Welcome to Gaia! ::

Feeling a little more confident, the Nidoran finishes its mouthful of granola bar and hops over to the next piece. It settles down and begins to crunch on it, looking quite a bit more relaxed.

[Love the new look, Jishin!]

"Alright, moment of truth!"

Aya quickly tossed the Safari Ball at the Nidoran, hoping to catch her.

::bounces::

YAY!

::releases her new NidoranF::

::pinkie to mouth::

I shall call you... Sora! heart

::huggles::

NidoranF : sweatdrop

"Well, the Safari Zone is stocked with unusual Pokémon that are specially bred off-site so that trainers who wish to own one may capture one. Usually these Pokémon come from sensitive habitats, so it's better that a trainer catch one here than try to seek one out in the wild.

"You're correct in that you're not allowed to use your Pokémon in the Safari Zone. Battling can be tough on the surroundings and on the mental state of the Pokémon here. However, you don't have to actually battle to catch a Pokémon.

"If you decide you do want to catch a Pokémon or two here, you can purchase some Safari Balls. Safari Balls are specially designed to capture full-strength Pokémon, although they aren't always as reliable as a Pokéball. Also, Safari Balls only work within the Safari Zone, to prevent their abuse should they be taken to sensitive areas.

"You're welcome to keep your Pokémon with you in the Safari Zone. We do request that you keep them in their balls when you are not in a rest area. Some of our Pokémon are very territorial and can feel threatened or angry if a strange Pokémon suddenly appears in its territory. You can let your Pokémon out safely in the rest areas, since our Pokémon are aware that those areas are in use by unfamiliar Pokémon and tend to avoid those places.

"With Safari Balls, catching a full-strength Pokémon is easier. But if you're still having trouble, you can try to lull them into relaxing with food, or try to distract them in other ways. I heard we had someone last week who came in with a guitar and played music for the Pokémon he captured. Be creative -- there are a lot of options.

"Anything else I can help you with?"

(Sorry about the lateness of the reply. Gaia's been giving me all sorts of technical problems.)

Drawing a ball from my belt, I pause only a moment at the forrest--and narrow my eyes at the buzzing. Bug-types have never been anything but a hassle for me, ever since I stumbled near that beedrill nest as a tyke--so, with all possible haste, I proceed--while, of course, maintaining my stealthy stride, keeping the ball in my hand.

(No problem .... Gaia's being cranky for me too. Switch off of the leon server if you get put on it ... it is SLOW ...)

The air gets more and more humid as you make your way up the hill. The ground grows softer and clings to your shoes. As you round the crest of the hill, you see a large, marshy swamp off to your right. Thick tangles of bushes and weeping willows surround it, and you smell flowers and overripe fruit along with the rich dampness of the water and wet ground. The overgrowth is so thick here that you can barely see slivers of sky.

There is a sudden splash as something jumps out of the water and then dives immediately back in. All around you, the plants rustle softly, as if you are surrounded. Perhaps you are ....

"Yep, just head straight out those doors there. You should be able to find your way easily. Good luck!"

(OOC: I need to run off and do boring adult-type errands like grocery shopping and stuff. I'll be back later! *waves*)

OF COURSE!! blaugh