The dog days aren't quite over yet...

[indigo_events]

Who: Everyone participating in the Dog Days of Summer event!
Where: Mt Mortar, the Bell Tower, OR the Seafoam Islands
When: August 17th-31st
Summary: With the Legendary Beasts running amok, it's up to everyone to help figure out what's wrong and get everything back to normal!
Log:



Bell Tower

Volunteers helping at the Bell Tower will arrive in Ecruteak City and be welcomed into the Bell Tower-- the normally-reclusive monks are still fairly stiff, but in the interest of not driving off the very help they asked for, they will be much more accommodating than usual.

Little studies have been set up all over the archive rooms in the upper floors, allowing volunteers to group up at tables and pore over old tomes and scrolls for any information that might be related to Ho-Oh or the three Beasts-- of course, there’s also a wealth of information about legendary Pokemon from other regions… just don’t let the monks catch you getting off-topic!

Gym Leader Morty will also be present helping with the research, and is using his Indigo League funds to finance inn lodgings in town for all volunteers. As for refreshments, local restaurants have also stepped up, eager to provide free food for all volunteer researchers! Gogoat-drawn carts full of fresh, traditional cuisine will come trundling up to the Tower several times a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)-- often accompanied by the restaurant-owners themselves. The guy who runs ECRUTEAK HOUSE OF DUMPLINGS will be there a lot-- he and his Emboar are particularly bombastic about stuffing everybody full of delicious fried dumplings at every opportunity. Gotta stay well-fed if you want to study!

That said, anyone wishing to pull an all-nighter will either have to bring their own snacks or rely on the monks’ supplies-- which means plain rice, hot tea, and not much else.

----

Mt Mortar

The base of Mt. Mortar is a flurry of activity no matter what the hour-- the center of operations is a large camping area at the foot of the mountain, where a small army of tents have been set up. Rangers and volunteers alike are rushing around, and anyone just arriving will be asked to sign in and mark whatever tasks they’ll be helping with.

Strong trainers can sign up for field work, which can involve anything from patrolling the mountain to evacuate campers to helping corral the panicking wild Pokemon population (bright side: there’s even more rare ones running around than normal, and capturing them is a quick and easy way to get them out of harm’s way!). Trainers with flying types may even wind up helping to carry water over from the Lake of Rage in case of what the Rangers all fear: forest fire.

More inexperienced trainers will lower-leveled Pokemon will be encouraged to stick around base where it’s a little safer-- but don’t worry, there’s still plenty of work to be done! Several meal tents are set up around the base, where you can serve (or be served) quick meals from hot pans, soup kitchen style. Nothing fancy or extravagant, but nothing that won’t taste great after a long hectic day of running around the mountain. And hey, it’s free.

A first-aid tent is also set up where trainers and their Pokemon can have injuries patched up-- the Nurse Joys staffing it can always use assistance to keep up with everything.

Sleeping quarters are provided via cot-filled tents set up around the base-- those ones are first-come, first-serve, so grab one fast! Helping the Rangers out is an all-day-all-night affair, so everyone just sleeps and eats when they get the chance to. Reminders to do both on a regular basis are posted all around-- nobody wants sleep-deprived trainers doing dangerous work, even if, between the constant roars of Raikou and Entei and the constant activity within the camp, sleeping could get pretty difficult.

Fortunately, one of the first things you’ll be handed upon arriving is a pair of heavy-duty earplugs.

----

Seafoam Islands

On the shores of the Seafoam Islands, everything is… well, chaos.

The beaches are COVERED in tents of all shapes, sizes, and… raggedness. It seems many folks have shown up in lieu of Greg’s frantic video post, and they’ve more or less taken over. You can barely see the sand! Things are quite a bit less organized than they are over at Mt. Mortar, which unfortunately means that for food and first-aid, you might need to wind up heading over to the teeny tiny little dock town with the inn (booked solid, sorry!) and the shop (Blaine’s beach is less occupied, but he can be seen from time to time passive-aggressively picking up peoples’ trash around the outskirts of the tent army and scowling).

Because out on the beach, there’s no first-aid to speak of and if you go to the ‘food tent’, you’ll just be handed something like this.

Fortunately, unlike their hilariously futile efforts to find Celebi and aside from their clear lack of event-managing knowledge, it seems the Seekers actually are onto something. Every six hours or so, Articuno, Zapdos, or Moltres CAN be seen soaring high overhead and disappearing around the back of the mountain, often with stolen food or shiny things glinting in their talons.

The Seekers themselves are more concerned with getting all their equipment functioning than they are about accommodating all the tourists who just showed up to sit on the beach and stare at the horizon in hopes of seeing one of the Birds-- but if you can actually find them in the chaos, they’ll eagerly put you to work.

In this case, 'work' means 'heading straight into the caves to try and #FindLugia'. Well? WILL YOU?



(Remember to SIGN UP over here!)

Comments

[johto_guys]

The ritual to summon a Legendary is knowledge known by very few, and used by even fewer. Almost always, it takes rare artifacts or years of training to perfect.

But with the fire raging across Mt. Mortar, they didn’t have that kind of time.

Within two days, the Monks made the decision. Successful or not, an attempt had to be made in the hopes of ending the crisis as soon as possible.

So when the sun is at its highest, those who spent the last few days learning the ancient dance proceed to the very roof of the tower, where the platform has been cleaned and sanded down to dance upon safely. It’s only big enough for seven dancers at a time, which is fine-- they rotate.

Again and again, the dance is performed, with dancers swapping out each time to rest.

It’s all very clumsy at first, and it goes on for a long time.

But eventually, miraculously... the shaky rhythm turns into a genuine groove. With the Kimono Sisters cheering everyone on from the sidelines, and townsfolk applauding from the ground, the dance goes from looking like a bunch of awkward amateurs to… well, maybe ‘professional’ is a stretch, but… not bad, not bad at all!

In fact, despite the dire circumstances, those who dance might even find themselves getting caught up in a feeling that can only be described as joyous...


And then it happens.

A blinding light overtakes the platform, radiating outwards so powerfully that it makes the bright sky look dark by comparison. The Tower shakes as an immense weight comes down upon it. And when the glow fades enough to see… there it is.

Radiant feathers of white, scarlet, gold and olive-green gleam in the sunlight, and Ho-Oh itself glares down at the humans below it from where it perches, at the highest point of the roof. It’s there, in the flesh… but oh boy, does it not seem to share those joyous feelings that the dancers felt five seconds ago.

After taking in the sheer number of individuals before it, the great bird’s eyes slide shut and its chest swells in what can only be a massive, exasperated sigh of resignation. If the humans went through all the trouble to use a ritual that hadn’t seen the light of day in hundreds of years… they’re not going to leave it in peace now, are they. Might as well face the music.

…. SOOOOO… who is brave enough to try and talk to the HUGE, SURLY-LOOKING PHOENIX?

[dreamsofahero]

Oh wow that's just amazing to see in person, this close. Pardon Sion while he takes a moment to take all that in. But only a moment; he'd never have survived his childhood if he were the type to let things overwhelm him.

So he recovers almost immediately, and steps forward without hesitation. As he moves, he reaches to take a small pouch or container of some sort from a pocket, opening it to carefully remove the silvery feather inside. Whether he actually feels as confident as he looks is beside the point, what mattered was getting things done before matters got even more out of hand.

"Ho-Oh, we have a favor to ask of you. Entei, Raikou, and Suicune roam the land, disrupting the weather and wreaking havoc with their bickering. They are far too powerful for us to calm, so we seek your assistance, if you would give it."

The silver wing, if one looks closely, looks fairly worn and somewhat tattered, though only from natural wear that occurred before Sion and Ryner found it. The two of them have taken meticulous care of it since, which means despite the slight raggedness it's perfectly clean and cared-for.

[johto_guys]

[As Sion steps forward, Ho-oh eyes him warily. It's not used to humans being so forward, even after a summoning. Still, it seems intent on listening, and even acknowledges the Legendary Beasts when it hears a roar roll over the mountains, looking out towards the source -

- until it spies the silvery sheen of the feather he produces. Those brilliant feathers bristle, and it makes a low, trilling sound in the back of its throat, eyes narrowed, as it turns away and almost sniffs in frustration.]

[dreamsofahero]

Sion keeps a respectful distance, being bold doesn't necessarily mean being foolish, after all. He watches Ho-Oh's reactions, making mental note of how it's responding to which parts. Of course, that last part makes him raise a mental eyebrow, though he keeps his outward expression carefully calm.

"Would you be willing to help us? Or do you require something from us as well in exchange?"

[johto_guys]

[There's a distinct pause, Ho-oh holding its stance, before one of its eyes opens up a bit more to look properly at Sion. Then, it clicks its beak and shakes out its wings a little, shifting on its feet.

Hm. Is...that a yes, or a no? Hard to tell.]

[dreamsofahero]

Very hard to tell. So much so that Sion makes an apologetic face.

"My apologies, I'm afraid I don't know what you mean by that. Should I ask one of my partners to assist me?"

Even if his team couldn't use human language, some of them he'd worked together with so long he had a decent rudimentary understanding of what they were trying to get across.

[johto_guys]

[Another pause, and one of those world-weary sighs. Then, Ho-oh nods.

It's hard to get across just exactly what was wrong to a human, though, that was no fault of their own. Pokemon are simply easier to talk to.]

[dreamsofahero]

Sion likes to consider himself on the more insightful end, as far as communicating with pokemon goes, but clearly he has limits. Especially when it comes to pokemon he's not already well-acquainted with. So he nods in acknowledgement.

"Dusk, if you would?"

The absol nods, giving a small "sol" of affirmation as she steps forward. She bows her head respectfully to Ho-Oh, before looking up questioningly. What is it she should relay to her trainer?

[johto_guys]

[The bow is very much appreciated. Ho-oh takes a second to preen, seemingly pleased for a moment, and then another roar sounds out across the region. Ho-oh shoots the mountains a withering look, and then gestures with a wing and a jerk of its head in their general direction.]

Hoooooh.

[And then the wing gestures to the silver feather in Sion's grasp.]

Ooooh!

[What follows is something that can only be described as the airing of grievance. With each gesture of its wing, Ho-oh stirs up gusts and dust as it trills and calls. The general feeling coming off of this? It's one of a very exasperated parent, almost, one that's in over their head and simply wants help. From the dirty looks Ho-oh keeps giving the feather, it could be implied that Lugia is the main source of its ire, but exactly why that is, Ho-oh bristles and clicks its beak, almost like it's embarrassed.]

[dreamsofahero]

Some of the gestures Sion could follow, but the specifics are definitely lost on him. So when Ho-Oh is finished, he looks to Dusk instead. The absol considers matters for a moment, then gives her understanding of matters, complete with her own set of gestures. It takes a moment, with Sion needing to ask a clarifying question or two on the more complicated parts, but over five years of working together means he and Dusk have learned to understand each other reasonably well, at least.

Once he thinks he understands, he looks back to Ho-Oh.

"You would like Lugia to assist, however, it has been either unable or unwilling to do so?"

It's his best guess, at least.

[johto_guys]

[There's no sound of affirmation. Just a nod, and a flick of an errant wing as Ho-oh closes its eyes.

That impossible Lugia, honestly.]

[dreamsofahero]

While he's definitely curious as to just what, exactly, this apparent grievance entails, now is neither the time nor the place to ask, even if Ho-Oh were inclined to answer. Instead, Sion's reminded of the news reports he saw earlier...

"I don't know if you'll find this useful, but apparently, Lugia has presumably been located somewhere in the Seafoam Islands. At the very least, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres have been seeing coming and going from the area, carrying berries and such things into the islands."

[johto_guys]

[Oh

Oh

That get's Ho-oh's eyes to open immediately, and you can almost hear the indignant squawk that's on the tip of its tongue as it bristles again, letting out low calls and trills. It's almost pacing in circles on top of the tower with its movements, clearly irritated and muttering grievances under its breath. Of course, Lugia wouldn't be in Johto when Ho-oh needed it, this is - this is just great, this is the Cheri berry on top of the proverbial ice cream sundae, isn't it?]

[foolishwren]

<sub>[When that flash happens, a very real sense of vertigo goes through Heather from head to toe-- the platform they were dancing on isn't that big and they're up very high, even if there's railings to make sure nobody dances right off into thin air and traumatizes the entire town watching.]

[So as it fades, she's actually hanging onto the railing, a little faintly. But that doesn't stop her from staring up at the enormous bird in genuine awe along with everybody else.]

[Because well, there it is.]

[The many-colored bird who was reborn from its own ashes and commanded a sacred fire.]

[COULD SHE HAVE PERSONAL REASONS FOR BEING INTERESTED IN SUCH A LEGENDARY? NOOOOOO WHAT WOULD GIVE YOU THAT IMPRESSION???]</sub>

Holy moly.

_{[It's a few minutes before she can really get the nerve up to step forward (well, that, and there's not really room for more than one person to talk to the bird at once), but she overheard a little of the prior conversation, and... well, hey, it can't go worse than the first time she talked to Arceus, can it?]}

Uh... _{[She clears her throat. Heather's never been good at looking, uh, 'reverent', but she does keep her head bowed out of respect.]} Hey there... yourrrr... Highness?

_{[:I;;; is that an appropriate way to address a Legendary? HECK IF SHE KNOWS.]}

[johto_guys]

...

[I mean. Head bowed, a title given along with a greeting instead of cutting to the chase? Ho-oh is pleased with this. It's still a bit tense from the prior conversation, but the fact that the silver feather of Lugia is no longer within its proximity seems to have done a lot for its nerves. Ho-oh clicks it beak once and ducks its head.

Hail and well met, human.]

[foolishwren]

<sub>[HAIL AND WELL MET.]

[Once she's confident she's not about to get pecked right in the cranium, she straightens back up.]</sub>

So...

Uh, I mean, you already know what's going on.

Actually, you might know more than we know...

_{[She watched the whole bit where Ho-Oh seemed to get KIND OF PISSY on the topic of Lugia. She's not... really sure what to do with that information, but...]}

All the scrolls and stuff we looked through seemed to... you know, imply that you were the one who could tell those Beasts what to do. Were they like... wrong? Or something?

_{[She's JUST KIND OF IMPROVISING HERE. She's met Legendaries, but never had to try and... actively problem-solve at one before. At her feet, though, an Espeon twines around her, shimmering violet eyes staring up at the great bird. Being a Pokemon of the sun, Cheryl has no fear of Ho-Oh, but she certainly has a lot of respect.]}

[johto_guys]

[There's an uncomfortable shift, and Ho-oh sneaks a tired glare out towards the mountains, trilling something low in its throat.

Cheryl, if she's paying attention, will hear, It's not WRONG, but I can't do it MYSELF...

That's kind of weird. Being an Espeon and all, it might be prudent to key your trainer in on the exact words.]

[foolishwren]

<sub>[Oh, she hears that all right. Very daintily, and brushing past Heather's leg as she does so as though to say 'Don't worry, I've got this', the Espeon steps forward.]

[It sounds like you are upset with Lugia, she offers humbly. Her voice has a kind of musical lilt to it, but not a mocking one. She seems very earnest.]

[Heather, meanwhile, is TOTALLY okay taking a step back. And just kind of... watching this exchange.]</sub>

[johto_guys]

[The following response is almost unbelievably...harried parent-like, coming from Ho-oh. Calls and coos run into each other as it gestures to itself, to the mountains, to the sky - the full airing of the grievances has come to pass, it seems. While a full transcript would be hilarious, it would also do a lot to take away the air of wisdom and strength a legend can posses, so, paraphrased? Cheryl will be told that Lugia is being distant, difficult, and has helped less and less with keeping the Legendary Beasts in check up until this month, when it just up and left. There's grumbling at the end about favoring the birds of Kanto over the Beasts, as well - that wasn't great to learn secondhand.

...Shoot, who knew y'all signed up for couples counseling.]

[foolishwren]

<sub>[The Espeon sits quietly and listens, her ears (for once) standing straight up and to attention. This is Very Important (tm).]

[As the great firebird paints a picture of frustrations and slights of legendary proportions, she simply twitches her tail and occasionally makes a low chirp of acknowledgment-- Ah yes, I see, oh dear, etc.]

[When the tale seems to peter out, she closes her eyes thoughtfully for a moment.]

[That sounds very tiring, very frustrating. It must feel like the world is on your shoulders, with no help to be found. Many of us more common Pokemon wouldn't imagine your kind to face hardship, but it is clear you do. You must feel terribly alone. Is that right?]</sub>

[johto_guys]

[...Oh Arceus.

She gets it.

Visible relief seems to ripple through Ho-oh as it nods, and trills out one more thing: If Lugia would just tell me what was wrong, I would listen...and then together we could stop these three with ease. But I cannot do so if Lugia is nowhere nearby.]

[foolishwren]

<sub>[Even to Heather, the bird's shift in demeanor is tangible, and for lack of anything better to do, she kind of nods approvingly down at her little lavender serval-fox thing. Because wow! Good girl!]

[Cheryl twitches her tailtips sympathetically.]

[Does Lugia often vanish when Legendary duties get stressful? Or... perhaps when just the duties you share get stressful?]</sub>

[johto_guys]

[There is a pause. Ho-oh tries to ruffle its feathers to look haughty, but in reality, there's a palatable note of realized sheepishness.

Our duties together...have definitely grown more numerous as of late. I know I am tired, but Lugia...has said nothing to me.]

[foolishwren]

[Sometimes speaking up when there's something wrong can be very difficult... there are many reasons why someone might choose to stay quiet instead of making waves.]

[The Espeon tilts her head thoughtfully, then bows it. She's talking to a Legendary and this is clearly a sensitive subject matter, so it... would pay to stay humble.]

[Is there anything Lugia seemed upset about, even without saying as much out loud?]

[johto_guys]

[...The workload? I...don't know.

The poor thing actually seems a little distraught now. Had Ho-oh been so caught up in other things that it had been blind to Lugia's concerns? Oh boy. No wonder it left. It shifts from foot to foot.]