ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Holon City

Eskay: Whoa, hold on... Kirk got snagged!?

-Joseph sighs in turn-

Well, I guess Ransei didn't change him too much.

Holon City

Umbra: -sighs- Better talk to Lina later...

-to Joseph- More like she didn't care at the moment.

- To Eskay-

Apparently, though I don't have a clue what they mean by "snagged."

edited 19th Sep '13 2:42:44 PM by Umbramatic

-To Umbra-

To be stolen with a Snag Machine, a rather insidious device that scrubs the ID off a trained mon.

Holon City

Umbra: -to Tagg- And scrubbing the ID like that means...?

edited 19th Sep '13 2:54:00 PM by Umbramatic

Holon City

Eskay: It means the person or people who have him are almost definitely Cipher. Like, 99% chance.

edited 19th Sep '13 2:51:46 PM by Eskay64

Ignis

Kerro: -still clinging- <Uh, hi?>

-Kerro then notices he is headed straight toward Agitato-

Kerro: <Ack! Get out of the way!>

-Agitato dives to the side just in time-

The mon is capturable with a Snag Ball just like it were a wild.

edited 19th Sep '13 3:09:13 PM by rmctagg09

Holon City

Umbra: -to Eskay- Cipher? Lina's mentioned them...

-to Tagg- Oh. So they can steal any mon they want?

- Thinks a bit, then realizes something and pales-

...How many of these Cipher people have these things?

Holon City

Eskay: Almost everyone in Cipher has one. And who knows how many there are...

Holon City

Umbra: ...

Ammy. I have to find Ammy!

- Runs off-

Coulombia City

-Maggie and her team is mostly here-

Joulant Town

-Barring Jones, who is here inside his ball-

Hasslemon

-amicableCharacid [AC] began hassling maraudingSelachimorph [MS]-

AC: Hey, Chum!

MS: ...What is it?

AC: Is something wrong?

MS: Oh dear Walt, yes.

MS: A bunch of the mons around here decided to dress up like pirates and speak in a fake accent today.

MS: And wondering why I'm not speaking like they are.

AC: Heh, it's not that bad is it?

AC: And it shows people like pirates around here.

MS: Maybe...

AC: Anyway, it kind of gave me an idea of how you could maybe work on convincing Hook to come here?

MS: ...Oh?

AC: Well...

Thanks to Keys for providing Sho's speech.

Holon City, Museum

-Revan floats into Lucanus' new exhibit, phasing through the crowds as he goes. A passing glimpse around the exhibit tells him that it doesn't paint Lucanus in a particularly flattening light, though he skims over the details.-

Revan: <Now this is hardly fair. Yeah, he was a terrible Warlord, but he died in battle against someone who is almost universally agreed to have been even worse. Surely they could've cut him some slack.>

-He takes a moment to examine the text on a nearby monitor that forms part of one of the displays.-

Revan: <...Okay, now they're obviously just going out of their way to insult him.>

-Nevertheless, Revan passes a hand through the screen, and the text is replaced with a recording of an aged Sho. He speaks with an expression and tone worthy of the subject.-

Sho: Soon after the Ghost Lord's conquest of Pugilis and capture of her Warlord, Lucanus, the Ghost Lord saw fit to place Lucanus back on the throne of Pugilis.

Revan: <Wait a second. The Ghost Lord executed Lucanus after the battle ended... didn't he?>

Sho: However, the Lucanus that returned was not the benevolent man that was once so popular. The man that sat on the throne of Pugilis was a tyrant. Oppression was rampant and the people of Pugilis now feared and hated the man they once respected and loved.

Revan: <That can't be right... Lucanus would never->

Sho: A short time after Lucanus' placement, Lady Aiura, Warlady of Illusio, announced she was pregnant with Lucanus' child. It was an open secret the two had been in love, but the pain had been dealt. Many problems that plagued Pugilis in that time only increased under the fist of the changed Lucanus. Riots were common after his public defeat at the hands of Celzvet, Warlord of Cragspur, and poverty and living conditions became worse. It was a few weeks later that Lucanus defeated Celzvet and his army, capturing Celzvet in the bargain. Celzvet was taken to Spectra and died at the hands of Ghost Lord and Lucanus.

Revan: <No...>

Sho: Towards the end of the Ghost Lord's reign, Lucanus seemed to have a change of heart and fought with the Warlords, Warriors, and myself as we assisted the Lady Amaterasu in defeating the Ghost Lord. In the time that passed as I moved up in the world, I saw Lucanus' name and feats start to fade from the minds and memories of the people of the world. No doubt he wanted to be forgotten.

-Sho's tone chages, becoming cold and bitter.-

Sho: However, I had been holding a grudge against Lucanus ever since he ordered one of my partners maimed.

-Sho's expression turns to one of outright hatred, his tone has gotten even colder and is full of venom.-

Sho: This recording is my revenge against that bastard. A unbiased account of Lucanus' actions during the war, so that the world may yet know of his deeds, is a greater blow to Lucanus than any lies or slander I could spread. I have dedicated several time flowers to document Lucanus' deeds, both the good and the bad. So that he may be remembered as he truly was.

Revan: <...>

Herbert: So... been catching up on what you missed after your death, have you?

-Revan turns around to see Herbert approaching behind him, looking haggard and downtrodden.-

Revan: <...You were there. Is this... did Lucanus really...?>

Herbert: Yup. It's all true.

Revan: <But... Umbra never mentioned...>

Herbert: Somehow I doubt he wanted to dig the subject up.

-He waves a hand around the exhibit.-

Herbert: This is it. This is the lineage that I was so proud of, once upon a time. I always used to wonder why I could never learn anything about Lucanus... no matter how hard I searched, I couldn't even find his name, let alone something about who he was. Now, though... I know why. He wanted to be forgotten, so that his descendants wouldn't be remembered like this. And he failed. This whole exhibit makes that last point kind of obvious.

-He looks over at Revan and sighs before he continues, now seemingly talking to himself rather than the Dusknoir.-

Herbert: I still don't know what to think about Lucanus. He was responsible for everything this exhibit accuses him of and more, and what he did to Celzvet was worse than simply killing him. But... when you look at what drove him to do all of this, it becomes a lot more understandable. Not excusable, mind, but you can start to see where he snapped. And to be honest? I met Shokaki, and he was a dick. He had his own reasons to hate Lucanus. Reasonable ones, perhaps, but these recordings were made with an agenda. I guess that in the end, you're supposed to decide for yourself. Was he a bad guy to begin with, or just an unlucky individual who couldn't handle the pressure of everything he was asked to deal with?

Revan: <...What are you going on about?>

Herbert: ...I don't know, actually. Just venting some thoughts that have been running around my head for a while.

-He shakes his head.-

Herbert: It doesn't matter anyway. The point I was trying to make before I got distracted by whatever that was is that you've let your entire life - and unlife - revolve around Lucanus. To the point where you spent six hundred years in a tomb because you'd thought he'd died. Even now you're still just blindly following one of his descendants. Now that you know about all of this... that Lucanus wasn't quite the man you thought he was... perhaps you can finally move on?

Revan: <...>

-There would be a moment of silence, if the two were not currently standing in the middle of a crowded museum exhibit.-

Revan: <...I think... I need some time to think about things...>

Herbert: Naturally. I won't bother you for any longer, then. Bye for now, Revan.

-The two go their separate ways, Herbert returning to the streets of Holon City.-

edited 21st Sep '13 7:26:25 AM by Herbert40k

Holon City

-Straw finds Eskay, Tagg, and whoever else after seeing Umbra run off-

Hey guys. Where'd Umbra go running off to?

Elsewhere

-Rawst is looking for Sakura, his team following him-

Holon City

Eskay: He went to find Ammy after learning about Cipher.

Holon City

-if it's not inconvenient, Herbert may be surprised to feel a sudden weight land on his shoulder as a certain Sneasel drops down from a nearby tree-

Holon City Hospital

-a certain time-displaced man slowly begins to rouse. He opens his eyes and blinks a few times, taking in the ceiling of the roof, and wondering idly what kind of material it's made of. He turns his head to one side and stares at the machine and the wires connecting him to it, staying like that and frowning as it beeps in a steady rhythm. There's a soft rustle at his other side and something grabs his arm. He turns his head and finds himself staring into the concerned eyes of his Weavile-

Kori: <Amhlaidh!>

Amhlaidh: -his voice hoarse- <Kori... where am I?>

Kori: <I... I don't know. Lady Ammaterasu and her companions saved you from the fire, and they brought you here... I don't know what's going on... I don't think we're in Ransei anymore, but I don't know where we are... There are so many strange things here...>

Holon City

-Herbert does indeed feel the weight of a Sneasel dropping down onto his shoulder.-

Herbert: Gah! Where did... oh, it's just you, Crewe. Sorry, I'm kind of on edge at the moment...

Holon City, Elsewhere

-Revan may or may not be drifting towards the hospital.-

Holon City Hospital

Lumos: -floats over to Amhlaidh's bed- ~Oh! You're awake! Trust me, I had a HARD time convincing the staff a Chandelure should be let into the hospital...~

Holon City

Ah, that makes sense. He probably wanted to make sure she was safe.

Holon City

-Crewe just stares at him for a moment-

-then hops and down on his shoulder in a very excited manner-

<DID YOU SEE THAT?! I TOTALLY MADE THAT JUMP! I was like "Look, it's Herbert, maybe I can surprise him by jumping on him!" Then I was like "But what if I miss? I'll look really stupid!" But then you were there and I jumped and I STUCK THE LANDING! WHOO!>

-she gives a very self-contented purr and settles in on his shoulder-

<So, what's got you all freaked out?>

Holon City Hospital

-Amhlaidh pushes himself up into a half-sitting position, supporting himself on his elbows-

Amhlaidh: Lumos? You're... you're here? What's... a 'hospital'?

Holon City

Eskay: That's what I figured, yeah.

-Beat-

Eskay: By the way, there's someone you might want to meet, if she manages to find us here.

Yaksha

-Fukurou comes back after his extended period of absence-

Fukurou: "Alright, everything's pretty much cleared with the guards. You shouldn't need to get around by hanging onto windows anymore."

Holon City

Oh? Who might that be?

???

-A room, somewhere in Orre. Eight people wearing masks of different colors are seated around a table in the center.-

Green Masked Man: So, Iulianus is back in Orre, is he...?

Yellow Masked Man: That's correct. He is on his way here right now.

Red Masked Woman: Good thing, that is... Things were starting to get so boring around here...

Black Masked Man: I was fine without him, myself.

Red Masked Woman: Yeah, well, no one cares about your opinion.

White Masked Woman: Enough bickering. It's taking us nowhere.

-Silence for a few moments.-

Blue Masked Man: Well... Er...

Beat

Where is he...?

Yellow Masked Man: Be patient, Reaver. He's almost here...

DS' villa

Sasorina: <Eventually...>

Pyrite Town - Lillith's home - A few years ago

Younger!Lillith: (opening something her uncle sent to her, revealing a Razor Fang) Ooh, what's this? (reads the description) "Give this to Sasorina, and train her at night. If you do so, she will evolve into a Gliscor." Ooh! (looks over at Sasorina) You wanna evolve?

Gligar!Sasorina: <Uh... Do I...? I guess it'd make fights easier...> (nods) <Okay, I'm willing to do it for you, Lillith.>

Younger!Lillith: (grins) Awesome! (hands it to Sasorina) Now we just have to wait for it to get dark...

The Oasis Pokéspot, several hours later

- Lillith has Gligar!Sasorina fight a wild Pokémon -

Younger!Lillith: Now's your chance! Finish this!

Gligar!Sasorina: (dives down and knocks the wild Pokémon out, then starts to glow)

Younger!Lillith: Ooh!

Sasorina: (is now a Gliscor) <Huh... I feel much stronger now... It's... nice...>

Younger!Lillith: (glomps Sasorina) Sasorina, you look awesome!

Sasorina: (blushes) <Oh, um... Thanks! I suppose I feel kind of awesome...>

DS' villa - present

Sasorina: <... And it wouldn't take long before we made some more new friends.>

Gateon Port - A few years ago

Lillith's uncle: (hands Lillith a pokeball) ... So, since the Porygon-Z wasn't doing its job like it was supposed to, I offered to take it with me to see if I could find a better use for it. I don't know if this is anything for you, but you said you wanted another Pokémon to help Sasorina in battles, so...

Younger!Lillith: Cool! I'll see what I can do with it. (sends out the Porygon-Z) Hello there. (examines it for a moment) I think I'll call it... Proxy!

Proxy: (looks at Sasorina suspiciously) <... Are you one of them?>

Sasorina: <... Who?>

Proxy: <Them!>

Sasorina: (blinks in confusion)

Phenac City - Some time after that

Lillith: (looks around) Hmm, surely there must be some trainers to fight in this city? (bumps into someone) Oh!

Guy she bumped into: Whoa! Are you okay?

Lillith: Oh, I-I'm sorry! I didn't see you... (takes a good look at him, thinks to herself) Ooh, he's handsome...

Guy she bumped into: (smiles) That's all right. My name is Darien, and you are?

Lillith: Oh, um... I'm Lillith.

Darien: Lillith, huh? Well, it's nice to meet you! (looks at her curiously) So, you don't look like you're from around here.

Lillith: Well, no. I'm from Pyrite Town.

Darien: Pyrite Town, huh? I've heard a few things about that place.

Lillith: Um... Is that a bad thing...?

Darien: (smiles) Relax, I'm not going to judge you just for being from a place with a bit of a shady reputation.

Lillith: (smiles back) Oh, um... Thanks! (feels something rubbing up against her leg) Huh? (notices a female Zangoose) Uh... Hi?

Darien: Oh, she's mine. (picks up the Zangoose) Looks like she likes you.

Lillith: Huh... That's nice, I guess. (pets the Zangoose)

Darien's Zangoose: (purrs)

Darien: So, what brings you here to Phenac City?

Lillith: Oh, I'm just looking around for some trainers to fight, so I can earn some extra money. Financial situation at home is kind of... complicated.

Darien: Oh? Well... I think there's a few trainers that usually hang out near the Pokémart. Try looking there?

Lillith: Pokémart, huh? O-Okay, thanks!

Darien: You're welcome!

DS' villa - present

Sasorina: <She kept making trips to Phenac City, to find more battles and to see Darien again. She even asked him out at one point, and he agreed to go out with her. Unfortunatly, she got rather nervous during the date and, well...>

Pyrite Town - A couple of years ago

- Lillith and Darien are taking a walk through the town -

Lillith: (nervous chuckle) Well, this is nice, isn't it? Just you, and me... Want to make out?

Darien: Um... Are you okay, Lillith?

Lillith: (sweating a little) Huh? S-Sure I'm okay, why wouldn't I be? Now, should we make out?

Darien: Lillith, I get the impression you're a little... uncomfortable.

Lillith: (shakes head) No, not at all! Now, let's make out!

Darien: Um... Maybe this wasn't such a good idea...

Lillith: Eh? What are you talking about? Don't people usually make out on first dates? It's okay, we can... just kiss a little?

Darien: Lillith-

Lillith: Or cuddle, or just hold hands, or we can-

Darien: (puts his hand on Lillith's shoulder) Lillith, maybe we shouldn't think of this as a date, and more of just a meeting between friends?

Lillith: (frowns) Was I that bad...?

Darien: Hey, you're a great girl, I just don't think you seem ready for any relationship, and we haven't even known each other that long anyways, so... friends?

Lillith: (nods and smiles) ... Friends. (shakes hands with Darien)

DS' villa - present

Sasorina: <So, they decided to just stay friends, and Lillith kept making her regular trips to see Darien. However, turns out there was another admirer of Darien who wasn't too pleased to have Lillith in her "territory"...>

Phenac City - a couple of years ago

- A brown haired girl in a dress and wearing a white hat walks up -

???: (points at Lillith) You! What do you think you're doing here!?

Lillith: (blinks) Um... Do I know you...?

???: I've been seeing you around here, talking to Darien... and I recently heard that he went on a date with some Pyrite girl. Would that happen to be you, by any chance?

Lillith: (crosses arms) Is that a problem?

???: (glares) I KNEW it! (laughs) But I heard it didn't go too well? Doesn't surprise me. Did you honestly think someone like you would be worthy of Darien? Darien should be with someone like me, and not a bitch like you!

Lillith: (glares back) And what gives you any right to say who Darien should be with? That's up to him!

???: (crosses arms) Well, you're delusional if you think you've got a chance with him just because he went on what I assume must've been a pity date with you. So, why don't you just go back to Pyrite Town where trash like you belongs, and give up on Darien? (smirks) Darien is going to be mine, you see. So, I suggest you stay as far away from him as possible!

Lillith: You can't tell me what to do!

???: (glares) Shut up! Go back to Pyrite Town, you stupid bitch! (points to Sasorina, who is also glaring at her) And take your ugly bug with you! (walks off)

Lillith: (rolls eyes) And here I thought Cipher was the most awful thing this region had to offer...

Sasorina: (shouting after the girl) <I'm a ground/flying type, you stupid bimbo!>

DS' villa - present

Sasorina: <... We both really hate that Phenac Snob.>

HotStuff: (nods) <I would've punched her if I were you.>

- Unbeknownst to Sasorina and HotStuff, DS has been listening to them talk and has heard pretty much the whole story -

Hmm... Perhaps I should try to do something for Lillith...

edited 19th Oct '13 2:27:50 PM by DarkerShining