ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Sootopolis

-Fishy is sitting at the water's edge with Fisher, looking somewhat down-

Fishy: <...I dunno, I'm still really nervous about it.>

Fisher: <Well, you managed to win, didn't you?>

Fishy: <...Yeah, but I'm still...>

???: <Er... what's going on?>

-A certain black furred Ampharos walks into view-

-Fisher's face could be said to be resembling a slight glare-

Fisher: <...Something private.>

Fishy: <Oh, er, well, I can talk about it fine with him.>

Fisher: <Hrm...>

Chirin: <Er... well, what's this about?>

Fishy: <Well...>

<You remember the Gym Battle?>

Mauville Gym, about a week ago

-Fishy is watching from within his ball as a Magnezone knocks out Chariot with a Flash Cannon and the Gourgeist is recalled-

Fishy: <Okay... we're doing better than last time. Hope we pull it off...>

Crow: "Okay, go Fishy!"

-Fishy shudders with anticipation as his view goes upward and, with a flash of light, he exits the ball and stands on the battlefield-

-Well, stands being relative because while he tries to get on two legs, he finds he can't support himself properly, so decides to stick with four-

Magnezone: <Looks like it's down to us, huh? Let's see what you've got.>

Fishy: <R-right.>

-Meanwhile, he hears a voice calling from behind him-

Crow: "Ready, Fishy?"

-Fishy gives a nervous nod-

Crow: "Alright!"

-He pulls out his own Mega Perfume-

-Crow presses the Key Stone embedded in the toy-

-But Fishy quickly realizes that nothing's happening-

Fishy: <Wh-what?>

-With a Record Scratch, the music ends-

Magnezone: <Hm? Well, this is something. Thought you'd have the hang of that if you've been going for this long.>

Fishy: <U-u-uh...>

Crow: "Fishy, Mega or not, we can still win this."

-Fishy looks back, nods, then sprays a Scald at the Magnezone-

Back to the Present

Chirin: <Uh, what's the problem? You won without going Mega, right?>

Fishy: <Yeah, but...>

<What if I end up in a situation where we lose because I didn't go Mega? I'd just be holding the team back...>

Chirin: <Well, you've gotten better at battling, right? I thought you were pretty impressive myself.>

Fishy: <Well, thanks, but->

Chirin: <No buts. You'll do better if you're more confident in your abilities.>

Fishy: <I guess, b->

<...Isn't there something wrong with the fact that I couldn't Mega? That Magnezone at least seemed to think so.>

Chirin: <Mmm...>

<Honestly, I couldn't tell you. That Abomasnow's got a Mega Stone, but I don't think she's tried to go Mega yet.>

Fishy: <Well, wouldn't she know more?>

Chirin: <Eh, I dunno what goes on in that head of hers, so I couldn't tell you.>

Fisher: <For the record, we talked about that once. She doesn't really have much of a preference either way, but ultimately she does feel she has a good bond with Sholto.>

Chirin: <Oh, yeah, that's another thing about it, isn't it?>

Fishy: <...That's the bit I'm worried about.>

Chirin: <Well, hey. Sholto's been off doing stuff separate from the rest of you guys for a while. I don't blame you if you're not too close to him.>

<Heck, Dad doesn't like talking about it, but he admitted he's kind of pissed about the whole thing and he's known Sholto the longest.>

Fisher: <...I will admit I feel it's Sholto's decision, but I can't say I wish he wouldn't have picked a shorter time. Especially not one his parents needed to leave in the middle of.>

Chirin: <To his credit, though, he wasn't expecting it to go like that either. Heck, apparently he and that girlfriend of his got into a fight about the whole thing. That's why we came back early.>

Fishy: <R-really?>

<Um, though, should we really be saying bad things about Sundancer over this? I mean, she is part of the team.>

Chirin: <She sure doesn't act like it. Sure, she's battled sometimes, but she always acts like she's so much better than the rest of us.>

<I tried talking to her while we were on that train and she brushed me off.>

Fishy: <Uh, I guess I can understand why you'd be mad, but...>

<I don't think we should fight about this. It isn't really helping me with this.>

Chirin: <...Right, sorry.>

<But, yeah, talk with Sholto if you're concerned about it. It might help.>

Fishy: <...Alright, thanks, Chirin.>

Chirin: <No problem.>

-He looks over at Fisher, then speaks up-

<I'll... go do another thing, then.>

-He heads off-

-Fishy looks over at Fisher for a bit, but then decides to not say anything-

edited 16th Sep '15 11:29:55 PM by CorvusAtrox

Near Maggie

-Nico is there, and silent-

-He had a blank expression at first that turns into a frown when Maggie mentioned his mood-

Near Maggie and Nico

-Goombella and Candace sit nearby. Candace is sitting on Goombella's helmet, her wings folded. It makes the pair look like a really girly totem pole.-

Sootopolis Gym - Yesterday

Jacob: -Frowns as Regina's hit by the surf-

Regina: -Is washed back a ways, taking moderate damage- <Eugh... This is annoying.>

Jacob: Hm. I could change the weather, but then MGMT might have more trouble with hitting with Thunder in such bright light...

-Shakes his head-

No matter, Sarah can keep up with me.

-He presses down on the keystone in his pendant-

"Regina. Clear the sky."

Regina: -Becomes enveloped in light, and once it clears, the water around her is pushes away in a light pulse of force- <Done.>

-She waves he arm and does a small dance as the rain clouds break up and are filled with light-

Sootopolis City, jewelry store

Mezzo: So do you think you could appraise this gem for me? -holds out the stone that she found underwater-

Clerk: Oh yes, it's...

-the clerk examines it closely, then lets out a small gasp-

Clerk: ...a glass marble. I'm sure you don't want to keep it, so I'd be happy to take it out of your hands?

Mezzo: Don't try it. I know that's a Mega Stone.

Clerk: Nonsense!

Lumiose City

-Forte is browsing J-Team fansites when she comes upon a particular question-

Forte: Uh... I never really thought about it, but I guess I am.

Shadow: <You are what?>

Forte: A furry. I mean, I really like everything Eevee related and all.

Shadow: -tilts head- <While I understand that humans have fur, I'm confused by the use of this term.>

Forte: Not like that. It means someone who's a fan of a lot of Pokémon related stuff, like cartoons with anthropomorphic mons.

Shadow: <Like that game with the Sandslash that looks nothing like a real Sandslash?>

Forte: Yeah, exactly.

Sootopolis Gym — Yesterday

-MGMT is hit, which manages to snap him out of his confusion. Sarah watches Regina Mega Evolve and use Rain Dance-

Sarah: (...Hm. On one hand, that does make things easier to deal with, but it does render that Gastro Acid pointless... Oh well, we can keep going.) Let's take care of that Kingdra before it does too much damage! Outrage!

-The sound of the Macarena is replaced with what can only be described as the Eelektross equivalent of an audio feedback loop as MGMT relentlessly attacks the Kingdra-

Sootopolis Center — Today

-Sarah is napping with her head on the table in the lobby-

edited 17th Sep '15 1:14:23 PM by BittersweetNSour

Sootopolis Center

-any number!-

Stormchaser

-Mobius perks up as activity comes from Dezi Portal #4. An Excadrill flies through the portal and hits the ground before hugging the and kissing it.-

Vega: <Sweet, sweet terra firma! Oh, how I missed you!>

-Deziree steps through afterwards, looking slightly singed and still as angry as the moment she stepped into the first portal.-

Deziree: There. That's four.

DR. MOBIUS!: <That was the last one, actually. I went into the other two personally.>

-Deziree's eyebrows raise in pleasant surprise.-

Deziree: Really! Good. Now shut them all down.

-Mobius hits a few buttons and the power to the portals stops dead, causing them to fizzle and fade. Complete normality is returned to the surrounding area.-

Deziree: So... Did you find whoever started this?

DR. MOBIUS!: <As a matter of fact, I did.>

-Mobius presents an iron cage, and it's occupant.-

Doofenshmirtz: <Is it too late to present my thesis?>

-He promptly shuts up as he meets eyes with a certain unamused project manager.-

Deziree: You. And I. Are going to have words.

Vega: <Can I punch him for throwing me into that portal, first?>

Deziree: Afterwards. But you'll get your chance. Along with the others.

-Ajax, Flanagan, Edna, and Norm can all be heard muttering their agreement.-

Doofenshmirtz: <Aw, you too, Norm?>

Norm: <Sorry, sir. I'm highly vulnerable to mob mentality!> =D

Doofenshmirtz: <This isn't a mob! There, like, four of you! Five including Deziree, six with Mobius... seven with Vega... um... Wait, does seven count as a mob? I'm not sure anymore.>

edited 17th Sep '15 12:59:10 PM by DuneTheWanderer

Sootopolis Gym - Yesterday

"Protect" said Juan

The Kingdra then blocked MGMT's attack while the Ludicolo began dancing again like before

"Teeter Dance!" said Wallace

"<Macarena, Macarena, Macarena
Que le gusta los veranos de Marbella
Macarena, Macarena, Macarena
Que le gusta la movida guerrilera>"

"<Siiiiigh>" said the Kingdra.

Sootopolis Pokemon Center

Having recovered from the events of last night, Lucius comes downstairs into the lobby, twirling Iapetus's stun baton in his hands. He sees Sarah napping on the table and smiles.

Lucius: Heh, no wonder she's exhausted... I almost forgot how tiring nighttime heroics can be.

He gently pokes her in the ribs with the (thankfully deactivated) baton.

edited 17th Sep '15 1:33:59 PM by Herbert40k

Sootopolis Center

Sarah: Mmmphwha...?

-Sarah blinks awake, rubbing her eyes-

Sarah: Oh, good morning, Lucius...

-She yawns-

Sootopolis Pokemon Center

Lucius smiles and sits down next to Sarah.

Lucius: Morning, night owl. Still worn out from yesterday, huh?

Sootopolis

-A somewhat confused look crosses Sarah's face, although the effect is somewhat muted by the fact that she still looks sleepy-

Sarah: Yesterday...? Not... not really, no, it wasn't that tiring, I just didn't sleep well...

edited 17th Sep '15 1:45:21 PM by BittersweetNSour

Sootopolis Pokémon Center

Sakura was in the kitchen, preparing some food but heard Lucius and Sarah talking in the lobby. Thus, she decides to eavesdrop a little bit

Sootopolis Gym - Yesterday

Jacob: And of course it tries going for Confusing us again...

Regina: -Regina sees the confusing dance and song, though manages to stay focused, at least at first- Well on the bright side I was prepared for that.

Jacob: -Nods- "Then we know where to go. Regina, use-"

Regina: -She takes a deep breath, and shouts at the Kingdra and Ludicolo- <SYLVA GET AWAY FROM THAT TOASTER THIS INSTANT>

Jacob: -Clamping his hands over his ears- "WHEN DID YOU LEARN THAT"

Regina: <I think I just kind of picked it up somewhere along the line.>

-The Phione is in the audience stands-

Sylva: <But moooooooooooooom I'm not even near a toaster right now!>

Sootopolis Pokemon Center

Lucius tilts his head.

Lucius: It wasn't? Well, I guess you'd be the one to know. You made those guys look like a pushover.

Sootopolis Gym — Yesterday

-Sarah blinks again-

Sarah: ...Oooookay...

-MGMT is confused again. This time, however, he tries to grab and aggressively shake the Kingdra out of frustration that Kingdra lack limbs and thus are unable to do the Macarena with him.-

MGMT: HEY! MACARENA! AAAAAA

Sootopolis Center — Now

Sarah: Oh, uh... thanks... (Weird, I guess I just didn't notice him in the stands...)

-She slumps over the table again-

edited 17th Sep '15 1:56:57 PM by BittersweetNSour

Sootopolis Pokemon Center

Lucius leans in close.

Lucius: Just so you know, you don't have to worry about me letting anything slip. You kept my secret, so I'll keep yours. It's the least I can do to pay you back.

He gives her a conspiratorial wink.

Sootopolis Center

-Sarah blinks and stares at him blankly-

Sarah: ...I... think I'm too tired to have any idea what you're talking about...

Sootopolis Pokemon Center

Lucius chuckles and leans back.

Lucius: Of course you've got no idea what I'm talking about. Gotta keep up the act, don't you?

He nudges her with his elbow.

Lucius: It's fine, I get it.

edited 17th Sep '15 2:08:46 PM by Herbert40k

Sootopolis Center

Sarah: ...Um... sure...? Right. Yeah. I'm so lost...

edited 17th Sep '15 2:09:58 PM by BittersweetNSour

Sootopolis Gym - Yesterday

"<Oh Kyogre there are two of you.>" said the Kingdra before being utterly wrecked by Hyper Voice and Outrage at the same time, fainting almost immediately.

The Ludicolo is hit by the Hyper Voice but still seems to be holding up well.

"Seems like you're being unable to keep up with us." teased Wallace

"Not for long." said Juan, with a devious smile

He then recalls the Kingdra and sends out a Blastoise with a collar with a Mega Stone wrapped around it's neck.

"Very well, let's make use of this sunlight, Solar Beam!" said Wallace

The Ludicolo then fires a strong beam of sunlight at MGMT immediatelly.

Sootopolis Pokémon Center

Sakura is trying her best not to break into laughter. Seth, who was helping her with cooking, notices this and decides to join her in her eavesdropping.

Sootopolis Pokemon Center

Lucius smirks.

Lucius: Honestly, I was pretty impressed with your performance. For someone who's always been kinda reluctant when it comes to this stuff, you've taken to it well. You're a fighter after my own heart if I ever saw one.

edited 17th Sep '15 2:20:27 PM by Herbert40k

Sootopolis

Sarah: (...Is... is he trying to hit on me? I think he's trying to hit on me. Dear Ho-oh, Lucius, I can't believe I forgot how bad you are at flirting...)

-Regardless, her cheeks are tinting.-

Sarah: Well, uh... thank you... um...

edited 17th Sep '15 2:25:20 PM by BittersweetNSour

Sootopolis Pokemon Center

Lucius laughs at Sarah's reaction, cheerfully oblivious to her assumptions.

Lucius: Hey, don't mention it. After all, you're following in the footsteps of the best. I'd expect nothing less.

edited 17th Sep '15 2:30:57 PM by Herbert40k