"Well, he does seem to like my head better."
Sonata looks up from her spot on Elise's bed, or rather, hangs her head off the bed due to being upside down.
<"Oh, there's people here now.">
Flying Colors
Hearthome City
Vierr: Makes me wonder why he decided to follow me. I think he just finds my mild irritation amusing.
-Khoshekh purrs-
Vierr: Anyway, did you have any plans for today?
"Not particularly. Claire did tell me to 'not get too drunk'" Elise replies, doing her best Claire impression, though it comes across more as an old woman voice.
Not A Lawyer
Sinnoh Far North - Neo-Illusion Facility, Interior
Entering through the breach, Alice slips into the shadows whilst the cloaked figure steps forward into the corridor to face a pair of Neo-Illusion Grunts running towards the gaping hole in the wall.
Neo-Illusion Grunt #1: Intruder! You're gonna pay for interrupting my break!
Neo-Illusion Grunt #A: Only one guy? Ha! This'll be a cakewal-
She is cut off as an Aura Sphere blasts her halfway down the corridor.
Cloaked Figure: Funny. That's exactly what I was thinking.
The other grunt, now looking visibly shaken, sends out a Nidorino. The Rhyperior responds with an Earthquake that floors both the Nido and its owner. Up ahead, Obscura flickers around Alice, allowing her to blend into the darkness whilst darting from cover to cover. She remains hidden in the shadows as several grunts run down the corridor, oblivious to her presence.
Alice: Looks like the distraction was successful.
She keeps moving until she comes to a security door. Glancing at her map to confirm that she is in the right place, and with no guards anywhere to be seen, she sends out Belladonna.
Alice: Bella, can you get this open?
Belladonna: ~Give me a moment.~
Belladonna uses Psychic to telekinetically force the doors apart with the sound of screeching metal. Behind them is a short corridor that ends in another security door, this one considerably thicker and sturdier.
Belladonna: ~...This one might be slightly trickier.~
Alice: Not to worry, I have a solution.
She reaches for her belt and detaches what appears to be a green, floral-patterned grenade.
Alice: I knew I kept hold of these for a reason.
She rests it against the door, pulls the pin, then scrambles back to a safe distance and covers her ears. Five seconds later, the grenade has blown a sizeable dent in the door and left the metal warped and buckled, allowing Belladonna to easily pull it open. The pair step into the large, circular chamber with the Obscura Generator suspended in the centre like a beating heart.
Alice: ...This must be the place.
Belladonna: ~I don't see Lucius anywhere...~
Alice says nothing, instead walking up to the Generator and looking over the control panel. After a few moments spent examining the controls, she reaches out and hits a series of buttons, hoping that they all do what they say they do.
Alice: Let's hope this works...
Slowly, the Obscura Generator splits open, revealing Lucius in his medical scrubs suspended within. The tubes attached to his back and arms suddenly pull away with a hiss, forcing Alice to reach out and catch him before he topples to the floor. He opens his eyes and blinks semi-consciously once or twice.
Lucius: ...Who are you?
Alice pulls off her helmet and smiles.
Alice: Someone who cares about you.
Lucius looks at her incredulously.
Lucius: ...Oh come on. You got the quote wrong!
Alice: Did I?
Lucius: Yes! It's supposed to be "someone who loves you" and then you're supposed to kiss me and then-
Alice: That's not happening.
Lucius: Really? Not after everything I've been through?
Alice: Your first reaction upon seeing me was to complain about the accuracy of my movie references. I think your psyche remains relatively intact.
Her expression softens.
Alice: That said... it is an incredible relief to see you alive and well.
Lucius: Same. I have never been happier to see you.
He and Alice share a brief hug before Alice pulls away, looking concerned.
Alice: ...You have lost a lot of weight. What have they been doing to you?
Lucius: Oh, you know. Mostly just plugging me into this machine and draining the Obscura energy from me in a process that's both slimming and incredibly painful. It's been very character-building.
Alice: ...You don't have to pretend to endure it anymore. It's over now. Those responsible are going to regret what they've done.
Before Lucius can respond, he hears a noise from the doorway and wheels round to face it. The cloaked figure steps through the ruined metal, drawing both Lucius and Alice's attention.
Cloaked Figure: My team is defending the corridor, but I suspect that hostile reinforcements are on their way. We should move-
He stops upon seeing Lucius stood in front of the machine.
Cloaked Figure: ...Lucius. Legends above, I barely recognise you.
Lucius: Wait, hold on a second. Is that-
Cloaked Figure: Indeed.
He pulls off his helmet, revealing a head of close-cut grey hair and a grizzled, lined face.
Lawrence: Hello again, son.
Lucius: Titan?!
He wheels around to face Alice, anger flaring in his eyes.
Lucius: What the fuck is he doing here?
Alice: Helping you escape.
Lucius: You brought him here? Are you mental?
Alice: This is not the time. You can stay here whilst we make our escape, or we can discuss this once we are outside.
Lucius glowers, but stands down after a moment, folding his arms.
Lucius: ...Fine, but you'd better have a real good explanation. I'm not letting this go.
Lawrence: I would hardly expect you to.
Lucius: Are you two seriously the entire rescue party? You couldn't have enlisted, I don't know, literally anybody else?
Alice: A large group would have been too unwieldy. Besides, Titan is the only person I was willing to bring with me on a task of such importance.
Lucius: ...Okay, who are you and what have you done with Alice?
Alice: Very funny. Again, you can remain here if you'd rather.
Lucius: No thanks. If I never see this place again, it'll still be too soon.
Alice: I assumed as much. Stay close to us. If a fight breaks out, keep your head down.
Lucius: I haven't had a solid meal for five months now. How much fighting do you think I'm going to do?
Lawrence: Before we leave, there is one last thing we ought to take care of.
He turns to face the Obscura Generator and unleashes a barely-controlled wave of grey Aura energy. It rips the machine apart, tearing the tubes and triggering a series of explosions that reduce the generator to a smouldering pile of black goo and metal.
Lucius: ...You have no idea how satisfying that was to watch.
Alice: Good. Now let's go.
She and Lawrence start towards the doorway, but are stopped by Lucius raising his hand.
Lucius: Wait. Do you have my team?
Alice: No, but-
Lucius: I'm not leaving without them.
Alice: We'll find them.
???: And walk out of here with company property? I don't think so.
Lucius, Alice and Lawrence all turn to see the door at the opposite end of the chamber hissing open and Mr Smith stepping through it with a Politoed and a Charizard by his side. Flanking him is a squad of goons, whose paramilitary black uniforms mark them as most definitely not belonging to Neo-Illusion. Their submachine guns are another definite hint. Stood alongside them are Janis and her Malamar, who is using Block to prevent escape. Alice and Lawrence both tense for combat, but Lucius merely looks resigned.
Lucius: ...Smith.
Mr Smith: Good afternoon, Mr Cain. And Miss O'Sullivan as well! A shame we had to meet like this.
He tuts disapprovingly.
Mr Smith: You three have cost us quite a lot of money. Just as we were about to start turning a profit on the Obscura Generator, too! You see, this is why you never outsource project development. Overhead may be low, but that machine was just a health and safety disaster waiting to happen.
He sighs.
Mr Smith: Ah well. This sort of thing is always a risk with new investments. The trick is to just cut your losses and move on!
He turns to his black-uniformed goons.
Mr Smith: Liquidate them.
The goons all raise their guns... then pause as Mr Smith's Pokegear starts to ring
.
Pokegear: Ain't no strangers to love
You know the rules, and so do I
A full commitment's what I'm thinking of
You wouldn't get this from-
Mr Smith: Whoops, forgot to put this on vibrate! One mo.
He pulls his Pokegear out of his pocket and answers the call.
Mr Smith: Yes? ... Yes, he's here. ... Are you sure? ... Of course, of course. You're the one who writes my paychecks, after all!
He looks over at Lucius.
Mr Smith: It's for you.
He tosses the Pokegear to Lucius, who fumbles with it in surprise before lifting it to his ear. A distorted voice comes from the other end.
???: Lucius Cain. I've been wanting to talk to you for a very long time.
Lucius: Who the hell are you?
???: Call me an admirer of yours. Ever since you came to my attention in Orre, I've watched your exploits with great interest. I must say, I'm impressed by your resilience. Even death can't keep you down for long.
Lucius: That wasn't an answer.
???: It was. Just not the answer you wanted to hear. I have many answers for you, but I doubt you want to hear them. The search for the truth only seems worthwhile until you actually discover it.
Lucius: Is this faux-philosophical crap going to go on for much longer? I'd rather die of something other than boredom.
???: I'll cut to the chase, then. You're free to go.
Lucius: ...What?
???: Once we have finished our conversation, Smith will return your Pokemon to you, and you and your companions will be allowed to leave. You can teleport away, or walk out of the hole in the wall that your father made. I've already told Smith to stop his men from interfering.
Lucius: And what makes you think I trust a single word you say?
???: You don't have to. I'm not letting you go because I want you to think I'm trustworthy. I'm letting you go because I want you to know what I'm not. I'm pragmatic, not cruel. You served your purpose. You can walk away, no strings attached.
Lucius: You think this is over? You held me captive and tortured me for the better part of a year. I'm not just walking away from this. I'll find you.
???: Go ahead and try. In fact, I hope you do. It seems a shame to end our relationship here, especially since you have so much to offer me and I have so much to offer you.
Lucius: ...Okay, I'll give you some credit: that's the creepiest damn way to end a conversation that I've ever heard. Are we done?
???: For the time being, yes. Farewell, Lucius. I hope we get the chance to talk again.
The line goes dead. Lucius tosses the Pokegear back to Mr Smith, who in return pulls a belt with three Pokeballs out of his jacket's inside pocket and throws it back. Alice and Lawrence watch, still ready to act on a moment's notice.
Mr Smith: There you are. Can't say I agree with the boss's decision to surrender our leverage, though. That's a negotiating faux pas if there ever was one! Anyway, stand down, everybody.
With visible reluctance, Smith's goons lower their guns, and Janis's Malamar lowers its Block. At the same time, Lucius tentatively opens his three Pokeballs. Kirk, Maul, and Bishop all emerge.
Kirk: <Lucius! What's going->
Lucius: Later. Maul, get us out of here.
Maul immediately blips Lucius, Alice, Lawrence, and their respective Pokemon away, leaving Mr Smith and his cronies to examine the damage they caused.
Mr Smith: -sighing- ...This is going to be an insurance nightmare.
edited 22nd May '16 2:14:39 PM by Herbert40k
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.
Flying Colors
Hearthome City
-Vierr tilts his head and arches an eyebrow-
Vierr: Claire was here already?
Not A Lawyer
Sinnoh Far North
Lucius, Alice, Lawrence and their mons all rematerialise somewhere in the forests. Maul immediately looks up at something somewhere above him.
Maul: ~...That's different.~
Lucius: Arceus, I'd a-almost forgotten what it's like to breath f-fresh air.
He looks over at his team, shivering slightly.
Lucius: A-are you guys a-alright?
Bishop: <We're fine. We were more worried about what they were doing to you.>
Kirk: <They had us locked up in this containment chamber that even Maul couldn't get us out of. It was reeeeeaaaaally boring.>
Lucius: At least it was o-only boring. It's been so long since I last s-saw you guys... I t-thought they might've... c'mere.
He tentatively pulls his team into a group hug (taking care to avoid the spiky bits) which lasts for about ten seconds before Bishop pulls away.
Bishop: <...I hate to be the one to bring it up, but given the climate, you should probably find a way to warm up.>
Lawrence: Here. Allow me.
He withdraws his team, then takes off his cloak and wraps it around Lucius's shoulders, much to the boy's chagrin.
Lucius: ...Okay, now that we're in the clear: what the fuck is he doing here?
Alice: Belladonna suggested the idea to me. I was reluctant at first, but she made the point that his past affiliations made him highly unlikely to betray us to Neo-Illusion. He also has a vested interest in keeping you alive and safe.
Lucius: I guess I can see the logic. Titan's never taken kindly to anyone else assaulting or torturing me. He'd much rather do it himself.
Lawrence ignores the insult.
Lawrence: Her Pokemon contacted Epsilon via Hasslemon. I came as soon the situation was explained to me. PEFE are most likely wondering what was so urgent that it necessitated my sudden disappearance.
Alice: You took paid leave, then?
Lawrence: Unpaid, actually. I claim no salary, nor would I be entitled to one. According to PEFE, my payment comes in the form of "experience and professional contacts".
Lucius: Well, glad to hear that place is still an asshole circlejerk. I was worried things might've changed in the five months or so that I spent trapped inside an evil hamster ball, but nope, apparently note.
There is an awkward silence for several seconds before Lawrence turns to Alice.
Lawrence: ...Could we have a few minutes alone, Alice?
Alice: If you must. I will survey the surrounding area and ensure that we have not been followed. Bella, stay here and keep an eye on them both.
Belladonna: ~Will do.~
Alice disappears into the snowy forest whilst Lawrence takes Lucius off to one side.
Lawrence: Lucius, I need t-
Lucius: Why are you here?
Lawrence: Excuse me?
Lucius: You heard me. You never gave a damn about me while I was alive. Why suddenly come running off to my rescue now that I'm dead? Did some vestige of emotion flicker in whatever you try to pass off as a heart, or do your new buddies at PEFE want to dissect me themselves?
His hands ball into fists as Lawrence allows him to continue with his tirade.
Lucius: I can't believe this. I thought I was done with you. I thought you were finally gone from my life. Now you show up out of nowhere, looking for what? Forgiveness? Gratitude? Some kind of reward? There's got to be something you want, because I know damn well that it's not fatherly love which brought you out here. So what is it?
Lawrence: ...I need to tell you something. If you want me gone from your life, then you will not be waiting long.
He looks up at Lucius, his breath clouding in the cold air.
Lawrence: I'm dying, Lucius.
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.
"Well, kinda. She dropped off a weird plastic and glass rose with a little note attached to it. But aside from that, you're the first one here."
She pauses, thinking of who else could probably have been here without her knowledge.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure you are."
Hearthome
- DS is looking through pages of one of her notebooks -
(thinking) No idea what to write...
- Sighs -
Don't really know what to do... It's hard to keep up with what everyone else is doing... Whatever that is... I guess I'm starting to remember how some of our adventures were like... Some were easier to follow than others...
- Puts the notebook away -
What am I even doing? What do I want to do? There's a lot I could do, but... without motivation... inspiration... I'm just not getting anywhere, am I?
Not A Lawyer
Sinnoh Far North
The only sound is the rustling of trees in the wind as Lucius stares at his father.
Lucius: ...What?
Lawrence: Due to the nature of my work, I am obliged to undergo regular medical checkups under PEFE's remit. After the most recent consultation, I was informed that I have approximately one year to live - perhaps more, perhaps less. Either way, the overall prognosis is the same.
Lucius: But... how?
Lawrence: You are familiar with Aura Depletion, yes?
Lucius nods, his expression a mixture of shock and uncertainty.
Lawrence: You have probably only experienced its short-term effects, without realising that it also has lifelong consequences for one's health and lifespan. Overuse of my powers in my youth has been slowly killing me over the past twenty years without me ever realising it.
Lucius: You... you sound way too calm about it.
Lawrence looks down.
Lawrence: It was not easy to accept at first. As I was meditating upon it, however, I realised that I should have expected my past actions to come back and haunt me so. It is a reminder that I cannot squander the time I have been given. I only have a year to try and set things right. For the sake of those whose lives I have damaged or destroyed... and for the sake of my family.
It takes Lucius the better part of a minute to formulate his response.
Lucius: ...Who else have you told?
Lawrence: Aside from the medical staff who gave me my diagnosis, so far you, Omega, and Epsilon are the only ones who know.
Lucius: How do I know you're not making all this up, then?
Lawrence's expression curls into a frown.
Lawrence: Do you really think I would lie to my own son about such a matter?
Lucius: I don't know! It sure seems like the kind of shit you'd pull! I can remember the mind games you played with Crewe and the rest of us back in Orre. You spend your entire life manipulating the people I'm close to, and then you talk to me for the first time in almost a year to tell me that you're dying? How else am I supposed to take it?
Lawrence: ...Very well. If you need time and space to process this news, then I can give you that. I should not have informed you so abruptly. I apologise for that.
Just then, Lawrence spots Alice returning from her vigil, and both parties fall silent as she rejoins them.
Alice: As far as I can tell, we have not been pursued. Nevertheless, we should not linger here long. Maul can take us all back to Eterna.
Lawrence: Actually, I think I will be leaving you here. I can make my own way back.
Alice: On foot? Snowpoint City is two hours from here.
Lawrence: I am aware.
He nods at Alice.
Lawrence: It has been a pleasure working with you, Alice, though I realise you might not share the sentiment. If you wish to contact me again, you know how to. Farewell.
He turns and strides away into the trees, Lucius and Alice watching him go.
Lucius: ...I can't believe you've started trusting him.
Alice: I haven't. But he has been made to answer for his crimes, and if he is as genuinely repentant as he claims to be, he could prove to be a valuable ally in future.
She looks over at Lucius.
Alice: What did he want to talk about?
Lucius: ...I'll tell you later. Right now I just want to collapse into a warm bed and never get up again.
Alice smiles slightly.
Alice: Perfectly understandable. Let's go home. Maul?
Maul nods, and blips Lucius and Alice back to Eterna.
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.
Flying Colors
Hearthome City
Vierr: ...Have I mentioned I think she's creepy? Because I think she's creepy.
"A bit yes. It's something that I've pretty much accepted at this point. Although, I will say that she does know her limits."
Elise is reminded of her past Pokeball tutorial with Claire.
"Oh yeah, check this out."
She goes and grabs the crude, but functional Apricorn ball.
"Claire apparently can make Pokeballs, and she kinda taught me how to make them."
Flying Colors
Hearthome City
Vierr: At least one of your stalkers knows limits.
-He looks at the Apricorn Poke Ball as Elise brings it over-
Vierr: ...Huh. Nice.
"Yep. It works too...although it a bit rough around the edges. Not something I'd want to actually use."
She places the ball down, and it is immediately taken by Sonata, who tosses it in the air and catches it like a toy.
Flying Colors
Hearthome City
Vierr: Still, pretty impressive.
That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth
Drive In, Past
Daydre waves back.
"So uh.. how are you?" She asks Sleepy Head.
CU, Underdark
Daydre gets her legs swept out from under her. Arahabaki, being able to float, has no such problem.
"Again, ow..."
Arahabaki uses Earth power.
off the shits
CU, Flame Below, Past-Izanagi, thanks to Iron Defense raising his defense before, helps midigate the damage from the Sweep, and for extra measure use Iron Defense again. Mendel isn't so lucky, as he and Pythagoras are sent rolling and unable to use a move by the Sweep... Just as Pythagoras clears his jammed systems and showing intel on Shadow Lane.
Mendel Shadow Lane, a Rock/ Ground-type Shadow Self with Blaze as his ability. He can inflict lots of standard and unique status effect with his attacks and he can have Reverse Decarabia take hits for him.
Sorry if I got the ability wrong, I'll edit it if I need to later once I get to a place with wifi again.
edited 22nd May '16 5:50:11 PM by keys2tkingdom
The Pokémon Genius
CU - Flames Below
-After the javelin sweep hits whoever it hits, Shiva roars out and catches the edge of it between the prongs of his spear-
Shiva: "You want a fight, worm?!"
-He throws the javelin back and stabs into the barrier with all his might, immediately inviting Shadow Lane to impale Shiva through the chest-
-Jacob falls to his knees, barely awake-
Jacob: "Well... hopefully that made him mad..."
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
Bona-Fide Mastah
Ability is in fact Blaze
Fire Below
Shadow Lane: Me? A worm?!
-The shield lets out a loud screech, blowing Shiva back slightly as the Shadow rears back and jams its spear into the Persona's chest-
I will show you a worm, knave! Be buried!
-He follows through to slam the impaled Shiva into the ground, spear exuding a pink fog-
-The shield begins to crack under the combined attacks-
edited 22nd May '16 5:20:13 PM by Skyzerk
Curiously Cool Cat
=Eterna Forest=
Zachary: "EJ, just like with Pokemon, Heal Pulse doesn't heal everlasting effects, which means your finger would still be broken..."
Aurum: ~Plus, you should really rest right now, not for days or anything like us but at least for like an hour until you feel less tired~
Zachary: "Yeah! We'll go looking for your Wingtip! ....What type of Pokemon is he by the way?"
The Pokémon Genius
CU - Flames Below
Shiva: -Doubles over at the stab, but grabs the javelin-
Jacob: "... haaaah... there we go..."
-Shiva begins to dispel, but as he does bursts into a ray of bright light and shrapnel, clattering against the barrier as Jacob passes out-
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
Mt Coronet
Hajime: "Yeah..."
Drive In
SleepyHead: -to Daydre- <Kinda tired...>
<You?>
edited 22nd May '16 8:52:07 PM by CorvusAtrox
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
CU, Flame Below, Past-Ren wills Izanagi to sharply increase his speed and lose some weight.-
Ren: Get him to Mendel!
-Izanagi nods the rushes in a u-turn to scoop up Jacob and deposits him next to Mendel As Pythagoras throws off his Exhaustion.-
Mendel Time to share some love...
-Mendel hits a hard light button an Pythagoras uses Recover to heal himself back to safer levels of health and to heal Jacob enough to rouse him.-
That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth
Drive In, Past
"Nervous, I guess.. I don't really know any of you all that well."
CU, Flame Below
Well, we're making progress at least-
Arahabaki uses earth power again.
off the shits
Bona-Fide Mastah
CU, Flame Below
-The continued assault causes the cracks to spider out and Decarabia to ultimately shatter with a primal scream-
Shadow Lane: ...
A life taken...a life to repay...
-He inhales, a red smoke beginning to seep from the corners of his mouth-
I shall show you true terror! You are all doomed to fail here!
In a small clearing located somewhere in the Sinnoh north, a boxy Neo-Illusion base sits half-buried, its clean white walls making it almost indistinguishable from the year-round snow. The thick trees and lack of any signs of civilisation for miles around conceal it well, yet a trio of observers are lying beneath one of the nearby trees, virtually motionless even as the snow falls thick and fast.
From her vantage point, Alice shivers slightly in the cold. She is wearing her old Gaia helmet, repainted in arctic colours, and a thick snowy cloak that helps her blend into the blizzards. Arsenic is with her, though he lacks similar camoflage. A tall figure in military-style body armour and helmet is lying about five feet away from Alice, wrapped in the same snow-patterned cloak.
Alice: You're making me feel underdressed.
Cloaked Figure: I merely came prepared. I was expecting you to do the same.
Alice: I did, unless you have a floor schematic and a plan of attack you were intending to contribute at some point.
She gives a sigh, which comes out of her helmet's voice filter as a low hiss.
Alice: Let's go over the outline of the plan one more time. I have marked on the map where I believe Lucius is currently being held. You will provide us with an entrance into the facility and distract the security personnel, whilst I use my abilities to sneak ahead and locate Lucius. We will reunite there and make our escape.
Cloaked Figure: Simple, but straightforward. I suppose that means there is less chance of any mishaps.
Arsenic: <Do we have a name for this operation? It needs a cool name. Something like "Operation: Fruitcake Liberation" or "Operation Jerkbag's Saviour" or->
Alice: How about instead of trying to come up with inconsequential names, we go in there and rescue my friend like we've been preparing to do for the last few months?
Arsenic: <That's no fun.>
Alice looks back down at the Neo-Illusion base.
Alice: The main entrance looks to be on the east side of the facility. We should start from there and-
Cloaked Figure: Why are we going in through the main entrance? Not only is it predictable, it puts us at an immediate tactical disadvantage.
Alice: The point is to create a distraction.
Cloaked Figure: I have a better idea.
The cloaked figure gets up and runs towards the facility, forcing Alice to do the same. She catches up to her companion just as they reach one of the side walls.
Alice: What are you doi-
The cloaked figure sends out a Rhyperior, which punches a massive hole in the wall of the facility. A dozen alarms all go off at once.
Cloaked Figure: Is that a sufficient distraction?
Alice: ...I suppose this was never going to be a particularly subtle operation.
edited 22nd May '16 1:58:30 PM by Herbert40k
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.