Field Report: Phoenix Finding

As those of you who keep up with EsperCorp’s research reports know, I routinely do field investigations into Esper habitats and wild behavior, usually accompanied by Agent Henry Jones. However, I have always felt a special connection with fiery Espers: something about the way that they must maintain control over their flames reminds me of myself. When Agent pokemon101 sent in a report of a scorching phoenix last month, I immediately arranged a trip to Death Valley, one of the hottest places on the planet. I wanted to locate and study the rare Laurelix all by myself.

Temperatures have been heating up as summer approaches, so I made the necessary preparations for venturing into the heat zone: a large offroading vehicle, tons of sunscreen, and more water than I thought I could ever drink. I drove deep into the desert and the plant and animal life grew scarcer and scarcer. When I found an overhanging rock in a particularly barren part of the desert, I realized I had found my stakeout point. After all, Laurelix appears to be tied to thoughts of extreme desolation and devastation – and how could anything exist in such a sweltering, destroyed place?

Crouching on a small cushion in the shade, I placed all of the crystal equipment that would allow me to study my target around me and prepared to wait. I turned on my ANCHOR device and monitored my radar, gulping down water all the while. The morning passed quietly with no sign of Laurelix, though I made note of the other Esper life in the area – Mandra seemed to enjoy the dry heat, and I even found a lone Wyvern coasting through. Dust clouds began to swirl, but the wind didn’t relieve the heat at all.

The sun climbed to its highest point in the sky and – there it was, its name beeping on my radar! I am usually well composed in the face of science, but I positively fumbled to connect my ANCHOR device to the Esper screen that would allow me to study it more precisely. When its fiery, gold-black wings began to burn on the screen, I was awestruck. It turned its head towards the crystal machines, sensing that it was not alone. I got a good look at its bone-white mask, bleached by the heat. Laurelix, clearly aware of its own power, regarded me haughtily; though I was excited to have discovered it at last, I realized that I should not be sitting here, gawking like a rookie agent. I quickly engaged it in battle.

The report we received last month indicated that Laurelix are very hydrophobic, so I released my Delphi and attempted to quench its flames a little. Intrepid Laurelix fought bravely; the phoenix fears nothing, not even its own death. At one point, I was quite afraid that my Delphi had defeated it – until it emitted a burst of light and rose from its own ashes! Relieved, I prepared the precious diamond crystal I had been saving for this very Esper, and, my fingers trembling, bonded its spirit to my ANCHOR.

Laurelix are a rare and difficult species to find and bond, since they are only found in extreme climates and are very tenacious in a fight. However, I encourage agents to try to track one down. Laurelix are proud creatures who will consent to fight at your side if you can best them. They are certainly Espers worth having and studying, though they truly love battle – so make sure it doesn’t spend all of its time in your vault! As always, keep up the good work, agents.