darkSpyro

the beeping was driving Soul crazy. where is it coming from? he thought frustratingly.
beep...

"I see." said Heart. " Y'know, you guys are the first travelers we've seen in a while. It's not every day we see any travelers."

beep...

"Most of the time, we run into anything but, and it's not much fun."

beep...

"Not to Soul!" said Crystal. "He likes fighting bad guys! right, Soul?"

beep...

"Um.. Soul?" asked Heart.

BEEP!

"GET DOWN!" shouted Soul. he pushed the group under the table as a huge explosion engulfed the back of the restaurant.

OOC: Ooh, you setting up a new character, too?

Vern and Migx ducked under the table with the others. "What the heck is going on!?" Vern cried out.

OOC: yeah, like an antagonist for my story, and a new character.

speaking of antagonists, everyone, I'm deciding that antagonists are allowed on stories. they do not need character profiles, but you need to clarify that they are antagonists, and they can be introduced at any time in your story or brought out of your story any time. but like new characters, they need a transition into and possible out of the story.
_______
Soul held Crystal around his arms tight, as did Heart. there was smoke everywhere, and Soul could hear screaming just nearby. He wasn't scared, just confused. What was going on?

When the smoke cleared, The group noticed a huge gaping hole with much supplies, as if someone had been trying to dig under the restaurant. When Heart and Soul got out under the table, they noticed a group of Pokémon huddling the survivors of the explosion in the restaurant's corner, and immediately got back down. "Quiet," Heart said.

"Alright, who has it?" asked one of the Pokémon. Soul got a closer look and saw the Pokémon were a Salamance, Noctowl, and Mismagius.

"Has what?" asked one of the Pokémon.

"Don't play dumb!" said the Mismagius, "We know one of you Pokémon stole our mutated cure! now hand it over!"

Soul and Heart froze. These were the Outlaws Platinum had talked about earlier that day. the ones that stole the diseased cure. they were the reason that Labyrinth got attacked by Pokemies.

"Well, if no one talks, then we'll have to negotiate something." said the Salamance. "Noctowl, do the honors?"

"Of course," said the Noctowl. he grabbed a stray Pokémon from the group. Heart only got a quick glance, and saw that it was another Pikachu, a female from the looks.

"See this?" said the Noctowl, holding a syringe. "This is our newest experiment, taken from Pokemies. see, when this gets injected into you, you instantly turn into a Pokemie. Now, tell us who has the mutated cure or we'll inject this low-life!"

The group gasped. if they weren't bluffing, that meant they had something that could ultimately change the course of the world. and it was seriously dangerous. it also meant something like this was capable. that wasn't a good sign at all.

The young Pikachu being held took something from her purse. in her hand was a vial labeled "cure for BR-97".

"Well, what do we have here?" asked Salamance. "What makes you think you could steal from us, miss?"

the Pikachu spoke. "I thought it could help my dead sister and mother. And what do you bandits mean by 'steal'?" she spat on Salamance.

"Well, it looks like we have a tough one. Inject her, Noctowl." said Salamance.

And just at that moment, Soul couldn't take it any longer. he broke from the table's cover and Volt Tackled Salamance. all the other Pokémon got out from under the table.

"Might I ask if you guys are good fighters?" Heart muttered to Migx and Vern.
_____
for example, my antagonists are Salamance, Mismagius, and Noctowl. so you probably get the idea.

Also, i'm taking out the option to play as SEP soldiers, as no one has chosen them at all, and I don't want them or their rules wasting space.

OOC: I had an antagonist back two pages ago, with the Honchkrow.

Conner has already used most of his spray, and he was not even near done with his charge, though he did get new ingredients. He was walking back to Everest when he saw an explosion. He went over to investigate, and saw many Pokémon in danger from a Salamance, Noctowl, and Mismagius. He clipped and hidden the bottle, and gone over to the ruins to investigate.

"We'll do what we can," Migx said. Migx puffed his chest out and then breathed a stream of Ice at the Salamance, hoping to aid Soul by exploiting the Salamence's extreme disdain for Ice. Vern didn't have much to work with, so he stayed in place and waited for someone to attempt striking him so he could attempt Hypnosis on said Pokemon.

Conner ran down and helped the Pokémon fighting the Salamence, Noctowl, and Mismagius. He attacked the Noctowl with Metal Claw, and avoided the Noctowl's attack with detect. Conner wished he knew who he was helping, but he could not stop fighting the Noctowl.

OOC: i'm guessing you want to interact with us in the story, zookinator?
____
Soul was bombarding Salamance with strength, with the help of Migx and Vern. Slamance started charging a hyper beam, but Soul hit him just in time that the charge for it failed. Crystal attacked Noctowl with Bite and Quick attack. She saw a Lucario also attacking it, wondering where it came from. she didn't think twice about it though, as they needed all the help they could get. They both dodged Noctowl's fury attack just as Crystal used bite again. Heart was pounding the Mismagius easily, with Razor Shell and Grass Knot. He was getting a bit overwhelmed, but he'd be fine.

Calia realized that they would have to eat soon, as Emily was slowing down considerably, and Pete and Cameron had stopped their conversation not long ago. "Let's stop here for a while." She finally said. Emily stopped and collapsed on the ground, panting. Cameron helped her up and dragged her over to lay in the shade of a tree. Calia looked through her bag and found a few sitrus berries. "We can eat these for now." She said, laying them on her bag.

OoC: Yes, I have had enough of just Being a little side story.
______________________________________________

Conner was attacking that horrid Noctowl with all he has got. Metal Clawing and Force Palming the thing with all he had, it eventually collapsed in a heap. He know started using Foresight, detecting that the Eevee named Crystal would be severely injured if he didn't do something. He then used Metal Claw on the Salamence, and binded it with some rope he found in the hole. *That should stop it* thought Conner.

Pete brought a few of the berries over to Emily, who smiled and ate them gratefully. Cameron and Calia took their share, and Pete came over to take his.

Vern started to wonder how determined these guys were. "They're clearly outnumbered," he said so whoever was relevant could hear him. "Why don't they run?"

"I have no idea," said Soul, "They must be pretty determined about this mutated cure!" he said as he dodged Salamance's Draco Meteor.
Okay, Where is the SEP!? Soul thought, They should be here by now!

Calia ate her berries slowly, glad for the respite from traveling. Pete and Cameron, however, finished their berries quickly and began conversations again, Pete cracking jokes and Cameron telling many adventure stories involved in his past.

Conner noticed something strange. There was no law enforcement. *Where was the SEP? They should always come to things like this* thought Conner, thinking about what happened to the SEP. *Time to investigate. Better have someone with me*. Using his Foresight yet again, he detects he should go with the Pikachu named Soul. "Soul! Soul, come with me to find the SEP! Tell your frinds to hide if they need to be protected from the Salamence! I can bind him up if need be!" Conner shouted through the fray.

Soul had no idea who the Lucario was or where he came from, but he didn't argue. right now they needed to stay focused on holding back the Outlaws until they found the SEP.

"Crystal!" said Soul, "Get the surviving Pokémon out of here, then help Heart, Migx, and Vern!"
"Got it!" said Crystal.

Soul started running towards the SEP base with the Lucario. "Okay, who are you, and how did you know my name?" Soul asked as he ran to the base.

"My name is Conner. I am an Outskirter from Everest. I know your name thanks to my use of Foresight.". Conner explained. "I am out and about because I am healing Pokemies with this". He shows Soul the gallon spray bottle labeled "BR-97 Cure". I was about to return to Everest to fill it up with some new Elixir, but I saw the wreckage, so I came to help. Should that be enough info for you? Oh, and one more thing, I work with an ancient Chatot named Historius, and he helped make the cure thanks to my immunity. That should be enough.". He continued running with Soul.

Emily slowly walked over to lay beside Calia as she watched Pete and Cameron laughing and telling stories. "Those two will become fast friends." She heard Calia say as she finished off the last of her berries. Emily nodded, but said nothing.

"Alright," said Soul, "I'm a traveler with my friends Heart and Crystal. We came here to New Angeles with two other travelers named Migx and Vern, until those Outlaws attacked us. They have a mutated cure that can empower Pokemies, and, I hope they're bluffing about this, but a vaccine that can turn Pokémon into Pokemies." Soul suddenly realized what Conner had said earlier. "Wait... That cure of yours works!?" Soul asked with shock.

Meanwhile...

Heart was pummeling the Outlaws with Migx and Vern while Crystal got the Other Pokémon out of the restaurant. While she did this, the young Pikachu from before that had the mutated cure was helping.

"That was pretty brave." Crystal said to the Pikachu.
"Thanks," she said, "My brother taught me a lot before he left to work at the SEP."
"He works for the SEP? that's cool."
"Yeah, but he hardly sees me anymore. he works, and i travel the central area for supplies to keep myself alive."
"So you're a traveler?"
"yeah, but only recently i became one. I've been trying to find other people to travel with."
"We could work something out." Crystal suggested, "My friends Soul and Heart are travelers, and so am I! we'd love the company!"
"That would be nice!" the Pikachu said. What's your name?"
"Crystal. and you are?"
"name's Tika. nice to meet you!"

Back at the restaurant, Heart, Migx, and Vern were barely keeping the Outlaws at stake.
"Vern, Migx, we need to take them out one by one! Let's try Noctowl first!"
______
OOC: my character sheet for Tika:

name: Tika
species: Pikachu
gender: female
moveset: Thunderbolt, Double Team, Quick Attack, Tail Whip
level: 12
history: like Soul, Tika was born the same year the virs broke out, with her mother and sister dying during it. her brother, a Raichu, took her to New Angeles, Where she grew up. When she was old enough, she became a traveler, while her brother started working for the SEP.
personality: Tika is a brave Pikachu who is not afraid to insult someone she doesn't like or puts her life in danger. She is a very witty Pokémon, but like the main group, she will stop at nothing to protect the ones she loves.
(optional) appearance: a standard female Pikachu, with a few bracelets on her wrist, and a purse that she keeps her gear in.
faction: traveler
location start: New Angeles

"Got it!" Migx said, firing another Ice Beam at the Noctowl. Vern tried to use his natural psychic powers to help finish the Noctowl off.

"Alright, he's done, now get Mismagius!" Heart said as he used Razor Shell on Mismagius.

Vern got in close to use Hypnosis on the Mismagus, hoping to put it to sleep.

Conner answered Soul, "Yes, it really does. And I have all of the ingredients to make some more. Come with me to Everest so you can see how it is done. Who knows, you might be able to carry a spray with you too. Here is what I can tell you right now. There is a special enzyme in my blood that neutralizes the BR-97 virus once I am affected with it. This spray has that enzyme, and it soaks into the skin, combining with the blood and neutralizing the effects of the virus, and making them immune. It works swell, but it only lasts a day or so before the enzyme dies. That is also why I need to go back to Everest.".

"We'll see about going, a lot has happened here." said Soul. they finally reached the SEP base, where they found a cluster of fainted SEP soldiers. Soul gasped. He ran up to one of the SEP soldiers that were barely conscious.

"Who did this?" Soul asked him.
"There were... Outlaws... never.. saw them.... coming," said the soldier. "Others... were fighting... Pokemie horde..."

Soul looked through a window to look outside. sure enough, the SEP was in a brawl with the oncoming Pokemies.

"Those Outlaws must have used the mutated cure to distract the SEP. this must have been before that Pikachu stole it from them," said Soul. He looked to his right. There were ambulances approaching the scene to take care of the injured SEP soldiers. Soul looked at Conner. "Looks like we're on our own for right now. Let's hurry back."
_____
"Alright!" said Heart, "Migx, now's your chance!"

Conner said while they were running back, "If the Pokemies start attacking the Survival Pocket, I will have to use my spray. There is enough to handle several dozen, but if they have been enhanced in some way, we will need to bring one back to Everest and test it. I have done it before with a regular Pokemie. Go! We need to help your friends!".

Ice Beam really was Migx best move for the situation. So he nodded and used said move once more on the Mismagus. That finished her off well. "Alright, the Salamence should be easy," Migx said, preparing to use one more Ice Beam on the Salamence.

As Migx used the Ice Beam, Slamance hyper-beamed Migx before he could do so, grabbing noctowl and mismagius, and fleeing the scene.

"You haven't heard the last of us!" Salamance screamed as he flew off in the distance.

Heart looked up as Salamance flew away. "Dang it, they got away!"

Conner arrived with Soul. "Are all of you all right? Where are those three Outlaws?".

"They got away," said Heart. "But we shouldn't worry about that. right now we should make sure the SEP knows about this, and that the surviving Pokémon from the blast are okay." Heart looked around. "Where's Crystal?"

"I told her to get the surviving Pokémon out of the area," Soul said, "We should go find her. You guys coming?" Soul asked Migx, Vern, and Conner.

"Yes, I will come. I act as protector, explorer, and friend of Historius, I shall be the same for you. As I have said before, Soul, feel welcome to follow me back to Everest with your friends.", Conner answered.

"Owie Owie Stingy WOW! That hurt!" Migx yelled as he was hurt by the Hyper Beam. He didn't see it coming at all. Vern walked over to Migx to see of he was injured. There were scorch marks all over his body. "Poor Migx," Vern said. "He doesn't have any broken bones, but he seems to be completely scorched." Vern started to rub Migx's paws, hoping it would relax him enough to take his mind off the pain. "Migx, you cannot stay here all day, you're gonna have to get up soon."

"I can help him. I have a friend who can help you with your paws. Migx, Vern, come with me to Everest. That is where he will be. Soul, hurry and warn the SEP. Then would you please come. If you don't want to, that is fine, though I won't be able to help you eliminate the virus. If you want to come, but don't want to follow me, follow these directions," Conner hands Soul a slip of paper, "I will wait for half an hour. Now, hurry!", Conner said.

"Ummm... Did you really have to say "Paws?" Vern asked. "His whole body hurts. And I think... Touching any part of his body besides... Oh brother." But fortunately, Migx was able to get up. "Don't worry, I think I can... Stand up. Mmmmmm..." Vern kind stepped back to give Migx room to stand up. "Yeeeeaaah, maybe you should concentrate on that," Vern said as he got behind Migx to catch him in case he fell down.

Soul took the piece of paper. "Don't worry, we'll get there as soon as possible. I'd like to know more about this cure of yours. Let's go find Crystal, then tell the SEP what happened, Heart."

Soul and Heart raced into the city to find Crystal.

OoC:@MugoUrth:Sorry, I just thought it was paws because Vern was massaging them in you're previous post
____________________________________________________________________________________
Conner said to the injured Bibarel, "Come on. You're injured, you need help. Come with me to Everest. I will be your guide as you walk and help your friend, Vern.".

OOC: Vern was just trying to relax him to make him concentrate less on the pain. Also, you can kind of say that Migx has a theme going for him.

"Don't worry Migx, I'm sure we can get there," Vern said. "Just imagine there's a Machamp behind you who's massaging your entire body. I always feel more comfortable when *gasp*" As Vern was helping Migx along, he spotted someone in the distance. It was a strange purple-cloaked creature with a yellow truck barely sticking out of a hood. It appeared to be a Drowzee, except it was too big. Vern knew EXACTLY who he was. "Hey, uhhh... if you want to help, could you uhh... carry Migx for me?" Vern didn't want to be anywhere in sight of that thing, and was trying to push Migx off on Conner in order to hide.

Ooc: Ohhh... all right.

"We will meet Soul and the others at Everest. Now who is that friend of yours? "Conner questioned Vern.

"I... uhhh... I don't know him. I think I'll just..." Too late. As he tried to get away, the strange Pokemon approached him. When you got an up-close look at him, you could tell it was no Drowzee, it was a Hypno dressed up as a Drowzee. The Hypno got up to Vern and looked at him before holding his arms out. "Veeeernon! My soooon! Daddy mwissed yoooouuuu." Vern started to shake. "Get away from me you monster! I have no father!" he yelled. The Hypno still had its arms out. "Veeeerny! Why so scared of your own daddy. Give Varmy a hug, son." Vern screamed out. "NOOO! I don't want a hug from you! Not now! Not later! Not ever!"

"We'd better get going." Calia said, rising to her feet and grabbing her bag. Emily slowly rose to her feet and followed Calia. Pete and Cameron got up and did the same.

"Vern, we should probably go. It is a half an hour walk, and I don't think waiting around will help your friend, Migx's condition. Varmy, as you call yourself, why are you dressed up as a Drowzee?", Conner Question Vern and Varmy.

"Wah! What do you mean dressed up?" Varmy asked. "I'm not dressed up as a Drowzee. I AM A DROWZEE!!!" Migx was trying to think about relaxation, but once he saw Varmy, he flipped. "You... You're HIM! You're the one Vern's been telling me about. YOU KILLED VERN'S FRIENDS!!!"

"Wait, this pseudo-Drowzee named Varmy killed Verns friends?" Conner questioned.

"No! They weren't friends," Varmy said. "They were zombies. I was doing a good thing." Vern shocked up at the comment. "YOU'RE LYING! I SAW YOU HYPNOTIZE MY FRIENDS, THEY WERE HEALTHY! YOU EVEN SAID SO YOURSELF ONE DAY!" Varmy felt sad. "Veeeeerny!? Why you so mean? Give daddy a hug..." Migx liked him no more than Vern did. Migx quickly shot another Ice Beam at Varmy, and this time it actually FROZE the target. With Varmy frozen, this was there chance to escape. "Whew, thanks for that Migx," Vern said. "Now let's go." Vern was now trying to coax everyone to move faster, before that idiot father of his thawed out.

Soul and Heart raced into town, and after a while, finally found Crystal.

"Hey guys, we got the Pokémon out of there. Where are the Outlaws?" said Crystal.

"They got away," said Heart, "But that isn't important. we need to report this to the SEP."
"The SEP got seriously injured by these Outlaws before by using the mutated cure to distract them with Pokemies. the rest got brutally attacked." said Soul. "It must have happened..."

"..Before I took their mutated cure." said Tika.

Soul and Heart looked at her. Crystal spoke up. "This is Tika. she helped me get the rest of the Pokémon out of the restaurant. She's a traveler too, so maybe she can travel with us!"

"Crystal, we can't take everybody along. we'd increase our risk of getting found by bandits and Pokemies while traveling." said Soul.

"Look, we'll discuss this later." said Heart, "Right now, we need to get to the SEP and then go to Everest... and I should ask, why are we going there?" Heart asked.

"That Lucario who helped us? his name is Conner. He told me he has a working cure for the discease."

"WHAT!?" the whole group exclaimed.

"Okay, now this is even more urgent." Heart exclaimed, "if they have a cure, then we need to help it not only get out into the wasteland, but we need to protect it. if those Outlaws follow them..."

"What about the SEP?" asked Crystal. "Should they know about this?"
"Not yet," said Soul, "We have no idea if they're bluffing or not."
Tika spoke up. "Well, whether they are bluffing or not, i'm coming along too."
"No, you're not." said Soul. "We have enough problems already. I don't want to add to that by having to also look over a Pikachu I barely know."
"Guys, I can vouch for her." said Crystal. "Just trust me on this. Heart, you haven't said anything about this yet."
Heart looked at Tika. "She can tag along for now. we can discuss if she'll be a part of our group after we deal with current matters." he said. "Now let's go find the leader of the SEP here, tell them what happened, and head to Everest."
"Wait," said Soul, "What about buying supplies?"
"We have enough for the day. We'll come back here later."

With that said, the group of Pokémon ran to the SEP base.

Calia continued to lead the group, and the other three fell behind a bit, Emily joining in the conversation. Calia knew that they had to get to New Angeles soon, or they would run out of supplies and risk starvation.

Conner was walking with the strange duo. "We should get to Everest in about ten minutes. Thanks to your friend Varmy, I discovered a shortcut from where he came from. It is just through the forest, then we should be there.", Conner told Migx and Vern.

"Great," Vern said. "We should be able to get away from my father this way." Vern looked at Conner and wondered if he shouldn't explain. "Varmy, my dad, is insane. He killed many friends I had just to protect himself from the Pokemies. And that's why I showed such hostility towards him."

"Well, let's get walking. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can help Migx.", Cooner said. The group then started walking.

Cameron reached into his pack as they walked and pulled out a bottle of fresh water. He shared with the others, knowing it wouldn't last them long.

"I think we're almost there," Vern said, freeing a hand as he pointed to a specific location.

All of a sudden, Calia stopped. "I hear pokemies." She said. "P...pokemies!?" Pete said, shaking. "Hold him and cover his mouth." Calia said to Cameron. Cameron did so, Pete not struggling much as he could not see the pokemies.