Offscreen Activities

[Magyk]

As the raid day approaches, Grace trains and prepares for the moment. If there are confirmed prisoners, she needed to be preapred in case they needed immediate attention and healing, and so joins the team that would be going in to free them. With her own experience healing and supporting her friends back home, Grace continues to hone her techniques in this body, returning to her Healer roots once again.

She hasn't quite figured out what allows the others to access their Shadow powers especially because she's not been in a situation where they'd come out yet and is struggling to find what exactly would bring them out of her. If those powers are needed to help, then she can't afford to fall behind! She still had to access Radiance as well, and hoped that at least one of them would help her help those affected by Shadows. Grace is determined to find anything that can help her with either, and doesn't stop checking the bulletin board in case of any odd requests.

Before Nova leaves for the Timeless Oasis, he makes sure to pay Grace a visit to thank her for her help in getting his helmet to break.

Grace is estatic to see Nova's face at last! She congratulates him with confetti, a hug, and constant cheering. She is way too excited for someone she's barely met. Perhaps that was just how she was...

 

[Phoenixsong]

Leaf asks around the Traveller's Haus for any signs or news of the Wandering Light just in case. It's probably weird for a legendary pokémon to just chill out around an inn, but also it sounds like it's weird for one to show up in public at all, so why not? Maybe she's here in town because she's looking for the Wayfarers herself.

 

[Inkedust]

Most of Bellatrix's time is spent training, both her strength in the outskirts and her illusions within Frontier Town, while also continuing to take odd jobs from the bulletin board. Her battle strategy seems to have shifted slightly after her sparring match with the Escarpa. She continues to try and build a strong rapport with the Escarpa as she strongly respects them as warriors, believing that such a connection will prove invaluable in the future.

One day, not long after the Scriven festival, Bellatrix visits Gray and requests that he forge her a sword [ @MintyMimix ]. While she waits for a quote and an answer, she busies herself with Belle's writing.

As plans are discussed and finalised, Bellatrix with her bounty hunting history, wishes to confront Cipher's leadership directly feeling that her skills would be most invaluable there.

 

[JFought]

What has each Wayfarer done in recent weeks to get ready?

In addition to what was detailed in the last offscreen, Isidora spends some of her time self-training trying to figure out how she acquired Whirlwind. This leads her to wondering if perhaps the way forward to becoming stronger in Forlas is to rethink a few things. She asks various Escarpa warriors to help her spar and practice a new battle style centered around disruption and area control, and in the process becomes a Sentry... tentatively. Nothing is figured out until tested in practical combat.

Which Wayfarers will join each of these missions?

Isidora volunteers to go for the leader. She has a few reservations on who they'll actually find (an administrator, at least, but they wouldn't put all their eggs in one basket, would they...?), but if there's a tough battle to be had, it's only right she lends her skill to it.

One thing Isidora is curious about is that red scarf she picked up from the entrance to Terminal Two all that time ago. She's since kept it sealed in a glass jar to preserve its scent. Perhaps one of the squads can find a use for it?

In the search for Luz, Isidora checks the Sanctum of Wishes. Maybe Luz went to meditate there?

 

[Tetra]

In the time leading up to the Cipher fight, Koa takes to training harder, pushing himself more and more. With the new access to areas further away, it's conveniently easy to find spots where no one on the team will see him. Not that he goes out obsessively to train or overtire himself. That’d be absurd! It’s not like he wants to evolve really bad.

That said, he also goes with Archie and Odette at various times, and works hard, training with each of them to hone both regular attacks and dabble more in shadow control. He’s careful, never taking it too far, but he’s still uncomfortable digging into his own thoughts like that...

He also goes to the rangers to try to hone his skills in different combat techniques and if she’s available, will go to Ayda and Razael specifically. He remembers noting Razael’s skill in what seems like martial arts, and also Ayda’s speed and power.This combined training with various people has improved Koa’s dynamic ability in combat. He’s now a Paladin!
(Why hasn’t he evolved yet dang it).

---

Koa takes a few slices of time here and there to go to Sinopa in private and share some stories with her. Stories from his world, bits of exploits from the Wayfarers, like meeting a pair of Escarpa cubs or trying to help Drapion. He tells her of the legend in his world about Ho-Oh and Lugia and a land called Orre, and of legend known as Giratina saving his world from evil by taking it far away, even though nobody knows about it. Giratina is a hero. He also likes to chat about his team, whom he misses dearly.

If she feels like it, he’d love to hear stories from her! Has she ever met a saint? What was the world of Forlas like back then? Did she ever run into Jesse Stranger and Sierra? What kinds of dungeons has she seen? What does she think of this shadow business and issues with the Escarpa?

As for which mission Koa goes on, he takes time to think it over. A lot. Too much.

Koa expresses and interest in the team searching for prisoners to free them; but says he would also go with whichever group he feels might need his help.

 

[MintyMimix]

One day, not long after the Scriven festival, Bellatrix visits Gray and requests that he forge her a sword. While she waits for a quote and an answer, she busies herself with Belle's writing.

"Is it a focus for aura channeling, or something to help cut your hair?" Gray remarked with a gruff, but hearty chuckle.

For a basic, no-frills sword, the asking price wouldn't be too high; Gray would just need a bit of Bellatrix's time to get some measurements for her body type. And in only a couple of days work, the sword was ready! With the dust from Lumirror Forest used to help proof the weapon, the sword boasted an unusually striking mirror finish — almost as though it were a polished like glass. When swung, one could swear the wind whooshing was almost akin to a spirit whispering a secret.

As for the search for Luz, Ghaspius would visit the Gazette Offices. A saint couldn't involve themselves in worldly affairs, but surely they would at least be curious about them, right?

 

[Sinderella]

What has each Wayfarer done in recent weeks to get ready?

Odette has kept up with her gun training with Drungfield. In fact, she feels like she's getting so handy with the derringer that she looks for an upgrade in anticipation for the Cipher fight. She didn't know if she'd need it, but it didn't hurt to be ready. She also spends time trying to channel Radiance and Shadow simultaneously to test her theories about balancing, and to learn the effects of both in close proximity.

She spends time at the train station listening to Murkrow and writing down anything of note that they say.

She also makes a few solo trips out to the Blaguarro outskirts, under the cover of night and with a crafty use of her new move Shadow Ball, to check for any signs of wagons coming through, Shadow 'mon, or even the Wandering Light herself.

Which Wayfarers will join each of these missions?

"Someone else can handle the prisoners. I just want to knock some fucking heads. My shot's gotten better so if we need a last ditch effort way to level them..."

She'll end up where the reinforcements were needed, but her eyes are on the lab.

 

[Jackie Cat]

Gladion will probably check in on the status of a railway closure as Lucius talked about.

Lucien has in fact honoured his commitment to postponing all rail travel between Frontier Town and Blaguarro.

"It can't be indefinite, I'm afraid, but it should cover the duration of your mission, and of course I have arranged for you to be taken there by rail when the time comes. I wish you the very best of luck, young sir."

he’d also like to look into ways to make sure it’s physically hard to bypass before they act, like using his job to get access to metal and a weilding supply (thermite?) to place an obstruction at the station exit that would be enough to inconvenience a quick getaway without being too hard to fix, or draining a steam engine reservoir at night

Gladion is confident he can safely implement temporary sabotage when the time comes.

Seeing Nova without the mask for the first time, she realizes she vaguely recognizes what he is. Haven't I seen a picture of that 'mon before...?

what

Isidora finds Sonora, and after giving her a basic rundown of the facts, asks her if she and her gang would be interested in helping them raid Terminal Two when the time comes.

"It'll be dangerous. Real dangerous. And I'm not here to force you. I just figured you'd be interested, given the help you gave us once before. And personally I can't think of a better way to pay back that favor you owe us. But whatever you choose, don't tell anyone outside your gang about this."

"There's no way I'm gettin' my crew involved in somethin' this dangerous and unknown. I fretted more'n enough fer weeks ahead of the Manor job, and we had a ton of contingencies fer that. But... I can be there. If y'all think I can make a difference."

Sonora's visibly afraid of further encounters with Shadows, but she commits to joining the mission nonetheless.

Hopefully Chief Ayda and Razael are available and she can confirm what they know/whatever the Escarpa might've told them before, but even if not Leaf (and anyone who wants to come with) will tell any other Rangers she can about the upcoming raid on the source of the shadows/demons/witching beasts/these things have too many dang names but you know, those guys. Anyone who's willing to help with what might be a dangerous but very important plan is very much appreciated, and she adds that the rest of the Wayfarers, the Escarpa clan, and maybe others will be there alongside them. She's especially eager to talk to Ranger Cascada about what she thinks they can all coordinate, since she'd probably be the biggest help in connecting the Rangers and the Escarpa.

"Yeah, we've been minding this knot for a while now. I'd like nothing more than to clear those bastards out myself."

The Ranger Union has been exploring options for dealing with the organisation they now know to be Cipher for some time, but sparing Rangers from their stations and patrols, especially combat specialists, would leave the Soja' vulnerable. They're peacekeepers, not warriors. Nevertheless, now that the Wayfarers are acting as an axis for other factions to join with against Cipher, Ayda believes she and a hand-picked team of Rangers can accompany the mission, and help with everything from surveillance, to civilian liaison, perimeter guard, and combat. She'll be there.

 

[Jackie Cat]

he thinks the Wandering Zera worth checking out given its owner tendency toward discretion. He does focus a smidge on his shadows to see if there's a reaction, but not enough that he'd actively be projecting that power.

Bingo.

The 'Wanderin' Zera' was so-named because an itinerant Zeraora stopped by a long time ago for a quiet drink.

It seems she's returned for another quiet drink.

 

[Jackie Cat]

Archie seeks out Seth. At first, it's mostly to ask the Lycanroc questions about how he keeps himself under control, how he lives with Shadow, and things of that nature. Eventually, this evolves into requesting sparring sessions to better get a handle on both using Shadow himself, and deal with an enemy combatant using it against him.

If Seth declines, Archie won't push him, but will ask again on subsequent visits, and is willing to bargain to get the Lycanroc to agree to train with him. Eventually, as the date of the raid on Terminal Two approaches, Archie asks the million dollar question: Is Seth out or in?

"Powehi keeps the worst of it at bay, makes sure I won't Shadow permanently. Means there's always a minimum amount, though – never rid of it. Helps to think of my vees. Helps to focus on physical reality, without feeling anything about it. Helps to... feel pain, sometimes."

~~~

"Spar? What, you a clanner now, Fedora? Hey, sure, whatever does it for you, man. Why the fuck not. Just buy me lunch or some shit."

~~~

"What, go fight Cipher? Wow, buddy, why would you think I'd have aaaaaanything to do with that? Of course I'll fucking be there, dumbass."

~~~

You have unlocked: sarcasm. Archie and Seth are now friends.

 

[Jackie Cat]

fter he returns to Frontier Town, book in hand, Steven makes the trek to Sunward. He times his travel to ensure he arrives during the day, and makes his way to the Fort.

"Hello? Excuse me, but I'm looking for the Day Captain, Armarouge Aurelia? I'd like to ask a favor of her, if possible. There's a chance she might remember me."

He hopes the Captain won't refuse his wish to train with her and the cadets. Her words from their first meeting echoed in his head; the Wardens trained to protect. He also remembers her saying the Wardens were trained in contemplation of the light. He isn't entirely sure if it's related to the Radiance the Wayfarers were seeking, but he also won't turn down a lightening of his soul, given the way his evolution was overshadowed...

Before he leaves the Fort, he tells the Captains about the Wayfarers' upcoming battle against Cipher.

"I don't know exactly what we'll find down there, but Cipher and their Shadow creations need to be stopped for the safety of all of Sojavena."

He doesn't expect either of them to leave their posts, but wants them to know what's happening with Shadows and those who strive to create them. However, if there are any of those in Sunward who wish to fight, he won't turn away their help.

Aurelia is, as usual, posted to the front gate, and steps forward to answer Steven.

"Hold, Beld— Metang Steven! I remember your voice; kudos for your evolution! What brings you to Fort Sunward? Will you come inside and speak with me face to face?"

~~~

"It is odd for an outsider to train with us, but neither unheard of, nor forbidden. I see and honour your desire to better yourself, and will gladly host you for a time, Steven. And so I may give thanks for your gift."

~~~

"We do not wield the Sun's Light ourselves except in the darkest of times, we... protect it from those who would take it for themselves."

~~~

"It is... not an opportune time for the Wardens to march elsewhere. Things are... precarious. Still, it is good to be warned and advised of this trouble in the north, and I thank you for it. We are ill-supplied with news here."

Upon Steven's return to Frontier Town, he spends time working with Lucien, not only to prepare for the town's upcoming election but also to try to compile a list from town and jail records of any citizen who might have been sent to Terminal Two by Ignatius. It's a grim task, but worth it if for no other reason than to provide some closure.

"I must say, Steven, it is an altogether different thing to work in these matters with a reasonable 'mon of noble character, as compared with my previous experiences. Don't take this to mean that I should like to reconsider abstaining from running myself, only that I... I am less troubled than I have been."

Between the two of them, Lucien and Steven are able to put together a list which, to the best of their knowledge, represents a full acounting of all Ignatius' sold-off prisoners.

 

[Chibi Pika]

Jade spends a lot of time practicing with her new bike after that time she rode it out to confront the Escarpa scouts at the gorge. She spends her extra change on spare parts from Alejandro's shop to improve it over time, since it's missing a lot of features that a modern bike back home would've had. She sees Wes at the shop often, given that the latter works there, and feels a little silly asking him questions since he's used to working with, like, an actual motorcycle, and a janky cobbled-together bicycle feels childish in comparison.

Still, having a faster means of travel means she can take on delivery jobs around Frontier Town. She even does a few deliveries to Little Scriven now that the Wayfarers have a dungeon waypoint. She can't bring her bike with her for those trips, though, it's too large. Maybe someday she could gather up enough dungeon dust to sync her aura with it?

She likes to go riding alongside Leaf although the latter is waaaaay faster now as a Rapidash, dangit.

Jade follows up on the promise to train more with Koa. The two also go dungeon-delving a few times too. She's practiced a few new moves--being a Meowth, it feels like she's able to pick up such a weird array of skills. She even managed to come up with a few thready bits of lightning after a recent training session--and it persisted even after she let go of the Assist. Maybe she'd be able to use it on her own even without Koa around...?

Jade meets up with Laura and the two set out on a trip to visit the Ranger HQ once the dungeon waypoint had been established. Partially just to check out the place (a sentient dungeon??) but also to liaison with the rangers regarding the upcoming Terminal Two raid. With the Wayfarers delving into the facility, they'll need allies on the outside to guard the perimeter, protect civilians from wayward demons, and be available to help if a hasty retreat is needed. While there, Jade and Laura compare tactical notes, and Jade is somewhat flustered to realize that she actually has more experience than most with this sort of mission.

 

[Jackie Cat]

She may or may not have confided in Greasewood her concerns about not having evolved,

"Don't think on it too hard, lass. The moment'll come, and you'll be glad of it when it does."

Koa checks Old Town for Luz, hoping to pick up some trace of electricity or her aura.

Koa detects an odd scent signature in the Old Town. Perhaps Luz came by there on her way to the Wanderin' Zera.

He asks Sierra if she's seen Luz yet

"It's not the right day, yet. ...I will confess something to you, stranger. I wanted to make war on the Shadow-makers and drive them from their holes before the Wandering Light returned. Now, it seems she will come to me just as we are set to move together against them."

The Luxray is unlikely to elaborate on this.

He’s a fucking scientist, after all.

He is fucking scientist.

 

[Jackie Cat]

Archie investigates Sand Veil Archives, and interviews Gliscor Tlalli, hoping the library's secondary use as a community center and Tlalli's reputation as a friend to outcasts might combine to unearth some helpful information.

"If someone who'd attract very much unwanted attention came by this town, they might find a place to stay in the old Desert Knot community, who know well how to give rest and help to a tired traveller..."

Tlalli seems willing to imply that she or some other native community leader may be housing Luz for the time being, but also that she won't allow anyone to disturb the Zeraora. It shows a significant degree of trust in Archie that she'd admit this much.

Something inside Aige eventually kicks her into gear and she starts training by herself, wandering about the desert in hopes that a feral pokemon will attack her for practice- though she's aware that it will hardly prepare her for a more intelligent opponent. She often is caught up in her own thoughts however, to the point that sometimes she ends up beating her opponents much more thoroughly than needed, bordering on the point of unnecessary cruelty if not passing it. She never attempts to mention her outings to anyone.

Aige, like the other Wayfarers, has become strong in her months on Forlas, stronger still for the use of Shadow. She is occasionally waylaid by desert Bugs and other 'mon, and she rarely has trouble dispatching them.

Eventually, the local ecosystem learns that Roggenrola are to be left alone.

Hearing of the search for Luz, Aige decides to visit the Greenbough Orchards, more out of a sense of obligation to the team's search so the location can be crossed off. If they're not there (and Aige is not particularly expecting it), she'll just have more time to herself.

"Oh, do you need a place to stay, little rock? You can come here any time. You can be a part-time ornament, if you like!"

 

[Tetra]

With time running short in the lead up to Cipher, Koa quietly informs some people in the group about his suspicions that he and Archie may be tainted somehow by Alex, in a way the rest of the group isn't. Specifically he seeks Mhynt, Laura, and Odette and Leaf. It's clear he's not trying to keep it secret though, its mostly a matter of trying to not be in a position where he catches someone off guard, and isn't quite sure how to tell others in the team whom he doesn't know quite as well. He says he doesn't mind who they tell but keep it between the team as much as possible.

After some consideration, he also informs Bellatrix.

"If something happens or I start behaving strangely... you have to stop me. Restrain me. Even if you have to... use that move."

He's clearly deeply distressed at asking this, though he attempts to be professional regardless. Evidently he trusts Bellatrix's judgement to do what is necessary and not be a friend.

---

He also asks Sinopa and other Rangers if there are any aura readers who can detect tainted aura or ones that have been altered somehow.

 

[Shiny Phantump]

During the meal after the Escarpa scrimmage, Gladion swears he remembers Halcón responding to something he’d been pretty sure he’d never said aloud… He’s curious about what Halcón was thinking at the time, enough so to ask where that was coming from. (He still wasn’t thinking of communication in battle as a thing someone would reply to verbally.)

One way or another, he really enjoyed duelling with Halcón. He’s kind of awkward at first about talking to someone he’d only fought with before in the usual Gladion way, not really being sure how to conduct himself. He’ll loosen up as the day goes on, though he’ll remain averse to sharing anything about his pre-Forlas life.

 

[Phoenixsong]

What has each Wayfarer done in recent weeks to get ready?

If the Tsainanese samurai are around and not off on another run at that fake mission they got saddled with, Leaf will ask them if they're interested in helping take on Terminal Two—she bets Kotetsu would love some new targets to take his anger out on, though part of her suspects Kyoko will say they're not allowed because fake mission. It'll be deeply frustrating if that's the case, but even so, she'll ask if they can teach her a few more things before they go; it's only right that she learns more about expert swordsmanship now she's got a proper one, after all. If they aren't around at all because fake mission, she does her best to drill on what they taught her back when they were explaining how to master her moves, and what she remembers seeing them do during the fight at the fountain.

Which Wayfarers will join each of these missions?

Much as she'd like to knock some more Cipher heads (or shave them, as the case may be), Leaf volunteers for the rescue mission. She promised Sonora way back when that she'd help free the kidnapped prisoners to make up for her misunderstanding, and now's the perfect chance to make good on that. She can't shake a few memories from home that keep popping up every time she thinks of the victims, either.

Minerva, locked in an elementally-warded cage in the depths of the Game Corner after being knocked half-senseless by the breakers' pokémon, still fighting furiously to chew and claw her way out.

Mewtwo (the mewtwo she knows, the cool one, not the garbage one), telling her she could never understand all the twisted tests and experiments and tortures they'd been forced to endure before they'd escaped.

And she couldn't. Not even close. But she understands loud and clear that she's not going to let anyone else suffer through the same thing. She's already busted a bunch of other pokémon out of an evil team's clutches once before. Damn straight she can do it again.

 

[Inkedust]

Leading up to the raid, Dave returns to Blaguarro to speak to Anite, Tala and Mav, explaining their plans for the raid, the help they'll have from the Escarpa and others, and that if they would be willing to join any of the three expeditions, it could be an enormous help.

After some discussion amongst themselves, Anite and Tala agree to help in releasing the prisoners. Blaguarro is their town and the disappearances have been going on for long enough, finding where the prisoners and the missing ended up is more than enough to pique their interest.

Mav, meanwhile, is uncertain of how he could help but after some bickering amongst themselves offers to scout out the underground tunnels to help the Wayfarers navigate. Three heads are better than one and at least one of them is sure to remember which turns to take to find Terminal Two's location.

She spends time at the train station listening to Murkrow and writing down anything of note that they say.

Amongst the gossip from all parts of the continent, Odette would hear the general murmurings of the people of Blaguarro. Tensions are high as the disappearances seem to have gotten worse than ever since the Escarpa had been sighted. Some of the residents have also been made aware of the raid on the Abandoned District courtesy of Dave speaking to Anite, Tala and Mav.

She would also hear the phrase, 'Lady Ida tells me that Lord Seir wants to speak with you. Do not keep him waiting.' A passerby would identify the odd accent as Tyrrian, an independent territory from the northeast.

---

Leaf asks around the Traveller's Haus for any signs or news of the Wandering Light just in case. It's probably weird for a legendary pokémon to just chill out around an inn, but also it sounds like it's weird for one to show up in public at all, so why not? Maybe she's here in town because she's looking for the Wayfarers herself.

Unfortunately, the maus prove to be of little help. Their squeaks are encouraging but unsure, perhaps they did know of the Light's whereabouts in town but with their incomprehensible squeaks, it was impossible to tell.

---

For a basic, no-frills sword, the asking price wouldn't be too high; Gray would just need a bit of Bellatrix's time to get some measurements for her body type. And in only a couple of days work, the sword was ready! With the dust from Lumirror Forest used to help proof the weapon, the sword boasted an unusually striking mirror finish — almost as though it were a polished like glass. When swung, one could swear the wind whooshing was almost akin to a spirit whispering a secret.

Bellatrix is more than happy to spend her time with the measurements and is incredibly pleased with the result. She promises to Gray that she will use it well and happily parts with the coin. Perhaps she could spar with any other Wayfarers well-versed with a blade...

After some consideration, he also informs Bellatrix.

"If something happens or I start behaving strangely... you have to stop me. Restrain me. Even if you have to... use that move."

He's clearly deeply distressed at asking this, though he attempts to be professional regardless. Evidently he trusts Bellatrix's judgement to do what is necessary and not be a friend.

Bellatrix is initially surprised given their prior conversation but, understanding the necessity of a contingency if such a thing were to occur, agrees to do so. She attempts to ease Koa's distress by stating that she hopes that it will not be necessary and that it may be possible for a cure to be found beforehand.

 

[Namohysip]

After returning from the Oasis, Mhynt takes extra time to make sure the Relic is secured. Fighting Cipher on one front while they catch them off guard on another would do no good. Then, she plans to take on Cipher once she's confident in that security.

Mhynt quietly asks Gerome what his plans are against Cipher and if he still needs to lay low. Gerome harrumphs and remarks that he doesn't know how he'll do against Shadows and can't afford to travel that far safely. He wishes them luck and he will personally keep an eye out for anything odd on Frontier Town in the meantime.

 

[Jackie Cat]

She continues to try and build a strong rapport with the Escarpa as she strongly respects them as warriors, believing that such a connection will prove invaluable in the future.

"Your determination and tactical thought do you credit. Battle is an art – it is not enough to have passion, or strength. You must practice, innovate, think. Townies do not understand this. You understand, do you not?"

In the search for Luz, Isidora checks the Sanctum of Wishes. Maybe Luz went to meditate there?

"A cloaked 'mon we didn't recognise did stop by, but not for long. We didn't trouble her."

If she feels like it, he’d love to hear stories from her! Has she ever met a saint? What was the world of Forlas like back then? Did she ever run into Jesse Stranger and Sierra? What kinds of dungeons has she seen? What does she think of this shadow business and issues with the Escarpa?

[[Ask me to follow up on this in Ch05.]]

As for the search for Luz, Ghaspius would visit the Gazette Offices. A saint couldn't involve themselves in worldly affairs, but surely they would at least be curious about them, right?

"Oh, a Wayfarer! We've been meaning to interview some more of you. Would you happen to have a free minute? Would you mind, terribly? Do please take a seat, or I suppose float above one, it's no trouble, do you take tea—"

she looks for an upgrade in anticipation for the Cipher fight.

Some firearms are sold in town. They're expensive, and ammo yet a further expense. However, if Odette is willing to blow her savings, she could obtain a hand revolver.

[[This would likely be a re-flavouring of blast seed type items, mechanically.]]

She also spends time trying to channel Radiance and Shadow simultaneously to test her theories about balancing, and to learn the effects of both in close proximity.

Not possible before the fight. The Akela encounter didn't leave the Wayfarers with residual Radiance to channel.

She also makes a few solo trips out to the Blaguarro outskirts, under the cover of night and with a crafty use of her new move Shadow Ball, to check for any signs of wagons coming through, Shadow 'mon, or even the Wandering Light herself.

Odette! I urge you not to undertake such a reconnaissance mission alone! Consider what would happen should a Shadow pokémon as powerful as we have encountered thus far identifying you. You could be killed, or worse...!

Maybe someday she could gather up enough dungeon dust to sync her aura with it?

Yes, at least according to Alejandro!

"If y'can consider't an extension o' yerself, and its mass ain't too great, jus' 'bout anythin' can be attuned to in a pinch, li'l miss! An' with enough dungeon dust, at that."

Jade meets up with Laura and the two set out on a trip to visit the Ranger HQ once the dungeon waypoint had been established. Partially just to check out the place (a sentient dungeon??) but also to liaison with the rangers regarding the upcoming Terminal Two raid. With the Wayfarers delving into the facility, they'll need allies on the outside to guard the perimeter, protect civilians from wayward demons, and be available to help if a hasty retreat is needed. While there, Jade and Laura compare tactical notes, and Jade is somewhat flustered to realize that she actually has more experience than most with this sort of mission.

"Howls, Jade, just what the hell have you spent your time getting wrapped up in? ...Anyway, it doesn't really matter who's got what experience or how, what matters is we get a good plan sorted out. Let's not waste time being humble."

The two meowth gals and the Ranger leadership help coordinate a proper plan to patrol and occupy Blaguarro during the mission.

Koa quietly informs some people in the group about his suspicions that he and Archie may be tainted somehow by Alex, in a way the rest of the group isn't. Specifically he seeks Mhynt, Laura, and Odette and Leaf.

"Howls afar, Koa. Maybe don't be in the squad looking for their Shadow factory or whatever they have – or be using Shadow yourself. Fuck, I'm sorry, I'd be fucking scared in your position, but right now I'm worried about whatever that guy's done to you getting worse or, like, paying off somehow. Powehi said we could kill the guy if we wanted, which just makes me think he must be a real piece of work, you know? Howls afar..."

He also asks Sinopa and other Rangers if there are any aura readers who can detect tainted aura or ones that have been altered somehow.

"Being a rift spirit means I can see auras, and Razael has that monk training to poke around with aura, but... Shadow is strange, Koa, and aura-alteration a rare and subtle art. If someone wanted to do something to an aura without its being detectable, and had the power and skill to do so, aura reading mightn't be enough."

He’s curious about what Halcón was thinking at the time, enough so to ask where that was coming from.

"You're sure you weren't speaking with breath? Well, speaking with body is not so different. I've known warriors to answer each other in gesture or in tongue when the conversation was otherwise."

One way or another, he really enjoyed duelling with Halcón. He’s kind of awkward at first about talking to someone he’d only fought with before in the usual Gladion way, not really being sure how to conduct himself. He’ll loosen up as the day goes on, though he’ll remain averse to sharing anything about his pre-Forlas life.

[[Soliciting Gladion dialogue to bounce off of, or we could do a scene next chapter.]]

If the Tsainanese samurai are around

The samurai seem to have been pursuing their quest for the Saint of Victory since their stay in town, or else they would surely relish a diversion like this. No doubt you'll see them again some day!

Mhynt takes extra time to make sure the Relic is secured.

She may find that the bank in Frontier Town is a suitable place for safekeeping. Its vaults are sturdy and thoroughly proofed, and the staff both generally professional and deeply unsuperstitious about 'saintly items'.