Deliver Escape Orb | Dungeon Thread

[Meiko]

The Misdreavus still watched the Sneasel with a mocking grin, like it thought it was stronger than him. Though its eyes widened as the Charmander once again spewed flames out of its mouth. The Misdreavus tried to dodge but.. it flew right into a wall.

Roamer used Ember! Misdreavus took another 6 damage!

Misdreavus Health 9/21

The ghost type staggered as the flames scorched its body. The Ghost type whimpered softly, and looked up in horror as the Sneasel once again charged at it with now a ice-coated claw.

Vanitas used Ice Punch! Misdreavus took 16 damage!

The Misdreavus fainted!

Congratulations!
Vanitas and Roamer earn 105 EXP!

Vanitas grew to level 8! Vanitas can learn the move Quick Attack.. but Vanitas can only learn 4 moves.. do you want to forget one move to learn Quick Attack? 

Roamer grew to level 8!

[Roamer]

Roamer raised his stubby arms in the air in delight. "I leveled up!" He exclaimed happily, feeling stronger already.
The fire type then looked at Vanitas with a grin. "You're really strong, Vanitas!" He told the dark type pokémon. "I'm glad I went with you, I don't think I would have made it alone." He added in pure honesty, knowing it would do Vanitas good to get some compliments.

Though then the Charmander tried to wriggle past Vanitas. "I kinda wanna lead, if that's alright with you? Or.. if you wanna lead, that's fine too!" He didn't want to pressure Vanitas into anything, technically Vanitas had the right to lead them too.

### | Vanitas | notes

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[Vanitas]

Vanitas stood in front of the fainted Misdreavus for a few seconds, carrying a smirk of hubris and victory. Gosh, this had been most satisfying for the Sneasel, and he definetly had calmed down again. Perhabs his reaction had been a little extreme, but arrogance, especially unjustified one, was nothing he tolerated. But it was not just the satisfaction from a victory that made him smile. No, he once again felt a little bit stronger than before. It was a surprise how years of self-training could be outclassed by a few real battles so easily. But he did not regret it for a second, as it had also strengthened his spirit.

"Me too." He responded with a thumps up, at least his talon equivalent of that, having leveled up as well. He was a bit more modest about it compared to Roamer, but he did not mind the Charmander celebrating his increased power. When his new ally credited him for being strong, Van scratched his head with a wide grin. "Oh thank you, hehe. You are strong as well." He responded, his grin eventually fading and his stance returning to normal.

Roamer then expressed his gladness of being together with Van, though he also discredited himself, causing Van to shake his head. "Stuff and nonesense. You're tough, so don't sell yourself short, okay? But it's always good to have someone faithful to cover your back, right?" He responded just as honestly as Roamer did. The compliments were really flattering, but Van knew he was just a Sneasel that still had a long way ahead of him. He also knew that one day... Roamer would utterly eclipse him. And considering that Roamer was already pretty strong and years younger than him... that day might not be as far away as they thought. 
 
Roamer apparenly wanted to lead again, and Van gave him all the space he needed. He did not mind, as it seemed in the Charmander's nature to lead the way, and Van quite frankly was not a born leader. "Sure. Lead the way; I'll follow gladly." He assured the Charmander that he was totally fine with him leading. 

And since they had vanquished the ghost pokemon, they would simply continue to follow the hallway surrounded by trees and shrubbery. 

[Meiko]

You squeeze yourself through the narrow path while the dead branches are scratching your limbs, while it's not damaging you, it's still a nasty feeling. 

You appear in a large clearing, there are two items laying on the floor, one an orb and one a seed. Would you like to pick them up? 
To the north-west lies a wondertile to get your stats back to normal. 


(Vanitas & Roamer)

[Roamer]

The Charmander grinned as Vanitas he leveled up as well. This was such an easy dungeon, it almost seemed too easy. Sure the pokémon were kind of tough, but with Vanitas it was easy. Roamer wondered if there would be anything else at the end.. and to be honest, he wanted to go help that Politoed as soon as possible.
"Thank you!" Roamer said, gaining a little blush as Vanitas said that he was strong himself. It was nice to get some compliments once in a while, especially if you were looked down on for your whole life.

Though Vanitas seemed to disagree when Roamer said that he wouldn't have made it without Van. "Well.. uh. Your ice punch really does the trick you know?" Though then the Charmander smirked teasingly. "Although you could really learn a thing or two about type advantages and disadvantages." Which was a reminder that Vanitas used a normal type move on a ghost type. "I could help you with that, if you want me to. I was taught a lot of that in school." He told Vanitas, hoping to not offend him with what he said. Surely being taught by someone younger would be considered.. odd and maybe a little humiliating. But Roamer was nothing like that, he simply enjoyed helping others without seeking anything in return.
"But I do agree. It's nice to have someone cover you." The fire type said, with his trademark toothy smile.

As Vanitas made room for Roamer and the Charmander wriggled himself past the Sneasel.

While they were following the narrow path, Roamer began looking up at the sky. It wasn't dark out, but it sure looked that way. The Eerie Woods was rather known of its dark appearance.
Roamer wasn't scared of the dark or anything, but it was just a creepy feeling. With the fog swallowing up all those innocent pokémon and returning them insane..
The Charmander shuddered and halted as they finally appeared into a large clearing.
There were two items located and the fire type looked at the Sneasel. "After you, since I had the last item."

Roamer already headed towards the wondertile to shake the growl from Misdreavus off of him.

### | Vanitas | notes

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[Vanitas]

Yeah, the dungeon thus far was definetly easier than his solo training session in the dojo. But Van believed that was kind of the point. They were two, and each of them made up for the other's weaknesses quite well. Kind of like the clliche 'fire & ice' theme of a lot of fantasy stories. In any case, Van was glad that Roamer could take compliments just as easily as he gave, a sign of both humility and a healthy ego. Van had a hard time just taking compliments, though he was fully aware of his own potential and of course shortcomings. Nobody was perfect after all, but he kept trying doing his best, just like Roamer it seemed.

Van scratched his head once again with another slightly awkward grin when Roamer said it was mostly Van's Ice Punch doing the trick. Then however, he pointed out that yes, indeed, Van had made a mistake in attack a ghost type pokemon with a normal attack, causing him to sulk. "Okay okay. I briefly forgot that. But I know that my Ice Punch is strong against Dragon, Flying, Grass & Ground pokemon; and that if you use your Ember technique on me that I will become a balefire. If I could already tap into the dark powers within, I would have vanquished that Misdreavus with a single strike." He gave Roamer a little speech, feeling a little bit patronized, but not in the joking kind of way.

"S-Sorry." He relaxed and apologized after a few seconds. "Didn't mean it like that." He added, feeling a bit ashamed for becoming so huffish. It was a natural reaction that developed from his lone wolf childhood. He had problems dealing with criticism, especially if it was imposed by himself. "I know you mean well... unlike others that only affront and not help." He assured the Charmander he knew he had the best of intentions in mind. "How about... we check out each other's knowledge after the dungeon? Like a little... quiz-duel? For fun and learning; no competition." He suggested his partner with a returning tone of confidence in his voice. If he meant well, they might as well enjoy themselves a little.

After all, it was nice having someone at your side. Both of them agreed, despite having rather lonely childhoods. With that in mind, he nodded and would allow Roamer to lead them to the next room. Van enjoyed the atmosphere of darkness from shadows, as it was natural for a dark type pokemon. It was not the dark he was nervous about, it was the pokemon indoctrinated by the fog.

Eventually reaching the room, the Charmander insisted on Van getting the two items on the floor. "Many thanks." Van showed his gratitude with a smile and a nod. Walking over to the orb and seed, he picked both up while Roamer was heading towards the wonder tile. After he had picked up the items, Van followed suit to step on the wonder tile to get rid off his debuff. "I believe that was it on this level. Let us get ot the next." He suggested to his partner, since there did not seem to be a point in staying. 

[Meiko]

Vanitas picked up a  Sleep Seed!

Vanitas picked up a  Totter Orb! 


As you are walking back towards the stairs you run into an enemy Cranidos! It looks angry and about to attack.


(Vanitas & Roamer)

[Roamer]

Roamer noticed the awkward grin, which he honestly found a little bit cute. He was being modest, wasn't he? However Roamer's smile faltered when Vanitas told him that his ember could practically turn him into a balefire and that he could have used his darkness to get rid of that Misdreavus in one hit. The Charmander's blue eyes were full of wonder as of where this attitude suddenly came from. "I uh.. really didn't mean it in a rude way. I was just joking.." He told Vanitas with a bit of uncertainty. Sure he wasn't judging the pokémon, he probably had gone through a lot. Life in Andalusst wasn't all flowers and roses.
When Vanitas apologized Roamer could only smile. "I'm sorry if I upset you." He then said, before reaching out to touch the Sneasel's shoulder gently.
When the Sneasel began to speak again, Roamer withdrew his paw. He remained quiet until Vanitas said they could have a little quiz. "I'd love to." He said rather calmly, he didn't want to upset Vanitas any further. Certainly there was more than meets the eye with this Sneasel.

Vanitas picked up the items and Roamer felt a little bit better, it wasn't that he felt guilty, but he hated taking stuff without giving stuff in return. At least now they were a little bit even.
"No problem." Said the Charmander with a toothy smile, and then nodded as Vanitas said that this was probably the furthest they could get on this floor. "Alright." He said, before leading the way towards the stairs.

However they were interrupted by a Cranidos that was looking to attack them.

Roamer bared his teeth in a grin. "Finally something I'm good against!" He then told Vanitas, before charging towards the Cranidos.

Roamer used Metal Claw!

### | Vanitas | notes

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[Vanitas]

Yeah, Van should have realized sooner. His new companion had made a joke, which he did not get and in return lashed out at him. He had been quick to apologize, but there was still a sting of guilt in his heart. Being so defensive was not a good attitude to have, but it was hard to get rid off after all that time. Still, it was an area he had to improve on, and hopefully, he would. 

Still, Roamer wanted to be polite and apologized as well after Van had done so, causing the Sneasel to shake his head as he usually does. "No, it was not your fau-" He spoke before he stopped, feeling the gentle touch of the Charmander's paw on his shoulder. It left him quiet in astonishment. Such a benevolent soul. "Thank you." He spoke somewhat under his breath, really appreciating the Charmander's empathy.  And he seemd to like the idea of teaching each other through a little game of asking & answering after they had accomplished their mission. Van nodded, a faint smile returning on his face. "Splendid." Was all he could muster to say, but it summarized his feelings quite well. 

Thankfully, they seemed to work in harmony again after their little moment of discord, both agreeing that there was nothing left to this floor and that they should return. Getting back to the room with the stairs leading to the next area, he too saw the Cranidos; furious like all pokemon tainted by the fog. Hmm... Roamer's Metal Claw technique should be strong against it, right? According to the Charmander's own words and actions, that indeed seemed to be the case.

A second after the Charmander's charge, Van followed suit, using his Scratch technique. He believed that Roamer had done most of the job with his super effective move, so he simply finished what was left... if there was something left to begin with. 

[Sundance]

Roamer used Metal Claw! It's super effective!
Cranidos Health - 6/20

The Cranidos was knocked back by the fierce Metal Claw, falling and skidding against the soft, springy grass for a moment before being stopped by a large tree trunk. It stayed down for a few moments, before raising it's head up, slowly gathering it's feet beneath itself with a huff and a puff.

Vanitas used Ice Punch! It did 31 damage!
Cranidos Health - -25/20

Before the Cranidos could fully straighten up, it was knocked in the side of the face by pure ice, knocked to the floor by sheer force. As soon as it's body hit the loamy dirt once more, it disappeared in a puff of smoke, it's body gone as soon as the fog cleared. Congratulations on winning the battle!

Vanitas and Roamer gained 70 experience points!

[Roamer]

Knowing that he had quite surprised the Sneasel a lot, Roamer decided not to say anything but to change the subject back to the dungeon. They had a Politoed to save, and darn he hoped nobody else beat them to it. Well, who could? Roamer kind of ripped the help poster off the bulletin board.

Roamer's metal claw struck the Cranidos hard, the Charmander had never seen himself deal so much damage before. Roamer stared down at his claws until he heard a woosh of air rush past him towards the Cranidos that was trying to pick himself up after Roamer's attack. Vanitas used another move that finished the Cranidos off. Roamer chuckled to himself, before heading towards the stairs. "This dungeon feels like a breeze." Roamer admitted again, feeling glad he was with Vanitas. He knew he only met the Sneasel today, but.. the Charmander was hesitating about asking him to join his team.

Maybe.. he should ask that later. or maybe not at all, he didn't know how Vanitas would react with such a proposition.

### | Vanitas | notes

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[Vanitas]

After putting the feral Cranidos down, Van took a few seconds to think about the attacks they had just launched on it. Roamer had, as Van had expected, shown an impressive strength with his metal claws. Despite him being a purely fire type, his attacks with a different type were still incredibly strong. He was impressed, if not a little abashed. Considering their age difference and the fact that Van had trained for such a long time, he felt pressured in the presence of this strong Charmander. They were not far apart from each other, and the Sneasel was certain it was only a matter of time before Roamer might surpass him with flying colors. 

Had he not shown enough devotion, or was he simply a weak pokemon, destined to be a second string? He did not like thinking about it and pushed these dark thoughts back into the abysses of his mind. He was not doing this to prove himself or anyone anything after all. He would become a great explorer to help set this world free again. That was all that mattered, so he mustn't allow personal disquiets to interfere. 

Van nodded at Roamer's comment, following to the stairs. "Thus far, it does." He responded, hoping there was no big trap just awaiting their arrival. It being easy did not mean he driooed his guard though. Hubris was the bane of all villains, and he would not let similar doom be imposed on him by it. 

[Sundance]

You walk down the stairs into a similar situation; trees mourn and droop, a musk filling your noses as soon as you lay foot on the loamy, squishy earth beneath you. The canopy above blocks any sunlight from reaching you, the only thing that broke the eerie silence being the soft, distant howling of wind. Initially, you were alone, but as soon as you laid eyes on a certain corner of the room, a Misdreavus materialized with wide, crimson eyes and a malevolent frown painting it's face. One of you were definitely fast enough to land the first hit on the hostile apparition.

[Roamer]

Roamer and Vanitas managed to descend to the next floor and the Charmander observed his surroundings. Practically nothing changed besides the room they were in, the environment was still the same.
However his eyes soon landed on another Misdreavus that was looking right at them. Roamer shuddered, looking at Vanitas before gritting his teeth. These weren't friendly pokémon unfortunately, so he had no choice but to attack them. The Charmander charged at the Misdreavus and hoped to strike him with his metal claw.

(Roamer used Metal Claw!)

### | Vanitas | notes

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[Vanitas]

What a strange smell was this within the forest? Whatever this scent was, it was perturbing, and it made him feel slightly sick. He was definetly not fond of these penetrating odors, but he tried his best to not take notice of them. They had a mission to complete after all, so he had to suffer through it. Hopefully, Roamer was not as perturbed by the stench as he was.

Tilting his head, he saw the shining crimson eyes of the new Misdreavous starring at them, eager to clash with them. And so were he and Roamer eager to clash with it. Sprinting ahead, Roamer tried to strike it with a metal claw. Van meanwhile was hesitating a little. He had felt many surges of power within in due to all the battles, and he could feel something... cold and dark. And without fear, Van tried to tap into it. Finally... he could feel a shimmer of the dark power his type was associated with. 

Dashin forward with unrivaled speed, his eyes began glowing a menacing purple as his claw was engulfed in a thick aura of surging darkness. A few meters before reaching the Misdreavus, his frame briefly disappeared before almost immediately reappearing right above the hostile pokemon. With his dark claw raised, he diagonally whized right past the hostile pokemon in an attempt to strike it with his newly attained Feint Attack.