As you sets out toward Chairluire, he takes a look at the news article. It describes how tourist were chased by threatening glows when they stepped away from the guided tour, and how Colonel Jasmine Chaney denies any threat to the population, or link to the terrorist attack in Rivierstel. Nothing too interesting, to be honest.

The background information is much better, describing how Chairluire is an ancient fortress, now repurposed as mid-tier gym challenge. Though the military base has moved to the hills nearby, aspiring trainers have to band together, and assault the fortress to capture it's flag. The challenge usually happen weekly, and tourist can take guided tour the rest of the time. There are stories of old warriors still haunting the castle, but nothing solid.

You're distracted from your reading by pained cries off the sides of the trail, seeming to come from a crack in the mountain's wall.

It doesn't take long on Atticus' journey for him to run into a sudden issue. He heard the cries of pain and was immediately distraught by them. He frowned and reached to his belt so that Bubby could come out and help him, if needed. "Come on, Bubby, sounds like someone's in trouble," he explained and the female Bulbasaur nodded in agreement and ran alongside her trainer. Atticus runs off of the trail and towards the source of the cries, peeking through the crack in the mountain.

The crack spreads into a small caves, as though two walls bent and met each others above you. Your attention is drawn to a fallen man, groaning on the floor. His long gray coat has multiple scratches and cuts, but he seems only lightly wounded.

It's soon clear why he's hurt: a very angry Pawniard rushes toward you from the back of the cave, stepping on the man to reach you.

OOC: The pokémon is completely furious. The cave is thin, but  not so much as to hinder the fight. It does make it impossible to reach the man without defeating the small pokémon, though.

Atticus' eyes widen as he realizes he's about to be attacked by an irate Pawniard, taking out his Pokedex quickly to make sure that was indeed what it was. He wanted to help the man, but he would have to deal with the angry Pokemon first. Bubby stepped in front of him prepared to battle but Atticus was not ready to jump into conflict just yet -- he wanted to try something. "Hey buddy, hold on there... did this strange man come into your home? Maybe it was an accident?" he asked calmly with both hands wide open in a sign of peace.

OOC: Atticus would like to use his Pokemon Knowledge ability & Pokemon Friend strength to try and figure out why the Pawniard is upset, looking around for clues without agitating it further.

Looking around the cave, it doesn't seem like the Pawniard's lair. Despite that, it clearly acting like it's defending it's territory. It probably won't stop attacking until you're out of his sight.

That would mean leaving the man behind, but maybe you could sneak back in after the pokémon stops following you, or you could call for a rescue team to pick him up. It's dangerous, but he didn't seem to have life-threatening injury.

A part of Atticus wanted to run away and go get help, but this was exactly the kind of challenge he needed to face if he wanted to continue his journey. So he locked eyes with the Pawniard and frowned, but his voice became more determined. "Alright Bubby, looks like we're gonna have to be the heroes this time...use Growth and then let's try keeping our distance with your Vine Whip!"

OOC: Atticus will engage in battle, take a turn to use Growth, and then go on the offensive.

As Bubby gathers his strength, the Pawniard shouts in it's language. Though it's not clear what was said, your Bulbasaur seems angered by it. Before he can start attacking, the Pawniard seems to fade into the cave's shadow, before jumping in to strike Bubby from the side, leaving a nasty gash.

Bubby tries to reply with both his vine whip and a tackle, but the pawn just fades back into the shadows, before injuring your Bulbasaur again.

Bubby has been injured twice, and is under the effect of Torment. His Overgrow ability is active, but he has a hard time landing a hit.

As he expected, this was a much more difficult challenge and he was disappointed in himself that Bubby had gotten injured so quickly. Maybe he had been too hasty with her, but he retreated her from the battle before she got injured further. He reached for his second occupied ball and took a deep breath. He was not going to leave the stranger here at the mercy of the Pawniard, and hopefully, Shelby's typing would give him an advantage here. "Shelby, we need your help! Withdraw and then go on the offensive with Tackle!"

OOC: Atticus takes Bubby out of the battle and replaces her with Shelby who uses Withdraw to buff up before attacking. Atticus will use 5 Favor points towards landing a hit and 5 more towards damage.

Shelby appears in Bubby's place, and is met with a killer glare from the Pawniard. He withdraw in his shell, though it seems more out of fear than because of a strategy. It doesn't help that the steel pokémon continues it's Feint Attacks, wounding your companion. The shock makes Shelby suddenly open, smacking the Pawniard and making it stumble back.

Before you can shout a new command, the Pawniard is hit by a red beam, and disappears. You see the injured man, still lying on the floor and breathing heavily, has just recalled it into a pokéball.

OOC: Shelby has taken a wound during the fight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:51, Sat 09 May 2020.

Even Atticus was frightened by the Pawniard's glare but lucky for him and his Pokemon, but thankfully it was taken away before Shelby could take any more damage. He sighed a breath of relief and then looked over to see it was the man's Pokemon! He rushed over carefully and kneeled down. "Hey Sir, are you okay? What happened?" he asked as he wondered how he could help the guy now. He didn't know anything about medicine, just how to deal with minor scrapes and bruises, nothing as serious as this!

"I'm fine... ouch... mostly." The man pulls himself against the wall, and you see his coat appears to be some sort of uniform, though not one you're familiar with. He gives a depressed look at the ball in his hand. "This was a mistake... I should have..."

He looks at you, and seems to think you're confused. "Apologies, I'm getting ahead of myself. I am Brother Kidd, exorcist of the church of Arceus. We received an urgent request from Chairluire to address unruly ghost, and... I was the only one available. He glances at the ball once more, before storing it away. "Alas, my usual partner was badly injured in my previous assignment, and I was forced to team up with this Pawniard. Alas, it seems I have offended him, badly enough that he decided to attack me."

Atticus listened attentively to the man's explanation for why the Pawniard attacked him. He raised a brow when he mentioned that he was the exorcist that he had been curious about. "Wow, that's crazy! What did you say to that Pawniard? Can you still do the exorcism? Do you use Pokemon for that?" He realized that he was asking a lot of questions but that's why he had sought the man out in the first place. "That's a tough Pokemon, he beat my team up good! How far to the city from here?"

"Bluweil is closer, but..." He gets up, still a bit shaky but able to stand. "I do not believe the Colonel would look kindly on another day's delay. Crossing the marsh will take time, but it must be done."

He makes his way out of the cave, slowly growing more confident as he feels stronger. "Though... without a Dark pokémon to assist, I will have little protection if the ghost decide to be hostile. This task will be exceptionally difficult.

Oh, you said your companions were injured? I am sorry my mistake cause you such trouble. Here, I have a few potions you could use."

OOC: The potions are enough to restore both wounds on Bubby, and your own reserve can heal the remaining wound on Shelby.

"Maybe I can come with you since we're going the same way? I know lots about ghosts, I've read about them growing up! Maybe we can find a Dark pokemon along the way in the marsh. I'll catch it and use it to help you, and then catch the ghost too! I want a ghost type, you see, and it makes sense to take a Dark type along. Atticus knew that he was just a boy but he also knew he was a capable Pokemon trainer and a true friend to Pokemon in need. These skills would surely come in handy if the man accepted his help.

"Given the circumstance, I have no choice but to accept. And what is your name, young man?"

As you make small talk, you finish crossing the mountain. When the slope finally heads downward, the smell of moss and damp earth assault you, as you gaze over the marsh settling the mountain's base. North-east, in the distance, you see the Chairluire fortress.

Atticus beamed when the man accepted his offer to help him. He looked pretty beat up so he assumed he would need all the help he could get, especially if the Pawniard he had continued to act against him. "I'm Atticus Royce, I'm from Hoenn." They continued their journey and they made conversation along the way. When he saw the castle in the distance, eyes widened and he was struck with awe at the image. It was surely a sight to behold. "I'm guessing we're heading there?

Brother Kidd nods solemnly. "There ended the last civil war Cadien has known. The rebels were deeply entranched there, and thought they were impossible to dislodge. Until the king bombarded them with self-destructing pokémon, at least. The rebel did not stand a chance." He sadly shakes his head.

You quickly loose sight of the castle when you enter the marsh, as the trees block your view of the sky. You're glad you have a road to follow. Making your way through the water and undergrowth would have been a pain. Unfortunately, that leaves you little chance to get close to any wild pokémon, as they seem to avoid the road. The only exceptions are the occasional flying pokémon, like the Murkrow cawing above you.

Atticus listened attentively as Brother Kidd gave him the history lesson about the fortress. He frowned at the rather gruesome story; he was realizing just how bloody this region truly was. It was a horrible situation and he couldn't imagine going out like the rebels did - being pummeled to death cruelly by self-destructive Pokemon. Once they entered the marsh, they stuck close to the road and he remained attentive. He noticed the cawing of the Murkrow and pointed them out to Brother Kidd. "Murkrow are Dark-types! Do you think they would be helpful for us?"

He nods. "It would, if you can catch one. I understand they can be quite elusive, if they wish."

OOC: The bird is currently in a tree, so Tackle attacks are out of reach. Vine Whip can manage, as can Shelby's ranged attack. What strategy do you wish to use?

Atticus nodded when Brother Kidd agreed that it could be helpful to have. That being said, he reached down at his belt and took one ball out from there, before throwing Shelby into battle. "Shelby, we need to catch a new friend! Use Ice Shard to get Murkrow down here!"

You wait until the Murkrow looks away to launch you first attack, hitting it dead center! The bird gives an ominous glare, and tries to peck Shelby, but it just can't break through his thick shell. Before it can try again, Shelby fires another point-blank Ice Shard, causing the bird to fall over.

You toss your best pokéballs as fast as you can, hoping to catch it before it looses consciousness. The ball shakes once, twice... a third time...

OOC: Does it break out? That depends on you. You check was missed by 18 points. If you don't want to spend that much favour, the ball fails to lock, and he can't be capture. If you do, your Pokéball score drops to Low, and you've got yourself a brand new Murkrow!

OOC: Atticus will spend the 18 points to catch the Murkrow! Name is Shadow.

Atticus grinned widely at how strong Shelby was - that was both battles now that he had done a stupendous job helping him out. "Thanks Shelby, you're tough! You're gonna be so strong!" He leaned down to pat the Pokemon on its shell before pulling him back into his ball. That was three Pokemon now, and formidable ones at that. "Well, all that's left is taking care of that ghost problem, right?" he said with that brilliant smile to Brother Kidd and the exorcist could tell catching and befriending Pokemon came naturally to him, thanks to having had such great trainers as parents.

"Indeed. I am fortunate to have met as dependable trainer as you, Atticus."

You continue along the road, taking the split North on road 216. For a brief moment you got excited at what seemed to be a Seviper... only to discover an old discarded snake skin.

When the ground finally rises, and stops being so muddy, you find the military village existing in Chairluire's shadow. Unlike Bluweil, it's a mishmash of different building style. Not architectural style, construction style. Circular stone towers and swiftly made wood watch tower flanks low angular bunkers. Across the street, a building reminding you of a small prison lies next to a fort made of reinforced walls. Other than a small hotel/pokémon center on the edge of the compound, the area looks like an expo for fortification builders.

"Finally." Kidd looks at the mountain's shadow quickly creeping across the valley. "Though it seems we will have little time to rest. You should head to the Pokémon Center to heal your companions. I will see if the Colonel can give me more details of the situation."

Atticus was intrigued by the differences in the structures around him. It didn't seem like much of a residential town; at least, not one that he would have liked to live in. It looked like this town was mostly made up of military people and he figured he wouldn't ask too many questions about it. After all, his main focus was catching a ghost-type, helping out with the exorcism and then moving on with his journey. When Brother Kidd told him that they didn't have much time, he nodded and swiftly made his way to the Pokemon Center so that he could heal up his companions.

Inside the hotel, you find yourself struggling to cross the lobby to reach the center. The place isn't exactly packed, but there's still a big crowd of unhappy tourist complaining at the main desk.

With a final squeeze, you stumble into the Pokémon Center, where you are greeted by a nurse. "Oh! Hello," she says, putting away her rag and cleaning bottle. Welcome to the Chairluire Pokémon Center! How may I help you?"

Looking around, it seems you're the only trainer here at the moment.

Atticus is amazed at the amount of tourists that were in the lobby. He was glad that none of them were trainers, though. He gave the nurse a smile and placed his Pokeballs on the counter. "I'd like to heal my Pokemon, please. Is this crowd because of the ghosts?" he asked curiously, glancing back behind him to get another look at the commotion that crowded the lobby.

"I'm afraid so, in a way." She places your pokéball on her machine. "The administration does it's best to downplay the rumors, but the military has canceled all tours of the castle. Unfortunately, that leaves the hotel's staff to deal with the angry visitors who's plan are ruined."

She gives you an apologetic look. "That includes any trainer's plan as well... the gym challenges have been placed on hold until further notice... I hope that won't cause you an issue."

"So the castle is important to both tourists and Trainers? That's not good. I hope someone can do something about those ghosts," he replied with a small but knowing smile. If it was this important to the town, he knew he had to do everything he could to help out Brother Kidd with the exorcist. He needed to complete the gym challenges too. Plus, he felt that the spirits that haunted the castle were genuinely angry at someone or something. If he could find that source, he could maybe pacify the ghosts so they could leave the town alone. If he was lucky, one of them would want to befriend him and accompany him on the rest of his journey. "Miss, when did the hauntings start? Is there a rumor as to what caused them?

"Hard to tell. There have always been stories of lights floating about, but things never got so bad until the deeper part was quarantined. Since then, a lot of people have seen floating shapes and strange shadows."

She lowers her voice, making sure no one outside can hear her. "The Colonel doesn't want word to get out, but two days ago, they had to cut a gym challenge short. No explanation was given. The trainers were given a badge, and told not to speak of it to anyone."

Atticus nodded as she lowered her voice, listening attentively to the nurse's story about what happened during that challenge. "But surely a town as old as this has its fair share of ghost type Pokemon, right? Or could this be something else?"

"Oh, Chairluire has never been more than a military base. This hotel is one of the few civilian buildings in the area, here to cater to tourist, trainers, and soldier who wish to get out of the barracks.

For ghost, though... well, it's not Bruglare's forest, but as the last major battle of the civil war, there was always a few Yamask or Duskull in the area. If any appeared in the castle, the soldiers would usually catch them before word of them would spread."

Atticus nodded again in understanding as she explained the background of the military base to him. This area didn't house many locals and the only people around were tourists. "Hmm. Okay, thank you. I will be back, I'm sure." Atticus responds as he took his Pokeball back from the nurse. He then made his way through the crowd again before stepping outside and looking for Brother Kidd.

The nurse waves, before returning to her cleaning.

You don't see the exorcist outside. You assume he's not done speaking with the Colonel, though a small voice in the back of your head worries that he may have left without you. With so few options, you head toward the base's gate, hoping to address the guards.

"Sorry, trainer." A uniformed woman holds up her hand as you get close, looking a bit bored, as though she was going through a worn out routine. "The gym challenge is closed due to renovations. If you wish, we'll add you to our newsletter..."

"Hold up." Another woman exits the guardhouse. "Are you Atticus? Brother Kidd told us you'd be coming. If you follow me, I'll take you to the mess hall. He'll meet you there."

Atticus was worried for a second that Brother Kidd had left him behind, but then he remembered all the exorcist had was that Pawniard and well, he had already seen how they got along. So he asked around until he went to the guard post and was about to be disappointed when a woman identified him and pulled him aside. "Thank you," he muttered quietly as he then followed the other woman into the mess hall and waited to meet up with Brother Kidd there.

It's not until you see the food counter that you remember it's well past dinner time. Crossing your fingers, you grab something to eat and hope to get through your meal before Brother Kidd shows up.

You didn't have to worry too much, as you even had time to get a small desert before the exorcist shows up. "Atticus, I hope you did not wait too long. The Colonel was rather busy at the moment. And once she met me... well, we can discuss the matter at the hotel."

He leads you out of the base, but rather than enter the hotel, he walks around it, quickly dissapering in the early evening gloom. "I'm sorry for the secrecy, but it seems this task will be harder than expected" he says, making sure you are still following him.

Atticus was relieved that he was able to get some dinner and dessert after his brief but tiring journey alongside Brother Kidd. But now that nighttime was approaching and his Pokemon were well-rested, he knew that the real mission was only beginning. Spirits typically came out at night, after all, and Atticus spent much of his childhood wandering around his seaside home village at night searching for ghost Pokemon that he hoped to one day add to his team.

"I understand. I've noticed secrecy tends to be a big part of these problems happening,"" he muttered mostly under his breath, but the brother would probably still have heard him. "What's the situation, Brother Kidd?" Atticus asked as he followed him, fingers lightly tapping at his balls, as if confirming that their presence was making him feel a little bit better and more confident about this whole ordeal than he would usually be.

"The Colonel was not ready for us to visit the castle tonight. Or for the next week, I believe. Something  at odds with the urgency of the request our church received."

Despite the path to the castle being well lit, Brother Kidd takes a slower path, in the dark field off the road. "I do not know what happened, but it seems they discovered something between when we were called, and when we got here. Something the Colonel does not want us to know about... and what may be the cause for the problem in the first place. If we are to solve this enigma, we will have to work without the Colonel's approval..."

As you draw near the mountain, the lights of the castle shine softly in the darkness.

OOC: The investigation will continue in Castle Chairluire.