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[truthdecided]

[Akechi addresses the Pearl with his usual calm and poise, disregarding the cloak draped around him. Pay it no mind.]

In light of recent events, I felt it best to inform you all about Umbreon-san. Having spoken to Mightyena-san recently, she informed me that he mapped out the cave system in which we Oran Berries dwell. He actively trains lower ranked members and has played a pivotal part in Pokémon swarms. Evidently, he was an active player in the ordeals with Dondozo and Spiritomb, providing rescue to those in need...

And he volunteered for the good of his guild, not himself.

[He pauses to let that sink in, though his thoughts ripple with an odd air of relief and an undercurrent of distrust toward politicians on the whole.]

Make what you will of that, but I believe that this places him in a position where he could make a fine leader. I've made my vote, but I bear no ill will toward those who favor other candidates.

[...]

That being said, I do believe it may be in our best interest to share our findings amongst each other regarding the recent Wayfinding missions. The lands beyond Death Blood Murder Skull Town are wild, unpredictable, and full of mysteries...

For instance, the temple in the peaks of Heavy Downmoor suggests the area was once far more populated despite the wild winds. I'm quite curious how the rest of the region compares...

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[pyrodulia]

[The Ninetales is still in the midst of her shedding situation, the fur around her neck sticking up oddly as she responds.]

Anyone wanting to explore around Icefall lake should get to it now. That area is going to be a threat to life once winter settles in. More than it is now, I mean.

The geothermal activity at Furnace Mountain will keep it in relatively the same condition, I believe. Can't be certain about Heavy Downmoor, but there's signs that it'll be affected by the weather shifting too.

[truthdecided]

[Akechi listens carefully, mentally noting down the details. Icefall Lake... hm. He hasn't yet ventured out there, but...]

I admit, I have been curious about the region. Unfortunately, my flying typing puts me at a disadvantage. To embark on a proper quest there, I'd require teammates to compensate.

[pyrodulia]

I'm a Fire Type. The ice doesnt concern me, but the water does.

Not that I've been on any quests yet, really. I'm still getting settled in.

[Does she sound slightly defensive? Perhaps. She's not an explorer or an adventurer or a hero. She never has been.]

Honestly, I would like to take a look at Furnace Mountain someday. I have an affinity for the destructive aspect of fire and heat, did even before arriving here. But I'm not rushing into anything.

[truthdecided]

Well, if you do intend to take on any quests, you'd likely be quite handy for either Furnace Mountain or Icefall Lake.

[He pauses, humming.]

Although you would have to be mindful of the lake, of course.

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[friendlyflower]

[A little Sunkern wearing a skull-patterned beanie comes into view.]

Glad you saw the obvious choice. He's the strongest and most qualified. We need someone like him in case of another Froslass incident. Meanwhile, Malamar is brainwashing people and I heard some suspicious things about Lurantis.

[He keeps his thoughts and emotions carefully controlled for now. It seems he's been practicing since Need peered into his mind and (lack of) soul.]

Heavy Downmoor seems normal. I got a good map of the caverns underneath. More of those crystals that show weird visions, but otherwise, nothing interesting.

[Following this is a spark of anger at- and shockingly, something resembling concern for- Siffrin (Shinx version). He does not elaborate and carefully quashes this.]

There's definitely more to that place in general than meets the eye. A guild much like our own was set there and fell to ruin. If anyone else here has seen anything interesting in this regard, definitely tell me or Akechi here.

[truthdecided]

I have to wonder for whom the temple shrine was built... Was it a Legendary Pokémon, perhaps? Ingo-san or Emmet-san may have more information on the subject, given their depth of experience...

[He'll wait to see if they chime in, but it is a curious thing all the same.]

We had to fight against violent winds to reach our destination, but the temple itself provided adequate shelter for us to map the terrain.

[friendlyflower]

It might be the same Pokemon that called us here, if that's the case. [... or maybe the same one who caused the calamity? Or is the same Pokemon doing both?

Either way, he's sure that a legendary Pokemon had to have brought them here. He turns his attention outward to see if anyone has anything to add, Ingo and Emmet especially.]

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[firealone]

Even if he's qualified... we can't force someone to lead who doesn't want it, can we? What if he backs out once he's elected?

[Fireheart himself has always been ambitious, so he assumes anyone who isn't is probably best left out of politics. After all, the other candidates seem to have much stronger ideas of what direction they want to push Skull Town in. Lurantis especially seems to be doing exactly what Fireheart would be up to in her paws.]

[truthdecided]

These are all valid concerns, of course. Yet, he stepped in on behalf of his guild, which shows a level of selflessness that I find promising. Certainly more trustworthy than the likes of Malamar, at any rate, to say nothing of Oricorio's preference toward ghosts and ghosts alone.

[Lurantis... he's less sure of. Good ideas, perhaps, but the same can be said of Malamar's. It's whether or not they aim to pull through that has him wary.]

If there's one thing I've learned, it's that many politicians will make bold promises to win the people over, then fail to deliver. It's why I'm more cautious.

[firealone]

Is that true?

[Fireheart tips his head while he considers that. Making bold promises without following through... that sounds like a great way to lose your position of power, something he normally thinks of as a life-long duty.]

I've only seen one... election, I guess we would call it, in ThunderClan. No one voted, Bluestar made a decision and told us who the new deputy would be. It was a surprise to Lionheart, too. And when Bluestar dies, Lionheart will take her place as leader. All of this is still new to me.

[He hadn't really thought about it, but he guesses he assumed the guild leaders got their positions in a similar way. Even if there's no evidence of previous guild leaders handing over their positions, or at least Ribombee has never talked about it. It just makes sense for life-long leaders to hand-pick someone to succeed them after their death.]

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[cedricthegreat]

Ah, I knew that pragmatic glowing fox had the right idea.

[Says the guy who was this close to picking Lurantis until a few seconds ago.]

But does he have the people- er, anim- Poké- I mean, social skills for the job? He's not the most conversational, is he? Not that I can't relate, but...

[truthdecided]

Charisma is a useful skill, but to some, actions speak louder than words. It's difficult to ascertain how he'd function in a leadership position, but Mightyena-san does seem to believe it would bring out the best in him.

[Mightyena knows him better, so he's inclined to accept her judgment. Still, these are factors to consider...]

[cedricthegreat]

[He nods - he knows all too well from his own experience how people don't truly believe in you until they see you do good with their own eyes.]

Yes, we don't really prove our worth without at least one good challenge.

[Something his experience has also taught him, now that he thinks about it.]

Well, you've convinced me. In solidarity, I, too, shall vote for this Umbreon.

[seacub]

[Emporio's apprehension cannot be contained. He's already placed his vote- and honestly, done his own research, including on where the rest of the general public seems to be leaning...

...He feels bad for Malamar, honestly. But-]

Uhhhhhh...

...Did....Umbreon actually volunteer..?

[After seeing how the one Grumpig brother got mixed up in this in the first place, and Umbreon's self-sabotage, he's really not sure 'volunteer' was how that went!]

[truthdecided]

Well, truthfully, he did volunteer under pressure, fearful that the Oran Berries would lose their standing if no one came forward.

[No sense in twisting the truth. It's not like he has a personal stake in this, anyway.]

Still, Mightyena-san believes it's a position that would bring out the best in him. That he stepped forward out of duty to his guild does carry a certain selflessness to it.

[seacub]

Uhuh....

[The unease isn't going away at all!!!]

He's not really campaigning that hard though... [Unease and guilt. It's unease mixed with guilt.]

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[wolfcut]

Volunteered.

[ The sneer in his voice is palable. He can't not speak up on Umbreon's behalf. ]

Maybe we let the guy keep doing what he does best, and give the job to someone who actually wants it.

[truthdecided]

And how can we trust that they aren't in it for their own self-interest? Malamar has used mind control before. The rumors of Lurantis' contrary nature shouldn't be overlooked, either, and Oricorio only has the interest of the ghosts in mind.

[There's a slight edge to his words, yet he remains composed.]

Umbreon volunteered not for his own interest, but for the sake of his guild. It may have been under pressure, but it speaks to a degree of selflessness that I find more trustworthy than honeyed words and grand speeches.

[wolfcut]

They're all self-interested. That's just politics.

[ A huff before playing devil's advocate. ]

You know you're not helping his case, right? Getting pressured by outside interests isn't exactly what people like to hear about their elected officials.

[hasapoint]

You're of the 'the one who doesn't want it is the most suited' mindset, eh? It does take a certain ego to want to be in charge, and it's worth asking why someone would want a position of power.

[There's a 'but' waiting there.]

[truthdecided]

I have... experience with politicians. Those who seek leadership often do so with their own personal agenda. They carry the charisma to win over the masses, yet their promises often have a catch.

[He heaves a sigh, letting it steadily fall.]

Given that Umbreon-san acted for his guild over his personal desires, I find that more admirable than Malamar's grand speeches. Lurantis... I respect why others would vote for her, certainly, but past experience leaves me skeptical.

[hasapoint]

Sure. If it's a popularity-based issue politicians try to find what people want to hear, regardless of their actual intentions. But an agenda or an ego aren't inherently bad things.

Have you talked to Umbreon himself about this?

[paperceptive]

[ She's here, quietly taking note of all of this. Useful information indeed...she does like this kid, he has good priorities. What actually makes Odile speak up, though, is a little less important: ]

It's actually called "Death Blood Murder Skull Town"?

[ That's so stupid it's actually sort of hilarious ]

[truthdecided]

It is.

[Akechi doesn't even try to hide his smirk.]

There was a vote, you see, and Flowey, in his infinite wisdom, suggested a name so iconic, it won over the hearts and minds of the masses.

[Or at least enough people to win the popular vote, but a dramatic flourish never hurt.]

[paperceptive]

Ha. Did he, now.

[ So the people here have a sense of humor. Also someone named Flowey who is...perhaps thirteen? Gems, she hopes he's thirteen. ]