(ACE) The MARSH Team

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"Uxie said several Pokemon were outside with the Floaztel at dawn, but if this is a safe house it should still be crawling." While taken by surprise that she recalled his own words the Legend did not reaffirm the information he had given prior. The lack of Pokemon, or perhaps overwhelming unknown and emptiness to this place gave it an eerie air, and while many speculations could be made even he had no answers.

"I guess, I dunno, I thought bringing back an unknown child who caused an undead to show up might cause a commotion?" The idea was not farfetched, and the one Pokemon they encountered did not seem flustered or aware of such a situation. Hmm. The Marill hardly seemed bothered at all, as though accustomed to the situation and carrying out a menial task without fear. Was that the key? "Perhaps there is a secondary or deeper section to their safe quarters that they retreat to in the presence of undead." He conjectured, knowing full well such a hyposthesis would leave this nesting ground exposed and or vacant.

"Uxie, I'm getting very suspicious about this. Do you think we just fell into a trap that has yet to spring?" Pondering for only a moment the legend thought the idea possible, but not probable. "Were it a well laden trap they would be expecting sentient intruders. Considering the inhospitable response you have received, the locals claiming this land, and the undead you have crossed paths with, you could infer they only ever expected undead to be a threat."

"Perhaps there is a secondary or deeper section to their safe quarters that they retreat to in the presence of undead." Another place, hidden away somewhere that they would have to sneak  into? "Then why lead us here?!" She barked, unable to hide the exasperation from her voice. She had been given the choice, why make one pointless?? Gritting her teeth Seek wondered why that would be a possibility; Uxie knew where Eleroo was, why play around with other ideas? Why make them linger here any longer than necessary and increase their chances of getting caught? Why not just say very few Pokemon would be about? Her toes flexed on the cold floor, claws working stiffly as Seek struggled to remain calm.

"Depends on the Pokemon that nests. If this style was meant for something much more ancient then I dread what may come of the ones who aren't fit." That wasn't quite what she meant but the Aiveon understood enough of where he was coming from. Felix did have a point; depending on what was nesting here it could spell very bad news very quickly, and that was something she didn't want to think about. Mud, water, swamp, woods.. Would only the most adaptable, most resilient and frightening Pokemon remain? Would only those with a niche be allowed to stay..? What a sick thought, but with the treatment they had been given Seek couldn't rule out these Pokemon being cruel.

...And only the cruel would raise kids in this sort of place if given a choice. With each step they progressed the Aiveon felt ever more uncertain of their choices, of her choice. Eleroo was not down this path, that much was certain, but nothing here screamed childcare. It was stark, colorless, cold, nothing like the warm fireplace she grew up by. The icy, tiled floor was inconspicuously clean, free of dust but also grime. Was it ever used? With a sigh her head started to droop, but foreboding pulsed through her viens as she realized their visages were not reflected back as one would expect. Pushing her head back Seek could not shake a new sense of being watched, and as they came closer and closer to the end of the path it only seemed to get worse.

"Guys.." she whispered, straining to see anything with only Shenron's flame as a light source. Did they feel it too, or see or hear anything? Felix had just speculated a trap, and while Uxie surmised it would only be for undead that didn't mean one couldn't be used on survivors. The realization weighed in on her, much like the ceiling that felt too close. Her warning and realization would come too late, the panic hitting her harder than a brick wall as movement suddenly surrounded them. The ceiling came to life in a flurry of wings, clusters of Zubat and Golbat dropping from the shadowed height they had hidden in. The shrieking came next, the echoing calls of the bats hell on her massive ears. "D-don't let them out-!" She wailed, unable to remain calm as fluttering wings overtook her thoughts.

OoC)) Skip I'll try to make this into a proper post tomorrow after work.

(OoC: I have not interfered and will pass this round.)

No, no no no no no. In a matter of seconds Seek's heart went from zero to one hundred, her eyes wide like moons as she stared helplessly at the flooding bats. The constant sound of fluttering, beating, leathery wings assaulted her ears worse than the incessant clicks and screeches they let out. What was happening, why were they here?! Pressing her belly against the cold tile floor instinct told her to run, her fear overwhelming after her one brave order. She couldn't fight, she couldn't possibly stand against all these winged creatures... but even as she panted the cold air her fear did not hit the same way as it had earlier. The bats were shocking, loud and spooky, quickly making her heart race, but something was not the same. The horribly wing beats were not the rustling, airy sound of feathers and wind. Seek's bent legs trembled, not wishing to think of and make comparisons, but that was just it; she could still think. The fear was not so overwhelming that her thoughts had ceased, this was bad but it was not unbearable.

These were not birds.

Widening her stance the Aiveon pushed her frame up away from the floor. Not birds. They were just stupid, dumb, ugly bats. Taking in a big gulp of air Seek held it in and puffed out her chest. They had a mission to complete and no time for her shortcomings. With a furious beating of her own feathery wings the vulpine whipped up wicked blades of air, the sharp Air Cutter slashing several unexpecting wings. The bats screeched even louder, faltering or falling as their flight was disrupted. Flexing her jaw the Aiveon wanted to sink her fangs into their patagium, taking away their chance to ever fly again, but her better judgement, or perhaps lingering fear, kept her rooted in place. They are living Pokemon. This wasn't worth crippling someone. Rapid clicks sent her eyes and mind up as a pair of Zubats dove at her, their large fangs practically dripping as they swooped to bite. Taking a weary step back the Aiveon felt her wings brush a wall. She had no room to dodge, to nowhere to go but forward, and instead bucked at the incoming threat. The chirps changed to cries of pain as at least one was scratched by her rocky helmet, and for a moment the fluttering around her moved away.

(OoC: I still have not interfered and will pass once again this round.)

The sudden, fear driven, overwhelming panic had already started to fade. They were not birds, and given the chance to realize that Seek was able to bring herself back to the moment. The mission, the eggs, the stealth... the only thing that mattered was their current fight. Her body was still shaken, with her limbs feeling heavy and sluggish and her mind racing too far ahead of it, but she was slowly regaining her equilibrium. A sharp sting in her forearm once again forced her to focus, and the trail of energy that flowed away from her in the Leech Life gave a discomforting since of deja vu.

In one way or another horrid memories of that Sceptile resurfaced, its pinpoint accurate Leech Seed digging just as similarly into her skin. She itched, feeling her pelt ripple at the memory, but her real pain wasn't nearly as bad as the memory. The Aiveon knew the move to be pitiful, but it was even less impressive than she recalled. That's right. She was a flying type now, strong against bugs and the Sceptile that abducted her. Had she this power beforehand, would she not have faced such trauma? Even this space, this lifeless Pokemon Center, seemed so right of a place for that monster to stay that it made her blood run cold. Taking a step back her wings brushed against the wall once again, reminding the Pokemon that she did not have the space her new type flourished in nor any room for errors.

With a quick breath in Seek eyed the bats tensely. She wanted out, out of this situation, this room, this place. Nearly panting in her own exasperation sparks arched across her fluffy pelt. We have a job to do! With a frightful growl the electricity was released, her Hidden Power racing to find purchase within the swarming bats. Many were hit, shrieking and clicking in pain as their motions were stopped and they stumbled to the hard floor. As they twitched from the bolt she was unsure if they would stay down, but those that fell would make for easier targets.

A wheezy, grunting loud bumped her ears as she looked behind her. The struggling, flailing shape of a single Zubat flew past them, barely keeping itself airborne as it made its way down the hall back toward the entrance. Was it going for help? "No!" Seek barked, not caring to keep her voice down or attack the rest of the swarm as she charged after it. Leaping and flapping in unison, the injured bat had no chance of outpacing her as the Aiveon bit into its long leg. They both crashed to the ground in a shuddering mass as Seek shook her head violently before flinging the bat into the wall. It shuddered, alive but no longer fit to flee as the child awkwardly turned back to the rest of their plight.

(OoC: To keep the flow I shall once again pass this round. I will interfere next cycle.)

This was such a waste of time. The Aiveon's body shuddered with annoyance as she watched the bats fall left and right from her companions assaults. They were winning, or at least keeping them at bay, but this living alarm system seemed like more of a stopgap than anything. "Aim for the wings not the body, if we disable their means of moving we'll be safe to move forward. Dazing them with a body or head strike won't be enough." Shenron bellowed, making Seek regret her earlier hesitation. He's not wrong. But did that make him right?

Chittering that got too close for comfort forced her to react, her wings flapping with might as an Air Slash was sent flying. The Zubat fell in an instant, a thin trail of blood come from the cuts she had made. What was the point of this...? "Seek! Take aim at the Golbat! He knows something!" Felix's voice would not allow her to wallow in self doubt and drawing her attention back to the swarm the flier eyed the largest bat. Even if it didn't know something, maybe taking it out would stop the rest? With a deep breath Seek readied another Hidden Power. Her fur was growing heavy with sweat, and the salty layer only excited the electricity more as the shimmering bolts raced for the Golbat.

Whether it was stupid or unprepared, it did not dodge in time, and fell to the hard floor in a mass of twitching muscles. Seek ran up on it, pinning its awkwardly shaped body down beneath her meager weight as she flattened its wings to the floor. "Talk, unless you want more!" She growled, fangs bared and pelt still sparking with small arcs of electricity. The bat struggled, the blast having sapped enough of its strength that it couldn't wriggle free. No other Zubats dared approach her dangerous pelt, and without much option the bat could only glare. "Where is he?! Where's Eleroo and the Floatzel?!" Felix barked with a fierce intimidation.

Clicking and struggling, Seek let her lightning flow over her pelt to settle the Pokemon as it kicked. "He ain't here; he left a while ago!" It shrieked, voice grating against her ears as it broke shockingly easy. Gritting her teeth the Aiveon chose not to celebrate; was this too easy? Was it all just a distraction?? Digging her claws into its wings she wondered if these Pokemon had been informed of the Floatzel's return, or if it hadn't taken Eleroo here at all. It could be lying. Bolts flew from her pelt in anger simply at the thought, striking down more of the straggler bats. "Where is he?!" She pressed, both wanting a better answer and to whittle through the lies.

The Golbat was lying, he had to be and Felix wasn't going to stop Seek at all. "Where is he?!" The zubats was congregating to attack again but this time Felix snapped at them. "Stay back! You're only going to provoke her further!" This was his only warning to them and if they didn't heed it then he'll just have to make his point. His warning wasn't without threat though as he was about to unleash a moonblast straight at them. If Uxie can get them to change their mind, then so be it but Uxie could also dig into their mind and reveal their location as well. It as all up to the psychic type on that point.

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Lingering in the back of the group Uxie watched with a listless gaze. Such an unusual alarm or defensive system should have caught his interest, but watching the bats fly and circle them arbitrarily dashed any intrigue he had gathered. They were felled with little trouble, one or two meager contacts being enough to take down the weak Pokemon. Was this truly all their protection for their young ones?

As the remaining bats were defeated or fled deeper into the area the largest was pinned helplessly to the floor. With no hope of victory or minor leadership any structure the swarm may have had collapsed and panicked fluttering ensued. That is quite enough. Such obnoxious chittering was enough to annoy anyone, let alone a being of such intelligence, and it was long past due for him to silence it. With a wave of his twin tails the legendary Pokemon sought to end this facade, his psychic energy grabbing the remaining bats with ease. Tightening his grasp he pushed the escapees to the ground, blissful quiet filling the space as the poison types succumbed.

With thinkable peace restored once again the pixie drifted closer to the writhing Golbat. How it was stopped by such a minuscule, pesky Pokemon, he did not wish to understand, but it made his task easier. "Keep them still," he instructed, moving eerily close to the pair, "And mind thine gaze." The bat stared on, the fear sparking brightly in its eyes its ultimate downfall as the pixie showed it his amber gaze and formed the psychic link.

The living being served to be a much more helpful subject, its memories clear and bright. Compared to the undead it was child's play, and even the Marill had proven more resistant than this as he delved and found that which could serve them.

With the usual pop he released his grasp, the recoil not nearly as potent as he gathered his post-daze thoughts. "Two rooms down, to the right. The eggs you seek are there." He gasped, still centering himself. "However," he points just yonder with a small finger to the closest room on their left. "There are discarded shells in this room."

"Keep them still," the legend told her the obvious, and much like a trained animal Seek did as she was told. Pressing all her weight low into her paws and bringing down her center of gravity she used what little weight she had to force the Golbat into submission. "And mind thine gaze." It was strange, like a sense of deja vu as the Golbat went completely still beneath her. Though she knew not what he was doing she could not help but remember the bloody, broken body of the Pelipper after Uxie had gotten a hold of it, as well as the blacked-out Marill they had discarded. Which route would he take this time, did it have to be like this? Her stomach rolled, threatening to bring up her breakfast as she shut her eyes away from the scene, protecting her from this unknown assailant.

As he proceeded she could only recall her outburst beforehand, about the legend being useless to them with his stupid 'observer' clause. What dictated him intervening, what made this acceptable, or the bats a nuisance rather than an interest? She would make sure to ask later, but for now her thoughts allowed the seconds to tick by as the legend did things she could hardly imagine. With a sharp gasp she could vaguely feel that he had moved away, and as she dared to open her eyes could see the bat was now either unconscious or in a deep stupor. The Aiveon didn't want to risk it getting up, and gave it a strong jolt to ensure it was out. "Well?" She asked tensely, completely in the dark to whether or not Uxie had succeeded in.. whatever that was. "Two rooms down, to the right. The eggs you seek are there." A smile spreads across her maw, elated to hear such confirming news. "Excellent!" She squeaks, her body trembling with a mix of relief and anxiety. "Now we just need-" But the Legend was not finished. "However, there are discarded shells in this room."

Forgetting what he had said prior Seek stared at the Legend with saucer-wide eyes. "Just shells?" She gasped, the knots in her stomach loosening just a bit at the news. "That's even better!" Spinning on her heels she looked at their slaughter once more; between them all and Uxie's finisher nothing looked like it was ready to retaliate any time soon. "Let's hurry," she huffed, weaving through the Zubats with bounding steps as she went for the room that had been pointed out.
The door was ajar, swinging open with ease as Seek pressed her muzzle between it and the doorjam. The inside was nothing special, a typical waiting room of sorts, except the one corner with a tarp laid out with fragmented eggs upon it. Standing before this odd sight the Aiveon felt herself getting emotional. It didn't feel right for her, out of character even, but she could barely handle the relief in her bones at not having to harm the innocent unborn. Her paws shook as she reached forward, and she had to pull it back, unable to claim the prize that they had all sought.

Turning away from the shells she rifled through the low cabinets and pulled out a sort of trash bag. Nudging it toward the others she spoke with her eyes on the floor. "Bundle these up, however many you think would be convincing." Her voice was shaking, pulse racing as she trotted out of the shell room. Her own words were haunting, echoing in her mind as she mindlessly walked to the other room of interest. What if it isn't convincing? It was a bluff in every regard, but if it didn't seem real.. Then it was all a waste of time.
She stopped blankly in front of the second door on the right. This door was closed all the way, though its long handle was nothing her paws couldn't manage. She stared at it, wondering.. if there were other guards in place, wouldn't they have come out? Standing tall and pushing down, the door opened without a creak, a wash of warm, tender smells hitting her. That's what she needed. Skirting the edges of the room she avoided the innocent eggs or causing any disturbance as she grabbed the one thing she desired.

Trotting back to the others she whipped a blanket out in front of her. "Stuff this in the bag too." She instructed, her mind still wrapped in the safe scents of a nursery. "I'll carry the bag." With that, they had what they needed from this place. "We should hurry in case any bats snuck away." Standing as tall and confidently as possible she stared intensely at the legend, saying firmly, "Will you lead us to Eleroo now?"

Felix watched as Uxie done his thing. Now that its done, its time to use the broken eggshells as a tool against the Floatzel’s allies to bring fear. This however didn’t settle well with Felix at all. As much as he hates it, this wasn’t an option to opt out. ”Will you lead us to Eleroo now?” If Uxie would be able to, it would be great but even then, clues to Eleroo’s whereabouts is likely in pieces so even for a legendary, this would be a puzzle. Not that Felix would understand that much other than having Uxie transmitting the information to Seek directly or entrusting another with learning the mind of others. His trust with Uxie though was, in his own mind, unwavering. Now was the hard part, avoiding detection from the zubats and any other potential threat that would attack on sight. Felix then said something to Uxie. “Considering your psychic powers is incredible, what’s the likelihood we’ll need to find another of the Floatzel’s associates?” In all honesty, this might be a hint that they might have to do this differently instead of relying on brute force. The Sylveon thought for a second as they was on the move then had an idea. It wasn't a smart idea but maybe Uxie can do something once they rescue Eleroo if he can erase a certain memory that was persistent in his past. Him being abandoned accidentally. He didn't want that memory and yet he kept thinking of it.

---

With the Aiveon running off in a hurry Uxie finally had a moment to soothe himself. These Pokemon were exhausting, tiresome, and not worth his effort despite how many chances he had given. While he had the power to make this entire thing trivial what would be gained, what would be learned from such actions? Did any of them realize or understand? He did not need to know.

No one spoke out, like cogs in a machine they gathered their desired materials and marked this faux mission complete. Would they call this a success, all according to plan? Felix approached him, voicing other concerns. “Considering your psychic powers are incredible, what’s the likelihood we’ll need to find another of the Floatzel’s associates?”

The Sylveon sought answers, perhaps to prepare for future trials or steel himself for the time investment. No matter the reason, he had changed a specific question into one of triviality with the inclusion of a word. "Need is uncertain," he breathed, knowing at any moment what they wanted could change. "But will find remains at one hundred percent."

With a loaded bag in tow the Aiveon then approached him, her question clear cut and surprisingly calm. "Will you lead us to Eleroo now?" Had she weighed her options or simply remembered what he had said earlier? "Come, let's not linger in this place any longer."

The warm, almost nostalgic scents of the nursery had gotten into Seek's head. Where had the time gone? How long had it been since she cuddled with Eleroo and Dad in the warmth of the den? What she wouldn't give to have that feeling again.. But another cold breath from their surroundings burst she small bubble of pleasure, and she was once again back in her white paws. "Of course, just enough to look convincing." Seek gave an affirming nod, the memories of youth still fresh in her mind. "Just enough to put us on the same level." They wouldn't harm kids, but that was the point of a bluff now, wasn't it?

“Considering your psychic powers are incredible, what’s the likelihood we’ll need to find another of the Floatzel’s associates?” Seek tried to think of what else they could need, what else would give them leverage more so than their offspring. Directions, weaknesses, some insight? Her big head said this was more than enough, that if this didn't work nothing else would have. She didn't speak over Uxie or disregard what he said; there was no point in bickering semantics. "Come, let's not linger in this place any longer." Adjusting her pack oh so carefully the Aiveon gave a firm nod and followed along after the Legend. The path here had had a few turns but she was confident she could have lead them back to their starting point. If only that helped. Teleported inside, with no sense of where the entrance was.. they may as well be lost.

As they made it back to the start of the medical area Seek felt her paws itching. Opening the door and letting them all squeeze through, she started to once again doubt their plan. Heck, it wasn't a plan, it was a gimmick, and if it failed they were as good as dead. Straining her ears for any inconspicuous sounds she made sure they weren't about to walk prematurely into other Pokemon. Faint muffles and noises started to reach her as they walked deeper and deeper, but they sounded as if they were on the otherside of the walls. Was that their destination? Her breath quickened, from the strain, effort, and stress combined, but it allowed her to taste the moisture in the air. "We're getting close," she whispered without realizing.

They continued to travel through the area still looking for Eleroo. "We're getting close,” As much as that would be a delight, it would also have its dangers. What if the Floatzel was waiting for them with Eleroo as his prisoner and a demand was made? This might have to be more of Uxie’s area to whisk away Eleroo from the Floatzel before he is to strike. Even then, thinking about it gave Felix a chill. What if they went right into a trap and not realize it? Certainly they would have known by now or even Uxie would have told them. Other than that, Felix had felt that Uxie was more of an idol to him now. A Legendary that makes pokemon like him who was raised by a psychiatrist revere one of the guardians. However it wasn’t the time to get the thought in his head. They still had a job to do and that was to rescue Eleroo. ”It goes without saying that we should remain cautious. If that Floatzel has any advantage on us, it would be his wit. We may have to fight him and whoever he has with him.” Fighting isn’t something that he liked but he’ll fight to save Eleroo at any means necessary. However he may have something to nail the Floatzel with, his own words against him. There was one thing he learned with the Marrill. They all are afraid of him but for what reason is beyond him. Hitting him where it hurts the most. The childhood issues might have something to do with it. He was damned sure that there is a psychological weakness that can be hit.

(OoC: I am feeling unwell and will skip this round.)

Seek's pelt was crawling worse than when she was slathered with mud. This entire experience had pushed her resolve to the limit. She wanted to scream, to yell, to cry out and call Eleroo's name, but every mumble and bump she heard from somewhere nearby forced her to stay quiet. This was all a sham, a charade, not just the bluff they were pulling but her attempts at being a true leader. She didn't know what she was doing, what they were walking into, what to say once they were inevitably found and cornered. Doubt clouded her mind, working against the focus and strain she was putting out. Maybe she should just ask the legend to save Eleroo and force the rest of them to fend for themselves... ”It goes without saying that we should remain cautious. If that Floatzel has any advantage on us, it would be his wit. We may have to fight him and whoever he has with him.”

Felix's voice was nearly too much for her to handle, but with gritted teeth the Aiveon remained quiet and tensely listened to him. Was wit really something a kidnapper would have? Was this all a thought out plan or some hasty act? Seek gave a rough swallow as she realized she could ask herself the same thing. "If we get in a fight we're gonna lose. We can't let that happen." She said bluntly. "They outnumber us, have home-field advantage, type advantage, know the way out, they have Eleroo..." She trailed off, her doubts too overwhelming to voice any further. Even with Uxie's 'last chance' she knew they had no hope of winning against these Pokemon. Even if they weren't after their lives they were in no position to take on new grievous wounds.

The twisting paths of the Gym felt unnatural, and were it not for Uxie's guidance the young Pokemon would have never found her way. Was this really the normal layout or had it been altered? Their path slanted as the elevation changed, an even weirder sensation to the kit, but the Aiveon could not focus on such a small question as the reverberating noise got louder. As diluted as it was by the thick walls the cacophony of voices could no longer be denied. "So many-" Seek gasped as she realized the magnitude of it. "It's like their entire group in one..!" Is that why they had seen so few Pokemon in the building? Her paws trembled, the blending of different noises a frightening prospect. They truly had no chance, how could a bluff detour them all?!

Heading down one more hall the Aiveon felt her entire body start to tremble. The voices were nearly clear now, an uproar of angry words and shouts. These Pokemon were heated, tensions high and passionate as they argued. If they stepped into that.. wouldn't they get attacked straight away? Her hollow bones quaked, terrified of taking even a single attack in such a dreadful place. The path stopped at a dual swing door, the bustling voices now only contained behind the meager barrier. Seek's heart was racing; this was it. What was her plan, their plan? Did they sneak around and look for another door, go from above, wait for this moment...? Why hadn't she given this any thought?!

Panic dared to swallow the child. Again she wanted to wail, to cry and scream and curse for this to all be over. Clenching her teeth she fought back the urge, and with a hard flap of her wings gained the height needed to look through the windows on the doors. The large gym area was mostly flooded, something she expected thanks to Uxie, but the waters and platforms were packed with Pokemon. Many were up in arms, literally waving hands and fins as they spoke out of turn, but Seek couldn't focus on any of them. The groups were clustered around two Pokemon in the back, a massive, grizzled Swampert sitting back in a well worn spot, and the familiar orange fur of hunched Floatzel. Seeing that figure was enough to make her blood boil. It was him-!

Then she spotted it. At the Floatzel's feet was a small crate, a pet carrier the Aiveon was vaguely familiar with seeing. She could not see inside at her distance but as the Floatzel kicked it an all too familiar yelp whistled all the way to her ear fur. Eleroo! Not another thought passed through her mind as anger filled her being. Kicking the door open Seek did not notice the turning heads as she barged into the room. "Leave him alone!" She roared, stopping just short of the Floatzel as bitter sparks arched across her pelt.