Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Sept 19, 2024 18:15:11 GMT 9
#s://i~imgur~com/2olvtyK~png Murmur follows down, glancing at the trainers, and with Sarah following them they were extra cautious. Today was not the day for sleepy accidents, everything was counting on them. She could practically sense the pressure in the caves, whether that was just the stress, or actual psychic pressure, was another thing.
It was a bit terrifying.
Ruby watched through their eyes, mind quiet and relaxed, no stress in her sleep, just simply observing. It was, oddly peaceful. All the information was simply being absorbed.
Colorless Pokémon, plants, water, light, and a chamber filled with Corruption that makes the Munna back up and twist, an instinctual fear twisting into her gut. If Sarah Lee wasn't nearby, they'd probably have lost their nerve and booked it. When the Corruption was seemingly carried elsewhere, she'd look right down at the trainer, nodding right away.
[tangent="I did."] "Muuu." [/tangent]
They'd curiously examine the crucifix stuck in the stone, but were far too hesitant to slip straight into the room where corruption once rested. But it seemed the trainer had no reservations. The cross was pulled from the rock like something akin to a fantastical story. Perhaps she would take the time to enjoy the similarities, when the high pitched sounds immediately drew her attention.
[tangent="Okay-"]"Muu-"[/tangent] Was all the Munna would say in response, floating backwards in the air as fast as they could, following their leader. Only to eventually come across Ruby once more.
Kartana were everywhere, swarming around Kyukon , and it seemed something else had happened to them as their hand dissolved entirely. It seemed their trainer, and the Indeedee, were left unharmed and ignored, but certainly that couldn't last forever.
As Ruby watched everything happen, seeing the new threat around her, an uneasy fear began to creep up through her mind, piercing the brain fog of sleep.
It was like a nightmare.
Suddenly shaken awake, Ruby immediately collapsed down onto Sarah Lee with a shout of surprise, and suddenly everything came snap back into focus.
The Caves. The Threat. Her Fear. Her Anxiety. Nothing had changed. It was all still here. "Sarah! I-" Ruby's words immediately failed her, being addressed by her royal title had her stiffening in their arms. Her eyes wide, heart pounding away inside her chest. Each pump of blood spreading that fear further and further, threatening to claim her.
It was enough to make her blood run cold, like daggers of ice flowing through her veins that paralyzed her.
"I will not be making it to Hearteater."
"W-what?!" Ruby suddenly shouted out in response, the shock enough to break her free of her own anxieties and move again. "Sarah, you have to! What- What are we going to-" Her words failed her again, slowly trailing off.
She understood even before they said the words, an awareness washing over her that swiftly had tears drip down her cheeks.
She was in charge now, and that terrified her. Sarah ran off to conflict the swarm, and yet she just continued to stand there, terror gripping at her very soul.
And yet, something suddenly stirred inside her. A feeling, an emotion that she didn't know how to express welling up, fighting back against the intense chill. A memory of something else, another time, a memory she could not believe she had forgotten.
Ruby's heart was suddenly pounding, a righteous fury that had been long since buried, a passion she had all but forgotten. She had stood tall in the face of overwhelming threats, fears that would have stalled her in her steps, and somehow gained the trust of the people to be granted the right to rule. Queen Rubella was everything that she had always wanted to be. Confident in herself, unafraid to act, creative and inspiring, a guiding force for others to walk the realms of dreams without fear.
So why was she so afraid?
Queen Rubella did not stop existing, just because she was awake. All those traits of hers, were always hers. She just didn't realize it yet. Until now.
[tangent="Ruby? We need to go."] "Muuuun."[/tangent] Munna spoke up, and Ruby looked up at her Pokémon. She had no idea what they were saying, she couldn't understand them. That wouldn't do. Not any longer. She was in charge, she couldn't make excuses. She needed to know, so she could help everyone. A fire burned in her eyes as she slammed her hand on the Pokéspeech Toggle.
"Murmur, head down back into the tunnels, keep your eyes out for anything."
"I can do that-" Murmur spoke, and for the first time Ruby heard their voice. A very soft, sweet, gentle tone filled with the long, sleepy energy that never vanished. But now was not the time to marvel in theese new truths.
"I know you can, but find where those Ultra Beasts took the Corruption. Hearteater must have a purpose for them. Follow it, no hesitation, we don't have time to waste."
Both Darling and Murmur seemed suddenly shocked at Ruby responding to them, actually seeming to understand what the Munna had said. But true to Ruby's words, they didn't have time the waste. The Munna with wide eyes, immediately dashed straight down back into the tunnels without another word. They would swiftly attempt to find whatever path the UB's took, pushing past their own fears.
Darling, however, immediately noticed something different about Ruby. Her emotions were radiating off of her like a flame, detectable to the psychically sensitive Pokemon. That fear was still there, the anxiety never left, worry still incredibly visible on their expression alone, and the stress was just as strong. But a passionate determination was overwhelming them with such an intensity. Fear no longer held her back, it would push her forwards. It made Darling smile right away.
"Darling, grab the Litten and bolt. I'm sorry to put you through everything, but we have to act. Please, keep searching, follow Munna in their scouting, help guide them towards the source of your connection. I promise to protect you with my life."
"My Queen, it is me who would protect you, always. I am as always, loyally at your service." A smile would cross the Indeedee's only face, quickly moving to pick up the Litten after his own strike, having to pluck them straight from a swarm of razor sharp origami beasts, they'd swiftly cradle the Pokemon intensely in their arms as they moved to follow the Munna as fast as their little legs could run.
Meanwhile, Ruby wasn't just standing there either. She'd quickly stretch a hand out, hoping to grab Kyukon 's own, should they be able to grab hers with their one good hand, and rip them out of there before Sarah Lee 's intense attacks threatened to blind all of them. "Come on! Further down, we got to go! I'm not going to leave you behind!"
Ruby would hopefully escape further down with Kyukon in tow, at some point reconnecting with Josh Devlin as well. She had seen the confrontation briefly while she was asleep, but to see the Ponyta restored meant that they had some kind of chance. They could save everyone here, somehow, someway, eventually.
"Sarah's holding them off," She'd quickly begin. "We need to go, now. We have to see what lays at the bottom of this tunnel. Josh, my Pokemon are not fighters, but they're going to help us be prepared for what's ahead. I need you to be ready, whatever is down here is incredibly powerful, we're going to need your fast Pokémon to help us escape as soon as we're done, unless there is some exit we don't know of yet."
Something was missing, something nagging at the back of her mind. Just a few seconds had passed by before she realized what it was.
Activating her inventory, Ruby equipped her own Crown Jewels. The icy gems sparkling to life, floating around her head in a spinning, slow pace, remnants of a crown long forgotten. Now, she finally felt right.
She was both Queen Rubella and Ruby, and in truth, always had been.
"I have a last ditch scenario, if nothing else works. I can attempt to open a portal to the Dream World, but I am worried about letting IT in there. Hearteater has such intense psychic presence to overwhelm potentially hundreds of thousands of Pokemon, I would never dream of subjecting King Articuno to it."
All the while, Munna and the Indeedee were carefully searching about back in the chambers where the Corruption used to be, careful to not go too far ahead without anyone else joining them, but would certainly keep all six of their senses open and pressing forwards as soon as they were joined. They had to find where the Corruption was taken, they had to find what this "feast" was.
Sooner or later, it would be time to try and lay their eyes on it.
The Hearteater.
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Sept 19, 2024 15:25:58 GMT 9
SCOUT and SCOUT GtwzRR4_1-501-50 1-50·1-50
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Sept 17, 2024 13:51:22 GMT 9
Sunlight. It felt good to finally welcome it down here. Seeing the moss and plant life grow felt good to behold, certainly helping soothe her worries for a bit.
Maybe, life could help restore color back to the Pokemon that were stuck down here? Seeing the Litten seemingly happy, wiggling about, was almost enough to wash her fears away.
Almost.
That thing, it knew her name. Right? It had to have! There was no other way to imagine it, a coincidence seemed entirely out of left field, even if it was technically possible.
It just didn't seem very likely.
Still tense, Ruby would be thankful for Kyukon 's arrival. She let out an immediate sigh of relief, looking back at them. "You okay? I'm sorry I- I kind of just, left for a second. Everything is... Intense, is a strong word, but it defines it all well."
All the sudden loot in there, however, had Ruby's attention. None of it was a priority, but her eyes still scanned through it all regardless. "We should go back to the others, I think. We're here for information, not- Wait, what?" Ruby's eyes immediately locked onto the jewels tucked deep within the pile.
Wedge tightly amidst all the junk, laid a multitude of interesting items. A thorn circlet, some manacles, even a whole bazooka! But none of that could compare, in her mind, to the Crown Jewels.
Why were they here? How did they end up here?
Did a Player lose them? Did the Princess somehow survive, and end up here, taken by the Hearteater?
Perhaps that all seemed so illogical... but the fear that it somehow drained the color of some Legendary that used to dwell here wasn't off the table.
"The Crown Jewels." Ruby suddenly spoke as if just saying the name of the item explained her decision, pointing forwards into the mass of items. "I'm grabbing that pile. Please, watch out for me."
Ruby would swiftly press forwards, her Indeedee keeping watch and turning around to scout the room as she squeezed in between some of the junk, luckily having a small teen avatar made that a bit easier. She'd carefully grab the frozen ice crystals, carefully placing them into her backpack to carry for now. It was better than leaving them here to rot.
RISK IT! (-30 PER ITEM) THIS LOOT WILL BE UNLOCKED AS AN OPTION FOR ALL PLAYERS AT THE END OF HEARTEATER PT.2.
Once back out of the pile, she'd take a few moments to catch her breath as she looked back up at Kyukon . "Now, we should go back and join the others. I'll keep an eye out. Just-"
She shuddered, looking back down where they came from. Confronting... Hearteater wasn't their goal, and yet she was certainly terrified they were going to come face to face with it. "Just, be careful. I really, really don't like this place."
Turning her attention back to her Indeedee, Ruby would give them a sympathetic smile. "Darling, I know I already put you through a lot. But, I'm going to need you a bit more. I'm gonna summon another friend."
Darling simply nodded their head, grabbing Ruby's hand in one of theirs.
Ruby would swiftly summon Murmur the Munna. The lazy Pokemon rolled over in the air for a few seconds, before even it swiftly realized the tenseness of the situation and righted itself right away.
"Murmur, like before, I need you to be my eyes. Explore, carefully. Don't get too close to anything, but float around, show me what you can see, that I can't."
[tangent="I can do thaaat-"]"Muuuuu-"[/tangent]
With that in mind, the Munna already floating off slowly, but carefully back the way they came, and inevitably moving to float down following the light, through the rocky halls. Their eyes were wide, used to being a scout for Ruby. They floated around during the Thunderfall Raid to watch the whole situation go down, like some frontline war reporter. But this was certainly different.
It felt almost like there was more riding on things this time. Murmur stifled their yawns, forcing themselves to focus as they'd follow the light directly, sticking close to the ceilings of the cave to avoid detection.
Ruby, meanwhile, would glance back up at Kyukon . "I'm uh- gonna do a neat trick, don't worry. I'll still be able to hear and see you you, through Darling too. Just, get her attention, okay?"
For a brief moment, Ruby worried that with her Dreamer abilities to see through their eyes and hear through the ears of her Pokemon, that she'd somehow expose herself even more psychically to the Hearteater, with Darling still certainly connected. She squashed that fear down right away, letting out a very shaky, nervous breath before suddenly-
Falling asleep.
Her eyes fluttered shut right where she stood, all as Darling seemingly began to walk back. While still holding Ruby's hand, the trainer would float up off the ground, as if weightless, being dragged around like a balloon. Her other free hand would swiftly move to scoop up the Litten, cradling them gently as she walked.
[tangent="Don't worry,"] "Dee."[/tangent] Indeedee would begin, smiling up at the fellow trainer. [tangent="We do this all the time, although never like this. Maybe, a bit of rest however brief, would help her nerves... I hope."] "Indeedee. Dee...dee."[/tangent]
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Sept 17, 2024 13:30:42 GMT 9
SCOUT and SCOUT 2ZXYr3dV1-501-50 1-50·1-50
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Sept 13, 2024 11:33:54 GMT 9
Ruby was quiet, her eyes scouting the area. Progress had stalled for now, but that didn't mean it would forever. Her eyes would be distracted from the strange pit and the fog, seeing the Litten was hungry. She saw the little prompt to feed them, and considering they were readying an attack, it probably would be a wise idea to make sure they could defend themself.
FEED LITTEN [-10 RESOURCES]
"Here you go, lil' guy." She pulled out a few snacks from her backpack, a little bit of jerky for the cat. It should hopefully be pleasant.
She'd return Faye the Fennekin back to her ball, the less bodies they had about the better. It would be good to have them helping in combat, in case something happened.
"I think, opening the other entrance sounds pretty good." She'd nod her own head in response to everyone else. "If you opened up one of the paths," She glanced over at Kyukon as she spoke. "Then, perhaps opening the Nexus entrance would be a good idea-"
"⊬⍜⎍ ☊⏃⋏'⏁ ⏚⟒ ⊑⟒⍀⟒, ⎎⏃⍀⏁⊑⟒⌇⏁-⍙⏃⌰☍⟒⍀."
Ruby stilled immediately, fear gripped her heart as the Indeedee's lips were not their own. Terror pierced her very soul, stunned silent.
That was not her voice. That was not Darling's voice. She didn't even know what Darling truly sounded like, their real words, but that was not what she sounded like. Whatever the words meant, there was an undeniable message.
Hearteater knew they were here.
Litten jumped from her arms to begin communicating back, and it was enough of a shock to make Ruby immediately begin to move. She swiftly jumped forwards as well, moving to place her hands right atop the Indeedee's horns.
"Shh, shh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Ruby pleaded, her words were panicked. "I'm sorry I asked you to do this, please, just come back to me. Please, please-"
The presence fades, but Ruby didn't let go. Even as the Litten returned to one of her arms.
It took a few moments before Darling came back to their own senses, sighing heavily and leaning into their touch. They'd glance at the others, [tangent="I am, okay, everyone. I am okay..."]"Dee..." [/tangent]
"Darling, I-" Ruby had nervous tears, stumbling with her words. As the others moved to decode the language, Ruby was far more concerned with Darling.
[tangent="It's... it is okay. I am okay now."]"In.. Indee."[/tangent] She leaned into Ruby's hand, focusing on sensing her trainer's own emotions instead, for now. [tangent="It was... hungry. That was all I can understand."] "Deedee."[/tangent]
She focused on the expressions of worry, fear, and deep love of her Trainer for her Pokémon. That focus, that love, it helped ground her. The little Indeedee was quiet, staying close to the trainer. Their psychic senses were still active, that presence still existing. [tangent="C-careful, there's still more I can sense them, I can-"] "Dee, Dee dee-"[/tangent]
The translation was suddenly revealed, and Ruby immediately stiffened all over again. Her face was as pale as a ghost.
Farthest-Walker.
Did the Hearteater know her name?
Ruby Walker.
She was absolutely terrified. Her heart nearly beating out of her chest as she stood up again. Her blood was pounding so hard she could swear she could feel it in her ears. "I-"
[tangent="Ruby?"] "Dee?"[/tangent]
"... G-guys, I'm, I am gonna- I'm gonna go unlock the third door. I promise, I'll be quiet. Just, be careful. Please. Everyone." She was absolutely panicked, and it absolutely showed. Her eyes were wide, fear visible in her expression. "Three doors open, let's open that third door. Let the light in. I'll be quiet."
Darling grew quiet, frowning softly. Her trainer was clearly absolutely panicked. She just grabbed Ruby's hand, squeezing as tightly as she could. [tangent="Yeah. Light sounds good. I think we could use some light."]"Indeedee."[/tangent]
Regardless if anyone followed her, she needed a brief moment to just think. It would do nobody any good to see her panicked so badly. She'd be quiet, kneeling through the tunnels, holding the Litten in one arm and Indeedee's hand close.
It was probably for the best that she had their company, at least. That fear in her eyes, she should not be fully alone.
OPEN NEXUS ENTRANCE [-5 RESOURCES]
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Sept 8, 2024 20:02:09 GMT 9
Ruby had to admit, the tooltips that appeared still caught her off guard, but she was used to UI elements appearing in her vision at this point. And yet, something about this seemed... off. It looked like the bodies had types, unchecked. Like, Darumaka was only Fire type, right? Why was it showing Fighting and Electric? The others equally showed false and true types.
Out of curiosity, she would reach up and attempt to poke "Ground" when the tooltip came over the Sandshrew, when her attention was immediately drawn away from the bodies by the call of one of her Pokémon.
[tangent="Incoming! Twin threats, inbound!"]"Dee! Deedee!"[/tangent] It sounded alarming, like a warning.
And sure enough, within seconds something arrived. Two cockroach-like... sisters?, began gyrating. Not only was it uncomfortable, but their threatening presence immediately made everything that much more dangerous.
She could share this Tooltip wisdom in a moment, for now the lives of her friends were being threatened. Ruby immediately tossed out another Pokémon, Faye her Fennekin.
"Darling! Protect the Litten!" Ruby immediately cried, watching as the protective Indeedee immediately cradled the heavy cat within their arms, having to pull themselves away from their strange, unsettling discovery. That too, would have to be addressed in a moment.
Ruby had seen Evolution happen before, but none of her own Pokémon had ever evolved. To watch as the Charmeleon did it before her very eyes was awe-inspiring, and her Pokémon certainly agreed, especially as they watched the Z-Move fire off as well. These Pokemon, these trainers, they were all certainly powerful. But no doubt such moves definitely put such a strain on their bodies.
"Darling, Faye, help them out! Patch everyone up!"
Without hesitation, Darling would immediately begin a silent prayer, a Healing Wish would suddenly wash across Josh Devlin's Zebstrika, reinforcing their strength all while also washing over Sarah Lee's Emboar. Their mind still distracted with the presence they detected, and cradling the Litten carefully. An uneasy look had spread across their face.
All the while, Faye took a far more active approach. She weaved in close towards the newly evolved Charizard as it blasted, buffing its strength with her Psychic energy, and stitching together its wounds. All before suddenly skidding to a halt in front of the Braixen. They looked like a person, but there was no fooling their nose.
They knew family when they were near it.
Their Psychic Energy would wash right over their body, only to immediately brush up against the Braixen's legs as soon as combat was now over. It seemed, the sweet gal, was looking to bond in the infentesimally small moment they had to rest. This place was hell, it was comforting to be in the presence of one familiar.
As soon as the two Ultra Beasts were put down for now, Ruby would let out a sigh of relief. She still didn't know what the Litten was saying, but judging by the confusion of her Pokemon, they probably didn't know either.
"Well done everyone. But- Yes, please. Let's not do that again. Not if we can help it. Josh, Sarah... Lady Richtung, Marchioness of Schneeland." She'd give the brief moment to bow politely, feeling almost odd without her kimono as she addressed the Braixen, glancing at Faye beside them. "But before we go, I have some news. And Kyukon-"
She sighed, it seemed they were going to need to collect everyone again. Perhaps it was for the best though, maybe they found something? She could only hope. "I don't know. Safe, I hope."
"Firstly, however, the Litten came from beneath a pile of bodies. Kyukon found them. They're... speaking nothing I can understand. And supposedly healthy. But-" She'd glance at her Indedee, who was still distracted by the ominious, ancient thing she sensed. She'd eventually snap back to reality, glancing at everyone before speaking, in the way that she did.
[tangent=""Boy. Healthy. Oddly Heavy, and a unique coloration. Unable to speak normally. My guess? They are special, keep them safe. but I-""]"Indeedee. Dee dee. Indee-"[/tangent] She paused, trying to figure out how to broach the conversation about her... senses.
Ruby unfortunately didn't know Darling wasn't done speaking. She was swift to speak up softly as soon as the silence began. "That also said, examine the bodies. Close. It's... as if they have extra types being attempted to be assigned to them? Or, maybe removed? I don't understand it, not yet. I don't fully understand what I am looking at, but I can see it?"
As Ruby spoke, her Indeedee suddenly tugged on her pants leg, immediately causing her to look down at them. Almost right away, she realized just by the fear on their face that something was wrong.
"I- D-darling, it's okay, I'm here. I'm so sorry." She'd immediately kneel down, holding one hand into her own. "What's going on? What did you find?"
[tangent="I sensed something. Dark. Crawling. Ancient. It's... intense. Something is here. It's old, older than I can fathom."]"Dee. Indeedee. Deed."[/tangent]
Ruby still as of yet, was unable to understand, but tones of voice are still easy to understand. They were terrified, even as they kept breathing, doing all of Ruby's own normal panic control strategies. Breathing in and out at exactly every 5 seconds, as if they were counting.
Her heart broke, and she felt terrible for having to look around at the other Trainers clueless, silently, dumbfounded, hoping someone would translate. Why had she been so stubborn to keep Speech off, anyways? She had all these excuses every other time, but right now... she couldn't picture a single good reason, and it hurt.
It meant she had been wrong every other time too.
[tangent="I can see... if I can find anything else."]"Dee... Indee."[/tangent] The Indeedee spoke, only to try and hand the Litten off to Ruby. Just in case.
Ruby didn't understand, not until the prompt appeared before her eyes.
PROBE DEEPER? [-5 RESOURCES]
Once again, she grew pale as a ghost, feeling as if her stomach was going to curl in on itself for subjecting her to this. She'd take the litten, trying to carry them gently, nodding her head. "O-okay. Yeah. Yeah. Probe Deeper. Just... Promise me, you won't go too deep. Don't end up like the others."
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Sept 8, 2024 17:40:53 GMT 9
HealFast AttackPokemon: Fennekin Core Ability: Buff Ability Target: Charizard Move(s) Used: Psychic Move Type(s): Move Target: Charizard. (And Excess healing once at full, will then be given to Sarah's Braixen) jct8xjVxsupport5support5
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Sept 8, 2024 17:39:22 GMT 9
HealFast AttackPokemon: Indeedee Core Ability: Buff Ability Target: Zebstrika Move(s) Used: Name Move Type(s): Move Target: Zebstrika. (And Excess healing once at full, will then be given to Sarah's Emboar) YRJ2_tq2support5support5
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Sept 6, 2024 0:44:22 GMT 9
The click had Ruby caught off guard, not expecting her first attempt to be the right answer. It seemed luck, or perhaps fate was on their side. She recalled both of her Pokémon, hoping they wouldn't be in danger as soon as it opened.
She briefly wondered what Articuno would have said, about the nature of their choices as she watched the panels shifting and sliding to reveal the dungeon within. Perhaps something like, how the world constantly changes based on every single act one person makes, that nobody can live to perceive the true path of the future before it happens.
One just had to trust themselves to act as best as one could.
Ruby had no idea what to expect within, but she was already attempting to steel her own nerves as she accepted the UI notification. What other choice did she have?
She was here now. For better or for worse.
> YES, I’M READY
Bodies.
So many bodies.
She was not ready for this.
Ruby herself nearly went stark white herself, incredibly pale as the sheer depth of the situation washed over her. Panic had her sweating almost instantly, unable to tear her eyes away from their paralyzed, colorless forms. They were still alive, judging by their shallow breathing, but this was a terrible fate. It was an intensity that weighed upon her heart, dragging her down and down. All those poor souls, trapped, tortured... and nobody had ever known until now.
She could only hope that they were able to escape into their dreams, that they weren't stuck here in limbo as likely as that unfortunately was. What could possibly have done something like this time to them? Was this all the Pokémon that had once lived within Ostelia? What about the rest of the region?
Ruby was almost paralyzed herself before she realized Sarah Lee had called her Queen Rubella a few moments ago. Pulling herself away from her fear, she took a few deep breaths before nodding her head. It was enough of a shock to be called that in real life and not in the Dream World that it snapped her from it all. "R-right. We should be careful, going forwards. Stick close to your Pokémon, don't let this happen to them."
"Report anything strange you see, keep in contact with each other. Even if you feel strange or have a weird thought, please let me know. If this thing is psychic, it might mess with our heads, and I've had enough of things forcing others to do as they please. I want everyone to tell me if you need anything at all. We only have each other. If we split up, we-"
She watched as suddenly Josh Devlin dashed forwards atop the back of his Zebra Pokemon, and she instinctively winced. Those hooves clacking would almost certainly draw attention, if anything heard them within.
"... We stand less of a chance of being able to help each other. If someone wants to catch up, encourage them to wait for us? Do you think you could do that Sarah Lee? You're the lead here, I am certain they'd respect your words."
Still, that noise that spooked them had Ruby's curiosity. A white Litten, making strange noises. That wasn't like any Litten sounds she had heard before, and she had seen many of the illegal, yet loved cats coming through Mom's house to be familiar enough with them.
When Kyukon's Pokemon freed them, Ruby would immediately moved towards the Litten without any hesitation, nodding towards the other trainer in appreciation. She could absolutely look after them. For something to have survived within this place alone was incredible, but certainly not unchanged. She'd frown, only to finally resummon Darling. The motherly Indeedee would move to try and scoop up the cat Pokémon, should they let them, and check to see if they sustained any other notable wounds.
"Stay at my side, Darling. See if you can sense anything odd with your horns, okay? We expect its a psychic threat that lives here, and all of this this... confirms it to me."
[tangent="I am the soul of caution."]"Deedee."[/tangent]
"And you, my new kitten friend? Are you okay? Something must have happened to you." Ruby would speak softly, hoping that they'd understand her as she spoke directly to the Litten, even if she couldn't understand them. "We're looking to find... The Hearteater. If you can help us in any way, please. But I wouldn't judge you if you wanted to run, you've clearly gone through so much. Are you able to speak to my friend here? She's really nice."
Ruby would follow up the rear of her group as they passed through the tunnel, taking her time to slowly examine each and every corner in the tunnel as they pushed down into the caves. All the while, Darling would be focusing with her psionic abilities instead, attempting to sense wayward emotions of any kind. Trying her best to stay focused and remain on the task at hand, Ruby kept herself breathing in an out every few seconds. It was like walking straight into the depths of hell, with nothing but her siblings and their Pokémon friends at her side.
If nothing else, she suspected Ash's words that electronic communication being interrupted would hold true, but that didn't stop her from at least attempting to give them a call to report in. Someone had to at least try, even if it didn't work. Ash should know right away, that they found the bodies.
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Sept 5, 2024 23:56:10 GMT 9
SCOUT and SCOUT RXW8cTSj1-501-50 1-50·1-50
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Sept 3, 2024 14:23:10 GMT 9
Ash was counting on her to keep track of her teammates, to keep an eye on their mental health. That Hearteater, whatever it may be, was a psychic foe worthy of some reasonable fear.
There was a lot to be worried about.
She had to take a deep breath, quelling her nerves on the whole situation. They were going to be diving into the depths of dangers, with ramifications for the whole of UNOVR. The heat of the desert, the meteors exploding around them upon hitting the ground, all of it's terrifying. And yet, none of it compares to the fear of confronting her own fears.
She can do this.
She had to do this.
If she didn't do this, nothing would matter. She might as well just be a fly upon the wall, watching for eternity and just as weak as one too. Being the Queen of the Dreamworld would mean absolutely nothing if she never, not once, attempted to make a difference within the waking world. Her grand gestures of encouraging others to seek a better future, to act upon their own desires, would mean nothing if she stopped there.
She could do this, but that didn't stop her from uttering a silent prayer, hoping that her dear friend, King Articuno could watch over her.
Ruby was otherwise quiet as she helped search through the desert sands, following the orders of Sarah Lee , and it was a relief when they found a few of the answers. But at some point, she had to stop being a wallflower. She had to engage, be a part of things, talk with these strangers. Her eyes were just looking upwards at the Dial, listening to the conversations, but just existing wouldn't be enough.
She had to take care of them, after all. Ash, perhaps everyone, was counting on her. She had worked with Sarah Lee before, the memory as clear as day for her, even if it wasn't for the other trainer. The Dream World acted in mysterious ways. Duchess Sarah of Whitehouse, of course. Or at least, they used to be. Whatever title they claimed now would be just as correct as anything else.
But the others were a mystery. If only she had time to get to know them before the mission started, but they didn't have any time at all.
When she was called over to help, Ruby was swiftly pushing up her sleeves to get to work. Without any further hesitation, she tossed out two of her Pokémon. The twin Indeedee, Dear and Darling. They immediately made their way over towards the Dewgong seeing it in physical pain, and the two swiftly lifting them up off the desert sands as Darling herself moved to patch up their wounds. Certainly the two helper Pokémon were much stronger than they looked, Dear especially. The two literally survived off of the happy emotions and energy of others, like the most positive kind of symbiosis she could imagine. Of course they'd throw themselves at lifting the seal up together without a single complaint.
"I would agree. They need to go back in the ball, if they're suffering this heavily. This is not the environment for them. Perhaps they can help once we get inside?" Ruby began, finally reaching into her backpack. She always carried so many things in preparation for the world around her, ready for anything.
And that included sunburns. As odd as it was, the 'Sunburn Debuff' was just as painful as she remembered a true sunburn to be. Not that she got out much before coming here, that is. She'd toss a tube of sunscreen with a cute little Sunflora on the label gently over towards Josh Devlin . "At the very least, protect them! And yourself, for that matter. Pass it around while we work on this? I've already layered up before I left the house today."
She scanned across the hints, only to pull out a pen and paper from her backpack as well. "If the correct answer is when the League fell, and the Sun is 10 and the Firework is 11 as you claim, then we only need to know what symbols 1 and 8 are. There's only two possibilities for 1. The Plug, and the Origami. But-"
[tangent="We found something!"]"Dee!"[/tangent] [tangent="Something is beneath our feet!"]"Indee!"[/tangent] Both her Pokémon cried out at once, causing Ruby to turn. She looked over, and it seemed they had been standing atop another hint, just buried beneath the sand. They'd moved to the side, kicking sand away to reveal it when they helped take care of the Dewgong.
PLUG: I am a fire-type
"Hmm, thank you Dear, Thank you Darling!" She'd give them the sweetest thankful smile, hoping to translate her appreciation before returning her attention to the puzzle. "I can, only imagine that hint, relates to Pokedex entries? The only way I can relate that to a number. Either way, number 1 is Bulbasaur and not Fire, which means Origami has to be 1. Which means, we only need one more." She's writing down Origami, Sun, and Firework in her little notebook as she continues.
"Which means, we only need to figure out 8. And fewer and fewer symbols can possibly be that. So, with any luck... We should only need a few more guesses, if that, to resolve this. Presuming we have the date right, of course." She purses her lips, her nerves threatening to raise up, worrying they had everything wrong, but what better evidence they have?
Reaching forwards, Ruby selected her first proper guess. "I am, guessing Jellyfish. If it's wrong, someone try a different one."
Origami. Jellyfish. Firework. Sun.
{LOCKING IN}Trainer Subclass: Dreamer T5 Tank: HP T1, Charge Atk T1, Level/Moves T1, Guard Sweeper: HP T4, Fast Atk T4, Level/Moves T4, Recoil, Dodge, Escape, Sacrifce Support: HP T4, Heal T5, Level/Moves T4, Buff, Revive, Escape, Sacrifice Team: Drowzee, Mr. Mime, Munna, Indeedee, Fennekin, Indeedee
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Sept 3, 2024 1:39:59 GMT 9
#s://i~imgur~com/oi1EaVN~png Theme: Loss Curses: Alphabet K, Sunglasses, Hourglass Purchasing: -50 Prize
Homemade Everything Bagels with Less Everything and Cream Cheese.
"And I hope that you learn to enjoy this. Please, enjoy."
"The thing about Loss, is that through losing what we hold dear, we grow. We change. We become something new. Loss often hurts, that hole in your heart that forces you to feel as if a part of you is missing. But the truth is, it's a part of life. It is often only through the absence of something, that we realize how much we loved it. But with it gone, we learn new things to enjoy. New things can fill that void to bring us joy." She would place the plate of bagels down, smiling softly before beginning to converse.
Barbara the Drowzee would have just nodded, smiling ever so softly.
The bagels were finally ready to be presented, one hand holding the platter and the other holding gently onto her Drowzee's hand, guiding her as she moved blindly to the table. "Bless you, Barbara. I could not have done this without you."
The six bagels were carefully spread in a circle across the platter, with Barbara occasionally adjusting the position so it was a perfect circle, as much as one could, with a small bowl of extra cream cheese within the middle, and a small spreader within.
The bagels were sliced ever so carefully, guided by her yellow friend holding the blade. The cream cheese delicately spread in-between the halves of the bagels. They smelled delicious, even if she couldn't see them. "I hope after this, I get to eat a bite." To this, her Drowzee immediately nodded as well. All of this was giving them an appetite.
Finally cooled, they were running out of time and there was no further delay. It was crunch time.
Ruby obviously couldn't understand the Drowzee's response even if she was aware they were conversing with words in their perspective, but a hug would be returned as well from them. "I have to admit. I don't believe I could have dreamed for a better guide." Ruby whispered, her voice ever so sweet and gentle, moving to to give the Drowzee a soft hug.
"I wouldn't burn myself!" She replied to the Drowzee's words in reply, but immediately laughed regardless. Maybe it was a smart thing that she didn't try and move things that were burning hot while she was unable to see where to place them. Ruby had reached over where she had placed the oven mitts, only to feel Barbara steal them straight from her hands to retrieve the pan herself with the sound of a chastising mumble.
"Ooh! The bagels are done!"
Ding!
It was during this time Bergamot Gristleborg came over and stole some seeds, presumably for her challenge. "... Wait, baby gay? What?"
And now, all they had to do was wait. Impatiently. She would spend the time carefully grabbing utensils and cleaning up her space, trying her best to get more familiar with the area. Going across a room blindfolded was challenging, but if one had to operate a whole chef contest without the use of sight, you eventually start to get the hang of it.
Placing the pan into the oven with a little guidance was easy enough, even though she was moving incredibly slowly, a hand on her elbows guiding her to press forwards and place the pan down. She didn't want to burn herself, after all
Eventually dipping the bagels into the Disabled Everything Seasoning, she'd carefully place them down atop the prepared pan. The final steps were ready. Brushing the tops of the bagels with an egg wash was a little difficult without the use of her eyes, and she accidentally brushed her Drowzee's hand for a second, which had the two of them both laughing.
Once the Everything was finally sorted through and properly treated, it was time to return her attention to the bagels. One couldn't fully disable even half the flavors that could be within, but she could imagine her Drowzee would start getting tired using the move even further. They were already going to have to wait for the oven, it would have to do.
It was Everything. They had a lot to sort through with. It was quite a long time, but Ruby just had to trust her Drowzee's view of the time on the Moon. It would not do to be cheap or lazy with this step. Enhancing the flavors through the loss of others was everything, the most important facet of the entire dish.
Losing one thing only meant that you eventually gained something else, even if you were never aware that you had gained it. Even if one only realized it after time had passed. She was hoping on that aftertaste, that feeling where loss lingers and allows you to dwell on the thoughts, and taste, for forever.
And many, many more.
Disabling the heat of a spice, but leaving the sweet flavors behind. Disabling the soft, juicy part of an apple, but leaving behind that feeling of biting into a dried apple chip. The bittersweet sorrow of losing one you cared about was Disabled, bringing out the joy they brought you instead.
Disabling fears of the past, only enhancing the hope for the future. Disabling the taste of blue, enhancing the taste of red. Disabling the sense of sight, enhancing all the other senses.
Everything by itself was bland. It was everything. Both Soft and Hard. Both Crisp and Soggy. Every taste in one that canceled out itself. But if they carefully balanced out the Everything, chose certain flavors to remove, to lose, then it would be a miracle to remember.
And so they began, Ruby scooping a few cups of the seasoning into another bowl, where Barbara would begin to Disable it bit by bit. Silencing certain tastes within the mix, highlighting new ones.
"We have Everything to create with. There's no need to be careful adding too much of the absence of it."
"Alright, I'm going to need you to Disable this. We're going to sort through it, and I need you to choose what gets disabled. Can you can do that? Your choice." Ruby said as soon as she returned to their table, her eyes wide with excitement, even though all she saw was absolutely nothing
Barbara happily grabbed a whole scoop, pouring it into a bowl to carry it over towards their table.
Now came the interesting part. Creating the bagel seasoning. She remembered where she had seen the box before, carefully approaching her way over towards the one labeled Everything. It was perfect. "Barbara? Can you grab me a solid scoop of Everything? I have a lovely idea, I remember a move you can do that might do things interestingly."
The two of them operated together to boil the water, dropping in the bagels on each side for a few moments before being laid out carefully aside for the next step.
After all, Barbara loved creating naptime treats. Chocolate chip biscuits were a fantastic blessing to be eaten alongside the tastiest of dreams.
"Barbara? Can you fill a pot with water? Add a little bit of that honey we used before, we should still have a bit of it left. It adds a bit of the flavor to it." Barbara had already begun getting the water, before Ruby had even started conversing. They were very familiar with the process by now.
It was time for the water bath.
Barbara was swift to prepare the pans, helping Mom create food now and then when creating sweet treats for her trainer had taught them how to layer it with parchment paper, all while Ruby carefully shaped all the remaining dough into 12 separate equal balls. Index finger pressed through the center to create a small hole in diameter.
With an immediate laugh, Ruby grinned ear to ear. "I guess that resolves everything! Can you prepare the pans? I'll shape the bagels. It is only appropriate if they aren't perfectly circular, I can feel that much, at least."
Ruby moved to suddenly touch the dough, the sound drawing her attention. It seemed the Instant Yeast was a tad bit more powerful than it was on Earth. "... Huh? What happened?"
Fwomp!
"Wait, I forgot!" Ruby immediately frowned deeply, sighing softly. "Dough needs to rise! We don't have time for that to happen-"
Once the dough was done, it seemed all the flour Ruby had spilled provided a purpose after all. The dough was dumped onto the counter and she began to process it by hand. Stretching and squashing, forming it into one whole cohesive dough. For a brief second, Ruby tried to hold up the dough to see if she could witness light being able to shine through it, only to realize she could not do the windowpane test while blind and just set it down again all flustered with a red face.
Barbara just grinned, nodding and immediately pulled over a fairly large stepping stool so they could stand at Ruby's height. Both hands moving to grab hers, they helped her mix together the ingredients at an average, appropriate pace until the dough was finally all done.
She stood completely still, but she was unable to see if the dough was done. And almost certainly covered their counter and her apron with a ton of extra flour. It was difficult. "Ugh, I can't whis- uh, mix this properly. Can you help me?"
Creating the dough blind was harder than Ruby thought. Even though Barbara had grabbed all the ingredients for her, portioning out the water, instant yeast, flour, blue sugar, and the moon salt from before, mixing it all together in the bowl was challenging.
"Just trust me. I have a twist in mind. Let us start by preparing the dough."
This had Barbara raising their eyebrows, and when they realized Ruby could not see their facial response they made a confused noise. "Ahem, I am aware of what we should create. Everything Bagels."
"Alright, I thin-" She paused, unable to finish the word vocally. The 11th letter seemed lost to her. How curious. She could figure this out.
Barbara, for her part, nodded right away. And with a quiet "Droowww" grabbed Ruby's hand and let them over towards their operating station.
She was not, however, prepared for what it truly meant to lose her sight. She stumbled about where she stood for a bit before summoning one of her friends. Barbara, the Drowzee. "I am going to need you to guide me." She said, a soft frown across her face.
Ruby was careful to chose what Curse Tattoos, but after spinning the wheel to get her theme of Loss, she was aware of what she had to do. Alphabet. The absence of a letter. Loss. Sunglasses. The loss of her sight. Hourglass. The dish would be unmade in the end. To never exist again.
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Aug 31, 2024 10:45:47 GMT 9
How do you hope your character develops/changes if included in this dungeon?
Ruby is already so attached to the world, but I'm looking for her to grow even more involved. I hope she realizes just how much danger the world truly is in and begins to help it herself. She can't just sit by any longer, the Dream World will still be there. The world itself is so beautiful, she has to do her part too.
She's actively avoided taking part in any major fight, like her running away from the Noonlight Raid after being there for the party beforehand. She told herself it was to protect Mom who came with her, but in truth she was just scared. I hope she can grow that confidence, being forced to make a choice herself.
She has yet to even activate PokeSpeech, and yet I want her to eventually Join Plasma. I'd love for this to really help plant the seeds to inspire that, if possible! What do you hope your character can have the chance to do in this dungeon?
I am hoping for Ruby to be able to do something really brave, that the old her never would have done. To take a risk, even if it means she struggles with pain, gets caught, or has to struggle. I want her to be able to make a genuine change herself, and not just sit back in the dream kingdom and wait for others to do so.
Even if, and especially if, it messes with her brain activity patterns like the Precipice event, in a way that makes the researchers back at VMT wonder what the hell is happening to her. I'd really love to embrace that duality of her existence within UNOVR!
She's not a fighter, and probably never will be. So I'm hoping for there to be a way to utilize her unique perspective, and her specific skills and knowledge to help! It's unlikely that she will ever attend a Raid proper if she's given the choice, but I want her to be able to help everyone regardless, in a way that only she can, simply by being her. What kinds of people does your character work well with? What kinds do they clash with? Ruby works well with people who have genuinely good intentions and aren't afraid to simply act. As a very thoughtful and introspective person, she often struggles to act right away, and having a push helps her make up her mind. However, she clashes hard with people who don't care. People who treat the world like a Game where nothing matters. The game *is* her world. If your character becomes trapped in the dungeon (likely) do you have a backup character to use in Part 2, or are you willing to potentially sit Part 2 out? Absolutely. I have 4 other characters, who would be able to participate, just a matter of choosing who! And more than willing for her to get abducted as well! What's your preferred time between posting cycles?
48-72 hours. I am historically a bit slow to reply, but for main events I adore the rush.
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Aug 25, 2024 10:41:39 GMT 9
STEEL CHEF: ROUND 3 THEME [steelchef]NFFSNZhc1-201-20
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Aug 25, 2024 10:37:45 GMT 9
STEEL CHEF: ROUND 3 THEME [***steelchef]gTJ7c7C01-20
STEEL CHEF: ALPHABET CURSE 1-261-20·1-26
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