☆38.8☆

[tearsofademon]

[For some time now, Rose has been wondering if her dear partner has been hiding something from her. It's not really all that much to go off of - a never-ending streak of unexplained depression here, a mention of the mysterious term "Alpha Stigma" there - and surely it can't be anything huge, because she knows Ryner isn't good at hiding big things at all... but it's enough to make Rose curious.

Lori can't tell her anything. She may be a psychic type, but Xatus can't use telepathy. If only she could! That would make things so much easier. But alas, Rose has simply had to make do with being curious.

...That is, until today.

There's been a Munna following them since yesterday. There sure are a lot more psychic types around than usual, but in particular, there's that Munna, trying to stay a good enough distance away as to not be noticed, but following nonetheless.

When she confronts the Munna during one of their breaks, it turns out he's a little shy, but just the help she needs. She brings up her problem, and he does have a solution. It's... unconventional, and could be dangerous depending, but upon hearing it, Rose likes the idea. And surely, there wouldn't be any danger in her dear partner's dream, right? :)]

.
.
.

Rose? Where'd you go?

[Just great, Rose ran off somewhere. Ryner sighs.]

Ahh, what a pain. Only ever does what she wants to do...

["Fairy!" ...Oh there she is, leaping right up onto his back as she usually does.]

There you are. Come on, we're--

["Clef clefairy fairy clef clefairy!" But she's ignoring him, instead calling out to someone else behind him.]

...Rose? Is everything...

[He turns around, and sees a Munna floating there.

...A Munna that then starts breathing pink smoke in his face.]

...The hell? What're you... What is...

[But he starts coughing as the smoke envelops him, and it isn't long before he crashes to the ground, out cold. Rose follows, passing out while still clinging to his cloak.]

Comments

[tearsofademon]

There's really someone out there who knows that much?

[tearsofademon]

Well, I wouldn't say everything, but he knows a lot! And if he doesn't know and it's important, he always keeps looking until he finds out! He's really kind, and really smart.

[tearsofademon]

You look up to him that much, huh.

All right, I guess I'm up to looking for him.

[tearsofademon]

Great! Let's go, then!

[tearsofademon]

Which way?

[tearsofademon]

I didn't see him at the dango shop, so the other way down the road!

[tearsofademon]

All right.

[I guess we are walking, then.]

[tearsofademon]

[We are!

It doesn't stay a dirt path for long, though. It's another subtle yet sudden change that they don't really notice, at least until the ground squishes beneath their feet...

and the overwhelming stench of blood reaches their noses.

Rose immediately covers hers and coughs, not used to it.]

What's that smell??

[tearsofademon]

[The Mime Jr. doesn't have the same exact reaction. His is more... one of fear.]

...We have to get out of here. Right now.

[tearsofademon]

[Rose nods, the smell just overwhelming her, but turning around to go back the way they came yields...]

...There's nowhere to go! Where'd the road go?

[tearsofademon]

[Also looking around now, on the verge of freaking out because even though he can't quite explain why there is something inherently wrong here.

...You know, other than the fact that it's a sea of blood.]

No... no, this isn't happening...

[tearsofademon]

[SUDDENLY.

There is evil laughter.]

[tearsofademon]

[Just. Freezes up.]

No...

[tearsofademon]

[Well that's scary... but nothing she can't handle, right? She gets closer to her Mime Jr. friend.]

Who's there?

[tearsofademon]

God. Devil. Hero. Monster. Call me what you will. After all, you too shall perish.

[Alpha used Dark Pulse!]

[tearsofademon]

Aaargh!

[It's super effective! He flies backward.]

[tearsofademon]

[Rose being level 100 and normal affected by dark types, she doesn't get knocked out, but she does take damage.

Once it's gone, though, she runs to the Mime Jr.'s side.]

Are you okay? Hang on!

[tearsofademon]

Get out of here! He'll kill you!

[tearsofademon]

I'm not leaving you behind!

[tearsofademon]

Hmm. This isn't the normal scenario, is it.

[A wall of flame appears around the area, cutting them off from running even if they tried. And the Spiritomb finally actually appears.]

How demeaning, being trapped in this lower form.

[tearsofademon]

Just save yourself, please!

[tearsofademon]

I told you, I'm not leaving you behind! I'll protect you, don't worry! My dear partner's taught me well!

[tearsofademon]

It hardly matters. You will both return to dust here.

[Alpha used Dark Pulse!]

[tearsofademon]

Protect!

[Rose used Protect! She protected herself from attack!]

[tearsofademon]

[is also protected from attack because of hiding behind Rose

Briefly, his eyes glow red.]

Mimic.

[{ } used Mimic!

{ } learned Protect!]