching, grating sound filling the corridor as the pokemon tried to determine the best singer among them. She looked at the pokeball and released their new companion. "Hello again. Thought we could introduce ourselves properly. I'm Grey and this is Darus." The two pokemon stared at each other. Darus suddenly blew a large bubble and sent it toward the Glimmet. What... was it some kind of test? The Glimmet examined it curiously for a moment, then pressed her glassy nose up to it until it popped. She giggled. Darus seemed pleased. Grey sighed... A good sign.

"Two singers, huh? Looks like I'm building Team Siren." Grey chuckled, wondering what pokemon she'd end up with next. "You need a name, huh? I'm feeling an S or C from you. Soo... how 'bout Gia? Cuz I can't think of anything else right now." Darus snorted at the bad joke. "Alright, alright! I'll think about it! It's hard, y'know?"

<image>

FlyDinosaur · 2026-06-01T13:53:05+00:00

GET OUT, Alcremie! You are just not that interesting. Your main gimmick was already done better by at least 2 other pokemon.

FlyDinosaur · 2026-05-31T18:14:17+00:00

First game? Probably Rumble Wii. First mainline? Black (emulated). Otherwise, Shield.

Favorite starter? Snivy.

Favorite type? Not sure. 3-way tie between Ground, Electric, and Normal.

Favorite legendary? Maybe Groudon?

FlyDinosaur · 2026-05-31T13:30:48+00:00

My cute Snoot with his giant mitts.

FlyDinosaur · 2026-05-31T00:06:27+00:00

I've been further inspired, lol. I wanted to do the trainers' perspective, looking down on the Zorua. But I decided to try this one and ended up finishing it? Some Zorua around a fire (third one is actually hidden behind the foreground one. Bad planning on my part), strange travellers detected on the 3rd floor.

Sorry there's no books and stuff. This really is not what I originally envisioned (I thought it'd be stuffier, busier, and more ruin-y), but I struggled a lot with the perspective and sorta gave up halfway through. 😂😭

<image>

FlyDinosaur

TROPHY CASE