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[truthdecided]

[It's the middle of the day, not long after quests go up that Akechi greets the Grumpearls with a serious expression.]

Greetings. This is Akechi. To anyone newly arrived, I'm a member of the Oran Berries, and I was also among the group exploring the Northern Forest.

[Images accompany of his words of meandering, overgrown plantlife, strange, glowing vines, and luminous mushrooms eerily aglow.]

As there are multiple quests related to the recent fungal infestation as well as further requests to explore to the north, I'd like to give you all my personal insights.

First...

[He raises a wing, feathers folded in such a way to approximate a hand holding up one finger.]

The spores cause heightened aggression. I highly recommend obtaining some form of facial covering to minimize their effects. While I cannot say how effective it will be, reducing how many spores you inhale will likely serve you well in the long run.

Second...

[He raises another feather.]

Be extra careful when removing the mushrooms. If you can dig around them, that will be ideal, but mushrooms have complex root systems called mycelium, so if you want to be extra cautious, it may be worth digging especially deep. The fruiting bodies are their primary means of reproduction, however, so simply removing and eliminating as many as possible while minimizing contact with the spores would be ideal.

[He tries to convey this with little images of the mushroom caps and the roots spreading far, far beneath the soil.]

Ren and I will return to the northern forest to rectify our... mistake. I also fully intend on gathering and eliminating as many of the mushrooms as possible.

Be smart, expect the worst, and we may be able to overcome this unfortunate infestation.

Comments

[outbounds]

Some grass types are can nurture growth in plants. If they are confused or finding it hard to control themselves because of the spores it could be related.

Orrrrr, maybe the northern forest is just naturally full of weird plants and fungi. Could be either. Who knows.

[ definitely not them, who basically only just showed up in this world. who knows what's normal here. ]

What do you mean by strange, though? Just overgrown or something else?

[truthdecided]

Not merely overgrown, but often glowing, and the terrain of the forest felt as though it was... breathing, for lack of a better word.

[He tries projecting some images from the forest, complete with oddly glistening flora, along with vines that grab and snatch anything nearby.]

It was treacherous terrain, made worse by the spores and hostile enemies.

[outbounds]

[ Oh. That's a forest that looks like it will eat you. Straight out of the books, video games, and b-movies. That amount of growth looks like all of it either would have been there for a long time, or just grew really, really fast. ]

... Huh. [ Huh! ] But these are recent developments, aren't they? Their arrival to this station is new. Yes?

[ unless this— the confused, disoriented Pokémon, the swarms of unreasonably aggressive ones, the various oddities that crop up in some of its inhabitants— is the kind of thing the bay's always been dealing with, and they're only really getting into it now since they haven't been here that long?

if it's recent, though ... ]

Guess the Guild Leaders must also be trying to find out the source.

[truthdecided]

I believe these next missions may bring us closer to the truth.

[But as for whether or not it's recent... hmm...

An image ripples through of a female Yungoos, trapped in delusions, despite Akechi's best attempts to calm her d own.]

But the fog is concerning. The way it meddles with your mind, to say nothing of the illness... The timing is unsettling.

1/2

[outbounds]

[ The issues predated their new arrivals, to be sure, but the fact that they arrived through the forest, as well as the timing of it... ]

Think I liked the storm better. [ 'said' plainly. There's a flicker of a hazier, harder to grasp thought layered below it, an echoed "Are we who we think we are?" with no distinct voice, lurking, lingering, clinging much like the fog in the south and middle forests as he continues. ] Getting dropped into the ocean? Fine. Straightforward, mostly! Memories, illusions, illness, the rest of what the forest does— a lot more complicated.

2/2

[outbounds]

[ Akechi's mood is catching over the telepathic link of the Grumpearls, though ... so probably, in return the next track change and topic shift might almost feel like real, physical things for how insistently they're done. ]

Aaaaanyway. Gossiping about me in public, where anyone can hear? Woooooow. I didn't expect that of you, Detective.

But maaaaaybe. You should keep your strategy meetings where you discuss ideas on how to beat me secret. At least from me.

[truthdecided]

[Emmet... Emmet, that is an insanely obvious segue, and there's this slight spark of bafflement before Akechi responds.]

Does it even count as a strategy meeting if we're speaking broadly about normal types? You just happened to be an interesting example.

[outbounds]

[ It was not intended to be subtle. ]

It was a joke. I am teasing. I know you understand those.

Besides, you did seem pretty interested in why I'd be both.

[truthdecided]

What can I say? Type combinations are fascinating, particularly in how they correspond to a species' appearance and anatomy.

[A little type chart materializes with his thoughts, with observations he's made thus far. It's surprisingly meticulous, or perhaps not so surprising, given Akechi's general demeanor.]

[outbounds]

Decent approach too. Rather than memorize hundreds and hundreds of different species, easier to first learn common tells and traits. Make educated guesses from there if you ever come across something unfamiliar. Cannot always expect that you'll have studied it first.

[ identifying the potential typings of unfamiliar species on sight might become pretty relevant for the newcomers here, honestly, at least the ones without prior familiarity with Pokémon. ]

Hmmm. Don't suppose you want to be quizzed?

[truthdecided]

Why not? It'd be an excellent opportunity to test my knowledge, and you are a professional.

[If anyone ought to know all the ins and outs, it's Emmet... or Ingo and Akari, perhaps. Still, Emmet being from a more modern era certainly gives him an edge.]

[outbounds]

Hmm. Okay. We'll start out simple. If it goes well then full speed ahead.

[ Three still images of different Pokémon, one at a time, one, two, three. He'll let them each linger a bit before moving to the next. ]

What types do you think these three Pokémon have? Why do you think that? If you are uncertain, what would your second one be, or how would you test to find out?

[truthdecided]

[Hmmm...

Akechi brushes beneath his beak with his left wing, thinking over the projected images.]

At a glance, I'd assume the first was a dark type due to the coloration. However, the faint purple around the face also evokes the feeling of a psychic type...

[That second one is fascinating, too. The posture, the build...]

The second's stance evokes the feeling of a fast but frail fighting type, although I suppose the coloration does somewhat lean into the purple and gold hues I've seen on psychic types...

[But that third one. Oh, that almost seems like a trick, really. An aquatic animal, and yet...]

Lastly, I would almost consider it a candidate for a water type, but the coloration feels so much more decayed than the lush coloration of the water types I've seen in passing. It gives the feeling of rotting kelp... Perhaps a poison type? Either a hybrid with water, pure poison, or perhaps, if we're to suspend our disbelief, a dragon?

[outbounds]

You are correct on Mienshao being a fighting type at least. Fast, frail— maybe so. They can be pretty quick to recover, though. Have to keep them under pressure else Regenerator might have them back up in no time.

As for the last. Correct, actually! Poison primarily, secondary of water. Your last guess is interesting because Skrelp loses the water type in favor of dragon after it evolves. [ a brief flash of a larger, 'leafier' seadragon. ] Good prediction.

So if you had to pick. Is your answer for the first one dark, psychic, or both?

[truthdecided]

[Hmm... It all comes down to this. He needs to assess his options, weigh the odds.

Dark color still suits dark type... Could it not be a dual type? But then, this could be a trick question. Emmet may be trying to pick something to throw him off.

Quite the conundrum...]

It being a dual type would certainly solve the dilemma, but that almost feels too easy.

[No, if it were a dark type even, that would be much too simple, wouldn't it?

So... time to take a chance.]

Let's just go with psychic.

[outbounds]

Dark and Psychic dual types are pretty rare. Actually, it is just the one known evolutionary line. And possibly a mythical. Don't usually mix very well. Kind of like how you don't often see Fire and Water dual types.

So yes, Gothorita is Psychic. Three for three so far.

[ more or less, a little prompting or narrowing down required, but they got there! okay. let's see. up a notch, maybe. ]

Switch tracks a little. One, two, three. What types of moves would be best against these? If you had to battle them, how would you approach it? Running and letting a more suitable teammate handle it is an acceptable answer if you explain why the teammate would be better.

[truthdecided]

[Hmmm...

Akechi narrows his eyes, focusing on the projected images. Some seem easier than others, certainly.]

The first certainly resembles a grass type, but that almost seems too easy. The second looks like a ground type, based on its muddy coloration... Possibly a dual type? Water would fit the amphibian appearance, and as for the third... The yellow coloration strikes me as electric. A water dual type, perhaps? Electric eels do set a precedent...

[outbounds]

That is not quite the question I asked, this time. Related, yes! Build on it.

[ Congratulations, you've reached the short answer part of the quiz and not just the matching portion, Akechi. There's a general buzz of anticipation as Emmet awaits his answers, but no spoilers on whether Akechi's guesses on typings might have been correct or not. ]

You do not always have the opportunity to second guess in the middle of a battle. Is it grass, or is it not? Do you aim for the weaknesses that grass has, but that a different type might be resistant to? Or do you play it safe with a move that will not be as strong as a super effective hit, but will at least probably hit for neutral damage if it isn't a grass type?

[truthdecided]

Oh, I know. I was just musing aloud, trying to assess how to answer the question.

[Still, back to the initial point... How would he strategize in such cases, especially with that ambiguity? He's merely a flying type, and one without amazing coverage.]

I suppose a more evasive strategy to start. Assess the opponent, prioritize weakening them with moves like Scary Face and Leer. For the eel, I'd likely let a teammate take charge, simply because I lack the proper means to contend with such a threat.

The probable ground type presents less of an immediate risk, and judging by its size and short limbs, I'd likely have a speed advantage. Even so, I'd rather hinder its mobility as much as possible in order to ensure I have the upper hand, to say nothing of the possible rock type moves it may wield...

Which brings me to the tree. A distant Air Slash could help me assess its weakness to Flying type moves. From there, I'd adjust my tactics depending on its defenses and its own abilities.

[outbounds]

Knowing when the matchup is a poor one is a good skill to have. [ Knowing how to pick your battles, how to back off and switch tracks. ] If you could pick any teammate at all, who or what would be preferable for the eel?

[ His thoughts kind of stick a little on the address, a brief stutter skip like he's about to, accustomed to saying something more, but it's hardly worth note. The strategy for the probable-ground-type gets a general feeling of acknowledgment, acceptance; sound enough, maybe, if a bit conservative, risk-averse— not a bad thing, of course. Not when faced with unfamiliar Pokemon but absolutely the kind of pattern that can be taken advantage of in the competitive circuit if it remains predictable...

Derailing. Okay, back to the actual subject here. ]

Anyway. You want to test it, huh? Then adjust? Okay. You use Air Slash on the tree.

It does not appear to be particularly hampered by the move. It does appear to be winding up some sort of move, or getting ready to charge at you. What do you do now, Detective?

[truthdecided]

A ground type could withstand any electric attacks, but if it knows water moves, that could put my teammate at risk. Perhaps the trick, then, would be a dual type, either part water to neutralize any potential water type attacks or something suitably defensive, such as a steel or dragon type...

[Given the options here, however...]

Ultimately, Courier Six-san or Emporio-kun strike me as solid allies in such a matchup. Though, on further reflection, that Pokémon also features lamprey-like qualities...

[Though, that's getting off track. He shakes his head, then continues...]

Flying resistance rules out grass typing. That narrows it down to rock, steel, or electric, but I find the latter two highly unlikely.

[So it's winding up for an attack... Akechi makes a little diagram in his mind, running through possibilities.

A punch? Not very effective and easily dodged.

Rocks? Far more hazardous, especially given Akechi's typing. He could still try to dodge and watch the air, but it'd be far less predictable.

So, what to do...]

My attacking options aren't ideal. I'd try to use my speed and small stature to dodge the incoming attack and then retaliate with a Scary Face to slow its momentum.

Assuming I have teammates, I'd send Ren in to take advantage of the rock type's grass weakness. If flying solo, I would utilize a combination of evasiveness, coupled with Scary Face and Hone Claws until my Power Trip is suitably strong enough.

And, given the opportunity, I'd Roost to heal.

[outbounds]

Okay. That can work. It makes sense. Still an uphill battle. Careful with rock types like Sudowoodo. They can knock you right out of the air with things like Smack Down and ground you. Which then means your flying typing will not protect you from Clodsire's Earthquake, or things like that.

[ The scenario didn't specify whether these were separate 1 on 1s (or 2v1s) or some nebulous group skirmish, but the example is just to illustrate.

Hm! ]

You say you have had experience in battle before here. I think I see. You favor evasive maneuvers and speed control a lot. Makes sense, you are small and also a flying type. Not being there when an attack lands is your main defense right now. Means you will have to be verrrry aware of the terrain though. Maybe don't go on missions into unmapped caves or densely forested sections of the woods where you will likely have to fight.

[ Imagine a Tailwind boosted splat into a cave wall or stalactite due to not being able to see anything in the dark at that speed. ]

[truthdecided]

If I had my true form and abilities, I'd be able to rely far more on brute force. My curse and almighty skills grant me a great degree of offensive thrust, to say nothing of my physical and gun abilities and my ability to reduce all of an opponent's stats.

[In other words, yes, he can do brute force.

Enjoy the mental image of magical explosions and black and crimson energy, with an ominous, evil face.]

That being said, I am adept at stealth and know how to adapt to a variety of terrain. Obviously, it would still be wiser to pick strong teammates to cover my current weaknesses, but I see no reason to limit myself too severely.

[outbounds]

It was not meant to be a criticism. All it was supposed to mean is that you seem comfortable enough adjusting to changing conditions, as you said. [ adjusting to both that and an altered shape. certainly seems to have gotten the hang of being a bird verrry quickly, considering flight is no simple thing. ] Not everyone here is. That's all.

Besides. 'If' doesn't matter. You are what you are here. You are a Rookidee so you will fight as a Rookidee does. You will have Rookidee strengths and Rookidee limitations. Forcing yourself unnecessarily to take on situations that you are not the best suited to handle— like battling somewhere that grrrreatly limits your mobility— doesn't help you or your partner. You will be frustrated with the restriction. Either with yourself or the environment around you. Your partner will have to put more effort into covering you than actually battling at their fullest.

[ they've gotten a little away from the typing and the simplified, hypothetical battle scenarios, but this is basically adjacent to doubles and multis talk, which means Emmet can chatter on about it. ]

For example. I am Emmet. I would not take Ingo with me if we had to go to the ocean.

[ not unless Ingo really, reaaaaally insisted on it for some reason. much as he'd like to attach himself to his twin for as many missions as possible, that's simply not feasible. on a slightly different note... huh, that second thing looks something like every other— okay, maybe every third or fourth— ghost move, depending on how the Pokemon in question uses them. ]

You mentioned using curse. Did you have to pay a cost for that?

[truthdecided]

I still don't want to settle for complacency. Certain challenges will allow me opportunities to better master this form and, with luck, get one step closer to evolution.

[Obviously, there are risks. Deep sea exploration certainly wouldn't work in his favor, as such a small bird. Likewise with deep, cramped tunnels...

But he can still adapt. He can still make it work. He isn't weak...]

But the curse skills I'm referring to are merely a dark form of magic. The 'cost' is the same as any other magic spell, drawing from my spirit and stamina.