PMD: Rent Spirits(CYOA)

[LKWayvern]

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rent Spirits

Welcome to Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rent Spirits, a story in the horror/adventure genre, that allows you the ability to impact the story itself! In the region of Halae, an otherworldly parasite named Sanguinaria has been slowly sucking dry the life force of the pokemon world of Stina. It has gotten to the point where Legendary Pokemon hide in far-off regions, praying the parasite will be content with merely Halae. It won't.
Sanguinaria’s presence was prophesied long ago by Cresselia and Darkrai. However, the Legendaries foretold another event-- that a hero with a human soul named Lemura Angelus would arise, and be the only one capable of destroying Sanguinaria for good.
In a sealed-off chamber in a set of long-forgotten ruins far to the north of Halae, ancient machinery stirs, and an amnesiac magearna missing its right arm awakens. This is Lemura Angelus, the long-awaited hero of a dying world.
As any hero, Lemura cannot destroy the opposition alone.
Solve puzzles and offer Lemura suggestions in order to help them and their team advance through Halae. Be aware, however, that Lemura is their own person, and may not always obey some of your commands. Uncover enigmatic secrets about both the history of Halae, and the past memories of Lemura herself. The battle will not be easy, but no fight worth winning ever has been.

Just a few notes!

Everyone is equally welcome to offer suggestions to Lemura. Lemura will consider each, and act on some. While you will be impacting the story a great deal, be aware that I’m the one writing it. This is not a roleplay, or it would have been posted in another section of the forum.
Please do not spam me with suggestions. I’d prefer for people to send in only one or two per round.
Please try to keep suggestions relevant to the situation at hand somewhat. Don’t decide to go off on a treasure hunting expedition if you’re in the middle of a boss fight.
This first chapter is something of a tutorial, so new functions and systems will be introduced at times.
You don’t need to sign up in order to give Lemura suggestions. Just post them!
Be warned that there may be some themes of violence and/or horror. If that's not your cup of tea, you may want to steer clear of this story.
Thank you, good luck, and have fun!

Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
Round 1

Unknown
Magearna - Agender
150/150
100/100
Fine
Inventory: None

It starts with a tingling in your chest. A warmth, a heat. It slips into your heart, and they can feel. Confusion, frustration, grief…
A feeling of unfinished business.
There is something they must do.

Unknown has awoken.

It rushes like liquid through the rest of their body, and finally their other senses awaken. Their eyes light up, and they peer down at their body. Metallic, and colored in a pretty red and gold and white design. They’re missing their right arm arm. They turn their head to examine the absence, and within the gaping hole in their shoulder their can see the gears whirring away within their body.
They examine the one arm attached to them. It is intact, barring one thing. There is an engraving going from their shoulder to their elbow in fine runes. They cannot read it.
They slowly rise to their feet, the clicks of their joints aligning echoing around the small enclosed room. It is ancient, and dark. Only the light of their glowing eyes allows them to see.
It seems to be an old living space. They were on a pedestal towards the back of the room. In one corner is a small table, empty cans and boxes and jugs stored underneath it, the surface crammed by wax candlesticks sculpted by long-dead flames. A dust-covered box sits precariously on it, rusted open. There may be something still inside.
Turning their head to the other side of the room, they see a simple bed. A skeleton, the flesh long-since decayed off, reclines on it. They cannot identify what it was, but it seems to have belonged to a bipedal carnivore of some kind.
It looks at peace.
They look to the door. There appears to be a handle of some kind on it.

Unknown is awaiting suggestions.

[Noblejanobii]

>>Check out the dust covered box for anything that might be worth bringing along

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
Round 2
Unknown
Magearna - Agender
150/150
100/100
Fine

Inventory: None


>>Check out the dust covered box for anything that might be worth bringing along

They approach the box, mechanical clicking and clanking echoing about the tiny, sealed room. They hesitantly lift open the lid of the box, sending a billowing cloud of dust into the air. Fortunately, they do not have lungs, and so do not break out into a sneezing fit as many natural Pokemon might.
Within the box are yellowing pages. They carefully, almost reverently pick up a page, camera-like eyes analyzing the letters. The pages are covered in runes.
They are unsure which order, exactly, the pages are meant to go in.
There is also a pen. It is, miraculously, still working.

Ancient Pages and Old Pen have been added to Unknown’s inventory.

Ancient Pages

Page 1 (http://sta.sh/01we1f2jqznn)
Page 2 (http://sta.sh/019bjgb42pbb)
Page 3 (http://sta.sh/0vq8kb79eh4)
Page 4 (http://sta.sh/02elusbvj4zc)
Page 5 (http://sta.sh/01neqxftdd5u)
Page 6 (http://sta.sh/0irin2dp2j3)
Page 7 (http://sta.sh/01z51mvspr0v)
Page 8 (http://sta.sh/02dfp97mml7u)
Page 9 (http://sta.sh/029pjy83rvrm)
Page 10 (http://sta.sh/01jn49n3lceq)

Unknown is awaiting suggestions…

[LKWayvern]

(Reminder that Unknown is still awaiting suggestions...)

[Noblejanobii]

-> Loot the skeleton

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
Round 3

Unknown
Magearna - Agender
150/150
100/100
Fine

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen


-> Loot the skeleton

They approach the skeleton, curiously. It’s quite large. They’re… not exactly sure what they might do with it. It doesn’t look like it died of injuries. Perhaps illness, or starvation?
Defiling it feels… strange…
The pick up the skull, examining the axelike tusks protruding from it, and place the skull on their head. Perhaps it could intimidate foes somehow?

Ancient Haxorus Skull has been added to Unknown’s inventory.

It sits lopsidedly on their head. They contemplate taking a fibia as a club, but it is too awkward to wield one-handed.

Unknown is awaiting suggestions…

[Noblejanobii]

>>Examine the table

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
Round 4

Unknown
Magearna - Agender
150/150
100/100
Fine

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen, Ancient Haxorus Skull


>>Examine the table

The box is upon the table. They have already examined the box though, so they do not examine it again.
Underneath the table are several jars. One of them appeared to have previously been a chamber pot. That pot is quickly discarded. Others apparently previously contained food and water, though the water has evaporated and there’s nothing left of the food but crumbs. Crammed at the very back of the desk is a worn satchel. It seems easier to them to carry around things like the papers and pen in the satchel rather than in their single hand. They sling the satchel onto their shoulder, placing the items they had already found inside it.
Upon the table, besides the box, is what appears to be a candleholder, with a worn-down candle inside. It’s very short, but there’s still some wick and wax left. There seems to be two small seeds next to it as well. They place them all in the bag.

Used Candle and Strange Seeds(x2) have been added to Unknown’s inventory.

Unknown is awaiting suggestions…

[LKWayvern]

(No one else interested in this? Neo Emolga Chakramaster The Nonexistent Tazz Scytherwolf Velocity Cleobel Steel Lunpara Suicune's Fire? I know it's sort of a slow start but any interest...?)

[Noblejanobii]

>>With seemingly nothing else to do, exit the room.

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
Round 5

Unknown
Magearna - Agender
150/150
100/100
Fine

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen, Ancient Haxorus Skull, Used Candle, Strange Seeds(x2)


>>With seemingly nothing else to do, exit the room.

There doesn’t appear to be anything else of use or interest left in the room.
They slowly approach the door, examining it. There doesn’t seem to be a locking mechanism of any kind. They roughly shove at it. With an ear-piercing shriek, the door swings open on rusted hinges, sending ages of dust into the air.
Beyond the door is a hall. It is equally dark, and there doesn’t seem to be anything of interest here, either.
Until, in response to the door’s shriek, another, more feral shriek echoes down the corridor.
They temporarily glance back into the room, but curiosity wins out over fear and they begin to stride down the corridor, the clicks of their mechanical joints audible.
It is moments later when they meet their first living beings.
Two… strange creatures. The creatures look the same, or maybe it’s because they have never seen anything living before?
The creatures are quadrupedal, with long necks, and light blue scales. The creatures have big blue eyes, with multicolored frills. Those eyes are glaring at them.
They back up, uncertain.
One of the creatures lets out a growl.
What is this… feeling? Bubbling up in their core? No, not feeling.. Feelings?
It’s… panic. And… and almost eagerness, enthusiam? And it’s aggression, too…
It’s…
It feels like the creatures, the…
They know the name now.
The creatures are amaura.
And they can tell that the feral amaura want to fight.

And so we enter our first battle.
Battling in PMD: Rent Spirits is done rather uniquely.
Each Pokemon has four moves, and two stats. Those stats are Life, and Aura.
Life is how much health each battler has. Most moves lower the opponent’s Life, but some moves restore your own. Aura is how you power your moves. The stronger the move, the more Aura it will drain.
Should Life fall to zero, the battler will fall unconscious. Their opponent can then leave them be, capture them, or attack again to kill them.
Should Aura fall to zero, the battler can Recharge to regain Life and Aura, use Life in order to fuel their moves, or end the battle.
There are six actions a battler can undertake while fighting.
The first is Fight, using a move. This is self-explanatory. Use a move in order to attack the opponent.
Recharge is the second action available to you. The battler takes a round to recover their Life and Aura, though they’re liable to be hit by a foe.
Item is similar to how it’s usually used. Use an Item in Lemura’s inventory on yourself or the foe.
Surrender is a tricky action. Should a battle seem to be entering dire straits, a battler may surrender to the foe. Be aware that not all foes may be willing to grant mercy.
Flee is also self-explanatory. Run away if it seems as though you cannot win or surrender. But remember, the foe may give chase!
The final action is Pass. Instead of using one of the aforementioned actions, you can wait the round out, or try talking a foe into surrendering themself.
Remember that type advantages and disadvantages are in play here.

To recap. That is Fight, Recharge, Item, Surrender, Flee, Pass.

Choose wisely.
Good luck.

Battle Begin


Unknown
Steel/Fairy
150/150
100/100
Fine

Sonic Boom(Normal)-- Always inflicts 15 damage. Uses 10 aura.
Aura Sphere(Fighting)-- Inflicts 30 damage. Uses 20 aura.
Flash Cannon(Steel)-- Inflicts 30 damage. Uses 20 aura.
Fleur Cannon(Fairy)-- Inflicts 70 damage. Uses 50 aura.

Amaura 1
Rock/Ice
50/50
100/100
Fine

Amaura 2
Rock/Ice
50/50
100/100
Fine

Unknown is really nervous and wants advice…

[Noblejanobii]

They're rock/ice types which means ground, rock, water, and grass moves are super effective and steel and fighting moves are four times as effective.

So I say use flash cannon on Amaura 1.

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
Round 6

Unknown
Magearna - Agender
150/150
100/100
Fine

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen, Ancient Haxorus Skull, Used Candle, Strange Seeds(x2)

Amaura 1
Rock/Ice
50/50
100/100
Fine

Amaura 2
Rock/Ice
50/50
100/100
Fine

Battle In Progress


They're rock/ice types which means ground, rock, water, and grass moves are super effective and steel and fighting moves are four times as effective.

So I say use flash cannon on Amaura 1.

They blink as they listen. Flash Cannon?

They raise up their left arm, watching as their fingers separate to reveal a small hole. They feel energy rush along their arm and swell, making it feel warm and tingly.

And suddenly a bright white flash of light expels itself from their arm and speeds towards the first amaura, slamming into its side.

Unknown used Flash Cannon on Amaura 1 for 36 damage!

The amaura skidded back, hissing agitatedly. Its compatriot regarded the small dinosaur, and then glared at their common enemy.

Sparks leapt from the second amaura, before erupting in a pulse, catching them and causing their body to feel heavy and rigid and slow.

Amaura 2 has used Thunder Wave on Unknown, Paralyzing them!

They tried moving their arm again, panicking when they can’t do it, but with effort they finally raise their arm, sparks frenetically leaping.

Encouraged by its ally’s attack, the first amaura rushed forward, letting out a shrieking roar, and leaped directly at its foe.

They felt a sudden wave of panic overtake their thoughts, and tried to throw themselves to the side in an attempt to dodge. However sparks caused their legs to seize up and they could not move as the amaura hurled itself directly at them, hitting them dead-on.

Amaura 1 has used Take Down on Unknown, for 27 damage!

The violence of the move caused them to fall backwards. They stared at their foes with wide eyes as pain burned in their body.

It seems you’ve been paralyzed!
There are a variety of status effects that battlers can be afflicted with. Paralysis makes it difficult to Fight or Flee, as it constricts movement. If one attempts to use a move while Paralyzed, there’s a 25% chance that they won’t be able to.
Certain moves can cure Paralysis, as well as the items cheri berry and heal seed!
It’s still possible to use items unimpeded while Paralyzed…


Unknown
Steel/Fairy
123/150
80/100
Paralyzed

Sonic Boom(Normal)-- Always inflicts 15 damage. Uses 10 aura.
Aura Sphere(Fighting)-- Inflicts 30 damage. Uses 20 aura.
Flash Cannon(Steel)-- Inflicts 30 damage. Uses 20 aura.
Fleur Cannon(Fairy)-- Inflicts 70 damage. Uses 50 aura.

Amaura 1
Rock/Ice
4/50
80/100
Fine

Amaura 2
Rock/Ice
50/50
90/100
Fine

Unknown is scared and needs guidance.

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
Round 7

Unknown
Magearna - Agender
123/150
80/100
Paralyzed

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen, Ancient Haxorus Skull, Used Candle, Strange Seeds(x2)

Amaura 1
Rock/Ice
4/50
80/100
Fine

Amaura 2
Rock/Ice
50/50
90/100
Fine

Battle In Progress


You’ve got the one on the ropes, so let’s focus on the other for a moment. No kill like overkill, so let’s try a Fleur Cannon on Amaura 2!

On the verge of panicking they drag themselves away from the first amaura, backing up against a nearby wall. They were outnumbered, hurt, scared-- they wanted this over. They weren’t sure what Fleur Cannon did but maybe it might end it faster?

They raised up their left arm again, feeling energy rush and swell. A pink light gathered in their fingers, seeming to resemble a flower in bloom, before a radiant pink beam blasted from the center of the light, striking the second Amaura squarely in the chest.

The amaura was blasted into the other wall, sliding down to the floor. It did not get up.

Unknown used Fleur Cannon on Amaura 2 for 70 damage!

Amaura 2 has fainted.

They stared at the unconscious dinosaur before slowly letting out a relieved sigh. That was one down. Things were more even now, more manageable-- right?

They first amaura glared at them. They stared back, a sort of confident smile on their face.

The first amaura gave a little roar, and a stone fell from the ceiling, hitting them on the head.

Amaura 1 used Rock Throw on Unknown for 18 damage!

At first they flinch, because it hurt. But it didn’t hurt as much as the last attack… So it’s okay.

They think… They think they can win this?


Unknown
Steel/Fairy
105/150
30/100
Paralyzed

Sonic Boom(Normal)-- Always inflicts 15 damage. Uses 10 aura.
Aura Sphere(Fighting)-- Inflicts 30 damage. Uses 20 aura.
Flash Cannon(Steel)-- Inflicts 30 damage. Uses 20 aura.
Fleur Cannon(Fairy)-- Inflicts 70 damage. Uses 50 aura.

Amaura 1
Rock/Ice
4/50
70/100
Fine

Amaura 2
Rock/Ice
0/50
90/100
Fainted

Unknown thinks that they can win this!

[Noblejanobii]

Time to finish off that straggler with a sonic boom!

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
Round 8

Unknown
Steel/Fairy
105/150
30/100
Paralyzed

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen, Ancient Haxorus Skull, Used Candle, Strange Seeds(x2)

Amaura 1
Rock/Ice
4/50
70/100
Fine

Amaura 2
Rock/Ice
0/50
90/100
Fainted

Battle in Progress


Time to finish off that straggler with a sonic boom!

They raise their arm, gathering energy, only to gasp and shudder as jolts of electricity make their joints freeze up. They grimace, trying to summon the willpower to break through.

While they’re distracted, the amaura steps closer, letting out another roar. They gasp and lose focus as another stone smacks into them.

Amaura 1 used Rock Throw on Unknown for 18 damage!

They aimed their cannon once more, determined to end this. An ear-piercing explosion rent the corridor as a blast of pure sound was shot directly at the Amaura. It wailed, slumping to the ground.

Unknown used Sonic Boom on Amaura 1 for 14 damage!

Amaura 1 has fainted.

Unknown won the battle.

They felt pride flood through their core at their accomplishment. They’d managed to beaten two foes, it made them… happy.

They looked around. They hadn’t seemed to have dropped anything… There was really nothing else in the corridor. They hesitantly moved to the chamber at the other end of the corridor, trying to be as quiet as possible and failing. On occasion, sparks would cause their joints to suddenly freeze up, which they found to be annoying.

They glanced about the room. In the corner a seed and a weird sort of ball lay discarded… The only other thing of interested was a door, which seemed to have an engraving of some kind on it…

Unknown is feeling kind of giddy.

[Noblejanobii]

Let's go investigate that seed and weird ball.

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
Round 9

Unknown
Steel/Fairy
87/150
20/100
Paralyzed

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen, Ancient Haxorus Skull, Used Candle, Strange Seeds(x2)

They move towards the items lying on the ground, examining them.

The seed is small, smaller than the other two seeds. And those two seeds were kind of reddish in color… This one appears to be more golden?

The ball appears to be some kind of orb made of clear glass, tinted blue. There appears to be a faint light emanating from inside. They squinted at the light, before shaking the orb to see if it did anything.

…

...Absolutely nothing happened.

They frowned, depositing both items into the their satchel.

Strange Seed and Mysterious Orb have been added to Unknown’s inventory.

Unknown is curious about what this stuff is, and that door…

[Noblejanobii]

You should go inspect that door now.

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
Round 10

Unknown
Steel/Fairy
87/150
20/100
Paralyzed

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen, Ancient Haxorus Skull, Used Candle, Strange Seeds(x2), Strange Seed, Mysterious Orb


You should go inspect that door now.

The engraving is… strange. There’s what appears to be a keypad of some sort. And engraved above it are what seem to be… letters?

They don’t recognize them at first… but finally it clicks. They recognize them.

They can read them.

In order to exit, state the Divine Clockwork Angel’s prophesied name.

The… Divine Clockwork Angel? What was that?

...Wait a second.

They glanced back down at their mechanical body.

Was that… them? Use the keypad to say their name to exit?

They… had a name?

They strained their thoughts, trying to remember what it was.


They… didn’t know it.

That was wrong, wasn’t it? They should know their own name!


The prospect of leaving, of seeing… Outside. Whatever outside was… It was tantalizing to them. They wanted it…

But they didn’t know!

Unknown is straining to remember…

[Noblejanobii]

Try Lemura

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
Round 11

Unknown
Steel/Fairy
87/150
20/100
Paralyzed

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen, Ancient Haxorus Skull, Used Candle, Strange Seeds(x2), Strange Seed, Mysterious Orb


Try Lemura Angelus

Lemura Angelus…?

Is that… their name?

They have… a name. An identity. They… they are themself.

They are Lemura Angelus.

They feel a sort of swell, deep within their core. They feel… happy?

They’re happy!

It feels like…

...They don’t think they quite know how to describe how it feels like. Relieving, perhaps? Refreshing?

They feel…

More confident, now. Stronger. More ready to face… well, whatever’s out there!

...What is out there?

A wave of curiosity washes over them, and they approach the door. They feel excited and eager! They, they want to see outside!

Lemura’s hand trembles as they fit the little shaped rocks into the slots on the door. They flinch as there’s a sudden rumbling, and then blink at the door.

There’s a slight cleft, and something’s filtering through it…

Chapter 1 has concluded. Thank you to all those who participated!
Please stay tuned for the coming Interlude.

[LKWayvern]

Interlude 1
Zayn and Simon
Lokfore Temple Exterior

~~(Recommended Listening: Escape Through the Snow(Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkRWICmxcPE))~~

Light.

As they shove the door open, the temperature plummets. Snowflakes are swept inside, already dusting Lemura’s front half. They try to snatch one in wonder, gazing as the white powder melts into liquid in their metallic hand.

Their ear-like sensors perk up as they think they detect something.

Noise.

Other… other Pokemon?

Are they feral, like the amaura?

No, no there’s… words? Words!

There are intelligent Pokemon!

Could…

Could they speak with them?

Lemura stepped out into the snow, shuddering as their leg sank in. Their sensors twitched as they picked up more words.

“I’m just saying, we’re literally the only ones this far north! We barely even see ferals! Why do we have to patrol? It’s freezing!”

“It doesn’t matter if we’re the only ones, Captain Aquillon told us to do it!”

They understood!

Lemura eagerly waded through the snow, thoughts racing. What would these strangers be like? What do they look like? Were they really smart? Were they friendly? Lemura couldn’t see them through the blinding white of the snow, but they were getting closer! There was a flicker of something in the distance-- fire? Green fire?

“Well, Artemis can be paran-- ...oh.”

And then they came into view.

A Pokemon, with a skull as a helmet or hat(like Lemura!) and a shortish but fluffy red-colored sort of cloak, and it was holding a bone that had that weird green fire it was um-- Cubone! With… What kind of looked like Alolan Marowak’s bone? Huh.

And the other--Lemura didn’t quite realize they were there at first, they blended in with the snow so well! They were quadruped with fluffy white fur, and they had an orange bandanna and little boots fitted over their paws and they were-- they were Alolan Vulpix!


About the time that Lemura saw these Pokemon, they saw her too, prompting the one speaking to trail off.

They stared at each other.

Lemura gave a little wave.

The silence was broken when the vulpix turned to grin smugly at the cubone. “See!? This is why we have patrols! We discover things, they’re just as important as your archaeology outings with Ms. Prencea!”

The cubone held up his paws. “Hey! Okay! You were right, I was wrong!”

The vulpix glared at Lemura again, tails fluffing up in an attempt to make himself look larger and teeth bared. “Now who are you? I’ve never seen a Pokemon like you before! Identify yourself, intruder!”

Lemura raised their single arm in surrender. They were tired from their previous fight, and didn’t want to fight again. Especially not these two, for some reason.

The cubone frowned at Lemura, before his eyes widened in realization. “Simon, wait a second!” He shoved his bone out, making the vulpix back up.

The cubone approached Lemura. Lemura stepped towards him.

“...Hi.”

Lemura waved again.

The cubone used his bone to point in the direction Lemura had came. “...Did you come out of Lokfore Temple? The building thataway?”

Lemura thought for a moment, then nodded.

“A-are you…” The cubone gulped. “Are you Lemura Angelus?”

Lemura blinked. Someone knew them? Were they… famous?

They nodded again.

The cubone gasped, before grabbing Lemura’s arm and enthusiastically pumping it up and down. “You ARE! That’s incredible! You finally came! I didn’t think you’d come while I was alive! I always loved your legend and I’m so happy to be able to meet you!”

The vulpix approached. “Wh-- Lemura Angelus? The Savior of Stina?”

The cubone whirled to face him, a massive grin on his face. “Yes! It’s got to be! They have a mechanical chassis, remember? Just like her!” He patted Lemura’s mettalic body pointedly. The cubone blinked, then turned back to Lemura. “Oh right! You’re probably confused! Hi there, it’s really nice to meet you! My name’s Zayn Prencea, and that’s my friend Simon! We live with a bunch of others over in the Armageddon Bunker nearby. We’re archaeologists!”

“He’s an apprentice archaeologist,” Simon corrected. “I’m apprenticed under Captain Aquillon, so I can get stronger.”

“We’re researching ancient myths of Halae, to see if anything from the past can help us out now!” Zayn continued “My mentor Skye, she’s really smart, she-- uh…” Zayn trailed off, backing up slightly, his smile turning sheepish. “Right… You’ve probably got stuff to do and places to be, right?”

~~(Recommended Listening: Partner’s Theme (Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoQNUP9cblc))~~

Lemura stared at him, blankly.

They…

...They had unfinished business. That they knew.

There was something that they absolutely needed to do.

But…

Lemura wasn’t sure exactly what that business was.

They were at a loss as to where they were, what was happening in the world, where to go.

...But Zayn and Simon…

Lemura had only just met them. But Zayn seemed to nice! Even if it was only because they were apparently famous, someone acting so happy to see Lemura made them feel happy!

...They didn’t know where to go next, so they wanted to go with Simon and Zayn instead.

They approached Zayn, gripping at his arm.

They felt themself opening up to Zayn, a connection forming.

I want to go with you.

Zayn’s mouth fell open. “I-- I whuh-- you have telepathy?”

Lemura blinked. I do?

Simon frowned. “What did they say?”

“She said she wants to come with us!” Zayn gleefully announced.

Lemura nodded, smiling.

“That’s probably for the best-- they look pretty beat up, Papina could heal them before they leave for their business,” Simon commented.

I want to stay with you!

Zayn stared at Lemura in surprise again. “R-really!?”

“What did they say!?” Simon demanded.

“She wants to stay with us!”

I… I don’t know what to do now… I want to stay with you because I don’t know where else to go…

Zayn smiled at Lemura, excitement evident in his sparkling eyes. “That’s okay-- Skye’s really smart, I’m sure she can help you out. But hey, feel free to stay however long you want!”

Lemura’s face lit up. Really?

Simon looked conflicted. “Uh… Hate to break up the moment. But we should really get back to the Bunker.”

“Right!” Zayn nodded, gripping Lemura’s hand tightly.

The odd trio began making their way across the frozen wasteland once more.

Lemura felt excitement and satisfaction fluttering within them. And they could feel something else-- with a start, they realized they could feel the emotions within Zayn as well. The excitement of a child meeting their idol, his admiration for his mentor…

His joy at making a friend…

...Friend.

Lemura decided they felt joy at that, too.

Zayn, their first friend.

~~~

And we’re finally out of Chapter 1!
Thank you for bearing with me. I know that this was a pretty slow chapter… Honestly it was more of a prologue than a fully fledged chapter. But I PROMISE, things are going to get more exciting next chapter. No battles, but more characters, and we start digging into the actual plot of Rent Spirits!
Thank you Noblejanobii for pretty much driving Lemura for basically the whole first chapter.
I hope everyone reading this note at any point enjoys what I have planned for the future~

Also, a little note.
At the end of every chapter, there will be an Interlude. They’re sort of like cutscenes in the PMD games. So no suggestions during one. Also, most will focus on characters who are not Lemura. Interludes are mostly to give me a bit of breathing room before the next chapter begins.
Chapter 2 I have pretty much all planned out, though. So once I get the first round typed up, we can start it right away.

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 2: The Archaeologists of Armageddon Bunker
Round 1
Armageddon Bunker

Lemura Angelus
Steel/Fairy
87/150
20/100
Paralyzed

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen, Ancient Haxorus Skull, Used Candle, Strange Seeds(x2), Strange Seed, Mysterious Orb

Lemura thought that the building Zayn and Simon claimed to be their home was far too small.
They looked to the small concrete block again, looked back at Zayn, and then wordlessly gestured at it again.

“Zayn, stop trying to convince her with words, and just open the door and show her,” Simon finally interjected.

“Why don’t you show her?” Zayn retorted.

“Because I don’t have hands. And you’re the one with the key.”

Zayn blinked, and then nodded, before rooting around in his cape and extracting from it a skeleton key. He walked up to the steel door, inserting the key into the lock. A clicking sound was heard, and the door swung open.

With a grin on his face, he gestured for Lemura to enter first. “After you!”

Lemura peered uncertainly at the gloomy darkness, and entered.

~~(Recommended Listening: Crystal Crossing(Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K1xo1iBBoo)))

First there was a set of stairs. She made her way down them, and entered a much larger space. It was a corridor carved out of pure stone, two doors on either side lining it. At the other end was what appeared to be another stairwell. The entire facility was eerily lit by softly glowing pale yellow crystals adorning the walls.

Lemura moved out of the way just as Zayn bounded down the stairs, taking two at a time. Simon followed shortly behind him.

“I’ll go find Skye, and tell her that you’re here!” Zayn informed Lemura. “Simon, can you take her to Papina? Berries work on Pokemon like magnemite and klink, so.. She should probably have something for Lemura, right?”

Simon nodded, and Zayn walked into one of the rooms.

Simon nodded at the stairwell at the other end of the corridor. “Papina’s our resident chef and nurse. She’s down on the second level though.”

The second level was similar to the first. However this time, there were only two doors.

Simon swept his cloudlike tails towards the door to the left. “That’s the Infirmary. Which doubles as the Mess Hall. Because we have no space and Papina doesn’t like having to fly somewhere else to deliver food to injured pokemon who can’t be moved. She’s kind of impatient.”

Simon led them to the door, knocking on it with his paws.

“You missed breakfast by hours, Danton! Get up earlier next time!” a voice hollered from within.

“It’s not Danton, it’s Simon! We need medicine!” Simon yelled back.

The door opened, an irritated looking beautifly peering out from behind it. Her expression changed slightly when she saw Lemura. “...What is that.”

“An injured Pokemon. Do you have medicinal berries?” Simon asked.

“Of course I have medicinal berries. Get in,” Papina said, opening the door further and flitting away.

Simon and Lemura entered the room. It was was a mess hall, filled with tables and benches. There was a door off to the side that Papina had gone into.

Simon glanced at Lemura. “...You haven’t said a word. Can you speak?”

Lemura didn’t think they could, so they shook their head.

“Can you do that telepathy thing you did with Zayn?”

Lemura frowned, closing their eyes. What had they done with Zayn? They had just… really trusted him…

...Simon wasn’t as openly nice as Zayn… But he was still nice, wasn’t he? He was friends with Zayn, and helping them get healed.

They felt… Another connection.

I… think so?

Simon jumped a little. “C… can you do that anyone?”

I don’t know?

Simon sighed. “Can you write?”

Lemura nodded confidently.

“I’m going to get you a paper and pen so you can actually say things without a translator. Stay here until Papina gets back,” Simon instructed her, before leaving.

Lemura was left standing in the room. She glanced around again, before sitting on a bench.

Lemura would prefer exploring… But will wait for now.

[LKWayvern]

Hey Lemura, they said you were some kind of famous figure, right? When Papina and Simon get back, you should ask them what and how they know about you.

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 2: The Archaeologists of Armageddon Bunker
Round 2
Armageddon Bunker, Mess Hall

Lemura Angelus
Steel/Fairy
87/150
20/100
Paralyzed

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen, Ancient Haxorus Skull, Used Candle, Strange Seeds(x2), Strange Seed, Mysterious Orb

~~(Recommended Listening: Crystal Crossing(Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K1xo1iBBoo)))~~

Lemura looked around, waiting for several minutes, before finally standing up. They made their way over to the door that Papina had vanished into, curiously peering in.

The room seemed to be a kitchen of some kind… almost? There was a stove and sink, with pots of some kind of broth simmering on it, but it seemed to be more of a storage room than anything. It was crammed to the ceiling with cabinets and crates and barrels and boxes, stacked haphazardly and teetering. Papina flitted nonchalantly between them, warbling an off-key and boisterous song as she collected what she felt she needed.

Papina flitted out the door again, over Lemura’s head.

“Hey, sit down,” Papina told grabbing them and steering them to the nearest table and bench. “Now stay still. I’m not having you up and wandering around while I’m treating you.”

Papina started laying out berries on the table. “So you’re paralyzed, probably low on Life and Aura too. So I got a cheri, some orans, some leppas. You’re like one of them synths, right? Magnemites ‘n klinks and stuff?” she questioned.

Lemura thought for a moment, then nodded.

“Great. Some of ‘em have mouths, you got one?”

Lemura responded by opening their mouth.

“Good.” Papina tapped the table near the berries. “Eat up.”

Lemura slowly ate the berries. She couldn’t taste any of them.

Lemura used the cheri, orans, and leppas.

Paralysis has been lifted. Life and aura have been restored.

Papina gestured at Lemura’s missing arm. “Wish I could do somethin’ ‘bout that, but we don’t get much in the way of supplies out here. An’ even then, there’s a limit to what medicine does. Then again, you’re lucky you’ve got one arm-- ‘mons like slugmas don’t get any!” The beautifly chortled.

Lemura heard Simon enter again, moving to sit besides her and deposit a stack of papers and a pen. He looked at her expectantly.

...What?

Simon blinked, then frowned. “You don’t know?”

Know what?

“When you want someone to do something for you, you say please. When they do it, you say thank you.”

Oh. Lemura nodded, picked up the pen, and then wrote ‘Thank you, Simon.’ After a moment she added ‘Thank you for the medicine too’.

Papina shrugged it off. “It’s my job. Speaking of which. Gotta get back to that.” She fluttered off.


Hey Lemura, they said you were some kind of famous figure, right? When Papina and Simon get back, you should ask them what and how they know about you.

Lemura thought for a moment. You knew my name. Why?

Simon swished his tails in thought. “...Zayn’s mentor is an archaeologist. He’s training to be one too. They were researching ancient myths, looking for something in the past that might help Halae in the present. They thought the legend of the ‘Divine Clockwork Angel’, named ‘Lemura Angelus’, were the most promising.” He frowned. “I thought even if you were real, you’d be too old to move. Guess I was wrong.”

Save from what?

Simon’s eyes widened. “Wait… you don’t know?”

I just woke up. I know some stuff I think. But not much.

Simon gathered his fluffy tails around himself. “...You’re supposedly the ‘Savior of Stina’. This world is Stina. A long time ago, Darkrai predicted a ‘Scourge of Stina’ would come to kill us, and Cresselia predicted a ‘Savior of Stina’ would come to destroy it. The Scourge of Stina… Her name is Sanguinaria.” Simon’s voice turned cold and hateful. “I… Ask Skye about her.”

There was a noise. Lemura turned to the door to look.

Two other Pokemon had entered the room. First there was Zayn. Lemura waved at him. He smiled and waved back.

With him was a tall, biped, green reptilian Pokemon in a fur-lined turquoise cloak.

Lemura’s curious about these strangers.

[Shruikan]

>>Try communicating via telepathy with the stranger, and Inquire about Sanguinaria, the "Scourge of Stina"

(Sorry if I'm doing this wrong)

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 2: The Archaeologists of Armageddon Bunker
Round 3

Lemura Angelus
Magearna - Agender
150/150
100/100

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen, Ancient Haxorus Skull, Used Candle, Strange Seeds(x2), Strange Seed, Mysterious Orb

~~(Recommended Listening: Crystal Crossing(Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K1xo1iBBoo)))~~

Zayn strode back over at Lemura. “Hey! Are you feeling better now?”

Lemura nodded, flexing their fingers. Her attention drifted back to the other Pokemon as they came closer.


>>Try communicating via telepathy with the stranger, and Inquire about Sanguinaria, the "Scourge of Stina"

They tried forging that connection they had formed with Zayn and Simon with that other Pokemon.

It was… the species was… sceptile, right?

Lemura closed their eyes.

...They… they couldn’t find it. They didn’t… Zayn had been the first Pokemon they had met, besides the amauras… And Zayn trusted Simon, and he seemed kind of nice…

Maybe… they could only connect with Pokemon that they trusted…? They… didn’t really know this Pokemon though… so they couldn’t connect yet?

They grabbed their pen again, writing furiously on the paper. “Hello. My name is Lemura.”

The sceptile smiled. “I know, dear. But it is nevertheless nice to meet you, Lemura.” She extended a hand. “My name is Skye Prencea.”

That name was familiar, wasn’t it?

Oh, yes! Zayn had said that Skye was his mentor.

They glanced back at Zayn. He smiled back at them.

He… liked and trusted her a lot… didn’t he? He seemed to.

That was enough for them.

’...It’s nice to meet you.’

Skye’s eyeridge raised. “Curious. So you do have telepathy.”

‘I have questions.’

“I’m sure that you do.” Skye looked back at Zayn and Simon. “You two can go.”

Simon left the table. Zayn remained seated.

“I’d like to stay with Lemura, if that’s okay,” he said.

Skye nodded. “Very well. Angelus, your questions?”

‘You knew who I was before I said who I was. And you said something about… Sanguinaria?’

Skye sat down at the table, clasping her clawed hands together. Worry crossed her face.

“Sanguinaria… A very long time ago, there were twin Pokemon gifted with the ability to see the future: Cresselia and Darkrai. Darkrai predicted that a predator would come from beyond our world, and the predator would be named the Scourge of Stina. Cresselia predicted that a vengeful hunter would give chase, and come to our world in pursuit of the Scourge, and they would be the Savior of Stina.”

“But Cresselia and Darkrai also said that you’d need a physical body. So Heatran forged one and gave it to the Queen of Halae to keep safe. But then… Well, there was a war because other countries wanted your body for a weapon, and they last track of where you were,” Zayn said.

Skye smiled again. “...Well. We found you again. Thank Mew.” Her expression sobered again. “At any rate… a few decades ago, a creature known as Sanguinaria entered Stina. We have never seen her species before, and she possesses powers no Pokemon is known to have. Therefore… we suspect that she is the Scourge. The fact that Legendary Pokemon refuse to fight her confirmed the suspicions of most Stinans.”

Zayn pulled his cloak a bit closer about himself.

“She… Well. She seems to have hypnotic abilities-- most of the time she drags Pokemon into her fortress and they’re never seen again. But sometimes they’re… ‘recruited’ by her. It’s unknown what she does to those that aren’t seen again, but a popular theory is that they’re eaten,” Skye continued. “Well… Many Pokemon have given up hope. Small groups are trying to resist her to some extent-- some are allied, others merely want to survive. We’re… could we be considered one of them?” Skye paused, tilting her head in thought.

“Well, we’re trying to save Stina!” Zayn said.

“I suppose so, then. We’re the Armageddon Archaeologists. Because several of us are archaeologists, and we live in Armageddon Bunker, an old fort from the Titan War built to last until the end of time itself. We decided that since the Scourge was obviously real, the Savior must be as well. We spent the last few years searching for hints of your location, and they finally seem to have paid off…” Skye smiled fondly at Lemura.

Lemura felt… strange.

They really had something bit to take care of… And they had not a clue as to how to do something like defeat Sanguinaria. They didn’t even know very much about her. Skye had said she was from another world, and could use hypnotism or something… What if she hypnotized Lemura?

They didn’t know anything. They didn’t know how to do this.

Lemura’s… honestly kind of scared…

[Noblejanobii]

>>> Inquire more about future plans for the team.

[LKWayvern]

Chapter 2: The Archaeologists of Armageddon Bunker
Round 3
Mess Hall, Armageddon Bunker

Lemura Angelus
Magearna - Agender
150/150
100/100

Inventory: Ancient Pages, Old Pen, Ancient Haxorus Skull, Used Candle, Strange Seeds(x2), Strange Seed, Mysterious Orb

~~(Recommended Listening: Crystal Crossing(Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K1xo1iBBoo)))~~


>>> Inquire more about future plans for the team.

‘Umm… Do I um… fight Sanguinaria… now?’

Skye’s eyes widened. “What? No no, of course not! I was not sure what to expect of you… But if you are unsure what to do next, then we may discuss it. If you need help, me and my group will be glad to provide it. Anything to restore peace in Stina.” She smiled reassuringly.

Lemura nodded, feeling a little relieved. ‘So what are we doing?’

“Well, I would like to discuss matters with Artemis before making any decisions. However… I have a friend with a rather large library. Darkrai and Cresselia’s prophecies were actually quite long, and if I could borrow a copy of them they may contain instructions for what you must do next. Artemis may have other suggestions, though,” Skye said. She stood up. “Speaking of whom, I should find her. If you don’t have any other questions, perhaps Zayn could give you a tour around the base?”

Lemura is listening for other suggestions…

[Noblejanobii]

Take the tour with Zayn!

[LKWayvern]

Some... interesting news concerning Rent Spirits.
It will no longer be continuing on Pokemon Crossroads, or in written format.
Instead, it will be taking a hiatus. And then continuing on a different website, in a different format. Namely, on Tumblr, in a combination of written and drawn. Also, instead of being PMD it will be taking place in an original world...
I've got a couple of reasons for doing this. First, it doesn't seem to be gaining much of an audience here? I'm hoping maybe on a larger platform, more people interested in it might be able to find it... Though it'll still probably take time.
Second, while I like the battle system... I dunno, maybe all the technical stuff is scaring people away and if it had less of that people might be more interested? Plus I don't really like how certain commands lead to short posts, that irritates me sort of.
Third... Well, the Pokemon aspect of this... isn't quite as evident as other stuff I do? Or not really evident... More, it can more easily be translated into an original setting. And I've kind of wanted to make SOMETHING original that I'm inspired to work on, that's just a me thing though...

It'll still have all the same characters. It's even expanded quite a bit in my mind. I think for once instead of making me uncertain, making it original has given me more freedom, it feels like.

If anyone's still interested, here's the (extremely work-in-progress) page. (https://www.tumblr.com/blog/rent-spirits)

Side-note, expect a Patreon page with extras to go up at some point.

...Well. Here we go.