pmdnightfall

[pmdnightfall]

The faller, having taken a liking to the golden ball, stares down the heroes menacingly. Ouka looks on, dumbfounded.

RUBY: it seems so... this is the faller, ouka. we have to be careful... OUKA: ...This Farfetch'd? That's it? RUBY: huh? The Gligar girl tries to stifle a laugh, but is unable to. OUKA: Wehihihi!! They look so inoffensive, I thought we'd have to fight some really scary opponent, but I guess we got lucky!! RUBY: hey now, that's just rude, ouka. Ouka shrugs. OUKA: What? I don't want to make fun of them or anything, I just expected mo--

Without wasting a second, the Farfetch'd goes on the offensive, striking Ouka with their leek.

FARFETFCH'D: QUACK!! OUKA: BWOOOFH

As she slides over on the ground, both of her friends look at her with varying levels of surprise.

NOVA: Ouka! RUBY: i told you. OUKA: It's all a learning experience...

Taking exception to the attack on their best friend, the Espurr bares their sharp claws.

NOVA: Do Not Hurt Ouka!! FARFETCH'D: LIIIGHT! QUACK!!

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[pmdnightfall]

OUKA: See the nugget anywhere, Ruby?? I haven't seen anything... Or anyone, for that matter. RUBY: nothing. let me get a second pass... OUKA: What about you, Nova?? Do you sense anything?? NOVA: The Sky Is Nice OUKA: Glad to hear it, friend!! RUBY: wait, ouka, i think i just saw it in that clearing over there! OUKA: Nice, let's go!!

As Ruby flies towards her finding, Ouka and Nova follow closely, wading through the shrubbery until they confirm Ruby's sighting.

NOVA: Shiny... OUKA: YES!! We found it!! Way to go Ruby, I knew you'd be essential to the team!! Ruby twirls one of her antennae bashfully. RUBY: hehe, thank you... but i can't shake the feeling this seems very... deliberately placed. OUKA: Huh? What do you mean?? RUBY: i'm not sure how to explain it, but it being placed like that... doesn't give me the feeling of something that was accidentally dropped. The Ledyba shakes her head. RUBY: ...maybe i'm just being paranoid.

Quack.

NOVA: !

Nova's ears perk up at the distant sound of quacking, something the other two Pokemon present don't seem to pick up on.

OUKA: Eh, whatever!! We'll bring this back to its rightful owner, and then we'll be able to say we completed our first mission!! NOVA: Wait Ouka NOVA: I Sense Someone NOVA: Very Bad Vibes RUBY: you wouldn't mean...?

Quack.

The noise grows louder, enough for all present to notice it.

OUKA: ...Do you hear that?? RUBY: yeah. watch out, it could be the faller... and they aren't usually very happy at first... A small growl escapes Nova's mouth, the tension getting to them.

Quack.

Quack.

FARFETCH'D: Quack.

The enemy appears from the bushes.

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[pmdnightfall]

Not long after, the not-yet-official Team Light Fang find themselves in Drenched Bluff, looking for the Rellor's precious treasure.

OUKA: This is it, right?? Ouka turns to Ruby, who is examining her map with her upper pair of arms as she crosses her lower arms, thoughtful. RUBY: yeah, we should be at the place. all we gotta do now is find that golden orb. OUKA: Man, can't wait to get some D-Nexus gadgets, we won't have to rely on these maps anymore!! RUBY: there's still value in these, you know. OUKA: Okay but the D-Nexus are cooler they're all shiny and stuff!! As the two friends playfully argue, Nova silently scans their surroundings, their folded ears twitching occasionally. NOVA: There Are Two Pokemon There NOVA: They Give Me Bad Vibes OUKA: Huh?? Oh, damn it, not again!!

SHELLOS: 'sup? glubglub. IGGLYBUFF: YO WHAT'S YA DOING HERE HOYOYOYO While Ouka pouts in frustration at seeing more ridiculous Skull Grunts, Ruby just sighs. RUBY: team skull i assume? i could ask you toadies the same question. SHELLOS: chill out now, dudes. we don't want trouble... SHELLOS: at least now. glubglub. IGGLYBUFF: WE WANTED TO GET SOME SWEET LOOT BUT THERE'S A WILD ONE LURKING NEAR HERE AND WE GOT OUR ASS HANDED TO US HOYOYOYO Both Ruby and Ouka perk up at the mention of a Wild One, for different reasons. RUBY: huh... so there was a faller. OUKA: Wehihihi, serves you right!! We'll just go ahead and cruise right through whoever it may be!! SHELLOS: we just wanted to give a warning to travelers while we rested up, ya know? if you really want to try your luck, we won't stop you. SHELLOS: but don't come crying later. glubglub.

The chiropteran huffs before walking past the two grunts, with her two companions following behind.

OUKA: Pff... I don't cry as much as you Skulls do. RUBY: (that's debatable...) OUKA: This is our first mission and there's nothing that's going to stand in our way!! NOVA: I Thought We Were Not An Official Team Yet OUKA: Don't worry about it!!

Team Light Fang continues deeper into the rocky stretch, disappearing from Team Skull's vision in the horizon.

IGGLYBUFF: THEY'RE DOOMED HOYOYOYO

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[pmdnightfall]

The three Pokemon exit the building, the sun still freshly shining outside.

OUKA: So I ended up going with "Light Fang", and that's that!! I can't wait to get a response back from HAPPI. OUKA: Hopefully with an Exploration Kit included, heheh. RUBY: i see. i was almost inclined to think nova was a faller, but they don't look like one... NOVA: Faller? RUBY: mysterious, frenzied pokemon that seemingly appear out of nowhere... RUBY: a whole lotta mons call them "wild ones", but i don't like that name. OUKA: Why not?? I think it sounds badass!! RUBY: that's not the point!

The gang continues conversing as they go down the towering staircase leading from the hill where the Treasure Academy resides to the crossroads near the town.

RUBY: "wild ones" implies they're nothing more than feral beasts, or some kind of scary creature... but they're just pokemon, like you and me. Ruby closes her eyes, deep in thought. RUBY: they're just suffering and being driven mad by... something, we're still not sure of what, but it's probably related to their weird growths... OUKA: You mean they're not just mindless feral Pokemon?? RUBY: no! you know my grandpa and i run a makeshift shelter for fallers back at capim town, most of them have calmed down by now and we're trying to ensure they recover from whatever is wrong... RUBY: i should take you there sometime, we were just taking care of a particularly special one. OUKA: Oh!! That sounds great!! OUKA: Before I forget to, I wanted to ask you... Ruby!! Do you wanna join Team Light Fang?! RUBY: w-what? i mean, i'd love to join you two, but i don't know how much i'd be able to help you, i'm way too busy helping out pops... OUKA: It's alright, you don't have to go with us all the time!! You can be part of the team... in spirit...!! Ouka draws out that last word as she makes puppy dog eyes at Ruby. RUBY: ...alright, i guess there's no harm in trying-- OUKA: YESS!! I knew I could count on you, Ruby!! Welcome to the team!! The Ledyba lets out a rather awkward chuckle as her excitable friend holds two of her hands, gleefully looking at her while Nova shows the faintest of smiles beside her. RUBY: ha, i guess you're always gonna be ouka. RUBY: shouldn't you wait until you're... we're officially recognized as an exploration team, though? OUKA: Pff, whoo cares!! Nothing's stopping us from doing some prep work!! In fact, how about we do some missions?? Like, uh...

Ouka points way too enthusiastically at a rather depressed Rellor.

OUKA: That guy! He seems upset, we can probably do something for him!! RUBY: are you really going to-- OUKA: Hey, mister!! What's going on?? RUBY: um, well, okay...

RELLOR: Hm? What's your problem? I'm not in the mood to deal with some kids! The Rellor squints at the team, clearly frustrated. OUKA: We're a soon-to-be Exploration Team, Team Light-Fang! We want to help anyone in need, and you definitely look like you need help! RUBY: have patience sir, she's just very hyper... RELLOR: Umph. Well, whatever. Any frustration the Dung Beetle Pokemon had turns to sadness as he lowers his head in defeat. RELLOR: It's just... I found this really pretty golden orb to roll around instead of this crummy mud ball... but I accidentally let it roll down a hill around Drenched Bluff! RELLOR: I'm too afraid to go looking for it since there has been talk of a Wild One roaming around, I refuse to deal with that! My golden treasure might as well be forever lost now... OUKA: Don't worry, we'll get it for you!! Ruby tilts her head at Ouka with uncertainty. RUBY: ...will we? OUKA: Of course!! You gotta show some faith if we're gonna be a Team, Ruby!! RELLOR: Okay, but are you all sure about this? Life goes on, you know. I don't wanna send you lot to a potentially dangerous place just to retrieve a measly gold nugget.

OUKA: We'd do it, anyways, if it's so important to you!! That's what Explorers do!! RUBY: ...i guess so. hopefully this is just a relaxing walk after all the work i've had to do... NOVA: Is Gold Tasty RELLOR: IT'S NOT FOR EATING!!!!!

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[pmdnightfall]

PMD Nightfall - Ruby D’arbey Ref Sheet

[pmdnightfall]

A bell loudly rings throughout the building, signaling the end of classes for today.

TRIP: 'Bout time! Hey Ouka, you up for some cards later? OUKA: Thanks but not today, I'm going to be busy!! TRIP: Hm, alright.

OUKA: Ugh!! These classes are going to be torture from now on… RUBY: alola, ouka! you seem more anxious today than usual.

OUKA: Ah, Ruby. I wanted to see you, actually!! RUBY: i see you're wearing the crystal i found, huh? OUKA: O-Oh yeah! Thanks for the present, Ruby!! I love it!! Ouka holds Ruby's hands as she smiles brightly, chipper as always. RUBY: haha, i thought you'd like it. RUBY: we find these sometimes, but i don't personally have any need for them, so i figured it'd make a good hatchday present for my friend. OUKA: You figured right! Oh, wait, about seeing you... I'm finally going to form an Exploration Team!! RUBY: oh? how come? OUKA: I finally found one!! A Human-turned Pokemon, lying right at the beach!! RUBY: ...have you? that is rather uncanny... While the Five Star Pokemon grew a bit concerned by Ouka's statement, moreso how unusual of a situation it was, Ouka kept her usual excitement. OUKA: Their name is Nova!! Actually, they should be around here, you should meet them!! NOVA: Hello I Am Here

OUKA: Hi Nova, hi Mr. Maeda!! RUBY: greetings, sir. and nova...? MAEDA: Hope you all had fun today! I have some good news for you, Ouka. We have arranged a few things today so that Nova can join you in class. OUKA: Oh my gosh, really?? That's awesome, thank you, Mr. Maeda!! RUBY: something tells me if he wasn't such a nice pokemon, you'd have been begging constantly for nova to get a seat with us... OUKA: Shut!! Maeda laughs softly, both the chemistry between his students and the respect they have for him making the Wigglytuff ever prouder. MAEDA: That's it for me today. I will see you next time, and remember; smiles go for miles! Ruby crosses her upper pair of arms as their teacher leaves. RUBY: have to wonder if he always says that out of obligation... OUKA: Never mind that, look Nova, this is Ruby, one of my best friends!! NOVA: Hello Ruby I Am Called Nova RUBY: hi! glad to meet ouka's "human" buddy, you seem like a nice 'mon. NOVA: Thank You OUKA: Let's get outta here already, I'll tell you more on the way back!

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[pmdnightfall]

NOVA: What Is This MAEDA: It's a Perfect Apple! Something you can actually eat, and it's my favorite too! Here's one for you. NOVA: ... NOVA: Thank You The Espurr takes the apple after examining it for a few seconds, then takes a small bite out of it.

NOVA: ! NOVA: It Is NOVA: It Is Very Delicious MAEDA: Haha. They are, aren't they? They are grown in a forest a ways from here, called Apple Woods. I always make sure to get stocked up on them whenever I am able to. NOVA: I Will Remember It NOVA: Much Appreciated Mister Maeda MAEDA: Not a problem, Nova. Let’s take you in, we’ll do our best to help you!

--- --- ---

MELODY: Hmm… They’re unusually shaggy-looking and seem a bit malnourished, but otherwise there’s nothing off. NOVA: Shaggy…? MELODY: Hahaha, don’t worry about it, you’ll be fine~

MAEDA: That’s good to hear. The Wigglytuff scratches his chin, contemplative. MAEDA: I am still not sure where they could have come from… I remember Ouka mentioning that she found them on the beach just yesterday. MELODY: Don’t dwell too much on it, Tommy~ MELODY: Wherever it was, this Pokemon is in a better environment now. They’ve got Ouka and Mr. Yotsuba… And of course, us~ Maeda lightens up after hearing her words. MAEDA: That’s true… I suppose there’s nothing to worry about, for now. I will go talk to the headmistress and see if we can get both them and Ouka together. MAEDA: In the same class, I mean. MELODY: Chihihi, I bet she’d be very grateful for that! This is why everyone admires you~ Maeda puts on a bashful smile while cupping his cheeks. MAEDA: H-Hey, you do not have to go that far…! NOVA: Maeda Can I Have Another Perfect Apple I Finished The Other One MAEDA: Sure, here you go, buddy.

Nova proceeds to practically eviscerate the Perfect Apple in seconds.

MAEDA: You know Melody, this does make me feel a bit better about my obsession with these things.

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[pmdnightfall]

A Chatot hums throughout the hallways of the academy, enjoying a rare and short-lived moment of tranquility. CHORD: Hrn?

Unfortunately, said tranquility comes to a halt once he looks through the window to his side. CHORD: ...What the heck is that?

Realization sets in as Chord looks closer, witnessing Nova helping themself to a delicious lamppost.

CHORD: CROOAAAARR!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! The Chatot, predictably, flips the hell out, wasting no time in running through the building at incredible speeds and making way to where Nova is. CHORD: Y-YOU THERE! You can't just climb and CHEW on the lamp post!

NOVA: Why CHORD: This is INCREDIBLY dangerous! You could get INJURED doing that, young mon! Get down from there this instant! NOVA: But This Is One Of The Posts That Make Light Right NOVA: I Just Thought It Looked Tasty CHORD: T-Tasty?! The avian is left slack-beaked for a few seconds as he tries to process what he just heard. CHORD: S-SQUAAWK! This isn't a joking matter! MAEDA: Oh, there you are, Chord!

MAEDA: I was just looking for you! CHORD: Tomoe! This is unbelieveable! This Espurr just tried to climb the lamp post, and said it's because they thought it looked TASTY! MAEDA: Oh, it's you! Nova, was it? I guess I should have expected to see you again soon. NOVA: Hi Mr. Maeda lets out a hearty laugh to the confusion of his coworker. CHORD: Er... You KNOW this one? MAEDA: Indeed, Ouka introduced me to them yesterday, as a friend of theirs. According to her, they're an amnesiac human. CHORD: ...There is NO way you actually believe that, yes? MAEDA: Hey now, Ouka is a good student. She can be a bit overexcited and is prone to day-dreaming a lot, but I am willing to at least believe this little mon is more than they appear. NOVA: I Am? MAEDA: Hehe, don't worry about it. Chord, could you please make your way to 2-B? You are up next. CHORD: O-Oh right! My apologies Tomoe, I'll go now! Chord leaves the scene hurriedly. MAEDA: You know, Nova, Chord may be a bit harsh, but he's just looking out for others. These things aren't food! Here...

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[pmdnightfall]

Ouka arrives at Treasure Academy quickly, alongside a restless Nova, the Espurr not used to sprinting like this.

OUKA: Whew, just in time!! This is our school, by the way!! NOVA: It Looks Nice NOVA: But My Legs Hurt... OUKA: Oops, hehe, sorry, maybe we took off a little too fast... We can rest now, don't worry!! Although...

OUKA: It would be kind of weird if I just showed up to class with someone brand new... I should have thought of that, darn... Even with their mop of hair, the excitable Gligar could tell Nova was looking at her in confusion. OUKA: I-It's okay, nothing to worry about!! I'll be going now, you should rest for a bit, maybe get acquainted with the area... I'll see you soon, Nova!! NOVA: Ok

Nova still isn't sure whether they finished understanding the bat pokemon's rapid-fire dialogue, but they got the jist of it. They suppose taking it easy for now is the best course of action.

And maybe get a snack in the meantime.

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[pmdnightfall]

DAD: vhaz is zhe meaning of zhis? Is my daughzer jusz bringing random szrangers zo our home, nov? OUKA: They're not a stranger, they're Nova!! They're my friend!! DAD: And hov come I've never heard of zhis Espurr before, lez alone seen zhem? OUKA: Well... I just met them yesterday, but it was fate, you see! They're a human, destined to save the world!! DAD: Unbelievable, are you aczually convinced zhis Pokemon is one of zhose folkloric creazures? You should knov bezzer, az your age! The Gligar huffs with a tinge of frustration, it seems not even her own father was on board with her idea. OUKA: Hmph!! Like YOU'RE one to talk, father, what with your silly fake accent in your forties!! DAD: vell, ansver me zhis, Ouka;

VLAD: VHAZ is a human? A miserable lizzle relic of days pasz! OUKA: Darn it, enough talk, I've got things to do!!

OUKA: Ugh, this such a stupid waste of time!! I'll be late for class at this rate... Ouka hands over her HAPPI application paper to her father. OUKA: Do me a favor and send this back to HAPPI, I'll be going now!!

The Gligar quickly storms off out of home with Nova, leaving Vlad to look at her sealed envelope and sigh.

VLAD: If iz really makes my daughzer happy... I suppose I can'z do much abouz iz.

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[pmdnightfall]

NOVA: Whu-- OUKA: GOOD MORNING!!

OUKA: Hi Nova!! NOVA: Hi Ouka OUKA: Come on and let's get going, we got to become an official Exploration Team!! and go to class, that's important too!! Nova blinks incredulously, having just woken up and immediately being bombarded by their new friend's excitement. What even is "class"?

The Espurr barely finishes processing everything before they're once again whisked away by Ouka.

OUKA: We've still got time!!

OUKA: We'll stop by the Post Office first, then go to Treasure Academy right after!! NOVA: Ok

The duo continue into the foyer, preparing to set off for the new day.

OUKA: Actually maybe I should ask father to send the form for me, I'm sure he'll be OK with it!!

DAD: Vho is zhis 'mon, Ouka? OUKA: Hi father.

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[pmdnightfall]

ENVY: wonder card activate ENVY: petrify card!

TYPHLOSION: LIGGGHAAAARGH...!

With a swift strike, the shades-wearing Nidoran shatters the petrified enemy into pieces with ease.

The Wild One is slain. Envy gains more experience out of the ordeal.

The Pokemon keeping their distance stare awestruck at her performance.

RATICATE: Woah... I can't believe I just saw that happen...! PHANTUMP: Is she an Explorer? That was brutal! ENVY: hey, all of you hiding there like wimps PHANTUMP: H-Huh??

ENVY: you better clean the mess up and do something productive instead of cowering in fear ENVY: wouldn't want this entire forest burning to the ground would we? ENVY: or having pokemon chunks just littering the place for everyone to gawk at ENVY: i'm done taking out the trash here. count yourselves lucky that thing didn't do too much damage RATICATE: U-Uh, yes! Don't worry about it!

With a shrug, the Nidoran once again walks off into the night, outwardly stoic as always yet very much looking forward to the next opportunity to show off her strength.

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[pmdnightfall]

ENVY: poison sting! TYPHLOSION: GRRRAARGH... LIGHT...!!!

The small child is spared from a burning end by an unbelievably cool Pokemon.

GIAN: !!!

GIAN: THANK YOU MISS! ENVY: don't bother with thanks kid. i'm just taking care of business ENVY: now go! GIAN: O-OKAY

Gian quickly flees the scene as Envy sizes up her current opponent.

ENVY: so what's your deal

ENVY: typhlosion, volcano pokemon, fire type ENVY: as i expected, nothing to worry about TYPHLOSION: GRRRR!

TYPHLOSION: LIIIGHT! ENVY: even fully evolved, you're nothing more than yet another weak feral!

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[pmdnightfall]

That very same night, the Mystifying Forest enjoys its usual peace and tranquility.

As expected, however, it does not last long.

POKEMON 1: YEAARGH! It's a Wild One! POKEMON 2: Another one?! Run away!

A feral Pokemon encrusted with strange material stands tall within the forest, the onlookers all scrambling for safety.

TYPHLOSION: LIGHT.... LIGHT!!!!!

TRUBBISH: HUFF... HUFF...!

An unfortunate passerby, a tiny Trubbish, is hit by a stroke of bad luck.

GIAN: AAH!!

The Wild One closes in on Gian, intending on incinerating anything that stands in their way.

However...

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[pmdnightfall]

As her friend passes out, Ouka sits at her desk, pen in claw and paper in front, excited to finally fill it out with the details of her dream Team.

OUKA: (Lessee here... Founding members? Me and Nova, of course!! Leader... Well, maybe it's not such a good idea to make them the leader, what with the amnesia and all... So it'll be me!!) Her smile only grew wider as she continued writing down information. OUKA: (Team name... Huh...) The Gligar pauses, suddenly drawing a blank. She supposed it would take a bit to think up of a good, catchy team name. OUKA: (Alright... They're something involving the team members' traits, like uh... Team EarClaw? Nah, that sounds silly, and I don't want it to just be me and Nova!!) OUKA: (Team NO? Er... Team ON? I'd definitely need more Pokemon if I ever want an acronym to work, too... Hmmm... Wait!!)

OUKA: (Something relating to the crystal!! Of course!! We could be... TEAM PRISM!! Wait, no, someone's taken that already I'm pretty sure...) Ouka wracks her brain for a while to find a cool, sweet and catchy name relating to her precious stone. OUKA: AHA!! I got it!!

OUKA: We're Team Light Fang!! Coming soon to your nearest theater!! Or, uh, maybe not that... As the Gligar's excitement subsides, she writes down all that was left on the paper and promptly keeps it safe and sound.

OUKA: Perfect!! All done!! I'll see if I can get father to send it to HAPPI tomorrow... Ouka crosses her arms, a subtle frown forming on her face. OUKA: Ugh, I HOPE he will actually let me form a Team!! He can be such a pain sometimes...

OUKA: But I'll worry about that tomorrow! For now, I really need some rest...

As she thinks about her near future as part of an Exploration Team, the chiropteran Pokemon slowly falls into a slumber...

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[pmdnightfall]

OUKA: This is the foyer!! Don't worry about the... oppressive decor, father wanted to decorate it and he's got some strange interests... NOVA: Ok OUKA: My room's upstairs. You can stay there, too!!

Ouka, still gripping Nova's hand way too firmly, dragged them to the coziness of her room.

OUKA: I got to decorate this one, so thankfully it's not as much of an eyesore, with all the spooky statues and bones and stuff!! NOVA: Hmm OUKA: This is my bed, by the way!! But you can sleep on it instead. Here, hold on...

Ouka reaches under her bed and pulls out what seemed to be a smaller, very much lower quality bed made of... straw?

OUKA: I'll sleep on this one!! NOVA: Why OUKA: Well, you are the human, right?? You're the one most deserving of the better bed to sleep on!! NOVA: Uh Ok OUKA: You can go ahead and rest for the night, I'll stay awake a little longer. Gotta write an application letter to HAPPI to get us recognized as an official Exploration Team!! NOVA: (Happy?)

Nova tilted their head in confusion. She did seem happy, in any case.

Nova gets up on Ouka's bed... or is it now theirs? Whatever the case, they definitely felt way more comfortable on this than they ever did on any other location they tried to sleep. More cozy and less steel-y. So comfortable in fact, that they very quickly gave in to the drowsiness and fell asleep, happily resting after all the stress from earlier.

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[pmdnightfall]

GRUNT: D-Damn it all...!!

At the coast neighboring Brine Cave, an unfortunate mook struggles to stay afloat, both physically and mentally.

JAGI: Why did this happen now?! Why was I the only one who survived...?!

The lowly Sharp Blade Pokemon's sight began to blur, his cracked carapace stinging more as he tries his hardest to walk forward.

JAGI: I must... get back... to HQ...

With a thud, his body falls unconscious to the rocky floor, unable to go on much longer.

????: Oh no, no! This will not do! Stay alive for now little fella, we got quite a road ahead before we can fix your face up...

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